How to choose a mattress and sleep soundly: 6 tips

A high—quality mattress is the basis for a healthy sleep and well-being during the day. The condition of the spine, the quality of rest and the general physical health of a person depend on the correct choice of this product. When buying, it is important to take into account many parameters: the degree of rigidity, type of construction, filler, weight and age of the sleeper, as well as personal preferences. An improperly chosen mattress can lead to back pain, sleep disorders, and other health problems. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

Degrees of rigidity

Stiffness is a key characteristic of a mattress that affects the anatomical position of the body during sleep and the quality of physical well—being. Orthopedic mattresses are divided into three categories: soft (for people weighing up to 60 kg), medium-hard (for people weighing 60-90 kg) and high-hard (for people weighing more than 90 kg).

Manufacturers often expand this classification by adding intermediate options, such as mattresses with lower—than-average stiffness. There is a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 indicates a very soft mattress, 3 — medium hardness, and 5 — very hard. The degree of rigidity is usually indicated in the product label or its passport.

It is important to understand that rigidity is a subjective parameter, and the same model can be perceived differently by different people. Before buying, it is advisable to lie on the mattress for at least a few minutes to assess the comfort level. There are two-sided models with varying degrees of rigidity on sale: if one side seems uncomfortable, the product can simply be turned over.

Weight selection

A person's weight is a determining factor when choosing the stiffness of a mattress. The greater the body weight, the more rigid the sleeping place is required to properly support the spine. Medium-sized models are considered the gold standard for people of average height and weight.

Recommendations for the choice of stiffness depending on weight:

• Up to 50-55 kg — soft mattress with latex, polyurethane foam or highly elastic foam fillers

• 50-90 kg — medium hardness, universal option for most adults

• More than 90-110 kg — a hard mattress with a maximum possible load of up to 140 kg and above

Medium-hardness products are suitable for a tall person with a weight within the normal range, but with a body weight of more than 90 kg, it is advisable to purchase a sufficiently solid base. When choosing a model, it is important to pay attention not only to rigidity, but also to the maximum weight per berth. If a person weighs 100 kg and the maximum load is 90 kg, the mattress will sag, which will reduce its service life and create an uneven load on the spine.

Accounting for age and sleep position

The age of the sleeper significantly affects the choice of optimal mattress stiffness. Newborns and infants are recommended to use very hard coconut coir mattresses, which will help the spine to form properly. Children from two years old and teenagers are suitable for medium—hard products - they provide the necessary support and prevent the spine from bending.

Older people are usually recommended soft models because they put less pressure on the body and do not compress soft tissues. Such mattresses are also suitable for people with a weak spine or diseases in the lumbar region.

The usual sleeping position also matters. Those who prefer to sleep on their side are more comfortable on a medium-hard or soft mattress. For those who like to sleep on their backs, medium stiffness is suitable. And for those who are most comfortable sleeping on their stomach, a rigid model is recommended.

Types of structures

Mattresses are divided into spring-loaded and spring-free models, each of which has its own characteristics. The stiffness of a spring mattress depends on the number of springs, their thickness, size, and the metal they are made of. In springless models, the filler is responsible for rigidity — latex, latex, coconut coir or polyurethane foam.

Two mattresses can have the same composition — a spring block, coconut coir and eco foam — but different degrees of rigidity. It all depends on the number of springs and the thickness of the coconut layer. Therefore, it cannot be unequivocally stated that the presence of springs makes the sleeping place solid.

Rigid mattresses usually contain compacted polyurethane foam, fiber fiber, coconut fibers, or composites. The surface of such products is not soft, but it perfectly supports the spine. Soft models most often have fillers made of natural or artificial latex, various types of polyurethane foam and highly elastic foam.

Medical indications

In case of spinal diseases, the choice of mattress should be based on the doctor's recommendations. Rigid models are indicated for osteochondrosis and other spinal problems — they provide reliable support for diseased or damaged vertebrae. For such diseases, it is recommended to buy an orthopedic mattress rather than an anatomical one.

Soft mattresses are suitable for people with weak or diseased bone system. They are also recommended for diseases of the lumbar spine. However, people over the age of 50 should be careful when choosing a mattress that is too hard.

Rigid mattresses are quite specific products that are chosen either because of personal preferences or because of medical prescriptions. In any case, if you have any health problems, you should consult a doctor before buying a mattress.

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