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.