Magnetic mattress pads

The magnetic mattress pad has many "health" and "sleep easing" claims made of it and there is some weight of evidence to support these beneficial statements. So what is a magnetic mattress pad and who could "potentially" benefit from sleeping on one?

A magnetic mattress pad is a mattress topper that generates a magnetic force around the person lying upon it and it does so by using a matrix of embedded magnets. You can also buy magnetic mattresses that incorporate these magnets and have the same effect.

Many people lose sleep because of chronic pain conditions and it is claimed that a number of these conditions can now be relieved by using a magnetic mattress pad. Magnetic Mattresses and pads provide magnetic therapy while you sleep and are claimed to relieve moderate discomfort and sleep disturbances.

How magnetic mattress pads work

Magnetic Mattress pads improve sleep by using concentric circle magnets strategically imbedded in the upper layer of the mattress to improve circulation, accelerate healing and enhance pain relief. A Magnetic Mattress (or a mattress pad topper) is made with imbedded concentric circle magnets and creates a magnetic field within which the sleeper rests. It is this therapy that is claimed to help reduce pain, accelerate healing and improve circulation.

The structure of a magnetic mattress pad

A magnetic mattress pad is usually 2 to 4 inch thick and is composed of 50 to 200 circular or square magnets sewn into a resistant fabric. A king size magnetic mattress pad typically costs between $200 (£100) and $2,000 (£1000) dependent up on the manufacturer, the magnetic field strength and the quality of the inner material used to cushion and retain the magnets.

As an example, a magnetic pad could contain 1inch diameter magnetic disks spaced at about 2 ½ inches apart and set to a depth of 1 inch beneath the top surface of the pad.

What do magnetic mattress pads do

It is claimed that magnetic mattress pads can cure insomnia, fibromyalgia, reduce pain, accelerate healing, ease systemic arthritis, improve circulation and offer you a restful night's sleep. It is also said that they can reduce bone, joint and muscle pain – and all at the same time.

So what do magnetic mattresses and pads actually do?

The best magnetic mattress pads project a pure North and negative magnetic field directly up above the bed's sleeping surface. This magnetic field can extend up to 16 inches beyond the top of the bed and subsequently engulfs the sleeper in the field.

The extent to which this magnetic field achieves the claims of its "pad and mattress" manufacturers has yet to be proved beyond doubt, however, several double blind clinical studies have shown that properly designed magnetic mattress pads are effective in relieving chronic pain and improving the quality of sleep. They also appear to confirm that pain relief continues to improve over time.

The conclusions of one specific report was that, sleeping on a magnetic mattress pad with a magnet surface field strength of 1100+-50 Gauss (delivering 200-600 Gauss at the skin surface) provides statistically significant and clinically relevant pain relief and sleep improvement in subjects with Fibromyalgia.

The conclusion of another year long study indicated that magnetic mattress pads proved effective on neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, lower limb pain, insomnia, and fatigue. It also claimed that they have no side effects.

Summary

Based on recent research and the feedback of many users, it appears that when using a magnetic mattress pad it is possible to experience a deeper and more restful sleep and to wake-up more energised and alert and with fewer aches and pains.

Before you buy a magnetic mattress or mattress pad

Do some research of your own (you can see what manufacturers say by clicking on the adverts on this page).

Speak to your doctor if you have any known medical condition and if you have an implanted pacemaker, Do NOT use a magnetic mattress pad or similar product.

Another form of therapy mattress is the aromatherapy mattress that releases a soothing and relaxing aroma around the sleeping person.