Orthopedic health beds and mattresses - main page

Beds and mattresses are very important. In fact they are the single most important item of furniture that we buy and use. This page is intended to provide a general guide to the typical "orthopedic" mattress that you would buy for home use.

Did you know - We spend approximately one third of our life sleeping and most of that sleep is attained whilst lying on a mattress that "should" aid restful and rejuvenative sleep.

A poor mattress, or one that interrupts our ability to sleep, can have a catastrophic effect on all aspects of our lives from general health to the generation of back and joint problems. We need sleep every bit as much as we need food and drink.

Use the index below to find out about different mattress types and their varying constructions and characteristics, plus tips on sleeping, bed selection etc. But first please read the contents of this page for an overview of the healthy mattresses and beds that are available.

1. Orthopedic mattress - main page
   
2. Memory foam mattress.
   
3. Latex foam mattress.
   
4. Spring mattress (open coil and pocket spring).
   
5. Composite (combination) mattress.
   
6. Water bed.
   
7. Air mattress.
   
8. Bed selection for good sleep.
   
9. Tips for good sleep.
   
10. Adjustable bed.
    
11. Mattress topper.
    
12. Medical and care bed.
    
13. Massage bed.
    

Orthopedic mattresses fall into two distinct categories.

• General orthopedic beds – i.e. intended for those who are in good health and who value their sleep and the balanced support of their bodies. (Use the index above for more information about this kind of mattress.)
• Special needs beds - i.e. intended for those who require a special mattress to support their body, either because they have to spend a prolonged period of time in bed, or because of a weakness, injury or sensitivity. (Use the index above for more information about this kind of mattress.)

Orthopedic mattresses - what are they

Orthopedic mattresses and beds, sometimes called health or well being beds, are beds that take the sleeping process one step further.

These mattresses have specific design criteria that are intended to offer superior support to the body during rest, or to provide additional support features for someone for whom a regular mattress would not suffice. These beds are not budget priced, however they are manufactured with the latest high quality materials and they will typically have one or more of the following construction properties.

• Springs or coils with a high spring count (i.e. a ratio of the number of springs to the area of the bed).
• Visco elastic memory foam with is distinctive slow recovery behaviour and body contouring traits.
• Latex foam with similar shaping properties to memory foam, but a springier feel.
• Gel with a cool feel and massaging quality to its texture.
• Water beds with their ability to completely shape themselves to any size and shape of human body in any sleeping position.
• Adjustable pressure air mattresses that can relieve pressure points for the bed ridden.
• Composite mattresses that mix or combine one or more of the options above in order to bring together different mattress properties.
• Electric adjustment for height, backrest and leg incline, normally controlled with a small remote console.
• The provision of heat through heat pads incorporated within the mattress.
• A massage function with adjustable speeds, pre-sets and even programmable functions.

Not too many years ago the general thinking regarding a mattress was that - the "firmer the better". That consensus has however been largely replaced by one that, rather than suggesting a flat and firm bed is best, recommends a mattress that bends and curves in harmony with the body's natural shape.

The argument for this sort of mattress is that, by supporting the body's own curves, vital parts of the anatomy like the spine are kept in the correct alignment rather than being forced to bend as the hips and shoulders flatten on a hard surface.

To find out more about the different types of mattress, the properties and characteristics that each has, and to determine which option is best for you, use the menu towards the top of this page. Here you will find links to other pages offering more detailed information about mattresses and healthy sleeping.

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