Which Bed Mattress Is Best For Back Pain

What Makes The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Stand Out

• Its available in three firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. We tested the Medium, which scored a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
• The top comfort layer of proprietary TitanFlex foam is infused with a gel that helps the mattress stay cool.
• Theres some additional softness in the cover. Its quilted with foam and has the appearance of a classic pillow-top.

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. With an all-foam construction, it has the slow-moving feel of memory foam, but without the cost of some high-end beds. You should feel a lot of pressure-relieving comfort and contouring. But it also has supportive base layers that should create an ideal balance to keep your spine aligned while you sleep.

Buying Guide For Best Mattresses For Back Pain

Would you be surprised to learn that nearly 80 percent of Americans have reported experiencing an episode of low back pain at least once in their lives? Probably not, because with a statistic that overwhelming you likely fall in the bunch.

Whether its a brief stint or a long-term affliction, back pain can be a major source of frustration . Part of healing your pain has to do with taking advantage of those precious hours of restorative sleep each night, but its nearly impossible to comfortably rest when youre suffering from muscle soreness.

Its time for this vicious cycle to end. Your sleep is a serious matter, and so is ending your pain. Thats why we reviewed more than 100 different mattresses and compared each on qualities that are favorable for sleepers with back pain. This guide will make it easy for you to find the best mattress to alleviate your pain and help you get the quality sleep you deserve.

Recommendations For Heavyweight Sleepers

Its always important to consider ones size and weight when searching for a mattress customers want to make sure that their new mattress will properly support heavier weights. This is even more important when discussing mattresses for back pain, as larger people require even more support under their lumbar area so that they dont get out of alignment. Out of these 10 mattresses, three really stand out among the rest for heavier sleepers.

• Helix: Although we recommended the Helix Midnight Luxe, heavier sleepers should seek out the Helix Plus, the brands bed designed specifically with larger people in mind. It has that medium firmness that those with back pain should be searching for, but is also incredibly supportive and offers the necessary lumbar support.
• Saatva: This is also a fantastic match because it features a nice balance of comfort and support. Heavier back sleepers should receive excellent lumbar support, with the mattress conforming to the curves of their body. As for heavier side sleepers, their hips should sink in the right amount, and the memory foam should press up to fill in their gaps and keep the spine in proper neutral alignment.
• WinkBed: With its supportive coils and plush top, heavier people should also find the WinkBed to be a good fit. Specifically, they should consider the WinkBed Plus, which has high-density Body Impression-Proof foam and even more support in its coils.

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Best Type Of Mattress For Back Pain

So how can you find the best type of mattress to alleviate your back pain? Certain mattresses are better-suited for people with back pain than others.

• Innerspring mattresses are not ideal for back pain sufferers since theyre made with mostly coils. This type of construction makes for a more firm and bouncy bed, rather that one thats contouring and relieves pressure. Outfitting an innerspring mattress with a foam or latex mattress topper to provide a soft, cushiony layer can help.
• Memory foam mattresses are great for sleepers with back pain. The material does a nice job of evenly distributing body weight across the surface to prevent pain in the pressure points, especially for side sleepers.
• Hybrid mattresses are ideal for people with back pain. Combining a supportive coil layer with a contouring comfort layer on top gives a nice balance that back pain sufferers need.
• Latex mattresses have nice contouring abilities without causing too much sinkage, making them a good match for people with back pain.

A Mattress That Has Three Separate Zones For Ultimate Comfort

Casper

• Materials: Memory foam, foam and springs
• Firmness level: Medium-firm
• Trial period: 100 nights

The Casper mattress has three zones of targeted support to help align your spineand hopefully ease your back pain in the process. Softer foam around your shoulders cushions your upper body, while firmer foam under your hips, waist and lower back keep your spine in the right position. The durable foam base underneath allows for added firmness and support, so the mattress doesnt sink or sag under your weight. Its available in all-foam or hybrid options, with the former being the firmer pick, the latter having a medium-firm feel. When asked, a Casper Snooze Specialist recommended the hybrid for back pain due to its combination of support and give. That said, it also comes in an all-foam version for those who prefer it.

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Your Preferences Are Most Important

Remember that every sleeper is different. If you prefer a firmer mattress to a medium-firm, get a firmer mattress. If you want something soft with less support, get that one instead. The key to finding a good mattress for lower back pain is to get one that is comfortable for you. If you are uncomfortable on your mattress, you might make things worse.

Always evaluate potential mattresses against what you know you like.

Eight Sleep The Pod Pro

• Price: $$$
• Type: foam
• 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.

• Type: foam
• Height: 12 inches

The Puffy Lux is constructed with four layers of foam. The bottom layer provides a firm foundation, while the second and third layers offer balanced support to reduce pressure points. The top layer promotes cooling.

As added bonuses, the Puffy mattress works with any kind of bed base, and it comes with a machine washable cover. Its designed for all sleepers: back, side, and stomach.

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How To Pick A Mattress If You Have Back Pain

In the past, if you had back pain, many doctors and well-meaning friends probably directed you toward a firm mattress. As it turns out, that advice was wrong. What you really need, according to the most recent research, is a mattress that feels medium-firm to you.

The key word here is you. Firmness levels are highly subjective. Owner reviews reveal that the same mattress can feel too soft for some people and too hard for others. Apart from personal preference, such discrepancies exist because a persons weight and shape can influence the feel of a mattress. On a soft mattress, for example, my 128-pound body might feel like its floating. But for my 230-pound brother, that same mattress could feel overly firm, given that he would drop immediately to its bottom support layer.

Heres the rule: When back-pain sufferers lie on a mattress they determine to be medium-firm, that mattress is the best backache-relieving mattress for themregardless of how the company labels it or whether the mattress has support zones, reinforced layers, or any other bells and whistles that cater to a spine-focused buyer.

When back-pain sufferers lie on a mattress they determine to be medium-firm, that mattress is the best backache-relieving mattress for them.

More mattress coverage

• We like these six medium-firm mattresses best for stomach-sleepers because theyll support and cushion your midsection while still aligning your spine.

Best Mattress For Side Sleepers With Back Pain: Ghostbed Flex

Ghostbed

Side sleepers often wake with back pain because their sleeping position puts extra pressure on the hips, lower back, shoulders and neck. For side sleepers looking to neutralize tension on these pressure points, we recommend the GhostBed Flex. The mattresss two layers of gel memory foam contour to the shape of your body, providing both support and pressure relief.

Its important to note that this mattress isnt all memory foam. Its pocket coils add resistance and motion isolation for couples, as well as cooling properties for those who sleep hot.

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Option : Pearl Memory Foam 1200 Mattress

In a memory foam mattress, the material reacts to pressure and heat, changing shape to fit the sleepers body and remembering or holding it creating the hug effect which many customers appreciate.

Memory foam mattresses are believed to offer relief from back pain thanks to the contouring properties which allow the material to fit around your body, providing firm support to the natural curvature of your spine and easing pressure points and aching joints. We believe that the Pearl Memory Foam 1200 is the best memory foam mattress for a bad back.

Why is the Pearl Memory Foam 1200 mattress good for a bad back?

• Support keeps spine in neutral alignment
• Memory foam provides excellent lumbar support for lower back pain relief
• Relieves pressure points on back, hips and joints
• Available in different levels of firmness

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Lower Back Pain

If youre dealing with lower back pain, the right mattress can make a big difference.

A mattress that doesnt hold up our body will cause pain in the lower back, explains Dr. Lynelle McSweeney, a chiropractor in Reno, Nevada. We need support to keep our joints from going into a stress point, which puts pressure on nerves and strains the muscles.

In general, hybrid or innerspring mattresses will offer more support than all-foam options, which may be too soft.

The manufacturers firmness rating can also help you zero in on a supportive option. These ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Medium-firm mattresses, which have a rating of 7 to 8, are typically recommended for lower back pain.

Keep in mind that the firmness of a mattress will depend on a few different factors, including your preferred sleeping position, your body size and weight, and whether you share your bed with a partner or pet. Personal preference plays a role too.

There is no single right mattress for everyone, but there are certain considerations when youre dealing with lower back pain:

Make a point of checking reviews so you can see what previous purchasers have to say about any mattresses youre considering.

Comfort is highly individual, so take advantage of the free in-home trials that manufacturers offer to find a mattress that balances enough support for your lower back with overall comfort. Check the return policy and warranty, too.

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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, 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.

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

Mattress Warranty And Other Policies

A companys policies may play a role in your purchasing decision. The shipping, trial period, and warranty may be particularly important to consider.

Customers who suffer from joint pain may find it more challenging to set up their mattresses. If you need assistance, you may want to consider whether the company offers White Glove delivery. Most online mattress companies offer trial periods that give customers a chance to try the mattress at home. Arthritis sufferers may use this window to determine whether the mattress provides any relief. Finally, the mattresss warranty can provide customers with additional protection for their purchase.

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A Zoned Model Thats Firm In The Middle And Softer Around The Edges

Parachute

• Materials: Pocketed coils, wool comfort layers
• Firmness level: Medium-firm
• Trial period: 100 nights

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.

Tips For Sleeping On Your Back

• It is important to have your head elevated properly when sleeping on the back. This will help to avert any acid reflux distress. With the head raised, gravity allows for the stomach to sit below the esophagus, keeping any acid from food coming up to the throat to cause discomfort.
• Make sure all the pressure points in the body are equally supported. You will want a firm mattress that allows the cradling of all points of the body resting on the surface. Consider adding a mattress topper to a very firm mattress, or to top an older bed.
• Although researchers have found that sleeping on the back is the best for back pain, adding a rolled pillow behind the knees, to assure that your spine lies flat against the mattress, will help to prevent lower back pain.
• Research shows that sleeping on your back may lead to snoring, difficulty breathing, and an overall bad nights sleep. Is your snoring keeping someone awake at night? Try flipping overyoull both wake up more refreshed.

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Best Mattresses For Back Pain In 2021

Need some help choosing? These are some of the top mattresses worth considering if you’re suffering with aches and pains.

Best overall mattress

The Memory Foam mattress from Nectar is an affordable option, commended for it’s comfort levels especially where lower back pain is concerned.

The premium 25cm mattress hugs your body and gel infused foam keeps you cool during the warmer months of the year. The top layer of memory foam offers pressure point relief, which is a great choice for back support.

• Type: Memory foam

Logan And Cove Mattress

The Logan and Cove mattress has everything going for it. Its a hybrid mattress, so it offers superior zoned support for problem areas. On top of this, the soft pillow-top layer cushions pressure points and provides full-body comfort. Though this mattress has two firmness options, the firmest may still be too soft for some.

This mattress features layers of pillow-top fill, cooling foam, and bio-foam to create a cushioned top layer. Underneath, zoned and pocketed coils deliver reduced motion transfer and targeted support. You can purchase the Logan and Cove mattress in two different firmnesses: medium plush, which is about a 4 on the firmness scale , or luxury firm, which is about a 6 on the firmness scale .

The layers of foam in this mattress offer comfortable contouring that reduces pressure points and helps your entire body stay aligned. Its great for all sleeping positions, but the cradling support is particularly great for those who suffer from back pain. If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night due to your partners tossing and turning, this mattress can help. Motion isolation coils and foam layers help keep your side of the bed still while your partner moves around.

Another great feature of the Logan and Cove mattress is the edge support. The coil layer features a perimeter of dense foam to keep the edges from dipping. If you sleep near the edge, you wont feel like youre falling or sinking. Sitting on the edge of the bed is easier, too.

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