broadwater-osteopathy-worthing

Osteopaths guide to mattresses

An osteopaths guide to choosing a mattress

The old saying of one size fits all certainly does not apply to mattress buying. There is a common belief that for a mattress to be good, it must be firm, but this is not always the case. Here we share some of our top tips when choosing a mattress that is right for you.

  1. Do your research. It is important to actually try the mattress you intend to buy and try it on the base style you intend to buy it with or have at home for it. Mattresses will feel totally different with different bases.
  2. When you do go and try. Go well dressed in clothes that you can relax in. Try all your sleeping positions on the mattress and see how they all feel. Take time to do this too. You may feel a little self-conscious, but mattresses are not cheap, so spend at least 10 minutes testing each one.
  3. Think of comfort and support when you try them out. How comfortable does it feel and how much support is it offering. When you lie on your back is the mattress rounding around you? It maybe too soft if this is the case. Or can you get your hand under your back, between you and it? It maybe too firm if you can. When you lie on your side are you supported in a neutral position or do you sag into the bed? You would expect a little dip at the waist level, but not at other levels. Check this as you lie on your side. How does it feel around your hips? Is it digging in as you lie on your side?
  4. The turn test- how easy is it for you to turn on? Can you move easily or is it a struggle? Memory foam mattresses, although a great idea in theory, can prove to be more challenging to move on as they move as you apply force to move yourself. Getting in and out of the bed can also be more of a challenge with memory foam, so try this a few times. Is it easy to do and does it support you in this movement.
  5. How similar are you and your partner? Consider a zip and link bed if you are very different sizes or a bigger bed to accommodate for this. Generally the heavier you are the deeper the mattress that you may need and the firmer the springs should be. You can also get different materials too, to accommodate if one of you is hot and the other cold in bed. Memory foam again tends to be warm and is not best suited to those of us already functioning on higher warmth levels!
  6. How heavy is it and does it need turning? This is cruitial too if you have back pain. A lot of better mattresses require turning regularly to start with. Can you lift it? Could you turn it? Some do not require any turning and may suit you better if you are not able to do this or have a friend to hand who could.
  7. Another top tip is to check makes and models of beds that you like when you stay away from home. This can give you some ideas too and you will have had a longer trial period in the bed, which is a bonus too.

For more helpful advice on getting a perfect night’s sleep, speak to the team at Broadwater Osteopaths, Worthing on 01903 820206.

Experienced osteopath in Worthing

About the author- Osteopath Sue Bunce has been an Osteopath for over 25 years in Worthing. She works as part of a team of 12 therapists, including 6 fellow osteopaths, at the Broadwater Osteopathic Practice in Worthing, which she is also director of. 

Sue is passionate about osteopathy and helping patients in pain. Her main role is also to educate patients towards better health and wellbeing, alongside a physically improving their symptoms. She took over the practice in 2015 from Michael Morris a well known and respected osteopath in Worthing. Michael and Diane had inspired Sue’s choice of career from work experience days when she was just 14. Michael retired from practice in 2014, but Di and Sue still work within BOP today. 

Bookings can be made with Sue or any member of her team via this link Book Online | Broadwater Osteopathic Practice (janeapp.co.uk)

#sleep #worthing #osteopath #osteopathy #broadwater

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