Best Mattresses for Back Pain in Canada

Best Budget-Friendly Pick - Douglas

What Mattress Firmness Is Best for Back Pain?

Now, there are a lot of specs that you need to look for when choosing the right mattress for back pain.

But I want to mention the firmness level above them all. 

And here’s the trick:

Each type of pain may need a different level of firmness. 

That’s why even the best mattress for back pain in Canada might just not work for you because of the unsuitable firmness.

So, let me explain the correlation between the pain type and the mattress firmness that may work best for its alleviation.

Upper Back Pain

The most common cause of upper back pain is posture problems. If you tend to slouch, this might result in the kyphosis — an excessive curvature in the chest region of your spine.

Another cause of upper back pain might be scoliosis, which is a sideways curvature of your spine.

“The spine is an ‘encasement’ for our spinal cord that innervates the whole body. Any posture problems that create unnatural curves in the spine may pinch the nerves, resulting in neuralgia or numbness in different areas.”

If you have upper back pain, the best mattress for you would be medium-firm, assuming you have average weight. This level of support is enough for maintaining the natural curves without provoking pain. 

Heavier users with upper back pain need to look for a firm mattress. Adding some firmness points will help you feel comfortable and supported on the mattress without sinking too deep, which can create pressure points in your thoracic area.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is the most common complaint of office workers. However, it can have many causes, such as:

• hernias in the lumbar spine;
• lordosis;
• pelvic traumas;
• lumbago.

Or, you may feel strains in the lumbar spine because of sleeping on an old mattress. This type of pain is called ‘non-specific’ and typically appears in the morning.

So, what is the right firmness in this case?

If your pain is a result of trauma, you need a mattress that will help you recover quickly. A medium and medium-firm mattress made of more spongy materials will do best. I recommend choosing polyurethane foam or latex rather than traditional memory foam, because they don’t restrict your movements while hugging your body.

Speaking of non-specific lower back pain, a medium or medium-firm mattress works best, according to science (1). A medium bed has a balanced give and is less likely to create pressure points.

What Type of Mattress Is Best for Back Pain?

Generally, memory foam beds tend to be the best choice for those with back pain. They offer unbeatable pressure relief in any position and adjust to the body curves so that you can maintain proper spine alignment.

However, memory foam tends to trap body heat, which can often cause night sweats. As an alternative, there are models that use gel-infused or open-cell foam. Both can contribute to thermoregulation during the night.

Additionally, because memory foam has a very hugging feel, it can sometimes seem restricting. This might be an issue for those users whose back pain makes it difficult to move. Add a quicksand-like memory foam to the equation, and shifting in bed would require a lot of effort.

Another good option is a latex mattress made of the sap of rubber trees. Latex is heavier and denser than traditional memory foam, but it also springs back to the shape more quickly after you remove the pressure (2). The latter can be an advantage for those who seek a mattress that won’t interfere with their movements during the night.

In addition, latex isn’t very likely to cause heat build-up and would work well for hot sleepers. However, latex mattresses belong to the pricier category and may not work for budget shoppers.

Finally, there are hybrid beds that combine coils and foam or latex layers in different variations. While offering overall the most balanced feel, these mattresses may be a good option for heavier users because the coil system can support a larger weight more easily.  Hybrid mattresses also have stronger edges, which may come in handy for those back pain sufferers who require extra support when getting out of bed.

Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Good Mattress for Back Pain in Canada

Now, knowing the right type and firmness of your mattress is only half of the deal.

You need your bed not only for alleviating your back pain but also for comfortable sleeping overall, so here are a couple of other important things to keep in mind when making your choice.

Sleep Trial

When dealing with back pain, a longer sleep trial might be a necessity. First of all, it might take you more time to get used to your new mattress, given the fact that back pain can make it challenging to feel comfy on a new mattress at first. Plus, you will need more time to understand whether the new mattress helps with back pain or makes it worse.

Edge Support

Back pain may cause slight mobility issues. If that’s the case with you, you might rely on the mattress’s edges to get up. Stronger edges will support your arms as you push down to give yourself a boost. In this scenario, it’s better to choose among hybrid mattresses. Firmer latex and foam models sometimes also have sturdy edges, but make sure sleeping on a firm mattress won’t aggravate your back pain.

Motion Isolation

Whether back pain makes you toss and turn and you don’t want to disturb your partner or you are a light sleeper yourself, good motion isolation would come in handy in both cases. Typically, foam mattresses show the best results in this “field”.  Latex comes a close second, although it might not be ideal if there’s a significant difference in weight between you and your partner. And if you are thinking about getting a hybrid mattress, make sure it uses extra-thick comfort layers.

Durability

A foam mattress of decent quality and a medium price will last you 7-10 years on average. Beds made of natural latex have the longest lifespan and can serve you up to 15 years, assuming you take proper care of them.

Coil units tend to wear out sooner, so if you’re on the market for an innerspring or a hybrid, prepare to replace them after 7-10 years (3).

To make the most of your mattress, be sure to go for high-quality materials: 

• foams: high-density ones for base layers and infused ones, e.g. with charcoal or green tea, for comfort layers;
• coils: choose models with high coil count and thicker wires;
• fabrics: natural fabrics, such as cotton, or semi-natural, such as Tencel or bamboo rayon, typically are safer and more durable than synthetic covers made of polyester.

Thermoregulation

Your comfort will depend not only on the cradling properties of your mattress but also on the temperature in your bed. When we fall asleep, our temperature drops and reaches its lowest point in 2 hours after we doze off (4). This, along with melatonin production, helps ensure an uninterrupted, deep sleep.

However, your body won’t be able to drop the temperature if your mattress will retain heat. So, be sure to check mattresses with great cooling effects, such as:

• Latex. Despite being dense, latex has an open-cell structure that allows the heat to escape and cool you down.
• Gel foams. Gel particles make the foam structure more porous and withdraw excess heat from your body.
• Coils. Innerspring and hybrid beds deal with excess heat by promoting better airflow within the layers.

“Mattresses with good cooling effects are also less susceptible to mold growth, which makes their lifespan longer.”

And don’t forget to choose breathable mattress covers — such as those made of Tencel, natural cotton, microfibre, or bamboo. Along with ensuring airflow, these materials absorb moisture and prevent it from getting inside the mattress.