Information on Healthy Mattresses

Memory Foam Mattresses

• Foam mattresses don't contain coils. They provide pressure relief by molding themselves to the body, and they "remember" the shape of the body, making them a good choice for people with joint problems. A disadvantage of a memory foam mattress is that it retains heat and may feel unnaturally warm, according to the Sleep Like the Dead website. These mattresses are more durable than other types of mattresses, but are also more expensive.

Innerspring Mattresses

• Innerspring mattresses are the most popular type of mattresses, according to Consumer Search. The amount of back support these mattresses provide is based on the number of coils or inner springs they contain. A healthy mattress should have enough coils to follow the natural curves of the spine and provide plenty of support. Thick padding on top of this kind of mattress provides additional support.

Water Beds

• Water beds are a healthy choice for a variety of reasons. They create a sensation of weightlessness, which is helpful for someone with arthritis or body aches. Water beds have a reduced tendency to harbor allergens, making them a healthy choice for someone who suffers from allergies or asthma. Elderly people often find it easier to turn over in a water bed than in other types of beds.

Other Choices

• Air mattresses have inflatable air chambers under foam cushions. The main advantage of air mattresses is that the firmness can be adjusted. Some of these mattresses allow both sides of the bed to be adjusted, which is a distinct advantage if both partners have health issues and different preferences regarding firmness.

Considerations

• Many people prefer a firm mattress that offers the spine plenty of support. On the other hand, a mattress that is too firm can cause pain in the hips or other pressure points. The only way for an individual to choose the best mattress for himself is to spend several minutes lying on it. Another consideration when choosing a healthy mattress is whether it is resistant to dust mites. According to Sleep Like the Dead, water beds and airbeds are the best choices in dust mite resistance.