Choose The Right Thickness Or Height Carefully
Just as mattresses come in standard sizes, they also come in standard thicknesses ranging from 5 to 12. Mattress thickness or height is something that most people overlook and end up buying a mattress that will likely worsen their back pain. People with back discomfort should generally sleep on a mattress that is 6-8 inches in height. But the best for you can be decided by only you so carefully check different heights to pick the right one for yourself. Also, while selecting the mattress thickness/height, please keep the height of your bed, your sleep position and your body type in mind. Because all these aspects help to determine the right mattress thickness.
Is A Firm Mattress Better For Back Pain
For people experiencing back pain, or suffering from a back pain-inducing condition, it is difficult to find the best sleeping position, the best pillows, and of course, the best mattress.
People usually associate mattresses with something that is not that important when it comes to sleeping sleeping positions and pillows seem more important. However, an improper mattress can contribute to lower back pain and other painful body areas. That is why it is important to invest in a good mattress.
But, what makes a mattress good? Back pain patients usually associate a firm mattress with quality. It is believed that a firm mattress provides the necessary support and comfort for the lower back especially. But, is a firm mattress really better for your back pain? Lets find out!
What Type Of Mattress Is Best For People With Low Back Pain
Back pain is one of the top reasons that people begin to lose mobility in middle age. Pain can keep people from engaging in physical activity, making it more difficult for them to maintain a healthy weight and keep up their strength, stamina, and balance as they age. So treating and managing back pain that results from injuries or health problems is crucial for staying on the path of a healthy and active life.
Considering that most people spend roughly a third of their lives lying in bed, choosing the right mattress is essential for managing low back pain. It can make the difference in whether you can sleep at night and function the next day.
In the past, doctors often recommended very firm mattresses. But one survey of 268 people with low back pain found that those who slept on very hard mattresses had the poorest sleep quality. There was no difference in sleep quality between those who used medium-firm and firm mattresses.
Soft mattresses, on the other hand, can also be problematic. While a soft mattress that conforms to your body’s natural curves may help the joints align favorably, you might also sink in so deeply that your joints twist and become painful during the night.
If you want to find out whether a firmer mattress would feel better than the one you’re currently using, try putting a plywood board under your mattress to dampen the movement from the bedsprings, or try placing your mattress on the floor.
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How To Choose A Mattress Topper For Back Pain
Picking the best mattress topper for back pain can feel a little bit like a guessing game, as it can sometimes be hard to know if your back pain is due to a lack of contouring, pressure relief, or support. But if youre armed with a few key areas of knowledge, you can take the guesswork right out of the process.
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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Get Back Pain Relief And Better Sleep With Treatments At New York Pain Care
Sleeping on the perfect mattress might help alleviate the lower back pain, but the patient should still undergo the right treatments to experience permanent pain relief. Here at New York Pain Care, we understand how important it is for our patients to return to their pain-free lives as soon as possible.
Our team of multidisciplinary experts works together to create comprehensive and interventional non-surgical solutions for different kinds of spine conditions. All of our treatments are performed inside state-of-the-art facilities to ensure patient safety and comfort at all times. Call us today at to book an appointment with one of the countrys top spine specialists.
Recommendations For Heavyweight Sleepers
Its always important to consider ones size and weight when searching for a mattress customers want to make sure that their new mattress will properly support heavier weights.
This is even more important when discussing mattresses for back pain, as larger people require even more support under their lumbar area so that they dont get out of alignment. Out of these 10 mattresses, three really stand out among the rest for heavier sleepers.
- Helix: Although we recommended the Helix Midnight Luxe, heavier sleepers should seek out the Helix Plus, the brands bed designed specifically with larger people in mind. It has that medium firmness that those with back pain should be searching for, but is also incredibly supportive and offers the necessary lumbar support.
- Saatva: This is also a fantastic match because it features a nice balance of comfort and support. Heavier back sleepers should receive excellent lumbar support, with the mattress conforming to the curves of their body. As for heavier side sleepers, their hips should sink in the right amount, and the memory foam should press up to fill in their gaps and keep the spine in proper neutral alignment.
- WinkBed: With its supportive coils and plush top, heavier people should also find the WinkBed to be a good fit. Specifically, they should consider the WinkBed Plus, which has high-density Body Impression-Proof foam and even more support in its coils.
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A Flippable Model With Two Levels Of Firmness
- Materials: Memory foam, support foam
- Firmness level: Soft on one side, medium-firm on the other
- 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 . That said, back pain sufferers will likely feel the most comfortable on the firm side.
What the reviews say: Heres what one happy customer has to say about the Layla mattress: I fall asleep fast and sleep through the night without moving. I wake up in the morning with no pain and well rested. I haven’t slept this good in many years. And according to this short-and-sweet review: It’s not a magic carpet, but we both have been sleeping better and waking up with MUCH less pain in our joints and back.
Is A Firm Mattress Always Better For Back Pain
a firm mattress will not accommodate the natural curvature of the spine
Problems with a firm mattress
Pressure pointsSpinal misalignmentLack of conformability
Which mattress is best for a bad back?
The best mattress for a bad back is of medium-firm density A latex mattress is the best type for a bad backrecommended by many chiropractors and osteopaths: latex is supportive yet extremely comfortablebeware of mattresses which are touted as being orthopaedicIf you have scoliosis or you suffer from back pain, you should consider sleeping on a medium firm latex mattress
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Consider An Adjustable Base
One study found that switching from an innerspring bed to an adjustable bed resulted in a 32% pain decrease and a 73% increase in sleep quality amongst the participants who were suffering from chronic back pain .
And there are many anecdotal reports that sleeping on an adjustable bed with a suitable mattress can help to reduce lower back pain and ease the symptoms of conditions like GERD/acid reflux and sleep apnea .
Back Pain Pressure Points
If there is an overly vital area to be attentive to when suffering from back pain, its the pressure points that an improper mattress can cause on your body. These points mean that there is extra push back to a specific area. This can cause misalignment throughout your body and your spine.
Once it has moved out of alignment, there is an increased amount of pressure placed on your spine. Thats one of the common causes of back pain. Thinking about it that way may just help you answer the question, Is a firm mattress good for your back? from a whole new angle.
With this said, its essential to ensure that you arent sleeping on a bed that places too much pressure on your spine. This is also true for any major joints. Thats whats going to allow your body to rest in a relaxed state. The chance of pressure points forming along the spine as well as the lower back is diminished dramatically when the appropriate product is picked.
Pressure points are capable of causing long-term deformations and pains along your spine. This isnt something that you can likely afford as it can quickly turn into a chronic condition.
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Puffy Mattress Topper Overview
Those who want a mattress topper thats easy to place, easy to care for, and hard to mess up should check out the Puffy Mattress Topper. This topper is perfect for those who eat in bed or have little kids because its easy to wash and wont tear or stain easily.
The firmness options also allow you to choose between soft and firm options. So whether you bought an overly soft or overly firm mattress, you can still have the Puffy topper.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Puffy mattress topper as the most practical mattress topper for back pain of 2022.
- Mattress Topper Wont Skid Out of Place
Anti-slip grip layer will help align your mattress and topper and prevent it from sliding around.
- Easy-to-Maintain Covering
- No medium firmness option
Layla Memory Foam Topper Overview
If you want a memory foam topper that offers superior pressure relief and a classic memory foam feel, check out the Layla Memory Foam Topper. The Layla Memory Foam Topper boasts top-notch pressure relief and a cooling feel that gives you the memory foam contouring without the memory foam sweats.
This plush topper is cooling and supportive. It adds a layer of softness and pressure relief to an overly firm mattress. That makes it perfect for side sleepers and those who feel their mattress is too firm.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Layla Memory Foam Topper as the best memory foam mattress topper for back pain of 2022.
- Soft Memory Foam for Firm Beds
Plush feel offers tons of pressure relief without allowing sinkage or body impressions.
- Advanced Cooling Cover
- Those who eat in bed
- Parents of small children
Also Check: Can Adjustable Bed Cause Back Pain
Find Your Perfect Supportive Mattress With Texas Mattress Makers
So, is a firm mattress better for your back? Not necessarily. Like weve said before, it all depends on you. Every sleeper has a unique set of needs and personal preferences that can be catered to with the right mattress. You can easily find a supportive mattress but still have it feel the way you want it if you have the right components in the support layer. We recommend that you visit our showroom so that we can test out different mattress types and comfort levels so that you leave with the most supportive mattress possible. If you cannot come to one of our five showrooms, then you can also chat with our experts on our website.
Texas Mattress Makers offers quality mattresses handmade right here in the state of Texas. Unlike other manufacturers, our passion lies in helping you find the perfect mattress that will last you a lifetime, not just a few years.
You can shop by either comfort level, mattress type, mattress size, or budget, or come and visit any of our convenient Houston locations today!
More Beducation by Texas Mattress Makers:
What Makes The Loom & Leaf Stand Out
- The mattress features high-density memory foam that shouldnt sag.
- Although memory foam tends to trap heat, the Loom & Leaf features a cooling gel layer toward the center that should prevent sleepers from overheating.
- The cooling gel layer also provides extra lumbar support for back sleepers and side sleepers.
A mattress with a softer feel is important for those who want extra cushioning. Folks experiencing lower back pain need a bed that alleviates pressure points, especially if theyre side sleepers and put a lot of weight on the hips and shoulders. The Leesa appears in our best soft mattresses roundup it has a soft twill fabric cover and slow-moving memory foam for contouring. Back sleepers and those with lower back pain should appreciate the medium-firm nature of this mattress. The Leesas plush feel is balanced out by a sturdy polyfoam base layer for support.
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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.
What Increases Your Chances Of Experiencing Back Pain
There are also a plethora of factors that could make it more likely for someone to develop back pain.
- Age: As we grow older, we have a significantly higher chance of dealing with back pain aging can cause degeneration of spinal discs so they arent as effective at absorbing shock. Its also possible to develop Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra moves into another vertebra.
- Lack of exercise: If we dont exercise, our bodies can become susceptible to back pain. Also, if our back muscles are weak, the back pain can potentially become more severe. Many studies have shown that exercise can help alleviate back pain. In fact, one 2012 study from Informed Health Online found that exercise can prevent a recurrence of acute back pain in 1 out of 3 people.
- High body weight: For those that are overweight, back pain becomes more likely. One 2016 study, which was published in the journal Medicine, found that higher BMI and waist-hip ratio were associated with high-intensity low back pain and/or high disability.
- Depression and/or anxiety: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, people with these disorders are more likely to struggle with back pain than people who dont experience anxiety and/or depression.
- Smoking: The Mayo Clinic states that smoking cigarettes cuts down on blood flow to the lower back area and reduces the nutrients that are delivered to the spine. For those with acute back pain, nicotine can slow the healing process.
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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.
Another Organic Option Thats Ideal For Back Sleepers
- Materials: GOLS-organic latex, pocketed support coils
- Firmness level: Medium-firm
- Trial period: One year
Many of todays mattresses are made from memory foam, which typically contains synthetic chemicals. If youre looking for something a bit more eco-friendly, consider the Avocado Green Mattress. Its constructed of organic ingredients, including a layer of organic latex sitting on top of more than 1,000 pocketed support coils. The mattress has a gentle-yet-firm feel and five distinct ergonomic zones that adapt to your pressure points and provide relief where you need it. The thoughtful construction also helps reduce motion transfer and distributes weight more evenly so the mattress can contour to your bodys natural shape. Its best for back and stomach sleepers.
What the reviews say: I was initially worried that this mattress would be too firm for me because I’m fairly lightweight, begins one review, my expectations were exceeded. This mattress feels even more expensive than it is, and in a matter of days my back pain was almost completely gone. Another 5-star review reads, My neck, shoulder and back pain is virtually gone after almost a month of sleeping on this fantastic bed. Its the perfect amount of support without the annoyance of sinking so far into a bed that its hard to turn .
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