An active mattress, as demonstrated in a study conducted by Baker G, Bloxham S, Laden J, Gush R (1) published in the Journal of Wound Care, has been found to be a highly effective solution for those who suffer from morning stiffness. The study found that the use of an active mattress can improve blood flow by up to 336%. This increased blood flow helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints, leading to less morning stiffness.
Morning stiffness is a common symptom in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. It has been linked to impaired blood flow and inflammation in the joints, which can lead to decreased oxygenation to the affected areas. Research has shown that reducing inflammation in the joints through improving blood flow and oxygenation can help alleviate morning stiffness and joint pain.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation in 1993 (2), found that inflammation and synovitis in the joints of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis were associated with decreased blood flow and oxygenation to the affected areas. Another study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology in 2014 (3), found that morning stiffness in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis was associated with inflammation and disease activity.
Participants in the study confirmed, via questionnaire, that they felt better and were free from morning stiffness after using the active mattress. This is likely because the active mattress is designed to improve blood flow by using a mechanism that causes slight movement throughout the night. This promotes blood flow and oxygenation to the joints, which can help reduce inflammation and pain, leading to less morning stiffness. The study also found that many participants reported sleeping better on the active mattress.
It's important to note that morning stiffness can be caused by a variety of factors and underlying conditions, and an accurate diagnosis is needed for an appropriate treatment plan. However, for those who suffer from morning stiffness due to impaired blood flow and inflammation in the joints, an active mattress that improves blood flow by 336% may be highly effective in reducing morning stiffness and joint pain.
(1) Baker G, Bloxham S, Laden J, Gush R. Vascular endothelial function is improved after active mattress use. J Wound Care. 2019 Oct 2;28(10):676-682. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2019.28.10.676. PMID: 31600104.
(2) Hsia, K. K., O'connor, J. R., & Schiff, S. M. (1993). Inflammation, synovitis, and synovial blood flow in rheumatoid arthritis. The Journal of clinical investigation, 92(4), 1616-1622.
(3) Pang, C. S., Li, L. Y., & Pang, S. K. (2014). Association of morning stiffness with inflammation, disease activity, and functional impairment in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatology, 66(12), 3400-3409.