Deciding on the right mattress from the wide range displayed in stores can be a difficult job. Because a pretty mattress is not necessarily the right choice for your back.
It is a misconception in lots of people that while opting for the right mattress, merely sitting on the edge of the mattress is enough and no other parameter needs to be double checked. One cannot arrive at a decision by sitting on it for a while when we use a greater part of the time sleeping on it. Another key factor to consider is that most of the time we sleep in the middle of the mattress and not on the edge so it makes it compulsory to ensure the suitability of the mattress by laying on it and observe how it bears your weight.
Norm for selection
Comfort and support are the two basic factors that need to be mulled over while selecting an appropriate mattress. The coil spring in the mattress should be favourable for a good spine position. When sleeping on your side, your spine should be straight, and when you rest on your back it should retain its natural curve.
Expert speak
Having expertise in orthopedic and spine specialisation Annie Patri said ‘’there is nothing like a perfect mattress. Ideally a bed has to be firm and should not put pressure on the heavier parts of your body, like the hips, persuading your body to toss and turn. If the mattress is soft, it will result in your spine not being properly arranged in a line. The body has a natural curvature and so it has to simultaneously maintain the softness and the firmness. Preferably the right position when you are sleeping on the back is laying flat with a pillow under your knees. If you are in a side line position then you should have a pillow in between your legs. To avoid back pain you should ensure that the tip of the ear, shoulder and hip should be in one line and when you are sleeping flat the tip of your nose, sternal notch and belly button should be in a line.’’
Range and Rates
The market is flooded with a wide range of products to suit your requirement and budget and style. Before selecting a mattress make a right decision about firmness, type of mattress, bed and size. ‘’The most accepted brands that have a market monopoly are Kurlon, Sleep well and Century. Duroflex and spring air are slowly becoming popular.
The chief brands have made sure that there is an array of sizes available to suit every customer that range from the biggest California king size (72 inches wide and 84 inches long ) to the modest single cot size (30 inch wide and 74.5 inch long). Spine care mattress with a thickness of 5 inches is good for the back and so is ortho and ortho medical. The price is fluctuating and a good mattress has an average life span of 8-10 years if used appropriately. Any good mattress is available in the range ` 8000 to ` 40,000. A standard or super deluxe mattress comes in the range ` 12,000 to 15,000 depending on the size and quality,’’ shared N Mukundan, proprietor, Southern Furniture trading in mattress for the last 35 years.
A soft and fluffy mattress is always not the right choice. Poor support can cause muscle stiffness as well as neck and back pain. Don’t forget that mattresses don’t last forever, but most people keep them much longer. Once your mattress develops lumps and sags, get yourself a new one.