Back sleeping is not a common occurrence among US adults. However, sleeping this way does have some health benefits and is considered to be the best way to sleep. Natural alignment is the top benefit gained from sleeping this way because sleeping on your back naturally aligns your spine, neck and pelvis which helps to eliminate aches and pains. Back sleepers have no need for support pillows unlike side and stomach sleepers.
The choice of mattress chosen to sleep on is important for everyone, even more so for back sleepers. The ideal mattress is one that will provide even support. An average weight adult back sleeper will want to look into mattress with firmness of medium to medium-firm. Heavier adults may want something more firm while lighter adults will want to look into something softer.
Continue reading to get the most out of our guide to mattresses for back sleepers.
Important Mattress Considerations
The right mattress is key to a painless and peaceful nights rest. The primary characteristics of a mattress that should be considered are firmness, support, comfort and durability. It is crucial that you choose a mattress that promotes proper alignment in your back and neck while contouring to your body. Prime mattress candidates for back sleepers are medium-firm mattresses. Memory foam mattresses are also good options, like this mattress for back pain here. The memory foam is firm but it contours to the body promoting proper support. This helps back sleepers keep good posture while resting and helps to eliminate any back pain.
Foam Mattress
Foam mattresses have many benefits and are ideal for a lot of back sleepers. Foam mattresses adapt to all sleep positions and contour to all body types for support while providing you with a comfortable surface to sleep on. Unlike other mattresses where downward gravity applies pressure that affects circulation, foam mattresses provide pressure point relief. They are also durable and help to relieve the inflammation associated with chronic back pain.
Latex Mattress
If you are a back sleeper who suffers from chronic back pain you may want to do what studies suggest and invest in a medium-firm latex mattress. Like foam mattresses, latex mattresses offer the support back sleepers need to keep their spines properly aligned. Additionally, they are the most supportive mattresses available on the market today. The latex mattress has a unique feature that gives it the ability to push back and conform to the sleeper no matter their weight or sleep position. These durable mattresses allow for a comfortable nights sleep with proper support.
Pillows for Back Sleepers
For back sleepers the right pillows are just as important as the mattress. If you are a back sleeper, you will want to find a pillow that keeps your neck slightly elevated and in a neutral position. This will prevent neck pain while your sleeping and keep you comfortable.
Back sleepers who suffer from back pain will want to consider placing a pillow under their knees while they sleep. This will help to relieve some pain and pressure in the lower back. If you do suffer from back pain or chronic back pain it would be wise to do some light stretching before bed to help avoid feeling pressure while resting.
