The best pillow for side sleepers with back pain
There’s a good chance you know someone who suffers from chronic back pain. It may be an old injury or it could be the result of a job that requires standing all day, such as farming or construction. Whatever the cause, chronic back pain is extremely common. Almost 50% of American adults will experience symptoms at some point in their life, and 6.6% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 54 have suffered from chronic back pain for at least 12 months in the past year.
If you suffer from any of these issues, you might be a side sleeper with back pain. Side sleepers usually face a higher risk than other people because their body isn’t aligned properly. They tend to curl up or twist their body into unnatural positions during sleep. This causes pressure on various points along the spine and forces them to support too much weight from one side when lying down. Here are some helpful tips to help you find the best sleeping position and pillow for side-sleeping with back pain.
Choose the right mattress for side-sleeping with back pain
One of the best ways to ensure a good night’s sleep is to choose the right mattress. It’s important to find a mattress that allows your back to be in its natural position throughout the night, as well as one that can support you properly. So how do you choose? First, search for reviews of mattresses by people who have purchased them and then visited their sleep lab. The easiest way to find these reviews is on Amazon or through manufacturer websites.
If your budget is a limiting factor, check out some local options in your area and see if they offer discounts for first-time buyers. If you’re looking for a bargain and don’t mind sacrificing on quality, there are plenty of affordable mattresses on Amazon.
Finally, consider the type of pillow that goes with your mattress. Not only does the right pillow help keep your neck aligned properly during sleep, but it can also help support your head and spine while sleeping on your side.
Try a new pillow
The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to switch from your current pillow type to another pillow that supports the natural alignment of your body. Side sleepers with back pain usually use standard pillows, but these types of pillows provide little support and are not designed for side-sleepers. If you’re looking for the right pillow, try an orthopedic pillow. These types of pillows have been specifically designed to help people with back pain avoid nerve compression that can arise when sleeping on their side. Orthopedic pillows will support your spine in a more natural position than standard ones.
When you switch to an orthopedic pillow, there are some things to keep in mind. The first option is to purchase one that has built-in memory foam because it will conform to your body shape. Another option is a wedge shaped pillow that can work like a crescent moon by supporting your head, neck, and shoulders while reducing spinal pressure at the same time.
Avoid pillows that are too high
When you sleep on your side, ensure the pillow is not too high. This will cause you to have to bend down and arch your back in order to breathe properly.
The best option for side-sleepers with back pain is a low-profile, supportive pillow. A low-profile pillow can offer more support without being so high that it causes you to bend over too much while sleeping.
Don’t sleep on your stomach
Sleeping on your stomach puts a lot of pressure on the spine, so it’s not recommended for people with back pain. It can also lead to sleep apnea because breathing is easier when you are lying down. If you want to switch from sleeping on your stomach to sleeping on your side, try out a foam wedge pillow or roll over onto your side halfway through the night.
Use a firm pillow for back pain
A good pillow for back pain is one that’s firm, but not too hard. The wrong type of pillows can cause pressure points along the spine, which in turn leads to further pain and injury.
Firm pillows are best for side sleepers because they support the head and neck better than softer pillows. Side sleepers often use a softer pillow during the day to help ease neck strain. This can lead to increased neck pain during the night when you switch to a firmer pillow.
Pillow softness also affects how your body moves during sleep. Firm pillows offer more support, so they help with alignment throughout the night. Soft pillows also have more movement and less stability, so they can be used by side sleepers with back pain who need more balance and flexibility at night.
Conclusion
Side sleepers with back pain often find that finding the right pillows is difficult. There are many pillow types to choose from and it can be hard to know what to purchase.
To help side sleepers with back pain make the best choice, we’ve outlined the five most common types of pillows and what makes them perfect for side sleepers. The best way to find your ideal pillow is to do some research about your sleeping habits and the type of pain you’ve been experiencing.
