How to Chose the Best Mattress for Back Pain
Sleeping with back pain can be unbearable, whether you suffer from chronic pain or have a pulled muscle your mattress may be making it worse. Back pain is one of the most common sleep-related complaints so having the right mattress is essential to prevent or aid this. The right mattress makes a world of difference – having a mattress that supports proper spine alignment can relax your muscles, helping you get a better night's sleep. With so many mattresses out there how do you know which one is the right fit for you? In this blog, we’ll be breaking down the best mattresses and features to look out for to provide relief when it comes to back pain. We want to ensure you wake up every day feeling refreshed - you can check out our other top tips for getting a good night’s sleep here.
Why Mattress Choice Matters for Back Pain
Choosing the right mattress isn’t just about comfort—it plays a crucial role in managing and preventing back pain. Having a mattress that’s too firm or too soft can impact spinal alignment and cause extra strain on your back. Your best bet is going for a firmness somewhere in the middle to ensure full support. A mattress too firm will push against your spine while one too soft will not provide any pressure relief. Proper spinal alignment is essential to allow your muscles to relax and recover while sleeping as pressure relief helps minimise tension in sensitive areas of the body like your hips, neck and lower back. Your sleeping position also plays a role in choosing the best mattress for you, side sleepers tend to need more cushioning while back and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to maintain a neutral spine. For more tips on the best mattress for side sleepers be sure to check out our blog.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Mattress for Back Pain
Firmness & Support
The ideal firmness level for you can depend on many things, your body type, weight and sleeping position. Someone heavier may opt for a firmer mattress that offers solid support without sagging, while lighter sleepers may find that exact mattress too stiff. The key is to find a firmness that maintains proper spinal alignment – too soft will sink your hips and too firm will prevent your shoulders and lower back from getting the pressure relief they need. We recommend a medium firmness as it has a balance that supports your body’s natural curves while keeping your spine in a neutral position while you sleep.
Spinal Alignment & Pressure Relief
One of the most important elements in choosing a mattress for back pain is how well it supports spinal alignment and relieves pressure. Choosing a good orthopaedic mattress promotes a healthy posture no matter what position you sleep in. When choosing a mattress look for one that offers contouring support, this means it will adapt to your body’s curves and supports pressure-sensitive areas like the shoulders, hips and lower back. Choosing a mattress that has contour support results in even weight distribution and a reduced chance of waking up with back pain.
Materials That Matter
The materials inside your mattress affect how well it supports your back and neck as different materials offer different levels of support. For example, memory foam is known for its ability to conform to your body’s shape relieving pressure points, while latex provides more responsiveness and durable support while keeping you cool throughout the night. Then we have hybrid mattresses that combine the best of both materials with pocketed coils for sturdy support and foam or latex layers for targeted relief. Choosing one of these three mattresses can make a real difference in preventing and aiding back and neck pain.
Sleep Position Compatibility
Your preferred sleep position plays a role in finding the right mattress to relieve back pain. Side sleepers often feel pressure in their shoulder and hips so they need a medium to medium-soft mattress to reduce pressure points in these areas. Back sleepers benefit from a slightly firmer mattress as they need one that supports the natural curve of their spine without sagging. Picking a mattress best suited to your sleep position can provide pain relief and ensure a good night’s sleep.
Top Mattress Types for Back Pain Relief
Memory Foam
Memory foam is often considered the best mattress for a sore back as it conforms to your body’s natural shape giving excellent pressure relief. Our Caoimhe Mattress features a high-quality pocket spring system providing individual support to each part of your body, ensuring pressure relief and enhanced spinal alignment ensuring a supportive night’s sleep.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are a popular choice for those dealing with back pain thanks to their natural support and long-lasting durability. Our Cool Harmony Mattress features an eco-friendly layer of natural latex which offers a responsive yet supportive surface that moulds to your body to provide pressure relief and exceptional comfort.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are a top choice for those seeking both support and comfort, especially when dealing with back pain. By combining the sturdy foundation of innerspring coils with the contouring comfort of foam or latex layers, hybrids offer a balanced sleep surface that promotes proper spinal alignment while relieving pressure points.
Matching Your Mattress to Your Pain Type
Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
When it comes to easing lower back pain, the right combination of firmness and targeted support is key. Medium- firm mattresses are often recommended like our Bantry Ortho. Look out for mattresses with zoned support, which are designed to offer extra reinforcement where your body needs it most, especially under the lower back and hips. This can help reduce strain on the lower back while you sleep.
Best Mattress for Back and Neck Pain
If you suffer from both back and neck pain you need to pick a mattress and pillow that can work together to support proper alignment for your whole body. A mattress that promotes spinal neutrality helps reduce stress on the back, while the right pillow keeps the neck aligned with the rest of the spine. For back sleepers, a medium-firm mattress paired with a pillow that supports the natural curve of the neck can provide excellent balance. Side sleepers may benefit from a slightly softer mattress to cushion the shoulders and hips, along with a thicker pillow that fills the gap between the neck and shoulder.
Best Mattress for Back Problems
If you do suffer from chronic back pain you should seek medical advice from a healthcare professional. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, can help you identify the type of support your back truly needs. While many people benefit from medium-firm mattresses that promote spinal alignment, specific conditions like herniated discs or sciatica may require more tailored support.
How to Make Your Mattress Work for You
Pairing with the Right Pillow
While choosing the right mattress is crucial, the right pillow is just as important – particularly for relieving neck and upper back pain. The right mattress and pillow combined helps maintain the natural curve of your neck and keeps your spine aligned.
Mattress Toppers for Extra Support
If you feel like your current mattress isn’t giving you the support you need, a mattress topper can be an effective way to enhance your sleep. If you cannot afford a new mattress buying a memory foam mattress topper can contour to the body and ease tension in your back. A medium-firm topper can be great for those with back pain as it will provide the extra lift to reduce sagging and support your lower back.
Adjusting Your Sleep Position
Your sleep position can either ease or aggravate back pain. Small changes to your sleep position can make a huge difference in providing pain relief. For example, sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees can help maintain the spine’s natural curve and reduce pressure on the lower back. Side sleepers can benefit from placing a pillow between their knees to keep the hips aligned and prevent twisting the spine. Stomach sleeping, though common, tends to strain the neck and lower back—if it’s your go-to position, consider using a very thin pillow or none at all to reduce stress on your spine.
Des Kelly Interiors: Your Sleep Experts
Choosing the right mattress for back pain can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, it becomes a powerful step toward better night’s sleep. Understanding how firmness, sleep position and mattress materials impact your sleep is crucial to relieve back pain. Whether you opt for memory foam, latex, or a hybrid model, the key is finding a mattress that supports spinal alignment and relieves pressure in the right places Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we have 50+ years of experience in flooring, beds, carpets and more, helping customers across Ireland sleep more comfortably. We have a wide range of mattresses available online and in-store to suit every sleeper. Speak to one of our sleep experts in-store to find the perfect mattress for you. Contact us today.
FAQs
Can a new mattress cause back pain?
Yes, a new mattress can cause back pain, especially during the initial adjustment period. If the firmness level or support doesn’t match your body’s needs, it may lead to temporary discomfort or worsen existing pain.
Is a firm mattress always best for back pain?
No, a firm mattress isn’t always best for back pain—it depends on your body type and sleep position. Medium-firm mattresses often provide the right balance of support and pressure relief for most people.
What’s the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain?
The best mattress for side sleepers with back pain is a medium to medium-soft mattress that cushions the shoulders and hips while supporting spinal alignment. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses with pressure-relieving layers work especially well.