How to choose an orthopedic mattress: key characteristics, types of fillers and sizes

Choosing an orthopedic mattress: key factors

For a deep and restful sleep, your body position should be comfortable. The mattress’s function is to support the spine and ensure the correct body position. But in addition, a person should be comfortable while sleeping – the body should not be compressed, the skin should breathe, the springs should not creak, etc. These are the two main factors that you should focus on when buying a mattress.

• Support. The ability of an anatomical mattress to bend by an amount corresponding to its weight ensures the correct position of the spine, since the mattress bends more under heavier parts of the body, and less under lighter parts. The higher the rigidity, the less pronounced this ability is, so it is very important to choose a mattress of the correct rigidity. It is better to consult an orthopedic surgeon about this to assess the condition of the skeletal system and the level of support you need.
• Comfort. It is not enough to ensure the correct position of the body; it is also necessary for it to be comfortable for the person himself, so that individual parts of the body do not “go numb,” and the mattress does not press anywhere. At the same time, the materials from which it is made must allow air and water vapor to pass through, so as not to sweat during sleep.

In addition to these two factors, also pay attention to other features of orthopedic mattresses, which are no less important:

• Hygiene. The mattress should be well ventilated, this is important to maintain optimal body temperature and humidity during sleep. Some manufacturers report the presence of a well-thought-out ventilation system. Pay attention to the covering layer, it can be universal or intended for a certain time of year. Some mattresses are produced “versatile” – the bedding material on one side is designed for winter, it is made of wool, and on the other – for summer, made of cotton.
• Hypoallergenic. It is good if the mattress is made of environmentally friendly materials, in this case it will not emit substances into the air that can cause allergies. This factor affects the choice of an orthopedic mattress, especially if it is intended for a small child or an elderly person.
• Transfer of deformation. If two people sleep on the bed, the ability of the mattress to transfer deformation becomes significant. When one person gets out of bed, the sleep of the other should not be disturbed. Blocks of dependent springs are characterized by a high degree of deformation transfer.
• Edge stability. The edges of the mattress are a “weak” spot, they are easily deformed, most often this happens if you have a habit of sitting on the edge or sleeping close to the edge of the bed. Good manufacturers additionally reinforce the edges with a frame made of polyurethane foam or steel rods.

The rigidity of orthopedic mattresses

The quality and degree of support for the spine is determined by the rigidity of the mattress on which you will sleep. There are three groups of firmness with different purposes:

• Soft. These mattresses are intended for people with low weight, as well as for the elderly. They are not suitable for those whose skeletal system is just forming.
• Semi-firm. Medium firmness is suitable for most healthy people.
• Firm. Mattresses are intended for children and young people whose skeletal system has not yet fully formed. It is not recommended for very heavy people, especially those who are obese, to sleep on such mattresses.

How to choose an orthopedic mattress that is the right firmness for you? To do this, you need to lie down on it. It is better if someone looks at you and determines how evenly you are lying, whether your spine is straight.

• Norm. A mattress of the “correct” firmness takes the shape of the body, as a result of which the spine forms a straight line parallel to the floor. In this position, the muscles relax, the body fully rests during sleep.
• Softer than necessary. If the spine bends, there is a feeling of a “hammock” – the mattress is too soft, after a night spent on it, your back may hurt.
• Harder than necessary. The line of the shoulders and hips looks raised. This means that the mattress is too hard, the body will be “pressed” against it, disrupting the normal circulation of blood and lymph. In the morning, swelling and a feeling of a “numb” neck, legs, and arms are possible.

Weight can be another selection criterion.

• Up to 60 kg – low firmness
• 60 – 90 kg – medium firmness
• Over 90 kg – high firmness

We are talking only about healthy middle-aged people.

Tip: To check whether you have made the right choice or not, lie on your back. Slide your palm under your lower back. Does it go freely? The mattress is too hard. Turn from side to side. Difficult? The mattress is too soft.

Comfort level

Comfort is a special feeling, it is not always possible to understand how it is achieved. In the case of a mattress, this is easy to determine: if it presses on the protruding parts of the body, for example, the hips and shoulders, when you lie on your side, then it will be uncomfortable to sleep. The larger the area with which the body is in contact with the mattress, the less the feeling of pressure, since the weight is distributed more evenly.

When deciding which orthopedic mattress to choose, it is better to focus on artificial and natural latex, as well as memory foam, they provide the most comfortable sleeping conditions. If you are a fan of spring mattresses, choose one with a higher number of spring blocks per unit area – the load distribution in it will be more uniform.

Types of orthopedic mattresses

There are two types of mattresses that provide proper back support.

1. Spring
2. Springless

The first type of mattresses uses springs as a filler. They can differ in the steel they are made of, the number of turns, and the method of fastening – they can be connected to each other or independent. Mattresses of the second type have sheets of elastic material or a combination of sheets of different materials that differ in density and elasticity as a filler. Both types come in all degrees of hardness and can provide a full, comfortable sleep.

Spring types of orthopedic mattresses, in turn, are divided into two types:

• Dependent. The springs, shaped like a double cone, are laid in rows and linked together. The main advantage is their low price. They are distinguished by a short service life (no more than 7 years). The orthopedic effect is rather weak. They are not recommended for use by people with a lot of weight (more than 100 kg), as well as married couples with very different weights.
• Independent. Each spring is placed in a separate cover. The springs are connected into a single block by sewing the covers. Such mattresses are more expensive, but they last longer – up to 10 years. The orthopedic effect is quite pronounced.

The main indicator of the quality of spring models is the density of the blocks, measured in units per square meter. The indicator 200 is the minimum for quality models. In addition, springs can vary in size and be distributed in the mattress in different ways. Accordingly, several groups are distinguished:

• Pocket Spring (TFK, S-500). The most budget option for an independent spring block. The springs have a diameter of about 6 cm, their distribution density is 220 – 300, the permissible load is up to 120 kg per bed.
• Multipocket (S-1000). The diameter of the springs is slightly smaller – about 4 cm, and the number is greater (density 500). Withstands up to 130 kg per bed. Provides better orthopedic support and greater comfort than Pocket Spring.
• Micropocket (S-2000). The diameter of each spring is 2 – 2.6 cm, density – 1200. This mattress springs less than others, and is very elastic, which increases the comfort of sleep.
• Hour Glass. Another name is hourglass. The springs are made in an unusual shape, similar to an hourglass, which achieves optimal rigidity. The main advantage is that they are suitable for people of any weight.
• Dual Spring. The special properties of the orthopedic mattress are provided by double springs, they allow people with a weight difference of forty kilograms to sleep comfortably on the bed. The maximum weight of one partner is 150 kg.
• Reinforced. To make springs for such mattresses, wire of increased diameter is used. The blocks themselves are installed in alternation, in a “checkerboard” pattern.
• Stiffness zones. Installing springs of different stiffness in different zones of the mattress allows for a more even distribution of the load and provides comfort for people of different builds. There are three, five and seven-zone mattresses. Also, the mattress can be divided into two sleeping places with different degrees of stiffness for partners with very different weights.

Fillers for orthopedic mattresses

Springless mattresses are made from various materials, both natural and artificial. In particular, exotic fillers such as sisal or horsehair can be used. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular options, their pros and cons.

PUF

Foam made from the synthetic material polyurethane foam. It also has other names (foam rubber, orthofoam).

Pros: Low cost, availability.

Cons: Poor air and moisture permeability, short service life, can accumulate odors and retain them for a long time.

Memoriform

Foam made from modified polyurethane foam with a memory effect. Trade names: Memory Foam, Memorix.

Advantages: Returns to its original shape after the load is removed. Less pressure on the body, promoting better movement of blood and lymph in the body.

Cons: Does not allow air to pass through well.

Latex

Foam obtained from the juice of the Hevea tree (a genus of palm trees).

Pros: Completely natural and very environmentally friendly material. Easily changes shape under pressure, gently “hugs” the person lying down, provides comfort and proper thermoregulation. Does not absorb odors and moisture. Service life up to 20 years.

Cons: The only drawback is the high price, which, however, pays off with a long service life.

Artificial latex

It is made from polyurethane foam processed in a special way.

Pros: From popular materials for This orthopedic mattress can be considered optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. Withstands heavy weight.

Cons: The service life of such mattresses does not exceed 15 years.

Coir

This material is obtained from fibers obtained from the intercarp of coconuts. A completely natural material with high elasticity. Each fiber of coir can be considered as a mini-spring.

Pros: Resistant to moisture, does not harbor microbes or mold, the material does not rot.

Cons: Quite a hard material that requires combining with softer ones for a comfortable rest.

Struttofiber (periotek)

It is made from synthetic polyester threads, sometimes with the addition of natural threads of cotton, bamboo, wool, flax without the use of glues and resinous substances.

Hollofiber

Made of polyester fiber. Has good air permeability, does not cake much, holds its shape well.

Technogel

It is similar in properties to memory foam, but has a gel-like structure. Due to this, it can distribute the load in all directions, which reduces the pressure on the body. The main disadvantage is the very high price.

Exotic natural fillers:

• Horsehair. An expensive material considered one of the best fillers. Additionally impregnated with latex. It is possible to make hard and semi-hard mattresses with very good orthopedic support.
• Sisal. It is obtained from the leaves of the Agava sisolana plant. It is also additionally impregnated with latex. Sisal is a harder material than coir, but more durable.

Orthopedic mattress sizes

Manufacturers offer a wide range of standard sizes, among which you can choose a model for any bed. In addition, it is always possible to order a non-standard size, although it will cost a little more. The main difficulty is to decide what size mattress you need. Use the following tips when choosing a mattress:

• Measure your height and add at least 15 cm – the length of the mattress should not be less than the resulting value, and it is better if it is 5 cm longer.
• Lie on your back, put your hands behind your head and measure the distance between your elbows. This is the width of the mattress that you need. If you sleep together, then similar measurements should be taken for your partner. And again, allow a few centimeters “in reserve”.
• Don’t forget to measure the size of the bedroom to correctly imagine the possible size of the mattress.

Standard mattress sizes

The most common and popular mattress models have the following sizes:

• width: 80, 90 cm (single), 120 cm (one and a half), 140, 160, 180, 200 cm (double).
• length: 190, 195, 200 cm.

Choosing an orthopedic mattress in a store

And so, finally, you have decided which model you need. Now – to the store to test your decision in practice. Let’s say you need a “medium-hard” mattress. But different manufacturers have their own ideas about the degree of hardness, their own materials, and, accordingly, different results. Therefore, prepare yourself for the fact that you will have to lie on different mattresses, and the more models you try, the more correct the choice will be.

• To choose the right orthopedic mattress, you need to assess as accurately as possible how comfortable it is to lie on it. This will help loose clothing that is familiar and comfortable for you.
• Go to the store in the morning, on a day off. After a day at work, any sleeping place will seem very comfortable.
• Take your time! Each mattress needs at least 10-15 minutes. Otherwise, you will not feel the comfort.
• Turn from side to side, then take your favorite sleeping position and lie down for a while – this will help you correctly assess the comfort.
• Do you sleep in the same bed with your spouse? Go to the store together, arrange “road tests” together.
• Springless mattresses seem softer if they lie on only one base, not surrounded by a bed frame. They will seem harder if you put them in a frame. The effect is most pronounced for latex.
• The creaking and “ringing” of the springs will indicate low quality of the mattress.

Advice: It is best to make a choice in a large specialized store, where you can try out many different models from different manufacturers at once. The downside of such shopping centers is that their prices are usually unreasonably high. If you are not satisfied with the price, look for the model you like in the online store. As a rule, the prices there are significantly lower with the same quality of goods.