How to Choose the Best Mattress to Prevent Back Pain

Experiencing back pain is normal for most people. Over time, about 20% will eventually develop a chronic condition. Persistent back pain will affect your mood and have a long-term impact on your health. While there are many causes of back pain, one of the most common reasons is poor sleeping position or condition. And if you feel that your bed or mattress is the contributing factor, then it’s about time you consider buying a new one.

There are no perfect beds or mattresses

What makes it good is how the manufacturer pays attention to using top-quality material mixed with lumbar support technology. If you click here, you’ll see how a mattress designed to minimize movement will make sleeping more comfortable. Manufacturing techniques, although not the main factor, do contribute significantly to the overall quality.

Keep in mind, however, that there is no such thing as a “perfect mattress.” A mattress that will relieve you of back pain depends on a variety of factors. After all, comfort is a subjective matter. If you base your decision on science, doctors will likely recommend a sturdier mattress. But, over time, new studies suggest that firmness should be moderate or average for optimum spinal support.

Another thing that complicates the mattress selection process for most people is how manufacturers tend to use product terms loosely. For example, one manufacturer may label their firm, while another would consider it a medium-firm.

Different types of mattresses

The first step in selecting a mattress that will reduce your back pain is comparing the different options available. And if you stick to the basic types, there’s no reason to get confused by all the marketing terms and jargon.

Foam

Most manufacturers use polyurethane in making the layer of foam. But, few use latex or a mixture of both. A top-rated product nowadays is memory foam. This type of mattress mimics your body shape as you lie down. With memory foam, you won’t have any difficulty moving from one position to another.

Spring mattresses

They are the most traditional and come in a variety of coil configurations. For instance, a “hybrid” coil mattress may have several foam layers that reduce bounciness. Different materials, such as infused gel or cushions, are placed on top of the coil to make sleeping more comfortable. One of the common issues is how it emphasizes even the smallest movements.

Air

An inflatable mattress is ideal if you want to adjust your bed’s firmness to suit your preferences. However, constant adjusting can be inconvenient. Also, air mattresses aren’t as durable as foam or spring mattresses.

You’ll find that apart from these three, there are also a variety of other materials used in making mattresses. The combination of materials and manufacturing techniques help in improving the product’s performance and durability. Ultimately, learning the basics will give you enough information to sort through your options and find the right fit.

Back pain and your mattress

Attributing back pain to your mattress is a valid generalization. But, it may not be the only cause. To ensure that buying a new mattress is indeed the solution, you need to analyze how and when you experience back pain.

For instance, if the worst incident of back pain occurs right after you get out of bed, then your sleeping condition is likely the culprit. You may also want to pay attention to the symptoms throughout the day. If the pain recedes after exercising and some light movement, then changing your bed will be good for your back.

But according to experts, picking out one that will reduce or eliminate back pain can be tricky. What’s essential to understand here is your unique circumstance. You may also want to determine other factors contributing to the pain. In general, the consensus is that you should avoid one that are too firm or too soft.

Choosing the right one

Ultimately, finding a mattress that suits your preference and prevents back pain is a highly personal decision. To make sure that you buy the right one, take note of the following considerations:

Take time to test the mattress before buying it

What we mean here is going beyond merely lying on the bed for several minutes on the showroom. Ask the store if they have a return policy. If so, then use the mattress for at least a month iso that you can determine if it helps relieve your back pain.

Body temperature is also crucial

Optimum sleep comfort is also affected by your body temperature. If you live in a place with a warmer climate, you’ll need to choose it made with breathable material that will keep you cool at night.

Your sleeping position

The way you sleep directly impacts your weight distribution on the mattress. While we recommend going with a medium-firm, you still need to consider how your sleeping position adjusts to the bed’s firmness. Choosing one that perfectly matches your sleeping style will also help minimize discomfort and back pain.

A clear understanding of the warranty

The product warranty is a critical consideration if you want to make the most out of your investment. Pay attention to what the warranty covers and excludes. How long will the manufacturer cover replacement if there is a factory defect? Will the coverage extend to other causes of damage? At the very least, the manufacturer’s warranty should be no less than ten years.

What to do on the day of delivery

Don’t complete a mattress delivery before taking the time to inspect the product. Make sure that you receive the right item, and it’s 100% brand new. If there’s anything wrong, contact the seller’s support team immediately to get the issue fixed.

In conclusion, purchasing is a subjective decision. If your concern is reducing back pain, the best tip is to make sure you can test the product out. Your comfort and preferences should also take precedence over fancy marketing and advertising terms used by manufacturers.