Today, about 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain ranging from headaches to low back pain. According to a National Institute of Health Statistics survey, low back pain(27%) was the most cited listed out of four common types of pain. The survey also found that Americans between the ages of 20-64 experience frequent back pain on a daily basis. And although about 92% of people agree that a comfortable mattress is important to a restful night’s sleep, many don’t take the time to research or invest in a quality mattress for their back pain. Instead, many people rely on mattress salespeople to direct and guide them to the best mattress for their particular sleep needs. Unfortunately, not all salespeople have your best interest in mind. It’s better to consider asking your doctor first for their recommendations for the best mattress for your back pain. There are several types of mattresses, but the most common ones are innerspring, memory foam, memory foam hybrids, and latex.
Of these four mattresses, innerspring is the most popular – representing over 80% of the mattress market. Mattresses should have three main components: Support, Comfort, and Durability. Innerspring mattresses vary according to the types of coils and materials used. Some are sold at a higher price due to the number of coils used, but there have been no studies that have proven that more coils equate to better sleep. Instead, it’s better to look at the types of coils used in the mattress and the gauge number. If you can’t budget for the other types of mattresses, then choose a medium-firm innerspring mattress. It’s the best bang for your buck, and it meets the criteria of support, comfort, and durability. Memory foam mattresses, short for visco-elastic memory foam, consist of slow, forming foam. Over time, these mattresses have evolved from one comfort feel to a spectrum of squishy soft to very firm. They have grown in popularity mainly due to their ability to conform to one’s unique body shape and provide pressure relief.
If you are weary of sleeping hot, though, these might not be the best option for you. But if you are a fan of very minimal motion transfer, natural alignment and pressure relief on your joints and back then this is a good option for you. Keep in mind though that you might have to save up since these mattresses tend to sell at a much higher price point than innerspring mattresses. Memory foam hybrid mattresses consist of two main components: innerspring and memory foam. If you like the bounce and support of innerspring and the pressure relief that memory foam offers then this is the mattress for you. This mattress comes in many different styles and offers a wide selection of varying comfort levels. They are also very durable because they have a base of innerspring for support. It can be difficult to find the right style for your sleep needs though because there is such a wide selection so make sure to research and familiarize yourself. Since these mattresses tend to sell in the ultra-luxury/luxury category, they can easily run up to $5,000.
Latex mattresses, made from natural or synthetic rubber, provide firm uniform support and bounce. This mattress is very firm and supportive and provides comfort similar to memory foam. They differ from memory foam mattresses regarding support. Latex pushes back on you and provides more support in doing so. Another key, distinctive difference is that latex is naturally biodegradable – it tends to be very durable and lasts longer than all the other conventional mattress types. Latex does tend to be on the firmer side though so if you can’t stand the thought of sleeping on a very firm mattress, then it might not be a good choice for your back pain. Since there are several types of mattresses on the market today, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what mattress you need. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when shopping for a new mattress: Check out Loom and Leaf’s patented gel technology in the #1 Rated Mattress For Back Pain.Everyday Solutions are created by Everyday Health on behalf of our partners.
More InformationEveryday SolutionsBack Pain Management GuideIf you have chronic back pain or want to avoid it, the right mattress — not too hard, not too soft — is essential. These tips can help you select the best one. ThinkstockWe spend about a third of our lives asleep, so the right mattress is important. And if you have chronic back pain, the best mattresses for back pain relief are those that give your spine just the right amount of support, in all the crucial areas.“Any time our bodies are in the same position for more than 20 minutes, we ‘mold’ to that position a little bit more, so it’s important to spend 7-9 hours per night in a position that’s appropriate for what’s going on with your back” says Suzanne Tamlyn, DC, chiropractor and owner of Hudson Valley Whole Life Center in Newburgh, New York.To understand how to maintain the proper mechanics of your spine, you need some spinal anatomy basics. Your spine supports your head, keeps your body upright, allows you the flexibility to bend and twist, and protects your spinal cord.
Your spine has three sections and three normal, gentle curves that need to be supported when you are standing as well as when you are sleeping.Your cervical spine includes seven vertebrae, supports your head, and has a C-shaped curve. Your thoracic spine includes 12 vertebrae, supports your upper body and has a reverse C-shaped curve. Your lower back, or lumbar spine, is your back's foundation, includes five vertebrae, and also has a C-shaped curve. If you don’t maintain these curves, you increase the stress on the bones and muscles of your back, and that can lead to chronic back pain.Best Mattress Type for Back Pain“The best advice I could give is the ‘Goldilocks Method’ — not too hard, and not too soft,” says Dr. Tamlyn.Try these tips to help find the right mattress for you:Support. Mattresses for back pain must support the heaviest parts of your body where the natural curves are located. These areas are the head, the shoulders, and the hips. Don't forget that you also need a good pillow to support your head.
Back pain and bed selection. It's not just about the mattress. You also need a good bed foundation. Putting a new mattress for back pain on an old, worn-out bed spring is not a good idea. Most mattresses work best with a matching foundation or box spring.There are many mattress options, including springs, foam, water, and air. Any of these can work as a mattress for back pain, but you really can't tell what feels best for you until you lie down and try it. Generally, however, memory foam mattresses are able to reduce pressure points better than other types of mattress, according to the American Sleep Association.And it’s not all about the mattress, either. “Finding the appropriate pillow is also key to keeping great spinal hygiene while sleeping,” says Tamlyn. You can also try keeping a pillow between your legs when lying on your side or under your knees when lying on your back to help alleviate back pain.When Do You Need a New Mattress?When it comes to mattress shopping, “usually, you get what you pay for,” says Tamlyn.
“If you have a quality mattress and no underlying spinal dysfunction, you can sleep on it for many years without issue. But it’s rare that no one has some kind of spinal dysfunction.”Here are a few rules of thumb for knowing when it’s time to replace your mattress:The lifespan of your mattress depends on the kind of use your mattress gets, but you should evaluate your mattress for quality and support at least every 7 years, according to the Better Sleep Council. If you start waking up with aches and pains, especially chronic back pain, it is probably time to go shopping.Your mattress support needs may change over time. As you get older, you may need more support, as the spine experiences degenerative changes over time.Since the changes in your mattress occur gradually over time, it is a good idea to try out a new mattress after a few years to compare and feel the difference.Of course, if you are living with chronic back pain, talk to your doctor. It may be more than your mattress.