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Which mattress is right for me and why is the right choice of mattress so important?
The mattress we sleep on greatly affects the quality of our sleep.
A mattress that does not provide adequate spinal support can lead to muscle fatigue and affect the quality of sleep.
Good support keeps the spine in its natural position, even when lying down, which it otherwise assumes when standing.
When the body maintains a natural posture, muscles can relax and sleep becomes more restful.
When looking for the best mattress, you need to know exactly what personal requirements you place on the mattress. There is no one type of mattress or bed that is best for everyone, and no one that works better than another for back pain. There is also no sleeping position that would be best for everyone.
Back pain can have many causes, and various conditions may be more sensitive to certain bed, mattress, and sleeping positions .
There are few scientific studies examining the link between back pain and mattresses, and the results are inconclusive.
Usually the causes of back and neck pain are very complex and it is extremely difficult to determine whether the mattress alone is responsible for the improvement or worsening of the pain. It is not only uncomfortable lying that leads to sleep problems, you should definitely talk to your family doctor about other possible causes and treatment methods for the sleep disorder.
Severe and permanent back pain could be pathological and have absolutely nothing to do with the mattress. Anyone who suffers from back pain should always have a thorough examination by their doctor, who may also use imaging diagnostic methods .
No one should assume that a new mattress or bed will cure every type of back pain.
A new bed should only ever be purchased for reasons of comfort.
What properties must a mattress have?
Even if the individual requirements are the most important factors when choosing the right mattress, there are some basic rules that must be observed.
In general, firmer mattresses are preferred because they give more support to the spine. There is no definitive evidence in the scientific literature to support this claim, but it is helpful to have spinal support during sleep.
If you feel more comfortable on a soft mattress or even on a waterbed, you should sleep on a softer bed.
As a rule of thumb, the best mattress is the one on which you can sleep well and wake up refreshed and rested in the morning without pain or stiff limbs. When buying a new mattress, the following points should be considered:
- Type : There are different types of mattresses: spring mattresses, memory foam mattresses (memory foam), water beds and air mattresses. Innerspring mattresses offer a greater range of support and firmness, but many people find other types of mattresses more comfortable.
The best mattress is the one that supports the body as best as possible while offering the greatest comfort. And what about those memory foam mattresses from the 1950s that cost thousands of dollars? There is a variety of evidence to show that they help with back problemscan help and improve the quality of sleep, but their advantages compared to a normal innerspring mattress are rather insignificant on the whole. “The memory foam mattresses are a huge help for anyone who has a very active partner who won’t let them sleep,” says Decker. The memory foam cushions the movement, so you lie still while your partner turns back and forth.
- Underlay : The mattress frame can be made of wooden slats or springs. This structure supports the weight of the mattress and, if of good quality, can extend the life of the mattress; Therefore, the underlay should be bought to match the type of mattress. Using an outdated spring structure can negatively impact mattress support and durability.
- Firmness : It is not always true that a firmer mattress is better. A mattress that is too hard does not support the body evenly, only the heavier parts of the body. A mattress that is too soft creates hollows and does not keep the spine in an ideal position. In neither of these two extreme cases can the muscles relax and regenerate during sleep.
- Comfort : When buying a mattress, you should take enough time to try it out; Above all, try out the preferred sleeping position and switch to other positions several times (on your stomach, on your side, on your back). If you sleep in pairs, you should take your partner with you when you buy a mattress and try it out together; This way you can see whether there is enough freedom of movement for both of them. Ensure that the spine is optimally supported and maintains its natural curve. Different manufacturers use different terms for comfort and firmness, which can cause confusion for consumers. Terms like “orthopaedic” are often used by salespeople, but have no medical meaning.
- Lifespan : If you have problems sleeping, it is not necessarily the fault of the type of mattress, it can also be due to its age. Decker says, “One must be aware that the lifespan of a mattress is finite.”
And that depends on the durability of the material. You have to control the quality of the inner and outer material. You should know whether the manufacturer offers a guarantee in the event of defects. Mattress prices vary depending on size, material and manufacturing method. A good innerspring mattress will last about 8-10 years. So you can see it as an investment. You should never just look for the cheapest price.
If a mattress is used for too long, the viscoelastic and other materials in the mattress wear out and can no longer optimally support the body.
What does the price say about a mattress?
A mattress consists mainly of two basic criteria:
Support ability : The springs have the task of supporting the spine; they should be in sufficient numbers to provide optimal support and maintain the natural curvature of the spine.
: The mattress cover on the top of the mattress is mainly for comfort.
Usually the best and most expensive mattresses are those with the highest spring count and thickest mattress cover.
But that doesn’t mean that such a mattress should definitely be bought; As already mentioned, the choice of mattress should depend on several factors, one of which is back problems.
Probe lying
Decker says “You’re definitely not going to buy a car without first taking it for a test drive.” Why would you want to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a mattress without trying it first? If a mattress is shortlisted, it should be used for a short nap to try it out. Decker says, “No one should feel embarrassed to stretch out on a bed in a store for 20 minutes.”
For a more realistic test, it is advisable to stay in different hotel chains when traveling. If you sleep particularly well one night, you can ask the reception about the mattress brand.
When trying out lying on a mattress, all positions must be felt to be comfortable, especially the preferred sleeping position. The bed should support where it’s needed without creating excessive bearing pressure, says Levy.
