Does Memory Foam (Mattress or Bed Topper) Cause Back Pain?

One of the most questions people ask before purchasing a memory foam mattress has to be whether it will cause back pain. This is a valid question especially if you are coming from sleeping on the same mattress for a long time.

That means that your body has gotten used to it over time and sleeping on a new mattress may bring about changes either good or bad for your back.

Does Memory Foam Cause Back Pain

Can a Memory Foam Topper Cause Back Pain?

Yes, memory foam mattresses and even toppers can cause back problems in some people. This is particularly true if you do not get the correct firmness level. The ideal firmness depends on your typical sleeping position as that determines whether your spine will be aligned and pressure points relieved.

Can a Mattress Topper Help Relieve Back Pain?

Most people wonder if they can get rid of their back pain or at least alleviate it by using a memory foam mattress topper. Well, that depends on what is causing the back pain. For instance, if you have muscle issues in your lower back or sciatica, a topper is not likely to change that.

That said; it is usually hard to tell because some people suffering from severe back pain usually report feeling relief after changing their mattress or by using a firmer mattress topper over a sinking mattress.

Back sleepers will benefit from a medium hard bed topper while side sleepers could use a softer one.

What is the Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain?

When you experience back pain, the first thing to do would be to seek medical help. Listen to what your doctor says and use the remedies they recommend. If all that fails, then the problem could be your mattress.

Ask yourself if you get adequate support while sleeping. If you are like the average person, you will spend a third of your life in bed and that is a long time to be sleeping on a bed mattress. If you feel like you are not getting enough support, then a medium firmness memory foam topper could b just what you need.

If that fails or even aggravates your back pain, then perhaps you need a softer mattress topper that will provide more comfort.

Why do You Have Back Pain Even after Using a Mattress Topper?

The main reason for this could be that the mattress topper is not right for you. Ask yourself if the topper is softer or harder than your usual sleeping surface. Remind yourself why you got the topper in the first place then compare the support or firmness of the topper with your mattress.

If it is softer, go harder and vice versa. If you have ruled out all other reasons why you might be having back pain, then the main culprit has to be the change in the firmness of your sleeping surface.

In the end, you need to determine whether you need a firmer sleeping surface with additional support or a softer one that offers more comfort and less resistance. A sleeping surface that is too hard tends to straighten the spine while a softer surface allows your spine to sag and curve.

Both extremes whether too soft or too hard can lead to chronic back pain. Moderate firmness is usually ideal for back sleepers, while stomach sleepers usually find reprieve in firmer surfaces. As for side sleepers, medium mattress toppers tend to work just fine.

To test whether or not a firmer mattress topper will help with your back pain, simply place it on a flat surface and lay on it. This works to reduce sinkage and sagging while giving you an accurate idea of how the topper will feel while sleeping.

You may like to read about: What Types of Mattresses Do High-End Hotels Use? and 10 Inch vs 12 Inch Mattress: Which one is Better?

Bottom Line

The fact that you want to know if memory foam mattress toppers can cause back pain is because you or someone you care about is suffering from the same. Mattress toppers are different and you can always change the firmness of your mattress with one.

However, if your mattress is good for you and comfortable, do not change it. If you have to get a mattress topper, make sure that it offers the same level of support. Rarely will you get a mattress topper that offers the same level of support as a new mattress.

Ultimately, a memory foam mattress or bed topper can help alleviate your back pain if your mattress caused it in the first place. If you find that the topper is not bringing any positive changes, it may be time to see a doctor.

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