As an expert shopper for HELLO! I've always understood how important choosing a great mattress is - but it really hit home for me when I suffered a back injury last year. I suddenly found myself needing to delve into the world of back pain mattresses, not just for my day job but to save my sanity. Researching this edit felt a bit more personal because of my herniated discs - I painfully tried out mattresses from Tempur to Ikea - but you don't have to be in debilitating pain to need a back pain mattress. Even if its just because you're waking up feeling tired and irritable because of an aching back then you'll know how much it can impact your day.
You spend around one-third of your day in bed - and when you suffer from back problems, the importance of finding the right mattress cannot be underestimated. That's why I've searched high and low for the best mattresses for back pain that you can shop online. And the great news is, you can get some amazing deals from top brands like Tempur, Simba and more regularly in the sales.
- The Amazon one: Inofia Memory Foam Mattress (save 38%)
- The award-winner: Emma NextGen Premium Mattress
- The best-selling mattress: Origin Hybrid Pro Mattress
- The memory foam mattress: TEMPUR One Memory Foam Mattress
- The bestseller: Simba Sleep Hybrid Pro Mattress
But which mattress is good for back pain? Experts say you should look for a mattress that is not too firm, but not too soft – which won't be as difficult as it sounds, now that you have the right mattress guide!
How to choose a mattress if you have back pain
© Karen SilasWhen choosing a mattress to help with back pain, sleep experts at luxury mattress company Winstons Beds advise that you should consider elements regarding the mattress itself, such as the mattress’ fillings and construction, but also other factors - like the length of the mattress company’s trial period.
Rebecca Swain, Winston Beds director and mattress specialist explains: “The quality of your mattress contributes to your overall health and those suffering from back pain should really think about how their mattress choice could be contributing to this. It’s all about finding a balance and what works for you.
“Typically, a mattress that is too soft will cause your back and hips to sink and become misaligned with your spine, causing pain in the lower back. On the other hand, a mattress that is too firm can put pressure on joints which can also be uncomfortable.”
There are so many types of mattresses to choose from, from memory foam to hybrid mattresses (which are a plus if you share a bed, as each sleeper gets individual support and therefore won’t disturb the other).
'The quality of your mattress contributes to your overall health and those suffering from back pain should really think about how their mattress choice could be contributing to this'
No matter which you choose, you’ll need constant support for your back but without sacrificing your personal comfort, of course.
How I chose the best mattresses for back pain
- Trial period: All of the mattresses chosen have strong warranties and trial periods of at least 100 days. As mattress expert Rebecca Swain explained, "It can take around 30 nights for filings and springs to settle and give you a proper feel for the mattress.”
- Verified reviews: Where we couldn’t personally test the products ourselves, we focused on ratings from verified shoppers, and only considered back pain mattresses with consistent good ratings for quality and comfort.
- Price: I've included back pain mattresses from various price points, including for very small budgets. I don't believe, though, in sacrificing on quality or customer service just because of a low price. If a back pain mattress is on sale, I've noted that, too.
- Variety: Everyone has a different preference for their mattress, so I've tried to include something for everyone. You'll find a range of firmness levels, and price points; mattresses made from natural or specially engineered materials as well as hybrid mattresses with pocket springs, too. As long as the mattress is designed to alleviate back pain and won't make it worse.
- Experience: I've included the mattress brand I eventually chose, as well as the ones I seriously considered when I shopped for my own mattress.
So if you're ready for a good nights' sleep, keep scrolling for our edit of the best mattresses for back pain. But remember, while the best mattresses for back pain are designed to alleviate discomfort and help you get a better night’s sleep, be sure to consult a doctor if your back pain doesn’t seem to improve, gets worse or prevents you from sleeping or going about your regular daily activities.
Shop the best mattresses for back pain
Inofia Double Memory Foam Sprung Mattress
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 year guarantee
- Sizes available: Six sizes, Small Single to Super King
- Regular Price Range: From £158 (for Single)
- Firmness: Medium firm
- Depth: 27cm
Editor's Note: “The Inofia mattress is a top-rated mattress for verified reviewers who suffer from back pain. With a 4.8 star rating for Value for money, 4.7 stars for durability and 4.5 stars for comfort - plus a reasonable price - it's no wonder it’s so popular.
"A hybrid, medium firm mattress with zoned coil support, this Inofia mattress is designed for both breathability and comfort, and is eligible for free delivery with Amazon Prime."
Emma NextGen Premium Mattress
- Trial period: 200-Night Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Guarantee
- Sizes available: Seven sizes, UK Single to UK Super King
- Regular Price Range: From £419 (for UK Twin)
- Firmness: 7 (medium)
- Depth: 25cm
- Delivery: Free Delivery, 2-5 working days
- Old mattress removal: Yes - £45 with premium delivery
Not sure if it’s the right mattress for you? Compare Emma Sleep mattresses here.
Editor's Note: "Emma’s mattresses in a box have previously been tried and tested by HELLO! - and it was a front-runner for me when I was selecting my own mattress.
The NextGen has us intrigued not just because of its back support, but also because of its eco-credentials: it’s sustainably made with 79% less foam than its previous version, and creates 58% less CO2 footprint.
It's specifically designed for 'sleepers who want extra full body support and a relaxed night' and is focused on spinal alignment with its six-layer foam and spring hybrid design, with seven zones of targeted body support.
The delivery arrangements in my area weren't optimal, which is why it came in at #2 on my personal list but the mattress itself was phenomenal."
Simba Sleep Hybrid Pro Mattress
- Trial period: 200-night trial
- Warranty: 10-year guarantee
- Delivery: Free next day delivery
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Sizes available: Single to Super King
- Depth: 28cm
- Springs: 4,000 Aerocoil springs
- Regular Price range: From £929 (for Single)
- Old mattress removal? Yes
Editor's Note: “It’s difficult to not be impressed by the Hybrid Pro, popular UK brand Simba's top-rated mattress for back pain. The mattress has earned 4.8 stars with over 20,000 verified reviews.
"The Hybrid Pro features an extra layer of Simba's trademark Aerocoil micro springs, with each spring compressing individually in response to your body weight, while also gently pushing cooling air through the mattress. Plus the signature SupportCore base boasts 1,000 pocketed barrel springs for full edge-to-edge support."
Origin Hybrid Pro Mattress
© Origin Mattress- Trial period: 200-day trial
- Warranty: 15-year guarantee
- Delivery: Free UK delivery
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Sizes available: Single to Super King
- Depth: 31cm
- Springs: 5,700 springs
- Regular Price range: From £961 (for Single)
- Old mattress removal? Not specified
Editor's Note: “Eight comfort layers, enhanced pressure relief... the Origin Mattress sounds like a dream. For those that love a medium to firm mattress, this is the one for you.
"An upgrade from the Hybrid, the Hybrid Pro offers double the pressure relief than its predecessor, ideal for those with back problems.
The 5,700 springs compress individually in response to your body, giving targeted support. One shopper said it 'changed my sleep for the better and resulted in less back pain, and more energy'."
TEMPUR One Memory Foam Mattress
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 year guarantee
- Delivery: Free
- Sizes available: Single, Double, King Size, Super King, Small Single, Long Single
- Depth: Choice of 21cm, 25 or 30cm
- Regular Price Range: From £1,479 (for Single)
Editor's Note: “If you like your mattresses on the firmer side, this firm tension spring-free mattress, with pressure-relieving support, is a favourite with shoppers. Tempur also was on my final shortlist when I was testing out replacements for my 10-year-old Ikea mattress, in search of a better investment.
"Providing 'ultimate comfort and back support' because of a state-of-the-art design featuring adapting viscoelastic cells that mould to your body, it also has less than 2% motion transfer - perfect for your aching back when you share a bed with someone else."
REM-Fit 500 Ortho Hybrid Mattress
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 15-year guarantee
- Delivery: Free, 1-3 days
- Sizes available: From Small Single to Super King
- Firmness: 9 / 10
- Regular Price Range: From £879 (for UK Single)
Editor's Note: "If you are very picky about your mattress and want EVERYTHING - temperature regulation, back support, edge-to-edge support and motion isolation – this award-winning mattress could be the perfect one for you.
"This firm tension mattress made in the UK features 2,000 premium orthopaedic pocket springs to provide optimised support and also isolate partner movement, so if you share your bed you won’t be disturbed. The state-of-the-art mattress also features open cell memory foam for temperature regulation and zoned pressure relief for custom support of your body."
OTTY Firm Double Sided Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Mattress
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
- Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Regular Price Range: From £549.99 (for Single)
- Firmness: Firm side at 8/10 and firmer side at 9/10.
- Depth: 25cm
- Old mattress removal: Yes, for fee
Not sure if it’s the right mattress for you? Compare Otty mattresses here.
Editor's Note: "This orthopaedic mattress is the first in OTTY's flippable range - meaning it has different firmness levels on each side, so you can choose. Talk about a win-win!
"A 'mattress in a box' with multiple layers designed for optimal comfort: large, thick encapsulated pocket springs, high-density Reflex Foam and OTTY's signature premium bamboo & charcoal memory foam - a combination of anti-fungal bamboo-infused memory foam and moisture-wicking charcoal for temperature regulation."
Winstons 'The Ancoats' mattress
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 30 year guarantee
- Sizes available: Seven, from Single to Large Emperor
- Regular Price Range: From £1,299.99 (for Single)
- Firmness: Medium softness
- Depth: 30cm
- Delivery: 5-7 weeks despatch
Editor's Note: "If you’re looking for a true boutique hotel feel for your bedroom, Winstons will be right up your street. Fans say the Ancoats mattress – crafted with eight layers of not just reactive pocket springs but also lush organic materials such as English lambswool – is ‘luxury at an amazing price’ and ‘worth every penny, maybe even more.’ It also stands out for its 30-year guarantee.
"Optimal for all sleeper positions, and for those with joint, hip and back pain - including heavier individuals – the Ancoats mattress features 1500 responsive pocket springs and 4000gsm 100% natural fillings."
