Would you say that your bed and mattress are comfortable? Considering we spend one-third of our lives in bed, a surprising number of people would answer ‘no’ to this question. While we might think little of an uncomfortable bed, it has the potential to lead to all sorts of health problems. This includes back pain, shoulder aches, and even a lack of concentration at work. How? Well, a poor sleep leads to a lack of energy, concentration, and focus.
If you suddenly feel bad for sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, perhaps you’ve been struggling to find a cause for your aches and pains, there is an answer. Today, we’re going to uncover the truth behind orthopedic mattresses.
Time and time again, studies suggest that a good orthopedic mattress helps those with back problems. As pressure on the joints and spine reduce, the body can rest fully while asleep. For those who are heavier, the answer is simply a denser mattress.
If you’re worried about trying a different mattress, lots of manufacturers now provide a sleep trial. Ultimately, this means you can send it back if you aren’t happy (as long as you get it back within a certain period). As we’re going to see in the example products, many orthopedic mattresses are actually designed and/or produced by brands with a history in the medical industry. This means we can trust in them and feel confident when using them for the first time.
How do you choose the right mattress? Well, this is why we’re here…you aren’t alone. If you’ve already done some searching, you will have seen the sheer number of options available in this niche. If you haven’t yet, we advise against looking until you’ve been through our guide and feel more confident in your ability to distinguish between them and choose one that meets your needs.
Below, you’ll find absolutely everything you’ll need including example products, buying considerations, care and maintenance information, and commonly asked questions!
The Best Orthopedic Mattresses
- Snuggle-Pedic: best for breathability
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature: best for polyfoam hybrid
- Classic Brands: best pillow top mattress
- Leesa: best hybrid
- Sunrising Bedding: best latex hybrid
- Layla: best for versatility
- Spinal Solution: best for motion isolation
- Brooklyn Bedding (The Plank): best for flippable design
Table of Contents
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Orthopedic Mattresses Comparison Table
Picture | Product | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | - Resistant to dust mites and hypoallergenic - Airflow transfer system (patented) - Firm layer underneath a surface designed to relieve pressure | ||
 | - Certified by CertiPUR-US - Patented cooling features (and breathable materials) - Three different comfort levels | ||
 | - Coordinating knit sides and corded edge allows for breathability - Gel memory foam combined with innerspring wrapped coils - Motion isolation with independent innerspring coils | ||
 | - Advanced pocket-spring coil system - Edge to edge support - Pressure point relief and active response | ||
 | - No irritants or odors - Talalay latex technology with 100% natural latex - Conforms to our body and offers cushioning | ||
 | - Two firmness levels as a double-sided design - Pressure point relief from conforming memory foam - Flippable design | ||
| - Organic cover (offering breathability) - Back support through pocketed coil technology - Support and comfort through the medium firm design | ||
| - Made in the US - Encourages neutral spinal positioning with a flat, firm surface - Provides durability and deep compression support |
Orthopedic Mattresses Reviews
Snuggle-Pedic Review: Best for Breathability
- Resistant to dust mites and hypoallergenic
- Airflow transfer system (patented)
- Firm layer underneath a surface designed to relieve pressure
Price:
Measuring ten inches in thickness, the first product we have comes from Snuggle-Pedic and it has been chosen for its breathability. In fact, they even use an Airflow Transfer System that has been patented (you won’t find it anywhere else!). Called ‘a mattress that breathes’, this is our favorite for those who want to stay cool and prevent overheating during the night. Not only does it have tiny ventilation holes, it also boasts air channels. Rather than storing body heat, it escapes, and the sleeper remains cool. Of course, the other benefit to this is that the mattress has a longer life.
Thanks to the flexible foam on top, it hugs the body and molds to our shape. For those with aching muscles and joints, this is great news because the feature brings pressure point relief. Don’t worry, there’s a firmer layer underneath for support. Whether you sleep on your stomach, back, or side, you should find that this mattress offers a good combination of support and comfort. With a medium feel, it has the CertiPUR-US certification, a very low VOC, and it’s even made right here in the United States.
In terms of the cover, it’s made of bamboo and is fully washable. Additionally, airflow is encouraged with ventilation holes and the material keeps the cover soft even after washing. One of our favorite features of this mattress is actually the additional foam layers that come with it; ultimately, you can adjust the firmness to your own needs. If you test the mattress and don’t like the feel, you have an opportunity to play around with the firmness before sending it back and deciding it isn’t for you.
Shipping is eco-friendly because the manufacturer actually vacuum seals the product, and it comes with a 120-night refund guarantee. In terms of a warranty, you get a whopping 20 years. Exchanges and customizations are also free.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Review: Best for Polyfoam Hybrid
- Certified by CertiPUR-US
- Patented cooling features (and breathable materials)
- Three different comfort levels
Price:
Next up, we have an innerspring-polyfoam hybrid, and it makes for an interesting mattress. Depending on your needs, you’ll choose between:
- Firm - 7.5
- Medium - 5.5
- Soft - 3.5
Made in the US, this is a brand known for quality and this is clear to see with the carefully chosen breathable materials. Even after this, there are around 1,024 individually encased coils along with patented cooling technology. All in all, the innerspring pocket coils make up a six-inch base. From here, we find polyfoam (gel infused) and 1.5 inches of quilted polyfoam as a comfort layer. The firmer you go, the thicker the gel-infused layer becomes; while the transitional polyfoam layer gets thinner.
If you’re looking for a firm mattress, we highly recommend the firm option of this product. With the hybrid design, you get the best of innerspring coils and polyfoam. What does this mean? Well, there’s more pressure relief compared to a standard innerspring mattress while it beats most hybrids for responsiveness. Not only is it comfortable for sleep, it’s also the perfect choice for private time with a partner.
With free delivery and a 120-night sleep trial, the risk of the product is limited; not to mention that it’s one of the cheapest in this market at under $1,000. Thankfully, it even works on most bed frames whether you have an adjustable base, slats, springs, or a platform design. In this mattress, the quality is high and we’re happy with the CertiPUR-US certification.
Classic Brands Review: Best Pillow Top Mattress
- Coordinating knit sides and corded edge allows for breathability
- Gel memory foam combined with innerspring wrapped coils
- Motion isolation with independent innerspring coils
Price:
When shopping for mattresses, you’ve probably seen the name Classic Brands, and this is because they’re a favorite among many. Today, we have an orthopedic option measuring 12 inches; two layers of memory foam (gel infused) sit outside of the innerspring core. You get support from the core, and then luxurious comfort from the memory foam. For couples, especially when one is prone to constant tossing and turning, you’ll love the motion isolation effect that comes from the independently wrapped innerspring coils. With the memory foam too, those who do move will soon be welcomed into the new position as the memory foam adjusts to body heat.
If you’re worried about allergens, you’re in good hands with Classic Brands because the memory foam is high quality. With the gel infusion, the whole mattress is resistant to mold, dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens (while being naturally hypoallergenic). Just in case you had any doubts, the product also has the CertiPUR-US certification for emissions, durability, and performance.
We chose this mattress for the pillow top, so we shouldn’t ignore this feature. Embroidered for appearance, it’s both comfortable and extra plush; the knit sides also help with breathability. What’s more, breathability is also aided by the airflow that comes with the air spaces in the innerspring core.
We think the mattress cover looks nice with the floral design, and some have been tempted to forgo the sheets as a result. With a ten-year warranty, the brand is confident in the product and we understand why.
Leesa Review: Best Hybrid
- Advanced pocket-spring coil system
- Edge to edge support
- Pressure point relief and active response
Price:
Of all the mattresses in this guide, this is the one that perhaps dares to step outside the norm. With 11 inches of thickness, there’s a nice silky cover above various foams and pocketed coils. You might not feel every single layer with the medium firmness, but you will notice the comfort when first lying down. Throughout the night, the mattress adapts to our position and even pushes back on the pressure points gently.
Support between the edges comes from the premium foam layers as well as the pocket springs (individually wrapped). The layers include:
- Active pocket spring
- Cooling top layer (Avena foam)
- Recovery layer (memory foam)
If you carry a little extra weight or are in need of support above all else, we highly recommend this Leesa mattress. Ideal for back and stomach sleepers, it will start firm before softening a little over time. Above all else, we love the accommodating nature; it seems to appeal to most sleepers. The fact that it is designed, produced, and shipped from the US is an added bonus.
Sunrising Bedding Review: Best Latex Hybrid
- No irritants or odors
- Talalay latex technology with 100% natural latex
- Conforms to our body and offers cushioning
Price:
With the hypoallergenic nature and natural support, latex is a popular choice with bedding. However, this is a hybrid mattress which means that there’s also an innerspring middle. While latex provides pressure relief, there’s both bounce and support from the core. This is great news for a number of reasons, but in particular for the even sleep surface and edge support. With close conforming and cushioning, sleepers should get help with their pains and various aches.
In order to offer the orthopedic effect expected of a product of this type, Sunrising Bedding uses encased coil springs (2.0mm gauge). With over 850 pocket coils, they all work independently to boost circulation, relieve pressure and tension in muscles and joints, and help the shoulders, waist, back, and more. It even offers a motion isolation effect which means you shouldn’t be disturbed even when your partner climbs in or moves around.
If you’re worried about sleeping temperature, this shouldn’t be a concern because the latex foam and innerspring core both offer breathability. With Talalay Thai Latex, this is a natural material which makes it a strong choice for anybody with allergies. As a non-toxic and eco-friendly material, it removes worries about mold and dust mites in particular. Furthermore, there’s no concern over irritants or odors when first unpacking the mattress (something that causes problems for many).
Although this product won’t work with adjustable bed frames, it will fit most others. Thanks to Sunrising Bedding, we also have a 120-night sleep trial and a full refund policy.
Layla Review: Best for Versatility
- Two firmness levels as a double-sided design
- Pressure point relief from conforming memory foam
- Flippable design
Price:
What better way to get versatility than with a flippable design offering two different firmness levels? While one is classified as ‘firm’, the other is ‘medium’ and sleepers can quite literally flip from one night to the next depending on what they need. With copper-infused memory foam on each side, the same luxurious comfort is available on both sides. Why the copper infusion? Although not gel, it’s essentially included to do the same job - to prevent heat retention. However, the benefit of using copper is the antimicrobial barrier this creates. In turn, it should stop the type of bacteria that normally causes odors.
In the center, pocketed coils help for support and this improvement makes it considerably more effective than the original Layla design. If you haven’t yet determined your preference for firmness, this could be the ideal mattress with two different options. Overall, the combination of innerspring and foam allows this mattress to excel with pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation, edge support, and more.
The manufacturer offers a 120-night sleep trial, a 10-year warranty, and excellent customer service.
Spinal Solution Review: Best for Motion Isolation
- Organic cover (offering breathability)
- Back support through pocketed coil technology
- Support and comfort through the medium firm design
Price:
Over the years, orthopedic mattresses have gained a reputation for being hard, and this is why Spinal Solution has designed the following product. With an innerspring core, it should offer the desired blend between comfort and support. For the pressure points, we have some relief coming from the coils (these are actually encased individually). For sleepers, this is ideal because it allows for spinal, back, and neck alignment.
If you’re worried about fitting a new mattress into the bedroom decor, the stylish nature of this one should alleviate these worries. In fact, it goes even further because the stretch knit cover boasts an organic aloe vera feature. When combined with the innersprings, it helps breathability. Even in the warmest months, most sleepers are able to prevent overheating.
Let’s talk about back pain; it’s not nice and is often made worse by poor sleeping conditions. With this mattress, you can relieve the pressure points while the surface contours to the body. With the body aligned and the pressure points relieved, you should wake up feeling refreshed each and every morning.
Brooklyn Bedding (The Plank) Review: Best for Flippable Design
- Made in the US
- Encourages neutral spinal positioning with a flat, firm surface
- Provides durability and deep compression support
Price:
As we reach our final example product, we find a flippable mattress from Brooklyn Bedding - and it goes by the name ‘The Plank’. As a mixed-foam mattress, it’s firmer than most so bear this in mind. With high-density base foam forming around seven inches, durability and deep compression support comes from the two inches of TitanFlex foam. While one side measures nine on the 1-10 scale, the other comes in at seven, which means that those looking for a medium firmness should look elsewhere. Otherwise, stomach and back sleepers are well accommodated.
We know it’s flippable, and this is because both sides have quilted polyfoam on the outer surface. With the high-density support at the very core, this should prevent indentations and sagging; in other words, you should have support for a number of years to come.
In case you didn’t know, firmer mattresses have a longer life than softer mattresses, and this is why The Plank is preferred by many. With motion isolation, it’s also a strong choice for couples. With a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, the product comes with free shipping and is an affordable option…so why not give it a go today?
What’s an Orthopedic Mattress?
Over the years, it’s become clear that people use mattresses and bedding that haven’t been optimized for what they need. For example, those with joint and back pain need support throughout the night. As this problem grew, it led to the introduction of orthopedic mattresses. Firmer than normal, they’re designed to distribute weight, encourage proper alignment in the spine, relieve the pressure points, and support the body.
Do you need an orthopedic mattress? Well, they’re highly recommended for anybody who regularly wakes up with pain or aching muscles. It’s important to remember that one major cause of aches and pains is old mattresses; if you haven’t replaced yours in over seven years, you should consider a replacement very soon.
For some sleepers, an orthopedic mattress will simply be too firm. Especially for stomach sleepers, you may feel as though there isn’t enough ‘give’ for you to find comfort.
Caution - Some mattress manufacturers will label their mattresses as ‘orthopedic’ just to enter the niche and gain sales. Instead of trusting a label (or a product name online), look at the features of the mattress and use the buying considerations we’re going to list in this extensive guide to judge which is and isn’t a genuine orthopedic mattress.
Benefits of an Orthopedic Mattress
Support (Back Pain)
As we’ve alluded to throughout this guide, the first benefit of using this type of mattress is the support it provides for those with back pain. When a mattress is soft or old, it lacks the support the spine needs for alignment and to rest properly.
Restful Sleep
We’re in bed to sleep, so you’ll be glad to hear that orthopedic mattresses are good for this too. The body is aligned and in a natural position, the joints are relaxed, and we get a restful sleep. When the mattress doesn’t offer the right support, the muscles are constantly working to keep you balanced…something avoided with an orthopedic mattress.
If you wake up in the morning and feel just as tired as the night before, your mattress could be the reason. Throughout the course of the day, the spine hasn’t had the relaxation it needs overnight yet is still responsible for many functions. The result? We feel even more drained the next evening.
Flexible
As we’ve seen in the example products, orthopedic mattresses are known for combining materials and this makes them flexible. With a soft foam on the top, often memory foam, the body gets a hugging sensation and allows us to drift into a deep sleep. Meanwhile, the core offers stability and support.
With some designs, stability and comfort is maintained thanks to the flippable construction. This also prevents sagging and keeps our spine aligned night after night. Keep in mind that some products are heavy, so you may need help to flip them.
Good Investment
You will pay more for an orthopedic mattress, and this will turn some people away. However, you have to realize that their durability often makes them the better investment. Remaining in good condition for longer than a standard mattress, you won’t begin the search for a new mattress for quite some time.
Pressure Relief
We’ve mentioned the firmness of these mattresses, and there’s actually a double benefit to this:
- The back gets the support it needs
- The midsection doesn’t sink
Sadly, too many Americans are sleeping on a mattress that’s too soft. When this happens, the midsection sinks and this leads to pain and discomfort. With the right firmness, we avoid this sinking and have the potential to stay healthier. The number of orthopedic mattresses available today is a testament to the increased desire for pain relief in consumers.
Posture Improvement
As well as preventing sinking, an orthopedic mattress will also stop the body from curling. With the spine in such a good position in bed, and the improvement in backache, many actually see this translate to an improved posture when standing. You may feel sturdier on your feet, the spine enjoys good alignment, and you don’t dread waking up with all sorts of aches and pains. We mentioned the higher price of orthopedic mattresses, but can you really put a price on improved health?
Couple Happiness
Lastly, we can’t ignore the happiness that couples get from this type of mattress. If your partner drives you crazy with the amount they toss and turn (perhaps you’re reading this guiltily because you’re the one who moves most), an orthopedic mattress is a wise choice. Even if your partner takes up the majority of the bed and you’re normally left doing all you can to stay on your thin slither, the increased comfort may prevent them from rolling over into your space.
Types of Orthopedic Mattress
Gel Mattress
Using memory foam or another foam, the benefit of choosing a gel mattress is that the gel infusion should prevent overheating. Whether you sleep hot or are in a warmer climate, heat can escape, and you remain cool through the night. Naturally, this infusion will drive up the price, but it’s an investment. Most people are happy to spend a little more on a mattress if it means not waking up in the middle of the night sweating.
Memory Foam Mattress
As one of the most popular bedding materials today, memory foam is also popular in orthopedic mattresses because of its firm support and ability to mold to the contours of the body. No matter your position, the material will react to your body heat and provide the hugging sensation you need. While some people love the work memory foam does for their backs, others don’t like the sinking feeling that comes with this material, so it’s important to bear this in mind.
If you’re a combination sleeper, we should also provide a warning because changing position is sometimes difficult. Unless the mattress is infused with gel, or another cooling system, memory foam will retain heat and cause some discomfort.
In terms of thickness, there’s much variation with memory foam; the thinnest mattresses start at a couple of centimeters while the thickness can reach 15 centimeters. When choosing a thickness, remember that they generally get firmer with thickness.
Latex Mattress
Although latex doesn’t quite have the reputation of foam, it works in much the same way by adapting to the body and relieving the pressure points (including the shoulders and hips). Rather than using body heat, latex mattresses actually use weight distribution in order to mold to the sleeper. Compared to foam, this means they don’t hold onto as much heat. Just in case this wasn’t enough, they provide good support for back problems and have durability too.
Innerspring Mattress
With individual coil layers, these mattresses are often paired with foam to provide both support and comfort. One of the benefits of choosing innerspring is that the range of firmness levels is much wider. No matter your sleep style and type, you’re likely to find something that suits your needs. Additionally, air flows between and around the springs which means you remain cooler.
Hybrid Mattress
As we mentioned in the previous type, manufacturers will sometimes bring together different materials. With memory foam on the outside and an innerspring core, for example, sleepers get the best of both worlds. There’s bounce and support with the innerspring core, and a luxurious softness and comfort with the foam. If you don’t really know where to look with an orthopedic mattress, this could be a great place to start your search.
Buying Considerations
With this, we’re now ready to start thinking about buying an orthopedic mattress. You know the benefits and the many different types, but how do you find the one for you? Often, people feel overwhelmed when they see the sheer number of options available. For us, the choice is a blessing because it means you can find the mattress that matches your needs closer than all the others.
After going through our buying considerations and really defining the product you need, you should come out the other side with confidence to invest your money. When searching online and in physical stores, this makes life easier because you can immediately ignore those that don’t fit the bill.
Size
Firstly, what sort of size do you need? When choosing an orthopedic mattress, we normally suggest choosing a larger size than normal. If you have a blank canvas with which to work, those sharing a bed especially should be choosing one of the larger sizes. With motion isolation features, you’ll both get a good sleep with no concerns about movement (or endless tossing and turning!).
Material
What material is best for an orthopedic mattress? Unfortunately, we can’t answer this question because it all depends on the sleeper. While one mattress will work for one person and their sleeping habits, it might be a terrible choice for somebody else. Thankfully, there are so many unique mattresses in the market these days that everybody has an opportunity to find what works for them. The days of sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress are over.
Since we’re focused on orthopedic mattresses here today, one of the key features of your mattress should be the support it provides for the back. Additionally, it should alleviate pressure, aid aches and pains, encourage spinal alignment, and offer a firmness level that suits your weight and sleeping position.
As long as the basics are in place for your individual needs, you can then think about other features. For example, those who sleep hot or live in a warmer climate might want to consider hybrid mattresses or those with cooling features. Memory foam may feel incredibly comfortable, but this is no good when the heat retention causes you to wake up sweating night after night. If you’ve tried memory foam and now can’t sleep on anything else, look at mattresses infused with gel and that utilize other cooling systems.
Support and Comfort
In a perfect world, we would lay flat in the bed with our weight distributed evenly and the pressure from the spine taken by the surface. Sadly, not too many people are able to achieve this, and here’s where the orthopedic mattress comes in. With the right product, you’ll enjoy proper spinal alignment. This being said, there should never be space between the mattress top and the body because this will lead to joint pain and back ache.
If you’ve never shopped for an orthopedic bed before, you need to pay close attention to the features on offer. When shopping in a physical store, don’t be afraid to actually lie down and test. Of course, many manufactures also offer a sleep trial because they recognize the fact that not everybody will like or suit their mattresses.
Flexibility
While some mattresses will flip in order to spread the wear across the whole product, don’t fall into the trap of thinking this is easy. Since they’re paying more money for their orthopedic mattress, some people don’t want to worry about continually flipping it over. In most cases, the sagging that starts to occur is just the foam wearing down. In this case, we recommend getting in touch with the manufacturer because many will replace the foam for free (depending on how long you’ve had the product).
When a mattress starts to sag, don’t just put up with this new feeling because it can aggravate the joints and lead to health problems like sciatica.
Sleeping Habits
Regardless of your aches and pains, one of the most important considerations is your sleeping position and other habits. Especially where skeletal irregularities, joint and back pain, and osteoporosis are present, sleeping position is essential. For many, they choose to sleep on their back after listening to the advice of medical professionals. In case you didn’t know, most experts and orthopedic doctors will suggest sleeping on the back because it encourages spinal alignment, helps with posture, and should improve pains and aches.
It doesn’t matter what the experts say, sleeping on your back when you’ve never done it before is difficult, and we appreciate this. If you sleep on the side, stomach, or a combination of all three sleeping positions, think about support and firmness. When on the side, it’s pivotal you get support and cushioning around the shoulder and hip (these are the areas under most pressure). With this, you’ll align the spine properly.
As the designs improve, many with aches and pains are actually finding relief through adjustable beds, so this could be an option.
Breathability
Over the years, one of the biggest problems for sleepers has been retained heat in the material or the design of a mattress. When looking for a new mattress, breathability is important because this is where the body heat escapes through the night. Especially important if you sleep hot, good breathability means that air flows through the mattress and doesn't get stuck or held in inconvenient places.
For the coolest mattresses, stick to gel, spring, latex, or hybrid products. As a general rule, memory foam has been one of the worst to choose because of its heat retention. Yet, manufacturers are continually coming up with ways to negate this for what has become the public’s favorite bedding material. For example, clever construction or gel infusion will allow for some breathability and cooling.
Motion Isolation
Though readers who sleep alone won’t see this as a problem, those sharing with a partner may value this as the most important factor of all (we know the frustration that comes with a partner who constantly tosses and turns in bed!). Whether your partner climbs into bed later than you or they just continually move, there are options to prevent your frustration. Even if you’re just a light sleeper and every small movement wakes you up, the answer is in motion isolation features.
With the right mattress, any movement from your partner is absorbed and kept to their side of the bed. This way, their movement doesn’t affect your side and you stay asleep. We have fantastic news; most mattress manufacturers now include this feature in their mattresses as standard.
Firmness
Measured between 1 and 10, the firmness rating of a mattress explains the level of support provided (as well as its ability to align the spine). For back pain, we believe in a medium-firm mattress, and we like to partner it with conforming features. When choosing a firmness level, one important aspect to consider is your own weight. For heavy sleepers, a firm mattress will provide support and conform to the body. On the other hand, a plush mattress is more suited to a lighter sleeper. If you’re in between, a medium-firm mattress should work perfectly.
Full-Mattress Support
Support in a mattress is important, but does it go all the way to the edges? This is a good question to ask, and especially valuable if you like to sit on the bed from time to time. With edge support, there’s also no danger of falling out in the middle of the night. Many manufacturers know this is a key feature today, so they include a six-gauge border. Unfortunately, edge support tends to break down faster than anywhere else, so read customer reviews and keep this in mind.
Made at Home
We aren’t saying that other countries don’t produce good mattresses, but we think it’s always a bonus to support US companies. Not only will you support a domestic brand, you can also have confidence that the mattress has been designed and made within the strict guidelines of the industry. When buying from another country, even the best brands may not have to live up to such high standards as in the US and Canada.
Budget
Just because you want a special mattress, this doesn’t mean you need to take out a loan just to get it. Don’t worry, there’s something for all budgets available. In the products we listed in the first section of this guide, there are a couple of options for those on a small budget. If money isn’t an issue, you can go for one of the more luxurious mattresses.
Sleep Trial
Do you want to test the mattress without having to commit right at the beginning? Well, you’re in good hands because most manufacturers now offer a sleep trial with their products. While some set it to 30 nights, others go right up to 120 nights. If you don’t like the mattress, or it doesn’t help with pain, simply send it back for a full refund. This being said, we do recommend giving all orthopedic mattresses a fair shot; since they’re firmer than standard mattresses, you might have to go through an adjustment period.
Certificates and Awards
Did you know that some mattresses either contain harmful chemicals or use them during the manufacturing process? When breathed in each night, they can cause respiratory issues. For those with asthma and other pre-existing medical issues, this is a real problem. Therefore, the best tip is to look for a mattress that has won awards and has one of following:
If it has one of these stamps of approval, it tells us that the mattress has been tested, is manufactured in a safe environment, and only emits safe levels of chemicals (if any).
Warranty
With a mattress, we’re making an investment, and this is why a warranty is so valuable. In fact, it grows in value as we spend more money. When spending thousands of dollars, we need to protect this investment should something go wrong. Luckily, manufacturers know that their warranty shows their confidence level in their product and, more often than not, offer a strong one.
If you do spend lots of money, make sure you don’t void the warranty by placing the mattress on the wrong bed frame.
Company Reputation
As the final buying consideration, no harm can come from doing some research about the companies behind the mattresses. The term ‘orthopedic mattress’ isn’t regulated as closely as some would like, so you need to know who is behind the product. How do you get started? Here’s some tips:
- Check their social media accounts
- Read customer reviews
- Look at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings
- Talk to the company directly
Caring for Your Orthopedic Mattress
Ultimately, the material of your mattress will decide how long you get from it; while memory foam may last ten years, latex generally has a longer life and can sometimes survive 15 years. However, you won’t reach either if you don’t properly care for your mattress. Here’s some care and maintenance advice:
- Prevent sagging by flipping the mattress and spreading the wear (and compression)
- Don’t leave sharp or heavy objects on your bed for long periods
- Prevent staining with a mattress protector
- Keep the mattress fresh by vacuuming particles such as dust mites
Buying a Mattress Online
If you’ve ever wondered whether the internet is a good place to buy a mattress (since we buy most things online these days!), there are certain advantages that come with this idea. While buying in a physical store allows you to actually test the mattress, buying online is better for those aiming to save money. Here’s why buying online has become more popular in recent years:
Simple Comparisons
Firstly, you can compare mattresses within seconds online. Look across various products, brands, and even websites as you hunt for the perfect mattress. You’ll see key features for all products, customer reviews, and even expert advice.
More Affordable Products
When buying from a physical store, the added service and operating costs for the company often lead to a higher price tag. Even if you’re determined to search in stores, it’s still a good idea to come home and find your chosen product online because there are savings to be had. Not only are online stores naturally cheaper, they also frequently hold special sales which brings even more savings.
Freedom and Time
When shopping in a store, it’s hard not to feel pressured when there are assistants constantly asking if they can help (knowing that they’re also earning commission). In the past, many have walked away with a mattress they simply didn’t want because of this pressure. When searching online, you have all the time in the world. You could draw up a comparison spreadsheet, grab a glass of wine, and make the decision at your leisure.
Wider Selection
These days, most manufacturers offer their products online, and this means that you have a huge selection from which to choose. Rather than looking through a select few mattresses in a store, you can visit several websites and look at all sorts of products from the comfort of your own home.
Commonly Asked Questions
How do orthopedic mattresses work?
Compared to a standard mattress, orthopedic mattresses have extra cushioning for the pressure points and joints, and this normally comes from clever channels and grooves. Also, they encourage spinal alignment by distributing our weight evenly.
Is my mattress the cause of my back pain?
While we can’t possibly answer this for you today (sorry!), it’s true that a significant number of people experiencing back pain get help after improving their mattress. If you go to sleep feeling fine and then wake up with pain, this suggests that something happened overnight (a poor sleeping experience for the back). Also, you may have noticed the following in your mattress:
- Lumps
- Bumps
- Sagging
- Misshapen areas
- Uneven surface
Perhaps you can feel springs or can’t stay asleep during the night? Any form of discomfort like this could be attributed to your mattress. For many, they feel better as the day goes on only to then wake up the next morning with back ache again - this is a sign of mattress problems.
What materials are used with an orthopedic mattress?
As we saw in the example products, all sorts of materials are used with orthopedic mattresses. While some use a pocket-sprung construction, others use memory foam and other foams. Either way, the idea is to provide firmness and support for those who need it.
How long will my orthopedic mattress last?
With any mattress, experts recommend getting a replacement every seven to ten years. This being said, the best advice we can provide is to follow the instructions of the manufacturer (there’s no point throwing away a perfectly good mattress too early!). Some orthopedic mattresses will last longer than ten years, and others may have problems with the springs and filling. Since orthopedic mattresses are designed for support, it’s important to keep a close eye on the condition of yours. If you start to experience pain and aches in the joints again, it might just be time for a replacement.
Will an orthopedic mattress work for me?
Again, the bad news is that we can’t exactly answer this question - there are too many variables including your health problem, the many different types of mattress, and the amount you’re willing to spend. If you try an innerspring mattress first and can’t get along with it, you might step away from the orthopedic niche even though a memory foam mattress could have worked wonders. Generally speaking, these mattresses have the potential to help those with back pain. If you don’t have aches and pains, they could be unnecessary.
We’ve been very positive about these mattresses so far, but one potential problem is that you might not like the firm surface. Even if you plan on ordering online, it might be wise visiting a physical store just to get an idea of how different an orthopedic mattress would be to your current mattress. If ‘orthopedic’ is too firm, the next step down would be ‘firm’ itself in terms of product labelling.
Are orthopedic mattresses suggested for seniors?
As we age, sleep problems seem to be something to which we all have to grow accustomed. Yet, it’s not something we just have to accept. Over the years, as the designs and products have advanced, medical professionals have come to approve orthopedic mattresses for seniors. With any luck, you’ll get your restful sleep back and can attack life with a sense of vivacity again.
Which mattress should I choose for my partner and me?
When buying for couples, one of the best features is the zoned support. With motion isolation, one partner shouldn’t feel the movements of the other. Not only could this help sleep, it could help the relationship itself because sharing a bed has been a sticking point for many in the past. If you like to sleep closely to your partner, avoid memory foam because the sinking will cause issues.
Is this a fix for chronic pain?
Whenever somebody heads to the doctor/physician with chronic pain, one of their suggestions is commonly a firmer mattress. As we’ve seen throughout this guide, the reason for this is the support they provide for the back, shoulders, hips, and other areas of the body. However, we would never suggest an orthopedic mattress as a replacement for medical advice, medication, or required physiotherapy.
Can I buy an orthopedic mattress online?
Especially for older consumers, we understand the nervousness that comes with buying something like a mattress online. Don’t worry, nearly all of the trusted and reliable names you know will be available online - you don’t have to go with an unknown name. By avoiding the online sphere entirely, you’re closing yourself off from potential savings, choice, and simple delivery. These days, online products come with all the same warranties and sleep trials as in-store products, so you won’t miss out here either.
Will I need a mattress topper?
With orthopedic mattresses, you won’t need a mattress topper because they have been designed to be slept on directly. When you add a topper to a product that has been designed for orthopedic purposes, there’s a risk you’ll actually make the surface less comfortable and less supportive. Considering most toppers are made to be soft, you could take away from the firmness that’s needed to help your aches and pains.
What can I expect to spend on an orthopedic mattress?
Although it all depends on the brand you choose, you’re likely to see orthopedic mattresses ranging from hundreds to many thousands. This might seem daunting when first searching for your new mattress, but it actually means you can filter the results to match your budget and choose one that fits in with everything you need.
Summary
All in all, orthopedic mattresses can work wonders for our wellbeing. For those who spend long hours on their feet or exercise on a daily basis, it’s important to get a good rest. Too often, Americans just aren’t getting the rest their bodies deserve. With a poor sleep, we wake up feeling tired and almost at a disadvantage before we even step foot outside the bed. With a restful sleep (full of support and correct spinal alignment), we feel great in the morning and can tackle the day without any problems.
If you have specific health conditions, talk to your doctor and get their opinions on what you need at night. From here, be willing to experiment with mattresses and you should eventually find the one that matches your needs. Hopefully, you can eliminate, or at least reduce, aches and pains across the body!
