How important are your sleeping patterns and mattress when dealing with back pains and aches? What do you normally look for?

[amandakc]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to find out what you would look for when buying a mattress for your back pain? Memory foam, adaptability, springs, etc. What are the most important factors on your list? Thank you!

[clare86]

Hi, i had this decision to make a while ago. I went for a medium orthopaedic mattress. You need to test them first. If i had had the funds, i would have had the memory matress, they are good. I also use a special memory foam neck support pillow. I still have back pain, but can get more comfortable. Another tip I've learnt, is to place a pillow between your knees when on your side. Hope this helps.

[Calceolaria]

One note of caution if you are a hot bod! The memory foam and latex mattresses do get warm.

[earthwitch]

I figure its best to start with a good quality and fairly firm mattress. If you need it to be softer, then its easy enough to buy a topper pad, and if you don't like the first type you buy, you can get another, without having to replace the whole mattress. Try out memory foam before you buy - for some folk it can be a bit of a nightmare if you stiffen up in bed - the memory foam makes a lovely soft "nest" to sleep in, but can be a nightmare to get back out of again. I do have problems moving out of memory foam, but I have ended up with a not too thick memory foam topper that I can manage, and its really nice at cushioning the sore bits of my spine. I also had an occupational therapy assessment and got given a small rail at the side of the bed that I could grab to help myself turn over.

Apart from the mattress, the next most important thing is your pillows - again, get advice from either an OT, or preferably a physiotherapist on pillows - not just under your head, but also possibly (depending on what position you sleep in) under or between your knees, and supporting your upper arm if lying on your side. Also make sure that the pillows aren't too low (causing your head to drop and kink your neck badly) or too high (causing the same problem in the opposite direction). I find having a small roll pillow filled with microbeads (its like a straight travel pillow rather than the c-shaped ones) is wonderful under my neck. I also support my body with pillows around me, and one between my knees.

[mitziblue]

I had the same problem. The tempropedic peeling's probably wrong, is a lifesaver. Hope this helps sweetheart!!! xxxx Mitzi

[louiseamos]

Hi..amandakc..I've chronic back top to bottom chronic back.leg pain oh and spondy stuff on my last MRI..I've a hard ish bed but its a memory one..I've tryed 3 !!! This best..advice hot electric blanket on hour before bed!!!hevean.... Try

[Vickal]

Ignore the marketing ploy of ‘orthopedic mattresses’ there’s no such thing! Every person needs a different type of mattress depending on your size, aches and pains and preferences. If you think about it how can one mattress suit all people with back/joint problems?

I’d recommend a pocket sprung mattress. The springs are not joined together like a traditional mattress so they all contour independently to the shape of your body. Not only does this give you optimal support but also eliminates ‘the ripple factor’ – when you roll over and your partner is disturbed.

You can get mattresses with a layer of memory foam on top of the springs this gives you the best of both worlds – the benefit of the lovely contoured cushion of the foam and the air flow you get through springs.

Not a nice fact but you can sweat up to a pint a night so it is important to have airflow through the mattress (and to air your bed regularly) for hygiene reasons.

Regarding firmness it’s really a preference thing and depends on your size/weight. A rule of thumb is the heavier the person the firmer the mattress required. It’s a myth that all people with bad backs need a firm mattress. A medium or soft mattress with the right support will do you more good than a firm one that doesn’t contour to your hips and shoulders.

Best thing to do is try it out. Lie down on the mattresses in the show room for at least five minutes, in the position that you sleep in. You may feel silly but you’re going to spend a lot of time on it so it’s worthwhile. I wouldn’t recommend a cheap mattress it’s a false economy. I good mattress can last you at least 10 years so it’s worth spending as much as you can.

Hope this helps (I used to sell mattresses)!