Clothes, Bedding and Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Because of their widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia syndrome can become very sensitive to touch, and even clothing and bedding can become irritating and uncomfortable.

Clothes

For some people with fibromyalgia syndrome, tight fitting clothes can become uncomfortable, especially around the waist. Loose, floaty cotton and silk dresses can be a good option for women with fibromyalgia syndrome during the summer. Skirts and trousers with drawstring waists can help, because the waistband can be tightened or loosened as required. For women with fibromyalgia syndrome, maternity skirts and trousers with a wide, soft and elastic band at the top that are designed to sit lower may be more comfortable.

Buying clothes one size too big avoids pressure at certain points. Always try clothes on before buying, and sit, stand, stretch and bend to make sure that they are comfortable in all positions.

Underwear can cause problems – avoid pants and tights that fit closely around the waist, and don't wear socks with elastic that is too tight. Try experimenting with different styles of underwear to find the one that suits best. Some people may find that natural fibres are kinder to their skin.

Some people with fibromyalgia syndrome are very sensitive to temperature, but find heavy coats and jumpers painful to wear – try layering soft fabrics like silk, cotton and fine wool, and wear light, soft and warm fabrics like flannel and fleece.

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The Bed

Many people with fibromyalgia syndrome have problems with sleep, so it’s very important to make sure that beds are as comfortable as possible, and the bedroom is cool, dark, soothing and well ventilated.

Try out mattresses before buying to see if they support in the right places – a good bed or mattress supplier may be able to offer some advice about which one to choose, and some may be available on a 30-day 'try before you buy' deal. Some people with fibromyalgia syndrome may find that ‘memory foam’ mattresses are most comfortable – these are made of a foam that is designed to conform to the shape of the body. These can be quite expensive, but are also available as mattress toppers to go onto a conventional mattress.

Water beds can also provide good support and are cooling, but can be very heavy – check whether the floorboards are strong enough first. Latex mattresses are all natural, but some people may have problems with latex allergies.

If buying a new mattress is too expensive, covering the mattress with a mattress topper can help – try one made from wool. Wool is soft and supportive, is breathable, wicks moisture away from the body, and is naturally cool in summer and warm in winter. Feather or foam mattress toppers also provide a layer of added softness.

It may also be worthwhile looking at new pillows as well – feather pillows can be very comfortable, but they are not a good idea for people who are sensitive to dust. Wool pillows are supportive, and like the mattress toppers, help with moisture balance.

Choose bed linen that is soft and comfortable. If sheets feel rough and irritating to the touch, try cotton ones with as high a thread count as affordable. If pressure points around the legs and ankles are particularly painful, invest in a cage that goes inside the bed and keeps bedding away from these areas.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Flare Up Analyser lets you describe your current flare up and we will help you identify likely triggers and what might ease it. Try it now →