Can the right mattress help with back pain? We review Simba, Nectar, Dormeo and Tempur mattresses
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If you have a bad back, then even just getting to bed can be a struggle - but once you have laid down it’s important that your mattress is giving you the support you need to be as comfortable as possible.
If you’re sleeping on a mattress which isn’t suitable then not only with you likely be tossing and turning for hours, unable to sleep, but the pain in your back will get even worse over time - which will then also make it hard to get up in the morning.
What kind of mattress should I be looking for?
If you suffer from back pain, you want a mattress that provides the ideal balance between comfort and support. In short, you want it soft enough to feel all snug, but solid enough so that you know you are secure.
All mattresses are given a firmness rating, from the super soft to the extra firm, and as a guide it’s recommended that people who suffer from back pain choose a mattress with a rating of somewhere between medium and firm.
That’s because a mattress which is too soft may not provide the support required for your spine to keep the pain at bay, but one that is too firm may also put too much pressure on your back and make the pain even worse.
The best way to tell which mattress works for you, of course, is to try it out for yourself. Luckily most top brands offer trial periods after purchase - so that means you can buy safe with the knowledge that if it’s not right for you then you can send it back for a refund.
It can take weeks to get used to a new mattress and decide whether or not it’s the one for you too, so this isn’t a decision to be rushed. Many mattresses mould to the shape of your body in time, so you’ll need to allow yourself a few nights of sleep before you make a judgement.
We’ve rounded up eight of the best mattresses to buy below if you are suffering from any kind of muscle tension or pain in your back.
For ease, all the prices we have included below are for double mattresses.
How else can I use my back pain?
First and foremost - if you have persistent back pain, please consult your doctor.
You may find that your pain is eased by sleeping in a certain position, for example on your side. Or, sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees for extra support and alignment of the spine might work best for you.
It all depends on how you feel, and also where exactly the pain in your back is. There’s no quick fix for back pain, unfortunately, but getting the right mattress is a good place to start in terms of easing your pain over time.
Once you’ve got the mattress right, then you’ll want some new cosy bedding to give yourself the best possible sleep time experience. Check out our guide to the best duvets for winter for the must-have bedding of the season.