I have osteoporosis; how do I choose a mattress right for me?
We can provide you with apt knowledge regarding our mattress range. However, we recommend that you first seek professional medical advice if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. They can suggest the best mattress for your symptoms, which you can align with the recommendations we provide below.
Try mattresses in a shop
How do you know the right mattress without trying it out in your local Mattressman or bed store? We recommend trying out various options before you purchase, especially ones that match your preferred sleeping position and mattress type discussed below.
Think about your preferred sleep position
Side sleepers
For the preferred side sleepers out there, we recommend choosing a mattress that offers cushioning for pressure points such as the shoulders and hips. This will keep your spine in a healthy position all night long. Therefore a softer or medium support tension is most suitable for how you sleep.
Back and stomach sleepers
Contrary to side sleepers, those who prefer to sleep on the stomach or back should opt for a firm mattress. A firm sleeping surface will help keep your spine straight in these positions and ensure your joints receive the pressure relief they need.
Combinations sleepers
If you can't keep still at night, finding yourself waking up on your back, front or side, you're best suited to a medium firm sleeping surface. It must be both soft and firm to support healthy spinal alignment when you sleep. Medium firm support will ensure you wake up feeling rejuvenated and like you've been supported all night long.
What are the best mattress types?
Osteoporosis involves lowering bone density, increasing the chances of bone break and brittle bones. Everyone affected by osteoporosis sleeps differently, so it's imperative to try various mattresses to determine which one is right for you. Below we describe some of the most appropriate osteoporosis options in the mattress industry.
Pocket sprung or open coil mattresses
Pocket sprung mattresses are some of the most popular we stock here at Mattressman. Not only are they some of the more affordable options, but they are also incredibly supportive of any sleeper. These versatile mattresses have individual pocket springs encased in their fabric pocket that move independently. This allows the mattress surface to move to the contours of your body, provide pressure relief, evenly distribute your body weight and promote healthy spine alignment.
Innerspring mattresses, otherwise known as open coil mattresses, is another traditionally sprung option. The spring unit comprises a continuous coil that runs from either side of the mattress rather than multiple individual springs. An innerspring mattress is usually firm or extra firm because they make great orthopaedic mattresses, perfect for promoting proper spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers. However, because the spring unit is made from one coil, prolonged use can cause something called 'roll-together', which is why we suggest couples do not opt for this option.
Memory foam mattresses
Pressure relief is a critical aspect of a mattress for those affected by osteoporosis. Memory foam can absorb the impact of your body, evenly distributes body weight and ensures your spine is aligned correctly. With bone health and minimising the chance of bone fracture or a broken bone at the forefront of mattress recommendations for osteoporosis, a memory foam mattress will naturally promote the body's natural recovery process.
You can rest easy on a memory foam mattress that's right for you, as we stock options for every mattress's firmness. A memory foam mattress can be paired with a spring system supportive base layer to create a hybrid mattress. This can comprise multiple low-density and high-end memory foam layers to make an all-foam bed.
Due to its closed cell structure, there is minimal breathability and strong heat retention. However, people who tend to feel too hot throughout the night should avoid memory foam. This is because the chemicals used to create memory foam have been linked with difficulty breathing and poor indoor air quality. In addition, if you're affected by asthma, we recommend choosing a different type of mattress.
Latex mattresses
Whether you're looking for an all-latex or a latex hybrid mattress, you'll be pleased to learn that they are some of the most durable and breathable sleeping solutions. Latex is the only kind of organic mattress we stock. Known for lasting over 10 years whilst providing the same level of high-quality support and comfort for restful sleep. It is often referred to as a more breathable version of memory foam. They include more responsive layers that can wick away excess moisture and regulate your body temperature.