OUR REVIEW PROCESS
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QUICK SUMMARY |
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Chronic back pain affects millions of adults in the U.S. and many experience frequent sleep disruptions due to the constant discomfort. Choosing a comfortable, supportive mattress can significantly reduce aches and pains during the night, leaving sleepers feeling well-rested and more alert the next morning. By the same token, choosing the wrong mattress can exacerbate back pain and its repercussions. People with back pain should consider several key factors when selecting a new mattress. These include the material construction, thickness, and firmness of the mattress, as well as the individual’s weight and preferred sleep position. And because a new mattress represents a significant financial investment for most households, price-point is another important variable to take into account. Read on to learn more about how people with back pain can improve their sleep experience with the right mattress. Below you will find our list of the top mattresses for back pain. Our findings are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research. |
Best Mattresses for Back Pain |
Editor’s Choice – HelixBest Value – Bear MattressBest Luxury – PlushBeds Botanical Bliss (10″ or 12″)Best for Pressure Relief – Layla MattressBest for Lightweight Sleepers – LeesaBest for Average Weight Sleepers – DreamCloud MattressBest for Heavyweight Sleepers – Big Fig Mattress |
HOW WE DECIDED
130 mattresses considered –– 200 hours of research –– 10 mattress executives interviewed –– 5 sleep experts consulted
Best Mattresses for Back Pain – Tuck’s Top 6 Beds
Helix – Editor’s Choice
HIGHLIGHTS |
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Helix offers mattresses with a fully customizable comfort system, allowing sleepers with back pain to choose a sleep surface that corresponds to their weight, sleep position, and other factors. We were particularly impressed with the new, true hybrid construction of these beds which is a huge step up from the original.
The mattresses feature polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers of varying densities. First-time customers are asked to complete a questionnaire based on their body type and sleep preferences. Helix then recommends the mattress models that most closely corresponds to the questionnaire results. Currently, Helix offers six standard hybrid mattresses with the same configuration but different foam densities. Additionally, the company offers two dual firmness hybrid mattresses and one hybrid model with four foam layers to accommodate heavier individuals.
In addition to customizable comfort, Helix mattresses isolate a significant amount of motion transfer and produce very little noise compared to other hybrids. These qualities make the mattresses optimal for couples. Helix hybrids also sleep fairly cool and have strong edge support, both thanks to the pocketed coil support cores.
The price-point of Helix mattresses is significantly lower than average and customers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia qualify for free shipping. Each Helix mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Good for:
- Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination)
- All weight groups (light, average, heavy)
- Couples
- Value seekers
Check Price | Read Our Full Helix Mattress Review
Bear Mattress – Best Value
HIGHLIGHTS |
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The Bear Mattress is one of the only mattresses sold today with a cover made of Celliant fabric. This innovative material absorbs body heat and converts it into infrared energy, which is then transmitted back into the sleeper’s skin. This process can improve circulation, alleviate aches and discomfort, and aid with physical recovery – all of which benefit people with chronic back pain. Additionally, Celliant tends to sleep cooler than other synthetic cover materials.
The mattress also includes memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers, which conform closely to the sleeper’s body and help align the spine. The high-density polyfoam support core also ensures an even, balanced sleep surface. Bear mattress owners claim the bed isolates motion and produces little noise. And at 70 pounds in a Queen-size, the mattress is considered light and easy to move even by foam bed standards.
We’ve chosen the Bear Mattress as our Best Value model because its price-point is more than $200 below the average cost of a memory foam bed. Deliveries are free nationwide, and all customers qualify for a 100-night sleep trial with free returns.
Good for:
- Side and back sleepers
- Sleepers in average and heavy weight groups
- Physically active individuals
- Those who tend to sleep hot
Check Price | Read Our Full Bear Mattress Review
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss (10″ or 12″) – Best Luxury
HIGHLIGHTS |
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The Botanical Bliss Collection from PlushBeds consists of comfortable, eco-friendly latex models. We’re recommending the two thickest options – 10″ and 12″ – because they tend to alleviate more aches and pains for sleepers with back pain.
Both models are constructed with organic cotton covers and comfort layers made of New Zealand wool and natural Dunlop latex, creating a sleep surface that provides close conforming and sleeps fairly cool. The 10″ model is considered ‘Medium,’ or a 5.5 on the 1-10 firmness scale; the 12″ model is ‘Soft,’ or 3.5. This makes them particularly well-suited for people in the light and average weight groups, since firmer mattresses can cause discomfort for these individuals. The support core made of organic latex provides good, durable support.
Like many latex mattresses, the Botanical Bliss models have fairly long lifespans. Owners also claim the bed isolates motion transfer to a significant extent and produces virtually no noise when bearing weight.
PlushBeds customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free shipping, and in-home assembly services are available for an additional charge. These mattresses are backed by a 25-year lifetime warranty.
Good for:
- Side and back sleepers
- Every weight group (light, average, heavy)
- Eco-friendly mattress shoppers
- Buyers with a bigger budget
Check Price | Read Our Full PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress Review
Layla Mattress – Best for Pressure Relief
HIGHLIGHTS |
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The Layla Mattress is a flippable memory foam mattress with different firmness settings on each side. One side is Medium Soft (4), and the other side is Firm (7).
Both sides of the mattress feature copper-infused memory foam comfort layers. This material conforms closely for targeted pressure relief in sensitive areas of the body. The copper infusion also allows the mattress to sleep cooler and can help improve circulation in sleepers. The Medium Soft side has an additional layer of convoluted polyfoam for extra cushioning. The base layer is constructed from high-density polyfoam, ensuring optimal support.
The Layla mattress isolates a significant amount of motion transfer and is virtually silent, making it a good choice for couples. The mattress is also lightweight and easy to move for most.
Layla mattresses are priced much lower than the average memory foam model. Customers qualify for a 120-night sleep trial, as well as a nonprorated lifetime warranty.
Good for:
- Side, back, and stomach sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy)
- Couples
- Those who tend to sleep hot
- Value seekers
Check Price | Read Our Full Layla Mattress Review
Leesa – Best for Lightweight Sleepers
HIGHLIGHTS |
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The Leesa mattress is an optimal choice for people in the ‘lightweight group (less than 130 pounds) because it is considered a Medium, or 5, in terms of firmness. This creates a softer sleep surface that conforms more closely to lighter people, allowing them to experience higher levels of pain and pressure relief.
The Leesa is constructed with two polyfoam comfort layers, a firmer top layer and a softer bottom layer, to create a balanced firmness. The high-density foam support core helps maintain an even sleep surface. According to Leesa owners, the bed minimizes motion transfer very well and produces no noise. And unlike many foam beds, the Leesa offers good temperature neutrality and sleeps fairly cool.
At 67 pounds in a Queen size, the Leesa is one of the lightest mattresses available, making it easy to move and rotate for most. Shipping is free for customers in all 50 states, and the mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial with free returns.
Good for:
- Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination)
- Sleepers in the light and average weight groups
- Couples
- Those who tend to sleep hot
Check Price | Read Our Full Leesa Mattress Review
DreamCloud Mattress – Best for Average Weight Sleepers
HIGHLIGHTS |
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Dreamcloud offers a luxury hybrid mattress that falls squarely in the firmness range ideal for spinal alignment (support) for average weight sleepers (130-230lbs). The tufting throughout the mattress along with the denser foams used in the comfort layers create a conforming surface yet still offer sleepers a quickly recovering mattress due to the pocketed coil support core.
The makers stand behind their mattress with one of the best trial periods and warranties on the market which makes Dreamcloud a great option for customers that might be on the fence about buying a mattress without testing it out first.
White glove delivery with old mattress removal is available for a small fee at checkout but otherwise the mattress ships free of charge.
Good for:
- Side and back sleepers
- Sleepers in the average and heavy weight groups
- Couples
- Those with fluctuating firmness preferences
Check Price | Read Our Full DreamCloud Mattress Review
Big Fig Mattress – Best for Heavyweight Sleepers
HIGHLIGHTS |
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People who are heavier than average (more than 230 pounds) typically prefer mattresses that are firmer and thicker. Thin, soft mattresses tend to sink too deeply beneath their bodies, which compromises support and often leads to greater levels of pain and pressure.
The Big Fig hybrid is a good choice for this weight group because it has a 13″ profile, making it thicker than most mattresses sold today. It is also a Medium Firm, or 6.5, which provides optimal support to heavier individuals. The mattress is designed with comfort layers of ventilated latex and high-density polyfoam, which conform closely and reduce pressure points in sensitive areas like the neck, shoulders, and lower back. The pocketed coil support core helps the mattress sleep cooler and reinforces the edges, leading to less sinkage in places where people sit.
Big Fig buyers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free front-door delivery. The mattress includes a 101-night sleep trial with free returns, as well as a fully nonprorated 20-year warranty.
Good for:
- Side and back sleepers
- Sleepers in the heavyweight group
- People who prefer firmer beds
- Those who tend to sleep hot
Check Price | Read Our Full Big Fig Mattress Review
Mattresses for Back Pain Buyer’s Guide
Roughly 80% of adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, and for millions this is a chronic, lifelong condition. Back pain is also a leading contributor to poor health and early mortality. Choosing the right mattress is crucial for individuals with back pain issues. The right mattress can alleviate pressure and aches in the most sensitive areas, such as the neck, shoulders, hips, and lumbar region of the lower back. The wrong mattress often exacerbates the issue, and may cause pressure to develop in new areas of the back.
This guide will look at mattress qualities that benefit sleepers with back pain, such as body-contouring and support, as well as the importance of using body weight and preferred sleep position to determine which mattress is best for you and your sleep partner. First, let’s look at some common types of back pain and how they impact sleep quality and duration.
|How Does Back Pain Affect Sleep?|
A healthy spine serves three primary functions:
- Protecting the spinal cord, which is considered the body’s communication systems, as well as nerve roots and internal organs.
- Providing structural support needed for upright posture.
- Facilitating tactile movement.
Unhealthy spines are often unable to perform some or all of these functions, and back pain is a common result. The term ‘back pain’ may refer to anything from minor aches and pains to debilitating conditions that affect other parts of the body. Back pain generally falls into two categories:
- Acute back pain, which lasts less than three months (12 weeks) and typically occurs in conjunction with an injury or accident, such as a fall or over-lifting. The acute pain often subsides as the underlying cause of the pain is treated.
- Chronic back pain, which lasts at least three months; this may occur due to an injury or accident, or due to a physiological issue like scoliosis. In either case, chronic back pain often continues after the underlying cause of the pain has been treated.
According to the Mayo Clinic, common causes of acute and/or chronic back pain include the following:
Muscle or ligament strain: Lifting objects that are too heavy or moving awkwardly are two common causes of strain in back muscles and spinal ligaments. The spasms that accompany this type of strain are often exacerbated by poor physical health.
Bulging or ruptured discs: Intervertebral discs are found between the vertebrae that form the spinal column, and form fibrocartilaginous joints that support and cushion the spinal structure much like shock absorbers. They have thick, durable exteriors and a soft, jelly-like filling. Bulging and ruptured discs create painful sensations when they come into contact with nerves, although some people with disc problems do not experience serious — if any — back pain.
Arthritis: Arthritis refers to inflammation of at least one joint in the body that leads to joint pain and stiffness. The most common forms of arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, which causes bone cartilage to deteriorate prematurely.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the synovium material that lines the joints.
- Psoriatic arthritis, which refers to joint inflammation caused by the painful skin condition known as psoriasis.
- Gout, which refers to joint inflammation in the knees, ankles, and/or feet.
Because arthritis is associated with chronic and widespread pain, people with this condition often have a difficult time falling and staying asleep.
Skeletal irregularities: Irregularities of the back and spine that can lead to pain and pressure include:
- Lordosis, a curvature of the lower spine that is abnormally pronounced.
- Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine that usually forms a C or S shape.
- Kyphosis, an abnormal curvature of the upper spine.
Most people with skeletal irregularities consider back-sleeping to be the most comfortable sleeping position, while some find additional relief by sleeping on their side with towels or pillows beneath the knees and ribs. Regardless of their most comfortable sleep position, people with these irregularities may experience frequent sleep disruption due to back pain and other symptoms of their condition.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by skeletal degeneration that causes bones to become porous and brittle. Osteoporosis fractures often occur in areas like the hips, wrists, and spine. This condition can lead to severe back pain if any of the vertebrae fracture or collapse.
In addition to these medical conditions, doctors have identified the following risk factors for acute or chronic back pain:
- Age: Back pain affects people of all ages, but the condition is much more common in people who are 30 years or older.
- Lack of exercise: People with weak, unconditioned muscles are considered at risk for back pain symptoms.
- Obesity: Carrying extra weight — especially around the midsection — can put undue strain on the back muscles.
- Diseases: Certain medical ailments, such as cancer, have been linked to back pain symptoms.
- Excessive or incorrect lifting: Back pain is often tied to lifting-related injuries, which can occur if the individual lifts too much weight and/or lifts with their back instead of their legs.
- Mental health issues: People with depression and anxiety are more susceptible to back pain and other physical manifestations of their condition.
- Smoking: Habitually smoking cigarettes deprives the body of nutrients that are needed to nourish the disks and other areas of the back.
Sleeping on a mattress that does not provide proper spinal support can also lead to back pain. The table below lists five regions of the spine that one should consider when trying out a new mattress.
REGION | CERVICAL SPINE | THORACIC SPINE | LUMBAR SPINE | SACRUM | COCCYX (TAILBONE) |
Location | Neck | Upper to mid-back | Lower back | Base of spine | Bottom tip of spinal column |
Number of Vertebrae | 7 individual vertebrae | 12 individual vertebrae | 5 individual vertebrae | Triangular bone with 5 fused segments | Rounded bone with 3 to 5 fused vertebrae |
Vertebrae Names | C1 to C7 | T1 to T12 | L1 to L5 | S1 to S5 | Coccygeal vertebrae |
Function | Facilitates head movements, such as nodding, shaking, and neck rotation | Protects vital organs and stabilizes the spine for proper balance | Supports body weight and facilitates movement around the midsection | Facilitates pelvic movement, as well as leaning | Unknown for humans, though it connects to vital muscles, tendons, and ligaments |
A mattress should reduce back pain by providing an even, stable surface that helps the sleeper maintain proper spinal alignment, regardless of their sleep position. However, each sleep position affects spinal alignment in different ways, and the sleeper’s body weight is also an important factor to consider. In the next section, we’ll look at ways to choose a mattress based on these two individual factors.
|Choosing a Mattress Based on Sleep Position and Body Weight|
In terms of sleep position, most adults qualify as side-, back-, or stomach-sleepers. The table below explores these three positions in greater detail.
POSITION | SIDE | BACK | STOMACH |
Variations | Log (arms and legs are straightened) Fetal (arms and legs are bent) Yearner (legs are straight, arms extend outward) |
Soldier (arms straightened, one leg straight while the other is bent at the knee) Starfish (both arms extend over the head and both legs are slightly bent at the knees) Savasana (arms and legs are straightened) |
Freefall (one or both arms rest beneath pillow, legs are fully extended and slightly apart) |
Natural Spinal Alignment? | Yes, although an uneven sleep surface can cause the spine to curve and pressure to build up | Yes; the spine is straightened and aligned as long as the sleeper maintains a back position | No; due to the large concentration of weight in the stomach, this position usually causes people to sink too deeply into the mattress |
Pros | Better air circulation through the breathing passages Relieves pressure on the heart to help prevent heartburn Minimal pressure option for people with hip pain and scoliosis |
Prevents acid reflux No extra pillows are needed for comfort and support Sleepers are less prone to facial wrinkles |
Reduces risk or snoring and sleep apnea Fewer facial wrinkles than side-sleepers
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Cons | May restrict blood flow in the shoulders and arms Extra pressure on stomach and lungs Placing face directly onto the pillow can cause wrinkles to form |
Sleepers are at higher risk of sleep apnea because airflow is somewhat restricted High snoring potential |
Discouraged by physicians and sleep experts due to high pressure and discomfort potential Sleepers are prone to tossing and turning, which can disrupt sleep |
Ideal Sleep Surface | The mattress should be firm enough to support the body without allowing it to sink too deeply Pillows may be placed in certain areas (such as below the knees or ribs) for optimal comfort and support |
The mattress should provide even support from the neck to the tailbone Mattresses that are too firm can create gaps between the lumbar and the sleep surface Mattresses that are too soft may sink too deeply and lead to poor alignment |
The mattress should be firm enough to prevent the stomach from sinking too deeply Stomach-sleeping is considered the least healthy sleep position, so alternative positions are recommended. |
Additionally, experiences with different sleep positions are tied to body weight. Generally speaking, people who weigh less than 130 pounds require softer mattresses in order to enjoy body-contouring and pressure relief, while those who weigh more than 230 pounds feel more comfortable on firmer mattresses that don’t cause them to sink too deeply. Mattress firmness is illustrated using a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the least firm and 10 being the firmest; the vast majority of mattresses sold today fall between a 3 (Soft) and an 8 (Firm), and the most common firmness is a 6 to 6.5 (or Medium Firm).
The next table lists the ideal firmness settings for different weight groups in each of the three most common sleep positions. Please note that sleep experience is highly subjective, and that individual sleepers may find their comfort preferences do not correspond to the information listed in this table.
WEIGHT GROUP | BELOW-AVERAGE (LESS THAN 130 LBS.) | AVERAGE (130 TO 230 LBS.) | ABOVE-AVERAGE (MORE THAN 230 LBS.) |
Ideal Firmness for Side Sleeping | 3 (Soft) to 4.5 (Medium Soft) | 5 (Medium) to 6.5 (Medium Firm) | 6.5 (Medium Firm) to 8 (Firm) |
Ideal Firmness for Back Sleeping | 4 (Medium Soft) to 5.5 (Medium) | 5 (Medium) to 6.5 (Medium Firm) | 6 (Medium Firm) to 8 (Firm) |
Ideal Firmness for Stomach Sleeping | 3 (Soft) to 4.5 (Medium Soft) | 4 (Medium Soft) to 5.5 (Medium) | 6 (Medium Firm) to 7.5 (Firm) |
Next, let’s look at the top-rated mattresses according to side-, back-, and stomach-sleepers in different weight groups.
|Different Mattress Types: Pros and Cons for Sleepers with Back Pain|
Mattress type is another important consideration for people with back pain. The five most common mattress types provide varying experiences for sleepers, depending on their body weight and preferred sleep position. The table below lists the differences and similarities between innerspring, foam, latex, hybrid, and airbed mattresses.
MATTRESS TYPE | INNERSPRING | FOAM | LATEX | HYBRID | AIRBED |
Construction | Foam comfort layers Steel coil support cores | Memory foam/polyfoam comfort layers Polyfoam support core | Latex comfort layer Latex/polyfoam support core | Latex/memory foam comfort layers Pocketed coil support core | Foam comfort layer (or no comfort layer) Adjustable air chamber support core |
Average Price-point (Queen) | $700 to $1,100 | $800 to $1,200 | $1,800 and higher | $1,200 to $1,800 | $2,000 and higher |
Availability | Very common | Very common | Somewhat common | Somewhat common | Somewhat rare |
Support | Fair to Good | Fair to Good | Good to Very Good | Good to Very Good | Good to Very Good |
Conforming | Fair to Good | Good to Very Good | Good to Very Good | Good to Very Good | Good to Very Good |
Firmness Options | Poor to Fair | Good to Very Good | Fair to Good | Fair to Good | Fair to Good |
Durability | Poor to Fair | Fair to Good | Good to Very Good | Fair to Good | Poor to Fair |
Light Sleeper Rating (Less than 130 lbs) | Fair to Good | Fair to Good | Good to Very Good | Poor to Fair | Fair to Good |
Average Sleeper Rating (130 to 230 lbs) | Fair to Good | Good to Very Good | Good to Very Good | Fair to Good | Good to Very Good |
Heavy Sleeper Rating (More than 230 lbs) | Poor to Fair | Good to Very Good | Good to Very Good | Good to Very Good | Poor to Fair |
Rating for Sleepers with Back Pain (All Weights) | Poor to Fair | Good to Very Good | Good to Very Good | Fair to Good | Fair to Good |
|Important Shopping Considerations for Mattress Buyers with Back Pain|
When shopping for a new mattress and comparing different brands and models, here are a few factors for sleepers with back pain to keep in mind.
What is your mattress budget? Airbeds and latex mattresses are often effective for sleepers with back pain, but these models can easily cost $2,000 or more in a Queen size. Memory foam and hybrid models tend to be somewhat cheaper, and online-only brands typically have lower price-points compared to brands with a brick-and-mortar presence.
How much do you weigh? Body weight can be used to determine the ideal firmness for a new mattress. People who weigh less than 130 pounds — particularly those who sleep on their sides — tend to feel most comfortable on mattresses that are Medium (5) or softer. Less firm surfaces allow them to experience close conforming and better pressure relief. People who weigh more than 230 pounds, on the other hand, often prefer firmer mattresses (Medium Firm or firmer) because they don’t sink too far.
What is your preferred sleep position? People who sleep on their sides may require softer mattresses that conform to their figures and help align their spine, while stomach-sleepers often prefer firmer mattresses that don’t sink too deeply below their stomachs.
Do you share your bed with another person? Sleep partners may not agree on the ideal firmness setting. In these cases, a mattress that offers dual firmness — different firmness settings on each side of the bed — may be the best option.
Does the mattress come with a sleep trial? Most mattress manufacturers offer a sleep trial, allowing customers to test out their new mattress for a certain length of time (typically 90 nights or longer); if the customer is dissatisfied with the mattress before the trial period expires, then they may return it for a refund or, in some cases, exchange it for a new model. Some sleep trials include ‘mandatory break-in periods,’ which require the purchaser to test out their mattress for at least 30 nights before returning it. However, sleep trials can save customers a substantial amount of money in the long run if they decide they are unhappy with their new purchase.
What are the warranty terms? The vast majority of mattresses sold today come with product warranties that span at least 10 years in length, but these warranties tend to vary in terms of the following two factors:
- Nonprorated coverage length: During the nonprorated phase of a warranty, mattress owners do not need to pay to have a defective mattress repaired or replaced (aside from shipping and handling costs, in some cases). During the prorated phase, customers must pay a certain percentage of the original mattress price to have their current model replaced, and charges may also apply to mattress repairs. Prorated charges can lead to major costs down the road. Purchasers should always read the fine print: some warranties spanning 15 to 20 years only offer two to three years of nonprorated coverage before prorated charges kick in.
- Indentation depth: Over time, mattress surfaces develop indentations where owners tend to sleep, usually in the middle of the bed. These issues may compromise the supportiveness of the mattress, which can in turn exacerbate back problems. Most warranties list a ‘depth’ used to differentiate between normal wear and tear and severe indentations that are considered a warrantable defect. Some warranties will cover indentations deeper than half an inch (1/2″) to three-quarters of an inch (3/4″), while others will only cover indentations that measure deeper than one and a half inches (1 1/2″). Indentations that measure one inch (1″) or deeper are considered most problematic for people with back pain, so these individuals are urged to seek out mattress warranties that cover one-inch indentations.
|Additional Strategies for Sleepers with Back Pain|
In addition to choosing the right mattress, people who live with back pain can further optimize their sleep environment with the following accessories and components:
Select the right pillow: Pillow loft, or thickness, is crucial for sleepers with back pain. The proper amount of loft can alleviate pain and pressure in the neck, shoulders, lumbar region, and other sensitive areas, while the incorrect amount of loft can make these issues much worse. In order to determine the best loft for you, it’s important to consider your head size, body weight, and shoulder width, as well as the firmness of the mattress you use. The table below features a detailed breakdown of the three general loft categories.
LOFT CATEGORY | THICKNESS | OPTIMAL HEAD SIZE | OPTIMAL WEIGHT | OPTIMAL SHOULDER WIDTH | OPTIMAL MATTRESS FIRMNESS |
Low | Less than 3″ | Small | More than 230 lbs. | Narrow | Soft to Medium Soft |
Medium | 3″ to 5″ | Average | 130 to 230 lbs. | Average | Medium |
High | More than 5″ | Large | Less than 130 lbs. | Broad | Medium Firm to Firm |
Pillow composition is also important because some materials provide more support and comfort than others. Materials like buckwheat, memory foam, and latex conform closely to the sleeper’s head and alleviate a fair amount of pressure, but these pillow types tend to be fairly expensive. Cheaper models, such as polyester and down alternative, do not conform and support as much.
If you experience chronic back pain, then supplemental pillows can be used in addition to the one beneath your head. People who sleep on their back may find relief by placing a pillow beneath their knees, while side-sleepers often feel more comfortable with pillow between their knees and beneath their ribs.
For more information about pillows, please visit our Best Pillows — Buying Guide and Information page.
Use a topper: A topper is an individual layer of cushioning that rests on top of the mattress cover. Toppers are designed to adjust the firmness of the sleep surface; most toppers make the mattress feel less firm, although some topper models may increase the firmness. Toppers can be ideal for people who are dissatisfied with their mattress firmness but are unable to return their mattress, as well as couples with differing firmness preferences. Toppers may be made from a wide range of materials, including feathers, memory foam, convoluted polyfoam, latex, or wool; price-points vary by material composition and brand, but most cost less than $150.
Topper firmness, thickness, and density are all important considerations, and the ideal settings often depends on the sleeper’s weight and preferred position. The table below features more information.
SLEEP POSITION | WEIGHT GROUP | IDEAL FIRMNESS | IDEAL TOPPER THICKNESS | IDEAL TOPPER DENSITY |
Side | Less than 130 lbs | Soft to Medium Soft | 1″ to 2″ | 2.5 PCF and lower |
130 to 230 lbs | Medium Soft to Medium | 2″ to 2 1/2″ | 3 to 4 PCF | |
More than 230 lbs | Medium Firm to Firm | 2″ to 3″ | 4 PCF and higher | |
Back | Less than 130 lbs | Medium Soft to Medium Firm | 1 1/2″ to 2 1/2″ | 2.5 to 3 PCF |
130 to 230 lbs | Medium to Firm | 2″ to 3″ | 3.5 to 5 PCF | |
More than 230 lbs | Medium Firm to Firm | 2″ to 3″ | 4.5 PCF and higher | |
Stomach | Less than 130 lbs | Medium Soft to Medium Firm | 1″ to 1 1/2″ | 3 PCF and lower |
130 to 230 lbs | Medium Firm to Firm | 1″ to 2″ | 2.5 to 4 PCF | |
More than 230 lbs | Firm to Extra Firm | 2″ to 3″ | 3.5 to 4.5 PCF |
To learn more about toppers, check out our Best Mattress Toppers guide.
Invest in an adjustable bed: Adjustable beds are designed for customization. Most models can be elevated or lowered at both the head and foot of the bed to create different sleeping positions; angled surfaces can ease back pain for many sleepers. Additionally, many newer adjustable bed models offer a ‘silent massage’ function, which generates small vibrations in the sleep surface that can alleviate aches and pains. Most adjustable beds sold today have remote controls, including those can be adjusted using smartphones or tablets.
Adjustable beds can be quite expensive. The baseline cost is roughly $1,000, but most models cost at least $2,000 — and some reach $3,500 or higher. However, many sleepers with back pain find that adjustable beds are a worthwhile investment that greatly improves their sleep quality. To learn more, visit our Adjustable Bed Reviews guide.
|Additional Tuck Resources|
For more information about sleep products and sleeping strategies for people with pain issues, check out the following pages on Tuck.com: