Buying a new mattress may seem simple, but you need to get it right.
The average human spends 33.3% of their life fast asleep. That’s a third of your whole life! And when you look at it that way, investing in a high-quality new mattress quickly skips up your ‘to do’ list. Buying a new mattress needn’t be a chore.
But how do you find the right mattress for you? A poor-quality mattress can cause a host of problems including back pain, joint issues and a bad night’s sleep. All of which can make you truly miserable.
There is no single way to tell of the mattress you select will be right for you, but the following top tips will certainly help deliver the best night sleep you’ve ever had.
1. Research, research, research
We live in an age where most products have extensive reviews online. It’s a good idea to read other customers’ experiences with the mattresses you’re considering. If you suffer from back pain, you’ll probably come across reviews written by people in a similar position. This will quickly highlight the pros and any cons worth considering.
Once you’ve done your research, head to the shops to try out the mattresses for yourself. Armed with your own carefully gathered knowledge, you’ll be able to escape the clutches of any sales patter!
2. Firm? Medium? Soft?
Many people mistakenly believe that a firm mattress is best for lower back pain. This isn’t necessarily true. I usually recommend that my clients choose a medium-firm mattress so that they are given the right amount of support without compromising comfort. However, if there is one thing you MUST do – lie on the mattress in the store for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll feel silly, but it will be worth it. It really is a great way to try out a mattress. A quick push with your hand and a 30 second lie on the mattress isn’t going to give you a good idea of how the mattress feels for you – remember ‘a third of your life’
3. Talk to a chiropractor
If you suffer from back pain, your chiropractor is the best person to talk to. I frequently get into discussions with my clients about the best mattresses available on the market. There’s a huge range of choice and some designs will be more suitable than others. So if you want advice for your own situation, I’d be more than happy to help.
4. Go adjustable
Some people’s back pain is significantly reduced when they invest in an adjustable bed. You may find that your back feels a lot better when you sleep in a reclining position, for example. An adjustable bed and medium-firm mattress will allow you to play around with positions and find the one which suits you best.
5. Protect your investment
A good new mattress is never going to be cheap. If the mattress you’re considering is cheap, it’s unlikely to offer the support you need. So you need to make sure that your investment is a solid one.
You can do this by making sure that the mattress comes with a warranty. A high-quality mattress should have a decent 10-year guarantee, where a replacement is offered if the mattress doesn’t last. You can also enquire about the seller’s money-back guarantee. This is especially important if you’re shopping online: be sure to ask before you commit to buying. Most places should offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Watch the British Chiropractic Association’s short video on buying a new bed / mattress
Frustrated with back pain?
A high-quality new mattress will definitely help with your back pain, but it can take some time to make a difference. If you’re struggling with lower back pain and need more immediate help, please call my friendly team at Torbay Chiropractic Clinic on 01803 329799 They’ll happily book you in for an appointment at your convenience.
Torbay Chiropractic Clinic, 48a Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JD