According to the NHS, it is estimated that as high as 8 in 10 people in the UK will suffer, at some stage, with a form of back pain. That’s a big number, especially when you consider how debilitating back pain can be when it is severe or persistent. Pack pain is incredibly common, whether it is due to injury, work or day-to-day life, but did you know that the wrong type of mattress could be contributing too? We spend, on average, round a third of our lives sleeping. That’s a good old amount of time to be spending on our mattress – relying on the proper support for our body – which is why choosing the right one is hugely important. What’s more, an uncomfortable mattress will lead to an uncomfortable and interrupted night’s sleep, and lack of sleep can severely affect our health and wellbeing.

So, where do you start? Well, this article aims to give you more insight into the types of mattresses available, particularly if you are suffering from back pain, and depending on what you find most comfortable. There are many mattress types to choose from, from traditional spring, to memory foam and mixtures of both. So, let’s take a look at what you should consider when looking for a new mattress.

Your Comfort

Your Comfort
We all have our ways of finding ‘comfy’ and it is different to everyone. When looking for the perfect mattress, it’s important to take into account how you sleep best, and the positions you find the most comfortable. For example, consider whether you are most comfortable on your back or on your stomach or side, so you find that a firmer mattress gives you a better night’s sleep, or a softer one is best? Consider whether or not you may need hypoallergenic materials as well, as these will all factor in in terms of the best mattress choice. Most importantly, however, if you are looking for a mattress that is designed for better back support, this should come top of your list, and you should discuss it with in-store customer service of the bed and mattress shop you are browsing.

Options

We know you’ll have heard of the rising popularity of memory foam, you can’t miss it these days. But this is for good reason. Depending on the cause of your back pain, memory foam mattresses, or memory foam toppers could be a great option, as they curve to the shape if your body and better support the pressure points depending on the way you lie down. But memory foam is not for everyone. Quite often, a firmer mattress can offer more support for generalised back pain. It will depend on the root of your pain, and how you are most comfortable. If your back pain is due to an injury, it will also be worth consulting a healthcare professional for advice on mattress type, particularly physiotherapists. But knowing your options will help you make the best decision. Options include gel mattresses, memory foam, innerspring, waterbeds, hybrid and adjustable. You can even look into bespoke orthopaedic bed supports and mattresses that are electronically adjustable and aid mobility.

The Right Fit

Quite often, shopping in-store will allow you to try out different styles of mattress to see which best suits your pressure points and sleeping style. Bear in mind however that you don’t need to purchase from the store itself. Shop around, seek advice and support and then look at your options. Often, once you know what you are looking for, you can purchase beds and mattresses online at a cheaper price. But finding the right fit will also depend on the type of bed you are looking for. This starts with size. Ensure that the mattress you are choosing is available in the bed size you need, whether it is single or king, you should have a range of options to choose from.
The Right Fit

Trial

Once you have asked all of the right questions and you have done a little exploring into how you sleep best, it might be worth taking out a mattress on a trial basis. Many online and in-store providers offer a trial period, as we all know that a brief lie down on a mattress to test it out is very different from a week or two of sleep on it. Ask about your options for trialling before you purchase.

Finally, once you have chosen the perfect mattress, you must look after it. Ensure that you use a mattress protector, particularly if you are still trialling, and turn or flip on a regular basis (ensuring you get help to do so) as this will help to maintain the quality of the mattress long-term and in turn, your quality of sleep.