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Back pain is pain that occurs anywhere between the tailbone and neck. It may be sharp and localized or radiating and persistent. It can be a stiffness to the back or even muscle spasms. There can be many causes of back pain. For example, causes can include accidents, sports injuries, muscle strain, certain diseases, and more. For some people, back pain may be a lifelong, chronic problem. For others, back pain may be short-lived. For people with back pain, it’s a good idea to speak to your medical provider to find out the source of the problem and how you can get some relief.
Most people spend a lot of time lying down on their mattresses. If you sleep 8 hours a night, that results in roughly one-third of your life spent in bed. To spend so much time on a mattress, you obviously want to choose one that is comfortable for your body, including your back.
Among the signs that it’s time to replace your mattress include if the mattress is sagging and if you are waking up feeling achey and stiff. While suffering from backaches or stiffness is not always caused by a poor mattress, it is a potential source. If you find that your mattress is uncomfortable and not providing a supportive sleep surface, you should strongly consider buying a new mattress.
There are many different types of mattresses available and it’s important to remember that they aren’t one size fits all. That being said, certain materials are known for their supportive yet pressure-relieving properties.
Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to contour to one’s body, providing incredible pressure relief and comfort. In fact, memory foam mattresses are even used in hospitals due to their ability to reduce pressure on the body.
Latex mattresses, like memory foam, are very responsive to the body. While you won’t sink into it the same way as you would with memory foam, it still offers a cradling sensation and is found to be highly supportive.
Mattress firmness plays a big role in how comfortable you feel as you sleep. Typically, the amount of firmness that feels best to you will depend on your sleeping position.
Soft: A soft mattress provides less support for your body. Your body may not feel properly aligned if you sleep on your back on a soft mattress as the heavier parts of your body (such as your hips) will sink further into the mattress. People who sleep on their sides may prefer a mattress on the softer side.
Medium: A medium firmness mattress tends to be liked by most people. This mattress supports every sleeping position: back, side, and stomach. It’s a good choice for combination sleepers.
Firm: Firm mattresses are best for those who sleep on their backs or even on the stomach. You’ll feel more as if you’re sleeping “on” your mattress rather than “in” it if you choose a firm mattress. As a thumb rule, heavier people should also opt for firmer mattresses that are able to provide better support.
It is important to emphasize that what works for one sleeper won’t necessarily work for another. We recommend getting a mattress with a long trial period (like the ones featured in here) so you have a chance to really experience sleeping on your new mattress before you need to commit to it.
Lying down on mattress after mattress in the middle of a department store isn’t the best way to discover which mattress is truly right for you. It tends to be overwhelming and confusing, plus it doesn’t provide a realistic experience. After all, you’ll be wearing shoes, won’t be in pajamas, and will have fluorescent lights shining in your face.
Your best bet is to actually sleep on the mattress, to see if it works well for you throughout an entire night. For example, a mattress that feels fine in the store may feel unsupportive after spending hours lying on it.
Fortunately, a lot of online mattress brands offer you the option to try the mattress in your own home before you buy. The trial periods tend to range from 100 nights to a full year. This gives you plenty of time to determine whether the mattress you have chosen is right for you. If, during this trial period, you find that the mattress isn’t right for you, simply contact the company to arrange for a refund.
Check out the table above for our most recommended mattresses and read the reviews before deciding which mattress is right for you.
