With age, the human body is subjected to ever greater stresses, so it is important to ensure the possibility of quality rest to maintain it. By purchasing an orthopedic mattress for the elderly, you create comfortable conditions for sleep, contribute to better health. To get positive changes, you need to choose a high-quality, suitable mattress, here you will find a couple of useful tips.
Important selection criteria
What should be a mattress for an elderly person? Not hard, but moderately soft. In some cases - moderate stiffness. With prolonged contact with a hard surface, the sensitivity of the joints increases, the appearance of painful sensations is possible. This gives people aged discomfort and negatively affects their health.
Two types of latex
What can be made an orthopedic mattress for the elderly? There are several options for such products, differing from each other in the material of manufacture. The most popular in recent years is the convenient and practical latex. It is available in two types:
- Artificial. Known by the term "memory foam." An elastic and soft material that provides the necessary support for the spine. It easily adapts to the contours of the human body, enveloping it. The structure of the foam helps to reduce pressure on the muscles, relax, prevents the violation of blood circulation.
- Natural. A practical and safe material derived from palm juice called hevea. It is believed that it has greater resilience and elasticity compared to artificial, easily restores its shape.
About springs
Orthopedic mattress for the elderly can be spring (with an independent unit) and springless. Controversial reviews can often be found about the latter option: unusual and unpleasant sensations, an increased feeling of stiffness in the muscles and joints after sleep. As for spring mattresses with an independent unit, they belong to the category of the most suitable models.
The more springs, the higher the orthopedic qualities of the product, but on top of them must be a softer layer (at least 5 cm thick). Similar models provide:
- Individual support points for the most problematic areas of the body.
- Uniform distribution of the load on the spine.
Special functions
An orthopedic mattress for elderly people who are constantly in bed should have the effect of protecting against pressure sores. Not every model has such a property. Be sure to indicate the need for it, seeking the advice of a specialist.
Answering the question of how to choose an orthopedic mattress for an elderly person, it is necessary to note the presence of special two-sided models. On the one hand, they are tough and perfect for those who suffer from attacks of various bone diseases, on the other hand, they are moderately soft, elastic and comfortable for constant use.
Practical tips for choosing a mattress
What else is important to know about how to choose the right orthopedic mattress for an elderly person? First of all, if there is such an opportunity, the purchase should be made directly with the one who will use it. It is extremely important to test the mattress and evaluate the sensations: how comfortable it is and suitable for a particular person. As a rule, 10-15 minutes spent on a mattress for these purposes will be quite enough.
Not only practical testing is important. You must take into account the size of the purchased product. Ideally, its length is about 20 centimeters longer than the height of the person who will sleep on the mattress, and the width allows you to spread your arms in different directions and freely roll over.
Speaking about how to choose an orthopedic mattress for an elderly person, it is necessary to identify models that will be inappropriate. As a rule, it is customary to include coconut coir products with high stiffness or mattresses with a dependent spring unit, which creates a hammock effect.