How to Choose the Best Mattress for Seniors
Aging is awesome, salt and pepper hair, senior discounts, being full of knowledge, life experience, and sweet retirement years filled with tearing up Florida with your friends. As fun as aging is, it can wreak havoc on your joints and bring some changes to your sleep health needs. The mattress you enjoyed in your 40's may not offer the same level of comfort as a senior but fear not, we’re here to help you find the best mattress for seniors.
How Does Age Affect Sleep?
On top of age-related sleep changes, many seniors also face sleep disorders. Some medications can also harm sleep, causing insomnia and restless nights.
Any of the following could be a reason why your sleep is disturbed:
- Restless leg syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Arthritis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Any health issue that requires medication
- Lack of essential vitamins
- Lack of fresh air and sunlight
Things for Seniors to Consider When Buying a Mattress
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is essential to a good night’s sleep. When the delicate areas of hips and shoulders are comfortably supported, fewer aches and pains are found in the morning. The best mattresses for older adults must offer superior pressure relief abilities, cradling the body, and countering to your unique proportions.
Proper Spine Support
Pressure relief and spine alignment go hand in hand. The best mattress for elderly with back problems will align the spine and support every muscle. Find your sleep style for a greater understanding of your sleep needs.
Edge Support
Bed support for elderly to look out for will include edge support. This ensures the mattress doesn’t sag around the edges and offers enough resistance so you won’t be sliding into holes all night.
Mattress Height
The height of your bed is an important factor, especially if you’re managing pain or illness. The best beds for senior citizens ought to be at a comfortable height (around knee level). If you’re sitting on the edge of your bed with your feet flat on the floor, your knees should be level with your hips. This is an ideal height bed. To lower bed for elderly, simply remove the wheels or topper.
Breathability
A breathable mattress is crucial to a good night’s sleep. Especially if you’re on medication that can cause hot flashes. A mattress made of modern breathable material ensures a cool and restful sleep.
Adjustability
An adjustable base and the best mattress for elderly is a glorious combination. Move the head and foot of the bed at the touch of a button for tailored comfort, the legs are adjustable too so you can find the perfect bed height for your needs.
What Is the Best Mattress Type for Seniors?
Hybrids
A hybrid mattress takes the coil spring and elevates it with the addition of a foam, fabric, or latex topper. Most modern hybrids feature individually-wrapped coils, which reduce noise and allow for some contouring. Hybrids with memory foam tops tend to sleep hot and don't always offer proper pressure relief, but hybrids with AirFoam™ or latex fit the bill.
Latex
Natural latex mattresses are temperature neutral and offer ample support and pressure relief. If you prefer a firmer mattress, latex makes a great option. Latex mattresses do tend to cost more than other models, but latex is known for durability.
Innerspring
The best mattress for seniors with back pain may not be innerspring. If you’re managing pain, a pressure relieving mattress is ideal. A spring mattress topped with fabric is bouncy and some could be noisy too, sharing a spring mattress can cause insomnia for some if your partner moves around a lot in their sleep, motion transfer is a typical complaint form, innerspring mattress owners.
AirFoam™
AirFoam™ is a revolutionary air-filled foam made without heat-trapping chemicals. The billions of tiny air pockets within the Airfoam™ are individual shock absorbers that conform to every shape and size. Pressure relief, cooling comfort, and durability are all heightened in these unique mattresses made from years of research and development. The best mattress for aching joints, pain, hot sleepers, and side sleepers could be a breathable AirFoam™ mattress.
Conditions That Can Affect Seniors’ Sleep
Arthritis
Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, can affect many joints at once and may take the form of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis which are the most common. The best mattress for seniors with arthritis is pressure relieving to cradle the sensitive pressure points. A too-soft mattress could lead to greater discomfort and a too firm mattress could exacerbate symptoms.
The best mattress for seniors with arthritis is pressure relieving to cradle sensitive pressure points.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissue, similar to arthritis, a pressure relieving mattress is ideal for Fibromyalgia sufferers. A too-soft mattress could cause more pain from lack of support. A too-firm mattress could push against the sensitive areas, exacerbating pain further.
Back Pain
Proper spine alignment is crucial at any age but even more important for seniors. The best mattress for seniors will align the spine bringing comfort to the upper and lower back. When the spine is aligned and the head is fully supported on a pillow, fewer aches and pains can be found in the morning.
Dementia
People with dementia often have insomnia. A lack of revitalizing sleep can lead to further health concerns and wear a person out. Sleep is vital to your overall health and wellbeing. A quality comfortable mattress is crucial to your sleep health.
Prostate and Bladder Issues
The ideal bed height for elderly will take into account that night time trips to the bathroom are a regular occurrence. Therefore, a bed that is knee level should be adequate to easily get in and out of bed.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that stalls your breathing as they sleep. Breathing can stop and start during the night. This condition can lead to insomnia and sleep disorders with further exacerbate the problem. An adjustable bed base could be ideal as it allows you to sleep in an upright position.
Sleep Tips for Seniors
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
- Avoid daytime naps or keep to a maximum of 20 minutes
- Stay active, exercise boosts immunity from viruses and helps you sleep more soundly
- Eat healthily and take a vitamin supplement
- Stay hydrated, dehydration can cause insomnia and illness
- Create a sleep space that is comforting and welcoming
Conclusion
The best mattress for seniors and the best mattress for parents ought to provide superior pressure relief and comfort. To find greater comfort on your mattress there are bed accessories for elderly that include pillows, pillow wedges, toppers, and body pillows.
An adjustable bed for elderly could provide much comfort and is a workable solution to mobility issues and pain management. Elevating the head and foot of the bed at the touch of a button enhances comfort and ability to easily get in and out of bed.
If you’re looking for adjustable beds for seniors medicare, it is possible to rent or buy a bed from medicare if deemed medically necessary. Adjustable beds are incredibly durable, some come with massage, USB chargers, and nightlights. Comfort and restful sleep can be found at any age, and so can fun.
Disclaimer: Nolah does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Nolah blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.
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