As we get older, we come to appreciate waking up to some of life’s simple pleasures – like an unhurried cup of tea, a sunny morning after weeks of rain… or a bed that doesn’t make us feel like we’ve gone ten rounds with gravity.
As we age, sleep quality becomes a sought-after luxury, a little harder to obtain than in our youth. Choosing the best mattress for seniors can be a truly meaningful decision for an older person’s health and well-being.
Why does sleep matter more as we age?
We’ve all used the phrase “to sleep like a baby” to describe our wistful wishing for a good night’s slumber – specifically, the kind of sleep that hits like a Mortal Kombat knock-out. When we were kids reading books under the covers, or young adults dancing until the wee hours, this was something we thought less about.
However, research shows that sleep tends to become more fragmented with age. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, adults report more chronic sleep problems as they grow older, and nearly 50% suffer from insomnia.
For seniors, poor sleep has been linked to:
- Memory loss and increased risk of dementia
- Mood disorders
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- A weakened immune system
- Balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
On the flip side, quality sleep helps regulate blood pressure, improves concentration and energy levels, and plays a role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. In short, getting a great night of sleep doesn’t just help seniors feel better – it helps them stay healthier and more independent for longer.
No springs attached: 4 Things seniors should look for in a mattress
A good mattress isn’t a miracle cure for getting older, but it can be one of the best things to invest in for improved sleep quality, reduced discomfort, and starting each day feeling your best. Choosing the best mattress for seniors is about finding the features that are tailored to the older individual’s ergonomic needs.
1. Pocket coil beds provide customised comfort and stability
Pocket coils are individually wrapped springs that respond to pressure independently from one another. As we grow older, spinal alignment and joint support become more important. Pocket coil mattresses offer targeted support, because each coil adapts to your body’s shape and movement without transferring that motion to the rest of the bed.
In contrast to traditional innerspring systems, which can feel rigid or uneven over time, pocket coils provide a stable and forgiving surface. They also promote airflow, which helps to regulate temperature – an important factor for older adults who may be more sensitive to hot or cold.
Quick Tip: Look for a linear pocket coil system – it tends to offer more consistent support along the length of the body, which is great for spinal health!
2. Plush mattresses offer extra softness without sacrificing support
There’s a common misconception that seniors always need a firm mattress for “better support.” But the truth is, firmer isn’t always better… especially if you’re dealing with arthritis, back pain, or pressure sensitivity.
A plush or soft-feel mattress helps distribute weight more evenly and reduces stress on pressure points, especially around the shoulders, hips, and lower back. The trick is to find a plush top with a supportive core that creates the perfect balance that’s gentle on the joints, strong on the spine – that’s where that pocket coil base comes into play.
3. Memory foam offers pressure relief and contouring, ideal for older people
In your search for plush comfort, memory foam could offer some real benefits for senior sleepers.
- Contours to your body, filling gaps and reducing pressure on sensitive areas
- Absorbs movement, so you won’t bounce around when you shift positions like you’re on a 1980s waterbed
- Supports alignment by cradling the curves of your spine and hips
It’s important to note that memory foam sometimes retains heat, which can affect seniors who sleep hot. That’s why memory foam infused with cooling gel works best, especially when it’s paired with cooler materials like latex foam, breathable pocket coils, and cool natural fibre upholstery and linen.
4. Latex foam layers are critical for natural bounce and temperature control
Let’s talk about the real hero of restful, soft surfaces – latex foam. A layer of latex foam offers a slightly firmer, more responsive feel than memory foam, making it easier to change positions or get in and out of bed.
- Promotes airflow for a cooler night’s sleep
- Has natural antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties
- Adds durability and gentle bounce to the mattress
Latex foam provides the perfect balance of plush softness and ergonomic support, especially when paired with a high-quality pocket coil system.
Bonus features that make the best mattress for seniors
Beyond the mattress design and materials, there is a range of mattress features that help seniors navigate sleep routines safely and with ease:
Good edge support
Strong edge support can help seniors get in and out of bed more safely – and with a bit more grace.
Height matters
A bed that’s too low or too high can be a challenge, especially for older folk. Aim for a mattress-and-base combo that allows you to sit with your feet flat on the floor and knees at a right angle.
Motion isolation
If your sleep partner turns over a lot or gets up frequently, motion-isolating layers like memory foam and pocket coils help minimise disruptions.
Breathability
Materials like latex and coil systems allow better air circulation than solid foam. Look for breathable covers and cooling gel infusions if overheating is a concern.
Why seniors sleep better on the Visco Care
The Harris Hotel Visco Care has been designed to offer a plush pocket coil paradise to older adults who struggle with joint sensitivity, back pain, and restless sleep. By carefully and thoughtfully combining the right mattress features, the Visco Care mattress addresses the most common comfort and support challenges faced by seniors.
- The linear pocket coil system gently contours to the body and distributes weight evenly, reducing pressure on hips, shoulders, and joints that become more sensitive with age.
- A 40mm layer of 45-density memory foam adds plush comfort and cradling cosiness that helps to lessen nighttime aches and pains.
- A touch of latex foam brings added resilience and breathability, helping to keep the mattress comfortably cool and supportive throughout the night.
- For seniors who sleep light and wake easily, the Visco Care minimises motion transfer – so you’re less likely to be disturbed by a partner’s movements.
- A reinforced foam-encapsulated edge maximises usable surface area and prevents sagging. This makes it easier for seniors to sit or get up from the bed safely.
- The Visco Care is also turn-free, which is essential for older people who may find the heavy task of flipping a mattress practically impossible.
- And, thanks to the Hy-Care treated knit fabric, allergies or asthma are yesterday’s problem, with a sleep surface that’s resistant to dust mites, mould, and bacteria.
With its balance of softness, support, and long-term durability, the Visco Care is both comfortable and practical – the best mattress for seniors to enjoy a more restorative night’s sleep.
Fit for Bed – Your unique ergonomic needs
Staying young is easier with good sleep, but buying a mattress can feel overwhelming, especially with all the buzzwords and conflicting advice out there. After all, we spend a third of our lives sleeping… and for older folk, enjoying a good night’s sleep on the best mattress for seniors is a step toward a more energetic, comfortable, and joyful day.
If you have questions about the Harris Hotel Visco Care, or would like to find out more about our range of beds and linen, get in touch or visit one of our stores.
