Tuesday, March 26, 2024
HomePainIs Firm Mattress Best For Back Pain

Is Firm Mattress Best For Back Pain

What Do I Do If I Think My Mattress Feels Too Firm When I Receive It Expand/collapse

Best Firm Mattress For Back Pain (Our Top 6 Picks!)

All of our mattresses are made to order and arrive to you factory fresh. That means the high-quality materials inside them need a little bit of time to soften up. You should notice your new mattress begin to conform to your body after a few days. You may even notice continuing improvement for up to a month.

Remember that your body will need some time to adjust to a brand new mattress. If you’ve been sleeping on an old mattress, your body likely got used to it, even if it didn’t provide you with adequate support. That’s why we give you a generous 365-night home trial to give you time to acclimate to your new mattress.

If after a month or so, you still feel that your mattress is too firm , give us a call at and one of our friendly sleep guides will be happy to help you.

Is Back Pain Caused By The Wrong Firmness Or A Bad Mattress

Before investing in a new mattress, it’s important to assess what’s wrong with your current mattress. Is it simply that it is too soft or firm and you need to find a more suitable firmness, or is the mattress actually old, worn, sagging or lumpy and these factors are the reason for your back pain?

Mattresses that start out feeling firm gradually lose their tension as time goes on. If your mattress is bellying out at the sides, is plagued with lumps and bumps from broken springs, or has a permanent dent in the area in which you sleep, it might be a case of an old, sagging mattress causing your back pain.

Think back to when the mattress was new – did you sleep comfortably on it? When did your back pain begin? Rather than going softer or firmer, would it make sense to buy a new mattress with a similar firmness to your old one?

Who Should Sleep On An Extra

Side sleepers bewarean extra-firm mattress is not for you. Chiropractor Kevin Lees, D.C., of The Joint Corp previously told mbg that “a mattress that is too firm may cause shoulder and hip pain, as well as change the spinal alignment.”

That’s because side sleepers put pressure on their shoulders and hips, which needs to be counteracted by the mattress. An extra-firm mattress won’t provide this responsiveness, making them a hard sell. However, stomach and back sleepers can find an oasis in this solid construction.

The firm base keeps your spine in a neutral alignment when lying on your stomach or back, preventing your risk of aches and pains. The extra-sturdy construction is also ideal for those who weigh more than 230 pounds, which is often the max weight considered for many designs.

Of course, you’re the best judge of how firm you want your mattress to be. Take advantage of trial periods, flippable mattresses, and free returns to find the right firmness level for you.

Read Also: Best White Goose Down Pillows

Prosourcefit Acupressure Mat And Pillow Set For Back/neck Pain Relief And Muscle Relaxation Blue

  • Made out of 100% high quality thick cotton and plant-based eco foam, the acupressure mat has 6, 210 acupressure points neck pillow has 1, 782 acupressure points
  • INCREASED ENERGY & CIRCULATION – Thousands of acupressure points stimulate nerves and improve circulation for increased energy and relaxation, making it great for users who sit at a desk daily, as well as active individuals and athletes
  • PAIN REDUCTION – Naturally reduce muscle tension, and back pain by simply laying on the mat daily for 10-30 minutes. Acupressure releases endorphins that block pain, and helps relax the muscles in your back, neck and feet
  • FULL SUPPORT – The cushioned foam mat is large enough to fit your full back, and unlike many mats that only cover your back, this set includes a pillow covered in acupressure points for neck support and more holistic pain relief
  • RELAXATION & STRESS RELIEF – Lay back and relax onto this “bed of needles” to massage pressure points that help release tight muscles and relieve stress. Use prior to bedtime to improve your sleep

What Is Mattress Firmness

10 Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain In 2020

Mattress firmness is an element that defines different mattresses on the market.

The firmness is something you can feel, but also something that the manufacturer of the mattress can calculate during the making of the individual mattress.

Mattress firmness is the amount of softness and sinking in you will feel when you sit or lie down on the mattress top, versus not.

Most mattress companies and retailers categorize their mattresses by the different levels of firmness. People have different preferences for how hard or soft they prefer to sleep, and some injuries might also show preference for one or the other.

If you buy a mattress specifically for back pain, the level of firmness and support will matter almost as much as the budget you can afford to pay for it.

Also Check: Plush Pillow Top Queen Mattress

Other Sleep Accessories To Prevent Or Relieve Back Pain

There are some changes in lifestyle that help maintain your spines neutral alignment, thus preventing back pain. First, avoid lifting heavy things. We also suggest using ergonomic furniture for a healthy posture, regularly exercising, and getting quality sleep to boost spinal health and keep back pain at bay.

A rejuvenating sleep can have a long-term positive impact on your back pain. It can prevent some of the causes that trigger back pain. In cases of existing back pain, quality sleep can help. Your bed plays the most crucial role in facilitating good sleep.

Other sleep accessories such as pillows, adjustable beds, and mattress toppers complement your mattress to enhance sleep quality.

How We Chose Our Products

Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.

When choosing the Best Mattresses for Back Pain, we sought out beds that were durable and supportive enough to keep the spine in proper alignment. Of the 10 products on our list, seven mattresses scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in the category of support and eight mattresses scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in the category of durability.

Also, if you specifically experience lower back pain, check out our list of the best mattresses for lower back pain and sciatica.

You May Like: What Is The Cost Of A Queen Size Purple Mattress

Should I Consider A Custom Mattress To Prevent Back Pain

It’s clear that buying the best mattress for your back is not as simple as choosing between firm or soft. There are lots of factors to consider and much of these are individual and come down to personal preference. Investing in a custom mattress is a brilliant way to achieve the perfect level of support and comfort not only for your back but for your entire body.

Here at Endurance Beds we handcraft bespoke mattresses and offer a range of firmness levels to help you get the most comfortable night’s sleep possible. With a wide variety of features to choose from, including open-coils, pocket-sprung, memory foam, and natural fibres, you can create a mattress that meets all of your requirements and gives your back the support it needs to stay healthy and free from pain. You can place your customer mattress order online or contact us for more information.

Is Spinal Alignment The Most Important Factor

BEST Mattress for Back Pain According to Science + Giveaway!

Spinal alignment is certainly important, but its not the only factor when it comes to sleeping with back pain. Pressure relief is also important for helping you reduce pain and get to sleep. However, its important to find a material that relieves pressure while still allowing movement.

If you find youre waking up stiff and sore but feel better after you get moving, you could be dealing with swelling or inflammation in the joints or muscle tissue. While this can occur in almost any type of injury, its usually a sign that the injury isnt getting motion, especially while you sleep.

When it comes to spinal injuries or misalignments, most chiropractors and physical therapists will treat the issue by aligning the spine and increasing motion to reduce inflammation and swelling. If you can move around easily when you sleep, either to reposition or rollover, your body may be able to help aid in that process.

Recommended Reading: Mattress Recycling Pittsburgh

You May Like: Do You Need Mattress Topper

Mattress Firmness Guide Chart

All mattresses are not made or advertised the same.

Mattress firmness, measured in numbers, is one of the first criteria you will notice if you are shopping around for another mattress. Low numbers mean a softer mattress, while higher numbers indicate a firmer surface to sleep on.

Which firmness level you choose can be up to your sleeping position, or whether you are hoping to relieve back or hip pain. Most bedding companies use a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Every manufacturer will have its own scale, the mattress firmness scale below is what Saatva uses.

Scale
Stomach Sleepers

Finding Your Comfortable Sleep

Chronic low back pain significantly affects quality of sleep.

If you arent yet sure which type of mattress will be the best to alleviate low back, hip or neck pain, visit a bed store or check a firmness chart like the one suggested above.

The best way to judge if your mattress is right is by listening to your body. If you start waking up with back pain every morning, its time to make adjustments or buy a new mattress.

Mattress toppers, memory foam and base adjustment can make all the difference when youre trying to adjust a firm or soft mattress. The best way to judge if your mattress is right is by listening to your body.

You Might Also Like:

Disclaimer: Nothing on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only.

Also Check: What Size Is A Queen Sofa Bed Mattress

You May Like: Is Mattress Firm A Front

Are Firm Mattresses Bad For Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a mattress that offers pressure point relief while also keeping the body supported. A soft to medium mattress is typically a good option for side sleeping. When decided between a soft or a medium mattress, be sure to consider your body weight. If you are under 130 pounds, a soft to medium comfort level will offer you more contouring. If you are over 230 pounds, a medium firmness will cradle pressure points and prevent sinking.

How Does Sleeping Position Affect Back Pain

The Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Back pain can occur as a result of an underlying condition or sleep-related factors. The right mattress topper can help relieve pressure points and support natural spinal alignment, which could also help contribute to reduced back pain. However, each sleep position can affect the spine differently, so those suffering from back pain may want to consider the role of their preferred sleep position.

Side sleepers: People who sleep on their side frequently prefer a slightly softer sleep surface that balances conforming and support. Too firm of a topper may not allow their hips and shoulders to sink in enough, while too soft of a mattress topper may let their hips and shoulders sink in too much. Either of these situations could put a strain on their spines and contribute to back pain. A thicker topper could be ideal for a bed that is too firm, as it can provide ample room for a side sleepers hips and shoulders to sink in. A firmer topper that helps prevent sinkage will be better for a bed that is too soft.

Back sleepers: This sleep position typically requires a slightly firmer sleep surface that gives them the support they need to maintain their natural spinal alignment, so they may prefer firmer and/or thinner mattress toppers. A topper that is too soft could allow their hips to sink in excessively and make it difficult to keep their spine well-aligned. Too firm of a topper could also be problematic, leaving a gap between the bed and the sleepers lumbar region.

Read Also: What Mattress Compares To Tempurpedic

What Makes The Winkbed Stand Out

  • The WinkBed is one of the more durable mattresses on this list. People who struggle with back pain dont want a mattress that will sag too quickly.
  • The mattress has great cooling qualities, since its equipped with a breathable Tencel cover, gel-infused foam, and coils to promote airflow.
  • Weve named the WinkBed one of the best innerspring mattresses.

Read our full WinkBed mattress review.

Can A Mattress Be Firm And Plush At The Same Time

This is a question we often see, and the answer is yes.

There are mattresses with zoned support, like the Hesperis Mattress from the, which provide the sleeper with tailored support on each section of the body.

For example, you need more support under your waist and thighs than you need under your shoulder or hips especially if you sleep on your side.

Also, keep in mind that peoples body weight isnt distributed evenly, so some of us might require a lot of support in certain areas to prevent sinking and uncomfortable, painful mornings.

Don’t Miss: Is Bragada Mattress Still In Business

Why Does My Lower Back Hurt When I Wake Up

Your lower back hurts because your mattress is too soft for you to sleep on. A softer mattress causes your hips to sag, and your spinal becomes misaligned. This results in lower back pain.

If you are a side sleeper, you should consider a softer mattress. And if you prefer to sleep on your back or belly, then you should own a firmer mattress for proper support.

If You Cant Shop In Person

Best Mattress Toppers For Back Pain 2022 (Top 6 Picks!)

Its really hard to tell whether a specific mattress is right for you without lying on it first. Firmness, pressure relief, and support are all highly subjective factors, which is why weve always advised trying out a mattress in person prior to purchasing. But we also know that can be easier said than done. So in lieu of our usual try-before-you-buy advice, we recommend that you look for a generous return policy on any mattress youre thinking of buying sight unseen.

With respect to trial periods and return policies, here are your best options of all the mattresses in this guide:

More mattress coverage

$200 off

*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,200.

Who its for: The Saatva Classic in Luxury Firm caters to back-pain sufferers who prefer a traditional innerspring mattress with a just-cushy-enough top. Its likely to feel comfortable regardless of your preferred sleep position.

How it feels: Weve been long-term testing our Saatva Classic for more than a year, and it has softened slightly from a stiff medium-firm to a plusher medium-firm.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The 416 support coils in the bottom half of the Saatva Classic are sturdy, but they number only about half those in the pricier WinkBed , another innerspring weve liked in the past. Theyre not individually wrapped, either, which can lead to motion transfer. For that reason, we think the Saatva works best if you sleep alone or dont wake easily when your partner rolls over.

Also Check: Does Casper Remove Old Mattress

Try A Mattress Topper That Can Provide Pressure Relief

If you sleep on your side, a memory foam mattress pad conforms to your body to allow your shoulders to sink in while keeping your spine aligned. Back sleepers can also benefit from a reasonable foam mattress pad because it conforms to your lower back.

Just be sure youre not only getting the right one, but youre also using your mattress topper properly.

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, we know 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.

Read Also: What Are The Standard Dimensions Of A King Size Mattress

A Mix Of Foam And Bounce: Leesa Sapira Hybrid

Use promo codeWIRECUTTER

Who its for: The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is likely to appeal to back-pain sufferers, regardless of preferred sleep position, who want a foamy feel with a pinch of springiness. The foams density suggests it will hold up well for people who weigh more than 200 pounds.

How it feels: The bounce from the coils seems to mellow out the feel, making this hybrid just a touch softer than a typical medium-firm.

Why its great: The foam-innerspring feel of the Leesa Sapira Hybrid is more balanced than that of the Tempur-Adapt, our other hybrid pick in this guide, whose memory foam takes over the entire experience of the mattress. In the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, the 4-pounds-per-cubic-foot memory-foam layer and 1,000-plus individually pocketed coils support your spine and conform to your curves. Its sturdy but not rigid, said one of our back-and-side-sleeping testers. You can sit on the edges without sliding off, too. Unlike the Saatva Classic, Leesa mattresses are available at partner retailers, so you may be able to try the Leesa Sapira Hybrid in person before you buy it. Within the 100-night trial period, you can return it for a full refund if you dont like it, though youre required to sleep on it for at least 30 days first.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular