The correct choice of rest equipment can, among many other things, benefit people who suffer from back pain. Without realizing it, mattresses work silently every night for the health of this key area in your body. Up to 30% of the population wake up with back pain in the morning.
Faced with ongoing problems of this type, the best answer and appropriate solutions are always provided by your doctor, but it cannot be overlooked that, on many occasions, a suitable mattress for back pain can be a great relief and a good solution. As well, we recommend that you replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years.
Which Mattress To Buy For Back Pain?
We answer this closed question with a "it depends." It would be ideal to point out a mattress that has the magic wand of solving situations as specific as eliminating back pain, but when it comes to health issues, many variables come into play.
It is important to note that there is a false belief that, as a general rule, for back pain you should choose a 'hard' mattress. Certainly, mattresses that have a high firmness can be a solution to mitigate this type of pain, but they may not be the most suitable for you always. Currently, the firmness of a mattress (or how hard they are, in colloquial language) is measured from 1 to 10, with 1 being an extra-firm mattress and 10 being a very soft (note some retailers have a 1 to 5 system). Data suggests that the best results, with patients who already suffer from back pain, have been with a mattress firmness of 5.3. But the point is that there are factors that depend solely on each person: weight, the type of back pain and bedtime posture.
Soft Mattress And Back Pain, Right Combination?
It may be. What is beyond doubt is that the quality of the mattress on which you sleep is key in preventing back pain, since the vast majority are caused by muscle strain or overload. For the correct choice of mattresses that are good for the back, the words to always have in mind are firmness, adaptability and ergonomics.
So, if you want to know which mattress to buy to mitigate back pain, consider this:
1. - Medium to Firm tension is usually the best.
2.- High firmness, but with soft padding, can be another perfect combination.
Under these premises, there are several suitable options within the wide range of mattresses. For example, memory foam mattresses are very good for back pain, as they create a perfect body mold and eliminate pressure points. Thanks to them you will feel a perfect reception of both the body and the muscles.
Spring mattresses are another perfect alternative. They have among their composition a foaming layer, which results in a firm mattress but without excessive hardness, therefore you won’t have to change positions periodically during the night.
Recommended Fabrics
Memory foam has the property of adapting to the shape of your body, immediately recovering its original shape once pressure is no longer exerted. It adapts without sinking, ensuring that pressure is not produced, but without the wrapping feeling, causing unnatural postures.
Memory foam mattresses have several layers. The thicker it is, the better the quality of the mattress and the higher its price. In this type of mattress, it adapts to your body, but its recovery capacity is practically immediate. Its firmness is medium - high, which makes it the best option in terms of protection and comfort in the back area. An intermediate point of firmness is essential to choose the best mattress for the back.
The surface must have adequate firmness to adapt to the curvature of your back and provide support for the entire spine. It is a heat sensitive material that visibly reduces muscle tension and contributes to blood circulation. And it is suitable for those who suffer from allergies, since they are manufactured with hygienic and antiallergic materials. In case you hate sleeping with heat, memory foam mattresses should take them into account when choosing a mattress.
We can also add toppers. They are an upholstered viscoelastic sheet that is mounted on our current mattress to offer all the advantages and comfort of a viscoelastic welcome, all without having to change mattresses. They are used to give you extra comfort or to convert a conventional mattress into one with a memory foam layer.
When choosing the best mattress for your back pain you should consider:
1.- Personal tastes
We are all different, what works for you may not work for someone else, so the most important thing when buying a mattress is that you feel good about it. There is no formula that works for everyone. Any mattress that allows you to have solid hours of quality sleep is the best.
2.- Mattress Composition
The quality of the components of your mattress, as well as their height, are factors to which you should pay attention and care. Those with a medium firmness are usually ideal for back pain, such as memory foam mattresses, over latex or spring mattresses.
There are also hypoallergenic mattresses, made of natural materials such as cotton, which can offer you the comfort you need.
3.- Good support to the spine.
Mattress firmness is as important as the material it is made from. If by chance you buy a mattress that is too soft or too hard, your back may suffer the consequences, since they will not respect the natural shape of your back, which needs support throughout its length.
4.- Good base structure
What provides stability to the mattress is firm and equal support.
You should avoid replacing the base and then putting on a poor quality mattress, as it will be counterproductive for your back pain. Upholstered bases are usually the best option and we highly recommend them, due to the stability and firmness they offer to the spine.
5.- If you live with your partner, you will need a bigger mattress
If you share a bed, a large mattress will be ideal. You need space to move during the night and so your back does not suffer due to bad posture, both will appreciate the comfort and the good hours of sleep.
If you sleep alone, the minimum width of your mattress should be 90 cm, but if not, it should be at least 135 cm, preferably 150 cm. In terms of length, it depends on your height, the typical thing is usually 180 cm. We recommend that you add about 15 cm to your height for maximum comfort, don't worry, there are mattresses up to 2 meters long.
6.- The right filling for your needs
There are many options to choose the filling of your mattress: latex, springs, viscoelastic, foam... They all have great utilities and are suitable depending on the needs of those who need them, but you are the one who must try the one that works best for you.
7.- Mattress change
If you feel like your mattress no longer provides what you need, you may need to replace it. If it is over 10 years old, there is no doubt.
Never forget how important it is that your mattress adapts to the shape of your body and not vice versa, so that you can rest properly and your back pain can be relieved.
