We have all heard the fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  We know Goldilocks tried Papa Bear’s bed and it was too hard.  She tried Mama Bear’s bed and found it too soft. She tried Baby Bear’s bed and it was just right.  So, what made Baby Bear’s bed just right for Goldilocks?  The answer is a lot simpler than you may think.

It was comfortable for her.  Simple as that. 

We receive a lot of questions from our patients asking about what kind of mattress would be best for them.  The answer is quite simply: a comfortable one.  What makes a mattress comfortable though?  That is a question for you to answer individually.

We come in all and shapes and sizes.  Women typically have a curvier shape with wider hips while men are built more rectangular.  This can result in the need for women to have a bit of a softer mattress to accommodate their hips as it allows them to sink in a little bit and maintain a straight, neutral spine.

There are many other individual scenarios that can result in the need for a very individualized preference for the type of bed you need.  For example:

• previous injuries may not allow for certain sleeping positions,

• your weight category may determine your mattress preference,

• sleeping partners may have vastly different mattress needs or wants, and/or

• an individual could have certain mobility issues which require a certain type of mattress.

These are just a few examples that can make purchasing a mattress complicated.  Some people may prefer a firmer mattress versus a softer one.  Some may prefer an inner spring mattress versus a foam one.  In the end, the best mattress for you is one that you can try for 30 days or more.  If you share a bed and have the space to accommodate a king size bed, the best mattress for you and your partner may be a split-king where both of you have your preferences met.

At the end of the day, there is no one individual mattress that is just right for everyone.  Our second-best piece of advice is to go to the store, speak with a mattress expert and try them all.  You may find that 3 inch camping foam topper may give you the best sleep of your life versus any $10,000 mattress.

Our best advice is to come in and get your spine checked to make sure your alignment is correct.  After all, it does not matter how poor or good your mattress is if your spine is out of whack and your body is fighting against a losing battle with gravity.  Poor posture will eventually result in spinal pain and dysfunction.

For more information please check out our website at www.straightspine.ca.  To book an appointment with one of our doctors to check your posture, please call us at (250) 334-2262 in Courtenay or (250) 286-4929 in Campbell River.