How to Choose the Best Mattress for Lower Back Problems

Check the firmness level of the mattress. Firm mattresses are not best for those with lower back problems, according to a study done by the British medical journal "Lancet." A medium-firm mattress is best for someone with lower back problems because it distributes pressure on your back more evenly.

Take time to try out the mattress. This is the most effective way to choose the best mattress for your lower back problems. According to Consumer Reports, you should lie down on the mattress in your natural sleeping position for a minimum of five minutes on each side. If you sleep on your stomach, add five more minutes to the test. The longer you can lie still, the better. Pay attention to how your back feels and if you feel any pressure from the mattress. If possible, find a mattress that offers some sort of money-back guarantee so you can try it out at home for at least a few nights before making a commitment to the mattress.

Add medium-firm memory-foam mattresses to your search if you have a larger budget. This type of mattress contours to the shape of your body, specifically the curve of your spine, which may help alleviate the pain associated with lower back problems and lying down. However, this type of mattress is especially important to try out, according to Consumer Reports, because people tend to respond very well or very poorly to them.

Avoid used mattresses. According to the Better Sleep Council, you should only use a mattress for about 10 years. A used mattress will be closer to the point where it can hurt your back instead of helping it.