How many times have you woken up with surprise back pain? If that’s happened to you more than once in the last year, your mattress might be the culprit. So, what is the best mattress for back pain?
What Is the Best Mattress for Back Pain?
Did you know that 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain? It’s such a common issue that many of us don’t think twice about it. Unfortunately, people who give up and accept back pain as a part of life are often simply unaware that there is something they can do about it. Little things like getting regular exercise and improving your sleep can make a huge difference.
One of the keys to getting better sleep is sleeping on the right mattress. If you’ve started experiencing back pain and you aren’t sure why, it’s time to take a close look at what you’re sleeping on every night. Do you often wake up stiff or sore, and does the pain go away as you get up and get moving? Do you find yourself sleeping poorly, with lots of tossing and turning and waking up at odd hours? If this sounds familiar, you’re probably due for a mattress upgrade. But what is the best mattress for back pain?
How to Buy a Back-Friendly Mattress
The key to finding a mattress that can ease your back pain is looking for one that offers the right type of support. If a mattress is too soft, it won’t hold your spine in alignment while you sleep. If it’s too firm, it can actually push your spine out of alignment and make it difficult for your body to relax. Experts recommend paying attention to the following factors:
Mattress Firmness
Everyone knows that a super-firm mattress is what’s best for your back, right? Not necessarily. It’s essential to find a mattress that will support your body and hold it in alignment, and firmness is a factor in that. However, that doesn’t mean that everyone needs the firmest mattress available. That’s why mattresses are typically rated on a firmness scale of one to ten. Most people need a mattress that is between a five to a seven: firm enough to support them, but with enough softness that it’s still comfortable.
Sleeping Position
To determine what firmness will work best for your back, you should consider what position you sleep in. Depending on how your body is arranged during the night, it needs pressure and support in different places. Side-sleepers typically need a mattress that’s between a five and a six on the firmness scale. If you sleep on your back, you’ll be happier on a slightly firmer mattress, between a six and an eight. If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll want the most support possible, between a seven and a nine.
Mattress Material
Another factor to consider is the material the mattress is made of. Traditional innerspring mattresses may work for most, but if you have recurring back pain, a different kind of mattress could give you some much-needed relief. Memory foam mattresses are commonly recommended for people with back pain because of the way the foam molds to the body during sleep. This can help keep your spine aligned, and lessen pressure on your joints. Airbeds, or air/foam hybrids, offer adjustable firmness levels that can also be therapeutic.
Age
No matter how nice a mattress is to start out with, it will eventually need to be replaced. If you haven’t replaced your mattress in over seven years and it’s causing you pain, it’s time for a new one. Keep in mind that a mattress is an investment. Spending a little more on a good mattress up front can save you a lot of pain in the future.
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What is the best mattress for back pain? Ultimately, it’s whatever mattress is right for you. A mattress professional can help you get the best mattress for your needs.
If you’re looking for a new mattress, stop by Beautyrest Sleep Gallery. We provide an extensive selection of top-quality mattresses, including Beautyrest®, Serta iComfort®, Tempur-Pedic®, and Scandinavian Sleep Systems. A family-owned and -operated business that supports local charities, Beautyrest Sleep Gallery offers free local delivery and setup as well as a Best Price Guarantee. Please visit us in store or explore our mattress selection online.