SOFTEEZE SUPPORT SOLUTIONS - USERS GUIDE
Introduction
Softeeze Microbead cushion Supports can help you achieve a comfortable lying or sitting position. The softness, comfort and ability to conform to the body, is due to their design and the materials we use. The outer cover is made from a new kind of Spandex-Nylon fabric, that combines stretch with durability. All our Supports are filled with special Therapeutic Comfort Micro polystyrene Beads, whose small size is a critical factor of the design. All Softeeze Supports can be machine washed and dried.
So what is so special about our Microbead cushion supports?
There are many supports on the market, which are designed to ease pain in the neck, back and lower limbs. A number of these are made from foam materials, which may have a 'memory factor' built in. However because the needs and body dimensions of every individual is different, this type of support is not always satisfactory.
Because of the Micro beads we use in our Softeeze Supports, our supports can mould themselves to fit any body contour, giving a quality, unique individual fit, exactly where it is required. Unlike other supports which tend to be passive, our supports are dynamic, adjusting to the changing positions of the user. An example:
When using a our contoured neck pillow, it is not always easy to change from back lying into side lying, without having to turn the pillow around. With the Softeeze supports U /Neck shape, this is not necessary, as the pillow or roll adapts to each new position.
HOW TO USE SOFTEEZE SUPPORTS
Softeeze Supports may be used to improve lying and sitting positions.
Sleep and relaxation
Normal sleep contains two phases, orthodox and dreaming sleep. Under normal circumstances, there are five periods of orthodox sleep of equal length, interspersed with five periods of dreaming sleep, which become progressively longer. During dreaming sleep the body relaxes totally and if the neck back and lower limbs are not properly supported, the various joints of the body can become strained and painful. In addition, during the course of an average nights sleep, it is normal to change position up to fifty times. Those who suffer from problems with their neck, back or lower limbs, may turn into a position which triggers pain and this can result in further loss of sleep.
There are two basic sleeping positions, lying on the back and lying on the side. Our Supports, if used correctly, can assist in achieving a good position, thus easing stress and strain.
LYING ON THE BACK (Diagram A)
We would recommend that when lying on the back that you use a Softeeze Nights Pillow or a Medium Tube/Roll, as support under the neck and head. If you have particular problems with your lower back and legs, you may find it beneficial to place a Giant Tube or Medium Tube/Roll under your thighs, this will help to keep the hips in a bent position, which helps to relax the muscles which run from the lowre spinal segments to the front of the hips.
LYING ON THE SIDE (Diagram C)
Lie on the side which causes the least pain and support the neck with a Softeeze Nights Pillow or Medium Roll. Because it is common for the upper leg to fall down over the lower leg, this can place a twisting strain on the lower back and hip joint. Those of you, who already have painful hip joints or have undergone replacement hip surgery, will be aware of the need to support the upper leg, when lying on your side. We would recommend placing either a Medium or Small Softeeze Tube/Roll, between the knees to maintain a good, supported position. Alternatively you may prefer to use a Softeeze Best Travel Cushion/Rectangular shape, which is slightly less bulky and can be taken with you when you are away from home.
LYING HALF WAY BETWEEN SIDE AND FRONT LYING (See top diagram on top of page 68 in Total back Care)
Some people prefer to lie further over on their side. Under these circumstances we would suggest using a Softeeze Nights Pillow or Medium Tube/Roll to support the head and neck. The trunk may be supported by placing a Softeeze Giant Tube/Roll, under the chest and trunk, pulling it close into the body with the upper arm. In other words give it a good hug.
SITTING
Due to advances in technology we have tended to become a nation of sitters rather than a nation of ‘standers’ and walkers. Just add up how many hours a day you spend sitting in front of a computer, television or in a car, on a train or aeroplane. You may be surprised. As a general rule try to avoid sitting for too periods at a time, get up and move around every so often. Many of you will have discovered that sitting incorrectly in chairs, possibly because they are badly designed, can result in pain in the neck, back and hips. Sometimes the pain does not come on until some time later.
Many of us do not give a thought to how we sit down, we just grab the nearest chair and dump ourselves in it, expecting our bodies to adapt to it. The way we sit is often influenced by the furniture we are using and also how we feel. The ideal seated posture is one in which you are able to relax or work, without any perception of strain, discomfort or fatigue. When properly seated your body segments should be supported in such a way that muscular activity is kept to a minimum and the ligaments and muscles are not placed under unnecessary tension.
There are two basic sitting positions, from which all other seating positions are derived. They are sitting upright and sitting relaxed.
SITTING UPRIGHT (Diagram D)
In this standard position, the weight of the trunk and head are located directly over the buttocks and thighs. This may cause the lower spinal curve to become flattened, creating tension in the lower backs and hips. The Softeeze Best Travel Cushion/Rectangular shape or Small Tube/Roll may be used to support the small of the back and restore the normal lumbar curve in the small of the back. You may also find it beneficial to place the feet on a Medium Tube/Roll, which will raise your knees above your hips, thus easing tension on the muscles that work over the front of the hips.
THE RELAXED SEATED POSITION
When we settle down in our favourite armchair, we tend to slump into it. This results in the pelvis being rotated backwards, which in turn produces a rounding of the lower back. With certain back conditions, particularly those related to wear and tear, this can be very uncomfortable. A better postural and more comfortable position may be achieved by using a Rectangular Shape, Small Tube or Medium Tube/Roll, placed between the chair and the small of the back. This may then be adjusted to locate the support, just where you need it.
SITTING WHILST TRAVELLING (Diagram E)
In spite of the many advances in the ergonomic design of seating in cars and on public transport, it is impossible to create seats which can accommodate to the whole population range. Car seats which can be adjusted have improved the situation for most adults but children are not catered for. Many travellers in cars, trains and aeroplanes, find the head rest to be ineffective and the lower back support is in the wrong place. The neck and back may be supported with the Softeeze Best Travel Cushion/Rectangular shape and the neck may be supported with the Softeeze U Neck Shape Support. There is a children and toddlers version of this Support, exclusive to us, which is ideal when children have to travel in special car safety seats. As mentioned before, use can be made of the Baby Softeeze U/Neck and the U /Neck Animal shape or rectangular shape.
Our Aim.
We aim to provide functional supports for a variety of situations. If you have a particular problem which cannot be met by the existing wide range of Softeeze Supports that are available, why not contact us and we will try and find a solution to meet your need. We hope that you have found this user guide helpful in choosing the Softeeze Support which can help to make your life more comfortable and pain free.
Alex Wiseman. Physical Support Therapy Adviser.
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