How to Choose a Mattress Topper for Back Pain
As mattress toppers adjust the feel of the sleep surface, many of the same factors that you should take into account when choosing a mattress will also play a role in your decision on a mattress topper.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Mattress Topper for Back Pain
There is a wide variety of different mattress toppers on the market that claim to do a number of different things. Rather than getting caught up in jargon and marketing claims, we encourage shoppers to look at the specific factors that contribute to whether or not a mattress topper will feel comfortable for them.
- Conforming Ability: Most mattress toppers are built to provide some added conforming. A mattress topper that conforms to the sleeper’s shape allows wider, heavier body parts to sink in more, which can help relieve pressure buildup on these areas while supporting the spine’s natural alignment. Thinner and firmer mattress toppers may conform less, while thicker and softer options are likely to conform more.
- Price: Mattress toppers vary in price based on their materials and construction. Low-priced options frequently use materials that may break down more quickly, but they can provide a budget-friendly, short-term fix for an uncomfortable mattress. More expensive models typically use more durable materials that resist sagging and deterioration.
- Sleeping Position: A sleeper’s preferred position influences which body parts put force on the mattress, where pressure may build up, and how well-aligned their spine is. Because sleep position is so impactful, shoppers should take how they prefer to sleep into account when selecting a mattress topper. We’ll discuss sleep position in more detail in the section below.
- Quality Materials: A topper’s materials contribute to its performance and durability. High-end materials may have special characteristics, like temperature regulation or bounce, that could support a more comfortable night’s sleep. Many quality materials also last longer, extending the topper’s usable lifespan. Lower-quality topper components can also be comfortable, though they may not have the same potential benefits as higher-quality options.
- Thickness: Mattress toppers usually range from 1 to 4 inches thick. The mattress topper’s thickness impacts how significantly it alters the sleep surface. A thin topper may add a bit of cushioning, while a thicker topper is likely to give more significant contouring and pressure relief.
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Pressure Relief: A mattress topper can help alleviate pressure points by redistributing the sleeper’s weight more evenly over the surface. This can reduce pressure buildup near heavier body parts, like the hips and shoulders. Thicker toppers with more conforming are also likely to have more pressure relief.
How Does Sleeping Position Affect Back Pain?
Back pain can occur as a result of an underlying condition or sleep-related factors. The right mattress topper can help relieve pressure points and support natural spinal alignment, which could also help contribute to reduced back pain. However, each sleep position can affect the spine differently, so those suffering from back pain may want to consider the role of their preferred sleep position.
Side sleepers frequently prefer a slightly softer sleep surface that balances conforming and support. Too firm of a topper may not allow their hips and shoulders to sink in enough, while too soft of a mattress topper may let their hips and shoulders sink in too much. Either of these situations could put a strain on their spines and contribute to back pain. A thicker topper could be ideal for a bed that is too firm, as it can provide ample room for a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders to sink in. A firmer topper that helps prevent sinkage will be better for a bed that is too soft.
Back sleepers usually like a slightly firmer sleep surface that gives them the support they need to maintain their natural spinal alignment, so they may prefer firmer and/or thinner mattress toppers. A topper that is too soft could allow their hips to sink in excessively and make it difficult to keep their spine well-aligned. Too firm of a topper could also be problematic, leaving a gap between the bed and the sleeper’s lumbar region.
Stomach sleepers are often prone to sinking into their beds near their hips and stomachs since most people carry more weight near their midsections. This frequently puts a strain on the sleeper’s spine, which could contribute to back pain. A firmer, thinner mattress topper may be more supportive for stomach sleepers and reduce the likelihood of excessive sinkage.
Combination sleepers can experience the potential benefits and drawbacks of multiple sleep positions. Those who tend to change positions during the night should consider which position they sleep in most often as they select a mattress topper. If they divide their time relatively evenly between positions, a mattress topper with a mid-range thickness may be the best bet for a combination sleeper.
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