The mattress should not be a controversial piece of furniture. It is, after all, just a chunk of hefty materials engineered to cushion the human body at rest. But there are so many mattress choices today, choosing the right one is about as confounding as car shopping.
Mattress matters when it comes to getting quality sleep. Back pain sufferers insist, and rightfully so, that the mattress is as much a health equipment as it is a part of the furniture. The right mattress should provide enough support to the spine and the spine curvatures, in the eight or so hours that a person sleeps, to prevent morning-after misery, especially for those with lumbar complaints.
Back pain and bed rest
Chronic low back pain afflicts about 80% of the population, at one point or another. This type of pain involves a dull and persistent ache centered in the lower back. A moderately firm mattress is recommended for this condition. Different back problems can be eased by a different mattress type. Lumbar disc problems with shooting pain from the buttock radiating to the lower leg and foot, accompanied by numbness would require a firmer mattress. On the other hand, a softer mattress would be helpful for spinal stenosis patients to relieve pain and cramping.
A mattress for every need
Today’s mattress options are varied. Mattress engineering has even made it possible for people with different requirements to share the same mattress. But the best mattress for back pain relief is determined by different features.
• Hard versus soft – what really works
Old school advice took for granted that the body would get the most benefit from a harder mattress than a softer one. A study done in Spain and published in the Lancet indicate that the best mattress for back pain sufferers is somewhere between firm and soft. The study showed that a medium-firm mattress diminished the pain experienced while lying in bed, upon rising and through routine daytime activities. Apparently, a mattress should be firm enough to distribute the user’s weight while sleeping but not overly firm that natural spine alignment is affected.
• New versus old – how long before a replacement is needed
The average mattress has a shelf life of five to seven years, depending on usage and quality. A double-blind study conducted in Germany using hotel guests’ feedback, revealed that there is a significant correlation between sleep and mattress quality, indicated by age of mattress. For those suffering from back pain and sleep apnea, sleep quality declined on older mattresses. It must be emphasized that as the human body ages, sleep positions and anatomical pressure points change. Thus, it is a good idea to test new mattresses to find one that will support back pain therapies.
Finding the right mattress
Mattress shopping has been elevated to a sport. There are so many options and special features on mattresses today, making it difficult to decide on the best mattress for back pain sufferers.
• With traditional or innerspring coil mattress, the core of innersprings supports the body while the links between coils allow the mattress to hold its shape. More coils mean greater mattress flexibility, a plus for back pain relief. With a pillow top comfort cover, this kind of mattress can provide adequate support for the back.
• A memory foam mattress, made from polyurethane and other poly-elastics, comes in different thicknesses, weight and formulations. The foam mattress allows the body to shift easily during sleep. The best mattress for back pain will support the natural curves of the back to avoid further stress on pressure points, so foam mattresses are definitely worth comparing with other options.
• Waterbeds provide smooth and even support to the body as the materials will conform to the shape and weight placed on the mattress. This eliminates pressure points and improves sleep quality as it cuts down on tossing and turning. Infused with heat, the waterbed can be a therapeutic mattress for back and muscle pain relief.
• A hard mattress like a futon pad is still preferred by some, believing that the firmness provides needed support for the aching back. A limited study conducted in Denmark indicates that back pain sufferers found some relief when using a foam mattress or a waterbed. However, the study was not broad enough to define significant differences in back pain relief in relation to mattress structure.
Ultimately, the choice of mattress for back pain relief is a subjective decision at best. Because everyone’s body is different, the sensible way to choose the right mattress is to try it out before making a commitment. Spend at least ten minutes reclining on the floor models to make a reasonable comparison. Additionally, inquire about warranties and return policies. It might take a little time for the sore back to give some feedback on the change in mattress system.
