The best mattress for back pain will transform your slumber, so here are 9 top picks for 2023
Browsing for the best mattress for back pain is an admin task that might not have been on your 2023 bingo card, but niggling back pain really can chip away at your wellbeing. And we don't want that.
If you’re waking up with familiar aches and pains each morning, it could be time to consider a new mattress. You’ve researched the best memory foam mattresses, the latest pocket sprung mattresses and even the best cheap mattresses – after all, this is no small outlay. But if you’re really feeling that twinge, it’s worth thinking about a sleep surface designed specifically to support your back.
It used to be the case that only a traditional orthopaedic mattress would do. These are typically the deep, pocket sprung tufted style. But with new gen bed-in-a-box brands such as Emma, Nectar, Simba and Eve all competing for our attention, we’re now offered truly innovative, high-tech products that combine pocket springs and smart memory foam to keep our spines perfectly aligned with zero motion transfer, giving our backs the best possible support. As any chiropractor worth their salt will tell you, proper spinal alignment includes the neck, so while you’re shopping mattresses to ease your back pain, keep in mind the best pillows that will keep your spine in a neutral position as you slumber, which will in turn deliver posture correction, and alleviate neck pain, to boot.
And while the main focus of our roundup of the best mattresses for a bad back is support, our top picks include a wealth of additional benefits, too. If you’re after all-round comfort, look for mattresses that boast breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and temperature regulating technology – with heatwaves back on the agenda, it’s not just your summer duvet that will come to the rescue. These mattresses will have your back.
Meet the experts:
- Theresa Schnorbach, sleep scientist at Emma.
- Hannah Shore, sleep expert at Silentnight.
- Carlos Cobiella, consultant and sports surgeon at The Shoulder Practice.
What type of mattress is best for back pain? | Is it better to have a soft or firm mattress for back pain? | What are the benefits of a memory foam mattress for back pain? | What are the benefits of a latex mattress? | What’s the best mattress for a person with arthritis?
The best mattresses for back pain, our picks at a glance:
- Best mattress for back pain overall - Emma NextGen Premium Mattress, £659, Emma
- Best for sustainability - Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress, £695.40, Simba
- Best for temperature control - Nectar Premier Mattress, £539.60, Nectar
- Best for affordable luxury - Silentnight Eco Comfort Ortho Pocket Sprung 1400 Mattress,
£265.97, Wayfair - Best for side sleepers - Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress, £1,249, Eve
What type of mattress is best for back pain?
With so many options available, choosing the right mattress can be a minefield. But whether we go for traditional pocket springs, high-tech memory foam, or a modern hybrid style, there are quite a few variables at play, not least personal choice.
With its breathable open-cell structure, memory foam gives you important pressure relief, cleverly contouring to the shape of your body and distributing weight evenly across the entire mattress. This massively reduces any pressure points, which in turn alleviates stress on your spine, making it particularly good for back pain. But some disadvantages to consider include the initial adjustment period – some buyers report that it takes time to adapt to the feel of a memory foam mattress, and if you’re suffering acute back pain, you won’t want to wait. Memory foam mattresses can be particularly heavy, too, so if you’re already wincing in pain, you won’t want to give your back any more woes with the initial setting up, or any regular rotating that needs doing.
A hybrid mattress offers a supportive structure, combining foam layers with innerspring coils. Known for its excellent pressure relief and motion isolation, this type of mattress can be a godsend if you’ve been putting up with irritating back pain for far too long. Hybrid models tend to be great all-rounders, so if you’re struggling with your back but your partner isn’t, they’ll reap the sleep quality benefits, too, including preventative care. Due to their complex makeup and mix of materials, hybrid mattresses often come with a higher price tag, so if you’re looking to treat your back pain in the immediate, you may have to wait to save up your pennies.
Designed specifically for treating back pain, a traditional pocket sprung orthopaedic mattress is engineered to support the natural curvature of the spine. This type is known to provide much needed relief for targeted problems, such as the upper back, lumbar, or for lower back pain. Also known for their firmness, these mattresses prevent the body from sinking too deeply, ensuring the spine remains properly aligned. That said, a firmer mattress is not to everyone’s taste, and some may find it uncomfortable and a bit restrictive when it comes to moving around in bed.
“When looking at choosing a mattress to support with back pain, there’s no one type which performs better, as everyone has different shapes and sizes, and everyone requires different levels of support” says Silentnight’s Hannah Shore. It’s not only body size and weight that should determine the best mattress for our aching back, but our regular sleeping style, too. Front sleepers take note! “Back pain can be caused when your mattress fails to hold your spine in the proper alignment, leading to your back being put under undue pressure”, says Theresa Schnorbach at Emma. “Generally speaking, sleeping on your back or side are the best options as both of these positions are less taxing on your spine than sleeping on your stomach. However, your sleep position will have a big impact on which mattress type will best support you.”
Is it better to have a soft or firm mattress for back pain?
As a general rule of thumb, mattresses on the firmer end of the scale tend to give the bestsupport for those suffering with aching bones, while a softer mattress won’t give you enough
support. That said, most contemporary bed-in-a-box brands have hit the sweet spot with a
medium-firm mattress that gives you the best of both worlds, whether you’re an existing back
pain sufferer, or you’re after more preventative care. On mattress firmness, Hannah says, “It’s
important to have proper spinal alignment while you sleep, to keep your muscles relaxed and
to allow your spine to recover after the day. The wrong level of support can affect your spinal
alignment and cause aches and pains.”
What are the benefits of a memory foam mattress for back pain?
Memory foam is known to perfectly adapt to your body shape as you sleep, it gently hugs you
in all the right places, giving you pressure point relief, which leads to correct spinal alignment
and of course soothing pressure relief. It’s little wonder it’s the go-to for many back pain
sufferers. Brands like Emma are always keen to show us the technology behind the mattress
makeup, often with multiple layers of smart, innovative, high-performance foam. “Memory
foam mattresses are a popular choice and are perfect for side sleepers as they offer maximum
support for proper spinal alignment”, says Theresa. “If you like a firm mattress with a high
level of support I would recommend a high-density foam mattress – this will prevent you from
getting that ‘sinking in’ feeling.”
On the subject of memory foam, Hannah says, “A mattress with a foam core can be zoned and moulds to the contours of your body. However, memory foam as a comfort layer, that sits on top of the spring or foam support unit, offers different benefits.” This of course, is where hybrid mattresses come in – it’s often the springs that are doing the hard work with tailored support while you’re giving it Z’s, but an additional memory foam layer can also relieve pressure and reduce motion transfer.
What are the benefits of a latex mattress?
To take it back to its natural form for a moment, latex is a white milky substance derived from the sap of a rubber tree. But as a mattress component it works in much the same way as memory foam, boasting malleable properties, giving you a durable and supportive sleep surface. The material is also known for its motion isolation and is especially beneficial for pain relief. “Latex mattresses offer a balance of support and cushioning, and they are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mould”, explains Carlos Cobiella from The Shoulder Practice. “Some hybrid mattresses have a layer of latex on top, which can provide pressure relief, while the coil system offers support and breathability.” It’s worth noting that while latex typically outperforms memory foam in the long run, latex mattresses can be significantly more expensive. After all, this coveted substance is known in some parts of the world as ‘white gold’.
What’s the best mattress for a person with arthritis?
Common back pain is one thing, but if you’re dealing with arthritis, a condition that affects the joints, finding a mattress to give you the best possible support and pressure relief is vital. “When it comes to choosing a mattress for arthritis, there are a few factors to consider”, says Carlos. “The best mattress for arthritis will provide proper support, pressure relief, and comfort. Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to contour to the body’s shape, providing excellent support and pressure relief, and they can help alleviate joint pain associated with arthritis by reducing pressure points. Latex mattresses are another good option for arthritis sufferers. While the ideal firmness level varies depending on personal preference, most arthritis sufferers find medium-firm to firm mattresses more comfortable as these provide a balance of support and cushioning without sinking too much. You could also consider pairing your mattress with an adjustable bed frame.”
The best mattresses for back pain 2023:
Specifications -
- Best for: Temperature control.
- Sizes available: UK single, UK double, UK king, UK super king.
- Depth: 28cm.
- Type: Memory foam.
- Support level: Medium-firm.
- Guarantee: Forever.
- Sleep trial: 356 nights.
- Needs rotating or turning? No turning, rotate every 3 months.
- Delivery lead time: 2 days.
Not all memory foam mattresses are created equal. This six-layered number boasts precision engineering. With its dynamic support layer, its pressure relieving memory foam, and its honeycomb micro-zoned transition layer, there’s a lot going on underneath that soft quilted cover. The Nectar Premium’s main selling point is that it provides excellent support, cleverly adapting to any body shape or weight as we sleep. When it comes to back pain, then, it keeps the spine perfectly aligned and the body in a good postural position, which is vital for preventative care, soothing existing aches and pains, and of course, the healing process. Add to that intelligent cooling properties with heat-wicking technology and you have supreme comfort all-round. Particularly impressive is Nectar’s forever warranty (on top of the generous trial period), giving you total peace of mind when you’re hunting for your perfect mattress.
Pros: Deeper than most.
Cons: None of note.
Customers are saying: “This is the comfiest mattress I’ve ever slept on. Before, I was so uncomfortable with body aches, now I actually wake up like I’ve slept!”
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Specifications -
- Best for: Sustainability.
- Sizes available: UK single, UK small double, UK double, EU double, EU queen, UK king, UK super king.
- Depth: 28cm.
- Type: Hybrid springs and foam.
- Support level: Medium-firm.
- Guarantee: 10 years.
- Sleep trial: 200 nights.
- Needs rotating or turning? No turning, rotate every month for the first 3 months, and every 3-6 months after that.
- Delivery lead time: Next working day before 2pm; 2 working days after 2pm.
If you’re after a back-saving mattress with a conscience, the Hybrid Pro is crafted from 100 per cent recyclable materials, it boasts carbon neutral delivery, and for an extra £40, Simba will take away your old mattress and dispose of it responsibly. We’ll sleep soundly knowing all of this but what does the mattress do for back pain relief, exactly? Engineered for optimum comfort, the Hybrid Pro consists of seven high-tech layers including a layer of literally thousands of tiny, titanium Aerocoil springs that offer both support and increased airflow. The pocketed springs individually flex and compress, absorbing impact when you move around in bed. What’s more, the base layers of foam boast zoned support that keeps your body perfectly aligned, whichever sleep position you find comfiest, with extra cushioning for the shoulders and lower back.
Pros: Breathable, anti-allergy, zero motion transfer, sustainable.
Cons: None of note.
Customers are saying: “The level of comfort is out of this world! My aches and pains are definitely diminishing. A top mattress.”
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
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Specifications -
- Best for: Affordable luxury.
- Sizes available: UK single, UK small double, UK double, UK king, UK super king.
- Depth: 24.5cm.
- Type: Pocket springs.
- Support level: Firm.
- Guarantee: 5 years.
- Sleep trial: 100 nights.
- Needs rotating or turning? No turning, rotate regularly.
- Delivery lead time: 1 week.
Boasting targeted edge-to-edge support, this orthopaedic mattress allows you to really spread out in comfort with no sinking or sagging in the middle, and no motion transfer, either. It features Silentnight’s Mirapocket spring system with 1,400 pocket springs responding individually to your body weight, while zoning across the entire mattress for superior spinal alignment and all-over body support. This one’s definitely on the firmer end of the scale, which will appeal to those with ongoing aches and pains. Traditionally hand-tufted, the mattress looks and feels every bit luxurious – you wouldn’t know its eco comfort fibres are actually made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles. The sustainable material is also refreshingly breathable, encouraging natural airflow and ultimately keeping you perfectly comfortable throughout the night.
Pros: Affordable, luxurious look and feel, eco-friendly makeup, comes in a small double.
Cons: None from us!
Customers are saying: “The mattress is firm and does not sink in the middle, which is exactly what we wanted. It’s deep and well padded, which is exactly what I need for my back.”
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
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Specifications -
- Best for: Chronic back pain sufferers.
- Sizes available: UK single, UK double, UK king, UK super king.
- Depth: 30cm.
- Type: Pocket springs.
- Support level: Extra firm.
- Guarantee: 10 years.
- Sleep trial: No.
- Needs rotating or turning? Yes, turn and rotate weekly for the first 3 months, then every 3 months.
- Delivery lead time: 1 week.
Choosing the right support level is no mean feat – one person’s soft is another person’s medium, while some mediums can feel decidedly firm for others. It is, indeed, a subjective science. M&S doesn’t hold back with this orthopaedic mattress, however, labelling it not only firm but extra firm. It features 1,500 pocket springs that work independently, responding to the contours of your body, which massively reduces motion transfer – music to the ears of long-suffering bed sharers. While the mattress is of the traditional pocket sprung style, it does feature two memory foam layers for extra comfort, as well as a mix of recycled materials, including textiles donated to the M&S Schwopping scheme – who knew that old floral dress would end up in a luxe mattress? Clearly, this one’s going to be too hard for some but if you are suffering with chronic back pain that sees no sign of easing up, you’ll be grateful for its firm support.
Pros: Extra support, firm feel, sustainably made, no motion transfer.
Cons: Weekly turning and rotating is high maintenance, firmness not for everyone.
Customers are saying: “This is a very supportive mattress. I can’t feel my partner move in the night. For the money, it’s top quality and very comfortable.”
GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Specifications -
- Best for: Back pain sufferers on a budget.
- Sizes available: UK single, UK double, UK king, UK super king.
- Depth: 25cm.
- Type: Hybrid springs and foam.
- Support level: Medium-firm.
- Guarantee: 1 year.
- Sleep trial: 100 nights.
- Needs rotating or turning? No turning, rotate regularly.
- Delivery lead time: 3-7 working days.
Offering the best of both worlds, this hybrid mattress comprises four premium layers including memory foam and individually wrapped and heat tempered pocket springs. It is designed to keep the body in an optimum sleeping position, giving you tailored support right where you need it. For back pain sufferers, this of course helps with proper spinal alignment, whilst easing any pressure on your aching bones. The modern mattress features a comfy, soft knitted outer layer that can be easily whipped off and washed thanks to its discreet zip. The outer fabric is also pleasingly breathable and anti-allergy. And like most medium-firm hybrid mattresses of its ilk, this one offers great edge-to-edge support with very little motion transfer. It might be considerably cheaper than an Emma or a Nectar or an Eve, but don’t be put off: we know and love Dusk for its affordable but high-quality homewares.
Pros: Tailored support, comes vacuum packed for easy delivery, excellent value.
Cons: Delivery is extra.
Customers are saying: “Amazing value and so comfortable, I’ve had it now for over a month
and haven’t slept so well in years!”
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Specifications -
- Best: Overall.
- Sizes available: UK single, UK small double, UK double, EU double, EU queen, UK king, UK super king.
- Depth: 25cm.
- Type: Hybrid springs and foam.
- Support level: Medium-firm.
- Guarantee: 10 years.
- Sleep trial: 200 nights.
- Needs rotating or turning? No turning, rotate every 3 months.
- Delivery lead time: 1-3 business days.
While Emma’s NextGen Premium mattress is a godsend for existing back pain sufferers, it goes a long way in preventative care, too. This is thanks to its thoughtful design and innovative makeup: think six layers of high-tech springs and foam, and seven dedicated zones to keep your spine perfectly aligned as you sleep. The hybrid mattress is topped with a Halo memory foam that adapts to the contours of your body and gently cradles your shoulders and hips, ultimately giving you that sweet spot between comfort and support. This one comes in a tiny box – but don’t panic, you haven’t accidently ordered the single for your king size bed; the way it unfolds and puffs up is a feat of engineering that needs to be seen to be believed. This award-winning mattress also boasts impressive eco-credentials, making it kinder to the planet, and your poor back.
Pros: Boasts temperature regulation for hot sleepers, sustainably made, removable, washable cover, comprehensive range of sizes, minimal packaging allows for easy delivery.
Cons: Very heavy, difficult for one person to manoeuvre.
Customers are saying: “The mattress feels properly supportive, I’m not waking up each morning with that old familiar pain in my joints. I’m also sleeping longer and don’t feel the need to turn so often.”
GLAMOUR star rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Specifications -
- Best for: Traditional orthopaedic support.
- Sizes available: UK single, UK double, UK king, UK super king.
- Depth: 30cm.
- Type: Pocket springs.
- Support level: Medium-firm.
- Guarantee: 7 years.
- Sleep trial: 60 nights.
- Needs rotating or turning? No turning, rotate regularly.
- Delivery lead time: 3 working days.
There’s always an argument to be made for ‘if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it’, which is why this traditional orthopaedic pocket sprung mattress will appeal to many. And unlike most modern all rounders, this one’s been specifically crafted to help with back problems and offers a suitable level of firmness. The mattress boasts a layer of zoned pocket springs designed to keep your spine perfectly supported throughout the night. The springs work by reacting individually to your body’s specific shape and weight, giving you exactly the right amount of support you need, exactly where you need it. Think of it as a bespoke sleep surface that knows your vital statistics – and reads your bathroom scales. This tailored support system aims to keep you in the neutral position, posture wise, not only easing aches and pains, but aiding in recovery, too.
Pros: Extra deep for greater support, old mattress recycling available, made with some recycled plastics.
Cons: Standard fitted sheets can ping off in the night.
Customers are saying: “It’s supportive and really comfortable, so much better than my previous soft mattress. I’m getting a better night’s sleep and waking up feeling less stiff.”
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
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Specifications -
- Best for: Side sleepers.
- Sizes available: UK double, UK king, UK super king.
- Depth: 28cm.
- Type: Hybrid springs and foam.
- Support level: Medium-firm.
- Guarantee: 10 years.
- Sleep trial: 365 nights.
- Needs rotating or turning? No turning, rotate now and again.
- Delivery lead time: 3 business days.
With over 1,500 pocket springs and five layers of innovative foam, Eve’s Premium Hybrid is a dream to dive into, or rather, onto – there’s no sagging in the middle of this high-tech, high- performance model. Where most hybrid mattresses feature half size, mini, or even micro springs, this one brags full-size (namely 12cm) pocket springs that offer optimum support, and adapt to your body as it moves. Amongst the foam layers is the all-important support layer, which is a thicker, denser, hard-working memory foam that keeps your spine aligned as you slumber. This one promises ultimate comfort and support for any kind of sleeper, whether you tend to sleep on your back, side, front, or as a contorted starfish because you haven’t got the heart to kick your dog off the bed. That said, a side sleeper specifically needs good shoulder and hip support and the Premium Hybrid comes up trumps here. Suffice to say, the best possible posture will lead to an improvement in any back niggles.
Pros: Features full-size pocket springs, deeper than most mattresses, excellent support.
Cons: No single option available.
Customers are saying: “While the top layers are incredibly soft and comfy, we’d definitely say it leans towards the firmer end of the scale and it delivers good pressure relief.”
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Specifications -
- Best for: Freshness and breathability.
- Sizes available: UK single, UK double, UK king, UK super king.
- Depth: 28cm.
- Type: Hybrid springs and foam.
- Support level: Medium.
- Guarantee: 10 years.
- Sleep trial: 100 night trial.
- Needs rotating or turning? No turning, rotate once a month for the first 6 months.
- Delivery lead time: 3-7 working days.
If you want to talk numbers, OTTY’s most innovative mattress boasts an impressive 4,000 encapsulated pocket springs, which are spilt across two layers, helping to reduce any movement felt when sharing a bed. In fact, its zero motion transfer is its main selling point, giving back pain sufferers sweet relief at night time. The Pure+ has a 5cm foam base, two layers of high-density support foam, and a top layer of breathable and temperature regulating memory foam to bring you ultimate comfort – the perforated layers allow for maximum air flow and breathability. An added bonus is that the memory foam is infused with both bamboo and charcoal. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, as well as being one of the most sustainable materials on Earth, while charcoal boasts odour and moisture-wicking properties, keeping you, and the mattress, as fresh as a daisy.
Pros: Zero motion transfer, boasts natural materials, breathable and cooling.
Cons: Nothing to report.
Customers are saying: “This is an excellent mattress. It’s cooling, it effectively isolates movement, and it strikes a great balance between softness and support.”
GLAMOUR star rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
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Fancy yourself a browse of our other bedding round ups? Check out our selections of the best bed sheets, the best bedding sets and the best cooling pillows. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Lucy Smith follow her on Instagram @luceeeeesmith.
