mattress recommendations

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OR DCs,

This from an e-newsletter...FYI.

Health Tip:Choosing the Right Mattress

Some like for their sleeping mattress to be firm, some like it soft, some prefer it to filled with water and some had just as soon sleep on the floor. To confuse things further, there are claims that adjustable beds, sleep number beds, or memory foam mattresses are best at achieving that elusive great night's sleep. Almost everyone has heard that a firm mattress is the best type for those with back problems. Is there scientific proof for this

or is this another medical myth? Let's look at the literature pertaining to the type of mattress that we chose to sleep on, with special consideration for those with chronic back pain. In spite of spending about one-third of our lives lying on mattresses, there has been relatively little scientific study of mattress design. Cornell University's Ergonomics group suggests that you look for a mattress with the following features:

Designed to conform to the spine's natural curves and to keep the spine in alignment when you lay down. Designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body to help circulation, decrease body movement, and enhance sleep quality. Designed to minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other.

Designed with perimeter edge support. Neither the Cornell group nor even Consumer Reports, however, was willing to go out on a limb to suggest one mattress over another, since sleeping comfort is to a large degree a personal preference. Some of the top rated mattresses from Consumer Reports included ones from , Sealy, Tempur-Pedic and Bergad. One very interesting study reported a few years back in the medical journal, The Lancet, challenges the notion that firmer is better. According to this study, recommendations by doctors in favor of the use of firm mattresses for low-back pain were largely unsubstantiated by the scientific literature. The study concluded that medium-firm mattresses lessened pain and improved function in those with chronic back pain. Some people find that the slightly inclined position of an adjustable bed offers a better night's sleep, but there are no scientific studies that confirm this, nor that prove adjustable beds can relieve back pain. Some of the more interesting (and expensive) mattresses on the market, are those made with NASA-developed Visco elastic material that conforms to the body. The Tempur-Pedic and Bergad line of mattresses is made with this so-called " memory foam " , touted to relieve pressure points and lead to a better night's sleep. While consumer approval of these mattresses is high, scientific evidence of their superiority in those without special concerns such as diabetes or arthritis is lacking. There is, however, scientific evidence that " memory foam " mattresses are effective in reducing pressure sores in those confined to bed.

Choosing the ideal mattress seems to be a highly individual consideration. Rather than taking the advice of a review or someone else's word, spend some time trying out mattresses where they are sold. Don't feel self-conscious about lying down for a few minutes on each one that you are considering. Some mattress outlets even offer a 30-90 day return warranty if once you get the mattress home you find that its just not right for you. One-third of your life is too long a time to spend on an uncomfortable or, worse yet, harmful mattress.