13 best mattresses for back pain, spinal issues
Labelled the “comfiest mattress”, many shoppers are switching to a bed-in-a-box mattress that “stops the aches for half the price” of other popular brands.
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Feel sore in your lower or upper back? You’re not alone, with research revealing one in six Aussies report having back problems, while four out of five are expected to experience it during their lifetime.
Back pain usually refers to aches in the lower part of the spine (lumbar spine) or the thoracic spine on the upper back, as well as the neck and tailbone. These can be caused by different factors, such as poor posture or extra pressure on the spine from sitting too long.
RELATED: Top-rated mattresses in Australia
A poor mattress doesn’t help either. In fact, studies published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology and the Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine found effects of an unsuitable mattress go beyond a restless night and can negatively impact mood and health.
That’s why finding the right bedding shouldn’t be something you should sleep on – just ask chiropractor and Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) Board Member, Dr Damian Kristof.
“I think a mattress is absolutely crucial to helping maintain a healthy sleep posture,” he told news.com.au checkout.
“If your posture is supported and your muscles are relaxed, you can get a better night’s sleep because your spine is actually relaxed and supported.
“Then, you’ll decrease any high increased pressure, torsions or interruptions to your spinal health … and that’s the important thing.”
To help find a balance between comfort and support for all kinds of sleepers, we’ve rounded up several top-rated mattresses, such as the Eva Comfort Classic (which is currently $330 off).
Dubbed as “the comfiest mattress” by many shoppers, reviewers say it’s perfect for all types of sleepers looking for a comfortable and supportive mattress. Fans are also loving the fast delivery and great customer service, plus the handy 365-day trial period. “Don’t waste your money on mattresses that cost thousands of dollars this Eva mattress is so comfortable and stops the aches for half the price,” raved a customer.
BEST OVERALL MATTRESSES FOR BACK PAIN
Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress - Queen, $1031.40 (down from $1719) at Emma Sleep
What You Need To Know
A firm winner for many shoppers, this Emma mattress has an ergonomically designed foam layer that moulds to the contour of your body to distribute body pressure evenly, so you can sleep comfortably no matter whether that’s on your back, side, stomach (or a mixture of all). It additionally contains pocket springs, which similarly helps relieve pressure points and conforms to your body shape for customised support. The pocket springs are also great when you’re sharing a bed since it absorbs movement, ensuring the mattress stays stable whenever your partner tosses.
“Didn’t realise how much our previous mattress dipped. Emma is comfortable and supportive with a firm but yet soft feel,” one reviewer posted.
“What I do love most is no movement in the bed when husband changes position or gets out of bed. Mattress protector is great and fits perfectly too.”
Origin The Origin Hybrid Mattress, $699 (down from $1165) at Origin Mattress
What You Need To Know
Newcomer Origin has already made huge waves in the mattress world, despite entering the scene in just 2018. The brand’s Hybrid Mattress even won Best Mattress AU’s best value for money award for 2022.
The Origin Hybrid Mattress is suitable for most sleep positions and designed with more support in the third centre of the mattress, which is where Origin claims most of our body weight usually sits. The mattress is also fitted with an orthopaedic layer to achieve the ‘Goldilocks zone for pressure and comfort’, as well as provide good back support and regulate temperature.
“After using the Origin Hybrid Mattress for the past month I can honestly say that I am getting much better quality sleep than before. As the parent of a new baby I’m not getting as much sleep as I’d like, so it’s important that the sleep I do get is good,” a customer wrote on Product Review.
“I also love that my husband and I don’t disturb one another if we move around in the night, or if I bring my daughter into the bed, due to the minimal motion transfer feature. My husband and I generally struggle to find a mattress that we are both happy with as he prefers a firm mattress, and I like a softer one. But the Origin mattress somehow manages to be perfect for both of us.”
Mattress Crafters Chiro Luxe Luxury Mattress, $2319.20 (down from $2899) at Mattress Crafters
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking to invest in a pricier option, it might be worth checking out the Mattress Crafters Chiro Luxe. This Australian-made mattress uses HygroFlex comfort foam, which the brand claims can redistribute pressure more effectively than traditional memory foam. It also features a Border Shield Edge Support System to prevent you from rolling off the bed, and an Orthopaedic Foam for customised firmness.
The Mattress Crafters mattress additionally has a hybrid spring system made from honeycomb springs to help promote blood flow, and regular firm pocket springs to ensure comfort and longevity. Plus, the open-cell foam design promotes airflow and breathability so you can stay cool and comfortable.
You can choose from a wider variety of sizes compared to most other brands, with super king and ‘caravan’ also available.
BEST ADJUSTABLE MATTRESS FOR BACK PAIN
Sleeping Duck SD MACH II, $1649 at Sleeping Duck
Sleeping Duck SD MACH II
What You Need To Know
Fighting over what makes a mattress great? Unlike adjustable mattresses from other brands, Sleeping Duck’s SD Mach II features an interchangeable firmness system that lets you customise the firmness for each person, as well as different areas of your body. This is handy if you want a firmer feel for your shoulders and something softer for your legs, or couples with different firmness preferences.
And if sleeping you’re constantly finding yourself on the edge of the bed, this Sleeping Duck mattress has a reinforced Perimeter Zone that essentially contains twice tempered springs to prevent you from rolling off. The brand even claims it adds 20 per cent extra space, giving another win for those often pushed to the side.
“I keep checking to see if there is any sag, I think past buys have me this way. Luckily this Sleeping Duck is fabulous, no sag, comfortable and I don’t feel hubby moving in bed,” an impressed shopper posted on Product Review.
“We bought our Sleeping Duck Mattress about seven years ago and it is amazing. Still as good now as when we bought it and my husband is 120kg plus!! So that’s the ultimate test I believe,” another wrote.
“I would never buy another type of mattress. I have purchased two more Sleeping Duck mattresses in the last three years that have also been as awesome as mine.”
BEST MATTRESSES FOR PRESSURE RELIEF
Koala Plus Mattress, $1690 at Koala
Koala Plus Mattress
What You Need To Know
There’s more to love with the Koala Plus Mattress. It’s said to pack more of the brand’s Kloudcell technology for added support and comfort, as well as cool-touch moisture wicking fibres in the summer topper to help make the surface feel up to 86 per cent cooler compared to the brand’s other mattresses.
In addition to the adjustable comfort layer, which lets you enjoy different firmness levels with just a simple flip, the Koala Plus Mattress even has a 2cm quilted topper that can be similarly adjusted to suit the season. For warmer months, the CoolThreads side keep you cool and comfortable while the Organic Cotton side helps you stay cosy during winter.
Plus, there’s an anti-slip bottom and five high-density support zones to take pressure off your shoulders, back, hips, knees and lower legs.
BEST MATTRESSES FOR ALL SLEEP POSITIONS
Ergopedic Mattress 5 Zone Spring Mattress, $399.95 (down from $749) at Myer
What You Need To Know
For targeted pressure relief, this Ergopedic medium-firm mattress has a five-zone pocket spring design that conforms to the head, shoulders, lower back, knees and feet. It includes a 100 per cent natural latex layer to provide cushioning and support. The latex is especially good for those who tend to get hot easily because it wicks away moisture from the body to keep you and the bed dry.
“This mattress is very comfortable to lie on and helpful for my back,” one reviewer posted.
“One thing is that it is a very thick mattress and my sheets don’t fit over it. Other than that this is a highly comfortable and good quality mattress.”
BEST MATTRESSES FOR SIDE SLEEPERS WITH BACK PAIN
Ecosa Pure Mattress, $1360 (down from $1700) at Ecosa
What You Need To Know
Looking for a sustainable mattress? This option from Ecosa features a machine washable OceanCycled cover that’s repurposed from 80 plastic bottles, and contains a layer of recycled felt made from 100 per cent recycled materials to protect the pocket springs.
The mattress also offers seven zones of support to correct spinal alignment, plus ensure no partner disturbance and edge support.
“Needless to say, this mattress is exactly what I needed for a great night’s sleep. Supports the body yet very comfortable,” a reviewer posted.
“After many years of waking up stiff and sore I’m finally onto a winner. I look forward to going to bed and I wake up feeling so refreshed in the morning,” another wrote.
BEST MATTRESSES FOR BACK SLEEPERS WITH BACK PAIN
Eva Comfort Classic Mattress, $850 (down from $1200) at Eva
What You Need To Know
Worried about buying a mattress without trying it in-store? Eva offers a generous 365-day trial, offering much more wiggle room compared to other brands. The mattress itself includes a gel memory foam that adapts to your body to redistribute heat and ease pressure on your joints, and pocket springs to encourage airflow and target your major pressure areas.
“I’m so happy with this mattress. I’m having the best sleep of my life and my neck/back pain has gone,” a reviewer commented.
“Customer service was great, delivery was great, the mattress itself is great. Both me and my wife love the mattress,” another wrote.
“It's the comfiest mattress I’ve ever sleep on. Its suitable even for me as side sleeper and my wife as a back sleeper.”
“Don’t waste your money on mattresses that cost thousands of dollars this Eva mattress is so comfortable and stops the aches for half the price,” agreed a third.
BEST MATTRESS FOR STOMACH SLEEPERS WITH BACK PAIN
The Atlantis Mattress, $1899 at Atlantis
The Atlantis Mattress
What You Need To Know
If you tend to sleep on your tummy, hybrid mattresses like this Atlantis mattress are great because the combo of springs and foam can offer a good balance between strong support and comfort (without sinking too much). The Atlantis Mattress is also available in several firmness levels, which is definitely handy since factors like weight and body frame size can also impact how suitable a mattress is for you.
Other features include a soft Australian knitted quilt cover, and comfort layers with an open cell structure to encourage airflow.
BEST FOAM MATTRESS FOR BACK PAIN
Ergoflex 5G Memory Foam Mattress, $1019.99 (down from $1699.99) at Ergoflex
What You Need To Know
For those who already have fairly good posture, then a memory foam mattress may be the way to. This orthopaedic grade option from Ergoflex features a nine centimetre top layer made from high-density visco-elastic memory foam, which contributes towards minimising motion transfer and supports the body by following your unique contours. The mattress also promotes airflow with features like the 5cm Cool Sleep airflow system, which helps regulates temperature.
“I haven’t had a better mattress than ErgoFlex. This is my second ErgoFlex mattress and it’s perfect – firm but not too firm, soft but doesn’t sink, moulds to the shape of the body and best of all, this is the first mattress that my wife doesn’t feel my tossing and turning! Can’t recommend it more,” a happy reviewer posted on Product Review.
“The most comfortable, supportive mattress I’ve ever slept on. Highly recommended,” agreed another, rating the mattress five stars.
BEST SOFT PLUSH MATTRESS FOR BACK PAIN
Macoda Mattress, $1200 (down from $1300) at Macoda
Macoda Mattress
What You Need To Know
Prefer a plush feel? Or can’t quite decide? Macoda offers an adjustable mattress that’s ideal for sleepers who like to stay on the softer side, but still want the option to increase the firmness. This bed in a box also features a mix of memory foam, latex and pocket springs, allowing you to enjoy the diverse benefits of these different materials.
The Macoda mattress is especially great for warm sleepers, thanks to the cooling gel beads that help regulate your temperature and prevent you from feeling hot. It also has a removable bamboo cover that wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable and dry.
“It was a great price, but what really sold me was the interchangeable top layer. I tried the medium configuration it came in, but that was too hard for me. Swapped to the softer setting and I’m in heaven,” praised a reviewer.
“We read all the reviews on the Macoda mattress before buying and so far they’re spot on. It’s firm enough to be support but soft and comfy on top so you don’t feel like you’re sleeping on a box,” agreed another, rating the bed in a box five stars.
BEST FIRM MATTRESS FOR PEOPLE WITH BACK PAIN
Sleep Firm Firm Bed Mattress, $1104.15 (down from $1299) at Sleep Firm
What You Need To Know
For a true firm mattress, check out Sleep Firm’s mattress. The Australian-made bed in a box features high density foam comfort layers and a high pocket springs coil count to create a supportive, comfortable surface without much sinkage. It also uses an S+ Pro 5 Zone Independent Spring System in which an Independent Spring is placed in each of the zones to ensure the mattress responds to the natural contour of the spine and body.
This Sleep Firm mattress is additionally approved under the Sensitive Choice program, making it an ideal option for people with allergies and asthma.
BEST BUDGET MATTRESS FOR BACK PAIN
Zinus Chiro iCoil Queen Pocket Spring Memory Foam Medium Feel Mattress
What You Need To Know
This Zinus option is a fairly affordable option compared to other products on the market, so you can still add a topper without breaking the bank.
The Zinus mattress features a firmer high-density foam for support and a green tea memory foam to relieve joint pressure and contour to the body. There’s also an Independent Coil System for added pressure relief and to minimise motion transfer.
“Excellent value for money, very comfortable mattress. I have just ordered my third one as I am replacing everyone’s old mattress with these,” one Amazon customer posted.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A MATTRESS
Picking the best mattress for you is all about personal preference, says Dr Kristof.
“Some people find that even a futon style bed that’s just a cushion is really great for them. Other people would find a full latex mattress good. There’s a wide variety of desired formats so it all comes down to personal choice,” he said.
When choosing a mattress to include on this list we evaluated several factors:
Types of mattresses: There’s no right or wrong answer when choosing a mattress type, according to the experts. The most common types include:
• Innerspring mattresses: These are made springs that are hidden under layers of fabric, latex, or foam.
• Foam mattresses: Foam mattresses usually contain different types of foam, such as gel foam and memory foam. Depending on what you buy, the mattress can offer a variety of benefits like motion transfer and heat regulation.
• Hybrid mattresses: Hybrid mattresses feature multiple layers, which usually includes an innerspring system along with a latex, gel or memory foam layer.
• Latex mattresses: Latex is a rubber-like material that makes the mattress both firm and comfortable, similar to memory foam. Although both mattress types still perform very differently.
Firmness: Medium support is seen as the sweet spot by experts, especially since it can be easily adjusted. “Most people can adapt to a medium mattress. If it’s a little too hard, they can add a mattress topper. If it’s too soft, they can add something underneath the mattress to make it firmer,” Dr Kristof said.
Mattress features: Dr Kristof says that while technology can play a big role in maintaining a healthy posture, the type of features to look out for change depending on whether you’re sharing a mattress or not.
“If you’re in the bed with someone else, you’ll probably need more technology. Like how pocket springs enable you to have a night of sleep that’s less interrupted by the person in the bed with you because you’re not feeling that movement,” he said.
“The other thing you can get is zones of support. Some bedding manufacturers will have firmer springs in the areas you need more support, including your lumbar spine, cervical spine or where your feet are. There’ll be different types of springs and support in those areas to enable your body to curve better and to be supported better.”
Budget: Did you know buying a mattress at a certain time can help you save big bucks? Brands usually introduce models around late winter to early spring (between July and September), which means you can get discounts on what will now be ‘older’ models.
Trial period: Dr Kristof recommends finding a mattress that you can test drive so you can get a better clue as to how it fits your body.
“I think what’s important with a mattress is that people try the mattress for longer than a few minutes. See if you can find something that's firm and supportive but at the same time soft enough to be comfortable,” Dr Kristof said.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best back-pain friendly mattresses for your needs and budget, we asked chiropractor and Australian Chiropractors Association Board Member, Dr Damian Kristof for his expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a mattress to help minimise morning aches and pains. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best mattress from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DOES A MATTRESS IMPACT BACK PAIN?
Mattresses with a medium-feel offer more benefits for people with lower back pain compared to other mattresses with different firm levels, according to a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine.
A mattress that’s too firm won’t let the shoulders sink into the mattress, which can lead to the neck and shoulders getting not enough support (and eventually pain and joint stiffness). Although factors like age, weight and height can also impact how well a mattress will suit your body.
Dr Kristof suggests focusing on the level of support the mattress offers, rather than simply picking something based on the number of pocket springs.
“The key thing is that if you’re a heavier person, whether that’s muscle or body fat, you would want more support because your posture is being affected a lot more compared to someone who is lighter and would need less support,” he explained.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BED IS CAUSING BACK PAIN?
You can easily tell if your mattress is causing back pain if you’re regularly waking up with a sore back and feel stiff, especially if it’s an acute pain. Other signs include constant tossing and turning, the mattress feels too hard or soft, you keep waking up throughout the night, or if the mattress feels lumpy, saggy or not as supportive as you would like.
“A mattress is really important to maintaining posture. If you’ve got great posture, you’ll have less pain,” Dr Kristof said.
Although once you buy a new mattress, keep in mind that it can take up to four weeks to get used to a new sleep surface.
HOW TO DEAL WITH BACK PAIN IN THE MORNING
Dr Kristof says the key to deal with waking up sore is to get the blood flowing and muscles moving.
“When you wake up in the morning with aches and pains, it’s great to stretch and move. If you’re feeling better, go for a run, jog, swim or a cycle – just get out there and do some movement before you embark on the day, he said.
“And be mindful of your posture throughout the day, especially when you’re sitting on a chair or at desk. If you continue to have aches and pains, then get your spine checked by a chiropractor who can tell you what to do to help your spine.”
You can also use apps, such as the ACA’s Straighten Up to help you keep an eye on your posture.
More Best Mattresses Coverage
Emma Sleep Zero Gravity Mattress review
Dr Damian Kristof
Dr Kristof is a Melbourne-based chiropractor, nutritionist, naturopath with more than 20 years of experience in the wellness industry. You can learn more about his thoughts on health by tuning into Rush Hour with James Brayshaw and Billy Brownless on Triple M, as well as podcasts including The Wellness Guys’ Show and 100 Not Out. Dr Kristof additionally runs seminars on issues relating to the body, nervous system, food functions and responses.
If you are having trouble with back pain, we recommend you seek help from a healthcare professional to make sure you’re getting the right treatment as well as get advice on how to choose the right mattress for your body.
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