The term 'Orthopaedic' or 'Ortho' is used a great deal when it comes to beds or mattresses. This term has been used so often that it has lost it's meaning. Most people assume that an Orthopaedic mattress means firm, or extra firm. This is not the case.

 

What does Orthopaedic mean?

  The term 'Orthopaedic' was first used in the 1700's, and is derived from a French publication on treating the posture of Children. 'Orthopaedic' is the combination of the Greek words Orthos (Correct / Straight) and Paidion (Child). This initial use of the term was used specifically for the treatment of Children, but as the years went on, it was used more freely as a general term to do with posture and the correction of musculoskeletal issues.  

Orthopaedic mattresses are Firm?

  Orthopaedic mattresses do not have to be firm. They simply have to offer good support and therefore enable the body to have good posture. As time has gone on, the term has become almost inseparable with firmer feeling beds and mattresses. In truth, an Orthopaedic mattress can be soft, medium or firm. As long as the mattress is supportive where required, and allows the spine to curve naturally, then the mattress can be considered Orthopaedic. Unfortunately, many people suffer from back pain, shoulder pain and other aches and pains which are attributed to the mattress or bed they have. For many people in this position, the option of an Orthopaedic mattress seems to be the only logical choice, and as 'Ortho' and 'Firm' have become inseparable, people are choosing beds out of poor advice or a wrongly held belief that they are one and the same. A good mattress is a supportive mattress. A supportive mattress allows for good posture. This is Orthopaedic support.

 

So what is a supportive mattress?

  There are thousands of beds and mattresses to choose from, and this number is growing day by day. Choosing the right mattress for you is never straight forward, but there are various specifications and options, which provide good, accurate support.  

Zoning

A Zoned mattress sees the mattress divided into sections, with the specific regions of the body given different levels of support. This variation can be controlled by varying the density of the fillings, be it fibre, foam or latex. This can also be controlled by increasing or decreasing the gauge of the wire in the spring systems. Where the body requires more support, usually the hips or the shoulder areas, the mattress is designed to be slightly firmer, more supportive and capable of carrying more weight.  

Reactive Springs

Some manufacturers have developed a spring which reacts according to the amount pressure applied. This is typically a Pocket Spring system, and just as each spring reacts individually, it also becomes more supportive as more pressure is applied. Hypnos are a pioneer of this type of spring. The ReActive spring system has become hugely popular and rightly so. Offering a mattress of soft or medium tension to satisfy the personal preference of the user or users, but also being capable of giving precise and absolutely accurate support exactly where required - instantly.  

Combination Specifications

Another more affordable and common method of providing good, orthopaedic support is to blend two specifications. Typically, this may be a Memory Foam layer on top of a Pocket Spring System, or a Soft Fibre pad on top of a firm spring system. The combination of two types of specification can offer the support required as well as the comfort wanted. This can be achieved in various different ways, but underlines the fact that an Orthopaedic mattress does not have to be as firm as concrete!  

So What Now!?

  In short; a mattress' firmness should be chosen by you because it is the firmness you want, not because it is the firmness assumed to solve aches and pains. A good mattress should solve aches and pains and still allow you to be comfortable. You are protected by the Distance Selling Regulations, and this means you have 14 days to return any mattress you don't like. You can read more about this here: Returns. At MyNextMattress, we are always on hand to answer any questions or offer any advice you may require. You can contact us 7 days a week, click here: Contact.