Picking the Right Mattress

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imagesThe importance of quality sleep has been getting a lot of coverage in media lately. Among the many factors which contribute to its quality is your mattress.

Why is investing in the right mattress important for your health and well-being?

Investing wisely in the right mattress is important for your health and well-being because sleep supports healthy growth, development, and tissue repair, as highlighted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) emphasizes that a proper mattress can significantly improve sleep comfort and reduce pain, with studies showing new mattresses can reduce back discomfort by 63%. Many people don't realize their neck or back pain is due to their mattress and pillow. The ACA recommends looking for uniform support, testing for comfort for 5-10 minutes, and ensuring adequate size, replacing mattresses every 5-8 years or when life changes occur.

Mattress Guidelines

Proper Mattress Can Improve Sleep Comfort, Reduce Pain, Says American Chiropractic Association

A good night’s sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle; however, an estimated 70 million Americans complain of sleeplessness. This October, during National Chiropractic Month, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is offering advice to help consumers select comfortable mattresses and pillows that can help limit unnecessary back and neck pain.

“Americans spend one-third of their lives sleeping, so it makes sense to invest in a sleep set that can improve your comfort and overall health,” says Scott Bautch, DC, DACBOH, spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association. “Many people don’t realize the reason for their neck or back pain is literally right underneath them—it’s their mattress and pillow.”

A 2006 study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine showed that sleeping on a new mattress can significantly reduce stiffness and back pain.  Researchers found that study participants reported immediate and sustained benefits after sleeping on a new mattress. This was especially true of participants who entered the study with back pain complaints, as they reported a 63 percent improvement in back discomfort with a new mattress.

When it comes time to purchase a new mattress, the ACA recommends the following:

Shop for Support
Look for a mattress that provides uniform support from head to toe; if there are gaps between your body and the mattress (such as at the waist), you’re not getting the full support you need.  Mattresses can be too firm; pay close attention to uncomfortable pressure on prominent body features such as the shoulders, hips and low back.

Shop for Comfort
When mattress shopping, give each option a good trial run before you buy; lie down on a mattress for a minimum of five to 10 minutes to get a good idea of its comfort level. If you cannot find a comfortable position, you probably have the wrong mattress.

Shop for Size
Does the bed provide enough room for both you — and your sleeping partner if you have one — to stretch and roll over?  The ideal mattress will also minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other, which means one person shouldn’t feel motion as the other leaves the bed.

Generally, a mattress should be replaced every 5 to 8 years to ensure proper support and comfort. Be aware that life’s changes can signal the need for a new mattress as well. For example, people who have lost or gained a considerable amount of weight, those who have a medical condition which has changed the way they sleep, or even those who’ve changed partners may need to consider a new mattress.

The American Chiropractic Association is the nation’s leading chiropractic organization representing more than 16,000 doctors of chiropractic and their patients.

You may find this site quite helpful for many reasons including comparing one mattress to another: http://www.us-mattress.com

For a continuation of the discussion on getting good sleep and some tips for trouble-shooting any difficulties you may be having, see our page “SLEEP IMPROVEMENT” here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How does my mattress choice impact my overall health and well-being?

The page emphasizes that a quality mattress is crucial for good sleep, which supports healthy growth, development, muscle mass, and tissue repair. The American Chiropractic Association also notes that the right mattress can improve comfort and reduce back and neck pain, highlighting its significant role in overall health.

2 Can a new mattress help reduce back and neck pain?

Yes, the American Chiropractic Association states that selecting comfortable mattresses and pillows can help limit unnecessary back and neck pain. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine also showed that sleeping on a new mattress significantly reduced stiffness and back pain for participants, with immediate and sustained benefits.

3 What should I consider when choosing a mattress for chiropractic health?

The page highlights that mattress preference is highly individual. The American Chiropractic Association advises investing in a sleep set that can improve your comfort and overall health, emphasizing the importance of selecting comfortable mattresses and pillows to limit back and neck pain, which are common concerns addressed by chiropractic care.