Can I sleep with a back brace?
A back brace is a medical device designed to support the back, improve posture, and reduce back pain and back complaints. A back brace is usually worn during the day, but can you also sleep with it? In this blog, we share tips for sleeping with a back brace and explain which back braces may be suitable for night-time use.
What is a back brace used for?
A back brace can provide stability and support and may be helpful during recovery from injuries or medical conditions. In addition, a back brace can reduce the load on certain parts of the back, which can help relieve back pain and discomfort.
When should I wear a back brace?
A back brace is generally worn during the day, but in some cases it may also be advisable to sleep with a back brace. This can feel uncomfortable at first, but sleeping with a back brace may eventually contribute to better spinal health and a reduction in back complaints.
How can I sleep with a back brace?
Sleeping with a back brace often takes some getting used to and may feel uncomfortable in the beginning. The following tips can help make sleeping with a back brace more comfortable:
- Adjust the brace properly. A brace that is too tight can cause pressure and discomfort, while a brace that is too loose will lose its supportive function.
- Experiment with different sleeping positions. Not every sleeping position will feel the same. Try different positions to find which one feels most comfortable while wearing the back brace.
- Use pillows and blankets. Strategically placing pillows or blankets can help fill empty spaces and provide extra support.
- Choose a good mattress. A firm and supportive mattress helps keep your spine in a neutral position and increases overall comfort.
Different back braces suitable for sleeping
Whether a back brace is suitable for sleeping depends on your specific medical condition, personal comfort, as well as the type and design of the brace. If you are unsure, we recommend contacting customer service for advice.
Below are several examples of back braces that may be suitable for night-time use.
Soft back braces
These are braces usually made from flexible materials such as neoprene or lycra. They provide support and compression to the back while remaining comfortable enough to sleep in. Examples include the E-life Advanced LumbarFit and the Medi Lumbamed® E⁺motion® Performance Sport Back Brace.
| Feature | Medi Lumbamed E-motion | E-life LumbarFit |
|---|---|---|
| Type of back brace | Sports brace, active back support | Daily back brace, discreet under clothing |
| Properties | 3D silicone pads, compression knit, breathable material with merino wool, anti-slip and thermoregulating | Thin and elastic material, anatomical stays, extra compression straps, barely visible under clothing |
| Indications | Back complaints during sports, low back pain, preventive use during heavy load | Non-specific back pain, herniated disc, muscle/tendon complaints, spondylosis, spinal stenosis, post-operative |
Lumbar back braces
These braces are specifically designed to support the lumbar region (lower back). They provide more support than soft back braces and are especially suitable for sleeping when equipped with flexible stays. Examples include the Bauerfeind LordoLoc Back Brace and the Reh4Mat Lumbar Back Brace.
| Feature | Reh4Mat Lumbar Back Brace | Bauerfeind LordoLoc |
|---|---|---|
| Type of back brace | Stable lumbar brace with compression and reinforcement | Stabilising orthosis for the lumbar spine |
| Properties | Anatomically shaped stays (4), compression straps, skin-friendly cotton, height front ± 15 cm / back ± 28 cm | Integrated spring steel stays, 3D cross straps for extra compression, breathable and elastic material, discreet under clothing |
| Indications | Herniated disc, spinal stenosis, low back pain, post-operative support, non-specific back complaints, spondylosis | Lumbago, chronic lumbar syndromes, muscle disorders, degenerative spinal changes, scar recovery, mild movement limitations |
Posture-correcting braces
These braces mainly provide support and correction of the upper back. They are designed to help the wearer maintain proper posture, which can be especially useful for people who adopt poor sleeping positions. Examples include the GO Medical Upper Back Posture Corrector and the Thuasne Ligaflex Clavicula Posture Brace.
| Feature | GO Medical Upper Back Posture Corrector | Thuasne Ligaflex Clavicula |
|---|---|---|
| Type / application | Upper back / posture corrector (shoulder retractor) | Clavicle / shoulder girdle brace with posture support |
| Properties | Lightweight, adjustable, easy to put on | Adjustable shoulder straps, back anchoring, pads at crossing point, universal size with cut marks |
| Indications | Poor upper back posture (increased kyphosis), neck and upper back complaints, clavicle rehabilitation, muscle tension between shoulders | Clavicle fracture (with or without displacement), posture correction of shoulder girdle, upper back complaints, shoulder instability |
Body braces
In some severe conditions, such as scoliosis, a full body brace may be required. Depending on the design and the patient’s needs, these braces may or may not be comfortable to sleep in. In such cases, we recommend consulting a specialist in orthopaedic aids.
Important advice
Please note: While sleeping with a back brace can help provide support and reduce pain, long-term use of a brace may weaken the muscles. It is therefore important to follow the instructions of your doctor or therapist regarding how and when to wear a brace. We recommend wearing a brace when you experience complaints and gradually reducing brace use once your symptoms decrease.
