What is an orthopaedic mattress?
As the name implies, an orthopaedic mattress is specifically designed to provide optimal support to key areas of the body while you sleep, helping support a more neutral sleeping position.
To do this, high-quality orthopaedic mattresses make use of materials and construction designed to spread body weight around evenly, rather than allowing you to sink in one place, as you would with a softer mattress. This helps reduce pressure on key areas, which may help reduce pressure build-up which can improve comfort for some sleepers.
Why choose an orthopaedic mattress?
Given their naturally supportive nature, there are many excellent reasons as to why you might choose to buy an orthopaedic mattress, including some or all of the following:
Maximum support – whether you choose a pocketed spring mattress, memory foam mattress, or hybrid design, a firm orthopaedic mattress provides a high level of support for your body without losing its shape. For a general comparison of all mattress types, see our full mattress buying guide.
Better weight distribution – being that much more robust than other mattress types, firm orthopaedic mattresses spread out your weight across a larger area, helping to reduce pressure in certain areas. This also makes them a good mattress choice for heavier or larger people, as their more even weight distribution which can help reduce pressure build-up.
Encouraging a healthy posture – the older we get; the more important good sleeping posture becomes. And thanks to their unrivalled levels of support, an orthopaedic mattress is can help you settle into a more comfortable sleeping position. This also makes them an excellent mattress for those seeking extra support and comfort, and also best for front sleepers, as they reduce the amount your abdomen sinks when laying down.
Neutral spine alignment – lastly, an orthopaedic mattress for back pain can help support a more neutral sleeping position from your neck down to your lower back. This can improve overall comfort during sleep during sleep and helps you get better rest in general.
How firm are orthopaedic mattresses for back pain?
By their supportive nature, orthopaedic mattresses are generally rated as firm or extra firm – though medium-firm models do exist – but this limited range of mattress firmness is necessary because of the support levels they aim to provide.
Additional firmness is essential for allowing your body weight to be more evenly distributed across the mattress, helping to reduce pressure build-up while maintaining a natural spinal alignment, hence why you’ll likely struggle to find an orthopaedic mattress for back pain in a gentler firmness level.
What types of orthopaedic mattresses are available?
Like any mattress, orthopaedic mattresses and beds can be purchased in an array of fillings to provide sleep support to users with an assortment of needs and ailments. Some of our orthopaedic mattress models even offer differing top-layer materials and contents to complement the firm orthopaedic base and take the edge off its hardness.
For the most part, you can find orthopaedic mattresses with all the following fillings:
What is the price of an orthopaedic mattress?
Due to their heightened levels of support, you’ll likely find that you’ll have to pay a little extra when buying a good quality orthopaedic mattress, purely because of the way they’re constructed.
For example, orthopaedic memory foam mattresses use denser, thicker layers of foam to provide better support, some of which may also include reflex foam to help your mattress retain its shape.
On the other hand, orthopaedic pocket-sprung mattresses will typically include far more springs than standard pocket-sprung models, again for better weight spread and support as you sleep.
Find your new orthopaedic mattresses
At MattressNextDay, we offer a huge range of the best orthopaedic mattresses available, as well as free and next-day delivery options for those who need it. From single mattresses to super king orthopaedic mattresses, our back support beds are available from many leading mattress brands.
Better yet, we offer a free nationwide next-day mattress delivery service, meaning you can benefit from the support of your new mattress in as little as 24 hours after placing your order.
Disclaimer: Comfort and support needs can vary depending on your body type and sleeping preferences. While our mattresses are designed to support healthy sleep posture, comfort is subjective. If you have a chronic medical condition, please consult a healthcare professional.
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