| Mention the word, hammock, and many North | | | | hammock is not for everyone; but those who try |
| Americans think of a rustic looking rope and wood | | | | it have an excellent chance of discovering how |
| torture device, guaranteed comfortable for all of | | | | good a night's sleep can be. |
| 5 minutes, if it doesn't dump you out first. Yet | | | | The two styles of hammocks which are most |
| worldwide, probably a 100 million or more people | | | | frequently used as beds are the sprang woven |
| use hammocks as their beds. Central and South | | | | (open diamond weave) hammocks from Mexico |
| America, the Philippines and Asia all have millions of | | | | and Nicaragua and the cross woven (cotton |
| hammock users. Each country or region has its | | | | canvas) style from Brazil. The Mayan and |
| own particular style. These are very different in | | | | Nicaraguan hammocks derive their supportive |
| design and materials than those found in our | | | | nature from the thousands of tiny little cells that |
| aforementioned outdoor rope hammocks. | | | | form at the intersections of the strings, forming |
| The advantages of using a hammock as a bed | | | | almost a cushion of air to support the inhabitant. |
| include comfort, convenience and portability. A | | | | Brazilian styles are, in effect, soft hanging blankets |
| properly hung hammock conforms to the contour | | | | that cradle and support the happy dreamer within. |
| of the body, supporting it evenly on all sides, and | | | | For children I recommend Brazilian cotton |
| creating no points of pressure such as are found | | | | hammocks. They are easier to manage than the |
| when sleeping on a bed. Many people who toss | | | | Mayan or Nicaraguan. You can pick them by |
| and turn throughout the night on a bed find that | | | | whatever cost and decor criteria you wish, as |
| when they sleep in a hammock they wake up in | | | | they all make comfortable beds. The thicker, |
| the morning in exactly the same position as when | | | | more durable ones increase in comfort with the |
| they went to sleep. The gentle swaying of the | | | | passage of time, and washings. Adults can choose |
| hammock adds a lulling sense of comfort that also | | | | between the cool airy comfort of the Mayan |
| enhances the sleep experience. The support of | | | | hammock and the cozier feel of the Brazilian |
| the hammock is particularly appreciated by back | | | | hammock. Hanging space requirements vary from |
| pain sufferers who often find that the increased | | | | about nine to thirteen feet for Mayan and Brazilian |
| support of the hammock results in a decreased | | | | hammocks. |
| pain and stiffness level. Of course, sleeping in a | | | | |