We investigated the best mattresses currently available, paying close attention to characteristics crucial for pain treatment. Our list’s components included:
All of the mattresses on our list have a medium-firm option, which, according to research, may be the most supportive of appropriate spinal alignment.
Reviews from other customers:
Many brands claim that their mattresses may reduce pressure and pain, however these claims are frequently untrue. To find out how these top recommendations genuinely benefited consumers with pain and sleep quality, we read what they had to say.
Reputation of the company and transparency:
We concentrated on brands with a reputation for ethical business practice’s, high-quality mattress manufacture, and excellent customer service.
Company policies:
The majority of brands are aware that purchasing a mattress online requires a leap of faith, and many of them provide a trial period during which you can return the product if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Reputable mattress manufacturers typically provide a lengthy guarantee to cover manufacturing flaws and severe sagging.
Expert insights:
To learn more about the relationship between sleep and pain and the characteristics of a mattress that are helpful for pain treatment, we read peer-reviewed studies. To seek her advice on sleeping without pain, we also contacted Krystle Howald, PT, DPT, owner of Expecting and Empowered and Empower Movement Physical Therapy.
The mattresses on our list have undergone vetting to make sure they adhere to Healthline’s brand integrity standards and wellness philosophy. To learn more about our vetting procedure.
How to choose a mattress that won’t cause back and neck ache
There are several things to think about while choosing a mattress. When choosing a mattress to cure back and ache discomfort, it’s very crucial to keep in mind the following factors.
Type of mattress
For the majority of sleepers, hybrid mattresses are an excellent alternative. They provide a fantastic balance of pressure alleviation from their foam comfort layers and support from their coil foundation. You have several possibilities to choose the one that feels the most comfortable for you because they are available in a variety of materials.
Although they might not offer enough support for heavier sleepers, foam mattresses can be a decent option for side sleepers searching for a softer mattress.
Firmness
A 2015 assessment of 24 studies conducted by Trusted Source found that medium-firm mattresses may enhance sleep quality and support healthy spinal alignment. This might lessen back pain. The best mattress is a medium-firm one, according to a 2021 assessment by Trusted Source.
Of course, personal choice is important because you won’t sleep well if you can’t sink into a mattress that feels hard or unyielding. Look for a mattress that gives you support without being too firm.
Your weight may also play a role in determining the ideal mattress firmness for back discomfort. Back pain might result from sinking more deeply into a mattress if you are heavier.
People who weigh 230 pounds or more shouldn’t use memory foam mattresses. Even with multiple foam layers in the mattress, the foam may not offer enough support.
Your best bet is to choose a mattress that is as firm as you can sleep on because they tend to go softer over time.
Releasing pressure
A mattress that relieves pressure well will gently mold to your hips and shoulders. Look for all-foam mattresses or hybrid mattresses with foam comfort layers for effective pressure relief. A latex mattress or one with a latex-foam hybrid would be another option to think about.
According to research from 2017 Trusted Source, latex can relieve pressure and support your body mass better than memory foam alone (see the Helix Dawn above).
Being a subjective metric, “comfort” might vary from one individual to the next. When it comes to pressure relief, your best chance might be to give a bed with a liberal in-home trial policy a try.
Slumber position
According to a 2010 study, participants’ back discomfort decreased after using mattresses selected for their preferred sleeping positions. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep it in mind when shopping.
Since softer mattresses frequently relieve the added pressure on hip and shoulder joints, side sleepers typically prefer them.
If you sleep on your back or stomach, you’ll probably prefer a firmer mattress with coils to keep your spine in alignment and prevent the heaviest areas of your body (such your hips and shoulders) from sinking into the mattress.
Try choosing a hybrid mattress if you are heavier to benefit from the supporting coil foundation, but be aware that you may need to select a firmer option to feel suitably supported.
Take note of the suggested sleeping position and sleeper type for each mattress in the product description. But be sure to also read reviews. The mattress’s users can provide more insight.
Materials
Sleepers with neck and back pain may find that foam, especially latex foam, works best. If you want more contouring and pressure relief than coils alone can offer, consider a hybrid mattress with latex foam comfort layers.
Observe whether mattresses have any cooling technologies, such as phase-change materials, gel foam, or perforated foam, if you experience heat when sleeping. Even while tossing and turning all night may not necessarily hurt, sleeping heated might nevertheless make you feel uncomfortable.
Additional mattress performance factors
Your individual sleeping needs can also steer you to other vital aspects.
Look for mattresses with strong motion isolation if you share a bed. The finest materials for reducing motion transfer are foam and hybrids with pocketed coils.
Couples should also consider edge support because it might be a startling surprise to find yourself pushed to the edge of the bed.
Company guidelines
You have the opportunity to test your mattress risk-free with in-home trials. In order to get a good feel for your mattress and discover how it affects your pain, look for brands that provide sleep trials that are long enough. Make sure you understand the warranty’s coverage by checking it twice.