What’s the best mattress for back pain?

When it comes to your shut-eye, don’t let back pain cramp your style.

Back pain can affect anyone, whether you’re 18 or 80. According to Healthdirect, around 8 in 10 people experience “non-specific low back pain”, or back pain that isn’t caused by any particular health condition – and chronic back problems affect around 16 per cent of Australians.  

Some common causes of back pain include:

• Repeated or heavy lifting 

• Bad posture

• Being overweight

• Lack of physical activity

• Stress-related muscle tension 

• The hormonal and physical changes associated with pregnancy that put a strain on the spine or pelvis

Whether your back pain is mild or severe, infrequent or chronic, it can affect your day-to-day life and cause sleep disturbances. 

The way you sleep can also cause or contribute to pain in your back. Let’s look at why, and some of the best mattresses for back pain sufferers. 

Your sleeping position might be the culprit

If you find yourself waking up with back pain, poor sleep posture could be to blame.

Sleep posture refers to the position you sleep in. A good sleep posture is one that supports your head and neck, as well as the natural curvature of your spine. This is crucial for promoting spinal alignment.

A bad sleep posture, on the other hand, might put a strain on your upper or lower back. For example, if your neck or hips are twisted while you sleep, your spine is not properly aligned, which can cause back pain or aggravate existing back problems.

Achieving a good sleep posture can reduce the likelihood of back pain and may help alleviate symptoms. But what’s the best sleeping position for back pain?

Unfortunately, there’s no magical cure-all. The optimal sleeping position for you will depend on your unique needs and what feels comfortable. However, there are a few strategies you can try to take the load off your back. 

If you experience lower back pain, try sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent and a pillow between your legs to reduce pressure. If you’re a back sleeper, putting a pillow under your knees may help to relax your back muscles and support the natural curves of your spine.

You should try to avoid sleeping on your stomach if possible, but if you can’t sleep any other way, we recommend putting a pillow under your hips and lower belly.

What’s the best mattress for back pain?

If you’re sleeping on a bad mattress, modifying your sleep position can only do so much. But how do you know which are the best mattresses for back pain? We’re glad you asked!

The Better Health Channel recommends opting for a medium to firm mattress that supports your shoulders, hips, and buttocks without sagging. A recent review found that medium to firm mattresses help promote comfort, sleep quality and spinal alignment.

At Forty Winks, we have a range of mattresses for back support. The Forty Winks Sealy Posturepedic Elevate Revive Flex Adjustable Mattress, for example, features the revolutionary Titanium Align-Support® system, with intuitive coils that sense and respond to your weight, maintaining your body's natural alignment for a comfortable, super-supportive sleep.

With its three-stage RestSUPPORT™ System, the Forty Winks Sealy Posturepedic Exquisite Aspen Mattress offers up to 15 per cent more support*. Plus, the SynerFlex® surface provides micro-conformance for initial pressure relief, while unique touch points sense and respond to the shape of your body.

Alternatively, the Forty Winks Sealy Posturepedic Crown Jewel Opulence Tufted Mattress  has a natural latex layer for the ultimate pressure-relieving comfort. A sculpted ComfortBridge layer, which is embedded with hundreds of micro coils, transitions weight from the comfort layers above into the support system below.

Of course, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all mattress solution. Everybody sleeps differently, and that’s where our exclusive bedMATCH® system comes in. Our patented diagnostic system can help determine how much postural support you need and find the perfect mattress for you based on your body type and sleep needs.

What about a pillow for neck pain?

You can also reduce neck and back strain by choosing a pillow that complements your sleep position, enhances spinal alignment and alleviates discomfort. 

At Forty Winks, we have a range of pillows – including memory foam and ergonomic options – designed to support your head, neck and shoulders. Not sure which one is right for you? Ask one of our Sleep Specialists in store for advice.

Tips for improving back pain during the day

There are also steps you can take during the day to alleviate back pain. Musculoskeletal Australia recommend you:

• Learn more about your back pain and what might be causing it (with the help of a healthcare professional)

• Manage your weight

• Quit smoking, as smoking has been linked to a heightened risk of back pain, neck pain, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis

• Find ways to relax, manage stress and look after your mental health

• Stay active and move as naturally as you can

Importantly, if you have any concerns or if your back pain persists, book an appointment with your healthcare professional. They can provide specific advice based on your needs.

*vs Sealy R&D testing of competitor products at similar prices.

If you suffer from back pain, now might be the time to update your bedding. Shop our range of mattresses here.