Mattress Toppers
Best Mattress Topper for Bad Back Pain
Gone are the days when back pain was associated with old age. Nowadays, anyone is at risk of having back pain, regardless of age. Most people believe that the cause of this condition is a hectic working schedule. However, it is common knowledge that back pain can be caused by using the wrong mattress.
So, when we are suffering from back pain, the first thing that comes to our mind is to buy a new mattress. However, this is a very costly option. The good news is you can solve this by getting a good mattress topper.
Having a comfortable sleep is necessary for having an alert and healthy mind. That is why it is only smart that you should invest in a good mattress topper. When shopping for a mattress topper, you have to choose the right one that can alleviate your back pain, or else you will just be wasting your money.
To help you make a well-informed decision, we have created a guideline that covers all the things that you need to know about the best mattress topper for bad back pain.
What is the Material Used for the Mattress Topper?
Checking out the topper material is very important; however, most people tend to ignore it. Although there are a lot of materials used in making mattress toppers, each of them has its unique features. While there are materials that can make you feel comfortable, they may not be effective for your back pain.
The best materials for mattress toppers that can help in relieving back pain are memory foam and latex. Both of these materials have one thing in common: They can conform to the shape of your body so it can be aligned properly. Hence, memory mattress toppers can remember your body shape to guarantee that you can have sound sleep and reduced back pain.
Likewise, latex mattress toppers have pin core holes that are equally distributed throughout the mattress topper. These specially designed holes can absorb your weight and conform to your body shape so you can enjoy comfort and support while sleeping.
Once you lie down on a memory foam or latex mattress topper, it ensures that your body is placed in the right position so back pain can be prevented or relieved. It will allow some of your body parts to sink while providing sufficient support to the other parts that require it. As a result, you will be able to relax because your body is fully supported.
What is the Right Thickness for Your Topper?
The thickness of a topper is an important factor to consider, especially if you are a back sleeper. The firmness of the topper and the level of its support will greatly depend on the thickness of the topper. Generally, most people believe that a thicker topper can provide them with a luxurious feeling. However, this is not usually the case. According to the latest medical reports, having an extremely thick mattress does not mean that you can prevent back pain.
Surely, a thicker mattress is firm, but it does not conform to the shape of your body. One of the major reasons for back pain is the improper alignment of the spine. On the other hand, thinner toppers might make you feel more comfortable; however, they do not necessarily give you the adequate support that is needed by your body, most especially at the pressure points.
Therefore, the best mattress topper for bad back pain should have a moderate thickness. In other words, it should neither be extremely firm nor extremely soft. The benefit of choosing a topper with a moderate thickness is that it can offer you an excellent balance of support and flexibility, which is the best remedy for back pain.
To provide you with moderate firmness, choose a mattress topper that has a thickness between two and four inches. This type of topper can help in effectively supporting and aligning your spinal column, making it the best choice when it comes to relieving back pains.
Never choose something that is less than two inches, since it will not be able to give you sufficient support. It is also not advisable, except for those who are a bit heavier, to choose a topper that is thicker than four inches since it feels firmer and can make you feel uncomfortable.
Is the Topper’s Density Important?
Just like its thickness, the topper’s density will also help in determining the level of firmness. It usually starts at 2 lbs per cubic foot. Most of the mattress toppers that are sold in the market right now have a density between 2 to 3 lbs per cubic foot. Ultimately, you don’t need to choose an extremely firm or an extremely soft topper.
So, what is the best topper density for back pain? A mattress topper with a density between 2 to 3lbs per cubic foot might make you feel comfortable but it will not give you adequate support for your back. Hence, this is not the ideal solution and can even give you more pain.
The best level for back pains is between 3 to 5 lbs per cubic foot. Toppers having this medium-level density can help in alleviating back pain. Since they are not very firm nor very light, they can provide comfort, durability and, most of all, enough support for your spinal column. At the same time, these toppers can permit your buttocks, back, shoulders and other prominent body parts to sink a bit while ensuring that your back is properly aligned so you can avoid back pain.
Likewise, mattress toppers which have medium-level density will be able to distribute your body weight effectively. However, it would be wise to avoid toppers having a density of more than 5 lbs per cubic foot. This density is too high, which can make the topper extremely firm. Although it can give you lots of support, it will take some time before it can conform to your body shape.
