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Sleeping on the right type of mattress can help people wake up feeling rested, refreshed, free of pain, and ready for the day ahead.
However, finding the right mattress is not always easy. People may find that factoring in their favorite position for sleeping helps narrow the search.
The basic sleeping positions are on the back, side, or stomach. Combination sleepers are those who shift between these positions throughout the night.
People with different sleep postures tend to fare better on different types of mattresses. The best mattresses for back sleepers tend to be those on the firmer side.
This article reviews everything a person needs to know about mattresses for back sleepers. It also lists six of the best mattresses for back sleepers that are available to purchase online.
Sleeping on the back can have several effects on a person’s health.
Some researchers say that sleeping on the back can help prevent facial wrinkles, which other sleeping positions, such as side sleeping, may cause.
However, a person should ensure that they have proper spinal alignment while sleeping in this position. This means that the spine is in a neutral position and not arching or curling. Putting a small pillow under the knees can help with this.
People who sleep on their back need a mattress that provides both cushioning and support.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Ergonomics department recommend that people use mattresses that are firm enough to support the back and promote spinal alignment.
The best mattresses for back sleepers are soft enough to cradle the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Relief for pressure points is a key comfort concern for many sleepers, including people who sleep on their back.
It is important to note that body weight is a factor in finding the best mattress for back sleepers. Those who weigh more will need more support to achieve the same degree of firmness and comfort.
A mattress that provides evenly distributed support is also important. When a person sleeps on their back, they can experience a lot of discomfort if the mattress starts to sag.
Below are six of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Please note that the writer has not tested these products. All information is research-based.
Saatva Classic Mattress
The company say that this hybrid mattress combines a 3-inch cushioning pillow top with individually pocketed coils that adapt to the body’s movement and spinal zone technology that uses memory foam to provide extra support for back sleepers.
The manufacturers have designed its tempered steel support coil base to prevent sagging. Purchasers can choose from three different levels of firmness: plush-soft, luxury-firm, and firm.
The company offer a 180-night home trial.
Brooklyn Signature Hybrid by Brooklyn Bedding
This 11-inch mattress is a hybrid. It has a cooling top layer and a layer of patented foam to respond to movement. A high density foam transition layer offers support and molds to the body’s shape.
A layer of individually encased coils reduces motion transfer, while a base layer of high density foam supports the coils and improves durability. Purchasers can choose from three different levels of firmness.
The mattress comes with a 120-night trial period.
Plank by Brooklyn Bedding
With the option to flip between a firm and an ultra-firm side, this mattress is a good option for those who are seeking a high level of support.
The mattress has a sleek, minimalist design and is crafted to keep the spine in a neutral position.
The manufacturers make it from high density memory foam. One side has a 1.5-inch quilted layer to provide a small amount of loft. People can opt to add a cooling panel onto either side.
The company offer a 120-night, risk-free trial period.
Cocoon Chill Memory Foam Mattress by Sealy
The company say that this 10-inch multilayer memory foam mattress adapts to different body sizes and sleeping positions. They claim that the top layer molds to an individual’s shape, while the middle layer adds support, and the base layer — made of heavier foam — ensures durability.
Memory foam can make people hotter during sleep, so the manufacturers have made the mattress cover from the company’s Phase Change Material to take heat away from the body. The mattress comes with a 100-night trial period.
WinkBed Mattress
This mattress has a layer of individually wrapped coils to provide back sleepers with support. It provides cushioning with a pillowy top layer that the company make with gel-infused foams.
The company say that the edge-to-edge-support design prevents sagging. Along with reducing motion transfer, the mattress is breathable to promote a cooler sleep.
The company offer a 120-night, risk-free trial period.
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
This 10-inch memory foam mattress is infused with copper gel, which offers a few beneficial properties, according to the manufacturers.
The copper gel responds to pressure, giving sleepers the variable support they need. It helps conduct body heat so that people sleep cooler. Copper is also antimicrobial, which means that it helps control odors.
The mattress is flippable, with a soft side and a firm side, allowing people to choose the firmness level that is right for them. People can test the mattress at home for 120 nights.
People who sleep on their back can also benefit from using pillows to support parts of the body.
Experts recommend placing a small pillow beneath the backs of the knees while sleeping on the back to support the spine and its natural curves.
Sleep gives the body a chance to rest and repair itself, which is particularly important for people with back pain because sore muscles and ligaments in the back need a chance to relax.
Worn out mattresses that sag can make back pain worse. Therefore, people looking to speed their recovery from back pain may wish to consider switching mattresses.
However, if cutting back on activities and using a new mattress do not result in any improvement, it may be time to speak with a doctor.
Doctors can look for signs of underlying medical problems and help address them. They can also prescribe gentle physical therapy exercises to help provide relief.
A person’s preferred sleeping position will affect the type of mattress that will be best for them. The best mattresses for back sleepers provide support to keep the spine in alignment.
Mattresses for back sleepers should also give people the cushioning they need to relieve key pressure points, such as the shoulders, hips, and back.
When it comes to choosing the right mattress, individuals who sleep on their back have a wide selection available to them.
If a person’s back pain does not get better with a new mattress and at-home treatment, or if the pain is severe, they should talk to a doctor.