Ehlers-Danlos & Hypermobility
Bed Mobility & Sleep Guides for Ehlers-Danlos & Hypermobility
Safe bed mobility for EDS and hypermobility — controlled turns that prevent subluxations and joint slippage at night.
Icelandic-designed · Sold in pharmacies
Snoozle Slide Sheet
A home-use slide sheet that reduces mattress friction so you can reposition sideways instead of lifting. Made from comfortable fabric — not nylon, no handles. Designed for you, not for a caregiver.
- ✓Less friction when turning — less effort, less pain
- ✓Comfortable fabric you can sleep on all night
- ✓Handle-free — quiet, independent, self-use
Trusted by Vörður insurance for pregnant policyholders. Recommended by Icelandic midwives and physiotherapists.
5 guides for Ehlers-Danlos & Hypermobility
Bed Mobility
Getting Out of Bed When Your Energy Is Almost Zero (Living Alone With Pain and Fatigue)
This article is for days when the tank is truly empty: you wake up in pain, your body feels like concrete, and the idea of getting out of bed alone feels impossible. We will go through how to turn, shuffle, and move towards sitting using the least possible energy, with realistic pauses and options if you feel faint or overwhelmed. You will see exactly what is different about moving when pain and fatigue are both high, compared with ordinary back pain or simple stiffness. We will also look at how a Snoozle Slide Sheet, used purely as a low-friction layer on your normal mattress, can remove some of the “sticking points” that usually eat up your energy and trigger pain spikes.
Quick answer: On a day when your energy is almost zero and you live alone with pain, you need a slower, more economical way to move out of bed. Instead of one big push, break the movement into small stages: gentle warm-up in lying, an easy roll to your side, then a gravity-assisted pivot to sitting with long pauses.
Getting Out of Bed
Crash Day: How to Get Out of Bed When You Have Zero Energy
On a crash-day morning, getting out of bed can feel like moving a body that’s twice as heavy as normal. The goal is not motivation, fitness, or “pushing through.” The goal is one thing: reduce effort. This guide breaks the process into tiny, low-effort steps that keep you supported on the mattress, use gravity instead of brute force, and avoid the lift-and-twist moves that spike wake-ups and drain you. Snoozle is used here as a home-use, self-use comfort tool that supports quiet sideways repositioning (lateral movement) instead of lifting.
Quick answer: On a crash day, don't try to sit up in one move. Roll to the edge of the bed, let your legs drop over the side, and use that weight to pull your torso upright. Break the exit into four small stages so no single move requires the energy you don't have.
Sleep Comfort
Mastering Safe Night-Time Movement with Hypermobility: How to Turn and Get Out of Bed Without Pain
People living with hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) often struggle with night-time movements that most take for granted—turning in bed, repositioning, and getting out of bed can trigger pain, joint instability, and fatigue. This difficulty stems from joint laxity and fragile connective tissues that require careful, controlled movement to avoid injury. This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to move safely in bed, reduce strain, and improve comfort during the night, using simple techniques and the Snoozle Slide Sheet, a low-friction slide sheet designed specifically for home use.
Quick answer: For individuals with hypermobility or EDS, moving in bed is safer when you slow everything down and move in small, controlled segments instead of twisting all at once. Start by bending your knees and placing your feet flat on the bed, then roll your hips and shoulders together as a unit while using your arms to support and steady your
Sleep Comfort
All-Over Soreness at Night: How to Turn and Sleep When Everything Hurts
Fibromyalgia and central sensitization make even simple movements in bed painful and exhausting, leading to restless nights and prolonged fatigue. This article explains why turning and repositioning are so challenging, and offers clear, step-by-step methods to find the least painful positions for sleeping through the night. You'll learn practical strategies to move safely in bed and get out of bed with less strain, plus how the Snoozle Slide Sheet can be a gentle, low-friction ally in your nightly routine.
Quick answer: When your whole body aches, turning in bed feels like the hardest thing you'll do all day. Start by loosening the covers at your hips, then use the smallest possible sideways shift. Two inches of lateral movement is enough to start a turn without triggering a pain flare.
Sleep Comfort
How to Safely Turn and Move Your Loved One in Bed Without Causing Skin Tears or Excess Pain
Caring for someone at home with fragile skin or limited mobility means every turn in bed needs to be gentle, planned, and low-friction. This guide gives clear, step-by-step methods to help you turn and reposition your partner, parent, or adult child while protecting their skin and reducing pain. It also explains how to safely use the Snoozle Slide Sheet as a low-friction aid for repositioning in bed, without lifting or risky transfers.
Quick answer: To reduce skin tears and pain when turning someone in bed, focus on three things: reducing friction, using good body mechanics, and moving the whole body together. Bend and position their arms and legs before you move them, slide rather than lift, and keep movements slow and controlled.
Common questions about Ehlers-Danlos & Hypermobility and bed mobility
What if I start the movement and realise halfway that I do not have enough energy to finish?▼
If you feel your energy dropping or symptoms rising halfway through, your priority is to get back to a supported position. From side-lying, you can gently reverse the steps: bring your legs back onto the bed, roll back onto your back using small pushes and pauses, and rest. It is better to abandon the attempt early than to push through and end up on the edge of the bed too exhausted or dizzy to control your posture.
Is it safe to use a slide sheet like Snoozle when I am alone, or could I slide off the bed?▼
It can be safe if you place and use it correctly. Keep the Snoozle fully on the mattress, with your pelvis and trunk always supported, and stop sliding well before your bottom reaches the edge. Use it only to reduce friction while you are lying or sitting on the bed, never to slide directly into standing or to bridge between bed and chair. Move slowly, test small slides first, and if you feel you are moving too easily towards the edge, reposition the Snoozle further from the side.
What’s the lowest-effort way to get out of bed when my energy is almost zero?▼
Use a side-lying route with stages and pauses: roll to your side, slide your hips toward the edge in tiny moves, let your legs hang down first, then sit up slowly using your forearm for support. Avoid fast sit-ups and lift-and-twist moves.
Why does a fast sit-up make me feel worse on a crash day?▼
A fast sit-up is a high-effort movement that often triggers bracing and a big effort spike. When your energy is already low, that spike can leave you shaky and more drained. Staged steps spread the effort out into smaller pieces.
Can I use the Snoozle Slide Sheet to lift myself out of bed?▼
No. The Snoozle Slide Sheet is only for reducing friction while you slide and reposition on the bed. It does not provide lifting support and should not be used to pull yourself off the bed or for standing transfers.
Is it safe to use the Snoozle Slide Sheet if my joints dislocate easily?▼
It can be used safely if you move slowly and stay within your comfortable range of motion. The low friction can actually reduce the pulling forces on your joints. However, if you have very frequent dislocations, discuss specific techniques with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who understands hypermobility or EDS.
Why does turning in bed hurt so much with fibromyalgia?▼
Fibromyalgia involves central sensitization, where your nervous system amplifies pain signals. When you turn in bed, your muscles, joints, and tender points are stretched and compressed. If you move quickly or twist, these tissues can be stressed suddenly, causing sharp pain. Moving slowly, rolling your body as one unit, and using tools like a low-friction slide sheet can reduce this stress.
Is it safe to use a Snoozle Slide Sheet if I have very fragile skin or pressure points?▼
Snoozle’s smooth, low-friction surface is designed to reduce skin shear during movement, which can help protect fragile skin. However, you should still check your skin regularly, avoid leaving any creases under your body, and speak with your healthcare provider if you notice redness, soreness, or open areas.
Can I use the Snoozle Slide Sheet to lift or transfer my loved one between the bed and a chair?▼
No. The Snoozle Slide Sheet is designed only to reduce friction for turning and repositioning in bed. It is not a lifting or transfer device and must not be used to move someone between the bed, chair, or wheelchair. For transfers, ask a healthcare professional about appropriate equipment and training.
How often should I reposition someone to help protect their skin?▼
Many people benefit from being repositioned at least every 2–3 hours during the day, but the exact timing depends on their skin condition, weight, and medical needs. Follow the schedule recommended by your nurse or doctor, and check the skin regularly for redness or soreness.