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What Is a Therapeutic Mattress?
Any mattress that is designed to bring relief from discomfort of backaches may be considered a therapeutic mattress. This type of mattress is also designed to provide proper spine alignment and optimal support. Some types of therapeutic mattresses are electronically powered, some offer manual controls for various adjustments, while others are non adjustable. Many hospital beds use adjustable therapeutic mattresses. For home use, the memory foam or latex mattress is very popular.
People who are confined to bed for a long period of time may develop bed sores from being immobile. Patients who require long-term hospital care or those recuperating at home may use a specially designed therapeutic mattress that may reduce the risk of bed sores. A therapeutic mattress may have extra padding to ease soreness as well.
An ordinary mattress may not relieve pressure points that often lead to poor circulation and painful joints. Many therapeutic mattresses are made with a polyurethane material referred to as memory foam. Memory foam is thicker than the typical layers of padding used for ordinary mattresses. The material used for a therapeutic mattress is more resilient as well. When designed for therapeutic purposes, a memory foam mattress will accommodate the curves of a person's body and allow the spine to maintain a natural position.
Therapeutic bedding may also include mattress toppers made of memory foam or latex. A therapeutic mattress topper is placed on top of an existing mattress. The bed topper may provide additional support to an older mattress or make a very firm mattress feel softer and more comfortable.
Although memory foam and natural latex foam are the most popular materials used for therapeutic mattresses, another option is something referred to as a gel overlay mattress. The gel overlay mattress is typically placed on top of an existing mattress. It is often secured to a mattress using ties or elastic. The support of an overlay topper is made possible by a gel compound that is compressed between the foam core and exterior covering.
Pressure-relieving bubble pads are sometimes used when creating therapeutic mattresses. Bubble-padded mattresses often use various pressure control settings. Air chambers may be incorporated into this type of therapeutic mattress.
A powered therapeutic mattress will typically have an automatic controller. This allows the user to control positioning of the mattress without having to get out of bed. The electric-powered therapeutic mattress may have an additional option of heat.
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![Therapeutic beds and mattresses are usually found in hospitals, but can also be rented or purchased for home use.]()
By: Agence DERTherapeutic beds and mattresses are usually found in hospitals, but can also be rented or purchased for home use. -
![Therapeutic mattresses can correct improper spinal alignment.]()
By: angelo.giTherapeutic mattresses can correct improper spinal alignment. -
![Therapeutic mattresses may help reduce the risk of bed sores.]()
By: vichie81Therapeutic mattresses may help reduce the risk of bed sores. -
![Most at-home therapeutic mattresses are designed to keep the sleeper's vertebrae in alignment.]()
By: WavebreakMediaMicroMost at-home therapeutic mattresses are designed to keep the sleeper's vertebrae in alignment. -
![Traditional mattresses do little to reduce the risk of skin breakdown, so it is important that bed-bound people receive assistance in frequent position changes.]()
By: Gina SandersTraditional mattresses do little to reduce the risk of skin breakdown, so it is important that bed-bound people receive assistance in frequent position changes. -
![An therapeutic mattress may help support the spine and relieve neck pain in some people.]()
By: vladimirfloydAn therapeutic mattress may help support the spine and relieve neck pain in some people. -
![Patients who require long-term hospital care may benefit from therapeutic mattresses.]()
By: WavebreakMediaMicroPatients who require long-term hospital care may benefit from therapeutic mattresses.
Discussion Comments
We just bought a therapeutic mattress for my toddler. It's made of a combination of foam and cushion materials. She had become fussy at night lately, would not fall asleep easily and wake up frequently. The doctor suggested buying a therapeutic mattress and it has actually worked. I guess her old mattress was not giving her back the support it needs.
This mattress is also great because it is non-flammable, hypoallergenic, non-toxic and waterproof. So it's best for children.
@ZipLine-- I use a therapeutic memory foam topper and I do recommend it if you have a firm bed.
A memory foam topper provides soft comfort for the spine by taking on its shape at night. So the spine can be in a natural healthy position and rest. The only issue is that if you have a very soft bed, you might not benefit from the topper as much as you could. If your bed is firm then the topper will soften it a little bit and help your back adjust better.
Also, you should do some research before buying a therapeutic topper as they come in different sizes with different qualities. I for example use a two inch egg crate style topper made of ventilated memory foam. If you can, visit a store that sells beds and bed accessories to compare different toppers and try them if you can.
Mattress toppers are not very cheap but most therapeutic mattresses are made of similar material, so it is still a cost friendly alternative to buying a new mattress.
I really need a therapeutic mattress but I can't afford one right now. So I think I will get a therapeutic mattress topper meanwhile to reduce my back pain.
Does anyone here use a therapeutic mattress topper? Which type do you have?
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