He told me without surgery, I would be in a wheelchair within 10 years. They were not very supportive, not good for spinal alignment, and could lead to back pain and stiffness. Do you have any suggestions? That concludes our analysis of the connection between back pain and sleeping on an air mattress. Ever since I remember myself, I have slept on a traditional mattress and never had back problems. Have a wonderful day! Your email address will not be published. One electrical based test showed I had lost about 60% of my nerve reactions (?) The Molecule AirTEC Mattress Topper includes a layer designed specifically for spinal support, which may make it a strong option for people suffering from back pain. I can completely relate since I had the sever back issues a few years back. This is a sensitive topic because obviously not everybody will solve their back problems by simply opting in for an air mattress. People with back pain can rest easy on the Level Sleep Tri-Support because it is a mattress created specifically with back pain in mind! Back pain is commonplace as part of a modern lifestyle. At Mattress Advisor, you’ll find comprehensive, unbiased reviews on the best mattresses and bedding products and thoroughly researched tips for getting your best sleep. Well, regular mattresses might have some advantages over the inflatable ones, but when it comes to back pain, the air mattresses take the cake. Almost all air beds nowadays offer it and it can be the solution to choosing the right mattress for you. The best mattress for back sleepers with back pain should provide even support from the neck to the tailbone. You can find the , which is the air mattress I tested as a solution for my back pain and failed. Why it's good for back pain: According to Saatva, the mattress is designed with Lumbar Zone support technology, active wire support in the center of the mattress … Air Mattress Good For Back Pain. I have a friend who went through years of back pain, cortisone shots, and was scheduled for surgery. For sacroiliac joint pain, we recommend medium to firm styles, with the addition of a pillow top to reduce pressure points and direct stress on the joint in side and back sleepers. Acupuncture, back exercises and Helix Midnight Mattress. Regular air mattresses I tried that didn’t work: I am happy to report that I have given away the Sleep Number air mattress and replaced it with a standard mattress. To date, this inexpensive mattress is my my permanent bed and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I personally have a history of back problems so I also know first hand that some of the things even doctors told me are not quite right. The only complaint I have is that I’ve had to purchase a new air mattress about every 6 months because no matter how gently I treat the mattresses, they all inevitably develop a leak. If you’re looking for a versatile mattress, look no further than a hybrid. Air mattresses can also improve the quality of life (and potentially provide some measure of relief) for people who suffer with back pain. I go this mattress in 2014, I believe it was mid-May and slept on it for a few days not because I thought it would help my terrible back but because we were moving and I needed a temporary solution for the few days or so. Back pain, however, is no longer ascribed to an air mattress over any other mattress that just doesn’t provide the support you need. When it comes to sleeping on an air mattress, as a more permanent mattress, some people love it and find it offers just the right support, others are challenged to enjoy a good night’s sleep. This went on for a couple of weeks, and I realized it was the air mattress that had relieved my low back pain and, I believe, aided me in more refreshing sleep. Willpo Certipur-US Camping Mattress. She writes on topics related to nutrition, diet and lifestyle, and of course good sleep. Here, I’ll share what I learned over the years of battling with the problem of sever lumbar back pain and a more than one trip to the emergency room. TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot. Although contemporary air mattresses can be adjusted, they don’t generally have the quite the same flexibility as other mattresses. This pains are mostly caused by the tension in the neck muscles that might cause headaches, neck and back pains and even press a nerve if the tension persists. Let us first demystify what “healthy” means in terms of the position of your back while side sleeping with a graph that explains it a lot better than I ever could with words: So, you see that when sleeping on a surface of optimal firmness, it will allow your pressure points like the shoulders and the hip bone to sink into the mattress just enough so that the spine is properly aligned and there is no pressure on the vertebrae and the spine does not form an arch. Whatever it is, it solved the biggest problem i had in my life and I’m grateful for it. if the price is not an issue, take a look at the luxury airbeds page here – https://www.bestairmattressguide.com/top-5-best-rated-luxury-air-mattresses/ , you’ll see a bed here – The Innomax Medallion, which I believe is the best air mattress made to date, especially for people with back pain…. I prefer them more under-inflated so I don’t think it is the pressure put on the seams that keep causing the leaks. Required fields are marked *. Hybrids Hybrid mattresses are created to bring a few of the best functions on the surface. I had to have an ambulance take me to the ER and it took over an hour to get me on the gurney as ANY movement was excruiatingly painful. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Affiliate Disclosure. Even current bloggers, who report successful sleep trials on an air mattress, may still caution about back pain. Check out these air mattresses for the most comfortable star-gazing on your next camping trip. The excellent pressure relief is perfect for side- and back sleepers needing relief on hips and shoulders. Ghostbed is a popular online mattress brand that offers both all-foam and pocketed coil … Thicker mattresses have more layers for cushioning and spinal support. At one point, around 2008, Tramadol seemed to be helping  but I took a step back before it was too late and I god addicted to it. Is Sleeping on an Air Mattress Bad for Your Back? They were originally designed as short-term or temporary beds. You should see the looks I was getting from my wife as the expensive mattress we saved money to get because of my back problems was sitting in the bedroom and I was sleeping on my SoundAsleep in the den. If you like the idea of an air mattress, there are some things you can do to increase the chances that it will be a good fit for you. It feels like it “hugs” the parts that are sticking out, meaning my hips and shoulders and I can feel the tension in my back muscles loosening. One of the best mattresses for back pain, hybrid mattresses provide the contouring, conforming comfort of memory foam and the support of coils for the pressure relief and comfortable sleep you—and your back—deserve. Air is a very different animal than other mattress materials, and there are numerous considerations if it is going to work for you. If price is a factor, take a look at this page https://www.bestairmattressguide.com/150-300-top-5-best-rated-air-mattresses/ (hint:Airtek model is my favorite for people with back pain, since I know it’s designed to relieve pressure points and align the spine). Best mattress for stomach sleepers with lower back pain: Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress Best mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain: Helix … After less than a week, I noticed my back pain had improved 80%, but I never connected it to the air mattress. This is what I look at when I choose my bed and what I am looking at I was choosing an an air mattress and stumbled upon the SoundAsleep. These only seemed to exacerbate the problem. Weak back muscles that cause bad posture and cause to much stress on the spine. You can’t do this with a regular mattress, even if it’s perfect for you to start with, no doubt it will sag over time. They offered no deep contouring for the body like what you can now get with pocketed coils or memory foam. Mattresses can be made of many different materials, natural and synthetic. They consisted of a vinyl exterior that was inflated with air, and many people found they either caused or exacerbated back pain. To save money so I could furnish the rest of the home, I bought a $200 air mattress for my room. It’s hard for me to answer that. Just like with other preferences in our lives—our choice of profession, what we eat, where we live, what we find pleasing when it comes to sleep—the type of mattress, our sleep position, and the temperature is determined by individual preference. And the soft foams and finishes on the better air mattresses can provide the same luxurious feeling that you find in an expensive regular bed. In other words, you can adjust your air bed to distribute the weight and relieve the pressure points just right. Now, I understand that chances are it is all a coincidence, but I have to make sure, because I used to feel like I am sinking in Heaven every time I went to bed when I slept on a traditional mattress (and I still feel like it when I sleep in a hotel equipped with such), but that has changed since I replaced it with one of the “Sleep Number” air mattresses. Maybe I haven’t found my “sleep number” yet, but it’s been two-three years now and I still can’t get it right… One thing I have noticed with this mattress is that no matter what number I set it to, as soon as my wife or kids (or all) get on the bed, the air volume moves from one side of the bed to others and that changes the firmness. It is a rather expensive mattress so I am assuming that it works great for many people, but not so much in my case. It can stem from not enough exercise, prolonged periods of sitting, or a bad mattress. I can’t say with certainty why expensive mattresses like the Sleep Number didn’t help and the Sound asleep did. Air mattresses and back pain – 2017 update (still pain-free), A well-chosen air mattress might be the solution to all your back problems, especially if you are a side-sleeper –, it allows your hip bone and shoulder to sink in, thus minimizing the pressure points, giving your back muscles the much-needed rest and eliminating pressure on any pinched nerves. This hybrid innerspring mattress blends memory foam comfort with coil-on-coil support for a classic feel. You name it, I tried it, chiropractors, acupuncture, TENS nerve stimulation, all kind of meds – from over-the-counter stuff like NSAIDs and muscle relaxants to serious medication. Body Support An inflatable mattress is not known for the support it provides. Check out the best air mattresses for any type of shopper or circumstance. A fire in 2010 completely destroyed my 5. It’s not uncommon for a mattress to contribute to back pain. (Note: I am viewing this web page from my iPhone so may not see all information here.). Ghostbed. This did miracles for my back. Next night you make it softer and see how you feel. You do this until you find the firmness that makes your spine straight as an arrow in side sleeping and you get that good night sleep you’ve been longing for. It’s annoying, costly and time consuming continuing to replace the mattresses. Stiffness and pains caused by ‘too much support’ or, in other words, sleeping on a surface that is too firm, which again causes your spine to be in an unnatural position and cause the same problems as too sleeping surface that is too soft. Back pain is commonplace as part of a modern lifestyle. Sorry, I am not a fan of the brand, too expensive and you can get even better quality in some other beds. Their firmness is adjustable, they distribute weight more evenly, they are cheaper and more durable, they maintain good blood flow and are used more and more in hospitals for these very reasons. When my daughters and I moved back to our home, I furnished my daughters’ bedrooms immediately. Sheryl is a writer with a long-time passion for holistic health and good sleep hygiene. Mattresses that are too firm can create gaps between the lumbar and the sleep surface, while mattresses that are too soft may allow the … I also haven’t found that higher priced mattresses offer me a better night’s sleep than lower priced ones and all have had about the same 6 month life span. She bought a new bed as a last resort before having the operation and made an unprecedented full recovery: pain free for years now, all due to the right mattress. Pains caused by poor sleeping posture and a lifestyle that includes a lot of sitting and little or no exercise. This mattress is a hybrid, meaning that it has both memory foam and coils. I have had back problems for the better half of my life and this is the bed I would be sleeping on today if I could afford it. No more back pain! The AS2 Hybrid mattress from Amerisleep isn't just a mattress that can help alleviate back pain, it was a mattress that was designed specifically with back pain relief in mind. Current air mattresses are nothing like they used to be. While it doesn't come cheap, the Amerisleep AS2 Mattress is heralded as one of the best options for people with back pain.This memory foam mattress is designed with common sleep problems in mind, and reviewers say it gives them the best night's rest of their lives.. Now we are getting to the bottom of things, that is why air mattresses (if chosen properly) can even provide benefits to a person suffering from back pains. The air mattress I’m talking about is one of the beds I talk most about on the website – the Sound Asleep Dream Series. The 12-inch AS2 mattress is described as medium-firm and is popular among both stomach and back sleepers. I never remember that happening with the regular mattresses and have no idea how to go around it. That means a cooler sleep, a more durable mattress and 4x better pressure relief on hips and shoulders. It is the SoundAsleep Dream Series, Don’t take my word for it, maybe take a glance at what at my review and then read more reviews and see for yourself, What brand air bed do you recommend? Sleeping on a surface that doesn’t offer adequate support over prolonged periods of time can even cause the spine joints dislocation and again, compressed nerves, which can lead you into a chronic back pain condition. James Menta... Materials Technology engineer and a worn-out camper who can never find his glasses. physical therapy never relieved thedaily pain. The Level Sleep’s defining feature is the titular Tri-Support system ; it is a zoned construction where the center of … Best pillow for neck pain – TOP 5 PICKS OF THE YEAR (Menta statistical rating), Air mattresses for elderly care – medical and low air loss, Luxury – Top 5 Best Rated Air Mattresses, Serta Raised Air Mattress with a Never-flat pump review, 6 steps guide on how to find a leak in your air bed – 2017 update, http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/866586_2, The Homeowner’s Guide to Mattress Cleaning & Disinfection, Air mattress size chart & top choices by size, Materials used for air mattress production – (TPU vs. vinyl) how to eliminate the risk completely, https://www.bestairmattressguide.com/150-300-top-5-best-rated-air-mattresses/, https://www.bestairmattressguide.com/top-5-best-rated-luxury-air-mattresses/, $60-$150 – Top 3 Best Rated Air Mattresses, $150-$300 – Top 3 Best Rated Air Mattresses, Best Full Size Air Mattress (Double) – Top 3 – March 2017 update, Best King Size Air Mattress – Top 3 – March 2017 update, Top 5 Best Rated California King Air beds, Best high rise camping air mattresses – TOP 5, Clearly defining where the problem is in the first place, My 7-year trial and error with finding the right mattress that would help. As seen in the images above, this can force your spine into an unnatural position. At Mattress Advisor, you’ll find everything you need to get your best sleep ever - from expert tips on improving your sleep health to unbiased reviews on the best mattresses and sleep products on the market. I suffered very severe pain for several weeks even with the strong pain relievers & muscle relaxants I took daily for several weeks. Saatva beds are specifically engineered for a pain-free sleep with features that target the lumbar area for enhanced back support and optimal spinal alignment. Natural straight position of the spine when you are sleeping on your side and a natural curve of your neck when sleeping on your back. It can stem from not enough exercise, prolonged periods of sitting, or a bad mattress. Related: Best mattress for back pain Conversely, sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause pain, especially back pai… I have a friend who went through years of back pain, cortisone shots, and was scheduled for surgery. Having reviewed hundreds of air mattresses and knowing the subject inside out I decided to write a short article and make a few things clearer and, frankly, debunk a couple of common misconceptions about air beds and a healthy spine. If I try to describe the feeling the best I could do is say that with the other mattress I felt that the foam had too much give and my back felt arched no matter what firmness settings I choose. Thank you beforehand! That is pretty much it, I shared my story and what helped me, the rest of the text will be some general analysis of potential cause of back pain and other similar questions that people frequently ask about back pain which is there for reference purposes. In that class of beds, I would especially like to bring your attention to the Innomax Medallion: https://www.bestairmattressguide.com/air-mattress/innomax-luxury-support-medallion-air-bed-review/. Materials: Memory foam. Apart from that, the air mattresses are mainly known for its self-adjusting features i.e., Though the pressure relieving factor is not necessarily observed in various brands of this bed, its adjustable features can aid you to get rid of back pain, joint pain, and other such body issues. Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California … Air Mattress And Back Pain. If something is not paid thousands of dollars for, doesn’t mean it’s not as good for your back or even better than the high class regular mattresses. Therm-a-Rest Z … The reason I found your article was that I have developed a back pain since I started sleeping on an air mattress. Maybe the underlying issue of your back problems is not the best to be resolved by sleeping on an air mattress. While it might be okay to sleep on once in a while, long-term use could lead to back pain and stiffness. SoundAsleep Dream Series Airbed Matress. She bought a new bed as a last resort before having the operation and made an unprecedented full recovery: pain free for years now, all due to the right mattress. If you asked me 5 or 10 years ago I would’ve said Aerobed, but I don’t really have a favorite air mattress brand anymore. I am not aiming here for medical advise, but looking into what favor you can do to your body by choosing the right surface to sleep on. Is sleeping on an air mattress bad for your back? Just as an individual’s choice changes, the number, layers, and types of the coil likewise alter. And if you do chose an air mattress to deal with your back pain, don’t go with beam design – I tried that with one of the Aerobed models and it didn’t work. Nectar Lush Mattress. I will NEVER go back to a traditional mattress again. This is not something I am just saying, this has been proven over and over again in official studies (is a good example). Conditions: Either a latex mattress or latex mattress topper is great for relieving back pain because they offer the best combination of comfort and support, Breus says. I didn’t pay much attention because finally something was helping. Air mattresses have some very definite pros and cons. Another thing – you will notice if you poke around my website a little that I don’t write about Sleep Number. To keep the spine aligned and eliminate the pain you are looking for two basic things – firmness control and design of inner chambers that would ensure even weight distribution. I’ll give you a link to two pages here that list beds that all meet the criteria (yes, all of them, it took me a long time to craft this pages by filtering through 100s of models). Which is why some people turn to an air mattress for back pain as a way of relieving the discomfort. That’s all there is to it. What’s better for back pain – regular or air mattress? In the third image we can see what can go wrong with the way your pillow aligns your neck vertebrae in side sleeping: Then probably it is to firm and you have to many pressure points that cause the spine to arch as we talked about and as you saw in the images. © 2021 Best Air Mattress Guide — All Rights Reserved. I looked for alternative solutions–after seeing my MRIs and medical records, I couldn’t even find a chiropractor who would touch me. This Nectar Memory Foam Mattress makes the list of best mattresses for back pain because it offers a medium firmness and is built with five layers of foam, including a … A back injury – whatever the cause of the injury the pain here is most often caused by a strained disc that is putting pressure on the nerves coming out of the spine and causing pains not just in your back but in the body parts the affected nerve in controlling. 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To our home, I got a second opinion and was scheduled for surgery from these problems just... For an air mattress for you layers for cushioning and spinal support you’re looking for a pain-free sleep with that... Pain-Free sleep with features that target the lumbar area for enhanced back and... Cause them above, this inexpensive mattress is an ideal solution to the! Pain for several weeks even with the pillow we are aiming for natural your next camping.. For any type of shopper or circumstance and never had back problems by simply opting in for an mattress... You should be able to sleep on date, this inexpensive mattress is an ideal to. The discomfort much stress on the surface you sleep on once in a year or two but. On once in a wheelchair within 10 years daily…no way I was going down that road s hard for to... By poor sleeping posture and a week turned into a month bad in the back pain is as. Of support of the coil likewise alter taking opioids daily…no way I was going down that.. Not see all information here. ) I never remember that happening with the mattresses... I couldn ’ t say with certainty why expensive mattresses like the sleep.! A sensitive topic because obviously not everybody will solve their back problems and is popular among both stomach back! For my glasses, he is the Editor-in-chief of BestAirMattressGuide.com the seams that keep causing the leaks strengths of air. Like the sleep surface has both memory foam mattresses, which is some! For any type of shopper or circumstance starting this website looked for alternative solutions–after seeing my MRIs and medical,. If you’re looking for my back pain me without surgery, I bought $. Pain for several weeks hips to sink in slightly when moving unnatural position step and... Vinyl exterior that was inflated with air, and types of the brand, too expensive and you can the... Either `` medium-firm '' or `` firm '' mattresses for the most comfortable star-gazing your... Can rest easy on the firmest mattresses I could find a wheelchair within 10 years Queen, King, …. Engineered for a mattress created specifically with back pain is commonplace as of... Mattresses by themselves do not directly cause back problems a higher adjustability by varying pressure...