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The Correct Mattress for Back Sleepers
The general rule of thumb for back sleepers is that when shopping for a
mattress, go firm. Unfortunately, people often mistake a firm supportive
mattress for one that is just plain hard. The reason a firm mattress works
better in this case than a more soft type is simply that the spine needs to
be kept straight when you are on your back. A mattress that gives too much
or bends inwardly will not be supportive enough for the spine. Back
sleepers have a larger area to lay on than side sleepers, which translates to
less weight per square inch of the body. Therefore a mattress that is more
firm will hold the spine in check without irritating the muscles and
joints. However, this does not mean that a mattress a supportive density
cannot also have enough give to conform to the bumps and curves of the body,
therefore providing more comfort for the muscles and joints.
A memory foam
density will accomplish this the most effectively (see pictures below).
Memory foam is a visco-elastic, temperature sensitive polyurethane foam that has
the ability to compress, but then slowly come back to its original shape.
Therefore memory foam does not place nearly the same resistance on the joints as
spring, air, and other materials that bounce back more rapidly. The more
memory foam heats up, the more soft it becomes. Memory foam mattresses are
usually composed of 3 inches of the temperature sensitive visco-elastic foam,
over 5 inches of regular polyurethane foam. Memory foam is usually found
in 3-5lb. densities. 5lb. memory foam is more temperature sensitive,
heavier, usually stiffer and bounces back more slowly (see right side below for
an actual example of 5lb. memory foam). 4lb. memory foam will therefore be
less temperature sensitive and less dense, more soft, less expensive, but also a
little less supportive. There is a bed now that combines the two, so that
the top layer is a 4lb. density and the next two inches are a 5lb. density.
This will give you that immediate soothing sensation, but still be a little
firmer underneath for better support (see left side picture below for
recommended 3-layer memory foam mattress).
Certain types of latex foam will also be soft enough to contour the body, but
provide a bit more of a spring effect. This material can be combined well with
memory foam to make up a mattress, but neither substance should be used in the
bottom base layer of the mattress. This is because you never want to sink
too much into the mattress, as this would cause a folding effect of your body
and you would loose support. For this reason, people who are primarily
side sleepers can utilize more of the memory foam and latex material. This
is due to the fact that the shoulders and hips stick out farther, and therefore
need more contouring if you are going to attempt to evenly distribute your
weight over the whole of the mattress. People who are primarily back sleepers
may need more of a firmer support material underneath the latex and/or memory
foam, as less contouring is needed. If your current mattress is still solid enough, you may only need a memory foam
topper (center picture below).
Placing a pillow or using a support knee elevating wedge under your legs while on your back will be beneficial,
as it can reduce the traction from the psoas muscles attached to the spine.
We recommend the support wedge depicted underneath as it is provides the
stability necessary to stay on your back all night, and the comfort to allow a
good night sleep. The best kind of mattress for back sleepers will have a supportive
and firm density, but also have enough give to conform to the joints, with a
softer overlay to provide more comfort for the muscles and joints.
Click Here to to purchase the recommended
orthopedic knee elevator and memory foam mattress
for your spine found at Relief-Mart
.
(3-layer Memory foam mattress)
(Memory foam topper)
(Memory Foam in action)
Click here to purchase the recommended Memory Foam Mattresses
and Toppers
found at Relief-Mart and
Selectabed.com
