Evidence is presented to show that standard mattresses compress infants enough to increase the work required to maintain normal levels of ventilation and cellular respiration. The possible relation of long-term standard mattress compression to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is proposed. Evidence is presented to show that waterbeds do not compress infants significantly. The suggestion is made that, if long-term standard mattress compression is related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, then the use of waterbeds designed for babies may help reduce crib deaths.
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