Positioning and comfort aids

A comfortable and well-equipped bedroom is essential for a good night's sleep. However, age-related changes can make achieving optimal sleep comfort in your home a challenge. Pain, stiffness, and difficulty adjusting sleep positions can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired and achy during the day.

Common scenarios and concerns	Lifestyle and equipment options to help you
Difficulty getting comfortable in bed: Pain, stiffness, or improper sleep posture can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue. This can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, daytime tiredness, and the potential for aches and pains.	Positioning pillows: Strategically placed pillows can support your body in a comfortable and pain-free alignment. Wedge pillows: Elevate specific body parts for targeted support, such as reducing pressure on your lower back or elevating your legs.
Challenges with turning over in bed: Limited mobility or stiffness can make turning over or adjusting sleep positions difficult. This can lead to disrupted sleep, frustration, and the potential for muscle strain.	Turning aids: Sheets or straps with handles assist with turning over in bed without excessive effort.
Difficulty maintaining a cool and comfortable temperature: Night sweats or feeling constantly cold can disrupt sleep. This can lead to discomfort, disturbed sleep patterns, and the potential for chills or overheating.	Bed wedges: Promote airflow and improve circulation, reducing night sweats. Cooling pillows: Made with materials that wick away moisture and regulate temperature.
Discomfort from pressure points: Pressure on your hips, shoulders, or knees can cause pain and disrupt sleep. This can lead to disrupted sleep, discomfort, and the potential for bed sores.	Pressure-relieving mattress toppers: Made from memory foam or other materials to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points.

Common scenarios and concerns

Lifestyle and equipment options to help you

Difficulty getting comfortable in bed: Pain, stiffness, or improper sleep posture can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue.

This can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, daytime tiredness, and the potential for aches and pains.

Positioning pillows: Strategically placed pillows can support your body in a comfortable and pain-free alignment.

Wedge pillows: Elevate specific body parts for targeted support, such as reducing pressure on your lower back or elevating your legs.

Challenges with turning over in bed: Limited mobility or stiffness can make turning over or adjusting sleep positions difficult.

This can lead to disrupted sleep, frustration, and the potential for muscle strain.

Turning aids: Sheets or straps with handles assist with turning over in bed without excessive effort.

Difficulty maintaining a cool and comfortable temperature: Night sweats or feeling constantly cold can disrupt sleep.

This can lead to discomfort, disturbed sleep patterns, and the potential for chills or overheating.

Bed wedges: Promote airflow and improve circulation, reducing night sweats.

Cooling pillows: Made with materials that wick away moisture and regulate temperature.

Discomfort from pressure points: Pressure on your hips, shoulders, or knees can cause pain and disrupt sleep.

This can lead to disrupted sleep, discomfort, and the potential for bed sores.

Pressure-relieving mattress toppers: Made from memory foam or other materials to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points.

Common challenges with achieving sleep comfort

Here are some everyday sleep-related issues that can become more prominent with age:

Difficulty getting comfortable in bed: Pain, stiffness, or improper sleep posture can make finding a comfortable position difficult.
Challenges with turning over in bed: Reduced mobility or stiffness can make turning over or adjusting sleep positions challenging.
Difficulty maintaining a cool and comfortable temperature: Night sweats or feeling constantly cold can disrupt sleep and impact comfort.
Discomfort from pressure points: Pressure on your hips, shoulders, or knees caused by your mattress or sleep position can lead to pain and disrupted sleep.

Bedroom positioning and comfort aids for a better night's sleep

By incorporating these positioning and comfort aids into your sleep routine, you can create a more comfortable and supportive sleep environment.

Optimising sleep posture with pillows

Body pillows: Provide full-body support and help maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night.
Knee pillows: Placed between your knees, they improve alignment and reduce pressure on your lower back.
Cervical pillows: Designed to support the natural curve of your neck, promote proper head and neck alignment, and reduce neck pain.

Aiding movement and turning in bed

Turning aids: These consist of sheets or straps with handles that assist with turning over in bed without excessive effort or straining.

Promoting temperature regulation

Bed wedges: Elevate your upper body, promoting air circulation and reducing night sweats. Consider wedges with breathable mesh materials for added comfort.
Cooling pillows: Made with materials like buckwheat or gel, these pillows wick away moisture and promote a cooler sleep environment.

Alleviating pressure point discomfort

Pressure-relieving mattress toppers: Made from memory foam or gel-infused materials, these toppers conform to your body shape and distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
Sheepskin overlays: Provide a soft and breathable layer on top of your mattress, offering additional pressure relief and comfort.

Choosing the right comfort aids for your needs

Here are some factors to consider when selecting bedroom positioning and comfort aids:

Your specific sleep challenges: Focus on aids that address your individual needs, such as a body pillow for overall support or a knee pillow for back pain relief.
Sleeping position: Certain pillows are better suited for specific sleep positions. Side sleepers may benefit from a thicker pillow, while back sleepers might prefer a thinner option.
Personal preferences: Consider comfort, breathability, and ease of use when choosing your comfort aids.

Additional things to consider

Professional advice: Consult with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist for personalised recommendations on sleep positioning and suitable comfort aids.
Trial periods: Many retailers offer trial periods for comfort aids, allowing you to test them at home before committing to a purchase.
Regular maintenance: Wash and clean your comfort aids regularly as per the manufacturer's instructions to maintain hygiene and prevent dust mite buildup.
Safety considerations: Ensure turning aids, bed wedges, and other positioning aids are securely positioned and don't create any tripping hazards in your bedroom.

Where to buy equipment to help you get comfortable in bed

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.