If you suffer from joint pain then you will already know how much it can affect your quality of life. When it comes to difficulty sleeping through decreased mobility, joint pain can be a daily struggle. While there are many treatments available, one often-overlooked solution is finding the right mattress. In this section, I will discuss the best mattress characteristics for joint pain relief and help you choose the right mattress for your needs.
Joint pain can be caused by many factors, including arthritis, injury, and overuse. Regardless of the cause though, joint pain can make it difficult to sleep comfortably through the night. A mattress that provides proper support and pressure relief can sometimes help alleviate joint pain and improve sleep quality.
When you sleep on a mattress that doesn't provide the necessary support, your joints can become misaligned which leads to pain and discomfort. Further to this you will often find that a mattress that doesn't provide pressure relief can cause your joints to compress, leading to pain and stiffness. To that end, finding a mattress that addresses these issues can help you sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling more relaxed and refreshed.
Mattress Characteristics to Consider for Joint Pain Relief
We've successfully covered how a mattress can be useful to relieve joint pain, but let's take a closer look at the characteristics you should consider when looking for a mattress to relieve joint pain.
Firmness
The firmness of a mattress is an important consideration for those with joint pain. This is because a mattress that is too soft can lead to misalignment and discomfort, while a mattress that is too firm can cause pressure points and stiffness. Most experts will recommend a medium-firm mattress for those with joint pain.
Support
Support is another critical factor to consider when looking for a mattress to relieve joint pain. A mattress that provides proper support can help keep your spine and joints in alignment, reducing pain and stiffness. Look for a mattress that provides support in all the right places, including your neck, shoulders, hips, and lower back. This isn’t necessarily the same as firmness and is more subjective, look for zonal support in particular from your next mattress.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is essential for those with joint pain. Mattresses that don’t provide adequate pressure relief can cause your joints to compress, leading to pain and stiffness. A mattress that distributes your weight evenly and provides adequate cushioning to relieve pressure points is an ideal way to ensure less discomfort.
The Benefits of Foam-Derived Mattresses
Memory foam, latex foam and gel foam mattresses are an excellent choice for those with joint pain. This is because they provide excellent support and pressure relief, conforming to your body and distributing your weight more evenly. Foam mattresses can also isolate motion, making them a great choice for couples. In addition to their pain-relieving properties, foam comfort layer mattresses are also more likely to be hypoallergenic (although also dependent on other layers and materials), making them an excellent choice for those with allergies or asthma.
Pocket Spring Mattresses
Pocket spring mattresses are a premium traditional type of mattress that are made from pockets of coils. The key benefit of pocket springs is that they can be zonal in their design, reducing or increasing pressure at different areas on the mattress to provide comfort and support where you need it most.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of memory foam or latex with the support of micro springs or pocket spring coils. They can provide excellent support and pressure relief while also offering the traditional feel of an innerspring mattress. When shopping for a hybrid mattress, it is important to look for one with a high-quality memory foam or latex layer that provides excellent pressure relief. Additionally, make sure the mattress provides adequate support to keep your spine and joints in alignment.
How to Choose the Best Mattress for Your Joint Pain
Choosing the best mattress for your joint pain can be a challenging task. However, by considering the mattress characteristics we've discussed and trying out different types of mattresses, you can find the right one for your needs. When shopping for a mattress, make sure to test it out for at least 10-15 minutes in store to get a feel for its support and pressure relief. Alternatively, make sure the mattress comes with a trial period, so you can return it if it doesn't meet your needs (most of our premium partners facilitate this to some degree).
