Best mattresses for side sleepers with lower back pain
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Trust us, finding a perfect mattress for side sleepers is a pain in the neck. The mattresses are lack of support or too firm. Both of us are side sleepers too so we’ve been there.
After sleepless nights and painful morning after waking up in a bad mattress, we have found the best mattress for ourshelves. We said goodbye to lower back pain and had the best night’s sleep ever the moment we had it.
We want you to have yours too. The list of 5 best mattresses for side sleepers with lower back pain below will help you.
Sweetnight 12-inch Hybrid MattressEditor's pick
Pros
- Super affordable
- Pocketed coils system provides better weight distribution
- Good motion isolation suitable for couples
- Doesn’t sleep hot thanks to i-Gel memory foam
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Maybe too firm for users under 130 lbs
- Edge sitters may not be happy
- No trial period
If you have fallen in love with the hybrid mattress like the editor’s choice one above but you’re on the budget, Olee Sleep 10-inch Omega Hybrid Mattress is here for you.
It flawlessly combines 3 layers of pocketed innerspring at the bottom for more support and cool i-Gel memory foam above. It conforms to your body’s curves and weight, reducing the pressure on your shoulders and hips when you sleep on the sides.
The mattress also lessens the motion disturbance that happens when you toss and turn so much that you can disturb your partner. With this mattress, no one can disturb anyone’s sleep any longer.
The dura i-Gel foam on top saves hot sleepers from sweating during the hot summer’s nights. The mattress is available in Twin, Full, Queen and King sizes.
Despite the affordable price, it doesn’t compromise its quality and durability. You can rest assured that it will last for years and survive the test of time without any sagging problems. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty so be sure that you’ll get help if there is any defect on it.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Thickness (inch) | 10 |
| Firmness Level | Medium Firm |
| Trial Period | None |
| Guarantee | 10 years |
| Highlight Features | 3 layers of patented Dura pocket spring, Washable poly jacquard cover, Dura cool I-gel, 10-year warranty |
With durability and comfort at such a competitive price, you won’t be let down by this Olee Sleep 10-inch Omega Hybrid Mattress.
LUCID Latex Foam MattressBest for Lightweight and Average Weight Side Sleep
Pros
- Offers excellent comfort with latex layer
- Firm yet pressure point free
- Perfect for bed sharing with minimal motion transfer
- Lightweight compared to other mattresses on the list
- Good for hot sleepers
- Comes with 25-year warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for heavier people (check Lucid 14″ Mattress
- Short trial period
When it comes to comfort, nothing can beat a latex mattress. This Lucid Latex Foam mattress will protect the pressure points, saving you from body aches and pains with 3 inches of natural latex layer giving the feeling of flush comfort and 7 inches of dense base foam for support.
The latex layer allows you to leave no indentation while adjusting to your body form, and to help you sleep cooler thanks to better airflow.
Although latex is less springy than an innerspring mattress, it does give you enough resiliency and responsiveness. It absorbs movement so well that you can’t feel the person lying next to you moving.
It also comes with patented Tencel blend fabric cover which control heat and humidity, creating an airy and cool atmosphere under you. With the 25-year warranty, Lucid is confident that you’ll never regret your purchase for years to come.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Thickness (inch) | 10, 12 |
| Firmness Level | Medium Firm |
| Trial Period | 30 days |
| Guarantee | 25 years |
| Highlight Features | 3" natural latex layer, CertiPUR-US certified foam base, 10-year warranty |
LUCID Latex Foam Mattress offers ultimate comfort that can get rid of your chronic lower back pain for good.
Olee Sleep 10-inch Omega Hybrid MattressBudget-friendly option
Pros
- Super affordable
- Pocketed coils system provides better weight distribution
- Good motion isolation suitable for couples
- Doesn’t sleep hot thanks to i-Gel memory foam
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Maybe too firm for users under 130 lbs
- Edge sitters may not be happy
- No trial period
If you have fallen in love with the hybrid mattress like the editor’s choice one above but you’re on the budget, Olee Sleep 10-inch Omega Hybrid Mattress is here for you.
It flawlessly combines 3 layers of pocketed innerspring at the bottom for more support and cool i-Gel memory foam above. It conforms to your body’s curves and weight, reducing the pressure on your shoulders and hips when you sleep on the sides.
The mattress also lessens the motion disturbance that happens when you toss and turn so much that you can disturb your partner. With this mattress, no one can disturb anyone’s sleep any longer.
The dura i-Gel foam on top saves hot sleepers from sweating during the hot summer’s nights. The mattress is available in Twin, Full, Queen and King sizes.
Despite the affordable price, it doesn’t compromise its quality and durability. You can rest assured that it will last for years and survive the test of time without any sagging problems. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty so be sure that you’ll get help if there is any defect on it.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Thickness (inch) | 10 |
| Firmness Level | Medium Firm |
| Trial Period | None |
| Guarantee | 10 years |
| Highlight Features | 3 layers of patented Dura pocket spring, Washable poly jacquard cover, Dura cool I-gel, 10-year warranty |
With durability and comfort at such a competitive price, you won’t be let down by this Olee Sleep 10-inch Omega Hybrid Mattress.
Classic Brands Cool Gel 2.0 MattressBest for Heavier Side Sleepers and Couples
Pros
- Offers close conforming and excellent pressure relief
- Minimal motion transfer
- Emits no noise
- Available in 6 sizes (Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King)
- Decent edge support
- 2 free pillows are included
Cons
- Smell like chemicals for the first few days
- You may take some time to get used to sleeping on it
- Can be hot for some hot sleepers
Our heavier sleepers don’t have to sacrifice comfort to get the firmest mattress ever. All you need is Classic Brands Cool Gel 2.0 Ultimate Memory Foam Mattress.
Not many memory foam mattresses have thicker profile than 13 inches. But this mattress has taken a step ahead and features a 14-inch profile. Cool Gel memory foam top layer welcomes you with a cool and contouring surface that can adapt to all body types and weights.
The thick 8.5” high-density base foam provides extra support and keep the motion transfer to the minimum, making this mattress ideal for couples. Now you can turn and toss without waking your partner up.
The memory foam used is certified with CertiPUR – US certification, applied with the newest technology that allows air to go in and out more easily.
Pale looking mattresses is a thing in the past with Classic Brands. The mattress’s cover is beautifully tailored with waterfall edge and matching knit side panels. Moreover, two free shredded memory foam pillows are included in the package, ensuring a deeper and better sleep every night for you.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Thickness (inch) | 14 |
| Firmness Level | Medium Plush |
| Trial Period | None |
| Guarantee | 10 years |
| Highlight Features | Latest Gel Memory Foam Technology, Maximum breathability, Adjustable base friendly, Minimal motion transfer |
Back and shoulder pain is now a distant memory for heavier folks and those who share bed with a partner thanks to Classic Brands Cool Gel 2.0 Ultimate Memory Foam Mattress.
Avenco 12 Inch Memory Foam MattressBest for Hot Side Sleepers of all weights and size
Pros
- Medium plush feeling
- Constant temperature adjustments gel-infused memory foam for cooling
- CertiPUR-US certified foam for a safe and healthy sleeping condition
- Beautiful, breathable and skin-friendly cover
- Excellent pressure relief and motion isolation
Cons
- A little heavy to handle
Hot side sleepers beware, you have found the perfect mattress! Don’t let sweat disturb your sleep no more, because Avenco memory foam mattress is here to rescue.
The mattress is filled with gel-infused foam with open cells that allows maximum ventilation. Gel foam can adjust the mattress temperature to ensure you better sleep while preventing sweat and perspiration during hot or humid weather.
Its double airflow wave shape layers offers way better ventilation than any other products on the list and are capable of relieving pressure point on your body. Your back, hips and shoulders won’t cry for help any longer after you wake up thanks to the close contouring that support every point of your body.
The breathable, tear-resistant and skin-friendly mattress cover provides increased comfort and cool feeling. All 4 foam layers are CertiPUR-US certified so rest assured that you are safe when Avenco mattress is in the room.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Thickness (inch) | 10, 12 |
| Firmness Level | Medium Plush |
| Trial Period | 100 nights |
| Guarantee | 10 years |
| Highlight Features | Gel-infused foam with open cells, 4 layers of CertiPUR-US foam, 10-year support, Breathable and skin-friendly cover |
Some naturally emits more body heat than others, but it doesn’t mean that they have to suffer from night sweats. Sleep cooler with Avenco 12 Inch Memory Foam Mattress.
How To Choose The Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers With Lower Back Pain (Buying Guide)
Choose the most suitable type of mattress for you
Each kind of mattress has different levels of comfort and support, and gives different sleeping experiences and is available in different price ranges and sizes.
Let us walk you through 3 most common types of mattresses for side sleepers on the market and explain which one is the most suitable for side sleepers with back pain.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam was first developed in the 1970s by NASA. Despite its failure to set foot in the outer space, it captured the interest of other industrial field and made its way into car, furniture, sports equipment and mattress.
Higher-density foam makes up the bottom layer of most types of mattresses, while foam with lower density lies on the top of a memory foam mattress. Its excellent close contouring and pressure relief is what makes it become more popular.
- Average price: $250 (Low-end) - $4,000 (High-end) - $1,000 (Average)
- Expected lifespan: 5 to 6 years
- Pros and cons:
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses combine at least a layer of latex foam with either springs or reflex foam as support core. Latex comes from the sap of rubber trees, completely natural so latex mattresses are free from harsh chemicals and ensure you safer and healthier sleep.
Natural latex mattresses are high-priced, that’s why manufacturers replace natural rubber with a cheaper type of plastic called Styrene Buradiene Rubber to reduce the cost. However, the comfort and safety of the latex mattresses remain unchanged with synthetic rubber.
Latex foam mattresses provide ultimate comfort, that’s why they are popular despite the expensive price. They offer close contouring like memory foam mattresses, yet springier and faster to bounce back to their original shape when the pressure lifts off of them.
Latex mattresses are ideal for those who tend to move a lot at night.
- Average price: $300 (Low-end) - $4,000 (High-end) - $1,500 (Average)
- Expected lifespan: 7 to 8 years
- Pros and cons:
Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress is a multi-layer bed that combines more than 2 inches of memory foam, latex, or gel along with an innerspring system as a support core. Sleepers can have the best of both worlds with the pressure relief of the foam layers and the support and bouncy feel of a classic spring mattress.
If you have tried all of the above types of mattress but still feel like something is missing, if you love the comfort of memory foam but you can bear the hot sleep, or if you enjoy the springy feeling that a spring mattress gives but you need more support, hybrid mattresses are definitely for you.
- Average price: $250 (Low-end) - $2,000 (High-end) - $1000 (Average)
- Expected lifespan: 6 to 7 years
- Pros and cons:
Your weight can affect the firmness level you need
When it comes to choosing a mattress, you can’t overlook its firmness for the sake of your comfort. Firmness is measured on a scale from 1 to 10, 1 represents the softest level and 10 is the stiffest mattress you can get.
Normally, for side sleepers, the perfect firmness lies between 5 and 6, which means medium and medium firm. Medium and medium firm mattresses are hard enough to prevent you from sinking and soft enough to relieve the pressure points and pain.
A mattress with suitable firmness also depends on your weight and size. Lighter sleepers need softer mattresses while heavier sleepers require harder ones.
The picture below will show the approved firmness for side sleepers in three different weight groups.
Bed-sharing does matter
If you’re sharing a bed with a partner or your pets, keep in mind that a mattress with good motion isolation is a must. Either you or your partner moves a lot at night, no one will wake up anyone. Consider memory foam, or latex mattresses when you want to sleep peacefully at night.
FAQs
As you can see above, none of our recommendations is a firm mattress. Contrary to popular belief, a firm mattress can cause a lot of problems to your back.
First of all, a firm mattress causes pressure points. Pressure points are where your body feels uncomfortable and hurt when you lie down.
Those parts of your body such as shoulders, hips take more pressure when you sleep on your side on a hard mattress, causing you toss and turn more frequently to find the most comfortable position.
A good mattress must have a close contouring that adjusts to the shape of your body and allows pressure points to sink deeper into the mattress than lighter areas. A firm mattress is unable to do so. Instead a good mattress for lower back pain should be medium firm or medium plush.
Then spinal misalignment is the result of pressure points after a long period.
For side sleepers, when you are laying down, your spine should be a straight line, letting the hips and shoulders to sink slightly in the mattress while supporting the middle. Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses tend to be marvelous at offering you a perfect spine alignment.
Yes mattresses tend to tear and wear after a long period of time and get softer. But if your brand new mattress is too firm for you and you don’t go through all the pains to return it, there are many ways that you can soften it.
Actually use it
Some mattresses will require break in period for you to feel comfortable laying on it. Brand new mattresses are supposed to be a bit stiffer than it is claimed to be. So don’t be discouraged.
Give your mattress some time to adjust. That’s why manufacturers give you a trial period of 30 days or more. Lay down normally (And don’t try to do crazy things like jumping, flipping on your mattress to make it softer quickly because it is useless) and your weight and heat will soften the mattress.
Flip and rotate
Some mattresses allows you to lie down on both sides of it, so make sure that you have chosen a softer side. If you have a single sided mattress, try to rotate it 180° every three months. This evens out the pressure on your bed and expand its lifespan.
Try a Mattress Topper
It is the fastest way you can add softness and support to your mattress, though you have to pay more for this.
The first thing you can feel in the morning is pain
If you hit the hay feeling incredible and yet get out of your bed miserably in the morning, the writing is on the wall. A mattress that is too soft can create a hammocking position which makes your body sag and cause poor spinal alignment.
An excessively firm mattress can create pressure points on your shoulders and pelvic, consequently causing stiffness and numb. You’ll feel the lower back pain almost immediately after getting out of a bad bed.
You keep tossing and turning all night
It is when your body tries to find the most comfortable position on your bed. Well, but it’s hard to be comfortable in an uncomfortable mattress. If quality sleep is out of your reach, then you have the right to blame your mattress.
Your mattress is at least eight years old
Time passes by and the shape and the support leaves your mattress. Even the most durable mattress can sag after rigorous use. So make sure that you look for a new mattress after 8 years or so.
Conclusion
We are happy side sleepers now and we hope you are too. If you have any trouble finding the best mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you for reading and see you in the next post!