Back pain affects millions of Portuguese people, and an unsuitable mattress is often the cause—or the aggravating factor—of the problem. In this article, we help you choose the right mattress to relieve pain and improve sleep quality.
Can a mattress cause back pain?
Yes. A mattress that is too soft does not adequately support the spine, which ends up in a "banana" shape. A mattress that is too firm creates pressure points on the hips and shoulders, forcing the spine to compensate. Either extreme can cause or worsen back, neck, and shoulder pain.
What type of mattress is best for back pain?
1. Memory foam mattress
Viscoelastic material is often recommended by physiotherapists for people with chronic back pain. It molds to the contours of the body, eliminating pressure points and keeping the spine aligned regardless of sleeping position.
✅ Ideal for: lower back pain, hip pain, sleeping on your side
2. Pocket spring mattress with differentiated areas
The best pocket spring mattresses have different firmness zones for different parts of the body — firmer in the lumbar region for support, softer in the shoulders and hips to absorb pressure. This zone technology is especially effective for lower back pain.
✅ Ideal for: lower back pain, people who sleep on their backs, and those who get hot at night.
3. Hybrid mattress (pocket springs + memory foam)
It combines the support and ventilation of pocket springs with the comfort and pressure relief of memory foam. It is often the best option for people with back pain who also tend to feel hot.
✅ Ideal for: lower back pain + tendency to feel hot
Which firmness level to choose?
For back pain, medium firmness is generally the most recommended—it avoids both excessive sinking and pressure points. However:
- Sleeping on your side: prefer medium to medium-soft firmness — shoulders and hips need to give slightly.
- Sleeping on your back: medium to medium-firm firmness — best maintains lumbar alignment.
- Sleeping on your stomach: firm positioning — prevents the lower back from sinking.
Recommended brands available in Portugal
- Molaflex Eternity Pocket: individually wrapped springs with 7 comfort zones, excellent for lower back pain.
- Lusocolchão Bioceramic: viscoelastic mattress with temperature regulation technology.
- Pikolin Premium: hybrid with viscoelastic foam and pocket springs.
- Futurocol Articulated: ideal for those with reflux or circulation problems associated with pain.
Other important factors
- Mattress age: if your mattress is more than 7-8 years old, the cause of the pain may simply be wear and tear — even a good mattress loses its properties over time.
- Bed base/box spring: a good mattress on an unsuitable base loses its effectiveness — check if your base is in good condition.
- Pillow: don't forget that the pillow also affects cervical alignment.
Conclusion
For back pain, a medium-firm memory foam mattress or a hybrid of pocket springs and memory foam are generally the best options. At PlateaHome you can find Molaflex, Lusocolchão, Pikolin and Futurocol mattresses with free delivery on orders over R$400. Need help choosing? Contact us by phone or WhatsApp — our team will help you find the right mattress for your specific needs.