Which Mattress Firmness Is Best For Sleepers With Hip Pain
If you are someone that experiences hip pain, you are going to want balance. You need a mattress that can effectively contour to your hips and keep your spine in optimal alignment.
That is especially true if you are someone that sleeps on your side. Youll want something with not too much pressure in and around that area.
The key is finding the mattress type with a firmness level that aligns well with your weight and size. Anyone weighing fewer than 130 pounds will likely want something softer than someone weighing over 170 pounds.
A softer mattress is likely best for you if you are a lighter person. If you are a heavier person, you want to go with something thats more firm and provides more support.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Firm Mattress
A firm mattress is considered to be a hard mattress that has little or no indentation when you sit or lay on it. Good-quality form mattresses are usually made from memory foam and can vary in firmness.
Extra firm mattresses will have no indentation and medium-firm mattresses will show little indentation under body weight. For more info, lets look at the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing a firm mattress
Advantages
- Comfortable for every sleeping style, especially for back and stomach sleeping positions.
- A firm mattress might enable a natural body alignment and position, allowing a better, deeper, and uninterrupted sleep.
- A firm mattress resists body weight and prevents the body from sinking into the mattress, which makes it excellent for heavier people.
- For those with back pain, it is believed that a firm mattress provides the necessary back support, especially in the lower lumbar region.
- A firm mattress is great for isolating motion so, if your partner tosses and turns during sleep, youll stay uninterrupted.
Disadvantages
Can A Bad Mattress Cause Back And Chest Pain
Whilst a bad mattress thats sagging or otherwise had its structural integrity compromised could cause back and chest pain, the chest pain element is particularly worrying if it has come on quickly and you should seek medical advice immediately since sudden, acute chest pain can be an indicator of a life-threatening condition like a heart attack .
Recommended Reading: Why Does My Lower Right Back Hurt
Other Mattress Performance Considerations
Your specific sleeping needs can also guide you to other important features.
If you sleep with a partner, look for mattresses with good motion isolation. Foam and hybrids with pocketed coils tend to reduce motion transfer best.
Edge support is also important for couples, since you dont want a rude awakening when you find yourself pushed toward the edge of the bed.
Ask For A Showroom Model
When you are in the market for a new mattress, it is always worth asking if the store has any showroom models available. As many stores only switch out their display models semi-regularly, these mattresses wont have significant wear and are often sold at a discount.
Even if the store doesnt have any showroom models available at the time of your purchase, it is still worth inquiring about future availability as you may be able to snag a great deal on a high-quality mattress. In any case, it never hurts to ask!
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Put The Mattress On The Floor
If putting your mattress on the floor resolved the sagging and helps to alleviate your back pain then you might simply choose to leave it there.
However, some of the dangers of sleeping on just a mattress on the floor without a proper base can actually include the manifestation or worsening of back pain due to improper support and the increase of pressure points.
Other drawbacks to placing your mattress on the floor include feeling too cold, getting bugs in your bed, and even voiding the warranty.
Reduce Inflammation Through Diet And Exercise
When your joints are already inflamed from your daily activity and eating habits, youre sure to experience pain during the night. To help eliminate your back pain in bed, try reducing or eliminating foods that cause inflammation, such as refined bread and other carbohydrates, fried foods, sugary beverages, and red meat.
Instead, aim to eat foods that help you sleep and that fight inflammation, such as fruit, tomatoes, olive oil, leafy greens, almonds, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna. You may be surprised at how your morning back pain is improved after just a couple of weeks of eating well.
Muscles and joints that are stretched regularly can also improve pain levels when youre lying in bed, so try doing yoga several times per week.
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Can A Soft Mattress Cause Back Pain
This article was written by the site owner Dan Cartwright who has been testing and reviewing mattresses and sleep products since 2015.
If your doctor has ruled out any underlying medical reasons for your back pain, then you might be wondering if your back pain is related to your mattress.
As explained in the article Ive linked to below, a firm mattress can cause back pain, but could a mattress thats too soft also be to blame?
A soft mattress can cause back pain if it doesnt provide enough support relative to your body weight and body type because by sinking too far into the mattress materials, your spine and the surrounding muscles are placed under prolonged strain throughout the night.
I know this from personal experience because the first time I slept on a memory foam mattress that was too soft, I ended up with back pain.
I have also tested many mattresses over the years and I often experience the same type of discomfort especially around my lower back when the mattress has been too soft and/or not supportive enough.
In the rest of this article, Ive used my extensive knowledge of mattresses to explain specifically how a soft mattress can cause back pain, how to find out if your mattress is the cause, and how to solve the problem.
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The Age Of The Mattress
You shouldnt be sleeping on a mattress thats more than seven years old, explained Dr Smycz. It simply wont provide back support when the mattress is older than that.
A 2009 study found that newer bedding systems increased sleep quality and reduced back discomfort, whereas older and cheaper mattresses caused back discomfort and poor sleep quality.
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There Is No Perfect Bed
There is no best mattress. It probably varies enormously as to what you are used to, said Dr. Steven H. Feinsilver, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Humans spend about one-third of their lives sleeping, but we still havent figured out what an ideal mattress should feel like. Thats because there likely isnt a single type that would be perfect for everyone.
In the past, doctors have recommended hard mattresses, but more recent surveys and studies have increasingly pointed toward medium firm mattresses as the best for sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment.
One report from 2011 found that when individuals were given seven beds of different firmness to try for a month, there was no consensus about which was the best.
Unfortunately, terms like hard and medium firm tend to come with varying degrees of subjectivity, meaning one companys medium firm mattress may feel nothing like another companys.
Its fairly remarkable that there is not any consistency in the literature where people have looked at it and said this is the kind of bed you need, said Feinsilver.
Products like the Sleep Number Bed, which allow for complete control and variability of bed firmness highlight just how subjective the ideal sleeping surface should feel. In some models, two people can sleep on the same bed with each half tuned to each individuals own specifications.
Not as much as youd think.
Remedy For Body Aches
The solution for bad mattresses that causes body aches is getting the right one for your bed. In fact, until you get the most popular ideal mattresses, it is time you are going to improve the sleep experience. A good mattress is supposed to offer you full-body support and does not create any pressure on your back and neck to make sure you have a sound sleep. You can also buy a new good mattress from our well-researched list of top 10 best mattresses for back pain.
- Best Cheap Mattress for Back Pain Brooklyn Bedding Signature
- Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain Casper
Disclaimer: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldnt take the place of advice or treatment from your physician or medical professional. This review is meant to be an informative guide for those looking to maintain healthy posture while they sleep. User experiences and needs will vary. If you experience lasting pain, soreness, or discomfort while sleeping, its always a good idea to seek out a healthcare professional in person.
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How To Get Relief On A Budget
When youre struggling with back pain, you may feel like youre willing to give anything to get relief, but the realities of your budget can mean that you have to think about the impact of any mattress purchase on your bottom line. The good news is that there are multiple wallet-friendly ways to improve your bed, enhance your sleep, and give your back a rest.
Using An Adjustable Bed For Back Pain
Getting a good nights sleep can be difficult when an individual is recovering from back surgery or has chronic back pain. For anyone who has difficulty getting or staying comfortable enough to sleep on a flat mattress, it may be worth considering if an adjustable bed is a better alternative.
See Considerations When Buying a New Mattress
Sleeping on an adjustable bed allows the upper body to rest at a slight incline, such as 30 to 45 degrees, with support under the knees so they bend at a slight angle.
An adjustable bed has the potential to help anyone who feels better in an inclined position, such as when sitting in a recliner, rather than when lying on a flat mattress. It is not uncommon for people with back or neck pain, or other joint conditions such as shoulder arthritis or pain, to feel better in this position.
This article provides a few examples of certain back conditions and how an inclined position in an adjustable bed can sometimes help the patient feel more comfortable.
Read Also: Can Back Pain Cause Headaches
Why Does My Lower Back Hurt On My New Mattress
Research consistently points to having a neutral spine position as one of the most important factors to avoid lower back pain from sleeping. Side sleeping with a pillow between your legs can encourage a neutral spine position. Experimentation with different height pillows for your head can also encourage better spine position.
Back pain issues are generally due to issues with muscles or nerves. For example, sciatica is an impingement of your sciatica nerve, nerves running from the lower back down to each leg, causing pain. This pain is felt in your buttocks and down the back of your leg.
Sleeping in positions that cause further compressing of the nerves through the twisting of your lower back and hips may make nerve pain like sciatica pain worse.
Best Budget: Linenspa Memory Foam And Innerspring Hybrid Mattress
Amazon
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Free returns within 30 days
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Compatible with any base
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Doesn’t require a box spring
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Takes up to 48 hours to expand
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May not be as breathable as some need
You don’t have to put up with your back pain just because you don’t have a huge budget for a new mattress. This eight-inch mattress is described as medium firm and combines memory foam with the traditional support of an innerspring mattress. The innersprings are topped with a 1.5-inch layer of memory foam to cradle your body as you sleep and minimize pressure points.
The Linenspa mattress comes compressed in a box for convenient delivery as well, but as is true of all boxed mattresses, it perks up to its intended size and firmness level once it’s unpacked.
Firmness: Medium-firm | Thickness: 8 inches | Type: Hybrid | Trial Length: None offered
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Age Healthier With A New Mattress
The fact is simple: were all aging, and as such joint pain becomes a part of life. That being said, your mattress should not be a contributor to these aches and pains. While it may be normal to have a night here or there where you experience some discomfort, chronic back pain after sleep is not a normal part of the aging process. When you replace that old mattress, not only do you get rid of waking up with back pain, you also give your body a good place to recharge and rebuild some of the tissue that has been injured during the average wear and tear of the day. Sleep is the perfect regenerative process to mend backs and necks, but it can only do its magic when youre sleeping on a great mattress.
Looking for more tips on how to sleep better? Try this blog, which can offer some helpful tips that you may be missing in your quest for sleep. Its time to take these steps now. Dont settle for a mattress that puts you in a compromising position. Sleep well, feel empowered, and seize the day by having rejuvenative nights. Its all about the mattress.
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Three Zones Of Foam Provide Ultimate Comfort
- Materials: Memory foam, foam and springs
- Firmness level: Medium-firm
- Trial period: 100 nights
The Casper Original Hybrid mattress has three zones of targeted support to help align your spineand hopefully ease your back pain in the process. Softer foam around your shoulders cushions your upper body, while firmer foam under your hips, waist and lower back keep your spine in the right position. The durable foam base underneath allows for added firmness and support, so the mattress doesnt sink or sag under your weight. Its available in all-foam or hybrid options, with the former being the firmer pick, the latter having a medium-firm feel. When asked, a Casper Snooze Specialist recommended the hybrid for back pain due to its combination of support and give. That said, it also comes in an all-foam version for those who prefer it.
What the reviews say: One glowing report reads, Long story short, this has been the best mattress I’ve ever owned and one of the finest mattresses that I’ve ever used, and I travel a lot. I decided to get an adjustable base to go with mine and ever since I started sleeping with the head and foot slightly elevated, my lower back pain has completely gone away. Per another user: I had many years of backaches and back problems and Casper was able to mold and fix my back without me spending extra money for chiropractor or a massage.
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Should I Consider A Custom Mattress To Prevent Back Pain
It’s clear that buying the best mattress for your back is not as simple as choosing between firm or soft. There are lots of factors to consider and much of these are individual and come down to personal preference. Investing in a custom mattress is a brilliant way to achieve the perfect level of support and comfort not only for your back but for your entire body.
Here at Endurance Beds we handcraft bespoke mattresses and offer a range of firmness levels to help you get the most comfortable night’s sleep possible. With a wide variety of features to choose from, including open-coils, pocket-sprung, memory foam, and natural fibres, you can create a mattress that meets all of your requirements and gives your back the support it needs to stay healthy and free from pain. You can place your customer mattress order online or contact us for more information.
Ways Your Old Mattress Is Causing Back Pain
Article medically reviewed and fact-checked by Dr. Dimitar Marinov .
If youve recently developed back pain then you might be wondering if your old mattress is whats causing your back to ache.
But can an old mattress really cause you back pain?
A mattress thats more than 5-7 years old can cause back pain especially if the mattress exhibits visible sagging, body impressions, or indentations greater than 1.5-2 inches in depth. If your back pain is worse in the morning and tapers off gradually then your old mattress could be the cause.
The rest of this article explains in detail how an old mattress can cause you to experience back pain, how to tell if your mattress is the root cause of your discomfort, and how to stop your old mattress from causing you back pain.
Alternatively: if youre ready to replace your old mattress and you have back pain, then I highly suggest checking out my list of the best mattresses for back pain because the article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Dimitar Marinov and includes my #1 complete mattress and adjustable bed solution for customizable comfort.
Also Check: What Kind Of Doctor Do I See For Back Pain
Is It Well To Sleep On A Soft Or Hard Mattress
It all depends on your preference for firmness level. Softer mattresses are more compressible as soon as you apply pressure to them. When buying the mattress, it is important to consider the hardness along with the material for the mattress.
The hard or soft mattress depends on the type of spring used with the mattress. The hardness of the mattress depends on the upholstery or the top player, giving you a firm feel. You need to consider certain things while buying a hard or soft mattress.
If you suffer from mild, moderate, or severe back pain and are a side sleeper, you should choose a softer mattress. People who dont suffer back pain and sleep on their stomach or back should opt for hard mattresses.
Apart from that, you must consider the weight of an individual. Choose a harder mattress for medium and heavy body construction. Last, it all depends on your personal preference and spinal alignment. Choose a mattress that makes you feel comfortable throughout the night.
