Can You Reduce Your Chances Of Developing Arthritis
Even though many people suffer from this disease, it is possible to practice some healthy habits which could largely decrease your chances of developing it, particularly the most common type, osteoarthritis. If you have a family history, or you fit into any of the higher risk groups of sufferers mentioned above, we strongly recommend you incorporate these habits into your daily routine.
a. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating healthy ensures that your body has the nutrients needed to perform at its highest level. A healthy diet will also give your body what it needs to heal and regenerate when needed.
b. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
As mentioned above, being overweight or obese causes unnecessary strain on your joints and bones.
c. Exercise and Be Active
Exercise keeps your muscles and joints stretched, healthy, and less likely to become injured during minor incidents. Staying active ensures your joints stay fluid and do not stiffen prematurely.
d. Avoid Repetitive Motions
Excessive repetitive motions can lead to faster deterioration of the cartilage on your joints. If your work or hobby requires repetitive motion, make sure you incorporate periods of rest into the activity so your muscles and joints can rest periodically.
e. Get the Proper Amount of Rest
How Your Mattress Affects Joint Pain And Arthritis
If you’re waking up with aches and pains every morning, you might want to take a good look at your bed. “One simple cause of joint pain may be that your mattress doesn’t provide enough pressure relief for the weight of your body,” says Bonney.
“If your mattress is too firm or too soft, it can exacerbate joint pain,” she adds. “Mattresses that are too firm create excess pressure and cause pain on areas like your shoulders, hips, knees, side, and back. And those that are softer can misalign the spine and aggravate arthritis.”
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
In addition to getting that super supportive mattress, enhance your quality of sleep by doing some of the following:
- Get exposure to sunlight early in the day
- Dont eat after dinner
- Limit screen time in the hours before bed
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
- Relax before bed by taking a bath or reading
- Reduce artificial light in the evening
- Sleep in a dark, quiet, and cool room
Recommended Reading: What Is Osteoarthritis Vs Arthritis
How Should You Sleep With Arthritis
There are several things you can do to help reduce the pain of arthritis when you sleep:
- Think about your sleeping position sleeping on your front will put a greater amount of stress on your joints and will force you to twist your neck to be able to breathe easily. This again will strain the spine and put it out of alignment.
- If you sleep on your side, try putting a gel pad or pillow between your knees. This is to remove any additional pressure on your hips, knees or ankles.
- Use a single thin pillow rather than plumping up two pillows. Itll keep your neck in a neutral position and prevent pressure points from affecting your shoulders and neck.
- If youre on steroid tablets, try to avoid taking them too late in the day as theyll have a detrimental effect on your sleep pattern. They could cause you to toss and turn which could aggravate chronic pain.
If you are a front sleeper and unsure what mattress is best for your sleep, read our guide on the best mattress for front sleepers. Additionally, if you are a side sleeper, you can find out the best type of mattress for side sleepers by checking out our Advice Hub.
Are You Supposed To Flip An Avocado Mattress
I am not sure if you are supposed to flip an avocado mattress. I would assume that you would not need to since avocado mattresses are made with a unique support system that evenly distributes weight and prevents sagging.
Most mattresses should not be flipped and should be rotated at least once a month. Modern mattresses, in general, are one-sided, which means they do not allow for flipping. If youre sharing a bed with someone, we recommend getting beds with better motion isolation because they wont feel out of place during the night. rotate your mattress frequently Flippable beds have designs that are both sides. You can reduce the wear and tear on your mattress by rotating it every night rather than staying in the same sleeping position all night. Heavy pressure causes the mattress to sag prematurely in areas that are exposed to it. A regular rotation of the mattress may help to spread out pressure points that may be prone to premature sagging. A mattress that is regularly rotated will last a year or more, but one that is not rotated will almost certainly last much longer. There are mattresses with zoned designs that provide extra support where it is most needed.
Don’t Miss: What Causes Arthritis In Fingers
How Arthritic Pain Affects Your Sleep
Arthritic pain is particularly unpleasant. It is a dull and constant aching sensation that you cant seem to get rid of.
It is particularly pronounced when you are sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, and it can manifest later through the day as well. There are two main types of arthritis that you should be aware of.
How To Choose The Best Mattress For Arthritis
Just as theres no single best sleeping position for arthritis, theres also no singular best mattress type. Youll definitely want something that will align the spine and cushion the joints, but the right bed will depend on a number of factors, from sleep position to personal preferences regarding temperature regulation, support, pressure relief, and so on.
You May Like: What Is The Best Medicine For Psoriatic Arthritis
Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
Over the past few years, a growing number of mattress companies have been focusing on offering customers free, risk-free trials of their products. These initiatives are designed to help people find the best mattress for them without spending a lot of money upfront, and Tuft & Needle is one of the companies that offer a 100-night trial with free shipping.
According to reviews, the Original model is priced competitively compared to other mattresses that offer similar features.
Reviewers say it is a good fit for people looking for a mattress that conforms to their bodies and provides a medium level of support suitable for most types of sleepers.
What I Like:
- Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is a decent bed that provides a high level of comfort and support and is well priced.
- This is the perfect option for a variety of sleepers.
Is A Firm Or Soft Mattress Better For Arthritis
You have lots of firmness options when it comes to mattress-shopping, and your sleeping position will help you determine which firmness is best. If your arthritis pain seems concentrated to your back, we recommend a medium or medium-firm bed. However, if you need a bit more cushioning, stick to medium or medium-soft mattresses.
Read Also: Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Show On X Ray
Can A Bad Mattress Cause Joint Pain
A bad mattress can cause back pain, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, and other joint and back-related pain. While having the wrong bed can undoubtedly cause you to wake up in the morning with a sore back, a bad mattress isnt the only thing that can contribute to your joint pain. As you age, its normal to suffer from achy joints, so its essential to understand what else could be responsible for joint pain. For example, if you spend a lot of time on your feet, you may be prone to knee pain, especially if you have to stand for long periods.
Return Policies Warranties And Sleep Trials
Most mattresses come with a return policy of some kind, but what it looks like depends on the brand. For instance, most bed-in-a-box brands tie their return policy in with their sleep trial period. Companies without a sleep trial will often establish some sort of customer satisfaction guarantee that allows customers to return their mattress within a certain number of days, usually 30. However, return policies without a sleep trial often involve more risk some companies do not allow returns if the bed has been used.
Sleep trials are a less risky route. They allow you to try out the mattress for an extended period of time and return it for a full refund within that time period. The average sleep trial lasts at least 30 days, but most are 90-100 days. Some brands ask that you try out the bed for a minimum number of nights before initiating a return since every company is different, do your research to find out what the sleep trial procedures are.
Finally, the warranty gives you a good indication of a mattresss quality as well as its lifespan. A 10-year warranty is standard to most mattresses if the mattress youre considering has a warranty shorter than that, look elsewhere.
A warranty also alerts you to any damages the company will cover. The most common defects covered by mattress warranties include:
- Burst or broken coils
- Torn covers or top fabric
- Bunched or torn foam
- Sags in the top layers, typically 1 inch or deeper
You May Like: Can Diet Help Rheumatoid Arthritis
How To Determine Which Is The Best Mattress For Reducing Arthritis
The following categories determined our winners for the best mattress for arthritis. Each trait should be considered according to your specific needs. By prioritizing the following traits, you will be able to get a mattress that reduces pain and makes your sleep better.
1. Type of Mattress
There are three main types of mattresses, which we will explore. This should help you understand the key differences between the materials and their specific characteristics.
a. Innerspring or Hybrid
Both hybrid and innerspring mattresses have a layer of coils inside. These mattresses generally provide more bounce than the other types. This may not be the best option for side sleepers with arthritis but it really depends on the mattress additional features.
b. Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are great for sufferers because they are known for their durability and the ability to contour your body to relieve pressure. Due to their pressure-relieving properties, memory foam mattresses are often paired with adjustable beds for the relief of arthritic pain.
c. Latex
Similar to memory foam, latex mattresses have superior contouring ability. However, they are slightly more responsive and they react much quicker to your movement in the bed. This means you do not sink in quite as much making it easier to move without feeling stuck. A latex mattress is also a great choice for sufferers, regardless of what sleep position they prefer.
2. Support and Firmness
3. Temperature Regulation
5. Durability
Which Mattress Type Is Your Mattress Type
Mattress firmness and support are important factors when considering which mattress is right for you. Whether you need a softer mattress, a medium-firm mattress, or a firmer mattress, it is important to know their benefits and the technology they use. When looking for your new mattress, there are a few key mattress types to remember.
Recommended Reading: How To Test For Arthritis In Knee
What Areas Of The Body Does Arthritis Affect
While the pain can be felt anywhere on your body, there are some places that are more common than others, especially when it comes to discomfort and increased pain due to sleeping:
a. Joints
Joints are the most obvious location for pain since arthritis is caused by joint inflammation.
b. Hips
The hips tend to hurt if they do not receive proper support. This is prevalent in those who prefer to sleep on their side without the right mattress.
c. Spine and Lower Back
There are a large number of joints present in the spine and lower back of your body. Proper spinal alignment is key in reducing spine and lower back pain which can be achieved from mattresses.
d. Arms and Shoulders
The arms and shoulders are also heavy pressure points especially for those who prefer to sleep on their side.
What To Consider While Shopping A Mattress For Arthritis And Joint Pain
A mattress is a vital element of a good nights sleep. While it is not the only factor, it plays a crucial role in making sure a person can get a good nights sleep. For people suffering from chronic joint pain or arthritis, a mattress can be a major source of comfort, as well as a source of pain. Depending on the severity of the pain, it may be necessary to look into getting a mattress for arthritis and joint pain. Here are the main things to consider when looking for the best mattress for arthritis.
Recommended Reading: How To Reduce Arthritis Pain In Fingers
Best Mattress For Lower Back Pain
Sapira is quite similar to the Leesa mattress, but Sapira adds support coils and is a bit firmer as a result. This is why we chose it as the best mattress for combo sleepers. We think its soft enough to offer pressure relief but firm enough that most back and stomach sleepers will sleep happily.
The bed has 6 pocketed coils as the base and transitions up to a softer neutral foam. In other words, it will feel like a comfortable foam bed with added bounce and support thanks to the coils.
Why we picked Sapira We would consider Sapira to be one of the nicest coil mattresses that you can purchase online. If you need additional details, check out our full review.
Nest Sparrow is almost in a class of its own in terms of what it offers. Not only is the bed comfortable, but it comes in three firmness levels, its highly affordable, and its backed by a lifetime warranty.
The feel of the mattress will somewhat depend on which firmness level you select, but for the most part it feels like an innerspring bed with a big pillow top. Its one of those beds that you nestle into, but you dont feel stuck in. Because the bed uses coils, it will have ample support for most people. We could easily see the medium or plush model being the best mattress for seniors with arthritis.
The latex foam also provides an additional layer of support, and the poly foam layer contains little gel pods to promote proper spinal alignment.
Mattress Considerations For People With Arthritis
When shopping for a new mattress and comparing different brands and models, people with arthritis should take the following factors into account:
Support
Mattress support refers to how well the bed maintains a flat, level surface beneath the sleepers body. Ideally a mattress should be able to provide sufficient support for people of different weights and body types, but some models sag beneath heavier areas of the body. Excessive firmness or softness can make mattresses feel less supportive,
Conforming Ability
Conforming refers to the way some mattresses will mold to contours of a sleepers body. Closely conforming mattresses can help align the spine and alleviate pain and pressure in sensitive areas. However, some mattresses do not conform as closely to some areas as others, and this can lead to a lack of support and increased pain and pressure throughout the body.
Firmness
Firmness refers to how soft or firm the mattress feels to different sleepers. Some mattress models are available in multiple firmness options, while others are designed for one firmness only. The three general categories for mattress firmness are:
Durability
The average mattress will perform for at least six years, and some perform for up to eight or nine before they should be replaced. However, some mattresses are susceptible to sagging and indentations after a few years this can increase pain and pressure for sleepers.
Motion Isolation
Noise
Temperature Neutrality
Ease of Movement
Sleep Trial
You May Like: Can You Have Psoriatic Arthritis And Not Have Psoriasis
Best Cooling Mattress For Arthritis: Purple Mattress
The next recommendation on our list is the innovative Purple mattress. As we mentioned, pressure-relief is critical to ease pains caused by arthritis, and Purples bed was designed to be the first No-Pressure mattress.
When designing their pressure-reducing bed, the founders of Purple patented a new material to use as the comfort layer of each of their mattresses hyper-elastic polymer. They use a large machine to fashion the hyper-elastic polymer into a grid-shaped layer, called their Smart Comfort Grid, which acts as the primary comfort layer in the mattress.
This grid offers a variety of sleep-promoting benefits, from increased airflow to motion isolation, but for those with arthritis, the conformity and pressure-relief this bed offers are most important.
Every Purple mattress contains the Smart Comfort Grid, but we recommend sticking to the flagship all-foam bed to get the most pain relief. This model features 2 inches of the Smart Comfort Layer, 3.5 inches of poly-foam, and a 4-inch supportive core.
When you lay on this mattress, Purples grid-shaped layer will conform to your curves and collapse under your body weight, acting as a cushion. Though this layer does compress, it doesnt cause you to sink. Instead, this layer offers sturdy support and lifts you on top of the mattress.
PURPLE MATTRESS
The Best Mattresses For Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Choosing a new mattress doesnt have to be difficult. Weve assembled a list of some of the top mattresses on the market and have divided them into categories to make your search simple just find the category youre looking for and check out our recommendation!
Here are our top picks for the best mattress for arthritis:
You May Like: Whats Better Firm Or Soft Mattress
Read Also: What Foods Should You Avoid With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Best Latex Mattress For Arthritis: Avocado Green
The last mattress on our list is the Avocado Green. If you prefer to shop eco-friendly, the Avocado Green is right up your alley. A hybrid, this bed contains 100% natural latex and a pocketed coil system.
Latex is similar to memory foam in the fact that its cushioning and pressure-relieving, so it should alleviate some of the pain caused by arthritis. When you lay on this mattress, itll offer immediate comfort for pain points. However, unlike memory foam, latex will keep you more lifted on the mattress rather than cradled in the bed.
Latexs enhanced responsiveness results in a bouncier feeling bed compared to its foam counterparts. If you prefer a bouncy, on top of the bed, feel, choose a latex mattress.
Below the top layers of latex in this mattress lies Avocados ergonomic pocketed coil system. Designed to offer targeted pressure point relief, this layer contains 1,414 individually wrapped coils arranged in five comfort zones. These coils offer more substantial support to promote neutral spinal alignment under your torso, neck, and feet. At the same time, these coils have more give to ease stress in major joints under your hips and shoulders.
Beyond targeted support, the coil system in this bed evenly distributes your weight across the mattress, preventing new pain points, and contours to your curves for all-over comfort. Plus, these coils reduce motion transfer and give the bed sturdy edge support.
AVOCADO GREEN