Best Mattress For Back Pain
Finding the right mattress for back pain can be a tough, but we’ve done the hard work for you.
What Makes A Good Mattress For Back Pain?
Is it time to buy a new mattress? Whether it’s been 8+ years, or you’ve purchased a poorly constructed mattress made of bad materials that has made your back pain worse at night…. Regardless, you are here because its time to switch.
So, what makes a good mattress for back pain? What criteria do you need to look for?
There are 5 important qualities to look for when choosing the best mattress for back pain: Support, pressure point relief, material quality, edge support, breathability.
Supportive Mattress – Support can best be described as a mattress that pushes into you. You want to feel like you are on top of the mattress, not sinking into it. Our bodies need this because without it our muscles are left working overtime to support our spine throughout the night. Our joints and vertebral discs aren’t allowed to relax and decompress. Overtime, these long periods of stress and unrest and can lead to pain at night. Having a supportive mattress is crucial for a restful and pain free night sleep.
Pressure Relief – ***Side sleepers! This is very important! *** Pressure point relief is a must for certain areas of the body, particularly those parts that stick out, and this includes your hips and your shoulders. These types of joints are called ball and socket joints, and at night they can become very unhappy if they are being compressed all night while sleeping on your side. A mattress that offers pressure relief to these joints is a must for those bad backs that have pain at night.
Quality of Materials – You can buy the most comfortable mattress in the world, but if it’s not made of quality materials it wont last and you will waist your money. You should only purchase mattress products that are sourced from quality materials. If a mattress company does not disclose where they source their products do not buy it! Transparency is important with any company, but especially with expensive products you spend a third of your life using. The types of materials used in mattresses are generally: memory foam, latex, gel, cotton pillow tops, wool, copper, innersprings, and more. Be sure the mattress company gives specific information about it’s materials it’s using in it’s mattresses.
Edge Support – This one’s a sneaker. Have you ever been on a mattress that always feel like your going to fall off if you get close to the edges? . . .Yea us too. No having proper edge support means that you can use a large part of the mattress and suddenly your mattress is a lot smaller than you think it is. When you aren’t getting the same quality of support and comfort on the edges, you are also not getting the same quality of spinal alignment and sleep quality from your mattress.
Breathability – Sweating while sleeping is a terrible problem to have night after night. If you mattress isn’t designed to pull away heat you will start to sweat. Not only is that terribly uncomfortable, but the moisture from your body will also cause damage to your mattress overtime. Moisture causes mattress materials to lose their resilience and sag. Be sure your mattress is made of open celled materials that allow air flow and keep you cool at night.
Best Beds For Back Pain
Our Top Picks
Below are our top mattress picks we have carefully chosen to give you a few options. We have chosen the best mattress for lower back pain, the best mattress for side sleepers, the best mattress for arthritis, and the best firm mattress for back pain. There is no “one mattress fits all” scenario, that just doesn’t exist. Each mattress varies on material, comfort, firmness, etc., and each has it’s own pros and cons that we will discuss below. Back pain comes in many forms depending on the condition you are suffering from, so take a look and see which might be best for you and your back problems.
Best Mattress For Lower Back Pain
TEMPUR-Pedic ProAdapt Mattress
If you suffer from lower back pain at night, are tossing and turning, or your back feels sore in the morning then its likely you are not getting enough support from your mattress at night. Does your mattress sag or indent? Does it feel like you are swallowed up by your mattress? If your answer is yes, then these are signs you are lacking support, and the TEMPUR-Pedic ProAdapt offer plenty of that.
TEMPUR-Pedic is a brand that makes reputable, high quality, durable mattresses that are built to last. Their ProAdapt mattress is their most popular bed and our number one choice for the best mattress for back pain…. specifically lower back pain. Here is why:
Your low back is what’s called a lordotic curvature. This is just a fancy way of saying it bows inward instead of outward. Because of this your low back may not get as much support from your mattress as other parts of your body. So you need something that pushes up into you. Without that support your low back muscles are left working to support your spine at night. This can lead to pain. muscle spasms, disc issues, sciatica, and even chronic degenerative changes if left unaddressed over a number of years. Finding a supportive mattress is key to allowing the spine to relax and decompress at night, and the ProAdapt mattress does just that. So what makes the TEMPUR-Pedic so great? Let’s take a look.
The TEMPUR-Pedic ProAdapt Mattress is a type of hybrid mattress. This means its made up of a top layer (memory foam/latex/gel/pillow top) mixed with an innerspring or pocket coil core. The difference between the ProAdapt mattress and other hybrids is that TEMPUR-Pedic manufacturers all their own foams in house. That’s right, they have a team of sleep engineers that formulate and manufacture their own proprietary foams that are installed into their mattresses. This really isn’t a surprise if you already know that TEMPUR-Pedic was the developer of the foams they used for NASA. They have always been on the forefront of engineering sleep products. When you look inside the mattress you’ll find several layers of foam and gel foams that all play a specific role in making sure you are not only supported, but also have plenty of pressure relief throughout the night. When you get the the mattresses core you’ll find not one, but two layers of hundreds of responsive pocketed coils. Why is all this important you ask?
Memory foam and innerspring both have their own pros and cons. The innersprings or pocket coils give the mattress a high level support and responsiveness, but historically could be characterized as uncomfortable. Memory foam is known for its pressure point relief, but is slow to respond. Combining the materials in the way TEMPUR-Pedic does solves all these problems and only amplifies each materials qualities. The proprietary ProAdapt gel memory foam layers in the mattress offer the pressure relief in those areas of your body that need it. The 1000+ pocket coils in the mattress give it extra resilience and support, but it’s levels of layers keep it from feeling “springy” or uncomfortable. This mattress offers four comfort options to choose from: Soft, medium. medium hybrid, and firm. . .we recommend the medium hybrid. If you’d like to see this mattress with the exact recommended specifications CLICK HERE.
The combination of support, pressure relief, comfort, quality of materials, and affordability is what makes this mattress top the list as the best mattress for back pain and lower back pain.
TEMPUR-Pedic Reviews
Best Mattress For Side Sleepers With Back Pain
The Cocoon Chill Hybrid by Sealy
Are you a side sleeper with back pain? Do you have pain at night in your hips or shoulders? The Cocoon Chill Hybrid made by Sealy is a good fit for you. The mattress is perhaps the plushest most forgiving bed we recommend in our article, which is why it’s perfect for side sleepers. If you sleep on your side you need too things: A responsive mattress that can simultaneously meet the support needs of your low back, and a forgiving mattress that can give the pressure point relief you may need for the hip and shoulder joints. The mattress does a very good job of both these things.
The Cocoon Chill Hybrid is made by the largest most trusted mattress company in the world. Sealy (you may have heard of them) also owns tempur-pedic and Stearns and Foster, so they know a little bit about what they are doing. The Cocoon is their most recent mattress cultivation that is conveniently delivered straight to your door. Read on to see what is on the inside of this mattress that makes it so good for side sleepers.
The Cocoon Chill and Chill Hybrid are the two mattresses to choose from, and we recommend the latter. As stated earlier, a hybrid mattress gives you the best of both worlds in terms of support and pressure point relief. The Chill Hybrid is considered an upgrade as it has an extra layer of “Perfect Fit” contouring memory foam. It’s also more responsiveness because of it’s inner coil center, and it’s made with a special edge support technology, so the mattress wont cave on the outsides.
This isn’t just a mattress for side sleepers. There are many other features built into this bed, as it’s called the chill for a reason. The entire mattress is wrapped in a proprietary “Phase Change” cover that absorbs heat and pulls it away from the body, leaving you cool and dry while getting a comfortable pain free sleep. It also comes with free sheets and two large pillows. The best part is that it’s our most affordable mattress recommendation.
Cocoon Chill Hybrid Reviews
Best Mattress For Arthritis
The Layla Hybrid
You may be thinking “Wow this mattress looks like it’s from the future!” That’s because it is! It’s from the future and it’s here to take away your chronic back pain. Just kidding, it’s not from the future… but it may take away your pain because this mattress has features to it that no other mattress company has thought of. We will get into those features in a moment, but first what makes the best mattress for chronic pain and arthritis?
First, you need a mattress that is cool, because heat can increase inflammation in arthritic sleepers. Second, you need a mattress that has a nice combination or support and pressure relief. Third, you need a mattress that can meet the needs of each and every person that sleeps on it, because everyone’s chronic pain is different. This mattress does all of these things.
Let’s talk features, because the The Layla Chill Hybrid has a lot of them. As stated before, every persons pain a little different, so how do you decide which firmness is right for everyone? You can’t, unless your mattress has different firmness options built inside, and the Layla Hybrid does. The mattress is flippable, with one side being firm, and the other side being medium. So, If you need more pressure relief then you can sleep on the medium side, and if you need more support you can flip it over to the firm side.
The Layla is the perfect mattress for all sleeping positions. Back sleepers with back pain need a firm option. Stomach sleepers with back pain need an extra firm option. Side sleepers with back pain need a medium option. With the Layla you get everything you need all built into one comfortable and durable hybrid mattress.
One of the coolest things about this mattress (no pun intended) is the copper infused memory foam used inside the bed. It is designed to transfer heat away from the the body giving you a much cooler sleep throughout the night. It also has a copper infused gel that acts as an antimicrobial barrier and helps resist odors that can develop overtime.
Layla Hybrid Reviews
Best Firm Mattress For Back Pain
The Loom & Leaf
Loom & Leaf is our choice as the best firm mattress for back pain. This mattress is not like the others on the list. It’s our only recommendation that is not a hybrid, and yet it is most firm mattress on our list. This mattress is made with layer after layer after layer after layer after layer of ultra premium high density memory foam, and that is not an exaggeration….five layers of foam. Before we peel back these layers. Lets’ talk about why it is important to have a firm mattress and what type of back pain sleeper this mattress would benefit most.
Firm mattresses are designed for the ones who need the most amount of support. The middle and lower parts of the spine need the most amount of support from a mattress. those who suffer from chronic low back pain, disc problems, sciatica, or scoliosis need an additional amount of firm support that you wouldn’t normally get from a typical bed in a box mattress. Although it is not recommended to sleep on your stomach (it will increase your back pain), if you do, this mattress is what is recommended. Stomach sleepers need all the firm support they can get from a mattress. The more a mattress sags in, the more the lower back will bow in, leaving your back un aligned and your muscles working overtime to support your spine.
You don’t have to worry about whether this mattress will leave you hot at night. Loom & Leaf’s ultra premium high density memory foam mattress starts with two top layers of gel infused foam. The gel pulls heat away from your body which will allow you to sleep cool and comfortable. As you get to the mattress center you run into denser and denser pieces of foam that give you an incredible amount of contouring, support, and pressure relief all in one.
Top layer: Proprietary gel infused lumbar memory foam designed to keep you cool and relieve pressure points.
Breathable foam layer: 2″ CertiPUR-US certified gel foam that is open celled for additional circulation and pressure relief.
Body hugging high density memory foam core: 2 1/2″ CertiPUR-US certified ultra premium 5lb memory foam. For maximum comfort and support and deep contouring to give your body that hugging feeling.
Transitional foam layer: 2″ CertiPUR-US certified transitional loft pad which determines the firmness level of your mattress (2 options).
Durable Foam Base: 5 1/2″ CertiPUR-US certified foam base for maximum durability.
Loom & Leaf Reviews
Tips For Sleepers With Back Pain
We have discussed which mattresses are best for back pain. Below we have highlighted some tips on how you can sleep better at night, hopefully with less pain, and an improved quality of sleep. We hope that the knowledge we provide you is beneficial for your night time back pain.
Best Type of Mattress For Back Pain
Choosing which type of mattress to sleep on is crucial to relieving your back pain. There are so many material options to choose from, so how do you know which would be best for your back? Below we have outlined the most common materials, and some of the materials we have already listed in this article, to help you better understand which mattress material might be best for your bad back and back pain relief.
Memory Foam Mattress
When it comes to a memory foam mattress for back pain there is some anecdotal evidence that memory foam mattresses can help. It has become increasingly important to find a mattress that gives us the support we need to maintain good posture and avoid pain. Memory foam mattresses are one type of bed that has been shown to be helpful in alleviating back pain. Memory foam is a specialized type of foam that contours to your body, providing support where you need it most… in the middle and lower back. This can help to evenly distribute your weight, which adds support, but also takes pressure off of your spine and other sensitive areas. Memory foam mattresses are also generally quite firm, which helps to prevent sinking into the mattress and throwing off your alignment. If you’re struggling with back pain, memory foam may be worth considering as part of your search for the perfect mattress.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses are thought to be more responsive and durable than traditional memory foam. Their support can be lacking depending on the source, but latex is known for adjusting to your movements faster than memory foam, and typically provide superior pressure point relief. Latex is also organic and has no harmful chemicals in it, which makes it a great product for families who are conscious of their health. Traditionally it is a bit more expensive, especially when referring to Talalay latex, which is considered the gold standard for Latex mattresses. If you are going to choose a latex mattress for back pain, be sure it’s open celled to provide air flow, as latex mattresses can be known to retain heat and sleep hot.
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattress for back pain aren’t typically recommended without being a hybrid mattress. this is because they have the tendency to be clunky and uncomfortable. While there are a variety of factors that can contribute to back pain, an innerspring mattress may be one of them. Innerspring mattresses have a tendency to sag over time, which can put strain on your spine and lead to pain in the morning. If you’re considering buying a new mattress, it may be worth investigating some of the other options on the market in order to find one that better suits your needs.
Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress for back pain is perhaps the best option to choose. A hybrid mattress is a type of mattress that combines different materials, such as memory foam, latex, and coils. Mattresses that are too soft or too firm can aggravate existing aches and pains, making it difficult to get comfortable. Hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds, with a supportive base and a comfortable top layer. This can help to reduce tossing and turning, and provide the optimal amount of support for people with back pain. The coils provide support and the memory foam and latex conform to your body, providing pressure relief. This can help to reduce back pain because it provides firm support while also alleviating pressure points. In addition, hybrid mattresses often have a cooling effect, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain. If you are struggling with back pain, a hybrid mattress may be a good option for you.
Best Sleeping Positions
Everyone has their preferred sleeping position. Some are better than others. However, there are some tips that may help you sleep better, if you are not willing to change your desired sleep position. Take a look at the information we have provided, to help you better understand which sleeping position is best for back pain
Back Sleepers With Back Pain
Back sleeping is actually perfectly safe for your back! In fact, many experts suggest that sleeping on your back is the best position for preventing and managing back pain. The key for back sleepers with back pain is to make sure that your spine is properly supported by a quality mattress that pushes up into you, and that your body doesn’t sag into the bed. One tip is to place a pillow or bolster underneath your legs. This flattens out your lower back, decreased the strain on the muscles, and allows your spine to get extra support from your mattress throughout the night. You should aim to keep your spine in a neutral position. This will help to prevent strain on your muscles and joints, and reduce your risk of experiencing back pain.
Side Sleepers With Back Pain
Side sleepers with back pain tend to have one of two issues: Either they don’t have enough support for their low back and their spine and mid section sink in, or there is too much pressure on their hips and shoulders when sleeping on your side. There are solutions for those who suffer from back pain and sleep on their side. First, you need a mattress that can fully support your spine in neutral position, but also have enough pressure relief to give way to the hips and shoulders. A good mattress that does both simultaneously is a hybrid mattress. Secondly, put a pillow or bolster in between your legs when on your side. This takes even more stress and pressure off your hips and sacroiliac joints. Lastly, make sure you have a proper pillow that supports your neck and keeps your spine in neutral position. Having all these boxes checked will ensure you can have a pain free night while sleeping on your side.
Stomach Sleepers With Back Pain
Stomach sleepers with back pain often have a hard time finding a comfortable position to sleep in. Sleeping on the stomach is not a natural position for the body. It can put extra pressure on the spine and can lead to pain in the lower back, as well as in the neck and shoulders. Additionally, stomach sleeping can make it difficult to breathe, as the stomach presses against the lungs. As a result, stomach sleepers with back pain often wake up feeling tired and stiff. While there are a number of ways to reduce back pain, stomach sleepers may find that sleeping on their side or on their back is the most comfortable position. By taking the necessary steps to switch positions, stomach sleepers can reduce their pain and get a good night’s sleep.
It’s not recommended you sleep on your stomach. However, if you do, be sure to sleep on an ultra firm mattress to get as much support as possible.
FAQ’s
What is the best mattress for back pain?
When it comes to finding the best mattress for back pain, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different people have different preferences, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help to narrow down the options. First, it is important to choose a mattress that is firm enough to support the spine but forgiving enough to provide cushioning and pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. Second, the mattress should be comfortable and breathable to minimize tossing and turning. Third, make sure the mattress has an adequate amount of edge support, otherwise your mattress will feel smaller than it looks. Finally, it is important to make sure your mattress is sourced from resilient materials. Finding a mattress that is resilient and stable long term prevents sagging and premature wear. By keeping these factors in mind, it is possible to find a mattress that will offer both comfort and support for lasting relief from back pain. We recommend the TEMPUR-Pedic ProAdapt mattress as the overall best mattress for back pain.
What is the best firm mattress for back pain?
When it comes to finding the best firm mattress for back pain, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the type of mattress you currently have. If it is too soft, it may be causing or aggravating your back pain. Second, think about the size of the mattress. A too-small mattress can also lead to back pain, as it does not provide sufficient support for your spine. Finally, take into account your sleep position. If you typically sleep on your stomach or back, a firmer mattress may be best, as it will provide more support for your spine. Ultimately, the best firm mattress for back pain is the one that best meets your individual needs and preferences. We recommend the Loom and Leaf, as it has superior support in comparison to other memory foam mattresses on the market.
Which type of mattress is not good for back pain?
Generally, a mattress that is too soft is usually the cause of back pain. This is because soft mattresses, although comfortable, lack support for your body. This leaves your spine unsupported and out of proper alignment, which ultimately leads to back pain. Having a mattress that is made of poor materials can also be the problem, because overtime the mattress will sink in or sag.
What sleeping position is best for back pain?
The best sleeping position for back pain is on your back with a bolster underneath your legs, or on your side with a pillow or bolster in between your legs. This will allow your spine to stay neutral and give you plenty of support.
What is the best mattress for arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition that can cause pain and inflammation in the joints. It can be incredibly painful, and make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. If you’re suffering from arthritis, you may be wondering what kind of mattress is best for you. You need a mattress that keeps you cool at night. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that does not respond well to heat. A mattress that pulls heat away from the body and keeps you feeling cool and dry is best. It is also important that you have a mattress with multiple firmness settings, because everyone’s arthritis is a bit different. So, some back pain sufferers may need a firm bed, and some may need a more plush mattress.
We recommend the Layla Hybrid as the best mattress for arthritis because of its copper infusion and its ability to keep you cool at night. It is also flippable and has two different firmness settings.
What is the best mattress for side sleepers?
Side sleepers with back pain typically need a mattress that is very responsive. It is a tough balancing act because they need a bed that is supportive enough to keep their lumbar spine in neutral position, but also soft enough to relieve pressure points on the hips and shoulders. A good pillow that supports the neck is also recommended. Lastly, make sure the mattress has adequate airflow so it doesn’t overheat and cause additional discomfort.
We recommend the Cocoon Chill Hybrid by Sealy because of it’s medium-firm setting and it’s ability to respond to the body quickly.
What is the best mattress for stomach sleepers?
It is not recommended to sleep on your stomach. Stomach sleepers usually struggle with back pain because their muscles are having to work all night to support the spine that is bending in the opposite direction, rather than being supported by the bed on your back.
However, if you choose to sleep on your stomach it is recommended to have an ultra firm mattress that gives your body lots of support. We recommend the Loom and Leaf because of it’s superior support over other mattresses.