Let’s do a short thought exercise. Close your eyes and Imagine that you’re drifting through the infinite nothingness of space. As you float through the void, you are completely weightless. Nothing tying you down. Nothing weighing you down. And no unwelcome signals from your muscles, joints or nerves to your brain complaining about pressure on your slipped disc, the twinge of pain in your bum knee, or the muscle soreness from this morning’s workout. That is the power of zero gravity.
Space tourism is totally a thing now, or at least it will be very soon. But for those of us who can’t afford to hitch a ride to space on the next SpaceX or Blue Origin rocket, the next best thing may be an adjustable base, recliner, lift chair, or massage chair with a zero gravity position or zero gravity setting.
However, that leads us to a few furniture and mattress shopper FAQs that we see online and hear in our own stores. What is a zero gravity position? What do manufacturers really mean when they talk about products that have a “zero gravity setting”? And lastly, why should I want a mattress base or chair that has one? Let’s explore the answers to all of these popular questions below.
What Is Zero Gravity Position / Zero Gravity Setting?
In the context of the furniture and mattress industry, zero gravity typically refers to an ergonomic position or setting that simulates the sensation of weightlessness. This is done by evenly distributing the user’s body weight and putting them into a neutral position designed to provide optimal comfort and support. Just remember, while assuming a zero gravity position can mimic weightlessness, it doesn’t actually negate the effects of gravity itself. It simply minimizes strain, pressure and discomfort often experienced in typical standing, seated, and lying positions.
Zero gravity modes and presets are most prominently seen on adjustable bases for mattresses. However, we are also seeing this feature more and more frequently on massage chairs, recliners, lift chairs, and other power reclining seating. As for the zero gravity position itself, it typically involves raising the upper and lower body to certain angles. Although these angles themselves will vary from product to product, the idea is to elevate the legs above heart-level while also slightly raising the user’s upper body.
The ultimate goal of zero gravity modes in beds and seating is to alleviate pressure points, muscle fatigue, joint aches, or other naturally-occurring stressors caused by our daily existence living beneath the Earth’s gravitational pull. Not unlike floating completely relaxed in a pool. On that note, let’s dive a little deeper into the different benefits the zero gravity position can offer.
What Are The Benefits of Zero Gravity?
Whether with an adjustable base, a massage chair, or a power recliner with a zero gravity setting, regular use of the zero gravity position is tied to a surprising number of health benefits:
- Improved Spinal Alignment / Spinal Decompression – By reducing pressure on your vertebrae and discs, zero gravity can help align your spine, alleviate back pain, and promote better spinal health.
- Pressure Relief for Joints & Muscles – The zero gravity position can eliminate pressure points and reduce pressure on joints like the knees, hips and shoulders. By reducing strain on these joints, zero gravity can provide relief for those suffering from chronic joint pain or arthritis, while also reducing muscle discomfort and tension.
- Better Circulation – When the legs are elevated above the heart, blood flows more efficiently. This can reduce swelling and inflammation, especially for those with swollen feet or ankles, or other circulatory issues.
- Acid Reflux / GERD / Heartburn Prevention – Zero gravity settings can naturally help prevent bouts with acid reflux while sleeping. By slightly elevating the sleeper’s head and upper body, it’s possible to keep stomach acid from flowing back towards the esophagus.
- Reduction in Snoring / Sleep Apnea Symptoms – By elevating the upper body position, zero gravity can help open up the airway, making breathing easier. This can minimize snoring and help mitigate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Better Overall Relaxation – For all of the reasons above, sleeping or resting in the zero gravity position can promote better relaxation, sounder sleep, less stress, and even improved mental health as a result.
Is a Zero Gravity Chair or Adjustable Base Right for Me?
With all of the potential benefits we listed above, there is almost certainly some way that your own health and wellness can benefit from resting in a zero gravity position. Whether you’re a regular snorer, suffer from chronic back or other joint pain, or simply have inflammation or muscle fatigue after a long day at work, a zero gravity function is something that can benefit your body and mind.
Still have your doubts? That’s okay too. However, we’d love the opportunity to show you the benefits of zero gravity ourselves! We have a huge selection of adjustable bases, power recliners, massage chairs and other furniture — many of them with zero gravity functionality.
If you live in the metro Atlanta area or elsewhere in North Georgia, come see us at our Woodstock/Acworth, Dallas/Hiram, and Rome, GA furniture and mattress stores, or our Canton, Kennesaw and Douglasville mattress showrooms. See you soon!
