Is Firmer Better When It Comes to Your Mattress?
By Sara Butler
There has been a great debate raging for years over the right amount of firmness that should be present in a mattress. Should it be firm or soft? Supportive or squishy? Did the Chinese have it right when they created a bed of nails? Chiropractors get asked quite a bit about the kind of mattress people should buy, and it is the kind of thing you have to research; not only is it a big purchase for your bank account, but for you back too. Here’s what you need to know about how firm your mattress should be the next time you’re in the market for a new bed (every eight to 10 years!).
It’s All About the Curves
Curves are important – not so much for you mattress but for you back. Your spine has a natural curve to it and your mattress needs to be supportive of that natural curve as well as you entire body. When you lay down on your bed there should be no place where your body is not touching the bed, this is how you know it is soft enough to support your curves. If you don’t have this support you will become even better friends with your chiropractor as you them for constant neck and back pain.
Wear and Tear
You also want to choose a mattress that is actually built to stay supportive over its life. Remember, you get what you pay for and this is especially true of a mattress. One benefit of going with a firm mattress is that is should stand up over time, but you should never trade in support for a mattress that will be more durable.
How Does it Feel?
When you’re shopping for a mattress you should try to find one that has a return policy so you can try it in your home for a few weeks. This will allow you to know if it’s actually going to provide your body with the support it needs and feels comfortable, allowing you a relaxing and restorative sleep.
Don’t Forget Pillows!
A mattress is a big deal, but so is the pillow you rest your head on. Actually, you should mostly be resting your neck on a pillow! A pillow should support the natural curve of your neck and keep your spine in neutral alignment when you lay down. Your head should not be higher than the rest of your body, so look for a pillow that can deliver on this.
If you have additional questions about your mattress and pillow, feel free to ask your chiropractor about it during your next adjustment at The Joint Chiropractic.
