The short answer: The firmness logic travels: medium-firm for most people, firmer for stomach and heavier sleepers, softer for light side sleepers. What changes by country is sizes, labels, trial terms and who sells the bed. Use the checklist below with your local retailers. We do not link to non-US stores.
What travels and what does not
The research on firmness and back pain is international; the Kovacs trial was run in Spain. So the starting point (medium-firm for most people) applies anywhere. What does not travel: product names, sizes, warranties and return rules, which vary by country and by retailer.
United Kingdom
UK sizes differ from US sizes: a UK king is close to a US queen in width. Many boxed brands sell directly in the UK with their own trial terms. Check whether a trial requires you to keep the bed a minimum number of nights, and whether collection is free.
Canada
Several US online brands ship to Canada with Canadian pricing and sometimes different trial terms. Check whether duties are included and whether returns are collected.
Australia
Australian sizing has its own names (for example, Queen and King differ from US dimensions). Boxed mattress brands are widely sold; look for stated trial lengths and how returns are handled in your state.
India
"Orthopedic" is a very common label on Indian mattresses. As in the US, it has no fixed meaning; check the firmness description and the support layers rather than the word. Many Indian mattresses are sold in thicknesses and sizes specific to the local market, so match the size to your bed frame carefully.
UAE
Many international and regional brands are available. Heat is a practical consideration: coils and breathable covers help in warm bedrooms.
Philippines
Local and imported foam mattresses are widely available. Humidity makes breathability and washable covers more relevant than in drier climates. Check the trial and warranty terms with the specific seller.
The checklist, anywhere
- Is my current bed sagging or just the wrong firmness?
- Where does it hurt, and how do I sleep?
- What firmness range does that point to? Use our firmness guide.
- Foam or coils, given my weight and climate?
- What are the local trial, return and warranty terms, and who sells it?
Reader questions, answered
Are your mattress picks available outside the US?
Some brands sell internationally, but our links and listings are for US Amazon only. Use the checklist on this page with local retailers.
Is a mattress labelled 'orthopedic' better for back pain?
Not necessarily. Check the firmness and support layers; the label has no fixed meaning.
This page is general shopping information, not medical advice. If your back pain is new, getting worse, or keeps you awake whatever you sleep on, talk to a clinician before you spend money on a bed. Full disclaimer.