Back Problems? How to Find the Right Mattress That Can Provide Relief

Lower back pain is the most common complaint with a poor or wrongly chosen mattress. With an ergonomic mattress, people with back problems will sleep better and will also experience less back pain caused by fatigue during the day. This is crucial for an optimal quality of life. Looking for a good mattress doesn’t have to be difficult. In this article, we help you with tips on what to pay attention to when buying a mattress that can provide relief for back pain.

How important is the sleeping position in case of back pain?

The sleeping position should be such that ergonomically correct support is possible. An incorrect sleeping position does not allow the back to fully recover during sleep. People with back problems often have extra attention for the way they lie in bed. With a poorly supporting mattress and possibly the wrong sleeping position, the back will only get more tired during the night, with sometimes painful consequences in the morning. Such a situation is also a potential source of back problems in the long term. The development of back problems is often determined by genetic predisposition, but to a large extent also by one’s work situation and hobbies. A good and healthy back posture is a necessity for many people.

When should I replace a mattress?

When an old mattress visibly collapses in the middle or when you are no longer comfortable on the mattress, it is probably time to buy a new mattress. Laying shelves under a collapsed mattress is only a short-term solution and can cause more back problems in the longer term. All mattresses show signs of wear and tear over time due to stress and perspiration. The resilience of the foam decreases, making the mattress feel less comfortable. Most good mattresses have a lifespan of about 10 years, but when the old mattress is still comfortable, there is no harm in waiting a bit longer before buying a new mattress.

Which material is best for my back?

Which material your mattress ultimately consists of is not really the most important thing. What is most important is that you lie comfortably in your bed and that you take into account the 4 important factors when choosing a mattress:

Sleeping position: are you a belly sleeper, side sleeper or back sleeper?
Comfort: do you prefer soft, medium-firm or firm?
Pressure point relief: do you suffer from sensitive areas in your body, such as shoulders?
Temperature: do you sweat a lot or get cold easily?

The price of a mattress doesn’t say everything

Finding and buying a high-quality mattress is worth the investment, given the effect a mattress can have on low back pain and sleeping comfort. After all, we spend two thirds of our lives on a mattress. Mattresses with more springs and a thicker covering layer are usually of better quality and therefore more expensive. However, a higher price does not guarantee that the mattress is more comfortable or provides more support than a less expensive mattress. Mattress stores often have clearance sales or special offers, so it may be worth doing some comparing to get the best price for the right mattress.

Buy a mattress from a reliable supplier.

Ask the supplier’s customer service about testing options, delivery options, warranty, removal of old mattresses and, above all, the possibility of an exchange.

Do I have to go to the store to buy a mattress?

Of course, in a physical store, you have better opportunities to test out mattresses. However, more and more web shops are offering ‘sleep trials’. You will receive a mattress at home, and if it turns out that this is not the right mattress for you, you can return it free of charge.

Where can I find the best mattress?

A good mattress is crucial, especially if you have back problems. A good mattress can relieve the complaints. A poor mattress can actually make the pain and symptoms worse. There is no ‘best mattress’ for people with back problems, because the choice for a mattress is very personal. We therefore recommend that you do some good research on the right mattress yourself, e.g. online, and compare 3 to 4 different providers before you make your final choice. Searching online is usually the quickest way to discover all the pros and cons you should keep in mind when buying a new mattress.