How To Sleep Comfortably With A Back Brace? Comfort First!
A back brace can provide adequate support to your back while sleeping. These are also known as an orthopedic brace or spinal brace.
If you can stick to this device, you can expect to see a good change in your posture within a short period.
How to sleep comfortably with a back brace? If you choose a comfortable back brace built with breathable materials, sleeping with it shouldn’t be a problem.
However, with comfortable sleepwear, mattress, and pillows, you will get used to wearing it while sleeping.
How To Sleep Comfortably With A Back Brace? Useful Tips
Although wearing a back brace while sleeping will keep your body in the proper alignment, it can be uncomfortable at first. So, for beginners, here are some tips that can increase comfort:
1. Find a comfortable sleep position
When you are trying the braces for the first time, you need to find your preferable positions. Thus, try different sleep positions to find the one that feels most comfortable for you.
Initially, you can lay on your back using a pillow to have better support.
2. Choose the right mattress and pillows
If your mattress and pillows are not comfortable, you will feel more restless. That’s why you need to get a mattress that provides enough support and helps alleviate pressure on your spine.
3. Wear comfortable sleepwear
You must not overlook your sleepwear while wearing the braces. Tight-fitting sleepwear will put more pressure on your back brace while making you feel more uncomfortable.
Always wear sleepwear that doesn’t stick to your skin and ensures enough air circulation.
4. Properly adjust the back brace
A bad fitting of the back brace will add up to your discomfort. You need to make sure that the back brace is properly fitted to your body. Adjust the straps until you feel that the fitting is enough.
Also, don’t over tighten the straps- that may suffocate you.
5. Use extra support
When you are a beginner, certain parts of the brace may feel irritating. You can use extra cushioning or support to alleviate the feeling.
Try placing the padding between your body and the brace to reduce pressure points.
6. Don’t overdo it
If you're new to wearing a back brace, you can’t wear that for the whole night. It’s better to take it off after a few hours. Gradually, increase the timing, and then you will adapt to the feeling.
7. Stretching
Light exercise and stretching before going to bed can relax your body and reduce stiffness.
Thus, even if you wear the brace while sleeping, it won’t feel that uncomfortable. You can also try yoga or meditation before putting the posture-correcting brace on.
Sleeping With Back Brace: Is It Useful?
Research shows that using extra support can work as an aid for your back pain. Thus, using a back brace can be extra helpful in curing your back pain due to poor posture.
For people who are recovering from any back injury or surgery, the added support can help to heal the injured area.
While we sleep, we can’t focus on the alignment or spinal position. Poor sleeping posture can add up to the problems that a bad posture creates.
Therefore, wearing a back brace while sleeping can help immobilize the spine, preventing excessive movement and promoting proper healing.
Besides, many health experts suggest using back braces right after spinal surgery.
This helps to immobilize the surgery area while reducing the risk of unintended movements that could hinder the healing process.
Not only that, but a back brace can also help with certain conditions like scoliosis or spinal instability. Most often, experts suggest this as a part of the comprehensive treatment plan.
In some cases, this also helps to reduce the pain that herniated discs or muscle imbalances cause.
Things To Know Before You Buy A Back Brace For Sleeping
Every type of back brace is not good for sleeping. Unless you choose the right one, you will face more disadvantages than advantages. Here are some things to consider beforehand:
1. Purpose
First, you need to specify your purpose for using the back brace. This will vary depending on your condition as well. You will require different braces depending on your condition and requirement.
Understanding your specific needs will help in selecting the appropriate type of brace.
2. Right Type
There are various types of back braces, but all of them won’t serve your purpose. Thus, you need to choose depending on the characteristics and level of support.
If you are considering wearing a back brace while sleeping, you must choose one that ensures enough breathability.
3. Size
While opting for a back brace to wear while sleeping, considering the fitting is a must. It’s best to go for the ones that come with adjustable straps.
You need to consider the size depending on your height and weight as well.
4. Comfort
Unless you look for comfort, you can’t sleep wearing a back brace. Thus, always go for the ones that come with padded materials, breathable fabrics, or adjustable straps.
5. Quality and durability
Invest in a back brace made from high-quality materials. This will last for a long time while providing you with the support you need.
Besides, high-end braces are comfortable to wear most of the time.
Which Back Braces For Sleeping Are Best?
As we already said, you can’t use every back brace unless you specify your needs and purpose. Therefore, if you want back braces to wear while sleeping, these are the best choices:
1. Rigid braces
These ones have rigid panels to provide maximum support. The specific area will be immobilized. These are typically used to handle extreme injuries and after surgery.
Healthcare professionals always suggest wearing them after spinal surgery.
2. Lumbar support belts
These brace-like belts specifically target the lower back area. You can get this if you are struggling with lower back pain. They are generally made of elastic materials.
3. Posture corrector braces
These posture corrector braces are specifically used to improve your posture while sleeping.
The adjustable straps help you to fit the braces according to your needs. They come in a variety of materials, and you will get wonderful support while sleeping.
What Should You Remember While Sleeping With A Back Brace?
If you are considering using a back brace while sleeping to have an extraordinary impact on your posture or spinal alignment, you can go for it.
But first, you need to be sure of what kind of back braces will be the best choice according to your condition.
Additionally, as a beginner, you need to keep the timing limited. You can gradually increase the time next.
The next thing to remember is to maintain the proper fitting. Adjust the straps of your back brace to ensure a snug yet comfortable fit.
If you notice any signs of irritation while using the back brace, you need to stop immediately. It's also important to keep the back brace clean and well-maintained.
Lastly, don’t overdo it unless you are comfortable. Slowly, your body will adapt to the newly introduced situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it OK to sleep with back brace?
Yes, you can sleep with a back brace. But initially, limit the timing until you feel comfortable wearing it for the whole night.
Also, make sure that you have enough support and you’re wearing comfortable clothes to prevent any discomfort.
Is it OK to wear a back brace everyday?
Yes, you can wear your back brace every day to see a visible result.
However, if you are just starting, limit the timing to 2 hours a day and then gradually increase the time. Overusing a back brace will do more harm than good.
How can I make my back brace more comfortable?
You can make your back brace more comfortable by adding more support using extra padding.
You need to make sure that your mattress is providing enough support as well. Besides, wear comfortable sleepwear while using a back brace.
Should a back brace be tight or loose?
Your back brace should not be too tight or too loose. The fitting should be comfortable enough not to make you suffocate. Also, there should be enough flexibility so you can move freely.
Calling The Closure
When you want to learn how to sleep comfortably with a back brace, the first thing you need to prioritize is your comfort. Unless you are comfortable wearing the back brace, you can’t sleep properly.
Thus, remember everything we mentioned in mind and go forward with your posture journey!
