The Mattress Is Incompatible With Your Needs
If you’ve done everything that I mentioned in this guide and you’re still experiencing back pain, it could be time to consider a different type or brand of mattress. It’s easy to make the mistake of choosing the wrong one for your needs, especially with so many options available on the market. Also, bear in mind that testing a mattress out for a few minutes is going to be a lot different than sleeping on it for 6 to 8 hours.Your mattress store should have a trial or sleep guarantee which allows you to test ride your memory foam mattress so you can have an opportunity to exchange it if it doesn’t work out. You typically get one shot at determining what you need so be sure to use your chance sparingly!
The Back Pain Location
Back pain could manifest throughout your entire back area, regardless of whether its lower, mid or upper. However, its also true that lower back pain is the most commonly encountered issue, mainly because its the most pressurized area, carrying the load of your entire upper body.
This is why the vast majority of people tend to experience this type of back pain. One of the most common causes for it is improper spine alignment during your sleeping hours. And, of course, this is always caused by an uncomfortable and inappropriate mattress. Choosing a nice mattress topper will quickly rectify this issue.
There are three primary materials that you ought to be looking into when choosing your pad. Memory foam, gel, and latex are all great options with the latter being the most multi-functional.
Those of you who experience lower back pain should consider sleeping on their back or front instead of on their side as this would provide proper spine alignment. And, when it comes to it, a medium firm mattress topper could easily do you most good. They also come with an array of added benefits, including a convenient heat distribution and retention, allowing for a more comfortable sleep throughout the night in general.
Find Out More: How to Sleep Better With Lower Back Pain
Comparing Memory Foam To Other Mattress Types
Memory foam is not the best mattress type for everyone. If you are a stomach sleeper then they are likely to be too soft.
Yet, some people find that a memory foam mattress really helps to relive their back pain by supporting the shape of their body overnight, and reducing movement.
As memory foam warms through the presence of body heat, it molds to the shape of the body and allows a more natural shape for your spine, whilst still offering support.
However, some people find that they simply do not like sleeping on memory foam due to its different feel compared with standard spring mattresses. Memory foam is also more expensive than other mattress types, although the price is coming down all the time.
If you prefer a firmer mattress, either because memory foam hurts your back, or simply because you dont like the feel of a soft mattress, a latex mattress may be a good alternative for you.
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A Mix Of Foam And Bounce: Leesa Sapira Hybrid
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*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,450.
Who its for: The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is likely to appeal to back-pain sufferers, regardless of preferred sleep position, who want a foamy feel with a pinch of springiness. The foams density suggests it will hold up well for people who weigh more than 200 pounds.
How it feels: The bounce from the coils seems to mellow out the feel, making this hybrid just a touch softer than a typical medium-firm.
Why its great: The foam-innerspring feel of the Leesa Sapira Hybrid is more balanced than that of the Tempur-Adapt, our other hybrid pick in this guide, whose memory foam takes over the entire experience of the mattress. In the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, the 4-pounds-per-cubic-foot memory-foam layer and 1,000-plus individually pocketed coils support your spine and conform to your curves. Its sturdy but not rigid, said one of our back-and-side-sleeping testers. You can sit on the edges without sliding off, too. Unlike the Saatva Classic, Leesa mattresses are available at partner retailers, so you may be able to try the Leesa Sapira Hybrid in person before you buy it. Within the 100-night trial period, you can return it for a full refund if you dont like it, though youre required to sleep on it for at least 30 days first.
What Makes The Tempur
- This high-end mattress topper will significantly soften a mattress, and its great for back and side sleepers.
- It features 3 of luxurious Tempur material.
- The TEMPUR-Topper Supreme is fantastic for a variety of different body types. Whether youre lightweight or heavier, this topper will provide soothing pressure relief.
Read our full TEMPUR-Topper Supreme review.
The TEMPUR-Topper Supreme is a soft memory foam mattress topper. It should be a good match for back sleepers, side sleepers, and fans of slow-moving memory foam.
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Its Unique Grid Structure Offers Optimal Airflow
- Materials: Memory foam, support coils
- Firmness level: Firm with responsive, adaptive support
- Trial period: 100 nights
Thanks to its patented Purple Grid, the Purple Hybrid Mattress is unlike any other on this list. It consists of five layers, and the Purple Grid gently gives under your body, hugging your pressure points and fully supporting your back while you sleep. The grid sits on top of a 7.5-inch layer of responsive coils that offer additional support while you sleep. Plus, there are open air channels that allow air to freely flow through, making it much cooler than memory foam-only mattresses. This particular model is the companys firmest and offers the most support in the hybrid collection the Hybrid Premier 3 and Hybrid Premier 4 are medium-soft and soft, respectively.
What the reviews say: When it comes to cooling and pain relief, several sleepers say it hits both marks. I have had previous spinal surgeries so pressure relief and support are paramount, and this mattress delivers, says a customer. I feel very supportedit even corrected some back pain I had from the last mattress I tried. And yes it sleeps cool and Ive always been the hottest of sleeper.
Are Mattress Toppers Bad For Your Back
Mattress toppers are not bad for your back, but it’s important to find the right one for your needs. For example, stomach sleepers should look for something that will make their bed feel firmer, such as the Avocado or Lift By Amerisleep Support topper. Side sleepers may need more pressure relief, and they could benefit from the ViscoSoft or TEMPUR-Topper Supreme. If you want to find the best topper for you, check out our buyer’s guide!
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Best Mattress For Back Pain In 2022
Waking up with back pain? These mattresses combine comfort and support for a restful night and a pain-free morning.
Reviewed by:
Troy Mensen, DO
Troy Mensen is a family medicine doctor based in Chicago. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and holds a certification in family medicine from the American Board of Family Medicine. He is licensed by the State of Illinois Medical Examining Board.
Lindsay Boyers
CNET Contributor
Lindsay Boyers is a certified nutritionist and published book author who writes articles and product reviews for CNET’s health and wellness section. Her work also appears on mindbodygreen, Healthline, Verywell Health and The Spruce. When she’s not actively searching for the best products at the best prices, she’s most likely creating new recipes, reading in her hammock or trying to force her cats to love her.
- 25% off sitewide with code:RV25
- $200 off + 2 pillows with code:RV200
Back pain can seem like the primary enemy standing in the way of you and a good night’s rest. It’s so bad that lying down can be fraught with challenges in and of itself, meaning the idea of getting relief so you can fall peacefully asleep can seem like an impossible dream.
Why You Can Trust Us
At Sleep Foundation, weve personally tested hundreds of mattress models to bring you the top picks listed above. Our expert team includes product testers that represent a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences. After thorough hands-on testing, we consider these selections to be the best of the bunch.
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What Can I Do If I Have Back Pain
Whether you experienced back pain because of physical activity or you’re simply sleeping incorrectly, getting the problem fixed is important. In many situations, those experiencing significant back pain are on mattresses that are too old or do not conform to them in a way which is comfortable.This makes switching mattresses a necessary step. However, not all mattresses will offer the support you need and it’s important to try different types of mattresses to determine which is best for you.Memory foam mattresses are ever changing and there are more options now than ever before. They have proven more often than not to be beneficial when used by those who have chronic back pain.Just remember that whatever choice you make, spine alignment should be the utmost priority. It can do wonders to alleviate the pressure at certain points on your body and the right mattress can provide your pain some much needed relief.
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Best Memory Foam Mattress For Back Pain
Dr. Nayantara Santhi
Dr. Nayantara Santhi holds an academic position at Northumbria University. After completing her Ph.D. at Northeastern University , she joined the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School as a post-doctoral fellow to research how sleep and circadian rhythmicity influence our cognitive functioning.
If a dull constant ache or a sudden shooting back pain keeps you from a good nights sleep, youre not alone. Theover 80 percent of Americans experience back pain at
If a dull constant ache or a sudden shooting back pain keeps you from a good nights sleep, youre not alone. TheNational Institute of Health reportsVerified SourceNational Library of Medicine Worlds largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View sourceover 80 percent of Americans experience back pain at some point in their lives. It often leads to lost workdays as well. Since you spend one-third of your life asleep, your mattress can go a long way in preventing or alleviating back problems.
Usually, a strained spine causes back pain. To prevent aches and pains, its best to maintain a healthy posture, even while sleeping. Memory foam mattresseswith their signature body-conforming and pressure-relieving featurescan maintain proper spinal alignment. But choosing the right firmness level suitable for your body type is crucial.
Read Also: How To Correct Back Pain
How Do Mattress Toppers Help With Back Pain
Old mattresses can exacerbate back pain, but that doesnt mean you have to throw your current bed in the garbage. By adding a mattress topper, you can refresh your mattress and bring back its original comfort.
The best toppers create both comfort and support. Youll need some pressure relief, but you dont want your body to sink out of the proper alignment. Side and back sleepers will benefit from a thick and plush topper, while stomach sleepers will need something more supportive.
Of course, theres a lot to know about the world of mattress toppers. Lets take a close look at each element, one by one.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good For Your Back
Can a memory foam mattress help you to sleep better at night and support a healthier sleeping posture? It just might! If youre not getting enough restful and restorative sleep at night, or you wake up in the morning with a sore, stiff back, then your mattress may be to blame. You might be willing to try just about anything to improve your sleep situation, but is memory foam the answer? Heres what the chiropractors at The Joint have to say about his subject!
What is Memory Foam?
First and foremost, all chiropractors want people to know that every single person is different as is their body. What works for you may not work for someone else, so you have to keep that in mind as you seek out answers for your sleeping problems. Quite simply, mattress experiences are subjective, so your neighbor may swear by their memory foam but it may not be right for you. In order to have an idea if its the answer to your nighttime problem, you first need to learn about the good and the bad of memory foam.
The Pros and Cons
The pros of memory foam include:
- Long lasting, durable material
The cons of memory foam include:
- Can give off an offensive odor when new
- Dense material that results in a heavy mattress
- Traps heat causing the user to become uncomfortable
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.
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How Do I Know If My Mattress Is Causing Back Pain
Back pain can be caused by many different factors, making it difficult to pinpoint whether or not your mattress is the culprit. However, if your back pain is worse in the morning, its a good sign that your mattress isnt providing proper support. You may also find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night. Additionally, if your mattress is more than seven years old, thats another clue it might be time to invest in a new one. Regardless of what is causing your back pain, though, a supportive and comfortable mattress can help ease aches, and at the very least, prevent additional discomfort.
Your Current Mattress Is Old And Sagging
Any mattress thats over 5-7 years old is at risk of sagging and a saggy mattress can be bad for your back because it causes you to rest in poor posture for several hours.
Poor quality memory foam mattresses are more likely to sag especially if its an all-foam mattress with no spring support because the material can degrade faster and fail to return to its original position .
Solution
The solution is to look at the condition of your mattress if its more than 5-7 years old and replace it if its showing significant signs of sagging or surface damage.
To test this, place a broom handle across the surface of your mattress, get down to eye level and see if there are any gaps measure the distance, and gaps that are over 1.5-2 inches may be contributing to your back pain.
In such a case, you should buy a new mattress.
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What Thickness Of Memory Foam Mattress Is Best
If youre looking for a mattress that will relieve back pain, we cant recommend any bed that is thinner than 10 inches. Mattresses less than 10 inches thick lack the added support of a thicker mattress, so youre more likely to wake up sore and stiff. A thinner mattress is also more likely to wear down within a few years since it has less material holding it together.
Best Memory Foam Mattress For Back Pain: The Bottom Line
- Memory foam adapts to the sleepers shape, making it an excellent choice for side and back sleepers with back pain.
- Memory foam comes in different densities and firmnesses, so you can find a support and firmness level that accommodates your personal preferences.
- For a more comfortable sleep, look for memory foams with cooling technologies like advanced open-cell structures, channeling, or cooling additives like gel or graphite.
A memory foam mattress could be the answer to your nighttime back issues. As youre deciding, take a close look at your preferred sleep position and body weight. Heavier sleepers need more support than lighter weight sleepers. Finally, think about your firmness preferences. While medium-firm mattresses often work well for back pain, that might not be comfortable for you. Use a mattresss sleep trial period to make sure youve found the right model. A mattress that lets you get seven hours of sleep or more will be invaluable to your mental, physical, and emotional health.
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Cost Of A Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses were first popularized in the 1990s. The varying degrees of foam are soft, firm, or a combination of the two. Some people prefer memory foam over innersprings because of its unique ability to mold to the shape of your body and alleviate pressure points. However, memory foam does not provide the same amount of spinal support as an innerspring mattress. To get the best of both worlds, you should consider a hybrid mattress. The downside is that hybrid mattresses can be expensive.
One of the best things about memory foam mattresses is their cooling properties. This is important for people with back pain, because most other materials have cooling properties that dont actually stay that cool. A mattress that is cool to the touch isnt always the best option even if it is the best option. Memory foam tends to sleep warm, so be prepared to spend a little more on a cooling mattress.
If youre interested in learning more about memory foam mattresses, there are some good reviews online. In addition to writing product reviews, Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer who contributes to several outlets. She holds a B.S. in textiles and merchandising from the University of Rhode Island. Elizabeth Yuko is an experienced health writer who suffers from back pain on occasion and is constantly looking for solutions to her sleep problems.
