Orthopedic mattresses: myths and truth. Mattress myths when you shouldn't trust sellers? Flooring and upholstery

27.11.2021 Treatment

Everyone should sleep at least six hours a day. To sleep productively, bring relaxation and good mood, you need to pay special attention to the choice of bedding. Soft, light, clean linen is not everything. You need to start by buying the right one.

This item is overgrown with many myths. Let's try to figure out where the truth is, and where is speculation.

Mattress myths

Of course, manufacturers often use this term when describing their products. But this can mean anything, for example, the presence of an independent spring block or several zones of stiffness.

  • There are "orthopedic" models.
  • In fact, such products are considered not some special category of accessories, but items selected especially for you. One and the same mattress may suit one person and become orthopedic for him, but absolutely not suit another, and, accordingly, have nothing to do with the word "orthopedics".

  • A good mattress = firm.

    A moderate degree of stiffness will be beneficial for children and adolescents in whom the spine is just forming. But in most other cases, overly hard surfaces can negatively affect sleep, contributing to back pain and muscle tightness.

    It is much more important that the bed is firm and supports your back and joints well.

  • Natural fillers are better than artificial ones.

The truth about mattresses

  • Choose a product by age... Hard beds are suitable for babies, softer ones for the elderly.
  • Independent springs are better than dependent ones... They do not form a "hammock" effect, do not creak, they ideally take the shape of the body.
  • Flip the bed every six months... So it will last longer, and pits will not appear on the surface for a long time.
  • Consider the number of springs... Not always the more, the better. If you are overweight, look for models with 1025 springs per square. Otherwise, 512 parts per square will work.

Do you have any questions? Contact the managers of the company, they will advise you!

What is the key to a great sleep? In thorough relaxation, the habit of not overeating before bed, quiet neighbors like mice, and the "right" mattress. An uncomfortable mattress is often the cause of a bad mood and aching back in the morning. And all because when choosing in a store, people are guided by 7 popular misconceptions. Stop believing them! These myths can cost you a sound sleep.

Myth number 1: "All mattresses are universal, so you can order any and not suffer"


Okay, most of us have heard about the fact that mattresses can differ in the type of material and filler. But that is not all. "Such a soft" bed of your beloved mother or friend may not be suitable for you at all. And all because the choice of a mattress should be influenced by many factors at once: not only the brand and materials, but also the height, weight, age and health status of the future user. There is no one universal model that is ideal for both teenagers and retirees. Therefore, the most correct choice is to consult with a competent specialist.

Myth # 2: "A mattress without springs is not a mattress"


Mattress, and what else. Some experts are of the opinion that a spring mattress is an atavism and a kind of greetings from the past. Spring models are mostly more expensive, but they are not insured against sagging in the middle (“hammock effect”). Especially if the weight of the user exceeds 100 kg. In addition, the useful property of "remembering the shape of the body" can be found just among the options without springs. So don't limit your searches to classic models only.

Myth # 3: "After hanging around in the store for 2 minutes, you can make the right choice."


Alas, such a test drive of the mattress is not indicative at all. The position of the body during sleep is very different from trying to repeat it in the store. Yes, and lying on a potential purchase of 5-8 hours is clearly not going to work. What to do? Look for stores and brands that offer returns or short testing times. Yes, and there are such. And although the cost of such options may be slightly higher, it is better to play it safe than to suffer for years like a princess and a pea.

Myth # 4: "My back often hurts, show me a harder mattress!"


Contrary to popular belief, a firm mattress is not a healthy back's best friend. Experts recommend taking a closer look at models of medium hardness and "memory" function. Because the best solution in this situation is a mattress that will keep the spine in the most natural position, without unnecessary deflections. Not a dream on nails and planks.

Myth 5: "A good mattress will last 20 years"


Alas, you need to change the mattress every 7-10 years. Even the most expensive and high quality. Because no model is immune to loss of shape and sagging. Which is fraught with back pain, neck pain and curvature of the spine.

Myth number 6: "You need to take a mattress with a lifetime guarantee"


More bad news, but the "lifetime warranty" is just a marketing gimmick. Handsome but misleading. The loud slogan hides the fact that the manufacturer guarantees the safety of the filler (latex, holofiber, polyurethane foam): it will not deteriorate and will not climb out. But the "warranty" does not cover dents, holes or stains in any way. So with these claims it will definitely not be possible to return the mattress.

Myth number 7: "A mattress is an unpretentious thing and does not require maintenance."


No, the mattress must be “washed” and turned over at least once a year. But nothing super complicated: and return it to its "marketable" appearance. Even when you are very lazy. It's simple, see for yourself.

Buying a mattress is one of the most painful trials in a person's life. Do you think we are exaggerating? Not at all - just imagine a store with a huge number of annoying sellers and a million options. One mistake is literally worth your life, it's worth it, and you already suffer for several years in a row, spending every night on an uncomfortable mattress.

Today we will talk about how not to make a fatal mistake and not turn the process of buying a mattress into excruciating torture, and for this we will expose some marketing moves and typical myths.

Myth # 1 - You must, must, must look for an orthopedic mattress because it will make your bed the most comfortable in the world.



This common misconception has been created by companies looking to differentiate their products in a competitive market. But Orders argues that the same softness can be achieved with a traditional mattress, as boring as it sounds. If you want to make your bed princess-soft, there is nothing wrong with purchasing a quality standard mattress with the soft padding of your choice.

Myth # 2 - One size fits all


Let's think about it: can one mattress create the same comfort for a sixty-kilogram girl and a man weighing 120 kg? The answer is simple: no.

This seems to be a growing trend among mattress companies looking to simplify their catalogs and give the impression that all models are similar. But in reality, there are a whole host of factors that influence the choice of a mattress: a person's individual sleeping position, all kinds of disorders and diseases associated with sleep quality, age and weight, basic preferences that come from previous experience with mattresses.

Myth # 3 - You Are Going to Get a Lifetime Mattress Warranty



When companies reassure you of a “lifetime warranty,” they are referring to the materials used for the mattress, which do not really wear out at all. But as soon as your mattress wears out from basic use, the warranty expires. Thus, the wording is rather vague, and such statements can cost you a pretty penny.

Jay Orders

The National Sleep Federation recommends replacing the mattress every 7-10 years, despite all the warranties given by the manufacturer. This is the most important thing to remember. How long your mattress will last you depends on many factors - its original quality, durability, etc. But in general, after 10 years, no mattress is capable of being as strong and resilient as when it was purchased.

Myth # 4 - Beds without springs need a spring block



If crossbars and slats are used to support your bed structure, then, according to Orders, you do not need a boxspring mattress. Springs were invented to help absorb shock when mattresses were much thinner than they are today.

Nowadays, the spring block also fulfills its role, but from a functional point of view, it has become a decorative element. In addition, this additional unnecessary and expensive item will add significantly to the value of your bed. All you really need is a solid platform under your mattress to provide support.

Myth # 5 - To test a mattress, just lie on it in the store


Believe it or not, the only viable way to test a mattress is to sleep on it.

This fact is key when buying: some companies offer a free trial period, after which you can return the mattress back without losing money. Some companies do not provide such an option for buyers, but will refund the purchase if canceled.

Myth # 6 - The reason people sell mattresses is simple - they are sleep geniuses.


Myth # 7 - If you suffer from back problems, then you will certainly regret not buying a hard, firm mattress.


We all think so: we will provide the back with reliable support and forget about the pain. But this is not at all the case. Our spine is naturally curved, and therefore the optimal sleeping position should be close to the natural curve so as not to create unnecessary pressure.

Jay Orders Co-founder of Christeli

Sleeping on a mattress that is too hard is completely uncomfortable, as it can provoke back pain, and as a result, you turn around all night without sleep. It is very important to get a mattress that supports your head, shoulders, hips and legs in the correct curve.

Only the lazy have not heard of orthopedic mattresses. Many already have such, someone is just thinking about buying and collecting information. And the information, I must say, is sometimes contradictory. Let's try to figure out what is fiction and what is true.

Statement 1: Mattresses are divided into ordinary and orthopedic.

This is not true. It should be understood that an orthopedic mattress is a mattress that helps the body to assume the correct, "healthy" position, relieving unnecessary stress. Today, all major manufacturers produce only mattresses with these qualities.

Statement 2: The mattress is selected individually, taking into account the age.

This is true. Mattresses can be spring and springless, differ in the degree of rigidity. For example, children's mattresses should be firm, and softer models are recommended for older people. In order for the mattress to bring maximum benefit, it is better to get detailed advice from a specialist before buying.

Statement 3: Overweight people need to choose a mattress carefully.

So. All models of orthopedic mattresses have individual technical characteristics, which include such an indicator as the load on the berth. There are mattresses in which this parameter is 130-170 kg per berth. When purchasing an orthopedic mattress, the weight of the future owner should be taken into account.

Statement 4: Only sick people need orthopedic mattresses.

Not this way. The orthopedic mattress also serves for the prevention of spinal diseases. During the day, we rarely think about our posture, an orthopedic mattress, at least during sleep, helps a person to take the correct position.

Statement 5: Memory Foam will remember the shape of the sleeping person forever.

Not this way. Such a mattress, under the influence of human warmth and weight, adapts to the person, “remembers” and seems to change shape, without offering resistance, reciprocal pressure on the sleeping body. There is a sensation of floating in zero gravity. After the pressure is released, the mattress returns to its original appearance after 10 seconds.

Statement 6: Mattress fillers must be glued.

So. An orthopedic mattress is like a puff pastry. For bonding these layers, environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic adhesives are used.

Statement 8: Rolled mattresses can be rolled and rolled as needed at home.

Not this way. Rolled mattresses (or vacuum mattresses) are a type of vacuum packing of a mattress for convenience and cheaper transportation. At home, this type of packaging is impossible, as it requires special equipment.

Statement 9: The mattress needs to be turned over.

So. At the very beginning of operation, the mattress will have to be turned over - all layers should lie down, and the product itself should "get used" to you. Subsequently, you can turn it over at will: many mattresses are made double-sided - the "winter" side is stitched with woolen upholstery, and the "summer" side is finished with cotton fabric.

Statement 10: With a non-removable cover, you cannot see the inside of the mattress, this is bad.

Not this way. At the request of the client, many manufacturers supply the mattress with a 30 cm long zipper that opens the viewing window. This way you can see the inside of the mattress.

Statement 11: A removable case is still better!

Not this way. The cover protects a very complex structure from external influences, and you shouldn't just take it off. Moreover, putting it on will be very problematic.

And if you still have doubts about the impossibility of cleaning the mattress, then there are two options for solving this problem: you can call a mattress cleaner or buy a mattress topper.

I hope that now it will be easier for you to navigate the world of orthopedic mattresses and make the right choice.

Mattress myths are not born out of nowhere. Having introduced a certain stereotype into the mind of the buyer, manufacturers and sellers of mattresses have an excellent opportunity to raise prices. So, let's get down to the common myths about mattresses.

Mattress and health myths

Any mattress on a block of independent springs is orthopedic and certainly good for health.

This is the most harmful myth. Guided by them, you can not attach importance to the individual selection of the mattress. But just as a pair of orthopedic shoes is made for a particular foot, so the mattress must correspond to the person sleeping on it. Weight, age, sleeping position are important for choosing the base - the base, not the top filler of the mattress. Orthopedic, evenly supporting the spine, is only a properly selected mattress. Even the presence of a large number of springs in the block does not guarantee that they will support your back sufficiently, without kinking more than necessary.

Orthopedic mattress has a healing effect

This is an advertising-imposed myth. People want to believe that they can be healed in a dream. In television commercials of manufacturers of sleep products, we see doctors, recommendations from well-known clinics, which in every possible way support this misconception. What is the truth? An orthopedic mattress keeps the spine straight, but only prevents the exacerbation of existing diseases. A comfortable mattress ensures a good night's sleep. Sleep, in turn, is important for the proper functioning of the endocrine system, good metabolism. And it's all.

The more springs in the block, the higher the orthopedic effect of the mattress

This is partly true. But let's see what the increase in block density gives. The diameter of one independent spring in a standard TFK block is about 6 cm, in a block there are 1000 springs per 1 sq. M. it is reduced to almost 3 cm. The two thousandth Micropocket block consists of the smallest, 26 mm springs. The difference is already small. But it would seem that every 3 centimeters of the body receives its support, the weight is better distributed. But there are additional factors to consider. The covers of the springs are fastened together, and there is still interaction between them - one compressed spring pulls the neighboring ones. In addition, thick (over 3 cm) or hard (coconut, sisal, horsehair) fillers of the mattress can noticeably smooth the relief. It is possible to speak of a significant increase in the orthopedic properties of mattresses with a large number of springs only if there is no coconut layer in it. According to the feelings of buyers choosing rigid and semi-rigid models in the cabin, mattresses for 1000 and 2000 springs differ little from each other. Soft fillings make the difference feel better. Mattresses with an increased number of springs have one undeniable advantage - they can support more weight.

It is good to sleep on a hard mattress

An absolutely harmful myth. It was formed in those days when the only alternative to rigid bedding was a feather bed on a carapace mesh. In fact, a bed that is too not pliable, not able to repeat the relief of the body, only brings harm. During sleep, blood vessels are compressed, blood circulation worsens, especially in the area of ​​large joints. The person changes posture and loses the depth of sleep. In the “on its side” position, the spine bends upward, which is no better for the nerve endings than falling into a hammock. A hard mattress is suitable for very few people - athletic, young, sleeping on their backs or on their stomachs... Everyone else needs a firm but responsive base.

The myth about the benefits of sleeping on a firm mattress is that the spine is curved.

The mattress must have a winter and summer side

Not exactly a myth, but a misunderstanding of what it is, allows you to sell the mattress more expensive. People think that the hard side is good for sleeping in summer, the soft side for winter, and they want to buy a model with these properties. But most mattresses already have different sides due to the inclusion of different fillers, coconut, latex, PP foam, etc. It is not called winter-summer. Such a design is able to give a person a choice of a more comfortable surface at home and in the summer heat, many prefer a more rigid one. But when selling, you may be offered a separate winter-summer option. This is how the padding in the cover stitch is determined. At your request, a synthetic winterizer or wool will be included in the price, although most mattresses have all the necessary properties without them. It is worth paying for additional side insulation only in a mattress with the same filling..