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Which Mattress?
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- Category: General Information
- Published on Monday, 14 September 2020 11:27
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We regularly get asked the question “What mattress is best for fibromyalgia?”. We are all individual in which mattress type will suit us best, and there is no definitive answer to this question. We have done some research among our social media followers & forum members, and hope that this article may serve as a guide. We had 152 responses to our survey.
Mattress Types
There are 6 main types of mattresses available, and they are listed below in order of popularity according to our survey
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam moulds to the contours of your body, providing enhanced cushioning around tender joints and pressure points, while maintaining full body support. Memory foam also retains heat, which some people find an issue
Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress that features a pocket sprung base and a memory foam top layer can be a good option for those with the condition, as it provides a great balance between comfort and support.
Orthopaedic Mattress
An orthopedic mattress is designed specifically for those with back or joint pain or conditions such as arthritis. Strategically positioned grooves in the deep foam provide optimum pressure relief and cushioning where you need it most - around the lower back and pressure points, making it ideal for chronic pain conditions.
Pocket Sprung Mattress
Pocket sprung mattresses contain individual pocket springs contained in their own fabric pockets for more targeted support. This can be a good option if you share your bed with a partner as they can accommodate for both of your weights and sleeping styles.
Spring Mattress
A spring or innerspring mattress contains metal coils. If the mattress doesn’t feature a thick enough comfort layer on top, these coils can become uncomfortable over time. For Fibromyalgia sufferers, these hard springs could aggravate tender points so you will need to opt for a premium mattress if you go for spring.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses are durable, hypoallergenic and supportive. However, buying a quality latex mattress can be very expensive
Mattresses for Fibromyalgia
There are several mattresses currently available which claim to be the best mattress for fibromyalgia – our survey therefore also asked the question whether respondents would recommend any particular mattress brands. The brands were recommended in the following order:
- Other brands of mattress
- Tempur
- Dormeo
- Simba
- Emma
- NRem
- Nectar
- Eve
- Otty
What to Look for in a Mattress
The following may give you guidance in what to look for when selecting which mattress is the best option for you.
Mattress Firmness Level
If your mattress is too soft or too firm, it can make pain worse. Mattress firmness and feel is very much down to individual preference so there isn’t one correct answer. For example, the heavier you are, the firmer your mattress should be. However, most people sleep best on a medium firm mattress.
Mattress Support and Pressure Relief
Full body support is essential when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. The right support, plus pressure relief results in a comfortable sleep that allows your muscles and joints to be rested and restored.
Movement Absorption
If you move around throughout the night to find a comfortable position, you don’t want a mattress that squeaks and shifts, especially if you share a bed. Memory foam absorbs impact to minimise movement disturbances.
Temperature Levels
For many people living with Fibromyalgia, heat sensitivity can be an issue. This can mean getting too hot and stuffy in bed. If this is you, you may wish to choose a mattress featuring cooling sleep technology
Test First with a Sleep Trial
Everyone is different and has varying sleeping preferences. To make sure you choose the right mattress model for you, you may wish to consider buying from a company who offer a sleep trial and your money back if the mattress turns out not to be suitable for you.
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Our professionally printed Information pack on fibromyalgia can be found here to view. You will also receive a free copy on request. We also have a booklet for young people with fibromyalgia that you can obtain on request and will be on the website soon.
FMA UK has recently changed some of its telephone numbers for helplines and groups. Please check here for more information on the New Contact Numbers if required.
FMA UK offers a range of support and information including:
- National Helpline 0300 999 3333 (10am - 4pm Mon - Fri)
- Benefits Helpline 0300 999 0055 (10am - 12pm Mon, Wed and Fri)
- Complimentary information booklets for doctors and other professionals (fully referenced)
- Books and videos
- Website Contacts with legal specialists
- Conferences
- Local support group and helpline contacts
The charity is run by volunteers, most of whom have fibromyalgia.
If your Health Care Professional needs some education in fibromyalgia you can request that an FMA UK Health Professionals Pack is sent out to them. All we need is the name of the Health CareProfessional and the address of their practice. We will then send a pack to their surgery addressed from us to them.
You can request a medical pack using this form.
You can find a Support Group near you by contacting the Regional Coordinator for your area. If there does not happen to be a support group near you then maybe you can join with some other members and set one up. Support groups provide a social benefit as well as the opportunity to share tips on coping with fibro. They come in all shapes and sizes and we are often told how they have helped people.
