A mattress that is compatible with your sleeping habits and body type can alleviate many of your sleep-related issues, including back pain. Ideally, your bed should be firm enough to support your back and sleeping position but soft enough to comfortably contour your body. This balance isn’t always easy to figure out—which is where we come in.
Swing by Colder’s to find a quality mattress that will enable you to enjoy a longer and deeper slumber. You can also shop our name-brand selection from our digital catalog with some guidance from our mattress buying guide.
As a note, if you experience persistent pain or suspect you may suffer from a sleep disorder, be sure to contact your primary care physician.
And in the meantime, read on to discover how certain mattress comfort levels can provide back pain relief.
At a Glance:
How Your Choice of Mattress Makes a Difference for Your Sleep Health
The Best Mattress Comfort Levels for Back Pain
The Best Mattress Types for Back Pain
The Best Sleeping Position for Back Pain
How Your Choice of Mattress Makes a Difference for Your Sleep Health
It might surprise you to learn that the right mattress can be the cure to many sleep-related afflictions, including disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia. Sleep is a critical component of our mental and physical health, so if your mind and body are lacking rest due to ongoing sleep issues, your overall well-being could be taking a serious hit.
Certainly, over-the-counter sleep aids can provide immediate relief; however, relying on medication to fall asleep while lying on the wrong mattress can cause you to wake up feeling more restless than well-rested. What we can deduce is that the real deterrent of poor sleep is the surface you lay on. Instead, if your body is supported with the proper comfort level and materials, your need for medication can be reduced—or eliminated altogether.
And since back pain can similarly disrupt your counting of sheep, we implore you to assess the quality of the bed you plan to sleep on.
The Best Mattress Comfort Levels for Back Pain
Choosing the correct mattress comfort level is critical to getting the relief you seek. Different comfort levels are better for different types of sleepers. A medium-firm comfort level is considered by most sleepers to be the most generally suitable option, as this in-between comfort level’s surface doesn’t sink too deeply compared to a plush model, thereby curbing bodily discomfort.
While medium mattresses are not typically recommended for those who suffer from sleep disorders, they are a highly touted option for those who suffer from back pain. This is because medium mattresses are designed to provide enough support to keep your spine aligned (or “neutral”) without leading to sore joints.
For more severe cases of back pain, the cure might be found in a firm or extra-firm mattress. Theoretically, this sturdy surface will keep your spine better aligned to prevent lower-back pain.
The Best Mattress Types for Back Pain
The truth is, most mattress types can be conducive to supporting a bad back—the most important variable in improving your sleep experience despite this affliction is the mattress comfort level, i.e., a medium, firm, or extra-firm bed.
That said, experts opine that those who suffer from back pain sleep more soundly on innerspring, hybrid, and memory foam mattresses.
Hybrid Mattresses for Back Pain
Hybrid mattresses are good for back pain because they offer the best of both worlds – a stiff, supportive base with layers of soft, plush comfort on top. This is unlike all-foam mattresses, which can be too firm or too soft, and innerspring mattresses, which can be too bouncy. A hybrid mattress provides the best support for your back by evenly distributing your weight and keeping your spine in alignment.
Additionally, hybrids often have a cooling effect thanks to their breathable construction, which is ideal for hot sleepers or those who suffer from night sweats. The combination of a supportive base and cooling top make hybrids one of the best mattresses for back pain.
Memory Foam Mattresses for Back Pain
A memory foam mattress is good for back pain because it provides support for your spine. It also conforms to the shape of your body, which helps to reduce pressure points. A memory foam mattress is also a good choice for people who have arthritis or other chronic pain conditions. The supportive nature of the mattress can help to reduce pain and improve sleep quality.
Innerspring Mattresses for Back Pain
An innerspring mattress is good for pack pain because the coils create air pockets that allow your body to breathe, preventing the build-up of heat and moisture. Additionally, the springs offer support and distribute weight evenly, which can help relieve pressure points and reduce pack pain.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Keeping the previously mentioned criteria in mind, we handpicked two of our most supportive mattresses for back pain. Check them out!
Restonic® Halkirk Hybrid Firm Queen Mattress
Our experts agree that this Restonic mattress is the best firm mattress. Restonic’s firm mattress provides support all over—all night long. Its patented Marvelous Middle® technology delivers 25 percent more support in the middle of the mattress, where you need it most, equalizing pressure distribution across the entire body, providing extra lumbar support, and protecting the bed itself against sagging.
Recipient of the Consumers Digest Best Buy™ Award, this mattress has a high-density, extra-firm foam that is designed to provide rigid support, buffer sensitive pressure points, and moderate temperature variances.
Restonic® Scott Living Ellis Hybrid Medium Plush Queen Mattress
Restonic teamed up with the HGTV-famous duo Drew and Jonathan Scott to bring you a comfortable and rejuvenating night’s sleep with a mattress line that also reflects the twins’ personal style.
One of the most popular Scott Living mattresses, this Ellis Hybrid delivers superior comfort with AlumiLast memory foam. This mattress also utilizies Q5 Twin Support to provide exact and supportive spinal aligment. Best of all, this hybrid mattress is made from exclusive technology that increases airflow for a cooling sleep.
The Best Sleeping Position for Back Pain
As you learned, when it comes to sleep, there are many factors that can impact the depth and duration of your slumber. Your sleeping position is one of them. And there is no fit-for-all prescription—check out these compelling correlations between sleeping positions and back pain relief!
Side Sleepers
The most popular sleeping positions of all, the fetal and side poses promote blood circulation in your body and can relieve lower back pain. With the fetal position having you sleep on your side with a hunched torso and bent knees, experts recommend making the position more comfortable by keeping it loose rather than tight—to avoid restricting diaphragm breathing. And sleeping in a tightly held fetal position might also leave you feeling sore in the morning, which could worsen symptoms for those with arthritis.
Pro-tip for fetal and side sleepers: Tuck a pillow between your knees to reduce strain on your hips.
Back Sleepers
While it may sound counterproductive, some people find back pain relief from sleeping on their back. This makes sense because this position enables even weight distribution across the widest area of your body. For optimal comfort in this position, we suggest placing a pillow under your knees to keep your spine neutral.
There are a few reasons why sleeping on your back is good for back pain. First, sleeping on your back allows your spinal column to rest in a neutral position. This helps reduce the strain on your back. Second, sleeping on your back allows gravity to help keep the discs between your vertebrae healthy and hydrated. Finally, sleeping on your back allows your muscles to relax fully, which can help reduce muscle pain and stiffness.
One downside of sleeping on your back is that it can make snoring worse. If you have a partner who snores, you may want to try another sleep position.
Stomach Sleepers
By contrast, stomach sleeping does not keep your spine in a neutral pose, instead placing pressure on muscles and joints, which could spur or prolong neck and back pain. Too much pressure on your muscles and joints can lead to numbness, tingles, and nerve irritation.
To curb these negative effects while still sleeping on your stomach, it is recommended that you sleep face-down to avoid contorting your neck; however, if you must sleep on your stomach, we suggest propping a pillow underneath your pelvis and lower abdomen.
Mattresses for Back Pain FAQ
Are memory foam mattresses good for your back?
Yes, memory foam mattresses are some of the best mattresses for those who experience back pain. Memory foam naturally contours to the body. This level of support is critical when it comes to alleviating pain at the various pressure points throughout the body.
How do I know if my mattress is causing my back pain?
There are many warning signs that indicate it is time to replace your mattress:
- You wake up in pain
- You can’t get comfortable during the night
- Your mattress is old
- You cannot stay asleep during the night
- Your mattress is sagging or making noise
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee.
Shop Mattresses Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop mattresses online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best mattresses for back pain, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: How to Shop for a New Mattress Online: Our Definitive Buying Guide