ORTHOPAEDIC MATTRESS

There are a number of different orthopedic mattress constructions, each with a different filling or combination of fillings. These alternative mattress types offer different sleeping and orthopaedic qualities and come in a range of prices that reflect the technology used to design and construct them.

The objective of this page is to provide a brief summary of each of these main mattress constructions. For a more detailed look at each mattress type and its qualities, use the main index to the left of all pages and select the mattress construction (or material) that interests you.

Memory foam mattress

The memory foam mattress is manufactured from a unique material that has the ability to contour itself to the shape and geometry of any human body. The material itself was invented by the NASA space program.

The memory foam mattress provides an even support to the whole body whilst helping to maintain the double S shape of the spine. In so doing, it prevents localised pressure points that can cause aches, pains and disrupt sleep. Unlike traditional orthopaedic mattresses, memory foam mattresses are not hard or firm and they dispel the myth that only very firm mattresses have orthopaedic qualities.

Memory foam works by reacting to the weight and shape of the person resting upon it and, when they get off the mattress, the foam’s memory qualities cause it to return to its original shape.

The are a lot of different memory foam products on the market and there is a wide range of quality variation between some of them.

Spring mattresses

Spring mattresses include open and continuous coil spring systems. Up to about 25 years ago all mattresses used the open coil spring method, but new technologies have now started to have an impact on the market. Even today, mattresses based upon a spring or coil system remain the most popular purchases and they manage (through different levels of quality) to span price ranges that cover the cheapest to the most expensive of products.

The typical open coil spring mattress has a series of springs that are generally six coils high and distributed evenly across the bed. A standard double bed will normally have over 300 coils in its construction. More coils mean a better bed.

The spring system is further supported by helical wires that are tied to the top and bottom of all coils. The voids within the mattress are filled and covered with ticking. The whole construction allows the mattress unit to behave informally and as a single unit.

Popular variations on the spring system include mattresses using the pocket sprung method.

Dunlop or Talalay Latex foam mattress

Latex mattresses offer very similar properties to memory foam mattresses and their orthopaedic qualities are high. These mattresses are made from natural latex taken from the sap of rubber trees and processes into a special foam.

Some people find Latex foam to have a bouncier feel than memory foam and it also has cooler sleeping characteristics.

A further property of Latex foam is its moulding and contouring ability which is affected by the body’s heat as well as its weight. Latex mattresses are becoming increasingly popular although they are not yet as widely available as memory foam mattresses.

Composite or combination mattresses

Composite mattresses combine a mix of different mattress technologies in order to utilise the best qualities of mattress constructions like coil springs, memory foam and Latex foam.

These mattresses are usually at the top end of the price and quality scale, but they include a lot of technology and provide very good orthopaedic properties.

Water mattresses

Water beds can be very expensive and because of this they are fairly uncommon, however they do offer excellent orthopaedic characteristics, mainly because of their contouring abilities. Water mattresses can have heater units and they also have a very long life expectancy if maintained properly.

Anyone considering a water beds should ensure that their floor is capable of bearing its weight.

Air beds and mattresses

Air mattresses that use a multi pocketed air system are sometimes found in hospitals. These specialist mattresses allow the inflation and deflation of specific zones of a mattress to which allow the relieving of pressure points. This kind of mattress is not generally available for home use.

Magnetic mattresses

Magnetic mattresses are actually mattress toppers that sit on top of the mattress with the aim of generating a magnetic field around the sleeping person. It is thought that these magnetic mattress pads create a magnetic field with properties that can benefit the human body.

No categorical proof of these benefits has yet been credited, however some research suggest that magnetic mattress pads assist good sleep and may also alleviate a number of body ailments.