A new study from Polish researchers has found that firm mattresses are associated with meaningful reductions in lower back pain. The research, led by a team at the Medical University of Warsaw, tracked 214 adults aged 25 to 55 who reported chronic lower back discomfort for at least six months. Participants were randomly assigned to sleep on either firm, medium-firm, or soft mattresses for 12 weeks while researchers monitored pain levels, sleep quality, and spinal alignment through weekly questionnaires and periodic clinical assessments.

Key Findings from the Trial

Results showed that the firm-mattress group experienced a 34 percent average drop in pain scores on the Visual Analog Scale compared with a 12 percent reduction in the soft-mattress group. Medium-firm mattresses produced intermediate improvements. Objective measures of spinal curvature taken via inclinometer also improved most among firm-mattress users, suggesting better lumbar support during sleep. No significant differences in sleep duration emerged across groups, yet participants on firmer surfaces reported fewer nighttime awakenings due to discomfort. The study controlled for body mass index, age, and prior exercise habits, strengthening the link between mattress firmness and pain relief.

Lead author Dr. Anna Kowalska noted that the findings align with biomechanical principles: firmer surfaces limit excessive sinkage of the pelvis and maintain neutral spine position. Follow-up data collected one month after the trial ended indicated that pain reductions largely persisted among those who continued using firm mattresses at home.

Practical Implications for Sleepers

Researchers caution that individual factors such as body weight and preferred sleep position should guide final mattress selection. Heavier individuals may require slightly softer surfaces to avoid pressure points, while side sleepers might benefit from modest cushioning at the shoulders. The team recommends testing mattresses in-store for at least 10 to 15 minutes in one’s usual sleep posture before purchase. Public health officials in Poland are reviewing the data for possible inclusion in future guidelines on musculoskeletal health. The study appears in the current issue of the Polish Journal of Sleep Medicine and will be presented at an upcoming European conference on ergonomics and bedding design.