Is your Bed Ergonomically Sound?

For most, the idea of choosing a mattress is pretty much a no-brainer. So long as it’s comfortable, within the right price range, and fits the frame, it seems to be a good choice. Right? But there’s actually a whole new side to buying mattresses that are rarely considered – ergonomics. Just like setting up one’s office desk, driver’s seat, or cooking station, a bed can be made more ergonomically sound.

It’s frequency – after all, you sleep in it every night for multiple hours at a time – makes these adjustments even more prevalent. When purchasing or setting up a new bedroom set, consider the ergonomics a comfortable night’s sleep that will help prevent future aches and pains.

What Makes Sleeping Quarters Ergonomic?

Though it can be argued that once a person’s in the bed, few other measurements matter, that’s not to say they won’t have some type of effect. For instance, hosting a bed that is too short or too tall may not seem like a big deal. But after years of jumping or slouching onto the bed, a bodily pattern begins to emerge. This may or may not be painful, but sticking to an agronomical design is the only way to avoid symptoms altogether.

Other factors include the mattress itself – obviously it should be free from indentions, lumps, or sags – as well as reading or TV watching before sleep. If regularly used for entertainment purposes, be sure your bed offers ergonomic options. This can include reclining buttons or controls, pillows that properly support, or mattress placement. Be sure that the TV angle isn’t too severe, which can help avoid neck or vision straining.

Check with an ergonomics expert, or look to placement guides to find the best fit for your specific bedroom and mattress height/placement.

Though changing your bedroom to be more ergonomic may sound like a daunting task, knowledge is half the battle. Just being aware as to what makes a healthy location decision allows you to choose better adjustments along the way. Even when a new bedroom set and/or TV location isn’t in the works.

Now What?

Remember to keep these ergonomic tips in mind when purchasing a new pillow, lounging in the recliner, or reading before bed. Self awareness can allow for a better setup and back support without spending money or rearranging the house.

However, new supportive pillows are a happy medium. Consider them for a better ergonomic flow without breaking the bank.

And to learn more about back and bedroom health, be sure to check out our Back to Health website.

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CPAP Therapy and How it Can Help

CPAP – also known as continuous positive airway pressure – is a growing treatment among those with breathing problems. Whether sleep induced or caused by another form of sickness, CPAP helps patients young and old maintain a healthy breathing pattern while sleeping. The therapy is most often seen in those with sleep apnea and babies with lungs that are not yet developed.

With the former, CPAP helps keep air moving so patients won’t wake up from breathing interruptions. By keeping airways open with this constantly moving oxygen, patients no longer suffer from frequent waking, which is caused by collapsed airwaves during sleep. While, with infants, breathing treatments allows lungs to rest and grow while a machine takes care of the air flow. That way young, underdeveloped lungs don’t get tired out before they’re able to naturally expand.

What Exactly Does CPAP Do?

Consisting of a mask, machine, and a tube that connects the two, the CPAP machine pushes a constant flow of oxygen. One wears the machine at night to receive breathing assistance until morning, or whenever a doctor deems necessary. The mask comes in all sizes so it can properly fit each patient, and sits atop the nose. Some versions cover both the nose and mouth, while both come with straps to keep the mask securely (but comfortably) in place.

Most machines are small, lightweight, and create soft, rhythmic noise as to not interrupt the sleeper. Specialized versions also come with humidifiers or heaters, depending on the specific type of treatment. CPAP machines are easily portable, helping those that travel regularly or need the machine throughout the day.

Compared with alternate breathing treatments, CPAP machines are known to be much less invasive than ventilators or steroids (used to strengthen infants’ lungs). Oftentimes they are chosen first to create a more natural treatment regimen. 

How to Get Started

CPAP users must first be diagnosed by a doctor. Once receiving a prescription, patients work with a home equipment or medical provider to find the best machine to fit each person’s size and condition. It’s also likely follow ups will take place to ensure the equipment is still as efficient as possible, and that symptoms are being effectively treated with CPAP’s help.

Though it’s used to treat a wide variety of medical instances, CPAP therapy has shown to offer a great deal of support for both breathing and sleeping problems.

To find out more about CPAP and better sleep, check out our articles page.

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Sleep on Cloud 9 with Contour’s Cloud Memory Foam Pillow

Having “slept on a cloud” may sound line a growing cliché. Where, in the land of dreams, sleepers enter at their leisure, obtain a wonderful night of rest, and then return to their beds, fully recharged and ready to take on the day. (There may or may not be a realm of floating clouds that play harp music 24 hours a day, too.) Cheesy as that may sound, it also seems like a great way to spend the night. No one wants to toss and turn, or wake up with a crook in the neck.

So stop waking up in pain already! If it’s as easy as getting some new gear for your bed, why not take action for more restful, comfortable nights?

With the help of the Contour Cloud Memory Foam Pillow you can gain access to a pillow that fits your form every time you use it. The more nights’ sleep you’ve had with the Cloud, the better it will fit your head and neck shape -- and all while you’re catching some Zs. Simply stick to your regular nighttime routine to see immediate results in comfort, pain relief, and added support.

Build with three layers of quality materials, sleepers can rest assured this pillow will lead them to the perfect night’s sleep they’ve always wanted.

Why Three Layers?

The Cloud Memory Foam Pillow comes with multiple layers for a specific reason – each has its own duty in the process of custom head support. First comes a white, soft memory foam layer; this section molds to your head and back to provide a level of comfort we call “cloud-like.” Next, the yellow, more firm layer works to support the head and neck as you sleep. This area of the pillow helps reduce aches and pains by holding the spine steady. Both of those layers sit atop a blue “support base,” which works to keep the entire pillow in place. Without it, the Cloud’s lifespan would be significantly reduced, as it holds all the pieces together in a firm upright position.

The Cloud pillow is also created in a unique shape so that it can hold the head and neck in place at the same time, but without compromising one or the other.

With everything the Cloud Memory Foam pillow has to offer, it’s no wonder it’s our number one pillow! Try it for yourself to achieve a comfortable, cloud-like sleeping experience.

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How to Improve Back Health at the Office

When sitting for most of the working day, finding a comfortable (and back healthy) position can be a difficult task. It may be easier to type on the computer, enter data, or browse websites from the sitting position, but that doesn’t mean it’s doing our backs or rear ends any favors. Chances are, by the end of the week, it’s taken its toll. You might have pains, aches, numbness, or even just restless legs that are ready to walk and explore the office.

By taking a few steps to better prepare for prolonged sitting, you can work to diminish these negative effects.

To achieve better sitting health:

Purchase a lumbar support pillow

Made specifically for lower back support, these cushions keep your seat seated in a firm, yet comfortable position. It will also better align the back for a more appealing posture.

Adjust office equipment

Is your office ergonomically sound? Consider the height of your chair, keyboard, or mouse when arranging a desk. Elbows and knees should sit at a 90-degree angle, and backs shouldn’t slouch or bend. These simple fixes could help greatly reduce sitting-related pain.

Get regular exercise

During a break, be sure and get in plenty of walking time. This can be done on a work treadmill, around the office, or, weather permitting, outside. Take 10 or 15 minutes to do some stretches and get the body pumping. This change of pace can greatly improve circulation and muscle tension.

Stretch the back

When sitting, stretch your arms, back, and neck. When stagnant for too long the body can tense up; even quick, irregular stretches can offer a needed movement to get the body out of its sitting-too-long funk.

Get a new chair

Is your chair more than a few years old? If so it may not be lacking in both comfort and support. Look for a new model with the proper backand rear support, and the ability to adjust both horizontal and vertical settings. Moving both pieces offer the only way to get a custom ergonomic fit.

Eating a healthy diet can also improve one’s sitting health, by making sure you’re awake and alert (and not slouching) throughout the day. From posture to diet to whatever it is you’re sitting on, remember there are plenty of back health fixes. Whenever sitting for long periods at a time, look to the above for a list of easy fixes to an ongoing problem.

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Benefits of the Contour Leg Pillow

Necks, heads, and feet are often home to a soft, fluffy pillow. Whether sleeping, traveling, or just looking for some extra support, these pillows come ready-made and with all types of materials in tow. You can even choose different colors or levels of softness, so you’re sure to have the perfect comfort level in any location.

But what about the legs? With all of these specialized pillows, few seem to remember that legs need just as much support as the other guys. After all, they’re the gateway to back support; leg pillows can provide some much needed pain relief, as well as making for a more comfortable night’s sleep.

It’s time to stop overlook the leg pillow and see just what it has to offer.

How it Works

The Contour Leg Pillow is naturally shaped to fit the curve of your legs. With its rounded mold and ability to form to each individual’s unique body shape, the pillow acts as a customized sleeping tool. Simply place it between your upper or lower legs to achieve leg, back, knee, and hip support throughout the night. You can even use it while watching TV or sitting at a desk for added comfort. And since it’s made with memory foam, the more you use it, the better it will fit your specific mold.

The Contour Leg Pillow is ideal for anyone who has backpains, regularly sleeps on their side, or is just looking for a little extrasleeping support. All ages can take comfort in knowing that their bodies have gained a little extra overnight support. Thanks to its shaped design and ability to mold, the Contour Leg Pillow is great for virtually any shape and size.

With the Contour Leg Pillow you can:

·      Reduce back pressure

·      Increase leg and back comfort levels, as well as the hips and knees

·      Comfortably sleep on your side or back

·      Achieve natural alignment

·      Help alleviate sore muscles and pain

·      Create a one-of-a-kind, customized fitting pillow

The pillow also comes with a removable pillowcase, so you can be sure to keep it clean at all times. And for hot sleepers, there’s even a “cool” leg pillow to pull body heat and cool while providing the same legsupporting results.

For support without the fuss, remember that legs need a pillow too. To learn more or order yours today, head to our products page.

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