What mattresses are best for back pain?

In terms of mattress type, memory foam or orthopaedic mattresses are often recommended for back and neck pain. This is because they are specially designed to provide adequate support to the spine and avoid stiff joints come morning. In terms of comfort grade, it’s advised to opt for a medium mattress if you suffer from back pain. This is because anything too soft will result in you sinking into the mattress and misaligning the spine. However, anything too firm may lead you to waking up sore. Read more about stopping back pain here.

How to choose a mattress

Q: How to choose the right mattress for your sleeping position

There are a number of considerations to look at when choosing a mattress, including mattress size, mattress type and comfort grade. While the size of your mattress depends on the space you have available, mattress type and comfort grade depend on the sleeper. Side sleepers As a side sleeper, you are amongst the majority of adults in the UK as more than half of British adults sleep this way. The main consideration for side sleepers is their vulnerable pressure points, which need to be adequately cushioned with an appropriate mattress. Front sleepers Sleeping on your front is often cautioned, as it can lead to overarching the natural curve of your spine and even straining your neck. So, it's important to take extra care with your mattress choice if you find you unconsciously adopt this position. Back sleepers Sleeping on your back is beneficial for your spinal alignment. For this reason, you're afforded more flexibility with your mattress choice but there are still recommended styles. Most important is making sure your back doesn't curve and your natural alignment is kept intact.

Last updated: March 2026

Choosing the ideal mattress for you can be tricky, with an abundance of mattress types available, narrowing down the selection can be tough. Our mattress buying guide recommends the best mattresses for you based on your sleeping position, your weight and any personal needs and preferences.

How to choose the right mattress for your sleeping position

Your sleeping position plays a big role in how your body aligns and recovers overnight, so choosing the right mattress to support that position can make all the difference to your comfort and sleep quality.

Side sleepers

Side sleepers often benefit from a soft to medium mattress that gently cushions the hips and shoulders, relieving pressure while still providing the right level of support for comfortable, well-aligned sleep.

Read more: What’s the best mattress for side sleepers?

Front sleepers

Front sleepers usually benefit from a firm or extra firm mattress, which helps keep the spine in a more neutral position and reduces the risk of lower back and neck strain.

Read more: What’s the best mattress for front sleepers?

Back sleepers

Sleeping on your back naturally supports spinal alignment, giving you more flexibility when choosing a mattress, though firmer options are often preferred for added support and comfort.

Read more: What’s the best mattress for back sleepers?

How to choose the right mattress firmness

While mattress type refers to filling, comfort grade refers to how firm the mattress is. This usually ranges from soft to very firm. Each type of mattress is usually available in a range of comfort grades to be tailored to your needs. For example, you could opt for a memory foam mattress in a soft or firm comfort grade.

While comfort grades are often based on personal preference, your sleeping position, weight and health conditions may make you more suited to certain comfort grades than others. In this guide, we recommend the best mattress type and comfort grade for each of those factors.

Comfort grade	Sleeping position	Body type
Soft	Side	Lighter builds
Medium	Side, front and back	All body types
Firm	Front and back	Average to heavier builds
Very firm	Back	Heavier builds

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FAQs about choosing a mattress

What is the best mattress for heavier people?

For people with a heavier build, the best mattress is one that offers enhanced support, durability and pressure relief without sacrificing comfort. A well-supported mattress helps distribute weight evenly and prevents excessive sinkage, which can affect spinal alignment over time.

Recommended mattress types:

Pocket spring mattresses, where individual springs respond independently to different areas of the body, offering targeted support and improved weight distribution.
Hybrid mattresses, which combine supportive springs with layers of memory foam, gel or latex for added stability and comfort.
Latex mattresses provide firm yet flexible support that cushions pressure points like hips and shoulders while maintaining resilience night after night.

What is the best mattress for joint pain or arthritis?

If you experience joint pain or arthritis, comfort and temperature regulation are key. A mattress that cushions sensitive areas while maintaining warmth can help reduce discomfort and stiffness overnight.

Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice as they contour to the body, easing pressure on joints and encouraging better alignment. Traditional spring mattresses can also work well if you prefer a slightly warmer sleep surface, as they tend to retain heat. For those who struggle with cold-related pain, adding a heated mattress topper can provide extra comfort, helping to soothe aches.

What is the best mattress for restless sleepers who toss and turn?

For restless sleepers, the best mattress is one that limits motion transfer and gently encourages stillness throughout the night.

Memory foam mattresses are particularly effective for this, as their layered construction absorbs movement and responds slowly to changes in position. This reduces the bounce-back effect found in traditional spring mattresses and helps keep your body supported in a natural sleeping position. Mattresses with multiple foam layers also provide enhanced cushioning, making them a great choice if you share a bed or frequently change position during the night.

What is the best mattress for back pain?

If you suffer from back pain, choosing the right mattress can help support your spine and reduce stiffness in the morning.

A medium comfort mattress is often recommended, as options that are too soft can cause sinking, while overly firm mattresses may add pressure, causing discomfort. Memory foam mattresses are particularly beneficial, as they mould to your body and support the spine evenly. Orthopaedic mattresses also offer targeted support zones to help reduce strain on the back and neck. For added pressure relief, Dreams’ Sleepmotion range uses Zero Gravity technology to help minimise aches caused by your natural sleeping position.

Read more about the best mattresses for back pain.

What is the best mattress for allergy sufferers?

For allergy sufferers, the best mattress is one made from materials that reduce the build-up of allergens such as dust mites and mould. Hypoallergenic properties can help ease symptoms and support clearer breathing at night.

Mattresses made from man-made materials are often recommended, as they’re less likely to harbour allergens compared to natural fillings like wool or mohair. Brands such as Silentnight use hypoallergenic materials designed to resist dust mites, while TheraPur mattresses feature breathable ActiGel foam with open-cell structures that help create a cleaner sleep environment.

What is the best mattress for hot sleepers?

If you tend to overheat while you sleep, temperature regulation should be a top priority when choosing a mattress. The right materials can help keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Gel mattresses are a great option, as their gel-infused foam absorbs excess heat when you’re warm and releases it as your body cools. Natural mattresses, made with breathable fillings like cotton, wool, bamboo or alpaca, also promote airflow and moisture control. For advanced cooling, TEMPUR® mattresses feature SmartCool™ technology, designed to draw heat away from the body quickly.

Learn more about the benefits of cooling mattresses and how they work.

What is the best mattress for scoliosis?

For people with scoliosis, spinal support and even weight distribution are key when choosing a mattress. A mattress that’s too soft or too firm can place extra strain on the spine and worsen discomfort overnight.

Medium-firm pocket-sprung mattresses are often a good option, as the individually wrapped springs respond to different parts of the body, helping to support the spine’s natural alignment. This targeted support can reduce pressure points and encourage a more balanced sleeping position. Comfort preferences can vary, so it’s worth testing firmness levels where possible and seeking advice from a healthcare professional.