How to Choose the Right Orthopedic Mattress for a Better Night’s Sleep

What is an Orthopedic Mattress?

An orthopedic mattress is designed to provide extra support to your spine and to relieve pressure points, such as the hips and shoulders. Standard mattresses may provide some pressure relief and spinal alignment, but that isn’t their main intent.

Orthopedic mattresses tend to be firmer than the average mattress. Some people think that firm mattresses are only for people with back pain, or that a really firm mattress can cause back pain. Neither myth is true.

There’s no government agency which verifies that all mattresses labeled “orthopedic” meet certain criteria. Because the term may sound appealing to people with back pain, some marketers use the term to describe any mattress, even if it doesn’t have orthopedic qualities. In the mattress industry, manufacturers recognize that orthopedic mattresses are firm and designed for spinal alignment and pressure relief.

Benefits of Sleeping on an Orthopedic Mattress

Sleeping on an orthopedic mattress may improve your spinal alignment and provide pressure relief to your joints, which may diminish any back pain that you may have. Orthopedic mattresses tend to have supportive edges, which makes it easier to get out of bed. If your back and joints start feeling better after you use an orthopedic mattress, you may find it easier to climb stairs or stand from a seated position.

An orthopedic mattress may improve back pain, pressure point pain and nerve discomfort over time, which may increase your overall mobility and flexibility. The Plank Firm mattress features high-density support foam, which makes it firm and flat. The Plank Firm Luxe hybrid mattress has two layers of high-density support foam, plus supportive pocketed coils. Both mattresses are firm, flat and supportive, enabling you to rest with a neutral spine. 

Athletes who push themselves during the day may seek orthopedic mattresses to encourage greater recovery overnight.

Some older adults find orthopedic mattresses appealing, because the supportive sleep surface may help them feel less achy and more energetic during the day. An orthopedic mattress may also extend an older adult’s ability to live independently, if they’re able to get out of bed unassisted.

Types of Orthopedic Mattresses

There are four types of mattresses: Innerspring, memory foam, latex and hybrid. Any may be manufactured as an orthopedic mattress, but some materials are better than others:

·      Innerspring. Mattresses that provide support through a series of metal coils within the mattress aren’t always ideal as orthopedic mattresses. Firmer innerspring mattresses may not have enough cushioning to relieve pressure points. But mattresses with pocketed coil springs, which are individually wrapped in fabric, may provide orthopedic support.

·      Memory foam. The cushiony feel of a memory foam mattress cradles your body as you lie down, providing ample joint pressure relief and ideal positioning for spinal alignment. Memory foam is excellent at motion isolation, which means that you won’t feel much when your partner flips over. Some memory foam is denser than others, which may make you warm, because you sink into the foam slightly. Some people are bothered by memory foam off-gassing, but pricier mattresses have less odor, and the smell fades within days.

·      Latex. Orthopedic mattresses may be made from natural or synthetic latex. Natural latex creates a higher-quality mattress, but it’s more expensive. Latex mattresses provide excellent orthopedic support for the spine and joints, and it’s breathable material, so you won’t feel overheated.

·      Hybrid. Mattresses that combine elements of two or more mattress types are called hybrid. They can be excellent orthopedic mattresses. Such a mattress may include pocketed coil springs, transition layers of supportive foam and plush tops for greater comfort.

Choosing the Right Orthopedic Mattress

An orthopedic mattress may be thick and dense, to provide you with support and firmness. But thicker isn’t necessarily better; it matters what materials make up the mattress.

When you’re thinking about getting an orthopedic mattress, consider your weight, your favorite sleep position and your personal preferences.

Orthopedic mattresses may provide necessary support for heavier adults and people with athletic builds. However, petite or lighter adults may find this type of mattress too firm.

An orthopedic mattress is best for people who sleep on their backs, followed by stomach sleepers. Side sleepers often find this type of mattress uncomfortable, because the firm surface puts pressure on the hip and shoulder, instead of relieving pressure.

Some people sleep hot, which might make a memory foam orthopedic mattress seem less desirable. However, some memory foam is infused with cooling gel to address this issue. The Plank Firm is a foam mattress with an optional cooling cover. There are other options, if you don’t want memory foam: Latex mattresses are breathable. So are hybrid mattresses that contain coils. The Plank Firm Luxe has fabric-encased coils and has an optional cooling cover.

Factors Affecting Orthopedic Mattress Price and Warranty

A number of factors can affect the price of an orthopedic mattress, including:

·      Foam density. Denser foam may increase the cost. Thicker mattresses containing additional foam layers may be more expensive.

·      Layering techniques. Manufacturers create orthopedic mattresses by incorporating different layers of material. In hybrid mattresses, the layers include coils, memory foam and sometimes soft or cooling top layers. Each layer increases the cost.

·      Coil gauge. Mattress coils come in different sizes, known as coil gauge. Lower-gauge coils are made from thicker wire, while higher-gauge coils contain thinner wire. Lower-gauge coils provide less flexibility and are placed within firm mattresses. Higher-gauge coils are compressed more easily; they appear in softer mattresses. Thicker coils may be more expensive.

Orthopedic mattresses are more expensive than standard mattresses, and they’re pricier based on their content. Don’t expect to find an orthopedic mattress for less than $500. Skipping pricier components may help keep the cost down.

To extend the life of your mattress, encase it in a mattress protector and spot-clean any stains with a mild detergent. With proper care, your orthopedic mattress should last 7 to 10 years.

Motion Isolation and Edge Support for Couples

Some mattress materials are better at motion isolation, which prevents you from moving when your partner rolls over. Memory foam is excellent for motion isolation. Latex isn’t as effective. Fabric-encased coils may be effective, depending on their configuration. If you’re disturbed by your partner’s movements, seek a foam mattress top.

Orthopedic mattresses typically have good edge support, meaning that the top layers don’t compress much when you sit on the mattress edge. Latex provides excellent edge support, but memory foam does not. If you have difficulty getting out of bed, choose latex for extra edge support.

If you’ve determined that you’re interested in an orthopedic mattress, consider the different materials that manufacturers use. Decide whether you’d like a thicker mattress because of your size. If motion isolation or edge support is a priority, that may help you narrow your decision.

For personalized advice that pertains to your health, seek from your healthcare practitioner. They should provide balanced, unbiased recommendations that may help you determine which orthopedic mattress is right for you.