Best Mattress for Back Pain: Top Picks to Consider
Our top picks
Now that we’ve covered pretty much all you need to know before you go out looking for the best pain-alleviating mattress, let us give you our picks for some of the best ones you can find on the UK market. We’ve done our research and all of the products we’re about to list are great in their own way, so if you wish to narrow down your search, you can start with our picks and work your way from there.
Mattresses
1
Best Overall
Mattresses
2
Best Quality
Mattresses
3
Best Value
Mattresses
4
Best Hybrid
Mattresses
5
Best Cooling
Mattresses
6
Best Design
Mattresses
7
Best Edge Support
Best Overall: Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress
For our number one pick, we had to go with the Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress!
Best Overall
If you’re looking for a mattress that prioritises comfort as well as helping your back pain then this is the one for you. That’s why we have awarded it with the Best Mattress for Back Pain 2024.
The Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress is an all-foam mattress that’s soft enough to keep you comfortable but supportive enough to relieve pressure. It uses a premium memory foam layer to cocoon your body and take the pressure off of certain points to reduce any pain. It has different zones that adapt to parts of the body so you can feel correctly supported. This is reinforced by the durable foam base. It’s a long-lasting base that supports every body and has zones to relieve the shoulders and hips – which in turn, takes away the pressure on your back.
Take a look at our full Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Type: Memory Foam
- Warranty: 15-year guarantee
- Depth: 25cm
- Firmness: 5.5/10
- Trial: 200 nights
Advantages
Great for side sleepers
You'll sink in enough to keep your body aligned while being supported.
Good motion isolation
Have an undisturbed sleep with no unwanted movement waking you up.
Removable cover
And washable cover that you can keep fresh and clean as often as you like.
Disadvantages
Off-gassing
This is totally normal, especially with a memory foam mattress, but it'll soon go.
Edge support could be better
Overall support is good but not so much on the edge.
Best Quality: Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress
A top quality mattress that will ease pain in your back.
Best Quality
The Simba Hybrid Pro is a medium-firm mattress which is ideal for those who suffer from back pain. It’s not too soft and not too firm – balancing pressure relief and spinal alignment. The top half focuses on the comfort (cradling feeling) whereas the bottom half is all about support and that’s what helps with back pain. Within the mattress, there are 13 zones of support so it targets specific areas of the body that need to be hugged and adapted for the best sleep.
This mattress has a double layer of Aerocoil springs which are the part of the mattress that provide tailored support for spinal alignment and pressure relief. This is followed by a stabilising core foam for structural support, pocket barrel springs for edge-to-edge support and a ReGen foam base for more stability and reinforced support.
Check out our full Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Double, EU Queen
- Type: Hybrid
- Warranty: 10-year
- Depth: 28cm
- Firmness: 7.5/10
- Trial: 200 nights
Advantages
Handles for rotation
An important design feature is lifting the mattress with ease.
Has a removable cover
This makes the cleanliness and maintenance of the mattress much simpler.
Good motion isolation
No motion transfer so you won't feel your partner moving during the night.
Disadvantages
Not as practical for combination sleepers
It's not too quick to bounce back to shape so it takes time to adjust to change of position.
Initially quite a firm mattress
It takes a little time to soften and for you to sink into the mattress.
Slight off-gassing
But it is bearable and will soon air out.
Best Value: Origin Hybrid Mattress
A cheaper mattress to solve your problems.
Best Value
Next up, we have the Origin Hybrid Mattress that features around 3000 steel springs to encourage spinal alignment. They have been designed by orthopaedics to be sturdy and durable without being noticeable while you sleep – and of course, to say goodbye to back pain. They adjust to the weight put on them to give tailored pressure relief. Each spring is thinner at the top than the bottom so heavier parts of the body sink deeper with better support and other areas receive gentler support.
This is a medium firm mattress which is recommended for back support. As well as the springs, this mattress has a Hexagrid layer for deep pressure relief. It offers more support in the centre, where most of your bodyweight lies, for ideal back and joint relief.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Type: Hybrid
- Warranty: 15-year
- Depth: 26cm
- Firmness: 6.5/10
- Trial: 200 nights
Advantages
Affordable
One of the cheaper alternatives.
Supportive
A large number of springs support from beneath.
15-year warranty
A higher warranty than most mattress brands offer.
Disadvantages
Not as high quality
The quality is not as good as those that you'd pay more for.
Best Hybrid: Octasmart Hybrid Mattress
Springs and memory foam work together to give optimum support for your back.
Best Hybrid
The Octasmart Hybrid Mattress is another great option for those with back pain. It uses three body zones to give you the suitable balance of comfort and support. The individual Octasprings are placed in a specific way to create these support zones so you can have correct spinal alignment. All of these little springs work together to cradle the body and adapt to relieve pressure from your back, hip and shoulders. In turn, this helps to reduce any back pain you may experience.
There’s another layer of taller pocket springs that work with the Octasprings to provide extra support and a bouncier feeling to keep it comfortable. Above the spring layers, there’s an Aerocell memory foam with the purpose of keeping the mattress breathable and allowing air to flow through. However, it is also great for relieving a little pressure on your body. It gives a medium firm support which is what you’ll want for back pain.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Type: Hybrid
- Warranty: 18-years
- Depth: 22cm
- Firmness: 7/10
- Trial: 60 nights
Advantages
Good value for money
A fairly good quality mattress for a reasonable price.
Supportive
Each layer from top to bottom provides support and pressure relief.
Hypoallergenic
Good for those who usually suffer from allergies.
Disadvantages
Short sleep trial
Only 60 nights compared to others offering 200.
Best Cooling: Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress
Keep cool through the night while relieving any back pain.
Best Cooling
The Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress features 5 zones of pressure relief and support. You will experience the different support needed for each area as you sink further into the mattress. The hybrid design works well to tailor to your needs and the amount of pressure relief necessary. The further you sink, the more support you will get.
Within the mattress, there are a few foam layers that work alongside the springs to help alleviate back pain. One of which is the Halo Memory Foam that is used to adapt and mould to hug your body for comfort while targeting spine alignment and pressure relief. It provides both comfort and support in one and is designed to suit every body type. It has the zoned support we mentioned above, so you feel supported on the most important parts – particularly your back – with a softer feel on the shoulders and hips.
Beneath this is the spring layer that gives extra comfort and support for a long time. And right at the bottom of the mattress is a supportive base of HRX foam for evenly aligning your spine and giving maximum relief to the body.
Take a look at our full Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU Queen
- Type: Hybrid
- Warranty: 10-year guarantee
- Depth: 25cm
- Firmness: 6/10
- Trial: 200 nights
Advantages
Great for side sleepers
Promoting proper spinal alignment.
Good motion isolation
You won't feel your partner fidgeting.
Breathable
Adapts to each individual so you feel your own benefits.
Disadvantages
Very pricey
One of the most expensive mattresses.
Not eco-friendly
Uses polyester for the cover.
Best Design: Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress
A carefully designed mattress to suit your needs.
Best Design
With this mattress having 11 layers, you’d hope it would solve all your problems. Well, the good news is it will definitely help with back pain. The Simba Luxe has three layers dedicated to their springs. In the upper half there are two layers of zoned Aerocoil springs. Having the double layer offers more tailored support and optimum contouring to your body. This is followed by another layer of Aerocoil springs in the lower half that further reinforce the support you need. It’s the ideal mattress for taking the pressure off of your back.
Right at the bottom of the mattress is the SupportBase with 1000 barrel springs to give edge-to-edge support too. The design has been carefully considered to give you the best support for each area of the body that needs it.
Check out our Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Double, Small Double, EU Queen, King, Super King
- Type: Hybrid
- Warranty: 10-year guarantee
- Depth: 31cm
- Firmness: 7/10
- Trial: 200 nights
Advantages
Edge-to-edge support
Thanks to the high-definition Simba-Pure foam layers.
Very comfortable
Experience a great night's sleep from the breathable sleep surface to the foam base.
Removable cover
Easy maintenance with the convenient zip-off washable cover.
Disadvantages
Not for heavier sleepers
The top layers of this Simba mattress are quite soft to sleep on so you may find yourself sinking in the wrong places.
Slight off-gassing
It’s completely normal and the smell from this one isn’t as bad as others. It will air out overnight.
Pricey
Expensive when compared to similar products.
Best Edge Support: OTTY Aura Hybrid Mattress
You will feel support all across the mattress.
Best Edge Support
This mattress has six layers which is less than some of the others but each one of them works to give you the comfort and support you need. A couple of the layers are foam – one for comfort and the other for support. The first foam moulds to your body for comfort and cradles to your position to offer pressure relief. Underneath is a denser foam that gives extra support.
This is reinforced by the pocket spring layer that brings the medium firm firmness and minimises motion transfer. Underneath this is the dense foam base for a solid foundation. All of these layers can help to reduce any back pain and lessen the chance of waking up with aches and pains.
Take a look at our full OTTY Aura Hybrid Mattress review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Type: Hybrid
- Warranty: 10-year guarantee
- Depth: 23cm
- Firmness: 6.5/10
- Trial: 100 nights
Advantages
Comfortable
Super comfortbale mattress to sleep on.
Supportive
Supportive all throughout, along the edges as well.
Temperature-regulation
It will adjust to suit your body temperature to keep you at optimum.
Disadvantages
Durability
It's not the highest quality mattress we've tried so not as durable.
Types of back pain
Back pain is a very common problem but it isn't in one specific area or of a particular pain level. All of this can depend on the cause – whether it was an accident, age-related or anything else. Some pain can start in one place of your back and spread to another.
- Mid-back pain: In the mid-back, you can experience pain from ageing as the discs can start to break down. However, it could be arthritis or spinal stenosis that you're feeling. There are many other problems, typically strains and sprains, that can cause pain in this part of your back, and it'll be somewhere in the region of the thoracic spine (below the neck and down to the ribs).
- Lower back pain: This can be in the lumbar spine and down to the coccyx. Sometimes lower back pain can come from supporting the rest of the spine. Again, disc slips can be the cause of lower back pain. This is common in this area of the back.
- Neck pain: The last area for back pain is in the cervical spine which can be found right at the top of your back (in your neck). While you might think that the neck isn't part of your back, it is as this is where the spine runs through. Your sleep position and your sleep products can largely impact pain at the top of your back.
NICE recently announced a consultation on a new range of technologies to fight against the epidemic of back pain.
The reasons for back pain
There are a number of reasons why you might suffer from a type of back pain. Some of them will cause dull pain, others can be a constant ache, and sometimes it can be a much sharper pain.
We have broken it down so you can see the possible causes.
Structural problems
The most frequent cause of back pain is a structural one. These are the things that can affect the function of your spine. It could be related to the muscles, discs, tendons, ligaments or compressed nerves. Here are some examples;
- Sprains: This can happen when you're not lifting things correctly or you twist yourself improperly. If you put extra stress on your back then it can cause ligaments to overstretch or tear. The ligaments hold the bones of the spine together, therefore the structure of the back will alter.
- Strains: Not to get confused with sprains. Straining is an injury to the muscle or tendon in your back. So, if you overstretch or tear your muscles then this is referred to as a strain. You would have pulled a muscle in your back which is what creates a lot of pain. Again, this is something that causes mechanical problems.
- Disc diseases: There are different reasons for disc diseases. Firstly, it could be due to ageing – the discs may start to break down as you get older which changes the spine's structure. However, it could be a herniated or ruptured disc that makes a difference in how your spine functions. This occurs when something causes your disc to irritate the nerves. You'll find this happens more in the lumbar area but has been known to be in the cervical area too.
- Spinal stenosis: It can be experienced by anyone of all ages, but the chances increase with age. Spine stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows. This then means there is pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It can be the result of other conditions that we mention below.
- Scoliosis: This is a visible curve in the spine whether that is an S-shape or C-shape. Causes can be genetic, hormones, changes in cell structure, or due to other conditions. Many can have treatment to ease it, otherwise, you'll find yourself having back pain. In some cases, the severity of scoliosis can increase.
Inflammatory problems
Inflammation can affect your joints and ligaments which then has an impact on your spine's movement. They can cause back pain and stiffness, especially if the tissue becomes inflamed. Overall, it can change the flexibility and function of the spine.
- Spine arthritis: An example of an inflammatory problem would be arthritis which can affect more than just the spine. However, spine arthritis is what will cause back pain. In some cases, it can be severe so you need to do whatever it takes to stay comfortable. Those who suffer occasionally should invest in products that ease the pain now and reduce long-term problems.
Other conditions
Some problems may not be associated with back pain initially but that's not to say it doesn't occur.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic disorder that causes widespread pain throughout the body, as well as fatigue. One area where you can experience pain is in your back (alongside arms, legs, chest, head and more). It can also make your muscles and joints stiff which can then lead to back pain. While there is no cure for it, there are treatments to ease the disorder. And some mattresses will be better for fibromyalgia sufferers than others.
- Kidney stones: As your kidneys are towards the back of your abdomen and on either side of your spine, if you have kidney stones you're likely to experience some back pain. The pain will predominantly be in your side but it can be felt in your back too.
- Osteoporosis: This is a bone disease where they can start to deteriorate and lose strength. As the strength decreases, it can lead to fractures in the vertebrae which of course directly affects your back. So, it is very important that you look after your back to reduce the risk of it getting worse.
- Various infections: With any infection that is in the bones of your spine or the discs in between, or even the surrounding area, will probably cause back pain. If anything happens from your neck to your lower back, you should expect some aches and pains.
- Tumours: In rare cases, tumours can develop on your spine or spread elsewhere on your back. Understandably, this will create pain when you're straining your back, trying to fight the tumour or in the process of receiving treatment.
- Pregnancy: Carrying a little human becomes very heavy on the front so you need more strength in your back. If you're not used to this kind of weight then it will definitely have an impact on your lower back. Finding what helps to support your back in those 9 months should be a necessary step you take. Even something like a good body pillow could help alleviate some of the discomfort.
Features to look for in a mattress for back pain
Finding the perfect mattress is certainly much easier said than done. Since there is no universal, best mattress for everyone, you have to pay attention to several defining factors of a mattress such as firmness, material, bounciness, as well as body types, body weight and of course, your sleeping position. When it comes to alleviating back pain, you should mainly focus on the firmness, material and position you sleep in, as that will help you find the most comfortable mattress, as well as bring forth the best results.
How firm does my mattress need to be to ease back pain?
Back pain can come from unpleasant sleeping positions and the lack of support, or it may be due to a preexisting condition. If it's from an old mattress then it's time to consider a new mattress. On the other hand, if it is a back pain condition, you should be checking if the mattress you have is suitable.
So, when it comes to firmness, you should probably avoid a very soft mattress. However, that's only a general rule of thumb, so be sure to test out the mattress before committing to it. As you probably already know, firmness refers to the feel of the mattress, meaning how hard or soft it is.
In a way, it's a subjective feeling. Those who weigh more will most certainly benefit more from a firmer mattress, as that will offer a lot more support for their body weight. If we had to pinpoint an ideal range of firmness, we'd place it somewhere between 5 and 7, on a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being the softest.
And research backs up this range, with mattresses that were perceived as medium-firm or custom-inflated showing the best results in terms of both comfort and spinal alignment. However, none of this is an exact science as the mentioned research relied on subjective comfort, with mattress brands not always being consistent about what is a firm or a medium firm mattress.
The firmness will also depend on the mattress type – one with supportive memory foam is firm enough to distribute the weight whilst still being comfortable, but that might not be the case with other choices. The aim is to have a mattress that keeps your neck, shoulders, spine and hips aligned.
This can be done with a mattress that contours to your body shape, therefore, you will be wanting one with a firm layer. It's good to get one with a softer layer too so the mattress remains comfortable and reduces the chance of your back pain getting worse. But if this all sounds a bit overwhelming, check out the table bellow and use it as a general guide.
How does the sleeping position affect back pain?
Dr. George Cyril, a physiatrist at HSS, emphasises the importance of sleeping positions in relation to mattress comfort. He highlights that different sleeping positions, whether you are a stomach sleeper, a side sleeper, or a back sleeper, require varying levels of firmness for optimal comfort. Dr. Cyril's insights underscore the significance of aligning your mattress choice with your preferred sleeping position to ensure a comfortable and relaxing sleep experience
- Side sleeping: Those who tend to be side sleepers, usually prefer softer mattresses since they allow for hips and shoulders to sink into them, thus keeping the body properly aligned. Side sleepers will need to find a mattress that relieves pressure points so you're not straining while you're asleep.
- Stomach sleeping: Front sleepers on the other hand will require a certain amount of support to retain the natural curvature of the spine while they sleep – especially in the lumbar area. Sleeping on your front is not the best sleep position and it could be what's causing your back pain. The best thing to do as a stomach sleeper is try adapting your position to ease back pain.
- Back sleeping: As far as back sleepers are concerned, whatever feels good is usually the best approach. A slightly firm mattress can be better as it can provide more support on your back. However, back sleepers who are also back pain sufferers should find what feels best for them. As long as it is providing back pain relief, that's all that matters.
Does body weight affect back pain?
In short, yes, body weight can affect back pain. It is one of the most common causes of back pain and you will notice it particularly in your lower back. Depending on your weight, it will have an impact on your spine and the amount of pressure it'll need to take. It can give you poor posture which has a knock-on effect that leads you to suffer from back pain. It's always a good idea to do some exercises that can reduce back pain and strengthen the back.
For those who are heavier or muscular, and looking for mattresses for back pain, you want to be searching for a firmer mattress. Medium-firm mattresses could be right for you because getting one that is too firm can just become an uncomfortable mattress without a comfort layer. In fact, some studies even point to medium-firm mattresses as being the most adept at dealing with lower back pain. On the other hand, a soft mattress will just leave you sinking into the base and move your body out of alignment.
Light sleepers may choose a softer mattress, as they can still find them supportive of their body weight. A medium-firm mattress can be suitable for those who are lightweight without being too dense to sleep on.
Just remember the ideal way to find the best mattress is to try out the mattress once you think you've found the one you like most. Make the most of a free trial period to see how it supports your body weight.
Types of mattresses and back pain
Your choice of a mattress can vary depending on the cause and the type of pain (as well as the other factors and mattress features we have mentioned). When looking for mattresses for back pain, we have to think about the material as well. In general, we have four types of mattresses – memory foam, innerspring, hybrid and latex. Each of these has its own defining features, so let's briefly go over them.
- Memory foam mattresses are the softest of the four and they're ideal if you're a side sleeper and for those who don't move around a lot while they sleep. Also, they're great for those who get cold during the night as they can retain heat. Lighter sleepers can enjoy sleeping on a memory foam mattress as there's less chance of sinking too much. This is definitely one for someone who is looking for comfort layers above anything else. Most memory foam mattresses will mould to your body shape so those with back pain may like that they contour to your sleep position and relieve the pressure points.
- Innerspring mattresses are what we call ‘traditional' or ‘old-school'. They've been around for quite some time and they're still fairly popular, which isn't surprising given the fact that they offer pretty sound support and can be comfortable. Unlike pocket springs that offer targeted support, innerspring mattresses provide more generalised support. Those looking for extra support for their joints are likely to appreciate this type of mattress. Over time the springs can become uncomfortable, but they can definitely give a supportive layer – including edge support.
- Hybrid mattresses are a combination of the previous two and they're the new kids on the block. The great thing about them is that they're a firm mattress but soft at the same time which makes them an ideal mattress for back pain, but still looking for that ‘hugging feeling' from a mattress. Comfort and support rolled into one. Hybrid mattresses combine springs (to give enough support) with memory foam layers (to bring comfort) and this can also mean the mattress has temperature regulation by using your natural body temperature. As for back pain, a hybrid mattress has the ability to contour to your sleeping position whilst allowing pressure point relief.
- Finally, we have latex mattresses which are not the most popular option for those looking for pressure relief. However, they do offer some substantial support which can be ideal for front sleepers that struggle with lumbar aches and pains. With a latex mattress, they tend to be durable and responsive so you won't need to worry about a sagging mattress any time soon. This means the support you feel on your back initially will continue to stay. And studies indicate that a proper latex mattress might be exactly what you need to get rid of your back pain. So, if you find it perfect when you sleep on it, you know that you'll have it for years.
How to relieve back pain
If you want a better night's sleep quality but struggle due to back pain or back ache, then it's time to find what can relieve the back pain. We have a few suggestions that could be the start of helping to eliminate the pain
1. Change your sleeping position
You should start by thinking about your sleeping style because some sleeping positions are not ideal for your back. Those who sleep on their front really need to consider switching to their back or side. Stomach sleepers will find that they're curving their back while they sleep and not achieving spinal alignment. The best and easiest thing you can do is encourage yourself to become a back sleeper.
2. Get a new mattress
It's not worth sticking with the same mattress if it's causing you discomfort. Using our suggestions above and trying out a mattress during the free trial period, you'll be able to work out what is most suited to you. A medium-firm mattress is a good place to start for both comfort and support on your back. Everyone is different so not one mattress fits every single person, you need to take into account the varying factors. Furthermore, you can look towards mattress toppers as well, as there is research that supports their effectiveness in dealing with back pain as well.
3. Try to start exercising more
Introducing a workout to your daily routine can be beneficial to your sleep quality and most importantly improve any aches and pains. Exercising can relieve any tension in your body, as well as strengthen too. Doing activities that will keep you fit and make you stronger will help you so you're not susceptible to back problems.
Conclusion
Now that we've gone over some of the most important information on the best mattresses for back pain, we will summarise what you should take away.
It's important to understand that just because it feels like a firm mattress to the touch, it does not mean it's better than all the rest. It's about your needs and what feels best for you. In addition to that, don't overlook the size. A mattress should fit the bed perfectly and you shouldn't have to lay across the bed to feel comfortable.
This is essential since we're not talking about a small investment here. You won't be able to properly test out the comfort and the effect of the mattress on your body directly in the store, make sure there's a free trial period, you can get your money back and return the mattress after a few weeks if it turns out not to be the one for you.
Also, don't forget about the accessories like mattress toppers or quality sheets. Those can improve your quality of sleep as much as anything else.
- A firm mattress does not equal a better mattress.
- Mattress size matters.
- Always look for a return policy and a free trial period.
- Don't forget about the accessories.
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FAQs about mattresses for back pain
As we’ve already mentioned, mattresses are a big investment and they will affect your life and health in a significant way. Considering that everyone has different needs, asking the right questions before buying a mattress can make all the difference between choosing the best mattress for back pain or ending up with a mediocre one.
What sleeping position is the best for back pain issues?
In general, sleeping on your back offers the best support and pain relief as it distributes the weight of your body evenly.
What type of mattress is best for back pain?
Hybrid mattresses are best for alleviating back pain as they offer the perfect combo of support and pain relief.
Can a bad mattress cause back pain?
A bad mattress can most certainly cause back pain and other health issues.
How long can I use a mattress for back pain?
A quality mattress should last you anywhere between 10 and 15 years, perhaps even more.
Is a firm mattress good for back pain?
It depends on your sleeping position and weight. A firm mattress can help deal with lower back pain if you're a stomach or back sleeper and/or are of a larger build.
Do you need a soft or a firm mattress for lower back pain?
It depends. Side sleepers of a smaller build will need a soft mattress to deal with lower back pain. However, larger individuals who sleep on their stomach or back will need a firm mattress instead.
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