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Manufacturers and chiropractors recommend replacing a mattress around every 10 to 13 years. A worn out mattress (obvious signs are e.g. dips or lumps, or if you wake up stiff) can also cause or exacerbate conditions such as back and joint pain, stiff ankles and knees as well as headaches. As a person ages, the amount of support required changes. A new mattress could prevent any future problems.

For further information please see Asistive Technology Australia's website www.at-aust.org
or phone our Infoline 1300 452 769 to talk to a health professional.
You can also visit our centre at Blacktown-see our supplier details for address.
Please note that Assistive Technology Australia's purpose is to provide impartial information.
We do not buy or sell Assistive Technology but provide supplier details.

Considerations

All pressure reduction products must be monitored to prevent 'bottoming out'. This occurs when the user's weight bears down so hard on the product material that it is flattened and the bony parts are pressed against the surface below the cushion or mattress. Where bottoming out occurs even with correct use (eg correct inflation levels), a different product may need to be considered.

Models

Inner Spring Mattresses
These have a core of metal springs covered by foam and padding. The springs provide support and give the mattress its long life span. There are five elements: the amount, shape and number of coils in the springs, the thickness of the wire used and the way the springs are arranged.

Generally the higher the number of springs, the better the individual support. Many mattresses are zoned to cater for the concentration of bodyweight at the hips and shoulders, or to give different degrees of firmness on either side of the bed. There are three main types of spring mattress - open, continuous and pocket spring.

* Open Springs: These are the most widely used. They are seen in budget and mid price mattresses. Rows of hourglass shaped springs are connected top and bottom by a spiral wire, allowing the weight of the body to be evenly distributed.
* Continuous Springs: A continuous spring unit is made from a single length of wire knitted into a series of interwoven springs. These usually run up and down the bed and are linked vertically rather than horizontally. These feature in mid to upper priced mattresses.
* Pocket Springs: Pocket springs are rows of smaller springs, each housed separately in a fabric pocket that slightly compresses the spring to make it "springy". The rows of springs are clipped, tied or glued together and give good body support. This makes pocket spring mattresses suitable for couples sharing a bed, especially when one person is much heavier or taller then the other. Pocket springs are generally found only in mid to higher priced mattresses.

Latex Mattresses
Latex (natural rubber) is resilient, highly durable and retains its shape well. Unlike a spring mattress, it does not need regular turning, a point worth considering for the less able. Latex mattresses need a flexible-slat base. It is a good choice for allergy sufferers, as it does not harbour dust, mould or bacteria. Latex can be incorporated into a spring mattress for additional comfort and durability. It frequently features in adjustable beds due to its flexibility. It won't squeak or creak. Independent support means that if one partner tends to move around a lot, the other is not disturbed.

Latex mattresses can be very expensive, however, they can be expected to last 20 - 25 years.

Water Mattresses
Water Mattresses provide body support without pressure points and also benefit allergy sufferers (they do not harbour dust, mould or bacteria).

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.