Is a soft or firm mattress better for elderly people to sleep on?
Nov 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
If a soft mattress is used, the pressure from body weight causes the center to sink and the edges to rise, which negatively affects the natural physiological curvature of the lumbar spine. This may lead to tension and spasms in the back muscles and ligaments of elderly individuals, resulting in discomfort or triggering lumbar disorders. In contrast, a firm mattress provides adequate support when seniors get out of bed and helps reduce pressure on the lumbar spine during sleep.
Generally speaking, when it comes to mattresses for the elderly, a firmer mattress is better than a softer one. The detailed explanation is as follows:
The term "elderly" refers to individuals aged 60 years and above. As people age, they are more prone to conditions such as lumbar muscle strain, pain in the lower back and legs, and lumbar disc herniation. Sleeping on a soft mattress may cause the body's weight to create a dip in the center of the mattress, making the middle lower and the edges higher. This can negatively affect the natural physiological curvature of the lumbar spine, potentially leading to tension and spasms in the lumbar muscles and ligaments, resulting in discomfort or even triggering lumbar spine disorders. In contrast, a firmer mattress provides better support when the elderly get in and out of bed, reduces pressure on the lumbar spine during sleep, improves sleep quality to some extent, and thus benefits their overall health.
In daily life, the elderly should focus on eating light, nutritious, and easily digestible foods, such as millet porridge and steamed egg custard. They should also engage in appropriate physical activities, such as tai chi or jogging.
