You do not need to spend a fortune for a mattress that helps a bad back. What matters is support: a medium-firm or firm core that stops the hips sinking below the shoulders. We ranked every medium-firm and firm mattress we have tested by support score within three budgets, so you can see the best you can get for the money.
Prices are what a double cost on 31 October 2026, including any sale. They change often, so check the current price before you buy.
The quick answer#
- Under £400: the Majestic 11000 Extra Firm (£318), support 9.3/10.
- £400 to £600: the Emma Original Pro (£559), support 9/10.
- £600 to £1,000: the Emma Original Elite (£695), support 9.3/10.
Best mattress for back pain under £400#
At this price the best support comes from high-density reflex foam. These are firm, so they suit back and front sleepers best; side sleepers with shoulder pain may find them too hard.
| Mattress | Type | Support | Overall | Double price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Majestic 11000 Extra Firm | Foam | 9.3 | 8.5 | £318 (was £449) |
| Majestic 9000 Extra Firm | Foam | 9.1 | 8.5 | £273 (was £399) |
| Comfort Ortho Firm | Foam | 8.6 | 8.4 | £157 |
Best mattress for back pain under £600#
Between £400 and £600 you can get pocket springs and hybrids, which support as well as firm foam but sleep cooler and have better edges.
| Mattress | Type | Support | Overall | Double price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Original Pro | Hybrid | 9 | 8.8 | £559 (was £799) |
| LuxeErgo 3400 Hybrid | Hybrid | 9 | 8.7 | £464 (was £619) |
| Luxe OrthoSupport9 Foam | Foam | 8.9 | 8.3 | £410 (was £512) |
| Imperial 2000 Pocket Spring | Pocket sprung | 8.7 | 8.3 | £449 |
Best mattress for back pain under £1,000#
Up to £1,000 buys zoned pocket springs, deeper comfort layers and natural latex: the same support with more pressure relief, which matters if you sleep on your side.
| Mattress | Type | Support | Overall | Double price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Original Elite | Hybrid | 9.3 | 8.8 | £695 (was £1,159) |
| Luxe-Latex Natural Pillow Top 5000 | Latex hybrid | 9 | 8.6 | £674 (was £899) |
| Simba Hybrid | Hybrid | 8.7 | 8.5 | £899 |
| Simba Hybrid Essential | Hybrid | 8.1 | 8.0 | £699 |
How we ranked them#
Only medium-firm and firm mattresses are included, because research on lower back pain consistently favours medium-firm. Each budget is ranked by our support score first, then by overall score. Our full, live ranking is on our best mattresses for back pain page, and our orthopaedic mattress list covers the firmest options.
Which firmness for your back?#
- Back sleepers: medium-firm. Firm if you are over about 16 stone.
- Side sleepers: medium-firm with a softer top layer, such as a hybrid, so the shoulder can sink in.
- Front sleepers: firm, to stop the hips sinking and arching the lower back.
Our guide to whether a mattress can cause back pain explains how to tell if your mattress is the problem.
Frequently asked questions#
What is the best cheap mattress for back pain?#
The Majestic 11000 Extra Firm, which scored 9.3/10 for support at £318 for a double. It is firm, so it suits back and front sleepers best.
Is a £300 mattress good enough for a bad back?#
It can be, if it is firm enough and made from high-density foam. Cheap mattresses usually fall down on durability rather than support, so expect five to seven years rather than ten.
What is the best mattress for back pain under £1,000?#
The Emma Original Elite at £695, which scored 9.3/10 for support, the highest in that budget.
Should I see a doctor before buying a mattress for back pain?#
If your pain is constant, getting worse, or comes with numbness, tingling or weakness, see a GP first. A mattress helps with pain that is worse in the morning and eases as you move; it will not fix a disc or nerve problem.
