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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is the best type of mattress for a bad back?

    Related Topics
    Back & Neck Pain Pain
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    Dr Aaron Albrecht

    Chiropractor

    Dr. Aaron Albrecht works at Body Wise Chiropractic in Bibra Lake, Western Australia. The clinic is located within a gym, and Dr. Albrecht is the … View Profile

    Hi,
    This is a great question as the range of beds/mattresses out there is massive and it can be confusing to determine which is best. Most beds rrecommended by either a chiropractic or orthopaedic association are likely to provide the right combination of support and comfort. If at all possible, a mattress with independently pocketed springs is ideal, as this allows each spring to conform to the part of the back it is supporting without being influenced by the spring next to it.

    Hope this helps.

    - Dr. A

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    Dr Greg Sher

    Chiropractor

    I am the Clinic Director of the Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic.At our clinic, we see an equal mix of city office workers and elite … View Profile

    My advice is to try out as many mattresses as possible (even lie on them for 20-30 minutes at a time - just clear that with the salesperson!). 
    What may be brilliant for my back, is terrible for my wife - it depends on the shape of your spine, the condition of your joints, your weight, what position you sleep in, and the most ignored issue out there - your pillow height. 

    Most people spend thousands on a mattress, and then go and buy a $10 pillow - the pillow needs to be the right height so that your spine is held in alignment. 
     
    Of course, if you sleep on your tummy (which is the worst position for your neck and back), disregard the above advice about the pillow. 

    Therefore just keep on trying, trying, trying. 

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    Ryan Kennedy

    Physiotherapist

    I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2007. I returned home to Canada in 2008 and worked as a physiotherapist until returning to Australia. … View Profile

    Without going specifically into brands I would suggest the best type of mattress is dependant on the patient. It must be comfortable for the patient. They are able to sleep on it, whether it be on their side or on their back. A matress that is supportive keeps a neutral spine is important.
    So the suggestion would be to go to a proper mattress store to speak to someone that fits mattresses. Have someone look at their back to make sure that the back is in a neutral position while they sleep in their desired position of comfort.

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    Dr Niki McGuinness

    Chiropractor

    Niki treats all ages and body types with low force, gentle chiropractic technques. She tailors her treatment program to your needs and charges highly competitive … View Profile

    So your mattress can be highly important in retaining spine health. We spend about 5 to 12 hours a day lying in bed if we are lucky. It is crucial that our spines are supported. There has been limited research on mattress types. There was a study undertaken in Spain with people suffering with chronic low back pain. This study found that those sleeping with a medium firm mattress had an improvement in their chronic low back pain. If you are having difficulty choosing a mattress, the Chiropracors' Association of Australia has a list of mattresses that they endorse as spine healthy, and you can find that on their website, which is www.chiropractors.asn.au.

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