Best Extra Firm Mattress For Back Pain
Then there are a few essential things you ought to think about, if youre purchasing with back pain in mind. Naturally, you wish to ensure you are purchasing a relied on brand name. It is likewise really essential to shop for a mattress depending on your weight, sleeping position, and the location of your back pain.
Which Mattress Firmness Is Best For Back Pain
A scientific study concluded that a medium-firm mattress outperformed a firm mattress in terms of reducing back pain whilst in bed, upon rising, and throughout the day for 313 adults tested over a 90-day period .
However, this study doesnt mean that everyone with back pain should buy a medium-firm mattress because back pain is a highly individualized condition, and the most suitable mattress firmness is dependant on a range of subjective factors.
The best mattress firmness for back pain could be soft, medium, firm, or another firmness variant depending on your body weight, body type, and dominant sleeping position.
This can make choosing the right mattress firmness for your back pain challenging.
And even if you consult your doctor first , you may still be unclear on the most suitable mattress firmness to help with your back pain.
Thats why Ive put together a list of the different mattress firmnesses and provided some guidelines as to which setting is typically best suited to the different combinations of body weights, body types, and sleeping positions to provide some clarity.
Another Organic Option Thats Ideal For Back Sleepers
Avocado
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- 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.
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Warranty And Sleep Trials
Do not fall into a trap of getting stuck with a mattress you hate. Even if everyone else seems to love it, it may not be right for you and your body. For that reason, make sure your chosen mattress comes with a sleep trial and money-back guarantee, as well as a decent warranty to cover premature compression or broken-down foam. Luckily, all of the bed in a box mattresses on our list offer a fair trial and refund policy to protect your hard-earned cash.
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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What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain
As mentioned earlier, no one mattress will alleviate back pain for everyone. What may be comfortable for a few nights cant guarantee a lifetime of good sleep. Any mattress, so long as it comes with the appropriate corresponding level of support for your needs, will help alleviate pain and improve sleep quality over time.
The following recommendations may help you find the perfect mattress, but if you have any questions, we highly recommend visiting our showrooms and speaking to a mattress specialist. There are simply so many factors to consider when choosing a mattress and our staff has years of experience helping customers find the right mattress for their precise needs.
Firm:
If you carry weight, sleep on your back, or sleep on your stomach, a firm mattress may help alleviate lower back pain by distributing your body weight more evenly across the mattress. This way, your back isnt curving as much while you sleep. We recommend the Manchester Gel Memory Foam mattress or the Madrid Firm Select mattress both emphasize support and comfort for a pain-free sleeping experience.
Soft to Medium :
A soft-feeling mattress is recommended as the best mattress for side sleepers because it provides an extra cushion for your hips and shoulders and keeps your spine in a neutral position. A medium-firm mattress is the best mattress for stomach sleepers since it will help keep your hips elevated, preventing aches and pains in your back.
Is A Firm Mattress Better For Back Pain
March 19, 2020// by Terry Cralle//
For people experiencing back pain, or suffering from a back pain-inducing condition, it is difficult to find the best sleeping position, the best pillows, and of course, the best mattress.
People usually associate mattresses with something that is not that important when it comes to sleeping sleeping positions and pillows seem more important. However, an improper mattress can contribute to lower back pain and other painful body areas. That is why it is important to invest in a good mattress.
But, what makes a mattress good? Back pain patients usually associate a firm mattress with quality. It is believed that a firm mattress provides the necessary support and comfort for the lower back especially. But, is a firm mattress really better for your back pain? Lets find out!
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Comfortable For Those With Arthritis And Joint Pain
Those with arthritis and joint pain tend to find relief with a softer mattress that cushions sensitive areas. If these sleepers rest on a firm mattress, it could force the body into uncomfortable sleep positions that exacerbate pain.
The spine should also be kept in a neutral position to alleviate tension. Therefore, the torso must not sink too far down. If you are a heavier sleeper with arthritis, you may be more comfortable on a medium mattress.
Which Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain
A key step in choosing a mattress is deciding which mattress type is most likely to work for you. Virtually all mattresses on the market today can be broken into five types based on their construction and materials.
Within each category, you can find consistent features however, there can be notable variation from one brand or model to the next. Some types allow for a greater diversity of designs, which leads to a wider variation in the expected feel and performance of any specific mattress.
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Best For Big Individuals With Neck And Back Pain Haven Premier Mattress
Back sleepers generally do best with a mattress that is on the upper end of medium-firm, and normally in the 7-8 firmness variety.
Mattresses that provide an even surface area with whole-body support are what you should choose if youre a back sleeper.
If you have pain in the back then this is particularly essential and you will also wish to choose a mattress that keeps appropriate spine positioning and is not prone to sagging.
For back sleepers with back pain, we recommend choosing the Haven Premier mattress.
These mattresses are made from 5 layers of premium foam with an excellent 450GSM .
GSM is a measurement of thickness and comfort. The higher the GSM of your mattress, the more supportive and comfortable you should discover your mattress.
A lot of other brands have a max of 400GSM. Haven goes all the way to 450.
The Haven Premier is perfect for back sleepers and those who prefer a firmer mattress. Therefore, it can give you extra support.
Suitable For Back And Stomach Sleepers
When resting on the back, the hips and buttocks tend to sink. If the mattress is too soft, these areas may sink excessivelyresulting in a misaligned spine and tense muscles. Back sleepers tend to sleep best on a firmer bed that will prevent sinking and keep the hips in line with the shoulders and head. When the spine is neutral, the body can fully relax and repair.
Our spines naturally curve, but when sleeping the stomach, this curve can become exaggerated. Over time, the pressure this position places on the back and neck can lead to chronic pain. In most cases, it is best to avoid stomach sleeping. However, if you find it difficult to avoid this position, the best mattresses for stomach sleeping are firmer. A firm bed will keep the hips lifted to reduce the pressure on the spine.
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The Link Between Arthritis And Sleep Quality
People with arthritis often suffer from sleep deprivation, which in turn causes more pain. Oftentimes their joints are plagued by cramps and spasms because of an ill-fitting mattress that doesn’t provide enough support for the body when it is at rest or moving around during night hours
Rheumatoid Arthritis accounts for 10% – 15% of cases while osteoarthritis makes up most other types ranging between 65%-80%. Most people find themselves wondering what could be done about these conditions to help alleviate symptoms like discomfort and restlessness at night.
The right mattress can provide relief for those suffering from arthritis. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with the condition, its best to speak to their healthcare provider and discuss the appropriate treatment plan going forward – but finding a comfortable bed may also help alleviate some pain while providing support in important areas of one’s body such as head/neck shoulders backside , hip joints etcetera).
Have You Been To See A Doctor
Lastly, theres no better advice than making sure you go to see a medical professional if youre experiencing backaches and pains.
Its important to make sure that any chronic pain conditions or other back illnesses are correctly diagnosed. Choosing the correct mattress is only part of the solution when sleeping with a bad back, so always seek medical help too.
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What Are The Most Comfortable Mattress Toppers
Function and personal preference will determine the type of topper most suitable for your needs. Here are some important factors to consider:
Thickness: If you want an extremely plush feel, choose thicker toppers that are at least three inches, but if you want just a bit of added softness, consider something around one to 1.5 inches, says Victoria Wildhorn, a sleep health specialist at Mattress Clarity.
Support: Firmness can alter how a topper impacts your body. Too firm or not enough cushion can cause pain or discomfort. Too soft and the feel of the mattress will be altered significantly, says Robert Pagano, cofounder of Sleepline. Cushioning is related to foam density, so look for one with softer foams that can conform well.
Temperature regulation: Certain topperslike memory foam modelstend to trap heat, while some sleepers just run hot at night. If thats the case, look for designs that have built-in cooling features.
Sleeping position: The way you lie matters, too. Side sleepers might like a softer material like memory foam, whereas back sleepers may prefer a slightly firmer and more responsive topper made from latex foam, says Matthew Ross, the general manager and in-house sleep specialist at Slumber Yard.
How To Shop For An Extra
Firmness is just one of the factors that can add to the comfort level of your mattress. Here are some other factors to keep in mind as you shop:
- Mattress type. Whether you choose an innerspring, foam, or hybrid mattress is based on personal preference. If youre not sure what you like best, hybrid mattresses can be a great option, since they incorporate elements from both innerspring and foam mattresses.
- Motion isolation. Motion isolation refers to a mattresss ability to absorb motion. If you share a bed with a partner, a mattress with good motion isolation can ensure you dont wake each other up if you toss and turn a lot.
- Pressure relief.Mattresses with pressure relief allow for some contouring near areas that bear the most weight at night, like the hips or shoulders. Extra-firm mattresses dont allow for a ton of sinking, which can make pressure relief harder to find. If you know you need pressure relief, look for mattresses made with foam on top for some added comfort and contouring.
- Temperature control. Some mattresses use specific materials to prevent body heat from trapping or create a cool-to-touch feeling. If you tend to sleep hot, try looking for mattresses that incorporate this kind of technology.
- Edge support. This term refers to the amount of support on the edges of a mattress. A mattress without good edge support will sink if you sit on the edge of it. This can cause sagging over time or make your bed less comfortable if youre sharing with a partner.
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Cocoon By Sealy Chill Mattress
- Price: $$
The Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress is made of all foam. The cover is made from a material thats designed to dissipate heat and create a cool-to-touch feeling.
Reviewers say theyre really impressed with this mattresss ability to stay cool, even though its made from foam, which is usually known to trap body heat.
Couples also really like this mattress, with many saying it has great motion isolation that prevents tossing and turning partners from waking each other up.
The Mattress Is More Than 7 Years Old
Most mattresses tend to have an average expected lifespan of around 5-7 years with the correct care, whilst some of the best quality hybrid and latex foam anti-sag mattresses could last up to 10 years or more.
So if your mattress is more than 7 years old then it could be that your back pain is being caused by a worn-out support core, sagging top layer, and/or uneven upper surface.
In which case you should check out the upcoming section that walks you through the process of buying a new mattress to combat back pain.
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People Who Dont Have To Sleep On An Ultra Firm Mattress
So, youve learned about the types of people who may receive the most beneficial sleep on a firm mattress. Now, you may want to check if youre falling into any of the three groups of people who certainly need to choose softer beds, according to mattress reviews and science:
- Lightweight sleepers. Thin people just dont have enough weight to sink into a firm mattress. Thus, their bed will seem even firmer for them, and even the presence of a pillow top layer wont help them achieve the desired level of comfort.
- Older people. This is rather a controversial point. As mentioned above, elderly sleepers might benefit from a firm mattress if they suffer from chronic pains. Yet, the benefits of softer mattresses for older people are their cradling properties and ability to retain heat .
- Side sleepers. Side sleeping is the most common position among Americans. However, ultra-firm mattresses arent the best option to achieve good shut-eye if youre a side sleeper , because you need more cradling for your protruding hips and shoulders. A softer mattress will serve much better for you. I’m a side sleeper, so check the picture below to get to know more about side sleeping on firm mattresses.
If you have acid reflux or suffer from sleep apnea, then your doctor or health practitioner might recommend sleeping on your side. In this case, a firm mattress will not be the bed of choice for you. However, make sure you consult your doctor first.
Best Budget: Linenspa 8
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Free returns within 30 days
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Compatible with any base
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Doesn’t require a box spring
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Takes up to 48 hours to expand
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May not be as breathable as some need
You don’t have to put up with your back pain just because you don’t have a huge budget for a new mattress. This eight-inch mattress is described as medium firm and combines memory foam with the traditional support of an innerspring mattress. The innersprings are topped with a 1.5-inch layer of memory foam to cradle your body as you sleep and minimize pressure points.
The Linenspa mattress comes compressed in a box for convenient delivery as well, but as is true of all boxed mattresses, it perks up to its intended size and firmness level once it’s unpacked.
Firmness: Medium-firm | Thickness: 8 inches | Type: Hybrid | Trial Length: None offered
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How To Choose The Best Mattress For A Bad Back
When it comes to buying the right mattress, there are no hard and fast rules. Shops may try to sell you what manufacturers consider a bad-back mattress, but more depends on you, your body shape, your weight and how you sleep. Then theres your budget: a good mattress will cost you anywhere between £150 and £1,500 or more, depending on the materials, size and construction.
Is an orthopaedic mattress best for a bad back?
Dont be fooled by the term orthopaedic as it doesnt mean the bed has been professionally assessed or recommended its just a name usually used by manufacturers to refer to their firmest mattresses.
And its not as if firm mattresses are best for all bad backs anyway. On the contrary, a too-hard mattress can exacerbate problems for some back pain sufferers, Gary Jones, clinic director at PHYSIO 206, told us. If youve got somebody with a more pronounced inward curve in the lower back what we call an increased lumbar lordosis putting them on a firmer mattress would potentially increase that lumbar lordosis.
The opposite is true of those with a very flat, swayback posture, however. For these people, a firm mattress can help to put more helpful pressure on the lower back.
So how do I know which level of firmness is right for me?
Is a pocket-sprung mattress best for a bad back?
What if my sleeping partner doesnt have a bad back?
How much should I spend?
Should I try before I buy?
Read more
