Those suffering from lower back pains may be told by doctors to sleep on a firmer mattress top. But studies say, a softer mattress could also be beneficial and may in fact relieve back pains better than the firmer types.

Based on the study’s findings, a medium-firm mattress provided patients a better balance between back support and comfort for their lower back pain than a firm mattress. Sleeping on a mattress that is too hard exerts additional pressure on the back, resulting in more back pain for some patients.

Ultimately though, it is your personal choice that should really matter, since you are the one who has to sleep on the bed you have chosen. Understand that the mattress that John prefers may not be as beneficial to Jill. Each one’s standard and comfort level is different.

Spine-Health has ten practical tips for those shopping for a mattress in order to take away back pains. Before you head out to the store or buy your mattress online, check what the site has suggested:

Osteoarthritis. Patients with pain from osteoarthritis of the facet joints may prefer to sleep on their sides with their knees curled up (in the fetal position). This helps open up the facet joints in the spine and can relieve any corresponding pressure. Alternatively, sleeping in a reclining chair or an adjustable bed that allows the head and knees to be elevated can also relieve pressure on the facet joints.

Degenerative disc disease. Patients with pain from degenerative disc disease may prefer to sleep on their stomach as this can relieve pressure on the disc space. Patients may feel most comfortable using a relatively firm mattress and placing a flat pillow under the stomach and hips, which can further reduce stress on the lower back.

Spinal stenosis. People with pain from spinal stenosis may prefer to sleep on their sides with their knees curled up (in the fetal position). This helps relieve pressure on the nerve root. Sleeping in a reclining chair or an adjustable bed that allows the head and knees to be elevated can also relieve pressure on the nerve.

Bursitis. Patients who have inflammation of the bursa over their hips (greater trochanteric bursitis) can be especially susceptible to pain from a mattress that is too firm. If the mattress is too hard, a new mattress with thick padding on top, or placing an egg crate foam mattress cover over the old mattress, can help provide some relief from the firmness.

Hip pain. Patients with hip pain who sleep on their sides can usually find some pain relief by placing a pillow between their knees. This decreases stress across the hip.

Herniated lumbar disc. The most comfortable sleep position depends on the position of the disc. For a paracentral disc herniation (most common), patients will tend to do better lying on their stomach. For a foraminal herniated disc, sleeping on the side in a fetal position is usually better tolerated.

From Spine Health’s Mattress for back pains