Many patients ask us, "What is the best mattress to buy?" Unfortunately, there has not been extensive medical research or controlled clinical trials on the topic of mattresses and back pain. (Claims that a mattress is "orthopedic" or "medically-approved" should therefore be viewed skeptically.) Mattresses are largely a matter of personal preference.
This is due to several factors:
1. There are many different types and causes of back problems. What works for one person might not be the best option for another.
2. Our bodies are all different. Different weights, heights, and builds may help dictate what one should look for in a mattress or pillow.
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3. The causes of back pain are quite complex, and it's difficult to isolate whether or not a mattress or pillow has played a significant role in causing pain.
4. In addition to mattresses and pillows, there are other factors that affect sleep comfort. Medication side effects, irregular sleep patterns, use of caffeine/alcohol/tobacco, sleep apnea, obesity, and anxiety/stress are all common causes of disrupted sleep.
General Rules of Thumb When Choosing a Mattress
Most people prefer a firmer mattress that provides more support. A good mattress should provide support while allowing for the natural curves of the spine. A mattress is too soft if it sags, or if a second person in the bed causes the other to dip toward the center. Studies have found that a medium-firm mattress provides the best back support and alleviates the most back pain. A mattress that is too hard, though, causes aches and pains at pressure points, such as the shoulders and hips. A mattess is too firm if there are gaps between any part of your body and the mattress. Any mattress that helps a person sleep well, so that he/she awakes feeling rested and refreshed, without pain or stiffness, is the best mattress for that individual.
Mattress Composition
The following physical components are the important features of most high-quality mattresses:
Springs and Coils
These give firmness for back support. The wire in the coils can be varying thicknesses. Lower gauge wire is thicker and stiffer, meaning the mattress is firmer. A greater quantity of coils indicates a higher-quality mattress. Get one here
Mattress Padding
This is the part that provides comfort. Padding is usually made of polyurethane foam, puffed-up polyester, or cotton batting. Some mattresses have a foam layer just below the quilted top layer. Softer foams feel almost moist to the touch, and firmer foams do not spring back as quickly. Below this layer, there is a layer of cotton batting that caused the mattress to feel firmer in areas such as the middle of the mattress. Finally, there is an insulation layer that lies on top of the coil springs so that they cannot be felt from the top of the mattress. It also protects the coils from damaging the top layers.Check this out
,Bed Padding Eggcrate King, Size: 2 in X 72 in X 80 Inches - 1 ea
,Cotton Top Twin Mattress Pad
References:
"Composition of a High-Quality Mattress", http://www.spine-health.com.
