You spend on average six to seven hours in bed each night, every night. The quality of your mattress is important for a comfortable nights sleep.

However, according to findings from leading bed manufacturer Sealy, 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.

How old is your mattress?

Firstly consider the age of your mattress. Do you know how old it is? All mattresses have a lifespan. After all, they are being used day in, day out. If you think it 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 poking you during the night… I definitely recommend starting the search for a new one!!

Which is better, a hard mattress or a soft mattress? The best bed 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 one.

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!

One size fits all?

We are all different shapes and sizes so a “one size fits all” mindset is detrimental when purchasing a a new bed. 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 bed 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.

Top Tip!

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.  If you have any further questions regarding this topic please do not hesitate to contact the clinic here. If you have been putting up with pain, gentle hands-on care at Natural Back Health may be suitable for you.

Read more about what to expect from my treatments

Hopefully you find the general information in this blog informative and helpful, however it is not intended to replace medical advice and should not be used as such.