The ideal mattress to avoid back pain should not be too hard, nor too soft, because the most important is to keep the spine always aligned, but without being uncomfortable. To do this, the mattress should sag so as to follow the curvature of the body and the pillow should allow the neck to be straight.
On average, each person spends one third of his or her life asleep and therefore choosing a quality mattress and a suitable pillow is very important to ensure a good night's sleep and restful rest. Because when we sleep well, we are much more productive the next day.
How To Choose The Best Mattress
To make sure you do not go wrong buying a mattress, keep an eye on the following features:
- Check that the mattress returns to normal after being pressed;
- Choose the most comfortable for you: a spring mattress, foam or viscoelastic. Try the 3 options before you buy;
- Lie on the mattress and see if the spine is aligned and right, and if the body is well-accommodated, especially in the shoulder and hip region;
- If you buy a double mattress, this should be a bit firmer because the weight of the other person may reflect on your side of the bed;
- If you are within the ideal weight you would prefer a dense lower mattress and if you are overweight, prefer one with more support and density;
- Make sure the length of the mattress is sufficient, especially if you are over 1.90m;
- Try the mattress in the store, lying on it for 5 minutes preferably in the position where you usually sleep, because just sitting or putting your hand is not enough;
- Prefer a mattress with biodegradable filler or antimicrobial fabric that prevents the development and accumulation of fungi and bacteria, especially if you have any allergies;
- Buy the mattress first and then the bed, because their sizes may vary.
If the mattress is very soft, it will sag and sink, leaving the spine crooked and if it is too hard it will cause pain in the shoulder, thigh or hip region. After choosing and buying a mattress the adaptation of the body may take some time, and it may take up to 30 days for the body to become habitable.
In addition, people with health problems such as herniated disc, parrot beak or arthrosis need a firmer mattress to support the spine well. but in addition they must sleep in the correct position. Find out the best position to sleep here.
To buy a child mattress does not require very expensive mattresses since children are light, not exerting much force on the mattress. In addition, it is necessary to remember that these mattresses need to be changed in a short time due to the natural growth of the child.
When to change mattress
It is advisable to change the mattress every 10 years because it is normal to accumulate viruses, bacteria and trillions of dust mites, which favor respiratory problems and allergies, including the skin.
It is also recommended to change whenever you think the mattress is dirty or when it already has the shape of your body. However, you can flip the mattress once a year to lessen the risk of the mattress being marked.
How To Choose The Best Pillow
An incorrect pillow can cause headache, neck or spine and so your choice is just as important as the mattress. So, to choose a suitable pillow should:
- Lie down and check that the spine and neck are aligned and straight;
- Inform yourself about pillow materials, whether they are biodegradable or contain antimicrobial tissue that prevents the development and buildup of fungi and bacteria;
- If you sleep on your side you need a medium or high pillow, if you sleep on your belly up, on a low or medium pillow, and you sleep on your stomach you do not need a pillow.
As with the mattress, the proper pillow should be neither too high nor too low, and should be the ideal height to ensure that the neck is straight. It is important that the pillow favors the alignment of the spine, so that it is not curved, so there are some orthopedic pillows that have a small curvature, which serves to support the neck well.
