Best Mattress For Scoliosis
Your search for the best mattress for scoliosis is a personal one. The mattress you choose will be with you for years to come. Take time to really consider all of the options available as well as their potential benefits. The first step in your search is to set a budget. Getting good sleep is priceless but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Finding the best mattress for scoliosis and learning that it is outside your financial possibility won’t do you any good. By starting with a maximum budget in mind, you can narrow down the options to ones that you can afford. That will save you lots of time and effort. Next, examine what your personal requirements are. Doctor and physical therapist recommendations for your individual needs will come into play here. Sleep positions vary from one person to another and can influence your support and comfort needs for a bed for scoliosis.
What is Scoliosis?
As you look for the best mattress for scoliosis, it helps to understand what this medical condition is. It is defined as a lateral spinal curvature that is abnormal. This curvature of the spine can cause a range of issues for the afflicted; from minor inconvenience to debilitating pain. Scoliosis patients can experience disruptions in sleep as a result of waking up in pain. Sometimes environmental factors like temperature can wake a person and discomfort will keep them from getting back to sleep. Scoliosis and other chronic back pain conditions will impact what your mattress needs are. However, it’s important to note that there is no mattress on the market that will treat scoliosis. A mattress can provide pressure relief that can help manage the pain as your sleep.
Talk to Your Doctor About Scoliosis
The best mattress for scoliosis is dependent on what type of scoliosis you have as well as your specific situation. No two curvature abnormalities are exactly alike; therefore only broad recommendations can be made without more information. Your doctor, however, should be a resource for you and your individual needs. Whether your scoliosis is presented as a C-curve or S-curve and how dramatic the issue is may change the recommendations from your doctor. When you talk to your physician, be sure to ask all of the relevant questions. Ask for firmness and position recommendations and also about pillow use and other support devices. Talk about your pressure points and other concerns. The guidance you receive from medical professionals is vital to making your selection of the best mattress for scoliosis.
Why the Mattress Is Important
Even the best mattress for scoliosis won’t correct the issue. However, your comfort in bed can be the key to getting a good night’s sleep. The benefits you get from quality sleep can improve your outlook and the way that you feel. Sleep is essential for a number of bodily processes including healing and muscle recovery. Memory and mental focus also require sleep. Scoliosis sufferers whose pain is intense or constantly achy may not get the amount or quality of sleep they need. Choosing the best mattress for scoliosis might aid you in getting to sleep and staying asleep.
Sleep Position
Your sleeping position can affect which is the best mattress for scoliosis. A board certified physician might discuss with you a need to alter your regular position. For example, side sleepers might be encouraged by a doctor to sleep on one side versus the other. Sleeping on the stomach may increase back, neck and/or shoulder pain. Sometimes with scoliosis a person will experience issues with breathing. This is yet another reason the doctor might suggest a modified position. For many people sleeping in a neutral back position will work best.
Firmness and Support Consideration For Scoliosis
Consider the level of firmness when evaluating the best mattress for scoliosis. The key here is to get the mattress that will provide optimal back support without sacrificing comfort. After all, if you can’t get comfortable you won’t get good sleep. Generally speaking, a mattress that keeps the spine and torso straight with a medium upper layer of support will do. You basically want the sleep surface to slightly contour your body. Too much give and you’re likely to sink in, causing awkward spinal alignment. This won’t be comfortable and could even increase pain. However, having too firm a mattress might produce pressure points for some scoliosis patients. That’s why it is always best to consult a doctor concerning medical issues. Medium firm options may be ideal for someone but more firm support might be for another person. Avoid a mattress that is inconsistent with support. Soft spots aren’t comfortable or helpful for anyone.
Most Popular Sleeping Positions with Scoliosis
The most popular sleeping positions for scoliosis sufferers is on the back or side. For someone with scoliosis, sleeping on one side can feel a lot different than sleeping on the other. Many mattresses won’t satisfy alignment on both sides but the Glideaway Totality does a better job of it. That’s due to its supportive bottom layer combined with its comfortable top.
Side Sleepers with Scoliosis
Sleeping on the side is not only the most common sleep position in America. It is also one of the most used by scoliosis sufferers. That’s because many people with this condition find it to be the most comfortable way to sleep. To find a mattress that works well for side sleeping, support will be the most important consideration. Medium mattresses are known to be the best choice for side sleepers, but not all medium mattresses are created equal. A medium supportive mattress will have enough give to cradle the hips allowing for correct alignment. Meanwhile it will be supportive enough to prevent the hips from dropping too far which would cause more of a curve in the spine.
When a mattress doesn’t provide this needed support to the hips and upper back, back pain associated with scoliosis increases. Below is a great option for side sleepers seeking proper support and alignment. From what we have observed, this option is ideal for those who weigh between 120 and 180 pounds.
Glideaway Totality
There are two key reasons the Glideaway Totality memory foam mattress is good for side sleepers with scoliosis. First, its upper layer allows the hips to sit comfortably with adequate support. Second, the Totality’s cool gel helps with temperature regulation for those who get hot while sleeping.
Back Sleepers with Scoliosis
Hip support is also very important for those with scoliosis who sleep on the back. Additionally, upper back support must be sufficiently supported in this sleep position.
Glideaway Transform and Totality
The Glideaway Totality memory foam mattress is also a good option for back sleepers thanks to its supportive top layer. Another good option to consider is the Glideaway Transform. It is a little firmer than the Totality and can therefore accommodate a heavier person. It works best for those who are 180 pounds or heavier whereas the Totality works better for those under this body weight.
Types of Mattresses
Material composition of the best mattress for scoliosis can be one of several types. As long as the mattress provides even weight distribution and comfortable sleep, it could be the right one for you. Design materials like memory foam and latex are responsive and can contour, or adapt to the shape of your body. Memory foam mattresses are high density. They provide good support without affecting firmness levels. Latex mattresses have other desirable qualities such as multiple layers of foam for adjustable firmness. Either can assist those suffering from scoliosis to relieve pressure.
Another Consideration for Scoliosis
As part of having a good mattress for scoliosis, you may consider pillows and how they can impact body positioning. If you sleep on your side, you might prefer a low-profile pillow, one with good support and a soft layer. However, if the pillow is too soft, it could cause the neck to bend into an uncomfortable position. Good sleep posture is especially vital for those with scoliosis. When a pillow is too high, it also puts strain on the neck and may sacrifice proper alignment. Many people select the Glideaway Verda pillow because it is soft yet supportive. The Glideaway Verda works in a side sleeping position and also for back sleepers. A good pillow is like icing on the cake of a good mattress for scoliosis.
Conclusion
Memory foam often works well for people who need a mattress for scoliosis. This primarily is because of the solid base of support of a memory foam mattress compared to spring mattresses. Its conforming properties also hold the body gently and protectively in alignment. This can improve sleep posture and reduce pressure points which can be painful and prevent quality sleep. Glideaway’s Totality and Transform mattresses are both good mattresses for scoliosis. Each of these have the qualities needed in a mattress by people with scoliosis. Choosing between the two is simply based on a person’s body weight. For those weighing less than 180, we suggest going with the Glideaway Totality. For those 180 or more, we recommend the Glideaway Transform.
Resources
https://www.spine-health.com/video/idiopathic-scoliosis-video
https://www.verywellhealth.com/scoliosis-lateral-curve-of-the-spine-2548780
