A common cause of back pain is sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress. Your mattress could be too soft, too firm or too old. Whatever the cause, if you are getting back pain during the night, your mattress may not be providing enough support to your back.
And it is not just back pain, neck pain too can be made worse by the wrong mattress. A bad mattress can also lead to headaches and fatigue.
Your mattress has a job to do – it should support your spine’s natural curve and keep your spine aligned, but allow your muscles to relax while you sleep. If the average person spends about 26 years of their life sleeping, then you definitely need a good mattress to do it on!
Back pain at night affects your overall health
If you have back pain at night it can disturb your sleep. This can have far-reaching effects on your wellbeing, yet it is estimated that 40% of the population suffer from sleep issues.
During childhood, sleep supports growth and development, but sleep continues to be important throughout our lives to underpin both physical and mental health. Here are a few reasons why sleep is important:
- When we sleep, our bodies release hormones. One example is the growth hormone, which helps your body to grow and repair itself. This includes repairing your muscles, organs and cells.
- Sleep lowers your pulse and blood pressure, allowing your heart and blood vessels to rest and recover.
Scientists think REM sleep helps your brain to clear information you don’t need. - Activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which controls your fight or flight responses, decreases. This allows your body to relax.
With this guide, you will have less back pain at night, less tossing and turning and you will sleep much better.
When should you replace your mattress?
Even if you have a seemingly good mattress, the National Bed Federation, the UK bed manufacturers association, recommended that you replace your mattress every seven to ten years (well they would, wouldn’t they!). Over time, mattresses lose the ability to support you, leading to aches and pains and poor sleep. Here are a few more signs that it’s time to treat yourself to a new mattress:
- Noisy springs. This indicates that the springs have worn down, which means they will not be providing the necessary support.
- Signs of wear and tear. For example, the mattress is saggy, lumpy or you can feel the springs through the mattress.
- Allergies or asthma symptoms have worsened. Mattresses collect lots of dust and allergens and, over time, this can make your symptoms worse.
- Other beds feel more comfortable. If you regularly find it hard to fall asleep in your own bed but find almost every other bed comfortable, this might indicate your mattress is to blame.
- The best advice is that if you have started to notice your mattress then it is probably time to get a new one.
The 6 Different Types of Mattresses You Can Choose From
Mattresses often have several layers, but the support system and comfort layer can help you choose the right mattress.
The support system is the spring or foam layer that supports your weight and provides spinal alignment. This is rated by firmness and choosing the right firmness depends on your body type and especially your weight.
It is not the case that firmer mattresses are the best solution for pain. There are problems with mattresses that are too firm or too soft, as the mattress should support your spine’s natural curve.
The comfort layer is above the support layer and is unique to your preferences. Upholstered, latex and memory foam are examples of comfort layers that are beneficial in preventing aches and pains.
Most mattresses are made of some combination of the following materials:
1. Pocket spring mattress
This is one of the most popular types of mattress because it’s durable, provides good support and is cost-effective. The foundation is made up of many coils that work together to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on the body.
The number of pockets is a rough guide to the quality of the mattress. The more pockets – the better quality and the higher the price. Aim for 1000 to 2000 springs in a king-size bed. A smaller bed will have correspondingly fewer springs.
The heavier you are, the more springs you should aim for. Whilst a medium spring weight is right for most people, heavy people may need a firm mattress. For everyone else, firm or orthopaedic mattresses will be too hard and make back pain worse.
Avoid open coil or cage spring mattresses. They are of inferior quality and, although they are cheaper, they will become less supportive of your back more quickly and will contribute to back pain more often. Also they will need replacing more frequently.
The quality of the upholstery, called ticking, is important too. Thick layers of often organic natural fibres like wool, horsetail and flax yarn, hand-sewn under a cotton cover, can feel fantastic to sleep on and keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Often a mixture of natural and synthetic upholstery is used to keep the price reasonable. Most people won’t notice the difference and there is no difference to your back either.
2. Memory foam mattress
This material is less common because it’s more expensive than a pocket spring mattress but some people complain it is too hot, although that has not been our experience.
Memory foam mattresses consist of a top layer of actual memory foam and often a lower layer of ordinary foam. The top layer can be made of two layers of memory foam – a top less-dense layer that moulds quickly to your shape and a lower denser layer that provides more support. The better quality mattresses also have a denser foam “frame” around them to prevent you from rolling towards the edge as well. Harley memory foam mattresses are well worth looking at.
3. Latex
A natural material from the sap of rubber trees, latex can be very comfortable and long-lasting. You can also get synthetic latex which is cheaper but essentially very similar.
One of the many benefits of latex mattresses is their ability to alleviate pressure points and provide back alignment. This makes latex a perfect choice for those who suffer from chronic pain, arthritis or other health conditions.
Another benefit of a latex mattress is that it is made up of lots of air pockets so it is breathable.
Latex mattresses are usually made up of natural rubber, which is an allergen-free material. You can even get organic latex. Latex mattresses are commonly recommended to people with asthma because they reduce levels of dust mites and other allergens in the mattress.
4. Hybrid mattress
A combination of a pocket sprung mattress topped with memory foam. These are popular but may be a triumph of marketing over reason. If you are tempted, try one out and see if you like the feel of them.
5. Futon mattress
These monstrosities are only good for sofas and then only for sitting for a short time. As beds, they are too hard for almost everyone and the cotton wadding compresses with use so they get harder and harder. Avoid!
6. Water beds
As long as you don’t get seasick, waterbeds can be very comfortable. Modern waterbeds have several pockets of water which reduces the bobbing up and down a lot but not completely. The water needs to be heated, otherwise, they chill you down in a very unpleasant way – but get it right and it can regulate your temperature well. You may also need your floor reinforced as they weigh a lot too.
How much to spend on a good quality mattress?
A good quality mattress will not only help you sleep better, but it will also improve your general health, reduce back pain and allow you to wake up feeling refreshed.
Cheap mattresses will not last long and – although they may be comfortable initially – will soon need replacing. Top-end mattresses can cost thousands of pounds because they are handmade, using expensive materials. They won’t necessarily be more comfortable or prevent back pain any better than a mid-range mattress, however, so mid-priced mattresses are the ones to go for.
Bed retailers always seem to be having sales so don’t be fooled by an apparently good deal. Just because the initial price was hiked to make the discount look huge doesn’t mean you are getting a bargain. Instead, use these tips to choose the best mattress for you.
Five tips for the best mattresses for bad backs that may not be obvious at first glance
There are many things that can cause back pain, but the mattress you sleep on is one of the most important factors. Whether you have a bad back or not, it’s important to find a mattress that will support your body, keep your spine straight and give you a good night’s sleep.
Below are five quirks of the best mattresses for bad backs that may not be obvious at first glance:
- A mattress with good support will prevent your spine from curving or arching while you sleep.
The right firmness level is key to getting a good night’s sleep – too soft and your spine sinks in too far; too hard and your spine curves unnaturally. - A mattress that is easy to turn or doesn’t need turning. If you have a bad back the last thing you want to do is lift a heavy mattress every few months.
- If your partner is a different weight to you, you may need a different density or spring tension mattress that is zoned or joined in the middle.
- What type of base will the mattress sit on? Some mattresses work best with a certain base. Some pocket-sprung mattresses are designed to work with a sprung divan base to provide optimum support. When you replace the mattress, it is common to replace the divan base too.
- Get a big mattress. If you are scrunched up in a small bed you won’t be able to move easily during the night. Moving during the night without waking a partner can help you sleep well.
- A mattress with good support will prevent your spine from curving or arching while you sleep.
The bed base provides a solid foundation for the mattress and is essential in preventing back pain. If the mattress is old and saggy then the base may need replacing too. If you feel undulations through the mattress or roll to the centre of the bed, then your base may be to blame. A slatted base with either springy or solid slats can provide a good base for the perfect mattress and can be more durable, as they often don’t need replacing when you get a new mattress.
Choosing the right mattress is a crucial decision. It will determine how well you sleep and how well you recover from your daily routine. It’s not always easy to find the right one, however. There are so many options available, and they all promise to be perfect for your needs. It can be hard to know where to start.
Luckily, we have done all the research for you and have narrowed down the selection of mattresses that will help your back pain immensely.
The Sundial recommended mattress for helping back pain
We recommend the mattresses from Winstons Beds. We have been testing one of their mattreses for 18 months and are really pleased with it. It is a testament to superior craftsmanship and thoughtful design, offering exceptional comfort and support at a competitive price point for the quality. A mattress like the Ancoats is handmade in Britain with a 100 day trial and 30 year guarantee. This mattress features 1500 hand-nested reactive pocket springs that adapt to your body’s movements, providing support and minimising motion transfer—an essential feature for couples seeking uninterrupted sleep. There are also dual zone zip and link versiona for couples of different weights.
The mattress incorporates 4000gsm of 100% natural fibers creating a plush, breathable surface that regulates temperature effectively, ensuring comfort throughout the year. The natural fillings also contribute to the mattress’s hypoallergenic properties, promoting a healthier sleep environment.
The Ancoats mattress also boasts edge-to-edge support, enhancing durability and allowing full use of the mattress surface without experiencing sagging or roll-off. Its chemical-free sleeping surface ensures a safe and natural sleep environment, free from harmful substances.
In summary, the Ancoats mattress combines high-quality natural materials, expert craftsmanship, and thoughtful design to deliver a luxurious sleep experience. Its balance of comfort and support, along with its hypoallergenic and chemical-free properties, make it a standout choice for those seeking a premium mattress at a reasonable price.
Choosing the best mattress for bad backs is not an easy task. You have to consider a lot of factors before you decide on which one to buy. The most important factors you should consider when purchasing a mattress for bad backs are:
- your weight
- the type of mattress you want (pocket-spring, memory foam, latex)
- the durability and warranty offered by the company that makes the mattress
- what kind of support does your back need (soft, medium or firm)
- if you are sensitive to heat or cold
- your budget
Choose wisely and your mattress will give you a comfortable and refreshing night’s sleep for years to come.