What is a Magnetic Mattress Pad?

People who suffer from a variety of ailments, including back pain and arthritis, often experience trouble getting a good night's sleep. It's difficult to rest when a body is plagued with an assortment of aches and pain. Now, certain manufacturers hope to persuade pain sufferers to try sleeping on top of a special product that uses magnetic therapy. It's called the magnetic mattress pad.

A magnetic mattress pad is a mattress covering comprised of magnets. The pads are usually 2 inches (5.08 cm) to 4 inches (10.16 cm) thick and are lined with stripes of circular or square magnets sewn into the pad's fabric. Strips of 50 to 200 magnets are attached to the average mattress pad. The magnets are rated between 200 and 10,000 gauss.

Gauss is the standard of measurement used to determine a magnet's force. This force is the amount of energy a magnet releases; therefore, the higher the gauss, the more powerful the magnet. Magnets on the pad are covered with polyester fibers or foam so the sleeper cannot feel the magnets when resting on the mattress.

Proponents of magnetic mattress pads believe that they alleviate a variety of health issues, including joint pain, chronic back aches, fibromyalgia, insomnia, circulation problems, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, lupus, and a variety of other illnesses. These champions of magnetic therapy believe that when magnets touch a specific part of the body, they increase the blood flow. This force attracts iron in the blood, relaxes the capillary walls, and surrounds connective tissue and muscle. Those who believe in magnetic therapy are convinced that this increased blow flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the sore body part, thus causing the body to heal faster.

The FDA has temporarily permitted manufactures to claim that magnets provide basic pain relief. On packaging and advertisements, manufacturers can legally state that a magnetic mattress pad alleviates bone and joint pain. They can also claim that the pad may improve circulation and help someone relax.

Researchers have yet to prove that magnetic therapy actually works, but most agree that employing magnetic therapy has no negative effects. Of course, pregnant women and infants should not use magnetic therapy. Patients with pacemakers, defibrillators, insulin pumps, or other implanted devices should also refrain from sleeping on a magnetic mattress pad. Other people interested in using this type of pad should consult a physician before doing so.

If a consumer decides to purchase a magnetic mattress pad, it's important that he deals with an established company. He should also comparison shop to make sure he receives the best pad for his money. Once he chooses a mattress pad, it may be possible for him to enjoy a good night's sleep, renewed energy, and reduced pain.