Children's orthopedic mattresses

Children are the most valuable thing in life. It is important to provide them not only with adequate nutrition and care, but also take care of the comfort of rest. In order for their mood to be positive, and their posture correct and beautiful, one cannot do without a special mattress that ensures an even distribution of the load on all parts of the spine while the baby is sleeping. These types of mats include children's orthopedic mattresses.

Children's orthopedic mattresses are characterized by a flat surface, optimal rigidity and have certain dimensions. Depending on the specific age group for which they are performed, their thickness also changes (from 8 to 15 cm). They represent a special unit that performs two tasks: provides comfortable rest and makes it right.

The advantages of orthopedic mattresses include:

• normalization of metabolic processes in the body, improvement of blood flow;
• relieving muscle tension, completely relaxing them;
• prevention of spinal diseases;
• reduction of pain (with scoliosis, poor posture, pain in the lower back, joints);
• proper support of the whole body, regardless of the position of the child (on the back, stomach, side);
• development of the design of mats, taking into account the age characteristics of children;
• a wide age range (from newborns to adolescents);
• hypoallergenic base material with antimicrobial impregnation, which does not irritate delicate baby skin;
• calculation for daily operation for several years;
• excellent air exchange, preventing the appearance of an environment for fungus, mold and decay;
• varying the degree of hardness depending on the model (double versions with surfaces of different hardness);
• resistance to moisture in springless structures;
• the use of materials that are not subject to deformation under the weight of the child;
• a wide range of mattresses with different natural covers.

The disadvantage of orthopedic blocks is the fragility of mats in monolithic blocks. Despite the fact that they are designed for different child weights, such designs do not provide for increased child activity at all. You cannot jump on them, jump: this will lead to a breakdown of the block and raise the question of buying a new one.

The most significant disadvantage of some orthopedic mattresses is the presence of harmful adhesives. (for example, phenol and ethanol, which do not weather for a long time, and therefore do not lose their toxicity). In addition, complex designs made from a combination of natural materials are expensive, which puts a certain barrier between the buyer and the desired product, forcing them to look for another model, taking into account the available budget.

All existing designs of mattresses are divided into spring and springless. The first models are equipped with springs and, although some of them (of the independent type) are positioned as orthopedic, their orthopedic effect is small.

The structure of the spring block is a design with springs in the center, closed by layers of orthopedic filler and layers of additional padding. Each of the springs (from 100 to 250 pcs. Per 1 sq. M.) Is located vertically and has an elastic twisted shape. At best, such designs can be bought for a teenager in graduation classes, whose skeleton is practically formed. The only correct and permissible type of spring block is the version with independent springs.

To make the independent unit have an orthopedic effect, a solid springless filler and an additional insulating layer are added to the top and bottom of the spring frame. In some models of the block with independent springs, warm and thin layers are used on both sides (for different periods of the year). In spring mattresses of a dependent type, a wave is formed under load, more elements are involved in the deflection, so the position of the spine will be unnatural, day after day injuring the child's back.

With active children's games, such structures can lead to breakage of the springs, which can injure the child.

Springless mattresses are made from compressed fillers that have no metal elements. Therefore, they are safe, do not have an annoying creaking sound and are devoid of springiness. They are:

• monolithic, in the form of a solid mat;
• combined, from the base and additional layers.

Such structures are convenient, they do not get seasick, they are well ventilated, easy to transport and can withstand a heavy weight load. They are bought even in a chair-bed, if there is no regular crib. And thanks to the different sizes, choosing the right block for the extended chair is not difficult at all.

By the type of hardness, orthopedic mattresses are hard and moderately hard. The density of the block depends on its components: the denser the padding, the harder the mattress. To vary the degree of block rigidity, manufacturers use not only different fillers, but also different locations. For example, if latex is padded at the top and bottom with coir, the mattress will be firm.

The dimensions of the children's mattress depend on the size of the bed. For very young children, these parameters are 50x60 cm, 100x60 cm, 120x60 cm. These are options for newborns and toddlers. For older babies, manufacturers offer mats in sizes 140x70 cm, 80x150 cm, 70x160 cm, 80x160 cm. Such models are good for preschool children.

Mattresses for schoolchildren are larger: depending on the height of the child, their dimensions are 60x170 cm, 170x80 cm, 80x180 cm, 80x190 cm, 80x200 cm, 90x200 cm... Mattresses size 190x80 cm and more may well be used by an adult.

The main fillers for children's mattresses with an orthopedic effect are:

• natural or synthetic latex;
• orthofiber;
• struttofiber;
• coconut fiber.

All types of padding are of high quality and elasticity, they provide a flat and hard surface of the berth and can be combined with each other:

1. Latex mattress has holes of different depths and diameters in different parts of the mat. This feature allows you to distribute the load on the body evenly and gently. Artificial latex (waterlatex) is similar in structure to its natural counterpart, however, it is somewhat tougher, although its indicators of hypoallergenicity, ventilation and maintenance of moisture balance are quite high.
2. Coconut fleece, which is a processed product of the skin of a coconut, has a compressed structure and a characteristic brownish color. This stuffing is one of the best, has high orthopedic performance. On its basis, hard and moderately hard mattresses are created for the prevention of many diseases of the spine.
3. Ortofiber is a material with excellent breathability and durability. By its structure, it is an elastic block with good orthopedic properties. Does not lend itself to punches and tears. This filler has high heat-shielding properties and quickly recovers after operation.
4. Structofiber is a synthetic material made from polyester fibers. It is often supplemented with additional layers of padding from other springless fillers (to achieve not only an orthopedic, but also an additional effect: physiotherapy, warm, ventilated, relaxing). This is one of the most expensive types of packing.

To begin with, you should immediately understand: soft structures are excluded. It is unacceptable for the child to fall into the pit of the mattress. Choose a mattress in such a way that it fits the size of the bed. In a crib, this is especially important to prevent injury to small baby arms or legs if they fall between the block and the wall of the crib.

In any case, it is worth giving preference to the springless option. If you have the right model and the funds allow, it is better to purchase a mattress with two different sides in terms of firmness. When buying, it is important to consider the rule: the younger the child's age, the harder the mattress... Do not assume that a hard mattress is a block akin to a wooden structure. In fact, it is dense, but does not cut into the body, provides a comfortable sleep and allows you to take any natural position. In addition, today you can buy an option with different sides, one of which provides for a softening layer of padding over the orthopedic layer.

Children prone to allergies should not buy mattresses with padding such as wool or horsehair. A block made of coir with a rubberized or latex coating is also not suitable for them, the vapors of which can harm the health of babies.

In addition, it is important to consider that an orthopedic mattress for a child:

• bought personally for him;
• always has a cover made of natural non-slip fabric;
• should ideally match the size of the bed (bumps and voids are excluded);
• corresponds to the child's height with a margin of length and width (at least 20 cm in length and 30 cm on each side);
• often supplemented with a cover with a thermoregulation mechanism (retains heat in winter, eliminates excess moisture in summer, keeping the mattress dry);
• has a perfectly flat surface without relief;
• used in conjunction with a baby pillow;
• ideally free from electrostatic stress caused by the combination of metal and synthetic cover;
• it is not purchased on the basis of "growth", as it may contain harmful additives.

When choosing an orthopedic mattress for a child, it is worth considering a number of factors. We must not forget about the age limit, because what is permissible for a teenager is completely unsuitable for a baby. When buying, it is important to remember: the determining factor is not the advertising of the seller, but the health of the child.

It is important not to miss the correct development of the baby's posture. It is easier for a baby under three years old to cope with problems of poor posture. To do this, you need to buy a correct and firm mattress for the crib. The design of the block for children 2, 3, 4 years old is selected with a rigid springless block.

At the age from 4-5 to 10 years, the development of scoliosis can progress. This is due, among other things, to heavy weight loads: it is often overweight textbooks, constant sitting on unadapted furniture at school that are the cause and consequence of colossal harm to children's health. At this age (and especially at 6, 7, 8 years old), in no case should you buy spring mattresses. It is important to choose a gentle springless block that will relieve stress and, along with a regular course of exercise, will help restore the correct position of the spine. You need to choose a hard or moderately hard block.

Adolescence (10 - 15 years old) is the most dangerous, because it is during this period that the bone skeleton changes very quickly. If there are no problems with the spine, you can choose a block with a moderate degree of rigidity. However, we must not forget that the skeleton is still continuing its formation, so you should not experiment with a spring block, even a combined type and independent springs. This option can be bought later and then, if health allows. If you choose a mattress for adolescents for medical reasons, you should opt for two-sided springless models.

It is easy to get lost in a wide variety of brand products. To have an idea of ​​good mattresses, you should take a closer look at the products of proven companies that have high ratings in the market for useful products for children's health:

• "Ormatek" Kids Classic - mattresses of medium hardness, excellent moisture permeability, capable of withstanding heavy loads and reducing back pressure on the tissues of the child's body. They are distinguished by high practical characteristics and are guaranteed for up to 5 years.
• Perrino "Tiny" - unique combined type constructions with excellent orthopedic effect. Promotes correct posture development and has a highly elastic latex core with antibacterial properties.
• "Sakura" Bambini Mishutka - springless mattresses of the combined type of the line of children's mats, a distinctive feature of which is the presence of a special cover "winter-summer". Comfortable latex and coconut fiber constructions, padded with cotton.
• "Ascona" Mediflex Star Kids - models of a domestic manufacturer, made of latex and orthopedic foam, resistant to weight loads and deformation, characterized by an even distribution of the load on the child's body.

When choosing the best for their children, parents leave a lot of feedback on the forums dedicated to children's health. If adults allow themselves more often spring constructions of an independent type, they acquire precisely “correct”, springless models for children. Such designs are chosen according to the recommendations of orthopedic doctors. Parents believe that it is these models that help children relieve daytime stress and fatigue, improve the quality and correctness of sleep, and reduce pressure on the back, neck and lower back.

For an overview of a children's orthopedic mattress from one of the most trusted companies, see the following video.