Drawbacks Of A Firm Mattress
A firm mattress is not for everyone. Side sleepers may experience pressure build-up along the sides of the body on a firm bed. Lightweight individuals may not experience enough sinking on a firm mattresscausing spinal misalignment and muscle tension.
A firm bed may help support the lumber and relieve lower back pain. However, those with arthritis and joint pain need a mattress that will hug the curves of the body for pressure relief.
Does My Pillow Matter
While a better mattress certainly can help with back pain and proper spinal alignment, it isnt the only factor. When paired with the proper pillow, the duo could help reduce back pain and contribute to a healthier sleep experience by properly elevating the neck and shoulders for better support.
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What Mattresses Are Best For Side Sleepers
Sleeping on your side puts more pressure on certain areas of your body, including your hips and shoulders. This can cause pain and numbness that makes it difficult to sleep and/or stays with you during the day and leads to chronic pain.
To combat these issues, side sleepers typically need a mattress with a little more give and extra contouring material. If youre a dedicated side sleeper, a medium firmness mattress will probably be a good option for you. If you switch between sleeping on your back and side, a medium-firm mattress will likely be a better fit, since it offers enough support to keep your spine aligned when sleeping on your b
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Which Mattress Doesnt Cause Back Pain
Everyones experience with a mattress can vary as per their sleeping position, preferences, comfort index, medical conditions, etc. So, there is no specific mattress that is best for everyone. It is hence recommended to carefully purchase a mattress after reading various mattress buying guides and opting for mattresses that offer a trial period.
A Luxe Option With Additional Lumbar Support
Helix Sleep / Instagram
- Firmness level: Medium to medium-firm
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 15 years
The highly praised Midnight LUXE is one of Helixs most popular and top-rated mattresses. Its medium to medium-firm, making it comfortable for pretty much everyone, but its features are especially great for side sleepers. This 14-inch mattress offers up six layers, creating more than a foot of cushion under your body while you sleep. The memory foam maximizes pressure point relief on your hips and shoulders, while a zoned wrapped coil unit offers added support and helps reinforce the edges so you never feel like youre sinking, even if you inch toward the edge of the bed at night.
Plus, all of the LUXE models have added lumbar support for enhanced contouring for your back and a premium quilted pillow top with a soft, breathable cover. Theyre also two inches taller than the standard mattresses.
What the Reviews Say: One fan calls this mattress side sleeper approved, while another writes, Ive been really happy with the feel of this mattress, and as a side sleeper, some of the things I noticed by the end of my previous mattresss lifetime have no longer been an issue, like waking up with a stiff or achy neck, or on some days waking up with numbness or tingling in my fingers. Ive been sleeping great!
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Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
- Type: foam
- Height: 12 inches
Stomach sleepers need a mattress that offers adequate spinal support and even weight distribution. With a choice of relaxed firm or firm, Saatvas Loom & Leaf Mattress is made with layers of high-density CertiPUR-US foam for contouring and pressure relief. A breathable gel cooling layer is concentrated in the lumbar region for maximum spinal support.
The Loom & Leaf Mattress has a 180-night home trial, a 15-year warranty, and free white-glove delivery service.
Spinal Fusion Patients Should Also Note That
Simply using the comfortable mattress, getting enough sleep and exercises are not all. There is also the right way to get up from the bed. Turning on the side, slowly get up using your hand firm on the mattress. Gently push yourself up. Never be in a hurry to get up from the bed.
There is also no ideal sleeping position for spinal fusion patients. They can sleep in any position they want like. A bigger bed or mattress than needed would be better to allow room.Check out the latest study on Firm and medium firm mattress, how it affects your recovery and a lot more at
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Suitable For Side Sleepers
When side sleeping, the hips and shoulders bear the brunt of the body weight. Resting on a firmer mattress can cause pressure to build up near these sensitive areas. This tension could force you to toss and turn to find comfortresulting in lost hours of sleep. We usually recommend soft mattresses for side sleepers because they will keep the body cradled and supported to alleviate tension.
Since some soft mattresses tend to promote sinking, be sure to select one that has enough responsiveness to keep the torso lifted, so the spine remains neutral.
Misalignment Of The Spinal Cord
A mattress with lots of firmness will not support your spinal cord as expected. On the contrary, what it does is to provide support only to the heavy parts of your body, like hips, thighs, etc. Such a situation creates pressure points that are not comfortable. Apart from the discomfort, such a mattress may also cause numerous long term problems, such as inadequate support for the spinal cord.
For some, a firm mattress may cause all kinds of problems. By sleeping on the mattress you may not be able to understand what your body is trying to do since most of the muscles will perform subconsciously.
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Is Spring Mattress Good For Back Pain
Spring mattresses, also known as innerspring mattresses, are the most traditional type of mattress. They are great for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and those with lower back pain. They are also a great option for heavier individuals who find that foam mattresses do not offer the support they need.
What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Lower Back Pain
If youre dealing with lower back pain, the right mattress can make a big difference.
A mattress that doesnt hold up our body will cause pain in the lower back, explains Dr. Lynelle McSweeney, a chiropractor in Reno, Nevada. We need support to keep our joints from going into a stress point, which puts pressure on nerves and strains the muscles.
In general, hybrid or innerspring mattresses will offer more support than all-foam options, which may be too soft.
The manufacturers firmness rating can also help you zero in on a supportive option. These ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Medium-firm mattresses, which have a rating of 7 to 8, are typically recommended for lower back pain.
Keep in mind that the firmness of a mattress will depend on a few different factors, including your preferred sleeping position, your body size and weight, and whether you share your bed with a partner or pet. Personal preference plays a role too.
There is no single right mattress for everyone, but there are certain considerations when youre dealing with lower back pain:
Make a point of checking reviews so you can see what previous purchasers have to say about any mattresses youre considering.
Comfort is highly individual, so take advantage of the free in-home trials that manufacturers offer to find a mattress that balances enough support for your lower back with overall comfort. Check the return policy and warranty, too.
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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
Is Sealy A Good Mattress For Back Pain
You can choose a Sealy mattress model that is ultra-firm, firm, cushion firm, plush or ultra-plush. We recommend either a Medium Firm or Firm model. Mattresses that are overly firm or too soft can aggravate back pain. Usually innerspring, latex, memory foam, and hybrids are the best types to help alleviate back pain.
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Best Foam Mattress For Back And Neck Pain
Nolah Original 10 Inch
- Type: foam
- Height: 10 inches
If you have back and neck pain, you need a mattress that provides excellent pressure relief, and thats just what the Nolah mattress aims to do.
According to the company, their specially designed foam provides four times the pressure relief of standard memory foam in three key zones: shoulders, back, and hips.
This foam is also made without viscoelastic chemicals the chemicals in memory foam known for trapping heat and creating a sinking in feeling for a neutral temperature. Several reviewers confirm it does stay cooler through the night.
Reviewers have plenty of good things to say about this mattress. Several people mention significant improvements in back and neck pain and rave about the great sleep theyre getting. Others praise the motion isolation and the supportive edges. The firmness also feels just right to many: soft enough for comfort yet sturdy enough for support.
That said, dedicated stomach sleepers and people who weigh more than 200 pounds may want to consider a firmer option for added support.
The Nolah mattress is engineered for durability to provide comfort and support for years to come. Since the company offers a 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty, youll have plenty of time to make sure the mattress really does relieve your pain.
Are Firm Mattresses Better
According to sleep experts, a mattress with less cushioning is more likely to support a neutral spine position during sleep. When you sleep on a firm mattress with minimal cushioning, your bones bear most of the pressure. This frees up your muscles and allows the arteries and veins to relax. In turn, this improves circulation, which also helps you sleep better. The right mattress also prevents your lower back from collapsing when you lay on it. This stops your airway from becoming constricted, allowing the lungs to inhale more oxygen.
For the best nights sleep, choose a level of firmness based on the following factors:
- Age
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Sunday Ortho Latex 4 Mattress
The modern lifestyle is the primary contributor to human stress that often leads to disruptive sleep. In addition to that, if someone has neck, back, and muscle pain, sleeping becomes an uneasy task on its own. The Sunday Ortho Latex 4 Mattress assists and catalyzes your sleep by relieving any sort of body pain caused due to a stiff and inflexible mattress.
The Ortho Latex 4 mattress has a lot of unique things that make it our favourite.
Latex in an Ortho This is the only Ortho mattress that uses Latex. Latex is known to keep the bed from heating. So, combining Latex with Memory foam gives excellent back support while keeping the mattress cool. We say, why not?
Natural Materials The product tries to use natural materials like latex, organic cotton cloth, whereas most other brands use chemical foams and polyester cloth. Sunday Ortho Latex Mattress is great for those with kids or who suffer from allergies. Despite the better quality, the price is very affordable.
Non-Compressed One of the unique things is that Sunday mattresses are not compressed. This gives much longer life. Other products are sent in compressed form to save courier costs, but the life of the bed is compromised significantly.
Best Ortho Support The five-zone construction ensures much better back support and also provides zero partner disturbance. It is recommended for those who suffer from back ailments.
The key features of the product
- Price: Rs. 22,999
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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Changing Your Mattress Firmness
If a new mattress isn’t in your budget, buying a mattress topper can make your bed softer or firmer. Note that if you purchase a piece of foam that you slip under your bedspread, the foam will compress and become dense. There’s no room for air to circulate and allow the heat from your body to disperse, and you get hot. Being hot will reduce the quality of sleep for most people. It is, therefore, a good idea to shop for cooling pads and toppers to make your bed softer.
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.
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What Is An Orthopaedic Mattress
An orthopaedic mattress is simply a term the industry came up with years ago to refer to a super firm spring tension or support unit in a mattress.
An orthopaedic mattress is any spring unit that uses a 1.94mm 12 gauge spring. This is the firmest gauge wire you can use in a conventional mattress spring. They are uber firm, very unforgiving and in our experience will only suit a tiny fraction of the bed buying public.
The issue with orthopaedic mattresses is that they have become known as mattresses for bad backs. These orthopaedic models are usually far from suitable for people with backache.
Our Best Mattress For Bigger Bodies
- You have back pain. For years, I slept on a secondhand mattress an old boss gave me. I didn’t connect the aches and pains in my back and legs with the mattress until my doctor asked how old it was and suggested it was past time to replace it. Those aches and pains disappeared when I switched to a medium-firm mattress. Research shows a firmer mattress can be effective at alleviating back pain. For example, a study of 27 women experiencing shoulder and back pain found their pain greatly decreased after replacing their regular mattress with a medium-firm mattress that conformed to their particular sleep positions. Sleep surfaces are related to sleep discomfort,” the researchers concluded, adding that it is indeed possible to reduce pain and discomfort and to increase sleep quality in those with chronic back pain by replacing mattresses based on sleeping position.”
Keep in mind that you’ll want to avoid anything too firm. A too-firm mattress will put pressure on your back and take your spine out of alignment. It may even aggravate certain back problems, such as scoliosis and arthritis.
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Are Memory Foam Mattresses Bad For Your Back
Memory foam mattresses are actually good for your back because they conform to your bodys natural curves. Furthermore, they are not too soft like other beds such as pillow-tops or as bouncy as innerspring mattresses. Therefore, you can keep yourself supported, regardless of your body type or sleeping position.
Support And Pressure Relief
Support If you are reading this article its likely you suffer from back pain, and this is why support is the most important criteria when searching for a mattress. Support = pushing up into you.
It means giving those areas of your body the assistance they need to relax and de-stress throughout the night.
The area of your body that needs this the most is the lumbar spine . If you are a back sleeper then a mattress that is comfy, plush or soft will cause you to sink in, and will not give your body the support it needs, leaving your muscles tired from working all night to support your mid and low back.
So, If you are a back sleeper or suffer from middle orlow back pain then a supportive mattress is what your body needs.
Pressure Relief Pressure relief is another important criteria when searching for a mattress that helps relieve your pain. Pressure relief = you pushing into the mattress. This is not to be confused with sinking in.
A quality mattress that relieves pressure points should gently but firmly support your body in a comfortable position. What parts of the body need pressure relief? Parts that stick out, particularly the shoulders and hips.
Without pressure relief, these areas are being compressed and are forced to constant stress throughout the night. So, if you are a side sleeper or suffer from hip and shoulder pain then a mattress that gives you pressure relief is whats best for your body.
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