Aches and pains are common features as we age. If we manage to escape injuries and chronic health conditions, one inevitable fact is our body starts to stiffen up. As we accept this fact, we may also ignore how some factors of changing our lifestyle may reduce the recurrent stiffness and pain. Most often missed out is how a bed mattress can help relieve bodily discomfort for seniors.

Although seniors over the age of sixty may believe that sleep deprivation is also a sign of ageing, studies have shown that everyone should get about seven hours of sleep a night. Seniors may also become attached to their existing mattress since old habits die hard. It is however important to realise that getting a new mattress with good support for the ageing body could be the best investment for years to come. Moreover, as we age, we are more prone to staying in bed more.

So, what should we consider when buying a mattress for ourselves, or for our ageing parents? Here are some things to consider.

Mattress Types for Over 60

Memory foam mattresses have the winning edge because they have features that appeal to those over sixty years of age. Memory foam mattresses as the name suggests, do a good job of evenly distributing our weight. It helps to reduce pressure points and prevent us from disturbing our partners when we get up in the middle of the night. The downside of a memory foam mattress is that it can be on the warm side and unsuitable for tropical weather.

Latex mattress is a good bet if your healthcare professional has advised you to go for something firm. Latex has many properties of memory form but they tend to be a bit firmer. Latex also does not overheat at night.

Although mattresses with innerspring are the most popular, made with an abundance of coils, it may not necessarily provide you with a good night’s sleep as there may not be enough coils to support your weight evenly. Air mattresses on the other hand, may provide different conditions for each partner in bed, but if it is not firm enough, it can worsen an existing back pain.

If it seems like there are too many options to choose from, how about considering a hybrid mattress?

Hybrid Mattress

Bedding Affairs Malaysia's MattX Mattress are hybrid. Our MattX™ Mattress is made of latex and memory form. The mattress’ top is covered with TENCEL™ Twin-Cool technology & Artic Cool Technology™ which provides night sweaters a breathable, moisture absorbent and icy cooling sleep. The second layer is filled with latex and underneath it is memory foam infused with cool gel to cool the surface helping draw heat away from the body. Two firmness choices in one mattress simply flip over and shift the removable TENCEL™ cover on the side where firmness suits your best. Each side is a different firmness, 7 to 8.5 on the firmness scale (1 being soft and 10 being hard).

Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds are also a good option for seniors who find it hard to get up or find that lying flat is uncomfortable. It is certainly something to consider as one gets older. Bedding Affairs' Sleepthetic™ Adjustable Bed Base helps with those suffering from heartburn/acid reflux, asthma and snoring.

Although there are many physical changes as we age, it should not deprive a peaceful and comfortable sleep. Having a good night’s sleep requires a proactive approach. If you have already made different changes such as diet and lifestyle, including a body check-up but still waking up in the middle of the night or having a sore back, it is time to question if the old mattress is the problem and it may be the time to make a change.