How To Know You Are Sleeping On A Bad Mattress
Basically, the wrong mattress is due to various factors. Of course a comfortable mattress, it should offer proper cushioning and protect the body from strains. The appropriate way to get an indication that you are sleeping on a bad mattress is how you feel in the morning when waking up. If you experience any pain in the body, it means that there is something not adding up well in your bed. Either the mattress is too stiff or too soft and facilitating a lot of sinking and motions.
How Can I Get Relief On A Budget
Spending thousands of dollars on a mattress isnt for everybody, but with a bit of digging, you should be able to find a mattress that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
The recent rise of online mattress companies means that customers now have access to a wealth of options at affordable price-points. These reflect the lack of sales commissions and other costs associated with brick-and-mortar stores.
Another option is to keep an eye out for sales, which are commonly offered on major holidays at both online and traditional retail stores. Your local newspaper may also have cut-out coupons.
If your current mattress hasnt lost its supportive ability and all you need is a firmness adjustment, you may have luck with a mattress topper. Mattress toppers are layers of foam, latex, wool, or other materials that are designed to lie on top of your mattress and make it firmer or softer. They are a cost-effective way to get added pressure relief for your sciatica without buying an entire mattress.
Which Mattress Firmness Is Best For Back Pain
A scientific study concluded that a medium-firm mattress outperformed a firm mattress in terms of reducing back pain whilst in bed, upon rising, and throughout the day for 313 adults tested over a 90-day period .
However, this study doesnt mean that everyone with back pain should buy a medium-firm mattress because back pain is a highly individualized condition, and the most suitable mattress firmness is dependant on a range of subjective factors.
The best mattress firmness for back pain could be soft, medium, firm, or another firmness variant depending on your body weight, body type, and dominant sleeping position.
This can make choosing the right mattress firmness for your back pain challenging.
And even if you consult your doctor first , you may still be unclear on the most suitable mattress firmness to help with your back pain.
Thats why Ive put together a list of the different mattress firmnesses and provided some guidelines as to which setting is typically best suited to the different combinations of body weights, body types, and sleeping positions to provide some clarity.
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The Mattress Is More Than 7 Years Old
Most mattresses tend to have an average expected lifespan of around 5-7 years with the correct care, whilst some of the best quality hybrid and latex foam anti-sag mattresses could last up to 10 years or more.
So if your mattress is more than 7 years old then it could be that your back pain is being caused by a worn-out support core, sagging top layer, and/or uneven upper surface.
In which case you should check out the upcoming section that walks you through the process of buying a new mattress to combat back pain.
How The Wrong Pillow Can Affect Your Sleep Position
While the issue is more serious for stomach sleepers, those who sleep on their side can also be pulling their spines out of alignment by using the wrong pillow. Even with the right sleep position, the wrong pillow can lead to major issues that can be a literal pain in the neck. Thats because your pillow is just as important as your mattress when it comes to proper spinal alignment.
Choose a pillow with the right amount of loft for your sleep position. If you sleep on your side, you need a more supportive pillow with a higher loft. For those who sleep on their stomachs, look for a pillow with a lower profile.
Individuals who sleep on their back may sleep on both high and low loft pillows, based on their personal preference.
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What Are The Common Body Aches Associated With Bad Mattresses
What are the effects of a bad mattress?
Typically, what one sleeper will suffer as a result of wrong mattresses is going to be different from another. Mostly, the pain emerges from the mattress being too firm, thereby preventing the body from proper alignment. Furthermore, if the mattress is very soft, the body tends to sink thus causing extreme pressure on the spine and neck region. Sleeping on a bad mattress may cause your various pain and aches. A bad mattress may has the following effects below.
Mattress Firmness Suitability For Back Pain
Mattresses can potentially be available in any of the following firmnesses .
Extra-Soft
Extra soft mattresses are typically best for side sleepers that weigh less than 130 lbs because they allow you to sink more deeply into the mattress materials to remove pressure on your hips and shoulders.
This means that an extra-soft mattress may be suitable if you have back pain thats primarily triggered by surface pressure such as sciatica or nerve-related back pain because the softer surface is less liable to create pressure points.
Soft
Soft mattresses are often preferred by side sleepers and lighter weighted sleepers under 150 lbs again due to the greater give afforded by the upper comfort layers that may also provide relief for back pain that is brought on through pressure points.
Softer mattresses are often best avoided by heavier weighted sleepers over 230 lbs especially if you sleep on your front because youre more likely to sink into the mattress and experience back pain due to spinal misalignment and bad posture.
Medium-Soft
Medium-soft mattresses are often enjoyed by side and back sleepers in the 130 230 lbs range, whilst front sleepers under 200 lbs who prefer more pressure relief may also feel well supported.
Medium
A medium firmness mattress is the most popular mattress firmness and is typically best suited to front, back, and side sleepers in the 130 230 lbs range .
Medium-Firm
Firm
Extra-Firm
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Choose A Hybrid Design
A high-quality hybrid mattress is typically the best type of mattress for back pain because the individually wrapped springs can provide adaptive support for your spine to maintain good posture, whilst the foam top layers can help to soften pressure points that may otherwise aggravate your nerves and impede circulation.
If maximum pressure relief is your goal, then a memory foam topped mattress is the best choice, whilst natural latex foam can provide a more breathable alternative if you tend to sleep hot.
Invest In The Right Mattress To Help Your Back Pain
Weve been handcrafting all-natural fabric mattresses since 1929. Our #1 priority is to build every customer we are privileged to serve with a mattress that fits their specific needs. No two bodies are alike, which is why we believe handmade, best-in-value mattresses are the best choice for back pain! We stand behind that claim with our 60-day comfort guarantee!
Check out our Mattress Match to find your perfect mattress.
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Best Adjustable Mattress For Lower Back Pain
Saatva Solaire Mattress
- Type: airbed
- Height: 13 inches
With 50 firmness options, the Saatva Solaire Mattress means truly personalized comfort. The mattress is made with dual air chambers and features individual controls that allow you and your partner to choose your level of support on any given night. A five-zone latex layer also offers uplifting support in the lumbar region.
Saatva offers a 180-night trial and free white-glove delivery, which includes removal of your old mattress. The Solaire also comes with a 25-year warranty.
Understanding Your Sleep Position
We tend to fall asleep in roughly the same position every night, and every sleep position has a different impact on your body. However, certain positions may account for some of your pain.
People who sleep on their stomach are more likely to experience back pain because this position pulls the spine out of alignment. Also, the twisting and contorting that stomach sleepers do to get comfortable can put extra pressure on the neck and lower back, which can even cause poorer circulation.
If you sleep on your stomach, try to train yourself to sleep on your side, usually by propping your trunk up with a pillow.
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Low Neck And Back Pain Triggered By Back Deterioration As Well As Injury
Recurring substantial lifting or an abrupt uncomfortable activity can emphasize back muscle mass and also back tendons. If you continue to be in inadequate physical problem, constant pressure on your back can set off uncomfortable muscle spasms.
Disks function as extra paddings between the bones in your spine. The soft item inside a disk can break or bulge and also continue a nerve.
Nonetheless, you can have a protruding or burst disk without back pain. Disk disease is typically uncovered by the way when you have spine X-rays for a few other factors.
Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In most cases, joint inflammation in the spinal column can trigger a restricting of the location around the spine, a trouble called spinal constriction.
If your bones end up being permeable and also weak, your spine columns vertebrae can develop undesirable cracks.
Sleeping Posture Is Crucial
Its quite important to take into consideration your sleeping posture when youre trying to decide which mattress is the best for back problems.
A lot of people tend to sleep on their sides which can cause pain in some cases.
Good posture is important when you sleep. The muscles and ligaments in your back need to relax while snoozing on a mattress with the right firmness for this activity!
If youre someone who sleeps on your side, make sure that you choose a mattress that is soft enough and firm enough at the same time.
It is the responsibility of mattresses to keep the spine healthy, strong and keep the body upright.
If you are someone who sleeps on their back, then you need to find a mattress that does not have too much of an incline.
This is because it can put too much weight on your lower back region while sleeping in this position.
While if you are someone who sleeps on their stomach, you need to have a very firm mattress.
Its because you will be putting all your body weight on your lower back region when you sleep in this position.
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What Are The Disadvantages Of Memory Foam Mattress
The soft memory foam mattresses cause back pain, neck pain, and bad for the side & back sleepers. And, the firm memory foam mattresses can cause joint pain and feel uncomfortable while sleeping on the side. Few memory foam mattresses are hot and cant pass airflow perfectly. You have to choose the get memory foam mattresses that are cool and comfortable.
Can Replacing Your Mattress Improve Lower Back Pain
Yes. If your mattress isnt offering enough support because its too soft or too old, swapping your mattress for a medium-firm option can help improve lower back pain.
You can also try moving the mattress to the floor, using plywood beneath the mattress, or adding a supportive mattress topper designed to alleviate back pain.
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Why Is Back Pain Worse When Lying Down
But why does your back pain occur when youre getting into bed? Most people who experience back pain have strained muscles. Not sitting up straight at the desk or lounging unsupported on the couch can cause specific muscles to contract over long periods.
You may not notice it at the moment or when youre up walking around because theres no pressure on them. But when your back hits an unsupportive bed, those sensitive, strained, and damaged muscles are agitated.
And that added pressure on the affected part of your back causes those muscles to hurt.
Which Mattress Will Work For Your Body
On that note, there is no one-size-fits-all bed that will suit everyone. To gauge which mattress is right for you, it is recommended that you spend at least 1012 minutes trying one in person. Ideally, you ought to do so in the position you usually sleep in.
The right level of comfort will depend on your personal situation and how you sleep. Read more about the various comfort layers to see how they can help support your lower back.
The more stability you have and the fewer disturbances during sleep, the more likely you are to stay in a properly supported position throughout the night. Read more about our edge support and how it promotes optimal stability.
Adjustable beds can also be a good option, as the right position can help alleviate pressure from your lower back by distributing the weight more evenly and may assist with some sleep conditions. Read more about Sealys adjustable foundation mattress here.
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How Do I Know If My Bed Is Causing Me Back Pain
It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing you to experience back pain, but a good indicator is if youre struggling the most early in the morning after youve woken up. If youre ever staying in a hotel or a different bed for whatever reason, make a mental note of how youre feeling after a nights sleep to compare it to how you feel after sleeping at home.
If you dont experience the same stiffness, aches or strains then theres a good chance your bed could be part of the problem.
Dont Sleep On A Mattress Thats Too Soft Or Too Hard
Goldilocks was onto something when she picked Baby Bears just right bed.
A mattress thats too soft will cause your back or hips to sag and your spine to fall out of alignment, which can lead to significant pain. A mattress thats too firm will put too much pressure on your joints, especially if you sleep on your side or your back.
Thats why if you want to reduce your back pain in bed, you need a mattress that offers support but that also contours to your body to provide pressure relief and relieve pain.
That being said, theres no one-size-fits-all-best mattress for back pain. Plus, there are plenty of different materials to choose from. So be sure youre investing in a mattress made from suitable materials for your unique needs.
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Is Memory Foam Mattress Topper Causing Back Pain
Almost all memory foam toppers are soft and comfortable. The common topper thickness is 2- 4. If you place a thin memory foam topper on your too firm mattress, it may feel uncomfortable and cause lower back pain and other joint pain while sleeping on different sleeping positions. Furthermore, if you place the topper and bed on an old bed frame that sinks, it may cause you back pain. I recommend you use at least 3 thick memory foam topper for ultimate comfort as well as great back support.
How Can I Tell If My Mattress Is Bad
There are some telltale signs that youve got a bad mattress. Some of them may surprise you. Here are our top five things to look for:
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Try A Mattress Topper That Can Provide Pressure Relief
If you sleep on your side, a memory foam mattress pad conforms to your body to allow your shoulders to sink in while keeping your spine aligned. Back sleepers can also benefit from a reasonable foam mattress pad because it conforms to your lower back.
Just be sure youre not only getting the right one, but youre also using your mattress topper properly.
Initial Back Pain When You Wake Up
You know that feeling of stiffness when you first wake up? Its the result oflong periods of rest or decreased blood flow from sleeping. It usually takes a few minutes of stretching and moving to get rid of that stiff feeling. But if your back is in acute pain when you first wake up and you have to actively stretch to get rid of it, that might be a sign your mattress is doing more harm than good,according to The Joint Chiropractic.
If youre waking up with back pain thats an indicator that your mattress isnt supporting you, said Dr Smycz.
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Tips For Finding The Best Mattress For Your Back
Here are some key things to look out for when finding the best orthopaedic mattress for your back:
- Firmness rating: while it has been suggested that people with a bad back should get an ‘extra-firm’ mattress, this is not always the case. For example, petite people may need a softer mattress to suit their needs.
- Try it out: it can take a little time to settle-in with a new mattress. At Silentnight we offer a 60 day comfort trialto give you more than enough time to get well-acquainted with your new mattress.
- Zoned support: zoned and targeted support in the areas you need it most, such as the shoulders and hips, are vital to healthy spinal alignment and reducing lower back pain.
