Mattress Genie Review on About.com

Review of Mattress Genie inflatable bed wedge.



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Benefits of Inversion - Summary

Inversion is a natural form of traction that uses your own body weight in combination with gravity to decompress weight-bearing joints. While the body is rotated and suspended, gravity’s force applies traction, resulting in a customized stretch that elongates the spine, increasing the space between the vertebrae, which relieves the pressure on discs and nerve roots. Less pressure means less back pain.
Inversion may be best known as a method to relieve back pain, but it’s also an effective way to stretch and relax muscles, reduce stress and tension and provide healthy movement for ligaments. Inverted decompression helps to:
· Relieve back pain
· Reduce stress
· Stimulate circulation and lymph flow
· Improve posture
· Reduce muscle tension and stress
· Strengthen ligaments
· Increase flexibility and range of movement
· Reduce the effects of aging caused by gravity
· Achieve functional fitness, a state of flexibility, strength and balance that supports youthful movement and activity

Since 1981, Teeter Hang Ups has set the standard for quality inversion and back care products. Commitment to quality creates superior products for a better back and a better body™. Contour Living is proud to carry Teeter Hang Ups Inversion tables. Visit our Inversion Table category for full selection.

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Rationale and efficacy of conservative therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Rationale and efficacy of conservative therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Kitchin et al. Arch Internal Med (1991).

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux disease or in mild cases heartburn, is an increasingly common condition in the developed world, characterized by frequent regurgitations of stomach acid into the lower esophagus. GERD can often be caused by a hiatal hernia, a condition where part of the stomach slips above the diaphragm to contact the esophagus. If left untreated, damage caused by severe GERD can cause replacement of the normal cells lining the esophagus by other tissue types (a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus), eventually leading to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. While acid-suppressive medications can be used, their potential side effects and complications can be avoided through a variety of simpler treatment measures. This review article finds significant clinical evidence for the efficacy of lifestyle-based treatments for heartburn and GERD, including elevation of the head of the bed.

Sleeping on a wedge diminishes exposure of the esophagus to refluxed acid. Hamilton et al. Digestive Dis Sciences (1988).

Using continuous monitoring of pH (acidity) within the esophagus among several alternative positions at rest, this randomized clinical trial detected a significant decrease in the time that the esophagus was exposed to highly acid conditions when using a foam wedge to elevate the head, and also showed a decrease in the time necessary for the acid to be cleared. Interestingly, use of a wedge-shaped mechanism was significantly more effective than elevation through the use of standard bed blocks.

See how the Mattress Genie Wedge Can Help

Davis C. Ryman

MD/PhD candidate, Case Western Reserve University

Lamb lab, Departments of Neuroscience and Genetics

dryman@po.cwru.edu

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Tips for Night-Time Relief of GERD & Acid Reflux Symptoms

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a very common ailment affecting millions of people worldwide. GERD is known by many names, including Esophagitis, reflux, acid reflux, even (incorrectly) hiatal hernia. Gastroesophageal reflux is the term used to describe a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus.

Experts agree: Raising your upper mattress 6-9" helps alleviate many of the symptoms of GERD, acid reflux and heartburn*

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. Along with heartburn, other symptoms include pain swallowing, chest pain, coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, asthma, aspiration pneumonia, even tooth enamel decay, gingivitis and halitosis.

Treatments of GERD include over-the-counter medications like antacids and prescription strength medications. Heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD may be mild to severe. If you experience severe discomfort or heartburn several times a week, you should consult a physician.

There are several lifestyle recommendations you can make to help ease the discomfort of GERD and acid reflux:

• Control your weight / Lose weight if overweight
• Eat smaller meals
• Avoid reclining or lying down directly after a meal
• Eliminate certain foods or food types that may trigger heartburn
• Don't smoke
• Raise the head of your mattress 6-9 inches. Experts recommend elevating the bed by inserting a wedge between the mattress and box spring (raising your head with pillows is not a good alternative) (*source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/DS00095/DSECTION=9)

The Mattress Genie bed wedge, manufactured by Contour Living, provides a simple solution for raising your mattress and alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by GERD symptoms. With just the touch of a button, you can raise your bed to the angle that best suits your needs. You'll love reading, watching TV, working or even eating in bed. The Mattress Genie comes with a remote control to raise and lower the mattress with a touch of a button.

The Mattress Genie bed wedge is designed to compliment existing treatments of GERD, heartburn and reflux, including drug therapies and any treatments prescribed by your doctor.

Now Anyone Can Enjoy the Comfort & Luxury of an Adjustable Bed!

This universal bed lift, exclusively from Contour Products, Inc., transforms your mattress into an adjustable bed for a fraction of the cost of a mechanical adjustable bed.

What Our Customers Are Saying:
"Thank you so much for your wonderful invention! ... I can read, eat, sleep or sit up to watch TV for hours .." - Mrs. Lynne McGarity
"... my aunt is now able to get out of bed by herself! She is VERY happy with her Mattress Genie!" - Doris Skiba

"... I travel a lot ... and have severe acid reflux ... before I had to travel with a large wedge pillow ... with your Mattress Genie ... traveling [is] so much easier...Thanks again for coming up with the Mattress Genie!" - Gary Dolsey

What the Media is Saying:
Read the Mattress Genie Review at About UsNBC Affiliate Channel 2 Salt Lake City - "Let Bill Buy It" Review of the Mattress Genie...Read Now/Watch Video
Featured on NBC's Today Show (March 1, 2005)

Additional resources:Read about the Mattress Genie at About Us
Recommended diet: Jackson / Siegelbaum Gastroenterolgy
general GERD health information: STS Patient information
Medical Studies Supporting Raising a Bed to reduce GERD and Acid Reflux at Night
Support Pillows and

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Proven National Comfort Leader Announces Innovative Offerings

Contour Living Launches On-the-Go Support for Travel, Home & Office; Company Adds Massage Feature to Best-Sellers; Also Introduces 'Cure' for a Sagging Mattress

CHICAGO, March 8, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- Contour Living(TM), a leader in the ergonomic support and comfort industry, introduces a variety of new products that focus on improved comfort at home, in the office or on the go.

"We've tapped into two important trends with the roll out of our newest products," Scott Davis, Contour Living president and CEO, said. "First, so many people today spend almost as much time in a plane or car as they do in their own homes, and consumers are looking for comfort solutions while they travel. Second, this hectic lifestyle means that consumers are also looking for items to help them relax more easily and quickly at the office and at home, making comfort innovations like these vital for everyday life."

Two of the new products Contour Living is featuring at the International Home & Housewares Show are the next generation of the company's best sellers, upgraded with a new massage component.

The patented Contour Freedom Back Massage is designed to provide optimum back support while sitting upright in a chair. Contour Living added the new massage feature to complement the product's existing design features, all of which focus on relieving stiffness and pain in the upper and lower back, legs and tailbone. Attaching the Freedom Back Massage to an office chair or leaning against it while in any seat now provides users a soothing back massage with a flip of a switch.

The patent-pending Twist Massage Pillow is a portable and bendable pillow that twists and stays put in almost any shape. The new massage feature enhances the Twist's unique ability to mold to different parts of the body, creating a body massager that can target many different muscle groups. As the ideal travel pillow, the Twist Massage can bend around a traveler's neck and up the side of the person's head to stay put when leaning to rest in a plane, car or train.

Another new Contour Living item is the TravelBack(R), which gives portable, lightweight back support while traveling, at the office or at home. The TravelBack design offers adjustable support with four possible positions. It is compact, easy-to-use and fits into even small briefcases or purses without adding much weight. Even though it's small, users will find that the TravelBack can make a big difference in their back comfort while sitting.

Another standout item in Contour Living's latest offerings is the Mattress Remedy, an inflatable support system that sits between a mattress and bed springs to restore the support of a sagging mattress. With research indicating that even new mattresses can begin to sag within six months' time, the Mattress Remedy is an affordable solution for extending the life of a mattress and providing adjustable support for individual comfort.

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Staying Fit After Forty

Have you ever heard of “boomeritis?” It is actually
a term that has been coined by the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons, referring to a growing number of sports related injuries
among baby boomers. In fact, the problem is so extensive, that the
AAOS has developed a web site, www.boomer-it is.org geared toward
helping active baby boomers avoid and cope with injuries.

Of course, the AAOS is not in any way discouraging boomers from staying active
and fit, on the contrary, the organization recognizes that the benefits
of exercise far outweigh the risks of injury. But don’t forget,
it’s a good idea to get your doctors approval before starting
any exercise program. So once that’s done and you’re
ready to roll, how do you avoid being sidelined by an injury?

Follow these five tips, and you’ll be well on your way:

1. Stay Balanced! Be sure to incorporate a good mix of stretching,
flexibility exercises and cardiovascular activity. The more well
rounded the exercise program, the less likely you are to sustain
an injury.

2. Variety is the Spice of Life! Mix it up a little bit. Don’t
do the same routine every day. Walk a few days a week, bike or go
to the gym and use the treadmill. By doing this, you accomplish two
things: You’re less likely to get bored with your routine and
quit, and by varying more likely to avoid injuries stemming from
overused muscles.

3. Stay Loose! Stretching seems to help keep injuries at bay. Tightness
can spell disaster, and since muscle tissue elasticity decreases
with age, older muscles are even more at risk.

4. Gear Up! Go for the bicycle helmet, make sure running shoes fit
properly and by all means, wear the wrist, elbow and kneepads while
skating or roller blading. Safety equipment can keep you out of the
emergency room and into your routine.

5. Take Your Time! Don’t try to do too much at once. Limit
yourself to increases of just 10% per week. For example if you’re
running for 20 minutes one week, increase to just 22 minutes the
next, and build from there. A rapid ramp up can be a real shock to
your system.

Contour is the brand leader in ergonomic products designed
specifically for comfort and support. Products include orthopedicpillows, Wedge cushions, chair pads, mattress pads and more. Visit
Contour Living for more information on solutions to improve posture, sleep better,
correct support problems and live more comfortably.

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Nighttime Solution for GERD, Acid Reflux and Heartburn Symptoms

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a very common ailment affecting millions of people worldwide. GERD is known by many names, including Esophagitis, reflux, acid reflux, even (incorrectly) hiatal hernia. Gastroesophageal reflux is the term used to describe a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus.

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. Along with heartburn, other symptoms include pain swallowing, chest pain, coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, asthma, aspiration pneumonia, even tooth enamel decay, gingivitus and halitosis.

Treatments of GERD include over-the-counter medications like antacids and prescription strength medications. Heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD may be mild to severe. If you experience severe discomfort or heartburn several times a week, you should consult a physician.

There are several lifestyle recommendations you can make to help ease the discomfort of GERD and acid reflux:

• Control your weight / Lose weight if overweight
• Eat smaller meals
• Avoid reclining or lying down directly after a meal
• Eliminate certain foods or food types that may trigger heartburn
• Don't smoke
• Raise the head of your mattress 6-9 inches. Experts recommend elevating the bed by inserting a wedge between the mattress and box spring (raising your head with pillows is not a good alternative)**

The Mattress Genie bed lift wedge, manufactured by Contour Living, provides a simple solution for raising your mattress and alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by GERD symptoms. With just the touch of a button, you can raise your bed to the angle that best suits your needs. You'll love reading, watching TV, working or even eating in bed. The Mattress Genie comes with a remote control to raise and lower the mattress with a touch of a button.

Best of all, this universal bed lift transforms your mattress into an adjustable bed for a fraction of the cost of a mechanical adjustable bed.

**Source: www.MayoClinic.com/health

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Mattress Wear Described

As mattresses age, the core support begins to degrade causing sagging and reduced comfort. This is a significant cause of back pain and general discomfort during sleep.

Over time, mattresses wear in the center area, generally in the shape of a large clover. Typically, the loads placed on the mattress surface results in weakening of the springs and the support material on either side of the springs. The sag is not always visually evident, but, the concavity becomes much more apparent when weight is applied - like a person. Different size mattresses tend to wear in very different patterns, depending on the width of the mattress and number of people sleeping on the surface. Read on to discover typical wear patterns of different sized mattresses and how the Mattress Remedy is designed to effectively combat each unique problem.

Twin Size Mattress Wear: Twin size mattresses wear in a simple pattern. Since the twin bed supports one person, generally in the center of the mattress. Wear starts in the middle, concentrated where the hips are, and progresses to where it affects back support and overall sleep quality and body comfort. The Contour Mattress Remedy is very effective at reducing this sag.

Based on recent trials, the twin mattress can actually become extremely supportive, even to the extent of hyper-elevating the middle area which is much more comfortable for stomach sleepers. The level of support varies by individual preference and is controlled by an adjustable valve on the side of the unit. From the mattress side view, as the Mattress remedy is inflated, you can easily see the transformation and improved support of the spine.

Full and Queen Size mattress Wear: In Full and Queen size mattresses, the wear pattern generally starts on either side of the center line, where people tend to sleep (assuming two people in the bed). Initially, there are two locations of the sag. However, as the wear progresses, the two depressed areas combine to form one, larger depression. The reduced support in this area is evident, resulting in sore back and hips and an overall poor sleep experience.

An additional problem occurs as two people using the bed tend to roll toward the middle and interfere with each others sleep. It becomes very difficult to maintain respective positions on each side of the mattress. For the Full and Queen size bed, the Mattress Remedy is designed in one larger size to solve this specific wear pattern. Support is restored and people can sleep with improved spine alignment, plus stay in their respective and desired separate. Quality of sleep is improved.

King Size Mattress Wear: Mattress wear in a King size bed is different as well. The king size wear patterns (sagging) typically are located in two distinct areas of the mattress, matching the sleeping patterns of two people. The wear pattern is similar to that of two twin size beds. This is due to the larger size of the king mattress and the tendency of people to maintain their separate locations even though support is diminishing. For this reason, the King size Mattress Remedy is designed with two separate support units, linked with one inflation device. Proper support is restored to the sagging areas, providing a vastly improved sleep experience.

As an added benefit, two control valves allow each person to adjust the support and comfort level of their side of the mattress. This feature allows one side of the mattress to be firmer or softer than the other. It solves many problems that couples have with mattresses.

Research has shown that even new mattresses can begin to sag in only six months. The Mattress Remedy will extend the life of currently owned mattresses by restoring support capability and dramatically improving back support. Eliminating mattress sag will also reduce tossing and turning, proving more restful sleep. Find Solutions at www.contourliving.com.

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Sleep Surfaces Affect Quality Of Rest

As human beings, one of our most basic needs is sleep. In fact, the effects of sleep deprivation can be devastating to us both physically and mentally. It has been shown that a lack of sleep can lead to a compromised immune system, leaving us more vulnerable to sickness and disease. Many studies have linked sleep deprivation to a decrease in daytime productivity. Getting less than 6 hours of sleep per night on a consistent basis, as is the practice of about 15% of the population, means that these people experience an increase in stress, fatigue, sadness and anger during the day, and work performance almost always declines. On top of that, these people are more likely to suffer injuries than their well-rested counterparts.
Additionally, many sleep-deprived people have a difficult time getting along with others. Studies show that sleep affects things like reaction time, mathematical ability and other cognitive functions, and the results were consistent and clear: the more sleep you get, the better your performance. Other studies have shown that sleep deprivation can cause judgment and decision-making abilities to decrease by 50%; communication skills can go down 30% and memory down by 20%. With this type of research out there, it doesn't take a genius to make the connection between sleep and well-being.
There are many reasons why people might not get enough quality sleep. For many, the reason stems from their sleep surface. Did you know that the average person tosses & turns 40-60 times during the night? So much for getting that much needed shut-eye. Firm, flat mattresses aren't very good at distributing the body's weight, and as a result pressure hot spots develop along the body. People toss and turn from one position to another mainly to relieve these pressure points, which occur at various places along the body, where you come into contact with your mattress. Back sleepers are likely to experience pressure points on the back of the head, along both shoulder blades, on hip bones and heels. For those of us who sleep on our sides, shoulders and hips tend to take the brunt of the pressure.
If you are one of those people who can't get comfortable at night, you may want to consider what you are sleeping on. In order for something to be supportive, it must have a shape that is consistent with your body's shape, and it must have some cushion. There are a number of options available in sleep surfaces today in a range of prices. The solid memory foam mattresses have gotten very popular due to their ability to distribute the body's weight more evenly, reducing pressure points and improving support. These mattresses can sell $2,000 or more! Contour Living has just introduced the Soft Touch™ Memory Foam Mattress starting at only $350 for the Twin size. You'll realize savings of up to 85% and still get the same top quality memory and orthopedic foam as the more expensive brands. Plus, order now and you will receive free shipping and a free full bed massager with your order. Read More now at our Contour Living Store.
Another option might be the Contour Cloud Mattress Pad. It can be used with your existing mattress to provide a more cushiony, better supporting sleep surface, and is an affordable alternative to the more expensive memory foam mattresses. Prices start at less than $90 for a twin size.
The Contour Cloud Mattress Pad's 2-1/4" thick triple layer design features a top layer of heat sensitive memory foam that molds to fit every curve of your body. The middle layer acts as a lumbar support for your lower back, filling in the gap that flat beds tend to leave to more evenly distribute your body's weight and relieve pressure points on your shoulders and hips. The base layer is made of high quality, dense foam that prevents the mattress pad from bottoming out beneath your body's weight. Click here for more product information

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The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Sleep

The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Sleep

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome distinguished by widespread musculoskeletal pain in the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. While not considered to be a true form of arthritis, it is a type of rheumatism of the soft tissues and muscles. It is a fairly common condition, affecting about 5 million people in the United States, although the cause of Fibromyalgia remains a mystery. Over 75% of those who have FMS are women between the ages of thirty-five to sixty, however it can affect anyone at any age, but in preadolescent children, the condition strikes boys and girls equally as often.

Over 90% of FMS sufferers experience significant sleep disturbances. Specifically, stage four sleep, the deepest, most restorative level of sleep, is deficient. This is when muscles and other parts of the body typically have an opportunity to regenerate for the next day. Medical experts agree that muscle pain occurs in Fibromyalgia patients because the muscles are deprived of the rejuvenation process that would otherwise occur during sleep. Sleep problems among FMS patients vary. While some may have trouble falling asleep, others awaken numerous times during the night, tossing and turning, and may be unable to fall back to sleep at all. Still others wake up far earlier than what would be considered normal.

It should be no surprise then, that fatigue during the day is also an issue for FMS sufferers. The ability to function normally and in a productive fashion is greatly diminished in a number of FMS patients. Often times, a person with FMS is exhausted at the end of the day, and in desperate need of a good nights sleep, but is robbed of that night after night because of the syndrome.




People who have FMS should take extra steps to help ensure the best nights rest possible. The Contour Living online store carries several products that provide better support and cushion for your body during the night. Specifically, our Contour Cloud pillow provides the correct balance of firm foam for head and neck support and 100% memory foam for unsurpassed comfort. Likewise, our Contour Cloud mattress pad supplies the same level of support for your entire body. The pad covers your bed and provides firm foam support where needed with a top layer of contoured memory foam. Other better sleep products include the leg pillow, BackMax lounger, Mattress Genie and more choices in pillows.

With the proper nighttime support and a new level of comfort, FMS sufferers may be able to minimize the toll that this condition can take on restorative sleep, reduce aches and pains, and maintain an active and productive lifestyle.

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