Orthopaedic Guide to buying the best mattress for you – Dr.Mahesh MN

Orthopaedic Guide to buying the best mattress for you – Dr.Mahesh MN

If you have a bad back, you should buy the firmest mattress you can find or sleep in hard flat ground.

While that used to be the common wisdom, there’s no solid research behind it. The latest thinking is that there isn’t one type of mattress that’s best for everyone, including people with chronic back pain. Let personal preference guide you, and choose what feels most comfortable.

But making the right choice can be tricky. So many products are on the market, and just because a mattress feels good when you lie down on it in a showroom doesn’t mean you’re going to be happy sleeping on it for the next several years.

Few tips to guide regarding mattress of choice based on medical articles,

It Needs to Keep Your Spine Aligned :

You may not realize it, but good posture is important when you sleep. The muscles and ligaments (tissue that holds joints together) in your back need to relax and recover while you snooze. If a mattress is too firm — or too squishy -it won’t support your spine at your neck or lower back the way it needs to. 

When in Doubt, Go ‘Medium-Firm’

Research is limited, but in one study, researchers assigned new mattresses to more than 300 people with low back pain. They used either “medium-firm” or “firm” mattresses for 90 days. Those in the medium group reported the least amount of discomfort.

How To Tell If Your Bed Is Causing Back Pain?

A mattress can have a significant impact on back pain, as it directly affects your spinal alignment during sleep. Here are some factors to consider 

1. You Wake Up With Back Pain

2. You Struggle To Get Comfortable In Bed(toss and turn to get comfortable sleep)3.  You Wake Up Often at Night

4.  You Feel Like You’re Rolling Off Your Bed

5. Your Mattress Is Saggy

1. Firmness Level: A mattress that is too soft may cause your body to sink too much, leading to poor spinal alignment and increasing pressure on the lower back. A mattress that is too firm can lead to insufficient support for your body’s curves, also resulting in back pain. The ideal mattress firmness varies by individual, but generally, medium-firm mattresses are recommended for most people with back pain.

2. Support: A good mattress should provide adequate support for the spine, keeping it in a neutral position. This means that the spine should not be excessively arched or compressed while sleeping. If the mattress doesn’t offer enough support, it can strain muscles and joints, leading to discomfort and back pain.

3. Sleeping Position: Your sleep posture also affects the kind of mattress you need. For example, side sleepers may benefit from a softer mattress that cushions the shoulders and hips, while back sleepers might need something firmer to provide support to the lower back.

4. Material: I recommend 40 density memory foam Matress as the best for humans , Memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, and latex mattresses each offer different types of support and comfort. Memory foam contours to the body, relieving pressure points, which may be helpful for those with chronic back pain. Latex provides a balance of support and cushioning, while innerspring mattresses offer a more traditional feel.

5. Age of the Mattress: Over time, mattresses can lose their support, leading to sagging and uneven surfaces that can contribute to back pain. If your mattress is older than 7-10 years, it may be time for a replacement.

6. Changing Corners of Mattress : It is also advised to change the corners of mattress every 3 months to maintain an even surface.

If you’re experiencing back pain, it might be worth evaluating the condition and type of mattress you have, as well as considering whether your sleeping habits are contributing to the problem.

Visited 14 times, 1 visit(s) today

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *