Bad Mattress, Bad Back, Back Pain?

According to a study published in the British medical journal, the Lancet, researchers found that patients suffering from back pain were twice as likely to report improvement when sleeping on a medium to firmness mattress as opposed to those patients who slept on a firm mattress. The trial involved 313 adults with chronic lower back pain and backache. As a part of the study, the subjects were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group slept on a medium-firm mattress instead of their normal mattress and the second group on a firm mattress. When compared to the patients who slept on a firm mattress, patients who slept on the medium-firm mattresses reported reduced incidents of back pain in bed, reduced back pain upon rising from the bed, and reduced back pain related to disability. The study results indicated that a medium-firm mattress provides a better balance between back support and comfort for lower back pain than a firm mattress. Contrary to popular belief, sleeping on a mattress that is too firm exerts additional pressure on the back, resulting in more back pain for some patients. So the best mattress for a bad back is a medium-firm.

Memory Foam Mattress Information

Buying a memory foam mattress can be complicated, but it doesn't have to be! Let me simplify the procedure for you by answering the most common questions about memory foam mattresses.

Question: I've heard that these types of mattresses might sleep hot, is that true?

Answer: In the earlier days, this was more of a problem than it is now. Foam, by nature, tends to hold heat next to your body and thus, creates a hot, sweaty feel.

A memory foam mattress without what's called an "air exchange layer" or "air exchange barrier" would tend to make you feel hot and sweaty. This is especially true in humid climates.

Some of the memory foam companies have included multiple air exchange layers or improved the way they work so you don't get that feel with the better mattresses.

The Tempur-Pedic Deluxe Mattress and the entire Comfor-Pedic line have done an excellent job of this.

Question: Does it feel like "rolling out of a hole" when you turn over on a memory foam mattress, since it makes a mold of your body?

Answer: This would tend to happen in colder climates or a cold bedroom.

When you lay on a memory foam mattress that is cold, you tend to make a body impression that is deep and much like a mold.

However, as you lie on the mattress for a while, your body heats up the temperature sensitive material, causing it to "flow out" around the edges and eliminating or greatly diminishing the feeling of being in a hole.

Question: What's the major differences in quality of memory foam?

Answer: There are many factors that could affect the quality of memory foam but the major one is density. The density of the foam is directly proportionate to the support you will get from it.

Generally, the denser the foam, the better quality.

Density is measured by weighing a cube of foam 12" x 12" x 12" (it would be like a giant dice twelve inches square).

The best support for the human body would come from a density (weight) of 5 to 6 lbs.

Lighter material contains more air so it's cheaper to buy but won't support your body correctly and won't hold up over a long period of time.

Question: How do I know I'm getting the NASA foam?

Answer: The foam that was originally formulated for NASA actually wasn't suitable for mattresses.

It's only after several years of research and improvement that the foam was developed for memory foam mattresses.

Most memory foam mattress products that are made from temperature sensitive, 5 to 6 pound density foam, are considered "NASA" foam.

Question: Does it feel like your going to fall off the edge of the bed when you sleep out near the edge or sit on the side of the bed?

Answer: It can feel like you are sloping toward the outside when you sleep out at the edge of a memory foam mattress or when sitting on the edge, like putting your shoes on in the morning.

Some of the memory foam mattresses now incorporate an "edge support system" to allow you to sleep right out to the edge without the sensation that you're going to roll off.

Question: Can I use a mattress pad with my memory foam mattress?

Answer: None of the memory foam mattress manufacturers recommend using a mattress pad with your memory foam mattress. The reason is fairly obvious.

The foam material is affected (softened) in the areas where your body heat transfers through to it.

Anything you put between you and the temperature sensitive material can keep your body heat away from the mattress, thereby defeating one of the very things that makes it so comfortable.

There is a waterproof mattress protector that has been tested and approved by most of the major manufacturers for use with the memory foam mattresses because it was designed specifically to allow your body heat to transfer through to the mattress.

Question: There are so many thicknesses of memory foam mattresses that it's confusing as to what is the best thickness. Is there a way to know?

Answer: The thickness of the mattress, itself, is only a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the 13" + mattresses and others feel just fine with an 8" mattress.

An 8" memory foam mattress is probably the minimum you would want to sleep on for any length of time because under the memory foam there are various layers of standard foam that also contributes to the support.

The only thing affecting the quality of support is the amount of temperature sensitive memory foam that's on top. You should look for a mattress that has at least 3 1/2" of memory foam.

Some manufacturers also use latex under the memory foam and on top of the standard foam. This helps people roll over a little easier at night if they're having a problem with that.

Injured people or very feeble persons would like this addition, but as a matter of choice, lot's of others like it too.