Choosing a Mattress
The right mattress can significantly contribute to decreased back and neck pain and increase the ability to feel well rested after a good night's sleep. Using the wrong mattress can cause general aches and pains that make it difficult for any pre-existing pain and lead to insomnia.
Many patients ask, "What is the best mattress to buy?" Unfortunately, there have been no extensive medical research or controlled clinical studies on mattresses and back pain.(The argument that a mattress "orthopedic" or "medically approved" should be viewed with skepticism.) Mattresses are largely a matter of personal taste.
This is due to several factors:
1. There are many different types and causes of back problems. What a person may not be the best option for others.
2. Our bodies are all different. Different weights, heights, builds, and can help to dictate what to look for in a mattress or Pillow.
3. The causes of back pain are very complex, and it is difficult to isolate whether a mattress or pillow has played an important role in the onset of pain.
4. In addition to mattresses and pillows, there are other factors that affect sleep comfort. Medication side effects, irregular sleep patterns, the use of caffeine / alcohol / tobacco, sleep apnea, obesity, and anxiety / stress common causes of sleep disorders.
General Rules of Thumb When choosing a> Mattress
Most people prefer a firmer mattress, which offers more support. A good mattress should support and at the same time, the natural curvatures of the spine. A mattress is too soft when it sags, or if a second person in the bed causes the other to dive into the middle. Studies have found that a medium-firm mattress provides the best support and relieve back pain. A mattress is too hard, that, though, causes painand pain on pressure points like shoulders and hips. A mattress is too hard is when there are gaps between any part of the body and the mattress. Any mattress that helps a person sleep well, so that he / she wakes feeling rested and refreshed, without pain and stiffness is the best mattress for the individual.
Mattress Composition
The following physical components are the main features of most high-qualityMattresses:
Springs and Coils
This return for the strength to support. The wire in the coils can be of different thickness. Lower gauge wire is thicker and stiffer, which means the mattress is firmer. A greater amount of coil shows a quality mattress.
Mattress padding
This is the part that provides the comfort. Padding is usually made of polyurethane foam, puffed-up polyester or cotton. Some mattresses have a layer of foam just below the quiltedSurface layer. Soft foam feel almost moist to the touch, and solid foams arise not return so quickly. Below this level there is a layer of wadding, that causes the mattress to feel tighter in areas such as the center of the mattress. Finally, there is an insulation layer, which lies on the coil springs so that they feel from the top of the mattress. It also protects the coils from damaging the upper layers.
Mattress and Quilting
The outer layer of the mattress, the ticking of a polyester or cotton-polyester mix. The mattress quilting attaches the ticking of the upper layers of padding. A good mattress that is consistent and unbroken seams.
Box Spring
The box spring is a further step to support the mattress. They consist mainly of a wooden or metal frame with springs. Plain wooden frame to make mattresses feel harder than a feather. The purchase of a> Mattress and box spring as a series maximizes the life of the mattress.
Foam
Some other types of mattresses are made of latex foam or "memory" foam. These can be purchased in different densities, the higher the density, the firmer it is.
Mattresses Back to certain conditions
In general, the two best positions to sleep either on your back with a pillow under your knees (keep your lower back relief), or on your side with aPillow between the knees (at the hips and lower spine) remain aligned. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended. He lays great emphasis on the lower back and torque on the neck, because you keep turning your head to breathe himself. In addition, you should not sleep with your arms above your head, as this can irritate the brachial plexus, a sensitive bundle of nerves between the neck and shoulder.
People with osteoarthritis, or degenerative spondylolisthesis may prefer an adjustable bed (Which) on a slight incline, as it minimizes joint compression. This type of bed can also for those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may be helpful. Patients who have hip bursitis (inflammation of the bursae) are particularly vulnerable to the hip pain from a mattress that is too tight. Pillow tops or thick egg crate mattress pads may provide some relief.
Tips for buying a mattress
1. Personal preference is the final determination.Choose a mattress that their own standards for comfort and support met.
2. Inquire about the physical components of the mattress, including the number and arrangement of coils, thick cushions and mattress depth.
3. Find a balance between the backrest and comfort. If a mattress is helpful, but not comfortable, it will not help your sleep.
4. Knowing when it's time to buy a new mattress. Most mattresses have a life expectancy of about 7 years. If a Mattress sags in the middle or if they are no longer comfortable, it's time for a new mattress. Putting a board under the mattress is only a short-term expiration solution.
5. Shop for the value and quality, not price. High-quality mattresses are worth the investment if you consider the savings account, the health care costs and increasing productivity with more pain free, restful sleep. Mattress stores often have sales and promotions, so comparison-shop after the choice of what> Mattress you want.
6. Test your mattress. Sleeping on mattresses in various hotels or at friends homes. If in business, lay on the mattress with your shoes from at least ten minutes. When two people are sleeping on the same mattress, doing this together to ensure that you are both comfortable.
7. Shop for the best customer service. Consider delivery options, return old mattress removal policy, guarantee policy. Enter highpreferably in the stores that allow you to return the mattress within two to four weeks if you are not satisfied to be.
8. Take care of your mattress. Mattresses should be changed again and again, every six months, both of which turned 180 degrees and flipped lengthwise.
A good night's sleep is very important. A simple change in your mattress can make the difference between sleeping and waking with back rested and refreshed.
If you have questions about how to choose new mattress, please contact to Dr. Heller at (414) 774-2300 in combination.
References:
"The composition of a high-quality mattress, www.spine-health.com.
Dermody, Cynthia. "Fixed mattress News" Reader's Digest.
"Mattresses for back conditions." Www.spine-health.com/topics/cd / mattress / mattress02.html.
"Guidelines for the mattress sleep comfort" www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/> Mattress / mattress01.html
Miller, Ron, PT. "Review of Adjustable Beds, www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/bed/bed01.html.
Stahler, Richard, MD. "Best Mattress for Low Back Pain", www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/ mattress / mattress01.html
"Understanding the Best Mattress for Low Back Pain", www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/mattresschose/mattresschose01.html.
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