Orthopaedic Mattresses

An orthopaedic mattress is a firmer-than-standard mattress designed for back support; despite the medical-sounding name, the term has no regulatory definition in the UK and any mattress can be marketed as orthopaedic. What matters is the firmness rating: medium-firm to firm (rated 7/10 to 9/10) for back support, with reinforced edges and high-density foam or pocket spring construction. Aspire Furniture, Cheap Furniture Warehouse and Choice Furniture Superstore between them cover £35-£2,485 across the range. Pocket-spring orthopaedic mattresses run £200-£600; memory-foam orthopaedic mattresses cost £150-£500 but sleep warmer; hybrid (pocket-spring base with memory-foam topper) is the comfort-and-support compromise at £400-£900. The firmness that's right depends on weight: under 70kg, medium-firm is enough; 70-100kg needs firm; above 100kg looks for extra-firm or zoned-pocket-spring construction. Side sleepers usually prefer slightly softer than back/stomach sleepers regardless of weight.