Back pain is one of the most common ailments in the U.S. today, according to the National Institute of Health, about 80 percent of adults in the country have chronic or acute back pain. Although this type of pain can come from various sources, your mattress is one of the most significant contributing factors for this condition. Finding the ideal mattress requires you to consider several things, like firmness, mattress type, and materials. Besides these, you must also consider your sleep position and how the bed aids in pressure relief. Take note of the following when shopping for a replacement for your bed, and when reading mattress reviews for research.
How firm is the mattress?
In the past, conventional wisdom held that firm mattresses provided excellent support for people with backaches. However, that is not true for everyone with this condition. Firmer material does not contour to the spine, which means it does not support the back where it is needed.
What is your usual sleeping position?
There is a correlation between sleep position and back pain. A side sleeper needs slightly soft mattresses. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the firmest, they need something in the range of 5.5 to 6.5. Read independent mattress reviews to get an idea of the actual firmness or softness of a particular brand. Meanwhile, a back sleeper should have a firmer bed, and a mattress with a grade of six or seven is perfect for them. Stomach sleepers, since they have vital organs pressed against the bed when they sleep, need something that is within 6.5 to 7.5. The type of material is crucial for stomach sleepers; memory foam is the best for them.
What specific aches and pains do you have?
Traditionally, beds had innerspring, which are beds of coils with a foam layer. Today’s innerspring mattresses are more ergonomic and have pocketed coils and motion insulation. However, these do not offer as much support for people with chronic backaches. Memory foam and latex mattresses are the ones most helpful in easing back pain. These two types cradle your curves and relieve pressure on the lumbar and shoulder areas. Look for these two materials in your mattress if you want to reduce stress on your lower back, hips, or shoulders. For more information, check out A Back Sleeper’s Guide to Finding the Right Mattress: 5 Popular Mattresses. Another great option is an airbed. In particular, you should get one that allows you to customize the air fill in certain areas. An adjustable mattress mechanism that evenly distributes the air will not provide excellent support, so an adjustable one is better for those with aches and pains. You could also get a hybrid mattress. These types use an air or coil base but a memory foam or latex top. These combinations can help reduce soreness in the affected areas and ensure a better night’s sleep. Be sure to get a hybrid with multiple layers of thick memory foam.
Conclusion
Finding the right mattress for you means taking into consideration several factors like sleeping position and mattress type. Aside from these, you must also think of the bed’s firmness. Beyond your sleep style, this is one of the most influential factors in how well you sleep at night. Finally, you could consult mattress experts before buying, especially when you cannot choose among equally sensible options. Get unbiased mattress reviews whenever you visit Mattress Review Guru. We help you make sense of the nuances among different bed options and make the best decision for your needs. Find the right balance between comfort and price; read our Mattress Buying Guide to get started.
