Innovations in Bed and Mattress Design: These Might Make a Difference

How many years has it been since you last replaced your mattress? If your answer is in the double-digits, chances are good that it’s time to at least start thinking about a new one. Mattress design, construction and materials have come a long way in recent years, and taking advantage of the latest innovations may help you get a better night’s sleep AND address some types of back and neck pain. So if your bed has seen better days—or if you suspect you’ve been living with the wrong one for a few years—try replacing it with one that incorporates some of these newer features.

Countdown: The Top Five Innovations in Bed and Mattress Design

5. Foam Mattresses. Foam mattresses are not entirely new. They’re popular for their ability to evenly distribute your bodyweight and eliminate painful pressure points. Recent innovations in foam mattress technology address the common complaint that these mattresses are prone to hot spots. Built-in vents and fabric treatments help keep you cool, comfortable, and sleeping soundly.
6. Temperature-Controlled Mattress Pads. New mattress pads allow you to control your bed’s temperature to suit your needs. If you have night sweats, turn the temperature down to stay more comfortable. Add a little bit of warmth on chilly nights to sleep more comfortably (and save on your heating bill).
7. Gel Mattresses. Gel foam mattresses and toppers provide the same amount of pressure relief as foam mattresses, but with a bonus of enhanced air circulation. They also have high levels of motion transfer resistance, which makes it easier to fall asleep next to a restless partner.
8. Water Pillow. You’ve heard of a water bed, but a water pillow? This advancement in pillow design helps to alleviate sore necks by giving you control over your level of firmness. Add more water for a firmer experience, or remove some for a softer pillow. Most water pillows include a thermal insulator around the water layer to help prevent heat loss.
9. Smart Beds. It seems as though everything is getting “smarter” these days, and your bed is no exception. Beds made with smart technology collect data on your heart rate, movement, and breathing as you sleep, without the use of wires. In many cases, this technology is used in tandem with mattresses that allow you to adjust your bed’s firmness, so you can use the data you receive to tweak your bed’s settings to receive the perfect night’s sleep.

Choosing the Right Mattress for You

Spending eight hours a night on the wrong mattress is a recipe for discomfort. If you know that your bed isn’t right for you, but you’re not sure why, a chiropractor can help you find answers. Consult with your chiropractor to determine which aspects of your sleeping environment or sleeping behaviors may be causing you back or neck pain, and which mattresses and accessories might help improve matters. Life’s too short to waste time sleeping on the wrong bed! Take advantage of the latest innovations in bed and mattress design to get the most out of your night’s sleep.