Mattress firmness and back pain

[BTox]

Believe it or not, a well-controlled clinical was conducted on this topic. Turns out, contrary to popular opinion, a medium-firm mattress is best for those with back pain.

lancet study on mattress firmness

 

[wollery]

Can't look at the report because I don't have a login/password to the Lancet site, but I could have told them that years ago!

 

[ingoa]

According to my (unrelevant) personal account, I need a firmer then medium mattress. Anything which appears slightly softer gives me pain very soon.

Too firm is also not good. I don't like to sleep on the floor. Well, that a really firm mattress.

I didn't register, so I do not really know what "popular opinion" is supposed to be. Soft or hard is good?

 

[richardm]

I do not really know what "popular opinion" is supposed to be. Soft or hard is good?

I'd have thought that popular opinion would indicate a hard mattress. You hear all sorts of folk wisdom about sleeping on the floor, putting a board under your mattress, and so on.

 

[BTox]

Yes, popular opinion was that a hard mattress is best for back pain.