How To Choose The Best Mattress For Neck Pain

Updated 3 days ago
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Neck pain requires a mattress that provides support without being too firm. A medium-firm mattress typically prevents neck pain without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, your pillow choices and sleeping position play a role in ensuring you manage your pain and sleep more deeply.

Signs your current mattress is causing your neck pain

If you're experiencing neck pain, there are a few signs your mattress is to blame.

Tired right after waking

This is the primary sign of a bad mattress. Waking up tired is a sign you're not getting proper sleep at night. It's also important to understand that you can wake many times in the night without even remembering it. But lack of memory doesn't make these disruptions any less significant to your sleep quality.

Your pain doesn't last

Neck pain associated with a bad mattress often doesn't last all day. It starts at night, peaks in the morning, and goes away throughout the day. If you can exercise, stretch, or simply walk your pain away, it's due to your mattress!

You can't sleep at night

If you're having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or even getting comfortable at night with no apparent reason, it's probably your mattress. Mattresses can have internal defects you can't even see but are no less consequential on your ability to find comfort.

Consider these when choosing a mattress for neck pain

When you have neck pain, and you're looking to upgrade your mattress, there are a few things you absolutely have to keep in mind.

Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position makes all the difference when it comes to proper posture and spinal alignment. Here are a few tips on sleeping positions to best help your neck pain.

  • It's recommended you sleep on your back
  • Use a pillow that supports the curvature of your neck
  • If you're a side sleeper, use a taller pillow to make sure your neck stays in alignment with the rest of your upper body
  • Need relief, but can't wait for a specialty pillow? Use a rolled-up towel underneath your head at night to provide support similar to a neck pillow.

Firmness Level

The best firmness for any type of pain is a medium-firm mattress. Remember: your neck pain is caused by improper alignment of the spine at night, so if your mattress is too soft, you'll sleep at more of a U-shape, which worsens your pain. Additionally, suppose the mattress is too firm and doesn't give even a little bit. In that case, you'll be too flat, which puts a strain on your shoulders and hips (particularly for side sleepers) and causes pressure points.

Mattress Type

Whether you prefer an all-foam mattress or a traditional innerspring, it's important that your mattress materials are going to sustain quality sleep as to prevent your neck pain from reoccurring. If you can't decide or want the best of both world's, a hybrid is your best option. The coiling system pushes back against your body, allowing appropriate sinkage. While the top comfort layers contour to your body to bring pressure relief where you need it most.

Choosing the right pillow is also key to waking up pain-free!

Pillows and pillow placement are essential to fighting neck pain. Here are some tips about your pillow usage.

  • Avoid pillows that are too flat, but also pillows that are too tall. You want to be aligned with your upper back
  • Generally, you should use no more than two pillows
  • The best types of pillows for back and neck pain are foam or polyfill
  • Most pillows should be replaced every 2-3 years, as they tend to breakdown over time
  • Side sleepers should use a pillow that's higher under their neck than their head

The #1 Best Mattress For Neck Pain

Saatva is our top pick for the #1 best mattress for Neck Pain in 2023! They're a luxury hypoallergenic mattress shipped directly to your door (with full-service white-glove delivery). They have over 50,000 reviews and continue to be one of the most reputable, established brands in the industry (founded in 2009). Check their price, here.

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