I have been wanting to use a magnetic mattress pad for some time. I have always read that it isn't safe for children. After a lot of searching the reason the FDA doesn't recommend it is because they could swallow a magnet if the pad were to rip open and pose a non-hazardous risk. I was always wondering what the reason was. Does anyone here use magnetic mattress pads or do your children?

They are beneficial for many ailments, mentally, physically, etc...

I've never heard of these...what is the difference wonder? Yeah, I am with you on the magnet thing as well. I get paranoid about toys with magnets & I always watch my DD closely when she plays with the magnetic ABC's on the fridge. Call me paranoid, but I always fear the magnets will pop out of the back (2 already have) and somehow she will swallow a couple & me not know about it until it's too late.

They are beneficial for many ailments, mentally, physically, etc...

I would say that's a bit strong. There is some evidence (some studies say yes, some say no) that magnets can be helpful for certain types of chronic pain, such as arthritis. In most of the studies that found benefit, the patients saw the benefit within a few days. I haven't seen any evidence that magnets are helpful in other ways.

There is also electronic stimulation. That's a completely different matter. It is well established, including through my personal experience, that transcutaneous electronic stimulation eases pain, and certain types of electric current (don't try this at home, I don't know the right way to do it!) can stimulate the growth of bones that are not healing well.

As far as I know, aside from children eating them and maybe choking, the biggest harm caused by magnets is that they draw money out of the wallet, sometimes money that could be spent on more effective medical treatments.

Now wait, is this for you or your child? Since you posted it under this thread I was first under the impression that you wanted one for your child, but I think I am wrong in assuming that.

If it isn't for your child, what is your concern? Are you afraid to have one in your house for fear it could hurt your child?

My daughter sleeps with me and I would like to purchase one.

Magnetic therapy is not new and has been around for thousands of years. The positive ions help heal or make you feel better by increasing circulation of blood, nutrients, and oxygen in your body to the problem area. Some studies are funded by "powerful" companies and their intent is to "disprove" that something as simple as magnetic therpy works. You really have to look outside of the box when reading about anything that involves health these days because we are being misguided towards drugs and surgery as the solution for most of our problems. Effective medical treatment to me isn't conventional medicine.

Although not everyone has success, the benefits can help with depression, carpal tunnel, any sore joints or muscles, inflammation, headaches, sinus, improve sleeping, etc, etc. etc.

I was originally wondering why children were not recommended to sleep on magnetic pads, but like I said, the FDA is concerned about choking. The magnets are sewn into this pad and are not exposed. I was just wondering if anyone else has used these pads for their children. Thanks for your comments!

Alexa, I agree with you that you shouldn't believe everything that the government or corporations say, but you shouldn't believe everything the "other side" says either. And most of the loudest voices I've found touting the benefits of magnets are selling them. I'm not saying they're useless, just that you need to examine the evidence critically and consider the source. Whether the "study" is published in the New England Journal of Medicine and endorsed by the FDA, or appears on some dude named Fred's personal web page, read it, look at how it was conducted, what it really proved, and consider who performed it and what their financial interests and prejudices are.

That being said, if you want some, I say go ahead. Just make sure that they don't start popping out of the pad as the pad becomes worn. Putting a fitted sheet over the pad might help with that.

Normally my regular mattress pads don't just start ripping open, so I don't anticipate that this will happen and magnets will be popping out. Nevertheless, you normally put a sheet over the mattress pad, yes. I read all sides and make my own decision with all of the information presented, Jane. Who said I believe one side over another? I mainly read about it from sources that are not selling anything, but explain how magnetic therapy works in this case. :)

No, mattress pads don't normally rip open, but when you put solid magnets in them, they can sort of tear their way out. Or, if your daughter sort of finds them with her fingers and starts picking at them...

My mom bought me a bra with magnets in it, and they tore loose long before the rest of the bra wore out. That's why I mentioned it. And I'm paranoid, and that's the only possible hazard I can think of.

I see your point!