Mattress, regardless of its "design", differs from the usual hard couch in that it is able to sag under the weight of a person. Therefore, in principle, any mattress to some extent has an orthopedic effect. But to what extent it has a beneficial effect on our rest and sleep, depends on many factors.
Based on this, not all of the modern products sold in the sleeping salons can be classified as "orthopedic", although the old mattresses, which are flat cloth bags filled with cotton wool, are practically never found anywhere.
What is the difference?"Real orthopedic" is not just squeezed under our weight, forming a "pit" in the center of the bed. It is characterized by a certain rigidity and elasticity, so its deflection is insignificant, since the design evenly distributes the impact load over the entire area. In addition, he completely repeats the contours of the body, supports the spine in a relaxed state, effectively removes from us all the accumulated fatigue for the day and promotes a full rest.
Therefore, we will not deal with where to find such products, and which model in a number of equally attractive analogs should be considered the best. For whom or what? Each of us has our own health problems and preferences regarding how to relax. Consequently, the choice of orthopedic mattress requires an individual approach.
Consider the features of its device and the main characteristics, since only their knowledge will allow you to determine the best option for a particular person.
There are 2 variants of execution, each of which will be evaluated in terms of usability.
Springless
The long-known design, which is a cover inside which there is a filler.
Springless mattresses, in contrast to spring mattresses, are more rigid. The filler in them is very diverse, and there are differences in the number of its layers, and in their thickness.
Spring
In fact, this is a prefabricated version, the structure of which is a multi-layer structure, covered with a cover: a block of springs - a rigid coating - a filler. There are two varieties of such mattresses - with interlocking springs and with independent ones. In the first case, some of their groups are intertwined with each other, in the second - no.
There is another difference between them. In models with springs "dependent" they are less by 1 m2, but the diameter of each - more( up to 10 cm).The production and wire is thicker( section 2 - 2.2 mm).It should be taken into account that all such variants have a smaller orthopedic effect.
The constructions of the "independent" type are characterized by a large number of springs, but they are smaller than a diameter( no more than 5.5 cm), and the wire for them is used thinner( about 1.8 mm).Each such group is placed in its "cover", and all these "assemblies" are fastened together. What is the advantage? In the point load distribution. This mattress repeats all the contours of the body, without changing its geometry on the remaining areas of the surface.
Filler
There are enough varieties of materials that are used in the manufacture of orthopedic mattresses. All lists do not make sense, especially since there are not so many of them for the models of the budgetary price segment. Basically it is polyurethane foam, latex, coconut coir, felt, batting, wool and a number of others.
When choosing a particular type of filler, one must take into account the person's predisposition to allergy. What does his body react painfully? For example, some people are not recommended to sleep on mattresses, in the production of which horsehair is used.
And if there is no problem with allergy, then the appearance of the filler does not play a special role.
Elasticity
For this parameter, all orthopedic mattresses are divided into 3 categories.
- Hard. As a rule, these products are springless. Filler - coir, sometimes with the addition of latex. But such mattresses should be used only on the recommendation of the attending physician.
- Medium stiffness. Can be with or without springs. Common filler variants are polyurethane foam, latex, spunbond.
- Soft. Only with springs;inside most often natural materials( felt, wool or something else).
You also need to pay attention to the number of layers. Preference should be given to mattresses with several "hardness zones".
Dimensions
The question is far from simple.
Dimensions of orthopedic mattresses
Firstly, , there are typical sizes that are most common( in "cm").Width 120 - 160, length from 180 to 200, thickness from 3 to 15. However, on sale there are a number of models with excellent linear parameters. At purchase it is necessary to be guided by the sizes of a bed and to consider, that a difference in its dimensions and a mattress should not exceed 2 mm( recommended size) from each party.
Secondly , not all countries use, as RF, a metric system of measurements. Therefore, looking at the price tag with the indication of the sizes, it is necessary to pay attention, in what they are expressed - in "sm" or "inches".
Case
The best option if it is made of natural material( flax, cotton or otherwise).Such a cover is able to let in air and gives the filler "breathe".If it contains synthetic fibers, then their share should not exceed ½ of the total mass. Experts do not recommend buying mattresses, the covering of which is made of only one artificial material. They negatively affect our health.
The Russian market presents orthopedic mattresses of various manufacturers. The assortment is so big that it is pointless to list all the models - the "treatise" about them will turn out to be impressive. Therefore, we note only the most affordable brands( average price category) - Mediflex, Askona, Ormatek, Atlas.
The price spread is also impressive. The most purchased models are the cost of 3 to 10 thousand rubles, although there are also mattresses on the price lists of which 25,000 and 40,000 rubles are indicated. But these are products that are not designed for a mass consumer, since few of our compatriots will flatter themselves for such products.
Practical advice
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If you also buy a bed( by the way, if you want to do it yourself - read), then experts recommend buying it and a mattress from the Manufacturers of one country. Then there will be no problems with mismatch in size. - Among all the variety there are "special orthopedic mattresses", that is, they are purchased not for improving the comfort of rest, but for medicinal purposes. Without prior consultation with a doctor, buying "the best of all options" is not worth it.
- When choosing a mattress, you should focus on the age of the person who will be sleeping on it. Here you can give only a general recommendation. For a child and a young man, the "couch" should be more rigid, but people of advanced age should choose a softer one. But this is provided that there are no health problems.
Do not forget about physical data, in the first place, about weight. It is also important that such a characteristic as the ultimate load. For some models this is 90 kg, for others - 160( for sleeping).
- Quite common is the question, which option is better - 2 orthopedic mattresses for a double bed or 1 wide? The question arises - it is more expedient to dwell on the first one. At least because each spouse has his own body structure, his weight, his "dimensions".Therefore, an individual approach to choosing a mattress is needed. In addition, if one of the spouses has a restless sleep, he constantly "toggles", then the other will not be able to fully relax.
But here there is a compromise. After all, we said that in the sale there are models in which the spring blocks are absolutely independent of each other. Deformation( pushing under the weight of a person) in one part of the bed does not affect the rest. Here on this variant it is necessary and to stop.
It should be taken into account that there are no standards for this product, therefore any manufacturer, without any violation of the law, can safely position its mattresses as orthopedic. By the way, all of them, and not without success, do. Therefore, do not blindly trust the advertising brochures and explanatory inscriptions on the price tags.
Conclusion
There are no "good" or "bad" orthopedic mattresses. The latter is simply unprofitable to produce, as there will be no demand for them. The main thing is to choose exactly the model that most suits a particular person. The main criterion is convenience, without any discomfort. And what to consider when buying, we have already told.
