Low Back Pain — The use of the Isometric Mattress

INTRODUCTION The importance of a suitable mattress to the patient suffering from low back pain iswell established and adviceon the selection of a mattress forms a basic part of the treatment. A firm mattress, with or without me use of bedboards, is the usual recommendation. The rationale behind this is that the mattress should 'give' enough to conform to the sleeper's body contour but should not sag so that the spine adopts curves other than those of the normal postural position. A new design of mattress has been examined which attempts to do this by providing a resting surface which is already shaped to the individual's body profile. The Isometric'' mattress is basically a firm foam mattress with a thinner softer foam surface layer bonded to it at the head and foot ends only, allowing the insertion between the two layers of moulded foam blocks. The user is thus able to adapt the mattress to suit his own physical requirements.