What Makes The Birch By Helix Stand Out
- It comes with an optional pillow-top that considerably softens the mattress. Back sleepers should be comfortable with or without it, but side sleepers will want to opt for the pillow-top.
- Latex mattresses are extremely durable, which should be attractive to those with back pain. If a mattress sags, its no longer going to keep the sleepers spine neutrally-aligned.
- Latex hybrids such as the Birch are breathable and cooling, so they should work well for hot sleepers.
The Loom & Leaf is an online mattress that contains multiple layers of high-density memory foam a material thats hard to beat when it comes to pressure relief and comfort. While the foams found in the Loom & Leaf are extremely comfortable, theyre also quite supportive. As weve mentioned with these other products, a mattress needs to have both comfort and support in order to ease lower back pain.
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Casper Original Hybrid Mattress
- Type: hybrid
- Height: 11 inches
Caspers Original Hybrid Mattress is medium firm, with three zones of targeted support to keep your spine aligned. Softer CertiPUR-US certified foam around the shoulders cradles the upper body, while firmer foam supports the hips, waist, and lower back. A layer of springs adds support.
The mattress comes with a 100-night trial, free shipping and returns, and a 10-year limited warranty.
Is A Firm Mattress Best For Back Pain
It used to be considered common knowledge that an extra-firm mattress was best for relieving back pain. However, in recent years we have realized that there is no singular firmness level that is ideal for resolving back problems. The best way to choose the firmness of your mattress is by following your personal preferences. If it feels good to you and doesnt cause back pain, then its a good fit.
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Can Replacing Your Mattress Improve Lower Back Pain
Yes. If your mattress isnt offering enough support because its too soft or too old, swapping your mattress for a medium-firm option can help improve lower back pain.
You can also try moving the mattress to the floor, using plywood beneath the mattress, or adding a supportive mattress topper designed to alleviate back pain.
Is A Firm Mattress Better For Back Pain
Many people will tell you that you need a firm mattress to stop back pain, but thats not necessarily true. A mattress thats too firm can also cause spine misalignment by pushing up the shoulders and hips. Instead, look for a medium-firm mattress that offers some cushioning for these key pressure points. Ultimately, it comes down to your comfort level, so be sure to choose a mattress brand that offers a generous trial period in case you choose to exchange or return your purchase.
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Why We Get Back Problems
About 80% of sleepers are likely to come across some type of lower back pain throughout their lifetime. Of course, it goes without saying that not everyone is actually affected in the same way by these issues.
However, this doesnt mean that you should stay uninformed about them. Some have the potential to get worse over time.
There are two types of back pain that are commonly observed: Acute pain that lasts for less than about six weeks and chronic pain which is less frequent but longer lasting. This is according to the reputable Mayo Clinic. The breakdown is followed by serious research and studies carried over periods of time and a lot of back pain sufferers.
With this in mind, there are also different causes for back pain . Here are a few common ones and some tips on how to prevent them.
What Makes The Winkbed Stand Out
- The WinkBed is one of the more durable mattresses on this list. People who struggle with back pain dont want a mattress that will sag too quickly.
- The mattress is zoned and provides extra lumbar support.
- Weve named the WinkBed one of the best innerspring mattresses.
Read our full WinkBed mattress review.
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The Best Mattress For Back Pain In 2022
- Publish date: Apr 13, 2022
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. The Sports Illustrated editorial team is not involved in the creation of this content.
If youve experienced back pain, finding the best mattress to alleviate discomfort is essential. The best mattress for back pain should provide support and relief, while the wrong mattress could actually make things worse. This happens when a bed doesnt correctly support the spine and puts stress on pressure points. Other mattresses might cushion the pressure points but fail to support the back, leading to poor spinal alignment and increased pain. With proper support and pain relief in mind, weve narrowed down the top ten mattresses for those suffering with back pain. And while theres not one best mattress to relieve all back pain, we show you how to find a mattress that addresses your specific comfort preferences, sleeping position and back pain type.
The best mattresses for back pain:
It Needs To Keep Your Spine Aligned
You may not realize it, but good posture is important when you sleep. The muscles and ligaments in your back need to relax and recover while you snooze. If a mattress is too firm — or too squishy — it won’t support your spine at your neck or lower back the way it needs to. What’s firm enough is different for everyone: If you have wide hips, for instance, a slightly softer surface may be better. You need some more give in order to keep your spine in alignment. Someone with narrower hips might be better off with a firmer surface.
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Hybrid Mattresses Can Offer The Best Of All Worlds Combining Coils With A Top Layer Of Foam Or Latex Or Both Foam And Latex
Pros:Deliver the medium firmness preferred by back pain sufferersBetter at cradling the body than the innerspring mattressesProvide more buoyancy than memory foam mattresses
Cons:Hybrid mattresses tend to be quite expensiveSalespeople sometimes falsely claim that the more coils the better the mattress.
How Can Your Mattress Affect Back Pain
The lower back has more curvature and range of motion than the rest of your back, which makes it more susceptible to injury from incorrect alignment. If a mattress offers insufficient support, your lower back may twist or bend in an unnatural way. If the bed is too soft or dips in the middle, your hips may sink deeply into the mattress and out of alignment with your lumbar area. Conversely, if the mattress is too firm, your hips may sit too high. Respected medical journal The Lancet has published a study finding that moderately firm or medium mattresses provide the best support with contouring for your impact points, and help relieve and prevent lower back pain.
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How Can I Get Relief On A Budget
While there are budget-friendly mattresses on the market that could be good options for arthritis sufferers, pillows and mattress toppers may also prove effective. A good pillow can help support your natural spinal alignment. Some arthritis sufferers may also like a wedge pillow to support their knees or upper bodies. If your existing mattress is in good condition but youre looking for more pressure relief, a quality mattress topper can add plushness and contouring without the expense of replacing the whole mattress.
Best Mattress For Back Pain
Firm mattresses were once recommended as the best option for those with back pain however, studies are now refuting this claim. A mattress should support spinal alignment and allow the surrounding muscles to relax. There must also be targeted pressure relief using pressure mapping technology, preventing tossing and turning during the night in an effort to get comfortable.
Here at Sealy, we are proud to share our Posturepedic range of mattresses that prioritise orthopaedic support and optimal comfort. Our designs work with the bodys natural alignment and cater to the relief of pressure points.
Sealy gained insight into proper support and comfort systems by partnering with the Orthopaedic Advisory Board . The OAB is made up of qualified health professionals who specialise in research on sleep and posture. They advise Sealy on the best technologies and evidence-based research so that Sealy can create optimised mattress designs.
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The Source Of The Problem
The problem with a lot of mattresses that cause back pain is that they fail to support your back. Just like how standing on a hard concrete floor for hours can make the arch of your foot ache, sleeping on a mattress that fails to support your back will make your backache.
When your mattress is too soft, your body will sink into the bed, causing your back to compensate for the lack of support. So while it may be satisfying to sink into a soft mattress at the end of a long day, you will find yourself tossing and turning all night.
When your mattress is too hard, your body tries to maintain its arch, engaging the muscles in your back. This causes them to become stressed and weakened when you wake up in the morning. The tension in your back also causes the disks between your vertebrae to become compressed, which is the source of the discomfort.
Mattress Types And Firmness
Different types of mattresses utilize different materials, which can also affect the firmness. The following are the four most common mattress styles and the firmness levels you can expect with each.
- Memory Foam Mattresses: Memory foam is available in several different firmness options. Depending on the manufacturing process, memory foam can be either soft or extra firm. When shopping for a memory foam bed, look at the type of memory foam used and the layers supporting it to determine the firmness it will provide.
- Latex Foam Mattresses: There are two types of latex foamDunlop and Talalay latex. Dunlop tends to have a firmer firm, and these beds are typically considered medium-firm. Talalay latex is generally treated with additives to give it a soft to medium feel. Both materials have a natural elasticity that offers a slight bounce.
- Hybrid Mattresses: Hybrid mattresses have a stable coil base and a foam comfort layer. The type of foam used in the top of the bed will determine the firmness you will experience.
- Innerspring Mattresses: The coil springs in the base of an innerspring bed give it a firm feel. These beds tend to have a thinner comfort layer, so they are classified as either medium-firm or firm.
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Zinus Shawn 14 Inch Smartbase Mattress Foundation Bed Frame
Now put your hands together for Zinus as it brings on a new-age bed frame to wipe off all back pains. It doesnt even need a box spring since the smartbase is good enough to keep your mattress in position. Equipped with multiple contact points, it gives solid support and unmatched durability that would keep the user safe and comfortable. It has a height of 14 inches while its under-frame clearance is of 13 inches that makes enough storage space under the bed. Also, it can be stored with absolute safety owing to the plastic cap provided as well as for its unique folding design.
Features and Specifications:
- With 13-inch clearance under the frame and 14-inch height, this smartbase mattress support is ideal for keeping backaches away
- Does not take much time to assemble and also requires no tools for installation
- Built with mainly steel frames and wires, this popular bed frame is ideal for people of average weight
- Supports a sturdy construction and would stand strong for years to come
- When laid under the mattress, it makes no noise, keeping the user at ease
- Takes only 5 to 10 minutes to assemble
- Makes ample storage for storing plenty of bedroom essentials
- Doesnt need a box spring and still establishes a solid foundation
- Worth the price as it quite flexible for use
- Possibility of the mattress sliding from all sides
- Not sound-proof as promised
Is A Memory Foam Mattress Topper Good For Lower Back Pain
Memory foam is known for its ability to mold to the body’s shape and provide support where it is needed most. This can be beneficial for people who suffer from lower back pain, as it can help to distribute weight evenly and relieve pressure on the spine. While a memory foam mattress topper is not actually a cure for lower back pain, it can be helpful in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
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Can A Mattress Cause Back And Hip Pain
Many factors can cause back and hip pain, including arthritis, pinched nerves , and physical injuries. Unfortunately, we become more susceptible to these conditions as we age, so its important to make sure we take precautions to keep aches and pains to a minimum.
According to Dr. Romina Ghassemi, a Los Angeles-based chiropractor, mattresses can play a part, too. Prolonged poor posture during the day lends a hand to a poor mattress to cause more harm to an already compromised muscular skeletal system, says Dr. Ghassemi. In addition, New York City-based chiropractor Dr. Steve Malayil says that certain types of mattresses might not have adequate support, which could lead to more pain. Soft mattresses, which allow the body to sink in too much, may cause the spine to be in an uncomfortable position, which may cause an increase in lower back pain, says Dr. Malayil. Many older spring mattresses have lost their stability and allow for less contour to the lower back. They lack the ability to mold to your body. Therefore, its important to invest wisely in a mattress that will serve your needs, in addition to adopting lifestyle habits that will promote better alignment.
Tips To Help Improve Your Sleep Overall
Your mattress is a vital part of getting a good nights sleep, but there are some additional ways to help you fall into a restful sleep.
Here are some tips:
- Establish a regular bedtime and morning schedule to help set your circadian rhythm.
- Exercise regularly, if your back pain allows for it.
- Avoid stimulants including caffeine and nicotine.
- Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to fall asleep, as this could lead to stress or anxiety.
- Make sure your sleeping environment is suitable and free from distraction .
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Best Cooling Mattress For Back Pain: The Winkbed
Wink
For those worried about waking up not just achy, but also overheated, consider a bed specially designed to cool. The WinkBed is our top pick for people with back pain who are also hot sleepers. It provides it all-pressure point relief, cushioning, spinal alignment and cooling properties. A layer of individually wrapped pocket coils increases airflow through the bottom of the mattress while the gel-infused foam retains less heat than typical memory foam. Finally, the Tencel cover dissipates heat while you sleep.
While this mattress checks boxes for back pain and hot sleepers, it might not work for couples who shift a lot throughout the night. Motion isolation helps keep your tossing and turning to your side of the bed, and the WinkBed did not impress in this test when movement easily transferred from one side of the bed to the other.
How To Choose The Best Mattress For Back Pain
Youre much more likely to have problems sleeping if you have back pain during the day, Dr. Huff says, so its imperative that you find the right mattressotherwise, you could be stuck in a painful 24-hour cycle. Heres what you need to know before you go shopping:
Look for the right density. Just 20 years ago, orthopedic surgeons would have recommended going with a firm mattress, but that recommendation has since changed, Dr. Huff explains. The ideal density is medium-firm, per a landmark 2003 study and another from 2015, which promotes sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment. Foam mattresses may also have a slight edge over spring options, but density has a bigger impact on sleep quality and back pain than material does, Dr. Huff says. The right firmness is attainable with foam, coil, and hybrid mattresses.
Think of your sleep position. Consider your sleep position, then buy a model that matches it. If youre a side-sleeper, you likely want a softer mattress, because that relieves some of the pressure on your hips and shoulders, Dr. Huff explains. It also helps you align your spine. Back-sleepers, meanwhile, can go with firmer mattresses, since their weight is more evenly distributed. And stomach-sleepers should seek out pillow-top mattresses that allow easy airflow and less pressure on the neck.
Ready to settle in for your best nights sleep? Shop these top-rated mattresses to help aleviate back pain, below.
120-night trial | 10-year warranty
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