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What Is An Orthopedic Mattress? Benefits & Uses

Orthopedic mattresses (also known as ‘orthopaedic’ mattresses) are special mattresses with a medically-inspired design. They are brilliant for relieving aches, pains and sore joints while you sleep.

But what is an orthopedic mattress? And how can it help you sleep? From the different mattress types to their benefits - we delve deeper into the inner workings of orthopedic mattress technology so you can find out if it’s right for you.


What Is An Orthopedic Mattress Made Of?

This depends on the type of mattress you choose. Memory foam and pocket sprung orthopedic mattresses have different constructions and are made of different materials. The main point to remember is that orthopedic mattresses are a firm mattress designed to support your body.


How Does An Orthopedic Mattress Work?

Orthopedic mattresses are designed with strategically placed grooves and channels to provide extra cushioning around joints and major pressure points. By distributing your weight evenly, natural spinal alignment is encouraged for a great night’s sleep.


Types of Orthopedic Mattress

There are two main types of orthopedic mattress, both of which we manufacture onsite at our Yorkshire HQ – Memory Foam and Pocket Sprung. Both are quite firm and provide great support, so mainly it’s down to personal preference.


Memory Foam

Memory foam is a visco-elastic material which is naturally suited to orthopedic mattresses. It’s a temperature-sensitive material, so as soon as you lie down the memory foam will start reacting and moulding to the shape of your body. This is perfect for an orthopedic mattress because it:

  • Provides full body support
  • Relieves pressure-points
  • Promotes correct spinal alignment
  • Which in turn encourages healthy blood circulation
  • Reduces tossing and turning by up to 80%
  • Insulates you from disturbance by a restless partner
  • Discourages dust mites


All of our memory foam orthopedic mattresses come with a temperature-regulating cover too, so that you don’t get too warm during the night.


Pocket Sprung Mattress

Pocket sprung mattresses are also a great choice. Our pocket sprung orthopedic mattresses feature:

Large numbers of pocket springs (1500+) to provide high levels of support
Each one of which is individually encased in its own fabric pocket for bespoke support

Remember: the more springs the firmer the mattresses feel (as a general rule of thumb)


The Benefits of An Orthopedic Mattress

If you struggle to sleep due to back pain or swelling, an orthopedic mattress could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

The medically-inspired design:

  • Provides superior comfort and support for key problem areas
  • Evenly distributes body weight and relieves pressure points
  • Encourages correct spinal alignment during the night
  • Promotes healthy blood circulation


Much more than just a place to rest your head, an orthopedic mattress actually helps your body to rest and recover so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day – not full of aches and pains.


Do I Need An Orthopedic Mattress?

The type of mattress you sleep on can really make a difference to the quality of your sleep and your overall body health. For most people, a regular memory foam mattress will do the trick, however, if you regularly experience pain or swollen joints you may need extra support.

If you have a condition such as arthritis or regularly suffer from back pain, neck or joint pain, an orthopedic mattress is perfect.


Best Orthopedic Mattress For Back Pain

If you’re looking for ways to ease your back pain and sleep through the night, the following mattresses should help;


Classicpedic Memory Foam Mattress

Classicpedic mattress

With a soft and luxurious upper, a firm supportive mid layer and reflex base, the Classicpedic mattress features an innovative lumbar support system to target lower back issues.

This bestseller is recommended by physios across the country thanks to its medical grade foam, with integrated castellations for full body support.

Key features:

  • 23cm mattress depth
  • Triple layer design
  • Medium firm support
  • Removable, washable cover
  • 10 year warranty

Classicpedic Ultra

If you’re looking for deeper layers of foam, the Classicpedic Ultra mattress provides maximum comfort through high density memory foam and a luxury quilted cover.

The reflex foam base ensures pressure relief to ease back and joint pain.

Key features:

  • Medium soft support
  • 23cm mattress depth
  • Triple layer design
  • Castellated reflex foam
  • Hypoallergenic
  • 10 year warranty

Zen Ergopedic

Zen ergopedic mattress
With two layers of memory foam, one for support and one for extra cushioning, the Zen Ergopedic mattress is ideal for back pain sufferers and those looking for heightened support.

This is combined with pocket springs for full body support. This mattress is particularly suited to side sleepers or those who share a bed, as the individual springs provide personalised support.

Key features:

  • Medium support
  • 23cm mattress depth
  • 8cm memory foam
  • Quad layer design
  • 1500 Pocket springs
  • 10 year warranty

4G Aircool Pedic Deluxe

4G Aircool Pedic Deluxe
If you often get too hot in the night, the 4G Aircool Pedic Deluxe could be for you. With innovative, cooling sleep technology, this mattress promotes airflow by up to 95% for a breathable night’s sleep.

This heat transference technology is combined with a deep layer of medical grade memory foam, well suited to heavier sleepers who require extra support. This is covered with an antibacterial, Eucalyptus infused cover for ultimate freshness.

Key features;

  • Medium support
  • Eucalyptus infused fabric
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Cooling 4G technology
  • 23cm mattress depth
  • Removable, washable cover
  • 10 year warranty

Zen Ergopedic


Designed with a dual 8cm HD memory foam layer, the Zen Ergopedic mattress provides excellent lumbar support alongside medical grade foam with strategic air channels to relieve pressure.

The quilted mattress cover provides an extra layer of luxurious comfort for a perfect night’s sleep.

Key features:

  • Medium support
  • 15cm mattress depth
  • 8cm memory foam layer
  • Triple layer design
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Medical grade foam
  • 10 year warranty

What Are Medical Grade Foam Mattresses?

Medical grade foam is a type of foam that has been designed to provide extra support for those who suffer from back or joint pain.


For example, our Komfi Ikon Sports mattress offers 26cm of depth, including medical grade reflex foam for even weight distribution and optimum support. Ideal if you practice a lot of sport, this mattress helps your muscles relax and fully regenerate, while the open-cell technology keeps things feeling fresh and well ventilated.

Key features;

  • Medium support
  • 26cm depth
  • Medical grade foam
  • Well ventilated
  • Washable top cover
  • 10 year warranty

Komfi ikon sports mattress


Alternatively, our Komfi medical grade foam mattress is built with pioneering NHS grade foam to promote healthy circulation.

Within the durable foam sits 2000 individual micro pocket springs to provide bounce and support.

Key features:

  • Medium support
  • Medically-approved foam
  • 2000 pocket springs
  • Triple layer design
  • 10 year warranty
Komfi medical grade mattress

How Do I Choose An Orthopedic Mattress?

Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing an orthopedic mattress;

  • Your available budget
  • Your size, height and weight
  • The size of mattress you need (single, double, king, super king size)
  • Your firmness preference
  • Your sleeping position
  • Your sleeping partner’s size and preference 


Ready to get mattress shopping? Our mattress buyer’s guide has all the information you need to make the right decision for you. From mattress thickness to memory foam care, it’s got everything bundled into one accessible guide.

Still not sure? We even offer a 100 night sleep trial on the majority of mattresses to allow you to put it to the test. If you’re not completely happy at the end of this period, we can arrange a fuss-free exchange. This way, you can feel safe in the knowledge you’ve made the right decision for you and your sleep.


Find Your Orthopedic Memory Foam Mattress


At Memory Foam Warehouse, we have over 30 years’ experience supplying medical mattresses to the NHS. We’ve used that invaluable experience to create a range of orthopedic mattresses which will make a real difference to your everyday life.

Browse our collection of orthopedic memory foam mattresses to begin your journey towards blissful sleep.

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