There are various causes of back pain, but the most common is due to issues with how someone sleeps. If you want to find the best mattress for back pain, there are things that you need to consider. Millions are suffering from chronic pain, and a vast majority of people around the world are troubled by back pain.

1 What Causes Back Pain?

It is extremely common for people to have back pain. More people experience lower back pain than other types of back pain. Studies revealed that it is one of the top causes of more visits to the doctor's office.

Back pain is usually described as chronic or acute. Chronic back pain is something that did not happen just recently - it is a long-term concern. Acute back pain usually happens suddenly and does not last that long. Most of the time, it is a response to a certain incident like twisting of the back as a result of an accident.

There's also the spine's structural issue, such as degenerative or herniated discs or spinal stenosis, which can lead to back pain. You also need to consider the possibility of underlying medical issues that may be more serious than you think. If your back pain is debilitating or worsening, don't hesitate to consult a doctor right away.

It is still necessary to go to your doctor to rule out possible causes of your back pain. Using the right mattress can help alleviate the pain, but it is still advisable to seek some help from a doctor to be sure. A doctor may also refer you to an expert who can recommend a mattress that can ease your back pain.

2 Can a Mattress Cause Back Pain?

A mattress plays an important role in providing your body with the right support throughout the night. Most people are aware of the importance of posture but only consider it while they are sitting or standing. They overlook the importance of having the right mattress that can support their weight, body shape, and sleeping position. The wrong mattress can cause back pain.

Your joints and spine won't be able to relax if they are not well-cushioned and properly aligned while you are sleeping. Your body recovers and fixes everything during sleep. However, your body will not be able to go through a proper process of recovering and will only feel strained and exacerbate the back issues when you are using the wrong mattress. The best way to know that you are using an unsuitable mattress is when your back pain is worst in the morning upon waking up, and the pain begins to subside during the day. It is a sign that you need to replace your mattress.

If you are having some difficulties acquiring an uninterrupted sleep during the night and feel a slight pain on your back, heed the signs and find a better mattress now. Not having a good night's sleep each night can lead to serious health problems.

3 What's the Best Mattress for Back Pain Then?

3.1 Mattress Type

• Hybrid

The best mattress for back pain sufferers is one that conforms to that person's sleeping position and body type. Back-friendly models can be found in all mattress types. Many people prefer hybrid mattresses because they offer the finest combination of pressure relief and support.

The hybrid's pocketed coils provide better alignment of the spine than foam or innerspring. It is especially so if the coils are zoned ergonomically. The hybrid's comfort system, which is commonly made from latex or synthetic foam, provides the right contouring and pressure relief that are necessary to release tension and evade pressure points.

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• Foam

Mattresses that use several types of foam, such as high-density polyfoam, memory foam, and latex, can offer the best support for those suffering from back pain. The balanced approach combines pressure relief and lifts for a pleasant feel.

• Airbed

You can use your smartphone app or remote to control the pump that adds or removes air from the airbed. This allows you to adjust the firmness according to your preference. The airbed's comfort system, which is layered on top of the support core, may include wool, polyester, cotton, or latex.

The airbed is known for its adjustability. It is a huge plus for people looking for a quick or instant modification of the bed's firmness to ease their back pain. All they need is to use the remote or their smartphone app to modify the firmness that suits their preference at a certain point in time.

3.2 Mattress Firmness

From time immemorial, people believed that a firmer mattress is always better than other beds when it comes to relieving back pain. Recent studies reveal that extremely firm mattresses could be responsible for spine pain. In one study, experts found out that mattresses with medium firmness can provide better support for the neck and back than extremely firm beds.

The systematic review of mattress studies also backs up the claim. It has been found that mattresses with medium firmness can help enhance the quality of sleep and comfort. The reviewers also suspect that the mattresses also promote better alignment of the spine during sleep.

Several other studies yield similar conclusions. With science backing up the claims, it can be said that the medium-firm mattress may just be the best bed to ease back pain.

The right firmness of the mattress can help keep the proper alignment of the spine during sleep. A mattress that is too firm can be devastating to your pressure points and cause misalignment. A mattress that is too squishy or soft may result in poor sleeping posture.

Typically, people suffering from back pain will want to choose a mattress that is between 5 and 7 on the firmness scale (going from softest to firmest). The medium-firm mattress can likely soothe the pain in the lumbar region and extend the much-needed hip support.

Factoring in Personal Preferences and Sleeping Positions

Your personal preference always matters. Don't forget to include your usual sleeping position when choosing the mattress.

Basically, medium-firm mattresses are the best in providing support for back and front sleepers. The right level of firmness can support the sleepers' back or front side. Side sleepers can benefit a lot from the mattress' cushioning support.

Take note that the right firmness is a matter of choice or personal preference. What's firm enough for your friend may not be the case for you.

• Side sleepers should use a soft mattress.

A soft mattress adjusts to the side profile of your body if you are a side sleeper. The side profile has more curves than the stomach or the back.

• Back sleeper should use a firm mattress.

A firm mattress can provide better back support than a soft bed. When you are a back sleeper and you use a soft mattress, you will just sink into the mattress and will not get the right back support. The soft mattress will cradle your back forming a U shape, which indicates that your back is not getting the right support it needs.

• Stomach sleepers should use a firm mattress.

As much as possible, you should not sleep on your stomach. If it is impossible to do so, you should get a firm mattress to sleep on. Take note that the firmness of your mattress can only solve a part of the problems that a stomach sleeper usually encounters.

• Take your weight into consideration.

The weight you have is a huge factor in choosing the right mattress. People who weigh below 130 lbs are recommended to choose a soft mattress. Those who weigh between 130 lbs and 230 lbs should choose a medium-firm mattress. Those who weigh over 230 lbs should choose a firm mattress.



4 Key Considerations

- Durability

Don't expect a sagging or easily worn-out mattress to provide the kind of comfort and support that your body requires. It is important to give priority to finding the mattress that will perform well within the period that you hope to use it.

Mattresses that are made with high-density foams and high-end materials usually last longer than those made with inferior materials.

- Allergies

If you have allergies to dust, mold, and other allergens that may come in contact with the mattress, you need to seriously consider the material of the bed to buy. Traditional mattresses are usually prone to having mold growth due to their moisture-retention feature. Natural latex and foam do not retain much moisture and can resist the growth of fungi.

- Affordability

Treat your mattress as an investment. Having a good night's sleep and waking up fully rejuvenated can be precious. A good bed should at least last close to 10 years. Keep in mind that you are investing money in your well-being.

There are many quality options, models, brands, and types that can provide your back with proper support while you are sleeping without breaking the bank.

- Strong Review History

The customer reviews allow you to learn so much about the mattress that you are eyeing to buy. But, practice good discernment when reading the reviews. Make sure that you are reading legit reviews from reliable sites.

- Return Policy

Some merchants offer a worry-free trial period to their customers to test out the bed for free. Others will only charge a return fee. You will never know if the bed is the one for you unless you try it out first. Before you order or buy the mattress, make sure that you can still return it when the test run at home fails.

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5 Other Solutions to Relieve Back Pain

Sometimes a new mattress or the one with correct firmness is not the answer to alleviating the back pain. There are combinations of many different factors that affect your sleep. You need to take the following into consideration:

- Nutrition

Consuming a well-balanced diet contributes a lot in achieving better sleep, which can alleviate pain and stress. Reducing sugar and coffee intake are great first steps to take in modifying your diet. Taking less sugar and caffeine can help enhance sleep quality.

- Think about switching to an adjustable bed

Those with back pain and arthritis issues can gain a lot of benefits when their bed is inclined between 30 and 45 degrees as they sleep. Inclining the bed can provide relief from pressure and pain as compared to sleeping flat on a bed.

There are a variety of designs for an adjustable bed in the market today. These beds often come with a remote control that allows easy control of the lower portion of the bed. Expect that an adjustable bed that features so many things in its remote control can be more expensive than the others of the same kind.

- Exercise to make your muscles stronger

Making your core and back muscles stronger can help alleviate the pain that you feel. Researchers reveal that exercising can help speed up healing, reduce stiffness, enhance the flow of blood, and promote flexibility. Some exercises can strengthen the muscles on your back, hips, and legs. The exercises include partial curls, leg lifts, rotational stretches, knee stretches, bridges, and others.

- Slightly raise your legs

If you are using a firm mattress and lie on your back when you sleep, you can put some pillow underneath your legs to elevate them a bit. This action can help ease lower back pain due to the pelvis rocking toward your feet.

6 In Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing an ideal mattress to alleviate back pain. There are different types of sleepers and different mattresses that can help them attain better and pain-free sleep. Find out the best mattress to ease your back pain now. Couple it with the pain-easing techniques and you can look forward to waking up feeling totally refreshed, invigorated, and without pain.