Home » Blog »Are You A Side Sleeper With Lower Back Pain? Know Your Right Mattress

Are You A Side Sleeper With Lower Back Pain? Know Your Right Mattress

Updated on: October 31, 2023 | Guide |

6-Best-Mattresses-for-Side-Sleepers-with-Lower-Back-Pain

Are you a side sleeper? Does lower back pain causes disruptions in your sleep?

You are not alone.

In 2022, about 26% of adults in the United States had reported a long-lasting severe lower back pain. Many people like sleeping on their side, however if you don’t have the right mattress, it can make your back pain worse. A mattress that gives the right mix of support and cushioning for your body can help keep your spine in a straight line and reduce discomfort for people with back pain.

Learn about the potential risks that lower back pain can lead to. Read on!

Do You Ever Wonder Why Your Back Hurts?

Here are some common reasons why people get lower back pain and might be at risk.

Folks at Risk

Age: Lower back discomfort is more common in those over the age of 30. Age causes discs (soft, rubbery tissue) to wear away. Pain and stiffness might occur when the disks deteriorate and wear out.
Weight: Obese or overweight people are more prone to have back discomfort. Weight gain puts pressure on joints and disks.
Health in general: Abdominal muscles that are weak can’t support the spine, resulting in back strains and sprains. Lower back discomfort is more likely in those who smoke, consume too much alcohol, or have a sedentary lifestyle.
Work and way of life: Jobs and professions that demand a lot of lifting or bending might put your lower back in danger.
Problems with the structure: Changes in spine alignment, such as scoliosis, can cause severe lower back discomfort.
Ailments: Low back discomfort is more common in those with a family history of osteoarthritis, some forms of cancer, and other diseases.
Mental well-being: Depression and anxiety can cause lower back discomfort.

Our Recommendation – Editor’s Pick!

Helix Midnight Luxe – Best mattress for side sleepers

Why so?

Smart Mattress Buy’s Review

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress is the top choice for many people because it provides excellent support, superior comfort, and outstanding mattress for side sleepers.

Features

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress comes with an additional pillow top layer and specialized zoned support. These support layers are designed to make your shoulders feel soft, giving you relief from pressure points. The mattress stay firm near your hips to keep your spine in the right position. If you have back pain, the Luxe, which is firmer than the regular Midnight, can be a great choice.

Feel

Midnight Luxe mattresses work well for most body types, especially side sleepers. The layers in the Midnight are made to follow your body’s shape, so your shoulders and hips can find a comfy spot to rest.

Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid mattress is great for people who sleep on their side and have back problems. It’s a 14-inch-thick mattress with layers of special memory foam that are certified to be safe.

These foam layers help reduce pressure on your hips and shoulders and also make sure your spine is in a good position. The mattress has coils that support your lower back and provide extra comfort where you need it most. It’s not too heavy, and it’s just the right amount of softness at the top. This mattress is really comfy and has a medium firmness because it has a pillow top.

You can use this mattress for 100 nights in your own home. Plus, it comes with a 15-year warranty, and shipping within the United States is free.

You’re in the right place if you’re searching for the best deals on Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress!

5 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers with Lower Back Pain

For optimal comfort and relief from back pain, we’ve compiled a list of the best beds suitable for side sleepers:

1. Nolah Signature 12-inch Mattress

Features

Nolah Signature 12-inch mattress is a top-quality foam mattress with three layers of foam, offering great comfort and support. In the mattress, the 2.5-inch AirFoam® comfort layer boasts a unique foam blend for better responsiveness than regular memory foam. It molds to your body swiftly, offering enhanced support.

Feel

There’s a layer of high-resilience foam in the middle for added comfort and durability. Experience the incredible benefits of AirFoam™! AirFoam™ lasts longer, relieves pressure four times better than memory foam, and keeps you cool all night. Say goodbye to aches and pains in your hips, shoulders, and lower back!

Nolah Signature 12-inch mattress offers two firmness options. On one side, it’s soft to medium-soft, perfect for side sleepers who need extra comfort and support.

Find out latest deals at Nolah Mattress Coupon Page!

2. Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

Features

This memory foam mattress is ideal for side sleepers who suffer from lower back discomfort. They will appreciate the pressure alleviation provided by this bed. Nectar memory foam mattress provides excellent motion isolation for couples, and its inexpensive price makes it suitable for a wide range of budgets.

Feel

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is a medium-firm mattress, although it may feel a little plusher than a medium-firm hybrid or innerspring mattress due to its all-foam design. The Dynamic Response Layer is supported by a base layer and topped with Therapeutic gel-infused memory foam.

A lifetime guarantee and a one-year sleep trial are added bonuses that provide you extra peace of mind when buying this mattress.

Go to the Coupon Page for great discounts and offers on Nectar Mattresses.

3. Saatva Classic

Features

The Saatva Classic is one of the best mattresses for a side sleeper with a bad lower back due to its better spine alignment. With its dual innerspring and memory foam technology, this hybrid bed is suitable for side sleepers. Its hybrid design promotes spine alignment, pressure alleviation, and responsiveness. It’s both supportive and fluffy.

Night sweats aren’t an issue on this bed, so hot sleepers won’t be concerned. The Saatva Classic composition has five layers.

Feel

A layer of strong steel coils forms the foundation, which is encircled by a layer of high-density foam to reinforce the perimeters. A second coil layer of 884 individually wrapped springs sits above that, giving you two levels of coils to support the mattress’s core.

A memory foam layer and a 3-inch Euro cushion top round off the Saatva Classic. To alleviate pressure spots, the soft Euro pillow top cradles you in cushioned comfort. Lumbar Zone Technology is a patented technology that guarantees healthy spinal alignment and provides relief from lower back discomfort.

Plush-soft (3/10), luxury-firm (6/10), and firm (8/10) are the stiffness options. Additionally, there are two height options: 11.5 and 14.5.

The Saatva Classic helps you wake up feeling renewed and free of lower back discomfort by providing both pressure relief and support. It has a 15-year guarantee as well as a 180-night trial period.

Check out special offers and savings on Saatva Mattresses!

4. Puffy Cloud Mattress

Features

Puffy Cloud mattress is ideal for side sleepers who experience lower back pain and frequently swap sides during the night. Unlike many other memory foam mattresses, Puffy responds to sleepers’ motions while maintaining its huggable sensation.

On the firmness scale, Puffy is 7 out of 10, which is somewhat stiffer than a medium-firm bed. The bottom cover of Puffy aids stability by gripping the base. The bulk of the memory foam mattress is made up of a thick 6-inch support foam layer.

Two layers of comfort-enhancing foam, including 2 inches of memory foam and 2 inches of gel-infused foam, are layered on top. Puffy’s cover is a hypoallergenic top cover with stain resistance.

Feel

Lower back difficulties can make it difficult to sleep, and the habit of changing positions during the night may exacerbate the problem. That’s why a responsive mattress like Puffy Cloud is so important. In addition, the bed’s all-foam structure helps couples and people who co-sleep with children isolate motion and avoid sleep disruption.

Puffy mattress comes with a lifetime guarantee and a 101-night trial period.

Get the top discounts on Puffy mattresses!

5. Leesa Studio Mattress

Features

For side sleepers with lower back problems, Leesa Studio mattress is a wonderful choice. This mattress will appeal to anyone who like the premium memory foam feel. It’s also helpful for individuals on a budget because of its low price.

Leesa Studio mattress is a real medium-firm mattress with a super-plush top layer, so you’ll sink in without sinking too deep. Extra support and stability are provided by a high-density polyfoam foundation.

Feel

The initial foam layer of this bed is constructed of polyfoam, which is more responsive than memory foam. A second and third memory foam layer follow, allowing you to maintain that close contouring sensation when moving about on the mattress’ surface.

The cover of Leesa Studio Mattress feature signature stripes that keeps cool and comfortable.

Three medium-firm foam layers in the bed maintain you in a good sleeping position. The recovery-oriented third layer of memory foam moulds to your back, hips, and shoulders for a restful night’s sleep. Unlike other memory foam beds, Leesa is cool to the touch and provides a good combination of comfort and support, so you won’t feel trapped in your bed.

It has a 10-year guarantee as well as a 100-night trial period.

Grab the Best Deals On Leesa Mattress!

What Are The Causes of Lower Back Pain?

Fractures: A vehicle accident or a tumble can make the bones in the spine to shatter. Fractures are more likely in those who have spondylolysis or osteoporosis.
Strains and sprains: Lifting anything too heavy or lifting without care can harm muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sneezing, coughing, twisting, or leaning over can all cause lower back discomfort.
Problems with the structure: When the spinal column becomes too thin for the spinal cord, it is known as spinal stenosis. Sciatic nerve pain along with lower back pain might be caused by anything squeezing the spinal cord. Scoliosis (spinal curvature) can cause discomfort, stiffness, and trouble moving.
Disk problems: The vertebrae are cushioned by disks (small spinal bones). Disks might bulge and push on a nerve due to their location in the spine. They can also cause tears (herniated disk). Disks can flatten and give less protection as they age (degenerative disk disease).
Arthritis: The most prevalent kind of arthritis that causes lower back discomfort is osteoarthritis. Lower back discomfort, inflammation, and stiffness are all symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.
Tumors/Stones: Lower back discomfort can be caused by tumors in the spine, infections, and many forms of cancer. Kidney stones and an abdominal aortic aneurysm are also two causes.
Spondylolisthesis: The vertebrae in the spine fall out of position as a result of this disorder. Spondylolisthesis causes low back discomfort and, in some cases, leg pain.

What Are The Symptoms of Lower Back Discomfort?

Lower back pain symptoms might begin abruptly or develop over time. Pain can arise as a result of a specific event, such as bending to pick up something. Other times, you may have no idea what’s causing the discomfort. Sharp or dull and achy pain might radiate to your buttocks or down the back of your legs (sciatica).

When you strain your back during an activity, you could hear a “pop” as a result. Pain is often worse by certain positions (such as bending over) and relieved by lying down.

Here are a few common symptoms:

Problems with posture: It’s difficult for many people with back discomfort to stand up straight. You may stand “crooked” or bent, with your torso to the side of your spine rather than aligned with it. Your lower back may appear flat rather than bent.
Spasms of the muscles: Muscles in the lower back might spasm or contract involuntarily after a strain. Muscle spasms can produce excruciating discomfort and make standing, walking, and moving difficult or impossible.
Stiffness:Moving or straightening your back may be difficult. It may take some time to get up from a seated posture, and you may feel the desire to walk or stretch to loosen yourself. You could notice a reduction in the range of motion.

Could your mattress be the reason for your constant morning back pain?

If you often wake up with a stiff, achy back, you might start to think it’s because of your mattress. Continue reading to learn how your mattress affects your back health!

Lower Back Pain Caused by Your Mattress!

Lower back discomfort might be caused by the improper mattress. Our mattress has a significant effect on the quality of our sleep and how we feel when we get up in the morning. Sleeping on an improper mattress on a regular basis can lead the spine to lose its normal alignment and generate muscular tension, resulting in lower back discomfort.

A supportive mattress, on the other hand, can assist your spine maintain a neutral position and avoid back pain.

How Is Your Mattress Responsible For Your Lower Back Pain?

1. Continually waking up at night

Sleep disorders of any type may be traced back to your sleeping environment. The basis of your sleeping environment, your mattress, plays a critical role in ensuring unbroken sleep.

2. Getting a good night’s sleep appears to be a pipe dream

Quality sleep is linked with a decent mattress. It’s possible that your present mattress isn’t the correct one for you if you’re not getting enough rest.

3. Tossing and turning all night

You might be having a rough night’s sleep because of an uncomfortable mattress. The inability to find a comfortable sleeping posture may be the cause of your constant tossing and turning, which can lead to back discomfort.

4. You seem to sink in

It might be the causes of your back problems if you feel like you’re sinking into your mattress and your spine is unable to maintain a neutral position.

5. Too soft or too hard mattress

A mattress that is excessively soft for you may begin to harm your spine before you know it. Joint pressure is caused by a mattress that is overly firm. To tackle this problem, most sleep experts recommend investing on a medium-firm orthopedic mattress.

6. The pain begins in the morning

If you wake up with back discomfort every morning, it’s most likely due to your mattress and sleeping posture. An outdated mattress or one that is excessively soft for you might cause unnecessary pressure on your spine, resulting in morning back discomfort.

7. A mattress that has seen better days

Mattresses should be replaced every 7-8 years, according to sleep specialists. The reason behind this is that the mattress will eventually wear out. Not only that, but our body weight, sleeping patterns, and bone density also fluctuate over time. This necessitates the purchase of a new mattress with the appropriate hardness and support.

8. Constantly exhausted

A lousy mattress might make you feel awful when you wake up. If you’re tired and have back pain, the first thing you should do is check your mattress.

9. Saggy and uneven mattress

Chronic lower back pain is very likely to result from sleeping on an old, lumpy mattress. Look for apparent drooping, particularly in the centre of the mattress, as this is bad for your spine.

How Does Lying On Your Side Affect Your Sleep?

Benefits

It’s possible that sleeping on one’s side lessens snoring. According to some study, persons who sleep on their backs, particularly those who are overweight, are more prone to snore than those who sleep in any other position. Sleeping on one’s side may be more comfortable for pregnant women. It might also lower your chances of having a stillbirth.

Disadvantages

One of the drawbacks of side sleeping is that it might cause wrinkles in the skin. Sleeping on your side or front can cause facial compression and tension, which can cause wrinkles to form. Sleeping on one’s back may lessen facial constriction and tension. In addition, sleeping on your side may aggravate shoulder discomfort. Shoulder soreness may be caused by people sleeping on their sides for prolonged periods of time.

What Is The Ideal Mattress For Side Sleepers?

Mattresses that promote spinal alignment ease strain on the back and joints, which may help some persons with lower back discomfort.

Gravity is the fundamental force that affects the back during sleep. As a result, sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or too firm, or that does not support the spine’s posture, can impose strain on the joints. This can induce or increase lower back discomfort in certain people, as well as affect general sleep quality.

A mattress that maintains a person’s spine straight and molds to pressure spots like the hips and shoulders should be purchased. Furthermore, people should be at ease in whatever sleeping posture.

Join Smart Mattress Buy as we dive into the important factors for finding the best mattress for side sleepers having lower back pain in our detailed guide and mattress review. It’s here to assist you in discovering the perfect mattress for your comfort.

Prepare to enhance your sleep experience like you’ve never done before!

Smart-Take!

Sleeping on your side is a common position, but if you don’t have the right mattress, it might make your back pain worse or cause it. When you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips press into the mattress a lot, so you need a mattress that supports and cushions those parts well. This can help keep your spine in a straight line and reduce discomfort for people with back pain.

If you’re a side sleeper with back pain, here are some things to consider when picking a mattress. How firm the mattress is and what it’s made of can affect how much support it gives you. It’s also important to choose a mattress that fits your body size and matches your sleeping preferences.

With Smart Mattress Buy, you can have a comfortable and safe sleep experience tailored to your needs. We’ve carefully checked all the options to make sure they meet high standards. You can sleep well knowing you’ve made a smart choice. Enjoy sweet dreams as you start a new, excellent sleep journey.

We are the first mattress review platform to give you cashback rebates. To learn more about our cashback offer, click here. Claim the best deals now to sleep better!

FAQs About Side Sleeping With Lower Back Pain

Q1. What causes lower back pain when sleeping on one’s side?

Sleeping on your side can lead to lower back pain, and one of the reasons for this discomfort is the potential for muscle imbalance. When you frequently sleep on one side, it may result in an uneven distribution of muscle strain and support on your back.

Q2. What is the most effective sleeping position for alleviating lower back pain?

The most effective sleeping position to alleviate lower back pain is lying flat on your back. However, many individuals find this position challenging for achieving a restful sleep. To ensure optimal spine alignment and reduce discomfort, you can place a pillow under your head or neck and another under your knees while sleeping.

Q3. What are three common factors that can lead to lower back pain?

Lower back pain is a prevalent issue that can be attributed to various factors. One primary cause is muscular or tendon strains resulting from injuries. Additionally, lower back pain can stem from conditions like arthritis, structural abnormalities, and disk injuries. Fortunately, this discomfort often improves through interventions such as rest, physical therapy, and medication.

Q4. What can be done to alleviate lower back pain?

The tips to help alleviate lower back pain includes enhancing your core muscle strength, daily stretching, maintaining good sitting posture, daily walks, and weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate excess stress on your lower back. Smoking can affect blood flow and hinder the healing process, so quitting smoking may assist in relieving lower back pain.

Q5. What mattress is recommended for individuals who sleep on their side and have back problems?

The top choice for side sleepers with back issues is Helix Midnight mattress. This mattress is well-suited for side sleeping but can accommodate various sleeping positions due to its adaptive foam layers, medium firmness (providing adequate support without being too firm or too soft), and the inclusion of deep pocketed coils to provide proper back support.

Q6. What is the ideal mattress firmness for people who sleep on their side?

Side sleepers typically find the most comfort on a mattress with a medium to medium-firm feel, which corresponds to a firmness level of about 5-6 on a scale. For those who are lighter in weight, a softer mattress with a firmness level of 4 may be suitable. On the other hand, heavier individuals who sleep on their sides may prefer a firmer option.

Q7. What is the recommended firmness level for side sleepers experiencing back pain?

When it comes to choosing the right mattress for side sleepers with back pain, it is generally recommended to opt for a medium firmness level. This choice strikes a balance between providing adequate support and ensuring comfort, making it a suitable option for individuals in this category.

Top Research On Mattresses & Body Pain

Please be mindful that these sources are not affiliated with Smart Mattress Buy and are provided to expand your understanding of sleep and mattresses in the context of sleep health.