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The best Mattress and Sleeping Positions for Tail Bone Pain

Updated on: March 13, 2024 | Guide |

Sleep Retreat

Are you waking up from sleep with an achy and sore tailbone?

The coccyx bone, also known as the tailbone, plays a crucial role in providing stability and support while sitting or resting. Tailbone pain, or pain in the “coccyx,” affects many individuals and can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, tailbone pain can be quite bothersome. However, there are specific sleeping positions and sleep mattresses that can help alleviate the pain and promote faster healing for your tail bone.

If you’re struggling with tailbone pain, finding the right sleep mattress and sleep position can make all the difference. Learn how to care for your coccyx bone and achieve restful sleep from any discomfort or pain associated with it. Read on.

What Are the Reasons for Tailbone Pain?

Pain in coccyx or tail bone can be attributed to various causes, and oftentimes, multiple factors contribute to the discomfort. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial in finding effective ways to alleviate coccyx pain.

1. Slip And Fall Accidents – Broken Tailbone

Tailbone injury from accidents resulting in falls is quite common. As per statistics, 1 in 4 American citizens over 65 years experience fall accidents each year. Whether it’s slipping on a bathroom floor, a bike accident, or leaning too far back on a chair, it can lead to coccyx pain. In more severe cases, the cluster of bones at the lower end of the spine may become bruised, fractured, or broken.

2. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Activities like rowing or cycling that involve repetitive leaning back and forth can strain the tissues around the tail bone, potentially leading to coccyx injury and pain.

3. Weight Gain

Excessive weight gain and obesity can exert increased pressure on the tail bone. The added weight can cause the tail bone to shift its position, resulting in pain and discomfort.

4. Pregnancy

During the third trimester of pregnancy, the female body releases hormones that soften the bones between the coccyx and the sacrum, allowing for easier childbirth. However, in some cases, the stretching of bones and ligaments can lead to aches and pains in the coccyx region.

5. Anorexia

Being underweight can also affect the coccyx. With a lack of body fat around the lower spine and buttocks, the coccyx is more susceptible to rubbing against ligaments and tendons. This can result in inflammation and tail bone pain.

6. Prolonged Sitting

Are you suffering from tailbone pain when sitting for long durations at work? Spending extended periods in a seated position, especially on poorly designed chairs or surfaces lacking adequate support, can strain the tail bone and cause pain and discomfort.

Understanding the causes behind coccyx pain is essential in addressing this issue effectively. Often replacing your old sleep mattress with a new one can help in reducing pain in tail bone. Are you eager to learn more? Read on.

Why Does Tailbone Pain Deteriorate At Night?

Tailbone pain deteriorating at night can be attributed to several factors.

One key reason is that when you lie down to sleep, you tend to stay in one sleeping position for an extended period. This prolonged immobility can lead to increased pressure on the tail bone, exacerbating the pain. Additionally, the accumulation of chemicals that can irritate the tissue and joints around the tail bone throughout the day can further contribute to the intensification of pain during nighttime.

It is not uncommon to wake up with lower back pain as a result of the aggravated tail bone pain during sleep. However, specific mattresses can play a vital role in alleviating unbearable tail bone pain in the morning. Mattresses with proper support and cushioning can help distribute body weight more evenly, reducing pressure on the tail bone and providing relief.

Sleep Mattress and Tailbone Pain

When selecting a mattress to help with tailbone pain, it’s important to consider factors such as firmness, support, and comfort. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses are often recommended as they contour to the body, relieving pressure points. Additionally, mattresses with targeted support for the lumbar region can provide extra relief for the tail bone area.

Finding the right mattress that suits your individual needs and provides adequate support can significantly improve sleep quality and help alleviate tailbone pain in the morning. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or mattress specialist for personalized recommendations based on your specific condition and preferences.

What Are The Best Mattresses For People With Tailbone Pain?

Determining the best mattress for you is a highly subjective matter. Each sleeper suffering from tailbone pain has their own opinion about the right firmness. Choose the most effective sleep mattress based on a specific type and aspect of performance.

Puffy Mattress: Puffy offers three varieties of mattresses: the Puffy Mattress, the Puffy Royal Hybrid, and the Puffy Lux Hybrid. It is an excellent breathable, breezy mattress with targeted spinal alignment and a medium-plush luxurious feel.
Purple Mattress: This mattress is intended to adjust and shape according to your body, which offers maximum pressure relief where it’s required most and assists in the distribution of your body weight.
Saatva Mattress: Saatva is known for its extravagant mattress that offers extraordinary solace and support. It uses Saatva’s Patented Spinal Zone innovation for back support. It is 11.5″ thick, of which the cover comprises a Euro Cushion top, offering back and joint pain relief.
DreamCloud Mattress: DreamCloud comes with three different mattresses: the DreamCloud Mattress, the DreamCloud Premier Rest Mattress, and the DreamCloud Premier Mattress. This mattress accompanies a Euro Cushion Top that offers more solace and body pressure relief.
Nectar Mattress: Nectar Sleep is one of the most popular American sleep mattress brands offering three different all-foam mattresses: the Nectar mattress, the Nectar Premier Copper mattress, and the Nectar Premier mattress. The bed is intended to provide a good vibe to the sleeper, are a decent choice for side sleepers and those who experience shoulder and hip pain.

What Are the Best Sleeping Positions for People With Tailbone Pain?

When dealing with tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, it’s important to find sleeping positions that alleviate discomfort and promote proper alignment of the spine.

Here are some sleeping positions and techniques that may help reduce tailbone pain or prevent it from worsening:

1. Back sleeping with a pillow under the knees

Lie on your back with a pillow placed under your knees. This position helps maintain the natural curvature of your spine and reduces pressure on the tail bone.

Pros

Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees is a popular sleeping position that can provide several benefits. It is often considered the best sleeping position for lower back pain. Here’s why it’s recommended:

Spine alignment: Placing a pillow under your knees helps maintain the natural curvature of your spine, particularly the lumbar region. This position can help alleviate pressure on the lower back and promote proper spinal alignment during sleep. Further, if you are waking with shoulder pain from sleeping, this sleeping pose will suit you the best!
Pressure relief: By elevating your knees with a pillow, you reduce the pressure on your tail bone (coccyx) and lower back. This is ideally a good sleeping pose for back pain. It is helpful for individuals who experience discomfort or pain in areas such as lower back, sciatica, or coccydynia (tailbone pain).
Improved circulation: Elevating your knees can also aid in improving blood circulation. By raising your legs slightly, you facilitate venous return, allowing blood to flow more easily from your lower extremities back to your heart.
Reduced snoring and sleep apnea symptoms: Back sleeping with a pillow under the knees may help reduce snoring and alleviate mild symptoms of sleep apnea. Elevating the knees can open up the airways and promote better airflow, potentially reducing the occurrence of snoring and sleep apnea episodes.
Reduced neck pain from sleeping: Research states that the best sleeping pose for individuals with neck pain is the back sleeping position. Sleeping on your side is yet another sleeping pose approved by chiropractors. Combine either of these sleeping positions with a rounded pillow and a medium-firm, supportive mattress and you are good to go!

Things to Remember

While this sleeping position offers advantages, it may not be suitable for everyone. Here are a few considerations:

Comfort: It’s essential to find a pillow height that feels comfortable and supportive for your knees. Experiment with different pillow thicknesses or try a specialized knee pillow designed for this purpose.
Sleep apnea: If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, sleeping on your back might not be the ideal position. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best sleeping position for your specific condition.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women may find sleeping on their back with a pillow under the knees helpful for supporting the abdomen and relieving pressure on the lower back. However, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider regarding the most appropriate sleep positions during pregnancy.

2. Side sleeping with a pillow between the knees

Are you suffering from hip pain from sleeping on side? Try lying on your side and placing a pillow between your knees. This side sleeping pose will help align your spine and reduce strain on the tail bone.

Pros

Side sleeping with a pillow between the knees is a commonly recommended position for people who prefer to sleep on their side.

Here’s why it can be beneficial:

Spinal alignment: Placing a pillow between the knees helps to maintain proper alignment of the spine while sleeping on your side. The pillow fills the gap between the knees and keeps the hips and pelvis in a more neutral position. This alignment can reduce strain on the lower back and promote a more comfortable sleep.
Pressure relief: By using a pillow between the knees, you can alleviate pressure points and reduce strain on the tail bone (also known as the coccyx). This can be especially helpful for individuals who experience tailbone pain or lower back pain. Sleeping in this position will reduce pressure in your back and the pain will eventually subside.
Enhanced circulation: Elevating the upper leg slightly with the pillow can improve blood circulation by preventing excessive pressure on the blood vessels in the lower leg. This can help reduce the risk of issues such as numbness, tingling, or swelling in the legs.
Comfort and support: Many people find that sleeping with a pillow between their knees provides a sense of comfort and support. It can help to stabilize the body and you can prevent excessive rolling or shifting during sleep in this sleeping pose. Couples can further opt for a sleeping mattress that provides motion isolation to sleep with comfort.

Things to Remember

When using a pillow between the knees, it’s important to choose a pillow that is appropriately sized and firm enough to maintain the desired position throughout the night. Some individuals may find that using a body pillow or a specially designed knee pillow provides optimal comfort and support.

3. Fetal position

Curl up on your side with your knees drawn toward your chest. Use a pillow to support your head and place another pillow between your knees for added comfort and alignment.

The fetal position is a commonly adopted sleeping position where an individual curls up on their side, resembling the position of a fetus in the womb.

To assume the fetal position, follow these steps:

Step 1: Start by lying on your back on a comfortable mattress or sleeping surface.
Step 2: Gently roll onto your preferred side, either the right or left side.
Step 3: Bend your knees and bring them up toward your chest, keeping them comfortably close.
Step 4: Tuck your chin slightly toward your chest, as if you were tucking your head into your knees.
Step 5: If desired, you can use a pillow to support your head and neck, ensuring your spine remains aligned.
Step 6: For added comfort and alignment, place a pillow or cushion between your knees, which helps to keep your hips properly aligned.

Pros

Here are some of the advantages of sleeping in the fetal position:

Spine alignment: The fetal position can help align the spine, especially if you have a medium-firm mattress and a supportive pillow. By bringing your knees toward your chest, you can reduce the curvature of the spine and promote a more neutral alignment during sleep.
Alleviate snoring: Sleeping on your side, as the fetal position entails, can help alleviate snoring. This position helps keep the airways open and unrestricted, which can reduce the likelihood of snoring and improve airflow, leading to better sleep quality for both you and your bed partner.
Relieves pressure: The fetal position can alleviate pressure points in various areas of the body. By curling up and distributing your weight, you can minimize pressure on your joints and muscles, potentially reducing discomfort. Further, this is a suitable sleeping pose for lower back pain in individuals.
Comfort for pregnancy: The fetal position is often the most recommended sleeping pose in pregnancy, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy. Sleeping on the left side with the knees drawn up can improve circulation, prevent the uterus from pressing against the liver, and promote optimal blood flow to the fetus.
Sense of security: Many people find the fetal position comforting and soothing. It can provide a sense of security and psychological comfort, which can contribute to better relaxation and sleep.

Things to Remember

It’s important to note that while the fetal position is a popular sleeping position, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you experience any discomfort or have certain medical conditions such as back pain, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

4. Modified reclining position

If you have an adjustable bed or recliner, you can try sleeping in a partially upright position. This reduces pressure on the tail bone and can provide relief.

Pros

Sleeping in a modified reclining position, where you elevate the upper body and keep the lower body relatively flat, can indeed be beneficial for certain conditions or discomforts.

Here’s some information about this sleeping position:

Pressure relief: By elevating the upper body, the modified reclining position helps distribute your body weight more evenly. This can alleviate pressure on specific areas, such as the tail bone (coccyx), which can be particularly sensitive or painful for some individuals.
Improved breathing: Sleeping in a partially upright position can help open up the airways and facilitate easier breathing, especially for those who may have respiratory issues like sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Acid reflux relief: Elevating the upper body can also be beneficial for people with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) or frequent acid reflux. The upright position helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, reducing the likelihood of heartburn or discomfort during sleep.
Reduced snoring: For individuals who snore or have mild sleep apnea, sleeping in a modified reclining position may help reduce snoring and improve airflow, leading to better sleep quality for both the person sleeping and their bed partner.

Things to Remember

It’s important to note that while the modified reclining position can provide relief for certain conditions, it may not be suitable or effective for everyone.

Additionally, if you’re considering investing in an adjustable bed or recliner for this purpose, it’s recommended to test different positions and seek expert guidance to ensure the chosen sleep mattress meets your specific needs and preferences.

Top 5 Tips: Sleeping Pose for Back Pain & Tailbone Pain!

The following are some easy sleep mattress and sleep position tips that you can try for tailbone pain!

1) Tip 1: Try the Side Sleeping Position With a Cushion Between Your Legs

Sleep on your side is a decent sleeping position to safeguard your tail bone from additional injury or pain. This position is mainly prescribed for pregnant women to support their bellies.

While sleeping on your side, utilize a slender cushion between your knees to keep your hips in line. Putting less pressure on the hips and, thus, on the tail bone.

You should likewise ensure that the cushion under your head is firm and thick to occupy the gap between your head and your bed. This cushion keeps your spine in line, guaranteeing that your tail bone will be lined up with the rest of your back.

2) Tip 2: Sleep on Your Back Using a Wedge Cushion Underneath Your Knees

The ideal sleeping position for people with tailbone pain is using a wedge cushion to sleep on your back rather than on your stomach or side.

It might appear odd since you’d think putting more pressure on your tail bone would worsen the situation. However, it’s the best position that anybody can sleep to limit the side effects, with the help of a few additional tools.

While sleeping on your back, try to put a wedge pad underneath your knees. This permits your lower back (including your tail bone) to relax in your bed. Without the little cushion, you could be causing additional weight on the plates in your lower back, aggravating the issue.

3) Tip 3: Never Sleep on Your Stomach

Whether you select the side-sleeping choice or sleeping on your back, put forth a valiant effort to never rest on your stomach.

Sleeping on your stomach is considered as an unhealthy sleeping position for people experiencing tailbone pain. It puts all your weight directly in the center of your body, flattening your spine’s usual, healthy curve. Likewise, you are contorting the highest point of your spine since you must turn your head to one side to breathe.

Further, lying down with tailbone pain can be troublesome. You can make it simpler by sleeping in a defensive position or additional pads and achieving the ideal level of support by utilizing the best mattress to take care of your body.

4) Tip 4: Using Cushions or Supports

Place a cushion or pillow under your tail bone area to provide extra padding and support while sleeping. You can use a specially designed coccyx cushion or a folded towel/pillow for this purpose.

Using cushions or supports can indeed be helpful for providing extra padding and support to the tail bone area while sleeping.

Here’s how you can use cushions or supports effectively:

Coccyx Cushion

A coccyx cushion is specifically designed to relieve pressure on the tail bone. It has a cut-out or contour at the back to alleviate direct contact between the cushion and the coccyx. Place the coccyx cushion on your bed, ensuring that the cut-out area aligns with your tail bone. This cushion can help distribute your weight more evenly and reduce pressure on the tail bone while you sleep.

Folded Towel or Pillow

If you don’t have a coccyx cushion, you can use a folded towel or pillow as a makeshift support. Fold the towel or pillow to a suitable thickness and place it under your tailbone area. Adjust the thickness according to your comfort level. This will provide additional padding and help reduce pressure on the tail bone.

5) Tip 5: Experiment with Different Mattress Firmness

Depending on your personal preference and comfort, you may find that a softer or firmer mattress helps relieve tailbone pain. Consider trying different mattress types or using a mattress topper to find the optimal level of support.

Experimenting with different mattress firmness levels can indeed help relieve tailbone pain and improve overall comfort during sleep.

Here are some steps you can take to find the optimal level of support:

(a) Step 1 – Research mattress types: Familiarize yourself with different mattress types available in the market, such as memory foam, latex, innerspring, hybrid, or air mattresses. Each type offers different levels of support and comfort.

(b) Step 2 – Visit mattress stores: Go to a mattress store or showroom where you can try out different mattresses and determine which firmness levels feel best for your tail bone. Take your time to lie down on various mattresses and pay attention to how your tail bone feels in different positions.

(c) Step 3 – Seek recommendations: Consult with sleep experts or healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors or orthopedic specialists, who can provide guidance based on your specific needs and conditions. They may have recommendations on the ideal firmness level for tailbone pain relief.

(d) Step 4 – Consider mattress toppers: If you already have a mattress that you generally like but find it too firm or too soft, you can try using a mattress topper for a good night’s sleep. Mattress toppers come in various thicknesses and materials and can provide an additional layer of cushioning or support to adjust the firmness level to your liking.

(e) Step 5 – Trial period or return policy: When purchasing a new mattress, check if the retailer offers a trial period or a return policy. This allows you to sleep on the mattress for a certain period (usually 30 to 90 days) and return or exchange it if you’re not satisfied with the firmness level or comfort.

(f) Step 6 – Customization options: Some mattress manufacturers offer customization options, allowing you to choose the firmness level specific to your needs. This can be an ideal solution if you have unique requirements or specific tailbone pain issues.

Remember, finding the right mattress firmness is a personal preference, and what works for one person may not work for another. Take your time, experiment with different options, and listen to your body’s feedback to determine the optimal level of support for relieving tailbone pain and ensuring a comfortable sleep experience.

Smart-Take!

Understanding the causes behind coccyx pain is essential in addressing the issue effectively. By identifying the specific contributing factors, tailbone pain can be appropriately treated to promote healing. You can implement strategies and identify your ideal sleeping pose to alleviate discomfort. Further, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide guidance and personalized advice for managing coccyx pain.

Smart Mattress Buy can be your Solution-Provider for Tailbone Pain Relief and Sleep Comfort! Explore our wide range of mattresses designed to cater to different sleeping positions, cooling preferences, and firmness levels. Find your perfect match today and wake up pain-free and refreshed!

Discover the Best Mattresses and Sleep Positions for Tailbone Pain Relief! Find Your Ideal Sleep Position to Alleviate Discomfort Today. Explore our Guide Now!

FAQs About Best Mattresses for Tailbone Pain

Q1. Which is an ideal mattress for tailbone pain?

A medium-firm mattress is generally recommended for tailbone pain and low back pain. It provides a balance of support and cushioning, helping to alleviate pressure on the tailbone. Memory foam mattresses can also be beneficial as they contour to the body’s shape and distribute weight evenly, reducing discomfort.

Q2. What is the most suitable sleeping position, if I suffer from tailbone pain?

If your tail bone hurts, try sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees to maintain the natural curve of your spine. Alternatively, sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help align your spine and relieve pressure on the tail bone.

Q3. Can tail bone pain be caused by a bad mattress?

An unsupportive or excessively firm mattress can contribute to tailbone pain. A sleep mattress that is too firm can create pressure points on the tail bone, leading to discomfort. On the other hand, a mattress that is too soft may not provide adequate support, causing improper spinal alignment and potentially aggravating tailbone pain.

Q4. What body positions if practiced in daily life can help reduce coccyx bone pain?

Positions that can help relieve tailbone pain include sitting on a cushion or pillow, forward leaning while sitting, standing or walking, and using a donut pillow. These positions help reduce direct pressure on the tail bone and provide relief from discomfort. However, the most suitable positions may vary from person to person. So, it’s important to find what works best for you!