Best Mattress for Back Pain

The average person spends nearly 3000 hours a year asleep, meaning that for those with lower back pain, ensuring you have the best mattress for back pain will make a major difference in how you feel during the day. With so many types of mattresses on the market, it can be hard to know what to pick, so we’re narrowing down what to look for in a mattress and how to choose the best option for your pain. 

Types of Mattresses for Back Pain 

Sleeping out of alignment on an old mattress is an easy way to aggravate your back pain. Just like the rest of your body, your spine needs rest, and struggling to get deep, restful sleep for an extended period of time can lead to major discomfort. 

As you start your search for the best mattress for back pain, it’s important to note that you should aim to change your mattress every 6 to 8 years for maximum comfort and performance. No matter what kind of mattress you choose, materials break down over time and aren’t able to offer the same level of support as the years go on. If you’ve been sleeping on the same mattress for a decade, it’s time for a new one. 

There are four general types of mattresses for back pain: 

1. Innerspring: also known as a “traditional” mattress, this design uses a structure of coils with layers of foam on top. Innerspring mattresses that are too soft are generally not advised for back pain. 
2. Memory foam: this design uses foam and latex to contour to the sleeper’s back and provide support regardless of the position. 
3. Airbed: this design allows the sleeper to inflate or deflate air in order to adjust firmness, providing great customization. 
4. Hybrid: this design pulls together two of the three materials listed above to create a supportive sleep experience. 

What to Look for in a Mattress for Back Pain

There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best mattress for back pain: 

• Firmness: the old rule of the thumb was that the firmer the mattress, the better it will be for you back, but further research proves that isn’t necessarily true. A mattress that is too soft, though, may not be able to provide enough support. 
• Sleeping position: the way you sleep will make a big difference in which mattress you choose. For example, side sleepers will want a slightly softer mattress, whereas stomach sleepers will need more firmness. 

Treat Back Pain Causes with IMPACT Physical Therapy 

Getting a good night’s sleep is only a piece of the back pain puzzle. If you have persistent pain, we invite you to schedule an assessment with IMPACT Physical Therapy to assess your symptoms and develop a custom treatment plan. Request an appointment to get started. 

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