Back pain is a common condition. It could be a short term or a chronic condition. Apart from medication and alternative therapies, lifestyle changes, correct posture, weight loss, light exercises, and good sleep are some ways of treating back pain. However, many are clueless about choosing the right mattress. A mattress could alleviate or worsen symptoms.

The right mattress can help quicker recovery from your back pain. Before you decide on what to buy, you need to know how to select a mattress. Here are some tips that could help you.

1. Sleeping position
   The right mattress should support the natural curve of the spine while asleep. When you sleep, the pressure from the spine is released through your vertebrae. The bed has to support spine alignment and full body weight. If you are a side sleeper, the mattress should be softer, taking pressure away from the hips and shoulders. Side sleeping could aggravate back pain, too. If you sleep on your back, which is the ideal position for back pain, you should look for medium-firm mattresses. Firm mattresses are good for the back, as it will prevent the lower part of the body from sinking, which disturbs the spine alignment.
2. Back support
   The mattress needs to support the back through the night. Sitting or standing for a long time affects spine alignment. When you sleep, the mattress has to support the spine so that you wake up without any back or hip pain. Choose from mattress types like an innerspring coil, memory foam, latex, or hybrid (a combination of coils and foam), which offer good back support.
3. Bodyweight
   Softer mattresses are ideal for lighter people. As the weight increases, you should go in for medium-firm or firm mattresses that support the body weight. Soft mattress is good for people below 130 pounds; medium firm for people between 130 and 230 pounds; and firm mattresses are best for those above 230 pounds.
4. Firmness
   The definition of firmness varies from one brand to another. Both doctors and researchers are convinced that a medium-firm mattress is best for back pain. If you are wider at the hips, choose a softer mattress, and if you have a narrow hip, go for a firmer mattress. Most mattresses offer all three variants, but your personal choice matters, too. If you have arthritis, a firm mattress will not work for you, and you should opt for a medium-firm.
5. Coil or foam
   There are multiple types of coil and foam beds. Some coils are durable and can support your body weight, but some might support your back but not be durable. There are many types of foam mattresses, too. Memory foam, natural latex, gel, and organic beds offer comfort and support to the back. Memory foam has been quite helpful to those with back and hip pain. However, it is expensive. Whichever type you choose, look for a 6″ thick mattress, as it allows a little sinking when you lie down. Verify the number of layers of foam as it could determine the comfort levels.
6. Trial and error
   Most mattress brands offer a trial period of more than a month. If your back does not improve, you can opt for other types until you find the one right for you.
7. Guarantee
   Compare the costs, trial period, and warranty period. Many offer ten, fifteen, or twenty years of warranty, while some offer a lifetime replacement warranty. Check the comparative features and services of multiple brands before making a decision.