If you’re looking for the best mattress for back pain, you might be among the 18% of UK adults with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition like long-term back pain. But we bring good news — investing in a new mattress that’s properly supportive could really help.
Trust me — I know all too well just how debilitating it can be to deal with common types of back pain like a persistent dull muscular ache, numbness and tingling that radiates down the legs, and the inevitable intense pain and tenderness that comes with lifting even just a normal-sized bag of food shopping. But finding the right mattress for my preferred sleeping style, body weight, and support requirements has been truly game-changing.
From extra firm pocket spring models that provide trusty support for back sleepers, to hi-tech hybrid ones from new gen brands like Emma, Nectar, Simba, and Eve that provide the perfect balance of sinkage and support, we’ve covered all bases in this edit of osteo-approved mattresses. And while quite literally having your back is the main purpose of these mattresses, we’ve also kept a look-out for additional features and benefits — like moisture-wicking materials, and clever technology to help minimise motion transference.
SKIP TO: Our top picks | How do I know if my mattress is causing my back pain? | Should you sleep on a hard or soft mattress with back pain? | What type of mattress is best for back pain?
Meet the experts:
How do I know if my mattress is causing my back pain?
If you wake up with stiffness or pain that improves throughout the day, your mattress may well be the culprit. Sagging spots or lumps in the mattress can disrupt spinal alignment, so if your mattress is old (think 7-10 years) it’s likely that you’re just due a replacement.
But if your mattress isn’t particularly worn or damaged, it’s likely just not providing you with the level of support you require. the right level of support and firmness for you. “Back pain caused by a mattress is typically down to the mattress failing to hold your spine in the proper alignment throughout the night,” explains Theresa Schnorbach, sleep scientist at Emma. “This leads to your back being put under undue pressure.”
Should you sleep on a hard or soft mattress with back pain?
Certainly not a one-size-fits-all predicament, on mattress firmness, Hannah Shore at Silentnight says, “It’s important to pick a mattress with a level of firmness that allows for proper spinal alignment while you sleep, as the wrong level of support can quickly lead to aches and pains.”
Start with a quality mattress that properly supports your spine’s natural curves. In general, back pain sufferers lean towards medium-firm to firm – or even extra firm options that’ll support their spine’s natural curves. to give them sweet relief, so if you’re going for preventative measures, take note. As a general rule of thumb, mattresses on the firmer side tend to give the best support for those suffering with aching bones and joint pain — while a softer mattress won’t give you enough support.
How we tested the best mattresses for back pain:
In order to ensure that this guide only features the best mattresses for alleviating back pain available on the market, we rigorously tested mattresses from well-known sleep tech brands in our own homes. For the mattresses we’ve tested IRL, we slept on them for a minimum of 30 days, often longer, before delivering our final verdict. During our testing process, we evaluated factors such as quality, motion transfer, temperature regulation, durability, sustainability credentials, and most importantly, how our testers’ bodies felt in relation to back pain and whether the mattress provided relief. Furthermore, we factored in elements like delivery convenience and price affordability, giving bonus points to mattresses that provide sleep trials. The outcome is a comprehensive review of the best mattresses for back pain, suitable for a range of sleepers, including allergy sufferers and hot sleepers alike.
Fancy yourself a browse of our other bedding round ups? Check out our selections of the best bed sheets, the best cheap mattress, best mattresses, best pocket sprung mattress, best cooling mattress, best cooling mattress topper, best mattress for side sleepers, best memory foam mattresses, best Black Friday mattress deals, best bedding sets and the best cooling pillows. We’ve also got silk bedding, best bed frames, mattress protectors and linen bedding, plus body pillows, and pregnancy pillows to invest in if you’re expecting, sleep masks to keep the morning light at bay and pillow spray to help you nod off.
