Back pain is an absolute nightmare for sleep, but there are some things you can do about it—like choosing the right mattress firmness for your body weight and a material that keeps your spine in a natural arc. You should focus on two areas: overall firmness and cushioning type.
The position that's most comfortable for managing your back pain plays a significant role in what mattress is best for your specific case.
You might hear that very firm mattresses are bad for back pain or the opposite, but it depends on whether you are a back, front, or slide sleeper.
Here's what we recommend:
Remember that the heavier you are, the softer a mattress feels, so you should 'firm up' or go down based on how much you squish the surface.
It's crucial to know that no mattress on the planet can claim to resolve back pain, not even an orthopaedic mattress or those with fancy medical labels. All we can do is choose one that reduces pressure on the spine and surrounding muscles.
Beyond firmness, what a mattress is made of impacts its ability to alleviate back pain. Look for these pressure-relieving and supportive materials:
It contours closely to your curves to distribute weight evenly and reduce tension build-up. It is perfect for back pain, although the density of the foam matters; the denser it is, the better it will support your middle and upper back.
Gel-infused foams are an upgrade over memory foam in terms of cooling qualities without reducing the feel or performance. They disperse heat—perfect for those summer nights when high temperatures have you tossing and turning.
Natural or synthetic options offer a bouncier feel while still easing pressure points. It's also cooler and more durable than memory foam. A latex hybrid with pocket springs is an excellent choice for back pain thanks to its support and cushioning.
Laygel is a synthetic latex with gel infusion to improve breathability and bounce back. It's a fantastic choice for back pain because it bounces back instantly to improve mobility, whereas memory foam stubbornly retains its shape.
Individual pocket springs contour independently to relieve pressure and isolate motion better than traditional innerspring. More springs equals greater support, although anything over 2,000 is overkill.
Look for a hybrid that pairs micro-coils with thick foam layers for enhanced pain relief. The coils allow airflow for cooler sleep, and the thick foam layers are fantastic for relieving pressure on the upper and lower back.
This is one technology we recommend you avoid for back pain because open coil systems distribute weight evenly across the entire surface, which can be problematic if you need extra support in specific areas like the lumbar region.
A bed with sturdy edges lets you sleep or sit comfortably near the sides without feeling like you'll roll off - especially important for back pain sufferers, as a larger usable surface area means more room to find a comfortable position.
However, not all hybrids are created equal. Pocket springs provide more targeted support, and some hybrids feature dedicated edge support systems for even greater stability.
Motion transfer is a problem when you're trying to manage back pain because tossing and turning, getting in and out of bed, or even shifting positions can create movement that ripples across the mattress, jarring your sore spots.
Memory foam is one of the best materials for reducing motion transfer because its slow-response properties allow it to compress and conform without sending waves across the surface. Latex foam also performs well, though it has a bit more bounce.
Depending on their construction, hybrid mattresses can be hit or miss for motion isolation. Look for models with pocket springs and thick foam comfort layers. The individually wrapped springs minimise transfer, while the foam absorbs any remaining vibrations.
A good king-size mattress will set you back at least £400, although sales like Black Friday can offer a good discount. Some people spend thousands on a mattress, but it isn't necessary for back pain relief. Upping your budget gives you more substantial products, but there's a marketing premium built in, too.
The ultimate mattress for back pain is a pocket spring mattress with latex foam or Laygel. Latex improves mobility versus memory foam, and the springs work independently, reducing motion transfer and making it easy to get comfortable.
The worst mattress is something thin and fussy, like a cheap open coil one or (God forbid) an air mattress or a put-up bed.
Modern hybrid mattresses are a tempting choice, and they can work exceptionally well, provided they have generous layers of memory foam. The micro-springs in hybrids offer less support than full-size ones but are still better than open coils.
Remember to consult your doctor about your unique circumstances first.
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