A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Rest of the Sleep Disorders Forum Posting


Archived Rest Forum5 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Rest Forum Homepage.

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious...

Posted by Honest Expert on July 06, 2001 at 09:50:22:

In Reply to: Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... posted by Belinda on July 05, 2001 at 22:27:26:

Hi Belinda,

Let me guess: Your back problems are occurring in the lower back?

If I have guessed right, there may be a workable solution for you.

The thing that causes achiness in the muscles of the lower back on most mattresses is exactly what you have surmised: Too little support.

With both waterbeds and airbeds, the mattress gives way at the heaviest point of the body, which is usually the hip region. If the mattress is not set firm enough, it can "hammock." When this happens, the lower back muscles are pulled continuously through the night and, like any overworked muscle, they will begin to complain. The result? Backache.

But the good news about both waterbeds and air beds is that you can make them firmer.

If you were to fill up the bladder all the way, the surface would probably be too firm for you (and maybe even be uncomfortably rounded!). As you begin to lessen the amount of water (or air, in an air bed), the mattress naturally starts to conform to your body shape to provide excellent support. But, inevitably, you get to a threshold point where it no longer shapes to your body; it begins to sag in the middle: to "hammock". There is almost no way to prevent this from happening.

Before you dispose of your waterbed, it will probably be worthwhile to try adding some more water to firm up the feel. By doing this, you will be getting back towards the point where it provides excellent support and doesn't allow you to "hammock."

The question is: Will you have to put so much water into the mattress for support, that it is no longer comfortable for you?

(This is why I believe that waterbeds and air mattresses are a perfect choice for only about 10% of the population. Most people won't like the feel of the mattress if it is adjusted correctly for the proper support. And this is why the air mattress companies all have more -- and more elaborate -- padding on top of their air bladder as you get into their more expensive models: The support, then, can come from the air adjustment and the comfort can come from the padding -- just like a spring mattress! Waterbeds are the same.)

I wouldn't give up on your waterbed just yet. Try some experimentation. But be sure you give each change you make at least a week. It can take at least that long to get used to the change in feel (sometimes up to a month, for some people).

I hope this helps.

Good Luck,
Honest Expert

Follow Ups:


Archived Rest Forum5 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Rest Forum Homepage

  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use.
  • The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes.
  • Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2005 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved