The Best Mattresses For Back Pain In Side Sleepers
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.
The right mattress for a side sleeper with back pain may depend on the type and location of the pain.
Generally, mattresses that support spinal alignment relieve pressure on the back and joints, which may alleviate back pain for some people.
In this article, we investigate how a mattress may ease this pain for people who sleep on their sides and look at six options.
Please note, however, that the statements below are based only on research. No one at Medical News Today, including the writer, has tried these products.
During sleep, the primary force affecting the back is gravity. As such, sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or hard or does not support the alignment of the spine may put pressure on the joints. For some, this can cause or worsen back pain and impact overall sleep quality.
According to the International Chiropractors Association, a good mattress will:
- keep the spine in a straight position
- contour pressure points, such as the hips and shoulders
- be consistently comfortable in every position, especially the persons most common one
People often believe that firm mattresses are good for back pain, but an
The right mattress should distribute pressure evenly throughout the body and keep the back in a neutral position.
Best Mattresses For Lower Back Pain
Here are the mattresses that experts recommend for people suffering from lower back pain.
This hybrid mattress from Saatva is great for consumers who can’t decide between memory foam and traditional coils.
“Saatva’s Classic combines support coils, comfort coils , edge reinforcement, and a plush pillowtop, so it can offer reliable support and does a great job of distributing the sleeper’s weight evenly,” says Savy.
“The mattress’s ‘spinal zone’ uses an extra layer of high-density memory foam and an active wire technology to support the back properly and to aid healthy spinal alignment, which is a vital feature when it comes to dealing with lower back pain,” he says.
Back Conditions That May Benefit From An Adjustable Bed
For some people, sleeping in an inclined or semi-upright position may be more comfortable than lying on a flat position. Certain lower back and neck positions, in particular, may be less aggravated with an adjustable bed. For example:
- Degenerative spondylolisthesis. For some people with degenerative spondylolisthesis, sleeping in a reclining position with support under the knees can reduce some of the pain or discomfort in the lower back, making it easier to sleep through the night.
You May Like: How Long Does Epidural Back Pain Last
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 .
Best Memory Foam Mattress For Sciatica: Zoma Mattress
The Zoma Mattress is a budget-friendly memory foam mattress built to support athletes. Consisting of only three layers of memory foam, its simple design and flexible nature allows it to be used with a variety of frames and bed bases, without sacrificing support to vital pressure points.
Warranty
A thick, high-density foam base anchors the Zoma Mattress, providing an excellent platform to build and rest upon. This bottom layer absorbs most of the bodys pressure, allowing the uppermost two layers to contour to the sleeper and provide comfort and relief to common pressure areas, such as the head, shoulders, and hips.
This mattress has a firmness level of medium, which is the ideal level for back and side sleepers. The dense, supportive layers of memory foam in the Zoma Mattress absorb pressure, reducing motion transfer between partners.
Interested customers should be aware that each Zoma Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Read Also: Why Does Lying Down Relieve Back Pain
How To Choose The Best Mattress For Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a common issue for adults in New Zealand. It affects your quality of life and complicates sleep. If youre looking to reduce or prevent lower back issues, your mattress should be a key consideration.
A mattress promoting correct spinal alignment can help stop back pain from starting in the first place, and for people who already suffer from back problems, a quality mattress can provide all-important relief and support.
Our guide to the best mattresses for lower back pain in New Zealand will help you figure out which mattress could be right for you.
What To Look For In A Mattress If You Have Back Pain
With so many different types of mattresses on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which one is actually going to be the best for preventing chronic back pain. It seems like every brand claims to be the most supportive and most innovative, so the best way to whittle down your options is by comparing the actual features the mattresses offer.
Heres what to look for when doing your shopping.
Also Check: Is Epsom Salt Good For Lower Back Pain
Types And Causes Of Hip Pain
Hip pain can occur as a result of a wide range of medical conditions. Some people experience hip pain as a short-term issue while others deal with it over an extended period of months or years.
The pain can be felt in the hip, which may be indicative of a problem inside the actual joint, or around the hip, such as in the buttock or thigh, which is more often associated with issues in the surrounding tissue. Some hip pain is also referred from other parts of the body, which means that the problem does not originate directly in or around the hip itself.
The following sections describe some of the most common causes for hip pain however, this is not an exhaustive list. Because of its effects on quality of life and the possibility that it is connected to a larger health concern, it is important for anyone with hip pain to review their symptoms with a doctor.
Try It Out With Our Reassuring 60 Night Comfort Exchange
There’s only one true test for a new mattress: to sleep on it. It can take a little time to settle-in with a new mattress so when you buy a mattress directly from our website, we offer a comfort exchange that gives you 60 nights to get really comfortable before making a decision.
If you’re still not loving your new mattress within 60 nights from delivery, you can exchange it for another mattress. You can find out more about the 60 night comfort exchange here.
Don’t Miss: Why Do I Wake Up With Severe Lower Back Pain
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.
Does My Pillow Matter
While a better mattress certainly can help with back pain and proper spinal alignment, it isnt the only factor. When paired with the proper pillow, the duo could help reduce back pain and contribute to a healthier sleep experience by properly elevating the neck and shoulders for better support.
Read More:Our Best Pillows Guide
Read Also: What To Do To Alleviate Lower Back Pain
Layla Essential Mattress Protector
The first and most important investment you can do for yourself is in a new mattress. This is because you spend nearly one third of your life on your bed, and it is extremely important to sleep and rest as best as possible , so that you may enjoy your life when youre not sleeping. As soon as you have opted to invest on a mattress, the second most important thing you have to do is protect your investment.
This is the reason why mattress protectors come into position. They protect your mattress from human threats, such as spills, sweat stains, and other harms.
The best way to do that is investing in a high quality mattress protector. Nowadays, the majority of them not just keep your mattress safe from stains and dirt, but are waterproof and give temperature regulating qualities for even more pleasant sleep.
As soon as you try the bed protector, youll be asking yourself:how was I living without it all these years? Thats exactly what I thought after purchasing this item.
Aside from the Essential Mattress protector, Layla has two types: Layla Cooling Mattress Protector and Layla Full Encasement Mattress Protector. You can find out more information here /
Layla Essential Mattress Protector comes for all the primary mattress size:
| SIZE |
|---|
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Layla Mattress
To summarize, and for a quick reference, I have added a table with the pros and cons of Layla mattress
Pros
- Layla is flippable, on one side you have a soft mattress and on the other side, you have a firm mattress. This means that you actually have 2 beds in 1
- Layla has a Copper Gel infusion. This advantage is amazing because it gives you a mattress that is cooler, cleaner, and more inviting
- This mattress will work with any base or foundation
- Free shipping to contiguous U.S.
- Complete motion transfer control as a result of their distinctive layering of foams, which dampens motion
- You have 120 nights to trial and 100% money back guarantee
Cons
- Layla comes with both: firm and soft. If you are looking for a medium-firm mattress, this is not for you
- You may feel as if you were sinking into this mattress so far if you are a heavy person
Don’t Miss: Is Acupuncture Good For Back Pain
Types Of Mattresses For Back Pain
There are several different types of mattresses, and I recommend some over others for combatting back pain. Take a look below to learn more about the main mattress types.
- Foam Mattresses All-foam mattresses rely on high density poly foams to support the sleeper. If you struggle with back problems, I often recommend avoiding all foam mattresses in favor of slightly more supportive innerspring or hybrid mattresses.
- Innerspring Mattresses Innerspring mattresses combine steel coil support with thin comfort foam top layers. Theyre often firm and bouncy, which can work well for back pain .
- Hybrid Mattresses Hybrid mattresses use coil and foam layers to create a supportive, yet comfortable sleeping environment. These beds can vary widely in feel and materials, but are often the type of bed I recommend for sleepers looking for back pain relief.
- Latex Mattresses Latex mattresses are taut, bouncy, and naturally cooling. These beds are very durable and supportive, but are not my first choice for sleepers with bad backs. These folks often need a material that offers more body-contouring. Latex mattresses dont usually offer the right sort of cradling to ease tension, especially at the lower back.
Can I Get A Bed For Back Pain For A Reasonable Price
Lifelong companionship is typical for bed for back pain. When you fast open your lid, spending more money will reward you with increased speed, a better view, and better quality of the product. Again, the average price of a new bed for back pain is between $$ and $$$. Okay, so some luxury options are not available.
Recommended Reading: How Does Heat Help Back Pain
Creating Optimal Spinal Alignment
When we enter slow-wave sleep, our muscles are not paralyzed like in REM periods, and we may move around. This could mean rolling around and winding up in odd sleeping positions. If you have a mattress with zoned support, this shouldnt be a big deal as long as you dont wind yourself into a pretzel. The mattress should do the work in letting your shoulders and hips sink in a little while supporting the spine.
However, if youre on an ultra-hard bed and end up on your side, you could end up messing with the spinal curve, and if youre already dealing with pain and inflammation, this isnt great news.
Mattresses have come a long way in the past few years and many companies have realized the benefits of proper spinal alignment for sleep. When youre laying on the side, proper alignment should be fairly straight, allowing the hips and shoulders to sink in slightly while supporting the middle. Mattresses that offer zoned support tend to be great at this.
When sleeping on your back, there should be a slight curve in the spine, with support in the mid and low back, while allowing the neck to rest backward. If you live in the twenty-first century, you probably spend a fair amount of time looking at screens. Whether on your phone, a computer, or a gaming device.
Check Out Our Guide: Top Rated Pillows for Back Pain
Advantages And Cons Of Layla Mattress
To summarize, and for a quick reference, I have added a table with the pros and cons of Layla mattress
Pros
- Layla is flippable, on one side you have a soft mattress and on the other side, you have a firm mattress. This means that you really have 2 beds in 1
- Layla has a Copper Gel infusion. This advantage is amazing as it gives you a mattress which is cooler, cleaner, and more inviting
- This mattress will operate with any base or foundation
- Free shipping to contiguous U.S.
- Absolute motion transfer control thanks to their unique layering of foams, which dampens motion
- You have 120 nights to trial and 100% money back guarantee
Cons
- Layla comes with both: firm and soft. If Youre looking for a medium-firm mattress, this is not for you
- You may feel like you were sinking into this mattress so far if you are a heavy man
Also Check: What Is The Best Prescription Medicine For Lower Back Pain
Need More Help With Back Pain
These free resources will help you get on the right track to ridding yourself of back pain!
- Find a mattress to relieve you of back pain with Mattress Match
- Learn about all the options with our Mattress Buying Guide
- Experience the REM sleep deserve with our Better Sleep Guide
- Go from Zs to As in college with this sleep guide for students
- Want to conquer sleep deprivation? Check out our sleeping disorders guide
Best Mattress For Back Pain 2021
Are you tired of waking up with back pain? Nearly 80% of the population experiences some sort of chronic pain in their back at some point in their lives. From a constant dull ache to incapacitating chronic pain, the problems can be many.
Most of the time, our lifestyle is to blame. While there can be physical causes of back pain, stress and not being fit often cause the physical issues to occur.
One important factor which affects whether we will experience back pain is the type of mattress we use. The wrong mattress can cause pain and increase existing pain. A supportive mattress helps your back recover by allowing your muscles to relax and heal while you sleep.
If you suffer from back pain problems then, it seems that a reasonable decision would be to get a mattress that is designed for your bad back.
You May Like: What Causes Pain Across The Upper Back
Your Spine While You Sleep
One of the main functions of the spinal cord is to maintain balance so we can walk upright and our motor controls can function properly. If youve ever heard someone say its a miracle that humans can walk upright, its not so far from the truth. However, it takes a lot of subconscious effort, and the spinal curve is essential for it all to work.
Additional Sleeping Accessories For Sleepers With Hip Pain
Along with your mattress, a number of accessories, such as pillows and a bed frame, help shape your sleeping experience. If you dont have the budget for a new mattress, you can invest in these lower-cost accessories to try to reduce hip pain. Or if you want to fully step up your bedroom, you can get a new bed frame and pillows along with a brand new mattress.
Pillows
The ideal type and size of pillow depends in part on the feel of your mattress. For example, on a plush mattress, your body is likely to sink in more than your head, which means that your neck could hyperextend if the pillow is tall . General recommendations for the combination of firmness and pillow loft are listed in the table below
| Mattress Firmness |
|---|
You May Like: What Is The Pain In The Back Of My Knee
Is There Anything Else I Should Do
Not all lower back pain is caused by a bad mattress and awkward sleeping positions, but all lower back pain is made worse by these. Another suggestion to help alleviate the problem would be to use a lumbar pillow when you drive, work, or otherwise sit for a long period of time. Soft-Texs Conforming Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow is a gel-infused memory foam pillow that is ideal for this.
Whether from sleeping on a bad mattress, injury, work habits, a chronic condition like Osteoporosis, around 80% of the population suffers from regular or occasional back pain. In fact, about 31 million Americans are experiencing lower back pain right now. This doesnt need to include you any longer! By adjusting yourself to sleep on your back, possibly with the help of additional pillows and an adjustable bed base, and giving your back the support it needs, youll be feeling much better soon.
