Typically the three main questions addressed when choosing a mattress are:

• What type of mattress is suitable for each patient?
• How do you relate the patient’s condition with the right mattress?
• What components/materials should be used?

While bedding manufacturers might have a great deal of knowledge and insight into the materials required to make a mattress, as healthcare professionals, our concern is around recommending a mattress system that also considers alignment and pressure – factors which contribute to healthy sleep and minimise health issues.

We have no active control on spine alignment during sleep. A non-neutral posture can apply lateral bending, sheering and unbalanced loading on intervertebral disks, facet joints and associated soft tissues. Repair and restoration of intervertebral disks as a hydrated tissue and soft tissues are based on the amount of pressure and its manner of application on them. With the correct spinal alignment and pressure during sleep, these structures are unloaded and can repair and rehydrate to restore their elasticity.

Research has been done on the effect of mechanical parameters of sleep systems (cushion, mattress, bed base) on the posture of an individual, manner of load distribution, comfort and physiological responses of the body like muscle relaxation. The effect of these parameters on the soundness of vertebral column has been also investigated. Soft surfaces cause the increase in low back pain due to incorrect support of vertebral column. Thereagainst, mattresses with high stiffness lead to shoulder and hip pain, and cause the decrease in sleep quality and improper distribution of body loads.

Research has also suggested that to maintain the spine in optimal alignment during sleep is the use of surfaces with different elastic properties, the so called custom-made arrangement. However, individuals with different body types require different mattress features in order that the mattress maintains their spine in natural alignment with minimal pressure during sleep. Every person should have an individually adapted mattress according to their physical needs and conditions

Inadequate support of the lumbar spine during sleep could contribute to the development of low back pain. Lumbar support during sleeping could be even more important for subjects with chronic or recurrent low back pain.

At PrescriBED, we take the guesswork out of bedding by using a unique three step process we’ve developed to prescribe the best mattress for your body. It is the most validated and reliable diagnostic system available. We are able to provide patients with cutting edge and unmatched technology with the best and most advanced materials available.

With a mattress that supports your body both in alignment and pressure; your body will be able to rest and rejuvenate to its full potential. We know as healthcare professionals the negative ramifications of poor sleep. By analysing spinal alignment and physical pressure between the body and mattress, areas of high pressure or mal alignment, can be eliminated, allowing you to enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep.

Our diagnostic process below addresses the issues that research has demonstrated that if you do not have spinal alignment or if there is too much pressure on the body, there are health consequences.