People who are unsure when choosing a mattress often buy one that is soft and “comfortable” only to find that they have chosen the wrong one. What they really needed was a firm mattress that will enable them to get a good night’s sleep. Experts in sleep related problems are saying that many people too often rush into choosing a mattress and they go for what looks comfortable but doesn’t give the support needed. Instead these people are waking up sore and even more tired than the night before.
According to the experts at spine-health.com, the firmer the mattress, the less likely you will experience back problems. There are varying degrees in a firm mattress and choosing a mattress that is firm enough for you might be a problem if you are unsure of the degree of firmness needed. Some people who do find their mattress comfortable and do feel as if they get a good night’s sleep can still wake up with lower back pain and feeling sore all over. This is an indication that while the mattress is comfortable, it is not the right mattress for you.
How to Prevent the Back Pain?
The reason why people experience the pain is discomfort in their backs is because there is a lack of support in the mattress that they are sleeping on. In fact, when they sleep on a soft mattress, they are causing the spine to misalign throughout the night. When sleeping on a firm mattress the spine is in proper alignment, which prevents the back and muscles to become sore and uncomfortable. Experts are saying that medium firm mattresses are the best choice for preventing back pain.
Waking up throughout the night with lower back pain can really disrupt your sleep pattern and leave you feeling tired and cranky in the morning. To find out what mattress would work best for you, you can visit an interactive online site such as sleepdoctor.com where you can watch a video that will show you the proper mattress for you determined by the way you sleep. For example, if you are a stomach sleeper you will be given suggestions for what mattresses would work best for you.
Is Too Firm Always a Good Solution When Choosing a Mattress?
Many people who are seeking advice about back pain from their doctor almost always ask if it could be due to a poor mattress rather than a seriously medical problem affecting the lower back. Some doctors will suggest that you change the mattress to a firmer, more supportive mattress. This is great advice but getting a mattress that is too firm could cause more problems.
Firm mattresses do not have to be the ones that are rock hard and flat. There is a happy medium between firms and comfortable. Firm mattresses can have padding on the top such as in a pillow top but it is what’s underneath the padding that counts. There must be good support in the springs in a quality firm mattress. These springs take on the pressure of your weight while keeping your spine and back in line, therefore enabling you to sleep well and wake up rested without that unnecessary back pain.
Other Great Resources About Firm Mattresses:
Consumer Reports writes that if a mattress is too firm, it will cause pressure points and discomfort.
Expert Village demonstrates in this YouTube video about why you shouldn’t get a mattress that is too firm.
CBS reports that “medium firm” is a better choice than firm when it comes to a mattress to avoid back pain.