Firm Mattresses Arent Always The Best
Before purchasing a hard or firm mattress, you must think twice. Studies determined that the best mattress for low back pain is not a firm mattress but one in the medium-firm range. There is also a difference between firm support and firm feel. Although you want firm support, it must have a comfortable feel.
A Cushiony Supportive Innerspring: Winkbed
$300 off 1st purchase w/code SLEEP300
*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,600.
Who its for: The WinkBed caters to back-sleepers who like a supportive mattress and a cushioned top, as well as those who rotate onto their sides or stomachs in the night.
How it feels: The Luxury Firm version feels very firm at first, but it veers toward medium-firm after a two-week break-in period. The surface is cushioned, with no memory-foam sink.
Why its great: WinkBeds updated this mattress in early 2021, trading its microcoils for dense polyfoam in the upper layer and increasing the number of support coils in its base layer from 858 to 1,054. We think back-sleepers searching for a substantial-feeling mattress will appreciate these changes. The multitude of springs contour to and support the bodykeeping the spine aligned without feeling stiff. At the same time, the foam should provide adequate cushion for the shoulders and hips, without causing the back to over-arch.
There arent many reviews available for this mattress yet. However, out of the nine reviews we found on the Winkbed site that mentioned firmness , only one complained of it being too soft. The rest either thought it was too firm or wished it were softer. Of course, this is a tiny sample size, and these firmness descriptions vary depending on the individual. But the reviews do suggest theres at least some baseline level of support for this mattresssomething that back-sleepers need.
Zip And Link Beds For Bad Backs
Zip and link mattresses can be an excellent option if youre a sleeper with a bad back. Zip and links are particularly useful for differently weighted sleepers.
So if you and your partner need different spring tensions then a zip link mattress is ideal.
This means that you and your sleeping partner dont need to compromise when choosing a mattress for a bad back.
A zip link mattress can give you both a tailored support unit making for a far more comfortable nights sleep if you have backache or back pain.
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Another Organic Option Thats Ideal For Back Sleepers
Avocado
Cyber Monday mattress sale: Enter the promo code SAVEBIG to score $125 off Avocados hybrid and latex mattresses or code BFBLISS to save $3o0 on the brands Organic Luxury Plush Mattress. You can also get $200 off wood bed frames.
- Materials: GOLS-organic latex, pocketed support coils
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Trial period: One year
Many of todays mattresses are made from memory foam, which typically contains synthetic chemicals. If youre looking for something a bit more eco-friendly, consider the Avocado Green Mattress. Its constructed of organic ingredients, including a layer of organic latex sitting on top of more than 1,000 pocketed support coils. The mattress has a gentle-yet-firm feel and five distinct ergonomic zones that adapt to your pressure points and provide relief where you need it. The thoughtful construction also helps reduce motion transfer and distributes weight more evenly so the mattress can contour to your bodys natural shape. Its best for back and stomach sleepers.
So How To Choose The Best Mattress For Back Pain
If you blindly follow the mattress recommendations on the Internet, chances are youll be sleeping on a wrong mattress. This may play an essential role in causing more pain and trouble for your back.
Therefore, here are some tips and tricks you can use to choose the best mattress for your particular problem, with a little bit of our help
- Follow your personal preferences if you choose a firm mattress because it feels comfortable and provides pain-free sleep, then go for it. It is important to choose a mattress that conforms to your particular body curvature and back problems.
- Consult a medical professional about the mattress you should use by making additional inquiries and by consulting a medical professional, youre more likely to find the perfect mattress for your back pain.A medical professional will help you understand your back problems and what components a mattress should have to help your alleviate and resolve the back problems.
- Ask for a mattress with back support some mattresses are built with specific attention to back support. When buying a mattress, make sure to ask about the back support components of a mattress, its density, and the ability to conform to the spine curvature.
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A Mattress With Special Layers Of Memory Foam For Softness And Support
Helix Sleep
Use code FORBES100 to receive $100 off + 2 free Dream Pillows when you spend $600 or more.
Use code FORBES150 to receive $150 off + 2 free Dream Pillows when you spend $1,250 or more.
Use code FORBES200 to receive $200 off + 2 free Dream Pillows when you spend $1,750 or more.
- Materials: Memory foam, Helix dynamic foam, wrapped coils
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Trial period: 100 nights
Helix offers mattresses that are tailor-built to your needs. You answer a short questionnaire, and the company will recommend the perfect mattress for you. That being said, the Helix Twilight is a top choice for back pain. It offers a firm feel with no sink or give, but its not so hard that you feel like youre sleeping on a rock. The mattress has a specialized foam layer to help cushion your pressure points, especially when youre sleeping on your side, along with a polyfoam transition layer for added support.
Is A Firm Mattress Better For Your Back
Is a firm mattress better for your back? This is a question we hear often from a lot of sleepers who struggle with back pain. The short answer: it depends on your personal needs and there is a difference between a firm feel and a supportive mattress. In general, individuals who struggle with back pain after getting out of bed are suffering because their spine isnt getting enough support from their mattress.
Factors such as your preferred sleeping position, weight, and feel preference all contribute to the type of mattress you need. For example, depending on your weight and sleeping position, a firmer mattress might do a great job of distributing your weight evenly across the mattress OR it might create discomfort for the neck, shoulders, and pelvic, which can lead to lower back pain.
In short, sleeping on a hard bed doesnt necessarily equate to support. But dont worry. Texas Mattress Makers is here to help you find a mattress that will provide optimal support and comfort for your personal sleep needs.
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Choose A Hybrid Design
A high-quality hybrid mattress is typically the best type of mattress for back pain because the individually wrapped springs can provide adaptive support for your spine to maintain good posture, whilst the foam top layers can help to soften pressure points that may otherwise aggravate your nerves and impede circulation.
If maximum pressure relief is your goal, then a memory foam topped mattress is the best choice, whilst natural latex foam can provide a more breathable alternative if you tend to sleep hot.
What Else Should You Consider
Once youve decided on a mattress type, there are just a few more things for you to consider.
Pillows for Back PainYou know the saying, it takes two to tango? Both your mattress and your pillow play a role in reducing back pain. Youll want to choose a different pillow based on your sleeping position to reduce stress on your spine and keep your neck properly aligned:
Back sleepers should tuck a small pillow underneath their knees to allow the lower back to curve naturally and comfortably. For the head, choose a pillow of medium height and firmness to keep your neck and spine aligned. If snoring is an issue, prop your torso up using a few firm pillows.
Side sleepers should tuck a pillow between their knees to relieve stress on their hips. For the head, opt for a firm or extra firm pillow around 4 inches in height to keep your spine straight from neck to hips.
Stomach sleepers should tuck a small, flat pillow beneath their stomach and pelvic area to prevent the spine from sinking. For the head, a thin pillow is best because it keeps your neck flat and in alignment with the rest of your body.
Adjustable BedsIf lying in a recliner feels more restful than lying straight on your back, you may want to consider an adjustable bed.
However, they can be quite expensive and many couples find the design to be awkward.
We recommend planning to spend between $800-$1,000 on a mattress you plan on using full-time.
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How Do I Know If My Mattress Is Causing Back Pain
Because back pain can be caused by many things, its often difficult to pinpoint whether or not your mattress is the culprit. If your back pain is worse in the morning, thats a good sign that your mattress isnt providing proper support. You may also find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night. Additionally, if your mattress is more than seven years old, thats another clue it might be time to invest in a new one.
What Back Pain Treatment Options Are Available To Me I Have Back Pain On A Firm Or Soft Mattress What To Do
There are many methods for treating back pain at home, but only a few of these have been proven to be effective. The most common treatment is rest and applying ice to the painful area. This treatment is very relaxing and should be used for only 10-20 minutes. It should never be applied while you sleep. Also, exercise and stretching exercises are essential for keeping muscles and supporting tissues flexible. While some of these methods may not seem like they are effective for you, they can help you overcome your back pain.
Physical therapy is a good option for treating back pain. It will help you improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles. Massage therapy and acupuncture are other options for relieving tension and reducing joint pain. Some people also find that water therapy improves flexibility and balance, while yoga helps them heal faster from injuries. Proper nutrition and lifestyle changes are also important for treating back pain. It is very important to consult a physician if you are experiencing back pain because it will help you avoid more serious conditions later on.
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How Your Mattress Can Impact Your Sleep
Generally speaking, if a bed is too firm it may lack the conformance needed to adequately support your spine. On the other hand, if it is too soft, you may also end up in a position that causes pain.
Side sleepers often need a softer surface to relieve pressure from the pressure points. In regard to front and back sleepers, they often enjoy a firmer surface because their body weight is more dispersed. We understand that everyone is unique and your needs may differ, which is why we recommend trying our online Mattress Selector.
A Cooling Option Thats Unlike Any Other Mattress
Purple
Cyber Monday mattress sale: Get up to $600 off mattresses and mattress bundles .
- 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 layer of responsive coils that offer 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.
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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.
Is A Latex Mattress Good For A Bad Back
Latex is the most progressive of mattress materials and can be a fantastic option for people with back issues. People with bad backs tell us they want a mattress that contours to them whilst giving support and latex is brilliant at this.
Latex mattresses also have an incredible rebound rate unlike memory foam so return to their original position almost immediately when you turn over. However, they do have a very different feel to say a traditional mattress so we always advise you try one out first or really do your research given they feel very responsive. Learn more about latex here.
Latex mattress have the following benefits for people with bad backs:
- Fast to respond if you need to turn
- Less heat retention than memory foam
- Progressive comfort particularly good for pressure points
- Highly responsive compared to slow memory foam
- Breathable unlike memory foam
- Different densities make them ideal for tailored mattress support
Our Fusion latex range, for example, is suitable for people looking for relief from bad backs, hips, aches, and pains.
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Suitable For Heavy Sleepers
Those over 230 pounds will experience more sinking than a lightweight sleeper. If the mattress is too soft, a heavier person will sink too far and hit the harder support base on the bottom of the bed. Resting on the hard core of the bed could cause pain near the pressure points.
Additionally, sinking can cause the sleeper to feel stuck in the bed, making it difficult to change positions during the night. This restricted movement could also lead to poor circulation and trouble breathing. With a firm mattress, the lungs can expand and blood can flow freely.
What Is A Firm Mattress
It’s important to point out that there is no industry standard for mattress firmness. To help guide your selection, many mattress companies use a 10-point scale to rate mattress firmness. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the firmer the mattress, from 3-4 at the low end to 7-8 at the high end. Not surprisingly, the majority of people tend to prefer mattresses that fall in the middle of the firmness scale.
Here’s how to figure out whether a firm mattress is right for you.
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Top 10 Mattresses For Upper And Lower Back Pain:
- Best Overall Mattress for Back Pain:Saatva Classic
- Best Value Mattress for Back Pain:Nectar
- Best Luxury Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain:The WinkBed
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain:Helix Midnight
- Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Who it’s best for: The Casper Wave Hybrid is an excellent match for all sleep positions as well as hot sleepers, according to the experts at Mattress Advisor. They gave this luxury mattress a 9 out of 10 score for both spine alignment and cooling. It performed nearly as well for pressure relief.
How it feels: The Casper Wave Hybrid feels a bit more plush than a true medium-firm bed. Testers said the memory foam layer hugs your body, while the latex foam and coil base prevents you from sinking into the bed.
Pros: This hybrid mattress uses a unique zoned support system that’s softer at the shoulders with gel pods supporting your waist and lower back. Back pain sufferers receive continuous support from their shoulders to the base of their spines, so they can get comfortable no matter which sleep position they choose.
Cons: The Casper Wave Hybrid is the most expensive mattress on this list, so it’s not the best choice for those on a budget.
Testers who frequently switch sleep positions during the night appreciated the Wave Hybrid’s exceptional bounce . This makes turning from side to side to stomach a frictionless experience. The Casper Wave Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty.
Sealy Posturepedic Reviews And Customer Service
Reviews on the Sealy website praise the companys customer service, for the most part. You cant purchase these mattresses from Sealy, though, so youll also want to consider what customers have to say about the retailer you plan to purchase your mattress from.
Its pretty tough for any company to earn perfect customer service reviews, but you can usually get an idea of how a company takes care of its customers by looking for patterns in reviews.
Before you make a purchase, its always a good idea to read some reviews. These can give you more insight on whether the retailer responds to customers quickly and honors its policies. Some things to consider:
- Does it seem like they honor the sleep trial and warranty?
- Do they offer easy returns or exchanges?
- Do people generally say they deliver the mattress in a timely manner?
- Do they communicate about any shipping or delivery delays?
Weve included shopping links for US Mattress, which offers a warranty and at-home trial for mattresses purchased through them. They respond to customer inquiries. According to feedback from customer reviews for these mattresses, they seem to provide good customer service.
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