Sleep comfort, mattress and pillow
In-depth information on choosing the right mattress and pillow for back support, as well as how to sleep comfortably on mattresses

Review of adjustable beds
December 14, 2004
Patients with back pain should be especially choosy about the type of bed and mattress they sleep on. There is very little research in general about what types of mattresses and beds are best for the back—and no real medical research about adjustable beds. This article answers questions about how an adjustable bed works and how it could potentially help some patients to sleep more comfortably in an inclined position rather than on a flat mattress.
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By: Ron Miller, PT

Choosing the best mattress for low back pain
August 19, 2004
A mattress lacking in back support reinforces poor sleeping posture, strains low back muscles, and does not help keep the spine in alignment, all of which can increase low back pain. This article provides practical guidelines for choosing a mattress that provides both sleep comfort and back support. Read more...
By: J. Talbot Sellers, DO

Composition of a high-quality mattress
August 19, 2004
When shopping for a mattress, patients may not realize that what’s inside the mattress counts. Some of the most important features of a good mattress are the springs, coils, padding and the foundation. By understanding the physical components of a high-quality mattress, patients can evaluate and compare mattresses to find the one that is most supportive and comfortable at the best value. Read more…
By: J. Talbot Sellers, DO

Study on the best types of mattress for back support
July 14, 2004
A recent study reported that patients who slept on a medium-firm mattress reported less low back pain in bed and less back pain getting out of bed than patients who slept on a firm mattress. Read more...
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD

Pillow support and comfort
September 30, 2003
Rest and sleep is when the spine can heal itself from the postural, physical and nervous insults of the previous day. And the right pillow or pillows are key to supporting the neck and back and getting a comfortable night's rest. Read more...
By: John Schubbe, DC

Mattress guidelines for sleep comfort
August 29, 2003
For patients with back problems, sleeping on the right mattress can have a major effect on getting a good night’s sleep, while sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause sleeplessness, back pain and overall discomfort. Finding the right mattress is largely a matter of personal preference for back support and comfort, and it's useful to know what constitutes a good mattress and what other factors affect quality of sleep. Read more...
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD

Mattresses for back conditions
August 29, 2003
For patients who suffer from back problems such as degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc, sleeping on a comfortable and mattress with adequate back support can help the healing process. The ideal mattress and sleeping position differ depending on what back problems the patient suffers from. This article gives mattress and sleeping position guidelines for specific back conditions. Read more…
By: Richard A. Staehler, M.D.

Upper back problems: doctor answers patient questions
March 20, 2006
The upper back and ribs form a strong ‘cage’ around the vital organs of the heart and lungs. Since the upper back is not designed for motion, upper back problems are less prevalent but can be extremely painful. In this section of Back Talk, a physiatrist responds to frequent patient questions about upper back problems. Read more...

Back-to-Back: Choosing a mattress for back support
Read other patients’ helpful advice about what type of mattress, pillow or adjustable bed worked best for their back condition, for recovery from back surgery and for sleep comfort. Then, submit your own response! Read more...

Take control of your back pain – op90.com Newsletter
In addition to finding the right type of spine specialist(s) to diagnose and treat the cause of your pain, there are lots of things you can do on your own to help manage pain. This newsletter profiles some lesser known pain management strategies that have proven beneficial for many back pain sufferers include sleeping on a high-quality mattress and pillow, exercising, and weight loss (where appropriate).  Read more…

Make your back comfortable - op90.com Newsletter
Keep your back comfortable with these tips on maintaining good posture and ergonomics while sitting in an office chair, driving and sleeping. This newsletter also gives ideas for back support products such as a good mattress and pillow for back support. Read more...

Please note that these additional patient resources (such as The Back-to-Back Forum and Newsletters) on op90.com are not peer-reviewed by the op90.com Medical Advisory Board. They are provided as additional resources for patients to learn from each others’ experiences and to gain information from our popular newsletters.