Selecting a mattress for seniors isn't just about "softness" or "price," but also about how it will impact their overall health. As they age, they spend less time sleeping each day due to aging mechanisms and hormones. Therefore, their bodies need more efficient rest than before.
A mattress suitable for seniors should meet all your comfort, safety, and long-term health needs. This article will take you through a checklist of important features of a mattress for seniors , so you can confidently choose the best mattress for your loved ones.
The importance of mattresses for the elderly
Seniors have specific sleep needs because their bodies change with age. A good mattress for seniors should help promote health and reduce the risk of various problems, as follows:
Helps you sleep better
Seniors often experience insomnia and frequent waking up. This may be due to a mattress that's too soft or too firm, which causes joints and muscles to stretch or press against each other. The body rouses itself by tossing and turning frequently during the night. Therefore, choosing a mattress designed to properly support the body will ensure that joints, bones, and muscles are in the safest position possible. This reduces movement while sleeping, allowing the body to truly rest, making it feel more comfortable and helping you sleep more soundly.
Prevent back pain
The skeletal and muscular structure of the elderly requires quality support. A mattress that is firm enough to distribute weight better also helps align the spine, reducing the risk of back pain upon waking. In particular, a mattress that fits the body will keep the spine in the most relaxed position. A mattress firmness that is appropriate for the body and weight is an important part of keeping the body in a safe alignment, preventing tension and pressure on muscles and joints.
Increase safety
Getting out of bed at an improper height can make it easier for older adults to slip or fall. This is often the case with mattresses that are too soft, causing the body to sink, affecting the body height and muscle length, forcing older adults to use a lot of leg strength to get out of bed. This is often caused by the leg and back muscles that help stand being overstretched, preventing them from exerting their full strength. However, if the mattress is the right height and firmness, it will help you get up and sit down more easily and safely.
Prevent pressure sores
In cases where the elderly must rest for extended periods or are bedridden, a bed made from materials that distribute weight well will help reduce pressure points and the chance of pressure sores. This good force distribution prevents pressure from affecting blood circulation. When blood flow is good, muscles or tissues in the affected area receive a constant blood supply, preventing ischemia that would lead to muscle and tissue death. This prevents pressure sores in the future.
Important features to look for in a mattress for seniors
When choosing a mattress for seniors, there are several things to consider to ensure you get a mattress that is both comfortable and promotes health.
1. Appropriate level of tightness
Mattress firmness is a key factor in determining weight support and sleeping comfort for seniors. Medium to firm mattresses are often the preferred option, offering the following advantages:
- Provides good support for the spine , helping to keep the spine in proper alignment.
- Helps distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure at various points.
- Prevents sinking too far into the mattress , which can make it difficult to get out of bed.
However, the right firmness also depends on body weight, shape, and physical condition. Heavier seniors may need a firmer mattress than usual, while lighter individuals may feel comfortable with a slightly softer mattress. You can assess whether the right firmness fits your body by ensuring there's no gap between your back and torso when lying flat. You can easily turn to your side and get out of bed. Alternatively, you can use the BestFIT program to test the right firmness for your body, and have a Sleep Coach help you check at any Mr. Big branch.
2. Excellent ventilation
A well-ventilated mattress is very important for the elderly, and its main purposes are as follows:
- Helps reduce the accumulation of moisture and sweat , which can cause skin irritation.
- Prevents the growth of mold and dust mites , which are the cause of allergies and respiratory problems.
- Maintain a suitable temperature while sleeping , not too hot or too cold.
Mattresses made from natural materials such as latex or foam mattresses with open-cell technology (high-quality foam) often have better ventilation properties than conventional materials.
3. Supports the body, reduces pressure.
Another important feature of a good mattress for seniors is its ability to support the body and reduce pressure.
- Distribute weight evenly , preventing excessive pressure points in the shoulders, hips, or back, preventing ischemia of surrounding tissues during sleep.
- Helps reduce frequent changes in sleeping position, promotes continuous sleep, keeps the body in a deep sleep state, and reduces the number of awakenings while sleeping.
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Reduce body aches and pains upon waking up from proper muscle position, allowing muscles to relax, reducing stiffness and reducing work while sleeping.
4. Safe materials, non-allergenic.
Older adults tend to have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to allergic reactions. Therefore, choosing a mattress made from safe materials is important.
- You should choose a mattress that is free from harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde or harmful flame retardants.
- It has anti-dust mite and anti-fungal properties, reduces pneumonia problems, and makes breathing easier and more satisfying while sleeping.
- Certified with reliable safety standards , having been inspected for quality by the Dust Mite Prevention Institute.
- Safe for long-term use
A mattress with a removable, washable cover is also a good choice, as it makes cleaning easier and reduces the buildup of dirt and germs.
5. Additional safety
In addition to the basic features of a mattress for the elderly, safety accessories are equally important. Here are some recommendations:
- Mattresses with high edges or reinforced edges help prevent falling out of bed when sitting on the edge of the bed or getting out of bed.
- The level adjustment function is for the elderly who have breathing problems or have to sleep with their head elevated, or who experience dizziness or lightheadedness while lying down or getting up to go to the bathroom.
- Grab bars or support devices to help with sitting and standing, reducing the strain on leg and back muscles and increasing the confidence of the elderly in standing up.
Electric adjustable beds are another great option for seniors with limited mobility, making it easier to adjust sleeping positions.
6. The height of the mattress is appropriate.
The height of the mattress has a great impact on the comfort and safety of use.
- The ideal height should be such that when sitting on the edge of the bed, your feet can rest flat on the floor.
- It should not be too low, as it will make it difficult to get out of bed.
- It should not be too high as it may increase the risk of falling out of bed.
- Consider using accessories such as a low stepladder or extra chair if the mattress is too high.
The ideal height can be easily tested by starting with the elderly person standing upright beside the bed. The height of the mattress should not be lower than the knee joint and should not be higher than half the thigh. This is the ideal height for the elderly person to get up and sit down in daily life.
Precautions before buying a mattress for the elderly
In addition to the features you should look for, there are also important precautions you should consider before deciding to buy a mattress for seniors, as follows:
Durability and service life
You should choose a mattress that has a lifespan of at least 7-10 years, comes with a manufacturer's warranty, and is made from high-quality materials that do not easily collapse.
Individual health limitations
- People with lower back pain may need a firmer mattress and use a more comfortable sleeping position. If sleeping on your back, use a pillow or knee support to reduce the gap in your lower back (Lordotic curve) and keep your back closer to the mattress.
- People with shoulder or hip problems may want a softer mattress in those areas and use a bolster to distribute pressure. Hold the pillow close to your body, reducing the pressure from your body weight on your shoulder joints, which often lead to injury.
- People with circulation problems should consider a mattress that can elevate the legs, with the feet elevated above the heart, to increase venous blood flow to the feet, allowing gravity to aid in venous return.
- People with allergies should choose a mattress with special dust mite protection properties. This makes breathing easier and reduces the chance of upper airway obstruction while sleeping, allowing the body to receive sufficient oxygen for repair.
Consulting a doctor or physical therapist before purchasing a mattress is another option that can help you find a mattress that meets your resting needs, especially for those with chronic health problems.
Try before you buy to find the right mattress for your body.
Buying a mattress without trying it out first can have a greater impact on your sleep. It's best to try it out first and choose one that's right for your body and your preferences.
- You should choose a store that allows you to try on the product before deciding to buy it.
- If purchasing online, be sure to check the return policy.
- Try sleeping in your usual sleeping position, whether it's on your back, side, or stomach.
Choose the best health mattress for seniors from mr.big.
If you're looking for a mattress that supports your body, reduces pressure points, and helps seniors sleep comfortably throughout the night, we recommend Mr. Big, the real expert on sleep. We offer health mattresses specifically designed for seniors, designed to support all body needs with the following outstanding features:
- Provides proper body support, helps reduce back and joint pain.
- BestFIT program for selecting the mattress firmness that suits your body type
- Excellent ventilation, reduces humidity and germ accumulation
- Made from high quality materials, safe and non-allergenic.
- Good weight support, not easily collapsed, long-lasting use
- Certified to international standards
Give your loved one a restful night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go. Consult a Sleep Coach, a trained physical therapist, and choose the best sleep equipment today at all mr.big branches.
References:
Gulia, Kamalesh K., and Velayudhan Mohan Kumar. "Sleep disorders in the elderly: a growing challenge." Psychogeriatrics 18.3 (2018): 155-165.
Cooke, Jana R., and Sonia Ancoli-Israel. "Normal and abnormal sleep in the elderly." Handbook of clinical neurology 98 (2011): 653-665.
Ancuelle, Victor, et al. "Effects of an adapted mattress in musculoskeletal pain and sleep quality in institutionalized elders." Sleep Science 8.3 (2015): 115-120.
Radwan, Ahmed, et al. "Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials." Sleep Health 1.4 (2015): 257-267.
