The microcirculation is vital for immune function and infection control, as it is responsible for transporting immune cells such as leukocytes and lymphocytes to sites of infection and inflammation. These immune cells help to identify, neutralize, and remove pathogens and other harmful agents, and their transport to sites of infection is crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system. Additionally, the microcirculation plays a role in regulating blood flow to the body's tissues and organs, which can impact the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and affect the overall health of the body's cells and tissues.
One way that the microcirculation can be impacted is through the use of active mattresses. A recent study (Baker et al., 2019) found that eight weeks of sleeping on a special type of active mattress led to significant improvements in microvascular function, as measured by increased resting blood flow, improved post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH), and increased skin temperature. (1)
Results included a significant 197% improvement of endothelial function, which is the bodies ability to distribute blood flow effectively and a 336% increase of long-term resting blood flow within the microcirculation of the big toe. Accordingly, the flow of warm blood improved skin temperature at the feet by 3.5ºc. Remarkably, these results were achieved without clinical intervention, without lifestyle, modification, or medication.
These improvements suggest that vestims mattresses have a positive impact on microcirculation and endothelial function, which in turn benefit the immune system and help to prevent infections.