Do you suffer from arthritis or joint pain? If the answer is yes, then you’ll understand that getting a good night’s sleep can be a major problem.
Luckily, your choice of mattress could provide a solution.
So, what is the best type of mattress for arthritis sufferers? We take a closer look at memory foam to find out why it’s so good for easing pressure and helping people with arthritis get some much-needed sleep.
Read on to find the relief you’ve been looking for.
How Arthritis Affects Your Sleep
Persistent aches and joint pain can cause havoc with your sleep. Living with chronic pain can feel worse at night-time in particular when there are less distractions. An overly firm mattress or uncomfortable sleeping surface can make things worse.
There are two main types of Arthritis;
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation around joints, causing severe discomfort.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is sometimes referred to as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis as it describes the damage caused to the cartilage between joints. This can cause pain, stiffness and swelling.
With both types of arthritis, stiffness and pain upon waking is a common complaint. That’s why a supportive mattress is vital.
The Benefits of Memory Foam
Lying awake at night with swollen and throbbing joints is torture – so thank goodness there’s a way to ease the pain. Memory foam can soothe joint pain and arthritis by relieving pressure and easing swelling.
Here’s why memory foam provides the ultimate comfort and support for arthritis and other similar conditions;
- Provides a soft, comfort layer to cushion pressure points and joints
- Absorbs movement
- Provides a soft, supportive sleeping surface for all sleeping positions, especially side sleepers
- Encourages healthy spinal alignment
Ways a Memory Foam Mattress Can Ease Joint Pain & Arthritis
Let’s take a closer look at what a memory foam mattress can offer;
Full Body Support & Pressure-Relief
The support you receive from a traditional sprung mattress is inconsistent. Your shoulders and hips take the brunt of the pressure, pressing down uncomfortably on your mattress – while your lower back is in mid-air and your legs are unsupported. This is what makes it so uncomfortable for joint pain and arthritis sufferers.
With memory foam;
- Your spine is correctly aligned, easing back pain and stiffness
- High pressure areas such as your hips and shoulders enjoy extra cushioning, as the foam moulds to your contours
- Every part of your body is supported by the contouring foam including your lower back, legs and ankles
- Joint pain is eased, as the foam relieves pressure and makes you feel weightless
- With full body support comes full relaxation, allowing muscles and joints to relax and rejuvenate
Movement Absorption
Painful joints often result in lots of tossing and turning at night. Memory foam reduces movement by to 80%, dramatically reducing night-time strain on your joints.
Healthy Blood Circulation
This is one of the major reasons that memory foam is used in medical facilities. With pressure relief and healthy posture comes improved blood circulation. This offers incredible relief from joint pain and arthritis, as improved blood circulation means reduced swelling. In addition, healthy circulation reduces the risk of bed sores which is a great benefit if you have to spend a lot of time in bed or are recovering from an operation.
Cooling Relief
If you often wake up feeling too hot and suffer from increased swelling, chaffing and general discomfort as a result then a cooling memory foam mattress could help. Recent innovations in memory foam technology allow you to enjoy all the soothing benefits of foam whilst maintaining a cool and comfortable temperature.
Memory Foam Mattress Reviews: Real Life Stories
We’ve gone on for long enough about the miracles of memory foam. But don’t just take our word for it! Find out firsthand from real people how a memory foam mattress has helped ease their arthritis related sleep problems;
“I have arthritis in all my major joints and when I used to wake up on my old spring style mattress I’d be in agony, literally. My nights were restless, painful and miserable. Now I sleep all night and wake up without feeling like I’ve been run over by a bus! For anyone with joint problems get a memory foam mattress! It’s just heaven!” – Louise
“I can’t believe I waited so long to get a memory foam mattress – I LOVE it! And my bones love it too – for the first time in years I’ve been able to sleep comfortably without being woken by joint pain if I stayed in the same position too long. Thank you!” – Fiona
What is the Best Mattress for Aches and Pains?
It’s time to get down to the best mattresses for arthritis sufferers.
Orthopedic Mattresses
Memory foam orthopedic mattresses are designed specifically for sufferers of back or joint pain, making them the perfect sleeping surface for arthritis sufferers. Deep layers of medical grade foam can deliver the support and comfort you need to sleep through the night.
The Classicpedic Memory Foam Mattress
Our classicpedic orthopedic mattress comes with a luxuriously soft top layer of foam over a firmer supportive base. The strategically placed grooves in the medical grade foam cushion the major pressure points. No wonder it’s been recommended by physios across the country!
Benefits:
- Medium firm support
- 23cm mattress depth
- Triple layer design
- Hypoallergenic
Zen Ergopedic Memory Foam Mattress
Featuring HD memory foam and three layers of hard-working materials, the Zen Ergopedic memory foam mattress is one of our bestsellers when it comes to extra lumbar support.
Innovative memory foam moulds to the shape of your body, alleviating aches and pains as you sleep.
Benefits:
- Medium support
- 15cm mattress depth
- Targeted lower back support
- Soft, quilted cover
- Medical grade foam with zoned air channels
Cooling Memory Foam Mattresses
If you find traditional memory foam too hot, the following mattress designs could be for you;
The Pedic Deluxe 4G Aircool Memory Foam Mattress
4G Aircool Mattresses are made from innovative 4G Aircool Memory Foam. This foam has gel particles within it which release a cooling sensation when you lie down, keeping you cool and dry throughout the night.
The Pedic Deluxe Aircool mattress helps promote airflow by up to 95%, combining the support of orthopedic foam with refreshing technology. Ideal for those who find traditional orthopedic mattresses too warm.
Benefits:
- Medium support
- Medical grade foam
- Cooling particles
- Targeted support
- Suitable for heavier sleepers
- Antibacterial, eucalyptus infused cover
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Coolmax XL 4G Air Memory Foam Mattress
Coolmax Mattresses have a luxurious memory foam interior and a cool fabric cover. Coolmax fabric is ultra-breathable, and wicks away excess body heat and moisture before it builds up around you.
The Coolmax XL mattress is particularly suited to arthritis sufferers due to the super thick foam layers.
Benefits:
- 30cm mattress depth
- Suitable for heavier sleepers
- Cooling 4G memory foam upper layer
- Washable Coolmax cover
- Supportive with a bouncy feel
Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to ease joint pains, a memory foam mattress topper could provide the extra cushioning you need.
Memory Foam Pillows
The final piece to the perfect bedtime environment is a supportive pillow. The Coolmax Contour Memory Foam Pillow features a special shape to help align your spine and eliminate neck and shoulder pain.
Invest In Your Sleep
It’s no coincidence that memory foam is so popular in the medical sector. The unique pressure-relieving properties make it ideal for easing joint pain, arthritis and many other conditions too.
To see what a memory foam mattress could do for your sleep, browse our full range of memory foam mattresses and be on your way to perfect sleep.