What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Upper Back Pain
A mattress with zoned layers can be very helpful for those with regular pain around the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Zoned layers are designed with distinct firmness levels for different areas of the body. Typically, these components provide soft cradling for the head, neck, and shoulders, and feel firmer beneath the lower back and hips for added spinal support. Some mattresses have zoned comfort and transitional layers made of foam, latex, or minicoils. Other beds feature zoned coil systems in the support core with different coil gauges, or thicknesses, for enhanced sleeper and edge support.
Pillow choice is another important factor for people with upper back pain. Those who sleep on their sides can use a foam pillow to alleviate their symptoms. Their head and neck sink into the foam, and this helps to ensure even spinal alignment. Back sleepers, on the other hand, should consider an orthopedic pillow with a contoured shape that cradles the head and reduces discomfort around the neck and shoulders.
Lastly, mattress shoppers should take durability into account. Beds made with low-grade foam, synthetic latex, and other materials of questionable quality begin to wear out more quickly than those with denser and more resilient layers. This can cause the comfort layers to lose shape over time, resulting in less support for the upper back.
What Is The Best Type Of Mattress For Side
Most side-sleepers do well with a medium-soft to medium mattress, which should provide enough cushiness to relieve pressure on their hips and shoulders but enough support to keep their spinal alignment in check. People with back pain, however, ideally need a mattress that feels medium-firm, which is likelier to ease their aches and pains than a softer bed. We do suggest some slightly firmer mattresses for side-sleepers who require more support, and we think one of them will hit the sweet spot for back-pain sufferers who regularly sleep in that position.
If youre a side-sleeper with back pain, start by considering the Saatva Classic or Leesa Hybrid. These mattresses are still medium-firm, but weve found that theyre relatively plusher than the others, especially after a break-in period. If youre not sure about your firmness preferences, the two-piece Zenhaven gives you two options to choose from, with one side slightly more pliable than the other. Finally, although the Tempur-Adapt Medium Hybrid feels firm, it also has a uniquely contouring memory-foam sink, and it should adequately cushion shoulders and hips for side-sleepers, too. Keep in mind that firmness level is subjective, so we strongly suggest trying the mattress before you buy, if you can, or paying close attention to the trial window so you can return the mattress if it doesnt feel right.
Can Your Mattress Cause Back Pain
If youve started waking up with back pain and you didnt have pain before, your mattress could be the culprit! If youve recently purchased a new bed it could be a bit too soft for your needs, which can cause back pain, especially if its throwing your spine out of alignment. If this is the case, Id recommend sleeping on your new bed for 30 days to see if your body adjusts. If it doesnt, youll need to return your mattress or purchase a topper to help.
Mattress sagging can also be a big culprit of back pain. If your mattress is 7-10 years old and sagging in certain places, it could be negatively affecting your sleep health. Plus, you could be unconsciously contorting your body to compensate for the sagging. If you notice your mattress is sagging, its time to replace it, or add a topper until youre ready to find a new bed.
Recommended Reading: How To Quickly Relieve Lower Back Pain
Best Mattress For Lower Back Pain And Sciatica
Puffy Mattress
- Type: foam
- Height: 10 inches
Like back pain, sciatic pain may benefit from a medium-firm mattress that supports the spine and joints. The Puffy Mattress offers firm core support with thick layers of cushioning foam that cradle the body and keep your spine aligned, even as you move throughout the night.
The mattress is backed with a lifetime warranty, and you can test it out at home with a 101-night trial.
shows that even mild lower back pain is associated with sleep disturbance. People dealing with lower back pain often have problems falling asleep and experience shorter sleep durations and poor sleep quality in general.
Thats likely because of a couple factors:
- Difficulty getting comfortable. Accommodating lower back pain may mean trying out new sleeping positions, which can delay sleep.
- Greater awareness of the pain. With fewer distractions at night, lower back pain may be more noticeable than usual, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Some medications that may be prescribed for back pain, such as opioids, can also
Sleeping Cool And Airflow
There are a handful of design techniques and novel technologies that work to keep modern mattresses cool and sweat-free.
Some memory foam mattresses use open-air internal chambers that allow air to flow through the mattress, keeping it dry and cool. Other use gel-infused foam layers to reduce bacterial growth and pull heat away from sleepers.
Organic mattresses use natural materials such as cotton and wool to regulate mattress temperature and keep the bed breathable.
Smart beds use electric grids and preset information to electronically lower a mattresss temperature. Some models use this feature like an alarm mechanism, lowering the mattresss temperature until the sleeper it too cold to continue sleeping.
Engineers and creative designers will likely continue to create and implement fantastic improvements upon the current cooling and airflow methods used in contemporary mattresses. The future of sleep keeps getting brighter.
Recommended Reading: How To Use A Heating Pad For Back Pain
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.
Simple Ways To Reduce Back Pain
A new mattress is a big investment, and sometimes its too expensive to fit into your budget. If you want to reduce back pain in a cost-effective way, there are a few other options you can test out.
- Pillow A new pillow that works with your sleeping position and provides good neck support can be a great way to quickly improve your sleep posture and reduce some back pain. Our best pillows for back pain roundup includes a few options, and explains how pillows can help fight back pain in more detail.
- Mattress Topper Adding a firm mattress topper to a sagging or unsupportive mattress can be a nice quick fix for back pain. A mattress topper can add some much-needed support and extend the life of your mattress by a few months. Check out some of our best mattress toppers to see some options.
- Change your sleeping position Your sleeping position could be creating some back pain. Back sleepers have the easiest time achieving a neutral spinal alignment, which can really reduce pain. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, are particularly prone to waking up with back pain. Side sleepers can also have some issues with pain if they arent careful about not twisting their back into odd positions as they sleep. If youre struggling with back pain, training yourself to sleep on your back could be a big help. Check out our How to Train to Sleep on Your Back article for some tips.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Solution For Lower Back Pain
Unwind Best Type Mattress For Neck/back Pain
If you assume you have actually hurt your back, ease up on the pressure youre placing on your back. Many individuals in fact have little choice in the issue. Their neck and back pain will certainly force them to go down to their knees or freeze in a bent-over setting.
Others will be able to function rather normally, however with uncomfortable hurting. In contrast to preferred idea, researches on acute pain in the back really show that a couple of days of minimizing your activity and taking the proper non-prescription med is all that lots of people really require to permit the strained muscles to loosen up as well as unbind.
It is vital to talk with your health and wellness treatment service provider before taking any kind of medicine, specifically if you are taking other medicines or have an acute clinical problem.
What Makes The Layla Stand Out
- The Laylas hybrid design is supportive and pressure-relieving.
- The mattress should provide excellent lumbar support for back sleepers.
- The Layla is a flippable mattress with a soft and firm side, making it customizable to your preferences.
- The Layla mattress is incredibly durable, shouldnt sag, and should last for a good amount of time.
Read the full Layla Hybrid mattress review
Read Also: When Should I Go To The Doctor For Back Pain
Can I Sleep On My Side With Sciatica
Absolutely. While many of the pain-relieving positions and poses recommended to sciatica sufferers emphasis the back sleeping position, sleeping on your side can also help to relieve pressure from the sciatic nerves, reducing inflammation and pain.
Those who choose to sleep on their sides to ease sciatic pain should remember to use a pillow between their knees. Doing so can help keep the spine properly aligned, preventing morning aches and pains.
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.
You May Like: How To Relieve Sharp Pain In Lower Back
What Makes The Level Sleep Stand Out
- The Level Sleep mattress contains a proprietary Tri-Support zoned construction that provides some of the most exceptional lumbar support I have felt on a mattress.
- The zoning also makes the Level Sleep a fantastic match for all three sleeping positions whether one sleeps on their back, side, or stomach, the Level Sleep should feel properly supportive and comfortable.
- The Level Sleep should be a suitable option for hot sleepers as well the foam found in the top of the mattress is breathable and designed to ensure the top of the mattress stays nice and cool.
If youre looking for a high-quality mattress thats good for back pain without having to make a huge investment, the Nectar mattress is a great affordable option. This all-foam mattress has many benefits at a fraction of the cost of some high-end mattresses.
For those who love the slow-moving feel of memory foam mattresses, youll find the Nectar mattress extremely comfortable. The Nectar is a softer mattress that prioritizes pressure relieving comfort and contouring. Paired with the supportive base layers, the Nectar provides sleepers with an ideal balance to keep your spine aligned while you sleep.
A Cooling Option Thats Unlike Any Other Mattress
Purple
- Materials: Memory foam, support coils
- Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- Trial period: 100 nights
Thanks to its patented Purple Grid, the Purple Hybrid Mattress is unlike any other on this list. It consists of five layers, and the Purple Grid gently gives under your body, hugging your pressure points and fully supporting your back while you sleep. The grid sits on top of a 7.5-inch later of responsive coils that add additional support while you sleep. Plus, there are open air channels that allow air to freely flow through, making it much cooler than memory foam-only models.
Reviewers report they could immediately feel the difference in pain levels after sleeping on the Purple mattress, saying its soft where it needs to be and supportive where it doesnt.
Recommended Reading: What Helps Nerve Pain In Lower Back
Best Mattresses For Sciatica
- Best Mattress Overall for Sciatica:Amerisleep AS3 is our recommendation for the best mattress for sciatica because its a mattress designed to reduce aches, pains, and pressure points.
- Best Soft Mattress for Sciatica:Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid is our recommendation for the best hybrid mattress for sciatic because it has a plush comfort layer and pocketed coil base for even weight distribution.
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Sciatica:Zoma Mattress is a great option that uses gel-infused memory foam for optimal comfort and support.
- Best Cooling Mattress for Sciatica:Zoma Hybrid provides a responsive lift for sleepers who like a mattress that balances bounce with comfort.
- Best Budget Mattress for Sciatica:Vaya Mattress is an affordable all-foam mattress designed to be adaptable enough to suit side, back, and combination sleepers.
The ideal mattress depends on a wide range of factors, including budgetary restrictions, mattress type preferences, warranty concerns, sleeping position, and mattress features. After all, a softer mattress may be attractive to side sleepers, but back and stomach sleepers require a firmer mattress to stay comfortable.
Ease Aches With These Trusted Buys
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. Youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Verywell / Sabrina Jiang
Anyone who lives with back pain understands what a major difference a restful nights sleep can makeand, on the flip side, how disruptive it is when you wake up already experiencing discomfort. Though there are many causes of back pain, regardless of how it started, you want to make sure that the mattress you sleep on every night is meeting your needs. But finding one that works for you is often easier said than done.
There is no best kind of mattress for your back problems, so you may need to be open to some trial-and-error, says Dr.Gregory Funk, a chiropractor and the owner of Ideal Health Chiropractic in Denver. At the end of the day, you should look for a mattress that not only aligns with your personal preferences, but can also provide adequate support for the natural curves and alignment of the spine.”
Here are the best mattresses for back pain on the market.
Also Check: Does Aleve Help Lower Back Pain
Are Plush Mattresses Bad For Your Back
Plush can mean a couple of different things. It can mean that you have an ultra-soft pillow-top on your mattress, but the mattress itself has another level of firmness, or it can mean the whole mattress is the softest on the market.
The latter is not a good idea for sleepers with back pain. However, the former may be a happy medium for those who need the support of a firm mattress, but the cozy comfort of a softer model. If you like the sound of this, check some examples here in our latest pillow top mattress reviews.
Q: Which Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain
A: Memory foam mattresses seem to be the most popular mattress type, but it’s not necessarily the most supportive. While some memory foam mattresses contain denser foams for added support, hybrid mattresses combine foam in their top comfort layers with innerspring coils at their core to properly align the spine while cushioning tender joints. Latex mattresses are also a good choice because they contour to your curves without letting the hips sink too deeply and out of alignment.
Also Check: How To Help Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy
