Despite newer and better materials, inner spring mattresses still rank below average for pain relief. Advancements in technology, design and materials have greatly expanded the market for mattresses in the 21st century. The primary function of any mattress is to provide comfort and relieve pain so your body can rest and rejuvenate. A good mattress provides adequate support where it is needed, while also cushioning pressure points. Comfort of the shoulders, hips and back is of particular importance in providing restful sleep. The best mattress for both support and comfort depends on your needs, as no single mattress type can cover everyone's needs. Addressing Shoulder Pain Most people tend to sleep in one of three positions, on their side, on their back or on their stomach. Although it's uncommon to stay in just one position all night, it's not uncommon to favor one position. Side sleepers may experience more issues with shoulder pain than those who spend more time on their back or stomach.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists four common causes of shoulder pain: tendon inflammation, instability, arthritis and bone fractures. If you suffer from acute or chronic shoulder pain or spend most of your time sleeping on your side, you need a mattress with firm support that also conforms to your body to cushion your shoulder. Natural latex and memory foam contour to the body, relieving pressure points while also providing support, making them a good choice for shoulders. Lower Back Pain Mattresses that are too soft can exacerbate lower back problems. Sagging from compression of the material is a common problem, causing the lower spine to rest in an unnatural position. Support is an important factor in preventing and alleviating back pain. According to Sleep Like the Dead, an unbiased, independent research company that reviews and compares mattresses, traditional innerspring mattresses have the highest rating for causing pain and have the most problems with sagging. Waterbeds also tend to lack adequate support for the lower spine.
Memory foam provides good support, although it can also develop problems with sagging over time. Latex mattresses provide good support but some owners complain they are too firm. Airbeds rate the best for causing the least amount of pain, due to excellent support and adjustable firmness to suit personal preferences. Firmness and Sleeping Positions The best sleeping position for those with shoulder or back pain varies from one individual to the next. Medium to firm mattresses often work best for back sleepers. Pressure is more evenly distributed when you sleep on your back. Those who sleep on their side are more comfortable with medium to soft mattresses, as it helps relieve pressure on hips and shoulders. Stomach sleepers need medium firmness to avoid too much pressure on the knees. Too much softness can make it difficult to breathe if you have sunk deep into the mattress and may also cause neck pain. Additional Options Compare pros and cons of mattress types before comparing brand names.
You can upgrade the comfort and support of an innerspring mattress by adding a mattress topper, which comes in a variety of materials such as memory foam, featherbeds, latex, fiber and wool. However, these products also have pros and cons. Mattresses that rank high in pain relief and support, such as an air mattress or memory foam used on an adjustable bed, may help with certain conditions such as osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. Finally, research customer reviews of brand name mattresses before heading out to mattress showrooms to try them out yourself. "Consumer Reports" recommends laying on a mattress for 15 minutes, altering the positions you sleep in most to determine a mattress's comfort level. References Spine-Health: Choosing the Best Mattress for Lower Back PainSleep Like the Dead: Best Mattresses for Pain Relief and Bad BackPlushbeds: Best Mattress for Shoulder PainConsumer Reports: Mattress Buying Guide Photo Credits Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images Suggest a Correction
In contrast, a new mattress which is well suited to your body will offer the correct balance between comfort and proper spinal support. This allows your back to truly rest while you are asleep. If you are not sure which brand or type of mattress to buy in Singapore, this article on mattress buying guide will help you. Beware of labels like "Orthopaedic" The correct level of firmness for a bad back The best type of mattress material for back pain European Bedding Latex Mattress Best pressure distribution Latex mattresses and memory foam mattresses are currently the most widely recognized options for helping relieve back pain. They both have different sets of pros and cons. Mattress shopping tips for those with back pain Shop for a mattress later in the day, when your back pain is more likely to be present. If you go too early, you may make the mistake of buying a mattress which feels quite comfortable at the time, but which turns out not to offer relief for your back pain.
Bring your own pillow (alternatively, consider shopping for a new pillow while there). Either way, you'll want to test out the mattress the same way you plan to be sleeping on it at home. Bring a friend to look at the way your spine is aligned. When lying on your side on a mattress with proper support for your back, your spine should form a straight line. Listen to your body. Pressure points indicate you're on too firm of a mattress. In contrast if you feel a pronounced sinking effect in your shoulders and hips then you are lying on too soft of a mattress. Think further than just your back, shoulders and hips. A good mattress for your back should keep your head and heels in proper alignment too. It's all too tempting to assume the head and heels are not important when there are back problems, but in reality the reverse is true: the whole body and its alignment are critical in managing back pain. Shop exclusively from stores which allow you to have an in-home trial of the mattress for up to 30 days.