Do you remember our elders saying that one must sleep on the floor if one has a backache? They opined that sleeping on a soft mattress can cause further harm rather than relieve back pain. How right were they? Today, even orthopedic surgeons advise people with spinal cord problems to sleep on a firm surface to avoid aggravating the condition. But we are accustomed to sleeping on mattresses. So, manufacturers have created firm beds primarily to cater to this section of the population and named them ortho mattresses.
We shall review some of the best ortho mattresses available in India. The best thing about these ortho beds is that they suit the requirements of the elderly and young people with mild back pain. Besides, continuous sleeping on these beds can help avoid backache. However, we do not recommend people with chronic back issues sleep on them and expect to get immediate relief. On the other hand, we advise them to consult an orthopedic specialist before selecting their mattress.
Our Verdict
Memory foam beds can be expensive. Therefore, the Wakefit mattress qualifies as an ideal bed because of its reasonable pricing. The Sleepyhead Original BodyIQ mattress is also good on the pricing front. The Duroflex mattress is also reasonably priced, providing excellent comfort and relief from back pain. However, if budget is not an issue, I suggest opting for the Sleep Company Ortho Mattress with SmartGrid technology. This bed does not become hot because of its excellent air circulation. Secondly, it absorbs pressure better than the other beds discussed here. So, my choice is Sleep Company Ortho Mattress.
Sleep Company Ortho Mattress
You will love this mattress if you,
- Have minor back pain problems and seek immediate relief.
- Love sleeping on your sides.
- Like to sleep on the bed’s edges.
- Sit and work on the bed for long hours.
- Are well-built.
You will detest this bed if you,
- Like sleeping on your stomach.
- Relish a comfortable cushioning effect.
Before we review the Sleep Company Ortho mattress, let us understand its composition.
- High Resilience Support Foam: This layer provides better support to your back. The size varies according to the mattress’s thickness. The popular 6-inch and 8-inch models have a 2-inch support foam layer, whereas the 5-inch bed has a 4-inch support foam.
- The Transition Layer: It lies above the support foam layer and ensures better comfort by enhancing the bounciness aspect. The 5-inch bed does not have this layer, whereas the 6-inch and 8-inch beds have a 3-inch or 5-inch transition layer.
- The SmartGRID Layer: This mattress has a 1-inch layer equipped with proprietary SmartGRID technology to provide high-quality comfort and pain relief.
- The Top Layer: This common layer comprises a soft white, breathable cover made from 550 GSM knitted cotton.
The Revolutionary SmartGRID Technology is a mesh-type layer with nearly 2500 air channels to allow for free air circulation. This layer provides maximum comfort by enabling the spine to align appropriately and relieve body pain regardless of your sleeping pattern.
The SmartGRID layer is manufactured from non-toxic food-grade material. Since it is hypoallergenic, it suits children and older adults alike. This technology has an open structure to enable unrestricted airflow. It adjusts to your body contours and supports your spine perfectly.
The Smart Ortho mattress does not sweat when sleeping on it because of the free air circulation. Foam beds can feel uncomfortable because of body heat retention. But the SmartGRID technology makes the Smart Ortho mattress superior to ordinary foam beds.
Since the Smart Ortho mattress ranks 7 on the firmness scale, it is a semi-firm mattress ideal for people with mild back pain. This mattress is durable and does not sag. However, the white 550 GSM cotton knitted fabric cover quickly gets dirty.
Let us examine the pros and cons of the Sleep Company Smart Ortho Mattress.
Pros
- Gives relief from minor backaches.
- Durable and lasts for over ten years without sagging.
- Does not heat up when sleeping.
- Supports motion isolation.
Cons
- The white cover is prone to becoming soiled.
- E-commerce retail shoppers do not get the benefit of the 100-nights trial offer.
- Uncomfortable to shift when changing homes.
- Minor after-sales issues
Duroflex Livein Orthopedic Mattress
You will love the Duroflex Livein Orthopedic Mattress if,
- You have mild and recurring backache.
- You sit and work on your laptop for long hours.
- You need a customized mattress for your cot.
- You love sleeping on the bed’s edges.
You will not prefer this mattress if,
- Your backache worsens and turns chronic.
- You do not have an AC in your bedroom.
- You prefer to use both sides of the mattress.
Orthopedic mattresses are suited for people with mild back pain. However, if you have severe spinal cord issues, you must consult your doctor and act accordingly. The Duroflex Livein Orthopedic Mattress is a medium-firm mattress, ranking at 7 on a firmness scale of 10.
Let us see its structural breakup to understand its utilities better.
Like other mattresses in its category, this bed has four layers, including the anti-microbial fabric cover. It keeps bugs and dust mites away to protect your skin from irritations and infections.
- The bottom-most layer, also known as the Body Support layer, provides the ideal firmness to the bed.
- This bed comprises a Pressure Relieving Memory foam layer placed above the Body Support layer. This layer adjusts to your body contours and relieves minor backaches best.
- The Comfort layer at the top adds to the softness quotient and makes for a comfortable bed.
Memory foam beds are beneficial because they adjust to your body contours and regain their original shape quickly. This layer cradles your body pressure points to ensure you sleep comfortably at night.
Since the bottom support layer is firm, it can comfortably support weights up to 150 Kg. So, an 8-inch double bed would be ideal for couples. Since it is a medium-firm bed, you can sit on it for long hours and work on your laptop without feeling the strain. Softer beds would sink with sustained pressure and aggravate back problems.
Duroflex has modified the edges and raised them like spring beds. Therefore, sleeping on the bed’s edge is a comfortable experience. But the memory foam adapts to the body shape and sinks as you sit on the edges. So older adults can find it difficult to get up quickly from the bed.
Memory foam beds have a significant drawback in that they absorb body heat. So they can be uncomfortable in summer. However, people have ACs in the bedroom to relieve the body heat and provide immediate relief. Otherwise, sweat can accumulate on the skin because of a lack of proper ventilation and air circulation.
Another advantage of this bed is the anti-microbial fabric cover that protects it from dust and frees it from bacteria, dust mites, and bed bugs. It also simplifies maintenance because you can remove the cover and wash it separately.
Pros
- Ideal for relieving mild back and joint pains.
- Provides excellent edge support.
- Does not give out a repulsive odor.
Cons
- Not recommended for people with chronic spinal cord issues
- Absorbs body heat and can cause discomfort, primarily in summer.
- Not reversible like spring mattresses.
Wakefit Mattress
You will love the Wakefit mattress if,
- You love to turn and toss around in sleep.
- You are looking for a mattress to relieve you of your minor backaches.
- You are budget conscious.
- You want a customized mattress to suit your bed size.
You will not prefer this mattress if,
- You have severe back pain.
- You look for bounciness.
- You sit on the bed for extended periods and work on your laptops.
If looks alone determine the mattress you buy, the Wakefit mattress should top the list because one mattress can draw the oohs and aahs when you look at it for the first time. However, looks alone are not enough. The mattress should be comfortable and last long. Wakefit mattress is reasonably good in these aspects. So, let us see its structural breakup.
- The bottom support layer is the thickest and is made from high-resilience foam. It ensures that the bed remains in the right shape for extended periods.
- The next layer comprises a 7-pressure zone high-resilience foam layer to provide customized support to all body parts.
- The memory foam layer is situated above the 7-zone pressure layer to provide the appropriate softness because it adjusts to your body shape and delivers a peaceful sleeping experience.
- Finally, this mattress has a breathable GSM knotted cover to ensure proper air circulation. Besides, it protects the bed from becoming soiled. Thus, it ensures its durability.
The advantage of this medium-firm mattress is that it is perfect for people with mild back issues, Soft beds can aggravate pain, but a medium-firm mattress provides the ideal comfort and relief.
This bed suits all types of sleepers because the memory foam adjusts to the body contours and ensures proper spinal alignment. Secondly, this bed offers excellent edge support. So you do not slip and fall when sleeping on the edges.
This mattress supports motion isolation. Therefore, you need not worry if your partner is a restless sleeper. The foam absorbs the pressure exerted by your partner’s movements and does not transfer it to the other side of the bed.
One of the most significant drawbacks is that you cannot sit on it for long hours and work on your laptop. Since the memory foam is extra soft, you cannot stand on the bed comfortably. The pressure exerted by your feet causes the bed to sink deep. Besides, the mattress is not reversible. However, you can rotate the mattress to ensure that it does not shrink at specific places.
All memory foam beds absorb heat and become hot. It can be uncomfortable during summer. But you can reduce discomfort using the AC to relieve your body heat.
Pros
- An excellent variety of sizes to choose from
- Reasonably priced compared to other mattresses.
- Suitable for people with minor back pain problems
- Good edge support
Cons
- Not reversible
- The packaging is poor.
- Unsuitable for sitting on it for long hours in a single place
Sleepyhead Mattress – BodyIQ Ortho Memory Foam
You will love this bed if.
- If you have mild spinal cord problems
- You do not have any specific sleeping position.
- You want good quality at budget prices.
- You are looking for a bouncy bed.
You will not prefer this bed if,
- Your backache becomes chronic.
- You weigh more than 100 Kg.
Sleepyhead Original Body IQ memory foam mattress ranks at 5 on the firmness level on a scale of 10. Therefore, you can categorize this bed as a medium-soft mattress. Though this mattress supports motion isolation, it is an excellent option for lone sleepers. Here is the mattress’s structural breakup.
The Sleepyhead Original mattress has three layers.
- The support layer at the bottom provides the stability required to enhance the bed’s durability quotient.
- The BodyIQ Orthopedic memory foam layer allows perfect spinal alignment as it adjusts to your body’s contours.
- This mattress has a super-soft foam layer at the top to add comfort and softness.
Besides, this bed has a breathable fabric cover to soak moisture. In addition, the cover protects the mattress from dust. Since it is washable, you can remove it and wash it separately.
One of the best features of the Sleepyhead Original BodyIQ Memory foam mattress is that it suits people with mild back issues. But I would suggest a firmer bed if you have chronic spinal cord issues.
Though lone sleepers enjoy this bed, it suits couples because it supports motion isolation. So it does not disturb you even if your partner tosses around restlessly on the other side. This bed absorbs the pressure and does not pass it through like spring beds do.
The Sleepyhead mattress is one of the best to provide edge support. Therefore, sitting on the bed’s edges is comfortable. But I do not advise you to sit in the center of the bed for extended periods because the foam can sink and cause discomfort.
Memory foam beds can be uncomfortable in summer because the body sweats a lot. Though this bed cover absorbs heat and sweat, having an AC in the bedroom is better to provide additional relief.
One of the biggest pluses of the Sleepyhead Original BodyIQ orthopedic memory foam bed is its durability. However, the manufacturers could have provided darker covers to prevent the bed from soiling.
Pros
- The packaging is excellent.
- Good quality materials and excellently stitched
- Ideal pricing.
- The bouncy feel attracts kids.
Cons
- The white cover can be discouraging.
- Not suited for people with chronic back pain
- Not ideal for sitting for long hours at the same place.
We have discussed four orthopedic beds. Though it can be challenging to choose the best one, I suggest going for the Sleep Company orthopedic bed because of the innovative SmartGrid technology to provides better comfort and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people prefer foam beds to spring beds?
Spring beds are bouncier, but foam beds are softer and more comfortable. Secondly, spring beds do not support motion isolation. Hence, a restless partner can make it difficult for the other sleeper because the spring beds transfer pressure from one end. The foam beds are better in this aspect.
Which bed is best for back pain?
The firmer the mattress, the better it is for back pain. However, firm beds can be uncomfortable. Therefore, manufacturers combine the support and comfort layers to manufacture medium-firm or medium-soft mattresses. The medium-firm beds are better suited for people with back pain.
Can chronic back pain patients use foam beds?
No. It is not recommended for chronic spinal cord patients to sleep on memory foam beds because of their extra softness. They must consult their doctor and choose their beds accordingly.
Can you sleep on the edges of memory foam beds?
People usually refrain from sleeping on the edges of memory foam beds because they risk falling off and injuring themselves. However, the beds discussed here offer excellent edge support that prevents people from slipping and falling from the bed.
Why are foam beds uncomfortable in summer?
Memory foam beds absorb body heat and make you feel sweaty and uncomfortable. Thus, you feel hot when sleeping on these beds. Sleep Company SmartGrid technology solves this problem because it has an innovative SmartGrid layer with over 2500 air channels to allow free air circulation.
Which is the best budget orthopedic mattress?
The Wakefit mattress is ideal for budget-conscious buyers. Other mattresses like Sleepyhead are cheaper than models like Sleep Company SmartGrid mattresses.
Which is better, a 6-inch or 8-inch bed?
The 6-inch and 8-inch mattresses are the most popular sizes people choose. However, I suggest you go for the 8-inches beds because of their added durability. They provide better comfort than the 6-inch beds.