The orthopaedic/orthopedic mattress is often regarded as a firmer mattress to support the joints, back and body of sleepers. As the name suggests, an orthopaedic mattress is influenced by the medical field of orthopaedics, which centre its academic studies on spine and joint issues.
There are some misconceptions around the term "orthopaedic mattress". As there are no mattress materials certified as orthopaedic, it is common for brands to use the term for marketing their mattresses if they're offering a firm mattress targeting joints and spinal alignment, so it's worth being cautious.
As orthopedic mattresses are commonly used and searched for by sleepers looking for help with back pain or bad backs, it is important to do your own research to suit your personal needs and preferences.
For this Best Orthopaedic Mattress list, we have included mattresses that promote themselves as "ortho", "orthopaedic", or "orthopedic" mattresses. All mattresses featured are regarded as medium-firm to firm-tension.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs in Conclusion).
| MATTRESS | TYPE | SPRING COUNT | TENSION | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REM-Fit 500 Ortho mattress | Hybrid | 2,000 | Firm | 100 Nights 15 Years | £799 |
| Silentnight Comfort Pocket 1400 Ortho mattress | Pocket Sprung | 1,400 | Firm | 60 Nights 5 Years | £369 |
| Slumberland Ortho Firm 1400 mattress | Pocket Sprung | 1,400 | Firm | NA Nights 20 Years | £649.95 |
| John Lewis & Partners Ortho Support 1000 mattress | Pocket Sprung | 1,000 | Firm | 60 Nights 7 Years | £279.20 |
| British Bed Company Pocket Ortho mattress | Pocket Sprung | 1,000 | Medium | NA Nights 5 Years | £249 |
| Sleepeezee Classic Ortho 800 mattress | Pocket Sprung | 800 | Medium-firm | 60 Nights 5 Years | £255 |
1. REM-Fit 500 Ortho Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Open-cell memory foam layer • 2000 pocket springs • 15-year guarantee | • Those with a flexible budget • Sleepers who prefer a hybrid mattress • Heavier individuals |
The REM-Fit 500 Ortho mattress is a firm hybrid mattress designed to care for your back. This orthopedic mattress has a mix of layers, all with their own unique benefits to help alleviate back pain.
The mattress has a top "zoned" cool memory foam layer with added cushioning for the more extruding body areas such as the hips and shoulders to provide pressure relief. In addition, there are 2,000 full-sized (14cm) pocket springs that each move independently, adapting to different sleeping positions and providing back support. Finally, edge support and a base foam layer are used to stabilise the mattress and reduce the chances of "roll-off."
This orthopedic mattress comes with a 100-night trial for you to test the mattress in your own home and be certain this is the right mattress for you; otherwise, you can request a refund. The mattress also includes a 15-year guarantee which is among the highest in the industry.
The REM-Fit 500 Ortho mattress is highly spoken of by various organisations and publications, as well as receiving highly-rated third-party reviews.
*A bit outdated but worth a watch
2. Silentnight Comfort Pocket 1400 Ortho Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Mirapocket technology springs • Purotex cover • Single-sided mattress | • People with allergies • Sleepers seeking pressure relief • Those who prefer edge-to-edge support |
The Silentnight Comfort Pocket 1400 Ortho mattress is a single-sided mattress designed for comfort and support, with 1,400 firm tensioned springs.
Silentnight engineered their Mirapocket technology springs to help alleviate pressure and pain that can build up in sensitive areas while you sleep. The individual springs come in their own fabric pockets and aim to respond to body movements which can help with bodyweight distribution.
The mattress also features orthopaedic fillings to ensure a firm tension which could help with back support and spinal alignment. To keep the mattress hygienic, Silentnight has treated the cover with Purotex to decrease moisture and reduce dust-mite allergens, making the mattress hypoallergenic.
Furthermore, Silentnight offers a 60-night comfort exchange, so you can exchange it for another if you are not satisfied with your mattress. A 5-year guarantee also covers this ortho mattress.
3. Slumberland Ortho Firm 1400 Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • PosturepocketTM spring system • Bio-protect technology • Made in Britain | • Those who prefer a dual-season mattress • People who enjoy an extra-firm feel • Hot sleepers |
Slumberland is a 32cm deep orthopedic mattress that relies on springs to create an extra-firm feel. The mattress also aims for durability, with a 20-year structural guarantee.
Slumberland uses 1400 springs in their PosturepocketTM spring system, which is surrounded by layers of white fibre and bonded white fibre to create both comfort and firm support. Additionally, the side support prevents the mattress from sagging around the edges, allowing the whole surface to remain firm and supportive.
The Slumberland mattress is marketed as a dual season mattress, meaning the mattress can be turned according to the season. On the winter side, a wool blend with hydroscopic properties encourages the evaporation of body moisture. The summer side has a cooler cotton filling for the hotter temperatures.
In order to promote a healthy and hygienic mattress, Slumberland has treated the fabric with Bio-Protect technology which provides natural protection from allergens, bacteria growth and dust mites.
4. John Lewis Pocket 1000 Ortho Support Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • ReActive Pocket Spring System • 7-year guarantee • Hand-stitched sides | • Individuals who value sustainability • Sleepers looking for added comfort • Those who enjoy side support |
The Classic 1000 Ortho Support mattress is part of the John Lewis & Partners Ortho Support range, which is designed to be denser and more supportive, ideal for those seeking a firmer mattress. This mattress also has highly-rated customers reviews, which comment on its quality, design and value.
Within the mattress is the ReActive Pocket Spring System, which is designed for support while maintaining durability. Adding extra comfort and cushioning the springs, there is a blend of white fibres, polyester pads and cotton fillings. To increase stability, the mattress includes hand-stitched sides, which helps to support and strengthen the edges.
John Lewis & Partners have taken steps to become more sustainable; therefore, the mattress and its fabrics are chemical-free. The mattress also comes with a 7-year guarantee.
5. British Bed Company Pocket Ortho Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Triple-layered mattress top • Six gauge edge design • Micro quilting | • People on a budget • Those who enjoy a medium-firm mattress • People who prefer British products |
One of the more budget-friendly mattresses is the Pocket Ortho mattress from The British Bed Company, which falls into the medium-firm range.
The mattress uses 1000, 5-inch pocket springs which move independently, allowing the springs to contour to your body while providing bodily support and aiding spinal alignment. To add further stability, a six-gauge edge is designed to prevent any sagging on the sides.
For more comfort, the mattress is mico quilted with layers of high-loft polyester to create a feeling of softness. It also includes a triple-layered mattress top which is included to offer a more cushioned feel.
This orthopedic mattress is one-sided, meaning it's not necessary to turn over the mattress. Moreover, this British made mattress has excellent reviews, praising the quality-price ratio as well as some comments regarding the alleviation of back pain.
6. Sleepeezee Classic Ortho 800 Pocket Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Medium-firm mattress • Individual pocket springs • Hypoallergenic | • Lighter individuals • People who enjoy sleeping cool • Those who prefer reduced motion transfer |
This Sleepeezee Ortho 800 mattress is considered a medium-firm tension mattress, indicating it may be more suitable for lighter individuals or those looking for a slightly softer mattress.
The Sleepeezee mattress has 800 individual pocket springs, less than the typical orthopaedic mattress. These springs come in their own individual fabric pockets and can adapt the support to your body shape. They are also designed to absorb movement, which can reduce motion transfer.
To create a more comfortable experience, the Sleepeezee mattress uses a durable damask cover made with woollen tufts, which help to keep the comfort fillings secure. Moreover, hypoallergenic comfort fibres are included in the layers for extra cushioning and temperature regulation.
This mattress comes with a 60-night comfort trial, so you can try it out and can swap it for another Sleepeezee mattress if you're dissatisfied. The Sleepeezee also comes with a 5-year guarantee.
What Is An Orthopaedic Mattress
Orthopaedic refers to the musculoskeletal system and is related to various parts of the body, such as bones, joints, muscles and nerves. Regarding mattresses, the term orthopaedic is often used to emphasize the back and spine. These types of mattresses may have similar features to mattresses for back pain or bad backs.
Many suppliers like to label their mattresses as orthopaedic; however, the truth and extent of this label can depend on a person’s individual needs, preferences and habits. For instance, a heavier individual may find that a firmer mattress possesses more orthopaedic qualities as it can offer less sinkage and more support.
A true orthopaedic mattress should provide enough support to help relieve pain, improve spinal alignment, and aid better posture. This type of mattress may be ideal for those who suffer from aches and pains, particularly in the back or individuals recovering from injuries.
Are Orthopaedic Mattresses Trustworthy?
There have been many conflicting statements about whether or not orthopaedic mattresses do what they say on the tin or simply a clever marketing ploy.
Many self-proclaimed orthopaedic mattresses can indeed have features known to relieve back pain and support the joints. Many of these mattresses fall into the firmer scale, which can benefit heavier individuals and stomach or back sleepers, as it may help prevent poor spinal alignment. Moreover, a survey✓ noted that 75% of orthopaedic surgeons recommended a firm mattress for back pain.
With that being said, despite many firm or extra-firm mattresses being labelled as orthopaedic, research✓ has suggested medium-firm mattresses may better alleviate back pain and states that firmer mattresses can actually worsen sleep quality.
Moreover, according to the Physiotherapy Journal, studies✓ have shown that there is little evidence that a firm mattress can really help relieve back pain. They also state that the term orthopaedic mattress has no real medical meaning. Therefore companies can make unsupervised health claims which may or may not be true.
Orthopaedic Mattresses : Myth Vs Truth
As there are no government regulations or standards on what can be classed as an orthopaedic mattress, it can easily be used as a marketing tool to attract attention and increase prices. For this reason, it’s important to consider factors such as individual sleeping positions and body weight when selecting an orthopaedic mattress. Be careful also to consider the firmness and materials, rather than simply relying on the orthopaedic label.
| MYTH | TRUTH |
|---|---|
| ☐ Orthopaedic mattresses must be firm or extra-firm to aid spinal alignment and help with a bad back. | ✓ The firmness depends on factors such as your body weight and sleeping position. Medium-firm mattresses have also been shown to be equally or more beneficial. |
| ☐ Orthopaedic mattresses have been designed or approved by specialists with orthopaedic knowledge. | ✓ There are no standards or regulations regarding who can label a mattress as orthopaedic, with many brands using the status for marketing purposes. |
| ☐ An orthopaedic mattress will help alleviate all aches and pains. | ✓ As many orthopaedic mattresses are firm, they may provide less pressure relief. Look for a cushioned upper layer or a foam mattress topper to help provide extra comfort. |
| ☐ Orthopaedic mattresses are guaranteed to improve the quality of sleep. | ✓ The innerspring system found in most orthopaedic mattresses may not provide everyone with a good nights sleep, as it may not offer the same comfort and sinkage as foam. |
| ☐ An orthopaedic mattress needs to have springs to provide support | ✓ There are many firmer foam or hybrid mattresses that can provide both support and pressure relief. Side-sleepers or light-weight individuals may particularly benefit from a softer mattress. |
Orthopaedic Mattress Types
When selecting an orthopaedic mattress, it’s important to consider the types of materials and how this can benefit you as a sleeper and align with your individual needs.
- Hybrid: This type of mattress combines springs with other materials, such as foam or latex. The combination of the firmness of the springs and the comfort of the foam can help to relieve pressure whilst maintaining back support. Some hybrid mattresses also include zoned support systems that can further aid spinal alignment.
- Innerspring: Mattresses containing springs are often labelled as orthopaedic due to their firmness. An innerspring mattress may be beneficial for heavy sleepers and back or stomach sleepers as it can support the back and may prevent spinal misalignment. Due to the firmness, spring mattresses may not be the best option for relieving pressure, although this can be combatted by adding a memory foam mattress topper. There are also orthopaedic mattress toppers that are known to alleviate aches and pains.
- Foam: Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice as it provides comfort while moulding to the body shape. The soft, cushioned feel can be beneficial in relieving pressure, particularly for side sleepers. The downside is that foam may be more likely to sink and sag, especially for heavy people, and could therefore provide less support for the back and reduce the orthopaedic benefits. A firm mattress topper may provide extra support whilst still maintaining the comfort of the mattress foam.
- Latex: This material is appealing for many due to its natural origins and elasticity. The elastic properties found within latex mattresses can help to relieve pressure points, but may not hug the body in the same manner as foam. Despite this, latex mattresses are known for being more durable, so they are less likely to sink or sag under pressure, and may provide further support required for spinal alignment.
The Importance Of Spinal Alignment
Most orthopaedic mattresses claim to support your back and improve spinal alignment. While it’s sometimes worth being sceptical of these claims, spinal alignment is indeed an important factor when choosing a mattress.
Spinal alignment is simply the straight line starting from your head, leading to the shoulders and back. Spinal alignment can be negatively affected for various reasons, such as bad posture, injury or excess body weight. According to Healthline, poor spinal alignment can lead to various symptoms, such as lower back pain, tiredness, headaches and even knee pain.
Aside from investing in a supportive mattress, there are other ways you can help to improve your spinal alignment. It is recommended to maintain good posture throughout the day and ensure that your back is properly supported when sitting. You can also engage in regular exercises and stretching. If spinal misalignment is causing discomfort, it may also be worth considering a professional chiropractor who specialises in adjusting the joints and tissues.
Common Causes Of Back Pain
One of the most common reasons for seeking an orthopaedic mattress is to help alleviate back pain and increase spinal alignment. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of the various causes of back pain in order to seek prevention or possible professional help.
- Bad posture: Hunching for long periods of time can cause poor posture and put a strain on your back and core. This strain may reduce blood supply and can consequently place an unnatural forward bend on the spine. A good mattress topper for back pain may help to alleviate some pain caused by bad posture.
- Slipped disc: This can occur when the soft tissue between the bones in your spine comes out and can be painful when pressing on the nerves. Despite this, it is often not a cause for great concern and the NHS✓ claims that pescribed painkillers can often be sufficient enough in relieving the pain.
- Stress and anxiety: According to orthopedic physician Dr Christopher Williams, when someone is under stress, adrenaline can be released, which may result in the tightening of muscles in the neck, shoulders and back. This tension can lead to lower back pain. Orthopaedic pillows may help to relieve pain and pressure around the neck and shoulders.
- Pulled muscle: This can be due to lifting heavy objects incorrectly, sleeping in an uncomfortable position or exercise. A pulled muscle can cause strain in the muscles and tendons.
- Spinal arthritis: Otherwise known as osteoarthritis, it is the most common type of spinal arthritis and is mostly caused by general wear and tear or past back injuries. Osteoarthritis can be responsible for causing inflammation and pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an orthopaedic/orthopedic mattress?
Orthopaedic mattresses are known to help alleviate back pain and to help aid with spinal alignment. Despite this, it’s important to note that many mattresses claim to be orthopaedic without medical or scientific evidence.
What is the best orthopedic mattress?
This depends on the individuals’ needs and preferences. For heavy sleepers and those who sleep on their front/back, a firm innerspring mattress could be more beneficial. For lightweight sleepers or those seeking pressure relief, a mattress with foam may be more suitable.
Where to buy an orthopaedic mattress?
Orthopaedic mattresses can be found in many brands and companies. However, they may be categorised under firm or extra-firm rather than orthopaedic.