Back pain is one of the most common and persistent health complaints worldwide. Whether you're dealing with a stiff lower back, upper back pain, or general aches and pains, the right mattress can make a huge difference in alleviating discomfort and promoting better sleep.

However, with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is best for your back pain? Read on to find out more

Why Your Mattress Matters

Your mattress plays a crucial role in your spine’s alignment while you sleep. Poor alignment can strain your muscles, joints, and ligaments, making back pain worse. When you sleep on a mattress that’s too soft, too firm, or just not supportive enough, you might wake up ‘feeling it’. A mattress that offers adequate support can help distribute your body weight evenly, reduce pressure points, and encourage a neutral spine position, ultimately helping to reduce pain.

What to Consider When Looking for a Mattress for a Bad Back

When you’re choosing a new mattress in general, you will have to consider different factors about the mattress you want, including firmness level, material type, sleeping position and your body weight. If you’re suffering back pain in bed, it’s even more important to be across these factors as they can directly affect your sleep quality as well as your overall back pain levels. In this guide, we’ll run through some of the key considerations that you should keep in mind when you’re looking to make your next purchase.

How To Choose The Right Mattress Firmness?

Soft, Medium, or Firm? Firmness is one of the most debated topics when it comes to mattresses in general because personal preference plays such a big role. The right firmness level depends on your body type, sleep position, and, as we’ve said, personal preference. In this instance, relying on a friend’s recommendation may not be the best idea because what is perfect for them might not be for you.

Soft mattresses may feel comfortable initially, but they often lack the necessary support to keep your spine in proper alignment. This can lead to poor posture and exacerbated back pain.

Medium-firm mattresses are often recommended for back pain because they offer a balance of support and comfort. There’s a reasonable amount of ‘give’ in the mattress to contour to your body while also maintaining the firmness needed for spinal alignment.

Firm mattresses provide the most support, which may be beneficial for those who suffer from back pain due to poor spinal alignment. However, if the mattress is too firm, it can create pressure points, especially in areas like the hips and shoulders.

While Medium-firm mattresses tend to be the sweet spot for most people with back pain, it’s not a certainty, as both personal preference and body type also play a significant role in which mattress is right for you. Bevmarks has a range of firmness options in mattresses, and you are welcome to lie on all of them to find out what one works for you.

Material Type

The material of your mattress affects both comfort and support. Here are some common options:

Memory Foam:

Memory Foam conforms to your body and provides targeted pressure relief, making it ideal for people with chronic pain. It’s particularly beneficial for side sleepers or those who need contouring around their shoulders and hips.

Innerspring:

Traditional innerspring mattresses are typically firmer and provide a bouncier feel. While they can offer support for some back pain sufferers, they may lack the contouring comfort of memory foam.

Latex:

Latex mattresses are naturally firmer than memory foam but still offer a comfortable, responsive feel. They’re also known for being durable, hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites and other allergens.

Hybrid:

A hybrid mattress combines an innerspring system with foam layers, offering the best of both worlds. The springs provide support while the foam layers relieve pressure points. Hybrids can be an excellent choice for those with back pain, as they give both comfort and adequate support.

These brief descriptions give you a little information on how mattress material can affect your back pain. The team at Bevmarks can give you much more detail on all of their mattresses. After considering mattress construction, the next step is to think about yourself.

Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position directly impacts support. If you sleep on your back, you’ll need a mattress that provides enough support to maintain the natural curve of your spine. A medium-firm mattress is generally ideal for back sleepers as it offers both support and comfort without creating pressure points. Side sleepers often need a mattress that contours to the body to relieve pressure on the hips and shoulders. A slightly softer mattress, like memory foam, works well for side sleepers to provide enough cushioning without compromising support.

Stomach sleepers typically require a firmer mattress to prevent their spine from arching unnaturally, which could cause strain on the neck and lower back. A firm mattress will help maintain proper alignment.

Body Weight

Your weight also plays a role in determining the right mattress for you. Heavier individuals generally need a firmer mattress to prevent sinking too much, which could cause misalignment. On the other hand, lighter individuals may benefit from a softer mattress to avoid pressure points.

How to Test a Mattress If You Experience Back Pain

If you’re waking up with back pain, it’s essential to take time when choosing a mattress and pay attention to a few specifics.

When you’re ‘testing’ a new mattress, lie down in your natural sleeping position. Spend at least 10-15 minutes on the mattress in your usual sleeping position to assess comfort and support. Pay attention to any pressure points you may feel. Are your hips okay? Can you ‘feel’ your shoulders? How about your lower back? You need to lie down long enough to be able to notice if you have any pain points… literally. A good mattress should relieve pressure, not create it.

The Right Mattress for a Bad Back

Choosing the best mattress for back pain is a highly personal decision, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, in general, a medium-firm mattress made of memory foam or hybrid materials offers the best combination of support and comfort for most back pain sufferers. Pay attention to your sleeping position, body weight, and any specific pain areas when selecting a mattress, and don't be afraid to test out different options before making your final choice. Bevmarks offers a range of mattresses with different material constructions and firmness levels to give you great options when making your choice.

Your mattress can make a significant difference in your sleep quality, so investing in the right one is an investment in your overall health and well-being. Come to your nearest store, or chat to our team of sleep professionals at Bevmarks to find the right mattress for your back!