What Kind Of Mattress For Back Pain

Chronic Vs Acute Back Pain

If you have noticed a recent onset of back pain that immediately followed a determinable event, such as lifting something heavy, overexerting yourself playing sports, or falling down, then it is likely acute back pain. Acute pain, as the name would suggest, is quite sharp and may not last as long as chronic pain, if properly treated.

Chronic pain can occur when acute back pain is not properly managed. Though the symptoms are similar, chronic back pain can cause persistent discomfort in addition to the unexpected jolts of pain that are associated with acute back pain. Though it is not necessarily time dependent, if you have been experiencing back pain for several months then it has likely developed from acute pain into chronic pain.

If youd like to learn more, head over to our full article on chronic vs. acute back pain.

What Makes The Saatva Stand Out

• At a 7/10 on the firmness scale, the Saatva mattress is very close to medium firmness, which is ideal for back sleepers.
• The coils promote airflow through the mattress so that it doesnt trap too much heat.
• Sagging shouldnt be an issue on the Saatva. Its an exceptionally durable option that should remain comfortable and supportive for years to come.

Read our full Saatva mattress review.

Best Budget: Linenspa Memory Foam And Innerspring Hybrid Mattress

Amazon

• Free returns within 30 days

• Compatible with any base

• Doesn’t require a box spring

• Takes up to 48 hours to expand

• May not be as breathable as some need

You don’t have to put up with your back pain just because you don’t have a huge budget for a new mattress. This eight-inch mattress is described as medium firm and combines memory foam with the traditional support of an innerspring mattress. The innersprings are topped with a 1.5-inch layer of memory foam to cradle your body as you sleep and minimize pressure points.

The Linenspa mattress comes compressed in a box for convenient delivery as well, but as is true of all boxed mattresses, it perks up to its intended size and firmness level once it’s unpacked.

Firmness: Medium-firm | Thickness: 8 inches | Type: Hybrid | Trial Length: None offered

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Best Adjustable Mattress For Back Pain: Sleep Number 360 I8

Sleep Number states that this adjustable mattress may suit back and stomach sleepers. The mattress is split down the middle. Users can adjust comfort and firmness on each side separately.

An adjustable mattress may suit people with back pain as they can adapt the firmness and position to their needs.

The mattress features responsive Air technology that automatically adjusts according to a persons movements. The contouring surface also conforms to the individual to provide more support.

Sleep Number claims that this mattress can absorb and release excess heat to keep users cool throughout the night.

The mattress has a height of 12 inches .

The price depends on the mattress size chosen, as follows:

• Twin XL: $3,349

Best Gel Foam Mattress: Sweetnight 12 Inch Queen Size Mattress Medium Firm

Amazon

• Free returns within 100 days

• Non-removable cover

There are many quality foam mattresses that can help reduce your back pain. And one of the best, most affordable options is the Sweetnight 12 inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress.

While it costs hundreds less than comparable products, this 12-inch memory foam mattress will give you a great night’s sleep, helping to reduce body aches all the while.

This mattress has three thick layers of foam for optimal comfort. The top layer is made of a gel memory foam that regulates temperature, keeping you cool throughout the night while cradling the contours of your bodyno matter what position you sleep in. Plus, the mattress is hypoallergenic and resistant to allergens, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to pollen and dust.

Firmness: Medium-firm | Thickness: 12 inches | Type: Gel-infused memory foam | Trial Length: 100 nights

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Is Spinal Alignment The Most Important Factor

Spinal alignment is certainly important, but its not the only factor when it comes to sleeping with back pain. Pressure relief is also important for helping you reduce pain and get to sleep. However, its important to find a material that relieves pressure while still allowing movement.

If you find youre waking up stiff and sore but feel better after you get moving, you could be dealing with swelling or inflammation in the joints or muscle tissue. While this can occur in almost any type of injury, its usually a sign that the injury isnt getting motion, especially while you sleep.

When it comes to spinal injuries or misalignments, most chiropractors and physical therapists will treat the issue by aligning the spine and increasing motion to reduce inflammation and swelling. If you can move around easily when you sleep, either to reposition or rollover, your body may be able to help aid in that process.

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, we know 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.

Also Check: What To Do For Severe Back Pain

Sleep Expert Reveals The Best Type Of Mattress For Back Pain

How to find a mattress that helps you sleep better with back pain

• 3 great mattresses for back pain

Back pain is a nuisance, especially when it impacts your ability to get a full night of quality sleep. Unfortunately, sleeping on the wrong type of mattress can worsen an existing back injury or even create new aches and pains.

If you can’t find relief from your back pain when lying in bed, it may be time to consider investing in a new bed. So what is the best mattress for back pain? Firm mattresses are often touted as the catch-all solution for sleepers seeking solace from aching backs, but the real answer is more nuanced.

We recently spoke to Dr. Allison Brager, neuroscientist and sleep specialist for Molecule , to get her expert insight into how to pick a mattress that can reduce back pain and help you sleep more comfortably once more.

When To See A Doctor About Lower Back Pain

If lower back pain is interfering with your ability to get a good nights sleep, and the problem is persisting, its time to see a doctor. The same is true if your lower back pain is making daily activities difficult, or if youd characterize it as severe.

Some types of back pain are associated with other symptoms, like pain that extends into other body parts, tingling or numbness, or a fever. These can be signs of nerve irritation or infection, and its important to see a doctor for more information.

If you suspect that your mattress is to blame, your doctor may be able to offer recommendations for better sleep positions to help.

If you arent able to buy a brand-new mattress, there are other things you can try to help alleviate lower back pain.

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How We Chose Our Products

Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.

When choosing the Best Mattresses for Back Pain, we sought out beds that were durable and supportive enough to keep the spine in proper alignment. Of the 10 products on our list, seven mattresses scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in the category of support and eight mattresses scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in the category of durability.

Also, if you specifically experience lower back pain, check out our list of the best mattresses for lower back pain and sciatica.

What Are The Best Plush Mattresses For Side Sleepers

Although plush innerspring, foam and hybrid mattresses are often recommended to side sleepers for their softer give, some side sleepers may find that innerspring mattresses even with a plush comfort level still wont provide enough yield for pressure relief. If you sleep on your side and prefer the softest possible cushioning, consider a plush memory foam mattress whether combined with innerspring technology or by itself, a plush memory foam mattress is sure to deliver the gentle contouring side sleepers need for an exceptionally comfortable nights sleep.

Also Check: What To Do If Back Pain Gets Worse

What Is A Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are made of polyurethane foam that conforms to your body’s contours. This distributes your weight evenly, which reduces the pressure on your spine. Memory foam mattresses also provide more support and reduce pressure on your back. So, a memory foam mattress can be a good choice if you have back pain.

Memory foam is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is ideal if you have allergies or asthma that dust mites can exacerbate. Another advantage is that some memory foam designs allows airflow through the mattress. This prevents heat buildup during sleep which helps regulate the temperature throughout the night.

How We Chose The Best Mattresses For Sciatica

Heres what we considered when picking the best mattresses for sciatica:

• Customer reviews. We looked for mattresses rated well by people whove actually bought them. We also checked reviews specifically for mentions of sciatica or pressure relief.
• Claims. Though each of these mattresses is rated well by people with pain and offers good comfort and support, we avoid brands that claim their mattresses can prevent, cure, or mitigate any illness or condition.
• Company policies. We make sure the companies offer warranties, in-home trials, and shipping and return policies that give you a chance to try out the mattress before officially deciding to keep it.
• Transparency. We value companies that are transparent and let consumers know where their products are made and what theyre made from.
• Company reputation. We avoid brands that have been found guilty in a recent lawsuit related to business practices. We also avoid companies that rank poorly on the Better Business Bureau.
• Materials certifications. We look for mattresses made of materials certified safe by a reputable third party.

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Can A Bad Mattress Cause Sciatica

There are many causes of low back pain and sciatica. An unsupportive mattress can be one of them but so can things like sleeping position and body weight.

Try sleeping on your side or back avoid sleeping on your stomach. If you suspect youre dealing with sciatica, contact your doctor for more ways to reduce symptoms.

The Purple Mattress For Sex

• On the heavier side, with the queen mattress weighing 110 lb
• Requires platform bed frame or one with slats

This Purple mattress is perfect for couples who sleep together after performing adult activities, thanks to a design that isolates motion, thus allowing sleepers to remain undisturbed by external movement. We loved the patented Free Flow Air technology, which helps to keep the mattress cool throughout the night, and the dual-layer foam design, which distributes pressure equally to support the body and promote spinal health. The companys patented Hyper-elastic Polymer also does a great job at protecting against germs, allergens, dust mites and microbes.

This foam mattress for sex is on the heavier side, however, with the queen model clocking in at 110 pounds and the California King coming in at 140 pounds. Additionally, the all-foam design doesnt integrate well with traditional bed frames so wed recommend going with a platform frame or one that has slats.

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How Back Pain Affects Sleep

Related Reading

• Best Mattress for Lightweight People

Back pain is a widespread problem that affects an estimated 80% of adults at one time or another. It can make all types of daily activities difficult including walking, working, sitting, and lifting even lightweight items. Unfortunately, we know that back pain complicates sleep as well, making it hard to find a comfortable position to fall asleep and keep sleeping soundly through the night.

Research studies have found that over half of people with lower back pain report sleeping problems. These negative impacts on sleep arise in people who have both sudden and short-term back pain and those who have long-term, persistent back pain.

People with pain tend to have fragmented sleep that occurs from waking up during the night. Upon waking up, getting back to sleep can be difficult because of ongoing aches and discomfort. Pain can also contribute to stress, depression, and anxiety, all of which can be detrimental to quality sleep.

People with back pain can take a number of steps to try to feel and sleep better. Getting medical help for serious back problems can help reduce pain. Treatments depend on the cause and nature of your symptoms, and can range from surgery to physical therapy to pain-relieving medications.

What Causes Back Pain While Sleeping

Chronic pain due to an injury or conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia can cause pain at night, but a mattress that doesnt offer the right support can also lead to back pain.

Your pain could relate to the firmness of the mattress, as well as your preferred sleeping position. For example, sleeping on your back on a too-soft mattress can lead to poor spinal alignment, which can cause pain.

Sleeping on your stomach can also strain your back and put pressure on your joints, leading to pain. If youre a consistent stomach sleeper who often wakes up with pain, you may want to try changing your sleeping position.

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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.

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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When Should I Replace My Mattress

A person should replace their mattress if they believe it no longer offers adequate support.

The following are some other reasons for replacing a mattress:

• The mattress shows signs of wear and tear, such as soft spots, lumps, or broken springs.
• The person is waking up feeling tired or sore.
• The individual is waking up with a partnerâs movement. This can occur because mattresses lose motion isolation as they age.

People may find that they need to replace their mattresses every decade. However, mattresses featuring certain materials, such as memory foam, may last longer than this.

What Mattress Types Are Best For People With Back Pain

There isnt one mattress thats universally best for those with back pain. It largely depends on your preferences and needs.

All-foam options may not provide enough support, causing your spine to sag as you snooze whereas overly firm options could make the spine too straight.

Fortunately, many online mattress companies, including most of the brands featured in this article, have at-home trials, so you can literally sleep on it before you buy.

At-home trials can still be a hassle, as you still have to do something with the mattress if it doesnt work for you whether its coordinating for the company to pick it up or donating it. Nonetheless, if youre not sure what will work best for you, the trials could help.

If you have back pain and prefer the feel of foam for its cushioning effect, a hybrid option thats supportive and has foam on top could bring the best of both worlds.

You spend about a third of your life sleeping, so getting a mattress you like matters.

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