Most people will experience back pain at some time. While the cause and severity of low back pain may vary, an uncomfortable mattress can make it worse. A mattress that provides proper support can help alleviate discomfort and allow you to get a good night's sleep. The best type of mattress for your back depends on your sleeping positions and your personal preference.
Considerations
Mattresses tend to compress in the center as they age, losing their shape. A mattress that sags in the middle is no longer capable of providing adequate support and may increase your back pain. Sleeping in an uncomfortable position can create strain on your hips and spine. When selecting a new mattress, look for one that provides comfort, support and durability.
Surface
Good quality mattresses commonly contain quilting made from polyester or cotton-polyester blends. Examine the quality of the stitching on the exterior of your mattress. This can provide a good indication of the quality throughout the mattress. The layer of padding on your mattress helps to protect the inner materials and provides cushioning when you sleep. Common materials for mattress padding include cotton batting, polyester and polyurethane foam. Thicker padding may be more expensive, but many people find it more comfortable. In addition to increased comfort, extra padding can indicate a higher-quality mattress.
Support
The inner coils in a mattress help to support your body. The wire in the coils comes in various sizes, measured in gauges. Thick wires have lower gauges and offer more support than thinner, high gauge wires. A mattress with a higher concentration of coils generally offers firmer support, although this may not be the most comfortable type of mattress for your lower back discomfort. Testing the firmness of the mattress will help you decide what level of support provides you with the maximum amount of comfort. Some mattresses contain layers in variable thicknesses, providing additional support in certain areas, an element that may increase the comfort and support under your lower back.
Foam mattresses offer an alternative to traditional innerspring mattresses. Foam mattresses usually contain memory foam or latex foam. The densities vary, allowing you to choose from different densities that provide various levels of firmness.
Foundation
The box spring or mattress foundation provides an additional level of support under your top mattress. Most mattress foundations have springs within metal or wooden frames. Purchasing a foundation and mattress as a set may help preserve your mattress.
