Sleeping on a memory foam mattress can result in back pain if you sleep on a memory foam bed of the incorrect firmness. If you prefer to slumber on your back or stomach, consider getting a firm or medium-firm mattress. In contrast, a soft or medium-soft memory foam mattress is best for side sleepers.<\/p>\n
With a memory foam mattress that suits your sleeping style, your spine remains in a neutral alignment, and this eases joint pressure. Therefore, these mattresses are great at preventing any back pains as they perfectly align your spine without leaving any spaces and offer lumbar support. These benefits give memory foam a significant advantage over traditional mattresses.<\/p>\n
With that said, some people still complain that memory foam mattresses aren’t suitable for them as they still experience some back pain after a full night’s sleep. This problem suggests that your spine is in the incorrect alignment.<\/p>\n
Different factors can help you figure out whether your memory foam mattress is actually what’s causing your backaches, including:<\/p>\n
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- You keep tossing and turning and struggle to nod off:<\/strong> Falling asleep becomes quite tricky when you aren’t comfortable. As a result, you keep fidgeting all night while trying to find a neutral and comfortable position.<\/li>\n
- You feel back pain immediately after waking up:<\/strong> If you felt fine right before going to bed but wake up in the morning with back pain, this is a hint that your memory foam bed is what’s causing the discomfort. This issue happens if the memory foam mattress is too firm, thereby generating joint pressure in the hip region, later leading to lower back pain. Alternatively, you may have poor spinal alignment due to sleeping on a very soft mattress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Also Read: 1. 5 Best Mattresses Without Memory Foam for Back Pain Relief<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 2.\u00a0 Consumer Reports Recommended Best Mattresses for Back Pain<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
What are the Advantages of Using a Memory Foam Mattress?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Although there are many types of mattresses available on the market, the demand for memory foam mattresses is constantly rising. This shouldn’t be any surprise as these mattresses good for your back. If you still are uncertain whether this mattress is the right choice, here’s an overview of the benefits you’ll enjoy when using a memory foam mattress.<\/p>\nImproves Spinal Alignment<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Are memory foam mattresses good for your back? Many people find relief when they buy a memory foam mattress for back pain. These mattresses effectively ease discomfort because they align to your spine thanks to their denser and firmer build. They also evenly distribute your body weight, ensuring your back gets optimal support while you’re sleeping. As a result, you should enjoy reduced aches and pains and a night of more restful sleep.<\/p>\n
No Motion Transfer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The constant movement of your partner while you’re sleeping can interfere with the quality of your sleep. You need not worry about this if you decide to buy a memory foam mattress as the material provides outstanding motion isolation. This mattress type absorbs movement and pressure rather than bouncing like the latex or innerspring beds. Therefore, you can continue to enjoy your night in peace regardless of your partner’s movement.<\/p>\n
Hypoallergenic<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Do you have any allergies, respiratory disorders, or sleep apnea? If so, a memory foam mattress could help because they usually feature germ-resistant and hypoallergenic material rather than feathers or wool. The dense design also means that pollen, mold, pet dander, dust, and other common allergens can’t find a way inside.<\/p>\n
This type of mattress also doesn’t have any spaces and air pockets that can be ideal breeding sites for dust mites or moisture buildup.<\/p>\n
Ideal For Sleeping Different Positions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Memory foam mattresses tend to bend according to your body’s pressure and naturally use the heat generated by your body. This handy feature makes a memory foam mattress ideal for any sleeping position as it offers you excellent pressure point relief and curves to the shape of your body.<\/p>\n
This type of mattress also provides proper lumbar and hip support in any sleeping position without any uncomfortable pressure.<\/p>\n
Durable<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Buying a mattress isn’t cheap. Therefore, it’s essential to get the best model you can afford to avoid needing to buy another one after just a few years. You shouldn’t be overly concerned about this happening if you buy a memory foam mattress for back pain.<\/p>\n
Memory foam beds generally retain their original shape even after using them for an extended duration, thanks to their high-density build. Likewise, these mattresses aren’t delicate, so you don’t need to put in a great deal of effort to ensure they’re well maintained.<\/p>\n
Are There Any Disadvantages to Having a Memory Foam Mattress?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Despite memory foam’s popularity, it still has some downsides. These disadvantages apply to all three types of memory foam mattresses, including gel memory foam, traditional memory foams, and open-cell memory foam. Knowing these drawbacks is vital as it helps you answer the question; are memory foam mattresses good for your back?<\/p>\nThe main disadvantages of memory foam beds include:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Lack of Water-Resistance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you accidentally pour water or any other beverage on your memory foam mattress, you’ll have to find a way to dry it as quickly as possible. To make things worse, cleaning this type of mattress isn’t easy. You will need to take steps to shield your bed, as any liquid contact could cause degeneration of your mattress, reducing its expected lifespan.<\/p>\n
Therefore, we suggest investing in a water-resistant mattress cover to ensure your mattress doesn’t come into contact with any fluid.<\/p>\n
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- Initial Odor<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Another issue that many people often complain about memory foam mattresses is the initial smell after unboxing. This chemical-like odor smells like polyether polyurethane and occurs during the production process. This smell can be more intense for cheaper memory foam mattresses, and many people even find it unbearable.<\/p>\n
To rid your mattress of this irritating smell, you should leave it in the open air for at least 48 hours. However, bear in mind that the aroma is harmless and poses no risk to your health.<\/p>\n
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- It’s Too Firm<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Buying a memory foam mattress for back pain is often recommended because it doesn’t tend to sag too much over time and trigger back issues. With that said, some high-density memory foam mattresses are very firm, which some people find very uncomfortable. However, memory foam gradually softens over time, so you should give your body a few weeks to get used to the feel before sending it back to the store.<\/p>\n
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- Expensive<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The most premium memory foam mattress brands can cost thousands of dollars. While they guarantee excellent quality and durability, spending such a sum of money isn’t something every consumer can afford. Fortunately, plenty of brands offer a decent balance between comfort, durability, and affordability.<\/p>\n
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- Heat Sensitive<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Before you buy a memory foam mattress for back pain, you need to know that this type of bed heats up very quickly. For the winter season, this is a plus. However, come summer, you may regret your decision.<\/p>\n
This issue is more pronounced if you tend to sleep hot, with higher density memory foam mattresses retaining more heat than lower-density ones. If you live in an area with high humidity and warmer weather, you should either opt for a different mattress type or pick a memory foam bed engineered to sleep cool. Otherwise, you might find yourself waking up several times during the night due to overheating and discomfort.<\/p>\n
To help address this issue, you should use fine cotton sheets instead of non-porous or synthetic fiber sheets on your memory foam mattress. Also, gel-infused and open-cell memory foam mattresses tend to sleep cooler than their traditional counterparts. However, you’ll need to spend more to get these top-of-the-range memory foam mattresses.<\/p>\n
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- Bulky<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It’s no doubt that the dense foam of memory foam mattresses helps many people with their back pain. However, it also makes them very heavy, so moving them is a real challenge. Many people find even changing the sheets pretty tricky without a helper to hand.<\/p>\n
How Do I Know I’m Buying the Right Memory Foam Mattress to Ease Back Pain?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Searching for the right memory foam mattress to buy can be confusing as there are many choices to consider. This wide range makes the whole decision-making process a lot more complicated, especially if you’re new to shopping for this type of mattress. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Here are some essential factors to bear in mind when looking for the right memory foam mattress for back pain:<\/p>\nAdjustment Period<\/strong><\/h3>\n
You don’t want to buy a memory foam mattress that doesn’t provide you with the desired comfort. Because of this, you should always closely check the brand’s client trial period before deciding which memory foam mattress to buy. The standard trial period ranges from one month to a whole year.<\/p>\n
To allow your body time to adjust, you should give it between 30 to 40 days, as this is how long it takes for most of these mattresses to break in. This way, you get a better idea of whether the bed is the right choice for you and avoid the hassle of returning it.<\/p>\n
Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Like any other mattress, memory foam mattresses are also available in different sizes. These sizes are California King, King, Queen, Double\/Full, Twin XL, and Twin. Some brands offer extra sizes, such as Short Queen or Full XL. First, determine what size meets your needs before placing an order for the memory foam mattress.<\/p>\n
Thickness<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Memory foam mattress thicknesses range between 5 inches to 15 inches, but many have a thickness of roughly 10 inches. You need to know your body weight to have a better idea of which thickness best suits you. If you have a heavy build, a thicker memory foam mattress is ideal, but a thinner mattress would work fine if you’re light or skinny.<\/p>\n
Firmness Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The perfect firmness level differs from one person to another as it’s a matter of personal preference. Memory foam mattresses come in a full range of options, from ultra-plush to extra-firm. Choosing the correct firmness for your body type and sleep style is vital in terms of both comfort and support.<\/p>\n
Ease of Cleaning<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Buying a memory foam is a significant investment. Therefore, you want a mattress that will last you for as long as possible, which means choosing a mattress that’s easy to clean. To get insights on how easy it is to maintain, go through reviews by previous users and product specifications.<\/p>\n
What Can I Do If My Memory Foam Mattress Hurts My Back?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Even after investing in a memory foam mattress for back pain, some people still complain that they still experience aches each morning. This back pain affects your overall quality of life, but you can take steps to prevent it from worsening or reducing it gradually. Here are some valuable tips to help you reduce back pain and consequently improve your sleep quality.<\/p>\n
Buy Mattress Toppers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If you’re suffering from memory foam mattress back pain, then investing in a mattress topper is necessary. This mattress accessory is between two to four inches thick and goes over your mattress to either making it firmer or softer. Therefore, it helps alleviate body aches by improving your spinal alignment and reducing pressure.<\/p>\n
When you want additional support, you should buy a firm topper, while a soft topper is ideal if you’re suffering due to excessive pressure. Mattress toppers are available in every standard mattress size, either at mattress stores or online. They feature a wide range of possible materials, including latex, gel foam, or memory foam.<\/p>\n
Get Enough Quality Sleep<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Not having enough sleep can cause back pain to intensify. Therefore, you need to prioritize restorative sleep as it helps repair body tissues and recharge your energy levels. Ideally, it would be best if you slept at least seven hours each night.<\/p>\n
Use A Pillow<\/strong><\/h3>\n
A rotated or misaligned usually causes lower back pain while you’re sleeping. You can avoid this by using an extra pillow, placing it behind the back of the knees for back sleepers, or between your knees for side sleepers. If you sleep on your stomach, place a thin pillow below your head and another pillow below your lower abdomen and hips.<\/p>\n
With the comfort and support offered by pillows, the upper region of your spine shapes your body’s natural curvature. Also, your head gets much-needed support, reducing the chances of pain in your shoulders and neck.<\/p>\n
Place An Adjustable Base\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
You don’t want your spine to experience any pressure while you’re asleep. To achieve this, you can either lift your bed’s foot level or sleep at an incline position. With an adjustable base, you can accomplish precisely this as it allows you to raise your head, feet, or both while sleeping. You can also relieve joint pressure and increase circulation by sleeping in a zero-gravity position on the adjustable base.<\/p>\n
Adjustable bed bases also provide improved lumbar support, which aids in minimizing back pain. As a result, the muscle tension in your spinal region reduces as your improved position decompresses the spine.<\/p>\n
- Bulky<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Heat Sensitive<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Expensive<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- It’s Too Firm<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Initial Odor<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- You feel back pain immediately after waking up:<\/strong> If you felt fine right before going to bed but wake up in the morning with back pain, this is a hint that your memory foam bed is what’s causing the discomfort. This issue happens if the memory foam mattress is too firm, thereby generating joint pressure in the hip region, later leading to lower back pain. Alternatively, you may have poor spinal alignment due to sleeping on a very soft mattress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n