There’s no easy way to say it – having to endure back pain day-to-day really stinks.
While it’s almost impossible to find a magic solution to treating your condition fully, getting those eight hours of shut-eye on a flimsy, unsupportive mattress isn’t going to help, either.
In fact, each night on the wrong mattress could make your bad back worse. So it’s about time to focus on a mattress that can help improve back pain for a better night’s kip.
Below is our round-up of the best options to help you do so, as well as handy promos and discount codes to shave a little money off your cosy, (supportive) new purchase.
The Original Mattress by Eve Mattress
The Original Mattress has unique contour zones to support your entire body, back included.
With breathable next generation foam and unique contour zones, the original eve sleep mattress supports your body in ways that you never knew possible. Traditional memory foam often sinks too easily – and this isn't good for your back or hips. But this model is much springier, helping to keep your spine aligned.
The Simba Hybrid Mattress by Simba Sleep
Simba's Hybrid mattress combines foam and springs for ultimate back support.
Simba's hybrid mattress, complete with a unique, patented titanium Aerocoil® spring-comfort layer is a good mix between soft memory foam on top and a firm base layer. This provides adequate support for your back, with countless customer reviews revealing improvements were noticed after just a few days.
Octasmart Plus Memory Foam Mattress by Dormeo
Powered by award winning Octaspring® aerospace technology, this mattress will transform your sleep forever.
The combination of technologies and innovative materials create outstanding performance and comfort in this mattress. Rated with a medium firmness, you can be reassured that this mattress is neither too firm or too soft, making it an excellent choice in most cases, unless a super-soft or orthopeadic feel is preferred.
Brooke Traditional Spring Mattress by Dreams
This Brooke mattress offers even support throughout the entire sleeping surface.
This traditional open spring mattress contains hourglass shaped open springs, providing you with even support over the entire sleeping area. Combined with generous layers of soft fillings, this mattress is a good all-round choice for those struggling with back pain.
The Nectar Mattress by Nectar Sleep
The Nectar Mattress consists of two foam base layers and two gel memory foam layers to ensure ultimate support and comfort.
The right memory foam mattress can work wonders for your back. That's why we've picked this model from Nectar Sleep, with an adaptive memory foam layer designed to relieve common pressure points beneath your shoulders, hips and legs. After all, better support leads to better spinal alignment, for any body type or sleep style.
The Emma Original Mattress by Emma Mattress
Advanced zoning with adaptable, temperature regulating foam perfect for your bad back.
The Emma Original is our last choice for those with bad backs – we're almost certain it will give you a restful and energising sleep. It's made to suit everybody, but those with back pain will benefit especially from the advanced zoning and adaptable foams that gently cradle your body, keeping your shoulders and hips well supported.
How can a mattress help to improve my bad back?
A mattress without support can worsen existing back pain and it’s sometimes the source of pain to begin with.
The human spine is naturally curved in three places, and your mattress needs to provide enough support to keep it aligned, yet offer enough give to avoid creating painful pressure points at these curves.
The three spinal regions to keep in mind when choosing a mattress are:
Cervical. The first of the three sections that connects your spine to your head. If you’re sleeping on the wrong pillow, you might feel pain here.
Thoracic. The middle third of your spine that supports your ribs and upper body.
Lumbar. The bottom third of your spine that supports your lower back and is often thrown out of alignment from sleeping on a sagging or unsupportive mattress.
When searching for a new bed to help relieve back pain, look for:
Support. A medium-firm mattress is ideal for back pain. It provides adequate support while cradling the natural curves of your spine.
Durability. A mattress that sags and becomes uncomfortable within a year or two isn’t going to do your back any good. Look for a bed that’s shown to stand up to years of wear and tear, without losing its supportive structure.
Sleep trial. Test out your new bed for as long as you’re able to within the trial period to make sure it doesn’t aggravate your back pain.
Pillows. Most online mattress brands also sell pillows to help with neck, back and shoulder pain. If you’re using the same pillow from high school, look into an upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Medium-firmness memory foam is a top pick for back-pain sufferers. It offers a mix of support and contours to help keep your spine aligned while you sleep.
But if you don’t like the feel of a foam mattress, try a hybrid option.
Yes. Sleep experts say that memory foam can do your back good, but it has to be the right firmness. Look for a firmness of around 5.5 to 7 on a 1 to 10 scale.
Yes. A mattress that’s too soft won’t provide enough support for your spine, which can throw it out of whack. On the other hand, a mattress that’s too firm won’t allow room for the natural curves of your spine to rest, creating uncomfortable pressure points.
Try sleeping on your back with a pillow resting under your knees to keep your spine aligned properly while you sleep.
If you prefer to sleep on your side, placing a pillow between your knees might help. For stomach sleepers, try a pillow under your stomach.
Our latest deals and discounts for mattresses
Nectar Sleep
Nectar mattress from £449
After testing optimal levels of firmness, coolness, breathability and comfort across all sleepers, Nectar engineered a single mattress to give you one thing: your best night's sleep, every night. T&Cs apply.
The Emma Original is sure to give you the most restful and energising sleep imaginable. It’s made to suit everybody and is loved by sleepers up and down the country. Try it yourself & wake up feeling truly epic. T&Cs apply.
Shop Eve Mattress' brand new, lighter version of their famous mattress! Made with just the right pressure relief, comfort and breathability. It’s heavy on quality, but lighter on price. T&Cs apply.
In two minds about the pillow for you? Don’t be. Eve is there to help you find the one that floats your boat and you will have 14 nights to make up your mind. Prices starting from as little as £39! T&Cs apply
Perfect your bedroom with furniture from Dreams! Right now get 3 for the price of 2. Choose from a wide range of bedroom furniture pieces, from bedside chests to storage boxes and accessories. T&Cs apply.
Discover versatile and comfortable bed frames including practical and stylish platform bed or luxurious headboard bed. All made to fit perfectly with a Nectar mattress for the ultimate bedroom upgrade. T&Cs apply.
Featuring the highest quality foams and made using the most advanced technologies, Emma gives you the perfect amount of pressure relief, support, and comfort. Upgrade your mattress to Emma today! T&Cs apply.
Each Emma product is delivered factory-fresh and brand-new straight to your doorstep. Shop Emma mattresses and accessories and enjoy free delivery on your order! T&Cs apply.
Now isn’t the time to worry about having to make a quick decision about whether the Emma products are perfect for you. So, relax, take your time and enjoy your new mattress with a 200-Night Trial. T&Cs apply.
Order your new mattress from Eve and have it delivered straight to your doorstep, for free. The mattress comes compressed, vacuum sealed and neatly rolled in a box. T&Cs apply.
Shop the clearance sale for amazing sleep essentials at frankly ridiculous prices. From sublimely comfortable mattresses, bed frames to nifty sleep accessories, clearance items are available while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Looking for a new mattress? Get your hands on a new double mattress with a high density comfort layer providing a soft and supportive nights sleep from Dreams for only £99. T&Cs apply.
Whether you are looking for a pocket spring or memory foam mattress, a traditional spring or gel mattress. Find your new perfect mattress from as little as £39 now at Dreams! T&Cs apply.
Treating yourself to a new mattress? Get rid of your old one quickly and easily thanks to Dreams' mattress recycling service! A service that’s fast, convenient and environmentally friendly, prices start at just £30. T&Cs apply.
Keep a cool head with the Simba Hybrid® Pillow. With space-inspired temperature regulation and adjustable height and firmness, expect sleep that's out of this world. T&Cs apply.
Your mattress comes with a 10-year guarantee. That’s how sure of its quality Emma mattresses are. Shop Emma mattress stress free with a 10 year guarantee! T&Cs apply.
Amelia is a writer for Finder, specialising in shopping, style and travel. She has several years of experience writing about all things lifestyle, including health and fitness, fashion and beauty, food and drink and travel. When she's not at work, you'll find her jetting off somewhere hot, baking sweet treats or playing football.
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