What is the best mattress for a bad back?

As March 2022 is National Bed Month we thought some advice on mattresses and common questions about which bed is best for you might help.

Are very firm or orthopaedic mattresses best for bad backs?

There are a couple of myths surrounding most suitable mattresses for back pain. The first myth is that you need a firm mattress and the other is labelling a mattress as ‘orthopaedic’. Both are misleading.

The term ‘orthopaedic’ generally just means an extra firm bed; it is not based on any medical or other common standard. Back in the day many doctors recommended patients with bad backs buy a firm mattress or place a solid board underneath their current one to ‘firm it up’! Thankfully this type of advice is very rare nowadays as the medical profession has a greater understanding of back problems and the importance of choosing a mattress that provides correct support rather than just feeling like a brick.

Remember don’t just buy a bed because it says it’s good for your back! Here at Bradford’s we have bed experts who can help advise which bed is most suitable for you.

What type of sleeper are you?

If you are a side-sleeper, an overly firm mattress will result in pressure points on shoulders and hips, pinching the nerves and causing numbness or pain. Side-sleepers typically require a mattress with softer cushioning layers such as memory foam or latex foam to provide pressure relief, back sleepers will require something a little firmer. If you sleep on your front, which isn’t recommended as it can put some strain on the neck, a firmer mattress would be preferable. The key is to maintain correct spinal alignment.

There are so many different reasons why you may be suffering from back pain. It could be muscular, joint problems or a slipped disc. You need to receive a professional diagnosis from a doctor or specialist.

Of course, sleeping on an unsuitable or unsupportive mattress is only going to exacerbate a back problem – whether that’s a mattress that is too soft or too firm. It’s about finding a mattress that provides the correct amount of core support for your spine whilst offering comfort and pressure relief provided by the layers of upholstery fillings.

So what is the best mattress for a bad back?

The simple answer is “one that you find most comfortable and supports your body correctly”. There’s no single right bed to ease a back problem and each different back problem also may require a different solution. The best approach is to research the options carefully, take time to try them out and choose what you personally find supportive and comfortable, regardless of labels or even price tags.

How much should you spend on a mattress?

Just because you have a problem with your back doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on getting the right mattress – it’s about finding the correct balance of comfort and support. Having said that, you’re unlikely to achieve a good level of long-lasting comfort from a budget priced mattress where usually only the cheapest filling materials are used over a basic spring unit. Spend as much as you can comfortably afford but bear in mind that you spend more time using your bed than any other household item.

If you would like to discuss your requirements or would like to visit the largest bed and mattress showroom in Worcestershire then please visit our contact us page here.

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