Finding the right mattress for back pain is about more than just choosing between a foam and a spring. Your mattress should be comfortable, supportive, and healthy—and that's going to be different from person to person.

A good mattress for back pain will support your spine in the right places, which will keep you from experiencing unnecessary pressure on certain parts of your body. A bad mattress may cause additional strain because it does not properly support the spine or provide sufficient comfort. So it’s important that you spend the time to find a mattress that works for you, as it can help mitigate some of the back pain you experience.

Make sure that the mattress you choose is comfortable and supports your body. While some mattresses have specific firmness ratings, others will only be labelled as "soft" or "firm." When choosing one of these mattresses, it's helpful to think about your weight and how much support you need from your mattress. For example, opting for a firmer mattress is a good idea if you're overweight as it will support you better. If you're underweight, then choose a softer mattress.

If your pain is centred around your lower back, memory foam might be a good option for you. The material conforms to the shape of your body and provides relief. However, if your pain is concentrated in the middle or upper back region and sleeping on your side, then latex is probably a better choice for you. This material has been shown to provide better support for this type of sleep position than memory foam does--it's more resilient as well. Latex tends to be more expensive than memory-foam mattresses; however, it tends to last longer.