12 best mattresses for back pain, spinal issues
Your mattress might be impacting your sleep more than you think. Check out the top mattresses Aussies are a dream to sleep on.
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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 Koala Plus Mattress some have dubbed "exceptional" and a "game changer".
The "highly recommended" Ergoflex 5G is another one to keep an eye on. One fan says "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!"
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST OVERALL MATTRESSES FOR BACK PAIN
Origin The Origin Hybrid Mattress, $879 at Origin Mattress
What You Need To Know
Origin has already made huge waves in the mattress world, despite entering the scene in just 2018. The brand’s Hybrid Mattress has even received awards from Best Mattress AU as well as consumer comparison sites Choice and ProductReview.com.au. best
The new and improved Origin Hybrid Mattress is suitable for most sleep positions and designed with more support in the 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.
This new version also now comes with a thicker and more plush Natural Breeze Tencel Pillowtop, stronger reinforced edge support and a cooling bamboo-infused memory foam with improved cooling.
"This is by far the best mattress I have ever slept on! It’s thick, firm and supportive... If me or my partner wake up and move in the night we don’t disturb each other’s sleep as the mattress is very stable. Love this mattress! raved a shopper
“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,” another 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 FIRM MATTRESS FOR BACK PAIN
Silentnight Onyx Mattress, $2579 (down from $4699) at Beds N Dreams
What You Need To Know
Fans can't help but praise this 10-zone dual pocket spring mattress, with many saying it's "firm but supportive enough", and exceeding "all of our expectations around comfort and quality". This Australian made mattress also features memory foam, which is great if you want a mattress to mould around your body, and a cooling gel layer to help prevent the night sweats.
Several shoppers who have struggled with aches and pains agree they've noticed some improvement and "thoroughly recommend it to everyone who wants a good night's sleep".
"I immediately noticed how supportive and comfortable the mattress is. I haven’t woken with sore hips or a sore back which I used to often do," praised one reviewer.
"I have had multiple expensive mattresses that all ended up collapsed where I paid, being 103kg (and having a) solid build. I have had this mattress now for 12 months and it's the best by far. Very comfortable," echoed another.
BEST ADJUSTABLE MATTRESS FOR BACK PAIN
Ecosa Pure Mattress, $1700 at Ecosa
What You Need To Know
Prefer the classics with spring mattresses? Ecosa's Pure Mattress packs up to 2250 pocket springs across five zones, plus two edge support zones, to maximimise airflow, minimise motion isolation and keep your whole body feeling supported. It also features a mix of natural latex and the brand's BounceTech foam to give a bit of bounce whilst also allowing you to sink into the bed for that cloud-like feel. There's also a cooling gel-infused memory foam and pincore holes to help you feel nice and dry throughout the night.
" I started out with the standard Ecosa Mattress about six years ago, and it's still perfect to this day. Decided to go for a slightly softer feel and move the previous to my spare room. The Pure is as you'd expect from Ecosa - exactly as described. Comfortable, supportive and great value," raved a reviewer.
"... I can’t fault this mattress and the price tag!" another posted, rating the hybrid mattress five stars.
"Was very sceptical at first however upon receiving and finally unboxing it, I was taken aback. The price and quality are second to none," agreed a third.
(P.S Subscribe to Ecosa's newsletter to get 20 per cent off!)
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, $1590 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.
"The mattress provides the perfect balance of comfort and support, with a firmness level that ensures a great night's sleep. It’s made a noticeable difference in my husband’s sleep quality, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable and durable mattress!" raved one shopper.
"The quality is exceptional— for the mattress itself it is breathable and stays cool throughout the night, which has been a game-changer for me as a hot sleeper. I also appreciate the edge support, making the entire surface feel stable and usable, no matter where you lie," agreed another.
BEST MATTRESSES FOR ALL SLEEP POSITIONS
Ergopedic Mattress 5 Zone Spring Mattress - King, $459.95 (down from $799) at Myer
Mattress 5 Zone Spring Mattress in White
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
Macoda Mattress, $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. The Macoda mattress is also especially great for warm sleepers, featuring a cool-touch cover, a layer of graphene-infused memory foam to wick away heat (as well as ensure adaptive comfort), and the brand's AirFlow foam for breathability and pressure relief.
This bed in a box additionally has twice tempered steel pocket springs for durability, plus five support zones for targeted support.
“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 MATTRESSES FOR BACK SLEEPERS WITH BACK PAIN
Eva Comfort Classic Mattress, $850 (down from $1200) at Eva
Comfort Classic Mattress
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, $1232.49 (down from $1449.99) 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 BUDGET MATTRESS FOR BACK PAIN
Zinus Chiro iCoil Queen Pocket Spring Memory Foam Medium Feel Mattress, $329 at Amazon Australia
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.
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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.
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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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