5 Tips for Buying a Mattress That Supports Your Back

You spend nearly a third of your daily hours on your mattress. With so much exposure, it is one of the things in your life with the most influence on your spine and back. You need a mattress that can support you the right way to avoid pain and injuries. Below are some tips for buying a mattress that supports your back.

Know Your Body Type and Needs

Before you even go shopping for a mattress, you’ll want to know what your body type and needs are. This way, you’ll be able to identify the type of mattress that will work best for you and your sleeping preferences.

Weight

If you’re a heavier individual, you may need a mattress that offers both firmness and extra support. On the other hand, lighter individuals typically do best with a softer mattress.

Body Type

Do you have a larger or smaller build? This can have an impact on the type of mattress that’s best for you. For example, if you’re a larger individual, you may want a firmer mattress that provides ample support.

Sleeping Position

What is your sleeping position? Do you mostly sleep on your back, side, or stomach? This can have a big impact on what kind of mattress you should be looking for. Typically, back sleepers do best with a softer mattress. Side sleepers, on the other hand, need a firmer mattress.

Joint Issues

Do you have any joint issues or pain in your back? If so, you’ll want to pay special attention to the lumbar support of any mattresses that you’re considering. You may also want to try a firmer mattress.

Don’t Skimp on Quality

One of the most important things to remember when shopping for a mattress is that you shouldn’t skimp on quality. After all, a high-quality mattress is likely to last you several years and even decades. Therefore, it’s essential to invest in a mattress that is both comfortable and supportive.

Keep in mind that some types of mattresses are more expensive than others. If you’re looking for a high-quality mattress that’s going to provide the best support for your back, you’ll want to avoid buying the cheapest option. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a new mattress, then you can also consider purchasing a high-quality used mattress.

Try Before You Buy

Before you buy any mattress, it’s a good idea to try it out for at least a few minutes. This way, you’ll be able to determine how you feel when you’re lying down on the mattress. You’ll also be able to get a sense of how firm the mattress feels.

Generally, you’ll want to look for a mattress that’s firm but not too hard. Ideally, the mattress should provide just enough support to keep your back aligned while still giving you enough space to move around freely. If you’re shopping for a mattress at a brick-and-mortar retailer, you may be able to lie down on the mattress for a few minutes in the store.

Look for a Mattress With Good Lumbar Support

As we’ve discussed, one of the key benefits of a high-quality mattress is that it provides ample support for your back. However, it’s important to note that there is no universal “best” mattress for everyone.

Generally, you’ll want to look for a mattress with good lumbar support. What does this mean exactly? Lumbar support is the amount of pressure that is put on the lower back while lying down. Ideally, you’ll want a mattress that keeps your lower back aligned while supporting it and the rest of your body. In general, that means that you’ll want a firmer mattress.

You’ll also want to avoid a mattress that is overly soft or, conversely, too firm. If you’re unsure about the level of lumbar support offered by a particular mattress, you can always ask the salesperson for more information.

Ask for a Firm Mattress

As we’ve discussed, you’ll generally want to look for a firmer mattress for chronic back pain. However, there’s a difference between “firm” and “too firm”. If you’re looking for a mattress with firm lumbar support, you may want to consider asking for a firmer mattress.

Keep in mind that firmness is different for each person. Therefore, there’s no universal “right” or “wrong” when it comes to firmness. However, if you have chronic back pain and are unsure how firm your mattress should be, it may be a good idea to err on the side of caution.

Seek Out a Spine Health Expert for Back Pain Concerns

Mattress technology has improved significantly over the past few decades. That being said, a good mattress can’t solve all back issues. If you’re dealing with long term spine or back pain, reach out to a spinal health expert at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery to learn about your options. We create specialized plans targeted to the needs of each patient’s specific condition, and we focus on the least invasive options possible in your scenario to help reduce your recovery time and maintain your quality of life.

Reach out to us here at OLSS by calling (855) 853-6542, or fill out our contact form to discuss your options for better sleep and spine health.