Types of Mattresses for Managing Back Pain
Using the right type of mattress can help you get a sound night’s sleep, especially if you experience back pain. It is important to ensure that you are choosing the right mattress for managing your back pain when looking to buy a new mattress or replace an old one. The mattress should support your back and ensure that the alignment of the head, neck, spine, and buttocks is perfect to prevent back pain from developing or worsening. This article helps you in the process of choosing the right mattress for back pain by listing out the different types of mattresses available:
- Spring mattresses
One of the most popular types, innerspring mattresses have coils inside the bed, which help in supporting the back very well. A coil count of around 390 is ideal for the best type of mattress, and the coils would have other materials on the top for comfort, including a soft pillow top mattress that can allow you to sink into the mattress.
You need to look for mattresses with good-quality, preferably steel, coil used for the spring. Some mattress companies promise a higher number of springs, but this is not necessarily an indicator of the mattress being comfortable. - Memory foam
One of the most comfortable types of mattresses, they have multiple layers of foam that can adjust itself according to your body shape, ensuring the best support for your back, along with optimal comfort. Memory foam mattresses can provide relief from back pain, but they also tend to heat up the bed a little and may sag over time with continued use. - Latex
Latex mattresses are made of rubber. These could be made from natural latex obtained from rubber or synthetic material. They offer comfort and adequate support to the back. Latex mattresses are firmer as compared to memory foam and are good for the back. However, they may not be suitable for those who prefer a soft mattress.
There are also types of beds suitable for managing back pain issues:
- Air beds
Air beds resemble spring mattresses. However, instead of coils, they have chambers filled with air, and a foam layer at the top provides comfort. If you don’t get a quality bed, the lack of firmness can lead back pain to worsen, so choosing the right mattress is very critical for managing back pain. The advantage of this bed is that the firmness of one side of the bed can be changed to suit your requirements. - Adjustable beds
These beds can be adjusted to change the elevation and are suitable for those with health problems like sleep apnea and GERD, which require elevation of the bed while sleeping. Since the bed is elevated, the mattress should be flexible. Memory foam or latex would be ideal for an adjustable bed, which is helpful for those with lower back pain.