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The Best Mattresses for Elderly Seniors

When determining the best mattress for elderly seniors, there are important factors to take into consideration. While purchasing a memory foam, traditional coil, latex or breathable mattress are possible options, your general and specific health and sleep patterns must be considered. Charles Cefalu, MD, chief of geriatric medicine at Louisiana State University, suggests on the WebMD website that you balance the need for support of neck, legs and back with ensuring you have cushion and support.

  1. Assess Health and Sleep Conditions

    • The best mattress for elderly seniors must take into consideration the purchaser's health and sleep history. For example, if a senior is experiencing sleep disorders due to medical conditions such as blood circulatory leg problems, an adjustable mattress and bed will improve blood circulation and relax muscles. Those with lower back pain, may need a mattress that is firmer, such as an adjustable air mattress. A patient who suffers from upper back and neck pain should consider plusher bedding that can allow the thoracic area and head, " to sink into the bed to support the cervical area," according to the website Dynamic Chiropractic.

    Selection Process

    • When you are ready to select a mattress, make certain you allocate time to visit a few locations as well as time to assess the several mattresses at each location. When testing the mattress, consider that this is a major purchase that will decide your sleep comfort for the next several years, so take 15 to 20 minutes for each mattress you are interested in. Go through your various sleep patterns and lie on your side, your stomach and your back. In addition, try shopping for a mattress later in the day, when you may feel less perky and agreeable, suggests Roger Herr, PT, a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association.

    Memory Foam Mattress

    • A memory foam mattress can be a wonderful selection for elderly seniors due to the ability of the foam to reshape around the body, which can eliminate pressure points on the body. One of the health benefits this type of mattress provides the body is a soothing effect to muscles and aching joints; upon awakening, there is no joint and muscle pain. This type of foam mattress, also known as visco-elastic foam, differs from regular foam because it becomes elastic in higher temperatures as it responds to body heat and provides a floating sensation to the body.

    Breathable Mattress Benefits

    • Another mattress type that is beneficial for elderly seniors is the breathable mattress that has an open cell structure. This is a mattress that allows air to flow freely within the mattress, causing less muscle tenseness in the winter months. Seniors, like babies, have delicate bodies and need a mattress that causes less discomfort due to frigidness during cold weather or that does not distribute warm air better in warmer months, according to the website American Chronicle.

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