Back pain is a common problem for most people, around the world. It may start as a dull pain
and if not addressed immediately can lead to chronic pain. Pain that is experienced in the lower
or upper back can be for many reasons ranging from bad posture to an improper lifestyle.
However, a good night’s sleep in a supportive and comfortable mattress can give great relief to
back pain. One such type of mattress that provides pain relief and support is the memory foam
mattress. Let’s find out why memory foam is considered as a boon for those with back pain:
and if not addressed immediately can lead to chronic pain. Pain that is experienced in the lower
or upper back can be for many reasons ranging from bad posture to an improper lifestyle.
However, a good night’s sleep in a supportive and comfortable mattress can give great relief to
back pain. One such type of mattress that provides pain relief and support is the memory foam
mattress. Let’s find out why memory foam is considered as a boon for those with back pain:
Support
One of the most important considerations to make for a person who is suffering from
chronic back pain is to check for solid support from the mattress. It helps in maintaining a neutral spinal
alignment and also keeps the body in a comfortable position. An important point to remember
is that support and firmness are not one and the same. You can have a soft mattress but still be
supportive and a firm mattress that offers no support to the body at all. Providing adequate
support is more about maintaining proper neutral spinal alignment more than anything.
Mattresses available in the market can be categorized into two main types:
- Zoned support: These are mattresses that offer different support to different parts of the
- body. For example, a softer foam at the shoulders and a firmer one at the hip region
- offers pain relief and also promotes a healthy body line.
- Balance foam: This is the most common type of mattress available in the market. Memory
- foam mattress uses a balanced foam to provide pain relief for people suffering from
- chronic pain relief.
Firmness
Firmness is determined by how the surface reacts when pressure is applied to it. A firmer
mattress means, the sleeper does not sink while sleeping whereas a softer bed allows the
sleeper to sink in. The firmness scale ranges from 1 to 10 with 10 being the most firm. When
considering the firmness, the sleeping position needs to be determined opine experts from
Wakefit. As per a study, purchasing mattresses based on sleeping position can help in alleviating
pain and discomfort. For those who are suffering from back pain, a medium-firm memory foam
mattress soothes the pain at the lumbar region and provides hip support.
mattress means, the sleeper does not sink while sleeping whereas a softer bed allows the
sleeper to sink in. The firmness scale ranges from 1 to 10 with 10 being the most firm. When
considering the firmness, the sleeping position needs to be determined opine experts from
Wakefit. As per a study, purchasing mattresses based on sleeping position can help in alleviating
pain and discomfort. For those who are suffering from back pain, a medium-firm memory foam
mattress soothes the pain at the lumbar region and provides hip support.
The sleeper’s weight is also a factor to be considered when choosing the mattress for back pain:
- People who are lightweight should sleep on a softer mattress
- People who fall in the average weight category should choose a medium-firm mattress
- Overweight people need a firm mattress
Pressure relief
People who have chronic back pain should find a mattress that reduces pressure at pressure
points. It could be the neck, shoulder, or lumbar. The pressure points are created when the
surface pushes the body which leads to spinal misalignment. When that happens there is more
pressure on the back and leads to pain throughout the body. So it is best to sleep on a surface
that does not create pressure on the joints. That helps to reduce pressure on the spine and
lower back. Memory foam mattress contours as per the shape of the body and hence soothes
aches. It does not immediately respond to pressure and provides proper contouring at the
sensitive joints and hence the best mattress for back pain. Since not all memory foam
mattresses are made the same, look for one that offers optimal support.
points. It could be the neck, shoulder, or lumbar. The pressure points are created when the
surface pushes the body which leads to spinal misalignment. When that happens there is more
pressure on the back and leads to pain throughout the body. So it is best to sleep on a surface
that does not create pressure on the joints. That helps to reduce pressure on the spine and
lower back. Memory foam mattress contours as per the shape of the body and hence soothes
aches. It does not immediately respond to pressure and provides proper contouring at the
sensitive joints and hence the best mattress for back pain. Since not all memory foam
mattresses are made the same, look for one that offers optimal support.
Is your Mattress Causing Back Pain?
Often it is difficult to figure out the exact reason for your back pain. But there can be some
pointers to find out if the mattress is the root cause:
pointers to find out if the mattress is the root cause:
- If you happen to experience pain when you get up in the morning and after some time it
- reduces.
- If you wake up in the middle of the night with pain or end up tossing and turning to
- reduce pressure on the joints.
The above signs are indications that back pain is due to the mattress. Also, check if your
mattress is older than 8 years as you will be more prone to pains. Older mattresses suffer wear
and tear and offer reduced comfort and support which leads to pains and aches.
mattress is older than 8 years as you will be more prone to pains. Older mattresses suffer wear
and tear and offer reduced comfort and support which leads to pains and aches.
A General Guideline for Back Pain Sufferers
- Opt for a softer mattress if you are a side sleeper as it helps to adjust to the side profile which has more curves that other sleeping positions.
- Back sleepers should choose a firmer mattress as that offers back support and does not
- allow the body to sink.
- Stomach sleepers should opt for a firm mattress as it reduces all the problems created
- by sleeping in this position.
Quality sleep is essential to get relief from back pain as it helps in relaxing and rejuvenating the
painful muscles. Consider buying a new memory foam mattress if you wake up with pain in the
morning as it can help you get a comfortable sleep. If you are suffering from chronic pain then
consult a doctor.
painful muscles. Consider buying a new memory foam mattress if you wake up with pain in the
morning as it can help you get a comfortable sleep. If you are suffering from chronic pain then
consult a doctor.
