Finding the right mattress is a time-consuming process, but it is crucial for a good night's sleep, and a good night's sleep is essential for our body's health. It allows our brain and body the time it needs to relax and recuperate, ensuring your body isn't stressed or working overtime, which can lead to numerous diseases. In this article, we talk about how to find the right mattress for seniors.
At this point, you are probably thinking about the different types of mattresses available. While the mattress type is important, mattress size is crucial for comfort too. The goal of this article is to help you identify which mattress size is suitable for seniors based on different needs.
Here you will find information on different mattress sizes available, their dimension, and pros and cons to help you make an educated and well-informed mattress purchase for seniors.
Different Mattress Sizes Available
Every manufacturer has a slightly different list of available sizes. Here we mention the ones that almost all manufacturers produce.
Crib
A crib technically classifies as a children's mattress and is sized to fit inside a baby's crib.
Dimensions: 27.25" X 51"
Small Single
A small single is also a children's sized mattress and is ideal for children in primary or elementary school.
Dimensions: 30" X 75"
Twin
A twin bed is a little bigger than a small single, making it ideal for adults and children. It is also ideal for seniors, especially those who have medical grade adjustable beds, as most adjustable beds feature a twin-sized mattress.
Dimensions: 38" X 75"
Twin XL
Twin XL is a good-sized mattress for seniors who sleep alone. It is slightly longer than Twin sized mattress and can accommodate one person comfortably. You can also get medical-grade adjustable beds that accommodate Twin XL mattresses.
Dimensions: 38" X 80"
Full and Full XL
A full-sized mattress is ideal for seniors who need extra pillows o provide support to the back. It is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long and can easily accommodate older adults. You can always opt for a Full XL if the senior is quite tall or you want a little extra space. You can also comfortably include safety rails on the bed without the bed feeling congested.
Dimensions: 54" x 75" – Full
54" 80" – Full XL
Queen
A queen-sized bed requires a little extra space in the room. It is, however, the smallest shareable mattress perfect for a senior couple. You can include it in the master bedroom or in a guest bedroom, and it is just the right size for couples.
You can also get a split queen, which divides the mattress into two equal portions to accommodate couples who value their own segregated yet connected spaces.
Dimensions: 60" X 80"
Olympic Queen
The Olympic Queen mattress is perfect for couples who want a wide bed but do not have enough space to accommodate a King sized mattress. The Olympic Queen accommodates two people plus an extra pillow in the middle comfortably.
Dimensions: 66" X 80"
King
At this point, it's all about how much space you want on the mattress. Two people can comfortably share an Olympic Queen, but if they want a little more space, they can always opt for a King-sized mattress. It may be the perfect option for those who want to sleep undisturbed by their partner's movement as the extra space allows the seniors to maintain a comfortable distance.
Dimensions: 76" X 80"
California King
The California King is a good option for those who want a King-sized bed but don't have enough space. The bed is longer than a normal king and is ideal for new parents. It can accommodate not just them and the baby but also leaves enough space for a pet. It is also a good option for seniors who have pets as the extra length allows the pet to sleep on the mattress without taking away much space from the seniors.
Dimensions: 72" X 84"
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Mattress Size
There are multiple factors that you will have to consider when choosing a mattress size. The size of the room is the first and most important one. The number of people sharing the mattress is the second one. If the room is small, you may not be able to incorporate an Olympic queen or king-sized bed. You may have to settle for a Queen-sized mattress at max.
The size will also vary by the user's height. A six-foot-tall individual cannot sleep comfortably on a Twin sized mattress.
The budget is another factor that narrows available options. However, the size doesn't have much of an effect on mattress price as it varies by mattress types and manufacturers.
Lastly, the choice will, of course, depend upon your preferences and requirements. A single senior may prefer a full or full XL mattress. A couple that likes to cuddle may enjoy a Queen sized bed. A couple that doesn't would likely go for the Split Olympic Queen, King, or the California King.
You may also want to take into consideration future requirements. A senior may not need an adjustable bed right now, but it could become a requirement sometime in the future. We suggest you always think long-term, especially if you have the budget for it.
If the senior is bedridden, you will have to pay extra attention to mattress size to ensure optimal comfort. For heavier seniors, you will also have to take into account the mattress's weight capacity. A twin XL may not be ideal for long-term use for bedridden heavy seniors.
Features to Look for in a Mattress
As we age, our bodies' requirements change as well. For seniors, finding the perfect mattress isn't just about finding the right size. It is also about finding the right type as that dictates comfort. Where one can compromise on space, trying to make do with a mattress that fails to deliver optimal comfort to seniors is not an option. Here we mention some features to look for in mattresses.
Support
The term mattress support refers to the level of firmness of the mattress. A soft, cloud-like mattress offers little support to the back. Many children and young adults prefer a soft cloud-like feel. However, it is not suitable for seniors as it places a substantial amount of pressure on the spine, which can aggravate back problems that come with age.
The exact level of firmness and support varies by senior. The general rule of thumb is to opt for a medium-firm mattress for optimal comfort. It provides optimal support to the spine, controlling the amount of pressure on the back. Put simply, the mattress acts as the major load bearer, ensuring the back muscles and spine get to rest.
Conformability
Conformability refers to how well a mattress molds to the body's shape to provide support to the back. An extra firm mattress offers high support but minimal conformability leading to the development of pressure sores. An extra soft mattress offers conformability but lacks support leaving the entire body aching and sore.
Here too, the best option is a medium-firm mattress that has the perfect combination of support and conformability. The mattress has enough give to mold to the body, alleviating stress from pressure points, reducing back pain problems.
Temperature Control
With age, our bodies become increasingly sensitive to temperature. Hot and cold spells are common in seniors. They are often aggravated by health conditions such as thyroid problems. Here it is important to note that every senior has different requirements and health problems, so not everyone may feel warm or feel cold.
However, in both scenarios, a mattress's temperature control is an important factor to consider.
For those who frequently get hot spells, you can opt for a layered gel mattress as it keeps the mattress cool even during summers.
For seniors who feel cold, you can opt for mattresses with optimal breathability or cotton covers. The breathability ensures the mattress is well ventilated, preventing bacteria formation, but it also keeps it at a comfortably cozy temperature. Not too warm and not too cold.
Motion Transfer
As we mentioned earlier, there are some people who sensitive to motion. Often these sensitivities heighten with age and become a nuisance, especially for those who share a bed with their other half. If your partner tosses and turns a lot during the night, you will have to find a mattress that curbs motion transfer so you can sleep comfortably.
You can also opt for a split full, queen, or king-sized mattress. But even then, you may be able to feel the movement of your partner as you essentially share the same bed frame. You can find numerous mattresses that offer a substantial amount of motion isolation to ensure optimal comfort.
Noise
You don't want a squeaking mattress. Spring mattresses or hybrid mattresses that feature springs can be quite noisy, especially after a few years of use. In general, we suggest you stay away from spring or coil mattresses as they can prove disastrous for a senior's back. They are also quite noisy, letting you know whenever your partner moves.
However, once again, we'd like to mention that your choice of mattress will depend upon your requirements and what suits your needs best. If a coil mattress fits the bill, then, by all means, purchase one.
Budget
The budget is often the first consideration for many, and we understand that, which is why we have tried to list down all the features and factors to consider when purchasing a mattress for seniors. However, we suggest you extend your budget if you can, as the right mattress can substantially improve a senior's health.
Make sure you list down all you must-have requirements before you browse available options. It is very easy to get distracted by the number of features available in mattresses. Having a list at hand will also help you stick to the budget without compromising on the senior's requirements.
Final Word
In this article, we have listed all the features and factors to consider when deciding on which mattress size is suitable for seniors. To summarize it all:
If you are still unsure of how to find the right mattress for seniors, you can reach out to manufacturers that produce customized mattresses.
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