Why Does a Soft Bed Hurt My Back?

Have you ever wondered why your soft, cozy bed may actually be hurting your back? You’re not alone – many people have experienced the same problem. The simple answer is that a proper mattress should support your spine and promote healthy posture.

Soft mattresses may be comfortable, but they can also lead to poor posture and back pain. A mattress that’s too soft doesn’t provide enough support for the spine, resulting in tense muscles and aching joints.

In this article, we will explore how a mattress affects posture, how to determine if your mattress is too soft or firm for you, and what type of mattress will work best for preventing back pain. Read on for an informative look into why your soft bed might be hurting your back!

What Is the Connection Between Mattress and Back Pain?

The connection between mattresses and back pain is simple. The wrong mattress will not provide the necessary support your body needs during sleep. If your mattress does not properly support your body, you’ll wake up sore, stiff and in pain—especially if you sleep in the same position for extended periods of time.

A softer mattress will conform to your body and give you a sense of comfort, but if it’s too soft, it won’t provide the support needed to keep your spine aligned while you sleep. As such, a firm mattress is typically the best choice when it comes to back health—though finding the right firmness level is key because one that’s too hard can be just as bad as one that’s too soft.

Causes of Back Discomfort on a Soft Bed

When you spend the night on a soft bed, you may find that your back is less than thrilled in the morning. But why? To answer this, it helps to understand three main causes of discomfort when sleeping on a soft bed.

First, if the mattress is too soft, your body may sink into it more than intended. This can cause misalignment of your spine, leading to aches and pains that last long past sunrise. 

Furthermore, if the mattress is too deep or not supportive enough, it might cause pressure on certain areas of your body—which can be painful and lead to tension in both the short-term and long-term.

Finally, mattress choice also affects sleep quality: The wrong type of bed could make it difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep for the duration of the night. When disruptions occur throughout the night and prevent you from entering deeper levels of sleep (REM or delta sleep), waking up stiff and sore might not be as surprising as it initially seemed!

What Type of Mattress Is Best for Back Health?

Generally speaking, doctors recommend a medium-firm mattress for most people with back pain, but the best firmness for you can depend on your sleep position and body type.

So what kind of mattress should you look for if you want back health benefits?

Memory Foam Mattresses

A memory foam mattress is typically the best choice for pain relief. Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that has been treated with chemicals called viscoelastic. This helps it contour to the shape of your body and provide pressure point relief, which can reduce pain and stiffness in the lower back.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are another great option as they offer more support than memory foam mattresses do. They also provide good motion isolation and spinal alignment while being more responsive than memory foam. Latex mattresses usually come in two types: natural latex or a synthetic version made from petroleum-derived compounds. Natural latex is more expensive but tends to be better for those with back pain because of its firmer feel.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine both memory foam and coil systems to create one mattress that meets all your needs — support, pressure relief and cushioning all rolled into one! The coils provide extra support and are ideal for back sleepers who need an extra layer of stability beneath them while the memory foam provides contouring comfort and pressure relief.

What Type of Pillow Is Best for Back Health?

Having a good pillow can make all the difference when it comes to back health. But how do you know which pillow is best?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right pillow. 

First, be sure to pick an option that offers adequate spinal support. Ideally, your pillow should keep your neck and spine in a neutral alignment and should not put too much pressure on either side of your neck or spine.

Second, make sure you choose a pillow that is the appropriate size for your body type:

• If you’re on the smaller side, opt for a thinner and softer pillow to provide neck support without raising your head too high off the mattress
• If you’re on the taller side or have broad shoulders, opt for a thicker and firmer pillow so that it supports your head and shoulders adequately

Lastly, if you prefer sleeping on your stomach, choose a soft and flat pillow so that your head doesn’t tilt unnaturally while sleeping. Or try using no pillow at all!

How to Care for Your Mattress and Pillow

Depending on your body type and sleeping position, it may be difficult to find a mattress that provides the most comfort and support. The good news is that there are ways to make sure your mattress is in good condition so you can get the best sleep possible.

Rotating your mattress

Rotating your mattress can help to prolong its life. This gives each area of the mattress even wear and tear, so it’s getting used evenly — without any individual spots getting too much strain. Depending on the size of your mattress, you should rotate it once a month or every other month for best results.

Pillow Care

This may come as a surprise, but pillows should be replaced every 18 months to two years. Using a pillow for longer can cause dirt and sweat build-up, which can give off an unpleasant smell. Additionally, old pillows often become flat which doesn’t provide the same support as when they were new!

By taking care of both your mattress and pillow, you’ll be able to enjoy better sleep quality that won’t leave you feeling tired and stiff in the morning. Not only will this help if a soft bed is causing pain in your back, but it’ll also ensure a great night’s sleep — no matter what kind of bed you have!

Increasing Comfort at Night Without Buying New Bedding

So if you don’t want to buy a new bed right away, what are some other solutions? Here are a few ideas that you can try to alleviate any back pain or discomfort during the night:

1. Change up your sleeping position: Sometimes, sleeping in a different position can help reduce any back pain that’s caused by a soft bed. Try sleeping on your stomach, or even side-sleeping with a pillow between your legs.
2. Add a mattress topper: If you already have an adequate mattress but still find it too soft, then adding an extra layer of firmness might be exactly what you need. A mattress topper can provide more support for your back and hips, allowing for better sleep and less strain on your muscles.
3. Adjust the amount of pillow support: Pillows provide comfort as well as neck and head support, but sometimes having too many pillows can actually make the problem worse! Try using fewer pillows and see if that helps improve your sleep quality and alleviate any back pain.

These three solutions may not solve all of your problems, but they can go a long way towards helping you feel more comfortable at night without having to purchase a brand new bed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s easy to see that a soft bed can be the wrong fit for your back, causing even more discomfort. If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s a good idea to evaluate the mattress you’re sleeping on and your sleep position to determine if a firmer mattress, better support, or a different sleep position may be the solution for your back pain.

Many of the best mattresses for back pain can provide the support and comfort needed for people with chronic back problems. It’s important to explore all options to find the best mattress for your back. With the right mattress and good posture, you can start to get a good night’s sleep while also reducing your back pain.