Sleeping Tips For People With Back Pain
If you dont address your back pain in some way, it could continue to worsen over time with increased stress to the joints and spine. That being said, here are some actionable steps you can take to improve your sleeping situation if you deal with back pain.
Is A Soft Or Firm Mattress Better For Back Pain
Research suggests that a medium-firm, adjustable mattress may work best for those with non-specific back pain. However, the best firmness level may depend on an individuals weight and preferred sleep position.
When choosing the firmness of their mattress, consumers should also consider their type of back pain and their preferred sleep position.
Can Your Sleep Position Make Your Back Pain Worse
Did you know that different sleeping positions require different types of cushioning, contouring, and mattress firmness levels to avoid worsening back pain? Whether youre traditionally a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, theres a type of mattress that will best fit your sleeping style so you can avoid back pain.
You May Like: Do I Need A Foundation For My Tempurpedic Mattress
Recommended Reading: How To Heal Severe Back Pain
Are Firm Or Softer Beds Better For Back Pain
In most cases, beds with a medium-firm feel are more suitable for people struggling with back pain. Researchers3 found that medium-firm mattresses offered the most help for those with lower back pain specifically. Look for a mattress that offers sufficient support to keep your body aligned but also contours a bit to relieve pressure in sensitive areas.
Can Memory Foam Cause Back Pain
A memory foam mattress can cause back pain if you dont find the firmness level best suited for you. The ideally firm mattress for your sleep position keeps your spine in neutral alignment while relieving your pressure points.
Side sleepers will be most comfortable on a medium, medium-soft, or soft mattress. Stomach and back sleepers will sleep comfortably on a medium-firm or firm mattress.
Read Also: Should I Use Hot Or Cold For Back Pain
Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress
Type: Organic hybrid mattressMaterials: Dunlop latex, foam, innersprings, natural wool, natural cottonHeight: 13 inchesTrial/Warranty: 365 nights/lifetime
Awara makes one of the most affordable organic mattresses on the market. As we mention in our Awara Mattress review, sleepers in any position will find their spine properly aligned and supported thanks to a top layer of adaptive Dunlop latex. The cotton/wool blend cover makes for a cool night’s sleep too, and exceptional edge support will allow most individuals to sit comfortably at the edge of the bed without compressing their back.
As with the DreamCloud above, the Awara is a firmer mattress that lighter bodies may need some time to adjust to. A one-year trial is provided to allow for that, with a limited-lifetime warranty protecting your purchase. The latest Awara drops prices to $699 for a twin, with up to $499 of free bedding bundled in.
Height: 11.5 or 14.5 inchesTrial/Warranty: 365 nights/15 yearsThe Saatva Classic has earned the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations Seal of Approval for back pain relief. It’s highly customizable when it comes to firmness and height, so you can better tailor it to your back needs. We tested an 11.5-inch medium-firm version in our Saatva Classic Mattress review and experienced a decrease in back pain, as well as cooler sleep.
Our Top 10 Mattresses For Back Pain Reviewed
Editors Pick
Stomach and back sleepers who struggle with back pain should benefit from the Awara Natural Hybrid mattress providing luxurious comfort. The bed features organic materials like latex, cotton, and New Zealand wool, so its an excellent option for eco-conscious shoppers.
What helps with back pain is the coil unit with 8-inch individually-wrapped coils acting as the support layer that holds the body in perfect alignment without letting it sink. In addition, individual wrapping helps reduce motion transfer, which is always a plus. The bed also has a 2-inch Dunlop latex layer above the coil unit, contouring to your curves while supporting joints and pressure points.
Why we like it
- The Awaras cooling system includes individually-wrapped coils and latex. Both layers enhance airflow and temperature regulation, helping hot sleepers fall and stay asleep.
- Awara offers an industry-leading 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty with this organic hybrid mattress.
Interested in learning more? Go to our full Awara review.
Read Also: Can Reflexology Help Lower Back Pain
Best Boxed Mattress: Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
-
Offers a hybrid of coil and foam
-
Great for side sleepers
-
Strong chemical odor
Today, more and more mattresses are being shipped in boxes, allowing for faster delivery and easier set-up. Hands down, one of the best boxed mattress options for those with back pain is the Helix Midnight mattress.
This 14-inch mattress provides support with a layer of wrapped coils which sits under layers of foam for comfort. The company claims that this mattress is their most popularproviding a medium firm feel that is ideal for side sleepers who need pressure point relief. The mattress is covered with a breathable quilted pillow top that keeps you cool throughout the night.
Helix offers a 15-year warranty on their Midnight Luxe mattress, so you know you’re getting the most protection for your investment. You can test out your new mattress for 100 nights, opting to return it if it doesnt meet your expectations.
Price at time of publication: $2,099
Firmness: Medium | Thickness: 14 inches | Type: Hybrid | Trial Length: 100 nights
Finding The Right Tempur
There is an entire collection of Tempur-Pedic mattresses, which you can try in person at one of our Slumberland locations throughout the Midwest. But we can make general recommendations based on our experience.
Best Mattress for Back and Stomach Sleepers TEMPUR-ProAdapt® Medium
The Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt® is available in a soft, medium, medium hybrid, and firm model. For stomach and back sleepers, wed recommend the medium, . The bed is roughly 12 inches tall and is available in all the main mattress sizes .
The ProAdapt series comes with Tempur-Pedics dual cover system. This means you can actually unzip the cover and wash it at home if youd like. This helps keep the mattress feeling fresh and clean.
But we like it for back and stomach sleepers because of its APR layer of foam just beneath the cover. And when you get the firm ProAdapt, its not going to give in as much and youll get the support both stomach and back sleepers need for your lower back.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt® Soft
The LuxeAdapt is similar to the ProAdapt, with the washable dual layer cover system. What sets it apart is the TEMPUR-ES comfort layer that provides a softer feel, and the denser TEMPUR-APR+ support layer that better conforms to your body.
Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze®
Tempur-Pedic also makes mattresses that cater to people suffering from back pain, and who are sleeping hot at night.
Don’t Miss: Will Ice Help Lower Back Pain
Eight Sleep The Pod 2 Pro
- Why we chose it: has advanced back support and independent heating and cooling zones
- Height: 12 inches
This mattress boasts four layers of high-density foam to provide cushioning and support. While it can be comfortable for back sleepers with back pain, some side or stomach sleepers may find it too soft. Since its not as firm as other options, it may be too soft for some.
A high-tech option, this smart mattress offers temperature regulation and sleep tracking. Small tubes filled with water are concealed in the removable knit mattress cover.
Dual controls allow you to heat or cool the water, setting the temperature on each side of the bed. Sensors can adjust the temperature levels as your body temperature changes during the night.
The mattress also tracks your sleep phases, heart rate, and pulse. You can also get a regular analysis of your sleep data and trends. It requires a Wi-Fi connection.
Eight Sleep offers a 100-night trial period, free shipping, and free returns. Theres a 10-year warranty on the mattress and a 1-year warranty on the technology and temperature mechanism.
What Style Of Mattress Is Worst For Back Pain
Again, that sort of depends on your personal preference. But because foam mattresses tend to be softer and less supportive than hybrid and innerspring models, you might want to avoid an all-foam mattress. However, some people with back pain may prefer the feel of foam, so we included several options on our list.
Recommended Reading: Can Ra Cause Lower Back Pain
Why The Helix Dusk Suits Combination Sleepers
The responsiveness makes it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions on the Helix Dusk. But because its a somewhat soft mattress, theres also enough contouring and pressure relief in the foams to soothe back pain, especially in the lumbar region.
We think back sleepers should also be comfortable on the Dusk. They should feel pressure relief on their lumbar region as it gets filled in with the beds soft foams.
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 top layers made of thin comfort foam. 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.
Also Check: Why Do I Have Really Bad Back Pain
Effects Of Sleeping On A Soft Bed
The Hammock-effect.When the bed is too soft and sags too much, the body will follow the curves of the sagged mattress. In this case, we speak of the hammock-effect, illustrating the abnormal curve in the spine. Different researchers point out that in order to support the body, there should be no sign of the hammock-effect visible. As illustration A shows, the spine is not aligned correctly and will not relieve back pain.
Limited freedom of movement and moisture drainage. A mattress that is too soft, would contour the body too extensively. In this case, the sleeper would need to use muscles to stabilize the body in an adequate sleeping position. As continuously making use of our muscles during our sleep is next to impossible, the body will bend back into the sagged pit, causing limited freedom of movement and strain for certain muscle groups – this explains why you wake up feeling so tired and stiff in the mornings!
A Zoned Model Thats Firm In The Middle And Softer At The Edges
Parachute
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Made with layers of pure New Zealand wool and 100% organic cotton, the Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress is another eco-friendly mattress that can help alleviate back pain. It has two layers of pocketed steel coils, and its designed to be firm in the middle for back support and softer at the head and feet for pressure point relief and spinal alignmentgreat for combination sleepers. In between the coils is a comfort layer made from real wool, and the whole thing is wrapped in an organic cotton cover.
What the reviews say: I wish we would have purchased this mattress years ago, says one coupled sleeper. It is so soft that its hard to get out of, and it isnt so that youre stiff in the morning. It was worth every single penny!
Read Also: How To Lie Down With Lower Back Pain
What Makes The Helix Midnight Luxe Stand Out
- The top memory foam layer provides good contouring, while the coils provide excellent support.
- Many side sleepers should get good pressure relief.
- The mattress boasts excellent cooling features.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress reviewto learn more. If you arent interested in the Helix Midnight mattress, check out our list of the best medium firm mattresses for more great options.
Why The Bear Suits Athletes
The mattress comes with a 2 layer of graphite gel-infused foam, which should help cool you down after a workout. It also fills in the space in your lumbar region while youre lying down, alleviating exercise-related aches and pains.
But the mattress most unique feature is a cover made of a material called Celliant, which is purported to help with muscle recovery and assist with blood flow. While we cant prove these claims here at Sleepopolis, we can confirm that the cover of the mattress is cooling and should further help athletes keep a low temperature.
Don’t Miss: Does Aleve Relieve Back Pain
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.
Image: AndreyPopov/Getty Images
Trial And Return Policy
When you deal with back pain, the last thing you want is to be stuck with a mattress for the next five to ten years. Look for a mattress that has a generous trial and return policy. For example, here at Purple, we let you try out any mattress for 100 nights. We understand that it takes time to decide whether you chose the right mattress or not. One to two nights just won’t allow you to know for sure. 100 nights is plenty of time to figure out if you’ve gotten the right mattress.
We also have a 10-year warranty. The average life of a mattress is 10 years and we want to make sure you’re completely satisfied. If anything were to ever go wrong with your mattress that was out of your control during the 10 years you’ve had it, we will gladly replace it for free. Just contact us and we’ll help you out.
You May Like: How To Help Back Pain From Lifting
Best Adjustable Bed For Back Pain
If you and your partner can’t agree on a mattress firmness, the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed allows you to customize each side to your perfect firmness, and the bed automatically makes adjustments based on your body’s position.
- Best for: All sleeping styles
- Available sizes: Twin long, full, queen, king, split king, flextop king, California king, split California king, flextop California king
- Mattress type: Adjustable air
- Firmness : 20 firmness levels
- Motion isolation : 3
- Heat dissipation : 3
- Edge support : 6
- Trial period/warranty: 100 nights 15 years
- Weight/thickness: 80 pounds 12 inches
- Shipping and returns: Free shipping, but return shipping fees apply
- White-glove delivery and mattress removal: Free with purchase of mattress and base
- Showroom availability: Yes, nationwide
Pros: Above average edge support, built-in sleep tracker, 20 firmness options for each side of the bed, adjusts based on sleeping position, white-glove delivery included
Cons: Sleeps hot, poor motion isolation, challenging to move
What do you do when you and your partner have different comfort preferences? Adjustable air beds offer custom firmness on each side. The best we’ve tested for back pain is the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed.
Lastly, I was initially unimpressed with the sleep tracker, which Sleep Number hypes as the main selling point of this expensive mattress. However, the accuracy and quality of the SleepIQ app have improved dramatically over the last six months.
