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What is a Posture Mattress?
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
A posture mattress, which is also sometimes referred to as an orthopedic mattress, is meant to help with a number of skeletal issues, as well as insomnia. Despite its name, the key purpose of a posture mattress is not to improve one's posture in daily life. Rather, the mattress works to properly align the spine during sleep and rest. One of the effects of sleeping on such a mattress may be improved posture. Other possible benefits include a reduction in body stiffness and body aches. Some people also find that sleeping on these mattresses help them to get a better night's sleep.
There are many posture mattress models on the market that use various kinds of support systems and various kinds of materials. Finding the best mattress for one's needs usually means testing out a number of models at a mattress store. Be sure to sit on the mattress and recline. Get into favorite sleep positions. If the spine and skeleton as a whole feel supported, then the mattress may be a match. Also, try out different levels of firmness, but be aware that overly soft mattresses can create aches and pains instead of curing them.
The support system that fits under the mattress is just as important as the mattress itself. A sturdy box spring is usually required to properly support a posture mattress. Old or worn-out box springs can sag in certain areas. This causes the mattress above to sag, which in turn creates an uneven sleeping area. This kind of sleeping surface, like an overly soft mattress, can cause the exact problems that the mattress is supposed to resolve.
Consulting one's doctor is a great way to get a recommendation for a good posture mattress. A doctor will be able to assess one's specific spine-related issues and posture issues and recommend a mattress as well as a firmness level. Within these categories there are sure to be dozens of mattresses to choose from, ranging in both price and quality.
A great way to extend the life of a posture mattress is to flip it every six months. Doing this will keep the mattress from becoming soft or worn in one area. Be sure to also follow any other care instructions that come with the mattress.
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
Learn more...
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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![A posture mattress may help cure insomnia.]()
By: stefanolunardiA posture mattress may help cure insomnia. -
![Finding the best mattress for one's needs generally involves testing out many different models at a mattress store.]()
By: ElenathewiseFinding the best mattress for one's needs generally involves testing out many different models at a mattress store. -
![A posture mattress properly aligns the spine when sleeping.]()
By: Savvapanf Studio ©A posture mattress properly aligns the spine when sleeping. -
![A posture mattress may help relieve and prevent neck pain.]()
By: nebariA posture mattress may help relieve and prevent neck pain. -
![A posture mattress may help support the spine and alleviate back pain.]()
By: Syda ProductionsA posture mattress may help support the spine and alleviate back pain. -
![A good posture mattress will not be overly soft.]()
By: angelo.giA good posture mattress will not be overly soft. -
![A posture mattress may help certain individuals achieve a more comfortable and enjoyable night's sleep.]()
By: Monkey BusinessA posture mattress may help certain individuals achieve a more comfortable and enjoyable night's sleep.
Discussion Comments
@SteamLouis-- Also search for "orthopedic" or "theurapeutic" mattress. Although different names may be used, these are all basically different types of posture mattresses because they support the spine.
If you suffer from a specific spine condition, then ask your doctor about the firmness level. Your doctor may even suggest an exact type of posture mattress to use.
If you don't have any spinal conditions and just want a mattress with more support, I suggest getting one with medium firmness. Many years ago, doctors used to recommend very firm beds to their patients but this no longer applies. Now doctors feel that a medium firm bed is the best for the spine. So a mattress should not be too firm or too soft.
I'm shopping for a posture mattress online but there aren't many options. I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for either. What is the best firmness level for a posture mattress?
I bought a posture mattress recently and I'm so happy with it. I have a herniated disc in my lower back and my spine is too straight. It doesn't have the natural curve that exists in a healthy spine. So I suffer from a lot of back, lower back and neck pain. I was sleeping on a regular bed which was making the pain worse because my back was not comfortable at night.
I've bought a posture mattress made with memory foam. The great part about this type of mattress is that it takes the shape of the spine and helps the spine align and rest. My previous bed was very firm and it was so uncomfortable for my back. Sometimes it felt like my bones were pinching me because they could not adjust to the mattress. This problem has completely resolved with a posture mattress. My aches and pains have reduced by about half which is great.
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