Despite each night spending on average six to seven hours in bed many of us do not consider the importance of our mattresses. While at work, most of us are aware of sitting in a supported seat and using a desk which is the correct height etc.  According to findings from leading bed manufacturer Sealy, in partnership with the British Chiropractic Association, more than half of us do not seek advice when choosing a mattress. A massive 40% of us spend less than half an hour selecting this vital household item! Choosing the right bed can minimise those factors that may lead to, or aggravate back pain.

Firstly consider the age of your mattress. Do you know how old your mattress is? All mattresses have a lifespan. After all, they are being used day in, day out. If your mattress is older than 10 years I recommend you consider starting the search for a new one.  They simply wear out. If you can feel the springs through your mattress I definitely recommend starting the search for a new mattress!!

Which is better, a hard mattress or a soft mattress? The best mattress is a ‘supportive one’. A 100kg person sleeping on a mattress may not get the same support as a 60kg person sleeping on the same mattress.  Should I buy a memory foam or sprung mattress? The latest technology offers the best of both worlds.  A hybrid mattress: made with half springs (for responsiveness) and half foam (for comfort). Here is a super short video explaining how this works!

We are all different shapes and sizes so a “one size fits all” mindset is detrimental when purchasing a mattress. It is recommended that you spend as much time as possible choosing a new bed or mattress. Try it out before you buy it! For example, when lying on your side, your spine should be parallel to the mattress and not be sagging or bowing. If you have a partner, shop together as your respective ideal mattress tensions could be very different. If this is the case, consider buying a bed from a range that allow two single mattresses to be zipped together, so that you both get the correct support you need.

Finally, on waking, before even getting out of bed, try some simple stretches,  such as drawing your knees to your chest. When you have risen from lying on the bed take a few seconds to allow your body to adjust.