If the first feeling that comes to your perception as you wake up is pain all over your back, or if it hurts even when you are lying down, the cause might not completely be your body condition, but the very mattress you’re using. Therapy isn’t a wise solution for long term, and neither is to replace the mattress, especially if it hasn’t quite reached its longevity yet (you do not want to spend too much, right?). A mattress topper will be an effective and reasonably priced way of this situation, it can also extend the mattress’ life for 2 or 3 years longer. This article will help know how to choose the best mattress topper for back pain.
Why Do We Recommend Mattress Toppers?
Body alignment: when your mattress is too soft, the back will sink too low when you lie down and lead to back pain. A suitable topper with favorable firmness will fix the problem. It provides your back with the much needed support and assures the spine doesn’t suffer unnatural curvatures.
Pressure reduction: if you own an overly solid mattress, this surface won’t contour your body and support your weight as it should be doing. Not only back, hips and shoulders are also pressure points that are likely to suffer the pain. A mattress topper to improve softness and conform to your figure, reducing said pressure.
How to Choose the Best Topper for Back Pain
#Consider your condition and weight
If your current mattress is extra soft, you would want to choose a firmer topper in order to maintain a proper spinal alignment as well as the comfort.
If you go for a softer topper to match with a medium mattress, the comfort remains, but it’s not going to solve the problem, as the misaligned spine is still there.
Likewise, when your mattress is already solid, a thick and firm topper will make you feel like you are resting on rocks. The density and thickness of the topper should be based on the mattress itself.
Hip pain might give you a hard time deciding, too, as soft toppers are designed to be more favorable for side sleepers who want their hips and shoulders free from the soreness and not much helpful for spine alignment. Hence, you should avoid both too-soft and two-firm toppers, a medium one will do the trick, all in order to give your body enough support without giving up on the comfortable sensation.
Additionally, weight also plays an important role in choosing a topper. If you are on the heavy side, medium density isn’t quite capable of easing the pain. To put it simply, the best topper must be able to handle the compression created by your body.
#Density and thickness
The thickness of a mattress topper determines its firmness and possible support. But you don’t need an overly thick topper, because it will not embrace and respond to your body while a thin topper, on the other hand, will offers an insufficient level of comfort. Either way, the ergonomic purpose of keeping your body alignment isn’t obtained.
With that being said, the best option is a medium-firm topper of which thickness is around 2 to 4 inches.
Beside thickness, density is also a crucial factor you would want to ponder upon. Medium-firmness comes along with 3 to 5 lbs per cubic foot, a good combination of comfort and support that will allow pressure points such as shoulders and buttocks to relax whilst holding your posture properly.
#Various types of materials
Mattress toppers vary in term of materials. Everything has their pros and cons, so do the materials we are discussing of.
When a specific issue like back pain is involved, the most widely recommended materials are memory foam and latex. Why? Because the moment you lie atop these surfaces, they make sure your weight is placed right in order to avoid any pain before anything else.
Memory foam
Many would agree this is the best choice for back pain. Memory foam possesses a precious property of memorizing the shape of body and consequently fitting to your curves and edges, distributing weight and relieving pressure from the heavier parts of your torso. Average thickness of 2 to 3 inches will do the magic, but if you are plus-sized, better choose the thickest that is available.
Recently, the entitled ‘gel’ memory foam is also receiving attention. The ‘gel’ pads promote temperature distribution and enhance the relaxation during your sleep, so you will have a good sleep at night.
Latex toppers
This is worth noting in case you own a too-soft mattress or an above-average number of pounds. It feels firmer than memory foam toppers but provides enough support if you fall into those two categories. Not only does latex cradle your body soothingly, it’s capable of adjusting to movements as well and you won’t have to worry about disturbances during the nights. The price is surprisingly not so expensive in regard to the advantages it offers.
Choosing the Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain – Conclusion
Back pain isn’t merely troublesome when you get up, but it affects your work tremendously, because who can do their best with a back aching all over?
Now that you are equipped with knowledge and know how to choose the best mattress topper for back pain, it will not be too much of a hassle to determine what you need (predicated on weight, body conditions, density, thickness and material). It’s also wise to scroll through reviews and see what other consumers have experienced. Once you have the picture of an ideal solution in mind, you will definitely make a smart purchase, rest well at night and wake up fresh.