Abstract
A significant number of US citizens lack appropriate sleep for several reasons. Back
pain has been identified as possible cause for inappropriate sleep in adults. Previously,
the quality of mattresses and bedding systems has been correlated to the pain perceived
by individuals. However, there is controversy in the literature regarding the type
and characteristics of a mattress that best serve the purpose of decreasing spinal
pain, and improving spinal alignment and quality of sleep. This study gathered the
best available evidence in the literature related to this matter through conducting
a systematic review of controlled trials that were published since the year of 2000.
In those trials, mattresses were subjectively identified as soft, medium firm, firm,
or custom inflated. Articles examining the effect of temperature alterations of mattresses
on promoting sleep quality and reducing pain were included as well. Twenty-four articles
qualified for inclusion into this systematic review. The methodological quality of
the reviewed clinical trials was deemed moderate to high according to the PEDro scale.
Results of this systematic review show that a mattress that is subjectively identified
as a medium-firm mattress and is custom inflated (self-adjusted) is optimal for promoting
sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment. Evidence is not sufficient yet regarding
the appropriate temperature of the optimum mattress; however, warm temperature has
been recommended by authors.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 19, 2015
Accepted:
August 31,
2015
Received in revised form:
May 13,
2015
Received:
February 23,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 National Sleep Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
