6 Tips for Buying a Mattress (And Sleeping Well)
Date: August 31, 2016
Consider the importance and value of a good night’s sleep (beyond the price tag) when you are looking for a new mattress. Your back will thank you.
A 2011 study by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) reports that 41% of women and 36% of men claimed their back pain was caused by a poor night’s sleep. The pain can often be attributed to the firmness, size, or the offered back support of the mattress. If you’ve ever woken up with a sore neck or back, you may want to evaluate the quality of your mattress. Your mattress can play an important role in maintaining your MSK health. Here are a few tips to consider when making a purchase.
When to replace your mattress
Waking up from slumber with a sore back on repeated occasions can be a sign that it is time to switch to a newer mattress. Typically, it is said that after 10 years, the bed will begin to deteriorate, which is the best time to consider buying a new one.
What size do I need?
Mattress size depends on the number and size of people sleeping on the bed; therefore, consider the following1,2:
- Buy a mattress that provides the proper support for your entire body and promotes good posture.
- The sleeper’s spine should lay parallel and not sag in any area because the bed is too soft, or bow because the bed is too hard.
- The mattress should be six inches longer than the tallest person sleeping in the bed.
- The width of the bed should allow enough space for the person’s pillow and even for a person to put their hands behind their head without their elbows touching any other person sleeping.
- If the person is a restless sleeper, it is recommended that the bed be wider to accommodate some tossing and turning.
- Take time to try out the bed before you buy and see if it’s right for you.
There are many options to consider when it comes to purchasing a mattress. Make sure to take the time to explore and do your research, especially if you are looking for specific features to meet your needs. A good night’s rest is important for your MSK health and ensures you can continue doing your daily activities. Consider these tips for your next mattress—your back depends on it!
References 1 British Chiropractic Association, Mind Your Posture When Buying a Bed, http://www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk/gfx/uploads/member%20area/New%20posture%20sheets/Mind%20your%20posture%20-%20buying%20a%20bed%20-%20sleep.pdf 2 Utah State University, Selecting a Comfortable Mattress, http://www.sleep-mart.com/utah.pdf