Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Say Good Night To Back Pain

NURSE-RUN HELPLINE PROVIDES PRACTICAL ADVICE

Sleep Matters*, a specialist helpline service which has dealt with insomnia enquiries for over ten years, is to provide specific help during BackCare Awareness Week (17-23 October 2005), giving specific help to those whose back pain is preventing them getting restful sleep. The helpline will be available Monday – Friday 6pm – 8pm on 0208 994 9874.

Over a third of the UK population, a staggering 17.3 million people**, suffer from back pain. Unfortunately 3.5 million people experience bad backs for the 1st time each year and it’s only then that they take any action. Becoming aware of good posture, not lifting heavy things and the support of your mattress all become a priority once you’re a sufferer.

Many people needlessly endure back pain due to the poor condition of their bed. Your mattress should be changed every ten years as, by then, it will have experienced 30,000 long hours of hard labour and is likely to have deteriorated up to 70% from its new state***. But it’s not just those who suffer from bad backs who need to ensure their beds are up to scratch; having a comfortable, supportive bed is something everyone needs to help prevent future pain.

In support of BackCare Awareness Week, Sleep Matters is working with Hypnos, the renowned experts in the manufacture of handmade pocket sprung beds, to highlight the help that a quality bed can provide in reducing or preventing back pain.

Explains Kathleen McGrath, Medical Director of Sleep Matters:
“We are always happy to work with companies and organisations, especially quality bed manufacturers, in getting across helpful and practical information on getting a better night’s sleep. Our nurses answer approximately 2,000 calls per year from those experiencing sleep problems and pain, particularly back pain, is often quoted as the cause. Whilst some callers may benefit from medical referral or pharmacy advice, most need to consider the comfort of their sleep environment, particularly their bed.”

Hypnos has just developed the new Orthos Support range especially for people who are looking for firmer support. The new range considers every aspect of the sleeping experience and uses the latest in pocket spring technology to balance firmer support with maximum comfort.

“Ironically”, adds Kathleen, “many callers complain of hurting their backs when turning their bed mattress as we have all been told to do for many years!”

That’s why the new Hypnos Orthos Support range is so relevant as all the three new mattresses are specifically designed to not need turning. There are three levels of firmness to choose from plus a range of headboards to ensure that you can have maximum support whilst sitting up in bed, as well as when you’re all tucked up. The Orthos Adjustable Headboard is designed to provide you with lower back support whilst the Orthos Lumbar Support Headboard is curved to mirror your spine.

To complete your sleep kit, Hypnos has developed a pocket sprung pillow to ensure your total comfort. Hypnos Reactive Pillows actively support your head in the optimum position to keep your spine straighter during sleep and, unlike conventional pillows, they instantly spring back into shape and allow air circulate to maintain a comfortable temperature.

REFERENCES
* The Sleep Matters helpline was established in 1992 and is operated by the Medical Advisory Service, a nurse run charity helpline organisation set up in 1986 to provide advice and information on all aspects of health care.
www.medicaladvisoryservice.org.uk

** Back Care – Back Health
www.backcare.org.uk/backhealth

*** The Sleep Council – Choosing the Right Bed
www.sleepcouncil.com/consumer_room/choosing_the_right_bed.cf...

PRODUCT INFORMATION
The Hypnos Orthos Support range consists of three mattresses:
* the Orthos Support 1600 is the ultimate combination of luxury and comfort with maximum support
* the Orthos support 1400 provides a high level of support and is combined with foam to enhance the comfort experience
* the Orthos Support 1200 balances firm support with comfort

The Hypnos Orthos Headboard range consists of two innovative designs:
* the Orthos Adjustable Headboard complete with adjustable pillows to provide lower back support when sitting up in bed
* the Orthos Lumbar Support Headboard is curved to mirror your spine to give your lower back the support it needs

CONTACT:
Jemma Lawton
The Bottom Line Consultancy
T 01992 579990
E jemma@bottomlineconsultancy.co.uk