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.
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.
Zinus Chiro Icoil Queen Pocket Spring Memory Foam Medium Feel Mattress $499
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This Zinus option is a fairly affordable option compared to other products on the market, so you can still add a topper without breaking the bank.
The Zinus mattress features a firmer high-density foam for support and a green tea memory foam to relieve joint pressure and contour to the body. Theres also an Independent Coil System for added pressure relief and to minimise motion transfer.
Excellent value for money, very comfortable mattress. I have just ordered my third one as I am replacing everyones old mattress with these, one Amazon customer posted.
Pros:
– Has a medium/medium plush feel.
– Contains a soft layer to prevent the sink-in feeling.
– Budget-friendly.
– Available in sizes single, double, king, king single, and .
Cons:
– Not great edge support, which is pretty common with cheaper bed in a box mattresses.
– Has a smell when you first open the packaging, similar to other mattresses, but this will go away.
TYPES OF MATTRESSES
Theres no right or wrong answer when choosing a mattress type, according to the experts. The most common types include:
Innerspring mattresses: These are made springs that are hidden under layers of fabric, latex, or foam.
Foam mattresses : Foam mattresses usually contain different types of foam, such as gel foam and memory foam. Depending on what you buy, the mattress can offer a variety of benefits like motion transfer and heat regulation.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A MATTRESS?
Firmness
Technology
Budget
You May Like: Can Alcohol Cause Back Pain
How We Chose The Best Mattresses For Back Pain
We researched tediously, compared features, combed through reviews and enlisted expert advice to compile this list of the best mattresses for back pain. Further, weve beds from several picks on this list. We also have a broad base of mattress knowledge from writingand continuing to improveour base of sleep, which includes over 15 mattress-specific round-ups.
To make the cut, each mattress had to be from a reputable brand and offer a generous sleep trial period. This list is regularly updated to reflect current information and pricing, including sale pricing it was last updated in August 2022.
Your Mattress Should Be Comfortable
First, find a mattress that feels comfortable when you lie on it. You can test-drive a few mattresses in-store to find one thats supportive but also plush. This may not be enough to completely relieve your back pain, but its a great way to start your search. Leesa offers a 100-night risk-free trial as well so you can actually take your mattress for a real-life test drive rather than making a decision based on hopping from mattress to mattress for a minute at a time.
Recommended Reading: Is Lower Back Pain A Sign Of Ms
Discovering The Truth About Your Mattress
You may be in love with your bed, but that doesnt mean it is in love with you back. Research has discovered numerous signs which indicate that a persons bed is to blame for their back soreness, especially in the morning. Pay close attention to how you or your partner behaves throughout the night. If you have any of the following sleep-disturbing signs, it may be time to replace your mattress.
- You wake up frequently during the night for no apparent reason.
- You toss and turn a lot or cant get comfortable.
- You feel increased pressure on parts of your body when laying in certain positions.
- You feel swallowed up by your bed.
- Your bed feels flat and unforgiving on the curves of your body.
- Your waking back pain goes away after about 20-30 minutes.
Back pain can be caused by several things, but if your bed is to blame then it should be very easy to tell. Your back pain may not be caused by something serious. In fact, studies show that about 56% of people who sleep on a medium-to-firm mattress have less back pain in the morning than their softer-mattress-having counterparts.
In general, sleep experts advise people to get a new bed ever 8 to 10 years. It may be that your mattress has served you well for a very long time.
However, it may also be time to replace it for something better if its causing you pain.
Q3 How Do I Know If My Mattress Is Causing My Back Pain
Of course, the best way to find out if your mattress is the cause of your back pain is to swap it out for a while. If you still feel better without sleeping on the old mattress, then maybe thats what caused your back pain in the first place.
Here are some other clues though as well: You have painful morning cramps after getting up in the morning. You cant get comfortable and end up tossing and turning all night because of an unsupportive mattress. When you wake up in the morning, you have trouble remembering what position you slept in last night because it doesnt really make any difference anymore!
You May Like: Does Swimming Help Lower Back Pain
The Bed Makes A Strange Noise
When sleeping, you can hear the sound of the bed by turning over, which is particularly harsh on quiet nights. The squeaking sound of the mattress is generally caused by the damage to the spring. Due to improper use or the expiration of the service life, the material and structure of the mattress are damaged, resulting in the inability to support the body weight. Such a mattress can no longer be used.
Try Changing Up Your Sleeping Position
Changing your sleeping position is one way to try to get back pain relief.
If you are a back or stomach sleeper with a soft mattress and you dont have the budget for a new bed, you can try to switch to a side sleeping position that will receive more support from your existing mattress. In general, experts recommend that stomach sleepers try to adjust to side or back sleeping because its easier to get appropriate support in those positions.
For people with acute pain, temporary changes to your sleeping position may help to reduce stress on already sore or achy parts of your back. For example, people with lumbar pain might try a period of side sleeping to avoid the excess bending of that area that can happen on your stomach or back.
While changing sleeping positions is worth a shot, its often not a long-term solution because the change can be hard to stick with. Some people just cant get comfortable in a different position or they may quickly revert back to their old sleeping position during the night. In these cases, other approaches are more likely to be beneficial over the medium- to long-term.
Read Also: Why Is My Low Back Hurting
They Work With Zero Gravity Beds
Placing your body in a zero gravity position creates a sense of weightlessness when you lie down. You can do this to an extent by arranging a series of pillows beneath your head and upper back and underneath your knees and lower legs.
However the best way to experience it is with an adjustable bed. Many of these have zero gravity presets, so all you have to do is push a button and the bed adjusts itself in this position. A lot of memory foam mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds, so you can enjoy pressure relief and weightlessness to reduce back pain when lying down and sleeping.
According to back specialists at Mather Hospital, sleeping in a zero-gravity position puts your spine in a neutral position, simulates weightlessness and puts less pressure on your body. In short, your back is relieved of all tension and pressure.
Why Does My Back Hurt On A Memory Foam Bed
It could be that the memory foam is too firm for you and is not providing enough support for your back. Alternatively, it could be that the memory foam is too soft and is not providing enough support for your back. It is also possible that the memory foam bed is not the right size for you and is not providing enough support for your back. Finally, it is also possible that you are not using the memory foam bed correctly and are not getting the proper support for your back.
Read Also: Why Is My Back So Stiff And Painful
Best Mattress Firmness For Back Pain
For many people, a medium-firm mattress is the best choice for reducing back pain.
One small study tracked the sleep quality of adults with lower back pain. After tracking the participants sleep quality for 21 days on their own mattresses, they were given medium-firm mattresses with foam and latex layers. After 12 weeks, the participants had progressively less back pain and stiffness.
Your mattress firmness may not be right for you if lying on it causes your spine to become misaligned. Look at it this way:
- Your mattress is too soft if your hips sink lower than your shoulders.
- Your mattress is too firm if your hips and shoulders lie flat on the surface.
- Your mattress is just right if your mattress contours to your body shape and keeps your spine aligned.
Looking for a mattress thats just right? We have thoughtfully designed mattresses at every price point, so you can say sayonara to nighttime back pain without breaking the bank.
- Casper Element® Mattress: A seriously comfortable sleep at our coziest price
- Casper OriginalTM Mattress: Our most popular mattress, engineered for cool, comfortable sleep
- Casper Nova® Hybrid Mattress: Our most plush mattress is also supremely supportive
- Casper WaveTM Hybrid Mattress: Our most supportive mattress, now combining foam and springs for added lift, airflow, and edge support
Which Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain
The right mattress depends on a lot of factors. If youre a side sleeper, you might need a different type of mattress than a back sleeper. The best advice is to go mattress shopping and find out for yourself! Try a firm mattress, a very firm mattress, latex mattresses, and a memory foam mattress among all the other choices. Be sure to try them in your regular sleep position. If you’re having doubts, trust that you’ll know a bad mattress from a good mattress, and you’ll finally find the perfect mattress. If you’re short on time, a medium-firm density hybrid mattress is generally a safe bet.
Don’t Miss: Can A Torn Rotator Cuff Cause Back Pain
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:
Why Do Mattresses Cause Back Pain
Most people sleep at least seven or eight hours every night. Thats about one-third of your life, and the hours quickly add up. If your mattress causes discomfort, theres probably a reason.
Maybe your mattress doesnt support your spine. This can gradually cause your spine to shift, creating disc issues or general aches and pains. Without proper support, your muscles may be forced to work much harder than they should, trying to hold your spine in proper alignment throughout the night.
When you think about it, your mattress is probably the most important piece of furniture in your home. You spend much more time using your bed than you probably realize.
Recommended Reading: How To Relieve Lower Back Pain At Home
Switch To A New Mattress
If you feel any of the symptoms listed above, your mattress may be contributing to your back pain, and it is high time you fixed that. According to medical practitioners, a medium-firm mattress is the best mattress for adults. They provide fantastic comfort and quality support. The data is clear investing in a quality mattress is non-negotiable. Moreover, we spend a significant amount of our days sleeping, so it is wise to invest in quality mattresses.
Is Your Mattress New
Its no surprise that a new mattress can cause back pain. Your body needs time to adapt to the change, and this process doesnt always go smoothly.
In fact, it can take weeks or even months for your body to get used to a new mattress. During this time, you may experience pain in your back, neck, and other parts of your body.
In this situation, give your body enough time to adjust. You should also be sure to buy a mattress thats right for you. If you choose the wrong mattress, you may end up with even more back pain.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Tempurpedic Mattress For Back Pain
Why Is My Bed So Uncomfortable All Of A Sudden
There are several possible explanations:
1. The mattress may be old and in need of replacement.
2. The bed frame could be to blame. If it is not supporting the mattress properly, this can lead to discomfort.
3. The pillows or other bedding may be causing the discomfort. If they are too soft or too firm, they can throw off the alignment of your spine and lead to pain.
4. You may have picked up a new sleeping habit that is affecting your comfort. For example, if you have started sleeping on your stomach, this can put strain on your back and lead to discomfort.
5. You may be experiencing back pain for another reason entirely. If this is the case, it is best to consult a doctor or physiotherapist to determine the cause and find a solution.
How The Right Mattress Can Cure Your Back Pain
There is a lot of conflicting information out there about what is the best mattress for people with back pain. Some people say you need a firm mattress, others say you need a soft one. The truth is, it depends on your individual body type and sleep habits.
If you are overweight, have bad posture, or sleep on your stomach, then you will probably need a firmer mattress to support your spine and keep your spine in alignment while you sleep. If you are thin or have good posture, then a softer mattress may be more comfortable for you.
Its also important to choose the right type of mattress. If you suffer from back pain, I would recommend a memory foam mattress. Memory foam contours your body and provides support where you need it most. Its also a good idea to look for a mattress that has a removable and washable cover. This will help to keep your mattress clean and free of dust mites, which can trigger allergies and make back pain worse.
You May Like: How To Stop Back Pain At Night
Fall Asleep With Difficulty
Many people have complained that, for some unknown reason, it is difficult to fall asleep while lying on the bed at night, which directly affects normal work and life the next day. there are two reasons, self-factors: irregular sleep, interference from electronic devices, high pressure in life and work, interference from caffeine, and so on. Another factor is our sleeping environment. Your home, your bedroom, and the mattress you sleep on every day. In fact, a good mattress can help you improve your sleeping condition, smooth blood circulation, and fall asleep easily.
How Can You Find A New Mattress To Help Alleviate Your Back Pain Symptoms
When dealing with chronic back pain, a good nights sleep is essential for managing your symptoms and maintaining your quality of life.
If youre in the market for a new mattress, there are a few things you can look for to help alleviate your back pain symptoms.
First, look for a mattress designed by a chiropractor or physiotherapist who incorporates research into their mattress design.
Second, choose a mattress thats firm enough to support your spine but soft enough to cushion pressure points.
Don’t Miss: What Could Cause Lower Back Pain On The Left Side
