Reclining beds and pacemaker

Soo I plan to order a reclining bed for my mom who I take care of. However,  I am wondering if these reclining electrical beds interfere with pacemakers since I will be near the bed most times. 
I asked the store if the bed has magnets or does it interfere with pacemakers and they didn't provide concrete answers. 
 

Does anyone know if these beds interfere with pacemakers? 
 

thanks 

:)


4 Comments

SleepNumber

by MinimeJer05 - 2024-07-12 21:27:07

Hello,

I purchased a SleepNumber adjustable bed right before I got my pacemaker and then I got another a year or so after. 

They DO have magnets in the construction of the frame (to my understanding, it connects the "base" of the bed to the individual "mattresses". Watching them put it together, you can see how strong the magnets are.

But I was told by both SleepNumber and my medical team that the beds are safe because there's more than 6 inches between me and the actual magnets (the mattresses themselves are thick, plus the topper, the sheets, etc.).

Definitely, consult with the manufacturer of the bed to verify that this is the same scenario for your desired bed.

Fasteners

by piglet22 - 2024-07-13 05:11:06

Hello 

Useful information from Minime.

I wouldn't be concerned about motors in the recliner. All electric motors have magnetic fields of some sort but are usually well contained. Branded equipment has to meet standards for electrical, magnetic and radio frequency interference (RFI, EMI).

A tip. If you have an AM radio, you can hear any interference, but unless very significant, I wouldn't worry.

As for magnets, I would be surprised if the specification or instructions didn't carry a warning of physical injuries as well as pacemakers.

In any case, I suspect that once coupled together, the magnetic field would be contained

 Still present but if the distance rule is followed, 150 mm minimum separation, there shouldn't be a problem.

Definitely to be respected.

I use dozens of very strong magnets in workshop conditions and have never triggered any pacemaker mode change.

I wouldn't want to experiment, but have experienced the "magnets test* in clinic. Noticeable, uncomfortable but temporary.

Irrelevant information.

Depending on magnet type, a keeper plate reduces the field strength.

On the other hand, iron and steel can be used to concentrate the field.

As Minime notes, the layers plus your body will provide the separation.

As pacemaker users, unless we know that our devices are magnet safe, we always need to be mindful of the small risk involved of accidental close contact.

Enjoy your recliner ( your Mums)

PS

Just a thought. If it comes with a wireless remote rather than wired or corded, you might want to keep that away from your device.

Most simple remotes work at completely different frequencies to say Bluetooth.

Again, I would suggest that the risk is very small.

Ask your pacemaker manufacturer

by Lavender - 2024-07-13 12:51:10

I looked at these beds but didn't buy. (I wasn't ready for a new bed yet). I specifically asked the three salespersons and they couldn't answer if the bed is safe for pacemaker patients. They said to ask the device manufacturer but I didn't follow up. 

it's fine

by Tracey_E - 2024-07-13 12:56:47

I've had one for the last 15 years. A magnet has to be very strong and less than 6" from our device to cause interference.

You know you're wired when...

You name your daughter “Synchronicity”.

Member Quotes

This is my second Christmas with my pacemaker and I am so happy to be with my family.