Choosing A Mattress
Great Night Sleep!

Before we discuss how to choose a mattress for those of you with chronic back and or chronic neck pain, you may want to have an understanding on how chronic back or neck pain can affect your sleep. To know more about this check out Having Troubles Sleeping? You're Not Alone!

Some things to think about before you start looking for a new mattress. Does your mattress provide the support you like? Does your back or neck hurt when you wake up, or does the pain wake you up in the middle of the night? Is there enough room for you and your significant other? When you sleep in hotels or other people's beds do you sleep better, or worse? These are all things to ask yourself to determine if your mattress could be the cause of your poor night sleep. You may find that there is no problem with your mattress and you just need to get a better pillow.

Now Let's Look At Some Tips for Choosing a Mattress

1. What's Your Opinion?
   THE most important thing in choosing a mattress is what you think about the mattress. It is great to listen to other people's opinions, but ultimately the goal is to find a mattress that helps you sleep deeply. Did you know that when you sleep is the time that your body heals? So spending time on finding the best mattress for you, although it may take a lot of time, will definitely be time well spent. There’s no single mattress that’s right for everyone. Choose a mattress that measures up for comfort, and support. Don't forget to take your spouse or your significant other with you when looking for a new mattress!
   
   
2. Don't Forget To Consider the Mattress Cover!
   I find that the padding is as important to me as the inner workings of the mattress. Do ask how the inside of the mattress is constructed so that you understand what you are buying. Both of these things can help you decide which mattress is the best option for you and your partner.
   
   
3. Make Sure Your New Mattress Makes You Feel Supported!
   A good mattress provides support and allows your spine to curve naturally while maintaining alignment. Good support can provide relief of back pain. Some people still find that no matter what mattress they purchase they still wake with less pain if they put a piece of wood under their mattress or put a towel under the sheet so that it lies in the small of your back (I am not saying you choose try either of these or that you shouldn't. I just want you to think about them.)
   
   
4. What About a Pillow?
   Be as good to your neck and shoulders as you are to your back; pick a pillow built for the way you sleep — one that cradles your head and allows your muscles to relax and rejuvenate.
   
   
5. Shop for the best value and quality of the mattress rather than for price.
   A high-quality mattress is worth the investment, when you think about how much time you spend on it! The impact a good mattress can have on low back pain and sleep comfort is enormous. Remember that mattresses with more coils and thicker padding tend to be higher quality and also more expensive, but a big price is no guarantee that the mattress is better than a cheaper one. Mattress stores often have sales and promotions—so do your research and comparison-shop for the best price after finding the right mattress.
   
   
6. Try Out Your New Bed!!
   You should lay on the mattress with your shoes off for several minutes, getting a feeling for the mattress. If two people will be sleeping on the mattress, you should test it at the same time, to ensure enough space and comfort. If possible, only purchase a bed that you can try out for a minimum of 60-90 days as it's difficult to know if it's the right bed or mattress for you when you purchase it. Most companies allow for trials. If you have a membership at Costco check out their beds and mattresses as they have an incredible return policy. You can also go to Sleep Comfort stores as they have beds such as the Sleep Comfort and the Temper-Pedic beds that you can try right in the store.
   
   
7. Take Care of Your New Mattress!
   If appropriate, rotate your new mattress 180 degrees and flip it lengthwise every six months. This helps make sure that your mattress wears evenly.

If you are still having troubles sleeping you may want to consider using a natural sleep aide. Get a FREE Trial of Sleepzyme. A great product by The Healthy Back Institute, the makers of the great back relief program "Lose the Back Pain"!