Best Mattresses for Back Pain in Canada

Best Budget-Friendly Pick - Douglas

Why You Should Trust Me

I have reviewed numerous mattresses with over three years of testing experience. I tested several mattresses for two weeks to come up with the best mattresses for people with back pain. Here are the most relevant features I tested when reviewing the best mattress for back pain.  

• Firmness and edge support

I test the edge support of these mattresses by sleeping and sitting on the mattress perimeter. Afterward, I pay attention to any noticeable sagging or instability. During my test, I also sleep in different positions to discover the firmness level for every sleeping position. The bed’s firmness and edge support play a significant role for people suffering from back pain. The mattress must be firm enough to support people with back pains. 

• Cushioning

When testing cushioning, I check the level of sinkage on the mattress with a partner. My partner lays on the bed while I observe and measure how the mattress sinks and conforms around the body. This test is also carried out in different sleeping positions for a complete and accurate test.  The right amount of cushioning is vital for people with back pain. Sleepers will require a mattress that contours around the back and relieves pressure points.

• Motion isolation

Motion isolation testing requires two reviewers. First, my partner lays on the bed while I sit around the mattress edge and make normal movements. After a while, my partner and I switch positions and take note of how the mattress responds and moves. Afterward, we compare notes to find the most common outcome.

Here’s more on my testing methodology.

What Mattress Firmness Is Best for Back Pain?

The best mattress firmness for back pain depends on the nature of the back pain. Medium-firm mattresses are usually the go-to firmness level, but you may need to adjust the firmness based on your weight and what part of the back is causing discomfort.

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.

The firmness of a mattress is relative to the pressure applied on it. Therefore, only pick out mattresses with adjustable firmness or ample good sleep-trial period.

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.

Another mattress worthy of note is the innerspring mattress. It is a traditional and highly popular mattress; however, its construction and design aren’t recommended for back pain sufferers. Innerspring mattresses have notoriously thin comfort layers and might aggravate back pain instead of easing it.

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.

The best mattresses for back pain are memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. These three types of mattresses offer good support and pressure point relief, which are necessary features for easing back pain discomfort.

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.”

Also read: Mattresses in a Box

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.

Mattress type

In choosing a mattress for back pain, it is crucial to consider the materials and design used in the construction of the mattress. The qualities of modern mattresses such as bounce, motion isolation, firmness, contouring, and temperature regulation are different for each mattress type. Hence, it is essential to know your priorities and choose a mattress with the right components to help alleviate back pain.

Firmness Level

The firmness level is a vital determinant of the best mattress for anyone with back pain. The firmness level plays a crucial role in determining whether a mattress will provide sufficient support to relieve pressure from joints and align the spine in its natural position. Hence amongst other things you have to consider when searching for a good mattress for back pain in Canada, never forget the firmness level of the mattress.

Don't pick very thick mattresses (14 inches and above), especially sleepers with a tall bed frame, if your back discomfort aggravates getting in and out of bed.

Hypoallergenic

Imagine having to live with back pain and allergies; sleep would almost be a foreign concept. Choose a mattress whose cover is imbued with features that can combat bacteria, mold, dust, mites, and other allergy-causing irritants. Or at least one that can be easily cleaned.

Cost

The priority of any purchase should be getting the best value for money. Although expensive mattresses might possess more sleep-benefit features, the user shouldn’t have to go above budget to buy them.

Position

Another factor to consider before choosing a mattress for back pain is the user’s sleeping style. Side sleepers require intensive cushioning, back sleepers require minimal cushioning so as not to sink, and stomach sleepers require a firm surface for proper spinal alignment. However, it’s not advisable for back pain sufferers to sleep on their stomach, as the position applies the most pressure on the spine.

Some other things to consider when choosing a suitable mattress for back pain are sleep trial for compatibility, edge support to ease boarding, motion isolation for undisturbed sleep, and durability. 

Sleepers will also need to watch out for thermoregulation for a cool sleep, mattress type, hypoallergenic qualities for safe rest, and firmness level, which affects comfort, cost, and sleepers' preferred sleeping style. Making the right decisions on these mattress features will simply provide the perfect mattress for you. 

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