How to Use a Magnetic Mattress Pad

By Glenda Taylor

Overview

The use of magnets in alternative treatment is widespread, and dedicated users swear by their positive results. Today, you can find magnets in joint wraps, eye masks, neck pillows and bedding. Among the most popular therapy products is the magnetic mattress pad, featuring small but powerful magnets designed to offer the user a better night's sleep. Magnetic mattress pad manufacturers claim sleeping on one of their pads may relieve back and joint pain, fibromyalgia symptoms, headaches, insomnia and other physical ailments.

Get a good night's rest.

Step 1

Look for neodymium magnets. Produced from a natural-earth combination of neodymium, boron and iron, neodymium magnets are very strong for their small size. Mattress pads should contain numerous neodymium magnets placed in close proximity to one another. A queen size mattress pad should contain a minimum of 750 neodymium magnets, with a diameter of not less than 1 inch, spaced evenly throughout the pad.
Step 2

Evaluate the strength of the magnets. Theoretically, the stronger the magnetic pull, the more beneficial the effect on the user. Neodymium magnet strength is rated in a slightly different manner from regular magnets that rely on a Gauss factor. Since these magnets are so much stronger, specific strength ratings start at N24 (the weakest) and extend up to N64 (the strongest). Look for a mattress pad with a rating of N30 or higher.

Step 3

Shop for comfort. Magnetic mattress pads have a layer of foam that covers the magnet layer, keeping your body from feeling the pressure of the actual magnets. The most comfortable brands feature dense memory foam at least 2½ inches thick.
Step 4

Place your magnetic mattress pad on top of a firm mattress. Most pads feature the layer of magnets with the foam on top, making it easy to determine which side is up. However, some magnetic mattress pads have a double layer of dense foam with the magnetic layer in the middle. If this is the case, make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions when placing the pad so the magnetic pull is facing your body.
Step 5

Consult your doctor before using a magnetic mattress pad if you have a pacemaker, a defibrillator or if you use a liver infusion pump or an insulin pump while in bed. In addition, pregnant women should ask their obstetrician if a magnetic mattress pad is safe for them.

Skill: Moderately Easy
Tip: Look for even magnet distribution throughout the pad. Some pads have a strip at the top and the bottom of the pad with no magnets. Make sure your pad had magnets under the head area if you will be using it for headaches.
Warning:
Switch to a heating blanket instead of a heating pad if you are sleeping on a magnetic mattress. Some mattress manufacturers claim the electromagnetic field put off by a heated pad will interfere with the results from your magnetic mattress pad.

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