In a given year, about 40% of adults experience back pain. More than twice that many (85%) are plagued with back pain at some point in their lives. An aching back can keep you from getting comfortable in bed, interfering with your sleep. By finding the best mattress for back pain, you may be able to improve your sleep quality.
There isn’t a specific mattress that helps everyone overcome back pain. To find a mattress that suits your needs, consider your discomfort, your preferred sleep position and your thoughts about mattress materials.
Read on to learn about:
· Different mattress types
· Reasons why your sleep position may dictate your preferred mattress
· Personal details that may affect your mattress choices
· Pointers that may make it easier to shop for a mattress
Understanding Mattress Types
Every mattress type provides a slightly different sleep experience:
- Memory foam. When you lie on a cushiony memory foam mattress, you’ll sink into the surface, which contours to your body. Memory foam helps side sleepers relieve hip and shoulder pressure. The gentle support may encourage spinal alignment, which may promote back health. Some people avoid memory foam mattresses because they retain heat, which could make you too warm.
- Latex. The firm, bouncy surface of a latex mattress provides support that can help with back pain. The hypoallergenic material conforms to your body, helping with spinal alignment and relieving pressure points. Latex bounces back quickly when you move, and its breathable texture keeps you from overheating. People who sleep on their backs or sides tend to enjoy a latex mattress.
- Innerspring. An innerspring mattress contains springy coils that offer different types of firm support. It’s ideal for people with back pain who sleep on their backs or stomachs. Innerspring coils often aren’t comfortable for slide sleepers, because they put too much pressure on hip and shoulder joints. They don’t have as much “give” as memory foam, which provides better pressure relief.
- Hybrid. A hybrid mattress combines different comfort layers of supportive material from latex, memory foam and/or innerspring mattresses. It may help with spinal alignment and/or relieve joint pressure. Hybrids have widespread appeal, because different styles cater to people who sleep on their backs, sides and stomachs.
Matching Mattress Firmness to Sleeping Position
The best mattress for back pain is different for side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Each sleeper should seek a mattress of different firmness to help ease back pain.
Learn more about the preferred mattress firmness for your favorite sleep position:
- Side sleepers. Because your hip and shoulder will be in contact with the mattress, you need a mattress that’s less firm, to provide pressure relief for your joints. A softer or medium-firmness mattress will be gentle on your joints and should help maintain spinal alignment. The Signature Hybrid, which comes in soft and medium-support, boasts a cushiony foam top layer that offers pressure relief for side sleepers.
- Back sleepers. A firm or medium-firmness mattress should offer you balanced support, promoting spinal alignment. The CopperFlex offers lumbar support for your lower back, helping you maintain spinal alignment.
- Stomach sleepers. As you rest on your stomach, the support of a firm mattress should encourage spinal alignment and discourage spinal curvature. The Aurora’s foam top layer cradles and contours your body, while its coils provide the support your back needs.
- Combination sleepers. If you don’t have a favorite position, or if you move around a lot, a medium-firmness mattress can relieve joint pressure, support spinal alignment and adapt easily when you change positions. The Sedona Elite has a cooling foam cover and supportive coils that provide back support and make it easy to shift positions.
Considering Individual Needs
Don’t pick a mattress style solely based on your sleep position. Consider personal factors like your weight and medical history, and give yourself permission to go with your gut, based on personal preferences.
People in certain weight categories may do best with a denser mattress, like a Titan mattress, which can offer greater support to heavier individuals. Consider a firm mattress if you’re heavier, so you get the most support when you sleep.
If you have a pre-existing back injury, chronic back pain or another condition that may influence your mattress choice, consult a medical professional for personalized advice before purchasing. The CopperFlex and a firm Aurora Luxe offer lumbar support.
Grant yourself the freedom to consider the data, then pick a mattress that speaks to you, based on personal preference. If you love a firm mattress, it’s okay to get one. If you’re choosing between two or three mattresses that meet your criteria, pick the one that you’re drawn to. Consider the mattress in combination with the bed frame, to make sure that they’ll provide you the back support that you need.
Additional Factors
Anyone who’s shopping for a mattress should consider:
- Mattress Lifespan and Durability. The lifespan of a typical mattress is six to eight years. When you’re mattress shopping, consider the quality and durability of the materials, to ensure that your new mattress lasts. Some people choose a cheaper mattress on principle, but if it doesn’t hold up well and you have to replace it more often, you could spend more in the long run by spending less on quality and durability.
- Warranties and Sleep Trials. Until you spend time sleeping on a mattress, you can’t know if it’s right for your needs. Warranties and sleep trials help by protecting your purchase decisions. A trusted mattress company should allow you 30 days to test your mattress and see if it’s as comfortable as you expected, plus a 120-day period to return it, if need be. A policy like this should give you the confidence to buy a mattress risk-free. A lifetime limited warranty should give you peace of mind that you’re purchasing a quality product that the manufacturer stands behind.
- Budget. When you’re shopping on a budget, realize that there are quality mattresses available from mid-level price points to premium and luxury options. Certain features may not be available in all mattresses, but many features are accessible to shoppers on a budget, including memory foam, hybrids, cooling features and more.
Conclusion
If your back always hurts, choosing the best mattress for back pain may provide years of comforting sleep. To support your back health, choose a mattress based on these recommendations, then test it risk-free to see if it meets your needs. Your back will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if memory foam will help my back but I sleep hot?
A: Some memory foam has cooling elements to decrease the chances of overheating. Look for gel-infused foam or open-cell foam options.
Q: I’m a stomach sleeper, but my doctor recommended side sleeping to reduce my back pain. I often wake up on my stomach, not my side. Which mattress should I get?
A: Consider yourself a combination sleeper, if you change between stomach and side sleeping. A number of options are ideal for combination sleepers.
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