Back Pain? Could Your Mattress Be to Blame?

It is one of the most common reasons for time taken off work and around 80% of us will suffer from it at some point in our life. Back pain is a a debilitating problem which can rule your life if left unchecked, yet thousands of us put up with it, often at the cost of our careers, family life and enjoyment of daily activities. There are many different factors which cause back-pain including incorrect lifting, sudden movements and frequently repeated actions. However, the reason that most of us suffer from back pain is more simple than that – our beds are not offering us enough support when we sleep! An easy way to identify whether your mattress is the cause or a contributor to your back pain problems is to make a note of whether you experience discomfort in the lower back or neck on waking. Pain caused by an unsuitable mattress occurs while you are still in bed or within hours of rising.

Choosing A Mattress to Avoid Back Pain

Are you still sleeping on a old-fashioned spring type mattress? If so, consider upgrading for the sake of your back. The construction of sprung mattresses means that within three to four years, your body will not be getting the support it needs. While a new mattress might be a costly option, a better mattress means better quality sleep – something which will help you wake up alert and free from discomfort. In the long run, this will result in less days off work, doctor's appointments, physio sessions...

So what should you look for when you purchase a new mattress?

Experts in back pain suggest that sufferers should choose a mattress which offers ample support to the entire body, yet they disagree as to whether this means that the mattress should be of a firm or medium texture. The best mattresses are latex foam, which cushions the body and moulds to its shape. A mattress must be big enough to allow whoever sleeps on it room to stretch out and move during sleep.

For those who can't afford a new mattress, latex foam toppers are an alternative which will provide a little more support at a reasonable cost.

Free Yourself From Pain Tips

Your mattress plays a vital role in preventing back pain, but there are other tips which you can follow to help prevent back injuries while you are in bed. Keep these hints in mind, and enjoy freedom from pain.

    * Treat yourself to a latex foam cervical pillow which follows the natural curves of the neck and prevents excess pressure being exerted on the area as you sleep.
    * Prepare yourself for the day ahead before getting out of bed by warming up your muscles with a simple stretching routine. Luxuriate in slow, gentle movement to get your blood circulation flowing and prevent strains caused by sudden movements.
    * Instead of jumping out of bed, take a few moments to roll to the edge of the mattress, and lift yourself up using your arms.

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Everything You Need to Know About Thread Count

When shopping for new bedding, one term which you will see frequently is thread count. To understand what thread count means and whether it should influence your choices when shopping, read on.
The Definition of Thread Count

Thread count is used by bed linen manufacturers to describe the number of threads per square inch (or square centimetre) of textile. If you look at your bedlinen, you will notice that the individual threads run vertically and horizontally. In the textile industry the vertical threads are called the weft, and the horizontal ones are known as the warp. Standard cotton bed linens have an thread count of 180, while more luxurious bedding offers a thread count of 250 or more.

How Does Thread Count Affect Quality?

In terms of texture, higher thread count bedding is generally smoother and has a fine finish which looks lustrous and feels great against your skin. However, experts in bedding design remind shoppers that thread count is not the only consideration when shopping for bedding. A high thread count cannot disguise low quality thread, so it is important to only purchase bed linen from reputable manufacturers. Some companies look to make savings when sourcing their raw materials, and although they pass the saving onto their customers, the final results are unsatisfactory.

How Does Ply Affect The Feel of Your Bedding?

In recent years there has been much discussion about whether single or multi-ply high thread count bedding is a better purchase. Single ply bedding means that the thread count is made up of single threads, while multi ply is woven from two or more threads which are twisted together. Generally single ply bedding is woven from cotton which has longer strands such as Egyptian cotton. Ideally, you should choose bedding which balances ply and thread count for your own personal comfort level. A single ply 250 thread count duvet cover set will be light and soft while reasonably hard-wearing, while a higher thread count with multi ply threads would feel thicker and warmer.

What Are The Benefits of High Thread Count Bedding?

As mentioned, high thread count bedding has an incomparable feel, and as we spend so many hours in bed, it is well worth considering treating yourself. With so many different styles and patterns of high thread count bedding available, it is possible to give your bedroom a fresh look and compliment your home décor, quickly and easily. High thread count bedding makes your bedroom an even more pleasant place to be, a zone of tranquillity and relaxation, which is something we all need!

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