Your Mattress Questions Answered @ Langley’s Sleep Shop
Are you wondering if your mattress is right for you? Dr. Jody Freedman took a quick trip over to the Langley location of Sleep Shop to get your Mattress questions answered. Have a look at the video and read Dr. Jody’s thoughts on their answers below.
If you are having back pain during or after sleeping, sometimes it's as simple as your mattress, but it is very likely some treatment and good advice can also help. Book with either Dr. Freedman or Dr. Armstrong below.
What Kind Of Mattress Should I Buy?
> Sleep Shop: In my opinion, the best type of mattress for anyone would be one that they personally try out. It's important to come into the store, test it out, and choose a mattress that feels both comfortable and supportive.
> Dr. Jody’s thoughts: Totally agree. There is no mattress that is right for everyone. You need to try ideally for 10-15+ minutes over a few trips to the store.
Is There Anything better about A Memory Foam Mattress Compared To Latex Compared to a traditional Spring Mattress?
> Sleep Shop: Memory foam mattresses are ideal for customers seeking extra pressure relief. They have the ability to conform closely to the body, creating a snug feeling. On the other hand, latex mattresses offer a springier feel and quick response, while still providing excellent pressure relief. They are also a more environmentally friendly option. For those who prefer a more traditional feel but with some specialty foam, a traditional spring mattress with added foam layers would be a good choice.
> Dr. Jody’s thoughts: Good advice. I personally prefer a good quality firm spring mattress with as little extra foam layers as possible (tight top), but that is likely too firm for most. I have also slept on some great foam mattresses and some really terrible ones. Again you have to try them.
Should I Have A Soft Mattress Or A Firm Mattress?
> Sleep Shop: The answer to that question depends on personal preference and sleep position. We recommend testing out different firmness levels based on whether you primarily sleep on your front, back, or side. Typically, front and back sleepers prefer a firmer feel, while side sleepers tend to find a medium to soft mattresses more comfortable. If you sleep in various positions, a medium firmness may be a good compromise.
> Dr. Jody’s thoughts: Good advice. I tend to recommend people choose the firmest mattress that feels comfortable to you (and your partner). But that range is pretty large.
Mattress Lifespan
> Sleep Shop: A general rule of thumb is to replace a good quality mattress every 8-10 years. However, this can vary depending on factors such as construction quality and the weight of the individual. Some mattresses may only last 4-5 years. Regardless, we always recommend rotating the mattress regularly, ideally every quarter, to extend its lifespan.
> Dr. Jody’s thoughts: I have seen the same range in my patient’s beds. Really cheap beds don’t tend to last as the foam quality is poor. But really expensive beds don’t seem to last any longer than mid-range beds. A pillow top with lots of layers of foam also doesn’t seem to last as long as it is more likely to have a deeper body impression it, which can get uncomfortable with time.
Can My Mattress Be To Blame For My Back Pain?
> Sleep Shop: One possible indicator is if you sleep elsewhere and wake up without any aches or pains. If you frequently toss and turn during the night or wake up feeling unrested, it's a good sign that your mattress may need to be replaced.
> Dr. Jody’s thoughts: I agree with Farouk, your mattress can be one important factor. The other 2 things to consider are 1. How stiff are you going to bed (try our nighttime stretching video) 2. Sleep position (check out our sleep position video).
How Do You Assist Customers In Determining The Right Firmness For Them?
> Sleep Shop: At Sleep Shop, we offer a comfort test for our customers. We have different beds set up with varying firmness levels—medium, soft, and firm. We pair each customer with a pillow that suits their needs and have them lie on the bed for 30 to 60 seconds to determine which firmness feels best to them. It's a simple yet effective way to find the right fit.
> Dr. Jody’s thoughts: Great idea. I would just spend more time on each bed and go back to the test beds after trying a few of the type you think are best suited for.
If you are having back pain during or after sleeping, sometimes it's as simple as your mattress, but it is very likely some treatment and good advice can also help. Book with either Dr. Freedman or Dr. Armstrong below.
