Sleeping badly? The mattress matters

MANILA, Philippines - Have you been sleeping badly lately? Do you wake up feeling tired even after eight hours of sleep? Do you get up with an aching back or stiffness? Before you head for your doctor, ask yourself this question: How old is your bed?

 A recent study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found a link between mattress quality and sleep quality, as well as the importance of regularly replacing your mattress.

 A study made by researchers of Oklahoma State University entitled “Subjective Rating of Perceived Back Pain, Stiffness, and Sleep Quality Following Introduction of Medium-Firm Bedding Systems” found that a change of mattress improved the sleep and wellness of participants during a two-month test period. Just by changing their old mattresses to a new one, the participants reported improvements on lower back discomfort, spine stiffness, sleep quality, sleep comfort, and sleep efficiency.

 Dr. Bert Jacobson, who was part of the research team, noted, “New bedding systems provide immediate and sustained benefits in sleep. Each week, as the study progressed, participants noted an increased improvement in sleep quality and efficiency and in other targeted variables, all attributed to the new sleep surface.”

 The study found that most of the participants in the study were sleeping on mattresses that were at least five years old, with mattresses averaging at least 9.73 years.

 The study was received with interest by the International Sleep Products Association, the Better Sleep Council (BSC) of the United States, and the European Bedding Industries’ Association (EBIA).

 Stacy Irvine, speaking on behalf of BSC of the US, said, “Research found that participants with high back pain reported a 63-percent improvement in back discomfort at the end of the study. When you couple this with the fact that back pain affects eight out of 10 people, it’s imperative for consumers to evaluate their mattresses for optimum comfort and support on a regular basis, especially if they routinely experience back pain.”

 The research only validated a message by BSC of the US for homeowners to consider replacing their mattresses after every five or seven years of use.

 “Consumers tend not to realize that mattresses gradually lose comfort and support with use,” says EBIA president Frank Verschuere. “So, it’s helpful to see proof of evidence that newer mattresses provide improved wellness and sleep benefits.”

If you have been sleeping badly and you are in perfect health, maybe it’s time you change your mattress. And when people speak of mattresses, Uratex first comes to mind. With over 40 years experience, it offers homeowners the desired level of comfort and support consumers need with quality premium mattresses. In fact, it is considered one of the leading foam manufacturers in Southeast Asia.

 All Uratex mattresses are made with supportive cores. You can also easily customize the mattress that you like since there are choices for sleep surfaces with various levels of support. You can choose from pure foam mattresses to spring core ones; and also choose from a wide variety of covers, from polycotton, knitted, and jacquard fabric to a quilted one.

Uratex products are also known for their durability, having been built with high-quality materials that provide comfort and support for a very long time. With all mattresses having a minimum five-year warranty, buyers are assured that not only do they get a quality product but quality service as well.

For details about Uratex’s mattresses and foam products, visit its website at www.uratex.com.ph.