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Lower back pain can be very uncomfortable, but most of the time it resolves itself within a few days. However, medium-firm mattresses can help promote spinal alignment and extra comfort, reducing pain.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Please note all prices are for queen-sized mattresses.
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Firmness: MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
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A person looking for a new mattress needs to ensure they choose one that is comfortable and provides spinal support. Some factors to consider include the following:
Comfort: Individuals can typically choose between a soft, medium-firm, or firm mattress. The most suitable firmness will differ between people and may depend on their preferred sleep position and the severity of their back pain.
Type: There are various types of mattresses available, such as memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, and latex. People should consider the pros and cons of each type before buying. For instance, all-foam mattresses can be affordable but hot to sleep on, while innerspring mattresses may not provide good motion isolation. Latex mattresses are unsuitable for people with a latex allergy, while hybrid mattresses can offer support and comfort across different firmnesses.
Sleeping position: People should choose a mattress that provides appropriate support and pressure relief for their preferred sleep position.
Price: Mattresses can be an expensive purchase, and people should research a number of brands to see which mattress offers the features they need at an affordable price. People may also need to factor in shipping and installation fees and returns fees in some cases. However, most brands offer a sleep trial that can help people make a decision before committing to the purchase.
People with lower back pain are less likely to have restful sleep and more likely to experience sleep difficulties, such as insomnia and sleep disturbances.
Sleeping with lower back pain can be difficult. People can try changing their sleep position and using supports to keep their body aligned, reducing strain or pressure on the muscles and bones in and around the lower back. Some research notes that side sleeping may protect against back pain.
Some positions people can try include sleeping on their side with a pillow between their knees. This keeps the hips aligned with the spine and pelvis. People can also use pillows to support their knees when they sleep on their back.
The fetal position can also reduce pressure on the spinal discs. If someone has a herniated disc causing lower back pain, this may be a comfortable option for them.
All mattresses wear out over time, but their longevity depends on the method and material a company uses to create them.
People with back pain who have an older mattress that has become saggy or lumpy with no edge support may benefit from a new one.
That said, some materials may be more suitable for helping with back pain than others. 2021 research states that lower back pain was found to be more common in those using foam and firm mattresses. The researchers go on to quote another study which concluded that cotton mattresses provided comfort in those with lower back pain.
Below, we answer some of the top frequently asked questions about mattresses for lower back pain.
Is it better to have a soft or firm mattress for back pain?
A soft mattress may not keep the spine adequately aligned, which is important for people with lower back pain.
Firm mattresses may be more beneficial for some, but research suggests that medium-firm mattresses are the best at reducing back pain.
Which type of mattress is good for back pain?
Any supportive mattress may help reduce back pain. However, a hybrid mattress with zoned support offering a firm feel in the lumbar region may provide the most support.
Can a bad mattress cause lower back pain?
Yes, unsupportive mattresses can cause lower back pain. If a mattress is sagging, has soft spots, or a person is waking up with aches and pains, they should consider purchasing a new one.
Which type of mattress is good for back pain?
The main factors a person should consider when buying a mattress for lower back pain is support, alignment, and pressure point relief. Memory foam mattresses can provide all of these, but some people find they retain too much heat. Hybrid mattresses include coils and foam, which can offer support and comfort with enhanced breathability.
The best mattress type, firmness, and materials for lower back pain will differ from person to person, their sleep position, and the cause of their back pain.
People with low back pain can check whether they need to buy a new mattress.
Many companies stock mattresses, and a person can buy one that suits their preferred firmness level. They can also choose the size and height of the mattress they wish to purchase.
However, individuals with low back pain can also consider engaging in yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness to help ease back pain.
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