Mattress Buying Guide
We spend roughly one-third of our life sleeping, and the quality of our sleep is essential for our mood, wellbeing, and health. Having a good mattress is one of the best ways to get good sleep each night.
Choosing The Perfect Chiropractic Bed Mattress
Choosing the perfect mattress depends on your sleep posture. We recommend matching your sleeping posture with the firmness of the mattress to help keep your spine in a neutral stress-free position while you are sleeping.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers should consider choosing a slightly firmer mattress. This is because it prevents sagging of the hip, allowing you to be in proper alignment for the duration of the entire sleep.
Side Sleepers
If you are a side sleeper, choose a mattress slightly softer than firm (not soft and not even medium, but not as firm as you would have it if you’re sleeping on your back). This way, there will be less pressure in your shoulders and hips.
How Do You Find the Best Chiropractic Bed Mattress?
The New Zealand Chiropractic Association has been working together for more than 30 years with mattress manufacturers to develop a range of beds to help Kiwis get the support they need every night.
It’s important that the most supportive mattress and pillow cushions your body while you are sleeping, ensuring your spine is kept in a neutral position.
Poor alignment can cause undue stress in your spine in all three spinal regions (cervical, thoracic and lumbar). Other factors, such as your size, shape, weight, and health, will also influence the type of mattress most suitable for you. If you are waking up with pain or stiffness, or if your pain is worse during the night while you are sleeping, then it may be worth investing in a new mattress.
The NZCA endorses the following bed ranges for outstanding support:
- Sleepyhead Chiropractic Range
- Sleepyhead Chiropractic HD Range
- Sleepyhead Sanctuary Range
- Sleepyhead Sanctuary After Dark Range
There are plenty of mattresses and manufacturers to choose from, so buy the right mattress for you.
Shopping Tips
When shopping for a new mattress, go to as many mattress selling dealers as possible, and we recommend
- Lying on each mattress for at least 10 minutes, so you get a good feel of what it feels like, rather than just lying on it for a few minutes.
- Take your partner with you that will be sleeping on the other side, so you both can lie on the mattress simultaneously. Again, lie there for at least 10 minutes and discuss your individual experiences with the mattress.
- Try different priced mattresses, ranging from below to lower 1000 marks and higher, and compare pros and cons.
- When you have chosen a mattress, go back a few times and continue to lie on the mattress 10 minutes at a time to make sure it is right for you before committing.
FAQ
How long should a mattress last?
What causes a mattress to wear out?
What issues can arise if my mattress doesn’t provide good support?
Poor sleep posture is a primary one. Many people suffer from back pain, lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and hip pain, which sleeping on their non-optimal state mattress can exacerbate.
When is it the right time to get a new mattress?
Many times, deciding when to invest in a new mattress depends on your budget or pain threshold. Another possible reason why you should change your mattress is if your mattress has started to change shape.
Some of you would have noticed that your mattress forms a permanent depression, where you sleep as the years go by. This permanent change is also a good indicator that the state of your mattress is declining, and you may want to think about investing in a new one.
Finally, if you are feeling pain, it’s time to get a better mattress.
Got More Questions?
If you have other questions about purchasing a new mattress, contact our practice today.
