Things to Look for in a Mattress if You Have Back Pain

If you’ve suffered from back pain, you know how debilitating an injury can keep you from doing simple everyday tasks like walking and sitting in a chair, let alone more strenuous activities like working and exercising. If you are looking for ways to assuage your pain, going for the best mattress for back pain would be an excellent place to start. Here are a few things to look for in a mattress if you have back pain.

1. The Right Firmness for Your Back

You may have heard the phrase “lying on a bed of nails” as a metaphor for something unpleasant, painful, or excruciating. And while this phrase isn’t recommended to live by, it does bring up an interesting point: Surprising as it may sound, firmer mattresses aren’t always better for people with back pain.

There are two generally accepted types of firmness for mattresses: firm and soft. Here are the benefits of each type and why they’re suitable for certain kinds of back pain:

* Firmer mattresses can provide more support to your back than softer ones, making them excellent at relieving pressure points in your lower back.

* Softer mattresses can relieve pressure points in your upper back by allowing your neck and shoulders to sink deeper into the mattress.

2. A Mattress for Sleep Positions

If you spend plenty of time on your back, a medium-firm mattress is probably the best choice. If you prefer sleeping on your side and like to fall asleep on your back, a slightly softer surface might be the way to go — it will feel right when you’re in either position. If the mattress is too firm, it can put uncomfortable pressure on your shoulder or hip while sleeping. You’ll want something that will conform well to your body shape but still give enough support for proper spinal alignment.

3. Specialised Mattresses for Back Pain

Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses are great for those looking for support. They mold the body and offer exceptional pressure point reduction. While memory foam is generally known for its motion isolation, some can also have a bouncy feel when used with a box spring.

Latex: Latexes are not only designed to provide outstanding pressure relief, but they also offer good bounce. A latex mattress has a livelier feel than a memory foam mattress, which may be vital if you plan on spending time in bed.

Airbeds: Adjustable airbeds like Sleep Number beds allow you to adjust the firmness by adding or removing air from compartments within the bed’s core. This ability allows these mattresses to be adapted specifically to your comfort level.

Waterbeds: Although waterbeds have largely fallen out of popularity over time, water-filled mattresses have been shown to reduce pain by improving circulation and reducing pressure points.

Conclusion

If you suffer from back pain, finding the right mattress is essential. A bad mattress can aggravate and even cause back problems. The best mattresses for back pain offer support without sacrificing comfort.