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What Are the Top Features of an Orthopaedic Bed?

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Fit For Bed

December 12, 2024
Tossing and turning in search of sleep comfort? It’s time to explore the many features of an orthopaedic bed.

When it comes to sleep, your mattress isn’t just a piece of furniture – it’s your nightly sanctuary, the foundation upon which restful nights and productive days are built. Without proper spinal alignment and support, your nights can become a battle rather than a break. That’s why you may want to explore the features of an orthopaedic bed.

How do you know that your mattress is failing to offer the support that your body needs at night?

  • Morning aches and pains in your back, neck, shoulders and hips
  • Poor sleep quality characterised by tossing and turning
  • Numbness and tingling in heavier parts of your body, like hips and shoulders
  • Visible sagging or indentations in your mattress

This is where orthopaedic beds swoop in as the unsung heroes, offering targeted support for anyone dealing with the daily discomforts of poor spinal alignment.

Which mattresses promise orthopaedic support?

Choosing the right orthopaedic bed isn’t as straightforward as picking the fluffiest option. There are a variety of mattresses that promise ergonomic support.

Ergonomic power of pocket coils

If mattresses were to hold a royal title, pocket spring beds might just take the crown. Engineered for durability and comfort, these mattresses are a long-term investment in quality sleep. The top features of these orthopaedic beds are the individual springs, each encased in separate fabric pockets, allowing them to move independently.

The magic of pocketed coils lies in their ability to provide zoned spinal support. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, these beds adapt to the contours of your body, distributing weight evenly and accommodating pressure points. There are two prominent types of pocket spring beds:

  1. Linear pocket springs offer consistent support across the mattress, with coils arranged in straight rows. They’re typically the better option for lighter-weight people who prefer a slightly softer sleep surface.
  2. Nested pocket springs take spinal support a step further, with coils arranged in a honeycomb-like structure for even more responsive, personalised comfort. There are 30% more springs in a nested pocket coil bed, making it firmer and more suitable for heavier-set people.

Let’s talk latex

Latex is still one of the most popular mattress materials for those who value durability, natural composition, and exceptional support. Unlike memory foam, latex responds to movement quickly, which is what makes it such an excellent choice for ergonomic support and long nights of undisturbed rest.

Latex is also far cooler, as latex is naturally aerated, offering a more breathable consistency. Whether you opt for natural or synthetic latex, the benefits are undeniable: robust back support, hypoallergenic properties, and long-lasting performance.

Pick your posture with adjustable beds

Customisable comfort, anyone?

Adjustable beds allow you to find the perfect position for reading, watching TV, or simply kicking back. Although a little on the pricey side – which may impact on how to decide if you should buy an adjustable bed, they are particularly useful for individuals with chronic pain. An adjustable bed is especially effective when paired with a high-quality latex mattress, which helps to alleviate pressure points in a way standard beds cannot.

The features of an orthopaedic bed should include breathability, such as is found in latex mattresses.

Five Primary Features of an Orthopaedic Bed

Now that we understand more about these ergonomically designed beds, what features of an orthopaedic bed should one look for?

1. Firmness Level

Orthopaedic beds tend to be medium-firm to firm. This offers the kind of spinal alignment that says, “I’ve got your back.” While the firmness level is largely a personal preference, it’s worth noting that a firmer mattress provides better support for back sleepers and heavier individuals.

2. Material Quality

Mattresses are made using a variety of different materials, and not all of them are of equal grade. High-quality materials, such as gel-infused foam or premium latex, can make a world of difference. Look for durability, breathability, and hypoallergenic properties, especially if you live in humid climates or have allergies.

3. Support Zones

It’s time to say goodbye to a one-size-fits-all mattress. Zoned support, where different areas of the bed offer varying degrees of firmness and support, helps ensure that your mattress adapts to your body’s unique needs. A bed with properly designed zones will offer softer support for shoulders and legs, as well as firmer support for heavier waist areas, resulting in far better spinal alignment.

4. Pressure Relief

Whether you opt for foam or springs, pressure relief is crucial. The features of orthopaedic beds should culminate in offering a cradling of pressure points without creating new ones. The result? You wake up feeling rested and pain-free!

5. Durability and Warranty

A mattress is an investment, and you should expect it to last. Features like reinforced edges and sag resistance contribute to durability. And don’t skimp on the warranty, either – it’s your safety net if your new mattress doesn’t live up to all it promised to be.

Enhanced Spinal Support with the Orthopedic BackZone

For South Africans looking to prioritise their spinal health and overall well-being, the Harris Hotel Orthopedic BackZone delivers in every way. It’s the kind of mattress that helps you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day – without the dreaded morning aches. Crafted with care and precision and based on international chiropractic concepts that include a high coil count, the Orthopedic BackZone balances comfort and durability effortlessly.

  • Pocket Coils: Individually encased springs provide targeted comfort for the whole body and reduce motion transfer between partners.
  • Ergonomic Design: The middle third of the mattress comprises a firmer nested pocket spring system to support typically heavier hip and thigh regions. The head and foot areas of the mattress are linear pocket coils, ideal for lighter parts of the body. This chiropractically endorsed design promotes spinal alignment, relieves pressure points, and enhances circulation.
  • High-Density Support: Encased in a durable 30-density virgin foam, the Orthopedic BackZone gives you superior, all-night-long cool comfort for years to come.
  • Cotton-Based Stretch-Knit Fabric: Aloe vera-infused cotton-based fabric keeps this mattress cool and plush, while effortlessly adapting to your movements and mattress support.
  • Overall Breathability: By combining the coolness and breathability of latex, pocket coils, and cotton-based fabric, the Orthopedic BackZone is designed for ultimate temperature regulation.
  • Warranty and Guarantee: A 13-year warranty and 2-year guarantee put your mind at ease from day one.

Above all advantages of a great mattress, spinal alignment remains the top feature of an orthopaedic bed.

Find the features of an orthopaedic bed that matter to you

Choosing a mattress is about more than just ticking a box; it’s about prioritising your daily health for years to come. Focus on key features of an orthopadeic bed, like firmness, material quality, zoned support, and durability, and you’ll find yourself with a mattress that meets your needs best.
If you have questions, allow us to help you find the bed you need – simply reach out to us, or visit any of our stores.

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