The difference between a good and bad mattress can be life changing. A life tip everyone should listen to is that spending good money on a mattress is money well spent. Not only will you sleep better with a good mattress, but your body will be thanking you as well. A poor mattress can affect your spine and hips much more than some realize. Here are some tips from a chiropractor that you should keep in mind when buying a new mattress.
When to Buy
People commonly hold on to their mattress much past their due. This is because mattresses in general are expensive, let alone one that is good quality. The reality is that, despite costing a pretty penny, a good mattress is such an improvement in quality of life that its price is justified quickly.
The common rule of thumb is that you should replace your mattress every eight years or so. While this is the average time, it truly comes down to what the manufacturer recommends. If your current mattress is older than eight years, it is safe to say that it’s time to start looking for a new one.
Firmness
While a medium firm mattress will be perfect for most people, it is still important to test the mattress to find the right fit for you. Many mattress companies give a test period where you can use the mattress for a time to see if it what suits you. You want to pay attention during this time not only how you sleep but how your body feels the next day as well.
Posture
Firmness and posture go hand in hand. When you are testing a mattresses firmness, you should not only pay attention to comfort but your spines positioning as well. One thing you typically want to look for is that your spine is in as natural of a position as possible. This will help prevent damage being done over time during sleep. You should also avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this is very unhealthy for your spine.
Buy reputably
The last thing you want to do is buy a mattress from a company that is unreputable from a store that just sells mattresses as a side thing. The best action you could take is going to a store that specializes in mattresses. In a store like that, you should be able to talk to a salesperson who is much more knowledgeable in spine health, sleep, and how they both relate to the type of mattress you buy. While in these stores, take time to lay on a few beds in the showroom to see how they feel to you. Once you find a few mattresses that you find comfortable, take some time to research them. Look up the company online or ask some friends or a specialist if they have heard anything about these brands. You want to go with a brand that has a solid reputation that provides what you are looking for.
Next time you are searching for a new bed, these little tips will benefit you immensely. You should also consider talking to your chiropractor about what they recommend. They may have certain brands they feel are best or an idea for what type of bed you should consider. For example, adjustable beds are becoming more popular these days and maybe your chiropractor thinks that is the best fit for you.
No one knows your spinal health better than you and your chiropractor or specialist, so pay them a visit during your next mattress shopping endeavor!