Back pain is a common complaint among many adults. Some estimates say that more than three-quarters of all adults will experience some pain related to back discomfort. While special shoes and inserts can help alleviate pain while standing or walking, many encounter problems with sleeping due to their pain.
A mattress that doesn’t properly support the back or keep the spine in the ideal alignment can lead to persistent aches, pains, and a poor sleeping experience. Whether you are currently dealing with chronic back pain or sciatica or beginning to experience lower back pain, replacing your mattress with one that is friendlier to your back is a smart move.
How can you choose the one that’s right for you? That’s where the process gets tricky. Shopping for a mattress can seem like a stressful experience because there are so many options to consider. When you want to find the best affordable mattresses to help support your back and potentially reduce your discomfort, what should you keep in mind?
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mattress for Back Pain
Elements for everyone to consider, especially those with back pain, include support, firmness, spinal alignment, pressure relief, breathability, and temperature regulation. These involve mattress construction and material, as well as adjustable bases.
Firmness
Historically, common knowledge has equated firm or very firm mattresses with relief for back pain. In recent years, research has supported that assumption. However, most who slept on firm mattresses for back pain (rather than out of preference) reported not getting a good night’s sleep. A too-soft mattress may allow your body to sink too far into it, potentially causing uncomfortable spine alignment. So the takeaway is simple — firmness is a matter of choice and not to be underestimated.
For stomach sleepers, a firmer option is recommended to maintain spine alignment. For most of us, a medium-firm mattress provides the appropriate balance between the two extremes.
Support
Good mattress support incorporates proper spinal alignment and pressure relief. Correct spinal alignment keeps your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned to relieve pressure.
Supportive mattresses help align your spine and lumbar region, maintain the spine’s natural curve, and protect pressure points to prevent causing or worsening back pain. Mattresses with zoned and lumbar support allow curves to sink into the material while maintaining support elsewhere.
Temperature Regulation
Creating the right temperature in your bedroom and bed can help improve your sleep quality and impact sleep onset, efficiency, and cycles. Having a mattress and bedding that help keep you cool through breathability and temperature regulation is essential. This vital feature is typically linked to the mattress material.
Material
The most essential factor influencing your decision is the mattress construction. For example, older mattresses commonly use an innerspring structure, with dozens of coiled springs providing body-weight support. While a modern innerspring mattress can deliver comfort, its usefulness for back pain is limited compared to modern innovations like memory foam mattresses.
Memory foam is an excellent candidate for those with back pain. It leans toward the firmer side and conforms to your body, providing robust support along your entire spine. A memory foam mattress is a good solution for side and back sleepers. However, memory foam is far from the forefront of modern mattresses.
Gel-filled foam is also on the rise. Similar to memory foam, gel springs back more quickly than its counterpart, thanks to a special gel added to some foam layers. Beyond providing a different type of back support, gel mattresses are well known for their cooling abilities since they retain less body heat than other materials.
Another choice is natural or blended latex mattresses, which are often hypoallergenic, breathable, and eco-friendly. They are also durable and comfortable, while helping relieve back pain.
Adjustable Mattresses
You can reset particular mattresses to a personalized configuration with an adjustable base. Elevate your legs or choose among several arrangements to support your back better. When you struggle to get comfortable in a typical sleep position on a regular mattress, the ability to customize your mattress shape is invaluable. These are especially useful for those with back pain.
Some frames adjust by hand, while others change automatically at the push of a remote control. An adjustable frame paired with a compatible mattress delivers more versatility. If you haven’t had luck with other mattresses, you may find relief with more fine-tuned control over your sleeping position.
The actual test comes from spending time testing out your mattress. When possible, take the time to climb onto mattresses in-store — there’s no substitute for experiencing what you’ll feel when you head to bed each night.
How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Over time, most mattresses slowly lose their ability to supply a supportive, comfortable sleeping experience. Even with periodic rotation, every mattress will eventually wear out. If you feel you’re sleeping in a rut or never feel comfy, it’s time to replace your mattress.
Industry experts typically suggest investigating replacements every seven to 10 years, depending on your personal needs, the type of mattress you buy, and other factors. If it’s been some time since you last replaced your mattress, now is the perfect time to look for replacements.
Find Your Next Good Night’s Sleep at Home Zone Furniture
Buying a mattress is an individual experience and highly subjective. There is no perfect or best mattress, but a range of options can help you find the best mattress for you.With mattress sales offering a fantastic deal and fantastic sleep, Home Zone Furniture can help you ditch your old, uncomfortable mattress for one that better supports your back. Please stop by and see us soon, or contact us for further details and assistance.
