Your mattress could be causing your back pain

Brits suffering from back pain are being advised that a pocket spring mattress could be the secret to relieving discomfort and providing support for a good night’s sleep.

The sleep experts at British luxury mattress retailer WinstonsBeds.com have shared the importance of a good mattress for back support as well as how to choose the right one.

Important factors to consider are mattress fillings, trial periods and individual weight.

Poorly built mattresses will cause the hips and back to sink and become misaligned with the rest of the spine leading to pain in the lower back.

However, mattresses that are too firm may have the opposite effect and be too hard on the joints and body.

Rebecca Swain, director and mattress specialist at WinstonsBeds.com said: “You spend roughly eight hours a night on your mattress, so it’s really important to educate yourself on which kind is the best for you.

“The quality of your mattress contributes to your overall health and those suffering from back pain should really think about how their mattress choice could be contributing to this. It’s all about finding a balance and what works for you.

“If you wake up with the same sort of pain every day and find you get a pain-free sleep after sleeping somewhere else, then it’s likely that the mattress you’re sleeping on is the issue here.

“Typically, a mattress that is too soft will cause your back and hips to sink and become misaligned with your spine, causing pain in the lower back. On the other hand, a mattress that is too firm can put pressure on joints which can also be uncomfortable.

“There are a few things we encourage everyone to look out for when choosing a mattress to help with back pain.”

How to choose the right mattress for back pain:

1. Consider a pocket spring mattress

Pocket spring mattresses offer more support for your body as the springs have their own separate pockets and work individually. In a traditional spring mattress, all of the springs work together offering less support as you move throughout the night.

2. Think about the filling 

Generally speaking, natural materials make the best mattress filling for bad backs. Materials such as wool, cotton, silk and cashmere can be more expensive but they will provide much more comfort and support.

3. Look for a good trial period

Trial periods are extremely important when it comes to buying a mattress. This is because it can take around 30 nights for filings and springs to settle and give you a proper feel for the mattress. Try to look for mattresses that offer a 100 day trial period, this will also help you spot any issues with the build of the mattress.

4. Learn about GSM of fillings

GSM refers to grams per square metre. Fillings are there to provide comfort and ideally, you’ll want to purchase a mattress that has no less than 2000 GSM of fillings. Mattresses with anything less are likely to diminish much quicker.

5. Factor in weight

A person’s weight can make a difference to what mattress they should have and the support they need. Individuals who are 16 stones and above will benefit from a more firm mattress with firm or extra firm spring tension to help support their back. People under 16 stones will find soft and medium spring tensions more beneficial.

For more information on the best mattresses for help with back pain visit https://winstonsbeds.com/products/best-mattresses-for-pain/