BABY WATERBEDS
What could be more natural then laying human beings - and in particular their delicate new-born babies - on the very element from which they came and of which they are made: warm water.
A deep and regenerating sleep can only be achieved through total physical support.
Conventional mattresses support your body weight on the extremities. This creates pressure on your shoulders, chest, hips and heels. To relieve these pressure points, a human being shifts position on a conventional mattress anywhere between thirty and fifty times a night, repeatedly interrupting deep sleep phases. Unfortunately, the STH growth hormone is produced almost exclusively in these deep sleep phases - a hormone which simultaneously acts as the regeneration hormone for adults, working to top up their energy reserves. For a baby, a mattress which is not capable of providing the proper level of gentle and even support actually runs the risk of causing deformities - especially as small babies do not have the control over their bodies which would allow them to shift position frequently.
In 1986, the specialist magazine "The Pediatrician" ("Der Kinderarzt") printed a report on a research study spanning several years by the pediatrician Dr. Lübbe which focused on the multiple types of physical damage caused by unsuitable mattresses, mostly ones which were too hard. The international press has repeatedly focused on the connection between sudden cot death (SIDS) and false positioning of the baby. In the seventies, we were advised to lay babies on their belly to increase their mobility. This even led to the development of baby-buggies with a viewing window designed for a baby lying face-down. In this same period, there was a massive increase in the number of sudden cot deaths worldwide. These were assumed to result from the fact that laying a baby face-down effectively covers up the only unclothed actively breathable skin surface, i.e. the face. Current press reports describe how the subsequent fear of sudden cot death is now leading people to place babies in an alternative, but equally unsuitable, position: lying on their backs. This can create a range of orthopedic problems such as scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and the so-called torticollis (wry-neck). In addition, a series of other ailments have been observed ranging from motion disorders to skull deformities. In conclusion, placing a baby on its back leads to malformed growth and a damaged spine and placing a baby in the belly position increases the risk of SIDS.
A research study carried out between 1985 and 1987 showed that cases of SIDS are reduced when water beds are used instead of conventional mattresses. Even in the prone position, the danger of suffocation which can be increased by cushions and blankets is reduced by the more yielding surface of a water bed which diminishes counter-pressure.
Equally, lying on your back on a water bed is nowadays recommended by any well-informed orthopedist and most people who suffer from back pain. This is because it provides an even level of support for the entire body - it manages to be as hard as stone and yet simultaneously as soft as a cloud.
Unbeatable advantages for health and hygiene Your own bed is the invisible enemy when it comes to your health". Bodily secretions and fluids combined with a mixture of dust and dirt are the ideal breeding ground for mites, whose droppings cause illnesses. However, this is not the only problem: mattresses, especially those used by children, are increasingly recognized to be a hot bed for a whole range of additional factors which can cause disease, ranging from bacteria right through to maggots and mould. A TASSO water bed solves these problem in the simplest and most intelligent way:The water bladder does not collect any kind of dirt. The surface of the water bladder can be washed. The fabric cover can be washed at high or normal temperatures or dry-cleaned, depending on the model. It doesn't get anymore hygienic than that!Temperature Control System A fully-filled water bed can only provide exceptional levels of comfort with a temperature controlled water bladder. A possible exception to this rule is the TASSO baby waterbed: this can optionally be used without heating since it contains a far smaller quantity of water (30 liters) and is covered by padding and insulation materials. When the room temperature is low or the baby is only lightly clothed, however, we recommend the use of a baby-style temperature control system. A 12 volt system with a mains plug and 18 watts of power - roughly corresponding to a car brake-light bulb - is harmless even if it were to be bitten through! Tested and approved by the German Technical Inspection Association (GS-TÜV) and fitted with its own individual timer. Tests carried out over a long period of time show that the temperature at the surface of the mattress does not exceed skin temperature even after extended operating times. Baby Safety Liner The baby safety liner is an extremely robust fabric covering which is fitted over the entire foam bolster and sealed by means of a zipper at the foot or the head of the bed.
TASSO Baby Waterbeds reduce the time it takes to fall asleep reduce restlessness when asleep help to improve blood circulation promote general physical development and the production of the STH growth hormone provide unbeatable advantages in terms of health and hygiene help to prevent physical deformities and reduce dangers. May be fitted in any baby bed frame For bed sizes 140 x 70 cm or 120 x 60 cm, 12 cm high Water content approx. 30 liters From the world of scienceThe use of waterbeds in caring for premature babiesParticular advantages for small children
St. Lukas Clinik, SolingenWe received the following interesting report from a manufacturer concerning the gynecological-obstetrics department of the St Lukas Clinic in Solingen run by head doctor Professor K. Meinen.A report detailing our experiences using water mattresses in thermal bed units for new-born babies in the clinic over a one-year period. This does not yet represent a long-term experiment in the true sense of the word, but it is at least another step on the path towards acknowledging the therapeutic effects of waterbeds. Unfortunately, the experiment did not involve the use of full-depth baby waterbeds. The clinic management team instead asked a German manufacturer of waterbeds to construct special overlay pads for the clinic’s own thermal bed units. As chance would have it, however, some of the company's high-tech experience could be brought into play. One of the traditional thermal units was only saved and made usable again thanks to the proven waterbed technology -- it passed the test with flying colors.
Prof. Dr. Meinen reports: This series of tests was carried out as a result of a joint discussion concerning experiences in using water mattresses for children and for those people confined to bed for long periods of time. The aim was to observe the results of using water mattresses in caring for babies – especially those born prematurely – under the conceptual heading "out of water, on to water". For the purposes of this experiment, water mattresses in the appropriate sizes were delivered free of charge to the St. Lukas Clinic to be used in the thermal baby units. Due to a malfunction in the existing heating system, one of the beds was also fitted with an 18 watt Vontana waterbed heating device (mains powered). This report only gives observation data since no test series has yet been performed on the basis of a specific set theory and defined measuring technique. The statements reproduced below represent a summary of conversations held with the nurses on duty, including the night watch.
Technical Observations: The water mattresses and heating devices were assessed by the medical technicians in the clinic and approved for on-site operation. The mattress used was a single chamber water mattress with an additional protective cover and standard fill valves. The manufacturer claims to have used the same construction method as with their adult waterbeds. The water mattresses were filled to a level which ensured that the weight of a baby placed on the mattress did not compress the mattress to an extent where the base was touched. Temperature measurements were carried out on exposed parts of the water mattress, on the covered bed and under the bedclothes. These results showed an exceptionally homogenous heat distribution and it was possible to reduce heat usage in places.No overheating was observed under the bed covers– bedclothes do not therefore seem to have an impact on the temperature control system of a waterbed.Due to the improvised arrangements in terms of size and the necessity of matching the water mattresses to the thermal bed units, the task of covering the beds and keeping them clean was costly but caused no difficulties: the nurse responsible for hygiene issues raised no objections. Observations during use:Heat distribution is good, a positive result is observed with no overheating. On hot summer days it is, however, occasionally necessary to avoid completely covering the children. The children can be laid on their backs or supported on their sides (additional bolster roll). Depending on the fill level of the water mattress, the children can also be positioned on their bellies without blocking breathing access. It is possible to lay two children down next to each other: even weight differences can be balanced out. Heat production and distribution is also sufficient for two children. No deformities were seen to be caused by how the children were positioned – however, these had also not been observed previously in the department. A conspicuous factor is how quickly the children can be calmed down. Even highly excitable children (nicotine abuse by the mother) fall asleep quicker than in a normal bed. Causing a child to move by pressing down on the water mattress without actually touching the child creates a gentle rocking effect which generally serves to calm the child.The effects described apply regardless as to the weight of the child.Conclusion:We can only speculate as to the extent to which the described effects can be traced back to the baby’s memories of the intra-uterine situation (development in amniotic fluids) – we can however draw some general conclusions (cf. relevant publications). Overall the experiment had positive results. The night nurses in particular felt helped by the fact that highly excitable children could be calmed down more quickly.Joint development still needs to be carried out by companies who make baby cribs and thermal bed units in order to improve the handling and organizing of the beds.The question as to a potential further use of heating lamps and lighting elements within the framework of phototherapy is yet to be discussed.It would also make sense to define a status (spastics, deformities, etc.) in which targeted therapy and observation could be performed. It will, however, only be possible to establish this in main centers.Further potential lies in the development of a "normal" baby and child's crib with a water mattress. The technical implementation (heating, energy supply) would need particular attention here, especially concerning use in a clinical environment.Prof. Dr. med. K. MeinenTh. Kalisch, Assistant Doctor
Senior citizens
can be affected by a variety of different aches and pains, but some symptoms are especially typical of older people. A typical example is a reduction in the strength of the bone structure, often as a result of mineral loss from the bones, also known as osteoporosis. Another example is extreme weight loss caused by poor nutrition and an unbalanced diet. Problems with blood circulation are common and some older people may already have suffered a heart attack which could have impaired their concentration and their mental and physical faculties.Why choose a TASSO bed?Apart from all the more general advantages, a TASSO bed also serves to provide older people with the support they need, whilst enabling sufficient freedom of movement, stabilizing blood circulation and stimulating digestion. It also plays an important role in preventing inflammation of the urinal tract and promotes the cleansing of the kidneys.In cases where an older person is confined to bed and requires special care, the new generation of TASSO waterbeds have proved themselves to be extremely helpful in providing increased comfort for the patient and simultaneously reducing expenditure in terms of nursing staff. In comparison, conventional mattresses provide no particular benefits, since they do not provide even support for all the parts of the body and thus tend to burden the supporting parts with additional pressure. This results in the patient's tissue being squeezed together which causes interruptions to the all-important flow of blood around the body. If this is allowed to continue over a long period of time, then the tissue cells die off and bed sores appear. The patient must be moved every two hours in order to remove pressure from these supporting points and to enable the blood to flow through these tissue areas. TASSO waterbeds from Vontanareplace this constant need to shift position with a weightless sensation for the whole body, ensuring that the critical parts of the body do not turn into pressure points. The patient is supported evenly. This sensation of being supported is obviously also highly beneficial for orthopedic problems such as the pains which can be caused by a hip operation or arthritis.. The gentle motion and warmth of a TASSO bed promotes relaxation and sleep as well as the healthy flow of blood around the body. This means less medication and a higher standard of living.
