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ADJUSTABLE BEDS

Choosing your adjustable bed and mattress

People with back pain should be especially choosy about the type of bed and mattress they sleep on. While there is very little research in general about what types of mattresses and beds are best for the back-and no real medical research about adjustable beds-we do get a lot of questions about whether or not an adjustable bed is a better option than a flat mattress for people with back pain. This information provides a brief review of how an adjustable bed works and some theoretical advantages that some patients might find beneficial.

How an adjustable bed works

An adjustable bed can be adjusted to a number of different positions. For individuals with certain types of back problems, sleeping on an adjustable bed that is at a slight incline (e.g. 30 to 45 degrees) may be comfortable, with the upper body positioned higher up than the lower body (as when sitting in a recliner) and some support under the knees to bend the knees at a slight angle. The combination of upper body incline and the knee support can help take some of the stress off the lower back. Provided that the patient is comfortable sleeping in this manner through the night, this position can support the curves of the spine and relieve pressure on the entire body.

Benefits of an adjustable bed

An adjustable bed has the potential to help anyone who feels more comfortable in an inclined position (such as sitting on a recliner with the feet up) rather than when lying on a regular flat mattress. The following provides a few examples of certain back conditions and how an inclined position in an adjustable bed can sometimes help the patient feel more comfortable.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis. For some people with degenerative spondylolisthesis, sleeping in a reclining position with support under the knees can reduce some of the pain discomfort in the lower back, making it easier to sleep through the night.
Osteoarthritis. Individuals with osteoarthritis in the spine, or facet joint arthritis, often wake up feeling quite stiff and sore in the morning. Sleeping on an adjustable bed may possibly provide better support and therefore decrease the irritation by minimizing joint compression.
Spinal stenosis. People with spinal stenosis most often feel more comfortable when bending forward instead of standing up straight. Likewise, sleeping on a flat mattress can sometimes be less comfortable for people with this condition than sleeping in the reclining position, such as that afforded by an adjustable bed.
In addition, after having low back surgery, some patients feel that an adjustable bed is more comfortable than a flat mattress. Like most choices when it comes to mattresses, this is largely a matter of personal preference.
In general, it is reasonable for a patient to consider the option of an adjustable bed if he or she feels better sitting in a reclining chair with the knees supported or slightly elevated and if he or she is having trouble getting a good night's rest on a conventional flat mattress. If a patient is not sure if they would benefit from an adjustable bed, or is not sure about buying a new bed, then it is also possible to use pillows to prop up the upper body (being careful to provide support for the lower back) and placing a pillow beneath the knees.
Patient's preference should determine the choice of bed and mattress
It is important to remember that the patient's personal preference for sleep comfort and back support should ultimately determine which type of bed or mattress is best. There is no single type of bed or mattress that works for all patients, and there is no real medical evidence that supports that an adjustable bed is a preferable option. The bottom line is that whichever bed or mattress allows a patient to sleep comfortably and without additional pain or stiffness is the best choice for that individual

MEMORY FOAM FOR MATTRESSES

WHAT IS MEMORY FOAM

Slow release or "Memory Foam" as it is often called,
(technically known as Viscoelastic foam), was
originally developed by N.A.S.A to protect astronauts
from the tremendous pressures exerted on their bodies
by G forces as they departed and returned through the
earth's atmosphere. The foam was designed to sense the astronauts' body temperature and body weight, and then gently conform to the shape of their bodies, thereby providing the perfect amount of support over an extended period of time. This new foam proved to be so successful that its potential was soon recognized by medical science. Hospitals began ordering memory foam mattresses for bedridden patients and burn victims. A Swedish company soon realized this could be great for home use as well, and began marketing the first generation of memory foam mattresses to the public, known as Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Memory foam is now the most effective substance for relieving pressure points caused by the weight of the human body in its relaxed state. Subsequently it is now used by hospitals throughout the world to prevent pressure sores, which can easily occur when the body lies still for many hours, such as during an extensive surgical procedure.
Memory foam has several unique properties that in combination provide the most comfortable sleeping experience on the market today.Imagine for a moment that you are lying on your bed at home. Now instead of lying on your existing bed, imagine that you have a layer of memory foam sandwiched between your body and your mattress. As you relax, you start to feel your body gently sinking into the memory foam. Each individual castle of foam immediately starts to respond to your unique shape and body temperature. You'll begin to experience a feeling of gentle support cradling the natural hollows in your neck, shoulders, back and knees, while your joints and muscles will become totally relaxed, giving you a wonderful sense of weightlessness as you gently drift off to sleep.Simply because of its ability to absorb pressure, memory foam can significantly reduce your need to toss and turn in bed by a significant eighty percent. If you suffer from back trouble or impaired movement, memory foam will really make a huge difference to your quality of sleep.Now compare that feeling with the sensation of an ordinary mattress, whether it is pocket sprung, coil sprung or ordinary foam. Such mattresses require that your body conform to their rigid surfaces. As they exert upward forces, they cause pressure to build as your body struggles to adapt to the flatness of the mattress surface. Pressure starts to build up around your hips, shoulders and knees causing reduced blood supply and inevitable discomfort. The small of your back is left stranded in mid air, unsupported, causing extensive discomfort, especially for chronic back pain sufferers. As a result, you are now forced to alter your sleeping position, perhaps even waking up in the process, interfering with your need for deep sleep, where bodily functions slow and blood pressure is lowered, giving much-needed relief to the cardiovascular system.Memory foam mattresses contain a uniquely sculpted surface divided into blocks of various size, called castles, with the channels in between these castles helping to keep air circulating beneath your body and also helping to disperse body heat and perspiration. The foam's temperature sensitivity makes it slightly warmer than a conventional mattress to sleep on. Therefore it is recommended that in warmer climates you adjust your bedding accordingly

GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP with a MATTRESS THAT SUPPORTS YOUR SPINE TO HELP ELIMINATE BACK PAIN

What you sleep on can make a big difference in the quality of sleep you get every night. A mattress that does not offer enough support for your spine can lead to muscle fatigue and a poor night's sleep. A good mattress will allow you to maintain the same natural spinal alignment that you have when standing. When your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, muscles are relaxed and sleep is more refreshing.

For patients with back pain, however, lying flat is not always comfortable. For these patients, adjustable beds may be the answer. While there are no scientific studies that prove adjustable beds can relieve back pain, some of their features may be able to help patients with back pain get more comfortable during sleep.

What is an adjustable bed?
Adjustable beds are different than standard flat beds because they allow users to change the incline angle of the head of the bed and, in many cases, at the foot of the bed as well. A slight incline of the head (no more than 45º), coupled with additional support under the knees, can help reduce pain, particularly leg and back pain from herniated discs and/or spinal stenosis. It also helps a patient to get out of bed without having to roll and sit up as much as if one who was rising from a flat position.

What to look for
If you are considering an adjustable bed, the first thing you should do is to find out if you are comfortable enough in an upright or inclined position to sleep in that position for an entire night. One way do to that is to try the position for a night or two using pillows. If the inclined position helps relieve your pain, an adjustable bed may be a good choice for you.

In addition to the adjustable head and foot, there are other features available on many adjustable beds, including:

Programmable memory controller that allows you to select and return to previously selected positions for reading or watching television.
Built-in muscle-relaxing massage with variable speeds that automatically shuts off for safety and optimal comfort.
Zero gravity positioning where you can position your legs above your heart for improved circulation and comfort.
Split base design to allow you and your partner to recline at the angle you each prefer.

What is your best way of sleeping
There is no one sleep position or sleep surface that is best for all. However, the following tips may help you to find the best way for you to sleep:

Place your pillow under your head, not under your shoulders.
Avoid overstuffed pillows - they do not allow you to rest with your head in a neutral position.
Sleep on your side, with your knees slightly bent and with a pillow between your knees. This is the best way to maintain proper body posture when lying down. Avoid curling up with your knees to your chest. " If you must sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to support the normal curve of the lower back.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this may aggravate back and neck pain.
Many mattress manufacturers promote extra firm surfaces, but it is possible for a mattress to be too firm. Similarly, some mattresses may be too soft, especially ones that come with extra soft feather tops. Neither situation allows your muscles to rest, as they must work through the night to find a comfortable position and maintain correct posture.
What is under your mattress is also important. Box springs can extend the life of your mattress by helping maintain support and durability. If you are buying a new mattress, consider purchasing the box spring that goes with it.

Whats your preference
The most important thing to remember about what you sleep on is if you are comfortable. If you find yourself tossing and turning all night long on a standard flat mattress, and you find the slightly inclined position to be comfortable, an adjustable bed may be a good choice. However, if you have a spinal condition or chronic back pain, talk to you doctor about your sleep position. Make sure there are no medical reasons why you should not have an adjustable bed before you purchase one