Orthopaedic Mattresses

What is an orthopaedic mattress?

An orthopaedic mattress is designed with enhanced support at its core to help keep your spine and joints properly aligned as you sleep. Firmer layers and targeted zoning keep your back in a straighter line, rather than letting it sink out of shape. Orthopaedic mattresses are a popular choice for people with back pain, as well as anyone who prefers a firmer, more supportive feel beneath them.

What are the benefits of an orthopaedic mattress?

There's a lot an orthopaedic mattress can do for you beyond a good night's rest. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Better spine alignment: The firmer structure keeps your back supported through the night, encouraging better posture and preventing aches and pains.
• Eases pressure points: Targeted support around your hips and shoulders takes the strain off, which can help if you wake up sore most mornings.
• Steadier sleep: Enhanced comfort can reduce tossing and turning, helping you achieve a more restful night’s sleep.
• Built to last: The firmer support of an orthopaedic mattress tends to hold its shape for longer, so it won't sag or dip in the middle as quickly.

Does an orthopaedic mattress help with back pain?

Yes, and the numbers back it up. Nearly 72% of Brits suffer from pain in their back, neck or shoulder. We polled 2,000 people and found that 39% reported that their pain directly interferes with their ability to rest. Choosing an orthopaedic mattress for back pain can help by keeping your spine in a straighter line overnight, taking pressure off the joints that usually flare up.

Read our guide to the best mattresses for back pain for more help choosing the right support.

What kinds of orthopaedic mattresses are there?

Orthopaedic mattresses come in a few different builds, each suited to different needs.

• Orthopaedic memory foam mattresses: Mould to your body shape as you move, offering targeted support for your spine while cushioning your joints.
• Pocket sprung orthopaedic mattresses: Individually wrapped springs respond to your body's weight and movement, so support stays consistent across the mattress.
• Combination orthopaedic mattresses: Blend spring and foam layers, giving supportive bounce underneath with a softer, more cushioned feel on top.
• Gel orthopaedic mattresses: Infused with cooling gel, these add pressure relief around your joints while helping maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
• Latex orthopaedic mattresses: Naturally bouncy and responsive, latex offers firm support with a bit more give than foam, plus better airflow to keep you cool.
• Traditional spring orthopaedic mattresses: A single connected spring unit runs through the mattress, offering firm, dependable support at a more affordable price point.

What sizes do orthopaedic mattresses come in?

Orthopaedic mattresses come in all standard UK sizes, from single orthopaedic mattresses for solo sleepers, right up to super king orthopaedic mattresses, ideal for couples who want that extra room to spread out.

What firmness levels do orthopaedic mattresses come in?

Our orthopaedic mattresses come in four comfort grades, from soft to very firm, so you can match support to how you actually sleep.

• Soft orthopaedic mattresses: Offer support without the firmness. These are best suited to side sleepers, since the softer layers cushion your hips and shoulders as you settle in.
• Medium orthopaedic mattresses: A middle ground that works well for most sleeping positions.
• Firm orthopaedic mattresses: An orthopaedic firm mattress suits front and back sleepers, keeping your spine and neck aligned overnight.
• Very firm orthopaedic mattresess: The best option for back sleepers who need to keep their spine properly aligned.

What is the best orthopaedic mattress brand?

There isn’t one single best brand, it depends on your sleep style and what feels right for you. Sealy brings decades of expertise in orthopaedic mattresses, with its specialist Posturepedic range designed to provide targeted support and help promote healthy spinal alignment as you sleep. TEMPUR takes a different approach, using pressure-relieving memory foam that moulds to your body while continuing to support your spine. Both are available at Dreams, so it's worth trying each in store to see which suits how you sleep best.

Do your orthopaedic mattresses come with a guarantee?

Yes, every orthopaedic mattress we sell comes with our 100-night comfort guarantee. This gives you up to 100 nights to try your new orthopaedic mattress, and if it's not quite right, you can swap it for one that’s better suited. For more help choosing the right mattress, try our Sleepmatch quiz, or get in touch with our team if you'd rather talk it through with a real person.