Best Mattress For Pregnancy

Looking for a safe and comfortable mattress for pregnant women? Look no further! Our pregnancy mattress is perfect for expectant mothers. It features a soft yet supportive design that will keep you comfortable. Our mattress is made from all-natural materials, so you can rest easy knowing that your baby is sleeping in a healthy environment.

As a new mother or first-time mother, there is a lot you could be concerned or anxious about, but you should not have to worry about your mattress or quality of sleep.

Getting Good Sleep While Pregnant Can Be Difficult

As you’re well aware, we have all heard the troubles pregnant women have with poor sleep during pregnancy. Discomfort during pregnancy is often a combination of hormonal factors, body and postural changes, and increased sensitivity.

However, great sleep during pregnancy doesn’t have to be difficult. Great sleep should be an opportunity for your body and your baby to get the rest and recovery you need.

As a chiropractor who has worked across from the largest maternity hospital in Ireland and has treated countless pregnant patients, I found that most pregnant moms in Ireland suffer needlessly due to low quality sleep.

During pregnancy, it is essential to get good quality sleep. Not only for your health but the health of your baby.

You feel happier, healthier, and even have a spring to your step when you sleep better!

Choosing the best mattress for pregnancy

mattress pregnant women

Here is a guide on choosing the best mattress for pregnancy and the considerations we made when designing our mattress. As a general rule, the most important aspects of a good mattress for pregnancy are non-toxicity and comfort.

It is important for your baby’s safety that your mattress does not contain chemical fire retardants and volatile organic compounds that cause indoor pollution. Small children are known to be highly sensitive to toxins, and your mattress is something that your baby will be near during its first few months.

Here’s Our Research on What To Avoid in a Pregnancy Mattress

One of the most important decisions you will make during your pregnancy is what kind of mattress you sleep on. It’s important to eliminate any possible chemicals that could affect the development of your baby. Additionally, many pregnant women experience back pain, so it’s important to select a mattress that will support your growing body and keep you comfortable. Here’s our research on what to avoid in a pregnancy mattress.

Best Mattress Types to Avoid

Memory Foam

A new study suggests memory foam mattresses are off-gassing even worse than previously believed. A study that examined the amount of off-gassing when following the same conditions as someone sleeping on a bed (Heat and CO2) found that with a memory foam mattress, off-gassing occurs significantly more than previously thought. This is especially true after the six-month period in which it was previously suggested time needed a mattress to minimize off-gassing.

What This Means for Mothers

The study’s conclusion stresses the possible significant risk to children, “Exposure levels estimated for sleeping child/infant indicate that SME can be a significant contributor to VOC exposure, yielding concerning exposure levels for (a) few (specific) compounds. “

Memory foam & Polyurethane Alternatives

Experts frequently recommend natural latex mattresses for their completely non-toxic nature and lack of chemical additives. Natural latex foam is different from other foam mattresses since it’s made from tree sap that doesn’t release VOCs like formaldehyde. As a result, it is sustainable, but it is also non-petrochemically based, unlike memory and poly foams.

We only use the finest non-toxic materials to create our mattress, so you can rest easy knowing it’s safe for your body and your children.

Hybrids

Almost all hybrid mattresses are constructed with a top layer of memory foam and a core and base layer made with pocket springs or coils. Furthermore, hybrid mattresses are often not nearly as durable as mattresses made from high-density foams and with hybrid mattresses regularly losing their support after only a few years.

Ingredients and Chemicals To Avoid

There are a lot of chemicals and ingredients in mattresses that you may not want to be exposed to. From flame retardants to adhesives, these substances can potentially cause health problems. Here is a guide on some of the most harmful chemicals and materials used in mattresses so you can be aware of them.

Industrial Fire Retardants

All mattresses in Ireland are required to meet flame retardancy standards. However, mattress companies are not required to disclose what flame retardants are used in their mattress.

The following health effects have been linked to exposure to these fire retardants:

• Birth defects
• Learning and developmental deficiencies
• Skin Problems

As a consequence of chronic exposure to these chemicals, they Bio-accumulate (build-up) in the body and can manifest in :

• breast milk
• umbilical cord blood
• the bloodstream

How can you avoid them?

While it may seem simple to avoid purchasing a mattress without chemical fire retardants, often, it can be not easy. Most manufacturers do not list the chemicals they use on their website for many reasons, but primarily they don’t want to scare customers away with the health risks. There are a few things that you can do to avoid these chemicals at home:

• Check the mattress label – if it says which fire retardants are added, you know if there’s a risk of chemical exposure while sleeping on this bed.
• If you don’t see any fire retardants (Physical or Spray), contact the manufacturer with your mattress model and ask the manufacturer what was used to make their mattress regulatory compliant.
• Find out what the fire retardants are on mattresses in your home and how they affect you or your family. It’s essential to take care of yourself and your family if you are concerned about what is going into your body!

Unfortunately, the manufacturer claims not to know what fire retardant was used. In that case, this is a good indication that potentially toxic chemical fire retardants were used to construct your mattress, and they do not want to admit liability.

What Should You Do if Your Bed Has Fire Retardant Chemicals?

If you believe your mattress contains any chemicals, you decide to keep or dispose of the bed. If you choose to purchase a new mattress avoiding toxic chemicals in the future, educate yourself about the potential hazards of your desired mattress. When ready to buy a new bed, ask for one without toxic fire retardants. It would also help make sure an accredited laboratory has tested the mattresses or the specific fire retardants used in the mattress.

Do All Mattresses Have a Flame Retardant?

The government requires that mattresses have a certain standard of flame resistance before retailers can sell them to consumers. To be considered fire retardant, mattresses must withstand a specified time of exposure to an open flame. Mattress manufacturers go through rigorous testing to ensure their goods meet this requirement.

Some types of mattresses are naturally fire-resistant, such as wool, so additional fire retardants need to be added. However, most mattresses are not inherently fire resistant and require chemical sprays or physical barriers to meet the government standard.

The problem with most naturally fire retardant mattresses is that they typically are made from natural and organic fibers such as wool and horsehair. These mattresses’ barriers are not as comfortable as they do not benefit from advances in mattress comfort technology.

The Problem With Flame Retardant Barriers

While using flare retardant barriers might be a simple way to avoid using chemicals in your mattress, there are problems with adding extra barriers into a mattress design.

Most fabrics and fibers used as flame retardants aren’t stretchy or retain heat like wool. For you to experience the full benefits and design of a mattress, the layers, including your sheets and mattress cover, need to be able to stretch and contour to avoid developing pressure points. A good mattress’s two most important features are pressure point relief and promoting proper spinal alignment. A mattress with a physical barrier is significantly less pressure-relieving, which makes it less comfortable.

Health Risks of Chemical Flame Retardants for Mothers and Kids

One of the most significant health risks associated with chemical flame retardants is that they can be very toxic. Some studies have shown that people who sleep on mattresses treated with these chemicals have an increased risk for a variety of health conditions, including negatively impacting the thyroid, immune system, fertility, and neurologic function. These chemicals are also known to build up in the body over time.

The most common health risks of chemical flame retardants are related to carcinogenic effects, but they can also be linked to skin irritation and increased sensitivity to allergens. Chemical fire retardant chemicals have been shown in some studies to lower IQs by five points or more for children who slept on them regularly from an early age.

Another significant risk is these toxins’ effect on developing fetuses during pregnancy or breastfeeding babies. They may lead a child’s growth and development process because exposure could change hormone levels that have long-term impacts on intelligence, personality, behavior, body weight status, and reproductive function.

The Glue Matters Too

Mattress glues are also another hazard found in most coil and memory foam mattresses. These glues often contain VOCs, phthalates, and other volatile chemicals that cause serious health problems.

Material Safety Data Sheets

Back Pain During Pregnancy

It is almost certain that pregnant women will suffer from lower back pain – studies indicate that between 50 and 80 percent of all women will experience back pain during their pregnancy. 

The center of gravity of a pregnant woman shifts forward when the fetus increases in weight. When you lean back to compensate for a shift in posture, you stress your lower back muscles, resulting in pain and soreness.

If your mattress doesn’t provide proper, continuous support, your back muscles can remain tense when you sleep. If your muscles never get a chance to relax and heal, you might wake up tossing and turning every night.

A good mattress will provide proper support for your lower back and help alleviate the pressure that causes pain. If you’re pregnant and suffer from back pain, it’s important to find a mattress that offers continuous support to get a good night’s sleep.

At The Spinery, we offer mattresses designed to support your lower back and help alleviate pain. Our mattresses are made from the finest natural materials and are free of harmful chemicals. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to sleep comfortably without being exposed to harmful chemicals.

How We Designed a Safe & Comfortable Mattress

The Spinery started when molecular biologist and mother Dr. Sinead Moore and mattress designer Dr. Lawrence Woods looked for a healthier and more comfortable mattress.

Sinead Moore was inspired to design a mattress after her son had an adverse reaction to memory foam and the chemicals in many mattresses in Ireland.

Together, they incorporated Lawrence’s knowledge from helping people at his clinic in Dublin and Sinead’s knowledge of natural materials.

Our Irish doctors and scientists have spent years researching the science of good sleep without all the chemicals at The Spinery. A good night’s sleep can make your world turn around. Suddenly, you feel younger, smarter, and your step has a spring.

Our goal was to create the most comfortable mattress in Ireland using only natural materials. Our mattresses provide exceptional comfort, support optimal alignment, and are made from the finest natural materials without chemicals, petroleum-based foams, or springs. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to sleep comfortably without being exposed to harmful chemicals.

We have eco-friendly mattresses free of toxic chemicals and have a low environmental impact. To make this possible, we make sure all materials are sourced sustainably, and we manufacture our mattresses to ensure you receive a high-quality mattress.

Tips for Sleeping Comfortably in Later Trimesters

Pregnant women often have difficulty getting comfortable while lying down as their pregnancy progresses. In particular, near the end of pregnancy, you may experience heartburn and shortness of breath when lying on your back.

You can reduce these discomforts by lying on your side or propping yourself up with pillows in a semi-reclined position. You can also place pillows or a long body pillow under one shoulder, hip, and a leg to tilt your body from the back to one side. You might feel dizzy or lightheaded when lying on your back. To remedy this, roll to your left side or sit up.

Lying on your back in late pregnancy can lead to what is called ‘supine hypotension, in which the uterus presses on the abdominal vein (inferior vena cava) that carries blood from the legs to the heart, lowering blood pressure. In addition to reducing blood flow to the placenta, prolonged supine hypotension can also restrict oxygen to the baby. After the twenty-sixth week of pregnancy, healthcare providers advise pregnant clients to lie on their sides.

Keep your body in alignment by placing a pillow between your knees and another under your head when lying on your side. In late pregnancy, you may need a wedge-shaped pad, a long body pillow, or a small pillow to support your abdomen. Some people find that rolling their bodies slightly forward makes them more comfortable when lying on their side. The easiest way to achieve this position is to place a firm pillow on the side you’ll roll to. Your lower leg should remain straight as you roll onto this side. Your top leg should bend to rest on the pillow. Bend your upper arm at the elbow and put it in front of you, so your hand is near your face. Rest your lower arm behind your back and bend your upper arm at the elbow.

It is possible to suffer from sore hips when lying on your side. Apply an ice pack to the sore area to help alleviate any body pain or swelling or ensure that your mattress has great pressure relief and support.

FAQ

Which Firmness is Best for Pregnancy?

There is no definitive answer to this question as different women will have different preferences. However, most experts recommend a medium-firm mattress is the best option for pregnant women. This type of mattress will provide the necessary support for your body without being too firm or too soft.

What type of mattress is best when pregnant?

As mentioned above, a medium-firm mattress is generally the best type of mattress for pregnant women. This bed will be the best mattress in providing the necessary support for your body without being too firm or too soft.

High-quality orthopedic mattresses are becoming increasingly popular due to their many benefits. Some of the benefits of memory foam mattresses include:

-They contour to your body, providing body support and pressure relief which is important for avoiding back pain

-They can help to reduce tossing and turning throughout the night

-They can minimize motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by your partner’s movements during the night

-They are generally very comfortable and can help you get a good night’s sleep

Is a soft or firm mattress better for pregnancy?

How should you use your baby bed while pregnant? Best pregnancy mattresses are cooling and relieve pressures. 7-8 firm mattresses may suit people who want softer support. Soft medium-firm will suit people seeking softness.

Is it safe to sleep on a new mattress when pregnant?

A new mattress should be safe to sleep on for pregnant women, provided that it has not been treated with any harmful chemicals or fire retardants. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult with your doctor before purchasing.

In general, memory foam mattresses become more of a concern with time as they break down, increasing the risk of VOC off-gassing.

We recommend considering avoiding a memory foam mattress or any polyurethane foams and looking for a mattress that is either plant-based or organic.

What are the benefits of sleeping on an orthopedic mattress during pregnancy?

There are many benefits to sleeping on an orthopedic mattress during pregnancy, including improved circulation, reduced back pain, and decreased risk of developing bedsores. Additionally, sleeping on a comfortable mattress can help to improve sleep quality and quantity for both mother and child and avoid a back pain pregnancy.

Choosing the Right Bedding

It is important to choose bedding that will provide both comfort and support when pregnant. A good mattress is essential for a comfortable night’s sleep, but other factors such as pillows and sheets can also ensure restful sleep.

Pregnancy pillows are designed to support the belly and back and can be especially helpful for women who suffer from back pain during pregnancy. Sheets should be made from breathable materials such as cotton or bamboo to help keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.

A comforter is not typically necessary as most pregnant women prefer to sleep with just a sheet or light blanket. However, if you choose to use a comforter, make sure it is lightweight and made from natural or organic materials such as cotton or wool.

Pregnancy is when many women suffer from sleep problems due to the discomfort of their growing bodies. However, by choosing the right bedding, you can help to ensure a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

If you have any questions about choosing the right bedding for pregnancy, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we would be happy to help!

Is a hard bed good for pregnancy?

Most experts recommend a medium-firm mattress is the best option for pregnant women. This type of mattress will provide the necessary support for your body without being too firm or too soft. However, if you prefer a hard bed, it is generally considered safe to sleep on during pregnancy. Just make sure to consult with your doctor before making any major changes to your sleep routine.

The benefit of a supportive mattress during pregnancy is that it can help to reduce the risk of developing back pain or other muscular problems. Additionally, a comfortable mattress can improve sleep quality and quantity, essential for both mother and child.

If you have any questions about choosing the right mattress for pregnancy, please contact us, and we would be happy to help!

Sabino, Jennifer, and Jonathan N. Grauer. “Pregnancy and low back pain.” Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine 1.2 (2008): 137-141.