Visco-elastic mattresses comprised of heat and weight sensitive polymers, have been shown to be of great help in reducing pressure whilst maintaining skeletal support. Used widely in hospitals and nursing homes, these mattresses conform exactly to each individual's shape, and weight distribution, and immediately reform to the new shape when turning in bed. Generally, this type of mattress is only available through a specialist source and is not normally found in retail stores. One advantage of this type of material is that two sleepers of vastly different weights can be correctly accommodated on the same mattress, avoiding the need to resort to twin beds after years of companionship during sleep. Pillows made from visco-elastic material support the skull and neck without applying undue pressure, as they conform to the exact shape of the sleeper, thus spreading the weight evenly and uniformly along the vertebrae.
Pillows are a constant cause of frustration for many.
The problem is normally mattress related, where the sleeper is unable to get the shoulder into the correct position, and feels the need to elevate the skull. In addition, on the wrong mattress, the skull is at a different height when sleeping on the back or side. This can have the result of forcing the head forward when turning involuntarily onto the back, resulting in neck pain, and stiffness between the shoulder blades on waking. The shoulder should not be placed at 90 degrees to the mattress as this may trigger spasm in the trapezius muscle. The trapezius muscles perform a variety of actions, including acting as a platform for elevating the skull and need to recover during sleep.