Ankylosing spondylitis is one chronic condition that affects your quality of life on many levels. The back pain associated with this condition may make it harder for you to sleep peacefully. People with AS often suffer from crankiness after they get up because of poor sleep quality. Investing in a good-quality mattress can help you sleep better.
Why Should You Choose the Right Mattress for AS?
When it comes to AS, sleep disturbances are a common event. Lack of adequate sleep may make the symptoms of the condition worse, which further makes it hard for you to fall or stay asleep the next night. The chronic pain arising from this condition fuels sleep issues and vice versa. This vicious cycle takes a toll on your mental peace.
In this situation, choosing the right mattress becomes a priority. A right mattress that is in good condition doesn’t torque your spine. It ramps up your comfort when you are trying to sleep properly and doesn’t even cause you pain or discomfort when you change your position.
Different Types of Mattresses for Ankylosing Spondylitis
The markets are swarmed with a variety of mattresses, each with different features and benefits for patients with ankylosing spondylitis and various other spine conditions.
Memory Foam Mattress
A memory foam mattress stands out as one of the best choices for people with AS. This type of mattress uses flexible polyurethane foam designed to adjust perfectly to the unique shape of your body. This feature keeps your spine properly aligned throughout the night. The foam of this mattress follows every curve of your body, creating a custom-fit feeling that takes pressure off the painful joints and sore spots.
Another benefit of using a memory foam mattress is that it works well for all sleeping positions, making it versatile for all people.
Latex Mattress
A natural latex mattress is another excellent option suggested by many doctors to patients with ankylosing spondylitis. This mattress is made from processed rubber tree sap that offers your body a more supportive and cushioning feel upon lying down.
Latex bounces back quickly when you move, which also makes it easier to change position during the night when compared to other mattresses like memory foam. Overall, this type offers excellent support and pressure relief to back and stomach sleepers, making it a good investment for your condition.
Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress juxtaposes the best features of innerspring and foam mattress designs to create a supportive yet comfortable surface for patients with ankylosing spondylitis. This mattress uses individually wrapped coils that move independently of each other, further topped with layers of memory foam or latex.
The coil system of this mattress offers excellent support. It also helps distribute weight evenly, while the foam layers offer the pressure relief required for painful muscles and joints. A hybrid mattress offers better airflow than all-foam mattresses, making it a perfect choice for hot sleepers. It makes movement easier while still providing good motion isolation, thereby helping you manage the symptoms of AS.
How to Choose the Right Mattress?
A mattress with just the right level of balance between firmness and softness is the right choice for patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Do not invest in a mattress that’s too firm, as it will not mold to your body. At the same time, do not choose a mattress that is too soft, as it will not support your tender spine.
Always consider a mattress that will evenly distribute your weight to help relieve pressure on the joints.
Check for the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight, as many companies offer specific mattresses for larger, taller, and curvier customers. It will help you make a better choice.
Listen to the advice of your healthcare provider while choosing the mattress. The right one will largely depend on your preferences, too. Discuss your sleeping style, sleeping hours, and comfort with them, and they will recommend the best option.
Choose a manufacturer that offers a no-risk trial period for 30 days or more. In this case, if you are not comfortable sleeping on the mattress, you can always get it replaced with a newer one.
An old mattress may sag or bow over time, which can further mess with your spine on many levels. Thus, besides choosing the right mattress, it is equally important to understand when to replace it.
In addition to choosing the right mattress, you should also follow a proper nighttime routine to enhance your sleep quality. Come to bed at a fixed time and avoid using the screen once you are in bed. Adjust the light and temperature to ensure nothing disturbs your sound sleep.
Takeaway
Having a sound sleep is one of the most important practices for a healthy body, and while it comes so naturally to some individuals, people with ankylosing spondylitis may find it difficult to attain it. The mattress you choose for sleeping has a role in maintaining your sleep quality. The right choice can become your bedtime weapon and offer better sleep, which is worth all the investment.
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