What is the best mattress type for lower back pain?
Sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause or worsen lower back pain. Lack of support from a mattress will contribute to low back pain.
If a mattress is too firm, it will push on the body’s pressure points which can cause misalignment resulting in pain. If the bed is too soft, it will allow your body to sink into the bed causing bad posture which can also lead to pain.
A mattress will break down over time. When an individual continues to sleep on a poor quality mattress, their lower back is under continuous stress.
Sleeping on the same mattress for over 10, 15 years, can cause back pain, or make back pain worse. Changing a mattress every 8-10 years is recommended.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu). Memory foam is made from a substance called viscoelastic. Higher-density memory foam softens in reaction to body heat. This allows it to mold to pressure and a warm body in a few minutes, and evenly distributing body weight. It then returns to its original shape once you remove the pressure. A medium density memory foam mattress will provide good comfort and durability. On average low-density foam tend to last about 4-6 years, while medium and high density foams last upwards of 8-10 years.
Foam mattresses need a rigid support underneath. You have to put the mattress on something. You can use a box spring under your memory foam mattress.
Memory foam thickness options range between 6 inches to 14 inches thick. Thicker mattresses are softer than thin mattresses.
Memory Foam contours the entire body without any gaps. A medium-firm mattress will let the spine rest in a natural position and be well supported. This style of mattress is a good choice for those who suffer with back pain.
Box Spring and Mattress
Box springs raise the height of a mattress which can make it easier to get in and out of bed. They absorb shock to reduce wear on the mattress itself.
An innerspring-based mattress is often used on top of the box springs. An innerspring mattress is often preferred choice because of a lesser price. It is not a bad mattress, but not as good of a choice as memory foam when it comes to addressing back support.
Air Mattress
Sleeping on an air bed can trap air between your body and the mattress, which can cause back pain.
Water Bed
Some people who have used water beds, start to develop back pain. The problem is that they allow the heaviest part of your body to sag into the bed. This creates a misalignment of the lower back.
Gel Bed
A Gel mattress can ease back pain by relieving pressure points while you sleep. It conforms to your body shape, similar to memory foam, and keeps your back and neck aligned and supported while you sleep.
Adjustable Beds
Sleeping on an adjustable bed allows the upper body to rest at a slight incline. People with back or neck pain, often feel better sleeping in this position.
Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is removable bedding that sits on top of your mattress. A good topper can add support. It is a supplement and can add comfort to your current mattress, but a good mattress is the place to start.
