Will a Soft Mattress Hurt my Back?

Will a Soft Mattress Hurt my Back?

There is no one size fits all mattress solution, so it's important to ask questions and research the different facets of mattresses and what may or may not work for you. When you arrive at the question: "Will a soft mattress hurt my back?" 

The answer isn't as straight-forward as you would like, and in fact, depends on a lot of factors. First, and most importantly, it depends on how you sleep.

How Do You Sleep?

Do you sleep on your back, your side, or your stomach? This is a very important question to ask before you purchase a new mattress to ensure you get the best one to suit your needs. The support of a mattress will affect your back and your quality of sleep. Plus, your support needs will vary depending on your sleeping preferences. If you are a side sleeper, a softer mattress may be exactly what you are searching for as it will reduce the pressure you tend to experience in your shoulder area as well as in your hips. If you sleep on your back or stomach, more support may be necessary to keep your spine in the optimal position for deep sleep.

Supportive Isn't Always Firm

There is a myth within the mattress industry that firmer mattresses provide better support. This is not necessarily true and comes from a misunderstanding as to how mattresses are made. The support within your mattress comes from the innerspring system at the center of the mattress or the layers of foam and foam quality used. 

Most mattress manufacturers will use the same coil system and type of foam within a collection of mattresses, which means both the plush and the firm versions provide the same support, they just have different comfort levels. The layers on top of the springs make up the comfort of your mattress and can have a large effect on whether you find it comfortable or not, even though both mattresses provide the same level of support.

Do You Have Back Pain?

If you are currently experiencing back pain, it is likely that it is being caused by your mattress. However, before you go shopping you should always consult your doctor to ensure your pain is not the result of some deeper issue.

Most acute or sporadic back pain is caused by inadequate support in your mattress and can range from mild discomfort to extreme pain. By ensuring your mattress is both supportive and comfortable, you’ll ensure that your night of sleep is pain-free and restful. Particularly if you’re a side sleeper, look into a plush mattress that’ll conform to your shape while giving your spine the support it needs. 

When you’re ready to search for your new mattress, give us a call at (888) 996-9890. We will be happy to help you find a mattress to suit your needs.

Finished With Your Research?

If you still need some help choosing a new bed, check out our Mattress Buying Guide here. It'll help you make a sound decision when looking to purchase a new mattress. If you’re ready to get shopping, you’ll find all our plush mattresses below.

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