When determining the best mattress for elderly seniors, there are important factors to take into consideration. While purchasing a memory foam, traditional coil, latex or breathable mattress are possible options, your general and specific health and sleep patterns must be considered. Charles Cefalu, MD, chief of geriatric medicine at Louisiana State University, suggests on the WebMD website that you balance the need for support of neck, legs and back with ensuring you have cushion and support. Assess Health and Sleep Conditions The best mattress for elderly seniors must take into consideration the purchaser's health and sleep history. For example, if a senior is experiencing sleep disorders due to medical conditions such as blood circulatory leg problems, an adjustable mattress and bed will improve blood circulation and relax muscles. Those with lower back pain, may need a mattress that is firmer, such as an adjustable air mattress. A patient who suffers from upper back and neck pain should consider plusher bedding that can allow the thoracic area and head, " to sink into the bed to support the cervical area," according to the website Dynamic Chiropractic.
When you are ready to select a mattress, make certain you allocate time to visit a few locations as well as time to assess the several mattresses at each location. When testing the mattress, consider that this is a major purchase that will decide your sleep comfort for the next several years, so take 15 to 20 minutes for each mattress you are interested in. Go through your various sleep patterns and lie on your side, your stomach and your back. In addition, try shopping for a mattress later in the day, when you may feel less perky and agreeable, suggests Roger Herr, PT, a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. A memory foam mattress can be a wonderful selection for elderly seniors due to the ability of the foam to reshape around the body, which can eliminate pressure points on the body. One of the health benefits this type of mattress provides the body is a soothing effect to muscles and aching joints; upon awakening, there is no joint and muscle pain. This type of foam mattress, also known as visco-elastic foam, differs from regular foam because it becomes elastic in higher temperatures as it responds to body heat and provides a floating sensation to the body.
Another mattress type that is beneficial for elderly seniors is the breathable mattress that has an open cell structure. This is a mattress that allows air to flow freely within the mattress, causing less muscle tenseness in the winter months. Seniors, like babies, have delicate bodies and need a mattress that causes less discomfort due to frigidness during cold weather or that does not distribute warm air better in warmer months, according to the website American Chronicle. Mattresses Guide: Best For Children and Seniors Web MD: The Best Mattresses For a Good Night's Sleep Dynamic Chiropractic: Considerations in Mattress Recommendations American Chronicle: A Guide to the Best Mattress Type For the Elderly Steady Health: Benefits of an Adjustable Bed Your Lower Back Pain Doctor: Choosing the Best Mattress to Prevent Lower Back Pain You May Also Like Caregiving demands the best of us. If you are in charge of providing aid and comfort to someone who is wheelchair-dependent, the...
Mattresses are expensive, but with some careful searching, you may be able to find a good used mattress for free. Elderly people who are restricted to bed, whether temporarily or permanently, face challenges related to nutrition, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, respiratory... If you have lower back problems, then you know how difficult it is to perform everyday activities without being in constant pain.... Where you sleep can be as important as how long, especially for people with joint and back pain. An injury, whether work-... Every night people go to sleep, and some wake up with pains while others wake up feeling refreshed. For those who sleep... Seniors can perform exercise to strengthen their lower abdominal region and hip flexors while lying on the floor or even in bed.... Some stylish beds include large, tall frames. Top these off with firm and plush pillow-top mattresses and the bed can seem to... This Is the Beauty Routine of a Yelp Sales Manager
Dangers of Memory Foam Mattresses Problems With Adjustable Beds Hospital Bed Vs. Adjustable Bed Memory Foam Vs. Durafoam How to Compare Prices of Adjustable BedsNot all senior dog beds are the same... which is just as well because every senior dog is unique too! Your older dog might have arthritis or joint pain, he might feel the cold a little too much, or overheat too easily, he might pee while he's sleeping.... .... or any combination of the above.Luckily, whatever difficulties old age has brought with it, there's a dog bed that can help him sleep easier and feel more comfortable. And that will make both of you happier! So many senior dogs have bone and joint problems that comfy, supportive beds for older dogs are very popular.The best orthopedic senior dog beds are made from memory foam because of it's unique construction.In fact, memory foam dog beds are unique in the way that they support body weight.The foam is temperature sensitive and when it's warmed by contact with your dog's body it softens just enough to prevent painful rubbing, without losing firmness.
Senior dogs often have creaky elbows, hips, knees, shoulders or spines, and regular foam, cotton wadding, or cedar chips (which many beds are filled with) aren't thick or firm enough to cushion these painful areas.The main benefits of memory foam dog beds are:The only practical disadvantage is that the majority of this type of bed aren't water-resistant - although most are fully washable.For a dog with 'leaky plumbing' this could be an issue - but you can easily overcome that by adding water-resistant dog-bed cover, a rubber-backed blanket, plastic/rubber sheet, or other waterproof fabric.These can then be washed, or cleaned off whenever necessary. If your senior dog has incontinence issues or old dog syndrome a water-resistant dog bed can make life a little less complicated.Water-resistant dog beds are also a great choice for outdoors. Senior dogs love to be right where their people are, but lying on concrete, wood or dirt isn't good for old bones.So if you're enjoying time in the back yard or on the front porch, why not set out a comfy bed where Fido to take a nap, or just lie and keep an eye on his pack?
The only dog beds that are truly waterproof are the elevated beds I talk about in the next section, but there are plenty of other styles which incorporate water-resistant fabrics.There are a variety of different fabrics, designs and fillings, so it's easy to find a bed that works for your senior dog's needs.The benefits of senior dog beds which are water-resistant include: These raised designs are 'hammock style' dog beds, usually consisting of strong PVC or nylon fabric stretched over a tubular metal (or heavy-duty plastic) frame.The elevated design means that your dog's weight is being supported several inches above the ground and this has advantages for older dogs...The main drawbacks to this type of bed are:The first point isn't a problem for 90% of dogs, but if Fido is wobbly on his legs, or his joints are very stiff, then getting onto, and off of, a raised bed might not be right for him.Even if you use a different type of dog bed indoors, a raised bed on the patio or deck is a great place for your older dog to take a nap in the fresh air.
Although I've featured three separate categories of beds above, there's a lot of 'overlap' between them. You can get memory foam dog beds which are also water-resistant. Most elevated dog beds also fit in the 'water-resistant' category and some are topped with memory foam.But these features are just part of what you need to think about when you're picking out a bed for Fido. Take a look at the way he usually sleeps. Does he like to curl up and feel cozy and secure, if so one of the high-sided or 'donut' beds might be the best choice.If he prefers to stretch out and have lots of space, a simple 'pad-style' bed can be a favorite, or choose a bed with bolstered sides but make sure it's plenty roomy!Consider the size of your dog too. A bed that's too small isn't going to be comfortable, no matter how well it's constructed. If your senior likes to curl up and feel 'contained' a bed that's too big might make him feel anxious or restless.Look at the care instructions too. Does the design you like have removable covers?