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Is A Memory Foam Mattress Bad For Your Back

Best Mattresses For Back Pain

Is Your Memory Foam Mattress Good for Your Back?

The prevailing thought is that sleeping on the firmest mattress helps relieve a bad back. However, recent studies reveal no one type of mattress that fits everyones needs. The best way to pick out a memory foam mattress that suits your need and comfort is to choose based on your personal preference.

Here are essential tips to consider when choosing your mattress:

  • The product helps to keep proper spine alignment. Proper posture during sleep helps in relaxing your back while you sleep. Typically, the memory foam mattress that fits your need lets you wake up feeling well-rested and free of soreness. People who experience sleep issues associated with back pain may benefit from sleeping on a Spectra Orthopedic Mattress . This mattress provides constant support that keeps the mid-section from sinking into the bed.
  • Remember that what is too firm or too soft is not the same for everyone. For example, a sleeper who feels comfortable on a mattress with a softer surface may not feel the same on a firmer one.
  • You may need to apply pressure on the mattress to check if it gets back to its original form within a few seconds. This feature ensures that you can freely move and change your sleeping position anytime.

Your Sleep Position Is Bad

Your sleeping position plays a role in how you feel in the morning. Stomach sleepers are most likely to complain about lower back pain and pressure points in the knees. This position throws your spine out of alignment as the belly is pushed down together with the pelvis. Stomach sleeping on a soft mattress will probably give you painful mornings.

As time goes by, the mattress will become softer in the area where your belly is and this will just worsen the situation. So even though your preferred sleeping position is the main problem in this example , you can still alleviate pain by getting a firmer mattress.

Different sleep positions are better in general back and side sleepers are less likely to experience back pain. There are still ways in which you can tweak sleeping positions and relieve pain.

How to Fix Your Sleeping Position and Alleviate Pain

Mayo Clinic recommends the use of additional pillows to add more support in the necessary areas and achieve a correct spine alignment.

If youre a side sleeper, bend the knees a little and put a pillow between your legs.

If youre a back sleeper, put a rolled towel or a pillow below the knees. This will keep the back in a neutral position.

If youre a stomach sleeper, place a pillow below the pelvis and abdomen to keep your spine well-aligned. If necessary, remove the pillow under your head.

Is It Good To Sleep On Memory Foam

Memory foam helps keep your body centered, thus allowing the heat from your skin to soften it into appropriate locations during lying down on it. says Arand. So your body becomes centered from the heat applied to it. . According to memory foam manufacturers, this assists in relieving pain and facilitates a more restful sleep environment.

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How Do I Know Im Buying The Right Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are made of viscoelastic material. Memory foam conforms to the shape of your body, reduces pressure points and provides excellent support. The material also wicks away moisture and dissipates heat, making for a cooler nights sleep.

Memory foam mattresses were first developed and introduced in the 1990s and since then have become very popular. The material is now used not only for mattresses but also as cushioning in many household items such as pillows, couches and car seats. Memory foam has been used to make the mattress even more comfortable by adding special features such as cooling and odour reduction technologies.

Three Separate Zones Offer Ultimate Comfort

Foam Mattress Good Or Bad
  • 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.

Memorial Day sale: Casper is taking up to $800 off its mattresses, including this particular model, in honor of Memorial Day.

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Can Memory Foam Mattress Cause Back Pain

When it comes to physical and mental health, few things can benefit you as much as a good night’s sleep. You want to ensure that you’re comfortable the whole night through, but not all mattresses give you this feeling. As such, many consumers turn to new types of mattresses to help alleviate the tossing and turning they offer experience.

One type of mattress that has grown in popularity over the years is memory foam. This is a tremendous option for many, but for others, there is hesitation and many questions to be answered. Because physical health is important, many consumers wonder the same thing: do memory foam mattresses cause back pain like many of the other mattresses on the market?Before you pick up a memory foam mattress, you should be sure to weigh the pros and cons. There are plenty of studies regarding the use of memory foam mattresses, but many offer mixed results based on the individual use. This is why research should be done on a per-person basis so you know what you’re purchasing. Here are some of the things you should know about these types of mattresses.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Mattress

The best mattress for back pain is the one that offers a cradling comfort while maintaining your spines neutral alignment. Memory foam mattresses can offer both. Both factors are key to getting a night of restful sleep. Better sleep relieves overall body soreness, including back pain.

When buying a new mattress for yourself, look into its firmness, support, and materials. These factors are crucial determinants in choosing the memory foam mattress best suited to you.

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It Is An Expensive Solution For Backache Compared To Other Alternatives

A memory foam mattress is a pricy solution for backache issues if you compare it with other alternatives. With the limited benefits that you get, you may switch to a more economical product too to help you with back support.

Invest in memory foam only if you have a specific brand that is known to aid in back support.

Youre Sleeping On Your Front

Best Memory Foam Mattresses For Back Pain (Top 7 Beds!)

Sleeping on your front/stomach is considered by many medical experts to be the worst sleeping position when it comes to guarding against back pain and may actually cause back pain due to the strain it places on your back, spine, and neck .

This risk of back pain heightens when sleeping on your front in a memory foam mattress because the deeper compression afforded by the memory foam means that your hips are somewhat more likely to drop out of alignment when compared to the thinner and less compressive nature of an upholstered top layer found on a regular spring mattress.

Heavier weighted stomach sleepers over 230 lbs are the most at risk of back pain when sleeping in a memory foam mattress because the greater weight compounds the sinkage issue.

Solution #1: Switch Positions

If youre a front sleeper and you own a memory foam mattress thats giving you back pain then you might want to try sleeping on your side.

More specifically, you might find it beneficial to sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees and adopt the leg position shown in the video below:

Solution #2: Consider a Different Mattress

If youre a stomach sleeper over 230 lbs and yet to buy your mattress then you might want to consider going for a firmer memory foam mattress thats designed to hold heavier weights .

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Trial Period And Warranty

You are allowed to evaluate the mattress for a duration of 365 days. If you dont like the mattress, you will get a full refund. You will get a life time warranty if you choose to keep the mattress after the trial duration.

Mattress Building and Layers

The Nectar memory foam mattress consists a cooling tencel, 3 layers of memory foam, and a breathable base layer as described below:

Are There Any Disadvantages To Having A Memory Foam Mattress

Again, the disadvantages are typically dependent on the individual and their experience. For some, it can cause the hips to sink too low into the mattress. For others, it can more uncomfortable in areas where their body is heavier.When discussing disadvantages of a memory foam mattress, some new owners experience something called offgassing–the term often used when the chemicals of the material release into the area. This is a weird smell that comes from the memory foam mattress when it is new. However, it is something that can be remedied by waiting some time before putting sheets on the mattress and letting it air out.Another potential problem individuals may experience is the retention of body heat by the memory foam mattress. This is typically problematic in warmer weather as it could make it uncomfortable for the user to sleep. Once again, this is not an experience everyone has and is often dependent on the user.

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Can Good Sleep Relieve A Bad Back

Yes. As Dr. Nayantara Santhi says, Most often good sleep reduces pain perception. Whether it actually relieves bad back pain depends on the cause of back pain. Of course, it is the case that sleep serves a restorative function, and a good nights sleep may make someone feel better the next day.

Quality sleep can control a lot of other factors, such as stress, that may aggravate your back pain.

Is A Soft Memory Foam Mattress Bad For Your Back

Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper Reviews by Experts

The process of choosing the ideal mattress is now easier than ever before. Weve spent countless hours studying many of the best-rated models, and analyzed the opinions of thousands of reviews from users. There are top-rated mattresses for every budget in our extensive guide as well as an array of options to suit every budget and desire. Is A Soft Memory Foam Mattress Bad For Your Back

The best mattress to suit your needs will depend on your preferences in sleep Youll find an array of mattress options in this. If you prefer being cradled in bed during your sleeping time, or need high-end pressure relief, or suffer from neck or back discomfort, we suggest considering mattress comprised of memory foam first. Hybrids also offer excellent pressure relief and are an ideal option if youre looking for occasional bounces or be hot at night . In addition, organic versions are perfect for people who suffer from allergies. Natural latex beds last for a long time.

The purchase of a mattress on the internet can be less expensive than buying it from a store, because online retailers dont have the same mortar and bricks. Our best tip? Select a mattress that comes with at least a risk-free 30 night trial . This is important since it may take around three weeks to get used to a new mattress. After that , if you think the mattress isnt for you and youre unhappy you can receive a full refund, and in most cases the manufacturer will pick it up for you .

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Types Of Mattresses For Back Pain

There are several different types of mattresses, and I recommend some over others for combatting back pain. Take a look below to learn more about the main mattress types.

  • Foam Mattresses: All-foam mattresses rely on high density poly foams to support the sleeper. If you struggle with back problems, I often recommend avoiding all-foam mattresses in favor of slightly more supportive innerspring or hybrid mattresses.
  • Innerspring Mattresses: Innerspring mattresses combine steel coil support with thin comfort foam top layers. Theyre often firm and bouncy, which can work well for back pain .
  • Hybrid Mattresses: Hybrid mattresses use coil and foam layers to create a supportive, yet comfortable sleeping environment. These beds can vary widely in feel and materials, but are often the type of bed I recommend for sleepers looking for back pain relief.
  • Latex Mattresses: Latex mattresses are taut, bouncy, and naturally cooling. These beds are very durable and supportive, but are not my first choice for sleepers with bad backs. These folks often need a material that offers more body-contouring. Latex mattresses dont usually offer the right sort of cradling to ease tension, especially at the lower back.

Types Of Foam Mattresses

There are three types of foam mattresses: traditional memory foam, open-cell foam, and foam with gel pods. Each type has its own unique qualities and features.

  • Traditional memory foam Traditional memory foam mattresses are built with a polyurethane foam that conforms to the body during sleep and a closed cell structure that traps heat.
  • Open-cell foam Open-cell memory foam mattresses are less dense and softer than traditional foam mattresses. The open-cells create small tunnels that promote air movement throughout the mattress and allow heat to escape. The Casper® Original Mattress unites our AirScape open-cell foam technology with high-density memory foam for that signature just right feel.
  • Gel foam When comparing gel foam vs. memory foam, foam mattresses with gel pods have some extra benefits. Gel pods in the top layer add extra support and a natural bounce that helps the bed pop back to its original shape. The Casper® Wave Hybrid Mattress has Zoned Support Max + gel pods under the waist and lower back areas to help keep your spine aligned in any position.

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Why Does My Back Hurt When I Get In Bed

If youre experiencing pain when youre getting into bed, dont ignore it.

Back pain is a symptom of an underlying problem. And when you feel those dull aches and sharp pains, its your bodys way of telling you, Something needs to change!

For many, back pain is just something they live with daily. They think that theyre stuck with it.

But in fact, back pain across the US has actually gotten worse over the years, according to The Lancet.

Graph of back pain across the United States

According to the study, the disability-adjusted life-years from back pain have risen substantially across all age groups.

This may be due to longer work hours, an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, and more office work.

Simply put, if youre experiencing back pain in bed, its because theres an underlying problem that you need to deal with.

It could be poor posture, stress, or even a medical condition.

What Is The Longest A Mattress Will Last

The Best Firm Mattress For A Bad Back & Lower Back Pain!

A mattress that is of good quality will last between 7 and 8 years, however its dependent on a myriad of factors, such as the type of mattress that youre using and the materials its constructed from, as well as how often you use it , and the amount of time you use it for sleeping. .

A guest room mattress thats only used once or twice per year can be more durable than the standards however, the mattress that you sleep on is most likely to be worn out in seven or less years.

The warranty provided by the manufacturer is a good indicator of how long your mattress will last, but it is essential to take care of it on a regular basis also. Regularly cleaning your mattress will help ensure that it lasts longer.

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Can Memory Foam Cause Back Pain

A memory foam mattress can cause back pain if you dont find the firmness level best suited for you. The ideally firm mattress for your sleep position keeps your spine in neutral alignment while relieving your pressure points.

Side sleepers will be most comfortable on a medium, medium-soft, or soft mattress. Stomach and back sleepers will sleep comfortably on a medium-firm or firm mattress.

Your Mattress Is Too Firm

Firm mattresses are a favorite for mixed sleepers, stomach sleepers, and heavy people. Others may find a firm mattress way too firm. A firm mattress may be causing back pain for back sleepers. They should look for a softer mattress anywhere from a medium-soft to a medium-firm mattress. In fact, medium-firm mattresses should do the job for the majority of people.

How to Fix a Firm Mattress

You can fix a firm mattress by using a soft mattress topper. Mattress toppers like Amerisleep Lift protect the mattress and give you a better feel while keeping the proper support of the mattress.

Another strategy is to just wait for it to break in. You may actually get used to it in the process.

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Is Memory Foam Mattress Topper Causing Back Pain

Almost all memory foam toppers are soft and comfortable. The common topper thickness is 2- 4. If you place a thin memory foam topper on your too firm mattress, it may feel uncomfortable and cause lower back pain and other joint pain while sleeping on different sleeping positions. Furthermore, if you place the topper and bed on an old bed frame that sinks, it may cause you back pain. I recommend you use at least 3 thick memory foam topper for ultimate comfort as well as great back support.

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