We spend an estimated one third of our lives sleeping—that’s about 26 years of our life in bed! It goes without saying that the mattress we sleep on plays an incredibly important role in our sleep quality and physical health. According to the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study, low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. With all that time spent in bed, you need the right mattress to prevent injury and pain for years to come.

While there’s no such thing as a perfect mattress for everyone, our team at Petett Chiropractic share our top tips for choosing a mattress if you have a bad back or frequently experience pain.

1) Know when it’s time.

Even with the best, high-quality mattresses will need to be replaced eventually. Sleep experts recommend replacing your mattress every 8-10 years. If you wake up in the morning after a night of tossing and turning or experiencing pain, it may be time to replace your mattress.

2) Avoid spring mattresses if you can.

Traditional spring mattresses tend to be flat and form uneven over time. The stiff springs can force the sleeper’s spine to arch and leave the body unsupported. Quality memory foam or latex beds have high motion isolation and typically rate best on pain relief, as they conform to your body’s shape and curves. Since they tend to be pricier, memory foam toppers are a viable option to consider.

3) Test it out.

Choosing the perfect mattress is ultimately based on personal preference. As there’s no single mattress type that works for all people with back pain, the best way to pick the right mattress is try it out. Many mattress companies offers trial periods to let you test out the mattress to see if it meets your standards for comfort and support.

If you have any additional questions regarding back pain, don’t hesitate to give our Renton chiropractic clinic a call. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to schedule your next chiropractic visit with us today, and begin 2017 in your best health in mind.