Organic Mattress Recommended by Chiropractors

Organic mattresses have a lot of good things going for them. The fact that no synthetic materials are used in production of an organic mattress also means no harmful chemicals to adversely affect those who sleep on them. Add to that the fact that organic doesn't mean a drop off in quality, and you have a great product for a sizable demographic.

Are Organic Mattresses Recommended by Chiropractors?

All that said one of the selling points attached to organic mattresses is the alleged benefits for those with back pain. It is claimed in quite few sales pitches that going organic is recommended by chiropractors. But such a claim is merely a straw dog.

When chiropractors get into discussions about bedding, it is almost always in the context of supporting the body and keeping the spine properly aligned during sleep. For those with back problems, the traditional coil spring mattress is an enemy whether it's made with organic or synthetic materials. It is the construction of the mattress, and how it provides support, that becomes the issue.

In both organic and synthetic inner spring mattresses, the coils make up the mattress core. Therefore, it is the coils that provide the support and prohibit body contouring; it is the coils that cause pain-inducing pressure points. Where synthetic mattresses contain polyester, vinyl, and chemical flame retardants, organic mattresses are made with natural wool, cotton, and latex. But neither set of materials has any measurable effect on the operation of the inner springs.

When Do Chiropractors Recommend Organic Mattresses?

When chiropractors do recommend organic mattresses it is in the context of organic latex foam. They prefer organic latex because it doesn't break down and create dead spots like synthetic latex does. It is somewhat more rigid than memory foam, making it more suitable for certain back issues. Lastly, the addition of extra lumbar support in the center of an organic latex mattress can really be the kicker for patients who need lots of rigidity.

Patients who require a little more softness without losing the rigidity of latex are sometimes pointed to a hybrid foam bed. The hybrid bed will have a 6”-10” layer of memory foam on top, supported by an organic latex mattress underneath. This mixture gives the softer, glove-like fit where the body contacts the bed, but maintains the rigid support structure underneath. It is a good bed for those who have suffered slipped discs or neck issues.

For the occasional patient who sees the chiropractor as part of a treatment for certain musculoskeletal disorders, an organic latex mattress may not be appropriate. While it won't necessarily harm these patients, the rigidness of organic latex may add to the pain and discomfort, interrupting sleep. Since sleep is such an important component to good health, proper sleep is one of the factors that helps keep pain at a minimum. For these patients, a memory foam mattress can be the better option.

Considering all the factors that go into a chiropractor's diagnosis and treatment, it's nearly impossible to say they recommend one bed over another in terms of synthetic or organic materials. The question is one of bed construction first and foremost.