For those out there that suffer from both overnight and morning aches and pains, a new mattress could be the solution. A properly-designed mattress can support bad backs and injured joints to prevent pain.

However, it seems like every mattress on the market today is advertised as “orthopaedic”- including the ones many out there are currently suffering on. So, what is an orthopaedic mattress? We’ll answer that question in this article and help you understand if you should be shopping for one.

What Is an Orthopaedic Mattress?

An orthopaedic mattress is a type of mattress that offers support to the joints. Orthopaedic mattresses are typically recommended for people who sleep with pain, people who are in active recovery from injury, and athletes or other people who are active. They are also good mattresses for seniors and provide extra comfort.

The term “orthopaedic mattress” was coined in the 1950s, after studies of how the joints and bones work suggested that specially-designed mattresses could prevent morning back pain.

The first orthopaedic mattresses on the market were, indeed, designed following orthopaedic principles to be therapeutic for bad backs. However, after mattress manufacturers noticed that these mattresses were selling well, they started calling all mattresses “orthopaedic.” After all, there are no government regulations or standards in place to prove that one mattress is better than any other.

There are also no regulations or standards for the language mattress manufacturers can use to describe their products. Essentially, the term “orthopaedic mattress” is being used as a marketing term.

How To Find an Orthopaedic Mattress

Many mattresses claim to be “orthopaedic” but they may not be actually offering the benefits you expect. To find a true orthopaedic mattress, it should be pressure-relieving and support proper spine alignment.

Pressure Relief

When lying on a hard surface, the parts of the body in contact with the surface are essentially squashed by the body’s weight. This can cause considerable discomfort and even tissue damage. To avoid pain at the pressure points, the surface of the mattress needs to have some give.

If a mattress is too firm or too soft, you won’t get the pressure-relieving comfort you’re looking for. This means ultra-firm innerspring mattresses or ultra-soft memory foam mattresses may not fit into the orthopaedic mattress category.

You shouldn’t discount any single mattress type, though, because you can find some innerspring mattresses and memory foam mattresses that offer incredible pressure relief. Memory foam especially is known to evenly distribute your body weight across the surface for pressure relief. Hybrid mattresses (beds that top a coil support system with memory foam, latex, or other materials) often make a nice sweet spot, providing the balance of support and comfort you need.

Spine Alignment

The other important factor you want to look out for is spine alignment. Similar to mattresses that offer good pressure relief, mattresses that support good spine alignment will also not be too firm or too soft.

The ideal orthopaedic mattress will be softer towards the head and foot of the mattress and firmer in the middle. This structure will help support the natural curve of the spine. If you don’t have proper spine alignment, it will place great stress on the muscles, tendons, and even bones of the spine, leading to pain and damage.

Like we said, avoid a mattress that is on one extreme of the mattress firmness scale. If the surface is too soft, the mattress will conform to the natural curves but provide no support at all. If the surface is too firm, you won’t be able to sink in at the right places. Therefore, a properly-designed orthopaedic mattress needs to achieve the perfect balance of sufficient softness and sufficient support.

Of course, there are individual differences in how much support is necessary. It is important for each person to try out orthopaedic mattresses on an individual basis rather than just accepting a doctor’s prescription for a particular mattress.

Summary

Orthopaedic mattresses are simply mattresses that are designed to provide great support to the joints and overall body. Overtime, this term has been overused in the mattress industry, and many mattresses claim to be “orthopaedic” without offering the most important qualities for an orthopaedic mattress to have.

For a true orthopaedic mattress, lookout for a mattress that offers great pressure relief and spine alignment. You can also lookout for certifications and approval from medical experts or organizations like the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).