For the 2% of America currently suffering from fibromyalgia, pain is a constant companion. Your body hurts all over, you’re exhausted and no one can tell you why. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition where muscles, tendons and ligaments experience pain, fatigue and tender points that are sensitive to the slightest pressure. This condition can make getting comfortable in bed a serious challenge, and a lack of sleep only serves to further exacerbate daily fatigue and discomfort. Because memory foam excels at pressure point relief, people with fibromyalgia are often curious as to whether or not this type of mattress may be beneficial. In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of using a memory foam mattress with fibromyalgia, and provide a guide of what to look for when shopping to maximize comfort. Fibromyalgia & Memory Foam Memory foam was conceived by NASA in the 1970s as a way to cushion astronauts from the harmful G-Forces experienced at take-off and re-entry.
From there, memory foam was utilized in the medical industry to prevent pressure sores on beds and wheelchairs. Eventually these benefits carried over to consumer mattress markets, where memory foam mattresses continue gaining popularity each year and remain one of the best-rated mattress types for comfort and overall owner satisfaction. In contrast to traditional polyurethane foams which simply compress with weight or springs which actively resist weight, memory foam has a dense, viscous nature that contours to a sleeper’s body. Because heavier areas like hips and shoulders sink in, natural alignment is preserved and the lumbar area remains supported (preventing lower back, knee, hip and shoulder strain). The cells within the memory foam material also collapse and transfer weight across the surface rather than pressing upwards against gravity, preventing painful pressure points on sensitive areas. However, there are a few complaints voiced by some people with fibromyalgia that have tried memory foam mattresses.
Some people find that thick or viscous mattresses are difficult to get on and off of, and the same goes with memory foam toppers placed over other mattresses. Others may find that the pressure points can still be felt, or that their memory foam mattress sleeps too hot. There is significant variation between the types and brands of memory foam mattresses though, so fibromyalgia and memory foam can be a good match as long as you know what to look for to avoid issues. Choosing a Memory Foam Matress with Fibromyalgia Here is a list of features to consider and compare when looking for a memory foam mattress for fibromyalgia relief. Medium DensityThe density of memory foam affects how viscous and supportive it feels, and how durable it will be over time. Low density foams (under 3.5 lbs) soften fairly quickly and may not provide enough support or pressure relief for people with fibromyalgia. High density foams (over 5.0 lbs) may feel too thick which can make moving in bed and getting out of bed more difficult.
High density foams, while durable, are also associated with greater heat retention. Medium density foams, those between 3.5 and 5.0 lbs, provide the ideal mix of support and density for pain relief and ease of movement. Foam ThicknessOne of the key things to pay attention to when choosing a memory foam mattress for fibromyalgia is the thickness of the actual memory foam layer. There should be enough memory foam in the mattress to fully contour to your body, or you can ‘bottom out’ on the support layer and experience pressure points. If you are petite or a back/stomach sleeper, 3-4 inches of memory foam should be sufficient. If you are larger-framed or a side sleeper, look for 4-6 inches of memory foam. Mattress LayeringIn addition to thickness and density, the memory foam should be as close as possible to the surface in order to receive maximum pressure relieving benefits. Beds that have more than 1” of padding or non-memory foam may reduce comfort and may also compress faster.
FirmnessAccording to reports of people online, the best firmness for people with fibromyalgia is medium-firm. Logically speaking, you don’t want a mattress so hard that it causes pressure points, but you also don’t want a mattress so soft that your back is unsupported. The benefit of materials like memory foam is that the concerns can be balanced without compromising comfort for support or vice versa. ResponsivenessSlow-response memory foams can take up to 60 seconds to return to their original shape or recontour. This can create a feeling of being trapped in quicksand when trying to move, especially when combined with temperature-sensitive foams that use heat to contour. Fast-response foams are usually temperature neutral and quickly respond to changes in movement, requiring less effort for changing position or getting out of bed. Because there can so much variation in mattresses and in personal symptoms, the best mattress for fibromyalgia is ultimately going to be the mattress that feels best for your body.
Make sure you select a mattress with your particular needs in mind, and always make sure you have a long enough return period to ensure the bed suits your body on good days and bad days. Keeping in mind mattress specifications and individual needs will enable people with fibromyalgia to choose a memory foam mattress that helps prevent pain, provides support and improves sleep. Unsure which mattress is best for you? Easily compare our memory foam mattresses. A medium-firm memory foam mattress like our Revere may be the right fit for you.It’s not easy to fall asleep when you can feel your sweat tickling your skin as it rolls off you into the fabric sauna your mattress has morphed into. Keeping your body at a comfortable temperature is one of the most important factors in getting a good night’s sleep. Whether you’re kept awake by hot flushes, night sweats, an illness or hot weather, there are several effective ways to lower your temperature in bed. In this review, I’ll be looking at the 2 main approaches: cooling mattress pads and bed fans.
Depending on your budget and the level of cooling you require, they range from simple fans and well-designed mattress pads to complex bed cooling systems. Hopefully you’ll find something here which helps make your bedroom the cool sanctuary of rest that it should be. The Bedjet is my top pick of the bed cooling systems with its sleek design, great performance and effectiveness across a range of desired temperatures. At first glance it may seem a little expensive for what’s essentially a bed fan. However, the reality is that there isn’t another similar system on the market which can so reliably keep you cool all night long. Other bed fans have a habit of either falling over in the night or just pushing warm air around the room. The bedjet overcomes both of those issues with its advanced design and range of options. Made in a way which can fasten to any bed, you can either have cold air blowing gently over your body, or in between your mattress and under-sheet.
So it will cool both you and your bedding, helping wick away the heat which gets trapped under your covers. In the winter you also have a heating system which is just as effective. And if you and your partner have different opinions, you can get dual fans to have your own temperatures. The motor runs smoothly and quietly, and won’t disturb you at all. And you have the option of either remote controls or syncing it with your phone or tablet with the Bluetooth app. You can then conveniently change the auto-off timer and temperature settings from your own device. The main downside is that it’s quite an expensive piece of kit, especially the version with dual zones. So if you just need a little extra cooling at night, maybe a gel mat or cooler bedding might do the trick. But if you need something which will reliably keep you cool and comfortable at night, you won’t find a more effective option than the Bed Jet. Ideal full-size cooling mattress pad The Iso Cool mattress pad is an effective and unique cooling option because of the high-tech material it’s made from.
The cover is made from a luxurious 300-thread count cotton, but the interesting part is the internal cooling material made by the company Outlast. When I looked into this I discovered that the material was originally designed for NASA. The Outlast website explains that their fiber works differently from material which wicks heat. Instead, the material contains ‘Thermocules’ which absorb your body heat. Then when your body cools down in the night, they release the stored heat. The idea being that it keeps your body temperature stable throughout the night. This works great, especially if you only have mild over-heating problems. And it will continue to work during the night because you tend to move in your sleep, helping the fiber do its job. However, if you have extreme heating problems it might not quite provide the serious cooling you’re hoping for. Overall, this is a comfortable mattress pad which adds some padding to your mattress and helps regulate your temperature.
Many people will find that this is exactly what they’re looking for. But if you have serious heat issues, you may need to go one step further with one of the more high-end cooling systems. Effective mattress pad water cooling system which lasts all night The Chilipad takes the concept of bed cooling to a whole new level. Like the Bedfan, it’s not cheap, but it’s one of the few pieces of bed cooling technology which can handle serious heat problems. The most important point is that it can effectively keep you cool all night long, unlike more basic options like gel pads and fabric toppers which are only good for a few hours maximum. It works by what’s essentially a water cooling system, with semi-conductor technology adjusting the temperature of the water as it flows through the base unit. You place the mat on your bed, set the temperature you want, and cooled water will flow through the tubes buried inside the mat. The mat and tubes are well-designed so that you don’t feel them underneath you, and are durable enough to last the test of time.
The temperature range means you can use it for cooling or heating, with a range of 60° – 110° Fahrenheit (15.5° – 43° Celsius). And with dual remote-controlled units for larger bed sizes, if you sleep with a partner, you can both have the exact temperature you need. One criticism is that although the new models have quieter fans, they do still put out some noise. So if you’re easily disturbed by sound, you might find that an issue. Overall, the Chilipad is a great piece of kit and definitely worth considering if you need something to keep you cool throughout the whole night. It’s very much up to the job of helping you sleep in the hottest of environments. Transportable cooling mat you can place anywhere Rather than being a full-size mattress topper or pad, the Gel’O Cool is a transportable mat which you can place on any part of your bed. It works by dissipating your body heat to the parts of the mat which aren’t in contact with your body. This does mean that for children and smaller adults the smaller version is adequate, but larger adults may need the bigger mat.
It doesn’t need any special preparation, so you simply place it either under or on top of your sheet and leave it there. You can also place it in the fridge before bedtime to boost how long it’ll last for. I found that it did a good job of keeping me cool, but the reality is that it only lasts for a few hours. After that, it struggles to dissipate your heat at the rate your body produces it. But during those few hours it’s very effective and can help you cope with hot flushes, night sweats and the problem of falling asleep in hot weather. It’s very easy to use, can fold up neatly, and has a sturdy and safe design. Even your dog or cat can use it if they’re suffering in the heat too! Overall, the Gel’O Cool is a great cooling pad you can use for a few hours on any bed. But if it’s essential that you have cooling in place for the whole night, you might need to consider one of the more complex bed cooling systems. If your Budget doesn’t stretch to the Bedjet, then a more affordable alternative is the Bedfan.
If you find that having air fanned at you under the covers is all it takes to keep your temperature lower, then it’s a reasonable alternative to the more high-end bed cooling systems or mattress pads. There are two different models available, depending on the range the height of your bed falls into, so you should be able to find one which fits your bed. There’s a nice design touch with the ‘breeze bar’ which lifts up the sheet above the fan, allowing even more air circulation. And there’s a good range of speeds to choose from so you can find a comfortable level of air flow. There are though a few issues which stop it from really contending with systems like the Bedjet. There’s no temperature control, so in hotter weather you might not find the air flow sufficient to cool you, especially as the air flow is a bit underwhelming even on the max setting. The controller is on a wire rather than remote control, and although the wire is long enough it’s still inconvenient to have another cable next to the bed.