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.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
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:
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
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)**
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
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
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.
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.
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
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
Thursday, March 8, 2007
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.
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.
Sleep Apnea and Sleeping with a CPAP Mask
Sleep Apnea / CPAP Mask Sleep Aid Information
What is Sleep Apnea?
The Greek word “apnea” literally means “without breath.” Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing stops for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. It can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on how many times in an hour a person’s breathing stops (apnea) or becomes very slow (hypopnea). Apnea episodes may occur from 5 to 50 times an hour.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) sleep apnea affects more than 12 million Americans. However, due to a lack of public awareness as well as a lack of awareness on the part of healthcare providers, it is thought that the majority of cases remain undiagnosed despite the seriousness of the disorder and its consequences.
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, (CSA) and mixed sleep apnea, (MSA). OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea and is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throad collapses and closes during sleep. In CSA, the airway is not blocked but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe due to instability in the respiratory control center. Mixed apnea is a combination of the two.
What Are the Effects of Sleep Apnea?
With each type of apnea, the brain briefly arouses people, triggering them to start breathing again, causing fragmented, poor quality sleep. As a result, sleep apnea may also cause poor performance in everyday activities, such as work and school, motor vehicle accidensa and academic underachievement in children and adolescents.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in a growing number of health problems including hypertension, stroke and heart failure, irregular heartbeats and heart attacks. Additionally, memory problems, weight gain, headaches, even impotency can occur as a result of sleep apnea when left untreated.
Who is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children, however risk factors include the following:
- Being overweight
- Having a large neck size (17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women)
- Male gender
- Being over the age of forty
- Having a family history of sleep apnea
- African Americans, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders have a greater risk of sleep apnea than Caucasions. Additionally, African Americans tend to get sleep apnea at a younger age.
- Women who have been through menopause. After menopause women get sleep apnea at a rate similar to men.
- Conditions that may cause head and face abnormalities such as Marfan’s syndrome and Down Syndrome.
Being Evaluated for Sleep Apnea
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, check your insurance policy before making an appointment, as you may be required to get a referral to a sleep specialist from your primary care physician. You may also be required to go to a certain testing facility. Some insurance policies exclude coverage for the diagnosis and/or treatment of sleep disorders and some do not cover the durable medical equipment, and diagnosis and treatment can be a significant expense, usually over $1,000.
Doctors who know sleep medicine may be pulmonologists (specializing in lungs), neurologists (the brain), otolaryngologists (the ears, nose and throat), psychiatry (mental health) or primary care physicians. Some doctors may be certified through the American Board of Sleep medicine (ABSM)., or hold degrees that meet the requirements of this board.
At any rate, you will likely be referred to a sleep center. If your doctor does not refer you to a specific sleep center, you can visit http://www.aasmnet.org/ for the most up to date list of accredited member sleep centers and laboratories.
At the sleep center, you can expect to undergo a sleep study, which uses several devices to record activity during sleep. These generally include an electroencelphalogram (EEG) to measure brain waves and an electroculogram (EOG) to measure eye and chin movement, both to monitor the different stages of sleep. An electrocardiogram (EKG) will measure heart rate and rhythm; chest bands to measure breathing movements and additional monitors to sense oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood as well as monitors to record leg movement. None of the devices is painful and there are no needles involved.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea:
Generally, your doctor will prescribe lifestyle changes and CPAP(Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, but surgery is an option if these treatments fail to succeed. The American Sleep Apnea Association identifies CPAP therapy as the most common treatment for the condition. CPAP therapy works by preventing the airway from closing during sleep. It is administered at bedtime through a nasal or facial mask held in place by Velcro straps around the patient’s head. The mask is connected by a tube to a small air compressor. The CPAP machine sends air under pressure through the tube and into the mask, where it imparts positive pressure to the upper airways, preventing the tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing during sleep.
CPAP therapy can be an extremely effective form of treatment, however the biggest problem is non-compliance. It has been estimated that over 65% of patients use the machine for a maximum of just 4 hours per night when it should be used for the duration of the patient’s sleep. In many cases, patients report using the CPAP for just a few nights out of the week.
Discomfort is a major factor contributing to non-compliance. During side sleeping or stomach sleeping, the mask presses and rubs against the patient’s face, which is a major comfort problem and can also distort the mask, causing leaks and furthering the non-compliance problem.
The people at Contour Products have developed a solution to the issue of CPAP comfort and compliance, called the CPAP Multi-Mask Sleep Aid. It improves:
· Mask comfort
· Freedom of movement during sleep
· Multi-position sleeping for side, back and stomach sleepers
· Neck support and spinal alignment
It reduces:
- Mask leaks
- Mask pressure on face
- Airway resistance du to better neck support
The Contour CPAP Pillow works with all major brands and styles of masks
For more information on the new sleep aid pillow,
Back To The Basics: 10 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Back Pain
Back To The Basics: 10 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Back Pain
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Always lift with your knees, never with your back. Squat down, knees bent, back straight and angled forward slightly. Lift the object and slowly straighten your knees as you go.
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Keep your back limber through exercise. When at the gym, don’t overlook the importance of back exercises. Doing back exercises along with your regular routine will keep you’re back strong and will help avoid injuries from back strain in the future.
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Keep trim. Excess weight puts enormous strain on your back. Any woman who has ever been pregnant can tell you how the extra pounds take a toll on the back muscles, especially during the last few months.
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Pay attention to the ergonomics of your work station. Be certain that you’re not crouching down to type at your computer. You should be able to maintain good posture at your desk.
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If your job requires heavy and/or repetitive lifting, consider talking to someone about wearing a lower back support. There are numerous styles available depending on your situation and needs.
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Keep your cool. Stress can aggravate many conditions, bad backs included.
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Stretch during the day. Take a few minutes midway through the morning and midway through the afternoon and stretch your body. You’ll be amazed at how refreshing this simple exercise can be.
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If you spend a good portion of your day behind the wheel, pick a parking space farther away from the building rather than choosing the closest one you can find. The walk will do you and your back a great deal of good.
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Maintain good daytime posture. Walk with shoulders back and even with hips. Mom was right, don’t slouch in your chair. Sit up straight shoulders back, low back slightly arched. Slouching can put tremendous strain on your back muscles. If you think that the assistance of a back and/or seat support would help you maintain good posture, by all means invest in one.
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Maintain good nighttime posture. The average person replaces his/her mattress once every ten years. Does this make sense considering that we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed? Pay attention to your sleeping surface. It should support a good sleeping posture. Even the best, most expensive mattresses can’t always provide proper support and alignment. You need something that matches your body’s natural contours. Consider purchasing a mattress topper to help maintain good support and alignment.
Contour Living (www.contourliving.com) provides a full line of ergonomic products designed to support and comfort your back. Visit now to see how you can sit, rest and sleep more comfortably. Top products include the Mattress Genie bed lift, Contour Twist Neck Pillow, and many memory foam pillows for head, legs and more.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Save Your Neck!
Save Your Neck!
The single most common reason for neck pain is poor posture, plain and simple. Sitting for prolonged periods hunched over a computer, for example, can do it, as can poor sleeping posture. Many people respond to stress by tensing up their neck muscles, which over time, can lead to neck pain as well as headaches. All of the above can cause painful conditions such as neck strain or even pinched nerves.
Neck strain is most often the result of sleeping in an awkward position. This puts tension on the muscles that run along the back of your neck. If you experience neck stiffness upon waking in the morning, this is most likely what has happened. A good way to relieve the pain and loosen muscles is to stand under a hot shower and lit the water run on the nape of your neck. Press your chin to your chest to stretch out those neck muscles for about 30 seconds. Then hold your head back, pause, and flex forward again. Now roll your neck from side to side a few times. This should help to ease the stiffness and pain.
It has been estimated that 70% of all pinched nerves are caused by poor posture. Basically, a pinched nerve means that a disc that sits between two nerves in the neck has probably been bumped out of place. In addition to the pain that you feel in your neck, you may also experience some numbness and/or a tingling sensation in your arms and hands. You’ll need to seek medical attention for this one. Your care giver will likely prescribe neck-stretching exercises to alleviate pain and improve your neck’s muscles to keep the disc in place. Something you can do at home? Improve your posture. Be sure that your head doesn’t bend forward too much. When you are seated in proper posture, you should be able to draw a straight line from your ears to your shoulders on down to the hips.
Below are some additional ideas that you can do at home to help cut down on neck pain:
- Take a bath towel and fold it lengthwise. Wrap it around your neck before bedtime
- Try aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and inflammation – use as directed
- Massage your neck muscles
- Relax - Take deep breaths, shrug your shoulders
- Support your head and neck all night long with our Contour Cloud and Contour Crescent memory foam pillows
- Use the Contour Twist Pillow for head and neck support while traveling, relaxing or almost any sedentary activity.
Different Types of Headaches
Close to 90% of the population will suffer from some type of headache during
the year. The good news is that about 95% of all headaches are just that -
headaches - in that they are not caused by some type of underlying condition.
Only about 5% of all headaches fall under the category of secondary, meaning
that they are caused by another condition such as sinusitis, meningitis, brain
tumors, etc.
Tension headaches account for about 85% of all headaches. Pain usually
centers around the back of the neck and on the scalp, and is generally
considered mild to moderate. Contrary to popular belief, men and women suffer
from tension headaches at an equal rate, and the pain can last for just a few
hours or up to a full day.
Migraine headaches are the second most common primary headache, and they
affect women more often than they do men. Pain ranges from mild to debilitating,
and often is concentrated on one side of the head, sometimes behind the eye,
although the pain can shift from side to side. Symptoms can also include changes
in vision, such as seeing spots, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and
sound. If headaches occur frequently, it is advisable to seek professional help,
as over the counter medications are often not effective in targeting these types
of headaches.
The least common and most painful type of primary headache is the dreaded
Cluster. The name is appropriate since the pain occurs in clusters that can last
for a few minutes to a few hours, at least once a day for several weeks/months,
often at the same time of day. Men are affected more often than women, and those
who smoke and/or drink heavily are at greater risk. Symptoms of cluster
headaches are unusual as well and include red, watery or swollen eyes, facial
swelling and nasal congestion. Cluster headaches also have a tendency to strike
a few hours into one's sleep.
There are many different "triggers" for headaches, ranging from environmental
factors such as weather and air quality, foods, food additives and posture.
Since it can be difficult to determine the cause of your headaches, it might be
useful to keep a headache journal. Note the time of day your headache begins,
the duration, any pain relievers taken, what you ate, where you were and what
you were doing.
Meanwhile, an easy fix is simply to ensure that you are maintaining proper
posture both during the day and at night. Poor posture for
even brief periods can directly result in headaches and related problems.
Contour Living is a leader in the comfort and support industry and provides many
products designed to alleviate these problems.
Contour is the brand leader in ergonomic products designed specifically for comfort and support. Products include support pillows, wedge cushions, 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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Inside Contour Living - Visit Contour Living Store for ergonomic pillows, neck pillows, mattress and sleep aids, back pain products and more. Plus great articles on better sleep, better posture and better rest.
Contour is a premier designer and manufacturer of products for the comfort and support industry. Top products include the Mattress Genie bed wedge, the Contour Twist neck pillow, Back Max wedge cushions and the Contour Cloud Support pillow. You'll find plenty of products to improve back health, comfort and well-being.
Contour is a premier designer and manufacturer of products for the comfort and support industry. Top products include the Mattress Genie bed wedge, the Contour Twist neck pillow, Back Max wedge cushions and the Contour Cloud Support pillow. You'll find plenty of products to improve back health, comfort and well-being.
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