Hi Fred,

Many thanks for your comment on the best type of bed for a bad back. We're sorry to hear you're struggling with spinal stenosis and sciatica during the night. We've helped many people with bad backs get a better nights sleep by offering tailored advice.

Why firm mattresses are not suitable for bad backs

The problem with most mattress retailers is that they recommend punishingly firm mattresses for people with bad backs or spinal stenosis. This is incorrect advice that has long been debunked by chiropractors and back specialists.

This used to be the advice to try and keep your spine straight during the night. However, for most people this simply causes more pain and discomfort. Why? Because an overly firm mattress offers little give you your back during the night.

This means that your back ends up conforming to the mattress when it should be the mattress conforming to your spines preferred position!

Mattress Support is based on Bodyweight

Another myth is that you should pick a firm spring tension as well. However, mattress pocket springs have been designed to work for specific body weight tolerances. You should always pick the pocket spring tension or wire gauge that best meats your weight. If you pick a soft or firmer mattress they either won't offer enough support or will be too firm to offer any give.

Mattress upholstery needs to be forgiving for a bad back

The next area you need to consider with a bad back in the mattress upholstery layered on top of the pocket spring or support layer. These are known as the comfort layers and are what provide a mattresses true comfort ie soft, medium or firm feel not the spring unit. For most people, a medium upholstery layer offers the perfect mix of softness but with support. There are very few people that like a really firm upholstery layer or the converse being a really soft layer.

What's just as important is the resilience or robustness of the fibres you choose. Natural fibre mattresses offer the very best in terms of comfort and support. This is because they are far more durable than synthetic polyester and memory foam. They rebound better, wick away moisture and are breathable. All of which helps keep your back both supportive and comfortable, rather than hot, clammy and sinking out of alignment like foam.

We would advise you to have a look at what type of comfort preference you prefer, some people know they like a soft mattress for example. If you're not sure then start by looking at the medium feel upholstery. This is the best all-rounder without going to extremes.

You'll need to look for a high amount of natural fibre fillings to allow progressive comfort which is why we list the GSM (Grams per square meter) of all our upholstery. Showing you what you get for your money and also allowing you to easily compare our mattresses to other retailers like Vispring, Savoir and Harrison Spinks models.

Artisan Bespoke 004 for Spinal Stenosis

Have a look at our Artisan Bespoke 004 mattress which is a 100% Natural Fibre mattress. Available in 3 spring tensions (though the medium 1.4 spring gauge is perfect for you and your wife). It contains 3600GSM of 100% Natural fibre fillings and 1600 calico encased vanadium coated pocket springs which are breathable. These independent springs allow each one to individually move depending on where you need them to, ie shoulders, backs and hips. Offering a truly tailored support unit.

Artisan Bespoke 004 Mattress

1:1200GSM BLENDED BRITISH FLEECE WOOL AND COTTON

2: HAIRPROOF CAMBRIC COVER

3: 200GSM SOFT BAMBOO

4: 1200GSM PURE HORSETAIL

5: 1000GSM BONDED BRITISH FLEECE WOOL AND COTTON

6: 1600 CALICO ENCASED POCKET SPRINGS [ 49MM ] [1.28MM]

TOTAL: 3600GSM

DEPTH: 27-30CM

CHEMICAL FREE COVER

Have a look at that model and then get back in touch on info@localhost or 0161 437 4419 for more tailored advice.

We look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Sleep Well
John & Ryan