Memory Foam Mattress and Fibromyalgia
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For someone 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. Very often, symptoms develop after a traumatic event. This is a reality for about two percent of the country and in larger numbers of women than men.
So, where do memory foam mattresses come in?
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 became a prominent component of the medical industry where it was the preferred mattress in hospitals for the soothing effects experienced by bed-ridden patients, especially those with injuries.
Memory Foam is a polyurethane-based material that is temperature sensitive, softening as warmth is applied. For that reason, Memory Foam contours the body and distributes weight evenly to relieve pressure points. This is the famed “melting” feeling customers of Memory Foam – including ones with serious physical ailments such as Fibromyalgia – have exclaimed about.
While Memory Foam cannot cure Fibromyalgia, it can provide some relief; some comfort where there has been none.
Conversely, a coil spring mattress can amplify the pain of Fibromyalgia sufferers. Inner spring mattresses push back when you lay down. This creates pressure points that can further inflame parts of the body already hurting resulting in further discomfort and sleeplessness.
The proven therapeutic benefits of Memory Foam are increased with higher quality mattresses and products. Density is a main indicator of quality in Memory Foam products and mattresses with 4 lb. or higher density ratings will provide far more relief than cheaper brands that will not be able to sufficiently cradle and support the body.
