Almost ten years ago, I began experiencing back pain that would often intensify overnight, sometimes even causing my back to give out. It turned out that I had two chronic conditions affecting my spine: scoliosis, a sideways curvature that developed in my mid-twenties, and spondylosis in my lower back, characterized by abnormal wear and tear on the spinal cartilage. These conditions were causing me significant discomfort during the night and upon waking, exacerbated by the lack of support from my mattress.
I experimented with various solutions, including mattress pads, knee pillows, and mattresses of different firmness levels. Some provided relief, while others did not. I, along with another WIRED reviewer, tested several mattresses over the course of at least seven nights each, evaluating their impact on back pain during the night and in the morning. Even my husband shared his feedback, despite not experiencing chronic back issues.
After extensive testing, I have identified the mattresses that have alleviated my back pain and pressure points. Below are our top recommendations for individuals suffering from back pain, along with tips on managing back pain and optimizing sleep quality. Be sure to check out our related buying guides for the Best Pillows and Best Sheets to enhance your overall sleeping experience. All prices mentioned are for queen-size models.
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