Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good For Your Back?
By Sara Butler
Can a memory foam mattress help you to sleep better at night and support a healthier sleeping posture? It just might! If you’re not getting enough restful and restorative sleep at night, or you wake up in the morning with a sore, stiff back, then your mattress may be to blame. You might be willing to try just about anything to improve your sleep situation, but is memory foam the answer? Here’s what the chiropractors at The Joint have to say about his subject!
What is Memory Foam?
First and foremost, all chiropractors want people to know that every single person is different – as is their body. What works for you may not work for someone else, so you have to keep that in mind as you seek out answers for your sleeping problems. Quite simply, mattress experiences are subjective, so your neighbor may swear by their memory foam but it may not be right for you. In order to have an idea if it’s the answer to your nighttime problem, you first need to learn about the good and the bad of memory foam.
These mattresses are made of a material that cushions the body. They were actually created by NASA for astronauts in the 1960s as a material that helped to cushion astronauts during liftoff. It molds to the body based on the body heat of the user, helping to reduce the pressure placed on the body. The National Sleep Foundation has said that memory foam may help to address issues with back pain since it allows just the right amount of give. But before you invest in this pricey mattress, know what you’re getting into.
The Pros and Cons
The pros of memory foam include:
- Long lasting, durable material
- Doesn’t get lumpy
- Molds to individual bodies
- Absorbs movement
The cons of memory foam include:
- Can give off an offensive odor when new
- Dense material that results in a heavy mattress
- Traps heat causing the user to become uncomfortable
When you’re researching the best mattress choices for you, remember that one of the best ways to deal with issues regarding back pain is to see your chiropractor regularly for treatment. If you think your current mattress may be to blame for your back trouble, then it is wise to upgrade. Your chiropractor may be able to help give you pointers to get your mattress search started!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.