The Ultimate Guide to the right Mattress
Are you waking up sore and feeling as tired as you did when you went to bed? Have you had your mattress for more than 7 years? Are you sleeping as well as you did a year ago? Have you had a better night’s sleep in a bed other than yours? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it might be time to change your mattress.
Unfortunately, mattresses do not last forever, and like anything, they will have a degree of wear and need to be replaced. There are literally thousands of mattresses to choose from and there is no such thing as a perfect mattress for a particular condition (like back pain) or situation.
The first point to consider is that Size Matters. Did you know that two people sharing a standard double size bed have only as much personal sleeping space as a baby in a cot? As a general rule of thumb for size, both you and your partner should be able to lie side by side, with your arms behind your head and your elbows out without touching. Your bed should also be 10 to 15 cm longer than the tallest partner.
What about a hard or soft mattress?
The question that always comes back: Do I need a hard/ medium or soft mattress? Let me share the ultimate check with you to decide if the mattress is right for you. Just lie on your back and slide your hand in the hollow of your back. If is slides in too easily, the mattress may be too hard for you; if it is a struggle to slide your hand in, then the bed is probably too soft. If you can move your hand with just a little resistance, the bed may be just right!
Another useful test is to pop a set of keys behind your back. You should not be able to feel them!
What sort of mattress should I choose if I have a bad back?
For a long time, it was believed that a firm, hard mattress was good for a bad back. Nowadays, it is generally accepted that this is not necessarily the case – and could if fact cause more damage. A supportive and comfortable mattress is the best option. It does not matter what type of construction it is. Any reference to beds being orthopaedic – or similar sounding terms- does not automatically mean that the bed has been professionally assessed or recommended.
I hope this helps! Sleep tight!
