Soft versus firm: which is the better type of mattress?

Soft versus firm: which is the better type of mattress?

This is a question we get asked a lot.

When it comes to low back pain, we often consider the type of mattress and whether or not it is helping to alleviate or contributing to symptoms.

First of all, your mattress is only one variable in the much bigger picture of what could be causing your pain. There are many structural things to consider as well as muscle and balances and habitual postures and movements. Your mattress, however, can definitely play a role as well. When thinking about the spine, it has natural curves. These curves are part of a design that reduces impact forces and allows for greater mobility. Too much or too little curvature can both be problematic-leading to increased muscle strain and cumulative stress on the discs and joints of the spine. So, when thinking about a mattress, it only makes sense that your mattress conforms to the natural curves in our bodies. The ideal mattress is supportive. Whether you prefer something softer or firmer is personal preference as maximal comfort to promote a good night’s sleep is the most important thing!

Pillows can be used underneath the knees when sleeping on your back or between the knees when sleeping on your side. This helps take the pressure off of more prominent areas like the hips and lower spine.

When it comes to pillows, the same rules apply - the neck is naturally curved and warrants a pillow that supports the curvature. A pillow that goes completely flat often tilt the head back and can cause upper cervical compression and muscle tightness. If it is too full, it tips the chin down towards the throat creating the same tightness now in the front of the neck. What you are looking for is a pillow that supports the head and neck in a neutral position.

So how do you find this neutral position? Stand with your back against a wall so that the heels sacrum shoulder blades and back of the head are touching.

The space behind the knees, behind the lower back, and behind the neck are what should be filled by either your mattress or pillows.