Back Pain: What Type of Mattress Should I Use?
May 9, 2008 · Print This Article
One of the first questions asked by patients suffering with back pain is “what type of mattress do you recommend?”
Because most people spend between a third and half of their lives in bed, it’s important to ensure that the time spent there is as comfortable as possible.
Everyone has a different body type, so the type of mattress and box spring used should be suited to you and not necessarily based on the “best mattress for people with back pain”.
The purchase of a good mattress represents a sizable investment and I recommend to my patients they always try out the mattress before buying it because what is comfortable for one person may be uncomfortable for another.
In fact, many of the good mattress companies will now allow you to try a mattress for 45 - 60 days (as long as you purchase their specially designed mattress cover). Take them up on the offer because you really can’t evaluate a mattress by laying on it in the store. Plus, it takes about 30 days for your body to acclimate to a new mattress. If it doesn’t work for you after 45 days, it’s probably not going to so definitely return it.
The flip side is also true; the mattress may not be very comfortable at first. I actually purchased a mattress 2 years ago that felt great in the store. I bought it, had it delivered, and after 2 nights I was ready to burn it. But, I stuck it out and after about a month it was very comfortable. And now I wouldn’t trade it.
Get this out of your head: If you’ve got back pain, you don’t necessarily need a firm mattress. You need a comfortable mattress. Test them until you find the one best for your back.
I’d like to hear what you have to say on the subject. Leave your comments or questions below.
Dedicated to Erasing Your Back Pain,
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc
The Back Pain Expert
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After waking up for months with backache, I thought it might be my mattress so I set out to purchase one. Yes, there is many to choose from and very costly. On recommendation from a family member I was leaning towards the memory foam. It felt great in the store but after only 10 minutes, I wasn’t sure what all night would be like. The salesman offered me the 45 day money back guarantee. Of course I had to buy the protective cover. That was well worth it, Three years later and I am still enjoying it. It took me weeks to decide what to buy, give yourself plenty of time to check out different mattresses and stores. It is too large of an investment to make without research and time.
Terry,
Thanks for sharing. I’ve actually heard both pro’s and con’s from patients over the years about the memory foam. Some people, like yourself, love them, while others have found them “hot” or report a general sense of “fatigue” the longer they used the mattress. So your point of taking the time to do your homework is well said.
I’d love to hear what others of you have to say about your experiences with different mattresses.
Wild Goose Qigong Back Stretching…
Wild Goose Qigong VII stretches the spine and opens the Governing Vessel. . .It uses the deceptively simple Chinese figure eight movement to relax the entire waist and hips (GB-30 acu-point). Together with the Bagua steps and the whole body dipping …
I don’t know much about these forms of alternative medicine. I invite more experienced people to comment. Thanks for sharing