The choice of a mattress

The right mattress can contribute significantly decreased back and neck pain, and increase the ability to feel refreshed after a good night sleep. Using the wrong mattress can cause general aches and pains, aggravate any pre-existing pain, and lead to insomnia.

Many patients are asking: "What is the best mattress to buy?" Unfortunately, there has been extensive medical research or controlled clinical trials on the topic of mattresses and back pain. (He argues that a mattress is "orthopedic" or "doctor-approved" should therefore be viewed with skepticism.) Mattresses are largely a matter of personal preference.
This is due to several factors:
1. There are many different types and causes of back problems. What works for one person may not be the best option for another.
2. Our bodies are all different. Different weights, heights, and basa can help dictate what you should look for in a mattress or pillow.
3. The causes of back pain are quite complex, and it is difficult to isolate whether or not a mattress or pillow has played a significant role in causing pain.
4. In addition to mattresses and pillows, there are other factors that affect sleep comfort. Side effects of medications, irregular sleep patterns, the use of caffeine / alcohol / tobacco, sleep apnea, obesity, and anxiety / stress are all common causes of interrupted sleep.

General Rules of Thumb when choosing a mattress

Most people prefer a firmer mattress which provides more support. A good mattress should provide support, while allowing the natural curves of the spine. A mattress is too soft if holes, or if a second person in the bed causes the other to fall toward the center. Studies have found that a medium-firm mattress provides the best back support and eases the pain back. A mattress that is too difficult, however, causes pain and pain at pressure points like shoulders and hips. A mattress is too hard if there are spaces between any part of your body and the mattress. Any mattress that helps a person sleep well, so that he / she wakes up feeling rested and refreshed, without pain or stiffness, is the best mattress for that person.

Composition mattress
The following physical components are the most important characteristics of most of the high-quality mattresses:

Springs and Coils
These give firmness for back support. The wire in the coils may be different thicknesses. Cables from the smaller diameter is thicker and stiffer, it means that the mattress is more solid. A greater quantity of turns indicates a higher quality mattress.
Padded mattress
This is the part that provides comfort. Padding is usually made of polyurethane foam, puffed-up polyester or cotton wool. Some mattresses have a layer of foam just below the top layer quilted. Softer foams feel almost moist to the touch, and without foam will not be born again as quickly. Under this layer, there is a layer of wadding which has caused the mattress feel solid in areas such as half of the mattress. Finally, there is an insulating layer which is located above the springs so that it can not be heard from the top of the mattress. It also protects the coils of damaging the upper layers.

Mattress covers and Quilting
The outer layer of a mattress is the ticking, a polyester or cotton-polyester. The mattress quilting attaches the ticking to the top layers of padding. A good quality mattress is constant, continuous seams.

Box Spring
The spring box adds another level of support for the mattress. They are generally comprised of a frame of wood or metal with springs. Plain wood frames make mattresses feel harder than one with the springs. Buying a mattress and box springs as a set to maximize the life of the mattress.

Foam mattresses
Some other types of foam mattresses and latex foam "memory". These can be purchased in different densities - the higher the density, the company has more.

Mattresses for specific conditions Back
In general, the two positions are both best read on the back with a pillow under your knees (to keep the stress off the lower back), or on a side with a pillow between your knees (to keep your hips and lower of the spine aligned). Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended. It poses a lot of stress for the couple on the back and neck, as you must keep your head turned to breathe. In addition, you should not sleep with your arms above your head as this can irritate the brachial plexus, a sensitive nerve bundle between the neck and shoulder.

People with osteoarthritis or degenerative spondylolisthesis may prefer an adjustable bed (which is at a slight slope), as it minimizes the compression joint. This type of bed may also be useful for those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients who have hip bursitis (inflammation of the bursa on the sides) are particularly sensitive to pain from a mattress that is too hard. Tops thick cushions or pads egg crate mattresses can provide some relief.

Tips for buying a mattress
1. Personal preference is the final determination. Choose a mattress that meets your standards of comfort and support.
2. Request the physical components of the mattress, including the number and arrangement of the coils, padding thickness and depth mattress.
3. Finding a balance between back support and comfort. If a mattress is supportive, but not comfortable, it will not help your sleep.
4. Knowing when it's time to buy a new mattress. Most of the mattresses have a duration of about 7 years. If a drop in the middle of the mattress or if it is more comfortable, it's time for a new mattress. Put a board under a sagging mattress is only a short-term fix.
5. Shop for value and quality, not price. High-quality mattresses are worth the investment if you consider the savings on health costs and increased productivity when getting pain free, restful sleep. Mattress stores often have sales and promotions, so the comparison-shop after selecting the mattress that you want.
6. Test-drive your mattress. Sleep on different mattresses in hotels or at friends' houses. When in a shop, lay on the mattress with the shoes for at least ten minutes. If two people are sleeping on the mattress, do it together to make sure you are comfortable.
7. Shop for the best customer service. Consider the options of delivery, old mattress removal policies, warranty and return policies. Giving a strong preference for stores that allow you to return the mattress within two to four weeks if you are not satisfied.
8. Take care of your mattress. Mattresses must be rotated every six months, is rotated 180 degrees and folded along.

Getting a good night's sleep is very important. A simple change in your mattress can make the difference between waking with back pain and wake up rested and refreshed.

If you have questions on how to choose a new mattress, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Heller at (414) 774-2300.

References:
"Composition of a high quality mattress," http://www.spine-health.com.

Dermody, Cynthia "News mattress". Reader Digest.

"Conditions mattresses back." And http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/mattress/mattress02.html ~ = ~ HEAD NNS.

"Guidelines for Sleep Comfort mattress", http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/mattress/mattress01.html ~ = ~ HEAD NNS

Miller, Ron, PT "Review of adjustable beds." And http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/bed/bed01.html ~ = ~ HEAD NNS.

Staehler, Richard, MD. "Best Mattress for Low Back Pain", http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/mattress/mattress01.html

"Understanding the best mattress for Low Back Pain", http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/mattresschose/mattresschose01.html.