What Type of Mattress is Best for People with Low Back Pain?

Back pain is a common reason for the decline in mobility as people age. Managing back pain resulting from injuries or health issues is crucial for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Choosing the right mattress is a key factor, as individuals spend a significant portion of their lives in bed, affecting their ability to sleep and function.

Traditionally, very firm mattresses were recommended, but research indicates that extremely hard mattresses may lead to poor sleep quality for those with low back pain. There’s no significant difference in sleep quality between medium-firm and firm mattresses. On the other hand, soft mattresses can pose problems by allowing too much sinking, potentially causing joint discomfort.

To determine if a firmer mattress would be more comfortable, one can experiment by placing a plywood board under the mattress or even trying the mattress on the floor. Visiting a mattress showroom to test various models is another option, though comfort in a store may not reflect a good night’s sleep. A more reliable test involves observing how you feel after sleeping on different mattresses away from home, such as in a hotel or at a friend’s house.