Selecting the best mattress
Finding the right mattress for the back
While individual preference is probably the most important
factor in determining the best mattress for each person,
there are some general rules of thumb in what constitutes
a good mattress.
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In general, most people prefer a firmer mattress
that gives the spine more support. While there is
no definitive literature that absolutely supports
this claim, it makes sense that it is beneficial
to have support for the spine while sleeping. It
is thought that a mattress should provide support
for the spine at all points (along the spine’s
natural curves), and keep the spine in the same
body position as good standing posture.
-
While a firm mattress is usually good, if the mattress
is too hard it can cause aches and pains in pressure
points, such as the hips. Patients who have inflammation
of the bursa over their hips (greater trochanteric
bursitis) can be especially susceptible to aches
from a mattress that is too firm. People who sleep
on their sides - with pressure points at their hips
and shoulders pressed against the mattress - may
also feel more sensitive to a firmer mattress.
-
There are no significant external forces on the
spine while one is sleeping, so even a firmer mattress,
although it probably gives more support, is not
absolutely necessary. If one feels more comfortable
on a softer mattress, or even a waterbed, it is
quite reasonable to sleep on a softer mattress.
As an overall rule of thumb, any mattress that helps
a person sleep well, so that he or she wakes feeling
rested and refreshed, and without pain and stiffness,
is the best mattress for that individual.
Tips on buying a high-quality mattress
Before buying a mattress, it is best to try sleeping
on it. People may try different beds in hotels, at other
people’s houses, etc. and when they find the best
mattress for them, then they buy the same make/model.
If it’s not possible to sleep on a mattress first,
it’s advisable to at least lie on the mattress
in the store until feeling sure that it is a comfortable
fit.
There are two main factors that comprise a mattress:
-
Support: The coils or inner springs in the mattress
provide support for the spine. A mattress should
have enough coils to provide adequate support and
allow for the natural curves of the spine.
-
Comfort: The padding on top of the mattress primarily
provides the comfort (thick padding may be called
“pillow top”). This is really a matter
of personal preference - some people prefer thick
padding and some thin.
In general, the higher number of coils and the thicker
the padding, the higher quality (and more expensive)
the mattress. However, this does not mean that it’s
necessary to buy the mattress with the highest number
of coils and/or thickest padding. As noted on the previous
page, mattress preference is dictated by a number of
factors, including a person’s specific back condition.
While it is important that a mattress provide an adequate
level support for the spine, personal preference and
comfort level is the bottom line when selecting a mattress.
By: Richard
A. Staehler, MD
August
29, 2003
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