Related to Back Pain Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain Study Disputes Long-Held Belief by Some Doctors That Firmer Bedding Is Better Nov. 13, 2003 -- For years, many people with back pain have been advised to sleep on a firm mattress. But a new study shows that might just add to the nightmare of their morning-after misery. Researchers in Spain say that people who sleep on a medium-firm mattress were twice as likely to report improvements in lower back pain compared to those sleep on more firm bedding. They reach this conclusion after replacing bedding of 313 patients with a history of back pain with new "firm" or "medium-firm" mattresses. The patients didn't know which mattress type they received. This study, published in the upcoming issue of the Lancet, is among the first to test the popular belief -- at least among some orthopaedic doctors -- that the firmer a mattress is, the better it is at preventing or relieving lower back pain. While there's little hard scientific data to support that firm mattresses are better -- only a handful of studies have been conducted -- the Spanish researchers say that about three in four orthopaedic doctors recommend firm mattresses to their patients.
In fact, a survey of Atlanta-area orthopaedic surgeons indicates that two in three said they recommend a firm mattress to their patients, and most believed that a mattress' firmness had a definite role in managing back pain. This finding, by Emory University orthopaedist Howard I. Levy, MD, was presented at the 1996 annual meeting of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. But chiropractors have long argued that firm mattresses are not the best choice, says George McClelland, DC, spokesman for the American Chiropractic Association. "Traditionally, what we have recommended is that a moderately-firm works best, or when using a firm mattress, you should add a 1½- to 2-inch thick padding on top of it," he tells WebMD. "It's wonderful to be validated by some form of research." McClelland says that this extra padding -- or using a medium-firm mattress without the extra padding -- better adapts to the natural curvatures in the spine. This padding is available at most stores that sell mattresses or bedding supplies.
"The spine is not a straight line, and padding or a moderately firm mattress 'gives' better to the concavities and convexities of the spine," he says. "A younger spine may tolerate a firm mattress perfectly well. But as we get middle years any beyond, when back pain is more prevalent, we find that more equalized support seems to be better." The researchers, led by Francisco Kovacs, PhD, who operates an independent medical research company in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, say that a medium-firm mattress leads to better "pressure distribution" when lying in bed, resulting in less pain while lying or after getting up. But McClelland and others say you also shouldn't use a soft mattress, because it doesn't provide enough support. "From my own perspective, if a mattress is soft or too hard, it's not comfortable," says orthopaedic surgeon Dana C. Mears, MD, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "Something in the middle works best for me -- a medium-firm mattress.
If a mattress is too firm, you might as well be sleeping on the floor." When buying a mattress, McClelland advises against relying on store ratings as an accurate guideline. "These numbers are all over the place," he says. "Individual companies use different rating systems, so you don't really know what you're getting." In fact, in the U.S., firm mattresses typically have a higher rating number; in Europe, a lower number goes to firmer mattresses. His advice: "When testing for a mattress, don't push on it or bounce up and down, as many people do. What's better is to lie on it for 10 minutes or so -- on your back, on your side, every way. It shouldn't be too hard. If it is, get some padding to place on top of the mattress."Your Personal Comfort Guide Whatever your sleeping preference may be, we're sure to have the perfect mattress to suit. Using our handy tool, Your Personal Comfort Guide, will help you to decide on the perfect mattress for you whatever your sleeping position, comfort issue or mattress desires.
What is your sleeping position? Side As a side sleeper, you are with the majority of the nation as more than half of British adults sleep in the foetal position. Although this posture can sometimes result in a numb arm, side sleeping is great for pregnant mums-to-be and those suffering from heartburn or acid reflux by easing discomfort. Back As a back sleeper, whether you opt for the starfish or 'Savasana', sleeping on your back is beneficial for your spinal alignment as it remains neutral. Because your face is not crumpled into a pillow, sleeping on your back can also reduce the probability of wrinkles. Front As a stomach sleeper, chances are you're less likely to snore. However, sleeping on your front is often cautioned, as it can lead to overarching the natural curve of your spine and even straining your neck. So it's important to take extra care with your mattress choice if you find you unconsciously adopt this position. Pregnancy is a magical experience but it does come with its fair share of unexpected changes both physically and in your daily routine.
Sleep is just one of the things that can be affected. JOINT AND BACK PAIN An orthopaedic mattress is incredibly beneficial for those with back pains, because it is specifically designed to support your neck, back, and hips, while not allowing your midsection to sink into the mattress. As the nation's leading specialist in the industry of sleep, Dreams know just how important it is to get a good night's sleep. That everyone has a perfect night is what matters most to us, but never is this more important than when you're a child.We understand how important it is to find the right bed and mattress. As we all know, a good night's sleep is essential for your health and wellbeing. That's why at Bensons for Beds, we make it as easy as possible for you to find the mattress and bed that best suits your needs. Some of us like to sleep on a bed as soft as a cloud, others like a super supportive, extra firm mattress. Whatever your preference, we have an easy-to-use firmness rating system to help you discover yours.
Each of our mattresses and divan beds are given a firmness rating from 1-5, one being the softest, 5 being orthopaedic grade. Visit our in store Comfort Station and follow our easy three step process to finding your bed. There are three beds for you to try out, each offering a different firmness of mattress. Simply try each one in your favourite sleeping position, feel which one suits you best then look for beds of the same firmness rating, it's that simple. “Until I got my new bed, I didn’t realise how uncomfortable my old one had been – thank you Bensons.” “We weren’t looking forward to buying a new bed, but your Comfort Station made the whole process simple and straight forward.” “The mattress is well made, feels really comfy and the attention to detail is second to none.” At Bensons for Beds we know that choosing a new bed isn’t always the easiest thing. Let’s face it, when it comes to mattresses even we have to admit they all look pretty similar.