The Sunday Mail
WHEN searching for the best mattress for back pain, it is essential to assess multiple factors before you invest.
First, know your mattress types, which we will discuss below.
Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses are a style that dates back to 1865. They are known for their metal coils. The feel of an innerspring mattress is based on coil count, shape, the gauge of metal and if the coils are continuous or pocketed.
Memory foam: Created in the 1970s, memory foam was first used to enhance seat cushioning and provide greater crash protection for airplane pilots and passengers. Memory foam mattresses contour to the shape of your body, providing the ultimate customisation in both support and comfort.
Latex: Latex mattresses come in three types — natural latex sourced from the rubber tree; petroleum-based synthetic latex; and a combination of both natural and synthetic latex.
Pillow top: Pillow top mattresses add a layer of luxe plushness on top of a traditional mattress, increasing comfort with a soft to medium mattress feel.
Adjustable bases: Motorised bases allow for mattress customisation by lowering and raising both the head and foot of the bed. Adjustable bases offer high-tech options, including the incorporation of smart-home devices and sleep monitoring.
Water bed: Invented over 50 years ago, water beds are making a comeback with new and improved features, including temperature control and wave reduction support.
Gel: Crafted with gel foam or beads, gel mattresses provide comfort to hot sleepers.
The gel allows for increased inner-mattress air circulation and moisture-wicking properties, ultimately delivering a cooler night’s sleep.
There is need to determine what kind of sleeper you are:
Back sleepers
If you find yourself spending most of the night sleeping on your back, you might be experiencing lower back pain. You can alleviate that pain by sleeping with “one pillow under your neck to prevent excessive neck flexion and a pillow under your knees to prevent excessive lumbar lordosis (arching of the lower spine).
Adding extra support to those areas can help mitigate the strain your lower back experiences in this sleeping position.
Mattress recommendation: A Purple mattress is crafted to fully support your back with its hyper-elastic polymer grid, while also allowing comfortable airflow. Purple has the highest score in comfort, support, durability, warranty and value for money.
Front sleepers
Sleeping on your stomach every night can put consistent strain on your lower back. We do not recommend this sleeping position but if it is the only way you will fall asleep comfortably, you should make a few adjustments. Place a pillow under your stomach to help minimise back arching in this position.
Mattress recommendation: A medium-firm mattress keeps your spine aligned while supporting your midsection as you sleep on your stomach. A “firm” mattress provides custom coil support that will help you wake up with less lower back strain.
Side sleepers
If you sleep best on your side, you might wake up with consistent hip and neck pain. We recommend surrounding yourself with pillows that help relieve pressure points. For side sleepers, placing a pillow between the knees ensures proper pelvic alignment. This will prevent strain on your hips.
Two pillows should be used for the head to prevent excessive side bending of the neck, which often causes increased neck stiffness upon waking.
Consider your back pain placement
Whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach, a medium-firm mattress ensures it can support spinal alignment without your body sinking down too much.
Medium-firm mattresses also provide enough “give” to relieve high-pressure points at the hips and shoulders.
If you have upper back pain
Located anywhere between your neck and lower back, upper back pain symptoms can include feeling pain while breathing deeply and moving your shoulders and neck.
Mattress recommendation: The best mattress for sore backs ensures the pain is not aggravated during sleep. A memory foam mattress contours to your body to create a healthy alignment of your spine and relieves joint pain.
If you have lower back pain
Do you wake up with a dull ache in your lower back or a shooting pain that makes it hard to move, let alone sit up straight? You might be dealing with lower back pain — and your old mattress might be making it worse.
Mattress recommendation: The best mattress for lower back is a classic mattress. This hybrid innerspring mattress offers lumbar zone technology and memory foam, which delivers lower back pressure relief.
If you have sacroiliac joint pain
According to health studies, sacroiliitis is inflammation of your sacroiliac joints — the area where your pelvis connects to your lower spine. This can cause pain in your lower back or buttocks and extend down into your legs. Finding a mattress that supports proper spine alignment and relieves pressure on your lower back is key to mitigating sacroiliac joint pain.
Mattress recommendation: Some hybrid mattresses offer zoned support, including a zone focusing on the lower back, waist and hips to ensure proper alignment of your spine. — Wires
