Is A Plush Mattress Good For Your Back

Comfort Scale Ratings 9

We sometimes refer to very soft mattresses in the 9-10 range of our Comfort Scale as cloud-like. These mattresses use some of the softest comfort materials available, for a plush sleeping surface that youre sure to sink into. Stomach sleepers should avoid mattresses in this category. Most back sleepers will also need something with more support. But for side sleepers and the few back sleepers who want the most pressure relief possible, this comfort range may be right for you.

• May work for some back sleepers

• Far too soft for stomach sleepers

• Good for some side sleepers

How Can You Tell If Your Mattress Is The Wrong Firmness

If you constantly wake up tired, in pain, or are unable to get comfortable and fall asleep at night, your mattress might be the incorrect firmness for you. If you know your mattress is getting old, it mightve softened up with time and gotten lumpy, meaning its no longer properly supporting you. A bed thats grown too soft or too firm is one of the major signs its time to replace a mattress.

Can Too Soft Of A Bed Cause Back Pain

If you go to bed feeling great and wake up miserable, its a good sign your mattress is causing back pain. A mattress thats too soft will cause your spine to fall out of alignment all night long, and a mattress thats too firm will cause joint pressure in your hips that leads to pain in your lower back.

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Can Something As Simple As A Mattress Relieve Back Pain

For many years, people who suffered from chronic back pain were recommended to seek out the best firm mattress their budgets could afford. However, this may not be the case for everyone, as those who are aging may need a different type of support to help prevent back pain.

According to WebMD Health News, researchers in Spain have determined that people who use medium-firm mattresses are twice as likely to report improvements in lower back pain compared to those who sleep on more firm bedding.

Of course, the debate still rages between orthopedic surgeons and chiropractors. Orthopedic surgeons by and large recommend firmer mattresses to patients while chiropractors argue that moderately firm mattresses work best because the spine needs support that has a little bit of give, in order to support its curves. The equalized support of a medium-firm mattress is much better for aging spines.

The medium-firm mattress is also the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain who need the curve support, even more than those who sleep on their backs. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended for back pain sufferers, as this will often lead to a completely misaligned spine, and, by default, more back pain.

Using Plush To Describe Comfort

Weve already determined that when using the term plush we are considering a much softer sleeping surface. But when you see it used in conjunction with other adjectives, such as ultra, pillowtop, and Eurotop- how can you know what is being described?

An ultra plush mattress is used to describe a very soft, sinkable mattress often made from memory foam materials to allow the maximum body and weight conformance. Also known as super plush or extra plus these mattresses can also occasionally include pillow tops for added cushioning.

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Whats The Difference Between Firm And Soft

The obvious difference between a firm on soft mattress is the feel. A firm mattress is more rigid to the touch and has less give. A softer mattress will compress more easily when pressure is applied.

Its important to note that mattress feel is not just split into two categories its more of a spectrum. This means theres lots of choice, which can be both a positive and a negative.

All types of mattress can be made from all materials. The firmness or softness of a mattress either depends on the spring tension or general tension of construction within the mattress. However, a mattress can also include an outer layer or some upholstery which affects the perceived firmness. A memory foam topper, for example, can give a superficial feeling of firmness but not actually have the properties of a truly firm mattress.

Both types of mattress exist in a variety of budgets. However, in order to get exactly what you want, it can be worth spending a little extra.

Who Should Use A Plush Mattress

When it comes to discussing a plush mattress, a general concern is: are plush mattresses supportive enough for your back alignment?

The reply to the questions is, Yes. With the advancing technological help, all good-quality plush mattresses provide enough spinal support.

However, if you dont find them supportive enough for your torso, you may add toppers to your mattress in order to adjust your bed to the desired firmness level.

Many sleepers like their sinking feel. These mattresses are great for lightweight or petite people who are light on the bed and who do not need a firmer bed to support their backs.

As for sleeping positions, plush mattresses suit side-sleepers who need significant cushioning around their shoulders and neck. In other words, lightweight side sleepers and petite people can opt for a plush mattress without any apprehensions.

Like any other mattress, a Plush mattress is not good for everyone. For different people, it has different pros and cons.

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When Should I Get A New Mattress

Most mattresses will require replacing after around 7 years.

A worn mattress may not provide adequate support and may be sunken or worn. This may contribute to back pain. If a person has an old mattress, they may wish to try a new one. Sleep trials allow consumers to test a mattress for a period before committing to a purchase.

one-third of their lives either sleeping or trying to fall asleep. People with back pain may experience difficulty falling asleep because they cannot get comfortable.

Choosing a mattress to suit an individuals needs and preferences may help alleviate back pain and improve sleep quality.

An individual should consider the type of back pain they are experiencing and their preferred sleep position before choosing the mattress that will work best for them.

2 sourcescollapsed

• Caggiari, G., et al. . What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature.

Is A Firm Or Soft Mattress Better For Hip Pain

In many cases, the best mattresses for hip pain are softer to relieve pressure and tension. Soft or plush mattresses can cradle and support the hip joints while you sleep. This contouring support is especially beneficial for reducing hip pain for side sleepers and combination sleepers.

Larger individuals who suffer from hip pain may require a slightly firmer mattress to alleviate their pain. Those who sleep on their back and stomach may also find more relief from hip pain on a firm mattress. So whether a firm or soft mattress is better can depend on a persons sleep style.

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Creating Optimal Spinal Alignment

When we enter slow-wave sleep, our muscles are not paralyzed like in REM periods, and we may move around. This could mean rolling around and winding up in odd sleeping positions. If you have a mattress with zoned support, this shouldnt be a big deal as long as you dont wind yourself into a pretzel. The mattress should do the work in letting your shoulders and hips sink in a little while supporting the spine.

However, if youre on an ultra-hard bed and end up on your side, you could end up messing with the spinal curve, and if youre already dealing with pain and inflammation, this isnt great news.

Mattresses have come a long way in the past few years and many companies have realized the benefits of proper spinal alignment for sleep. When youre laying on the side, proper alignment should be fairly straight, allowing the hips and shoulders to sink in slightly while supporting the middle. Mattresses that offer zoned support tend to be great at this.

When sleeping on your back, there should be a slight curve in the spine, with support in the mid and low back, while allowing the neck to rest backward. If you live in the twenty-first century, you probably spend a fair amount of time looking at screens. Whether on your phone, a computer, or a gaming device.

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How To Choose Your Mattress Firmness

As you shop for a new bed, you will need to decide if you need a plush vs. a firm mattress. The mattress firmness levels are comfort terms used to communicate how something feels it does not indicate the quality of support a mattress will provide you. Determining the right support for your body, size, and shape is an important first step. A comfortable mattress will help you fall asleep quicker, while the support system will keep you from tossing and turning or waking up in pain.

Your body composition plays a huge role in how a mattress will feel and perform for you. Unfortunately, its not as simple as knowing that you like a soft or firm mattress. You need to consider the support level your body needs and how the comfort level will play a role in improving your quality of sleep.

Plush vs. Firm Mattress

A plush mattress has a softer feel. This is achieved by adding layers of pressure-relieving materials on top of the support core or by varying the thickness and density of the padding. These layers contour to your hips and shoulders, cradling your body throughout the night. Sleepers often describe this feel as if theyre sleeping in or getting hugged by their bed. Plush mattresses are a great option for side sleepers.

Medium vs. Plush Mattress

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What Is Wrong With Pillowtop Mattresses

The main objection to pillow tops come into what you are expected to pay for them and the lifespan you will get out of them. Just like a one-sided mattress, you will be unable to turn it so when the pillowtop layer becomes indented and worn, you will eventually have to replace the entire mattress even though the spring support will be sufficiently OK. At this point, I must admit that Pillowtops with a natural latex comfort layer does not fall into this argument although price wise you will be expected to pay a lot more than for a non-pillow top version.

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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Get Up And Out Of Bed Carefully

It may seem obvious, but be very careful getting on and off the bed. Leaning forward at the waist, or making sudden and quick movements can cause more back pain.

Its advisable to take your time, roll to your side, and use your arms to push up. Then you can swing your legs off the bed to get up slowly. Reverse your movements when it’s time to go to bed in the evening.

How To Get Relief On A Budget

When youre struggling with back pain, you may feel like youre willing to give anything to get relief, but the realities of your budget can mean that you have to think about the impact of any mattress purchase on your bottom line. The good news is that there are multiple wallet-friendly ways to improve your bed, enhance your sleep, and give your back a rest.

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Are Plush Mattresses Bad For You

Plush mattresses are not bad. However, a plush mattress may be uncomfortable or lacking in support for certain individuals. If a mattress is too plush or soft, it wont provide you with a good nights rest. Sore muscles, stiff joints, or body aches are a good sign that your plush mattress isnt providing you with adequate support.

Choosing The Best Mattress For Couples

If you share your bed with a partner or spouse, theres a good chance the two of you have different firmness needs and preferences. This is particularly true if the two of you have different-sized bodies and sleep in different positions. In most cases when youre choosing a mattress, a medium mattress works best.

Medium mattresses make the best beds for couples. These mattresses provide some give while also aiding in pain and pressure point relief. There isnt a lot of motion transfer with this firmness level, so you wont be disturbed in the middle of the night when your partner moves in their sleep.

Still, some couples may enjoy soft mattresses if they are both side sleepers. Our soft vs medium mattress guide offers an in-depth comparison to help sleepers better decide.

Conversely, two back or stomach sleepers may enjoy a firm mattress. We recommend checking out our firm vs medium mattress guide to compare the benefits of each firmness.

For couples who have very different body types and sleep positions, there is a solution! A split adjustable bed can give each person exactly what they need to sleep comfortably and pain-free.

This type of bed will allow you to personalize the angle you sleep at and the level of support you get while you sleep. You can pair a medium mattress with an adjustable base for the best results.

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Comfort Scale Ratings 3

Mattresses with a Comfort Scale rating in the 3-4 range are considered medium-firm. These mattresses work well for back and stomach sleepers who prefer something on the firmer half of the Comfort Scale. Theyre generally too firm for side sleepers though. Mattresses in this comfort range are for those who need a firmer, more rigid sleeping surface but enjoy some padding for comfort.

• Good for most back sleepers

• Good for some stomach sleepers

• Too firm for side sleepers

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The Very Best Bed Mattress For A Good Nights Sleep

The very best mattresses for a good nights sleep are made from top quality products. They offer the appropriate equilibrium of comfort and assistance, vital for a good nights rest.

Numerous aspects contribute to the top quality of your rest, and also one of them is your bed mattress. The most effective beds for a good nights rest are made from top quality products. They offer the best balance of convenience and assistance, vital for a good nights remainder.

Mattresses can be found in all sizes and shapes, so it can not be simple to select one that will certainly fit you best.

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Our Top 10 Mattresses For Back Pain Reviewed

Editors Pick

Layla does an exceptional job of alleviating pressure through its memory foam. If you like sinking further into the mattress and enjoy a slower response time, we think you will love the feel of this bed. The mattress has different firmness levels to accommodate all sleeping positions. Stomach and back sleepers should do well on the firm side, while side sleepers can flip the mattress to the plush side for optimal pressure relief for their joints.

What stands out?

• Not only do we feel that Laylas pressure-relieving capabilities are top-notch their memory foam is infused with copper. This should help you stay cool all night long by wicking the heat away, it is also designed to stiffen up under pressure helping to keep your spine straight while you sleep.
• Since Layla is dual-sided, you can maximize the 120-night trial period by testing two different experiences in one new bed.

Interested in learning more? Go to our full Layla review.

Why Do Firmness Levels Matter

A mattresss firmness level impacts the initial feel of a mattress when you lay on it. Understanding mattress firmness levels helps you recognize the differences between mattresses, as well as what to expect from specific firmnesses.

Theres no industry standard for firmness levels, but the approximate mattress firmness scale is from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmestplush mattresses are generally a 3 out of 10.

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Is Your Bed Making You Hot

Your bed is a major factor when it comes to your sleeping temperature. The materials your mattress is made offoam, latex, innerspringeffect your sleeping temperature. Find outthe mattresss materials before you purchase a mattress. While mattress-in-a-box brands are often the more convenient and less expensive mattress option, many people find that foam absorbs heat more than traditional innerspring mattresses. If you sleep hot already, this can be an issue.

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