Back pain is a common issue in Singapore, affecting many people each year. While injuries, medical conditions and posture are often to blame, you may not realise that your mattress could also be making things worse or even be the root cause of your discomfort.Â
If your mattress no longer provides proper support, it can place unnecessary strain on your spine and muscles, leading to restless nights and painful mornings.Â
When choosing the right mattress for back pain, it’s important to look beyond just comfort. Factors such as your sleep position, pillow choice, bed frame, and the quality of your mattress all play a role in ensuring proper spinal alignment.Â
How to tell if your mattress is the reason for your back pain
If you go to bed feeling fine but wake up with a sore back, and you can’t link it to activities such as exercise or heavy lifting, your mattress may be the cause.Â
Back pain doesn’t just affect your daily routine. An unsupportive mattress can also take a serious toll on your sleep quality. When your body is uncomfortable, you’re more likely to toss and turn, wake up often, and fall into lighter stages of sleep. Over time, this lack of deep rest can leave you feeling fatigued during the day.Â
It’s not just you who suffers. Frequent movement or disrupted sleep from back pain can also disturb your partner, affecting their rest as well.
Finding the Best Mattress for a Bad Back
When choosing a mattress to ease back pain, remember that everyone’s sleep needs are different. Your usual sleep position, body type and comfort preference all play a role in what will suit you best. There isn’t a single mattress that works for everyone.Â
In the past, firm mattresses were often recommended for back issues. However, research and expert advice show that firmness alone isn’t the answer. What matters most is keeping your spine in proper alignment while you sleep.Â
How a Mattress Can Cause Back Pain
An old mattress can worsen back pain
One of the first things to check is the age of your mattress. A good mattress should last around 7 to 10 years. If yours is older, it may no longer offer the support your body needs. Common warning signs include sagging, uneven shape, or materials that look worn or discoloured.
A poorly made mattress may also be the culprit
Even newer mattresses can cause problems if they aren’t right for you or are poorly constructed. The key is proper support that keeps your spine aligned, allowing your muscles to relax instead of strain. A quality mattress should also provide targeted pressure relief, reducing the need to toss and turn in search of comfort.Â
Mattress Firmness and Back Pain
The right level of firmness– whether firm, medium or plush — depends on your individual needs and preferred sleep position. Different levels of comfort work better for different sleeping styles, so it’s worth learning how mattress firmness corresponds to the way you sleep.Â
Everyone is unique, which means your ideal choice may differ from someone else’s. To make things easier, we recommend using our online Mattress Selector to help you find the mattress that best supports your back and overall comfort.
How to choose a mattress that supports your spine and back?
1. Try it in store
To find the right mattress for back pain, spend at least 10-15 minutes testing one in a retail store. Make sure you lie down in your usual sleeping position so you can properly assess the support and comfort it provides.Â
2. Take note of past good sleep experiences
If you’ve ever enjoyed a restful, pain-free night at a friend’s home, staycation or an Airbnb, or a hotel, it may be worth checking what mattress you slept on. The model and brand can give you a useful clue about the type of mattress that works for your body and sleep style. This practical method is often more helpful than relying on reviews or product descriptions, especially if you are unsure about the level of firmness or support you need.
3. Consider adjustable beds
An adjustable bed can also be a smart choice. Being able to raise or lower different parts of the bed helps relieve pressure on the lower back by spreading weight more evenly. Adjustable beds may also provide added comfort for certain sleep conditions.
Mattress technology that helps ease back pain
At Sealy Singapore, we are proud to offer our Posturepedic range, specially designed to provide orthopaedic support and lasting comfort. Each mattress is built with advanced coil technology that senses and responds to your movements, giving you targeted support exactly where your body needs it most. This helps to keep your spine aligned and reduces the strain that can lead to back pain, so you wake up feeling more rested and refreshed.
You can read more about our Research and Development, and how we invest in technology that is patented and rigorously tested.
Tips and FAQs
You should buy a mattress that offers the right support, comfort and durability. There is no single mattress that suits everyone, as we all have unique sleep profiles and lifestyle requirements. If you’re unsure how to choose the right mattress, start with our online Mattress Selector.
Bed frames can help with back pain by offering deep down support. An old or unsupportive frame can cause your mattress to feel like it is sagging. Sealy bed bases are designed to be an optimal foundation by absorbing shock and prolonging the life of your mattress.Â
It is possible that your pillow may be causing spinal misalignment and discomfort. Side sleepers often need a more structured pillow to keep their head, neck and shoulders appropriately supported. Explore Sealy’s pillows range for a supportive and comfortable pillow.
The healthiest sleep position to reduce back pain is one that maintains your spinal alignment. For many people, this is on the side or on the back. Ensure your pillow and mattress are suited to your sleeping position.
