In 2014, a mind-boggling 10 million working days were lost to back pain in the UK. With hundreds of thousands of Brits across every age group suffering from the chronic condition, many people see the rise in back and neck problems (likely caused by increasingly desk- and computer-oriented working lives) as a very serious social issue.

It's estimated that these problems cost the UK economy billions in lost working days each year, while adding to the burden of the NHS.

If you're one of the thousands of sufferers who struggle with back pain, finding the right mattress is one possible way to ease and improve the condition. But no two bodies or lifestyles are identical, and back pain can take many different forms. In this blog we'll be explaining how to find the perfect mattress to improve your particular variety of back pain, from selecting the right level of softness, to understanding the type of support you need.

Mattress Types

Pocket sprung, memory foam, latex, reflex foam – there many different types of mattresses available, each with features that may be beneficial to different back pain sufferers. It's important to note that there is no “ultimate mattress” for back pain, your perfect option is a personal choice, based on your body.

The Right Support

With that said, one of the crucial features of any mattress designed to ease back pain is support. An unsupportive mattress will allow your hips to sink, putting additional strain on your lower back, which can significantly increase pain in that area. You will require a surface that supports your head, neck, shoulders, spine and hips properly to begin identifying your ideal mattress.

If you typically sleep on your front, an even firmer, more supportive mattress may be helpful. The added curvature of your spine caused in this position is best reduced by an even firmer surface.

Soft Power

Most back pain sufferers will also want to look for a mattress that offers softness for a comfortable night's sleep. It's important to remember that “hardness” and supportiveness (or firmness) are different things. It's possible to have a supportive mattress with a soft feel, particularly when padding is used as a topper for a firm mattress. This provides an extra layer of comfort, essential for those who suffer from sleeplessness as a result of back pain – and for people that typically sleep on their side, who can suffer from numbness of the hip or shoulder when sleeping on a harder surface without soft cushioning.

Do you dream of a comfortable night's sleep that leaves you feeling refreshed in the morning, while reducing your back pain over the long term? Our mattress specialists may be able to help.

With pocket sprung, latex, memory foam, reflex foam, open coil and orthopaedic mattresses available in store and online, our team are specially trained to offer advice and guidance to help you find the perfect fit for your body. Contact us today on 01624 624311 for more information.

Image source