Support And Pressure Relief
Support If you are reading this article its likely you suffer from back pain, and this is why support is the most important criteria when searching for a mattress. Support = pushing up into you.
It means giving those areas of your body the assistance they need to relax and de-stress throughout the night.
The area of your body that needs this the most is the lumbar spine . If you are a back sleeper then a mattress that is comfy, plush or soft will cause you to sink in, and will not give your body the support it needs, leaving your muscles tired from working all night to support your mid and low back.
So, If you are a back sleeper or suffer from middle orlow back pain then a supportive mattress is what your body needs.
Pressure Relief Pressure relief is another important criteria when searching for a mattress that helps relieve your pain. Pressure relief = you pushing into the mattress. This is not to be confused with sinking in.
A quality mattress that relieves pressure points should gently but firmly support your body in a comfortable position. What parts of the body need pressure relief? Parts that stick out, particularly the shoulders and hips.
Without pressure relief, these areas are being compressed and are forced to constant stress throughout the night. So, if you are a side sleeper or suffer from hip and shoulder pain then a mattress that gives you pressure relief is whats best for your body.
Experience The Best Bed For Back Pain With Intellibed
Intellibed mattresses combine both comfort and support making them the best mattress for back pain. Our Revolutionary Gel Matrix® helps keep your skeletal system in healthy alignment no matter what position you choose. This medical-grade cushioning technology offers three times the support of foam, but its much softer. It provides your body with just the right blend of comfort and support all night long.
All of Intellibeds mattresses contain Gel Matrix®. Our mattress was designed to eliminate back pain and is approved by surgeon and sleep specialist Robert Troell. Prevent both upper and lower back pain and experience night after night of restful sleep.
Innerspring Mattresses For Back Pain
Innerspring mattresses are often referred to as traditional mattresses. They are made up of a coil base and have a comfort top layer that is thinner than that of a hybrid mattress. These mattresses can be very supportive and provide a lot of back pain relief. See our best innerspring mattress list if youre interested.
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What Makes The Bear Hybrid Stand Out
- Its materials are very high-quality, from its state-of-the-art coil system to its graphite-infused memory foam, which helps draw away body heat.
- Its a great mattress for couples, thanks to its strong edge support and excellent motion isolation capabilities.
- This bed will work for both side sleepers and back sleepers, and is bouncy enough to work for combination sleepers as well.
Check out our full Bear Hybrid mattress review
The Best Mattress For Back Pain Recommended By An Osteopath
Our expert says the best mattress for back pain depends on your posture, weight and sleeping style: so which is right for you?
Back pain is the leading cause of disability in the UK and affects approximately one in six adults. It’s aggravated by our sedentary lifestyles and bad posture, both at our desks and while we sleep. While no mattress will be a magic fix, an unsupportive one can compound the problem.
“Typically inflammatory pain is worse in the morning because as we lie, our heart rate slows down, circulation slows and any inflammation stays pooled in the area. Sleep position is key,” says Dave Gibson, osteopath, sleep coach and founder of The Sleep Site.
To avoid back pain you should ideally sleep with your spine in alignment. For back sleepers and front sleepers the main danger is that the spine settles into a U-shape while sleeping. For side sleepers it depends on the pressure points at shoulder, hip and head.
“Lie on your side in bed and get your partner to take a photograph so you can see how your spine lines up,” Gibson recommends. “Your pillow needs to be the right height and the mattress needs to be supportive enough so that when you lie down, your spine is in alignment. It can help to put a pillow between your knees. It also helps if the mattress is firm.”
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What Mattress Is Best For Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is often a result of the lumbar spine curving unnaturally and or by sleeping on too firm of a bed. Resolve lower back pain with a medium-firm mattress since it will support your entire back while lightly cushioning your lower back.
When it comes to medium-firm mattresses for lower back pain, we suggest checking out the Amerisleep AS2, Zoma Mattress, Nolah Original 10, and Avocado Green Mattress.
When In Doubt Go Medium
Research is limited, but in one study, researchers assigned new mattresses to more than 300 people with low back pain. They used either “medium-firm” or “firm” mattresses for 90 days. Those in the medium group reported the least amount of discomfort.
You might consider getting a memory foam mattress . The foam molds to your body. The downside: Some memory foam mattresses keep in heat and the material might have more chemicals.
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Best Mattresses For Back Pain In Nicholasville Ky
Our sleep experts now recommend that back pain sufferers choose a mattress somewhere in the range of medium to firm. A 2003 study found that back pain sufferers who slept on a semi-firm mattress felt less pain lying in or getting out of bed, and experienced less disability and day-time pain.
Your bed of choice should also be designed to relieve pressure points. Memory foam is often featured as a material that works to that effect, particularly those suffering from back pain. The age of your mattress also matters. Studies show that people who sleep on newer beds suffer significantly less back pain and experience greater comfort than they do when sleeping on an older model.
To speak with one of our sleep experts, come into Wildcat Mattress today. Conveniently located in Nicholasville, Kentucky and open 7 days a week, our team looks forward to introducing you to all of our best mattresses for back pain and helping you make the right choice!
Is Your Mattress Contributing To Back Pain
Is your mattress making your existing injury worse, or is it the cause of your back pain woes in the first place? This is a very ‘chicken-and-egg’ question, but if you’re keen to find out if your bed is the culprit behind your aches and pains Dr. Brager shares some telltale signs that it might be time to replace your mattress…
“Beyond just the origin of the pain, your entire posterior chain will feel stiff and your back muscles will feel as if theyve been working out while sleeping,” she says. “You can have soreness and stiffness down the spine as well as the hips and just above the hips near your tailbone. Usually, the latter two are a telltale sign its time for a new mattress.”
Sleeping in a cool environment will reduce the amount of tossing and turning, which torques the back
Dr Allison Brager
A more obvious indicator that your mattress is creating or contributing to back pain is wear-and-tear, particularly sagging. Knowing how often you should replace your mattress will give you an idea of when it’s time to shop for something new.
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How To Find The Best Mattress For Your Back Pain
Consider the following as you find the best mattress for your back pain.
Typically, every person spends about one-third of their life in bed. This makes the mattress you choose a crucial factor in the quality and comfort of your life. Finding a mattress that keeps you comfortable and supported can be even more challenging if you suffer from back pain. While a mattress cannot cure your back pain, the right one can make it easier to get a full nights sleep without being interrupted by discomfort. The factors you should consider when finding your mattress depends on each person, and each mattress type comes with different benefits. Read on to learn what you should consider when finding the best mattress for your back pain.
Can Sleeping Position Affect Back Pain
Sleeping position can have a direct effect on back pain. Each sleeping position creates a unique set of pressure points and areas that need cushioning, and this is why our testers believe having the right mattress to suit your sleeping position is an important part of preventing and reducing back pain.
Back sleepers tend to have their most serious pressure points around the lumbar area. Our pressure tests on various mattresses have shown that if a mattress is too soft, the weight of the abdomen will cause this region to sink out of alignment with the rest of the back and hips. If the mattress is too hard, it wont accommodate the natural curvature of the spine in the lumbar area. For this reason, a medium-firm to firm mattress usually works best for back sleepers.
Side sleepers have high-impact areas where the body is the widest, notably at the shoulders and hips. A mattress needs to be contouring enough to cushion those pressure points but not so soft as to let them sink too deeply into the bed and out of line with the rest of the body. Most side sleepers on our test team get the best results from a medium to medium-firm mattress.
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Look For Zoned Support
âZoned support consists of built-in âcomfort zonesâ and distinct levels of support at different parts of the mattress. These mattresses tend to be a bit more expensive, but they can be well worthwhile for people with back pain and other sources of discomfort.
These mattresses typically have the highest degree of support around the back and stomach and softer, contouring sections to gently cushion the hips and shoulder area.
Are Soft Or Firm Mattresses Better For Back Pain
According to Dr. Brager, most people will find relief with a medium to firm mattress, while a soft mattress is the least likely to alleviate back pain. However, she stresses that there is no “one size fits all solution” when it comes to selecting a suitable mattress for back pain.
“I dont want people to think that a firm mattress is the absolute all or nothing solution. A medium-firm mattress is wonderful too,” says Dr. Brager, “but everyone is different.”
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How To Reduce Neck Pain
Sleeping on the right mattress will definitely reduce neck pain, and having the right pillow will help too. If youre looking to reduce neck pain too, there are a few other things you can try.For instance: dont text in bed. Yes, you might not be tired yet, but when you look at your phone in bed, youre straining your neck at an angle that wont help you in the long run.You dont even need to be in bed to do something to reduce your neck pain though. Something like proper posture during the day while youre working at the computer can help with neck pain at night. Also try rolling your shoulders, or even getting a massage to keep your muscles in place. Itll be more than worth it when you experience some relief.If you dont want to go out to get something like a massage, try something like a hot or cool pack to loosen your muscles and reduce any swelling in your tissues. Some short-term usage of neck collars might go a long way too.
Back Pain And Sleep Posture
Before you try to find the best bed for back pain, evaluate the way you sleep. Your mother told you to sit and stand up straight because good posture keeps your body in proper alignment. Posture also matters when you sleep. Good sleep posture decreases skeletal strain and minimizes back pain.
Your spine should be in a neutral position no matter whether you sleep on your back, stomach or side. The best way to sleep is on your back, because it distributes weight evenly and allows all parts of your body to be properly aligned. Place a pillow in the hollow between your neck and mattress to provide support.
If you sleep on your side, notice the line from your hips to your knees. If theres a slope from the top hip down, your sleep posture causes your spine to twist and pulls other parts of your body out of alignment. Place a pillow between your knees to create a straight line instead. Alternate sides so you dont always put pressure on just one shoulder. Choose a pillow for your head that keeps your head and neck in a neutral position throughout the night.
If you sleep on your stomach, there is an increased risk of back pain. Next time you lie down, notice the tension when your neck twists to one side and the twisting you create with your knees. Transitioning to sleeping on your back or your side instead could help alleviate back pain.
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Why Loom & Leaf Wins As Best Memory Foam Mattress For Bad Backs
Loom & Leaf is flat-out one of the nicest beds you can find online, particularly if youre searching for a memory foam bed. And it doesnt just look nice. Its supportive, comfortable, and has a very clever design. As opposed to other memory foam beds, this one contains a special cooling layer to help regulate temperature.
Eight Sleep The Pod Pro
- Price: $$$
- Type: foam
- Height: 12 inches
This mattress boasts four layers of high-density foam to provide cushioning and support. While it can be comfortable for back sleepers with back pain, some side or stomach sleepers may find it too soft. Since its not as firm as other options, it may be too soft for some.
A high-tech option, this smart mattress offers temperature regulation and sleep tracking. Small tubes filled with water are concealed in the removable knit mattress cover.
Dual controls allow you to heat or cool the water, setting the temperature on each side of the bed. Sensors can adjust the temperature levels as your body temperature changes during the night.
The mattress also tracks your sleep phases, heart rate, and pulse. You can also get a regular analysis of your sleep data and trends. It requires a Wi-Fi connection.
Eight Sleep offers a 100-night trial period, free shipping, and free returns. Theres a 10-year warranty on the mattress and a 1-year warranty on the technology and temperature mechanism.
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Best Mattress For Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain involves the complex and interconnected network of muscles, nerves, bones, and tendons in the lumbar spine. The pain can often radiate to other parts of the body and, in worst cases, muscle spasms can result, immobilizing you altogether. This can make it difficult to pinpoint a specific mattress that is ideal for lower back pain, as the ideal choice can be different for each sufferer.
A sleep specialist at Wildcat Mattress will help you choose the ideal mattress right in our showroom. By taking into account your budget, sleep habits, and back pain, we can help you find the best mattress to soothe lower back pain for a better nights rest and a pain-free morning.
A Buoyant Design That Contours To Your Body And Keeps Cool
- Materials: Organic cotton, wool and Talalay latex
- Firmness level: Luxury firm
- Trial period: 120 nights
The Nolah Natural 11-Inch Mattress is a layered hybrid mattress that utilizes Talalay latexone of the most premium mattress materials you can findto provide targeted pressure relief. Theres one 2-inch latex comfort layer that conforms to your joints and pressure points, and another inch of higher density latex that supports your body weight so you dont sink into the mattress, which is a common reason for back pain. The latex is reinforced by a zoned coil base that allows some give where you need it, but extra support where you dont. These layers are sandwiched between organic wool and cotton that offer breathability and natural temperature regulation, a bonus for hot sleepers .
What the reviews say: I’m getting more sleep and waking up less at night, reads one 5-star review. I no longer wake up in pain hours earlier than I intended to wake up. Another satisfied sleeper adds, I cannot remember the last time I have slept so well or woken up with no aches or pain. If you have shoulder or back problems, this is the mattress for you!
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Helix Moonlights Best Features
- Both the standard and the luxe options are a great choice for side sleepers because of their plush feel that relieves the pressure points for your hips and shoulders.
- It has a nice, bouncy feel, which will make changing sleeping positions easier if you tend to move during the night.
- The plush feel of this mattress is pressure relieving enough to help cradle and relieve pain points, but it offers more support than the popular Midnight model.
Back Pain Causes And Effects
Whether your back pain was caused by heavy lifting, an automobile accident, arthritis, or skeletal irregularities, the result is the same you dont feel like doing much. And closing your eyes and hoping for the pain to subside does little good. Your back is tied into so much of what you do day-to-day. If your back hurts, you could be left immobile, setting off a chain reaction of health problems including weight gain and depression, among others. And thats no way to live.
One proven solution to the cycle of back pain is to choose a mattress that soothes your back and allows it to heal through the night. You will spend about a third of your life lying in bed. Thus, it is very important that you choose a mattress that can help manage your back pain, and possibly even alleviate it altogether.
Wildcat Mattress is the Lexington areas leading mattress retailer, and we can help you find the best mattress for your bad back.
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