The Southeastern Spine Institute

If you’ve recently had back surgery, it’s time to evaluate your mattress. Comfortable support is always necessary for deep sleep, but you need it even more once you’ve had back surgery. Your best healing occurs when you sleep.

By purchasing the most suitable bed now helps you avoid problems in the future. Some things to consider when choosing a mattress include your:

  • Budget
  • Doctor’s suggestions
  • Personal preference

There’s a wide range of mattresses on the market, from the very high-end pillow-tops to the bargain basement versions you can get at discount stores. Deciding on a budget should be your first priority when choosing a mattress. Going in without a price range in mind could lead you to fall in love with a mattress you can’t afford.

In addition to a budget, have a list of the features you want to help you choose the right one. Include options on your list, such as:

  • How much give the mattress has
  • Whether it can support your entire body
  • If it supports your back sufficiently
  • How it feels when you lie on it

Go with Professional Advice
Your doctor may have some mattress suggestions for you. He can tell you what features to look for and what brands may suit your back issues the best. Your spine physician knows your history and understands that you need support for your back.

Mattress options and materials change rapidly. Do your research ahead of time. You should have a general idea of the pros and cons of each mattress type when choosing a mattress. A few tips on what you’ll encounter when you begin your search include:

  • Memory foam is often referred to as Tempur-pedic, after the brand that originated the concept. It’s a mattress made up of foam layers with a polyurethane core. This means no springs and a really firm mattress that doesn’t have a lot give.
  • Latex mattresses might the best choice for you if you have any allergies. They’re antimicrobial and resistant to both mold and dust mites. They’re a little less firm than memory foam mattresses, but are still considered a firm mattress. Reducing allergic reactions helps you achieve a greater level of sleeping comfort at a time when you need it the most.
  • Sleep-number beds are a great choice if you have a bedmate with totally different sleeping needs or mattress preferences. Choosing a mattress for like this allows you each to adjust the angle of your mattress as well as adjusting the firmness level of the mattress so you have a bed that’s unique to you.

Try Before You Buy

Finally, when choosing a mattress, be sure to test each one in the store. Plan to spend hours on this project because you really need about 15 to 20 minutes on each different bed to determine its suitability.

And don’t just sit on the edge of the mattress and bounce a little. Dress comfortably and prepare to lie down on the mattress and move into the various positions in which you sleep each night. Don’t allow a salesperson to rush you. Remember that it’s your back that’s on the line, not his.