Stating that for a healthy spine, it is essential to choose a quality mattress that is suitable for our body type, experts point out that the right mattress should align and support the spine in a straight line, regardless of the sleeping position of the sleeper. According to experts, the positions we take during sleep and the way we lie down also change this alignment and support. Therefore, it is important that the mattress adapts to these changes.
Prof. Dr. Defne Kaya, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences and Director of NP Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Center, pointed out the importance of choosing the right mattress for spinal health.
The mattress should support the spine correctly
Prof. Dr. Defne Kaya stated that the choice of mattress is important not only for those who suffer from low back or back pain, but also for those who do not, and said, "If we have low back pain, we should buy the hardest mattress.... This idea has changed considerably today. However, it is accepted as a common opinion that the choice of mattress is important not only for those who suffer from low back pain or back pain, but also for those who do not, and that the mattress that will support the spine correctly should be chosen."
Pay attention to these points when choosing a mattress!
Stating that some points should be considered when choosing a mattress, Prof. Dr. Defne Kaya said the following:
"Should personal preference, taste or comfort be at the forefront? Or does lying on a mattress in a store and feeling good mean that that mattress will protect our spine for several years? How should we choose our mattress? Let's find the right mattress for us with a few tips:
The mattress should support the shape of your spine
The mattress needs to support and maintain the shape of your spine: We don't realize it, but proper posture is also important when we sleep. The muscles and ligaments around our spine need to relax and recover while we sleep.
People with wide hips should prefer a softer mattress
If a mattress is too hard or too soft, these structures around your spine will not be able to relax. You should look for sufficient firmness, which varies from person to person. For example: People with wide hips may prefer a slightly softer mattress to keep their spine in alignment and prevent possible back pain. People with narrower hips may be advised to choose a firmer mattress.
Choose a medium-hard mattress
If in doubt, choose a "medium-firm" mattress. In a study of more than 300 people with low back pain, they were asked to try a "medium-firm" or "firm" mattress for 90 days. Those who used a "medium-firm" mattress experienced less discomfort.
Mattresses made entirely of memory materials with no springs are not recommended because they take the shape of the body. Mattresses with a combination of memory materials and springs should be preferred.
Test drive is important
A test drive can be a good idea: If you had a great sleep and you are staying in a hotel or at a friend's house, you can get the brand and number of the mattress. Some companies offer a refund if you buy a mattress, use it for 30 to 100 days and are not satisfied with it.
A new mattress can improve your sleep quality
Getting a new mattress can improve your sleep quality. In a study from Oklahoma State University, 62 people were given a new mattress and followed for 28 days. It was shown that almost everyone slept better and had better quality sleep. The study also found that cheap mattresses caused more back pain than expensive mattresses. On average, the study participants had used their old mattresses for 9.5 years. This period was emphasized in the study as the life of a mattress. If you have been using a mattress for 9 or 10 years, it is time to replace it."
Sleep position is also important
Stating that pillows and sleeping positions are also very important for sleep quality, Prof. Dr. Defne Kaya said, "Even if you have the right bed, your sleeping position and the pillows you use to support your head and neck area properly are also important for a healthy and quality sleep."
"A mattress should align and support the spine in a straight line regardless of the sleep position of the sleeper," said Prof. Dr. Defne Kaya and listed her recommendations as follows:
"The positions we take during sleep and the way we lie down also change this alignment and support. It is important that the bed adapts to these changes. A healthy sleep is very important both for the release of hormones that are secreted in deep sleep and provide cell renewal, and for us to wake up vigorous and energetic. For a healthy spine, we should definitely choose a quality mattress that is suitable for our body type."
