With so many mattresses, it can be difficult to figure out what to buy. When you’re elderly, you also need to factor in medical conditions that cause pain and make it difficult to get comfy.
In this article, we’ll discuss what to look for in a mattress for older adults and recommend a few products to get your search started.
Mattresses come in all shapes and sizes, just like people. As such, the right mattress for an older person depends on a few unique factors.
Here’s what to look for in a mattress for the elderly:
Think about how the mattress’s thickness will affect the person’s ability to get in and out of bed. A person with a low bed might benefit from a thick mattress so they don’t have to pivot painfully, while a person with a high bed might benefit from a slimmer mattress, so there is less distance from the mattress to the floor.
The right mattress firmness depends on the person’s prominent sleep position. Back sleepers should always choose a firm mattress to thoroughly support their back, shoulders, and neck. Side sleepers do best with a soft mattress, while front sleepers do best with a medium to medium-firm mattress.
The above advice regarding sleeping positions is mute if medical conditions complicate matters. For example, some people with musculoskeletal disorders need a firm or orthopaedic mattress. In these instances, mattress firmness should be determined by how much pain relief is offered.
Orthopaedic mattresses are specially designed to relieve pressure on the hips, joints, and back. They are popular because they are firm with a soft, squishy top layer, combining high levels of comfort with high levels of support.
An older person will benefit from an orthopaedic mattress unless they have a medical condition that causes joint pain. In this instance, a softer mattress would be a better choice so that the mattress doesn’t agitate joints and bones.
While we sell over a hundred mattresses, a few products stand out for elderly people based on customer feedback. Here are a few recommendations:
The Giltedge Sirocco is a medium-firm hybrid mattress with 2,000 pocket springs, 25mm of memory foam, and a micro-quilted finish. It offers firmer support than the Birlea Sleepsoul, with a soft foam layer for cushioning.
The Sleepeezee Pocket Gel Balance 1200 has 1,200 pocket springs, 30mm of Sensi-foam, and 20mm of cooling gel. The gel dissipates body heat, helping hot sleepers and people with bedsores stay comfortable. It’s an excellent choice for the elderly.
You can browse our complete mattress range here.