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- may be too firm for some sleepers
- less springy than hybrid or innerspring models
The Molecule 1 mattress was designed as a recovery-focused mattress with temperature-regulating, spine-aligning benefits, and an affordable price tag.
The mattress is made with a proprietary, CertiPUR-US certified foam for excellent pressure relief, a heat and moisture-wicking cover, and a seven-inch layer of firm support to encourage healthy spine alignment.
A contoured layer also offers self-adjusting support, and the mattress as a whole is a 6 on the firmness scale. That makes it particularly suited to people with lower back pain and who are on a budget.
Molecule has a generous 365-night home trial, with free shipping and returns.
2018 study found that people with chronic low back pain often also experience sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. And their quality of life can lessen because of both. This may happen because of several factors:
There Is No Perfect Bed
There is no best mattress. It probably varies enormously as to what you are used to, said Dr. Steven H. Feinsilver, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Humans spend about one-third of their lives sleeping, but we still havent figured out what an ideal mattress should feel like. Thats because there likely isnt a single type that would be perfect for everyone.
In the past, doctors have recommended hard mattresses, but more recent surveys and studies have increasingly pointed toward medium firm mattresses as the best for sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment.
One report from 2011 found that when individuals were given seven beds of different firmness to try for a month, there was no consensus about which was the best.
Unfortunately, terms like hard and medium firm tend to come with varying degrees of subjectivity, meaning one companys medium firm mattress may feel nothing like another companys.
Its fairly remarkable that there is not any consistency in the literature where people have looked at it and said this is the kind of bed you need, said Feinsilver.
Products like the Sleep Number Bed, which allow for complete control and variability of bed firmness highlight just how subjective the ideal sleeping surface should feel. In some models, two people can sleep on the same bed with each half tuned to each individuals own specifications.
Not as much as youd think.
What Is Causing My Back Pain
Several factors cause back pain. A few culprits include:
- Mattress firmness
- Your preferred sleep position
This list does not include every possible reason you may suffer from back pain, but it does provide a few common examples. Because sleeping generally takes up a third of a person’s life, the mattress you sleep on can play a helpful or harmful role in your overall sleep quality and back pain. If you find yourself still struggling with back pain, even after focusing on using correct posture and not sitting for long periods each day, you may need to take a closer look at your mattress.
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Best For A Very Firm Mattress: Saatva Classic Mattress
- Price: between $9352,450
- Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king
Saatva states that this mattress combines the durability of a coil mattress and the comfort and support of a memory foam mattress.
A person can choose between two firm options: Luxury Firm and Firm. Saatva places its Luxury Firm mattress at a 57 out of 10 on its firmness scale. Its Firm mattress is an 8 out of 10.
Saatva writes that the Luxury Firm mattress is suitable for all types of sleepers and can be a good choice for couples looking for a compromise on firmness.
The Firm option is designed for people who know they like a very firm mattress and is suitable for back and stomach sleepers and heavier people.
However, Saatva mattresses come with the following set features:
- A luxury pillowtop: This reportedly has antimicrobial properties.
- Edge support: This foam casing around the edges of the mattress helps prevent sagging.
- Durable steel coil support: The base of the mattress has maximum-strength steel coils that also aim to prevent sagging.
- Individually wrapped coils: These may contour the mattress to improve comfort and reduce motion transfer.
- Spinal zone technology: There is a wire layer that aims to provide additional support in the center. Saatva writes that the memory foam layer may reduce stress and tension in the lower back.
- Chiropractic approval: Saatva claims that the mattress holds the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations approval.
Pros
What Is The Best Mattress For A Bad Back
If you have a bad back and are struggling to sleep this is usually because the mattress you have is aggravating your spine issues. ie your current mattress is not suitable. The best mattress you can choose if you have a bad back is one that can be customised to your body weight and sleeping requirements. This means a pocket sprung and upholstered mattress. These types of the mattress have the most variables so you have a far better choice when finding a truly suitable mattress for your particular bad back.
If you have a bad back the best mattress for this is one that has the following properties:
For people struggling with back pain, we have two models that we advise you to look at first. These models have both the necessary support but also comfort layers for people who suffer from bad backs.
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Best Firm Mattresses For Back Pain
Below, we look at some of the best firm mattresses available for persons with back pain.
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.
- Price: between $7491,249
- Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
The foam in the Layla Memory Foam Mattress contains copper-infused gel that firms when there is increased pressure. This may help support pressure points and draw heat away from the body, making it a cooler alternative to other memory foam mattresses.
The makers claim that this provides gentle support around pressure points, which may be more suitable for side sleepers. However, a person can choose between a soft and a firm side by flipping the mattress.
Layla describes the firm side as a 7 out of 10 on its firmness scale, and says the firm side is best for back or stomach sleepers.
The mattress also features motion transfer control, which aims to prevent movement from traveling across the mattress, reducing the chances of disturbing a partner while shifting positions.
Layla states this mattress has CertiPUR-US certification, meaning its foam does not contain harmful chemicals.
It offers a 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty.
Positive reviews mention the affordable price and that the mattress helped reduce joint pain.
Pros
Cons
Is Hard Mattress Good Or Soft
Hard Vs. Soft Mattress: What mattress style fits your needs? The hard mattress gives stiffness to your body while the soft mattress cushions the body. Some people choose stiffness for their back and body pain while some prefer to have softer support.
Is memory foam firm or soft?
Speaking of foam, memory foam mattresses are often softer-than-average this material is known for its comfortable feel and great pressure relief. In fact, some of the best bed-in-a-box mattresses feature memory foam alternatives such as Adaptive Foam or AirFoam that are also quite soft.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for hip pain?
To relieve hip pain, especially for side sleepers, a softer mattress surface will help tight muscles relax and relieve pressure. If you already have a good-quality mattress but its too firm, and youre aware of uncomfortable hip pressure, consider adding a soft mattress topper.
Whats the difference between soft, medium and firm mattresses?
Mattress firmness can also be conveyed in three simple categories: soft, medium, and firm. Its important to understand that firmness and support are not synonymous. Support refers to how the mattress encourages proper spinal alignment. Support and comfort arent mutually exclusive, either. A mattress can be soft while offering excellent support.
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Other Good Mattresses For Back Pain
Although we liked the following mattresses, they fell short of our main picks for various reasons. Still, one of these may be right for you.
The $500 IKEA Hesstun may suit back-pain sufferers in search of a wallet-friendly innerspring model. We found that its actually a bit firmer than its medium-firm designation. The almost-13-inch Hesstun has just under 600 mini pocket springs near the surface , which makes the mattress feel quite supportive and not at all cheap. A puffy Euro top adds softness, though some testers found it off-puttingly stuffedâ rather than conforming. The Hesstuns polyfoam densities are typical for mattresses in the $500 to $1,200 price rangeand in most cases, the steel coils help protect against sagging. As a result, the Hesstun should hold up adequately for the long term, particularly if you weigh less than 200 pounds. Because the Hesstun has fewer total coils than its competitors, people who weigh more are likelier to see body impressions or dips in the mattress over time. If you dont like the Hesstun, you can exchange it for another mattress within 90 days or return it for a refund within 180 days, but youll likely have to haul it back to your local IKEA store yourself.
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Why So Many People Pick Firm Mattresses
Many people with back pain tend to pick firmer mattresses as there is a widespread belief that they can provide you with an additional level of support. Despite this, its also a good idea to think about how much give the mattress provides.
This is because if a mattress is too firm, then it has the possibility of pushing against your spine. As always, be sure to shop around from a wide variety of mattresses to see what works for you and seek specialist advice from your doctor if your lower back pain is persisting.
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Should You Get An Adjustment
It is a very wise idea to get a wellness adjustment from your chiropractor before you go mattress shopping. This can help relieve pain and help you have better posture and body support while you sleep. Ask your chiropractor for advice on sleeping positions, as well as recommendations for mattresses. Not only is your chiropractor a back expert, but he has probably heard a lot of recommendations from his patients who suffered from mattress-induced back pain.
Best For Lower Back Pain: Leesa Legend Hybrid
Leesa recommends this mattress for people experiencing lower back pain. It is suitable for all sleeping positions.
This hybrid luxury mattress features two layers of springs for edge support, alongside hip and shoulder support. It also comes with patented premium foam and provides medium-firm support.
The hypoallergenic cover uses 100% organic cotton, moisture-wicking merino wool, and fiber from recycled water bottles. The mattress has CertiPUR-US certification.
It comes with two free down alternative pillows.
The price depends on the mattress size chosen, as follows:
- Twin XL: $1,899
The following are common questions and answers about mattresses for back pain:
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Trusting Our Top Picks
Navigating the many choices for every consumer purchase can be challenging. Our team spends hours doing research, combing through forums, and reading consumer reviews on even the most basic of household items, and we summarize that information in clear, precise comparisons.
Join the millions that have trusted BuyersGuide.org to help them make smarter buying decisions. We help our readers spend their money wisely and find the right product to suit their specific needs. Our independent expert reviews and data-driven shopping recommendations empower you find the mattress that’s right for you.
Soft Or Firm Mattress For Herniated Disc
There is no definitive answer when it comes to choosing between a soft or firm mattress for a herniated disc. Some people find that a softer mattress helps to reduce pain and stiffness, while others find that a firmer mattress provides better support and helps to prevent further injury. Ultimately, it is important to choose a mattress that is comfortable for you and that provides the level of support you need.
A herniated disc is a bulge in the vertebrae that causes them to slip out of alignment. Slipping discs irritate their neighboring nerves and cause severe pain. If you select a reputable online retailer, you will have a good sleeping environment and excellent customer service. When a mattress is too firm, it pushes back on delicate and painful nerves, causing more discomfort. With a pressure-relieving mattress, such as AirFoamTM, you get the perfect balance of soft and firm support. If you are looking for a good mattress for disc problems, you should look into purchasing from a reputable online retailer that has been in business for at least 100-nights. A pressure-relieving mattress can aid in the recovery of herniated discs.
If the mattress is too firm, it will sink down, causing additional back pain. If the mattress is too firm, the sensitive nerves will be pushed back into it. A hybrid mattress has an individually wrapped coil base that provides additional support as well as comfort.
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How We Chose The Best Mattresses For Back Pain
We researched tediously, compared features, combed through reviews and enlisted expert advice to compile this list of the best mattresses for back pain. Further, Forbes staffers personally own several of beds on this list. We also have a broad base of mattress knowledge from writingand continuing to improveour base of sleep, which includes over 15 mattress-specific round-ups.
To make the cut, each mattress had to be from a reputable brand and offer a generous sleep trial period. This list is regularly updated to reflect current information and pricing, including sale pricing it was last updated in October 2022.
What About Body Weight
While back pain impacts 70%-80% of the population at some point during their lives, a 2010 analysis published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that larger-bodied people are at a higher risk.
If you have a bigger body, choose a medium-firm or firm mattress to help keep your spine aligned while you sleep. Also consider adding a latex mattress topper to your current mattress for extra comfort and support, or choosing a heavy duty mattress, which is specially made to provide proper support for bigger bodies.
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Is A Firm Mattress Always Better For Back Pain
a firm mattress will not accommodate the natural curvature of the spine
Problems with a firm mattress
Pressure pointsSpinal misalignmentLack of conformability
Which mattress is best for a bad back?
The best mattress for a bad back is of medium-firm density A latex mattress is the best type for a bad backrecommended by many chiropractors and osteopaths: latex is supportive yet extremely comfortablebeware of mattresses which are touted as being orthopaedicIf you have scoliosis or you suffer from back pain, you should consider sleeping on a medium firm latex mattress
Consider Buying A Mattress Online
A great way to score a deal on a new mattress is to buy online. While it might seem like a strange concept if youre used to going to a brick-and-mortar store, weve found that buying online offers some huge advantages.
Most online mattresses are sold directly by the manufacturer. Eliminating the middle-man and the need for showroom space means lower prices, and the growing competition between retail and online storefronts has only generated more deals for shoppers.
But the benefits go beyond just price. Shopping online is convenient, allowing you to browse options from the comfort of your own home and without any salespeople eagerly pushing a sale to earn a commission. Having the time to research each mattress and compare it to others is a major contrast to the brick-and-mortar experience where youre limited to just whats available in that store.
When buying online you dont have the ability to feel out a mattress before purchasing, but almost every mattress we test offers a sleep trial with no-hassle returns, including a full refund if you try out the mattress and dont like it. This gives you a no-risk opportunity to try out a mattress for weeks or months in your own bedroom as opposed to for just a few minutes in a store. Over the longer-term, virtually all online mattresses come with a warranty of at least 10 years to protect against future problems, which are rare in mattresses sold both online and in-store.
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