by Choosing the right mattress is critical for getting deep sleep (check 10 amazing mattresses). A poor mattress that fails to provide adequate sleep can cause serious back problems.
An air mattress is a good option to sleep in regularly. They now come with unlimited features, which allow you to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Some people love sleeping on it, while others complain about poor sleeping posture.
Let us discuss the good and the bad points of air beds. You can then decide if air mattresses are good or bad for your back.
Are Air Mattresses Good or Bad for Your Back?
An inflatable mattress is a good option for you to sleep. The air mattress nowadays comes with separate air chambers and many other features. They provide you with a lot of comforts. It eases the load on your pocket, as they are not very pricey. It is good for you to sleep in, as you can customize the right amount of firmness in an air mattress.
Choose the right amount of hardness or softness by yourself. Most air mattresses now come with a manual or electric pump. If you find it too soft, fill in more air with the air pump. If it is a little hard for your liking, you can simply release the air and adjust the firmness.
It evenly distributes your body weight across the mattress, relieving you of back pain. The right pressure also ensures proper blood circulation throughout the body.
If you are already suffering from back pain, then you can discuss with a doctor about getting an air mattress or not (also check the top-rated mattresses for back pain).
Can An Air bed Cause Back Pain?
Back pain is a common problem in this modern era. It comes from an improper lifestyle, not exercising regularly, or sitting for a prolonged time. Sleeping on the wrong mattress can also create back pain.
Every person has a preference when choosing a mattress (also check 10 mattresses with great comfort). Some want their mattress soft, some hard, while others want a medium-firm mattress. Simply associating backache with an air mattress is not the right thing. On the other hand, some people find air mattresses excellent for sleeping in.
The air mattresses made in the older times were simply made of a Vinyl exterior. They were used as a sleeping alternate for guests in the house or on camping trips. Unfortunately, they failed to provide inadequate alignment of the spine.
The poor support to the body and spine led to back issues in people. The air mattresses in these times are nothing like their older versions. A regular mattress can lead to sore muscles and back aches if too soft or hard.
The air mattress allows you to choose the right amount of firmness. This firmness helps you relieve back issues and sore muscles.
What Are the Benefits of Sleeping on An Air Mattress?
Better blood circulation
An air mattress will give you improved air circulation. When you continuously change the position in a mattress, it keeps alternating your pressure points. This, in return, improves blood circulation. As a result, the person sleeps soundly on the mattress and wakes up feeling more refreshed.
Require less storage space
An air mattress comes in handy in a tricky situation. If you have an emergency guest, simply inflate the air mattress to make a sleeping arrangement for them.
You can simply deflate the mattress and put it in your storeroom when not in use. It requires very less space and can be stored anywhere. Just fold it properly and store it in a box or a bag.
Comfortability
The air mattresses are a good source of comfort for you. The right amount of air will give proper support to your muscles and joints. Your body will be at ease and get a deep, comfortable sleep.
Portability
The one added advantage of having an air mattress is its portability. A single person can easily move them from one room to another. You can deflate it and shift it to the store room if not in use. Furthermore, you can take it with you on camping trips or picnics. The air pump also weighs around 7 to 9kgs, so you can easily carry the mattress and pump.
Less Maintenance
As compared to other mattresses, an air mattress needs less maintenance. In case of an air leak, you can simply refill it with a pump. Most air mattresses now come with pumps and repair kits.
Are Air Mattresses Good for Bedridden Patients?
Air mattresses are highly recommended for bedridden patients. Some patients in the recovery process are completely bedridden. The air mattress helps in their speedy recovery.
Cure for Bed sores
Simply lying on the bed for days can cause bed sores in the patients. Due to immobility, they develop bed sores, which later become ulcers. An air mattress can easily prevent the formation of bed sores and ulcers. The air present in the mattress pushes up against the pressure points, relieving them and stimulating the blood flow. This prevents the patients from any future medical emergencies.
Good Blood circulation
The continuous movement of the patient helps in pressure point alteration. It helps regulate blood circulation. This will make help them sleep soundlessly, promising a quick recovery.
Modern Technology incorporation
These mattresses are customized according to the patient’s needs. A low air loss technology is designed to provide the patients with a cool surface to lie on.
It is made possible by inserting numerous small holes on the mattress surface. These holes let a small amount of air leak and keep the surface cool for the patient.
Convenient to use
The mattress for patients requires thorough cleaning to avoid exposing them further to germs and diseases. A regular mattress is heavy and will make the task of cleaning hectic. On the contrary, an air mattress is lightweight and easy to clean.
Both the patient and the caregiver can easily benefit from an air mattress. You can easily move the patient around as the air will help in easy movement.
Can You Use Air Mattresses for Everyday Use?
When you buy a new air mattress, they are perfect for sleeping in. Unfortunately, after a passage of time, they tend to deflate often. This deflation won’t support your spine and joints, leading to back pain and stiff joints.
If you want to use an air mattress for a longer run, pair it up with a mattress topper. They are relatively cheap and provide an adequate amount of comfort to you. The right mattress topper will reduce the pressure on your joints and provide alignment to your spine. It will help distribute the weight and provide comfort to you for everyday use.
Can You Put An Air Mattress on Top of a Regular Mattress?Â
Although it might sound like a good idea to put an air mattress on top of your regular mattress, it still depends on many factors.
Firstly, to put them on top of each other, they should be of the same size. This will help prevent uneven sleep distribution. Secondly, you will need to put a sheet or comforter in between the mattresses.
This is to provide friction so both mattresses do not slide off each other. Also, make sure the overall height of the mattress may not become too much. If you have toddlers in your house, it might become difficult for them to climb onto the bed.
How Long Can You Use an Air Mattress?Â
If taken proper care of, an air mattress can last up to 8 to 12 years. It will also last longer if you follow the user manual’s instructions. Here are some of the dos and don’ts of an air mattress that will help increase its life.
Do’s
- Store it in a cool place after you are done using it.
- Regularly deflating it will increase the life of the mattress.
- Make sure you sit in the center of the mattress to distribute the weight evenly.
Don’ts
- Overinflation is a bad idea for air mattresses.
- Don’t buy a mattress without a warranty.
- Avoid sitting on the edges as it will cause pressure to build up.
Conclusion
What is the best air mattress? It depends on one’s priorities. If you are short on money, you can rely on an air mattress. You can select your choice of firmness by using an air pump. They are cheaper and provide you with a good night’s sleep. They are ideal for young people.
In case of frequent deflation, you can add a mattress topper. If you suffer from back pain frequently, you should consult a doctor before investing in any mattress.