The best mattresses for back pain – and how to choose one, according to osteopaths and sleep scientists

<p>Is a firm orthopaedic mattress best for your back? How soft is too soft? We ask the experts</p><p>• <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/feb/06/best-mattress"><strong>The best mattresses in 2025, tested</strong></a></p><p>British backs are in crisis. Almost a million people in the UK are too sick to work because of back and neck problems, according to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peoplenotinwork/economicinactivity/articles/risingillhealthandeconomicinactivitybecauseoflongtermsicknessuk/2019to2023%23types-of-health-conditions&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1757501907508129&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-zlfH2BnQHRkblwyRbCsg">official figures</a>, while the charity <a href="https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/data-and-statistics/the-state-of-musculoskeletal-health/">Versus Arthritis</a> says 5.8 million experience “severe” back pain each year.<strong> </strong>The causes of back problems are complex, and treatments often <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/18/only-10-of-non-surgical-treatments-for-back-problems-kill-pain-says-review">fail to bring relief</a>, especially where the pain is chronic and debilitating.</p><p>Long-term back pain is unlikely to be cured by upgrading your mattress, and a doctor or physiotherapist should be your first port of call if pain is affecting your quality of life. But <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352721815001400">studies</a> suggest that switching to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/feb/06/best-mattress">best mattress</a> for your body type and sleeping position can genuinely help. I’m lucky to not experience chronic pain, but in years of <a href="https://www.theguardian.c