The choice of orthopedic mattress: features, types of fillers, sizes

Choosing an Orthopedic Mattress: Key Factors

To sleep was calm and deep, the position of the body should be comfortable. The function of the mattress is to support the spine and ensure proper posture. But, in addition, a person should be comfortable in a dream - the body should not be squeezed, the skin should breathe, the springs should not creak, etc. These two main factors should be guided when buying a mattress.

• Support. The ability of the anatomical mattress to bend by an amount corresponding to weight ensures the correct position of the spine, since under the heavier parts of the body the mattress bends more, under the lighter parts - less. The higher the stiffness - the less pronounced this ability, so it is very important to choose a mattress of the correct stiffness. It is better to consult with an orthopedic surgeon 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 that it is convenient for the person himself, so that the individual parts of the body do not “leak”, the mattress does not press anywhere. At the same time, the materials from which it is made must let air and water vapor pass in order not to sweat in a dream.

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, it is important to maintain optimal body temperature and humidity during sleep. Some manufacturers report having a well-designed ventilation system. Pay attention to the covering layer, it can be universal or designed for a certain time of the year. Some of the mattresses are produced “versatile” - the flooring material is designed for winter time on the one hand, it is made of wool, and on the other hand it is made for summer, made of cotton.
• Hypoallergenicity. It is good if the mattress is made of environmentally friendly materials, in this case it will not release substances into the air that can develop an allergy. This factor affects the choice of an orthopedic mattress, especially if it is intended for a small child or an elderly person.
• Strain transfer. If two people sleep on the bed, the ability of the mattress to transmit deformation becomes essential. When one person gets out of bed, the dream of another should not be disturbed. The blocks of dependent springs are characterized by a high degree of transmission of deformation.
• Edge stability. The edges of the mattress are a “weak” place, 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 PPU or from a steel bar.

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 stiffness with different purposes:

• Soft. These mattresses are designed for people with low weight, as well as for the elderly.For those whose bone skeleton is just forming, they are not suitable.
• Semi-rigid. Medium hardness is suitable for most healthy people.
• Tough. Mattresses are intended for children and young people who have not completed the formation of the skeletal system. People with very high weight, especially obese, are not recommended to sleep on such.

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

• Norm. The “correct” stiffness mattress takes the form of a body; as a result, the spine forms a straight line parallel to the floor. In this position, the muscles relax, the body fully rests in a dream.
• 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, the back may hurt.
• Harder than necessary. The line of shoulders and hips looks elevated. This means that the mattress is too hard, the body will “press” against it, disrupting the normal circulation of blood and lymph. In the morning, swelling is possible, as well as a feeling of “numb” neck, legs, arms.

Another selection criterion may be weight.

• Up to 60 kg - low rigidity
• 60 - 90 kg - medium hardness
• Over 90 kg - high rigidity

It is only about healthy middle-aged people.

Tip: Lie down on your back to check whether you made the right choice or not. Put your palm under the lower back. Passes freely? The mattress is too hard. Turn from side to side. Hard? 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 protruding parts of the body, for example, hips and shoulders, when you lie on your side, it means that you will be uncomfortable to sleep. The larger the area in which the body is in contact with the mattress - the less the sensation 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 “memori” foam, they provide the most comfortable sleeping conditions. If you are an adherent of spring mattresses, choose one in which the number of spring blocks per unit area is greater - the load distribution in it will be more even.

Types of orthopedic mattresses

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

1. Spring loaded
2. Springless

In mattresses of the first type, springs are used as a filler. They can vary in the steel of which they are made, in the number of turns and also in the method of fastening - to be connected to each other or independent. Mattresses of the second type as sheets have sheets of elastic material or a combination of sheets of different materials, differing in density and elasticity. Both types come in all degrees of rigidity, and can provide a complete comfortable sleep.

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

• Addicted. Double-cone springs are stacked in rows and interlocked. The main advantage is the low price. Differ in the short term of operation (no more than 7 years). The orthopedic effect is expressed rather weakly. It is not recommended for use by people with a large weight (more than 100 kg), as well as couples with very different weights.
• Independent. Each spring is placed in a separate case. In a single unit, the springs are connected by stitching the covers. Such mattresses are more expensive, but last longer - up to 10 years. The orthopedic effect is pronounced enough.

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

• Pocket Spring (TFK, S-500). The most budget version of an independent spring unit. The springs have a diameter of about 6 cm, the density of their distribution is 220 - 300, the permissible load is up to 120 kg per berth.
• Multipocket (S-1000). The diameter of the springs is slightly smaller - about 4 cm, and the number is larger (density 500). Withstands up to 130 kg per berth. Provides better orthopedic support and greater comfort than Pocket Spring.
• Micropocket (S-2000). The diameter of each spring is 2 - 2.6 cm, the density is 1200. Such a 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, thereby achieving optimal rigidity. The main advantage is that they are suitable for people of any weight.
• Dual spring. Double springs provide special properties of the orthopedic mattress; they allow people with a weight of forty kilograms to sleep comfortably on the bed. The maximum weight of one partner is 150 kg.
• Reinforced. For the manufacture of springs in such mattresses, wire of increased diameter is used. The blocks themselves are installed alternately, in a "checkerboard" order.
• Hardness zones. The installation of springs of different stiffness in different zones of the mattress allows you to more evenly distribute the load and provide convenience to people of different complexions. There are three, five and semizonal mattresses. Also, the mattress can be divided into two berths with varying 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 us consider in more detail the most popular options, their pros and cons.

PPU

Foam made of a synthetic material of polyurethane foam. It has other names (foam rubber, orthofom).

Pros: Low cost, affordability.

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

Memorialform

Modified polyurethane foam memory foam. Trade names Memory Foam, Memorix.

Pros: After unloading, it returns to its original form. Presses less on the body, contributing to a better movement of blood and lymph in the body.

Minuses: Poor air leakage.

Latex

Foam obtained from the juice of the hevea tree (genus palm).

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

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

Artificial latex

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

Pros: Of the popular materials for orthopedic mattresses, this can be considered optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. Maintains a lot of weight.

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

Coira

This material is obtained from fibers obtained from coconut interplant. All-natural material with high elasticity. Each coir’s hair can be considered as a mini spring.

Pros: Resistant to moisture, microbes and mold do not start in it, the material does not rot.

Minuses: Pretty tough material, requiring combination with softer for a comfortable stay.

Strutofiber (periotek)

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

Hollofiber

Made from polyester fiber. It has good air permeability, has little caking, holds its shape well.

Technogel

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

Exotic Natural Fillers:

• Horsehair. Dear material, considered one of the best fillers. It is additionally impregnated with latex. Hard and semi-rigid mattresses can be made with very good orthopedic support.
• Sisal. Obtained from the leaves of the plant Agava sisolana (agave sisal). Also subjected to additional impregnation with latex. Sisal is a stiffer material than coir, but more durable.

Sizes of orthopedic mattresses

Manufacturers offer a wide range of standard sizes, among which you can choose a model for any bed. In addition, there is always the opportunity to order a custom size, although it will cost a little more. The main difficulty is to decide which size mattress is right for you. 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, but better if it is 5 cm more.
• 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 must be done for the partner. And again, foresee a few centimeters "in reserve".
• Do not forget to measure the size of the bedroom in order to correctly imagine the possible size of the mattress.

Standard mattress sizes

The most common and popular models of mattresses 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 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 rigidity, their own materials, and, accordingly, different results. Therefore, tune in to 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 evaluate as accurately as possible how comfortable it is to lie on it. This will help loose clothing, familiar and comfortable for you.
• Go to the store in the morning, on a day off. After a working day, any berth will seem very convenient.
• Do not hurry! Each mattress must be given at least 10-15 minutes. Otherwise, you will not feel comfortable.
• Turn from side to side, then take your favorite sleeping pose and lie down for a while - this will help to correctly evaluate comfort.
• Sleeping on the same bed with your spouse? Go to the store together, arrange “sea trials” together.
• Springless mattresses seem softer if they lie on the base alone, not surrounded by a bed frame. They will seem more rigid if you put them in the frame. The most pronounced effect for latex.
• The creaking and “ringing” of the springs will indicate the poor quality of the mattress.

Tip: The choice is best made in a large specialized store, where it is possible to try many different models from different manufacturers at once. The downside of such shopping centers is that the prices in them, as a rule, are unreasonably high. If you are not satisfied with the price, look for your favorite model in the online store. As a rule, prices there are significantly lower with the same quality of goods.