The older we get, the more critical the role sleep plays in our lives. Aging bodies need a good night’s rest to cope with chronic health issues and a waning range of motion. Thus, getting a new mattress much later in life means having to consider a few new things that you paid no heed to when you were younger.
First, look at your options. Not all mattresses are made equal. A good trick is to sample each of them instead of just browsing through their features. Stores regularly hold mattress sales where you’ll see every variety: memory foam, latex mattresses, open coil or innerspring mattresses, air mattresses, as well as hybrids and adjustable mattresses.
Once you’ve discovered a store that has a decent supply, look at your sleeping habits next. Study your sleeping position, the duration of sleep every night, how often you toss and turn, how many times you get up, and how you feel upon waking up. If you find that certain parts of your body ache, feel numb, or feel stiff, then your mattress might not have enough support.
Establish a connection between your pre-existing medical conditions and your sleep patterns. Arthritis, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, and other similar conditions that cause chronic body pain can affect the quality of your sleep. A high-density mattress with excellent support can adjust to the body’s natural contours.
Your body weight can also affect how you sleep; if you’re on the heavy side, choosing a firmer high-density mattress guarantees that your body remains flat and aligned even as you move because it doesn’t dip. For this, a latex mattress might be a good option.
Durability is another factor to consider. If you’re the type who has to regularly get up to urinate, stretch, or drink medication in the middle of the night, then your mattress has to accommodate this. Select a bed with the right height and edge support so that you can comfortably sit up and get back down. You’d also want to choose a mattress that doesn’t squeak at your every rest, rise, and motion.
Of course, you need to consider the mattress’s size and weight. If you sleep beside your partner, then perhaps buying a queen-sized adjustable bed is the best compromise since it suits most chronic body conditions stated here. You’d also want to note how much it weighs and if it’s a double-sided mattress. Cushions must be flipped every six to seven months or twice a year. This is to distribute the pressure unto it and to keep the foam durable.
Lastly, pay attention to the price. Traditional types of the mattress like coiled or sprung mattresses can be cheaper but might not pay off in the long run. Meanwhile, more modern memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, and hybrid or adjustable ones might be the most suitable but can go at a thousand dollars upwards.
Test the bed yourself, and don’t get swayed by sales talk easily. Alternative payment options are available, and the store can give you a warranty. You should time your purchase by going to a mattress sale.
In the end, mattresses aren’t a one-size-fits-all furnishing, and there’s no best type for all older adults. It boils down to knowing what your body specifically needs and understanding the importance of a good night’s sleep.
