Getting adequate sleep is vital for your overall health and especially to the benefit of your spine. Secondly, sleeping relaxes your body and invigorates you for another day. One of the essential requirements for a good night’s sleep is a comfortable mattress. However, most people aren’t sure if it’s the best pick for excellent back support.

The best mattress for back and neck pain should keep your spine in alignment; if your spine isn’t well supported, this can result in lower back pain. With various mattresses available in the market today, picking the most comfortable one can be daunting. But worry not, here’s a mattress buying guide to help you out:

1. The mattress type matters 

Many mattresses designs come with different materials, all of which affect your comfort as well as spine health. The most common type is innerspring, mostly made of springs with layers of stuffing on top. However, such mattresses aren’t the best for long term use. With time, the spring loses resilience, and the padding compresses, hence straining your hips and lower back.

Memory foam mattress– These are popular, and they distribute your weight evenly across the surface. They also lessen pressure points while providing even support for your entire body.

Unlike spring mattresses, they last longer, and this makes them a worthwhile investment. The Purple versus Ghostbed (see how they compare) are both foam mattresses without springs, and both use three layers in their design. And what’s more? They are some of the best mattresses meant to ease upper back pains.

Latex mattresses– The best latex mattress for back pain can either be natural, made of rubber or synthetic fibers. Synthetic latex mattresses are not as durable as natural latex, although they are still excellent types. All latex mattresses are incredibly versatile and come with different levels of stability.

2. Consider your sleeping position

The best mattress is dependent on your preferences as well as any back problems you might be having. There are three common sleep positions; on your stomach, back, or sides. If you lie on your stomach, a firmer surface is necessary to prevent spinal distortion, which may cause back pain.

However, if you are a back sleeper, you will need to place a small pillow underneath your knees to reduce stress on your spine. You’ll also need a mattress that offers the best support for your back. On the other hand, if you’re a side sleeper, you’re subject to pressure points, and this can lead to poor circulation. Therefore, picking a mattress with a smoother plush feel will be the ideal decision.

3. Examine the firmness

For a long time, people have been advised to pick a firm mattress; but this is not always the best practice. The best choice would be one that’s firm enough to support your back yet sufficiently soft for more comfort. The best mattress has back support for the natural curvature of your spine. It should also bolster the spine alignment as assists you to lessen muscle soreness after a good night’s sleep.

4. Test your new mattress

Consider trying your new mattress out before making a purchase. You can achieve this by lying on it for some time in your usual sleeping position. If possible, take your pillow along; this way, you’ll get a feel of the comfort level of your new bed. Although this may sound odd, you have to ensure optimal support before making purchases. If you have a partner whom you share your bed with, recline on the mattress together to determine suitable one for both of you.