Mattress firmness and Back Pain

The choice of the right mattress often begins with the price for some people, or with the type of mattress for others, but the key factor that everyone must consider to avoid back pain is the firmness of the mattress. The correct firmness ensures that the mattress supports your body in a way that maintains the natural alignment of your spine, helping you recover from back issues by restoring proper sleeping posture.

The Mattress and the Back

The best mattress for back pain is one with **independent pocket springs** and **medium or medium-firm memory foam**, capable of supporting the body while following its natural curves. By accommodating the shape of the pelvis, the angularity of the shoulders, or the protrusion of the hips, the spine and neck will remain aligned—preventing or relieving back pain. Other types of mattresses are not necessarily unsuitable, but mattresses made solely of foam may lose support more quickly over time.

Very Firm Mattresses

An overly firm mattress is harmful and may cause:

• back pain due to spinal misalignment;
• compression of blood vessels;
• compression of peripheral nerves;

If the mattress is particularly rigid, it can actually harm rather than help the back as many mistakenly believe because it forces the body into an unnatural curve. Pressure points will then become compressed, causing pain and frequent awakenings during the night, leaving you feeling unrested in the morning.

This is why a medium-firm support is more suitable for those who prefer firmer mattresses, avoiding the excessive rigidity of firm and extra-firm models.