Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Back pain can wreak havoc on your waking and sleeping hours. Finding a bed that helps to alleviate or prevent it can therefore represent a big upgrade to your quality of life.
The best mattresses for back pain all aim for one key result: alignment. An improperly aligned spine1 can cause soreness and exacerbate pre-existing back issues, whether they’re acute or chronic. You’ll want to search for a mattress that encourages healthy alignment while also providing the right level of support, firmness, and comfort.
To get started, take a look at the mattresses we picked as the best beds for back pain below.
10 Best Mattresses for Back Pain
- Helix Dusk – Editor's Pick
- Saatva Classic – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Back Pain on a Budget
- DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain
- EcoCloud by WinkBeds – Best Latex Mattress for Back Pain
- Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Mattress for Couples with Back Pain
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy People with Back Pain
Our Video Review of the Best Mattresses for Back Pain
Compare The Best Mattresses for Back Pain
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| Helix Dusk Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Soft: 5.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | ||
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — |
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| Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Our Top 10 Best Mattresses for Back Pain, Reviewed
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a hybrid bed that combines foam, coils, and a cooling cover to provide an overall comfortable sleeping experience.
Get 20% off sitewide + 2 free dream pillows with a mattress purchase
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a hybrid bed that combines foam, coils, and a cooling cover to provide an overall comfortable sleeping experience.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a hybrid bed that combines foam, coils, and a cooling cover to provide an overall comfortable sleeping experience.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Helix Dusk Earned Editor's Pick
The Helix Dusk was designed for back and stomach sleepers—people who need a reliably firm foundation to keep their bodies aligned. The foams in this bed are therefore more lifting and responsive than they are apt to sink. This quality, along with the mattress’s supportive spring unit, make the Dusk a great choice for sleepers with back pain2.
It’s not so firm as to be uncomfortable, but its relatively solid construction should encourage both pressure relief and a beneficial posture. Also, it comes in at a reasonable price, especially considering the quality of construction and materials.
What's The Helix Dusk Made Of?
The Dusk is 11.5 inches tall and has five internal layers.
Its soft cover conceals the first layer of Helix Dynamic Foam, which mimics the combined pressure-relieving and springy properties of latex. Next are two layers of Helix Responsive Foam: one that molds to your body for a light cradling sensation, and one that prioritizes spine-friendly support.
Next comes the bed’s coil unit. It features hundreds of coils that each occupy their own fabric sleeve, enabling them to move independently of one another and cut down on motion transfer. The springs are stronger on the long sides of the bed for efficient edge support.
Finally, a layer of thick DuraDense foam serves as the mattress’s base.
My Take: The Dusk has a delightful firmness that doesn’t cross over into rock-hard territory. Its proprietary foams and coil unit have been layered with intention, and their combined feel should bolster sore backs instead of letting them dip too deeply into the bed.
What I Liked
- Made for certain sleepers – Each of Helix’s mattresses is meant to match with a specific set of sleep positions. With its medium-firm feel and careful arrangement of responsive foams, the Dusk caters to back and stomach sleepers—or anyone who likes a pleasantly firm surface.
- It stays cool – As a hybrid mattress, the Helix Dusk should run a bit cooler than all-foam models, as the coils beneath its foam allow for increased airflow. If you’re looking to add even more cooling power to the bed, you can pay extra to swap in a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover. It’s hypoallergenic, soft, and adept at redirecting heat from the body.
- It’s affordable – Even though they’re high-quality hybrids, the core Helix mattresses shouldn’t break the bank. At close to $1,000 for a queen, they’re priced more affordably than competing luxury models.
Potential Drawbacks
- Tough for side sleepers – Side sleepers require a fair amount of cushioning around their hips and shoulders, and the Dusk isn’t super plush.
- Edge support on two sides – Instead of outlining the entire perimeter of the bed with reinforced springs, Helix places its stronger springs only along the two long edges of the Dusk. This approach can diminish the amount of support available on the top and bottom edges (though you’re not likely to notice unless you’re sitting directly on top of them).
Interested in more details? Check out our Helix mattress review or for more options check out our best firm mattress picks.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Saatva Classic Earned Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
More so than most other mattresses we’ve encountered, the Saatva Classic was engineered for lower back support. It has multiple elements that target the sensitive lumbar region of the spine, including dual coil units, zoned quilting, and even a lumbar-specific strip of memory foam. I believe it should work for just about anyone, thanks to its multiple firmness options, but we especially recommend the Luxury Firm and Firm for our firm mattress fans.
I think it does a great job of supporting your lower back thanks to the dual coils. My colleague Stuart agreed: “[It’s] great for those who struggle with back pain, like me, as it provides excellent lumbar support.”
What's the Saatva Classic Made Of?
The Saatva Classic stands either 11.5 or 14.5 inches high, depending on which thickness you order. Its first layer is a 3-inch Euro pillow top protected by a breathable, organic cotton cover. The pillow top’s foremost goal is comfort, but it still has specialized quilting around its middle that gives a firmer cushion beneath your lumbar spine.
Underneath, you’ll find a layer of memory foam laid across the central third of the mattress that also targets the lumbar region. It sits atop the bed’s first layer of coils, which are encased in individual fabric wrappers and slightly stronger in that same lumbar zone.
A base unit of interconnected springs rounds out the bed, giving the Classic a notable total of two coil layers instead of one. The mattress also features a Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire within its coil layers that further braces the middle region of the bed.
For edge support, the Classic relies on thick foam rails that frame the entire perimeter.
Our Take: “I [have] to shout out the tons of lumbar support. If you need a mattress that’s got your back, you need the Saatva Classic.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Customized firmness – There’s a reason the Saatva Classic works for just about everyone. It’s available in Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm feels, enabling you to select the right firmness for your sleeping habits.
- Built to last – The Classic comes with a lifetime warranty, which I characterize as rare in the online mattress scene. The brand can promise such generous coverage due to the durability of this bed. According to Stuart, its two sets of springs and meticulously sourced materials result in a mattress that feels high-end and will last you for a long time.
- High marks for convenience – Saatva delivers their beds fully expanded, unboxed, and ready to use. Their white-glove service will ensure that your new bed is set up in the room of your choice, with no heavy lifting required on your end.
Potential Drawbacks
- Cozy but not ultra-cool – I found that the classic stayed at a comfortable temperature during testing, but didn’t notice any remarkable cooling effects.
- Springy, not sink-y – “The Euro pillow top is soft, but I do feel a little more like I’m sleeping on top of the mattress, rather than sinking into it,” said Stuart. If you’re a fan of beds that really depress under your weight, you might want to look at all-foam models instead.
Looking for more info? Check out our detailed Saatva mattress review or check out our top picks for the best mattresses of 2023.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Earned Best Mattress for Back Pain on a Budget
Hybrid beds can combat back pain with the combined power of springs and foam, but they’re hard to find at budget prices. Enter the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, an eminently affordable mattress with five spine-friendly layers. When deals and promotions are on the table, you can often buy a queen-sized model for around $1,000.
“I like how firm this bed feels,” said my fellow tester, Stuart. “It’s very supportive, which is great for back and stomach sleepers. It almost feels like the bed is lifting me up.” That kind of firmness and loft is essential for people with back pain, who don’t want to sink so much that their spinal alignment suffers.
What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Made Of?
This hybrid is 11.5 inches tall with five total layers. It’s available in a Soft, Medium, or Firm feel, and we think the latter two options are sound choices for sleepers with back pain. The thickness of the layers inside the bed will vary depending on the firmness level you order.
The mattress begins with a quilted, breathable top, but you can upgrade to a GlacioTex™ cooling cover if temperature regulation is a priority.
Underneath the quilted top, you’ll find two foam layers. The first is a comfort foam that contours to your body adaptively, responding to its movements as you shift positions.
The second is VariFlex™ foam, which undergirds the memory foam for added support and seamlessly transitions into the bed’s coil unit.
The coils are 8 inches tall and reinforced around the edges of the bed to prevent any worrisome dipping on the sides. They’re cushioned by a bottom layer of high-density foam.
Our Take: “This has all the luxury features that you’re looking for in a hybrid mattress … nice pressure-relieving foams on top, supported by the coils beneath. It doesn’t sacrifice support or pressure relief.” – Mark Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Combo sleepers can shift easily – If you switch from your back to your side (or vice versa) during the night, or just sleep restlessly in general, the Signature Hybrid can adapt. “We think this bed would be great for combination sleepers. Because it’s so responsive, adjusting positions is super easy,” said Stuart.
- Good motion isolation – “Hybrids usually perform pretty average when it comes to motion transfer,” said Stuart, “but we were surprised at how well [the Brooklyn Bedding] Signature Hybrid isolated motion, especially for how responsive it is … Couples shouldn’t be bothered by movements across the bed unless they were really sensitive and super-light sleepers.”
- Noteworthy edge support – The reinforced coils around the bed’s perimeter stay strong under pressure. According to Stuart, “this makes the bed feel a lot bigger because you can maximize every inch of the surface, which is ideal if you share a mattress with a partner, kids, pets, whomever.”
Potential Drawbacks
- Side sleepers may need more cushion – The Signature Hybrid falls on the firm side in terms of feel, and may not cradle the shoulders and hips enough for dedicated side sleepers. “The foams on the top aren’t the best at relieving pressure,” commented Stuart. “If you sleep exclusively on your side, it might be best to look elsewhere.”
- A simplified structure – “This bed doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles,” said Stuart, “but it’s a pretty solid bed for the price that you’re paying.” If you’re looking for a mattress with tons of cooling features or high-tech add-ons, the Signature Hybrid might seem a bit basic for your tastes.
Want more information? Consult our in-depth Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review or our best cheap mattress to narrow your search
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the DreamCloud Earned Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain
Although its name implies a sense of fluffiness, the DreamCloud is a solidly medium-firm hybrid with the right amount of support for back sleepers experiencing back pain. My fellow tester Stuart loved how buoyed he felt on both his back, and I praise its powers of alignment. When it comes to spine alignment, you best believe it’s going to keep you from sinking into weird angles and entering the danger zone of back pain.
What’s the DreamCloud Made Of?
The DreamCloud has six layers if you count its top cover, and its profile is 14 inches thick. Its cover is made with cashmere—an especially soft fabric that “gives it a luxurious feel,” according to Stuart.
The first comfort layer consists of 1.5 inches of soft foam. It leads into an inch of gel-infused memory foam that readily absorbs pressure, followed by 2 inches of dynamic foam with a more supportive feel.
The DreamCloud’s coil unit comes next. It features 8.5-inch pocketed coils that have been reinforced along the edges of the bed for increased pushback. They’re supported in turn by an inch of dense foam at the bed’s base.
Our Take: “The DreamCloud feels really well-made and luxurious, from the cashmere cover to the high-quality construction.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- A nice mix of softness and support – “[The] even-keeled medium-firmness of the topmost memory foam layers is the ideal blend of soft pressure relief with a supportive feel,” said Julia. That initial plushness backed up by a firm foundation is the right kind of construction for people with sensitive or sore backs.
- It’s affordable – Per Stuart, the DreamCloud “feels like luxury at an affordable cost.” I echo his assessment: Honestly, for how well-rounded this bed is, I’m surprised it doesn’t cost more.
- It absorbs motion well – “It’s bouncy and responsive, but it has pretty decent motion isolation, especially for a hybrid,” said Stuart. “You shouldn’t be too bothered by your partner’s movements during the night.”
Potential Drawbacks
- Too firm for side sleeping – “DreamCloud isn’t our favorite for side sleepers,” Stuart remarked. “It’s just a little too firm for the average person to sink into.” This quality could lead to pressure buildup around the hips and shoulders, which you definitely don’t want if your back is already hurting you.
- The edges could be stronger – “DreamCloud is a bit lackluster on the edges,” said Stuart. If you sleep with a partner and you both need a lot of room to stretch out, then we recommend going for the king-size model (or looking into beds with more edge support).
Want to know more? Read our comprehensive DreamCloud mattress review or check out the best mattresses for back pain.
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The EcoCloud by Winkbed provides a premium experience With some of the most natural materials in the bedding industry!
Read Full Review
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The EcoCloud by Winkbed provides a premium experience With some of the most natural materials in the bedding industry!
Read Full Review
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The EcoCloud by Winkbed provides a premium experience With some of the most natural materials in the bedding industry!
Read Full Review
Material
Latex
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the WinkBeds EcoCloud Earned Best Latex Mattress for Back Pain
The latex inside the EcoCloud works alongside its springs to foster ideal spinal alignment. Crucially, both components of the mattress are zoned into regions with slightly different feels, so you should experience more support beneath your lower back and more plushness under your hips and shoulders.
“This helps to keep the body straight, helping to reduce aches and pains when [you] wake up,” said Stuart, one of our mattress testers. And indeed, multiple customer reviews on the WinkBeds site praise the EcoCloud for its mitigating effect on their back pain.
As for Stuart, he found the EcoCloud to be a supremely comfortable bed: “The top materials help easy my body weight into the coils, and all the layers work together all the way through to help relieve pressure.”
What’s the EcoCloud Mattress Made Of?
The EcoCloud is approximately 12.5 inches thick and made up of four layers: a cover, two latex comfort layers, and its innerspring unit.
The cover is made of organic cotton with a New Zealand wool batting. Both materials help to stave off high heat, as they’re naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. Per our tester Stuart, “You might think that something that’s organic might be a little more on the rough side, but it’s really smooth and really soft.”
Underneath are two 2-inch layers of Talalay latex. They’re perforated to permit cooling airflow and textured to provide differing levels of pushback throughout the body—a big advantage when you’re dealing with back pain or improper alignment. The latex should bolster your lumbar spine with added firmness while staying more plush around “sharper” regions, such as the shoulders.
At the base of the mattress is its 5-zoned spring system made from recycled steel. Like the latex layers, these springs have been designed to buoy the lumbar region and compress more easily under sensitive spots. They’re also reinforced along the edges, so you can roll all the way to the side without feeling like you might fall off.
Our Take: “Most sleepers will be able to find something they love with this bed.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- It’s got wide appeal – Stuart characterized this mattress as great for “people who need one versatile feel.” Its latex comfort layers balance pressure relief with responsiveness well enough that both back, side, and combination sleepers should have a lovely time on this bed. Lightweight stomach sleepers may find it cozy, too.
- High responsiveness – “Right off the bat, you can see this pretty springy surface,” said Stuart, referencing the bounciness of the EcoCloud’s latex layers. This responsiveness makes for easy repositioning and gives the bed a lot of bounce.
- Earth-friendly materials – As its name implies, the EcoCloud features materials that were sourced with the planet’s health in mind. Its latex is sustainably harvested, its cotton is certified organic, and the steel in its springs is recycled.
Potential Drawbacks
- Some motion transfer – “Overall, it did pretty good on the motion transfer test, especially after seeing how responsive it was,” said Stuart. But he did note that a glass cup wiggled a bit on the bed’s surface when he moved around on the opposite side.
- No hugging foams – “You should feel a comfortable cradling when you’re in this bed, but nothing too deep—we’re not quite at a hug-level yet,” said tester Stuart. If you enjoy sinking into your bed, you may not be a fan of the EcoCloud’s latex comfort layers.
Need more information? Check out our EcoCloud mattress review or check out our best latex mattresses for more options.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Nectar Earned Best Mattress for Back Pain
The Nectar is an all-foam bed that should be familiar to anyone who’s browsed the online mattress market. Unlike many other memory foam models, it has enough firmness to be beneficial for aching backs, earning it the top spot in this roundup. Its supportive core strives to preserve spinal alignment even as you enjoy its pressure-relieving foam layers, and its competitive price also makes it an excellent option for value-seekers.
Sleep Advisor’s editor, Jill, found the Nectar to be a little firmer than she expected. But its feel turned out to be a feature, not a bug. “I’ve noticed it’s been easier to fall asleep on my back with the Nectar,” she said after several nights of testing.
What’s the Nectar Mattress Made Of?
The Nectar is 12 inches tall with three internal foam layers, topped by a breathable cover whose fibers are designed to pull heat away from the body. A lower cover also helps to stabilize each of the layers inside.
Below the top cover is a 2-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam. This comfort layer lends the Nectar an initially plush feel as the foam conforms to your curves, relieving strain from common pressure points along the spine and around your joints.
A 3-inch transition layer then adds support and responsiveness to the mix. It keeps your body from sinking too close to the base of the mattress and also dampens motion transfer.
Finally, a 7-inch base layer of thick foam serves as the mattress’s foundation.
Our Take: “A classic in the bed-in-a-box market … [the Nectar offers] loads of pressure relief.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Plush foam on top – My fellow tester Emma is a big memory-foam fan. “I like the gentle cradling … [It feels] like I’m a tiny little swaddled baby,” she said. The Nectar delivers on this front, with an initial comfort layer that molds to your silhouette and allows the load-bearing parts of your body to completely relax.
- Good edge support for a foam bed – Sometimes, beds without coils struggle to keep their edges from buckling. But the Nectar stays pretty sturdy along its sides. According to Jill, “There was a minimal amount of sinkage along the edges of this bed … I was able to sleep comfortably in the center and on the perimeter.”
- It’s affordable – Nectar has kept its prices reliably low in comparison to competitors. You can commonly find a queen-sized Nectar for hundreds less than $1,000 during promotions.
Potential Drawbacks
- No spring-based support – All-foam beds won’t have quite the same robustness or responsiveness as those with spring units. As a consequence, “heavier sleepers or people who want to spread out a little more might want something with a bit more support,” said Emma.
- Not as cool as a hybrid – “[The Nectar] didn’t provide as much cooling as we hoped,” said Jill, who tested this mattress with her partner. Although they both enjoyed the bed and found it quite comfortable, they didn’t recommend it for people who sleep without access to air conditioning or other cooling measures.
Want to learn more? Here's our full Nectar mattress review or check out our list of the best memory foam mattresses for more options.
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Nolah’s innovative pressure-relieving abilities should be an excellent fit for side-sleepers, and if you struggle with overheating, the AirFoamICE™ technology should keep you cool all night long.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Nolah’s innovative pressure-relieving abilities should be an excellent fit for side-sleepers, and if you struggle with overheating, the AirFoamICE™ technology should keep you cool all night long.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Nolah’s innovative pressure-relieving abilities should be an excellent fit for side-sleepers, and if you struggle with overheating, the AirFoamICE™ technology should keep you cool all night long.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Nolah Evolution Earned Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
First of all, the Nolah Evolution has a smorgasbord of pillowy layers ideal for side sleeping. It features a proprietary graphite-infused foam, plus two additional foam layers underneath that lead into a zoned spring system. When you have that much foam in a hybrid, you can bet that your shoulders and hips will be well-cradled.
Secondly, you can customize the firmness of your Evolution to suit your preferences and the nature of any aches and pains. Side sleepers who want extra cushioning might choose the Plush version, whereas the Luxury Firm or Firm model have a more robust feel. These latter two models might represent the best compromise between the softness that appeals to side sleepers and the supportiveness that helps with back pain.
Thirdly, reviewers uniformly enjoyed this mattress. One of our testers, Liz, has disabilities that can inhibit her comfort on certain beds. But the Evolution surpassed her expectations, and she called it “one of my favorite mattresses to try.”
What’s the Nolah Evolution Made Of?
The Nolah Evolution stands an impressive 15 inches high, and has seven total layers including its top cover.
That cover is made from organic cotton and ArcticTex™ fibers that help to draw unwanted heat away from the body. It adorns a 2-inch Euro topper that cushions sleepers with foam. The topper’s quilting also has cooling properties, and with the help of the surrounding AirBreath™ Heat Escape Gusset, it transfers warmth to the outside of the bed.
Next is a layer of Nolah’s proprietary AirFoamICE™. This foam is infused with graphite to prevent overheating, and reportedly bests memory foam at pressure relief and durability. It’s backed up by 2 inches of supportive foam and a 1-inch layer of responsive, high-density foam. These layers are followed by the bed’s coil unit.
Nolah attests that the HDMax™ TriZone™ coils in the Evolution provide approximately 25% more support than other coil systems. The “TriZone™” name is a reference to three discrete sections of the spring system, each of which aims to bolster a specific area of the back or body.
The Nolah Evolution also contains reinforced coils at the perimeter for enhanced edge support. These springs prevent sagging near the edges, allowing the sleepers to use the entire surface of the mattress.
At the very base of the bed, a layer of recycled plant fiber anchors the components above.
Our Take: “When I crawled into this bed, I could really feel it gently cradle my body … I could even feel the zoned support in the springs working to support my body weight appropriately.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Lots o’ layers – This bed has more layers than most of its peers, but they aren’t just for show. Each one fulfills a function, outfitting the Evolution with a veritable Swiss army knife of mattress materials.
- Soft but responsive – “I found that this mattress is pretty responsive,” said Stuart. “Even though it’s got some plush and sink to it, I was still able to move around and reposition easily without feeling like I was being sucked in by quicksand.”
- Extremely strong edges – Our testers were big fans of the stable edges on the Evolution, and recommended it for couples in particular. “You could build your house on Nolah’s edge support,” said Stuart. Liz agreed that “having the reinforced edges makes all the difference.”
Potential Drawbacks
- Too plush for stomach sleeping – According to Stuart, “Stomach sleepers may find that their hips and lower back sink pretty deep into this mattress, and it may not be the most comfortable for long-term sleep.” However, don’t forget that the Evolution is available in multiple firmnesses—the Firm version may amp up the support enough for those who sleep on their bellies.
- It’s bulky – There’s no denying that the sheer number of layers in the Evolution make it a big bed. Stuart called it “thicker than most of the mattresses we work with” and advised that you find a helper to assist in setting it up.
Want to learn more? Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review or check out more of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid Earned Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain
Of all the mattress types that can soothe back pain, a hybrid mattress is perhaps the best choice. These beds combine the sturdiness of an innerspring unit with the cushioning of foam layers, resulting in a lovely balance of comfort and support.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a phenomenal example of this balance. It uses pressure-relieving memory foam to fill in the back’s lumbar region, and coils to lift the hips into neutral alignment. It also features zoned support, meaning it skews sturdier or plusher across its surface to accommodate different parts of the body.
“Sleepers with back, hip, or shoulder pain will love the zoned coil system,” said our tester Stuart. “It … support[s] the areas that need a little extra boost, specifically the lumbar area.”
What’s the Bear Elite Hybrid Made Of?
The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14 inches tall and has five layers, including its cover.
The cover is a standout component, as it incorporates two special technologies: PCM and Celliant®. The molecules inside the cover’s PCM, or Phase Change Material, shift from solid to liquid when exposed to heat, and have a subsequent cooling effect.
Celliant® fibers, meanwhile, transition body heat into infrared energy that may encourage tissue recovery after the day’s activity, as well as up the quality of your sleep.
Under the cover is a layer of memory foam that’s been infused with copper. The copper resists bacteria while contributing even more cooling power to the bed, and the foam itself molds comfortingly to your curves.
Next is a layer of transitional foam. It conforms to your body along with the memory foam above, but also offers a higher degree of support in its role as the barrier between the foam and spring layers.
The coil unit in the Bear Elite Hybrid has thicker coils in its midsection. This zone corresponds to the lumbar region of the back and gives targeted pushback to that sensitive area. The spring system also has reinforced coils along its sides for sturdy edge support.
At the base of the mattress, a layer of high-density foam holds everything together.
Our Take: “It’s got the best of both worlds. It’s got a familiar mattress feeling with plushness in the cover and foam layers, but quick response and support from the springs.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- A well-balanced hybrid – We were charmed by how the Bear Elite Hybrid skillfully combines support and cushioning. Stuart was a fan of the zoned coil unit, but also noted that the comfort layers “contoured to my hips and shoulders really really well,” and Sydney attested that the bed “has the perfect level of support and softness.”
- Awesome for couples – “This bed is great for couples, especially those looking for a really luxurious high-end feel,” said Stuart. He pointed to the hybrid’s powerful edge support and its notable motion absorption as particularly couple-friendly features.
- Extremely cool – The Bear Elite Hybrid stays very cool thanks to its state-of-the-art cover, copper-infused foam, and airflow between its coils. “The cooling was immediately noticeable as I lied down on the bed,” said Stuart. “I’m pretty sure that it would do a good job of keeping anyone cool throughout the night.”
Potential Drawbacks
- A bit soft for stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers need to ensure that their hips don’t sink too low in a given mattress, so they tend to enjoy very firm beds. “The pillow top may still be a little plusher than hardcore stomach sleepers prefer,” Stuart remarked.
- It’s not cheap – “This mattress is more expensive than most beds in a box, which is something to consider,” said Stuart. Without an active promotion or discount, you’ll find that a queen-sized Bear Elite Hybrid costs around $2,000.
Want more details? Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review or check out our best hybrid mattress picks.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Emma Hybrid Comfort Earned Best Mattress for Couples with Back Pain
Whether back pain is affecting you, your significant other, or the both of you, a supportive mattress can be key in preventing your symptoms from worsening—and potentially helping them to improve. The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a particularly appealing option for couples with back pain, as it was constructed to stand up to the challenges of partnered sleeping.
The Comfort Hybrid’s spring unit has ultra-strong coils that stay resilient beneath all body types and before-bed activities. It may also soothe sore backs thanks to zoned support, which cushions or buoys different parts of the body according to their needs.
What’s the Emma Hybrid Comfort Made Of?
The Emma Hybrid Comfort has a 13-inch high profile and six layers, including its moisture-wicking cover.
Under that cover is a layer of poly foam with an open-cell design, meaning there are air pockets within the foam that permit cooling airflow.
The subsequent memory foam layer absorbs motion to prevent partners from disturbing one another during the night. It’s followed by a sheet of High Resiliency Extra foam, which promotes neutral spinal alignment via its firm feel.
The sturdy coil unit is next. It has pocketed springs that give the bed a pleasant amount of bounce. The coils are also zoned into seven areas that give varying amounts of pushback to different parts of the body, lending the back the support it needs while cushioning other regions.
Finally, the base of the bed is made of a dense, strong foam.
My Take: The Emma Hybrid Comfort’s components are extra-strong and long-lasting, as this mattress was created for couples, larger bodies, and sleepers who crave a palpably supportive feel. Its durable layers create a steadfast bed that can help to mitigate back pain and serve as a cozy shared sleeping surface.
What I Liked
- Zoned springs – Your back often requires a different amount of support than your shoulders, which need more cushioning than resistance. The zoned springs inside the Emma Hybrid Comfort respect this fact, providing tailored support to different areas of the body.
- Cool for couples – Partners should stay pretty cool atop this bed thanks to the makeup of its foams and the airflow from its spring unit.
Potential Drawbacks
- No deep cradling – You won’t feel “hugged” by the Emma Hybrid Comfort. Instead, you should feel reassuringly lifted by both the foams and springs. If you’d prefer to sink in a bit more, then an all-foam bed might be a better fit.
- Very firm feel – Lightweight sleepers and side sleepers may find the Emma Hybrid Comfort too firm. On the other hand, I think that back sleepers and stomach sleepers should enjoy it.
Want to know more? Read our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review or explore our picks for the best mattress for couples.
Titan Plus
This specially-designed hybrid is made for heavier sleepers to help them get better, more comfortable sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Titan Plus
This specially-designed hybrid is made for heavier sleepers to help them get better, more comfortable sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Titan Plus
This specially-designed hybrid is made for heavier sleepers to help them get better, more comfortable sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Titan Plus Earned Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Back Pain
Heavier sleepers need a mattress with stellar support, and this fact holds especially true for those dealing with back pain. Fortunately, the Titan Plus from Brooklyn Bedding was made specifically for plus-size sleepers, combining strong foams and coils to keep the body lifted and the back aligned.
Our plus-sized reviewer, Patrick, enjoyed the Titan Plus for its soft surface and overall buoying feel. “I definitely sink in a little bit, but this mattress feels supportive enough that I don’t feel stuck at all,” he said.
What’s the Titan Plus Made Of?
The Titan Plus has an 11-inch profile and four layers (though this number increases to five if you pay an additional fee for a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover).
It begins with a 1-inch layer of quilted memory foam, which delivers an immediate dose of pressure relief. The foam is infused with gel to guard against too much heat buildup. Underneath is a 2-inch layer of responsive TitanFlex™ foam, which feels a bit springier but still conforms to your most sensitive pressure points.
Next is the bed’s coil unit, a system of hundreds of coils that stretch 6 inches tall and provide stronger support than traditional innersprings. They’re positioned atop a 2-inch foundation of high-density foam.
Our Take: “Unlike many mattresses that I have tried, my weight is evenly distributed over this surface and I feel extremely comfortable.” – Patrick, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Inclusive weight capacity – The Titan Plus can comfortably support up to 1,000 pounds, making it a desirable bed for larger folks. The comfort foams paired with the solid support from the springs result in “little to no pressure build-up,” said Patrick.
- Stabilizing edges – “The edge to edge coils are super strong,” Patrick commented, referring to the higher-gauge coils that line the bed’s perimeter. “If you like to spread out, strong edges are going to be a really nice advantage.”
- Durability – This bed is made with “industrial level” coils and other materials that should stand the test of time (and pressure). “Those coils are extra strong,” Patrick confirmed after testing.
Potential Drawbacks
- Too firm for smaller sleepers – Because body weight influences how a mattress feels, lightweight sleepers may think that the Titan Plus is too hard. But “a lot of that firmness that [a lighter person] feels will be wiped away by a heavier individual as they allow their weight to sink into the mattress,” said Patrick.
- You won’t be cradled – The gel memory foam layer will give you some initial sinkage, but not much. If you like a bed that really compresses beneath you, the Titan Plus isn’t the best bet.
Curious about this bed? Read our full Titan Plus mattress review or browse the best mattresses for heavy people.
Why Trust Us?
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow myself and our team to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. I look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as cooling, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.
I also had a medical expert review all of our findings to make sure that they align with the latest best-practices and research on back pain.
Key Considerations for Mattress Shoppers with Back Pain
Support
Aches and pains radiating from your lower back is common for many sleepers (upper back pain is less common). However, going to sleep shouldn’t be associated with added pressure on your body.
Keep in mind that firmness and support are not the same characteristics. You can easily have a soft or plush mattress that still offers fantastic support. At the same time, if your bed is firm, it doesn’t mean that it would give poor support or lack comfort. An adequate level of support should genuinely result from a mattress that manages to align your spine properly.
Zoned support can also be helpful for those with back pain. Many beds, especially hybrid models, have zoned support with added pressure relief and support in certain areas. This typically includes the center of the bed where most people need the most support. Beds with zoned support can provide advanced lifting to keep the body well-aligned, preventing the hips and lower back from sinking too deeply into the construction.
Firmness
Firmness reflects how soft or hard the mattress feels when you lie on it. The question many people ask is: Are firm mattresses truly better for back health issues?
When it comes to back sleeping, the ideal firmness for most people is medium-firm2. This means that you should aim for a new mattress that falls into that category on the mattress firmness scale, which is between a 5 and 7 rating.
This is the perfect firmness level for so many because it brings the necessary balance between the push-back support and the required softness for comfort. A medium-firm feel should remove the pressure from your lower back and allow for a good night’s sleep.
With that said, some people tend to feel that a softer or firmer mattress is better for their back. Of course, this is somewhat individual and it is based on your sleeping style.
Another consideration to account for when determining the ideal firmness for your back pain would be your weight. For instance, the heavier you are, the more pressure your body would exert on the mattress and the more it would impact it. Therefore, you might be looking at something firmer to compensate for this sinking.
On the other hand, lighter-weight people tend to stay away from harder beds as these could potentially exacerbate their back issues. Also, keep in mind that most mattresses have a “break-in” period in which the firmness level may change.
Need help? Check out our firm and soft mattress comparison.
Pressure Relief
A vital concern for those with back pain is the pressure points that an improper mattress can cause on your body. These points mean that there is extra pushback to a specific area. This can cause misalignment throughout your body and your spine. Once it has moved out of alignment, there is an increased amount of pressure placed on your spine, which is one of the common causes of back pain1. Thinking about it that way may just help you answer the question, “Is a firm mattress good for your back?” from a whole new angle.
With this said, it’s essential to ensure that you aren’t sleeping on a bed that places too much pressure on your spine. This is also true for any major joints. That’s what’s going to allow your body to rest in a relaxed state. The chance of pressure points forming along the spine is diminished dramatically when the appropriate product is picked.
Learn more: Mattresses That Cause Back Pain
Pressure points are capable of causing long-term deformations and pains along your spine. This isn’t something that can quickly turn into a chronic condition.
What is the Best Type of Mattress for Back Pain?
There’s no single type of mattress that will always be best for alleviating or preventing back pain. The best mattress for your back pain could incorporate foam, springs, or both—as long as it suits your sleeping position, body weight, and medical needs.
For example, a bed that fits a lightweight side sleeper may not be the best option for a heavier person who prefers sleeping on their stomach. Someone with upper back pain might gravitate toward pressure-relieving foams, and someone with lower back pain might want the added support of a coil unit. You’ll also want to consider properties such as cooling, motion isolation, and edge support to find what’s right for you.
Still curious about how different mattress materials perform in the face of back pain? We’ll cover the most common mattress types below for a more detailed look.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good for Back Pain?
Memory foam is often a great material for sleepers with back pain. You’ll want to find a memory foam mattress with the right amount of firmness and support, however keep in mind, softer foams won’t always promote healthy spinal alignment.
Side sleeping3, especially with a pillow placed between your knees, can help alleviate back pain, and memory foam is a fantastic material for this sleep posture. A memory foam mattress should likewise excel at combating pressure buildup in the hips and shoulders.
You’ll also need to consider the density of the memory foam, which is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Foams with a density of 5 PCF should provide you with optimal spinal alignment and support. Medium-density foams of 4 PCF offer a little less contouring, and low-density ones (between 2 and 3 PCF) are likely not supportive enough.
Keep an eye out for memory foam beds with zoned support—they offer more support to key areas like the lower back, and are often a better option than mattresses with even support throughout.
Are Latex Mattresses Good for Back Pain?
Latex is a highly recommended material for chronic back pain issues. It’s more responsive and cooler than memory foam, and it comes from a natural (rather than wholly synthetic) source.
As a buoyant material that quickly responds to movement, latex should make it easier for anyone with pain to shift positions or get in and out of bed. Research4 has also found that latex mattresses do a better job of evenly distributing body pressure compared to polyfoam beds.
Although it’s a more high-end option with a price tag to match, latex’s excellent durability means it should last you a long time.
What about disadvantages? Well, although latex beds can relieve pressure well, they usually won’t provide as much contouring as memory foam. If you love the feeling of sinking into your bed, latex may not be your perfect match.
Explore our picks for the best latex mattresses.
Are Innerspring Mattresses Good for Back Pain?
Innerspring mattresses can indeed be beneficial for back pain. Orthopedic models in particular offer full-body support, often with targeted support zones, and tend to feature pocket coil systems.
These mattresses contain hundreds or thousands of coils, and each one is wrapped individually. More springs typically equates to more support, so aim for 1,000-2,000 springs if possible. If you weigh more than 400 pounds or so, consider a mattress with more than 2,000 springs or look into the gauge (i.e. thickness) of the wire.
Discover our top picks for the best innerspring mattresses.
Are Hybrid Mattresses Good for Back Pain?
Yes, hybrid mattresses can be good for back pain, as they combine pressure-relieving foam and supportive springs.
By arranging their foam layers on top of a coil unit, hybrid mattresses blend the benefits of both foam and innerspring models. They’re also highly customizable, so you should look for a hybrid that checks all of your boxes in terms of feel while providing the right foundation for your spine.
Hybrids can be pricy when compared to other mattress types, but you’re paying for an extremely comprehensive set of features.
Types of Back Pain
Doctors sort back pain into up to three distinct categories5 , depending on how long and how frequently you’ve been experiencing symptoms.
Acute Back Pain
Acute back pain is short-lived compared to the other types of back pain, but can still last for days or even weeks. It often occurs suddenly, perhaps in response to a discrete injury or strain, but it resolves completely after time has passed.
Subacute Back Pain
Subacute back pain lasts for up to 12 weeks before resolving. It may progress over time or set in all at once.
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain lasts for more than 12 weeks. The severity of the pain may ebb and flow, but it’s noticeable on a daily basis. Chronic back pain can be the most difficult type of back pain to treat, as it can have multiple causes and resist a tidy diagnosis.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain is exceedingly common—about 25 percent of U.S. adults6 report having lower back pain in the last three months—but what’s behind it?
There’s no one answer that explains every case, and you should always have your symptoms assessed by a doctor if you want an individual diagnosis. Speaking more generally, however, back pain is often attributable to one of the causes below.
Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain
Lower back or lumbar pain could result from a range of different causes. However, these causes are associated with the lumbar disc directly or with muscle strains. This could result from sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or any other twists.
In this case, you would need to get a professional consultation with your doctor, especially if you’ll have certain medical needs. Your doctor could also provide you with more specific details on what type of bed space you should rest on as you try to recover.
Stress
Believe it or not, stress is a cause of back pain. According to health experts, stress can change the way you breathe, creating tension in the back7. Additionally, if you’re stressed with work, you may find yourself sitting more than usual, which can also lead to tension in the lower back area.
Along with getting a more comfortable mattress, you can find ways to help manage your stress. Massages, meditation, warm baths, eating healthy, and exercise are some popular ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders usually entail breathing-related problems, such as snoring or sleep apnea. When your back is supported firmly and properly, the air can easily and freely flow to your lungs. This is going to help minimize the effects of sleep conditions of any kind, and it is also going to reduce snoring.
Keep in mind that sleeping disorders also translate to a lack of sleep. Not getting enough rest can worsen stress, and as mentioned, stress can lead to back tension, creating a problematic cycle.
The Best Mattresses for Different Types of Back Pain
Can a Mattress Cause Back Pain?
Yes, your mattress can cause back pain. Problems often arise when a bed doesn’t promote proper spinal alignment, which refers to the spine’s natural, “neutral” curvature.
A mattress that’s too soft or too firm to allow for this alignment can give rise to pain or exacerbate symptoms that were already present. So, while those with chronic back pain might think they have a rocky relationship with sleep, the real issue might be their habits or their mattress.
Pressure relief is also important for pain reduction and sleep quality—if your mattress doesn’t take the strain off your most sensitive body parts, they’ll start or continue to ache.
However, it’s important to find a material that relieves pressure while still allowing movement. Too much sinkage into a mattress can be detrimental to both your comfort and your bodily alignment.
How To Prevent Back Pain in Different Sleeping Positions
Side Sleepers: When you’re lying on your side, your spine should be in a fairly straight line as your hips and shoulders sink slightly into the bed.
Back Sleepers: When sleeping on your back, there should be a slight, natural curve to your spine and enhanced support for your mid and low back. (Mattresses that offer zoned support tend to be great at promoting this “neutral” posture.) Your neck should be able to rest backward on a slightly elevated pillow.
Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers should ensure that their bed keeps their midsection from sinking too much into the mattress, as this can create pressure on the lower back in particular.
How Back Pain Affects Sleep
Whether it manifests as tenderness around your pressure points or soreness that makes it difficult to move, back pain can impact your sleep in a variety of ways.
It Leads to Trouble Falling Asleep and Frequent Waking
When you’re dealing with an injury, it can be difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep. Once you do, the inflamed regions of your back may grow increasingly irritated by your posture or your bed, causing you to sleep fitfully or wake up repeatedly.
It Causes Sleep Deprivation
Sleep’s restorative capabilities help provide much-needed healing for your body. But if you’re falling asleep later and later, or if you can’t stay asleep for long, you’re missing out on extra-restorative deep sleep.
The negative effects of sleep deprivation are well documented. They can severely limit your physical and cognitive capabilities, not just for the next day but over extended periods of time.
Pain Treatments Can Disrupt Your Sleep Cycle
Many people take medications to help with pain management, and while they may help you fall asleep, they can also interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle.
Normally, we get most of our slow-wave deep sleep in the first half of the night and go through the majority of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in the second half of the night. This is also the sleep stage in which we dream.
While pain medication can help alleviate discomfort, certain products can create sleep-related issues. According to the Sleep Health Foundation8, opioid medications can trigger breathing problems while sleeping, while antidepressants could lead to restless legs syndrome. Therefore, even if you get a full eight hours of sleep, you may not feel well-rested upon waking.
Additional Ways to Reduce Back Pain While You Sleep
Pillows – Pillows can be highly useful for taking pressure off your spine9.We mentioned earlier that side sleepers can place a pillow between their legs to alleviate pressure. Back sleepers can use a pillow under their knee to help, while stomach sleepers can place a pillow under their hips.
No matter your sleep posture, you’ll also need to ensure the pillow your head rests on supports the spine’s natural curve. For example, stomach sleepers sleeping on a pillow that’s too tall may wake up with upper back and shoulder pain.
Mattress Toppers – A mattress topper can help change the way your mattress feels. This is an excellent option for people who don’t like how their current mattress performs.
If you find yourself sleeping on a mattress that lacks enough support or pressure relief for your symptoms, a mattress topper designed for back pain could be an economical solution.
Sleep Position – Changing the way you sleep may help to prevent back pain, depending on your preferred sleeping position. If you often struggle with back pain, you may want to switch positions more often until you find a comfortable way to sleep.
Keep in mind that stomach sleeping can be hardest on the spine, so if you prefer this posture, make sure that your mattress setup promotes good spinal alignment.
Foundations and Bases – Having a proper foundation and base under your mattress makes all the difference in how the bed performs. For this reason, most modern manufacturers recommend a robust platform bed or foundation for their mattresses.
Adjustable Beds – Adjustable bed frames are excellent for people with back pain, as they allow you to independently modify the elevation of your upper and lower body parts.
You can find positions that relieve specific pressure points, such as the popular “zero gravity” pose that slightly raises both your head and your feet.
The majority of beds work with nearly all foundations, but adjustable bases can be an exception. If you have your eye on an adjustable base, make sure the mattress you want is compatible with one.
Mattresses for Back Pain FAQs
Can a pillow help alleviate back pain?
While a better mattress can help with back pain and proper spinal alignment, it isn’t the only factor. When paired with the proper pillow, the duo could help reduce back pain and contribute to a healthier sleep experience by properly elevating the neck and shoulders for better support.
Read More: Our Best Pillows Guide
Are firm or softer beds better for back pain?
Generally, medium-firm mattresses offer the most help for those with lower back pain. Look for a mattress that offers sufficient support to keep your body aligned but also contours a bit to relieve pressure in sensitive areas.
What mattress firmness do I need for back pain?
The best mattress firmness for you depends on your preferred sleep position and body weight. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you should steer towards a firmer mattress than people who prefer sleeping on their side. Generally speaking, most people benefit from a medium firmness with zoned support in the lower back area and other sensitive points.
What’s the best sleeping position for lower back pain?
The best sleep position for lower back pain is back sleeping2. However, if you’re not used to sleeping this way, it may take some practice. One way to help yourself is to add a pillow under your knees to make it more comfortable if you’re usually not a back sleeper.
Learn about our picks for the best mattresses for back sleepers
What’s the best sleeping position for upper back pain?
textContent:Upper back pain isn’t as common as lower back pain, but the best way to alleviate it is by sleeping on your back on a supportive and pressure-relieving mattress, particularly for the shoulders. We also mentioned earlier that stress can create tension in the middle and upper back, so you’ll want to manage your stress to help relieve upper back pain.
Julia Forbes
Sources:
- Hira, Kazuhiro., Nagata, Keiji., et. al. “Relationship of sagittal spinal alignment with low back pain and physical performance in the general population”. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34663811/. 2021.
- Caggiari, Gianfilippo., Talesa, Giuseppe Rocco., et. al. “What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature”. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34878594/. 2021.
- “Slide show: Sleeping positions that reduce back pain”. Mayo Clinic. Last modified May 5, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/multimedia/sleeping-positions/sls-20076452.
- Low, Fan-Zhe., Chua PhD, Matthew Chin-Heng.,et. al. “Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures”. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310954/. 2017.
- “Back Pain”. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Last modified March 3, 2023. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain.
- “Acute Low Back Pain”. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last modified January 31, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/acute-pain/low-back-pain/index.html.
- Choi, Sungwoo., Nah, Sangun., et. al. “Association between chronic low back pain and degree of stress: a nationwide cross-sectional study”. Scientific Reports. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94001-1. 2021.
- “Pain and Sleep”. Sleep Health Foundation. Last modified March 25, 2020. https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/pain-and-sleep.html.
- Cary, Dough., Briffa, Kathy., McKenna, Leanda. “Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review”. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6609073/. 2019.
