Your Mattress And Your Health

Aside from the top consideration of comfort, another important aspect in choosing a near-perfect mattress is health. An ideal mattress is one that is comfortable, fairly priced, and promotes the health and welfare of the user.

There are roughly three types of mattresses û the spring coil type, foam (latex and memory foam) and the inflatable types (air or water-filled beds) û in the market today.

Here are some guidelines to consider in choosing a mattress of whatever type thatÆs right you and your current health status.

Back pains

First, find yourself a mattress that follows the contours of your body and spine. This, in turn, will distribute pressure evenly for a better, deeper sleep.

There are three basic sleep positions û back, stomach and side. OneÆs sleep position determines the body parts that will interact with the mattress. It will also determine how much stress the body undergoes during sleep.

Back pains, stiffness of muscles, cramps and other bodily stresses after sleeping are caused by the mismatch of oneÆs sleeping needs and the mattress used.

Sleep disturbance

When two people sleep in one bed, they wake up more from the movement of their partner transferred across the bed. (Normal tossing and turning occur 40 to 60 times a night.) Partner motion disturbs our REM sleep phase.

This, in turn, reduces our levels of energy, alertness, creativity, and productivity we need for the next day. One solution is a spring mattress with sturdy inner springs.

Memory foam and latex foam mattresses are also good choices if one person tosses and turns more than the other.

Another choice is the Sleep Number Bed from Select Comfort. This popular mattress has number settings to set the right combination of mattress comfort, firmness and body support for each side of the bed.

If your partner likes a firm mattress and you like a soft mattress, you can each have it your way. You can both adjust your own side to your liking.

Allergies

70% of asthma is caused by allergens present in the excreta of house mites.

Latex foam mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic, and anti-microbial. Molds, mildew, and dust mites cannot exist in a latex mattress. One other choice is to cover your non-latex mattress with an allergenic barrier.

Temperature controls

Some people have fragile health conditions that can be triggered by simple temperature changes. Of late, memory foam mattresses are known to react and adjust to your body heat, allowing airflow through the foam. It automatically senses your weight and temperature and responds accordingly.

The choice of mattress to go with oneÆs state of health is crucial for everyone. For some people, it is even more of a priority than the usual goal of sleeping in comfort.