Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Back sleepers benefit from snoozing in a position that keeps the spine relatively neutral. The right bed can reinforce this healthy posture, ensuring that you sleep soundly and comfortably.
If you’re a back sleeper, one of your chief concerns when shopping for a mattress should be support. This sleeping position tends to require a bit of firmness, and to that end, you’ll want a bed that blends coziness with a reassuring solidity. The Sleep Advisor team has rounded up our top 10 best mattresses for back sleepers with this mix in mind.
10 Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
- Helix Dusk – Best Overall
- WinkBeds EcoCloud – Best Organic Mattress for Back Sleepers
- DreamCloud Hybrid – Best Cheap Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Saatva Classic –Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain
- Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Nolah Signature – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
- TEMPUR-Adapt® – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Hip Pain
- Aurora Luxe – Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Bear Original – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Shoulder Pain
- Layla Hybrid – Best Flippable Mattress for Back Sleepers
My Video Review of The Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Compare Mattresses for Back Sleepers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Helix Dusk Mattress | WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Bear Mattress | Layla Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Soft: 5.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Soft: 4/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | ||
| Material | Hybrid | Latex | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — |
 |
|
— | — |
|
|
|
|
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 90 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain | Side Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Side Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Couples |
The Best Beds for Back Sleepers, 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
$$$$$
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a hybrid bed that combines foam, coils, and a cooling cover to provide an overall comfortable sleeping experience.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a hybrid bed that combines foam, coils, and a cooling cover to provide an overall comfortable sleeping experience.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back sleepers searching for a top-quality mattress to give them a comfortable night’s rest should find the Helix Dusk a viable contender. The Dusk’s design is geared especially toward back sleepers, but comes with a medium comfort feel that should work well for most sleeping positions.
The Dusk’s layers include Helix Dynamic Foam, Memory Foam Plus, individually wrapped coils, and DuraDense Foam. Back sleepers should feel well supported by the combination of durable foams and coils while also getting soothing pressure relief from the Dynamic and Memory Plus Foams. Topping off the Dusk’s construction is the Soft Touch Design Cover.
Why you'll likely love it
- The Helix Dusk offers a more affordable alternative to the Dusk’s Luxe option while still providing customers with a quality sleep experience.
- All Helix mattresses are designed and made in the United States.
Looking to learn more? Check out our Helix mattress guide or read through our roundup of the best mattresses for 2023.
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The EcoCloud by Winkbed provides a premium experience With some of the most natural materials in the bedding industry!
Read Full Review
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The EcoCloud by Winkbed provides a premium experience With some of the most natural materials in the bedding industry!
Read Full Review
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The EcoCloud by Winkbed provides a premium experience With some of the most natural materials in the bedding industry!
Read Full Review
Material
Latex
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds offers back sleepers a top-tier organic mattress with the EcoCloud. The bed is 12 inches tall, combining four inches of Talalay latex comfort foam with 8-inch individually wrapped coils.
The coils in the EcoCloud are zoned for enhanced back support and promote airflow so that the sleeper stays comfortable throughout the night. The Talalay latex layer delivers additional benefits to back sleepers by offering more support in the lumbar region and is made with an open-cell design for cooling.
What makes it unique?
- The EcoCloud is equipped with an advanced edge support system to avoid sagging if you sleep close to the bed’s edge. The ExtraEdge™ Anit-Sag Support coils reinforce the perimeter. This feature is especially beneficial to couples since they can enjoy extra use of the bed’s surface space.
- The EcoCloud comes with a lifetime warranty to cover the mattress for as long as you have it.
Looking to learn more? Check out our WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress review or consult our roundup of the best organic mattresses.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Although the DreamCloud Hybrid’s price is lower than that of many other mattresses on this list, it by no means lacks the crucial support that back sleepers crave.
Starting at the top of the mattress is the cashmere-blend cover, which gives this bed a luxurious touch. Poly foam is quilted into the cover for a plush surface, followed by gel-infused memory foam to relieve pressure points. A poly foam transition layer helps guide you from the softer foams into the firm coils below. Adding extra support to the DreamCloud is a final layer of dense foam at the base.
Why should you consider this bed?
- The foams in the DreamCloud are all CertiPUR-US® certified to ensure they meet strict safety standards.
- DreamCloud offers one of the best trial and warranty deals around; Customers get 365 nights to try out the bed and a forever warranty.
Want to learn more? Check out our DreamCloud mattress review, or see our roundup of the best cheap mattresses.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Though on the surface Saatva feels plush and soft, this innerspring brand doubles up on the support with two coil systems. Stacked on top of each other, these units make for an exceptional experience in spinal alignment and can help to alleviate back pain.
Back sleepers should feel the bed's plush cover and foam push up into their lumbar region, while the first layer of pocketed coils comfortably conforms to the body. The base’s interconnected coil system provides a strong and sag-resistant system that helps keep your back in a neutral position.
This bed comes two different heights, 11.5 and 14.5 inches, and three different firmness levels. The Firm comfort level incorporates slightly firmer foams that offer pressure relief and additional support simultaneously. The Firm level is also better for heavier sleepers.
What makes it special?
- This company does not fold their mattresses into boxes, which means they are able to offer materials that are more compression-resistant than bed-in-a-box competitors.
- Environmentally-conscious shoppers can appreciate Saatva’s efforts to incorporate more sustainable materials, including bio-based oils that help create their foams, coils made from recycled steel, and an all-natural cotton cover.
Need more info? Go to our full Saatva review, or peruse our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain.
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
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Though back sleepers are often served best by a firmer mattress, these can create uncomfortable pressure points on certain parts of the body. Luckily, the all-over sinkage provided by the Nectar hugs your silhouette for a snug and supportive sleep.
Nectar offers all of the great features of a quality memory bed at an exceptionally affordable price, and it stands out as an exceptional value. The high-density base layer is strong and durable, lending itself nicely to spinal alignment.
The medium-firm feel of this bed is highly versatile, and this brand’s design does an excellent job of gradually increasing firmness through the three layers of foam so that both the heaviest and lightest parts of your body sink into the mattress for a more uniform feel.
What makes it unique?
- Memory foams are often associated with high levels of heat retention, but this brand’s top layer is infused with a gel that helps reduce the likelihood of heat build-up.
Want to learn more? Check out our Nectar mattress review or see our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses.
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back sleepers who struggle with feeling too warm at night should like the Nolah Signature and its cooling features. This memory foam mattress is 12 inches tall, featuring four foam layers, a cotton cover, and a four-way knitted border cover.
The first cooling layer is the 2.5-inch cooling AirFoam™ foam under the cotton cover. Apart from cooling, this layer provides targeted pressure relief, which should benefit both back and side sleepers. The cooling foam adapts to your body while pulling the heat away from you and toward the bottom of the bed. The mattress is rated 4/10 on our firmness scale; those who like sleeping on their stomach may prefer a firmer bed.
What stands out about it?
- The Signature is made entirely out of foam, allowing excellent motion isolation (a quality often found in the best mattresses for couples).
- The bed features another layer of AirFoam™ deeper in the construction. This layer is firmer and should provide additional pressure relief and support.
Want to learn more? Check out our Nolah Signature mattress review or read through our roundup of the best cooling mattresses.
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress
The TEMPUR-Adapt® uses original TEMPUR® material to give sleepers enhanced pressure relief .
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
90 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress
The TEMPUR-Adapt® uses original TEMPUR® material to give sleepers enhanced pressure relief .
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
90 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress
The TEMPUR-Adapt® uses original TEMPUR® material to give sleepers enhanced pressure relief .
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
90 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
If you’re a back sleeper experiencing hip pain, the TEMPUR-Adapt® model may be a good product to help alleviate your discomfort. This mattress comes in four different firmness options, including Soft, Medium, Medium Hybrid, and Firm. The varying firmness choices are excellent for customization and give you the chance to find what feels most comfortable against your hips.
The TEMPUR-Adapt® comes as an all-foam or a hybrid bed. However, the hybrid is only available in a medium firmness. The specific construction of the TEMPUR-Adapt® depends on the firmness you select, but each model contains high-quality proprietary materials for an enhanced sleep experience.
What's worth noting?
- The customization options are great for finding what feels most comfortable for hip pain. While some might enjoy the extra plushness of the TEMPUR-Adapt® Soft, those with limited mobility may enjoy the added responsiveness the coils in the Medium Hybrid provide.
Want to learn more? Check out our Tempur-Pedic mattress reviews or explore our picks for the best mattresses for hip pain.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress that should strike a lovely balance of support and pressure relief for dedicated back sleepers. The mattress’ construction includes Brooklyn Bedding proprietary foams, memory foam, and proprietary Ascension X™ pocketed coils.
The comfort foams should give sleepers much-needed pressure relief after a long day, while the pocketed coils deliver sturdy support for optimal alignment to prevent back pain. Brooklyn Bedding offers shoppers three firmness levels to choose from, including a soft model that should benefit back sleepers who want something more plush.
Why should you consider it?
- The Aurora Luxe's three firmness options are great for shoppers seeking customization.
- The mattress is American-made, which is ideal for those who want a locally-sourced product.
Looking for more info? Find out more in our Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review or visit our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses.
Bear Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you’re a back sleeper with shoulder pain, this bed’s medium-firm feel and high-tech cover may be a great fit. For an additional fee, you can swap the standard TENCEL™ cover for one with Bear's signature Sleep Recovery Technology™, geared toward both comfort and physical recuperation. The upgraded cover incorporates Celliant®, a type of performance fabric that aims to boost blood flow and reduce inflammation.
What stands out?
- This mattress is dedicated to keeping sleepers at a comfortable temperature, as both its cover and its gel memory foam have cooling properties.
- The Bear Original is GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning it abides by high standards for the exclusion of chemicals and pollutants.
Curious about this bed? Read our Bear Original mattress review or see our roundup of the best mattresses for shoulder pain.
Layla Hybrid Mattress
This versatile hybrid bed has two distinct firmness options that should appeal to a wide range of individuals.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Hybrid Mattress
This versatile hybrid bed has two distinct firmness options that should appeal to a wide range of individuals.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Hybrid Mattress
This versatile hybrid bed has two distinct firmness options that should appeal to a wide range of individuals.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you’re a back sleeper in need of a versatile bed, Layla offers a hybrid model with two usable sides: one soft, one firm. To access a different feel, you only need to turn the mattress over. Either side should have the right mix of support and softness for back sleepers, and the one you pick will depend on your comfort preferences.
On either side of the Layla Hybrid's spring unit is a layer of memory foam. For those who value pressure relief, memory foam is king. This material excels at contouring to the sleeper’s body to alleviate uncomfortable pressure buildup. The only downside to memory foam is that it can run hot, so Layla has infused this layer with copper gel, which cools down the material to prevent overheating.
What makes it unique?
- Back sleepers can decide between the soft and firm versions of the Layla Hybrid for a more customized shopping experience.
Want to know more? Read our complete Layla Hybrid mattress review or check out our roundup of the most comfortable mattresses.
Shopping for a Mattress As a Back Sleeper
Back sleepers have a natural advantage when it comes to promoting healthy spinal alignment: When you snooze on your back, your spine hews pretty closely to its natural curvature. Your choice of mattress can help to optimize this alignment even further, plus offer additional benefits based on your sleeping preferences.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Back Sleepers?
Back sleepers can be suitably cozy on almost any kind of mattress, but each type brings something different to the table. (Or should we say bedroom?)
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the most classic option, and their robust coil units do provide a good amount of support for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. If you’re considering an innerspring mattress, know that you’ll want to watch for sagging over time, and make sure that the bed’s upper layers compress enough underneath you to provide adequate pressure relief.
Foam
As long as they’re supportive enough, foam mattresses can certainly satisfy back sleepers. They’re especially good for folks who want to sink into and feel “hugged” by their bed. If you sleep on your back and you want an all-foam bed, just be sure that you’re not sacrificing support in pursuit of that immersive feel.
Latex
Utilizing the hot new material on the mattress scene, latex mattresses balance a springy feel with the pressure-relieving qualities of traditional foams. Back sleepers should enjoy the versatility of latex, its cooling properties, and the support it provides. Combination sleepers should also enjoy its level responsiveness while shifting positions. However, latex mattresses aren't for you if you don’t like a small bit of bounce to your bed.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses feature both springs and foams, and this combination can be a heavenly blend of support and softness for back sleepers. Hybrids skew a bit pricier than other mattress types, and there’s a lot of variability between them, so think about what other features you value in a mattress for help in selecting your match.
What Mattress Firmness Is Best for Back Sleepers?
A medium-firm mattress is typically the best fit for back sleepers. You’ll want the right amount of support to keep you elevated and preserve your spinal alignment, but enough plushness to meet your standards for comfort.
If the mattress is too soft, your lumbar (or lower back) region in particular can lack the support it needs. You want this part of your back to feel nicely buoyed by your bed. If the mattress is too firm, then you might not be able to settle in and sleep. A rock-hard mattress can also contribute to aches and pains, which you definitely don’t want.
We recommend trying mattresses with middle-of-the-road firmness levels to see which ones tickle your fancy. There’s still a lot of wiggle room in that middle range, so back sleepers should experiment with beds that rank between a 5 and an 8 on our firmness scale.
What Kind of Pressure Relief Do Back Sleepers Need?
Back sleepers put the most pressure on the backs of their shoulders and hips. When you test out a mattress, pay attention to how those areas feel and how deep they’re sinking into the bed. As always, it’s a balancing act: You want enough support to make these areas feel like they aren’t getting “lost,” and enough contouring to make them feel appropriately cradled.
Mattresses for Back Sleepers FAQs
Are firm mattresses good for back sleepers?
Yes, a firm mattress can be beneficial for back sleepers as long as it isn’t so firm that it’s uncomfortable. Medium-firm mattresses tend to be the best option for people who sleep on their backs, as they offer enough pressure relief to cradle the shoulders along with the support required to promote healthy spinal alignment.
Is memory foam good for back sleepers?
Yes, memory foam can be a good choice of mattress material for back sleepers. This type of poly foam compresses underneath the body to provide a hug-like sensation, and should relieve pressure around the shoulders and back.
However, you’ll want to ensure that your memory foam mattress has enough layers and built-in support in addition to its comforting surface. It’s also worth noting that memory foam is less efficient at cooling than other materials, and that not everyone likes the sensation that comes from lying down on top of it.
What's the best kind of pillow for back sleepers?
The best pillows for back sleepers will elevate the neck and head into proper alignment with the spine. Typically, this means opting for a pillow with mid-range thickness, rather than one that’s overly flat and plush or very tall and firm.
Why is sleeping on your back good for you?
Many sources point to back sleeping as the most beneficial sleeping position. But why might this be the case? There are a few key reasons:
- It keeps your spine aligned. Sleeping on your back keeps your spine close to a neutral position, in which it maintains its natural curve. A misaligned spine can result in symptoms such as muscle strain, back pain, and noticeable changes in posture.1
- It doesn’t create a lot of pressure on the body. Compared to side and stomach sleeping, back sleeping results in the least amount of pressure exerted on the body (and on your mattress).2
- It distributes pressure evenly. Side sleepers place a lot of pressure on their shoulders and hips, whereas stomach sleepers have to worry about their chest, hips, knees, and sometimes their neck. Back sleepers stay symmetrical while they sleep, and the points that experience the most concentrated pressure—around the shoulders and tailbone—are often more suited to the task.
Does sleeping on your back cause health issues?
Although back sleeping has noted benefits, there are certain health concerns that may preclude this position from your bedtime regimen.
- Sleep apnea: Back sleeping can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms—and snoring—due to how your head and airway is positioned. Consider changing your sleeping position and investigating the best mattresses for sleep apnea.
- Acid Reflux: If you struggle with acid reflux and symptoms such as heartburn, sleeping on your left side may be the most comfortable position for you.3
- Pregnancy: The American Pregnancy Association recommends side sleeping during pregnancy, as back sleeping can cause a host of symptoms associated with your abdomen putting increased pressure on your digestive system, blood vessels, and back.4 Your bed can also impact your comfort when you're expecting, so it's worth looking into the best mattresses for pregnancy.
- Pain: If back sleeping seems to cause you more pain than other sleeping positions, it may not be the best choice for you. Always consult with a medical professional if you’re experiencing pain that doesn’t quickly resolve with simple, at-home modifications.
Looking for a mattress that can help with a specific kind of pain or condition?
- The Best Mattresses for a Herniated Disc
- The Best Mattresses for Sciatica Pain
- The Best Mattresses for Scoliosis
- The Best Mattresses for Arthritis
Is back sleeping healthy for everyone?
What works for some people may not work for everyone, and back sleeping is no exception.
Sleep experts like to privilege this position above side and stomach sleeping, but it’s worth noting that research has yet to deliver a hard verdict on which sleeping position is best, on average. Case in point: In 2019, a scoping review concluded that more studies would be needed to determine how sleep positions impact spinal symptoms in adults.5
We recommend back sleeping as a baseline, but your sleeping position should be the one that works best for you, your body’s needs, and your sleep hygiene.
Conclusion
Back sleepers are a lucky bunch. Their preferred sleeping position holds their spine in neutral alignment, or close to it, which has a host of associated benefits. But the right mattress can still make a big impact in the quality of their sleep and how nimble they feel when they wake up.
If you’re a back sleeper, hopefully we’ve helped you to narrow down your choices as you search for a new mattress. If you’re not, then perhaps you’d like to learn how to sleep on your back? As with most things in life, it just takes a bit of practice.
