What Is an Orthopaedic Mattress?

An orthopaedic mattress - or orthopedic mattress for our American friends - is a mattress that provides a firm sleep surface. The term gained popularity in the 1950s, when firm mattresses were thought to be best for back pain.

While firmer support still benefits many people, sleep science has since evolved, and firm isn’t always the right fit for everyone.

So, is an orthopaedic mattress right for your sleep needs? As the Head of Sleep Science at Mattress Online, I’ll guide you through what orthopaedic mattresses really offer, so you can decide what’s best for your body and your sleep.

Shop our orthopaedic mattress range today

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What does orthopaedic mean?

The word ‘orthopaedic’ comes from the medical field and refers to the health of bones and joints.

When it comes to mattresses, ‘orthopaedic’ typically describes models that provide firmer support.

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Is an orthopaedic mattress right for me?

A good mattress should support your spinal alignment and encourage healthy sleep posture, but that doesn’t mean one type suits everyone.

Orthopaedic mattresses are designed to offer firm support. When they were first introduced, they were believed to improve weight distribution, spinal alignment, and posture, all of which remain important factors in selecting a mattress.

However, recent research shows that effective support isn’t just about firmness; it’s about finding the right firmness for your body.

Understanding what your body needs

Your body shape and weight play a big role in how a mattress supports you:

• Individuals with a larger stature often need firmer support to maintain healthy spinal alignment.¹
• Individuals with a smaller frame may benefit from softer support, allowing the mattress to contour to their shape and provide the tailored comfort they need.¹

Because many orthopaedic mattresses are firm or extra firm, they may not suit everyone’s sleep needs. A mattress that’s too hard can lead to discomfort and even worsen aches and pains over time.

When an orthopaedic mattress might be right for you

So, with that in mind, orthopaedic mattresses are an excellent option if you:

• Suffer from back or joint pain - a firm orthopaedic mattress can support spinal alignment, but only if this firmness level aligns with your body’s needs.
• Prefer a firmer mattress - if you enjoy a sturdy, supportive sleep surface, an orthopaedic mattress could be a great fit.

Shop our orthopaedic mattress range

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What are the benefits of an orthopaedic mattress?

If a firm mattress suits your body type and sleep needs, an orthopaedic mattress can offer a range of sleep benefits:

Maximum support

Orthopaedic mattresses are known for their solid, stable feel. This extra support helps keep your spine in a neutral position, reducing strain and allowing your muscles to recover overnight, if it suits your body type and sleep needs.

Improved spinal alignment

A mattress that’s too soft or unsupportive can throw your spine out of alignment, leading to long-term issues. Orthopaedic mattresses help promote natural spinal alignment, which may help prevent or reduce chronic back pain, provided the level of support is suited to your individual needs.

Healthy posture

For people with a larger stature, the extra firmness of an orthopaedic mattress can encourage healthier posture throughout the night. This can also improve blood circulation and reduce tossing and turning, helping you sleep more soundly. In turn, this helps to relax your muscles, allowing your spine and joints to recover from the day.

View our range of orthopaedic mattresses

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What's inside an orthopaedic mattress?

Orthopaedic mattresses are made using the same core materials found in many traditional mattresses, like springs, foams, and natural fibres. What sets them apart is how these layers are combined to create a firmer, more supportive feel.

Common features of orthopaedic mattresses

These components all help create the signature firmness and support of an orthopaedic mattress:

• High-density foam
  
• Reinforced spring systems
  
• Compacted fibres
  
• Tufted finishes

Despite their firmer feel, orthopaedic mattresses come in a range of support and comfort options, so you can find one that suits your unique sleep needs.

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How long does an orthopaedic mattress last?

Just like other mattresses, an orthopaedic mattress typically lasts around 7 to 8 years, depending on how well it’s cared for.

To help your mattress last longer, always follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines. These may include:

• Regular flipping or rotation - this helps prevent fillings from settling too much over time. Think of it like plumping a pillow or turning sofa cushions.
• Using a suitable bed base - most manufacturers recommend specific base types, such as a solid platform or slatted bases with a maximum gap width.
• Cleaning according to care instructions - prevents damage to the internal layers of the mattress.
• Using a mattress protector - protects against spills, stains, and general wear.

Here are some signs it might be time to replace your mattress:

• You wake up feeling sore or stiff
• You notice sagging, lumps, or visible wear on the mattress surface
• You sleep better elsewhere (like on hotel beds or sofas)

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If you love the feel of firm, stable support, an orthopaedic mattress could be just what you need. But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your ideal mattress depends on your body type, comfort preferences, and sleep style.

At Mattress Online, we offer a wide range of orthopaedic mattresses to suit different needs. With the right orthopaedic mattress, you could be well on your way to better posture, less pain and deeper sleep.

Explore our full orthopaedic mattress range

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References:

1. Shore, H., Richards, J.D. and Chohan, A. (2019) P002 using anthropometric measurements to determine the ideal mattress firmness, ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341245435_P002_Using_anthropometric_measurements_to_determine_the_ideal_mattress_firmness.