What to Consider When Choosing the Best Mattress for Seniors
Material
Mattress type is a vital consideration when choosing the best mattress for seniors. Is memory foam, latex, or hybrid good for the elderly?
Both memory foam and latex are suitable for old adults. They allow excellent contouring to keep the spine in neutral alignment. However, memory foam is squishier than latex, so it contours more closely to provide higher pressure relief. On the other hand, latex is more responsive and bouncier. This makes it much easier to move on. Latex also beats memory foam in terms of breathability, which is crucial if you’re a hot sleeper.
Hybrid beds are the best mattresses for the elderly because they provide the even support needed for achy backs with the contouring hug necessary for painful joints and muscles.
Firmness
What mattress firmness do the elderly prefer?
The ideal firmness when choosing a mattress for seniors comes down to their weight, sleeping position, and whether they have back or joint pains. We recommend steering clear of super soft mattresses as they may be harder to get out of. Firm mattresses are ideal for heavy older adults who sleep on their stomachs but may be uncomfortable for side and back sleepers. Overall, we recommend sticking to medium to medium-firm mattresses with a rating of 4 to 6.5 on the firmness scale. These mattresses will accommodate most seniors while balancing even support and contouring.
Temperature Control
Night-time hot flashes are a common problem among the elderly and a major cause of sleep disturbances. When buying a mattress for a senior who sleeps hot, consider how well the mattress performs in terms of temperature management.
Hybrid mattresses with a coil base are the best in terms of temperature regulation, followed by latex, then memory foam. If you are eyeing a memory foam mattress, consider a model with built-in cooling abilities. Some technologies to consider include cooling covers and gel- or graphite-infused memory foam layers.
Budget
The best mattress for the elderly in terms of even support, pressure relief, and durability can be expensive. Generally speaking, memory foam is cheaper than hybrid mattresses. Latex mattresses have a higher initial outlay than memory foam and hybrid mattresses due to the cost of the raw material and the extensive manufacturing process.
Most top mattress brands often have seasonal savings throughout the year, though. Coupons and promo codes are other ways to get the best mattress for senior citizens at a great price.
