» Important points for choosing back pain mattress
A low quality mattress can cause backache or worsen symptoms. In fact, about 50% of adults in the US have or have experienced some kind of back pain within the last year.
Lower backache is the leading cause of disability. It prevents people from reporting to work and enjoying a good night’s sleep.
While it is not always due to a bad mattress, a poor quality product can often be a cause. Plus, it can also worsen the situation, hence it is important to pay attention to the following when selecting a back pain mattress.
- The Condition of Your Back: This is the most important factor because not all mattresses may be right for you. Backache is of many times. It could be due to an accident, due to a bad posture, due to muscle injury, etc. If your backache has been persistent, then get in touch with an expert and find out what’s causing pain. Doing so will help you figure out:
- Ideal Firmness: Most manufacturers allow you to choose from different firmness levels – mild, firm, etc. – according to your requirements. Pick one that keeps your back properly aligned and makes you feel comfortable.
- Perfect Material: You can select a variety of mattresses – spring, latex, memory foam, etc. – according to your requirements. Each option has its own pros and cons. We’ll discuss these in detail later in this article.
- Correct Position: Believe it or not, your sleeping position can be the cause of your backache. Moreover, the right mattress also depends on your sleeping position. Hence, pick one according to your specific requirements.
- According to experts, it is best to sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs if you have lower back pain.
- Avoid sleeping on the stomach as it can put pressure on the back
- Sleep on your back as it prevents acid reflux, however, it can increase the risk of sleep apnea
» Back pain mattress - what to consider and what causes poor mattress support
It is important to be able to tell a good mattress apart from a bad mattress. When it comes to a mattress for back pain, the most important factor is the support.
A mattress typically comes with multiple layers. The supportive layer is usually the last one and it is also the thickest. Its job is not only to provide support to the back but also to the entire mattress to ensure it retains its position and does not sustain damage.
Make sure to pay importance to the support layer to ensure the mattress plays the required role in reducing back pain. You will find a number of products on the market, and while all mattresses for back pain have a support layer, they may not always be equally thick or made from the same material or technology.
We suggest to go for a mattress that has at least a 3” thick support base. You will also find some mattresses that may have a thicker base – up to 6” – but that may not be required unless you are very heavy.
Each product can handle a specific amount of weight and if you are too heavy then the mattress will not be able to support your weight.
In addition to this, pay attention to the base. The base must provide support to the mattress. Most reliable bed bases or foundations have slates that ensure the mattress remains steady and does not sink. Remember that the mattress alone will not be enough, it should have full support from the foundation.
» What is the price of a good mattress?
When you enter the market to buy a mattress for back pain, you will find that the prices start as low as $500 and often go as high as $2,500. This huge range can often leave buyers confused since they cannot decide which product to go for.
The truth is that manufacturers make products for all kinds of buyers – from those who can afford to spend $2,000 on a mattress to those who can only afford to spend about $500.
To be clear here, the cheapest mattress can never be good for backache, so do not even pay attention to the ones that cost $500. Most decent mattresses for back pain start as low as $700-900. You can find some better products for about $1200.
Factors such as the label, mattress type or material, thickness, size, warranty, and trial period also impact the price. Some companies do not offer very high-quality products but they charge a premium price due to the brand name. There isn’t much point in selecting such a seller since your main agenda should be to get a high-quality mattress for back pain.
Moreover, we must also mention that some companies offer free shipping and free mattress removal and installation services (including in the cost of the mattress) that can add up to the price. Pay special attention to this feature since paying for shipping and installation can add up to $300 to the actual price.
All in all, expect to spend between $800-1500 for a decent mattress for back pain. If you want a luxurious product, then it can go up to $2,000.