Other Mattresses We’ve Tested
It’s difficult for the average person to test every mattress they might be interested in, especially when it comes to online mattresses that are exclusively sold through the brands’ websites. That’s why we have our CNET Sleep editors test the mattresses we review, and create round ups that include some of the best beds they snuggled up to. While the beds above are top choices, here are a few that could have easily made the list as well.
Avocado mattress: For individuals who live green or are particularly sensitive to household allergens, an organic mattress like Avocado might be appealing. With the optional pillow top, the Avocado mattress has a medium-firm profile that keeps the back in neutral alignment and prevents it from sagging into the mattress. At the same time, there is ample pressure relief around the points you need it most. Though, it might be a little too firm for side sleepers. Another plus about this bed, is thanks to its latex foam construction, it’s hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.
WinkBed mattress: There are several perks to a WinkBed mattress that make it an ultra comfortable option for people who suffer from back pain. It’s offered in three firmness levels, but the firm model is what I recommend, thanks to its golden ratio of support to pressure relief. Not only is it made with supportive pocketed coils, but it also has a “LumbarLayer” specifically designed to offer targeted support to your lumbar region.
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.
Should You Buy A Mattress Online
If you should buy your next mattress online really comes down to your preferences. We cant deny the convenience of online shopping you can do it right from your couch. We also dont discount the benefits of buying in-store. Some people favor the relationship with their salesperson and the ability to test the beds. Though wed like to point out that most companies have extended trial periods with free returns, so you have the opportunity to try your new mattress with no pressure in your normal sleeping environment. At the end of the day, theres no right or wrong way to shop.
Yes, memory foam can be both supportive and gentle enough to accommodate your back pain. The flexibility of memory foam allows it to contour to your exact shape. We recommend you stray away from memory foam beds with softer profiles.
Firm mattresses tend to be better for back pain than super soft mattresses because they help maintain proper spine alignment, but if youre a strict side sleeper, you probably wont love a firm bed. Instead, side sleepers can opt for a hybrid bed if theyre looking for more support.
Purple mattresses use a proprietary material designed to be ultra supportive, which helps those who suffer from back and neck pain. Combined with a Purple Pillow, this mattress is one of the most versatile mattresses for conquering back pain and neck pain.
The Tempur-LuxeAdapt is made to be ultra conforming and has a firm option with 30% more support than other models.
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If You Cant Shop In Person
Its really hard to tell whether a specific mattress is right for you without lying on it first. Firmness, pressure relief, and support are all highly subjective factors, which is why weve always advised trying out a mattress in person prior to purchasing. But we also know that can be easier said than done. So in lieu of our usual try-before-you-buy advice, we recommend that you look for a generous return policy on any mattress youre thinking of buying sight unseen.
With respect to trial periods and return policies, here are your best options of all the mattresses in this guide:
More mattress coverage
$200 off
*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,200.
Who its for: The Saatva Classic in Luxury Firm caters to back-pain sufferers who prefer a traditional innerspring mattress with a just-cushy-enough top. Its likely to feel comfortable regardless of your preferred sleep position.
How it feels: Weve been long-term testing our Saatva Classic for more than a year, and it has softened slightly from a stiff medium-firm to a plusher medium-firm.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The 416 support coils in the bottom half of the Saatva Classic are sturdy, but they number only about half those in the pricier WinkBed , another innerspring weve liked in the past. Theyre not individually wrapped, either, which can lead to motion transfer. For that reason, we think the Saatva works best if you sleep alone or dont wake easily when your partner rolls over.
First Thing First The Firmness
To be able to determine what is the ideal choice for yourself, first, you need to learn a thing or two about the firmness of a mattress. This property is all about the resistance that a mattress is giving you when you lie in bed. A squishy mattress will give you a sensation as if you are sinking in it. On the other hand, a firm one will keep you afloat, not letting you down not even a bit. This is a blunt definition. When it comes to the firmness of it, people have a different opinion which is based on their feeling which is mostly tied to their weight.
The firmness of the cushion is caused by a variety of factors with the most prominent being tension, construction of a mattress, and layers of materials used while building one.
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Side Sleepers With Back Pain
If you are a side sleeper with back pain then it is important you have a soft enough surface to relieve pressure points. You want a mattress that offers pressure relief on the parts of your body that stick out.
The ball and socket joints that are your hips and shoulders are under constant everyday stress. They need pressure relief, especially when you are laying on your side. The best material for relieving surface pressure is memory foam or latex.
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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How To Get Relief On A Budget
When youre struggling with back pain, you may feel like youre willing to give anything to get relief, but the realities of your budget can mean that you have to think about the impact of any mattress purchase on your bottom line. The good news is that there are multiple wallet-friendly ways to improve your bed, enhance your sleep, and give your back a rest.
The Best Mattresses For Back Pain 2022
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.
Back pain can negatively affect sleep quality. Choosing a mattress to suit an individuals sleep preferences may help prevent aches and pain. The best mattress for relieving back pain will adjust to pressure points and support spinal alignment.
Approximately 80% of adults experience back pain. This can impact an individuals ability to walk, sit, work, and sleep. Research suggests that insomnia is common among people with lower back pain.
Choosing a mattress to prevent and relieve back pain can help improve sleep quality and decrease aches and pains. Read on to learn more.
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Whats The Difference Between A Firm And Soft Mattress
When shopping for a new mattress, you have likely noticed that each one comes with a firmness level. But, how is this level determined? Many brands rely on a standard firmness scale from 1 to 10with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Firm and soft mattresses are at opposite ends of this scale. That said, youll rarely find mattresses rated as a 10 or a 1 because those are extremely firm and extremely soft beds that arent commonly made.
A firm mattress rates between a 9 and a 7 on the firmness scale. These beds have very little give, so the surface tends to remain even and allows for little sinking.
A soft mattress rates between a 2 and a 3 on the firmness scale. These beds compress quickly and easier when pressure is applied. Most sleepers experience some level of sinking when resting on a soft bed.
How To Find A Quality Mattress For Back Pain
There are a few basics to mattress shopping that all women should know about, especially if you are dealing with back pain.
Firmness. Though you’ll definitely want something that’s more firm than soft, exactly how firm should be determined by your body weight, says Carleara Weiss, PhD, RN, who is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “For example, medium firmness seems ideal for people weighing approximately 130 pounds and satisfactory for back and side sleepers under 230 pounds,” she explains. The higher your body weight, the more firm you may need your mattress to be, though it really depends on the individual, as sleep preferences differ from person to person .
Where you experience back pain also impacts what kind of firmness you should look for. “The general concept when thinking about buying a mattress is that low back pain can be alleviated with a mattress that is on the firmer end of the spectrum rather than softer or squishier,” says Leigh Hanke, MD, an assistant professor of clinical orthopedics at Yale School of Medicine. If you don’t wake up with low back pain and you like a softer experience, you can prob get away with a less firm mattress.
Stomach sleepers put pressure on their neck, in addition to the lumbar area, so they may prefer a firm mattress since it’s ideal for spine support and helps alleviate neck tension .
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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.
Best Mattress For Arthritis
I know what you are thinking, yes The Layla Hybrid Matress feels as good as it looks. This sleek innovative mattress has more built into it than meets the eye, which is why it is my choice for the best mattress for arthritis and chronic pain. Layla offers two mattresses too choose from, but the hybrid is definitely my choice. This is because the hybrid memory foam offers increased core and frame support from the inner coil system which helps prolong the life of your mattress. Hybrids also have less sag than a traditional memory foam, and are typically more responsive to your body as you change positions throughout the night. But the true main reason I like this mattress for arthritis and chronic pain is because of the type of foam used in its materials. Heres why:
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Three Zones Of Foam Provide Ultimate Comfort
- Materials: Memory foam, foam and springs
- Firmness level: Medium-firm
- Trial period: 100 nights
The Casper Original Hybrid mattress has three zones of targeted support to help align your spineand hopefully ease your back pain in the process. Softer foam around your shoulders cushions your upper body, while firmer foam under your hips, waist and lower back keep your spine in the right position. The durable foam base underneath allows for added firmness and support, so the mattress doesnt sink or sag under your weight. Its available in all-foam or hybrid options, with the former being the firmer pick, the latter having a medium-firm feel. When asked, a Casper Snooze Specialist recommended the hybrid for back pain due to its combination of support and give. That said, it also comes in an all-foam version for those who prefer it.
What the reviews say: One glowing report reads, Long story short, this has been the best mattress I’ve ever owned and one of the finest mattresses that I’ve ever used, and I travel a lot. I decided to get an adjustable base to go with mine and ever since I started sleeping with the head and foot slightly elevated, my lower back pain has completely gone away. Per another user: I had many years of backaches and back problems and Casper was able to mold and fix my back without me spending extra money for chiropractor or a massage.
Mattress Toppers Can Delay The Purchase Of A New Mattress
Instead of buying a hugely expensive mattress when your old one begins to wear out, in some cases, mattress toppers can buy you some more time. One of these toppers will add support and life to your mattress and prevent you from hurting your back by sleeping on a worn-down mattress. Youll probably feel like youre sleeping on a whole new mattress, especially since your topper will be nice and clean.
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What Firmness Is Best For Back Pain
Both orthopedic doctors we talked to said that medium-firm mattresses are best for back pain.
Amit Jain, MD, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and chief of minimally invasive spinal surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, pointed to a 2015 study that found medium-firm mattresses led to better sleep quality for people with or without back pain.
However, according to Tamara Huff, MD, a Georgia-based board-certified orthopedic surgeon and health disparities advocate, the classification “medium-firm” is hard to pin down since there’s no standardized way to assess mattress firmness. “When you look over the studies, no one can agree on what a medium-firm mattress is. So, in general, we recommend you not go for the firmest mattress,” she said.
Huff recommends choosing a mattress that feels medium-firm to you based on what you’re used to. If you are used to an incredibly soft bed, then a mattress that is just slightly softer than average might be your “medium-firm.”
What Is Back Pain A Note From Dr Poorbaugh
Before we wrap up, I wanted to include some basic information on back pain that I learned from Dr. Poorbaugh.
According to Dr. Poorbaugh, most medical research is focused on Chronic Lower Back Pain . Traditionally, to be defined as chronic someones lower back pain needed to continue for more than three months. But recently, doctors have started using functional brain imaging to illustrate that chronic is not necessarily a time dependent label.
Dr Poorbaugh says that the main determinant of chronic back pain today is central sensitization. According to Dr. Poorbaugh, central sensitization occurs when the central nervous system has lost its ability to dampen or control peripheral stimuli i.e. information from muscles, joints, and nerves.
When your nervous system cant control those stimuli, your peripheral nerves get irritated. This eventually affects your entire nervous system and makes normal activity feel painful .
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