To determine if a
conventional mattress is the proper firmness, an assistant will be necessary.
1. First, lie on your back near one edge of the bed. Have your assistant bring their eyes down level with the top of the mattress and look all along the contact area between it and your spine. Then have them try slipping one hand between the small of your back (just above the pelvis) and the mattress. It should slide in between with some effort. If they can see daylight, or the hand slides in without difficulty then the mattress is too firm. If it is almost impossible to insert the hand, then it is too soft.
2. Second, lie on your side with your back to the edge of the bed. Again have your assistant squat down, eyes level with your spine, and visualize the spine from shoulders to pelvis. If the line formed is straight, then the mattress is probably the correct firmness.
One final bit of information: they (the hidden, all-knowing gurus of conventional mattress lore) say that a well-constructed mattress that has proper care is good for five years; a cheap mattress is good for two years. Realizing that they are the experts, but also that they are in the business of selling mattresses, you can probably safely double that estimate. Mattresses and box springs need to turned regularly, and those mattresses that are so designed should be flipped, as well. Conclusion: if your bed is more than ten years old, you need a new one.
Good luck with your hunt for the perfect bed!
Getting rid of your pain,
Dr. Steven Ray, Chiropractor
Val Vista Chiropractic
This is great! We cannot only find the best mattress of our choice, but we can also find a spine-and-back-and-neck-friendly mattress.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that my information was helpful. Good luck with your shopping, and the new mattress.
ReplyDelete