Sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause or worsen lower back pain. Lack of support from a mattress reinforces poor sleeping posture, strains muscles and does not help keep the spine in alignment, all of which contribute to low back pain. Sleep comfort is also sacrificed if a mattress does not match one's individual preferences. A mattress that provides both comfort and back support helps reduce low back pain, allowing the structures in the spine to really rest and rejuvenate during the night.
Look for a hybrid that has multiple layers of foam or latex, not just a topper, for maximum comfort. Hybrids are known as the best type of bed for lower back pain.
A: Memory foam mattresses seem to be the most popular mattress type, but it's not necessarily the most supportive. While some memory foam mattresses contain denser foams for added support, hybrid mattresses combine foam in their top comfort layers with innerspring coils at their core to properly align the spine while cushioning tender joints.
Latex mattresses are also a good choice because they contour to your curves without letting the hips sink too deeply and out of alignment. A: The answer might surprise you: Neither! The right firmness level allows the spine to rest in its natural "S" curve. While a too- soft mattress may not offer enough support, an overly hard mattress may also shift the spine out of alignment.
Too-firm mattresses can press the pelvis too far forward while back sleeping, and place too much stress on the hips and shoulders while side sleeping. Studies show that the wisest choice is a medium-firm to firm level that balances support and comfort. Very firm or very soft mattresses can reduce your sleep quality and create more lower back pain. A: Side sleeping or back sleeping are the best positions to ease your back pain. Even better, you can place a pillow between your knees while side sleeping to take strain off your spine.
Likewise, you can slip a pillow under your knees while back sleeping to maintain your spine in its normal "S" curve. A: Mattresses that are too old and sagging cause lower back pain. Today's modern mattresses can last seven to 10 years on average. So if you're sleeping on a year-old mattress that has lost its structure, it's no surprise you're experiencing lower back pain. When you're selecting your new mattress, be sure to choose a medium-firm to firm level that will support your back without placing too much stress on your shoulders and hips.
A: Extra-firm mattresses used to be the go-to for sleepers looking to alleviate lower back pain , but that's no longer the case. Your best bet is to try a medium-firm to firm mattress that allows your spine to rest in its natural "S" curve and provides cushioning for sensitive joints like the hips and shoulders. A: Memory foam can help relieve pain at pressure points, and it evenly distributes a sleeper's body weight across the surface of the mattress.
If you're experiencing pain in your upper back and your shoulder blades, a memory foam mattress will cushion those spots by contouring to your curves. Like traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam beds come in different firmness levels, and a medium-firm to firm option ensures that your spine stays well-supported throughout the night.
Each mattress on this list was put to the test literally in Mattress Advisor's lab, which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bedding experts spent over 1, hours evaluating and comparing mattresses using a point testing methodology to find the best mattresses that help relieve back pain. While some of the factors tested are tied directly to performance, like responsiveness, edge support, and pressure relief, others are based around brand operations, such as customer service, shipping policies, and trial period.
The Mattress Advisor team combines this proprietary methodology with in-depth interviews and customer experience to arrive at a weighted score out of Sheryl Grassie is an academic writer and researcher for Mattress Advisor. Sign up for our Health Shopping newsletter to get your daily dose of retail therapy with great deals handpicked by our editors — straight to your inbox. Woman waking up suffering back ache. By Sheryl Grassie Updated September 16, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team.
If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Related Content best hybrid mattresses. Best Luxury Innerspring Mattress. Best Mattress for Side Sleepers. GhostBed Flex. Best Cooling Mattress. Best Firm Mattress.
Puffy mattress. Best Mattress in a Box. Brooklyn Aurora. Best Pressure Relief Mattress. Mattress Lifestyle Photos. Best Memory Foam Mattress. Best Value Mattress. Even as someone with a lower BMI, I felt totally comfortable on this mattress. It provided the perfect balance of "give" and firmness level of support to help relieve pressure where I needed it, while also keeping my spine in alignment. It also absorbed movement really well, so I didn't feel like I was getting tossed around as my boyfriend adjusted his sleep position or when he got out of the bed to go to the bathroom.
Read more in our full Helix mattress reviews. Memory foam and latex are the most commonly recommended mattress materials for back pain. These materials conform to your body and provide pressure relief where you need it most. There are also other top brands such as Bear mattress, Tempur Pedic mattress, and Layla mattress that provides customized mattresses for every type of sleeper.
Memory foam mattresses are among the best for back pain. They contour your body, alleviating pressure on your joints and reducing aches and pains. The memory foam also aligns with the natural curvature of your spine, providing lumbar support. Very firm mattresses were often recommended for back pain in the past, but based on feedback from sleepers, a mattress that's too firm can disrupt sleep and contribute to back pain. On the other hand, mattresses that are too soft also contribute to poor sleep quality and back pain, by throwing your spine out of alignment and putting too much pressure on your joints.
In general, the best mattress for back pain is one that's rated medium to medium-firm, but it also depends on how you sleep. For example, side sleepers need a mattress that's softer than back sleepers who generally need a firmer mattress, so the right mattress depends on your existing sleep habits.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic.
We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. How we test mattresses. Lindsay Boyers. Overall best mattress for back pain Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid. Jump to details. Best for back sleepers Nectar Premier.
Best for side sleepers Saatva Classic Mattress. Best for stomach sleepers Purple Hybrid Premier 4. Best for hot sleepers GhostBed Flex Hybrid. Best for heavy sleepers Helix Plus. Those who tend to feel too hot on all-foam beds should find the GhostBed Classic more comfortable by comparison. Although the latex has some bounce, the mattress also isolates motion fairly well.
This can benefit anyone who tends to wake up when their sleep partner changes positions or moves around in bed. The GhostBed Classic is affordably priced and all purchases include two GhostPillows at no extra charge. Ground delivery is also free for customers in the contiguous U. This mattress should be comfortable for anyone who sinks into memory foam too much.
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is an excellent option. The hybrid design provides strong support for many types of sleepers but also has a soft, contouring surface, which caters to people who may be experiencing back pain due to spinal misalignment.
The mattress has a medium 5 feel and begins with a thick comfort system composed of several foam layers. A memory foam layer conforms closely to the body, followed by two polyfoam layers that enhance contouring but also feel slightly firmer. The support core contains pocketed coils that stabilize the bed. Sleepers will find that the foam layers cushion the spine to minimize pressure buildup, while the support from the coil system bolsters the spine to prevent it from sagging.
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is best suited for side sleepers who weigh up to pounds, since these sleepers need the strong contouring of foam to cradle the hips and shoulders but also require support for the lumbar region. Back and stomach sleepers under pounds may also find this bed comfortable. People who sleep hot at night should appreciate the cooling gel infused in the memory foam.
The coil design also helps ventilate the bed by enabling air to flow through the interior. Puffy ships mattresses for free throughout all 50 states. The bed comes with a night sleep trial as well as a generous lifetime warranty. Lots of cradling without too much sink. The Level Sleep Mattress boasts a zoned design that reduces pain and pressure very well for side and back sleepers. With three firmness levels to choose from, this bed caters to a wide array of sleepers.
The top layer of the mattress is composed of adaptive polyfoam that contours to the body. Beneath this lies a transitional layer divided into three zones based on firmness. Softer foam cushions the head, shoulders, and legs while firmer foam reinforces the torso and hips, where people tend to carry the most weight. This design ensures people receive adequate contouring and pressure relief without sinking too much. The Level Sleep Mattress is very well suited to couples. The foam layers absorb movement and prevent this motion from transferring across the surface — a common source of disruptions for sleep partners — and the mattress is completely silent and creak-free.
The mattress is reasonably priced given its innovative, high-quality construction. Customers in the contiguous U. Nice and plush on the surface, but that zoned middle layer gives the Level a very supportive feel from head to toe. At Sleep Foundation, we understand the importance of choosing the right mattress — especially when it comes to back pain. Our expert team includes product testers that cover a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences. After thorough hands-on testing, we consider these selections to be the best of the bunch.
To evaluate mattresses for back pain relief, we ask our testers to lie down on each mattress. We also use body-mapping sensors to pinpoint locations where painful pressure points are likely to occur. It can make all types of daily activities difficult including walking, working, sitting, and lifting even lightweight items.
Unfortunately, back pain complicates sleep as well, making it hard to find a comfortable position to fall asleep and keep sleeping soundly through the night. Research studies have found that over half of people with lower back pain report sleeping problems. These negative impacts on sleep arise in people who have both sudden and short-term acute back pain and those who have long-term, persistent chronic back pain.
People with pain tend to have fragmented sleep that occurs from waking up during the night. Upon waking up, getting back to sleep can be difficult because of ongoing aches and discomfort. Pain can also contribute to stress, depression, and anxiety, all of which can be detrimental to quality sleep. Back pain sufferers can take a number of steps to try to feel and sleep better. Getting medical help for serious back problems may help reduce pain.
Smaller changes can contribute to pain reduction as well. Taking care when lifting, sitting with proper posture, and avoiding unnatural movements can reduce aggravation of back pain. Having a mattress that keeps the body aligned can reduce stress on the spine and facilitate better sleep. Back pain can present in many different ways and for a wide variety of reasons. To help classify back pain, it is normally described as either acute or chronic. Acute back pain comes on rapidly and is often a sharp, intense pain.
In many cases, acute back pain is directly tied to a specific event such as a fall, an awkward twist of the body, or lifting a heavy object. Chronic back pain lasts for three months or longer and persists despite attempts to remedy it. It can involve sharp pain but may occur as stiffness or a dull soreness.
Sometimes it can be connected to a prior injury, but often has no clear or immediate cause. Another way to distinguish between types of back pain is based upon which part of the back is affected. Lower back pain is by far the most common type of back pain. It affects the lumbar region, which includes the lowest five vertebrae L1-L5 of the spine. Pain in this area is the second most common reason — after only cold- and flu-like symptoms — why people visit their doctor.
Lower back pain can be tied to basic muscle strain as well as to more complicated issues affecting the nerves, organs, and vertebrae. Examples of possible causes include compression fractures, ruptured or herniated disks, and narrowing of the spine spinal stenosis. The lower back has more curvature and range of motion than other parts of the back, and this makes it more susceptible to injury related to movement and posture, including positioning during sleep.
If a mattress offers insufficient support, the lower back may twist or bend in an unnatural way. For example, if the bed is too soft or is worn out, the hips, which carry more weight, may sink deeply into the mattress and out of alignment with the lumbar area. When that or any other misaligned position is held for an extended period during the night, it can be a direct contributor to back pain. Mid back pain Middle back pain is much less common than lower back pain.
The middle back is generally identified as above the lumbar spine but below the rib cage. The anatomy in this area is designed to promote stability over flexibility, reducing the propensity for movement-based injury compared to the lower back. Even though mid-back pain is less common, it can still occur as a result of numerous conditions. Nerve compression, damage to discs, fractures, and muscle or ligament injury can occur in this region. Middle back pain can also be caused by serious underlying problems, like tumors or organ problems, making it important to get it reviewed by a doctor, especially if it occurs alongside other unexplained symptoms.
Stiffness and aching in the mid-back can arise because of poor posture and lack of spinal support. Upper back pain Upper back pain is less common than lower back pain but occurs more frequently than middle back pain.
It affects the thoracic region, which runs from the bottom of the rib cage up to the lower neck and involves the 12 vertebrae that connect to the ribs. As with middle back pain, the reduced flexibility of bones and muscles in this region make movement-based strains less common than in the lower back. Upper back pain can occur for similar reasons as the mid-back — nerve, disc, muscle, ligament, or vertebrae problems — but there is a greater likelihood that this pain is connected to a potentially serious health issue.
Pain in the upper back and shoulders can also come about because of awkward or unsupportive body positioning. Neck pain Neck pain can occur due to different reasons. Many people develop strains and sore spots due to less-than-optimal posture, which can be especially problematic for people who sit at a desk for their jobs. As with back pain, issues with your vertebrae — such as disc issues — can also lead to neck pain. Another important consideration is the pillow you use.
In order to reduce aches and pains, a pillow should provide enough support and loft to keep your neck aligned with the spine and hips.
Other factors at play include age, physical activity level, and previous injuries with lingering effects. Regardless of whether back pain has started suddenly or has been a long-term issue, people experiencing it should make sure to get checked out by a doctor.
Not only can a physician help try to relieve pain, they can conduct a full diagnostic process to determine if back pain is being caused by a more serious underlying health issue. Sleeping position can have a direct effect on back pain. Each sleeping position creates a unique set of pressure points and areas that need cushioning, and this is why having the right mattress to suit your sleeping position is an important part of preventing and reducing back pain.
Back sleepers tend to have their most serious pressure points around the lumbar area. If a mattress is too soft, the weight of the abdomen will cause this region to sink out of alignment with the rest of the back and hips. For this reason, a Medium-Firm to Firm mattress usually works best for back sleepers. Side sleepers have high-impact areas where the body is the widest, notably at the shoulders and hips.
A mattress needs to be contouring enough to cushion those pressure points but not so soft as to let them sink too deeply into the bed and out of line with the rest of the body. Most side sleepers get the best results from a Medium to Medium-Firm mattress.
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