One of the most common pieces of misinformation about orthopaedic and very firm mattresses is they are better for your back.
This is a generalised statement because there are only a few situations where an orthopaedic mattress is beneficial.
The first situation is when you have restricted mobility and need a very firm sleep surface to move around and get out of bed quickly.
The second is when a doctor explicitly recommends a very firm or orthopaedic mattress because you have a medical complication.
Being elderly or having a bad back is not a valid reason to buy an orthopaedic mattress, and you will most likely benefit from a medium-firm mattress.
Additionally, the label orthopaedic is a gimmick.
This article runs through who should buy a very firm or orthopaedic mattress with plain and straightforward advice anyone can follow.
When a very firm mattress DOES NOT make sense
Buying a very firm mattress doesn’t make sense when:
You are elderly
Elderly people are more likely to have muscular and skeletal pains, so a rock-hard mattress that increases pressure on contact points is the last thing they need.
Elderly people are better off with a medium mattress – these are 6 to 7 on the 1-10 firmness scale, providing balanced comfort and support.
Pictured: Elderly couple sleeping soundly.
You have back pain
Studies show that medium-firm mattresses are best for back pain. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being rock hard and 1 being cloud soft, medium-firm mattresses rate between 7.5 and 8.5 – relatively firm but not rock-hard.
Medium-firm mattresses also suit the broadest range of sleeping positions, suitable for back, side, and front sleepers.
You want pressure relief
Pressure relief in a mattress refers to how it relieves pressure in different sleep zones, typically with springs wound to different tolerances.
Very firm mattresses are the worst for pressure relief because they have no give, meaning your body will always sit on top of the surface rather than compress. Look at medium or medium-firm mattresses for pressure relief.
When a very firm mattress DOES make sense
Buying a very firm mattress does make sense when:
You enjoy sleeping on a slab
The obvious scenario where a very firm mattress makes sense is when you enjoy sleeping on a rock-hard surface without any give.
If that’s you, go for one.
Some people enjoy sleeping on a hard surface because it keeps their spine in a natural position, while others enjoy the extra bounce. It’s crucial to note that it works for some but not everyone – hence there are different firmness levels.
You need help with mobility
Very firm and orthopaedic mattresses have no give, meaning they always retain their shape because you don’t sink into them.
Pictured: Electric Adjustable Beds, Available from Bedstar are a good option for people with mobility issues.
Sinkage reduces mobility, making it harder to toss, turn, and get out of bed. If you need help with mobility, perhaps from an injury or age, a very firm mattress could help, albeit at the expense of squishy comfort.
Your doctor recommends one
Some doctors recommend firm orthopaedic mattresses to people with spinal injuries, hip injuries, arthritis, and restless leg syndrome. However, this is case-by-case, and you shouldn’t follow advice online.
We recommend speaking with a consultant doctor about your problems – avoid advice from people selling mattresses. You need an expert.
Summing up
Very firm and orthopaedic mattresses are often mis-sold to the elderly and people with back pain who are better off with a medium-firm mattress.
It’s crucial to know that very firm mattresses are extreme with no give and little cushioning, perfect for mobility but not for pressure relief.
If you enjoy sleeping on a solid surface, need help with mobility, or a consultant has explicitly recommended an orthopaedic mattress, consider buying one. Otherwise, you will probably sleep better on something a little softer.If you enjoyed this article, read our piece on orthopaedic mattresses and joint pain.
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