What is an Orthopedic Mattress? Should You Get One?

What Is an Orthopedic Mattress?

An orthopedic mattress is designed to support the body’s musculoskeletal system, especially common trouble areas like the spine and joints. These beds typically have a high-quality construction that includes supportive materials like high-density foam, firmer latex, or innerspring coils.

Orthopedic beds are meant to offer better spinal alignment through enhanced support. They do this by creating a sleep surface that promotes a more natural curvature of the spine during the night. A healthy spine alignment is valuable because it minimizes the risk of developing or worsening back pain¹.

How to Choose an Orthopedic Mattress

Everyone is different, so it’s wise to consider your sleeping needs before selecting a mattress. Try to notice the position you’re in when you fall asleep and when you wake up. Note whether or not you experience pain in the middle of the night or as a result of lying down for an extended period in the morning.

Also, as you shop for a new orthopedic bed, there are specific factors you need to consider to help ensure you pick the right product for you.

Support

An orthopedic mattress provides a more supportive surface. This helps to distribute body weight evenly by reducing pressure points and promoting a more relaxed and neutral spinal curvature.

The materials used in the construction of an orthopedic mattress might include high-density foam, latex, or pocketed springs, which are chosen for their ability to provide support and maintain their shape over time.

Edge Support

One of the features of an orthopedic mattress is its ability to provide edge support, which helps prevent sagging or sinking when sitting or lying near the edge of the bed. Edge support is achieved through the use of reinforced materials along the perimeter of the mattress. These materials are usually denser foam or reinforced coils.

Additionally, edge support is valuable for couples in need of an orthopedic bed since they can spread out comfortably and still receive quality support across the whole surface.

Firmness

The firmness of a mattress can vary depending on the materials used and the specific design of the bed. Orthopedic mattresses typically have a medium-firm feel, and this firmness is achieved through denser materials such as high-density foam, latex, or firm innerspring coils.

Keep in mind that not all orthopedic mattresses are the same. While some may be designed to provide a medium-firm feel, others may offer softer and firmer variations to accommodate more sleepers. Consider your personal preferences and any specific orthopedic needs when selecting a mattress. For example, stomach sleepers will often enjoy much firmer beds than side sleepers, who usually want something softer for more cushioning against their shoulder and hip.

Pressure Relief

Orthopedic mattresses achieve pressure relief by using specialized materials such as memory foam or latex, which are designed to contour the body’s shape in order to mitigate pressure accumulation.

In addition to specialized materials, orthopedic mattresses may incorporate other features to enhance pressure relief, such as zoned support systems or multi-layer construction. Zoned support systems use different firmness levels in specific areas of the mattress to provide targeted support and pressure relief. Multi-layer construction may involve the use of multiple layers of foam or other materials, each with a specific purpose, which can include pressure relief.

Mattress Type

• Memory Foam – Memory foam mattresses utilize special viscoelastic (memory) foam, which is manufactured to conform to the body’s shape and alleviate pressure. This type of bed is often a great choice for side sleepers or those with achy joints.
• Hybrid – Hybrid mattresses typically combine several foam layers with a unit of innerspring coils. However, there is variation among brands, with some featuring three or more foam layers or dual innerspring units. This type of mattress is ideal for those who want the benefits of both foam and innerspring coils or who are struggling to choose between an all-foam and innerspring bed.
• Innerspring – Innerspring mattresses use a support system of springs to provide a buoyant and supportive sleep space. The coils help distribute body weight evenly, while the padding on top adds some comfort.
• Latex – Latex mattresses are popular for several reasons. First, latex is good for both pressure relief and support. Second, this material is naturally responsive, which can make it easier to move about on the bed. Third, it’s temperature-neutral, which is helpful for hot sleepers, and fourth, many latex beds are also more eco-friendly.

Price and Quality of Materials

As mentioned, orthopedic beds are typically better-quality mattresses made with premium materials, which means that most will be more expensive than extremely low-budget beds on the market. That being said, they should save you money in the long run because you won’t need to replace them as early, and the value they can present for your overall health and well-being could it make worth the investment.

Trial and Warranty

Orthopedic beds typically have a minimum warranty of 10 years and a minimum sleep trial of 90-100 nights. However, some brands go beyond this, offering 15 years or even lifetime warranty deals. The same goes for trial periods, with some brands offering 120 nights or even a full year to solidify your decision.

Want to learn more? Visit our list of the best orthopedic mattresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do orthopedic mattresses do?

Orthopedic mattresses provide support and pressure relief through the use of specialized materials and multi-layered designs. Additionally, some orthopedic mattresses may incorporate zoned support systems, which can offer firmer support for the sleeper’s heaviest areas and softer support for the lighter areas.

What’s an orthopedic mattress good for?

Orthopedic mattresses work together to distribute weight evenly, reduce pressure points, and promote proper spinal alignment, ultimately providing a comfortable sleep experience. The objective for these types of beds is usually to alleviate orthopedic issues such as back pain and joint pain.

Are orthopedic mattresses better than memory foam mattresses?

Whether an orthopedic bed or a memory foam mattress is better is an entirely subjective matter that depends on personal preference and individual needs.

Orthopedic mattresses are designed to support and comfort the sleeper’s spine, joints, and muscles, and memory foam mattresses focus on alleviating pressure by conforming to the sleeper’s shape. That being said, many orthopedic beds also contain memory foam in their construction, so there is certainly an overlap between orthopedic and memory foam beds.

How long will an orthopedic mattress last?

The lifespan of an orthopedic mattress depends on various factors, including the quality of materials, usage frequency, and care. On average, orthopedic beds can last anywhere from seven to 10 years with proper maintenance and regular rotation. However, some high-quality orthopedic mattresses, like latex models, could last up to 15 years or more.

Product longevity can often be helped by following the manufacturer’s care instructions, such as avoiding excessive bending, cleaning regularly, and rotating the mattress every few months. Proper support is also crucial, as using an improper bed frame or foundation can cause damage and decrease the mattress’s lifespan.