What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain
Back pain often occurs when your mattress doesnt provide adequate support to your body throughout the night, causing misalignment in your spine. The key to alleviating an aching back is finding a mattress that provides appropriate support.
Memory foam and latex mattresses are often considered the best options for back pain, as they conform to your body, cradling pressure points while supporting your spine and keeping it aligned. However, hybrid and coil mattresses can provide similar benefits, as long as you choose one thats specifically designed for that purpose.
Tempur Pedic Best Mattress For Back Pain
Youre looking to buy a brand new bed but arent sure what to look for. Tempur Pedic Best Mattress For Back Pain
There are numerous options to be found at brick-and-mortar establishments however, there are hundreds of others circulating in the realm of digital bed-in-a-box brands.
Whats the most suitable mattresses for the year 2022?
Remember that the concept of best isnt always the most accurate. Different sleepers require different characteristics from their bed, so what works for one person may not work for another.
We have a variety of different categories when making our top choices. We hope that the majority of people will be able to discover not only the best mattress however, but one that is best for them.
Are Some Types Of Mattresses Better For Back Pain
There are three main types of mattresses to consider when looking for a bed to help with your back pain:
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring coil beds are the kind of mattress most of us grew up on. Its the kind of bed found in your average hotel room. There are pillow tops and euro tops and tight tops, which are generally firmer. Coil beds have a familiar bounce, don’t sleep hot, and are usually the most affordable type of mattress on the market.
But when it comes to treating back pain, there are great innerspring mattresses and. . . not so great ones. This is because your weight is being distributed across a thin foam or filler layer over the top of hundreds of coils.
Compare that to an all foam mattress . On an all foam mattress your weight is more evenly distributed across the beds surface.
All Foam Mattresses
All foam mattresses can be either poly-foam , memory foam, or latex foam.
- Poly-foam mattresses are generally inexpensive but they also do not have the same benefits of memory foam. While they are more breathable, their lack of conforming means they arent necessarily a win for sleepers with back pain.
- Memory foam mattresses like Tempur-Pedic are the best mattresses for managing back pain. Memory foam takes pressure off your body, and contours to your weight and shape.
- Latex mattresses can be good for back pain, especially if youre mainly sleeping on your back. Latex beds tend to be firmer than other foam mattresses.
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Finding The Best Mattress For You
Determining the best mattress for you is highly subjective. Each sleeper has their own opinion of the right firmness. Optimal support and bounce can depend on a persons sleeping posture and weight. The best mattress for you can vary based on whether someone shares a bed, whether they have hot sleep and, obviously, their budget.
Given all these factors Its difficult to say that theres one single best mattress. For that reason, weve separated our top choices into individual categories so that you can identify the top bets among specific mattress types and features of performance.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
The Helix Midnight Luxe’s zoned support provides pressure relief that helps prevent not only back pain, but hip and shoulder pain as well.
Helix does an incredible job of being inclusive with their products. They have a variety of customized options so shoppers can find whats just right. So its no surprise they have a model that fits the bill for back pain. We recommend the firmer options for individuals with back pain, but if you prefer a more cradling feeling, one of the medium-firm options may work well for you.
As mentioned above, the Helix Midnight works particularly well for side sleepers, as its pressure relieving construction keeps hips and shoulders free of pain. It also does a great job of keeping your spine aligned, which factors into back pain relief. If
Helix offers a 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial with every mattress purchase.
Read our full Helix Midnight Mattress Review to learn more!
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Best For Hip And Shoulder Pain
The Purple Mattress
Price: $$
FM pain is widespread meaning it affects both sides of the body. People who experience hip and shoulder pain may sleep best on their back, as side sleeping can put extra pressure on already painful joints.
One of the many beds in a box on the market, The Purple Mattress is made of a gridded polyurethane foam. Its meant to eliminate pressure points entirely, making it perfect for back sleepers.
Purple offers a 100-night at-home trial, free shipping, and a 10-year warranty.
Puffy Lux Memory Foam Mattress
Price: $$
There isnt a ton of research on what types of mattresses are best for those with allergies. But a 2016 study found that using mattress covers could help reduce exposure to allergens like dust mites.
This Puffy Lux Memory Foam Mattress comes with a hypoallergenic washable cover to help in your pursuit of reduced allergy symptoms.
Additionally, the Puffy Lux is made of breathable foam to prevent overheating. Reviewers also say this mattress has good pressure point reduction.
Puffy offers a 101-night trial, free shipping, and a lifetime warranty.
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Medical News Todays Methodology
MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications:MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials and fill:MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
- Firmness: MNT selects mattresses available in a range of firmness options to suit most peoples sleeping styles.
- Sleep trials:MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
- Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products with warranties and clear returns policies.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
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Tempurpedic Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain
HomePainBack PainTempurpedic Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain.
Rob writes:
Hi Peter,We are interested in purchasing a new king mattress. Out current mattress is a Tempurpedic 100% memory foam that we purchased new from Tempurpedic in 2012.
The mattress is comfortable and we sleep through the night, however when we wake in the morning, our lower back is very sore & tight and remains that way throughout the entire day.
It is getting progressively worse, I can no longer sleep in the bed.I am 44 years old, 6’0″, 195 pounds , my wife is 5’8″, approx. 150 pounds. What type of mattress would you recommend for us?
My brother has a standard inner spring mattress with a separate 2-3 inch foam or latex mattress topper.
Shall we go with a firm inner spring mattress with an additional topper, if so, what mattress & topper would you recommend.Thank you, Rob
Ever-Eden 2″ soft Talalay latex topper.
Tips For Sleeping Better With Sciatica
No matter a persons preferred sleep position, using pillows as props and following a few simple guidelines can promote more comfortable sleep. In all cases, the key is to strive for healthy spinal alignment:
- Back sleepers can experiment with placing a pillow under their knees. This can help support the natural curve in the lumbar spine.
- Back sleepers who notice a gap between their lower back and the mattress can place a small, rolled-up towel into the gap to ensure the lumbar region is properly supported.
- Side sleepers can try placing a pillow between their knees and a pillow at their arms to hug. This helps keep the hips, pelvis, and spine in alignment.
- Side sleepers who notice a gap between their waist and the mattress can tuck a small pillow or rolled-up towel into the gap to support healthier lumbar alignment.
- Stomach sleepers can try placing a pillow under their abdomen. This helps support the lumbar spine and relieves strain in this area.
Dr. Babenko also has a few tips for sleeping better with sciatica:
Perform some self-administered myofascial release to prime the body for the task of sleeping. This program should be developed on an individual basis. Along with the foam-rolling to areas like the legs, a breathing practice before bed can help affect the nervous system to better prepare for sleep.
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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.
Sweating In Bed Because Of The Tempur Mattress
A lot of people complain about excessive sweating in bed since they sleep in a Tempur and I have experienced that too. Obviously somethings wrong with the memory foam and the contact of the bare skin: I stopped sweating when I stopped sleeping half-naked or with some specific underwear. For exemple wool is not something you want to wear if you sleep in a Tempur mattress: you are going to sweat like an animal.
So, make sure youre not sleeping naked or half-naked and you ll be ok. If youre still sweating, try with another pyjama.
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What Kind Of Mattress Is Best For Sciatica Pain
Those who deal with sciatica pain should find a mattress that balances comfort with support. This will help keep the spine neutrally aligned while sleeping. If the spine is out of alignment, this can compress the sciatic nerve. All types of mattresses can help with this condition, but they need to be comfortable, supportive, and also provide good lumbar support.
Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
- Type: foam
- Height: 12 inches
Stomach sleepers need a mattress that offers adequate spinal support and even weight distribution. With a choice of relaxed firm or firm, Saatvas Loom & Leaf Mattress is made with layers of high-density CertiPUR-US foam for contouring and pressure relief. A breathable gel cooling layer is concentrated in the lumbar region for maximum spinal support.
The Loom & Leaf Mattress has a 180-night home trial, a 15-year warranty, and free white-glove delivery service.
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How To Cool Down A Tempur
For people who sleep hot, there are ways to improve your comfort on a Tempur-Pedic mattress. Using a Tempur mattress topper adds an extra layer between you and the mattress for additional airflow.
To further improve comfort, always use sheets and bedding of natural fibers to promote better temperature-regulation and wick away moisture. If you are a consistently hot sleeper, the new Tempur-Breeze mattress collection is designed to absorb excess heat to keep you cool all night.
Best For Big People With Back Pain Haven Premier Mattress
Back sleepers generally do best with a mattress that is on the upper end of medium-firm, and typically in the 7-8 firmness range.
If youre a back sleeper, mattresses that offer an even surface with whole-body support are what you should go for.
If you have neck and back pain then this is specifically crucial and you will also wish to pick a mattress that keeps appropriate back positioning and is not susceptible to drooping.
For back sleepers with back pain, we advise choosing the Haven Premier mattress.
These mattresses are made from 5 layers of premium foam with an excellent 450GSM .
GSM is a measurement of density and convenience. The higher the GSM of your mattress, the more comfortable and supportive you must discover your mattress.
Most other brand names have a max of 400GSM. Haven goes all the way to 450.
The Haven Premier is perfect for back sleepers and those who choose a firmer mattress. Therefore, it can offer you additional support.
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What Increases The Chances Of Experiencing Back Pain
There are also a plethora of factors that could make it more likely for someone to develop back pain.
- Age: As we grow older, we have a significantly higher chance of dealing with back pain aging can cause degeneration of spinal discs so they arent as effective at absorbing shock. Its also possible to develop Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra moves into another vertebra.
- Lack of exercise: If we dont exercise, our bodies can become susceptible to back pain. Also, if our back muscles are weak, the back pain can potentially become more severe. Many studies have shown that exercise can help alleviate back pain. In fact, one 2012 study from Informed Health Online found that exercise can prevent a recurrence of acute back pain in 1 out of 3 people.
- High body weight: For those that are overweight, back pain becomes more likely. One 2016 study, which was published in the journal Medicine, found that higher BMI and waist-hip ratio were associated with high-intensity low back pain and/or high disability.
- Depression and/or anxiety: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, people with these disorders are more likely to struggle with back pain than people who dont experience anxiety and/or depression.
- Smoking: The Mayo Clinic states that smoking cigarettes cuts down on blood flow to the lower back area and reduces the nutrients that are delivered to the spine. For those with acute back pain, nicotine can slow the healing process.
Advantages Of Mattress Toppers For Back Pain
You might think that your mattress is enough, but a good mattress topper can help people who suffer from chronic back pain and hip painall you have to do is lie down and experience the pressure relief. You wont be losing any sleep over the cost of your topper either, since these are much less expensive compared to a whole memory foam mattress.
While mattress toppers wont replace a bad mattress, they can can absolutely help when you have a decent mattress of any size, but just need a little extra. They provide a comfort layer and vary in thickness. They also offer a general cover for your bed. Here are some of the advantages of going with a mattress topper.
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Why Choosing The Right Mattress For Your Back Is So Important
According to the Australian Physiotherapy Association*, around 25% of Australian adults suffer from back pain. As astounding as that figure is, whats even more incredible is the fact that their back pain could be reduced or resolved by a change in mattress.
While most people wouldnt need a research study to tell them this, a 2010 study** showed that a mattress that is poorly made, or one that does not provide the adequate amount of support, can cause or worsen a bad back.
However, finding the best mattress for back and neck pain isnt always easy. When sleeping, your body needs to be able to relax in a position where you are fully supported, where you can recover from the demands of the day.
But, the support you need is particular to you, especially if you have a bad back or neck pain. For example, if you have a stiff lower back or lumbar lordosis, then a mattress that is supportive but not too hard is generally recommended. Whereas, if you have a flexed lower back and you tend to slouch when you sit, you will typically benefit from a firmer style of mattress.
As one of the top reasons for loss of mobility in middle age***, back pain should be avoided wherever possible. Back pain can keep you from engaging in physical activity, which in turn, makes it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle.
Clinical Results On Back Pain
Many consumers and healthcare professionals realize that a mattress is an important part in back pain relief and remedying sleep disorders. Only recently have there been studies to indicate what kind of mattresses make a difference in back pain relief. Studies have shown that indeed the right mattress can give back pain relief and improves sleep for lower back pain sufferers.
Mattress Firmness Very Firm Is Not Always Good
Many consumers and medical professionals believe that a firm mattress gives back pain relief, lower back pain in particular. It is commonly preferred compared to a medium firmness or soft mattress although there has been no research to support the idea that they help neck pain, back pain and lower back pain. In an article in The Lancet in 2003, by Francisco M Kovacs, et.al., on lower back pain, researchers found that a mattress of medium firmness improves pain and disability among patients with chronic non-specific lower back pain.
Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Reduce Lower Back Pain
A soon to be published study by the researchers at Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, comparing Tempur-Pedic Mattresses with an inner spring, found that mattress type does affect sleep architecture and that sleeping on the Tempur-Pedic improves sleep and gives back pain relief for those suffering back pain.
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