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Americans are reporting that they are getting enough sleep, but the sleep they get isn’t making them feel as rested as it should. Why would that be?
A big reason could be a low-quality mattress that isn’t comfortable enough to really relax. Even worse, it may actually be causing back pain.
Are you trying to get that perfect night’s sleep, but don’t think your mattress is up to snuff? It may be time for an upgrade.
If you want to learn about finding the 8 best mattresses for back pain, check out our extensive list detailing what to look for below and learn more.
1. Mattress for Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side, you need a mattress that is going to give you support where you need it and relieve pressure at the same time.
Not all mattresses are built for people that like to sleep on their sides. If it’s too firm, the mattress may put too much pressure on your shoulders or your hips. If it’s too soft, you won’t get the support you need in the areas that aren’t resting comfortably.
Be sure to check out this mattress for back pain if you’re a side sleeper. It has the pressure relief you need and will conform to your body in just the right spots.
2. Mattress for Back Sleepers
If you like to sleep on your back, a medium to firm mattress is your best bet. You need to get that firm support along your spine, but you also want to make sure that there is a little give (or cushion) for your shoulders, hips, and low back.
Since most of us don’t have a totally flat back, finding a mattress that will also support along the curve of your spine is a wise move. This way, you’ll be able to wake up without the back pain that is so common for back sleepers.
3. Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers will tend to put a lot of stress on the neck and the spine because the body has to bend in a slightly unnatural way to accommodate this position. Sleeping on the wrong mattress just makes the chance of back pain worse.
Don’t fret! There are mattresses out there that can allow you to get your snooze on in this position without risking serious pain.
You’ll want to look for a supportive mattress that doesn’t let your tummy sink too far into the mattress, so a firmer option might be best. This will align your spine into a more natural shape and reduce the stress on your back.
4. Mattress for Low Back Pain
People used to think that back pain meant you needed a more firm mattress, but this isn’t necessarily true.
If you are dealing with low back pain, you want to find a mattress that is medium to firm.
Make sure that it can support your posture when you sleep and that your muscles are able to relax when you’re sleeping. This is the best way to prevent low back pain.
You’ll also want to consider the type of pillow you’re using and whether or not that may be making the problem worse.
5. Mattress for Upper Back Pain
Suffering from upper back pain due to a bad mattress can be from a variety of factors.
Is your mattress to firm or too soft, causing your spine to move out of alignment? Does your mattress put a lot of strain on your pressure points? Is your mattress making your muscles work harder trying to support you where the mattress won’t?
Try to lay on your current mattress for a period of time in your regular sleeping posture and pay attention to where you are unable to relax the most.
It’s wise to pinpoint where the pain is originating from so you can find a mattress that addresses that specific issue.
6. Mattress for Those on a Budget
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t get a comfortable mattress that will help you sleep better.
The good news is that more and more mattress brands are starting to recognize the wide range of consumers that need more price options. This means you may have more options than you think.
You can find affordable mattresses in a variety of styles, including foam, spring, or hybrid, to get the support you need.
If you’re on a budget, it is a good idea to actually try the mattress in person before you buy or go with a mattress that has a trial period. This way, you’re sure you can get what you need from your new mattress and not waste money.
7. Mattress for Athletes
Athletes need a lot of sleep (more than the average person) to perform at the top of their game. This is especially true if the athlete is in training or is competing in an event.
Without the right mattress, an athlete may not be able to get the high-quality sleep needed for better reaction times and better scores.
8. Mattress for Those Wanting an Eco-Friendly Option
Eco-friendly mattresses used to be few and far between, but now, they are easy to find in a variety of firmness levels and sizes.
This is great news for someone that wants to get a new mattress but wants to save the environment at the same time. There are a few things to be aware of when you start your search, however, including:
- Some mattresses contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- “Natural” or “eco-” don’t always mean what you think they mean
- You may need to compromise a bit more to get the perfect mattress
Look for a mattress that will be best for your back pain, but still is made of ingredients that make it more environmentally-conscious.
You may not be able to get the features you’re looking for when you shop in this direction, but you’ll be able to find something that will work exactly the way you need it to.
Take a Look at the Best Mattresses for Back Pain
Now that you have an idea of how to find the best mattresses for back pain, it’s time to get shopping!
Search for the mattress with the support you need and rid yourself of those dreadful morning aches.
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