If you’ve decided you’re in the market for a new mattress, the chances are that you will have come across many different types of mattresses in your search. One of the most popular types of mattress on the market is an orthopaedic mattress.
With so many options to choose from, finding the right mattress can often feel like a challenging task. From the level of support and the size of the sleep surface to the materials that mattresses are made from, there is a lot to consider before making the right selection for you.
The National Sleep Foundation estimates that 80% of the population have back pain at some point in their lives and sleeping on a poor quality or old mattress can make this pain worse. The right mattress is a crucial way to keep the body in its correct alignment while you sleep, this can help to alleviate chronic back pain and pressure on the joints.
Learn more about what Mattress for Bad Back needs to be like in our article!
So, what is an orthopaedic mattress and how can it help to reduce pain?
An orthopaedic mattress is an extra firm sleep surface that is specifically designed to help the body maintain the correct spinal alignment and alleviate muscle and joint paints while you sleep. There are many benefits of choosing an orthopaedic mattress, which is why they are so popular.
Benefits of orthopaedic mattress
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Maximum support
Orthopaedic mattresses are designed to contour around the body as you rest, providing the ultimate support for the spine, joints, and muscles. Rather than sinking down into a soft surface, an orthopaedic mattress is designed to hold you up while providing maximum comfort so that it is easier for the body to maintain the correct alignment.
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Even weight distribution
The firm supportive surface of an orthopaedic mattress allows for even distribution of body weight which reduces strain on the body and ensures a good night’s sleep. Even weight distribution is important because as we sleep our weight is concentrated in certain areas. These areas soon start to ache which can disrupt the sleep cycle and wake us up to move, however, proper weight distribution means that the body is much more supported and less likely to experience pain.
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Correct spinal alignment
When we lay on an unsupportive mattress, the muscles and tendons have to work extra hard during the night to keep the body in its correct position. Orthopaedic mattresses help to keep the spine correctly aligned which reduces the strain on muscles.
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Healthy posture
Maintaining the correct spinal alignment ensures a healthy posture. Orthopaedic mattresses are ideal for anyone suffering from posture issues or back pains as they promote the correct alignment and provide unparalleled support.
The benefits of investing in an orthopaedic mattress are numerous, but what is it that separates an orthopaedic mattress from a standard one? It’s what’s inside the mattress that makes the difference. A high-quality memory foam orthopaedic mattress will usually feature:
- Breathable cover
- 2000 firm pocket springs
- Innerspring coils
- Edge-to-edge support
- Strong foundations
- Zoned support
It is the hybrid of good quality memory foam and 2,000 firm pocket springs that creates the extra firm sleep surface that orthopaedic mattresses are known for. The great thing about orthopaedic technology is that it can be applied to all sorts of bed models, so if there is a type of mattress you prefer then the chances are that there is an orthopaedic version.
Which orthopaedic mattress is best?
The Sleep Council recommend that you change your mattress every seven years, but with so many options on the market, the search for a mattress can often feel a little daunting. A good place to start is the award-winning REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress which has been rated excellent by more than 1,000 buyers on Trustpilot and is highly recommended by experts from Which?. With 2,000 encapsulated pocket springs, edge-to-edge support, and open-cell zoned memory foam, this mattress is designed to provide the ultimate support and last longer than a standard mattress.
How to take care of a mattress to make it last longer?
When you’ve invested in a high-quality mattress, it’s important to take good care of it so that it lasts as long as possible. Use the following tips to take good care of your new orthopaedic mattress.
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Rotation
Memory foam mattresses tend to be single-sided, which means they don’t need to be flipped over like standard mattresses, they only need to be rotated every month or so to keep them in good shape.
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Mattress covers
Mattress covers and mattress protectors are a great way to lengthen the lifespan of your mattress as they protect it from spills, stains, and general wear and tear.
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Regular cleaning
Regularly cleaning your mattress with a vacuum and a damp cloth will help to keep your mattress in the best condition for longer.
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