What is an Orthopaedic Mattress?
An orthopaedic mattress - or orthopedic mattress for our American friends - is a mattress designed to offer a firmer sleep surface, providing targeted support for your back and joints. Manufacturers first developed orthopaedic mattresses in the 1950s as the benefits of orthopaedic support were discovered.
The field of orthopaedics looks specifically at the function of the spine and other joints, and orthopaedic mattresses are commonly used by people who suffer from back problems. However, over the years, orthopaedic mattresses have been designed to become more than just a solution to back pain. Read on to find how you could benefit from an orthopaedic mattress.

Orthopaedic mattresses: the benefits
Specifically designed to offer excellent support and comfort, an orthopaedic mattress provides many benefits.
- Maximum support
- The firm surface of an orthopaedic mattress means you get optimum push-back for the perfect sleeping position. This will reduce tossing and turning and help you to wake up feeling refreshed.
- Even weight distribution
- An orthopaedic mattress evenly spreads your body weight to prevent the build-up of pressure points, particularly in your neck, back and hips.
- Correct spinal alignment
- Orthopaedic mattresses ensure correct spinal alignment to help alleviate stress on the spine and reduce back pain.
- Healthy posture
- An orthopaedic mattress helps you to adopt the correct posture as you sleep, promoting healthier blood circulation throughout the night.
What's inside an orthopaedic mattress?
Orthopaedic mattresses are available with different comfort and support layers to offer something for everyone. Here are the types of fillings we have in our orthopaedic mattresses:
We also have a range of orthopaedic mattresses that are rolled-up so they're easier for you to manoeuvre into the room of your choice. You can read more about roll-up mattresses and how they work over on our blog - roll-up mattresses: everything you need to know.
Is an orthopaedic mattress right for me?
An orthopaedic (or orthopedic) mattress offers great support and pressure relief to help reduce aches and pains. Read on to find out how an orthopaedic mattress could benefit you.
- For back and joint pain
- The firm surface of an orthopaedic mattress promotes healthy posture alignment and pressure relief. Find more tips to relieve your back pain over on our page, sleep tips for a bad back.
- For those who like a firm sleep surface
- If you simply prefer the feel and support of a firm mattress then an orthopaedic mattress is a good choice.
It is worth noting that the firmer feel of an orthopaedic mattress isn't for everyone. Choosing the right level of firmness and support for you is important. Many orthopaedic mattresses are firmer or extra firm, which may not necessarily suit your body weight: you may find that some of these mattresses feel too "hard". This will cause more aches and pains in the long run.
If you're not sure how firm your mattress should be, check out our page, what mattress firmness is right for me? Alternatively, give us a call! We can offer support and advice to help you discover the right firmness for you.

How long does an orthopaedic mattress last?
Similar to all other mattress types, it is recommended that you change your mattress every seven years. It is especially important to stick to this guideline if you have an orthopaedic mattress.
You may get to the seven-year mark and think your orthopaedic mattress feels fine. However, the springs and fillings are sure to have weakened, meaning you are no longer getting the orthopaedic support you require. This could cause your back and joint pains to re-emerge. Read more about renewing your mattress over on our page, when should I change my mattress?
Orthopaedic mattresses: best sellers
From standard sprung to memory foam, we have a wide range of orthopaedic mattresses for you to choose from. Here are five of our best-selling orthopaedic mattresses.

- Mattress type: standard sprung
- Firmness: extra firm
- From only £174.95

- Mattress type: standard sprung
- Firmness: firm
- From only £179.95

- Mattress type: standard sprung
- Firmness: extra firm
- From only £269.95

- Mattress type: standard sprung
- Firmness: medium to firm
- From only £114.95

- Mattress type: pocket sprung
- Firmness: firm
- From only £189.95
Orthopaedic mattresses offer high levels of support, pressure relief and comfort. Whilst they are particularly beneficial for those who have a bad back or experience aches and pains throughout the night, this type of mattress isn't only for those who suffer from back pain. Orthopaedic mattresses are available with a range of options including memory foam and natural fillings, all designed with your comfort firmly in mind.