Back Support

**Wabbajack** · 10-17-2010, 15:00

I have been hammocking for a little bit now and the sleeping position has been getting hard on my back. Is there a way to hammock more ergonomically such as a "sleep number" type hammock?

**KerMegan** · 10-17-2010, 15:04

try a pillow or bunched up jacket under your knees.
are you lying along the center of the hammock, or on a diagonal?
I find putting knees up on one side wall and shoulders slightly tilted against the other helps a lot.KM

**TinaLouise** · 10-18-2010, 07:24

Usually people have problems with their knees hurting (hyperextending). Back hurting is not "usually" a problem. So some questions... what kind of hammock? Have you tried hanging it looser and have you tried hanging it tighter?? Have you tried shifting off of the middle and laying a bit off the center line?? Have you tried hanging with your feet higher than your head? Have you tried a small pillow or a blanket wadded up, under your back?

Sometimes it really is the type of hammock you have. That's one of the reasons there are so many different types of hammocks, you'll just need to find the one that's right for you. If there are any hammock hangs near you, where you can see a lot of different hammocks, usually the people owning these hammocks will let you try them out. (hammock people tend to be real frindly and will let just about anyone into their beds!!!)

TinaLouise

**G.L.P.** · 10-18-2010, 07:37

I have back problems and i sleep better in a hammock then i do in my bed

i use a pillow in the hammock....

**Lonely Raven** · 10-18-2010, 07:40

Originally Posted by Wabbajack

I have been hammocking for a little bit now and the sleeping position has been getting hard on my back. Is there a way to hammock more ergonomically such as a "sleep number" type hammock?

This depends on the type of hammock, how tight it's strung, if it has a ridgeline (adjustable or not), if you lay on your side or back, if you lay following it's ridgeline or diagonal.

There are lots of factors to a good hang. We need more info from you!

**Jsaults** · 10-18-2010, 12:15

The tip about under-the-knee support is a good one. I do not sleep on my back, and do not need such support, but I occasionally "loaf" in that position and can appreciate the benefits.

Have you tried sleeping on your side? Or slightly to the side? How about diagonal to the centerline? Have you tried a looser pitch? That helped me with my Hennessey.

Half the fun (IMO) of hammocking is searching for that "just right" combination of pitcha nad position. And once you find it, bliss!!!!

Jim

**Knotty** · 10-18-2010, 14:36

Are you laying on an angle "Brazilian Style"? Straight down the center is a sure road to back pain for me.

**oldgringo** · 10-18-2010, 15:31

Geez, Tina, I wanna comment, but I don't dare...well played.

**Wabbajack** · 10-18-2010, 17:43

So much to learn! The diagonal works much better and I can't wait to try it out for a full night. Thanks for the helpful replies.

**SwingFromDeez** · 10-18-2010, 18:30

So youa re supposed to sleep sideways. I told my wife taht and she said that wans't the way to lay in a hammock your supposed to hang down the center!