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Choosing a Bed
Is your bed helping, or is it part of your back
problem?
Below are some tips on buying
a bed; if you have specific queries please give the
clinic a call.
Remember you may not be the only person who is
sleeping in your bed, take in to consideration your
partner, are they heavier or lighter than you? If
there is a big difference in weight it may be wise
to invest in a zip link mattresses that have different
amounts of give on each side.
1. All mattresses should be supportive enough to
take the weight of the body without sagging. If you
are used to a soft bed, don’t suddenly change to a
very hard bed; the difference may prove difficult to
adapt to. However, the mattress does need to be firm
enough to allow for shifts of posture during the
night. This is necessary to lessen fatigue and
relieve the prolonged stress on soft tissues – it is
not easy turning on a really ‘giving’ surface!
2. Most mattresses need to be turned regularly
(between six weeks and three months). Do get someone
to help you to avoid straining yourself whilst turning
your mattress. Foam or latex mattresses don’t need
turning.
3. The mattress needs to be comfortable to lie on
and soft enough, with sufficient ‘give’, to support
and cushion the body’s bony curves. Don’t
be embarrassed to lie on the bed for twenty minutes
or so in the shop – it’s not as long as you’ll spend
on it each night!
4. Hygiene and ventilation of the bed and covers are
important; special protective covers may also help
to reduce the effects of allergic disorders, such as
asthma and eczema from harboured dust and mites.
5. Your mattress needs to allow for the easy
evaporation of perspiration. The body loses between
one and two pints of perspiration per night. A divan
or slatted base will allow air to circulate.
6. A good heavy mattress will need a strong base. It
is best to buy the base and mattress together, but
if you buy these items separately do seek advice
from the sales representative about whether they
would make a suitable combination. Get this in
writing as otherwise the guarantee on either the
base or mattress may be invalidated by misuse.
Remember you won’t get an idea of how the bed will
ultimately feel unless you are trying base and
mattress together.
7. The bed itself should, of course, be soundly
constructed and represent good value for money.
Generally lower priced goods don’t last as long.
8. A ‘standard double’ bed is 4 feet 6 inches wide, a ‘standard single’ bed is 3 feet
and a large double 5 feet. It may make more sense to
invest in a large double for two to sleep in – especially if one
individual moves a lot in bed. A larger bed may also
be longer too.
9. If you and your partner are of different weights
consider a zip & link bed. Choose what’s right for
you – if you are of average weight and need a
supportive mattress but your partner is heavier and
requires a firmer one, it might be better to choose
a bed with separate mattress types on either side.
10. Another option is a waterbed. Manufacturers
claim that they support the body without distorting
the spine and will last for many years without
sagging. These beds apparently have no pressure
point areas (so they are comfortable), they
generally have the facility for internal heating and
there is less likelihood of mites and dust. However,
as with many things, waterbeds are popular with some
people, but others find them very difficult to relax
in – try one before you pay in full.
Remember that there is no best choice of bed. Choose
what is right for you. It may be difficult to change
it afterwards, so try it
out in the shop first.
Also remember that the word ‘orthopaedic’ is
meaningless in this context, though it generally implies ‘firm’.
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