How to Clean Your CPAP Mask – A Step-by-Step Guide

Last week we talked about the importance of keeping your CPAP mask clean, and how doing so can greatly help with your sleep apnea treatments. Today we discuss the best way to clean your mask. By following proper protocol, you can work toward a germ-free mask and effective treatments every time you head to bed.

Supplies

Before you get started, ensure you have everything on hand for a proper mask cleaning. You'll need either CPAP mask wipes, or quick access to a sink, gentle liquid soap, a clean dry towel, and a washcloth or soft-bristled brush (optional). 

Getting Started

Each morning after waking up, take your mask apart. This should only take a few seconds; you can find instructions on the user guide, if needed. This includes pulling apart tubes, headgear, extra pads, and soft sleeves. Wipe down each of these sections thoroughly with careful attention to remove facial oils, and any other grime that has built up. Though sections might not feel or look dirty after a single night's use, daily cleaning is the best way to ensure you're breathing clean air as you sleep. This routine will also prevent a thick germ build up from taking root.

If you're using soap and water, turn on warm water (not hot) and start wiping down each piece with a gentle soap. You can use a cloth or a soft brush to reach nooks and crannies. (If you are using wipes, once a week you should rinse tubes with soap and water to clean these hard-to-reach places.)

Then it's time to go back and check your work – look for remaining dirt or soap that wasn't thoroughly rinsed. Dry with a clean towel and let parts sit flat so they can dry. Keep out of direct sunlight, and remember it will take longer for the insides of tubes to fully air out.

Cleaning your CPAP mask is a simple process, and it's one that will allow you to get better use out of your nightly treatments. Start cleaning your mask for a better way to gain sleep apnea relief. 

Continue Reading

Fitness Trackers for Sleeping

Earlier this week we talked about fitness trackers as a whole – how they can help keep you fit, and informed about your daily exercise habits. However, that's not all there is to these devices. They can also monitor your sleep. They'll keep track of just how much you're getting, how deep you're able to sleep, and how often you're moving or stirring at night. Just by wearing the device. Then each morning, leaving you with a comprehensive rest report.

For those who sleep without issue, this might seem unnecessary; you know how well you slept as soon as you woke up. But it's not that easy for everyone. Generally, those who have sleeping disorders don't even know that they have them. They might know they're tired or that they have a hard time staying rested, but they won't know specifics. 

Armed with such information, it can be much easier to diagnose a sleeping disorder, and to find out why you are unable to stay rested in the first place. Keep track of your sleeping patterns to create an extensive overview. You can also send this info to your doctor or sleep specialist to arm them enough data for an accurate diagnosis.  

Should You Track Your Sleep?

If you suffer from a sleeping condition, or are worried about the amount of rest you get at night, sleep tracking can be great place to start. It will help you determine your daily patterns and what might be wrong in the first place. 

They're also easy and affordable ways to add to your health, to check if your sleeping treatments are working, and to follow up when they aren't. For those worried about overall sleep patterns and schedules sleep tracking can be a great way to go. 

Talk to your healthcare professional or check back in for more information. 

Continue Reading

Should You Use a Fitness Tracker?

In the past few years alone, fitness trackers have essentially taken over the getting-in-shape population. From those looking to step up their exercising routine, to those who just want to keep track of how many steps they take in a day, wearing tech that counts for you has completely revolutionized the way we exercise. Following everything from movement, to sleeping patterns, these devices can help you upgrade your entire life toward a better bill of health.

What are Fitness Trackers?

You've likely seen them, even if you didn't know what it was at the time. They come in the form of bracelets and small clip-on devices that register body movement – generally steps, stairs, and other more strenuous forms of exercise. Most are rubber so as to be more compatible with movement, though many versions offer more stylish upgrades, such as leather or metal interchangeable bands. 

These trackers log your health goals, and remind you to move throughout the day if you've been sitting for too long. Or they let you know once you've reached a daily goal and update you of progress. 

What are the Perks?

With a fitness tracker, it can be much easier to stay on task. You have an automatic reminder letting you know how often you've been moving throughout the day (or if you've sat for too long). It also logs steps or exercise that takes place even when you didn't set out to burn calories, which can leave you with more progress at the end of the day. (Vs. just logging while at the gym.) Wearing this type of tech can also be a great stance in overall health, helping you to make movement a part of your daily routine. 

If you're considering getting a wearable piece to track your fitness progress, remember how many health perks they can provide and start researching your favorite model today.  

Continue Reading

Recover From Your Tummy Tuck with the BackMax Plus

Surgery and its subsequent recovery is an invasive and painful process. Even when dealing with minor procedures, the body needs plenty of rest and relaxation time in order to get itself back to normal. Treatment causes physical stress, which then takes time and TLC to physically overcome. But thanks to the BackMax Plus, you can do so with a pillow that's specifically designed to help that process along. All with your choice of body healthy positions that are meant to reduce pressure and increase blood flow. Not only does this reduce pain, it's a step that can lower healing time while adding 24-hour comfort.

Why the BackMax Helps After Your Tummy Tuck

With eight different positions to choose from, the BackMax allows you to adjust and find a position that's the most comfortable for you. Everyone will experience a slightly varied healing process, and using the BackMax can ensure you're sitting or sleeping in a position that's the most comfortable for your needs.

The cushion also reduces tension and strains on your most sensitive areas. It pulls stress away from the stomach and relieves pressure from the lower back. Often times after a tummy tuck, patients try laying on their side or back, but can only hold these positions for a short period before back pain kicks in. But with the BackMax Plus, that back pain is eliminated. This allows you to stay in a position that's made for healing – from your tummy tuck, or any number of other different surgeries.

The Reviews are Incredible! 

Don't just take our word for it, see what these real-life patients have to say about their post-surgery experience. From post-labor injuries, to butt lifts, to back surgeries, tummy tucks, and more, they're singing the BackMax's praises. Head to RealSelf.com's reviews to hear their experiences and more. 

Continue Reading

Regular Sleep Can Improve Your Mental Health

Everyone has woken up groggy, in fact, we've all done it a number of times. There's no denying that on these days, you feel less than prepared to take on the world. Rather than refreshed and energized after waking, you feel tired, cranky, and essentially like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Sometimes, this is just an unfortunate turn of events. For whatever reason, you weren't able to sleep soundly that night, and sometimes there's nothing that can be done. 

Other times, however, you set yourself up for failure. By going to bed too late (or waking up too early), not letting your mind calm down, or not sticking to a routine, you could actually be causing un-restful sleep through your habits. Because, without enough deep, productive sleep, your body just can't function like it should. Your brain isn't as quick, causing you to be slower with reactions, speech, and even body functions. In fact, reduced sleep, over time, can cause brain damage, memory loss, and have an effect on everyday mood. Just like we need sleep after a long day, the brain needs time to rest and recharge itself. 

Think of it like a battery. It's best to charge a phone, computer, etc. on a routine – once it's low, charge it completely. Failing to do so, or charging a little here and there can lower the battery's quality. Other times, a battery can be just fine – they, like the brain, are prone to different factors. 

However, by keeping a regular charge, or sleeping on a schedule, you can do your best to combat these negative side effects. Talk with your doctor or set a regular routine in order to give the brain, and the rest of the body, as much rest as possible.  

Continue Reading

De-stress and Loosen Your Muscles

Whether you are aware of your stress level at any given time, it can greatly affect your personal health. Your mood, your comfort level, how well you're able to interact with others – it's all affected by the amount of stress (or lack thereof) you're dealing with. 

Why Stress Matters

When you aren't able to relax, when your mind is racing and constantly worried about something, your body follows suit. Your shoulders clench in, muscles become tense, you're tight and ready to twinge a body part any time you move too quickly. Being stressed comes with the inability to relax – that's part of the definition. When your mind isn't able to calm itself, neither is anything else; you will carry that tension for as long as you're worked up. 

However, relaxing is an important part of creating rest. Even if you're unable to sleep, you can do the body plenty of good by sitting and letting your muscles breathe. A small catnap or "resting your eyes" can provide similar results. It's a short amount of time where the body lays still, isn't exerting energy, and can catch up on its necessary functions. 

When this can't be done all on your own, it's a good idea to locate the source of your stress and do your best to eliminate it. Problem solve or move the most stressful of daily tasks off of your plate (as realistically as possible). Then look toward relaxation techniques like soothing scents, massage, exercise, or talk to a loved one about what has you so worked up all the time. Hopefully, by approaching your stress from various areas you can work to eliminate as much of it as possible. And, in the process, allow your body some much needed muscle relaxation and some hard-earned rest.  

Continue Reading

How to Avoid Fall's Biggest Allergy Triggers

Unless you suffer from fall allergies, it can be hard to remember there's an entire cold weather season that makes you sneeze. In the spring, it's expected, but somehow fall allergies tend to fall off our radar. That is, unless you suffer from them, in which case you're trying everything in your power to do away with the once and for all.

Within your epic quest to remove such allergens, remember these triggers, what might cause symptoms, and how you can best avoid each of these hay-fever nightmares.

Warm Fall Weather

It might sound like a blessing, especially for those who hate the cold. But warm weather that continues into the fall can actually create allergy havoc. Humidity and warm temps bring allergens out of their hiding places, and into your breathing air at a much higher rate.  

Wind

When paired with warm temperatures, wind can be the allergy sufferer's biggest enemy. Though you can't exactly avoid the wind, when it's in the forecast, be sure and keep your windows closed, turn on air purifiers, and change out filters (including heater filters) to eliminate as many allergens as possible.

Leaves

Rake them! Sure you "don’t want to have to do it twice," and are waiting for all of the leaves to fall, but letting them sit can mean more allergies that you and your family is breathing in every day. Pay a pro to get rid of them, or use a mulching lawn mower that collects leaves in a bag for ample cleanup abilities. 

Pre-Freeze

A good hard freeze is one of the best cures for fall allergies. Until that day, however, keep in mind that there will be far more pollen, dander, and ragweed within your home. (Among other triggers.) This information can help dictate how often you vacuum or wash your sheets in order to remove the cause of hay fever as thoroughly as possible. 

Continue Reading

4 At-Home Tips to Reduce Neck Tension

The neck is one of our most important body parts. Holding up our heads and allowing us to turn and view as needed, it's what keeps us upright and alert throughout the entire day. Yet it's also very easily injured … if even slightly. Simply by sleeping or turning wrong, you can pull a muscle or jolt a bone – a single move that can cause pain for days on end. Even worse comes stress or daily habits that create ongoing tension.

To obtain better neck health and to eliminate pain … without drugs or expensive treatments, consider:

4. Temperature Changes 

Depending on what ails you, isolated heat or a cold compress can do wonders for the neck. Talk to a pro or research which extreme will provide the best results. Then create temperature changes right where they're needed most. You can also look to lotions or salves that add or remove degrees simply with application.

3. Stretching

Neck muscles are most often pulled because they are under developed. However, turning your head in certain directions or performing strengthening movements can eliminate that issue. By creating a stronger, more versatile portion of the body that won't strain with sudden movement. 

2. More Pillow Support

When sleeping "wrong," your neck can suffer immensely during waking hours. Simply from being jarred or unsupported throughout the night. (And for hours on end.) Instead of risking this painful fate, enlist the help of a pillow that offers its healing services. Comfort and better neck health, all while you sleep.

1. Massage

Sore muscles deserve to be relaxed, and nothing relieves quite as much tension than an old-fashioned neck rub. Schedule an appointment, ask your significant other, or invest in a small device that will work out kinks. It's a proven, relaxing step that can negate pain while helping reduce future injuries. 

Continue Reading

Simple Ways to Put Yourself in a Better Mood

Between work and everyday life, it's fairly normal to feel stressed. Perhaps anxious and tired from everything that's to be accomplished during waking hours. Work completed, bills paid, and hopefully finding some time for some enjoyment along the way. However, when you're in the thick of it, waiting until said enjoyment to be had, we're not thinking about the light at the end of the tunnel. We're thinking about blowing a hole in that tunnel so there's light right then and there. 

It's a thought process that adds to stress and continues to bog you down. With only a few adjustments, however, you can work toward a happier you – even when you're slated to be the most stressed. 

In order to feel more relaxed and happier throughout stressful situations consider:

• Resting more – Studies prove that after a good night's rest, you're able to feel perkier all on your own. No matter what stress the day might bring.
  
• Opening the windows – Another wonder of the world comes in the form of vitamin D. If you don't have time to get outside, let the fresh light shine in … it can do wonders for your self-help.
  
• Eating something healthy – Fruits, veggies, grains, even non-fattening proteins can all give your body a mood boost. In a similar light, avoid eating anything sugary, especially on an empty stomach.
  
• Smiling – Do it! If you're without time, read a joke online or recall a personal anecdote. Smile and laughter is contagious, even if you're forcing it at first.
  
• Hydrating – Flushing the body with water, lots of it, can ensure a body that's not holding onto toxins that can affect your mood. Drink up and look forward to a day that's somewhat water logged, but free from substances that bring you down. 

Continue Reading

Are you Overdosing on Caffeine?

For most, the thought of ingesting caffeine is a no brainer. It wakes you up, provides a jolt of energy when needed, and more often than not, acts as part of your daily routine. Coffee, tea, sodas – these are all beverages most consume as a rule rather than an exception. But considering all it can do – how awake we can get from a single beverage – it should come as no surprise that there are dangers when drinking too much of it. When overdosing the body on caffeine, all types of side effects can take place, including headaches, a feeling of dizziness, aches, chest pains, and more. Even fainting and feeling nauseated. 

Caffeine is a strong substance, and without enough time to let it metabolize, the body goes into overdrive mode, attempting to ward it off, or letting it affect you in ways other than just being ultra alert. On the flip side of the spectrum, those who are used to having caffeine every day can actually experience withdrawal symptoms, most notably, headaches. Once the body becomes accustomed to it, it learns to function alongside it. 

How Much is Too Much

There are several factors that play into how much becomes "too much" caffeine for each individual. Most notably, body size and genetics. Smaller adults (and especially kids) will be more greatly affected by small doses of caffeine. While caffeine allergies or reactions can also be passed down from parents. If you're not sure how caffeine affects you, talk to your doctor, parents, or simply keep track of how many beverages you've had, and take note as to how the body responds. 

Even those with the highest of tolerances can feel serious side effects when ingesting large amounts of caffeine. 

Talk to your doctor about caffeine intakes, or consider cutting back if you're experiencing ongoing side effects. 

Continue Reading

Moves you Shouldn’t Pull During March Madness

This time of year, basketball fans are coming out of the regulation-painted woodwork. With brackets that are destined for multiple scribbles, those of all ages tune in to see their favorite team – or favorite qualifying team – make it to the next round. No matter your cheering rituals, however, there’s plenty of ways not to celebrate after a big win. Specifically those that’ll have your muscles wishing you’d watched from the bench.

For the rest of the tournament, be sure to avoid:

The Jumping High-Five

If it’s been longer than you can remember since you’ve successfully completed a shock-and-awe jump, celebrating may be better done on the ground. This becomes even more true when others are involved, allowing for falling, wrecks, or in-air collisions.

Over Pouting

Believe it or not, tensing the muscles can cause for more pains than fancy tricks. This means no slouching or excessive head hanging. Be sure to sit in a relaxed position to keep the neck, back, and legs in prime working order. 

Reenactment Dunks

No matter how sweet that last dunk was, leave it to the pros (or rather, the yet-to-go-pros). Jumping indoors can lead to a number of consequences, including busted ankles, strained muscles, and shattered knickknacks. 

Fits of Anger

Disappointment can come with a real sting, but that’s no reason to ruin any belongings – including body parts. 

Whatever the Mascot is Doing

Mascots are trained professionals. If they’re doing flips or extensive lunges, consider taking it down a few notches before recreating the moves. Exception: certain dances that can double as fun and exercise, while offering minimal bodily distress.

Chest Bumps

A normal way to celebrate (usually among men), the “chest bump” might be more dangerous than it seems. Because they’re performed in-air, these bumps can jar both muscles and bones into awkward positions – whether momentarily or longer-term.

To keep your body tip-off ready at all times, remember to avoid the above during your next viewing party. 

Continue Reading

4 Foods to Reduce Muscle Soreness

Because the body is a complication of functions, there are several pieces holding us together. From every angle. From the bones that support our weight, to the organs that help us breathe and pump blood, to the muscles allowing us to move, there are hundreds of parts all working as a team. Which means that, when pain or soreness occurs, the nerves aren’t always to blame. And oftentimes, it’s the very muscles they help support instead.

Whether you’re coming in from a long run or lifted that dining room chair wrong, remember these super foods to help build and repair muscles.

4. Carbs

After a workout or strenuous use of the muscles, remember to load up on carbohydrates. While it’s important for the active to consume before working out, stocking up during rebuilding sessions is just as important. And if bread just isn’t your thing, consider pasta or carb-heavy alternatives instead.

3. Antioxidants 

Nothing quite clears out the muscles like antioxidants. Be sure to get in a good helping to keep your body clear of toxins that can cause pain. Look to natural juices (cheery is a number one antioxidant blaster), ginger, or turmeric.

2. Small, Frequent Meals 

Rather than over-stuffing, which can prevent digestion and future movement, consider small meals throughout the day. By pacing the body, you can allow it to better heal itself without focusing too heavily on food processing. Healthy options are best here as well, such as fruit, protein bars, and greens.

Keep bars on hand as well for healthy snacking while on the go.

1. Protein Drinks

If working out, a protein drink can help start the recovery process almost immediately. Which is also a great choice for when you don’t feel like eating (post-runs or work out sessions). If sore from lifting, however, these drinks are simply a quicker way to replenish the body with the nutrients it needs.

Consider a liquid breakfast (generally the easiest meal to “skip”) or snack as soon as your muscles start showing signs of soreness.

Continue Reading

Why Nervous System Health Trumps All

When it comes to health concerns, there is a practically unending list of things that can go wrong … and to varying degrees. Muscles can deteriorate, bacteria can infiltrate the body, organs can lose efficiency, and that’s only the beginning. Then combine that with how parts and systems interact with one another, and there’s an entire new list of problems that can go wrong. Rather than looking to sickness and function interaction as a possible cause, however, creating a healthy nervous system can work to eliminate the latter as a viable threat.

After all, the nervous system is what allows muscles and organs to communicate with one another. Each tells another part of the body what it’s doing, or what needs to be done next, and when those communication gaps are hindered, the body itself suffers.

How to Keep All Body Functions Working

The most important part of the nervous system is the brain. Without it’s proper health, body parts wouldn’t be able to communicate properly … or at all. Their translation gaps could range from speaking with a heavy accent, to yelling near a booming speaker with non-English speaking listeners. But by adhering specifically to the brain’s health needs, you can easily make sure everyone’s on equal speaking – and listening – fields.

Start with your diet. A healthy brain needs plenty of Vitamins D and B6. Exercise and a regular fluid intake also works to flush out toxins that may bog down the brain or other parts of the body. (Combine exercise with a few glasses of water for the maximum toxin-flushing results.) Nervous systems can also flourish with an increase of protein and a decrease in fat. You can also look to doctor recommended supplements or additional vitamins shown to improve brain health.

Whether you’re looking out for your body’s cohesiveness or are just taking steps to get healthier, the nervous system is a great place to start. Look to the above or talk with your doctor about getting brain healthier today.

Continue Reading

Why it's Medically Important to Put your Feet Up

The term “Put your feet up” has long since been a slang for relaxation. Used when someone’s had a long day, a rough go at work, or simply when they’ve done too much walking. Once referring to literally placing one’s feet on an ottoman or other raised surface, it now can mean virtually any form of resting. A blanket definition of sorts.

Jokes and pleas for sitting aside, however, there’s actually much more behind the idea of raised feet. Taking weight off the dogs on a regular basis can actually work to improve your health. Feet, toes, legs, skin, and beyond. Over time, you can even see an ongoing improvement in body feel and function.

Raising your legs and feet for 20 minutes every day can help reduce side effects of diabetes, foot pain, and other specifically located issues. Swollen ankles can benefit from the extra blood flow, while stubbed toes can earn a much deserved break. A routine leg lift can also contribute to leg health and overall body circulation, which we know can improve everyday functions.

Other Foot Health Tactics

To add to your healthy foot habits, there are other steps that can be taken on. Consider regular massages, foot detoxes, or health-promoting substances. Many of these can even be done at home – give yourself a regular foot rub with your favorite lotion, or look to OTC pads that can remove toxins through the skin. However, you should talk with your doctor before considering any new supplements, or before making changes in your foot treatment regimen.

Whether looking for some actual rest or a way to incorporate everyday health into a foot-centered routine, consider resting on a daily basis. Not only does it provide ample health benefits, it allows you to relax in the process.

Continue Reading

Blood Pressure Monitors now Available at Contour Living

In an ongoing effort to make your healthcare needs as simple as possible, Contour Living has added yet another aspect to its repertoire: blood pressure monitors. Check your blood pressure after a meal, when heading to the gym, or as often as the doctor prescribes. For those who need daily – or even hourly – readings, to those who want to see how the ticker is doing after a solid work out, we now have the monitor(s) to meet your needs.

Choose from manual cuff models, those that can read your stats in one touch, or a heart rate monitor watch, which provides real-time changes as they’re happening. They take the guess work out of heart-healthy planning. Each model offers a specific set of options for those off all health needs. Whether it’s a doctor-ordered necessity or just an easy way to check up on your blood pressure health, these monitors help make everyday readings a hassle-free (and pain-free) process.

The Perks of At-Home Blood Pressure Monitors

With a monitor at home – or at the office – there are plenty of perks to be had. You can easily cut back on doctor visits, and have an accurate idea as to how your blood pressure is holding up throughout the day. That way actions can be taken for you to stay in tip-top health. For peace of mind no matter what your activity or diet, consider one of our new monitors.

And best of all, they’re on sale! As an introductory offer, all our blood pressure monitors can be purchased for a fraction of the price. Take advantage of this “new guy” sale and get the medical equipment you need in the process.

To learn more about our blood pressure machines, or to find out which model will best fit your needs, click here.

Continue Reading

Improve your Posture With This Expensive Shirt

We all know that good posture promotes good health. Whether you’ve read a Contour blog on the subject, did personal research, or just know your body tends to function correctly when you sit up straight. Proper spinal posture, whether we are aware of how we’re sitting/standing or not, helps the body on a daily basis. But even with this information in tow, it can be difficult to keep the spine in its preferred and upright position at all times. Just short of a nagging mother or a teacher slapping a ruler in our direction at all hours, constant good posture is almost impossible.

While we can catch ourselves when necessary, a new invention brings a new, more constant solution. One that keeps our backs in place even when we aren’t paying attention. The invention, a specially made garment called the Up shirt, comes with specially-placed elastic bands that makes it easier for wearers to adjust shoulders toward good posture. Devices that perform similar functions can be purchased and strapped to the back and arms. The Up shirt’s manufacturers argue, however, that such devices are uncomfortable and can’t be discretely worn in public. In contrast, the shirt’s posture abilities go unnoticed as they’re built right into the material. It can even be worn under outer layers for those who still want to sport their own sense of style.

So what’s the catch? The shirt costs $175-$200 – a lot of dough for one shirt. And assuming you don’t want to wear the same garment every day, the price tag goes up considerably. Part of the costs come from high-quality ingredients, such as organic cotton and specialized elastic bands, which are made to withstand washes and multiple wears.

Though it seems like a hefty price for a shirt, it’s also fairly cheap on the span of spinal health treatments.

Find more about the Up shirt here.

Continue Reading

How to Eliminate Headaches While you Sleep

The easier it is to find a medical treatment, the better – a common theory among sufferers of all kinds. When in place, colds could be met with as little resistance as possible, invasive procedures would be kept at a minimum, and meanwhile, everyone would be feeling their best without nasty or uncomfortable side effects. Unfortunately, that can’t be said for a large portion of illnesses that affect the population.

Headaches, however, are one cause that fits the bill.

Headaches and One of Their Main Causes

A majority of headaches and subsequent neck pain stems from the way we sleep each night. From craning or placing awkward pressure on the head and neck, ongoing aches occur and create regular headaches. Though certain positions might be comfortable during sleep (whether in general or from one’s level of relaxation), they can actually cause pains throughout the day. Additionally, a lack of neck support can cause pressure, affect blood flow, or even cause vertebrae to become misaligned. All of these things then contribute to head pain, whether in one night or a gradual increase over time.

While it can be hard to know just how we sleep in throughout the night, a new, supportive pillow can offer ongoing relief. Even without a sleep study. Look to a pillow with neck support, memory foam, and gentle cradling – all of which align the spine in a natural position. Over time, this will reduce headaches and create a healthier sleeping pattern. Many notice results in just one night.

Talk to your doctor about specific headaches or how a pillow change might affect or accompany ongoing treatments. For the rare headache patient, however, a simple change in support levels can do wonders for their daily routine.

To learn more about supportive pillows, talk to a specialist or check out the selection at Contour Living’s pillow page.

Continue Reading

Winter Sale at Contour Living

Do you have the post-holiday blues? What about the cold month doldrums, or the is-winter-over-yet wonderings? No matter what your feelings toward the time of year, we’re here to get you through the home stretch of cold weather. With sales on pillows, seat cushions, and other back-related products, you can get through anything Jack Frost throws your way. And at a fraction of the cost.

Look to a neck-supporting pillow to improve blood flow and reduce headaches. Consider a new office cushion to increase one’s posture and relieve pressure on the rear. Or, pick up a pillow that creates better lumbar support whether sleeping, lounging, or traveling. No matter your sleeping or sitting needs, you can find the solution in Contour Living’s ongoing winter sale.

Available Back and Neck Products

Listed in the sale are some of our best sellers, including the Double Back Leg Pillow, the Contour Cloud Memory Foam Pillow, the Cooling Leg Pillow, the Kabooti Donut Coccyx Cushion, and more. Each made of high quality materials and to provide the highest levels of comfort and support, customers have been finding relief in Contour’s products for years.

There’s even free shipping when you buy two or more pillow or cushion products. This allows the flexibility to mix and match to meet personal needs, or pick up a much-needed gift. Whether shopping for yourself or a loved one’s upcoming birthday, there are plenty of pain relief solutions to be found in this massive winter sale.

And for a limited time you can even earn an extra 5% off. Just look for the coupon code at checkout and you’ll be on your way to even more savings on your favorite Contour products.

Ready to find out more? Have questions about individual products – or wanting to know which items quality? Head to our sales page today to learn more.

Continue Reading

Natural Ways to Encourage Sleep

Getting a good night’s rest can completely change the course of your day. Because you feel rested rather than groggy, you’re able to get an earlier start, have more energy, and begin the day with gusto. When sleep doesn’t come, however, that same energetic morning start is practically impossible.

So how do you get to sleep when it won’t happen naturally? Medications can be too strong and leave you groggier than you were tired, and counting sheep becomes boring while offering little results. But what if there were natural, effective methods to follow? Ones that could train the body to know when it’s time to get to sleep each night?

Better Sleep From Daily Habits
By following healthier practices as a rule, studies have shown folks get more sleep on a regular basis. Even those that tossed and turned before. This means healthier meals and regular movement, each of which offers their own contribution to nighttime rituals. Healthier meals means the body isn’t straining to digest heavy foods, which can cause pains or other uncomfortable functions when trying to sleep. As for exercise, this helps stretch and work the muscles, also tiring them out for the night.

Other natural factors include eating several hours before bedtime (so that foods have plenty of time to settle), and going to sleep at the same time each night. Obviously some exceptions have to be made, but when winding down around the same time each day, the body naturally learns when it’s time to sleep. This eliminates the fight that can occur when you’re tired, but the rest of you doesn’t quite agree. [NPR]

From improving eating and movement routines, as well as scheduling out a clear bedtime, one’s sleep can be greatly improved. Consider these minor, yet effective, changes to get a better night of rest.  Take care of your back and body during sleep with these products from Contour Living

Continue Reading

Improve Overall Health with Arch Supports

It’s no new discovery that taking care of one portion of the body radiates out onto others. Reducing neck stress gets rid of headaches, eating healthy offers better circulation, and so on. The same can be said for foot health, which has the ability to spread into all other areas of the body. Back pains can be cured, muscle tension eliminated, and all while the feet themselves are getting the care they deserve.

One such aspect of foot health is the addition of arch supports into one’s shoes. Made to provide extra comfort right where it’s needed most, arch supports are an easy, cost effective add-on to any pair of shoes. Many can even be moved from shoe to shoe so users only need a single pair.

But what do these shoe accessories have to offer?

When the arch of the foot lacks support – meaning it “steps” without hitting a shoe or floor surface – weight is displaced unevenly. Over time, this can break down the foot, causing pain, swelling, and an improper use of tendons. Because there isn’t proper alignment, the feet simply can’t walk as they were supposed to. This is especially true for those with high arches – the higher the arch, the larger portion of the foot that can’t hold weight when walking.

With the simple addition of arch supports, however, that natural weight balance is restored. Feet can again walk evenly, while weight and movement is displaced in a comfortable ratio. Considering they only cost a few dollars, it’s a smart investment toward improving foot (and overall body) health with each step you take.

Whether or not you experience regular foot or arch pains, it’s a good idea to look to this simple medical solution to prevent any future walking-based ailments.

Continue Reading