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 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 Budget
Mattresses
3
Best Memory Foam
Mattresses
4
Best Hybrid
Mattresses
5
Best Pocket Spring
Mattresses
6
Best Latex
Mattresses
7
Best For Lower Back Pain
Best Overall: Emma NextGen Premium Mattress
For our number one pick, we had to go with the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress!
Best Overall
The Emma Premium Hybrid Mattress was already one of the best mattresses when it came to dealing with back pain. However, the Emma NextGen lived up to its name and managed to significantly improve on this aspect.
The first thing you're likely to notice is that this mattress has very tall, sturdy pocket springs. Standing at 18cm (6 more than the Premium Hybrid), this one change made the mattress a lot more breathable and allowed it to be even more supportive than before.
Plus, you still get the Halo memory foam on top, which easily contours to your body and offers pressure relief to your back, hips, and joints.
Lastly, the cover is both nice to the touch and machine washable, meaning it's easy to keep things clean and fresh.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Hybrid
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Double, EU Queen
- Removable cover: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years
- Trial: 200 nights
Advantages
Supportive
The extra large pocket springs offer premium support.
Very breathable
You don't have to worry about the foam trapping heat.
Great value
One of the cheaper premium mattresses.
Disadvantages
Slight motion transfer
Nothing too severe but still present.
Best Budget: Vesgantti Pro Hybrid Mattress
The Vesgantti Pro Hybrid is a ‘cheap’ mattress that feels premium!
Best Budget
The Vesgantii Pro Hybrid offers full-body support and unparalleled comfort in its price range.
As you can tell by the name, we have a hybrid mattress on our hands, which means you can expect solid support from the coils, as well as a comfortable feel from the outer layer of memory foam.
Regardless of the price tag, you can expect this one to last a long time, since Vesgantii prides itself on using quality materials while selling its products at entry-level prices. On the firmness scale, this one sits at around 5.5/10 as a medium firm mattress, which is not quite ideal for everyone, but is still quite good, especially for side sleepers suffering from back pain.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Hybrid
- Size: Single, Small Single, Double, Small Double, UK King, Super King
- Removable cover: No
- Warranty: 10 years
- Trial: 100 days
Advantages
Highly comfortable
Individual pocketed coils deliver superb comfort and support zones.
Breathable
The egg-shaped foam layers ensures enough air circulation to prevent overheating.
Great quality-price ratio
The price you pay for the quality you get is a bargain.
Disadvantages
Too soft for stomach sleepers
Front sleepers will find it too soft.
Non-removable cover
The cover is not removable.
Best Memory Foam: Emma Original Mattress
The Emma Original is widely considered to be one of the greatest memory foam mattresses in the world – at least in our books!
Best Memory Foam
The Emma Original mattress has been the synonym for comfort for quite some time now. This mattress is composed of three individual layers of foam – ‘Airgocell' foam, memory foam and a firm, foam base layer.
These layers allow the Emma mattress to be both excellent in terms of support and back pain relief, which makes it ideal for someone struggling with back problems.
We'd give it 6.5/10 in terms of the level of firmness, which is just the ‘sweet spot' for every sleeping position. Also, you get a 200-night trial money-back guarantee as well as a 10-year warranty when you purchase this one.
And 200 nights is more than enough time to see whether your back problems have gone away or not. So, we'd say that this is an extremely safe choice.
Read our review of the Emma Original Mattress to learn more.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Memory foam
- Size: Single, EU Single, Small Double, Double, EU Double, Queen, King, Super King
- Removable cover: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years
- Trial: 200 nights
Advantages
Good for all sleepers
Regardless of your sleep position, you'll find it comfortable.
Pressure relieving
3 foam layers ensure superb pressure point relief.
Great quality-price ratio
In terms of quality and the price tag, this one is affordable, yet high quality.
Disadvantages
Slight off-gassing
There is a slight off-gassing upon unpacking.
Slight overheating problems
There might be some overheating issues, especially with hot sleepers.
Best Hybrid: Simba Hybrid Original Mattress
One of the finest products to come out of this award-winning company.
Best Hybrid
The Simba Hybrid Original mattress could just be the best hybrid mattress on the market, at least at this price point.
It should not come as a surprise this is one of the best-selling mattresses . It’s remarkably comfortable, offers great back support and what’s even more important – keeps the pain away.
The outer foam layer is gentle on your body, while the cone-shaped micro springs offer much-needed stability and firmness. As far as firmness goes, we'd give it a 5.5.
So, once again, the perfect level of firm support and soft comfort for most side sleepers that are suffering from back pain.
You can read our review of Simba Hybrid mattress to learn more about this product.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Hybrid
- Size: Single, Double, Small Double, King, Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU Queen, Kids
- Removable cover: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years
- Trial: 1 year
Advantages
Motion isolating
A great pick for couples and restless sleepers as there is no motion transfer.
Supportive & comfortable
The Simba Sleep Aerocoil micro springs layer keeps your spine aligned – which is exactly what you want from the best hybrid mattress.
Removable cover
The hypoallergenic cover is removable and washable.
Disadvantages
Lack of side handles
The lack of side handles makes turning harder.
Best Pocket Spring: Tennyson 4000 Pocket Sprung Orthopaedic Mattress
If you're sick of hybrid mattresses and want a proper, sturdy pocket spring model, the Tennyson 4000 is perfect for you!
Best Pocket Spring
As the name suggests, the Tennyson 4000 is an orthopaedic mattress, meaning that fighting back pain is its main job. And we'd say it excells in this department!
For one, with two layers of high-quality pocket springs, you won't be lacking support regardless of how you sleep. And the padded tops will offer a bit of extra comfort to help you fall asleep faster.
Plus, the Tennyson 4000 goes all out when it comes to the filling. With a mix of wool and cashmere, you're getting the premium sleeping experience. This is because these fillings help you stay cool and comfortable.
And with even the covers utilising cotton, you shouldn't have any complaints when it comes to the feeling of your sleeping surface.
To learn more, read our full review of the Tennyson 4000 Pocket Sprung Orthopaedic mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Pocket spring
- Size: Small Single, Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Removable cover: No
- Warranty: 5 years
- Trial: N/A
Advantages
Very durable
This mattress was made to last.
Temperature regulating
The wool filling helps keep you at an optimal sleeping temperature.
2 layers of pocket springs
This number of springs ensures top-notch support.
Disadvantages
No trial
You can't test the mattress before fully committing.
Best Latex: Octaspring 9500 Latex Memory Foam Mattress
Are latex mattresses the best when it comes to dealing with back pain? Well, this one might be!
Best Latex
The beauty of latex is that it offers the sense of pressure relief memory foam mattresses are known for while also being a bit firmer and bouncier. Combine these features together and you get a back-pain-relieving machine!
While's Dormeo's Octaspring 9500 isn't a very budget-friendly mattress, it definitely doesn't hold back when it comes to performance. For one, their innovative Octaspring design has foam springs throughout the mattress that offer a new form of comfort.
And these foam springs are also strategically placed, with firmer foam springs being in charge of supporting your hips while softer springs controur to your head and limbs.
Not to mention that these multiple foam spring layers are also supported by a lavishly thick latex layer that adds even more support into the mix! And that this construction also means a high level of breathability.
In other words, while it has a premium price, this mattress does also offer the premium sleeping experience.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Latex
- Size: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Removable cover: Yes
- Warranty: 20 years
- Trial: 60 night
Advantages
Back support
The mattress features top-notch back support.
Very breathable
You shouldn't experience any overheating issues.
Latex
The mattress features a thick, supportive latex layer.
Disadvantages
Expensive
Expensive when compared to similar products.
Best For Lower Back Pain: Inofia Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
If you were looking for some of the best mattresses for your lower back pain (and upper back pain – if you ask us), you will love the Inofia Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress.
Best For Lower Back Pain
This mattress has everything you need to alleviate your back pain – layers of firm pocket springs to align your spine, premium memory foam to relieve pressure and a skin-friendly cover that will not keep you tossing and turning during the night.
This is a 7-zoned support system, orthopaedic mattress that will offer firm support not only to your back but also to your head, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles.
Plus, it's worth pointing out that this is one of the most affordable mattresses we've featured! So, if you think that spending over 1000 pounds on a mattress is going to get rid of your back pain but result in quite a few headaches, the Inofia mattress might be the better move.
And if you don't believe us, just read a few of the reviews, and you're sure to see just how much value this mattress brings to the table!
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Hybrid
- Size: Single, Double, Small Double, King, Super King
- Removable cover: No
- Warranty: 10 year
- Trial: 100 night
Advantages
Amazing for relieving back pain
This mattress is on the firmer side – perfect for those who suffer from back pain.
Allows airflow
Even though this mattress is thick, its multiple layers offer great air circulation.
Amazing value
This mattress is both affordable and high-quality, which is a rare combination.
Disadvantages
Non-removable cover
You cannot remove the cover.
Needs 72 hours to fully expand
You will need to wait for a couple of days to sleep on this mattress.
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. However, none of this is an exact science and the only way to identify the right mattress for you is to test it out.
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?
Another thing that is directly tied to how comfortable and relaxing the mattress will be is your sleeping position. Depending on your sleeping position, you'll enjoy a certain material or firmness – some more some less. In general, people are either stomach sleepers, side sleepers or back sleepers. Each of these positions requires a different level of firmness for optimal comfort.
- 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. However, 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. 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.
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.
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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