What mattress is best for back pain?

Suffer from back pain? If so, it’s more important than ever to invest in the right mattress. Sleeping on the wrong one will both exacerbate your symptoms and lead to poor quality of sleep.
But the question is, with so many options available, how do you know which to buy? Here we attempt to cut through the waffle and offer clear advice on the best mattress for a bad back.

1. Be led by personal preference

A firm mattress was, at one point, believed to be the best option for people with back pain. But there’s no solid research behind this. In fact, in recent years, both the British Chiropractic Association and Sleep Council have changed their guidance in this regard – now suggesting there isn’t one type that trumps all and people should be guided by personal preference instead.

When it comes to choosing the best mattress for back pain, it’s all about posture. You need to make sure the mattress keeps your spine straight, whilst offering support and comfort. For one person with a bad back, this could be a soft mattress. For someone else, it could be a medium-firm. There’s no hard or fast rule. It just depends on you as a person, your weight and how you like to sleep.

2. Don’t be fooled by fancy terms

Manufacturers like to impress with medical-sounding terms, such as ‘orthopaedic’. But don’t be fooled. This doesn’t automatically mean they are the best mattress for a bad back. In most cases, the term is simply used to refer to the firmest mattress in the manufacturer’s range – and, as such, would be unsuitable for many with chronic aches and pains.

The best tension rating for you will depend on you and your sleeping habits. Again, the goal is to make sure your spine remains straight throughout the night. If you tend to sleep on your back, a medium-firm mattress is likely to be the best. If you’re a side-sleeper, a soft mattress is recommended, whilst a firm mattress is typically the best option for those who lie on their front.

3. Memory foam is the way to go

Online you’ll find conflicting opinions on this topic. But, according to the most recent research, memory foam is deemed the best mattress ‘type’ for anyone with a bad back.

Its unique construction cradles and moulds to the curves of the body. Not only does this reduce pressure on the hips and joints, but it also supports the back’s structure – and keeps the spine in its natural alignment. As such, many people find it helps to alleviate their symptoms.

Buy the best mattress for back pain at Dreamers

For more information on how to choose the best mattress for your back pain, be sure to check out our recent blog, ‘Which mattresses are best?’. This recommends the best size, tension and mattress filling, depending on your sleep preferences, and is a great place to start your search.

Here at Dreamers Bed Centre, we stock a comprehensive range of memory foam mattresses, including the full spectrum of UK bed sizes and tension ratings. Whether you suffer from achiness at the top of your spine or have lower back pain – we’re bound to have the ideal product to offer relief.

To make the right decision, it’s usually a good idea to ‘try before you buy’ – and you’re free to pop down to our showroom at any time. But if you don’t live locally, you can always give us a call. Our team have expert knowledge in this area – and they’re more than happy to answer your questions and offer tailored advice on the best mattress for your bad back. Just ring 01942 275 464 for a quick chat or send an email to info@dreamersbedcentre.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.