Find a showroom
If you have or have previously suffered from back pain, you'll know how uncomfortable it can be and how much it can impact your quality of life and sleep.
It can seem like no matter what your sleeping position is; there's no respite from the pain, which can be especially exhausting if you suffer from chronic back pain.
Your back pain might not be the only obstacle to getting a good night's sleep, though. In fact, your bed and mattress could be hindering rather than helping.
And, that's exactly what we're exploring in this guide. Here, we take a look at the different types of mattresses and beds to establish which could be the key to unlocking a restful sleep.
We also outline the benefits adjustable beds can have on back pain and which mattress firmness could be most suitable for different types of back pain.
But first, let's explore why it can be so difficult for people with back pain to get a good sleep.
The link between back pain and sleep
Chronic pain, including back pain, can affect the quantity and quality of our sleep, with studies reporting that over 60% of people with pain-related sleep problems are either awoken in the night or wake up early as a result of their affliction.
Typically, adults need around 8 hours of sleep each night, but poor sleep quality can actually increase the risk of developing pain.
Sleeping is an essential need for us, like eating and drinking, so if your body isn't getting enough quality sleep, it can cause problems. One of the side effects of not getting enough sleep is inflammation, which may contribute to your back pain.
So, if you're already struggling and losing sleep due to back pain, you could be stuck in a vicious cycle.
Can your bed cause lower back pain? Explore our guide for more information.
Is back pain worse at night?
Another reason back pain could compromise sleep quality is that we may feel pain worse at night. Studies have found that our pain threshold may be in tune with our circadian rhythm, peaking at night and being at its lowest in the afternoon.
What are the different types of back pain?
Before we explore the best mattress types and firmness for back pain, it's good to understand the different types of back pain and how they can affect us.
The three main types of back pain are:
-
Axial spondyloarthritis: This is a swelling specific to the spine that may cause fatigue, pain, and swelling in other parts of the body.
-
Sciatica: Also known as a trapped nerve, this usually feels like a sharp pain that limits movement and may worsen if you spend long periods sitting.
-
Muscular: This could be from sitting in an uncomfortable position, repetitive movements like lifting, sudden jolts, or awkward movements. Muscular pain could feel like spasms or stiffness that restricts movement.
If you are suffering from back pain, the NHS recommend you try to:
-
Keep active and continue with your daily activities
-
Take anti-inflammatory medicine, like ibuprofen
-
Use an ice pack or frozen bag of peas wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling
-
Do some exercises and stretches for back pain
Is your sleeping position making your back pain worse?
If you've suffered from back pain before or are currently coping with it, you'll know how difficult it can be to find a comfortable sleeping position. But you should also know that how you sleep can greatly affect how quickly you recover from back pain.
Back sleeping
Sleeping on your back is typically considered the best position, especially if you suffer from lower back pain. This is because sleeping on your back:
-
Offers good weight distribution along the spine.
-
Maintains the natural curve of the spine.
-
Reduces pressure on the lumbar spine (lower part of your back).
Side sleeping
Like sleeping on your back, side sleeping can also be beneficial for pressure relief, because it:
-
Keeps the spine aligned.
-
Can alleviate pressure on the lower back.
Front sleeping
Sleeping on your stomach is widely regarded as the least back-friendly way of sleeping because it:
-
Flattens the spine's curve.
-
Can cause an unnatural flexing of the back.
-
Increases strain on muscles and joints.
-
May lead to neck pain depending on the rotation of your head.
Tips to optimise sleeping with a bad back
-
Use a pillow to maximise the alignment of your spine: If you sleep on your back, put the pillow under your knees; if you sleep on your side, put the pillow in between your legs; and stomach sleepers should put a thin pillow under their pelvis and lower abdomen.
-
Side sleepers should alternate sides regularly to avoid a muscle imbalance.
-
Stomach sleepers should use a small, flat pillow for their head or consider sleeping without a pillow.
The best mattress types for back pain
When shopping for a new mattress for back pain, it's important to consider all your options. Each type of mattress has its own specific advantages that may be useful for you and help you.
To make sure you buy the right mattress for you, consider your preferences – e.g. whether you'd prefer a hard or soft mattress – and other factors, like your sleeping position.
Some companies offer trials so you can test out a mattress, giving you peace of mind that it'll be the right fit for your back and joint pain.
Adjustable mattresses
Adjustable beds and compatible mattresses have lots of benefits, including for people suffering from chronic back pain.
Adjustable beds promote natural spine alignment by elevating the head and feet, which can relieve pressure points in your back and joints. Our blog explores more about how adjustable beds can provide relief from common back pain.
One of the main advantages of buying from Opera Beds is that all our adjustable beds have a 'zero gravity' position. Originally derived from NASA technology, this technique reduces pressure on the spine, lower back and legs, relieving chronic pain. Read more in our How Zero Gravity Can Help Your Sleep guide.
Adjustable beds are specially designed to reduce inflammation and promote a good night’s sleep, making them the best choice for back pain sufferers.
To maximise the bed's usability, you'll also need an adjustable mattress. Our selection of adjustable bed mattresses covers key specifications outlined in this guide, including being available in medium-firm, hybrid, and memory foam types. You can even upgrade your mattress to benefit from the additional premium features including massage and lumbar support.
Our mattresses are also suitable for single adjustable beds up to super king-size adjustable beds, so you're sure to find the perfect mattress.
Each of our mattresses is designed to adjust with your bed and ensure your body shape is fully supported, making our range the best mattresses for back pain.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine the support of innerspring coils with the comfort of latex or foam layers. They offer good support, bounce, and breathability.
Our Gel 1000 mattress is a luxury hybrid, combining a pocket spring mattress with a high-density foam surround, which includes memory and gel-infused foams. This provides the perfect balance of support and responsiveness while regulating your body temperature.
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses contour to the body, providing tailored support and pressure relief. They are particularly good for side sleepers or those with specific pain points.
Our Memory foam adjustable mattress is designed to adjust to the contours of your body, distributing pressure points around the body to enhance your sleep and reduce pressure.
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses offer a firmer feel compared to memory foam, with good support and durability. They provide even weight distribution, which can help ensure proper spinal alignment.
These products also offer a responsive bounciness, which may make getting in and out of bed easier.
Orthopaedic mattresses
Specifically designed for back support, orthopaedic mattresses are recommended for those with severe back issues.
An orthopaedic mattress promotes optimal support and comfort, even weight distribution, correct spine alignment, and healthy posture to ensure good circulation
What mattress firmness should you choose if you have back pain?
There is no 'one-size-fits-all' mattress type for people suffering from chronic back pain. Instead, you should consider a firmness that's most comfortable for you. This means considering factors like weight, preferred sleeping position and the type of back pain you experience.
Having said this, medium-firm mattresses are generally considered the best choice for people with back pain. At this level, the mattress provides good support and comfort, keeping the spine aligned while contouring to the body's curves.
The most suitable mattress for you will have the correct spring tension for your body weight and enough layers for you to sink slightly into it.
More from Opera Beds
For more information on our extensive range or a second opinion on the best mattress for back pain, contact our friendly team. Or, try our mattress selector tool – in just a few quick clicks, our system can recommend the ideal product for you and your ailment.
If you're unsure which route to take, we understand. Our knowledge Hub is filled with helpful guides and insights from our experts across adjustable beds, mattresses and more.
