Best Orthopedic Mattress

For many who suffer from back and joint pain, a lack of quality sleep can exacerbate pain and create a harmful cycle of pain and poor sleep. Sometimes, simply sleeping on the wrong mattress can trigger back and neck pain.

If you’re experiencing discomfort, you should speak with your doctor to assess the potential causes and treatment options. However, a quality orthopedic mattress that is suited to your body and sleep preferences can play a role in preventing mattress-related back, neck, and joint pain. The right model can help alleviate pressure and promote spinal alignment, reducing or preventing aches and pains and enabling a deeper, more restorative sleep.

Many shoppers struggle with selecting an orthopedic mattress due to the overwhelming number of options. We’ll highlight some of the best orthopedic mattresses and explain what to look for to help you find a model that will work best for your body and sleep preferences

What Is an Orthopedic Mattress?

Orthopedic mattresses are designed to cradle and support the spine, back, and joints to promote good sleep posture and reduce aches and pains. They are popular with those who suffer from back and neck pain, seniors, and those recovering from injuries, but they can be a good fit for virtually anyone.

The term “orthopedics” refers to the branch of medicine that focuses on the skeletal system and related structures, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Though many companies describe their mattresses as orthopedic, shoppers should be aware that there are no regulations or standards in place defining what qualifies as an orthopedic mattress. Because of this, orthopedic is often used as a marketing term regardless of whether a mattress is specially designed for optimal support. This doesn’t mean, however, that orthopedic mattresses aren’t beneficial to sleepers. That said, shoppers should select carefully.

How to Choose an Orthopedic Mattress

Chronic lower back pain is linked to greater sleep disturbance and reduced sleep duration, sleep quality, and sleep efficiency. A true orthopedic mattress should provide an excellent combination of pressure relief and support. This balance can help promote spinal alignment, reducing the aches and pains many sleepers experience after sleeping on an unsupportive or excessively firm mattress.

What to Look For in a Mattress

The most important things to take into consideration when looking for a mattress are your body type, sleeping position, and personal preferences. While some mattress companies may use terms like “best” or “most comfortable” to describe the feel, construction, features, or materials of their mattresses, only you can decide what is ideal for you. Features like the firmness level, contouring, and pressure relief can affect how comfortable your mattress feels to you.

Price
A true orthopedic mattress may be more expensive than other models on the market. This is because striking the right balance between pressure relief and spinal support often requires higher-end materials and/or special design features. While a higher price tag may be a turnoff for some shoppers, a mattress is an investment, so it may be worth spending a little more to get the best option for you.

Firmness Level
A proper orthopedic mattress offers an ideal combination of cradling and support. If a mattress is too firm, it could contribute to pressure points and make it difficult to maintain proper spinal alignment, potentially causing your muscles to tense. A mattress that is too soft won’t provide enough support, which could put more pressure on your lower back.

While orthopedic mattresses are often slightly firmer, the ideal firmness level will depend on the sleeper’s body type and sleep position. Sleepers who weigh less typically need a softer model to enjoy contouring, while heavier individuals generally need a firmer option for sufficient lumbar support. Similarly, side sleepers often prefer a slightly softer option to reduce pressure buildup, but back and stomach sleepers usually need something firmer to prevent their midsections from sagging.

Pressure Relief
Pressure point relief occurs when a mattress molds to the sleeper’s body and redistributes its weight to reduce the pressure around wider, heavier body parts. This can limit joint discomfort and promote spinal alignment. However, achieving optimal pressure relief also requires selecting the right firmness level for your body type and sleep position.

Quality Materials
Getting the most for your money may require choosing a model constructed with durable materials that will remain comfortable for years to come. Quality materials are more likely to provide sufficient support while limiting sagging, which may be especially beneficial for those with back pain. While orthopedic mattresses tend to be more expensive than other options on the market, many use quality materials that should resist signs of wear.

Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how a mattress reduces the transfer of movement. Preventing the spread of vibrations across the surface can decrease disturbances from sleep partners or pets moving throughout the night. Generally, mattresses with substantial foam comfort layers excel at motion isolation.

Temperature Regulation
Temperature regulation refers to a mattress’ ability to remove excess heat or, conversely, keep you warm when it is colder. Individuals who sleep warm should be particularly attentive to this component, as it can make a notable difference in keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night. Generally, a firmer mattress tends to allow more airflow, while a more conforming mattress may be more likely to trap heat, especially if it uses memory foam and does not include any features designed for cooling.

Edge Support
Edge support refers to the resistance provided around the perimeter of the bed. This can be an important component for those who sleep or sit along the side of the bed and active sleepers who toss and turn. Sleepers who suffer from joint pain who struggle to stand from a lower position may also want to consider a mattress with better edge support.

Contouring
The contouring of a mattress is what provides pressure relief by cradling your body and preventing your weight from pressing into the mattress in the wrong places. Good contouring can be key in preventing aches and pains. Most quality orthopedic mattresses have a foam-based top to shape to the body and encourage healthy sleeping posture, but keep in mind that each person’s body is different and you should experiment with what is most comfortable for you.

Sleeping Position
There are four main sleeping positions: back, side, front, and combination, which is any mixture of the first three. The position you sleep in can have a huge impact on what you need in a mattress because it affects pressure points and spinal alignment. Before purchasing an orthopedic mattress, take some time to consider how you sleep and what firmness may be the best fit for your body.

Mattress Type
There are four main types of mattresses: foam, innerspring, hybrid, and latex. Each type has potential pros and cons and can vary significantly in materials and construction. However, all mattress types can function as orthopedic models as long as they are designed to offer support to prevent aches and pains in the back, neck, joints, and muscles.

Mattress Types

Hybrid, innerspring, foam, and latex mattresses are widely available. Though models vary in their designs and performance, they tend to have a few consistent features. The term “orthopedic” does not mean that the mattress has any special certifications, and it can apply to any of the four types of mattresses. However, some may be a better fit than others for those suffering from chronic aches and pains.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses can use a wide variety of materials. The support layer consists of coils, and the comfort system may include polyfoam, memory foam, microcoils, latex, and/or fill composed of cotton, wool, or other fibers.

The primary difference between a hybrid and an innerspring mattress is the added thickness of the comfort system in a hybrid model, which typically creates a more conforming surface.

Hybrids are an excellent option for individuals who sleep warm but enjoy the contour of a foam bed. Coil cores generally provide airflow, bounce, and edge support, while a contouring comfort system can alleviate pressure on the back and absorb motion. Many hybrid orthopedic mattresses also incorporate zoned support systems to target pressure points and promote good posture.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses typically have a thin comfort layer of foam or cotton above a thick layer of metal coils. While some individuals prefer the springiness, ease of movement, airflow, and edge support provided by the coil system, others may find innerspring models lack the optimal amount of contouring and cushioning.

Whether an innerspring is right for you will likely depend on the nature of your aches and pains. If your discomfort is triggered by poor spinal alignment due to excessive sinkage, an innerspring model might be ideal. However, if pressure points are your main problem, you may prefer another type of mattress or pair your innerspring model with a mattress topper.

Foam

Foam mattresses use foam in both their support and comfort layers. Typically, high-density polyfoam makes up the support layer and a softer, more conforming foam is used for the comfort layer. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex are all popular choices depending on the mattress’ intended levels of contouring, responsiveness, and breathability.

An orthopedic foam model may be an excellent choice for a sleeper who suffers from aches and pains where their body presses hardest against the mattress. The foam should mold to the body to relieve pressure while supporting the spine. However, foam mattresses are often more difficult to move on and frequently don’t have sturdy edges, which may be more challenging for sleepers with mobility issues.

Latex

Latex is often derived naturally from rubber trees but occasionally produced synthetically. Most latex mattresses use naturally derived material, but a synthetic or synthetic blend is not uncommon.

Latex is often used in orthopedic mattresses because it provides contouring without a lot of sinkage, creating a supportive surface that still relieves pressure points. Models constructed of latex also tend to be responsive, breathable, and durable. All-natural latex models are often popular with eco-conscious consumers.

Pros and Cons of Orthopedic Mattresses

For many, an orthopedic mattress can make a significant impact on the alignment of the back, neck, and spine, helping to reduce back and/or joint pain. Because of this, orthopedic models are often recommended to those suffering from arthritis. However, they are not the perfect solution for everyone, and for some sleepers, a mattress with a different design may be a better fit.

Pros

• Enhanced Spinal Support: Orthopedic mattresses are specifically intended to promote spinal alignment.
• Reduced Discomfort: The right orthopedic mattress should simultaneously support the spine while relieving pressure, potentially limiting the aches and pains sleepers experience overnight.

Cons

• Relatively Expensive: Orthopedic mattresses tend to have a higher price-point than other mattresses on the market.
• Difficulty Shopping: With many manufacturers marketing their mattresses as orthopedic, it can be difficult to find a truly orthopedic model.

How Does Back and Joint Pain Affect Sleep?

While you should talk to your doctor to explore the possible causes of joint pain and/or sleep problems, the two are often directly linked.

Those suffering from chronic back and joint pain experience discomfort that can cause tossing and turning, making it hard to slip into the deeper sleep stages and get a quality night’s sleep. Because the body’s restorative processes are most active as you sleep, a lack of deeper sleep impacts your body’s ability to repair itself, potentially exacerbating back and joint pain. This can create a vicious cycle in which pain causes sleep quality to deteriorate, putting you at a greater risk of getting sick or injured.

Many conditions can affect back and joint pain, but one of the most common conditions is arthritis. Many with arthritis suffer from sleep problems, since their pain may prevent them from getting comfortable enough to fall asleep and stay asleep.

How to Get Better Sleep with Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can arouse your central nervous system, preventing you from drifting off to sleep. Several lifestyle changes can help calm your body and mind, making it easier to get the rest you need.

• Meditation, deep breathing, mindfulness, or guided imagery may help reduce pain, making it easier to sleep comfortably.
• Avoiding stimulants, such as alcohol or caffeine, can help you fall asleep more easily. Similarly, using devices, like your cell phone or tablet, too close to bedtime may interfere with sleep.
• Healthy daytime habits, such as getting exercise, sunlight, and following a healthy diet, can help promote good sleep habits.

Another element to getting quality sleep with chronic pain is selecting the right mattress and bedding components to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout the night. What is best for you and your body will depend largely on your sleeping preferences and body type. Some important things to keep in mind are:

Sleep Position: The position you sleep in may contribute to your discomfort. While finding the right mattress can help, some positions are more prone to triggering pain than others. For instance, experts often advise against stomach sleeping because it often puts more strain on the neck and lower back. Experimenting with different sleep positions can help you determine what works for you.

Bedding: Some sleepers may not want or need a new mattress, particularly if their existing bed is still in good condition. A new mattress topper and/or pillows can be more affordable solutions. The ideal mattress topper can fine-tune the firmness of your bed so that it better matches your needs and preferences, while new pillows often provide more support for the neck.

Pillow Placement: While it is important to have the best pillow for your sleep position, strategic pillow placement can enhance alignment, thereby potentially reducing aches and pains. Side sleepers often benefit from a small pillow between their knees, back sleepers could use a pillow under their knees, and stomach sleepers may use a body pillow to prop themselves onto their sides.

It is always a good idea to talk to a doctor or physician about your sleep and pain management. They may be able to recommend solutions, such as therapies or medicine, to help you sleep better.

An orthopedic mattress can be a big investment, so it’s normal to have questions. We’ll answer some of the most common questions of orthopedic mattress shoppers.