Friday, August 10, 2012

Mattress Wars – Part 2: A Firm Mattress -- What does FIRM mean?

What does FIRM mean?  First, let me quote one of my instructors who said, “If firm meant hard we would all be sleeping on marble slabs.” I realize that many people believe that they sleep much more comfortably on the floor than in their bed. I, personally, have NEVER woken up after falling asleep on the floor and not had a number of stiff and painful spots.

We've all met someone that has a bad back and needs to sleep on a super firm bed, but we've also met someone that has a bad back and needs soft couches, chairs and bed to make it through.  Our body responds differently depending on what is hurting.  (You should really see your chiropractor to get help for what is hurting rather than rushing to firm or soft beds ... hint, hint, hint.)  So, firm means something different to each person.

A ‘firm’ bed means that there will be the same amount of pressure on every square inch on the bottom side of the sleeper’s body. From a purely theoretical view a water bed is the perfect answer to equal pressure. The water gives way easily to the convex body locations and moves into the concave areas to provide more support. Similarly, an air bed provides even pressure beneath the body. Also, believe it or not, a board under the mattress only takes the springs out of the equation – it has no effect on the mattress.  Other selections include the ‘memory’ foam mattress or pad, and, of course, the conventional mattress and box springs.

We'll take a look at these different mattress types over the next few posts. Make sure you weigh into the conversation with your experience and opinion.

How do you define FIRM?  Or do you prefer SOFT?

Getting rid of your pain,
Dr. Steven Ray, Chiropractor
Val Vista Chiropractic

1 comment:

  1. A ‘firm’ bed means that there will be the same amount of pressure on every square inch on the bottom side of the sleeper’s body http://www.memoryfoammattress-guide.org/

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