If you're waking up with a sore back every morning, you're not alone. Around 4 million Australians experience back pain, and many don't realise their mattress could be making it worse or better.
Choosing the right mattress can make a massive difference to back pain. And Sleepmaker, an Australian brand with nearly 90 years of experience, makes the best therapeutic mattresses on the market, many endorsed by chiropractors and physiotherapists.
But which Sleepmaker mattress is best for back pain? Should you go firm or plush? What features should you look for?
This comprehensive guide on choosing the perfect Sleepmaker mattress for back pain relief is the result of deep research and consultation from health professionals.
Why Your Mattress Matters for Back Pain
Before discussing specific models, let's talk about why your mattress is crucial for back health.
Your spine has natural curves, cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back). A good mattress maintains these curves while supporting your body weight evenly.
When your mattress is too soft: Your hips and shoulders sink too far, putting your spine out of alignment and straining muscles.
When your mattress is too firm: Pressure points don't get enough cushioning, forcing your spine into an unnatural position.
When your mattress is right: Your spine stays neutral, pressure is distributed evenly, and your muscles can properly relax and recover overnight.
The Goldilocks principle applies here; you need something not too soft, not too firm, but right for your body type and sleeping position.
Top 5 Sleepmaker Mattresses for Back Pain
Let me break down the best options, from budget-friendly to premium therapeutic mattresses.
1. Sleepmaker Miracoil Advance 5-Zone
Price: $1,600 - $2,500 (depending on size)
Firmness: Medium-Firm to Firm
Why It's Best for Back Pain:
The Miracoil Advance is designed for spinal support, which is why it's been the go-to recommendation from chiropractors for decades.
Key Features:
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5-Zone Miracoil Spring System: Different support levels for head, shoulders, lumbar, hips, and legs
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Continuous Coil Design: Springs work together to maintain spinal alignment
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Chiro Elite Models Available: Specific models designed with extra lumbar support
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KulKote Temperature Regulation: Keeps you cool (overheating can worsen inflammation)
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Edge-to-Edge Support: No sagging edges that can strain your back getting in/out
Best For:
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Chronic lower back pain sufferers
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Back and stomach sleepers (who need firmer support)
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People with herniated discs or degenerative disc disease
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Anyone with postural issues
Pros:
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ACA has been endorsed for over 30 years
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Excellent lumbar support
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Reduces partner disturbance
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Long-lasting durability
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Proven therapeutic benefits
Cons:
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Firmer feel might take adjustment.
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Higher price point
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May feel too firm for dedicated side sleepers
Price vs. Value: At $1,600-$2,500, it's a premium investment. But if it saves you from ongoing physiotherapy ($80-$120 per session), it pays for itself quickly.
2. Sleepmaker Lifestyle 5-Zone Pocket Spring
Price: $1,200 - $2,000 (depending on size)
Firmness: Firm, Medium, or Plush options available
Why It's Great for Back Pain:
The Lifestyle range offers excellent back support at a more accessible price point. While not designed as therapeutic mattresses like the Miracoil, the 5-zone pocket spring system provides proper spinal alignment.
Key Features:
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5-Zone Pocket Spring System: Individual springs contour to your body
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Minimal Partner Disturbance: Each spring works independently
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Multiple Firmness Options: Choose based on your sleeping position
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Allergy-Controlled Comfort Layers: Reduce inflammation triggers
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Australian-Made Quality: Consistent manufacturing standards
Best For:
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Mild to moderate back pain
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Budget-conscious buyers who still want quality support
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Couples with different firmness preferences (pocket springs accommodate both)
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People want to try targeted support before investing in Miracoil.
Pros:
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Excellent value for money
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Multiple firmness options
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Good pressure relief
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Suitable for all sleeping positions (depending on firmness chosen)
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Proven durability
Cons:
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Not as therapeutic as Miracoil for severe back issues
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Less specialised lumbar support
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May need replacing sooner than premium models
Price vs. Value: At $1,200-$2,000, it's the sweet spot between affordability and therapeutic benefit. For many people with back pain, this is all you need.
3. Sleepmaker Cocoon
Price: $2,500 - $4,500+ (depending on size)
Firmness: Plush (with supportive core)
Why It's Premium:
The Cocoon is Sleepmaker's flagship luxury mattress. While it's plush on the surface, it has a sophisticated support system underneath that maintains spinal alignment.
Key Features:
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Sensorzone Technology: Each spring is isolated in eco-friendly Dream Foam for targeted support
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Natural Materials: Australian wool and silk are naturally anti-inflammatory
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Handcrafted Quality: Made to order by expert craftsmen
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Pressure Relief: Plush top layers relieve pressure points while the core provides support
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Temperature Regulation: Natural fibres breathe beautifully
Best For:
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Back pain sufferers who also need pressure point relief (especially side sleepers)
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People with arthritic conditions
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Those who find firm mattresses uncomfortable but still need support
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Anyone wanting luxury with therapeutic benefits.
Pros:
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Supreme comfort without sacrificing support
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Natural, breathable materials
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Exceptional pressure relief
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Handcrafted quality
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Suitable for side sleepers with back pain
Cons:
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Premium price
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A plush feel might not suit everyone with back pain.
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Limited availability (made to order)
Price vs. Value: Expensive, but if you need comfort and support, the Cocoon delivers luxury therapeutic sleep.
4. Sleepmaker International Collection
Price: $1,500 - $2,800 (depending on size)
Firmness: Medium or Plush
Why It Works:
The same Pocketed Coil technology is used by luxury hotels worldwide. Hotels invest millions in researching optimal sleep comfort; you can benefit from that research.
Key Features:
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Hotel-Grade Pocketed Coil System: Proven globally by chains like Marriott and Starwood
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Individual Coil Contouring: Each spring adjusts to your body's curves
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Excellent Motion Isolation: Sleep undisturbed even with a restless partner
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Edge Support: Reinforced edges for fully usable surface
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Premium Comfort Layers: Pressure relief where you need it
Best For:
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Back pain sufferers who also experience hip or shoulder pain
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Side and combination sleepers
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Couples (one partner's movement won't disturb the other)
Pros:
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Proven hotel technology
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Excellent pressure point relief
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Superior motion isolation
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Long-lasting durability
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Great for couples
Cons:
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Not as targeted for back pain as Miracoil
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Medium firmness might not suit severe back issues.
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Exclusive availability (not in all stores)
Price vs. Value: At $1,500-$2,800, it's premium but delivers proven comfort technology. Great for back pain sufferers who also prioritise comfort.
5. Sleepmaker Hotelier
Price: $1,800 - $3,200 (depending on size)
Firmness: Medium
Why It's Smart:
The Hotelier is double-sided; you can flip it, doubling its lifespan. For back pain sufferers, consistent support over many years is crucial; sagging mattresses worsen back issues.
Key Features:
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Double-Sided Design: Flip it to extend lifespan to 12+ years
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Hotel-Inspired Comfort: Similar technology to the International range
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Direct-to-Consumer Pricing: No retail markup
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Made to Order: Fresh mattress delivered to your door
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Proper Support Maintenance: Flipping prevents sagging
Best For:
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Long-term thinkers wanting lasting support
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People concerned about mattress sagging aggravating back pain.
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Budget-conscious buyers wanting premium features
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Anyone valuing durability and consistent support
Pros:
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Double-sided extends lifespan dramatically
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Better value over 10+ years than single-sided mattresses
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Hotel-quality comfort and support
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Made to order (fresh)
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Free Australia-wide delivery
Cons:
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Need to flip regularly (though this is standard mattress care)
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Exclusive online availability
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Medium firmness might not suit everyone
Price vs. Value: At $1,800-$3,200, it seems pricey initially. But over 12 years, it's a better value than cheaper mattresses replaced more frequently.
Firmness Level Recommendations by Sleep Position
Your sleeping position massively impacts which firmness level will help (or hurt) your back.
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Back Sleepers with Back Pain
Recommended Firmness: Medium-Firm to Firm
Why: Maintains natural lumbar curve without allowing hips to sink
Best Sleepmaker Options:
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Miracoil Advance (Medium-Firm or Firm)
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Lifestyle 5-Zone (Firm or Medium)
Pro Tip: Place a small pillow under your knees to take pressure off your lower back.
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Side Sleepers with Back Pain
Recommended Firmness: Medium or Medium-Plush
Why: Needs to cushion shoulders and hips (pressure points) while supporting waist
Best Sleepmaker Options:
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Lifestyle 5-Zone (Medium)
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International Collection (Medium or Plush)
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Cocoon (Plush)
Pro Tip: A pillow between your knees keep your hips aligned and reduces lower-back strain.
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Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
Recommended Firmness: Firm
Why: Prevents lower back arching, which strains the lumbar region
Best Sleepmaker Options:
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Miracoil Advance (Firm)
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Lifestyle 5-Zone (Firm)
Pro Tip: Consider transitioning to side or back sleeping. Stomach sleeping is the worst position for spinal health.
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Combination Sleepers with Back Pain
Recommended Firmness: Medium-Firm
Why: Balances support and comfort across multiple positions
Best Sleepmaker Options:
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Miracoil Advance (Medium-Firm)
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Lifestyle 5-Zone (Medium)
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Hotelier (Medium)
Additional Factors That Impact Back Pain Relief
Body Weight Considerations
Your weight affects how much you sink into a mattress:
Lighter Individuals (under 60kg):
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Can go softer (Medium or Medium-Plush)
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Won't sink as much, so needs less resistance
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Sleepmaker: Lifestyle Medium, International Plush
Average Weight (60-90kg):
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Medium-Firm is ideal
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Standard recommendations apply
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Sleepmaker: Miracoil Advance Medium-Firm, Lifestyle Medium
Heavier Individuals (over 90kg):
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Need firmer support to prevent excessive sinking
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Firm or Extra-Firm recommended
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Sleepmaker: Miracoil Advance Firm, Lifestyle Firm
Type of Back Pain
Different back conditions benefit from different support:
Lower Back Pain (Most Common):
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Need: Strong lumbar support
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Best: Miracoil Advance 5-Zone (specifically designed for this)
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Firmness: Medium-Firm to Firm
Upper Back/Shoulder Pain:
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Need: Pressure relief for shoulders
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Best: International Collection, Cocoon
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Firmness: Medium or Plush
Sciatica:
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Need: Pressure relief for hips, proper spinal alignment
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Best: Miracoil Advance can reduce nerve compression
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Firmness: Medium-Firm
Herniated Disc:
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Need: Firm support without pressure points
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Best: Miracoil Chiro Elite
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Firmness: Firm
Arthritis/Fibromyalgia:
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Need: Pressure relief without losing support
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Best: Cocoon, International Plush
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Firmness: Plush with supportive core
General Stiffness/Tension:
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Need: Balanced support and comfort
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Best: Lifestyle 5-Zone Medium
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Firmness: Medium
Tips for Managing Back Pain Beyond Your Mattress
A good mattress is crucial, but it's not the only factor:
1. Replace Your Mattress Every 7-10 Years:
Even the best Sleepmaker mattress will wear out. The Hotelier's double-sided design helps extend lifespan, but nothing lasts forever.
2. Use the Right Pillow:
Your pillow height needs to keep your neck aligned with your spine:
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Back sleepers: Medium-height pillow
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Side sleepers: Thicker pillow to fill the gap
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Stomach sleepers: Thin pillow or none
3. Get the Proper Base:
Sleepmaker mattresses need appropriate support underneath. Using a proper ensemble base or slatted frame (slats no more than 7cm apart) ensures even support and maintains your warranty.
4. Rotate Your Mattress Regularly:
Sleepmaker recommends rotating every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, then every 3 months. This prevents uneven wear and maintains consistent support.
5. Strengthen Your Core:
A strong core supports your spine. Even simple exercises like planks and bridges can reduce back pain when combined with proper sleep support.
6. Maintain Healthy Weight:
Extra weight puts more pressure on your spine. A supportive mattress helps, but weight management is part of the equation too.
7. Stay Active:
Too much bed rest can worsen back pain. Gentle movement and stretching help, but you still need quality recovery sleep on a supportive mattress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Going Too Soft: Too soft means poor support and spinal misalignment. Medium-firm is usually better.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Sleep Position: Buying a firm mattress because "firm is good for backs" without considering you're a side sleeper. Match firmness to your position.
Mistake #3: Not Testing Long Enough: Your body needs time to adjust. Give a new mattress 3-4 weeks before deciding if it's helping. The first few nights might feel weird.
Mistake #4: Keeping a Sagging Mattress: If your mattress has a visible sag or body impression deeper than 3cm, it's not supporting you properly.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Proper Base: Putting your Miracoil on a cheap base with wide-spaced slats undermines the mattress's support system. Get the right foundation.
Mistake #6: Not Seeking Professional Advice: If your back pain is severe or persistent, see a physio or chiro. They can recommend specific firmness and whether your mattress is truly the issue.
Where to Buy Sleepmaker Mattresses for Back Pain
A Perspective (Online - Exclusive Models)
Why Buy Here:
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Exclusive access to International, Signature, and Hotelier collections
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Made-to-order mattresses (fresher than store stock)
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Free delivery Australia-wide
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Professional advice without pushy sales tactics
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Competitive pricing
Shop Therapeutic Sleepmaker Mattresses →
Major Retailers (Harvey Norman, Forty Winks, Snooze)
Why Buy Here:
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Try the Miracoil and Lifestyle ranges in person
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Immediate availability
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Sales staff can discuss your specific back issues
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Often have special promotions
Specialty Bedding Stores
Why Buy Here:
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Staff have specialised knowledge about therapeutic mattresses
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May stock specific Chiro Elite models
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Usually happy to spend time helping you find the right firmness
Still Not Sure Which Model Is Right?
Choosing a mattress for back pain is a big decision. You're investing in your health, and you want to get it right.
The friendly team at A Perspective will consider your:
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Sleeping position
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Type of back pain
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Body weight
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Firmness preferences
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Budget
Then recommend the Sleepmaker model that's best for your specific situation; no pushy sales tactics, only honest advice.
Conclusion
Back pain doesn't have to be your constant companion. While a mattress alone won't solve every back issue, sleeping on proper support for 7-8 hours every night makes a massive difference to your recovery and daily comfort.
If your mattress is contributing to your back pain, you're hurting yourself for 8 hours every single night. That's 56 hours a week, over 2,900 hours a year of damage. No amount of physiotherapy can undo that if you keep sleeping on poor support.
Ready to Start Sleeping Pain-Free?
At Aperspective, you'll find:
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Exclusive Sleepmaker collections designed for therapeutic sleep
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Free Australia-wide delivery (no hidden costs)
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Professional advice from a team that cares about your well-being
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Made-to-order mattresses (fresher than stock sitting in warehouses)
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Competitive pricing without retail markup
Shop Therapeutic Mattresses Now →
Call: 0424614043
Email: contact@aperspective.com.au
Don't spend another night waking up in pain. Your back and your quality of life deserve better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will a new mattress cure my back pain?
A: If your back pain is caused or worsened by poor sleep support, then yes, a proper mattress can make a huge difference. If your back pain is from injury, medical conditions, or other factors, a mattress alone won't cure it, but it will support your recovery and prevent aggravation.
Q: How firm should my mattress be for back pain?
A: Medium-firm is best for most back pain sufferers. It depends on your sleeping position: back and stomach sleepers need firmer, side sleepers need medium. Your body weight also matters, heavier people need firmer support.
Q: Is the Miracoil really worth the extra money over Lifestyle?
A: If you have chronic or significant back pain, yes. The Miracoil's specialised 5-zone system and chiropractic endorsement make it therapeutic. For mild back pain, the Lifestyle 5-Zone is sufficient and offers better value.
Q: I'm a side sleeper with back pain. Won't a firm mattress hurt my shoulders?
A: Yes, too firm can hurt. As a side sleeper with back pain, you need medium firmness that cushions pressure points while supporting your waist. Try the International Collection Medium or Lifestyle 5-Zone Medium.
Q: How long before I notice improvement in my back pain?
A: Most people notice some improvement within 1-2 weeks, but allow 3-4 weeks for your body to adjust. If pain worsens after a month, the firmness might not be right for you.
Q: Should I buy a mattress topper for extra cushioning?
A: Generally, no if you're buying a quality mattress like Sleepmaker. Toppers can undermine the support system. If you need more cushioning, choose a softer firmness level instead.
Q: What if the mattress is too firm for me?
A: Give it 2-3 weeks. Your body needs adjustment time, if coming from a soft, sagging mattress. If it's uncomfortable after a month, contact the retailer about exchange options.
Q: Do I really need the matching base?
A: For warranty and optimal performance, yes. An improper base like slats that are too far apart or an old, sagging base can compromise your mattress's support system and void your warranty. Sleepmaker mattresses are engineered to work with proper bases.
Q: Can a mattress really be "chiropractor-endorsed"?
A: Yes, the Miracoil range has been endorsed by the Australian Chiropractors Association for over 30 years. This isn't only marketing; it's based on the mattress's proper spinal support and therapeutic design principles.
Q: I have sciatica. Which Sleepmaker is best?
A: The Miracoil Advance in medium-firm is excellent for sciatica. The 5-zone support helps maintain proper spinal alignment, which reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve. Proper hip support is crucial for sciatica sufferers.
Q: Should I go for pocket springs or continuous coil for back pain?
A: Pocket springs (Lifestyle, International, Cocoon) offer excellent contouring and pressure relief. Continuous coil (Miracoil) provides more unified, firm support. For severe back pain, Miracoil is better. For combination back and pressure point pain, pocket springs work well.