If you wake up with a sore back that eases as the day goes on, your mattress may be part of the problem. The right mattress won’t cure back pain, but it can help your body rest in a healthier position.
Support first, softness second
Your mattress should hold your spine in a straight, natural line. If it’s too soft, your hips sink and your back bends. If it’s too hard, it presses on your shoulders and hips and leaves gaps under your waist. Many people with back pain find a medium-firm mattress a good balance.
Match it to how you sleep
- Side sleepers usually need a little more cushioning so shoulders and hips can sink in slightly.
- Back sleepers usually do well on medium-firm support that fills the curve of the lower back.
- Stomach sleepers usually need a firmer surface so the hips don’t sag.
Signs your current mattress is making it worse
- Visible dips or sagging where you sleep
- You feel springs or lumps
- Your back feels better after a night somewhere else
Small changes that help tonight
Put a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back, or between your knees if you sleep on your side. A good mattress topper can add comfort to a mattress that’s still supportive but feels too hard.
See a doctor if your back pain is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, spreads down your legs, or comes with numbness, weakness or fever.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you have back pain, speak to a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.
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