Mbg Senior Sustainability Editor

By Emma Loewe

Mbg Senior Sustainability Editor

Emma Loewe is the Senior Sustainability Editor at mindbodygreen . She is also is the writer of “Return to Nature Return to Nature: A New Science of How Natural Landscapes restore us.”

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Our editors have chosen independently the items listed here. If you buy something that’s mentioned in this article we may receive some commission.

July 29 2022

In this Article

Of the many issues that keep people awake in the midnight, back pain is one of the most prevalent and irritating. Around 25% of people living in the U.S. report having occasional lower back pains and tend to get worse at the beginning of morning following all the time spent in the bed. Sleeping on the wrong mattress will only make the problem more difficult.

As it turns out, an energizing snooze is especially essential for back pain sufferers, which is why we talked with chiropractors to learn the best mattress to meet your needs. Be assured that the next 10 options will provide you with back.

Quick List

Lower back discomfort and insomnia.

A lack of back pain is among the primary reasons behind poor sleep. And the most difficult part is that in the absence of adequate rest, back pain becomes a much more difficult thing to heal from.

“Without the healing benefits that come with an adequate night’s sleep an injury can be more severe, which means the level of pain can last longer,” says Jacinta Di Prinzio, DC from Open Space Healing in Western Australia. She says poor sleep is also linked to increased markers of inflammation. These will only worsen the pain.

However the moment back pain sufferers can rest in their beds, it’s extremely beneficial to their healing. “Think of a restful night’s sleep as the body’s method of resetting itself from the stress that comes with the daily grind and to heal,” says Caitlin Redding, DC, RYT of Redding Chiropractic in Pennsylvania. There’s no area of the body that does not get a good night’s sleep Our backs including.

Lower back problems and mattresses.

For lower back suffering sufferers The correct mattress can make the difference between nights that are a blur of turning and tossing, as well as sleeping in a comfortable position. The trick is to find the one that has just the right amount of firmness to help maintain an ideal sleeping position and ensure that the spine at a neutral. The majority of the time, it’s going to be the middle or medium-firm type of mattress.

“A overly soft bed may cause your hips to sink into the mattress and pull you spine out of proper alignment,” explains Redding. “An too firm mattress can cause too much pressure on the shoulders and hips.”

Research has proven that back pain sufferers who sleep on medium-firm mattresses are likely to feel most comfortable. It is believed that sleeping on this kind of mattress also has been demonstrated to decrease the likelihood of developing lower back discomfort in the future.

Di Prinzio notes that in her practice, she’s seen lots of patients who present with back discomfort because they’ve hung on to their mattress over a long period of time. If you’re noticing the mattress you have is losing its shape and doesn’t provide the level of support it once did be, you should purchase the right mattress that is perfect for you. (And think about recycling the old one while you’re doing it.)

What is the best mattress that will relieve lower back discomfort.

In the end, Redding explains that people who suffer from back pain should search for the same type of mattress as those who don’t suffer from back pain: a comfy one!

Ideally, your mattress should let you to allow your spine as well as your head stay in a comfortable, neutral posture during the entire night. You should opt for one that can support the weight of your physique without being too deeply according to Di Prinzio.

Your sleeping position can affect the level of mattress firmness that is best for you. Every person is different however, there are some basic guidelines about the level of firmness that is most comfortable for stomach, side or back sleepers:

  • Side sleepers Medium-firm. The ideal mattress for sleepers who have side back discomfort will be soft enough to allow hips as well as shoulders to sink slightly. If the mattress is too firm and has no flexibility, you’ll wake up with pain in the areas which you sleep on. If the mattress isn’t firm enough it could allow your shoulders and hips to sink too far which can cause alignment problems.
  • Stomach sleepers: Medium-firm / Firm. Firm to medium mattresses are thought to be the most comfortable ones for stomach sleepers since they permit the spine to remain in a neutral position. However, if you are sleeping with your head up, Di Prinzio cautions that this is the most uncomfortable sleeping position for back discomfort sufferers as it could cause an overly lower back angle (lordosis) and cause flare-ups to worsen.
  • Back sleepers: Medium-firm or Firm. Back sleepers typically benefit from a mattress that is firmer that offers a firm and comfortable surface for their back.

Hybrid mattresses that combine with a soft top (typically latex or foam) on an innerspring coil tend to give the medium-firmness that back pain sufferers are looking for. However, Redding states that “no two bodies are the same, so the right size of mattress will not be adapted to the specific needs of every person. Like running shoes, there are times when you simply need to test the different models and decide which is one that is most comfy for you.”

A few other things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a mattress If you often get hot during the night it’s best to search for a mattress that is cooler and breathable such as wool or latex, or even memory foam that’s gel-infused. If you’re suffering from allergy or asthma, go for a mattress made of natural materials or at the very least, checked for VOCs that pollute the environment. Also, anyone with an individual bed partner who prefers an easier sleeping environment may want to consider mattresses with split in the firmness.

We picked the following:

Comfort and firmness

Based on the advice of chiropractors We chose mattresses that fall within the middle-firm range. They offer the comfort back patients with back pain require to ensure a stable spine all night. While the feeling of comfort will vary, we searched hundreds of reviews from customers to determine which products have the highest ratings in terms of pain relief.

We favored beds that are made of natural latex or wool over synthetics such as memory foams made from polyurethane. These aren’t just resources-intensive to produce, but they also emit potentially harmful VOCs while you sleep.

Sustainability

We recognize mattress manufacturers that offset their costs for shipping, employ packaging that is plastic-free or go beyond to be sustainable in a different way.

Customer service

Because back hurt sufferers have to be more selective with their mattresses, we made certain to locate firms that offer sleep trials and also make it simple to return a mattress in the event that it’s not a good fit.

MBG’s top pick of the best mattresses to relieve lower back pain in 2022:

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Tested for VOCs

Cons

  • Constructed using synthetic memory foam.

Matrix: Memory foam

Firmness: Medium-Firm

Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Trial: 100 nights

Warranty: 10-year

The mattress-in-a-box is affordable and has the foam in three different layers to provide an incredibly comfortable and supportive mattress that is ideal for stomach sleepers (though it’s soft enough to be used by side sleepers too!). The top layer is cool foam for anyone who sleeps hot. Users with back discomfort have noted that the foam is able to distribute pressure effectively helping to ease pain and encouraging no-pain wake-ups. Although it’s manufactured from artificial memory foam Leesa has a way to test the mattresses it uses to determine if they’re low in VOCs.

Leesa’s mattress is covered by an initial trial of 100 nights free and 10 years of warranty. Their customer service has a good reputation.

Pros

  • Made of natural substances
  • Reversible layers that can be reshaped to provide a more firm and comfortable fit

Cons

  • The price is higher than other options in the list

Material: Latex, Wool

Firmness: Medium-Firm

Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Trial: 365 nights

Guarantee: Lifetime

The luxurious bed is constructed of natural, organic materials and was designed with ease in mind. It contains layers of latex that can be flipped for different comfort levels (the firmer side will likely be best for those with back pain) and is topped with temperature-regulating wool for those who run hot. Saatva sleepers say that the shape of the bed ensures that every inch of your body, from head to toe, feels supported while they rest. “My back has never felt better” is one of the reviews you’ll read quite a lot of.

Saatva’s commitment to sustainability and safety that makes this mattress an absolute standout. It doesn’t have petroleum-based or synthetic foams, and it’s certified as free of hazardous chemicals and pollutants. Given the high-quality materials used as well as its price, this one is sensible.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Available with a cooling cover.

Cons

  • Made of synthetic foam

The material: Memory foam , Innersprings

Firmness: Medium-Firm

Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Trial: 100 nights

Warranty: 10-year

This mattress has numerous layers of poly foam to give lots of cushion and ease pressure on delicate areas like that of the back and the hips. While it’s not the best choice It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy the feeling that comes from sinking in memory foam, but still require some additional rigidity to help keep their spine straight.

Although memory foam is typically hot the Helix mattress has an option to cool cover that can remove some of the heat. Helix provides a variety of sleeping accessories (think of weighted blankets or mattress protectors) to make it a one-stop sleep shop.

Pros

  • Made of organic and natural substances
  • Produced in the USA

Cons

  • The cost of an optional topper can be expensive.

Material Materials: Wool, Latex, Cotton

Firmness: Medium-Firm

Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Trial: 100 nights

Warranty: 25-year

This medium-firm blend is the right size for sleepers on the side who want to support their shoulders and hips. You can also choose the included topper in order to make it soft for $300. It is free of polyurethane foams. this mattress has natural wool and organic cotton and natural latex. This makes it a non-toxic and healthy dream.

Pros

  • Firmness levels can be customized.

Cons

  • Made from synthetic memory foam.

The material: Memory foam , Innersprings

Firmness Medium, Medium-Firm Firm

Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Trial: 120 nights

Guarantee: Lifetime

This mattress is a hybrid that gets praise from people suffering from back discomfort due to its innersprings that are supportive and soft, cushiony gel foam. Winkbed provides their signature bed with a variety of different levels of firmness, and makes it simple to swap the same model if you require something else. People who prefer sleeping on their backs may prefer to go with the firmer model, or the one with the plus made for sleepers with heavier weights.

Winkbed also comes with an assurance of 120 nights and will remove your mattress and give you a full refund in the event that you aren’t satisfied. Plus, this mattress is backed by a lifetime guarantee (and it’s fairly inexpensive to begin with). The only downside is that it’s constructed using synthetic foam, and doesn’t have a lot of environmental benefits to its name.

Pros

  • Adjustable level of firmness
  • Split bed options are available.

Cons

  • Constructed using synthetic memory foam.

The material: Memory foam , Innersprings

Firmness Medium, Medium-Firm Firm

Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Trial: 365 nights

Guarantee: Lifetime

Its Split King size of the Sparrow Signature Hybrid allows bed sharers to select their own degree of firmness (medium to plush or even firm) with interchangeable layers that which can be swapped for no cost. 4 layers of foam as well as an innerspring layer mean that whatever firmness you select will be able to evenly distribute the pressure. Another option is for those who sleep hot, since the foam on top is filled by cooling gel. Nest beds are constructed from synthetic foams, however they are air-conditioned in the manufacturing process to lessen the off-gassing.

Nest provides free returns within one year. Additionally, their mattresses come with an exchange program that lasts for life which allows you to get a new comfort layer whenever the one you have is beginning to fall down. This is great for back pain sufferers who require the extra support.

Pros

  • Made from organic and natural substances
  • Carbon negative company

Cons

  • It could be too soft for some sleepers.
  • Expensive

Materials: Latex, Innersprings, Wool, Cotton

Firmness: Medium-Firm

Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Trial: 365 nights

Warranty: 25-year

Avocado’s traditional mattress is a combination of innerspring , the certified organic wool and latex and cotton. It comes with five zones to aid in back as well as spine alignment, as well as the distribution of weight. While it may be a bit too stiff for some sleepers but the option of a topper can make it more comfortable.

Being a certified B Corp as a B Corp-certifiedcompany, Avocado is a prominent name in the area of sustainability. If you shop with them you can anticipate the company to be ethically sourced and donations to environmental nonprofits as well as carbon negative (meaning that they reduce more than 100 percent of their emissions).

Pros

  • Thermoregulation
  • Tracks your sleep quality

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Limited sizes are available.
  • Made of synthetic foam

Matrix: Memory foam

Firmness: Medium-Firm

Sizes Available: Full, Queen, King, California King

Trial: 100 nights

Warranty: 2-year

Be ready to wake up in the near future with eight sleep’s intelligent mattress, which is fitted with sensors that can monitor your sleeping patterns throughout the night and adjust in line with. Access the companion application to set your personal sleeping temperature, record your heart rate throughout the night and then have the mattress wake you by a gentle rumble. The ultimate sleep device that is sure satisfy anyone who is tech-savvy.

It is Pod 3 Mattress itself is comprised of layer of foam which give a comfortable pressure relief for the back and hips.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Made of organic and natural substances
  • Free shipping
  • Is splitking king an option?

Cons

  • It could have been too soft to people who suffer from back discomfort.

Fabric: Latex, Innersprings, Wool, Cotton

Firmness: Medium

Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Trial: 120 nights

Guarantee: Lifetime

“Affordable” as well as “latex” aren’t often used together, since the natural bedding material costs more than the synthetic ones. However, Nolah’s latex hybrid mattress, that also includes organic wool as well as an organic cotton cover, costs less than $1000. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to test the soft, warm nature of natural latex, without having to shell out hundreds of dollars. The medium-soft feel of the bed is slightly less bouncy than the others that are on the list, however it’s perfect for those who require a bit of comfort. The bed is still sufficiently firm to provide support as shown by the number of reviews from customers who claim it’s eased the aching back discomfort.

Pros

  • Made from organic and natural materials
  • Breathable for those who sleep hot.

Cons

  • Not as easily customizable

Materials: Latex, Innersprings, Wool, Cotton

Firmness: Medium-Firm

Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King

Trial: 100 nights

Warranty: 10-year

The mattress is made of wool, organic latex as well as cotton to give you a soft natural, luxurious feel to lie on. Additionally, layers of innersprings offer the support back people suffering from back pain want. Wool is extremely air-tight (and approved by OKEO-TEX to contain no harmful chemicals) This makes it an ideal choice for sleepers who sweat during the night. It’s a good thing… those who sleep hot who are on a tight budget may also look into these cool mattress covers to put on their mattresses.

FAQ

Does a mattress trigger lower back discomfort?

Numerous factors can trigger or worsen lower back discomfort, including the wrong mattress. Redding states that if you experience back discomfort is more severe early in the morning It’s possible that your mattress is the one to blame. If the pain gets worse, lasts longer than a few weeks, or becomes a problem with your daily life It’s a good idea to see the doctor.

What is the best firmness for those suffering from back discomfort?

Although it is dependent on the individual the person is, mattresses that are medium to medium-firm are generally considered to be ideal for those suffering from back discomfort. The softer mattresses aren’t able to provide sufficient spinal support, whereas the harder mattresses can cause soreness when you wake up.

What is the ideal sleeping position for people suffering from back discomfort?

Sleeping sideways and back sleeping is a good option for people with back discomfort, as they can allow for an even spinal position. Di Prinzio recommends not to sleep on stomachs when you are suffering from back discomfort because of how it strains the spine.

The main takeaway.

If you are suffering from lower back discomfort taking a look at an extra-firm mattress that can support an ideal sleeping posture could provide some relief when you lie down. Make sure you incorporate practices like stretching and yoga into your routine at night to ensure you get the best night’s sleep.