Back and Sleep Support

Low back pain affects 60%-80% of the U.S. adult population at some time during their lives. Back symptoms are among the top 10 leading reasons to visit the emergency room. With statistics like these, it only makes sense to do what is necessary to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Here are ten easy ways to help maintain a healthy back

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.
   
5. 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.
   
6. Keep your cool. Stress can aggravate many conditions, bad backs included.
   
7. 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.
   
8. 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.
   
9. 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.
   
10. 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.

Our back support and back health products store 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.

Symptoms of sciatica pain can include the following:
1. Tingling (sometime described as burning) in legs and thighs
2. Pain associated with sitting, especially in the rear-end
3. Shooting. Temporary pain, extending into legs and sometimes making standing difficult
4. Numbness in legs and feet
5. Constant pain and aching in the rear and /or legs, usually focused on one side only.

Often, pains associated with sciatica can produce low back pain, tingling sensations numbness and pain in the legs and rear-end. Sciatica pain isn't a specific condition itself, but rather describes symptoms of other lower back conditions. Actual conditions affecting the sciatic nerve include disc herniation (bulging or slipped discs) spinal stenosis , "pinched nerves, etc. Sciatica pain is connected to the sciatic nerve which extends from the upper back, through the rear-end, and down your legs. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. Irritation to this sciatic nerve can cause sciatica pain, which can then lead to aching and discomfort often in the lower body.

Sitting in a correct and aligned posture is important in keeping these symptoms controlled. Often, positioning your body correctly will ease the underlying condition and enable the irritation to relax and rehabilitate. This can promote healing. Try using a seat wedge cushion while seated in office chairs, autos, etc. These cushions are ergonomically designed to tilt your pelvis forward and help to maintain the natural lumbar curve.

When sleeping, it's also important to keep your body aligned properly. This includes the spine, and legs. See why sleeping in an aligned position is important to sleeping with sciatica
pain. Specially designed leg pillows for side sleepers can help maintain good sleeping posture, reduce spinal twisting and keep the pelvis stabilized. Back sleepers can take the pressure off of their lower spine by placing a pillow or wedge below their knees. Try to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and always exhibit good posture in everything that you do.

Back Sleeping:
Pros: Ideal for relieving any acid reflux, heartburn or uncomfortable GERD symptoms, minimizes back pain, also minimizes any pressure from swollen knees, hips or abdomen post-surgery, minimizes wrinkles in the face as it is free from any pressure or indentation
Cons: Not ideal for snoring
Best Pillow Type: The best type of pillow for the back sleeper is one that is soft and fluffy, with enough of a padding to cushion the head while aligning the neck and spine. ContourLiving recommends their most popular sleeping pillow, the Contour Cloud Pillow; the triple layer foam design features memory foam plus neck support, making it perfect for back and side sleepers. Dr. Steven Diamant, a New York Chiropractor suggests sleeping on your back as the best position because "It makes it easy for your head, neck and spine to maintain a neutral position. You're not forcing any extra curves into your back. It's also ideal for fighting acid reflux."

Side Sleeping:
Pros: sleeping on your side is great for preventing neck and back pain. This position not only offers better sleep quality during pregnancy but is better at preventing snoring and reducing GERD and acid reflux symptoms.
Cons: If you tend to favor one side over the other, the neck and back may become stiff throughout the night. There is also an increased opportunity for wrinkles to appear in the face as ventilation is not as prevalent on the side facing the pillow.
Best Pillow Type: A soft but sturdy pillow is ideal for this type of position. Sturdy in the sense it offers enough support to keep the neck and back aligned without sinking too far downward causing a curve in the spine. The Contour Ortho-Fiber pillow as well as the Contour Pedic pillow are both ideal for side sleepers, as they both properly support the head, neck and shoulders for better sleep. The fiber fill and memory foam provide a soft, high quality orthopedic support with temperature sensitive foam that truly contours your individual shape. For full body support, ContourLiving recommends the StaphCheck body pillow as well as the Snoozer. These hyper-allergenic full body pillows cushion the entire body from head to toe and may be used in a variety of positions. Side sleepers have also been found to use a body pillow under or in between the legs for added support. The Contour Leg pillow is a perfect nighttime addition, as it is crafted from 100% memory foam for superior comfort. Support pillows also help to relieve sciatica pain, ensuring comfort the whole night through.

Stomach Sleepers:
Pros: Sleeping on your stomach is an instinctual position that to many feels completely natural. This position is ideal if the sleeper has no acid reflux or sleep apnea condition because it allows the lower body to lay straight with the head and neck elevated off of the mattress just enough to align the spine properly.
Cons: Like the side sleeper, the neck and back have a greater chance of becoming stiff if not aligned properly. If the sleeper suffers from any type of acid reflux, this would not be a comfortable position, as the head and esophagus is not elevated enough to prevent uncomfortable symptoms from arising.
Best Pillow Type: Being that the majority of the body is lying face down, soft and fluffy tends to be the most comfortable. This means a well crafted mattress topper may be the key element. The Contour Cloud Memory Foam Mattress Topper is ideal for the stomach sleeper as it is ergonomic and orthopedic design provides extra support to the lumbar region, improving your sleep surface instantly. It features three layers of memory and support foams. The top layer of this bed pad is plush memory foam and molds to fit your body's every curve and helps to relieve stress and pressure. The yellow insert adds lumbar support for your waist, lower back and hips to support your spine in its natural position. The blue foam base provides overall cushioning and ensures that the mattress will not bottom out beneath the weight of your body. Many stomach sleepers prefer a soft and fluffy pillow, containing memory foam or some type of fiber fill for ultimate softness for the face. For added comfort, it has been found that many who favor this position oftentimes sleep with another pillow underneath the hips or lower abdomen.

See Our Contour Bed Pillow Selection

Survey Proves Contour CPAP Pillow Improves Patient Comfort

Over 96% of Respiratory Therapists Agree, Mask Users Benefit from this Pillow
Fort Lauderdale (May 13, 2009) - Contour Products%u2122, a leader in the sleep, support and comfort industry is proud to release the results of a recent survey conducted among respiratory therapists who work with CPAP patients on a daily basis. One of the most common issues among CPAP therapy users is the discomfort they experience when sleeping with their CPAP mask, as a result of the mask pressing against the side of their face. The Contour CPAP Pillow alleviates this problem with its innovative pressure-free zones designed to accommodate any respiratory mask so that users stay comfortable, even in the side-sleeping position.

"We're extremely pleased that respiratory therapists from throughout the country have acknowledged and supported that the patented design of our Contour CPAP Pillow significantly improves comfort among CPAP therapy patients," says Contour Products founder Scott Davis. ""We've received tremendous feedback from end users on these same issues, but to have members of the medical community respond as consistently and favorably as they did is truly gratifying. It's great to have this additional credibility."


Learn more about the Contour CPAP Pillow Here

Another significant area that was explored in this survey was the topic of mask leaks. More than 91 percent of respiratory therapists surveyed also agreed that the Contour CPAP Pillow is successful in reducing mask leaks, which is another major barrier to compliance among CPAP therapy patients. Aside from causing dry skin around the face, nostrils and eyes, mask leaks can contribute to patients not getting the prescribed amount of pressurized air. Mask leaks compromise compliance because of the air leakage as well as the discomfort and noise caused by the leaks.

Additional pillow features that address key issues affecting patient compliance include ergonomically designed head, neck and shoulder support to reinforce comfort. The Contour CPAP Pillow has specifically molded spots for users' ears to rest in when side sleeping for added relief. And, the pillow's inclined upper sides support the forehead to help prevent patients from rotating their chin downward, compromising airway alignment.

Recently upgraded features of the Contour CPAP Pillow include a more advanced, precisely molded design made of poured foam for a higher quality, more supportive and resilient product. A new thicker cover of silky, quilted padding in the hollowed-out sections of the pillow and along the shoulder area ensures that the mask, hose and body easily glide over the pillow when users change positions at night. The pillow is backed by a full five-year warranty and boasts updated packaging that more thoroughly conveys its features and benefits in a user-friendly format.

Responding to customer feedback, a new accessory kit is now available, too. The kit includes a 1" booster to make the CPAP pillow thicker for larger users and a new quilted cover accommodates the extra depth. There is also a new hose tether for increased hose control and handling and a 6-foot matching quilted, zippered hose cover.

"The Contour CPAP Pillow is great for use both during titration and in the home setting," says Scott Davis. "By controlling the mask variable during titration, the process becomes more manageable and improves patient acceptance of the interface. Using the pillow at home ensures comfort and compliance after titration."

Contour CPAP Pillow

Results from Survey of Respiratory Therapists Nationwide

• 100% of Respiratory Therapists agreed that the Contour CPAP Pillow reduces the tendency of the mask to press against the user's face.


• More than 96% of Respiratory Therapists agreed that the Contour CPAP Pillow improves patient comfort when using a CPAP Mask.


• Over 91% of Respiratory Therapists agreed that using the Contour CPAP Pillow reduces mask leaks.


• More than 87% of Respiratory Therapists agreed that the Contour CPAP Pillow reduces mask discomfort for the user.


• 83% of Respiratory Therapists agreed that the Contour CPAP Pillow makes it easier to use CPAP Therapy.

Learn more about the Contour CPAP Pillow Here

Contour Cloud Mattress Substantiation Sheet

Quality and duration of sleep are affected by many factors such as noise, mental stress, physical pressure concentration, posture and support. Anything that can be done to reduce these negative factors improves sleep. The Contour Cloud Mattress pad's specially engineered design addresses issues related to pressure points, posture and support to dramatically improve quality of sleep and increase the duration of time spent in the deepest, most restorative levels of sleep.

The Contour Cloud Mattress Pad has been tested three different ways:

1. Sleep Efficiency Tests
* Wrist Actigraph Studies measure muscle movements in the body during sleep. This type of test is considered to be a good indicator of the quality of sleep that a person is getting.
* When using the Contour Cloud Mattress pad, participants' sleep efficiency levels rose dramatically. On average, participants gained an extra 27 minutes of deep, restorative levels of quality sleep, and they experienced less fragmented sleep.
* Sleep efficiency levels are particularly important for people who are in situations where sleep times are limited, such as Navy personnel. These people need to make the most of the time that they have to sleep, so that they can be better prepared to carry out their duties during awake hours. There are numerous studies that point to a lack of sleep and/or poor quality sleep affecting a person's level of alertness and his/her ability to function effectively and think clearly.
* A few examples are listed below:
* Slowed reaction time
* Creativity, short term memory and sense of humor are all compromised by a lack of quality sleep
* One dramatic example of this is that the loss of one hour of sleep during daylight savings time causes traffic accidents to increase by 7%-8%
2. Pressure Studies

* Pressure studies measure the amount of pressure that the body has when laying on different types of sleep surfaces to show how well the body's weight is distributed. The more even the weight distribution, the lower the pressure.
* The average person tosses and turns about 70 times during the night, resulting in fragmented, low quality sleep. Often times, tossing and turning occurs when the person attempts to relieve pressure on a particular area of the body. Shoulders and hips, for example, are pressure "hot spots" and often endure the brunt of the pressure when a person sleeps on a non-supportive surface. The less supportive the surface, the less even the weight distribution is, which in turn causes the person to toss and turn. A person often awakes during the night in response to pressure build-up to adjust his/her position in an effort to relieve it.
* When participants laid on the Contour Cloud Mattress Pad, as opposed to a regular mattress, there was a dramatic reduction in pressure points all over the body. The participants' weight was more evenly distributed, so pressure was relieved on "hot spot" areas of the body like shoulders, hips and knees.
* When you reduce these pressure points, you are able to sleep more comfortably in one position for longer periods of time, which minimizes fragmented sleep and maximizes time spent in the deeper, more restorative levels of sleep.

3. Posture and Alignment

o In order for a sleep surface to be truly supportive, it must have some amount of cushion as well as a shape to it that matches the subtle curves of the body. Mattresses are flat, they have no shape and often they're either too hard, resulting in a rigid sleep surface, or they're too soft, resulting in a hammocking effect that can be particularly detrimental to your lower back area.
o Video Fluoroscopy is basically a moving x-ray, which shows the inside of the body in motion. With it, we are able to demonstrate how well the Contour Cloud Mattress Pad supports and aligns the body's skeletal system.
o When the body's skeletal system is properly supported, surrounding muscles are able to relax during sleep.

Contour Cloud Mattress Pad Construction and Features & Benefits

1. 2-1/2" thick triple layer design features a surface layer of heat sensitive material called Soft-Touch memory foam
* Molds to fit your body's every curve for superior weight distribution and minimal tossing and turning during the night.
* This type of material was originally developed for NASA to cushion astronauts on lift-off.
* Ribbed surface allows air to circulate through the pad so you stay cool and comfortable during the night.
2. Middle layer contains a lumbar support
* Maintains the spine's proper curve and helps to minimize low back pain caused by poor sleep posture.
* Fills in the gap that flat mattresses leave around the lumbar and waist area to maintain the natural arch in your low back and encourage proper sleep posture during resting periods
3. Base Layer :
* Constructed of high quality dense foam for excellent nighttime support
* Prevents the mattress pad from bottoming out underneath the body's weight.

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.Learn More about this Foam Mattress Topper Here

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a medical syndrome characterized by musculoskeletal pain, all over the body ;  in the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. While not a true form of arthritis, it is a type of rheumatism of the body's soft tissues and muscles. It's a common ailment, affecting almost five million people in the United States alone. More than 75% of those who have Fibromyalgia are women mostly in ages of thirty-five to sixty. It can, however can affect anyone at any age.

90% of all FMS sufferers have experienced significant disturbances to sleep patterns. Especially, stage four sleep (the deepest, most restorative level of sleep) , is effected. Stage four sleep is when muscles and other body parts have an opportunity to regenerate. Many experts agree that the associated muscle pain patients feel occurs because the muscles are deprived of the rejuvenation process that would occur during stage 4 sleep. Sleep problems among FMS patients vary. While some people have trouble falling asleep, others fall asleep fine but awaken numerous times during the night. Many  toss and turn, and after waking are unable to fall back to sleep.

FMS sufferers also realize more fatigue during the day. The ability to function normally is greatly diminished. Often, 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 because of the syndrome.  
People who have Fibromyalgia should take extra measures to ensure a better and more productive nights rest. Since the pain can affect muscles and joints throughout the body, several mattress aids can help with Fibromyalgia: mattress toppers can soften hard and uncomfortable mattresses, the right pillow often will place your body in the proper position and help improve sleep, and other pillows (leg pillows, etc) can help with specific positioning or special body parts. A more comfortable, relaxed and support position will contribute to better rest.

With proper night-time support and  extra level of comfort, sleeping with Fibromyalgia can be improved. You should be able to minimize the adverse affect on restorative sleep, can help reduce body aches and pains, and help maintain a more active and productive lifestyle!

CPAP Accessories Improve Comfort and Compliance

CPAP Moisturizers, Creams, Cleaners and more!

If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you're probably familiar with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP therapy is a very effective treatment for Sleep Apnea, however, success is sometimes limited by poor compliance. This is usually related to trouble sleeping with a CPAP mask, or discomfort associated with sleeping with a CPAP mask an night.

Many times, it is a challenge to adjust to sleeping with CPAP masks and accessories. As CPAP masks press against your face, it can cause discomfort, skin irritation and drying out of the eyes, face and entire nasal area. Even the CPAP hose can be difficult to control, sleep movement can become restricted and your bedroom environment can become clinical and cold feeling.

Some good news: theer a re many CPAP accessories now available which help with these CPAP sleep issues. Among the most helpful are CPAP bed pillows that are specifically designed to accommodate CPAP masks, improving comfort and reducing mask leaks. Additionally, CPAP hose tethers attach to the pillow and allow for better control during the night, by keeping the hose out of your way. Specially formulated lotions and creams prevent nasal irritation and drying out of the skin, nostrils and eyes. CPAP cleaning wipes are also available which make it easy to keep up with maintenance on your CPAP sleep unit, masks and all accessories.

Addresses Multiple Comfort & Support Problems

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, (June 1, 2007) - Contour Products%u2122, a leader in the ergonomic support and comfort industry, introduced today the new Butterfly 3-in-1 Massage Pillow%u2122. This product is the next generation of the popular Contour Leg Pillow, which continues to sell successfully at numerous major retail chains nationwide.

The pillow's hinged design, which allows it to open and close to provide comfort to different parts of the legs, prompted the "Butterfly" name and the application for patents on this unique innovation. The pillow's massage feature also offers additional relaxation for maximum comfort.

In the closed position, the Butterfly Leg Pillow rests between the user's thighs for better low body support and hip alignment, just like the original leg pillow. This position relaxes back muscles and reduces painful pressure on hips, knees and joints. In the open position, the pillow can sit on the floor and cradle the user's feet for a soothing massage or lie under the user's ankles to elevate the legs, relieving pressure on the lower back. People suffering from swelling or edema in their legs also benefit from assuming this leg-elevation position. The massage function can be activated in any of the positions with just the flick of a switch.

"This product takes the idea of the original leg pillow several steps further," Scott Davis, president and CEO of Contour Products, said. "The item's ability to convert from a traditional leg pillow to a foot- or calve-massage pillow separates it from anything else in the marketplace."

When opened to cradle the thighs, calves or heels, the pillow's massage feature can relax tense muscles in each leg while the user lays on his or her back or stomach. When closed, the user can place the pillow between the legs for a soothing inner-thigh massage. The pillow's memory foam molds to fit the exact shape of the user's knees, thighs, calves, ankles or heels for a custom fit, superior support and unsurpassed comfort.

Buy the new Butterfly Multi Purpose Massaging Leg Pillow Here