If you are looking for authoritative research on mattresses for back pain, the landmark 2003 remains the most influential paper on the subject. This randomized, double-blind, multicentre trial followed 313 adults with chronic non-specific low-back pain and challenged the long-held belief that "harder is better". Key Scientific Findings
: The study found that patients using medium-firm mattresses were twice as likely to report significant improvements in pain while lying in bed and upon rising compared to those using firm mattresses.
Best Mattresses for Back Pain 2026 - National Council on Aging