What Is The Best Type Of Mattress For Back Pain
When it comes to back pain, mattress type is less important than mattress firmness. Likewise, the number of foam layers or support coils wont matter as much as how the mattress feels. And if you have back pain, studies show that a mattress that feels medium-firm is the best type of mattress for you. According to one expert we spoke with, thats because a bed labeled medium-firm is likely to support your spines natural curves whether youre a side-sleeper, a back-sleeper, or a stomach-sleeper. Whether youre trying a mattress in a store or testing one you purchased online, ask yourself these questions to get a better idea of how comfortable it really is.
Latex Mattresses Are Contouring Yet Responsive
No matter your sleep style, a latex mattress provides the combination of comfort and support your back needs to rest and maintain proper alignment. The comfort layer hugs your body’s most burdened pressure points like your shoulders and hips to disperse stress away from them, says Fish. This is why latex mattresses make a smart pick for side sleepers, he notes. At the same time, latex isn’t so soft that it sinks beneath your weight, as is the case with some memory foam mattresses.
What To Consider When Purchasing A Mattress Topper For Back Pain
There is a wide variety of different mattress toppers on the market that claim to do a number of different things. Rather than getting caught up in jargon and marketing claims, we encourage shoppers to look at the specific factors that contribute to whether or not a mattress topper will feel comfortable for them. Below, well share some of the most important things to take into consideration as you select a mattress topper.
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Best For Side And Combination Sleepers With Back Pain Puffy Mattress
As I briefly mentioned above, the Puffy is a good mattress for side sleepers. It is likewise a flexible mattress so combination sleepers frequently do well with this mattress too.
Side Sleepers
Generally speaking, softer mattresses are typically recommended for people who sleep on their side. Nevertheless, if you are experiencing back pain then you might take advantage of some extra support.
In this case, you might do much better with a medium or medium-firm mattress, and in specific, one that is made from memory foam.
From our research study, the Puffy mattress reveals to be helpful for side sleepers with pain in the back. Puffy mattresses are constructed with numerous layers of different foams, each of which has distinct densities and features.
This combination makes for an extremely encouraging mattress however with an excellent degree of softness to make it extremely comfy.
Puffys special composition is outstanding for maintaining proper back alignment as you sleep and, therefore, minimizing neck and back pain.
Combination Sleepers
Then youre a person who sleeps in more than one position throughout the night, if you are a combination sleeper.Combo sleepers must pick a mattress that allows for excess motion in the bed. Typically, high-quality memory foam mattresses with motion insolation are best.
Due to the multiple sleeping position requirements, combination sleepers generally do better with a medium-firm mattress.
A Gel Memory Foam Option That Practically Eliminates Motion Transfer
Serta
- Materials: CoolFeel and anti-bacterial HeiQ Vblock cover, HexCloud breathable gel memory foam, custom support coil system
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Trial period: 120 days
Sertas updated Perfect Sleeper is constructed of three levels of its proprietary HexCloud gel memory foam, which contours to the body to relieve joint pain while also isolating motion. And to further reduce motion transfer, Serta has added a custom support coil system as the mattress foundation. The honeycomb shape of the foam allows for a cooling air flow, and an extra-deep foam rail embedded within the mattress helps extend the sleep surface from the center to the edge, which means the mattress wont collapse under your body weight.
Reviewers who were getting back pain from previous memory foam mattresses have found relief after switching to the Serta Perfect Sleeper, saying it gives the proper support without being too firm.
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What To Look Forward To
The 13½-inch-thick WinkBed in Luxury Firm, a pick in our guide to the best innerspring mattresses, was recently redesigned: The company replaced the microcoils in the top layer with polyfoam and added more support coils to the lower layer. We previously recommended this medium-firm innerspring as a good option for back-pain sufferers who prefer a billowy surface. Were planning to test the redesigned WinkBed soon, and we will update this guide with our assessment of how it may now work for back-pain sufferers.
Kelli Pate contributed to this guide.
What If I Have A Latex Allergy
A latex allergic reaction occurs when your body reacts to the proteins in rubber tree sap.
TheAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and ImmunologyVerified SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and ImmunologyProfessional society for allergists, asthma experts, and immunologists.View sourcereports symptoms can include hives, itchiness, and a runny nose, while a severe allergy may result inanaphylaxis,Verified SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and ImmunologyProfessional society for allergists, asthma experts, and immunologists.View sourcea life-threatening reaction that can occur within 12 hours of exposure.
If you have a latex allergy, you may be fine as long as you avoid direct contact with the latex materials. With a fabric mattress cover and other bedding sandwiched between your body and the layers of latex, its perfectly possible to avoid exposure.
However, if youre unsure if a latex bed would be safe for you, its smart to consult an allergist or your primary care physician. You could also consider a memory foam mattress if youre looking for a responsive bed that can support you while providing excellent pressure and pain relief.
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What Conditions Can A Memory Foam Mattress Help
Memory foam precisely conforms to the shape of a personâs body. As such, it may help align the neck and spine while easing pressure on the joints. A memory foam mattress might, therefore, be beneficial for people with muscle or joint pain.
However, a found that a memory foam mattress provided less pressure point support than a latex mattress. It also reported that the memory foam mattress supported fewer sleeping positions.
A separate 2014 meta-analysis found no significant difference between the amount of support that a foam mattress and a waterbed mattress provided.
A person should be wary of claims that a mattress helps with various conditions or will reduce pain. Instead, wherever possible, they should try the mattress out for themselves. Many companies offer a trial period in which a person can return the mattress for free if it is not suitable.
Latex conforms somewhat to the shape of a personâs body. In this way, it helps distribute the weight of the body more evenly while easing pressure on the joints.
A Memory Foam Mattress That Adapts To Your Body Quicker Than Most
Amerisleep.com
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- Trial period: 100 nights
Thanks to its Bio-Pur memory foama proprietary foam thats more responsive and adaptive to movementthis mattress contours your back and neck, promoting alignment and relieving pressure points. Those with back pain know that soft spots can be detrimental to your comfort, however, theres no need to worry about that with memory foam that bounces back in seconds. With an open-cell design, the Amerisleep AS1 also keeps you cool throughout the night by allowing air to quickly pass through.
Reviewers say this mattress has played a dramatic role in decreasing chronic back pain. Some dedicated back sleepers also add that this mattress allows them to comfortably sleep on their sides.
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Can A Mattress Cause Back Pain
A mattress can definitely be a cause of back pain because it plays such an important role in how the body is positioned through the night. Most people know that posture is important but only think about their posture in the context of standing and sitting. This can cause them to overlook the importance of having a mattress that is the proper fit for them based on their body shape, weight, and sleeping position.
If the spine and joints arent aligned and well-cushioned during sleep, they wont be able to relax. Instead of recovering, the body will be strained, exacerbating pre-existing back issues and sowing the seeds for new ones. The easiest way to know whether a mattress is a contributing factor to back pain is if the pain tends to be the most pronounced in the morning when you wake up. If the pain is the worst when you get out of bed and subsides during the day, theres a good chance that your mattress is playing a part in your aches and pains.
A Flippable Mattress That Gives You The Best Of Both Worlds
Layla Sleep
Use code FORBES to receive 10% off.
- Materials: Memory foam, support foam
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Trial period: 120 nights
Laylas mattress has a four layer construction, including a 4.5-inch layer of support foam thats specifically aimed at keeping your back aligned. This layer also combats the sinking feeling that you get with other memory foam mattresses, so you dont feel like youre dropping too far into the mattress when you sleep. The mattress is flippable, with both a soft and firm side, but back pain sufferers will likely feel the most comfortable on the firm side.
Reviewers say they no longer toss and turn at night after switching to the Layla Memory Foam Mattress. Many also say that while they prefer either the firm or soft side, its nice to have options.
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Whats The Best Spring Mattress For Your Back
I recommend the Awara hybrid spring mattress for your back because it includes 4 of natural Dunlop latex foam in the top layer and 9 of individually wrapped pocket coils in the support core to maintain good posture and relieve pressure all over your body.
Plus, the Awara comes with a 1-year sleep trial so that you can test it out to ensure that youre comfortable in it.
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Bedroom Style Reviews is owned by LiveWell Media LTD registered in England and Wales at 71-75, Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ. Company Number 13192624.
Latex And Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam is the mattress type most often compared to latex. Memory foam mattresses are made from polyurethane foam with added chemicals that make it pressure and heat-sensitive. This sensitivity is why memory foam molds to your body when you lie down.
Both memory foam and latex mattresses have conforming properties, but the main difference is how they feel. Memory foam can let you sink in for a cradling feel, while latex tends to keep you lifted so you feel more on top of the mattress.
Latex and memory foam are two popular mattress types when it comes to the mattress in a box market. Because both tend to contain a foam comfort layer and supportive base foams, they compress well and can be rolled up and slipped inside a box for easy home delivery.
Memory foam might be the better option when it comes to mattresses for couples. Memory foam and latex both absorb motion well. But many owners say memory foam prevents motion transfer just a little bit better. That extra little bit can be the deciding factor when it comes to waking up or sleeping through your partners tossing and turning.
Memory foam mattresses can also be more affordable. You can find excellent memory foam mattresses for under $1000, while many high-quality latex mattresses cost around $2000 or more. Still, shoppers looking at mattresses under $2000 have a range of well-made choices to consider.
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Accommodates The Natural Curvature Of Spine
Most mattresses provide support only to the heaviest parts of your body, such as the shoulders and the hips. This creates a skewed posture for the body which is very uncomfortable. It is not only uncomfortable but also abates long-term back problems, since such a posture does not offer proper support to the spine.
The right mattress must be able to accommodate the natural curvature of your spine. This means it should support the spine in its normal alignment. It will not force you to toss and turn throughout the night in pursuit of the perfect resting pattern for your spine. If the mattress is not able to support its normal alignment and you are already suffering from back pain, the pain may get worse. You may subconsciously try to compensate for the lack of spinal support. You may not even be aware of these movements since your muscles may be doing it subconsciously. However, you will certainly experience lingering pain and discomfort if you sleep on such mattresses for a long time.
However, a latex mattress is able to support the spine and body in its normal alignment. This is because a latex mattress is neither too soft nor too hard. It just supports the spine naturally. This is why a latex mattressis comfortable for your spine and therefore helps if you have back pain.
Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
Memory foam is a polyurethan-based foam that softens when it comes into contact with body heat. It conforms to your bodys unique curves and provides pressure relief to any pain points. Its extremely durable and provides support if you have back, muscular or joint pain. Its most beneficial to side and back sleepers.
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Does The Wrong Mattress Cause Back Pain
Yes, if you have the incorrect mattress for your weight and sleeping position then it can sometimes contribute or trigger to pain in the back.
This more than likely takes place if your mattress is too soft and, as an outcome, begins to droop in the middle. This can also take place in an old mattress that requires changing.
If the mattress is sagging then, it can misshape your spine and offer you pain, or make existing pain in the back much worse.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good For Back Pain
Memory foam mattresses are often touted as the best option for back pain, and they can certainly be beneficial, thanks to their balance of support and cushioning. However, its key to purchase a mattress made with high-quality, dense memory foam, which will provide the support you need. Many inexpensive memory foam mattresses are too plush and dont provide adequate support, which may end up worsening your pain.
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What Is A Foam Rubber Mattress
Latex beds, at their core, are made from a rubberized material that has been whipped into a foam. This material has then been molded and cured in sheets that can be stacked on top of similar materials or integrated with others.
It is extremely versatile, serving a variety of functions from cooling to contouring. It is often hailed as a top material type due to the problems it solves for sleepers who have used other materials in the past. Keep reading to find out even more regarding the differences in organic, natural, synthetic, and blended types.
A Mix Of Foam And Bounce: Leesa Hybrid
*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,450.
Who its for: The Leesa 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 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 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, as well as at the brands Dream Gallery stores, so you may be able to try the Leesa 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.
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Which Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain
A key step in choosing a mattress is deciding which mattress type is most likely to work for you. Virtually all mattresses on the market today can be broken into five types based on their construction and materials.
Within each category, you can find consistent features however, there can be notable variation from one brand or model to the next. Some types allow for a greater diversity of designs, which leads to a wider variation in the expected feel and performance of any specific mattress.
