Encourages to think: a common cause of allergies and body aches – the mattress

Exhausted from daily worries and stress, we wake up in the morning and go to bed at night with only one expectation – to sleep well. When that doesn't happen, we begin creating sleep rituals, learn about sleep cycles, and try various sleep monitoring devices. However, sometimes we fail to identify or may not even know that the cause of many of our health issues could be none other than our mattress.

According to Domas Jakutis, the CEO of LONAS, a company with extensive experience in the mattress manufacturing market, it is common to think that an inappropriate mattress can only cause back or neck pain. In reality, the base of the bed has much more of an impact on a person's overall well-being than most of us realize.

“It is commonly accepted that a mattress is one of the main factors for quality sleep. However, people are often surprised to learn that a mattress can not only be the cause of chronic body pains but also lead to chronic illnesses or even poor mood. This is why, when choosing a mattress, it is essential to evaluate each parameter – from its adaptation to an individual’s body shape to the materials it is made from,” says Domas Jakutis, CEO of LONAS.

Low-quality Mattress – Cause of Allergies and Pain

Red, watery eyes, morning cough or sneezing may signal an allergy caused by an old and uncleaned mattress. Due to the damp and warm environment, mattresses are an ideal place for various microorganisms to multiply, with dust mites being the most common culprit behind allergic reactions.

“Although we typically choose a mattress for long-term use, it is important to understand that even the highest quality product is not eternal. Generally, it is recommended to use a mattress for about seven years. To avoid allergies, it is important to vacuum the mattress every 2-3 months and flip it. Ideally, perform a chemical cleaning using a specialized cleaning device. It is also essential to choose products with removable covers that can later be cleaned at the dry cleaners or washed at home,” advises Domas Jakutis.

According to Domas Jakutis, an unsuitable mattress often becomes the cause of back, lower back, and joint pain.

“A mattress that is too soft can lead to painful long-term consequences, such as spine deformation. A mattress that is too hard can put pressure on tendons, causing constant body aches. For these reasons, before purchasing a mattress, we first recommend taking advantage of the trial period offered by manufacturers and testing the bed base at home,” says Domas Jakutis, CEO of LONAS.

Can Increase Stress Levels in the Body

Domas Jakutis notes that a poorly chosen mattress negatively affects not only our physical but also our psychological well-being. Lying on an old, uncomfortable mattress can extend the process of falling asleep. As a result, anxiety can arise, and intrusive, gloomy thoughts, especially those typical of nighttime, may begin to surface.

“In 2008, scientists from the University of Oklahoma conducted a study that revealed that an old or improperly chosen mattress contributes to an increase in stress levels in our bodies. After a poor night's sleep, the level of the stress hormone cortisol significantly increases in our body,” says Domas Jakutis.

According to the expert, even sleeping 7-9 hours per night and having a regular sleep routine, due to a low-quality mattress, we may wake up feeling tired, drowsy, and unrested.

Personal Characteristics – Above Other Selection Criteria

When asked about how to choose the one mattress that meets an individual's needs, the CEO of LONAS advises critically analyzing your own sleeping habits.

“When choosing a mattress, it is important to consider the sleeping position you most often use. Soft mattresses are most suitable for side sleepers, firm ones for back sleepers, and for stomach sleepers, we recommend selecting a medium-firm mattress. However, even if you follow the recommendations, if after a month or two you feel the mattress is unsuitable, you can try mattress toppers, which can soften or firm up the existing bed base according to your needs,” says Domas Jakutis.

According to Domas Jakutis, the mattress should be at least 15 centimeters longer than the person’s height, and the firmness should also be selected according to the person's weight. The heavier the person, the firmer the mattress should be. If two people sleep on the same bed, the expert recommends choosing viscoelastic polyurethane or latex mattresses. These materials do not transfer movements from the person lying next to you, ensuring a peaceful night's rest.

When visiting saLONAS, it is not enough to just check the mattress firmness by pressing on the softest part of the mattress – the middle. It is essential to lie down and stay there for a few minutes. Only then can you feel whether the body relaxes and if the mattress is suitable.

Read more in the LONAS Facebook group: GOOD SLEEP CLUB