From the Guidelines
Medium-firm mattresses are superior for individuals with lumbar (lower back) pain, and a specific brand is not recommended over another, but rather a medium-firm mattress in general is often suggested. When choosing a mattress for low back pain:
- Look for a mattress rated as medium-firm (5-7 on a 10-point firmness scale) as suggested by studies that firm mattresses are less likely than a medium-firm mattress to lead to improvement in patients with chronic low back pain 1.
- Consider memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses, which often provide good support and pressure relief.
- Test mattresses in-store if possible, lying in your usual sleep position for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Choose a mattress with a generous trial period (90+ days) to ensure it works for you long-term.
- Replace your mattress every 7-10 years to maintain proper support. Medium-firm mattresses are often recommended because they provide a balance of support and comfort, helping maintain proper spinal alignment while cushioning pressure points, which can reduce pain and improve sleep quality for many people with low back issues, as seen in studies on the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain 1. Key factors to consider when selecting a mattress for low back pain include the individual's personal preferences, sleeping position, and specific needs, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It is essential to prioritize individual comfort and support when choosing a mattress, as this can significantly impact the quality of life and morbidity for individuals with lumbar pain.
From the Research
Medium-Firm Mattress Brands for Lumbar Pain
- There are several studies that suggest medium-firm mattresses can be beneficial for individuals with lumbar pain, but none of the studies specifically compare different brands 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in the Lancet found that medium-firm mattresses (H(s)=5.6) resulted in better outcomes for pain in bed, pain on rising, and disability compared to firm mattresses (H(s)=2.3) 2.
- Another study published in Applied Ergonomics found that medium-firm mattresses specifically layered with foam and latex based on the participants' reported prominent sleeping position resulted in significant improvements in back pain and sleep quality 3.
- A systematic review of controlled trials published in Sleep Health found that a medium-firm mattress that is custom inflated (self-adjusted) is optimal for promoting sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment 4.
Key Findings
- Medium-firm mattresses have been shown to improve pain and disability among patients with chronic non-specific low-back pain 2.
- Sleep quality is an important factor in managing lumbar pain, and medium-firm mattresses can help improve sleep quality 3, 4.
- The temperature of the mattress may also be an important factor, with some studies suggesting that a warm temperature may be beneficial 4.
Study Limitations
- None of the studies provided a direct comparison of different medium-firm mattress brands 2, 3, 4.
- The studies had varying sample sizes and methodologies, which may limit the generalizability of the findings 2, 3, 4.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between mattress type and lumbar pain, and to determine the optimal characteristics of a mattress for individuals with lumbar pain 2, 3, 4.