Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Mattresses for bad back

Key Takeaway: Which Mattress For Back Pain?

Short answer: Most people with back pain do best on a medium-firm to firm mattress that keeps the spine in a neutral position and stops the hips from sinking too deeply.

Why it works: Back pain often worsens when the lower back falls out of alignment during sleep. A supportive mattress lifts the hips, maintains a level spine, and still cushions the shoulders so the body stays properly aligned throughout the night.

Best material: A hybrid or orthopaedic mattress with pocket springs and a quality comfort layer. The springs provide structure and lift, while the comfort layers reduce pressure across the shoulders and lower back.

Best sleeping position: Back sleeping with a small pillow under the knees or side sleeping with a pillow between the legs to keep the hips level and reduce strain on the lumbar region.

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What to Avoid

Very soft mattresses that let the midsection dip and twist the lower back, and very firm mattresses that create pressure points and limit natural spinal settling.

The Detailed Answer

For those of us in Ireland who suffer with chronic discomfort, finding the best mattress for back pain is essential for a restful night's sleep.

While a new bed will not solve every medical issue, the right choice can significantly relieve pressure, improve spinal alignment, and offer the comfort needed for deep rest.

Generally, the best mattress for back pain is one that maintains neutral spinal alignment. For most sufferers, this means a medium-firm to firm orthopaedic mattress that prevents your hips from sinking too low while still cushioning your shoulders.

Since every back is different, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Building on our best mattress buying guide, we have selected the top mattress types below that are specifically designed to target lower and upper back pain.

Man With Back Pain

Types of Back Pain

There are many different types of back pain, with different causes. Identifying the type of back ache you suffer from will help you to work out what mattress type is best for you.

Lower Back Pain

Often caused by injury, sprains, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, suffering a fall, or a lack of lumbar support during sleep.

Upper Back Pain

Can be attributed to poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of support when sitting or sleeping, incorrect lifting, or trauma.

General Back Pain

Requires identification of the root cause. Consult a doctor or health professional to determine the best ways to relieve your pain.

Upper & Lower Back Pain

How a Mattress Can Contribute to a Bad Back

If your mattress is old, its ability to support your body comfortably will deteriorate over time, with pocket springs losing their strength and memory foam or latex layers losing their ability to spring back into shape when you have gotten out of bed.

Without these supports in place, your body may not be evenly supported, leading to a change in your spinal alignment, which can result in a bad back.

Pro Tip

To ensure sufficient support and pressure relief, replace your mattress every 7 to 8 years.

What is the Best Type of Mattress for a Bad Back?

Trying to find the perfect mattress can be challenging at the best of times, but if you also suffer from a bad back, it can become more difficult, with an overwhelming amount of information and conflicting recommendations.

We have taken the pain out of the process by compiling a list of mattress types that are considered to be best for those with a bad back.


Sanctuary 1200 Orthopaedic Mattress

Top Pick

It has long been thought that orthopaedic mattresses are the best solution for a bad back as they are specifically designed to support the joints, back and overall body. Based on this, we believe the best mattress for those with a bad back is the Sanctuary 1200.

Price Range
€169 - €359
Type
Pocket Sprung Orthopaedic
Sizes
Single to Super King
Firmness
Medium
Firmness Rating
Soft Firm

Why Choose This Mattress?

Very firm support designed to spread your body weight evenly
Firm base offers maximum support, alleviating pressure on the spine
Relieves pressure points across shoulders and hips
Ideal for heavier individuals

Hotel Platinum 1400 Pocket Sprung

Best Value

The pocket sprung mattress contains hundreds, often thousands, of individual springs, each sewn into its own pocket of fabric. The springs operate independently, responding to your weight, shape, and sleeping position for effective weight distribution.

Price Range
€259 - €479
Type
Pocket Sprung
Sizes
Single to Super King
Firmness
Medium-Firm
Firmness Rating
Soft Firm

Why Choose This Mattress?

Even distribution of weight, relieving pressure points
Responsive to movement and body shape
Variety of firmness and spring count options
Ideal for taller or heavier individuals with back pain

DFI Cloud Memory Foam Pocket Sprung

Comfort Choice

The material reacts to pressure and heat, changing shape to fit your body and creating the "hug effect" many customers appreciate. Memory foam contours to your body, providing firm support to the natural curvature of your spine.

Price Range
€319 - €619
Type
Memory Foam Pocket Sprung
Sizes
Single to Super King
Firmness
Soft-Medium
Firmness Rating
Soft Firm

Why Choose This Mattress?

Support keeps spine in neutral alignment
Excellent lumbar support for lower back pain relief
Relieves pressure points on back, hips and joints
Available in different levels of firmness

Gelflex 3000 Hybrid Pocket Sprung

Premium

A hybrid mattress provides the support system of a pocket sprung mattress with the comfort and pressure relief of a memory foam topping layer, keeping the user's spine aligned while evenly supporting the weight of the body.

Price Range
€589 - €729
Type
Memory Foam Pocket Sprung
Sizes
Small Double to Super King
Firmness
Medium
Firmness Rating
Soft Firm

Why Choose This Mattress?

Pocket sprung section provides even weight distribution
Memory foam topping keeps spine in neutral alignment
Pressure relief for back, hips and joints
Ideal for those who suffer from lower back pain

Back Pain FAQs

What type of mattress is best for back pain?

A medium-firm to firm mattress is generally best for back pain because it keeps the spine in a neutral position and prevents the hips from sinking too deeply. This helps maintain alignment and reduces strain on the lower back.

Are orthopaedic mattresses good for back pain?

Yes. Orthopaedic mattresses are designed to support the joints, back, and entire body by providing firm, targeted support. They distribute body weight evenly and help relieve pressure on the spine, which can ease back pain.

How often should I replace my mattress to avoid back pain?

It is recommended to replace your mattress every 7 to 8 years. Over time, pocket springs lose strength and comfort layers compress, reducing support and allowing your spine to fall out of alignment, which can contribute to back pain.

Is a hybrid mattress good for back pain?

Yes. A hybrid mattress that combines pocket springs with a memory foam or gel comfort layer provides both structure and cushioning. It supports the spine evenly while relieving pressure points on the back, hips, and joints.

What sleeping position is best for back pain?

Back sleeping with a small pillow under the knees or side sleeping with a pillow between the legs helps keep the hips level and the spine aligned. Stomach sleeping is best avoided as it often twists the spine and strains the lower back.

BM

Brian McCann

Our Managing Director Brian's expertise in crafting comfortable sleep experiences makes him a reliable voice for all things bedding-related. Brian publishes advice and tips on mattresses, beds and the overall sleep experience based on extensive industry experience.

Author Profile: Brian McCann Bio

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