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17th June 2025

Emma mattress causing severe lower back pain. What can I do?

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My partner and I bought an original Emma mattress about 7 months ago. He finds the mattress very comfortable but it is causing me severe lower back pain, particular in the side that he sleeps next to me on. I assume this is due to the dipping in the foam as he is heavier than me. I am usually a side/back sleeper but wake in pain if I try lie in the bed any longer than 6 hours (which is not enough sleep for me).

What I would like to know is if this is the norm with all mattress in a box? Is there any topper choice to help ease my pain? Or will we invest in a new mattress, and if so what type would be best? Should we look for a springed mattress or what would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Emma.

Michaela Long Answered 6 months ago

Hi Emma,

 

Thank you for your question. The Emma Original memory foam mattress has a firmer medium overall level of comfort. This will feel firmer for those with lighter body weights and medium for heavier individuals, as it requires pressure to mould to you. It sounds like your husband is sinking more into the mattress than you are, and your body is trying not to roll into where he is sleeping, which is causing you discomfort. Adding a mattress topper would provide you with a softer feel, but would not stop your husband from sinking in more than you do. Unfortunately, this would be the same with any foam-type mattress, given the weight difference between you.

 

 

The type of base could be the cause. If you have a sprung slatted base, it may be that you are trying not to roll into the centre, where there is no support for the centre of the mattress. If you try the mattress on the floor and you do not have the issue, boarding over the base with MDF or plywood will solve the problem. However, as memory foam is very heat-retentive and needs air circulation, you could board the slats with pegboard or drill holes in the MDF or plywood.

 

Example of MDF complete slatted base boarding

 

The comfort and support of a foam mattress are all in one. A pocket sprung mattress should be viewed in two sections: the comfort is provided by the upholstery layers, and the support is provided by the springs. The spring tension is determined by your height and body weight to provide the correct level of support.

 

Bodyweight Spring tension
Upto 16 Stone / 50-101kg Medium (1.4mm)
16 Stone / 101kg Upwards Firm (1.6mm)
Available in Bespoke Products (Please Call) Soft (1.2mm)

 

The comfort layers should be based on your sleep positions and your comfort preferences. As a side and back sleeper, I would recommend a medium level of comfort, such as the Artisan Naturals or the Origins Pocket 1500, which has cushioning in the top layers for your shoulders and hips to sink into when sleeping on your side but also has supportive layers underneath so that you do not sink in too much when sleeping on your back.

 

 

I hope this helps and if you would like any further information or would like to discuss your individual needs, please do not hesitate to contact our office on 0161 437 4419.

 

Kind Regards

Michaela

Dreaming of the perfect nights sleep?

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