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Back Pain

A guide to finding your perfect sleep system

Published on 16/06/2025 - 4 minute read

You likely spend more time in you bed than anywhere else, so making sure that it is helping rather than hurting you is key to good sleep and less pain.

At Back in Action, we are extremely selective when it comes to products that we choose to offer. We have high standards when it comes to mattresses, beds and pillows for people with chronic pain which is why we offer such a limited selection. Out of these options our expert team can help to guide you to the right system for you.

There are a huge variety of factors that will affect what you look for in a sleep set up, including:

  • Back, side or front sleeper? The way you sleep will affect what firmness of mattress your body needs. It will also impact what pillow will work best. For side sleepers you will be looking for a set up that puts the least pressure on your shoulder, this could be with a softer mattress, or with a contour pillow to give your shoulder to move.
  • Fidget? Movement in the night is essential for waking up without aches and pains, but what we are really looking for, is the ability to fidget without waking yourself up. Foam mattresses are perfect for this as movement gets absorbed without creating a wave affect that wakes everyone up.
  • Naturally hot sleeper? Memory foam is one of the best mattress materials for relieving pressure on your joints, but it also has a reputation for being excellent at holding heat, which is not always a good thing if you naturally run hot. Firmness will play a part in how hot you get, and a cooling gel core can go a long way to help wick the heat.

Whilst many shopping experiences are turning to online, the proof really is in the trying when it comes to a good mattress. Each of our showrooms has some mattress options to try but do give our experts a call on 0207 935 9120 and they can help direct you to the store with the right options for you.

Above everything, the most important thing when trying beds is time. Make sure you have plenty of time to try each bed. Wear something comfy and bring a good podcast or book so that you can settle into a more realistic bed test.

Looking after your Mattress

Looking after your Mattress

If you take care of your mattress, it will take care of you.

Day-to-day care

Don't make your bed immediately in the morning: Let your mattress air out for a while each day before covering it up. This helps moisture evaporate and discourages dust mites and mildew.

Clean spills immediately: If you spill something, blot it right away with a clean damp cloth. Avoid soaking the mattress.

Every now and again

Rotate or flip your mattress: To ensure even wear and prevent impressions, rotate or flip your mattress according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This is typically done every few months.

Vacuum your mattress: To get at the dust and small debris on the mattress surface, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner

Ensure proper support: Make sure your mattress is always on a sturdy, appropriate foundation, like a box spring, slatted base, or platform bed. Good support is crucial for preventing sagging and extending its lifespan.

Mattress FAQ's

Can I use a mattress Protector with my new mattress? 

Using a mattress protector is your choice but if a mattress is soiled in any way, wet or in an unsanitary condition due to dropping a glass of wine for example, your warranty will be invalid, and terms of a mattress trial may be affected. A mattress protector can helps prevent this. 

Will my new mattress have a smell when I first open it? 

All mattresses are manufactured at the time of order and sealed in protective wraparounds to ensure perfect presentation upon arrival. Initial odours are common after removal of the protective packaging and are normal. Most people don’t even notice, but those with heightened senses may report a musty smell. On taking delivery, it is a good idea to leave the mattress to air in a well-ventilated room. Regularly airing your mattress ensures proper maintenance and will help dissipate any odours. Any Chemicals used during manufacturing will have passed a safety standard and it is in no way harmful. 

Can I use my bed/mattress as a seat? 

No! Your mattress and bed are designed to be lain on, not sat on for long periods of time. If you do, you will notice uneven wear in the mattress Please don’t let the children (or adults for that matter!) jump up and down on the mattress or sit on the sides of the bed for longer than necessary. 

My mattress is softer/firmer than when I purchased it? 

Like a new pair of shoes, your mattress will soften after a period of time, particularly in the areas you lie (sometimes described as “dipping”). We refer to this as settlement and it is a good sign the mattress is working with the weight of your body. You should regularly rotate your mattress head to toe in order to have a good even settlement and ensure the best longevity for your mattress. If you tried the mattress in store before purchase, there is a good chance it has been laid on many times, and it may feel softer than the new mattress you will have had delivered. It can take a few weeks, even months, for the mattress to fully settle. 

What type of base or frame can we use with your mattresses? 

We recommend you use your mattress with a new base for a longer life, and better mattress performance. Placing a new mattress on an old base which has ‘dipped’ may contribute to a faster aging process within the new mattress. When the mattress is being used on a slatted bedframe, we ideally recommend that the space between the slats is not more than 7.5cm to minimise uneven softening and settlement and that there is a central support leg for double sizes and above.