Which Is Better For Your Back Spring Or Foam? Sleep is paramount, and sometimes it is disturbed by back pain (vertebral or cervical), especially in the morning.
That’s why choosing the right mattress is just as important.
We discussed the differences between foam and spring mattresses in a previous post.
In this article, we will review the different types of foam and spring mattresses currently available on the market and try to find out which is the most advisable when you suffer from back pain.
Also, read Mattress vs cotton bed.
Let’s go.
Foam Mattress
There are mainly three types of foam mattresses whose quality and impact on back pain will mostly depend on the density of the foam.
– The polyurethane foam mattress: The polyurethane foam mattress is the entry-level model with a foam density of around 25 kg/m³. This type of mattress tends to sag quickly, which is not ideal if you suffer back problems.
– The “high resilience” polyurethane foam mattress: This type of mattress’s so-called “cold” form is resistant and very elastic.
It will reach a density of 35 kg/m³ and will be able to adapt to each area of your body to keep the spine in a straight position and reduce back pain.
– The viscoelastic foam mattress: This category, also called memory foam, is essentially made of polyurethane foam.
Unlike the classic foam mattress, the visco-elastic foam perfectly fits all body types.
Indeed, the very high-density technology of this type of mattress (which varies from 40 to 85 kg/m³) will considerably reduce the body’s pressure points by distributing the body’s weight more evenly over the surface of the mattress.
It will have the effect of relieving muscle tension that can accumulate in the neck or back.
This particular foam is also the one that allows the best sleeping independence.
Shape memory technology is also thermo-reactive or heat-sensitive, meaning the foam will soften or soften in contact with heat and perfectly fit the body’s morphology.
With each change of position, the foam hardens and gradually returns to its original shape. It allows the memory foam to combine flexibility and firmness, an ideal combination for your back.
Spring Mattress
There are three main types of spring mattresses, but not all are recommended when suffering from back pain.
You should know that the quality of a good spring mattress will depend mainly on the type, quantity and quality of the springs.
1- Multi-coil spring mattresses: Multi-coil springs consist of a single steel wire intertwined in interconnected coils.
This spiral configuration of the springs provides dynamic comfort and even body support.
However, one of the disadvantages of multiple springs is that as soon as the steel wire is damaged, the whole mattress sags, which can cause back pain.
2- Bonnell spring mattresses: Mattresses generally contain many springs, which makes them very firm, perhaps even too much, and are often uncomfortable. For more information, see the article on biconical springs.
3- Pocket spring mattresses: Pocket springs are individually wrapped.
This particular configuration of the springs of the mattress makes it possible to support the body point by point, to reduce the pressure points and thus to promote the alignment of the neck and the spine.
In addition, they allow the best sleeping independence there is.
Spring Or Foam Mattress For Back Pain?
Knowing which mattress to relieve your back pain is far from obvious. First, it is necessary to identify the precise nature of the pain.
Then, selecting a mattress in its size, with a suitable thickness and adapted to its morphology, is preferable.
In addition, you have to find the right balance between firmness and flexibility: a good mattress will be neither too firm nor too soft, which is even more common when you want to relieve back pain.
Is Foam Good For Your Back? Yes, It Is.
Memory foam mattresses are the most effective for relieving back pain. They contour to your body, reducing pressure points and alleviating discomfort.
Memory foam has the best body-conforming feature of any mattress type. This viscoelastic foam conforms to your spine’s natural curvature, providing lumbar support.
What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Your Spine?
Firm mattress
According to our medical specialists, the most excellent beds for back pain appear to be in the medium-firm range; you want a mattress that is neither too hard nor too soft.
A medium-firm mattress provides excellent support without becoming too firm to lose pressure-relieving properties.
Simultaneously, it is critical to evaluate your sleeping position to accommodate your needs adequately.
Conclusion
In general, we have seen that the quality of a foam mattress is defined by its density.
To be sure that you can benefit from good support for the whole body and spine, opting for a density greater than 25 kg/m³ is advisable.
It is, therefore, necessary to favour so-called “cold” or high-resilience foam, which has the advantage of optimally reducing pressure points and thus preventing back pain.
Thanks to their heat-sensitive property, memory foam mattresses will be able to adapt to the different curves of the body in all situations and combine flexibility and firmness.
Spring mattresses are also fascinating because they allow homogeneous and dynamic support of the body.
However, care should be taken to ensure the quality and number of springs that constitute them. Indeed, their quality will depend on it.
We have an extended article stating: Foam Vs Spring Mattress Pros and Cons.