Best Orthopaedic Mattress

Are you tired of waking up with aches and pains, feeling like you barely slept at all? For those with back and joint pain, finding the right mattress can be the difference between a restful night’s sleep and a sleepless night filled with discomfort.

But with so many mattresses in the UK claiming to be “orthopaedic”, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s where I come in: in this article, I’ll guide you through what to look for in an orthopaedic mattress and recommend some of the best options available in 2024 (for all budgets). So whether you’re a side sleeper or a back sleeper, a heavy person or a light person, I’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to restless nights and hello to deep, restorative sleep.

Note: If you have a generalised back pain, for example that hasn’t been diagnosed by a professional, then consider reading my article on the best mattress for general back pain here.

What is an Orthopaedic Mattress?

Quite simply, an orthopaedic mattress is one that aims to reduce stress on your muscles and joints as you sleep. If you’ve got condition(s) like arthritis, sciatica, or back & joint issues that cause pain or discomfort, then you will likely benefit from an orthopaedic mattress.

Firmer materials, like high-density foam or pocket springs, are commonly used in the construction of orthopaedic mattresses because of their ability to give proper support and alleviate pressure points. To aid with spinal alignment and alleviate stress on the body, they may also include padded elements in strategic places, such as the hips and shoulders.

However, not all mattresses labelled as “orthopaedic” genuinely give the level of support required by people with orthopaedic issues. Before purchasing a mattress, shoppers should do their homework to make sure it will suit their demands in terms of materials and construction.

Although it sounds like something special, often an orthopaedic mattress is just one that is extra-firm. But extra-firm mattresses are not to be mistaken with firm mattresses, which many people without back issues find comfortable to sleep on.

Which companies make orthopaedic mattresses?

Some of the best mattresses for those with back problems are, in my opinion, made by well-known brands – such as Emma, Eve and OTTY.

Saying that, despite being known as orthopaedic mattresses, extra-firm mattresses aren’t necessarily always good for your back. What’s best for your back is a very individual thing. It all depends on the level of support being offered by the mattress. The most important thing to do is find the right mattress that suits your own weight and your own build. Firmer mattresses tend to work best for heavier or larger people. Conversely, lighter or smaller people will be best suited to a soft mattress.

If you are of the heavier build and know that you can sleep better when lying on an extra firm mattress, then an orthopaedic mattress is probably going to be right for you. As with any type of mattress, there are several signs of quality to look out for.

How firm should an orthopaedic mattress be?

There’s no standard industry-wide agreement as to the firmness of a mattress, so one manufacturer’s ‘extra firm’ could be another one’s ‘firm’. Annoying, I know, but that’s the way it is.

As a way of gauging the firmness, I’ve come up with my own rating system, called the WhatMattress Rating – catchy or what!?

So without further ado, here is a detailed explanation & review of the best “orthopaedic” options on sale right now:

1. Simba Hybrid Luxe – Best Overall

Stop right there if you’re looking for a mattress that can actually alleviate your symptoms, because the Simba Hybrid Luxe is likely to be able to do just that. While it does come with a steep price tag, it offers a level of comfort and support that is, frankly, very hard to beat.

The mattress’s complex construction, which includes three layers of springs, a zoned supportive foam base, and various layers of high-density Simba-Pure foam, provides a balance of cushioning and firmness that can help ease joint pain and reduce pressure points. Additionally, the mattress’s open-cell design and bamboo wool layer help regulate temperature and promote a cool, comfortable sleeping experience.

Of course, as with any mattress, the Simba Hybrid Luxe is not without its drawbacks. Its thickness and weight make it difficult to move around, and its high price point may be an issue for some. And while it offers great support for side sleeping, it may not be as suitable for stomach sleepers who require a firmer surface.

In a nutshell:

In short, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality mattress that can alleviate your symptoms and provide a comfortable sleeping experience, the Hybrid Luxe is worth considering and why I’ve picked it as my number 1 choice.

4. Rest Assured Adleborough 1400 Pocket Ortho Mattress

Rest Assured is one of a few smaller brands that are actually owned by the same company that owns the well-known Silentnight brand. The Rest Assured Adleborough 1400 has a brilliant specification for the price. It’s a pocket sprung mattress – which is the more common alternative to memory foam. It also features a hand tufted finish, which is another sign of a quality mattress.

The Rest Assured Adleborough 1400 cannot be flipped or turns, so instead has to be rotated. When it comes to flipping, it’s often considered beneficial to be able to turn a mattress as this is thought to greatly increase it’s life. This mattress is also one of the only ones available that doesn’t come with any form of trial period – so it’s best to read many reviews or to go and actually try one out before purchasing. It does come with a 5 year guarantee though, which although is a long time, it’s not very long in the world of mattresses.

5. Sleepeezee Ultrafirm 1600 Pocket Sprung Mattress

If you’re looking for a quality mattress, then Sleepeezee is always a very goo bet. They are one of the few mattress brands to have a royal warrant. If that isn’t a sign of quality then I don’t know what is. Sleepeezee are also highly scored all over the internet and on reviews websites such as TrustPilot.

When it comes to firm mattresses, most of them are pocket sprung as opposed to memory foam. The Ultrafirm 1600 is no exception. With a spring count of 1600 this mattress is going to be very firm and supportive. It has 200 more springs than the previously mentioned Rest Assured mattress. Bit it’s £100 cheaper so it is definitely a good buy.

Another good thing about the Ultrafirm 1600 when compared to the Rest Assured Adleborough 1400 is the fact that it can be flipped. This means that it can be turned over every once in a while. This reduces the risk of it sagging and therefore makes it last longer. At 240mm thick, it’s a pretty standard for other similar mattresses within the same price bracket. Like the Adleborough 1400 the Ultrafirm 1600 comes with a 5-year guarantee. In addition to this you can also take advantage of Sleepeezee’s 100-night guarantee. This all helps you to ensure that you’ve made a good decision when you buy this mattress.

6. John Lewis and Partners Classic Collection Ortho Support 1000

If you’re looking for a quality mattress that has been made in the UK, then look no further than the John Lewis and partners Classic collection. The Ortho Support 1000 is a great extra firm mattress with 1,000 springs which will offer a good level of support as long as you are not too large or too heavy. If this is the case then you may consider purchasing the uprated version of the same mattress, which has a spring count of 1,600 so is sure to offer more support. If you weight over 18 stone though then it is likely that a mattress with a spring count of around 2,000 would be more beneficial to you.

Considering the price of this mattress, it features a number of signs of good quality. As is the norm with a quality mattress, the Ortho Support 1000 has hand side stitching. This is a much more labour-intensive way of making a mattress, and also gives you more support on the edge of the mattress e.g. when you are sitting on the bed. The mattress can also be flipped or turned, which means that it won’t sag and dip as much. All of this is in addition to the tufted top, which is a much more traditional way of holding a pocket sprung mattress together and is a sure sign of quality.

Although there is no free trial period, there is a 7 year guarantee for this mattress, which is considered as pretty good in the world of mattresses.

7. Reylon Ultimate Ortho Mattress

Reylon are a well-established brand of mattresses, popular in the United Kingdom. Being orthapedic, it’s another pocket sprung mattress as the two seem to go hand in hand. This is because the alternative – memory foam – tends to be too soft. Othopedic mattresses tend to be on the further side of the scale.

In terms of the spring count, this is about average and what can be expected of an orthopaedic mattress. The thing that sets the Reylon Ultimate Ortho mattress apart from it’s competitors though, is the thickness. It’s 50mm thicker than similar mattresses by Rest Assured and Sleepeezee. This is sure to be a good choice for people who may have mobility issues. Or for those who just like to sleep on a higher bed.

Another great thing about this mattress is the fact that it can be flipped, which is thought to greatly increase its life. There are plenty of good reviews all over the internet about this mattress, so if you want a good mid-range orthopaedic mattress that won’t break the bank but has all of the features you need, then this will be a good choice. Don’t forget that a lack of sleep will affect you more than any mattress too, according to the Sleep Council.

8. Tempur Helsinki Mattress

Bizarrely, the Tempur Helsinki isn’t actually sold by Tempur themselves. Instead it is a mattress that can only be bought exclusively from Bensons for Beds. Bensons for Beds are probably one of the best-known bed retailers in the UK. They are also closely affiliated with the mattress maufacturer Silentnight. Unlike most mattresses that are marketed as being orthopaedic, the Tempur Helsinki is actually made from foam as opposed to pocket springs. This goes against the general consensus that memory foam mattresses don’t offer as much support as pocket sprung ones.

When it comes to memory foam mattresses, Tempur are probably the most famous name in the industry.

Tempur themselves claim that their products do not contain just any old foam. Instead, the contain a foam that is composed of a secret formula. You may already know that Tempur used some of the materials that were created by NASA. They then used them to make their own mattress.

Foam mattresses are thought to have some benefits over spring mattresses. Numerous reports have suggested that memory foam mattresses can outlast spring ones. They are also not as prone to the sags and dips that can be very common with aging pocket sprung mattresses.

If you suffer from allergies then memory foam may be a better option for you. It won’t collect dust in the same way that a pocket sprung mattress does. Also, foam is not a natural product, and natural products are usually the ones that cause the most common allergies among people. The Tempur Helskinki comes with a pretty good 10-year guarantee too. So if you want a firm memory foam mattress that will last a long time, this is a safe bet.

Who should consider buying an orthopaedic mattress?

Honestly, anyone who experiences back, neck or joint pain, or who has conditions like arthritis, scoliosis or fibromyalgia… If you have any of these then you might just benefit from using an orthopaedic mattress. These mattresses are designed to support the body’s natural alignment and alleviate pressure  on joints, which can reduce pain and improve sleep quality by quite some margin.

Also athletes and/or people who engage in strenuous physical activity such as sports people often choose an orthopaedic mattress to help support their bodies during recovery periods. I even heard from an ex professional ballet dancer who swears by them.

TIP: If you have been diagnosed with sciatica, then you may like to know that I have written a separate review on the best sciatica mattresses here.

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What are the different types of orthopaedic mattress?

Nest let’s talk about the different types of orthopaedic mattresses you can get in the UK. As of right now, you’ve got your memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid models. Each of these has its own pros and cons, so let’s break them down:

• Memory foam mattresses are known for contouring to your body, providing pressure relief, and minimising motion transfer. However, some people find them too hot to sleep on, and they can be difficult to move around on – but they’re usually teh cheapest.
• Latex mattresses, on the other hand, are naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and durable. They’re great for people with allergies or those who overheat while they sleep. But, they can be quite heavy and expensive.
• Innerspring mattresses are the classic type of mattress, made up of metal coils that provide support and bounce. They’re usually the most affordable option, but they can be noisy and have poor motion isolation.
• Hybrid mattresses combine two or more materials, typically spring and memory foam or latex, to create a mattress that aims to provide the best of both worlds. They can be a bit pricey, but they often deliver excellent support and pressure relief, while still being breathable.

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