The Real Cost of Choosing the Wrong Mattress

By: Dr. Glen Rowell, PT, DPT, OCS

How My Perspective on Sleep Changed

Often, I reflect back on when I was young and how I could sleep in any position on any surface and be relatively comfortable (as long as I was tired). I brought this notion to my early years in physical therapy practice and the advice I gave to patients. “Just make sure you adjust your day to make sure you achieve seven to nine hours of rest”; and that was really it. Looking back now, I realize just how off the mark that was.

Part of my evolving realization came from a lower back injury I had and how much of a difference the sleeping surface I was on made. I actually found relief while I was recovering from sleeping on another mattress in our house. The hundreds of reports from patients over the years about their mattress and its effects on their sleep quality and pain compounded that notion. Most simply put, your mattress really, really matters!

Why Your Mattress Matters More Than You Think

When we sleep, we give our body a chance to recover and heal from injury. We are immersed in a part of our 24-hour day devoid of any physical activity. We are giving our body a chance to recover from the fatigue and wear of the day. This will dictate how we feel the following day.

There is no question that a major lifestyle choice we need to make is to ensure our sleep is not only just adequate, but effective, and not to mention… enjoyable. It’s a lever that we can pull to make our lives better. The potential negative effects of choosing a cheaper or wrong mattress are far ranging. Lower back or neck pain, sciatica, hip, or shoulder pain cannot only be helped, but even prevented!

Low energy, poor mood, heightened depression, anxiety, stress, and overall neurocognitive function are other major factors also affected by our sleep. I am anxious to see how the scientific evidence will evolve to show that sleep’s attributes not only help the brain recover from the toils of the day but act to be an agent of prevention. I personally love how a good night’s sleep often washes away the previous day’s worry and anxiety.

The Missing Piece in Most Recovery Routines

I have found in my years of practice that many patients can summon the discipline and fortitude to train consistently. They can quite frequently fall short on the recovery side, however. The recovery element is just as important as the work that they put into their training.

I guess you could say that your mattress is just as important as the treadmill you choose to run on, or the sneakers you wear. Just like your sneakers, I would choose a mattress that’s tailored to you. I find it fascinating that BEDGEAR will provide mattresses and sleep essentials personally fit to individual body types, sleep positions, and temperature preferences. The mattress and bedding you sleep with are a critical training partner.

How the Right Mattress Supports True Recovery

While many people think of sleep as a passive activity, it’s actually one of the most active recovery processes your body performs. Your muscles, joints, and nervous system are all working to rebuild and restore balance. If your mattress doesn’t properly support spinal alignment or regulate temperature, your body has to fight against discomfort throughout the night instead of recovering from the day. That’s where Performance® sleep products come into play.

At BEDGEAR, every mattress is engineered for personalized comfort, with breathable fabrics and advanced airflow systems that help optimize sleep for health, wellness, recovery, and longevity. Each component is engineered to adapt to your unique body and sleep position. The brand’s Performance® Mattresses and Pillows are built to support airflow and help regulate temperature, ensuring that overheating or pressure points don’t interrupt the deep stages of sleep when the body does its most important recovery work.

Personalization Makes All the Difference

As a clinician, I’ve seen firsthand how patients benefit from improving their sleep system. When someone switches from a one-size-fits-all mattress to a personalized system that matches their body type and sleep style, the difference can be dramatic. Pain levels drop, energy improves, and even posture and daytime focus can change. This isn’t just comfort—it’s health.

One of the most overlooked aspects of recovery is consistency. BEDGEAR’s modular and personalized designs allow sleepers to maintain the same feel and support over time, rather than experiencing the uneven sag or wear that can occur with traditional mattresses. The result is a product that continues to deliver night after night.

Investing in the Right Sleep Partner

Choosing the wrong mattress might save money up front, but the long-term costs—poor recovery, increased pain, and decreased energy—are far greater. Investing in the right Performance® Sleep System is an investment in your physical and mental well-being.

After all, the right mattress doesn’t just help you rest—it helps you live better when you’re awake.

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About Dr. Glen Rowell, PT, DPT, OCS

Dr. Glen Rowell is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with more than 30 years of experience helping people overcome pain, recover from injury, and improve their overall quality of life. Throughout his career, he has seen firsthand how the right sleep environment can transform both rest and recovery.

Bringing his clinical expertise to BEDGEAR, Dr. Rowell provides evidence-based insight into the critical connection between personalized sleep solutions and better health, wellness, and longevity. His work is dedicated to empowering people with practical, science-backed strategies to support better sleep and stronger recovery.