Review of adjustable beds
Choosing a comfortable 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 article 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
As the name suggests, an adjustable
bed (also called a Semi-Fowler bed, as it places the
patient in a semi-Fowler position) 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 osf the spine and relieve pressure on the entire body.
Potential benefits of an adjustable bed
Basically, 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.
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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.
By: Ron Miller, PT
December 14, 2004
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