Why a Latex Mattress Is the Best Type of Mattress for Alleviating Back Pain

Many people experience back pain and related problems due to the way they sleep. Do you ever wake up with a kink in your back or chronic achiness? Thousands of people have the same issue and it’s often a result of poor back support while they’re sleeping. Worst of all, this discomfort can last continuously for months and get in the way of participating in activities that you enjoy or even just having a pain-free day.

To solve this problem, you need to look at what you’re sleeping on. Replacing your tired, lumpy mattress can be the key change you need in order to relieve upper, middle, and lower back pain.

The Many Phases of Back Pain

Back pain is something that most people can relate to. We’re living in a world where we’re constantly slumped over our electronic devices for hours at a time. For individuals who live a sedentary lifestyle, they’re making that pain worse by failing to stretch their bodies and muscles. Once it’s time for bed, you’d expect to get some relief but your worn-out mattress is only exacerbating the problem.

As a result, you wake up with intense tingling or burning sensations in your back or maybe a constant throbbing that won’t go away. Back pain takes on many forms for different people but one thing that they can all agree on is that it’s one of the most uncomfortable feelings to live with day in and day out. Whether your back pain feels similar to hot metal under your skin, an electric shock, a constant stabbing, or something else, know that relief could be as simple as investing in a natural latex mattress.

Finding a Latex Mattress for Back Pain

Doctors around the globe agree that a medium-firm organic mattress is your best bet for getting quality sleep while alleviating your chronic aches and discomfort. In the past, individuals would have to go to the store and try out dozens of different options to find the best mattress for back pain but now there is ample research to show which natural mattress choices stand out among the crowd.

Studies show that a medium-firm natural latex mattress outperforms competitors, thanks to its durability and responsiveness. Latex is a material that won’t sag as you sleep on it so it provides exceptional support for your joints and vertebrae. Moreover, it’s able to better support your spine so you’ll have proper alignment all through the night and wake up feeling more refreshed and less stiff. A non-organic mattress or one lacking latex won’t be able to maintain that alignment so your spine ends up curving, which places increased weight and strain on your back and surrounding muscles.

Furthermore, a medium-firm natural mattress holds its shape while allowing for more comfort and just enough give so that you can find a cozy sleeping position that won’t negatively affect your spine. This will be the best mattress for back pain because it will be able to support the contours of your body while realigning your vertebrae. Over time, you won’t believe the difference that this kind of mattress makes for your body and overall quality of life.

When it comes time to shop for a latex mattress, pay attention to the density of the material. Latex density will vary among brands and models, although the general range is from 65 kg/m³ to 85 kg/m³. The density refers to the amount of latex used in the mattress. The figure is usually measured in kg/m³ and the general rule of thumb is that the higher the density, the more firm the mattress will be.

In this way, latex density is related to the hardness of the mattress. That’s why the denser it is, the firmer it will be and the more push back you’ll feel when you press into the mattress. Reputable mattress companies use a rigorous process to measure the densities of their latex mattresses so they can provide suitable options to their vast array of customers.

Sleeping Positions to Alleviate Back Pain

As we mentioned above, a medium-firm organic mattress makes it easy to find a comfortable sleeping position that will support the natural curvature of your spine while providing the stability that your back needs. Those who struggle with constant aches and pains in their backs should opt for these sleeping positions:

  • Back: Sleep on your back with support under your head, shoulders, and knees to alleviate back pain and extra pressure on the spine.
  • Fetal Position: This takes the pressure off the spine, which is perfect for those who experience back pain while standing or moving.
  • Pillow Under Knees: While on your back, place a pillow under your knees to take the pressure off of the lower back.
  • Side: Position yourself on your side, placing a pillow under your waist for added support. The pillow will help to keep the spine aligned, eliminating excess strain.
  • Stomach: This position is mainly for individuals who experience chronic backaches while seated.

Your backbones and muscle structure vary throughout the spinal cord and it’s important for all of these parts to be supported throughout sleep. Your vertebrae consist of three distinct curves: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. The cervical spine supports your head; the thoracic spine, the upper body; and the lumbar, the foundation of your back. Keeping these C-shaped curves in alignment will help to prevent pinched nerves, poor posture, and chronic pain that radiates from your spine outwards to the rest of your body. Each night that you spend in a lumpy, old, unsupportive mattress, you’re prolonging the relief that you could get with a brand-new natural mattress.

The Best Mattress for Back Pain

Many doctors recommend a mattress made of all-natural latex, especially for those who experience constant achiness in their backs. You may be wondering “What’s the deal with latex anyway?” This material is number-one when it comes to durability so it’s definitely a worthy investment. Besides standing up to years of use, latex foam is resistant dust mites, mildew, and mould so it’ll stay clean for years to come. Lots of people also find that a natural latex mattress does a better job at reducing allergens, which is perfect for those who suffer from seasonal allergies or reactions to dust.

Another reason to go with a latex mattress is that it can help to keep you cooler during the night. Sleep experts agree that the ideal temperature for a decent slumber is 60 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. A latex mattress can make it easier for you to achieve that perfect temperature while staying comfy and cozy. In addition, many adults have a sleeping partner and the tossing and turning of both people can disrupt sleep and even lead to a lack of mattress support. Latex foam is able to hold up to pressure but it also allows for a decent amount of give so neither of you will be disturbing the other.

That’s an important factor to take into account when shopping for a new mattress. You don’t want to be sleeping on a rigid board but you need something that will give you the support that your body needs. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of softness and firmness. That’s why a medium-firm natural mattress is a top choice for chronic back pain sufferers. It doesn’t matter if your pain is in the upper back and shoulders, the middle back, or the lower back. Latex foam is able to support your body’s natural curvature while giving just enough springiness to allow for a great night’s sleep. Combined with a suitable sleeping position, you’ll be snoozing as if you were a baby in no time.

What About Memory Foam?

Now you may be curious as to how latex mattresses differ from memory foam. In the past, memory foam used to be the holy grail of comfortable, supportive mattresses. However, research shows that memory foam doesn’t hold up to the constant pressures of the body so, over time, it will stop providing support to the body’s natural alignment and curvature. Eventually, the mattress will sink or sag, leading to the back pain that prompted you to purchase the memory foam in the first place.

On the other hand, it’s better to choose a latex mattress for back pain because the material will provide that extra give or push that supports the spine and gets it in proper alignment. While memory foam will lose its springiness within a few years, a latex mattress is here to stay. It will hold up to years of use and some brands even promise at least 15 years of good-quality sleep.

Buying a Mattress Online

Once you’ve decided that it’s time to treat yourself to a sustainable latex mattress, you can make a purchase from the comfort of your own home. Gone are the days of having to visit the department store, talk to pushy salespeople, and lie down on mattress after mattress. It was physically and mentally exhausting and sometimes didn’t even result in a purchase.

Rather than waste your time with that, grab your computer or smartphone and browse the most suitable options for your body and circumstances. To find the best latex mattress for back pain, keep these considerations in mind:

  • Customer reviews
  • The quality of the materials
  • The reputation of the company
  • Your budget
  • Your sleeping position

Online shopping is so convenient because it can connect consumers all around the world. While you’re browsing different options, be sure to check out customer testimonials to read what buyers had to say about their mattresses. Reading these reviews will give you some background knowledge and a closer look at the customer experience.

You’ll also want to ensure that the mattress you’re looking to buy is made of sustainably sourced materials. Latex mattresses can sometimes be combined with other synthetic materials so look for mattresses made of natural latex, which will come from the sap of rubber trees. Quality usually goes hand in hand with the reputation and dependability of the company. This is another reason to check out customer reviews. You want to purchase from a company that values the client and doesn’t cut corners when it comes to delivering high-quality products.

In addition, your budget is going to be a huge factor to consider when shopping around for a new mattress. Just keep in mind that this is an investment, probably a 15- to 20-year one, so don’t be afraid to pay a little more for quality. Finally, consider your sleeping position to determine which firmness will best suit you. A medium-firm mattress is ideal for back sleepers. Side sleepers need something a bit softer while those who sleep on their stomachs want something a bit firmer.

Additional Considerations

There are a few more things to consider before you decide to buy a mattress. You’ll want to pose some questions to the company that you’re looking to buy from. For example, is there a free trial available? What about a warranty? Will they be able to pick up your old mattress and dispose of it? What is their returns and refunds policy? Is there a specific box spring that you’ll need? Some latex mattresses can be supported by slatted base frames, adjustable platforms, traditional box springs, or any combination of these. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to get as much information as possible.

Recap

To reiterate, switching to a latex mattress is in your best interest, particularly if you suffer from acute or chronic back pain. Take a look at your current mattress. If it’s sunken in or sags when you climb into bed, it’s time to ditch it for a new one. Each night you spend in that bed, you’re doing more damage to your spinal structure.  A bad quality or worn-out mattress leads to more back pain felt throughout the day.

Only a high-quality mattress will provide the kind of support and stability that your body needs to sleep with proper alignment and protection from muscle strains. Your well-being is worth a brand-new organic mattress. What are you waiting for? Get a better night’s sleep today!