Orthopedic or anatomical: what's the difference?

The modern market offers two types of mattresses: with orthopedic and anatomical effect. In fact, this is one field of berries, as they are designed to provide us with a comfortable and healthy sleep. But there is still a difference between them. With what effect to choose a product is determined individually, taking into account height, weight, age and state of health.

Orthopedic mattress is more rigid. It takes the shape of the body, adjusting to all the curves of the spine, so it is recommended for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, with problems of the musculoskeletal system. Such a mattress does not have a therapeutic effect, but only reduces pain and helps to avoid the rapid development of the disease.

The anatomical mattress is much softer, thanks to which it takes not only the shape of the body, but also adapts to all its contours. The pressure on the main points decreases, excesses and stagnation are excluded in the body, which is why you wake up rested and full of energy.

Anatomical effect mattresses have a memory effect. They easily bend under the weight of the body and also easily take their original shape.

Products are good for people who lead an active lifestyle, who need to relax the body as much as possible after exertion, suffering from pain in the lumbar region, as well as age categories from 60 and children from 4 years old.

Anatomic mattress.

Having understood the purpose of mattresses, it's time to move on to their varieties of filling.

Mattress type

All mattresses are divided into two categories: spring and springless. The former are increasingly giving way to the latter, but still remain in demand, since among them you can find high-quality models, while being relatively affordable in cost.

With spring blocks

Spring blocks in mattresses are of two types:

  • with dependent type Bonnel springs.
  • independent type Pocket Spring.

Bonnel - steel wire rolled into a spiral, the edges of which are closed with a special "lock". Springs (100 - 150 pieces per 1 sq.m) are woven together and attached to a metal frame. Layers of filler are laid on top of them. It can be felt, batting, polyurethane, synthetic winterizer.

The main advantage of Bonnel blocks is their low cost, but their orthopedic effect is very conditional, because. when one spring is compressed, the neighboring springs are involved in the process. In fact, Bonnel mattresses are considered yesterday and are used in single mattresses and economy class sofas.

Spring mattress with Bonnel blocks.

Bonnel does not withstand the heavy weight of the user. The load on a double seat should not exceed 120 kg. When the weight is exceeded, the springs begin to creak, can break off from the frame, unwind or break. In addition, an excessive load on such a mattress quickly leads to the appearance of sagging areas, waves, and a rolling effect on it.

For a double bed, it is better to buy a mattress with independent spring blocks. In this design, each spring is packed in a separate case made of dense fabric. Since the springs are not interconnected, each one compresses depending on the force of the load on it, which provides the mattress with a good orthopedic, and in some cases, anatomical effect. The more springs per square meter, the better the flexibility and elasticity of such a mattress. It remains to add a good filler, usually latex, polyurethane foam or coconut coir, and a comfortable sleep is provided.

Mattress with independent spring blocks.

Springless

Springless mattresses do not have a metal frame and springs. Elasticity and rigidity are achieved solely through fillers.

Springless mattress.

In addition, springless models have clear advantages:

  • noiselessness;
  • light weight;
  • flexibility (some of them can be twisted).

Air and water

In addition to the main types of mattresses, there are more extravagant ones that are rarely used in households due to the complexity of maintenance and high cost.

  • Air. The air in such a mattress is pumped with a compressor or pump. Double models consist of two chambers, so each user inflates his side according to his needs. Air mattresses support every part of the body well, and the firmness is easy to adjust.
  • Water. The water contained in the mattress distributes the load well. However, these products are not for everyone. Due to the uneven distribution of weight over the body, discomfort is possible during sleep, pinching of some areas. On a water mattress, it is difficult to achieve balance for two sleeping people. You can’t buy such a model if there are cats, dogs in the house, because in case of damage it will have to be thrown away, and it’s easy to flood the neighbors.

Fillers

The composition, quality and thickness of the fillers determine such parameters as the rigidity of the mattress, its durability and the ability to "breathe". And the mattress must breathe without fail, otherwise it will be hot to sleep on it, and an unpleasant smell may appear.

In modern orthopedic mattresses, three main types of fillers are used:

  • Latex. Hypoallergenic porous durable material based on rubber wood. Provides high comfort of operation. Too soft, so not suitable for hard mattresses.
  • Coir coir. Rigid, well-ventilated coconut wood material in the form of pressed fibres. Mattresses with such filler are the warmest.
  • Polyurethane foam. Synthetic and cheaper analogue of latex with the same porous structure and high hypoallergenic properties. But unlike its natural counterpart, it is more rigid and poorly suited for soft mattresses.

Less common are fillers made of sheep's wool, felt and cotton, but they are used mainly as additional layers.

Mattress stiffness: how to choose the best model?

Whatever the mattress, its rigidity plays a major role in ensuring good health during and after sleep. And here is the time to remember the differences between anatomical and orthopedic models. In order to experience comfort and not harm the body, when buying a mattress, you need to focus on age, weight, ailments, and even habits. For example, the position in which you are accustomed to sleeping.

Conventionally, there are 3 degrees of mattress rigidity:

  • High rigidity. This mattress is suitable for adults weighing over 90 kg. You should not refuse the product if you have scoliosis or osteochondrosis. The rigid surface guarantees a good orthopedic effect. On the other hand, such mattresses are contraindicated for pregnant women and those suffering from arthrosis and circulatory disorders.
  • Low hardness. As a rule, these are products with an anatomical effect. Suitable for thin, weighing up to 60 kg, old people who do not need extra stress on the joints, as well as those suffering from back pain.
  • Mattresses of medium hardness are called universal. They are good for children from 4 years old and adults with an average weight.
Hard mattress.

You can often find mattresses with varying degrees of firmness. For example:

  • Multizonal. One side is divided into different areas of stiffness, optimized for a specific part of the body.
  • Bilateral type "soft-medium", "medium-hard". Useful for people with chronic back pain. Depending on how they feel, they choose a convenient side. Often such models have the effect "winter / summer". Their "winter" side is usually softer and warmer, the "summer" side is harder and cooler. The effect of seasonality is achieved with the help of different fillers.
  • Mattresses for two. The right and left parts have different degrees of rigidity.

A variety of models of mattresses allows you to make the sleeping place of each family member cozy and comfortable.

Mattress dimensions: what to consider

Orthopedic mattresses are available in standard sizes. For a single bed, the width of the product is 80 or 90 cm. For one and a half 120 - 130 cm. There are the most options for double beds: 140, 160, 180 and 200 cm. The standard length of products ranges from 190 - 200 cm.

The height for products with a spring block starts from 10 cm, and the higher it is, the better. There are Pocket Spring mattresses with a height of 30 - 35 cm. Standard springless models, as a rule, have a height of 16 - 20 cm.

It is important to know that for a comfortable body position, the length of the mattress should be at least 10 cm longer than the height. Therefore, if the Lord has given you a height of two meters or more, order a mattress according to an individual project. It will cost more, but it will be comfortable.

Irregular mattress.

How to choose the right children's mattress

Children's mattresses, as a rule, are distinguished by a small size, no more than 70x140 cm, and a cheerful themed coloring (in products for babies). The filling may be different, but it must have anti- allergenic properties.

Important: a mattress for a baby under the age of 4 years must be hard so that the child's skeleton is properly formed. Older children, on the contrary, need a semi-hard or soft mattress, as they begin to lead an active lifestyle, and a hard product will create an unnecessary load on the joints and spine.

Healthy and sound sleep is the key to a good mood, peace of mind, excellent physical shape and mental activity. Do not save on health, choose the "right" mattress.

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