Magnetic mattresses are surrounded by wonderful claims, that if true could fix many problems in your life. The big challenge is to determine if the claims are real, sales hype, or scams. People with heart conditions and pace makers should be very cautious about using such a mattress and should check with their doctor first.
While thousands of magnetic mattresses are sold each year, the claims behind them are controversial. Before you invest in a magnetic mattress, it’s important to understand the theory of how they work, their therapeutic claims, studies conducted to prove the numerous claims, and how to protect yourself from misleading sales pitches and scams.
Theory Behind Magnetic Mattresses
The question, “How do magnetic mattresses work?” is not easily answered because the researchers themselves aren’t always sure. One theory is that the magnetic field produced by the magnets increases circulation by affecting iron in the blood. Another speculates that when the magnetic field increases the blood flow, the white corpuscles in the blood stream are oxygenated. Increased oxygen boosts your immune system and allows your body to more easily heal itself. Other scientists theorize that the magnets help adjust the electromagnetic charges in the nervous system that can cause health problems when overstressed.
Regardless of how magnetic therapy works, many people have found relief with its usage and claim that their chronic health issues have been improved.
Therapeutic Claims of Magnetic Mattresses
The most common and well known use of magnets is for pain relief. This includes back pain, aches and stiffness, headaches and migraines, joint pain and inflammation, arthritis, and muscle injuries. Some people claim that they’ve experienced faster and easier healing from injuries, relief from chronic fatigue and insomnia, and even beauty benefits.
Theoretically, the when the magnets increase circulation, increase the level of oxygen in the blood stream, and reduce the build-up of calcium, the body’s response is an overall sense of healing and well being.
Research on Magnetic Therapy
Magnetic therapy doesn’t have standards to help consumers know what to buy to alleviate their specific problem. Researchers are working to help set these standards to help people understand and evaluate what dosage, magnetic strength and exposure time is best suited for their ailment.
One study on subjects suffering with fibromyalgia (a common condition where sufferers feel pain in soft fibrous tissues such as muscles, ligaments and tendons) found that sleeping on a magnetic mattress provided overall pain relief and improved sleep. Another study reported that after just five nights on a magnetic mattress, back, neck, shoulder and limb pain, plus fatigue and insomnia were relieved without side-effects.
Despite these studies and positive findings, some consumers have complained that their magnetic mattresses offered them no relief from their symptoms. Moreover, these consumers weren’t able to take advantage of the money-back guarantee offered with the sale of their magnetic mattress. As a result, these dissatisfied customers lost money on a product they didn’t ultimately want.
Protect Yourself Against Scams
As with many natural therapies, magnetic mattresses do no have FDA approval that substantiates the claims of magnetic therapy. The greatest risk to consumers, however, seems to be that of unscrupulous salesmen professing the magic of magnetic mattresses.
Consumers, especially the elderly, are often targeted and duped by deceitful sales people who promise miraculous cures. One California statewide sales seminar promised relief of the pain of old-age and greater overall healing power. When unhappy buyers tried to utilize their money-back guarantee, they had problems getting their refunds.
Before you purchase a magnetic mattress, make sure to shop at an established company and not just a fly-by-night company. You can confirm a company’s legitimacy by checking their licenses with the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Bureau of Home Furnishing and Thermal Insulation. Plus, never feel pressure to buy immediately and seek your doctor’s advise regarding the claims of medical benefits.