The effect of pressure distribution properties of different hardness mattresses made of different materials on comfort and lumbar mechanics

The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between the pressure distribution characteristics obtained in three different lying postures on three different materials and hard mattresses according to their anthropometric characteristics and the comfort felt on the mattress in healthy individuals. Forty-four healthy individuals between the ages of 18-65 were included in our study. The spine length, shoulder and pelvis width of the individuals were measured with a tape measure. In our study, latex was used as a hard mattress, a spring mattress was used as a medium hard mattress, and a visco mattress was used as a soft mattress. Pressure distributions were measured in the supine, right and left lateral positions of the individuals with the Tactilus pressure distribution measuring device, which was laid on three types of mattresses, respectively. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the comfort felt by individuals in the three-bed state. In all three mattress materials, lower "pressure mean" was obtained in supine position compared to right and left side lying (p=0.001). A lower "high pressure area" was obtained when lying on the back in a latex and visco mattress compared to lying on the side (p=0.001). The "high pressure areas" of those lying on the spring mattress did not differ according to the lying direction (p=0.124). It was observed that the lowest "high pressure area" was in the latex mattress, and the highest pressure area was in the visco mattress when lying on the side (p=0.001). High pressure areas in supine position did not differ between beds (p=0.237). Although the VAS comfort scores of the visco mattress did not differ from the other mattresses (p>0.05), it was observed that the VAS comfort score average of the latex mattress was lower than that of the spring mattress (p<0.05). As the spine length of the individual increased in the visco mattress, the comfort felt increased (p=0,040). No statistical correlation was found between the level of comfort felt in the other beds and all anthropometric features (p>0,05). Weight, height, spine length, shoulder and hip diameter values were found to have an effect on the mean pressure in all types of mattresses in supine position (p<0,05). When the body weight increased, the high pressure area value increased only in side lying in the spring mattress. In the other beds, as the body weight increased, the high pressure area value increased regardless of the lying direction (p<0.05). The mean pressure value increased with the increase in the diameter of the shoulder in the spring bed while lying on its side and the diameter of the pelvis in the supine position (p<0,05). The mean pressure value decreased as the height increased in the supine position on the spring mattress (p<0.05). As a result, although spring mattresses provide an advantage in terms of comfort compared to latex mattresses, the perception of comfort does not change according to anthropometric characteristics. However, anthropometric characteristics and the lying posture preferred by the individual are important in choosing the ideal mattress in terms of affecting high pressure and pressure average values. Latex mattresses and spring mattresses can be recommended for individuals with high weight who prefer supine and side lying positions. While it may be disadvantageous for individuals with wide shoulders and hips to choose a spring mattress while lying on their side, a spring mattress can be chosen as the height increases when lying on their back.