If you’re someone who’s unfortunately familiar with troubled sleep and persistent back pain, listen up, for it might be time to invest in a new mattress.
While it may not have crossed your mind before (don’t worry, you’re in good company), that plush mattress you bought a decade ago could actually be the root of your discomfort.
Sleep expert Elina Winnel says that many people can experience back pain for years without realising it’s their mattress that’s been the culprit all along.
“It could be that you have an old mattress, it could be that it’s not supportive,” she says. “Having a good mattress is incredibly important because it has a huge impact on the quality of our sleep.”
What factors should you consider when buying a mattress?
When buying a mattress, the sleep expert suggests considering features that promote good sleep quality such as adaptability, temperature regulation and different support zones.
Adaptability
“You want something that will adapt to the needs of your body,” says Elina.
As a general rule of thumb, she recommends a firm mattress is better if you’re flexible so that your spine can be kept straighter. If you’re not very flexible, a softer mattress helps your body but supports it in a way that’s better for posture.
Different support zones
Elina says you want a mattress that will support your spine so that you don’t struggle to fall asleep or wake up during the night due to pain.
“Having different zones in a mattress with differing levels of support depending on the area of the body is really important. You want a mattress where your shoulder can sink in more than your hips because that helps to keep spinal alignment.
Everybody’s body is a bit different. And having a mattress that adapts to different body types is important.”
Temperature regulation
Elina notes that as people can overheat in their sleep and as partners sharing a bed can have different temperature preferences; it’s ideal to have a breathable mattress that helps to regulate body temperature. Having a temperature-regulating mattress is also great for living in the unpredictable Aussie climate.
The best mattresses to shop for back pain in Australia 2024
We’ve rounded up some of the best mattresses for back pain currently on the market that work to align your spine and support different areas of your body during slumber. Read on for our top picks that’ll improve the quality of your sleep:
Best overall mattresses for back pain
The Koala Plus mattress (queen), $1192.50 (usually $1590) at Koala
This brand-new mattress is Koala’s most advanced one of all. If offers even better cooling, more comfort and more support, as well as a seasonable flappable topper so that you can choose to sleep cooler or warmer, depending on your preferences (and what season it is). Plus, if you sign up, you can score 10 per cent off the mattress – that’s $169!
Key features:
- 120-night trial
- Free delivery
- 10-year warranty
- B-Corp certified
- Superior support, zero disturbance, flippable comfort layer and advanced cooling
You can currently score up to 30% sitewide at Koala this Afterpay Day.
Emma Sleep Luxe Pro mattress (queen), $3099 at Emma Sleep
Get ready to say goodbye to restless nights and achy backs! The Emma Sleep Luxe Pro mattress offers superior pressure relief and support thanks to its AirGrid Technology and 7-Zone support system. It also boasts exceptional breathability with gel material that keeps you cool and comfortable all night long.
Key features:
- Provides targeted support for key pressure points
- AirGrid layer keeps you cool and dry
- Adapts to your body shape for undisturbed sleep
- Medium-soft firmness
- 100-night trial
- 10-year warranty
- Free delivery and returns
Origin LumbarCloud Mattress (queen), $2499 (usually $4165) at Origin Mattress
Having won over 20 international awards, including the 2023 Luxury Mattress of the Year in Australia and the UK, it’s easy to see why this mattress is one of the best for back and joint relief. Complete with up to 2400 springs for optimal spinal alignment, the cloud-like mattress is also made of graphite latex – which is 10x more cooling than memory foam.
Key features:
- 120-night trial
- 15-year warranty
- Tested in independent labs
- Free and fast delivery
“Goodbye stiff joints, hello sunshine,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “This supportive cloud wakes me up ready to seize the day, pain-free.”
Emma Sleep Comfort Adapt Mattress (queen), $767.40 (usually $1279) at Emma Sleep
The 2024 winner of both the Best Mattress AU categories for best mattress overall and most comfortable mattress, the Emma Sleep Comfort Adapt Mattress is all about bang for buck. Featuring seven zones of springs and memory foam that adapt to your body, improved breathability, better motion isolation and 54 per cent less carbon emission than the first Emma Sleep Comfort mattress, it’s a quality and budget-friendly investment in your sleep.
Key features:
- Medium-soft firmness
- Free delivery and returns
- 100-night trial
- 10-year guarantee
“I’ve been using the Emma…and have not once woken up with any soreness or stiffness,” wrote a five-star reviewer, with another adding: “Great product. Has made my sleep and my back so much more pleasant.”
The best cooling mattress for back pain
Origin Hybrid Pro mattress (queen), $1449 (usually $2639) at Origin
Origin’s most advanced mattress yet, this model designed by top sleep specialists is as comfortable and cooling as they come. Featuring eight layers of premium materials including an extra plush pillowtop and extra-cooling bamboo foam, this mattress is between six and seven on the firmness scale – ideal for a supportive night’s sleep.
Key features:
- Same day delivery
- 120-night trial (all returned mattresses are donated to local charities)
- 15-year warranty
“A true pleasure to sleep on this mattress! My back has honestly never felt better after waking up. Thanks guys!” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Best mattresses-in-a-box for back pain
The Koala mattress (queen), $1000 (usually $1250) at Koala
With an adjustable medium-firm mattress, the best-selling Koala mattress is a classic when it comes to quality mattresses that come in a box. It features three support zones and zero disturbance technology, so back pain from the wrong mattress is unlikely with Koala. And if you sign up, you can score 10 per off!
Key features:
- 120-night trial
- Free delivery
- 10-year warranty
- B-Corp certified
“It’s the best mattress I’ve ever slept on,” said a reviewer. “Great for side sleepers, firm enough to support my back, but plush enough on the surface so that I no longer wake up with sore shoulders. Delivery was prompt and efficient.”
You can currently score up to 30% sitewide at Koala this Afterpay Day.
Best hybrid mattress for back pain
The Eva Comfort Classic Mattress (queen), $850 (usually $1200) at Eva
Eva’s hybrid mattress-in-a-box combines cooling memory foam with a pocket spring system that adapts to all body types. This adaptability – also allowed by layers of premium latex foam and density foam – is what helps to prevent back pain. The medium-firm mattress is ideal for the Aussie climate and minimises disturbance from partners that may toss and turn during the night.
Key features:
- 100-day trial
- Free metro delivery and returns
- 10-year warranty
“Best mattress ever from Day One! No back pain, ultra-comfortable,” said a reviewer who left five stars. “There is a drawback: I don’t want to get out of bed in the morning…”
Best memory foam mattress for back pain
Ergoflex 5G memory foam mattress (queen), $1119.99 (usually $1399) at Ergoflex
Supportive and pressure-relieving to give you head-to-toe comfort, the Ergoflex 5G memory foam mattress is a solid buy for a good night’s sleep. Featuring five layers of premium foam with a breathable TENCEL outer cover, this mattress is also temperature-regulating. You can also use a memory foam pillow to feel further supported during the night.
Key features:
- Next-day delivery
- Free returns
- 30-night trial
- Removable TENCEL woven cover
- Zero partner disturbance
“It keeps its shape, it moulds to the body,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “I’ve used Ergoflex for 10 years! Love it!”
Best mattress for side sleepers with back pain
Ecosa mattress (queen), $862.50 (usually $1150) at Ecosa
Ergonomic support and spinal alignment are front and centre in the design of the Ecosa mattress. With the mattress featuring three adjustable firmnesses, a waterproof cover that protects the mattress from bacteria and dust mites, and a gel memory foam layer that supports temperature stabilisation, you side sleepers are in for a sound night’s sleep.
Key features:
- 100-night trial
- Free same day
- Metro delivery
- 15-year warranty
“It helps my neck and back pain,” wrote a reviewer. “It’s very comfortable to sleep in and no disturbance with a partner.”
Best pocket spring mattress for back pain
Sleep Republic mattress (queen), $1189.15 (usually $1399) at Sleep Republic
With up to 2500 pocket springs for support, cashmere-knitted fabric for softness and gel-infused memory foam for pressure relief, this pocket spring mattress is ideal for sufferers of back pain. It’s also breathable and temperature-regulating – courtesy of natural latex – so you can’t go wrong with Sleep Republic.
Key features:
- Free delivery
- 100-night free trial
- Up to 2500 pockets springs
- 12-year warranty
Best soft-firm mattress for back pain
Macoda mattress (queen), $1300 at Macoda
Sleep cool with the Macoda mattress that features cooling gel-infused memory foam and moisture-wicking bamboo fabric. This supportive yet firm bed also includes a layer of responsive latex, targeted pressure relief to align the spine and its firmness is customisable. An ideal mattress for any sleeping position – whether that be side sleepers or black sleepers.
Key features:
- 100-night trial
- Free delivery and returns
- Adjustable firmness and no partner disturbance
“Soft layer on top with firm support underneath to keep spine in alignment,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “I so look forward to laying in bed every night.”
0Best firm spring pocket mattress
Firm mattress (queen), $1104.15 at Sleep Firm
Made in Melbourne, this firm mattress by Sleep Firm is ideal for those who prefer a firmer sleeping surface. With high-density foam comfort layers and pocket springs for optimal support, this mattress-in-a-box is a great choice for those with back pain.
Key features:
- 15-year warranty
- Breathable and responsive to temperature
- Features Good Environmental Choice Australia-certified Dunlop foam
What type of mattress is best for back pain? Is firm or soft generally better?
Although it can vary from person to person because of advanced mattress-making technology these days, the right mattress for back pain is the one that adapts to your body. Elina notes that although some people may want the soft, melt-into mattress, it’s not necessarily going to give you the spinal alignment you need – which of course, is key for preventing back pain.
How long are you supposed to have a mattress for?
“We should only keep our mattresses for up to eight years,” Elina says. “After that, it starts to lose the support and start to mould to our body, but not in a non-supportive way.”
Why is having a quality mattress so important for quality sleep?
Elina notes that as we’re unconscious during the act itself, people often underestimate the importance of sleep.
1“There’s so much focus on what we eat and how we exercise but people can often not pay enough attention to their sleep…sleep is our healing time; it’s in this time that we regenerate and rejuvenate,” she says.
The sleep expert argues that if you’re waking up with pain during the night due to not having the right mattress, your quality of sleep is being affected and thus, you’re not getting the sleep you need for your physical and emotional health.
“Without that healing and regeneration time, it doesn’t matter what you eat, or how much you exercise because it’s the sleep time that allows our body to regenerate from the exercise, grow new muscle and absorb the nutrients from our food to regenerate us.”
Looking to save money on your bedroom makeover? Check out our coupon codes for Canningvale, Ecosa and more.
Related articles:
- 13 best mattress-in-a-box options from $544 that make moving that bit easier
- Save hundreds on some of Australia’s best memory foam mattresses
- 8 budget-friendly mattresses for quality sleep at an affordable price
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