World Menopause Day: Unveiling Our Partnership with GenM

World Menopause Day is observed annually on 18th October. It’s a day that’s devoted to breaking down the stigma surrounding menopause in a bid to improve the health and well-being of all of those women who are experiencing it right now. 

Led by the International Menopause Society (IMS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), World Menopause Day focuses on a new theme each year. The theme is chosen by IMS and this year, the focus is on menopause hormone therapy (MHT). 

This means that IMS will be looking at who actually needs MHT, and whether women without symptoms should be prescribed it.

Given the links between menopause and sleep, we’ve been looking into how we can be more supportive to our customers who are currently going through the menopause. And so, we’ve teamed up with GenM: the menopause partner for brands.

What is GenM? 

GenM is a team of like-minded individuals who are united in their global commitment to make menopause more visible. Their goal? Bringing choice to consumers by creating a global marketplace of credibility and trust. 

GenM unites brands to deliver choice to customers experiencing menopausal symptoms. And with their unique MTick accreditation, they are working hard to streamline the way we search, source, and shop for menopause.  

What is the MTick and what does it mean? 

The MTick is the world’s first universal shopping symbol to signpost menopause friendly products, making customers lives easier when shopping.  It’s a special mark of recognition that’s awarded to products that have proven themselves to be suitable for women currently experiencing the menopause. It’s fast becoming a global symbol that’s transforming the way women access products to help ease, relieve and support symptoms of menopause. 

Once awarded, the MTick can be used to signpost menopause-friendly products, so they are easy to identify.  

But ultimately, the MTick is much more than an award. It’s a symbol of momentous change for the lived experience of menopause. And with it, GenM are helping to normalise the conversation and build awareness. 

How are products assessed to ensure they meet the MTick criteria? 

GenM partners must supply evidence proving their products meet their strict criteria. Only after doing so while a product be awarded the MTick. 

The MTick may only be used on products that meet one of the criteria points outlined below: 

1. Backed by claims. Products that have been backed by authorised medicinal, cosmetic or health claims, showing they support one or more of the 48 signs of the menopause.  

2. Tried and tested. Products that have been rigorously tested by menopausal women, and demonstrate statistically significant results in easing, relieving or supporting a particular symptom of menopause. 

3. Featured technology. Products featuring technology or functionality that is specifically designed to support any one of the 48 signs of menopause. 

4. Customer reviews. Trustpilot reviews are also assessed before the MTick is awarded. Only products rated 4+ stars by your customers will be eligible as this helps to ensure that all of the products GenM approves are highly rated. 

What are the 48 signs and symptoms of menopause? 

As we’ve mentioned these 48 signs and symptoms of menopause a number of times during this blog post, we though it wise to outline these. Here they are in no particular order: 

1. Nail changes 

2. Tingling sensations in extremities (hands and feet) 

3. Night sweats 

4. Changes in breast size 

5. Lack of motivation 

6. Dry eyes 

7. Recurrent UTIs (urinary tract infections) 

8. Nausea and digestive issues 

9. Sleep issues and insomnia 

10. Anxiety 

11. Mood swings 

12. Dizziness 

13. Changes in skin texture 

14. Dry mouth 

15. Panic disorders 

16. Sagging breasts 

17. Worsening PMS (premenstrual syndrome) 

18. Bladder weakness 

19. Itchy skin 

20. Decreasing fertility 

21. Weight gain 

22. Irritability 

23. Heart palpitations 

24. Thinning hair 

25. Loss of concentration 

26. Feeling cold 

27. Bloating 

28. Acne 

29. Body odour 

30. Irregular periods 

31. Depression 

32. A change in skin sensation 

33. Brain fog 

34. Joint pain 

35. Dental issues 

36. Changes to taste and smell 

37. Changes in sex drive 

38. Burning mouth syndrome 

39. Hot flushes 

40. Muscle tension 

41. Short-term memory issues 

42. Breathing difficulties 

43. Loss of bone density 

44. Vaginal dryness 

45. Fatigue 

46. Sore breasts 

47. Headaches and migraines 

48. Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem 

So, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and consider yourself to be round about the right age to be starting the menopause, it could be time to book an appointment with the GP. 

Menopause generally starts between the ages of 45 and 55. But symptoms can arise as early as in your 30s or be delayed until your late 50s and even early 60s. The truth is, we’re all different. 

Those experiencing menopause will find that symptoms and signs usually last around seven years. But for some of us, it can be as long as 14 years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors (such as smoking, drinking, activeness, etc), the age it begins, and race and ethnicity (1). 

Which Bensons for Beds products have been awarded the MTick? 

As experiencing menopausal symptoms can impact sleep quality, we are keen to position Bensons for Beds as a go-to for menopause-friendly sleep products.  

We’ll update this section as more and more of our products are proven to meet GenM’s criteria. So, check back on a regular basis to stay up to date with sleep essentials that have proven themselves to be menopause-friendly.  

Currently, the products listed below are the proud recipients of the MTick. 

The iGel NanoTech Mattress Collection 

Thanks to their temperature regulating qualities, each of the mattresses featured in our iGel NanoTech range have been approved as being menopause-friendly because they can help to alleviate night sweats! 

Here are some of the key things to know about each of these mattresses: 

iGel NanoTech 2050i Mattress: Packed with 2050 pocket springs which adapt individually to body movement during the night, providing a premium responsive support system. 

iGel NanoTech 3000i Mattress: Features 3000 dual layer pocket springs (both mini and full-height) to deliver a responsive sleep surface. 

iGel NanoTech 3500i Plushtop Mattress: Boasting 3500 dual layer pocket springs made up of a combination of mini springs and full height springs, all adapting individually to body movement during the night.  

iGel NanoTech 4000i Plushtop Mattress: This pocket sprung mattress features 4000 dual layer pocket springs which work round the clock to adapt to the shape of your body during the night providing responsive support and enhancing sleep comfort. 

iGel NanoTech 5000i Plushtop Mattress: This one has a triple layer of pocket springs totalling 5,000. This is also made up of a combination of mini springs and full height pocket springs, all of which working to adapt individually to your body as you move while sleeping to deliver optimum responsive support and comfort. 

iGel NanoTech 6000i Plushtop Mattress: With an impressive 6000 pocket springs (made up of that winning combination of mini springs and full height springs) packed into a triple layer makeup, this mattress delivers an optimum response, support and comfort. 

Some other notable credentials boasted by this innovative, menopause-friendly mattress range include: 

• Exclusive iGel™ NanoTech Graphene Technology. This promotes up to 12 x faster heat transfer than standard memory foam and is only available right here at Bensons for Beds. 

• iGel™ NanoTech Intelligent Temperature Regulation. This intelligent temperature regulating technology has been proven to absorb, store and release heat. This helps you to sleep neither too hot, nor too cold, but just right night after night. 

• Soothing and supportive pressure relief. iGel™ foam provides gentle relief of excess pressure. This is paired with iGel crystals to deliver advanced support too. 

• FreshNow™. The combination of iGel™ foam and the tencel cover fibres help to aid moisture control to keep your sleep environment feeling fresher. 

• AdvantEdge™ edge support. This provides added mattress durability, reduces the risk of roll-off, and optimises the sleep surface right to the very edge of the mattress. 

• In partnership with the BCA (British Chiropractic Association). We partnered with medical professionals to develop mattresses to promote healthy body support. The BCA is the largest and longest established association for Chiropractors in the United Kingdom. 

Intrigued to see if one of these mattresses could reduce those temperature-related night time awakenings that are part and parcel of going through the menopause? Pop into your local Bensons for Beds and have a free sleep consultation with one of our sleep experts. 

Partnering with GenM to support the needs of sleepers experiencing the menopause 

At Bensons, we’ve made it our mission to cater for all sleep needs, wants, and preferences. And our partnership with GenM is just the beginning of our dedication to create mattresses and sleep essentials that tie in with the needs of women who are going through the menopause. Watch this space. 

Discover more helpful advice and sleep tips for women struggling with the menopause provided by our resident sleep expert here. Happy World Menopause Day to women everywhere. Let’s continue to celebrate our differences and our similarities worldwide!