Most chiropractors agree that traditional mattresses should be replaced every 5-10 years.
However, choosing an expensive new bed that you’ll be sleeping on for the next several years can
be stressful, especially if you have no idea where to start. The most popular options include:
Adjustable Air Bed Coil Spring Memory Foam Hybrid (coil
innerspring with a
memory foam topper
FIRMNESS
Most chiropractors recommend a medium to firm mattress; however, this ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
Choose a firmness that keeps your spine in a neutral position. Have someone snap a picture, then assess how you line up in your habitual sleep position(s).
Back and stomach sleepers typically prefer a firmer mattress, while side sleepers may desire a little more cushioning.
Consider a separately adjustable bed if your sleep partner prefers a different mattress firmness.
When in doubt, go with the firmer (yet comfortable) option. You can always soften a mattress with a topper, but you can never firm up a soft bed.
MATTRESS TOPPERS
A topper can help dissipate pressure points on your hips and shoulders, but don’t go too thick with a built-in topper; it’s like fusing a cheap mattress onto your good one. You can always add (and replace) an additional aftermarket topper if needed. If you’re considering a coil spring mattress, choose one that you can flip. Built-in pillow toppers usually can’t.
ASSESSMENT
When mattress shopping, wear comfortable clothes and lie down on several beds to see which one feels best.
Don’t judge something by the first few seconds of comfort. Lay on it for at least 10-15 minutes.
Make sure the vendor offers a trial period of 60-90days with a reasonable return or exchange policy.
Remember that anything new can be uncomfortable at first. Give a new mattress at least a few break-in nights before you abandon it.
COST
You spend one-third of your life on a mattress, don’t skimp on that investment.
Conversely, the most expensive is not always the best.
PILLOWS
Make sure your old pillows still work with your new mattress.
Use a pillow that holds your head in a neutral position while sleeping on your side or back.
Take your time shopping, buy what works for you, don’t skimp, and make sure you can return your purchase.
FINAL THOUGHTS FROM DR. CHRIS
Your health and thus your sleep is individual to the person.
Give us a call, text, or email if you have questions.
We are currently offering products backed by research and proven to align the spine, reduce neck pain, and headaches. Ask us about Proper Pillow, why we feel it's the best pillow you will ever buy.
References
1. Caggiari G, Talesa GR, Toro G, Jannelli E, Monteleone G, Puddu L. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 2021 Dec;22(1):1-24. Link 2. Bertelsman TJ, Steele BC, Gower JG. 2021 ChiroUp Network Dataset: Statistical Reporting of 631,970 Clinical Diagnoses Collected from 2212 Evidence-Based Chiropractic Providers Between July 2019- June 2021. Accessed on 07/30/2021 from Link 3. ChiroUp 2022 Mattress Survey to ChiroUp subscribers and Forward Thinking Chiropractic Alliance followers. October 2022. 4. JD Power 2021 Mattress Satisfaction Report. 11/02/2021. Accessed on 10/22/2022 from Link 5. Radwan A, Fess P, James D, Murphy J, Myers J, Rooney M, Taylor J, Torii A. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials. Sleep health. 2015 Dec 1;1(4):257-67. Link 6. Yu H, Shin OS, Kim S, Park C. Effect of an inflatable air mattress with variable rigidity on sleep quality. Sensors. 2020 Sep 17;20(18):5317. Link 7. Perry D. BSC Research: Consumer Mattress Buying Behavior, Part 3, All About the Bed. Bed Times. 05/14/2021. Accessed on 10/22/2022 from Link 8. Hong TT, Wang Y, Wong DW, Zhang G, Tan Q, Chen TL, Zhang M. The Influence of Mattress Stiffness on Spinal Curvature and Intervertebral Disc Stress—An Experimental and Computational Study. Biology. 2022 Jul 8;11(7):1030. Link 9. Perry D. BSC Research: More Consumers Moving Online. Bed Times. 01/12/2021. Accessed on 10/22/2022 from Link 10. Hales D. Mattress Sales Statistics (2022) NapLab. 06/09/2022. Accessed on 10/22/2022 from Link 11. Jennifer P. (October 25, 2019). Mattresses Sold Per Week, US. Accessed on 10/21/22 from Link 12. Tuck. Best Airbed Mattresses – Top Picks and Buyer’s Guide. Accessed on 10/30/2022 from Link 13. Consumer Reports. Best Places to Buy a Mattress. 09/02/2022. Accessed 10/21/2022 from Link 14. Wu J. There are now 175 online mattress companies—and you can't tell them apart. CNBC Online. 08/18/2019. Accessed on 10/21/22 from Link
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