A myriad of mattresses exist on today’s market, making it difficult to find the mattress that’s just right for you. When you’re balancing the wants and needs of two people, the search can get even more difficult, and when one of those people has a back problem, it can take a lot of searching. Don’t settle for a subpar mattress when finding the right mattress is enough to make both people happy and support your back. But how do you know what’s best when you have a back problem? When is it even time to invest in a new mattress?
Mattress Basics
Understanding the basics of mattresses will help make that purchase even easier. Mattresses aren’t cheap, and they’re supposed to last you for a decent chunk of time. First, how do you know if you need to replace your current one? If you’re waking up stiff and sore, that probably means the integrity of the mattress has deteriorated. Getting an excellent night’s sleep at someone else’s house or at a hotel also means your current one probably isn’t doing its job. Any sagging is a definite sign that you need to trash it. Even if the sagging or visible wear hasn’t caused any sleep issues, it will eventually so stay ahead of it.
When you test drive a mattress, make sure it supports your body when it’s in a neutral position. Don’t just sit on the edge and give it a bounce. You need to actually lay down on it to see how it cradles your body. A neutral position, according to neurologists, is when your spine has a gentle curve and your butt, shoulders, head, and heels are aligned correctly. A mattress that’s too firm will make the pressure on those points uncomfortable. A too soft mattress won’t support those essential points and your body will sort of flop. It doesn’t matter if it’s too firm or too soft; both are a recipe for a stiff and aching body the next morning. A tip? A firmer bed is more ideal if you suffer from lower back pain.
Why Are Adjustable Beds Good for Back Problems?
If you suffer from a back problem, you know that falling asleep and getting a good night’s sleep is hard. Adjustable beds have proven to be a small miracle in the world of back pain. An adjustable bed is what it sounds like: it puts you at an inclined position that’s comfortable for your back. A variety of back problems make it unbearable to sleep flat. People diagnosed with osteoarthritis find a reclined sleeping position relieves pressure on the joints and reduces the joint compression that makes for a stiff morning. An adjustable bed might be a good option if you’re looking at having an invasive back surgery. Needing to sleep reclined or flat will vary throughout your recovery, so if the investment worries you, know that it can be used in stages.
A poor night’s sleep affects you mentally, too. If you’ve suffered through years of tossing and turning because your mattress and your back don’t agree, consider that a simple mattress change can make all the difference in your quality of sleep