Sleep Number bed

Shielding magnets

by AgentX86 - 2019-10-31 08:14:19

Angy, pacemakers are NOT magnetically shielded, as it is impractical and, in fact counterproductive. Magnets are used to pput the device into MRI sage mode. As you note a strong permanent magnet may inadvertently put the PM into this mode. It's unlikely but possible. The fact that it's triggering a warning should be enough to tell you that 1) your PM is not shielded (again, physically impossible) 2) the magnet is strong enough to affect your PM.

The bed issue is a bit more complicated. As, I think it was Ian, pointed out that a magnet with a keeper on it (the name tag thread) is of no consequence because the keeper contains the magnetic field inside the magnet-keeper pair. Similarly, the bed's sheet retainer, being a keeper, will contain the magnetic field inside the magnet and keeper, as long as the keeper is on the magnet. If the retainer comes apart, the field is no longer contained and if you happened to sleep directly on it, it could trigger the PM's MRI safe mode. So as long as everything stays together, there isn't a problem. If not??

proximity

by Tracey_E - 2019-10-31 09:03:39

Unless it's an industrial magnet, it has to be within 6" of the device to put it in test mode. Discuss it with your doctor, but it should be fine. 

Magnets & beds

by donr - 2019-10-31 22:14:42

I have been sleeping on a Sleep Number bed since I  brought my PM home from the hosp.  Absolutelyno problem.  Never a whinper.  Look at your bed - mattress is at least 14 inches thick.  It would take one heck of a strong industrial magnet to  affect your PM at 14 inches.  It was me that taked about magnets and name tags & keepers.  I have tried to locate wallboard screws w/ strong Neodynium supermagnets.  At less than 1/8 of an inch it is tough to find the screwheads. You have nothing to worry about.

Donr

Peace-Maker and Magnetic bed

by lisaamber111 - 2019-11-01 07:36:50

I can only say one thing that it might kinda interfere with your peace-maker as you might know that peace-maker is a good conductor and so, therefore, the sleeping bed that you bought which has magnet underneath it can interfere with it and can cause something harmful for you, but if you still wanna sleep whatsoever then I'll recommend you to wear something made of leather-like steve rogers leather jacket civil war which is purely made of leather and is very warm and cosy, I'll suggest you this as this may prevent magnetic field to attract your peace-maker. In the end, I would say that please stay safe..!

sleep number

by SamanthaS - 2019-11-01 12:42:34

Wow - I had no idea my bed has magnets in it!  It's been a year, and nothing has happened. l The padding is very think and I also have a very thick mattress pad on it.  I've been fine, but I guess now that I know, I'll ask my EP nurse.

Bedtime magnets

by AgentX86 - 2019-11-01 15:28:05

The only possibility that something undesirable will happen is if the magnet comes in almost direct contact with your PM. A couple of inches is far enough away. I have no idea how a Sleep Number bed is made (wouldn't have one) but from what I can gather here, it can't happen unless something breaks or comes loose. For one thing, as long as there is a keeper on the magnet (it's still holding onto the sheet) nothing will happen. Then it has to move from it's normal position to the bed's surface, AND you have to lay on it, directly on your pacemaker. Whether you count this as one fault, two faults, or five, its pretty unlikely. Now, what's the downside?

I really think there are bigger fish.

lComment by isaamber111

by donr - 2019-11-01 23:07:05

I have never commentedd on another's comment - But this member is way offf base...  1) whether or not the case is a good conductor has no bearing on its magnetic properties - at least in our situations.  Titanium has zero Ferromagnetic properties - at the elrctrical/magnrtic frequencies used in PM/ICD's, it is literall not there.  2)  Leather will not in the slightest affecct a magnetic field.  3)  The fields of physicall;y small magnets will not propagate very far - a 14 inch thick mattress will separate you far noire than is necessary for protection. 

Donr

Worried about magnets?

by CyborgMike - 2019-11-04 01:52:54

There is a $2 app for the iPhone called Magnet Meter. It measures the strength of magnetic fields. The earth's magnetic field is about 50 uT, depending on your location.  Recommended max for a PM (verify your specific model) is about 500 uT at the skin. A typical refrigerator magnet is 10X that amount. Most strong magnets will put the pacemakers into magnet mode which usually disables them or idles them for programming.