Latex is widely used in mattresses, and provides for an elastic surface that is already a cushioning surface in itself. A mattress ticking is then used to cover the mattress, and further cushioning fibre is often added. The cover is an important component of the mattress, and if it is unable to stretch, then hammocking occurs and pressure is increased on the soft tissue of the sleeper. Quality mattresses can be very expensive. They may be made with top quality materials but if they do not provide muscular and skeletal support for that individual, then the product is incorrect and unsuitable, irrespective of the cost.
Mechanical pain affects most people at some stage in their lives and postural changes are common.
Rotation of the pelvis can cause one leg to appear short, one shoulder to drop, and the head to tilt. Because of the shorter limb, weight is transferred to this leg, often resulting in sciatic pain in one of the limbs. This condition can be extremely debilitating, and a problem for back pain specialists to stabilise if the patient sleeps on an incorrect mattress. As we grow older, muscles, ligaments, and tendons shorten, generally resulting in a stiffening of the spine and associated joints. This often leads to postural changes and mechanical pain, as the skeletal system is faced with an imbalance, causing muscles to be used out of equilibrium.