There are few things more personal than the mattress on our bed. With age, changes occur in muscle and bone density and mobility problems may arise. Therefore, as the years go by, you should consider replacing your old conventional mattress with a mattress specifically for seniors. These adapt to your health needs, provide a balance between rigidity and stability and help improve comfort and sleep quality.
Although at first glance they may seem the same, mattresses for seniors have some specific qualities. They are usually made of viscoelastic, as it is a material that distributes weight evenly and prevents the appearance of skin ulcers for those people who remain bedridden for a long time. Below, we explain what aspects you should look for when choosing a mattress for an elderly person.
Chronic back pain is a common limitation among older people. To alleviate these symptoms, your mattress needs to have a medium-high firmness to provide lumbar support and good spinal alignment.
Geriatric mattresses are designed to offer a high level of rigidity and adaptability and some incorporate a lifting system to facilitate getting in and out of bed.
Likewise, the material from which the mattress is designed must adapt to the shape of the body. This is an essential quality to relieve pressure on areas most sensitive to discomfort, such as the shoulders and hips, mitigate the risk of ulcers and offer greater comfort.
Older people are more prone to incontinence and leakage problems. A waterproof protective cover will help keep the mattress in optimal condition, prevent the accumulation of mites and bacteria, and prevent the person sleeping on it from getting stained.
A breathable mattress is essential to prevent moisture from accumulating and thus reduce the risk of fungal growth. Additionally, increased ventilation provides a healthier sleeping environment.
Viscoelastic offers support and flexibility that adapts to the characteristics of each body. This material becomes a good ally when it comes to alleviating pressure on the joints and improving blood circulation during rest hours.
Medical mattresses are a type that incorporates layers of high-density foam that provide additional support and are aimed at people who require specialized care. On the other hand, there are models for articulated beds that fold and adjust to provide adequate support in any position.
