Around 80% of Americans will experience some type of back problem in their lifetime. Also, according to information from the American Chiropractic Association, back pain is the second most common reason people visit the doctor.
There are many reasons for back pain, and one is sleeping on the wrong type of mattress. Old and sunken-in mattresses lack the support you need to get a quality night’s sleep.
Buying a new mattress seems like a simple solution, but there are many factors you need to keep in mind when shopping. For instance, you’ll want to consider your sleeping position and the firmness of your new mattress.
Here are our top tips on choosing mattresses for back pain that should help you through the process.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
Before you begin shopping for a new mattress, you should find out what’s causing your back pain. It may be due to more than an old mattress. If you have an underlying medical condition or have poor posture, you should first address these concerns.
Talk to your doctor or a chiropractor for advice on the type of pain you have and how to manage it. They can offer suggestions on exercises you can do to help with the pain, or whether you should consider a particular type of mattress. The key to finding that perfect mattress is to balance support with comfort.
When choosing mattresses, look for those that address particular types of pain, such as lower back or neck pain. If you have an injury or medical condition, one type may suit you better than others.
2. Try Different Firmness Levels
Do you like firm mattresses or soft mattresses better? You may have heard conflicting evidence on which type is best for your back, leaving you confused.
The truth is that it depends on your preferences and your body, but most people find a medium-firm the perfect solution for back pain.
If you’re not sure what level of firmness leaves you feeling the most refreshed in the morning, try a few different types. You can head to the mattress store and try some out, although the better option is often choosing a mattress with an extended trial period.
Many mattress companies offer a 90 or even 180-day trial, so you can test the mattress out at home and see if you like it or not. At-home trials are the best way to determine if a particular model or firmness level relieves your back pain.
3. Get a Hybrid Mattress
Often, back pain is caused by a mattress with poor support. You want to look for a mattress design that helps keep your spine in alignment and doesn’t cause joint pressure. Mattresses that are too soft or too firm can cause these common problems.
There are both pros and cons to memory foam and innerspring mattresses. If you’re not sure whether you want to go with a memory foam mattress or an innerspring, why not choose a mattress that combines elements of both?
The Saatva Hybrid Mattress combines innerspring, memory foam, and latex for a more comfortable night’s sleep. By combining the best elements from each type of mattress, you can experience more support and comfort.
4. Consider Sleeping Position
Another factor you need to consider when looking for a mattress with back support is your sleeping position. Are you a side sleeper, a back sleeper, or a stomach sleeper?
Stomach sleepers should avoid mattresses that are too firm because these can encourage your body to sink in. If your stomach sinks into the mattress, it can increase the arch in your back, leading to back pain.
Side sleepers, or those that like to sleep in the fetal position, can benefit from a slightly softer mattress. Softer materials conform to the body without putting pressure on either hips or shoulders.
If you’re a back sleeper but still experience back pain in the morning, you’ll want to search for a mattress that offers support and keeps all parts of your body in alignment. A combination of foam and coils can offer varying levels of firmness that keep your body from sinking too deep into the mattress.
5. Choosing Mattresses With Back Support Features
When shopping for a new mattress, make sure to research the different mattress features first. Look for mattresses that specifically mention back support.
Other key terms to look for include mattresses that provide pressure relief and offer posture support for optimal comfort and less back pain.
Extra features you may want to consider include edge support, which can help your mattress keep its shape and provide better support across the entire surface.
6. Do You Get Hot at Night?
If you get hot at night, you’ll want to look for mattresses that feature cooling materials. Mattresses with good air circulation help keep your body cooler at night, which can often result in better sleep.
Spring mattresses are often best for people that sleep hot. Combination mattresses with springs, gel, and latex are also good investments. Memory foam can get hot, but there are options for foam mattresses and alternatives that can improve airflow and regulate body temperature.
When considering mattresses for back support, make sure you also keep your preferences and sleeping habits in mind. Combine features like back support with cooling features to find the perfect fit.
7. Consider Your Body Type
Lastly, your body type plays a part in how comfortable your mattress feels. Height and weight may impact how much support you need, which also affects the firmness level you’ll want.
A particular firmness level that works for someone else may not feel comfortable to you. That’s why it’s important to try different firmness levels and choose a mattress seller that offers extended trials.
If you’re heavier, you may want to look for mattresses that offer extra support or are geared towards heavy or tall individuals.
Rest Easy With a New Mattress
Choosing mattresses to relieve back pain can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. It’s not always easy to know which style and firmness level will work for you. In many cases, the best solution is trial and error, which is why extended trials are so helpful.
If you’re unsure where to start, choose a medium-firm mattress that offers more support and relieves pain by keeping your body in alignment. Consider buying a mattress with layers that combine different materials for the best of all worlds.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check back on our site for more useful tips and tricks.
