What is a GERD mattress topper? A GERD mattress topper is a foam device to put on your bed that will help prevent the symptoms of GERD.
Each year, up to 40% of people will experience heartburn and many of these will have GERD. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition of repeated and often daily heartburn.
The condition is made worse at night because stomach acid will find it much easier to leave the stomach and cause the burning sensation. When you are standing, you will naturally experience less heartburn than if you are standing, because stomach acid has gravity to fight against. This is where a GERD mattress topper can really help you.
A GERD mattress topper is usually made from foam and lies on top of your mattress. Ideally, you should place your bed sheets over the top of it so, unfortunately, elasticated sheets do not normally work over a GERD mattress topper -- but you can try using larger sheets if you have them.
There are many different types of GERD mattress topper and you should try each one out until you find one that is comfortable.
Some types are lined with contours or ribs. These can help grip your back and stop you slipping down the device.
Other more expensive types of GERD mattress topper feature a foam "memory" feature which means that the unit will mold itself to the shape of your back each time you use it.
You can even get a GERD mattress topper with a bed lift which allows you to custom control the angle of inclination, much like a hospital bed.
Ultimately, a GERD mattress topper is a much more dedicated and custom solution compared to simply raising the head of the bed with a few books or pieces of wood. They can help sufferers of GERD and acid reflux a great deal and reduce their symptoms significantly, resulting in a better night's sleep for the affected person and their partner.
How to Use Memory Foam Mattress Pads
Memory foam, the gel-like polyurethane material that holds impressions on its surface, is mostly associated with mattress pads. The memory foam mattress pad was first put to use in hospitals in the 1980s, where the material proved itself invaluable in reducing pressure sores for bedridden patients. In the 1990s, the memory foam mattress pad was introduced to the general public, at pretty exorbitant prices. Realizing its potential for popularity, private companies worldwide began marketing their own versions. Now, more and more people are investing in good sleep thanks to memory foam, as prices continue to decline and accommodate the growing market.
The terms “memory foam mattress topper”, “memory foam topper”, “memory foam mattress pad”, and “memory foam pad” are all interchangeable. A memory foam mattress pad provides much of the comfort and support of a memory foam mattress, at a fraction of the cost. You place the mattress pad on an existing bed, preferably one with plenty of firm support.
The pad must be broken in over a period of days or weeks. Try sleeping directly on top of the foam, rather than on a sheet covering it, to speed the process of breaking it in.
Memory foam, despite the breathability of its open-celled composition, can sometimes heat up, making it somewhat uncomfortable to sleep on. Many retailers and manufacturers recognize this, and recommend trying the mattress pad with and without a top sheet. You might find a great difference in temperature. You can also try lowering your room temperature.
On the other hand, memory foam is temperature-sensitive, so the mattress might be too hard for you if your room temperature is below 65. If this is a problem, try warming your memory foam mattress with an electric blanket before going to bed.
If you want to protect your memory foam mattress pad from spills and accidents, you can buy covers made from a blend of soft cotton and water-resistant polymers. You can often obtain a memory foam mattress cover from the same place you bought your mattress.