What Is An Orthopedic Mattress?

Orthopaedic mattresses have existed for decades and are popular amongst those who are seeking extra support or prefer a firmer feel. This article will explore the definition of an orthopaedic mattress and how beneficial they can be for those who suffer from bodily aches and pains.

What Is An Orthopedic Mattress? 

An orthopaedic mattress is a type of mattress which is constructed to help support the joints and different areas of the body. They are popular amongst those who suffer from back pain or who want to improve their spinal alignment. 

The term orthopaedic comes from the medical field and is associated with correcting issues related to the bones and muscles. Orthopaedic doctors and surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system and can diagnose and treat problems relating to the joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments and bones. People may require orthopaedic treatment for various reasons, such as having muscle injuries, dislocations or broken bones. 

Despite the orthopaedic label, orthopaedic mattresses do not serve as a replacement for professional doctors. The term can often be misleading as some mattress companies make orthopaedic claims without scientific or medical evidence. Despite this, it's worth reading customer reviews as many claim orthopaedic mattresses have helped to ease bodily pain and improve their quality of sleep. 

Orthopaedic Mattress Features

While orthopaedic mattresses can differ in their construction and design, there are some standard features that you are likely to find amongst these types of mattresses. These features are designed to deliver orthopaedic benefits and ensure that you get the best value for your money. 

• Pocket Springs: Many orthopaedic mattresses include layers of springs to offer firm support. Pocket sprung mattresses contain springs which are designed to move individually and support different areas of the body, as well as respond to movement. 
• Edge Support: For added support, many orthopaedic mattresses include edge-to-edge support, which can prevent the edges of the mattress from sagging over time. This can be particularly useful for those who sleep on the edge of their bed or for couples. 
• Zoned Support: Some orthopaedic mattresses include zoned support. This often means that the mattress has been designed with various zones to target and support different areas of the body. 
• Firm Feel: While firmness is often subjective, many orthopaedic mattresses have a medium-firm or firm feel. This is often achieved with the inclusion of springs or with a hybrid design. The firmness aims to help with aches and pains; although this has been disputed amongst some medical and scientific professionals. 
• Free Trial: Like many standard mattresses, orthopaedic mattresses tend to offer a free trial period. If you suffer from muscular or joint pain, a free trial period allows you to test the mattress in your own home and see if it delivers the benefits it promises. Trial periods can vary from 2 months to 100 nights, in which you can return the mattress at no extra cost with a full refund. 

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A firm mattress can be especially beneficial for front and back sleepers as it can help prevent the back and hips from sinking into the mattress, which can cause problems with spinal alignment.

The Orthopaedic Label In Marketing

Despite orthopaedic mattresses benefitting many sleepers, there is often little medical or scientific evidence to support the claims surrounding the orthopaedic label. While orthopaedic mattresses tend to have a standard set of features, such as springs and added support, there is no solid evidence that these design elements provide orthopaedic benefits. 

Despite the lack of scientific evidence, many companies may choose to describe a mattress as orthopaedic as a marketing strategy as it can appeal to those suffering from aches and pains. According to Arthritis Research UK, it is estimated that 1 in 6 people suffer from back pain in the UK, which covers around 9 million people. In addition, a 2009 study✓ estimated that back pain affected one-third of the UK adult population. 

As many adults in the UK suffer from aches and pains, particularly back pain, the term orthopaedic can appeal to a wide range of people. However, an article in the Physiotherapy Journal stated that the term 'orthopaedic mattress' has no medical meaning or definition. There is also little evidence that a firm mattress can offer orthopaedic benefits. In fact, a study✓ found that medium-firm mattresses, rather than firm mattresses, reduced back pain by 48% and improved sleep quality by 55%. 

Mattress companies advertise and market their products claiming health benefits with little more than anecdotal evidence in the form of customer quotes.

The Physiotherapy Journal, Volume 102

For this reason, it's worth checking customer reviews and taking advantage of the free trial period often attached to orthopaedic mattresses. By doing this, you can see for yourself if the mattress really does provide orthopaedic benefits or if it's simply a clever marketing ploy.

Arguments Supporting Orthopedic Mattresses

Despite the lack of medical and scientific evidence, orthopaedic mattresses remain a popular choice amongst sleepers. Customer reviews also highlight the many benefits of orthopaedic mattresses, so while some mattresses may not be medically orthopaedic, they can still help to ease aches and pains. Below are some reasons worth purchasing an orthopaedic mattress. 

1. In an article for the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association✓, they state that in a survey involving orthopaedic surgeons, 76% recommended using a firm mattress to manage lower back pain. 
2. The hybrid construction which is used amongst many orthopaedic mattresses can help to relieve pressure. A 2016 study✓ found that hybrid mattresses were effective in preventing and managing pressure damage. 
3. The added support often found in orthopaedic mattresses can help the mattress to be more durable and less prone to sagging over time. This can be particularly effective if the mattress has edge-to-edge support. 
4. As many orthopaedic mattresses use springs in their construction, this can help the mattress to be more breathable as the springs allow for increased airflow. In contrast, foam mattresses tend to sleep hot due to their heat retentive properties.
5. Due to the construction and design elements, orthopaedic mattresses remain a popular choice amongst consumers. The many positive customer reviews are a testament to the benefits and effectiveness of orthopaedic mattresses.

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