What is an Orthopaedic Mattress? How does it help relieve back pain? Is it only for older people? Which is the best Orthopaedic mattress for back pain? To publish this article, we referred to research about orthopaedic beds and tested 17 different mattresses for back pain in India.
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A common misnomer is that an Orthopaedic mattress is needed only if someone has back pain or if advised by the doctor. The truth is that Orthopaedic mattress is for everyone – almost 79% of mattresses sold in the market are orthopaedic. So it prevents one from getting back pain and gives comfort from back pain if you already have one. An orthopaedic mattress supports the spine, back, and joints, offering you peaceful and pain-relieving sleep recommended by doctors.
We address two things in this article –
In India, every mattress maker has an orthopaedic bed. However, no standards or regulations define what qualifies as an orthopaedic mattress. There are two key issues that one needs to be aware of:
The first issue is the compressed mattress – most of the online brands are compressed, but it is known that those mattresses have 30% less life. We recommend brands such as Sunday, Sleepwell, and Kurlon as they do not compress their mattress.
The second issue is the discounts and offers – be careful that you are not falling for fake discounts (increase prices and then discount) or you are not buying a sub-standard product.
We examined multiple options available in the market for features, quality, and price. Here is a summary of the best brands of mattresses for back pain. You can read the detailed review of each of these orthopaedic mattresses later in the article.
Sunday Ortho Memory Mattress gives the perfect balance of exceptional comfort and back support. It stands out in terms of its firmness while being very comfortable to sleep on and helping with back pain. Here are some notes that we made:
Sunday also has an orthopaedic latex mattress, Sunday Ortho Latex Mattress, considered the gold standard for orthopaedic beds in India. It provides buoyancy with comfort and support, which is unparalleled, especially considering the price.
Sleepwell Cocoon Mattress is a unique orthopaedic mattress, but I felt the product was slightly complicated. For example, if the wife likes a firm mattress and the husband likes a soft mattress, you can customise the bed to be soft on one half and firm on the other. We could not fathom how one would know their sweet spot in terms of what firmness they like.
Peps Spineguard Mattress is an orthopaedic mattress with Bonnell innerspring and memory foam layers. It is constructed to relieve back pain and improve blood circulation. The bed feels well built.
Kurlon Spinekare Mattress is an orthopaedic mattress made with high-density rubberised coir. It used central densification and vertical compression to give proper back support and comfort.
Durfi Original Ortho Mattress using its cotton candy memory foam and ortho foam layers gives an ideal balance between support and comfort. It uses five layers in its construction and has an anti-skid base. We felt that the back support was adequate to help with pain relief.
Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress
Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress is one of the cheapest products on the market. If you are looking for a mattress for a temporary purpose, this is highly recommended. One concern is that it felt soft (probably because it was compressed), and we did not find that much relief from back pain.
SleepyCat Original Mattress is an excellent option for orthopaedic support. It achieves back pain relief by smartly combining gel memory and high-density foam. The gel memory foam layer makes it suitable for hot and humid climates.
Orthopaedics is a field of medicine that deals with studying and treating the spine, joints and muscles. An orthopaedic mattress supports your musculoskeletal system that consists of the above three. But how does it do that? And how can it help people with back pain? Well, the answer lies in its medically-inspired design. An orthopaedic mattress provides support and cushioning around joints and back. It distributes body weight evenly, easing crucial pressure points in the body. In general, ordinary ones are not tailored to relieve back pain.
Do you need an Orthopaedic mattress for Back Pain?
In short, everyone, who sleeps, needs an Orthopedic mattress. A good ortho bed is an excellent investment if you are in a desk-based job. Orthopaedic mattresses are a must for people who suffer back stiffness and aches when they wake up. It is very beneficial for people recovering from injuries and back surgeries, senior citizens and athletes.
Sleep experts say that healthy people who use orthopaedic mattresses are less likely to develop chronic back pain. But does that mean you do not need an orthopaedic bed if you are healthy? Well, nothing can be farther from the truth. It is suitable for everyone who wants to maintain a healthy sleep posture and hygiene. It also improves sleep patterns in people suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia by enhancing their comfort level.
There is no disadvantage in using an orthopaedic mattress with an appropriate ergonomic design. It provides good body contouring, healthy spine alignment and eases pressure points. However, suppose you suffer from any specific muscular or joint ailment. In that case, it is advisable to consult your doctor. They can expertly guide you on whether you need an orthopaedic mattress and what surface will provide you with ultimate comfort.
Orthopaedic mattresses are made of various materials, each with unique features, advantages and disadvantages. You should research different types of orthopaedic beds available in the market to choose the one that would help with your back pain in case you have one. They are the most commonly known types of orthopaedic beds are discussed below.
Memory Foam, also known as visco-elastic foam, is made of polyurethane or polyol foam. It uses your body's heat and pressure to mould itself according to its shape. NASA developed memory foam during the 1960s to design seats for space shuttles. Various industries soon recognised this material's potential. It was used where extra back support, enhanced comfort and shock absorption were needed. Memory foam makes mattresses, pillows, cushions, shoes, and medical equipment.
Memory foam contours to your back and provides optimum support. It evenly distributes body weight and reduces pressure points on the heaviest parts of your body. It helps in relieving aches and pain and promoting healthy blood circulation. Since memory foam forms an indent in the shape of your body, it provides high motion isolation. The tossing and turning of your partner will not affect your sleep if you are a light sleeper. Memory foam is dust resistant because of its visco-elastic structure and cannot be penetrated by dust mites. Therefore, it is a solid option to consider if you are allergic to dust.
Spring mattresses have innerspring coils instead of an all-foam material with other materials providing structural and foundational support to the bed. Spring mattresses distribute body weight, and this can be helpful for those with mild back pain. The springs lend bounce to the bed, a feature lacking in gel and memory foam-based mattresses.
However, they are not good with motion isolation. If you are looking for a spring mattress with motion isolation, you should opt for pocket spring orthopaedic mattresses. A pocket spring mattress contains individual spring pockets sewn into the bed. It ensures spring support where you need it and allows motion isolation as the springs are not connected.
Latex is a form of natural rubber sourced from flowering rubber trees. Latex mattress combines latex with spring or foam to create a durable and supportive structure. Latex is elastic, so it responds quickly to any pressure. Therefore, it provides excellent spinal alignment and support to your body. It also has a bounce-back property, which doesn't make you feel stuck in the bed.
Latex foam is naturally resistant to dust mites and is eco-friendly compared to foam mattresses.
Not many brands in India offer latex mattresses, and Sunday is one of the few that make an orthopaedic mattress using latex. Its Sunday Ortho Latex Mattress aims to bring affordable eco-friendly options to the market.
Natural Filling - If you want an eco-friendly and comfortable mattress, you should consider buying an orthopaedic mattress made of natural fillings. Natural mattresses consist of natural products like wool, cotton, silk, hair of animals or plant fibre. The base structure of natural mattresses is latex, and the subsequent layers have different fillings in a sectional manner. Wool is often used as the top layer to provide extra comfort and a plush feeling. It is ideal for people living in cold climates. People residing in hot climates can opt for mattresses with a top layer stuffed with cotton, which is highly breathable and stays cool. However, natural filling mattresses may not be dust repellent. Be sure to check its suitability if you are allergic to dust.
Orthopaedic mattresses are a lifesaver for people suffering from chronic back pain and other orthopaedic conditions affecting the back and muscles. Doctors and chiropractors highly recommend these to people who suffer from chronic pain and injuries.
They help correct spine alignment due to their excellent support system and firmness. The firm surface ensures you do not sink in and maintain proper sleep posture throughout the night.
Sleep deprivation because of poor mattresses can affect all aspects of your life. Apart from stress, physical pain is the leading reason for falling asleep. These mattresses provide excellent comfort and superior pain relief for inflammation back and joint pains.
Motion isolation is essential for an undisturbed rest if you co-sleep with another person. Motion isolation does not let movement travel from one side of the bed to another. That is a boon for co-sleepers since it means minimum motion transfer due to tossing and turning by the partner.
People who are used to sleeping on soft surfaces may find these mattresses too firm, hence uncomfortable to sleep. You can choose a medium-firm bed, which is suitable for most sleepers. There are some products in the mattress that offer a softer surface.
Compared to ordinary mattresses, these are costlier and can hinder a buyer with a limited budget. However, brands like Sunday and Wakefit have good quality orthopaedic products for budget buyers.
There are no standards for defining what constitutes an orthopaedic mattress, leading to authenticity issues. Many companies sell regular mattresses as orthopaedic products. Lack of knowledge and information about what to look for while buying an orthopaedic bed can put you at a higher risk of getting duped by such companies. Hence, it is necessary to do some basic research before purchasing.
Finding a mattress that suits your requirements, sleep patterns, and overall lifestyle is necessary. We will cover all the relevant aspects in this section so that you do not buy something that just does not meet your requirements and must regret your purchase.
Regular mattresses have an average shelf life of five years. However, a good-quality orthopaedic mattress can last ten to twelve years. These days, heavily discounted beds you find online lack quality, and they will not give you comfort or longevity. Here we will guide you on how to choose a quality product. You should consider these requirements while purchasing an orthopaedic mattress suited to your needs.
Whether you need a soft or firm surface depends upon your preference and health concerns. A medium-firm level is ideal for people with back and joint issues. Someone suffering from back pain would benefit from a firm mattress as it provides good back support. People who struggle with insomnia and have trouble sleeping with interruptions should opt for a plusher surface with motion isolation.
Firmness level could also be a simple preference of one over the other. Keep your inclination in mind while choosing to buy a mattress. New-age brands such as Sunday mattress offer sleep trials for up to 100 days. If you are unsure of the comfort you will get, you can avail these trials.
Contouring means modelling something in a specific shape. Contouring in mattresses refers to their ability to model themselves to your body's unique shape. This feature makes orthopaedic beds stand out compared to regular mattresses and offers superior back pain relief. Its ability to hold the shape of your body helps to distribute your weight evenly. It prevents your body from pressing into the mattress surface. It reduces pressure on your spine and joints, preventing body aches and back pain. Different mattresses will provide different contouring levels, and memory foam has the best contouring.
The mattress density is essential considering the person's body weight using it. If you plan to buy an orthopaedic mattress for your kids, then a less dense bed will suffice. Adults should go for a more dense mattress to support their weight and provide maximum comfort.
Density also affects the longevity of the mattress. High-density mattresses will last the longest and provide you with high motion isolation. Low-density mattresses are easiest to break in, making your body adjust quickly and deteriorate faster. You can get an idea of the density from its weight. For example, a 1.5 kg to 2.5 kg per cubic foot mattress will be medium-dense, whereas a high-density mattress can weigh as much as 4.5 kg per cubic foot.
Orthopaedic mattresses have trapped heat inside them, as the material used in construction can be unbreathable. Live in a cold climate place. The traditional memory foam mattress can provide the added benefit of heat insulation. However, this can pose a significant challenge if you live in a warm climate. Latex foam-based mattresses are ideal for people living in warm temperatures. Brands have also innovated with open-cell or gel-infused memory foam products. You must check for this factor before buying.
Motion isolation refers to a mattress's ability to absorb energy and reduce motion transfer from one side of the bed to another. This is important, especially in large-sized mattresses where the tossing and turning of one person can disturb a partner's sleep. Orthopaedic mattresses, in general, are good in motion isolation, especially memory foam, gel foam and latex mattresses. Mattresses with low motion transfer are ideal for couples, large families or a single person living with a pet, all planning to buy a king or queen-size mattress.
Tips for choosing a mattress for back and hip pain
An orthopaedic mattress usually has many layers. It consists of support layers at the bottom and other layers which add to the core strength. A top layer adds to its softness and comfort. The thick mattresses are softer than the thin ones, with a thickness range between 6 and 12 inches. The thickness should increase with body weight. However, the thickness also makes it heavier. So keep in mind these factors before you finalise the thickness.
Good edge support is necessary if you are a side sleeper. If the edges of a mattress dive while you shift towards it, it may wake you up and cause sleep disturbances. It will also be uncomfortable if the edges dip every time you sit or lie on the bed.
If you are allergic to dust and specific materials, you should check the material composition of the orthopaedic mattress. All memory foam mattresses are antimicrobial dust repellents and keep the mites at bay. However, the degrees of it may differ from one material to another. Latex foam is resistant to dust, moulds, and fungi. However, you should avoid it if you have a latex allergy.
Different companies nowadays offer varying sizes of their mattresses, especially in the orthopaedic mattress category. Most brands also have size customisation according to your requirement. The standard double size will be sufficient if you buy for a single adult. For two sleepers, select either a queen or king-size product. You can opt for single or diwan size for kids and young adults. However, also consider the bed frame size and space in your room.
It is important to note that orthopaedic mattresses are thicker and heavier than ordinary ones. Most new beds accommodate heavier foam and orthopaedic mattresses. Therefore, you need a sturdy bed frame. If you own traditional wooden bed frames with drawers on their edges, measure the maximum height your bed frame can take in.
Out of many brands that exist in the Indian market, our experts have picked the best seven mattresses. We have evaluated them on features, affordability, brand reliability, and overall quality. These mattresses are best in class for back pain relief, spine care, and restful sleep.
The Sunday mattress is our first choice. Sunday is a Bengaluru-based start-up that has emerged as a leading brand in India, making excellent quality products. It strikes a balance between technological superiority and exceptional comfort.
The mattresses offer optimum support with varying price ranges, including budget-friendly options and premium products. Some features that set them apart from other brands comprise the following:
They have two variants of orthopaedic mattresses - Sunday Ortho Memory 4 Mattress and Sunday Ortho Latex 4 Mattress. Both are excellent products for spine care.
The average lifespan of the Sunday Mattress is ten years, which can increase with proper care and periodic rotation of the mattress.
Sunday Ortho Memory 4 is ideally suited to normal and slightly overweight people. The firmness level and the comfort and support of the memory foam ensure it.
The average lifespan of this mattress is 10-12 years if used with proper care. It comes along with a 10-year warranty, which makes the product trustworthy.
It is ideal for slightly overweight people or those who weigh up to 100 kilos. The latex foam ensures maximum support and comfort with a bounce-back property.
Sleepwell Cocoon mattress is a unique product whose surface can be customised. The company offers two variants of the mattress -Gentle and Ortho Firm. It also gives a third option, wherein each side is customised into either gentle or ortho firm. So, even when two people share the bed, they can get what they want without compromising their comfort or sleep. This feature makes this mattress unique and deserves second place on our list.
Peps India specialises in innerspring mattresses. Its orthopaedic products also have memory foam. It prioritises the user's daily comfort and delivers a durable and trustworthy product. Peps Spine Guard Mattress has memory foam with the advanced installation of the Bonnell spring system (used for the core) to offer firm back support.
Kurlon Spinekare Mattress is a newly designed mattress by Kurlon for providing optimal support to your back and maintaining a good spine posture all night, irrespective of the position you sleep in. It uses the centre densification system to provide firm support to the body and back.
Durfi Original Ortho Mattress comes with a special-grade cotton candy memory foam. It provides a cooler sleeping surface for people who live in warm climates. The company focuses on Indian sleeping patterns and habits and designs its products accordingly. The company employs airflow technology that makes its mattress breathable and cool naturally.
Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress
Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam mattress is the flagship mattress from the brand. It provides a balance of support and comfort for adequate rest. With proper spinal alignment, the mattress facilitates uniform support throughout. This option works well for people who are looking for budget-friendly mattresses without having to compromise on quality.
The SleepyCat Original mattress has gel memory foam and HD foam in its composition. The open-cell structure of the gel memory foam layer promotes airflow, making it suitable for hot weather. It is a firm mattress and provides orthopaedic support to the sleeper. It has a simplistic design, delivering on its promise of maximum and supportive sleep.
Good quality orthopaedic mattresses are durable and easily last up to 7 years. However, you can easily extend its lifespan to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance. Remember that it needs the care to get spine care and pain relief for longer.
Orthopaedic mattresses should not be exposed to liquids. Instead, vacuum the mattress regularly. Wash the bedding items like the bed sheet and protector. You can spot clean any stain.
Your mattress will perform similarly over the years if you follow these easy cleaning and maintenance tips. It is also beneficial if you read the care instructions from the manufacturer.
Most mattress brands advise rotation of mattresses every three months. With some care, you can ensure your bed has a longer life.
Patients with back pain should consider buying orthopaedic mattresses made of memory foam or natural latex. They provide relief by helping you maintain a good spinal posture. They are designed to improve blood circulation, distribute body weight evenly, and offer optimal support.
It depends on your preference and whether you suffer from any back issues. People who suffer from back and joint pain should not go for mattresses that are too soft or too hard. It is always better to buy a medium-firm mattress, which gives the body the right amount of comfort and support.
Suppose you suffer from chronic back pain or joint issues or recover from any back injury. In that case, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before buying a mattress.
Several reasons can cause back pain, such as using an old indented mattress, incorrect sleeping posture, and your health and body fitness. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the cause of your back pain. Then choose a mattress according to the firmness and comfort level, which will help you resolve your back pain.
Orthopaedic mattresses help you rest well by promoting good sleep posture and healthy blood circulation. They provide better support than regular mattresses. So even if you are not suffering from body aches, you can use an orthopaedic mattress.
In general orthopaedic mattresses are priced higher than your regular mattresses depending on the material used and techniques employed in their manufacturing. However, many brands are making budget-friendly orthopaedic mattresses without compromising the overall quality of the product, like the Sunday Ortho Memory 4 Mattress, Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress, and Durfi Original Ortho Mattress.
A high-quality and comfortable mattress is an essential part of bedroom furnishing. A bed suited to your needs is like your sleep partner, taking care of your comfort. At the same time, you rest after a long day of work—a peaceful and undisturbed sleep results in a good balance between your physical and mental health. We have furnished you with all the necessary information on orthopaedic mattresses. Now you can easily buy the perfect orthopaedic mattress without confusion and regret.
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