Best Mattress for Back Pain

This page describes some of the best types of mattresses for back pain sufferers. With a wide variety of mattress types and manufacturers out there, you can find the mattress which is perfect for you, in both comfort and back support.

We spend eight hours a day, or one-third of our life, lying in bed. So of course it's essential that you get the mattress which is perfect for you, and your back. The human spine is shaped in an S, and it's important that you sleep on a mattress that allows your spine to keep its natural shape. A mattress that is too soft will make you sink in too much, while a mattress that is too firm will push your body out of shape in the opposite direction.

Studies have found that fairly firm mattresses are generally the best for a bad back, with "medium-firm" usually being the level which gives the most relief. The mattress types below can all be found in the right firmness to support your back, while also providing lots of comfort. Beyond getting the right firmness for your back, it's up to your personal preference whether you go for a spring, foam, air or other type of mattress.

Spring Mattress

Inner spring mattresses are the most popular mattress type, making up over 80% of mattresses. The coil springs in these mattresses can provide firm back support, while the upholstered top layer keeps the mattress comfortable. A medium-firm spring mattress is one of the best choices if you suffer back pain.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses mold to your body contours when you lie down. The warmth of your body softens the foam so that it shapes to fit you perfectly. A memory foam mattress of the right firmness provides both comfort and back support. You can also buy memory foam toppers which fit over the top of other mattresses.

Latex Foam Mattresses

Like memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses also shape to fit your body contours. They are very comfortable and also provide as much support as memory foam. Latex mattresses are very popular amongst back pain sufferers and are another good choice if you have a bad back.

Air Mattresses

Instead of using coils like innerspring mattresses, high-end air beds provide cushioning with air in place of the coils. A great advantage of using air is that you can adjust air mattresses to the exact desired firmness. This is important for giving your back the right level of support, so you can relieve back pain.

Waterbed Mattresses

Waterbed mattresses use liquid to provide support, instead of coil springs or air. Waterbeds have been upgraded over the years and now have similar padding and comfort layers to innerspring mattreses. They are now sometimes called hybrids. Studies have found that waterbed mattresses are amongst the best mattresses for back support.

Pillow-Top

Like memory foam toppers, pillow-tops can be fitted over the top of mattresses to provide soft padding. This way you can use a firm mattress for back support, while still having the comfort provided by the cushioning of the pillow-top layer.

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