Best Mattress for Back Pain in UK

When it comes to sleep there are few things more important than your mattress. For most people, finding a mattress is a daunting task, and for those with back pain finding the right mattress can be a nightmare. There aren’t very many resources that will tell you honestly where to find the best mattress for back pain.

The problem is that people are different. The experts don’t have an answer for the “What is the best mattress?” question because there is no mattress that is going to be the best for everyone. We are going to focus on the mattress that is the best for 90% of people.

What Makes a Mattress Good For Back Pain or Herniated Discs?

Many people suffer from lower back pain due to herniated disc. A herniated disc can greatly impact your ever day life. Running, walking and even lying down can bring discomfort to your back from a herniated disc.

The mattress with good support for your back can greatly help people with back pain problem by reducing pain and allow better sleep. For others, it can help prevent back pain from starting in the first place. If you have been diagnosed with herniated disc, a right mattress should provide plenty of back support and relieves a great deal of pressure on back and hips.

Best Mattress For Back Pain in UK 2023

1. The Casper Original Foam Mattress

With a height of 24cm, the Casper Original Foam Mattress is an all-foam option popular among the younger crowd. It consists of four durable layers wrapped well in a polyester fabric. The top layer consists of perforated comfort foam to provide breathability, bounce and keeps the surface from overheating.

The next transition layer is firm in the center and soft towards the shoulder and knee region for more excellent pressure relief. This provides neutral alignment for the spine. The final dense foam layer ensures durability and support to the mattress. Due to the strategically designed foam layer, it provides adequate relief at all the right spots. You’ll find it soft near the top to accommodate shoulder pressure and firm near the hips to support the spinal cord.

The advanced foam design ensures excellent motion isolation. This keeps you from waking up when your partner changes position in the middle of the night. Besides, it adapts well to different body types making it suitable for versatile couples.

Features:

• AirScape™ allows the free flow of air and keeps you cool throughout the night.
• Zoned Support™ provides ergonomic alignment to your spine.
• Available in various size options, such as California king, queen, full, twin XL, and twin sizes.
• All foam materials used have CertiPUR-US® certification.
• Devoid of harmful ozone depletion chemicals.
• Accommodates a variety of sleepers due to its considerable thickness level.

Pros:

• Best for people with back pain
• Easy to set up.
• Offers incredible comfort and sleep quality.
• Has medium firmness level.
• Best suited for back and belly sleepers.
• Improves spine alignment and relieves backaches.

Cons:

• Heavy side sleepers may not find it Ideal
• Quite pricey.
• Does not provide an innerspring feel.

 

Material

Cover Material	Polyester Zipper Cover, 99% polyester 1% elastane.
Top Layer	4 cm Open cell polyfoam. Density: 48 kg/m3
Second Layer	3.75 cm memory foam. Density: 49 kg/m3
Third Layer	3.25 cm polyfoam. Density: 48 kg/m3
Base Layer	12.5 cm polyurethane foam. Density: 33 kg/m3

Score Card

Firmness	Medium
Pressure Relief	8/10
Cooling	8/10
Motion Transfer	8/10
Edge Support	7/10
Side Sleepers	8.5/10
Back Sleepers	7.5/10
Stomach Sleepers	7/10
Durability	8/10
Off-gassing	7.5/10

Mattress Prices and Sizing

2. Inofia Memory Foam and Spring Mattress

Are you on the hunt for a supportive innerspring mattress with a comfortable memory foam layer? Inofia Memory Foam and Spring Mattress is an excellent hybrid option equipped with numerous features. Made using high-density memory foam layers and high-grade innerspring steel coils; you can enjoy uninterrupted sleep without the creaking sound of bedsprings.

It consists of a basic base foam layer followed by individually wrapped coil springs for excellent stability and support. The coil is protected using non-woven fabric to ensure noise-free operation. The dual cool technology fiber layer and the Airflow wave foam layer above the coil springs enable equal distribution of heat throughout the mattress. The base layer consists of a fire-retardant barrier, comfort feel foam, and a breathable 3-D knitted fabric cover.

Available in king and twin sizes, the Inofia Mattress has the CertiPUR-US certification tag.
Due to the pressure relief points on the memory foam layer, you can enjoy long hours of sleep without waking up the sore body parts.

Features:

• Ensures zero gravity sleeping experience due to the hybrid medium plush surface and modern sleep technology.
• The advanced AIRYUM memory foam offers incredible comfort and relieves the pressure points.
• Breathable memory foam provides better circulation of air and gives a natural spinal alignment.
• The natural knitted quilt fabric absorbs moisture and keeps the body dry throughout the night.
• Suitable for both adults and kids.
• Provides a modern outlook and exclusive design that upgrades the overall look of the bedroom.

Pros:

• Prevents overheating due to the presence of breathable and knitted nature fabric cover.
• Budget-friendly
• Reduces motion transfer due to individually encased coil springs.
• Offers a warranty of 10 years.

Cons:

• Some users found it extremely bouncy.

Devoid of harmful chemicals, this hypoallergenic mattress acts as an excellent option for those who are sensitive to harmful chemicals and suffer from allergy attacks. The brand offers a 100-night free trial along with a cost-free pick-up arrangement if you do not find it a suitable fit.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

3. Dormeo Options Hybrid, Memory Foam and Pocket Sprung Mattress

Dormeo Options Hybrid mattress contains separately wrapped pocket springs and memory foam material to ensure luxurious support to the body. The springs are individually placed in separate fabric pockets, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic sleeping experience without waking up to interruptions. As the springs move independently, it delivers adequate support – even when you and your partner have a difference in weight.

The top layer consists of polyester fabric, followed by polypropylene and polyester lateral fabric. The base layer is a combination of viscose and polyester fabric. The medium firmness makes it a safe choice for back and belly sleepers. The firmness level keeps the pelvis and hips from sinking and delivers the right spinal alignment.

Due to the breathable air mesh sides, you can enjoy optimum breathability as the fresh air sweeps in throughout the mattress. This enables you to enjoy a good night’s rest at the right temperature.

Features:

• Consist of a comfortable memory foam material designed originally for NASA.
• The individually placed pocket Springs make use of the motion isolation technology.
• Due to the pressure-relieving material used, you can enjoy restful sleep for long hours without waking up to painful body parts.
• Contains Ecocell foam designed with a 3D cellular structure for adequate support and proper air circulation.

Pros:

• Delivers a superior level of relaxation and comfort.
• Available in super king, king, single and double sizes.
• The bouncy rebounding technology ensures adequate support.
• Offers incredible support to the body

Cons:

• The mattress cover is not washable.

Due to their comfortable and stylish appeal, these mattresses are a suitable choice for any bedroom. Also, this one-sided mattress utilizes the rotate design and needs not to be flipped. Remember to rotate the mattress every 4 – 5 months to avoid the chances of dipping.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

4. Simba Hybrid Mattress

With a strong online reputation, Simba has come up with a hybrid mattress suitable for all types of sleepers. It consists of five layers – the top zip-off hypoallergenic layer regulates the temperature. Next, the responsive airflow comfort open-cell layer increases the level of comfort while you rest.

Below this comes the 25 mm patented cone-shaped aero coil springs. The springs help in the even distribution of weight and reduce the pressure points. It also helps in decreasing the motion transfer, thereby keeping you from waking up to interruptions.

After the spring layer comes to the reflex support 4.5 cm foam layer along with the high density 16 cm foam base with several zoned support, the 7 different support zones ensure the right spinal alignment and conform well to accommodate the shoulders and hips.

Features:

• Contains a combination of contouring memory foam layer with a layer of around 2500 Titanium Aerocoil springs.
• The cooling Simbatex foam layers prevent the mattress from overheating.
• Consists of a hypoallergenic cover of 500 g.

Pros:

• Offers excellent support without being too firm.
• Suitable for most bed frames.
• Displays medium to firm thickness level.
• An excellent option for side sleepers.

Cons:

• Some users found it to be quite warm.
• Lack of handles makes it challenging to rotate easily.
• Might be too soft for front sleepers.

Due to the CertiPUR label, the foam layers are safe to use and do not contain harmful chemicals. The brand offers a free 200-night trial along with a 10-year warranty.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

5. Vesgantti Hybrid Mattress

Vesgantti hybrid mattress is a combo of stainless-steel spring base with a thick, soft topper to enhance your sleep quality. This combination is ideal for back support and gives a luxurious feel. Due to its hypoallergenic features, it’s apt for individuals who suffer from allergies and sensitivities. It also works excellent as an orthopedic mattress.

Made using Memory foam layers and pocket springs, the vesgantti double mattress delivers a firm and supportive feel and adequate softness. As the foam layer wraps well around your body and uses motion isolation dynamics, it absorbs all forms of vibration and noise that take place due to tossing and turning.

It also ensures even distribution of heat and enables the superior flow of air throughout the mattress for a quality sleeping experience. The Swirled Poly cover comes with pressure relief points that offer adequate support and lift to the hips and shoulders and gives a natural spinal alignment.

Features:

• Consists of an egg-shaped 2.5 cm foam layer that contours well to the body shape.
• The pillow top cover comes with a Luxury swirled button tuft design.
• Available in queen, twin, full, and twin XL sizes, the CertiPUR-US certification tags guarantee high quality.
• Designed with numerous individual Pocket Springs.
• Best suited for the belly, back, and side sleepers.

Pros:

• Offers an ultimate level of comfort and rest.
• Delivers medium to thick firmness level.
• Has a thickness of 10.6 inches.
• Soft and smooth touch.

Cons:

• Quite heavy and rigid.

Due to the naturally hygienic materials used, this ultra-quiet hybrid mattress provides a better sleeping surface. As it takes around 4-5 weeks to get used to any new mattress, Vesgantti provides a free 100 nights trial and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

What is herniated disc

A herniated disc is also referred to as a ruptured disk, herniated nucleus pulposus, prolapsed disc, ruptured intervertebral disk, or a slipped disk.

A herniated disc is one of the common causes of lower-back pain. The discs round and flat structures between the vertebrae in your spinal column. The discs are generally made up of a tough outer material encompassing a soft gelatinous inner substance. The purpose of the disks are to cushion the back bones and allow the back to flex. A herniated disk is a tear in the covering of the disk that allows the soft inner substance to bulge out.

Herniated discs are most common in men ranging from the ages of twenty to fifty. A herniated disc occurs when there is any type of intense pressured applied to the disk by the vertebrae above or below it. This could be caused by improper lifting of heavy objects, a sudden twisting motion, a traumatic injury to the back area. Our natural aging process can be responsible as well, as we age the disk covers weaken. The physical nature of the persons work and or activity along with obesity are the most common factors to the development of a herniated disc.

How to choose the right mattress if your have lower back pain or herniated disc

Choosing the right mattress is a major investment in your health and quality of life. Since healthy sleep or the lack thereof impacts all dimensions of how you feel, your productivity at work or at school, and your level of enjoyment in leisure activities.

Higher quality mattresses, those offering innovative designs such as wrapped coils and special edge supports and high quality, natural fiber coverings, will certainly be more expensive. A higher quality mattress, however, will almost certainly last longer and deliver a better night’s sleep over the years, offering important added value in healthy sleep.  This is worth the extra investment by every measure.

Here are some of the key factors that you should keep in mind while shopping for mattress that reduce back pain.

1. Support

This is the most important factor for those who have herniated disc or back pain. It is essential for a sound sleep. The best mattress for herniated disc should provide proper support for the natural curves and alignment of your spine.

Choose a mattress that  provide continuous support to your body at all points and keep your spine in the same “straight line” configuration as a person with good posture in a standing position.  Pay special attention to your shoulders, hips, and lower back—the heaviest parts of your body.

Choose the mattress that contour to those heavier pressure points, keeping your spine in the same vital straight line configuration. A mattress that is too firm will put pressure on the heavier parts of your body, particularly the hips, signaling your body to turn over and resulting in a night of tossing and turning. If there’s too little support, it will result in your spine not being properly aligned and your muscles will tense up and have to work harder to make up for the lack of support.  The resulting distortions that occur in your spine and supporting structures can lead to difficulty sleeping, morning stiffness and ultimately chronic back pain.

2. Size

You need to identify the right size mattress for your personal needs.  This means providing room for easy, comfortable movement for yourself, without disturbing your spouse /someone you share the bed with if you have a sleeping partner/ if you have one.  Too small a sleep surface puts you on competition for sleep space and risks disturbing both you and your partner’s slumber since most healthy sleepers move from 35 to 60 times a night.  This usually includes at least a dozen full body turns that follow the various stages of the sleep cycle.

3. Mattress Types

While there are several types of mattresses on the market, ideally the best type is the one which offers all of the support that you will need so that you don’t have any pressure point pain.

Coil Sprung/Cage Sprung

Often the only option among the cheaper mattresses however this should not put you off as the cage sprung mattress type is very popular. This type of mattress consist of a continuous set of springs that evenly distributes the body weight around the mattress.

Pocket Sprung

Usually available in the mid range up, pocket springs consist of individual springs throughout the mattress that function independently. This eliminates roll together that can occur with cage sprung and ensures that every part of your body is evenly supported. The pocket sprung mattress will usually have a number in the name which signifies the number of springs e.g. 1200, 1400 etc… Which one you choose will depend on your weight and how firm you like the mattress.

Memory Foam

Memory foam was a material originally pioneered by NASA, it quickly moulds to the body to provide incredible support, however it is not to every bodies tastes and we recommend trying one first. Some pocket sprung mattresses come with a thin layer of memory foam which can give you the best of both types of mattress. Alternatively there are memory foam toppers available that can be put on an existing mattress to provide extra support.

Latex

Latex is similar to memory foam in that it does not contain springs and provides excellent support. Also, it is available either as a complete mattress or complementing a sprung mattresses or as a mattress topper.

Natural Latex

Natural latex is the same as Latex however in addition to providing great support it is has hypo-allergenic characteristics which are down to it’s anti-microbial properties which inhibit, bacteria and dust mites. This makes latex very popular with allergy sufferers however, if this is why you are choosing latex, ensure the product is ‘natural latex’.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress offers a coil system with many layers of foam over the top and combines with latex or gel. This mattress offers the pressure relief due to the foam layers and firmness due to innerspring.

4. Comfort

How does a candidate mattress feel?  On top of the support level of a mattress there must be an appropriate dimension of comfortable cushioning materials that both offer a welcoming embrace and provide a breathable sleep surface that will help you maintain an optimal sleep-body temperature.  Wool and other natural fibers are the best “breathable” covering materials and will also help channel moisture away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable while you sleep.

Natural latex emits no chemical residue as do some man-made fibers, and also helps maintain optimal body temperature.  Comfort and support are natural, inseparable partners in achieving natural, healthy sleep and neither needs to or should be sacrificed for the other.  In terms of healthy spine support, look for the firmest, most supportive mattress you find most comfortable.

5. Firmness

The firmness level of a mattress depends on an individual’s sleeping position and body weight. Individuals who weigh less than 60 kg must opt for a softer firmness level. As for individuals who weigh above 60 kg, they should choose a firmer mattress. The firmness level provides the conforming ability to the mattress, thereby relieving the pressure points.

6. Durability

You want a mattress that is well constructed with quality materials.  These factors will determine the service life of your mattress (how long you receive maximum provide the comfort and support) more than any others.  The best assurance of continuous support and comfort over the years is to seek out and buy the highest quality sleep set you can afford.

7. Construction

There is one final technical element that requires the shopper’s close attention and that is coil count and coil construction.  Metal coils are what make a mattress supportive and at the same time responsive to the weight and pressure points of the body. Coil counts and how coils are configured are indicators of quality. The higher the coil count in relation to the surface area, the greater the strength and durability of the mattress.  You should be prepared to ask a salesperson or refer to the literature on any mattress line to determine the coil count.  As a basic guideline,a standard twin-size mattress should have 300 or more, a queen size mattress 375 or more, and a king should have 450 or more.

The number of coils is only part of what makes a mattress sound yet also responsive in the support it will offer.  Important advances in coil design and configuration include such innovations as wrapping coils in fabric, dual-gauge coils, and “zones” of support through which the coils are strongest where the weight of the body tends to be concentrated.  Another innovation is the clustering and connecting of coils, instead of each coil being independent of each other, where each row of coils is laced to adjoining rows with head-to-toe connecting wires.
Read also: Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
This helps prevent motion transfer from one sleep partner to the other and provides optimal support which matches the contours of the body where it is most important.  These are features that every quality conscious shopper should not only look for but actively seek out because of the sleep quality enhancements they provide.

8. Warranty

Manufacturers of high-quality mattresses are not at all hesitant to offer a long-term warranty.    A top-quality sleep system should come with a minimum warranty of 10 years. Anything more than that is a sign of extra quality and confidence on the part of the producer.  Anything less is a red flag signaling the wary consumer to look at another brand or model.  A warranty period is not necessarily a guarantee of how long a mattress will last, however, nor is it intended to indicate when you should replace it. That depends on how a mattress is used and the environment in which it is housed.  A warranty is there mostly to protect you against product defects or design flaws.

How should you sleep with herniated discs?

A good mattress certainly help in reducing back pain, but it is not the only factor for having a better quality sleep. The way you sleep also plays a significant role in having a back pain.

The best sleeping position for people with herniated discs or any back pain in general is the one that allows your spine to maintain its natural curvature. All experts agree sleeping on your belly is the worst position to sleep if you have herniated disc.

Sleeping on your side is considered to be best sleeping position in general. But for people with herniated disc, this may not be the ideal position, though better than sleeping on stomach. If you are a side sleeper, consider placing a pillow between knees to decrease tension on your hips.

The best sleeping position for people with herniated disc is sleeping on back. This position keeps the spine in neutral alignment. If you still feel back pain, consider a cervical pillow, that might be helpful, as they have lowered middle, allowing your head to sink while supporting your neck.

FAQ

Q. How Often Must You Replace Your Mattress?

Generally, it’s advisable to replace your worn-out mattress every 8 to 10 years. At times, mattresses may sag quickly if you use them roughly or place them on an inappropriate base. If you wish to extend the lifespan of your old mattress by some more months, getting a brand new mattress topper will help.

Q. Which Is The Right Way To Choose The Best Mattress?

First, you need to identify your sleeping position, whether you are a stomach, side, or back sleeper. Next, consider the various things you need to pay attention to. This includes providing adequate cushioning to the shoulders, alleviating your lower back and neck pain, and so on. Lastly, opt for a mattress that suits all your unique requirements and gives you an adequate level of comfort to enjoy a fantastic sleeping experience.

Q. Will Washing The Bed sheets Regularly Keep Your Mattress Clean?

You need to be aware that millions of dust mites are present on your mattress. These dust mites cause numerous allergies such as itching, coughing, and other respiratory issues. To avoid this, you need to wash the bed sheets and vacuum the mattress regularly.

Looking after your mattress

We use our mattresses every single night, and when we’re poorly we may occupy them virtually 24 hours a day. Some of us watch TV in them and eat snacks and drinks. Well there’s a lot more we could do to look after them than just changing the sheets regularly. Have a look at our guide for keeping good care of your mattress:

Turn or flip your mattress regularly

Some mattresses have a single side and some are double sided, this should be signified by a label somewhere on your mattress (if there is no label, the top side will usually have more detail, such as fabric and buttons). Single sided mattress should be turned so that the foot end swaps with the head. Double sided mattresses can also be flipped so that the underside comes to the top.

If you have a larger or heavier mattress it’s best to do this with two people. Flipping the mattress spreads the wear more evenly and will prolong the life of your mattress. It’s usually best to flip and/or turn your mattress regularly while it’s settling in, a rough guide is once a month for the first three months then every six months after that.

Use a mattress cover

There are several cover options available on the market. If you have children you may consider a water proof cover that will protect the mattress from accidents. There are also other covers available that have been created to reduce dust mites and maybe described as hypoallergenic. Additionally it is possible to buy mattress toppers which will not only protect the mattress underneath but also provide an extra layer of comfort. Mattress toppers are usually a thin layer of memory foam that is designed to complement the underlying mattress.

Hoover/vacuum your mattress

Consider vacuuming your mattress every time you change the sheets. This can really help reduce the build up of dust and regularly hoovering your mattress could reduce the rate that the fabric elements of your mattress deteriorate. It should also help any allergy sufferers reducing dust and mites and keep your mattress smelling fresh. Some hoovers have an apholstery attachment that can be really useful.

Clean up any spills or stains

If your mattress gets spilled on or soiled use a mild mixture of detergent and water to clean the affected area using a sponge or absorbent cloth. Use a dry towel to soak up as much excess water as possible and then allow to dry thoroughly by leaving the area uncovered. There are also upholstery shampoos available for this task (follow the manufacturers directions closely).

Conclusion

Take adequate time to find the best mattress that suits your personal needs. Here’s why? In addition to paying a huge amount, mattresses are meant to last for years.

Our best pick goes to The Casper Original Foam Mattress. Made using pressure-relieving memory foam along with positioned contour cuts, it offers adequate support and comfort while you sleep. With the help of the above guide, you can be more confident in choosing the perfect mattress for back pain.