Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can result from overuse, arthritis, spinal conditions, or a sudden injury. But, in some cases, back discomfort is simply caused by a bad mattress. Your mattress largely affects your spinal alignment while you sleep, either helping or hurting your pain levels throughout the day. 

Choosing the best mattress for lower back pain comes down to firmness, quality, and personal preference. Read on for tips to consider while you shop for a mattress to keep back pain at bay. 

Does My Lower Back Hurt Because of My Mattress?

Your lower back may hurt because of your mattress if it’s too soft, too firm, or worn out. These types of mattresses can compromise spinal alignment while you sleep, placing excessive impact on your back. 

It can be tricky to tell if your lower back pain is resulting from your mattress. Here are a few warning signs:

  • Your back mainly hurts when you wake up. While going to bed with back pain can point to any number of causes, waking up with back pain is a key sign that your mattress is compromising your zzz’s. 
  • You don’t feel rested after a full night of sleep. If you sleep a full seven to nine hours, but don’t feel refreshed or energized, your mattress may be holding you back from restorative sleep.  
  • You wake up frequently at night. While waking up at night is relatively common in adults, if it’s accompanied by back discomfort, your mattress could be the culprit. 
  • You find it hard to get comfortable in bed. Tossing and turning in hopes of finding a comfy spot can indicate an issue with your mattress. 
  • You feel like you’re going to roll off the bed. Mattresses lose support around the edges over time. So, if your mattress is due for a replacement, you may start to feel like you could roll off at any time. 
  • You sink deeply into your mattress. If your mattress seems to fold around you, it doesn’t provide enough back support, period. 

What’s the Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain?

The best mattress for lower back pain is a medium-firm mattress that feels comfortable to you. 

According to clinical research, medium-firm mattresses yield the best results for people with lower back pain. This makes it a good, dependable choice if you’re not sure which mattress is right for you. Medium-firm mattresses can help keep your spine in proper alignment better than a very firm or soft mattress, leading to less pain. 

Aside from these general guidelines, you should consider your particular anatomy and preferences when purchasing a mattress. For example, people with wider hips often benefit from a slightly softer mattress, as the softer surface helps align the spine with the hips. But, above all, make sure that you can fall asleep comfortably on the mattress. 

Is a Firm Mattress Better for Your Back?

A firm mattress is generally better for your back than a soft mattress because it’s more supportive and keeps your spine in alignment. However, a medium-firm mattress is the ideal option, as it’s firm enough to support your back but has enough give to conform to the spine’s natural curves. 

While a firm mattress can be a good choice for people with back pain, make sure it’s not too hard. One survey of individuals with lower back pain found that people who used very hard mattresses had the worst sleep quality. Hard mattresses can place stress on your spine and create pressure points, leading to more pain in the morning. 

Is Memory Foam Good for Lower Back Problems?

Memory foam can be good for lower back problems because it accommodates the spine’s natural curves while providing balanced support across your back. This prevents pressure points that could worsen chronic pain. 

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Wondering what memory foam is, exactly? It’s also known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam, and its viscoelasticity is what makes it special. This means that the foam can slowly alter its shape (according to your body, in the context of a mattress) but go back to its initial shape once the pressure is relieved. Compared to spring mattresses, for example, memory foam is more responsive to your unique shape without compromising on support. 

Polyurethane foam is made from a chemical reaction involving polyol, isocyanate, and water. Considering that you spend around eight hours a day on your mattress, chemical exposure is understandably a concern for some people. However, most of today’s memory foam mattresses are considered safe and many undergo independent third-party testing to ensure they’re free of various toxic chemicals. 

How Often Should I Replace My Mattress?

You should replace your mattress every five to eight years, in general. This time frame can vary somewhat depending on the mattress material and quality. 

  • Memory foam mattresses can last for eight to 10 years if they’re made with high-quality materials. Lower-end memory foam mattresses may need to be replaced after five years. 
  • Latex mattresses have a long lifespan, lasting longer than 10 years in some cases. 
  • Innerspring mattresses can last for five to eight years, again depending on the material quality. 

You should also replace your mattress if you notice any of the following signs of damage and deterioration:

  • You’re waking up with back pain, struggling to fall asleep, or waking up throughout the night due to discomfort. 
  • You’re experiencing worsened allergies or asthma symptoms. Mattresses accumulate allergens, like dust mites, over time. 
  • Your mattress is sagging or lumpy. 
  • You can feel springs poking into your body when you lie down. 
  • The mattress is torn or stained. 

The best mattress for lower back pain is a personal decision, and the answer can vary from person to person. But, especially if you have chronic back pain, a top-quality mattress is a worthwhile investment to protect your back and preserve your sleep quality.