To ensure the health of the spine and comfort in the lower back, a Russian doctor has warned against the risks of sleeping on folding or air mattresses for extended periods. Pavel Kokotov, a neurologist and chiropractor, stated in an interview with "Sputnik" that one should not permanently sleep on folding beds or air mattresses.
He added, "When using a folding bed or air mattress as a permanent bed, we do not achieve the desired effect for orthopedic support. For example, traditional spring mattresses are designed in such a way that the mattress is compressed at specific intervals under the weight of the body in different ways; meaning that in the hip area, it is somewhat firmer, and in the lower back areas, it is less so; thus, creating natural curves and allowing the muscles to relax."
The neurologist continued: "On a folding bed or air mattress, the spine continuously tries to stabilize, which leads to muscle strain and spasms, resulting in neck and lower back pain in the morning." Kokotov warned that discomfort could potentially lead to certain spinal diseases in the future, which may cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances, among other issues.