At FOAMITE, we deal with a lot of Chiropractors who have different opinions about what type of mattress is best for people with lower back pain. Most of the old-timers still like recommending a firm or extra firm mattress for people who suffer from back pain. However, we do our best to convince them otherwise.
Back pain is one of the top reasons why people begin to lose mobility in middle age. Pain can keep people from engaging in physical activity, making it more difficult for them to maintain a healthy weight and keep up their strength, stamina, and balance as they age. So, treating and managing back pain that results from injuries or health problems is crucial for staying on the path of a healthy and active life.
Considering that most people spend roughly a third of their lives lying in bed, choosing the right mattress is essential for managing low back pain. It can make a difference in whether you can sleep at night and how you function the next day.
In the past, doctors often recommended very firm mattresses. However, one survey of 268 people with low back pain found that those who slept on very hard mattresses had the poorest sleep quality. And there was no difference in sleep quality between those who used medium-firm and firm mattresses.
Soft mattresses, on the other hand, can also be problematic. While a soft mattress that conforms to your body’s natural curves may help the joints align favorably, you might also sink in too deeply that you sleep with a curved spine which is often the cause of more back pain.
If you want to find out whether a firmer mattress would feel better than the one, you’re currently using, you can try putting a plywood board under your mattress to dampen the movement from the bedsprings or try placing your mattress on the floor.
Of course, you can also go to a foam and mattress showroom, like Foamite, to try and test a variety of models. But keep in mind that what feels comfortable for a few minutes in a store might not translate into a good night’s sleep. A more reliable test is our Ergo Check Technology, that we use as a guide to help determine your correct firmness.
The best thing to do is to buy a Simon Mattress, that is made with adjustable mid-core layers that you can rotate amongst several different firmness levels until you find the one that works best for you.
By moving the layers around you can adjust the overall firmness to make your mattress feel softer or firmer. A softer topper will allow you to contour into your mattress and prevent any uncomfortable pressure points that cause restless tossing and turning. A firmer mattress, in your mid-section, will give you better support and help to maintain your spine in its natural alignment. This equates to no back pain and a better night’s sleep.
Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve your sleep!
Sincerely,
R.C. (Bob) Dimas
