What is the Best Mattress for a Bad Back?

For those of you who suffer with aches and pains and find yourself waking up like a bear with a sore head, and a bad back of a morning, choosing the best mattress for a bad back is really important. In addition to the materials that the product is made from, you also need to consider the thickness, firmness and whether it offers sufficient support. To help you make the right decision here are some points to consider in the quest for your perfect night’s sleep.

Why Sleep is so Important for Bad Backs

In addition to feeling really tired due to lack of sleep caused by the back pain that you are experiencing, the fact that your body is not getting enough rest, will only serve to antagonise the problem and leave you feeling grizzly. Your body needs sufficient rest in order to recover and your back needs to be correctly aligned when you sleep so that the damage has a chance to repair itself. As we spend so much of our time in bed, having the correct support is critical. Choosing the best mattress for a bad back will help your back recover and make your day much more bearable.

Ascertain the cause of back pain 

There are many things that can cause back pain. Perhaps you are suffering from an injury or maybe you have a job that involves heavy lifting that puts a constant stress and strain on your back. Maybe it is an unexplained pain that you are seeking medical attention for or maybe it has just been caused by sleeping on something that is not offering the right support. Knowing the cause of the issue will help you to make the right choice when buying the best mattress for a bad back.

How to choose the best mattress for a bad back

The most important part of ensuring that you can rest properly is choosing the right mattress. We take a look at the essentials of choosing the one that will help you get the best night’s sleep:

  • Your weight
  • The type of back pain you are suffering from
  • Thickness of the mattress
  • Material and structure including contouring materials
  • Firmness – for most people, the firmer the better
  • Your preferred sleep position
  • Whether it is pocket-sprung and if these springs are the right size

Many bed retailers will tell you that a specific type of mattress is perfect for bad backs, the truth is that everyone is different and the type that you will need will depend on your own personals circumstances including your size, weight and the kind of pain you are suffering from. As a rule of thumb, you want to choose something that is medium-firm.

What is an Orthopaedic Mattress?

While you may see the term ‘orthopaedic’ and assume that this must be what you need, don’t be fooled by the shop salesmen that will tell you it is the perfect choice for back sufferers (they’re not trained chiropractors). When they state orthopaedic, they are generally just referring to the firmest mattress that they offer. In fact, it is a common way to describe the firmness.

Something that Contours to Your Body

Choosing a mattress that contours to your body and supports you as you move is the best option. If you are someone who moves about in the night, struggling to get comfortable, you will probably find that something contoured helps you to stay in one place. This way you will be more supported assisting with a better night's sleep. 

Pocket Springs – The Scientific Bit

Bear with us while we explain what you should be looking for in a pocket spring mattress. You have probably seen the term ‘pocket-sprung’ used by many bed retailers. Usually it’s to shout about how great this detail is however this doesn’t mean anything unless you know how big the springs are, how they are constructed and how many of them there are. These smaller springs are far less effective than sturdy, well-constructed ones that are properly placed to offer the best lumbar support. You also don’t want to feel like you are sleeping on springs as this really will make you grumpy. Do your research and find out more about the construction of the pocket sprung mattress before you make your decision. 

If you suffer from a bad back and would like help and advice with choosing a mattress, we will be happy to help. You can come along to our showroom and test out the mattresses for yourself to find out which is the most comfortable before you buy. 

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