With the right orthopaedic mattress, your back will stay healthy for many years. Recently, we hear more and more about the benefits of orthopaedic mattresses and that more and more people are buying them.
Many people wonder: what are the therapeutic properties of a mattress and what role does it play in a person’s life and health?
Is it true that the wrong mattress can lead to curvature of the spine and musculoskeletal disorders?
There is even a widespread belief that an orthopaedic mattress is the solution to all problems related to the back in one way or another.
After more than 10 years of experience, we can answer all these questions and many more.
- In fact, most deformities of the human back occur while awake, not while asleep. Sleeping on an orthopaedic mattress is already the beginning of treatment for some anomalies. First and foremost, these are disorders of posture, joints, and bones, but sleeping on a proper orthopaedic mattress is also of great benefit in many internal diseases.
There are a large number of different diseases, curvatures, and pathologies: the hunchback, flat back, etc. An orthopaedic mattress serves to support and relieve the spine.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Scoliosis is the most common disease in adolescence. It is a deformation in which certain parts of the spine develop unevenly. In more severe stages, a special plaster bed is used for treatment. However, if the disease is not pronounced and is in a mild form, an orthopaedic mattress is the best means to prevent the progression of the disease and ensure the correct position of the spine during sleep. The orthopaedic mattress is also used during rehabilitation.
Another common condition that is becoming more common is juvenile kyphosis (Schoerman-Mau disease). It affects young people much more often than girls. It is easy to recognize: The back is too arched and deformed between the neck and the lower back. It is worth remembering that a well-fitted mattress can slow down the progression of the disease.
Previously, it was believed that people with diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system should sleep on a completely rigid base. And this opinion is completely wrong.
Increased stiffness can lead to problems that were not there before, as it significantly increases the load on parts of the body such as the hips and shoulder bones. Fortunately, recently there are mattresses that have all the properties for healthy sleep, as well as orthopaedic pillows. An orthopaedic mattress should relieve some parts of the back and keep the other parts in shape. Only then it can be said that the mattress does not affect blood circulation and has certain therapeutic properties.
When we talk about anomalies of the musculoskeletal system, which are most common in adults, we talk about osteochondrosis. However, this term is very vague, as it includes several types of diseases that differ in their causes. Summarised under a single term, they are diseases of different parts of the spine.
A herniated disc is another spinal disease that you should definitely pay attention to. It manifests itself as severe pain in the lower back that can radiate to the lower extremities. The stabbing pain can sometimes even radiate to the feet. To relieve the pain, sufferers often adopt an unnatural sleeping posture. Patients often sleep better on a hard surface, but this is not always the right solution. Another point to watch out for is a disorder like vertebral instability. This means that the patient does not have the necessary static connection between the vertebrae. Orthopaedic mattresses play a very important role in this case, as they can fix a certain sleeping position, which is necessary for the sick person.
It is also very important for people with joint diseases. Especially in the case of deforming osteoarthritis of the hip joint. In this pathology, there is a loss of cartilage in the joint, as a result of which the limb assumes a certain forced posture. Since this whole process is not painless, the affected person must also be kept in a fixed position.
But these were all diseases acquired either with age or through lifestyle. We should also not forget about injuries. Life is full of situations that can lead to spinal injuries, fractures, and spinal dysfunctions. In these cases, an orthopaedic surface is indispensable, especially in the rehabilitation phase or to prevent all kinds of post-traumatic complications. Even if the spinal cord is not affected, for example in the case of compression, an orthopedically correct surface is very important. Humans cannot always stand completely still, which is why the necessary movement must not be hindered by fixation.
Patients who are paralysed – for whatever reason – also require special care. Since they can no longer move, their health depends to a large extent on comfort and the right choice of orthopaedic mattress. It is important that the bedridden patient does not suffer from poor blood circulation in the parts of the body that are in constant contact with the bed.
It should be remembered that there is nothing more important in a person’s life than his health. And everything should be done so that it is well taken care of. One does not have to suffer from any form of spinal deformity or musculoskeletal disorders or have regular post-traumatic pain to prefer an orthopaedic mattress.
How Long Does a Mattress Last?
Mattresses for a healthy back
A healthy back needs a comfortable surface to lie on and a good position. This is the prerequisite for a good night’s sleep, a pleasant wake-up, freedom from pain, and even a good mood. Not all mattresses are called orthopaedic and have an orthopaedic support effect. For example, mattresses with the usual Bonel spring core are not orthopaedic because they do not have the necessary support effect.
The most important thing about an orthopaedic mattress is that it properly supports the spine and large joints such as the hips and shoulders. That is, on a good mattress, the pelvis and shoulders should sink into the mattress somewhat, and the lower back should feel supported.
Choosing and buying a mattress is easy if you follow a few simple rules:
An orthopaedic innerspring mattress should consist of an independent spring block (the higher the number of springs, the more accurate and correct the support).
A mattress without springs should be made of either coconut fiber, latex (natural or artificial), or a combination of these materials.
It is important to remember that a very firm mattress is not always the most orthopaedic, because if your weight is not enough to fit properly, the lower back will not be supported and the back muscles will not be able to relax.
