Acid Reflux and Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds have been available for many years and have numerous medical benefits, such as improving circulation, reducing lower back pain and tension, improving breathing conditions, and alleviating acid reflux. The semi-fowler position, in which the head is elevated to 30-45 degrees, is widely accepted in the hospital industry as providing numerous benefits to surgical patients. Acid reflux, or heartburn, is normal, but chronic cases can cause esophageal damage and inflammation. It is caused by hoarseness, chronic cough, throat and chest pain, and the sensation of a lump in the throat. It is worse at night when the body is in a prone position, so having an adjustable bed can help prevent and control acid reflux. Adjustable beds provide individual comfort and usability, making watching TV or reading books in bed more comfortable, eating in bed with an adjustable bed more ergonomic and practical, and providing a better night's sleep.

An adjustable bed is one that has the ability to raise and lower the head and foot sections. Modern adjustable beds control movement with electrical motors and frequently include features like heat and massage. Adjustable beds have been available in some form or another for many years. They have their origins in the hospital industry, which long ago recognized the numerous benefits of adjustable beds. It wasn't until the 1960s that these devices became popular with the general public, and since then, the price has decreased while the quality has increased.

There are numerous medical benefits associated with adjustable beds. Adjustable beds have been shown to improve circulation, reduce lower back pain and tension, improve breathing conditions, alleviate acid reflux, and provide numerous other benefits. Many of these benefits stem from being able to easily put yourself in the semi-fowler position. The semi-fowler position, in which the head is elevated to 30 - 45 degrees, is widely accepted in the hospital industry as providing numerous benefits to surgical patients.

One of the most intriguing medical benefits of adjustable beds is their ability to help with acid reflux. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common medical condition in which stomach acids are regurgitated into the esophagus. It is extremely common, affecting over 40 million Americans each year, according to some estimates. Small amounts of acid reflux, or heartburn, are normal, but chronic cases can cause esophageal damage and inflammation. Acid reflux causes hoarseness, chronic cough, throat and chest pain, and the sensation that there is always a lump in your throat over time.

Because gravity plays such an important role in controlling acid reflux, it is no surprise that acid reflux is worse at night when the body is in a prone position. Acid reflux can also be particularly damaging at night. This is due to the fact that swallowing helps to bring the acid reflux back down to the stomach, but because you do not swallow frequently at night, the acid reflux remains in the esophagus for longer periods of time. This is where having an adjustable bed comes in handy. Acid reflux can often be controlled by sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated, and when combined with some of the acid reflux medications available, it provides a powerful means of preventing and controlling acid reflux.

Other benefits of adjustable beds revolve around individual comfort and usability. They make watching TV or reading books in bed much more comfortable. Eating in bed with an adjustable bed is also much more ergonomic and practical. You will be amazed at the luxurious feelings associated with these beds, whether you are purchasing your adjustable bed for one of the many medical reasons, to get a better night's sleep, or for any of the other benefits associated with them.