Sunday, 30 November 2008
Blog directory
This is a link which I have added for blog listings: Submit Blog Directory. It is worth taking a look at if you wish to submitt your blog to other blog resources and directories.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Advice about backs
This url: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/back_pain/ is a page on the BBC website that offers some background and advice relating to back pain. You may find it useful.
It looks at causes and effects and prevention, and links to a number of categorised pages that deal with medical causes, how the back works, exercise, posture etc.
It offers a good basic overview of the back, back problems, the back and orthopedics, and how to manage and deal with back pain and problems.
It is worth taking a look at if you have any physical difficulties that you think may originate from your back or lumbar region.
It looks at causes and effects and prevention, and links to a number of categorised pages that deal with medical causes, how the back works, exercise, posture etc.
It offers a good basic overview of the back, back problems, the back and orthopedics, and how to manage and deal with back pain and problems.
It is worth taking a look at if you have any physical difficulties that you think may originate from your back or lumbar region.
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Memory foam mattresses
Following on from the general guidance about mattresses, here is a bit more detail about memory foam mattresses.
A visco elastic memory foam mattress uses a material that was discovered and developed during work on the NASA space program. This material has a number of unique properties that make it an ideal bedding material and it confers excellent supporting characteristics to the complete bed unit.
Visco elastic memory foam has a different way of adapting to the weight of the person laying on it to other mattress materials. The immediate areas of the mattress that are in contact with the body compress and depress to accommodate the shape of the body, but the rest of the memory foam remain unaffected. In other words, the memory foam has a very limited localised reaction to weight meaning that the mattress compresses under the weight of the person laying on it, but not in the areas around them.
The second feature of visco elastic memory foam is the way that its unusual compressibility features allow it to balance out the manner in which the mattress supports the sleeping body. The memory foam mattress manages to avoid the build up of “mattress pressure resistance” on the heavier parts of the human body like the hips and shoulders, thereby spreading the body’s weight in an even and comfortable way.
Summary
The combination of these two factors makes memory foam pleasant and easy to sleep on and orthopedically supportive of the body. Critically, memory foam is able to allow the back, and specifically the spine, to maintain the curved profile that it has when a person is in a standing position. This is healthy and good for the body as a whole.
Latex foam has similar properties to memory foam, but even the best and most advanced pocket sprung mattress systems fail to duplicate these body shaping property.
A visco elastic memory foam mattress uses a material that was discovered and developed during work on the NASA space program. This material has a number of unique properties that make it an ideal bedding material and it confers excellent supporting characteristics to the complete bed unit.
Visco elastic memory foam has a different way of adapting to the weight of the person laying on it to other mattress materials. The immediate areas of the mattress that are in contact with the body compress and depress to accommodate the shape of the body, but the rest of the memory foam remain unaffected. In other words, the memory foam has a very limited localised reaction to weight meaning that the mattress compresses under the weight of the person laying on it, but not in the areas around them.
The second feature of visco elastic memory foam is the way that its unusual compressibility features allow it to balance out the manner in which the mattress supports the sleeping body. The memory foam mattress manages to avoid the build up of “mattress pressure resistance” on the heavier parts of the human body like the hips and shoulders, thereby spreading the body’s weight in an even and comfortable way.
Summary
The combination of these two factors makes memory foam pleasant and easy to sleep on and orthopedically supportive of the body. Critically, memory foam is able to allow the back, and specifically the spine, to maintain the curved profile that it has when a person is in a standing position. This is healthy and good for the body as a whole.
Latex foam has similar properties to memory foam, but even the best and most advanced pocket sprung mattress systems fail to duplicate these body shaping property.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Sleeping on the right mattress
Finding the right mattress to suit your body and sleeping habits is essential to back health and also to getting a relaxing and uninterrupted night of sleep.
Until quite recently the general consensus of opinion on mattress support was that a mattress should be firm or even hard. This view held for many years and most still have the opinion that an overly soft mattress is not good for the health of the back, muscles or other parts of the skeletal structure.
What a mattress is supposed to do has however been open to much debate over recent years and the very firm mattress has now become less favoured. Orthopedically the "perfect" mattress should support the back in its natural figure S shape and a firm or hard mattress is no better at doing this than a soft one. In fact it may be less suitable!
New mattress materials
The last 20 years have seen a new material called visco elastic memory foam introduced into the world of mattresses and this material is thought by many to have superior orthopedic support qualities to conventional mattresses.
Visco elastic memory foam compresses and shapes itself around the person sleeping on it and its sensitivity to weight means that it curves and profiles around the natural shape of the body and not the other way around.
Because of this, memory foam beds are perceived to have very good orthopedic properties and they rest the back and spine in its natural shape. This also holds true for the other parts of the body and the material has the ability to constantly adapt to whoever is sleeping on it in whatever position.
Another similar and comparatively new material to the world of mattresses is Latex foam. This pliable material can also shape itself around whoever is sleeping on it and it provides the same kind of contouring support as memory foam.
In summary, what both of these mattress material have is the ability to shape themselves around the person sleeping on them rather than forcing the body to adapt to the flat surface of the mattress. This means that they can keep the important muscles, organs and joints of the body in the most natural and rested positions to ensure the best kind of sleep.
Until quite recently the general consensus of opinion on mattress support was that a mattress should be firm or even hard. This view held for many years and most still have the opinion that an overly soft mattress is not good for the health of the back, muscles or other parts of the skeletal structure.
What a mattress is supposed to do has however been open to much debate over recent years and the very firm mattress has now become less favoured. Orthopedically the "perfect" mattress should support the back in its natural figure S shape and a firm or hard mattress is no better at doing this than a soft one. In fact it may be less suitable!
New mattress materials
The last 20 years have seen a new material called visco elastic memory foam introduced into the world of mattresses and this material is thought by many to have superior orthopedic support qualities to conventional mattresses.
Visco elastic memory foam compresses and shapes itself around the person sleeping on it and its sensitivity to weight means that it curves and profiles around the natural shape of the body and not the other way around.
Because of this, memory foam beds are perceived to have very good orthopedic properties and they rest the back and spine in its natural shape. This also holds true for the other parts of the body and the material has the ability to constantly adapt to whoever is sleeping on it in whatever position.
Another similar and comparatively new material to the world of mattresses is Latex foam. This pliable material can also shape itself around whoever is sleeping on it and it provides the same kind of contouring support as memory foam.
In summary, what both of these mattress material have is the ability to shape themselves around the person sleeping on them rather than forcing the body to adapt to the flat surface of the mattress. This means that they can keep the important muscles, organs and joints of the body in the most natural and rested positions to ensure the best kind of sleep.
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Selecting a mattress
Here is some good info taken from an article at this url: http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1432.html It gives details of the importance of sleep and some tips on mattress selection. It is well worth reading. (See the actual article for full details.
Sleep is essential for everyone. A lack of sleep can contribute to failing health and increased pain.
The average person spends approximately one third of their life in bed.
Yet when it comes to where we sleep, we often do not consider how our mattress can affect our backs.
No other piece of furniture in the house is used as often or affects your overall health more than your bed. The spine benefits greatly from sleep. It works hard all day supporting the body and requires a period of rest to maintain this activity. An “inadequate” sleep surface can of course make this impossible.
The right surface
What you sleep on makes a big difference in the quality of sleep you get every night. A mattress without enough support for your spine can lead to muscle fatigue and a poor night's sleep. A good mattress maintains the same natural spinal alignment you have when standing. When your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, muscles are relaxed and sleep is more refreshing. Buying a mattress – selecting features
When buying a new mattress keep the following points in mind: There are different types of mattresses including innerspring, foam (memory and Latex), flotation (water beds), and air mattresses. While innerspring mattresses may offer more variety in terms of firmness and support, many people find the other types of mattresses just as comfortable.
The best type of mattress is the one that offers you the most support and is the most comfortable for you.
The foundation of a bed, often called a box spring, is very important. The box spring absorbs stress and weight for the mattress. The correct foundation can extend the life of the mattress. You should buy a box spring that goes with your style of mattress.
Despite what you may hear, a firmer mattress may not be better than a soft one. A mattress that is too firm does not support the body evenly, tending only to support the body's heaviest parts. A mattress that is too soft sags and prevents the spine from maintaining proper alignment. Neither situation allows your muscles to rest, as they must work throughout the night to find a comfortable position and maintain correct posture.
When shopping always test a mattress . Lie down on the mattress positioned how you usually sleep and stay there for several minutes. Try to behave as you would when in your own bed. If you sleep with a partner, try the mattress together to make sure there is enough space for both sleepers to move around. Make sure that the mattress feels supportive of the back, hips and shoulders.
Sleep is essential for everyone. A lack of sleep can contribute to failing health and increased pain.
The average person spends approximately one third of their life in bed.
Yet when it comes to where we sleep, we often do not consider how our mattress can affect our backs.
No other piece of furniture in the house is used as often or affects your overall health more than your bed. The spine benefits greatly from sleep. It works hard all day supporting the body and requires a period of rest to maintain this activity. An “inadequate” sleep surface can of course make this impossible.
The right surface
What you sleep on makes a big difference in the quality of sleep you get every night. A mattress without enough support for your spine can lead to muscle fatigue and a poor night's sleep. A good mattress maintains the same natural spinal alignment you have when standing. When your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, muscles are relaxed and sleep is more refreshing. Buying a mattress – selecting features
When buying a new mattress keep the following points in mind: There are different types of mattresses including innerspring, foam (memory and Latex), flotation (water beds), and air mattresses. While innerspring mattresses may offer more variety in terms of firmness and support, many people find the other types of mattresses just as comfortable.
The best type of mattress is the one that offers you the most support and is the most comfortable for you.
The foundation of a bed, often called a box spring, is very important. The box spring absorbs stress and weight for the mattress. The correct foundation can extend the life of the mattress. You should buy a box spring that goes with your style of mattress.
Despite what you may hear, a firmer mattress may not be better than a soft one. A mattress that is too firm does not support the body evenly, tending only to support the body's heaviest parts. A mattress that is too soft sags and prevents the spine from maintaining proper alignment. Neither situation allows your muscles to rest, as they must work throughout the night to find a comfortable position and maintain correct posture.
When shopping always test a mattress . Lie down on the mattress positioned how you usually sleep and stay there for several minutes. Try to behave as you would when in your own bed. If you sleep with a partner, try the mattress together to make sure there is enough space for both sleepers to move around. Make sure that the mattress feels supportive of the back, hips and shoulders.
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Getting to sleep at night
One of the subjects that I will be covering will be sleep and the benefits of orthopedic beds and mattresses.
Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to physical and mental health and having a good quality supportive bed is one component necessary for this to be achieved.
The other important factor is of course preparing yourself for sleep and this may not be quite as simple a task as many might think. To do it properly requires planning, routine and a winding down period.
Most people go to bed at variable times, they sometimes try to sleep immediately after completing a mentally or physically taxing task, and then have trouble falling asleep.
For most people sleep is not an instant process when the head touches the pillow. Instead it requires the body and mind to gradually lower the levels of activity and for a vacant mental state of mind to occur.
If you have a lot on your mind, or if you have just finished a complex mental task, then getting to sleep quickly may be a problem.
Think of the body and mind like a car. If you take it out and drive around the car will get to a working temperature and it will take time for the oil and mechanical parts to cool off again. The human physiology is similar. If you do something active (mentally or physically) you need a cooling-off period afterwards to get the body back to a more rest full state.
For some good advice on all aspects of sleeping, see the http://www.sleepcouncil.com/ website. You will find tips about sleeping, beds and mattresses. It is a good independent source of information.
Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to physical and mental health and having a good quality supportive bed is one component necessary for this to be achieved.
The other important factor is of course preparing yourself for sleep and this may not be quite as simple a task as many might think. To do it properly requires planning, routine and a winding down period.
Most people go to bed at variable times, they sometimes try to sleep immediately after completing a mentally or physically taxing task, and then have trouble falling asleep.
For most people sleep is not an instant process when the head touches the pillow. Instead it requires the body and mind to gradually lower the levels of activity and for a vacant mental state of mind to occur.
If you have a lot on your mind, or if you have just finished a complex mental task, then getting to sleep quickly may be a problem.
Think of the body and mind like a car. If you take it out and drive around the car will get to a working temperature and it will take time for the oil and mechanical parts to cool off again. The human physiology is similar. If you do something active (mentally or physically) you need a cooling-off period afterwards to get the body back to a more rest full state.
For some good advice on all aspects of sleeping, see the http://www.sleepcouncil.com/ website. You will find tips about sleeping, beds and mattresses. It is a good independent source of information.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Orthopedic products - blog aims
This blog will try to offer information, suggestions and “very general” advice about a whole range of orthopedic (or orthopaedic) related products. All of these products will be aimed at improving or easing the quality of some aspect of human life.
E.g they may ease mobility, help comfortable sleep or lessen pain or discomfort during an activity.
These products will range from sleeping furniture items like orthopedic beds and mattresses, to daytime furniture products like chairs They will also extend to other products like orthopedic shoes and foot insoles.
Numerous links will be provided to websites and other reference sources that provide useful information about these products and the benefits that they can offer.
The overall aim of the blog will be to offer a “general orthopaedic product reference source” enabling good information to be found and referred to from one website (blog).
As from 9th July 2012 most of the links on this blog have been removed. The links were originally added to offer direct links to specific resources particular to the article in question. These links have since been removed due to concerns that they may have been adversely affecting the websites in question. However, finding good information on all of the subjects covered is not difficult if you search online.
E.g they may ease mobility, help comfortable sleep or lessen pain or discomfort during an activity.
These products will range from sleeping furniture items like orthopedic beds and mattresses, to daytime furniture products like chairs They will also extend to other products like orthopedic shoes and foot insoles.
Numerous links will be provided to websites and other reference sources that provide useful information about these products and the benefits that they can offer.
The overall aim of the blog will be to offer a “general orthopaedic product reference source” enabling good information to be found and referred to from one website (blog).
As from 9th July 2012 most of the links on this blog have been removed. The links were originally added to offer direct links to specific resources particular to the article in question. These links have since been removed due to concerns that they may have been adversely affecting the websites in question. However, finding good information on all of the subjects covered is not difficult if you search online.
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