Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
If you have back pain, you know that it can disrupt your daily activities as well as your nightly sleep. Your doctor should always be your first stop when you’re experiencing these symptoms—but your mattress may be a bigger part of the problem than you realize.
“Your mattress can either make your back pain worse or help ease it,” said Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician and Sleep Advisor Chief Medical Officer. According to him, there are multiple aspects to look for in a new bed if you’re seeking relief for an achy back.
My colleagues and I chose the best mattresses for back pain based on these factors, as well as the different kinds of back pain you might experience. Having tested these mattresses in person, we can speak directly to how they supported and pampered our spines.
What’s the Best Mattress for Back Pain?
The Helix Midnight tops this list because of how well it balances support, pressure relief, and a medium-firm feel. Our testers gave it 5 out of 5 stars for the first two categories, and remarked that it aligned their spines without sacrificing a pleasant cushiony feeling from the upper foam layers.
Our Top 9 Mattresses for Back Pain
- Helix Midnight – Editor’s Pick
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Upper Back Pain
- Nectar Hybrid – Best Mattress for Couples with Back Pain
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Mid-Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution Comfort+ – Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Affordable Mattress for 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 Midnight Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Saatva Rx Mattress | Nectar Hybrid Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Comfort+ | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium: 5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Pain, Hip Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Advice from a Medical Expert
“To ease back pain, go for a mattress that keeps your spine aligned (medium-firm to firm usually does the trick). If it’s too soft, your spine might sink too much, putting extra strain on your lower back. But if it’s firm enough to keep your spine aligned, it can actually reduce pressure and discomfort.”
– Dr. Raj Dasgupta
What We Want to See in a Mattress for Back Pain
Support for Spinal Alignment
Perhaps the most important thing we want to see in a bed for back pain is support. Consistent, even support leads to neutral spinal alignment—that is, your spine being arranged in a relatively straight line, with no odd dips or unnatural curves.
Because support is so crucial to combating back pain, we weighted it very heavily for this roundup. Every mattress on the list below received a perfect 5 out of 5 rating from the testing team in this category.
Medium-Firm to Firm Feel
As Dr. Raj mentioned above, a medium-firm to firm mattress is best for someone with back pain. If your mattress is too plush, you risk your spine sinking out of alignment.
His advice is supported by a 2021 review of 39 articles and studies, which concluded that medium-firm beds both improved sleep quality for people with lower back pain and reduced the risk of low back pain developing.1
Therefore, all of the beds we chose for this list have a firmness score of at least 5 out of 10 (which is the softer side of medium-firm), and most are firmer than that.
Enough Pressure Relief for Comfort
Of course, if a mattress is only firm and supportive, you might as well be sleeping on a big brick. When your back is in pain, you want some degree of cushioning so that your sleep space feels cozy. Without pressure relief, you might even exacerbate existing pain as pressure builds up around stressed areas.
All of the beds on this list received at least a 4 out of 5 from our testers in the pressure relief category. Some feel softer than others, so whether you enjoy a buoyant, bouncy bed or you want to be cradled by pillowy foams, you’ll find options below.
Best Mattresses for Back Pain
Helix Midnight – Editor’s Pick
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
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Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
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 It’s Great for Back Pain
The Helix Midnight tops this list because it delivers support and pressure relief in near-perfect harmony. The testing team awarded it perfect 5 out of 5 scores in both of these categories, noting that the bed kept their spines aligned on their backs and sides in particular. Our pressure map test also showed blue and green across the board, signaling no problem areas where pressure might build up.
Combine these stats with an ideal medium firmness level (6 out of 10 on our scale), and you’ve got a bed that feels like it’s made to fight back pain.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“Testers’ spines appeared to be straight from the base of the neck to the tailbone. When lying on our backs, we felt aligned … There is definitely a sense of overall support.”
Loren Bullock, Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Helix Responsive Foam. There are two layers of the brand’s proprietary responsive foam inside this bed, and we think they make a big difference when it comes to addressing back pain.
Rather than sinking in slowly, like memory foam, these layers compress and bounce back fast. They provide a medium-firm feel, and were designed to encourage body alignment along with the innerspring unit underneath them.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight has over 6,500 reviews on Helix’s website, scoring at 4.5 out of 5. Some negative reviews mention feeling a dip in the middle of the bed when it’s shared with a partner. But overall, most users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep along with some pain relief.
General Pros & Cons
For a closer look: Read our in-depth Helix Midnight review.
For more top-rated beds: Browse our list of the best mattresses for 2024.
Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
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
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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 It’s a Great Firm Mattress for Back Pain
This hybrid reliably supports a variety of body types where other mattresses might sag, resisting the dips and sinkage that cause back pain. During testing, the firm surface distributed my body weight evenly and kept my spine lifted.
The mattress accomplishes this feat by stacking three thin foam layers above a sturdy coil unit, and by splitting that coil unit into seven zones for specialized support.
Our Favorite Feature
Innerspring Unit with Seven Zones. The Hybrid Comfort’s coil unit consists of pocketed springs that are strong enough to buoy both stomach sleepers and plus-size people.
It’s also zoned into seven areas that provide varying levels of pushback to different parts of the body, so you feel more bolstered where you need more support—especially under the low back and hips.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“You get a good responsive feel from the coils, but not a whole lot of sink on a surface level. This is really appealing for those who need solid back support because of the good weight distribution and spine alignment the bed offers.”
Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Customer Reviews of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
This is a fairly new mattress, so Emma’s site doesn’t have many reviews yet. Early customers already rate it at 4.5 out of 5 stars from a little over 70 reviews. So far customers appreciate the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress for its bracing firmness. Looking at the few negative reviews, some people have reported that it’s slightly too firm for them, or that there were delivery issues.
General Pros & Cons
For more details on this mattress: See our full Emma Hybrid Comfort review.
For more firm beds: Look through our list of the best firm mattresses.
Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Upper Back Pain
Saatva Rx Mattress
The Saatva Rx mattress offers exceptional support for those with back and joint pain.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Rx Mattress
The Saatva Rx mattress offers exceptional support for those with back and joint pain.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Rx Mattress
The Saatva Rx mattress offers exceptional support for those with back and joint pain.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why It’s Great for Upper Back Pain
The Saatva Rx was built specifically to combat both back and joint pain. Its design places more emphasis on pressure relief than some of the other beds on this list, so we think it’s especially suited to sleepers who feel sore in the upper portion of their backs.
Moreso than the lower spine, which typically needs lots of lift and firmness, the upper back and shoulders need some cushioning between them and a bed’s support system. We loved how this bed zeroed in our sensitive spots, cradling our upper bodies while keeping our spines straight and aligned.
Our Favorite Feature
Rx Foam Modules™. Every single spring inside the Saatva Rx is wearing its own “hat”: a foam module that stands 2 inches tall. Because the coils are topped with these individual pieces of foam, no matter where you lie on the bed, you feel simultaneously cushioned and lifted. All of our testers loved this aspect.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“The height, at first glance, insinuates a lot of cushiony layers. But turns out, it’s housing all those sturdy, wide pocketed coils. It feels squishy, supportive, and not too firm at all.”
Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Rx
Customers on Saatva’s website have awarded the Saatva Rx 4.8 out of 5 stars on average.The bed has around 50 reviews, praising the bed for helping with chronic back and neck pain, with only a few mentioning drawbacks such as lackluster edges.
General Pros & Cons
For more information on this bed: Read our comprehensive Saatva Rx mattress review.
Shoulders hurting? Check out the best mattresses for shoulder pain.
Nectar Hybrid – Best Mattress for Couples with Back Pain
Nectar Hybrid Mattress
The Nectar Classic Hybrid resembles the brand’s all-foam flagship model, but with the addition of pocketed coils for some added support, airflow, and versatility.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nectar Hybrid Mattress
The Nectar Classic Hybrid resembles the brand’s all-foam flagship model, but with the addition of pocketed coils for some added support, airflow, and versatility.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nectar Hybrid Mattress
The Nectar Classic Hybrid resembles the brand’s all-foam flagship model, but with the addition of pocketed coils for some added support, airflow, and versatility.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Why It’s Great for Couples with Back Pain
Mattresses that help with back pain often sacrifice motion isolation in their pursuit of a supportive, springy profile. But not the Nectar Hybrid—this bed preserves the motion-absorbing skills of its predecessor (the all-foam Nectar mattress) while adding coils.
The result is a bed that can still address back pain while allowing couples to sleep soundly. Thanks to how it dampens motion, “you could sleep through an earthquake on this thing,” said Stuart, who tested the bed.
Our Favorite Feature
Infinity innerspring coils. The springs are what give the Nectar Hybrid most of its spine-aligning properties. In fact, we chose this model over pricier Nectar Hybrids because it has fewer foam layers between the top and the innerspring unit, upping its support score (and your chances of relief from back pain).
The coils also shore up the edges of the bed quite nicely, earning it a 5 out of 5 in the edge support category. This is another big plus for couples who want to stretch out during the night without feeling like they might slide off the sides.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“I felt decently cradled on the top of the bed without feeling like I was sinking or becoming too stuck … This mattress does a really great job melting to my pressure points around my shoulders, and my hips, and my lower back.”
Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Customer Reviews of the Nectar Hybrid
On Nectar’s website, this mattress scored a 4.5 out of 5 stars, from over 2,000 reviews. The Nectar Hybrid mattress is favored by customers for its affordability and pressure relief. On the flip side, some customers complained about the off-gassing odors upon unboxing.
General Pros & Cons
Interested in this bed? Get even more insight from our full Nectar Hybrid mattress review.
Searching for a new mattress to share? Look into the best beds for couples.
WinkBed – Best Mattress for Mid-Back Pain
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Note: We tested the Luxury Firm version of the WinkBed, but there are three other firmness options: Soft, Firm and Plus.
Why It’s Great for Middle Back Pain
If your pain is located in the middle of your back, a mattress that distributes your weight evenly is essential. Otherwise, a buildup of pressure can occur in a localized area and worsen or even spread the pain.
Across the board, our testers praised the WinkBed for how it kept them lifted and level. Its zoned support system provides the right amount of cushioning or resistance beneath different areas, and its responsiveness makes it “one of the best mattresses for combo sleepers,” according to Loren.
Our Favorite Feature
Zoned innerspring unit. During testing, we felt like the zones of the WinkBed’s coil unit did a fantastic job of keeping us aligned in different positions. No matter which way we turned, we were buoyed in all the right places. These coils also give the mattress a “luxury hotel bed” feel, said Loren.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“I scored the WinkBed high in pain relief. The pressure-relieving foams and zoned support work to keep your body weight evenly distributed, and the built-in lumbar support helps to prevent back pain.”
Loren Bullock, Lead Product Tester
Customer Reviews of the WinkBed
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed has over 8,500 reviews and a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. One drawback of the WinkBed mattress is that it might be too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers, but overall it offers excellent durability and customizable firmness options.
General Pros & Cons
Want to know more? Read our in-depth WinkBed review.
Interested in other hotel-quality beds? Check out our list of the best hotel mattresses.
Nolah Evolution Comfort+ – Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain
Nolah Evolution Comfort+
A substantial hybrid mattress designed with enough support for heavier sleepers, plus a surprising amount of inviting softness.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Evolution Comfort+
A substantial hybrid mattress designed with enough support for heavier sleepers, plus a surprising amount of inviting softness.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Evolution Comfort+
A substantial hybrid mattress designed with enough support for heavier sleepers, plus a surprising amount of inviting softness.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
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, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why It’s a Great Soft Mattress for Back Pain
You typically don’t want a mattress that’s too soft if you’re dealing with back pain. But the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is a rare breed of bed: it has a lovely amount of plushness to its upper layers, followed by a super-supportive and zoned coil unit.
My fellow testers and I were surprised to feel this much softness coupled with enough lift for our lower backs and midsections. Though the bed was designed for heavier people, I’m pretty sure it’ll work for just about anyone.
Our Favorite Feature
Cooling AirFoam™ HD. Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam™ allegedly cools better, lasts longer, and relieves more pressure than traditional memory foams. What’s more, the “HD” version of this material inside the Evolution Comfort+ is even denser than the AirFoam™ in other Nolah beds, an adjustment geared toward spine alignment and support.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“It’s a very inviting, soft sleep surface that doesn’t nix support. I feel plenty of lift around my midsection in any position I flip to, which is pretty unheard of for softer mattresses.”
Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Evolution Comfort+
The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Nolah’s website. Some customers have mentioned how the Comfort+ gives them some cradling while remaining supportive, with several people praising this bed for alleviating their back pain.
General Pros & Cons
Want to see more of this bed? Read our full Nolah Evolution Comfort+ review.
Like soft mattresses? Peruse the best soft beds we’ve tested.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
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.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip 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.
Note: We tested the Medium version of this bed, but it’s also available in Soft and Firm models.
Why It’s Great for Lower Back Pain
All three of the testers who interacted with this bed pointed out how well it treated their lower backs. I thought the lift for my lower back was great, and I’m an average-weight sleeper who typically lies on her stomach.
Spencer agreed, commenting that he felt well-lifted across all positions—a rarity for plus-sized folks. Loren, our resident lightweight tester, was of the same opinion, saying she was pleased that there was “no excess sinking or sagging.”
Our Favorite Feature
Higher gauge coils in the lumbar zone. The innerspring unit inside the Bear Elite Hybrid is split into zones. The zone beneath the lumbar spine is full of coils with a higher gauge, grouped more tightly together. The net effect is that this region receives more of the pushback and support it needs to prevent lower back pain.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“There was full-body support, but also cushioning. There were no gaps between the mattress and my low back, which is rare for me.”
Loren Bullock, Lead Product Tester
Customer Reviews of the Bear Elite Hybrid
According to Bear’s website, where the Bear Elite has over 3,700 reviews, the mattress scores 4.6 out of 5 stars. Some customers find the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress too firm for their liking, but it receives praise in its reviews for its advanced cooling technology and pressure relief.
General Pros & Cons
Get to know this bed even better: Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid review.
Have pain in your hips, too? Investigate the best mattresses for hip pain.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain
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
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Note: We tested the Medium version of this mattress, but it’s also available with a Soft or Firm feel.
Why It’s a Great Affordable Mattress for Back Pain
Finding the right mattress for your back-pain woes shouldn’t mean straining your budget as well. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is an affordable bed—often priced around $1,000 when discounts are in effect—with the right ingredients for back pain relief. It has a strong support system, pressure-relieving foams, and lots of bounce for quick repositioning.
Our testers experienced “perfectly straight” spinal alignment when lying on this bed, adding that its structure made them feel lifted and lightweight.
Our Favorite Feature
Supreme Response Comfort Foam. This upper foam layer helps with the bed’s superior responsiveness, which one tester called “insane.” Having a bed that assists with movement (instead of making you feel stuck in its layers) can be a big advantage as you find the most comfortable sleeping positions for your back pain.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“It feels wonderful [while I’m on my back]. The cushion around my hips is pushing back ever so slightly with this buoyant feel.”
Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Customer Reviews of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has over 10,000 reviews and a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress receives praise from customers for its versatility with different firmness options, but some have mentioned that it may produce slight noise when bearing weight.
General Pros & Cons
Want more details? Read our comprehensive review of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.
Looking for budget-friendly beds? Browse the best cheap mattresses.
Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy People with Back Pain
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
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Titan Plus
This specially-designed hybrid is made for heavier sleepers to help them get better, more comfortable sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Titan Plus
This specially-designed hybrid is made for heavier sleepers to help them get better, more comfortable sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
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 It’s Great for Heavy People with Back Pain
Plus-size sleepers need many of the same qualities from a mattress as someone with back pain. Even, reliable support is most important—dips and sagging can spell lots of discomfort. So, if you have a larger frame as well as back problems, you’ll want to consider this factor first and foremost.
Luckily, the Titan Plus was designed to comfortably support up to 1,000 pounds, and its firm feel caters to heavier people. Our heavyweight tester, Spencer, was very taken with this bed, calling it “very, very comfortable.” The lightweight and average-weight testers agreed that it provided “great lift and full-body support.”
Our Favorite Feature
TitanCore Coils. Taking up 8 inches of the bed’s height, these coils are the key player in its ability to support up to 1,000 pounds. Brooklyn Bedding says that they design the innerspring units in-house with an emphasis on strength and durability.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“My lower back especially is supported, and I’m not feeling any sinkage. I may be taking this bed home, it’s so comfortable.”
Spencer, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Customer Reviews of the Titan Plus
Users on Titan by Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus a 4.7 out of 5 stars. There are over 2,500 reviews where most customers find the Titan Plus mattress to offer exceptional durability and support, but some mention that it might be too firm for those who prefer a softer feel.
General Pros & Cons
Want to know more? Read our full Titan Plus mattress review.
Interested in beds designed for plus-sized sleepers? Check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Other Mattresses for Back Pain We Tested
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each of these bonus beds are great fits for sleepers with back pain looking for that extra relief. Check out our featured recommendations below.
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Leesa Original MattressFirmness
Medium: 5.5/10Trial Period
100 nights
Product
TEMPUR-ProAdapt MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsTrial Period
90 nights
Product
Casper Wave Hybrid SnowFirmness
Medium-firm: 6/10Trial Period
100 nights
Product
Purple Hybrid MattressFirmness
Firm: 7/10Trial Period
100 nightsHow We Chose the Best Mattresses for Back Pain
My fellow mattress testers and I spend our days assessing beds in person at Sleep Advisor’s studio. We grade them on a variety of general performance factors, but for this roundup, we paid special attention to the criteria that matter most for soothing sore backs.
As an average-weight stomach sleeper, I can only speak to how a mattress felt for my body type. So, I test beds alongside petite and plus-sized folks, too.
We also reached out to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a physician and sleep medicine expert who helped us clarify how exactly a mattress can address (and potentially relieve) back pain.
Our Mattress Testing Team
What to Look For in a Mattress for Back Pain
A lot of things go into a quality mattress, and the best mattresses for back pain have even more particular features to consider. Below, we’ve outlined the most important factors when you’re looking for a bed to alleviate your back pain.
Support & Pressure Relief
A good mattress for back pain will balance both pressure relief and support in a soothing combination. You don’t want to sink too far into your mattress, yet you need cradling around sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders (especially if you prefer to sleep on your side, as these areas experience a lot of pressure buildup).
This combination also works to ensure that your spine remains in the proper alignment. A misaligned spine is a common cause of back pain, especially in the lumbar area. It can also exacerbate pre-existing back issues, whether they’re acute or chronic.²
What Does an Aligned Spine Look Like?
When aligned, your spine should be relatively straight, regardless of your sleeping position. You’ll need a bed that doesn’t allow you to sink too far or feel too unyielding. Otherwise, it will put undue stress on your back.
The degree of alignment is mostly determined by the bed’s support unit, which can be made up of coils, foam, or even latex. We recommend hybrid models for the best balance of pressure relief and support.
How do we test for pressure relief and support?
When we say a mattress relieves pressure, we aren’t just sharing a personal opinion. We actually use a pressure map to record where pressure is building up. Everything is color-coded: red means more pressure, and blue means less.
For support, it’s a little less technical. We have all of our testers lay on the bed on their back, side, and stomach. Then, we judge how much we sink into the mattress, and whether our spines look and feel aligned.
Firmness
A quick search might yield the claim that firm beds are best for back pain, but it really isn’t as simple as that. The best mattress firmness for back pain depends on your body type and sleeping preferences, and a bed that’s too soft or too firm can cause problems.
A medium to medium-firm bed (between a 5 and 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale) is typically best for most sleepers with back pain. It should have the right amount of lift while still providing some cushion.
However, your experience of firmness can change depending on how much you weigh: lightweight folks tend to find beds firmer than most, and heavyweight sleepers may find them too soft. It’s important to find out how firmness feels for you, then find the right firmness for you.
What Else Should You Think About As You Shop for a Bed for Back Pain?
There are plenty of other criteria you’ll want to consider when picking out a new bed. Whether you have back pain or not, you’ll want to think about the following elements and how they affect your comfort.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position determines what kind of mattress you should choose, as different positions require different features.
It’s also important to take your weight into consideration, since it can affect how you perceive firmness: petite sleepers may prefer a softer bed, while plus-size sleepers may want a firmer bed.
Side Sleepers
For side sleepers, pressure relief reigns supreme. These sleepers have their hips and shoulders digging into the mattress, and need a softer surface to cushion these areas.
But it’s also important that the bed shouldn’t be so soft that their spine slips out of alignment—a potential cause of back pain. Foam beds with strong support cores or hybrids with thick comfort layers should work best.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers are perhaps the easiest to please—they do well with the widest variety of mattresses. They need a bed that keeps their spine straight but not uncomfortably so, with a smidge of pressure-relieving ability for any areas that dig into the mattress. Medium-firm usually works best for these sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Us stomach sleepers need a firm bed. Otherwise, our hips may sink too far into the mattress, causing discomfort and—you guessed it—back pain.
A firm bed doesn’t necessarily mean an uncomfortable one, though. Stomach sleepers should enjoy a bed with a super-firm support core and thin (but pressure-relieving!) foam layers on top. They might even prefer sleeping without a pillow to keep their upper back and neck aligned.
Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers switch between positions throughout the night, so they need a bed that allows them to do so with ease. The best mattresses for combination sleepers will have some bounce to them, like responsive foams or a springy coil unit.
On the other hand, beds with a thick, cushy foam top run the risk of having you feel as though you’re “stuck” in your mattress, making it difficult to change positions.
Cooling
Some folks with back pain might also sleep hot—whether it’s from all your stirring to get comfortable or just plain overheating. Regardless of the cause, the best beds for hot sleepers have built-in cooling elements to tackle night sweats.
For example, foam mattresses might infuse the layers with cooling gel, or use foams with larger pores to allow air to flow through the bed. Coils yield a similar result, thanks to the space between the springs. Even a moisture-wicking cover on top of the mattress can contribute to temperature regulation.
How do we test cooling?
We get pretty technical when it comes to a bed’s cooling capability. Our testers use temperature guns to measure the surface temperature of the mattress at given intervals.
First, we take the initial temperature before anyone’s been on it. Then, we lie on it for five minutes and record again. Our final temperature recording is after another five minutes. If the temperature goes up only 5 degrees or less (or not at all!), it’s a sign we’ve got a cooling bed.
This way, we’re able to see whether or not the bed can maintain a comfortable temperature, or if it sucks up and holds onto all that excess heat.
Motion Isolation
If you share the bed with a partner, you may have suffered through sleepless nights, kept up by their tossing and turning. Did you know there’s a way to combat that?
Some beds can stifle movement so it doesn’t travel to the other side of the bed, a capability we call motion isolation. All-foam beds are masters of motion isolation, but you can still get a good amount from hybrid mattresses with cushy foam layers on top.
Good motion isolation means little-to-no disturbances from partners or pets. This cushioning can also be a plus for those with back pain!
How do we test motion isolation?
We use a seismograph app to measure and monitor disturbances. Bigger waves mean more movement is being picked up, and smaller waves (or a straight line) mean little to no movement. Our testers also lie side by side on the mattress and see if they can feel each other’s movements.
Sex
Sexually active folks with back pain have to consider an extra facet when it comes to finding a good bed. The best beds for sex should have a springy surface that makes moving around relatively easy. So, maybe consider a bed with an innerspring unit and/or thinner foam comfort layers on top.
Edge Support
Edge support may not be what comes to mind when you think of back pain, but it’s a valuable asset for folks who like spreading out or need help getting in and out of bed, such as seniors.
Strong edges can make it easier to sit or lay near the perimeter of the bed. Mattresses will sometimes reinforce their edges with foam or extra coils to ensure they can bear more weight without egregious sagging.
How do we test edge support?
Our testers will sit on the edge of the bed to tie their shoes, then they’ll lay on the edge for a minute. This way, we can determine how much the edges sag and whether or not we feel secure within the mattress perimeter.
Delivery
A lesser-known consideration for mattress shopping is the delivery method, especially now that you can shop for a bed online. Most online mattresses will arrive compressed in a box, and you have to wait a few days for them to fully expand. It makes it easy to transport the bed to your room, but some folks might not want to wait to have to use their bed.
Some companies offer free white glove delivery, which means they’ll send a team to deliver and set up your mattress. Sometimes, this can also mean removing your old mattress. If you want to eliminate a lot of hassle, you might want to consider buying a bed with white glove delivery—such as the Saatva RX.
Having a team transport, unpack, and place your bed can also be very beneficial for anyone whose back pain limits their movement or lifting ability.
Which Mattress Type is Best for Back Pain?
Hybrid beds generally have the best balance of support and comfort features for addressing back pain. Therefore, all of the mattresses featured in the roundup above are hybrid beds.
That being said, the best mattress type for someone’s back pain also depends on personal preference. You may be able to find an all-foam bed that meets your needs—just make sure it keeps your spine aligned.
If you want to consider other mattress types, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of each:
Memory Foam
Memory foam beds are some of the most popular options, especially for those looking for that iconic “hugging” feeling. When it comes to back pain, though, that sink needs to be backed up by support, otherwise your spine will fall out of alignment.
Side sleepers with back pain might appreciate a memory foam mattress, as they need pressure relief the most and tend to do better with softer, cushioning beds.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional tried-and-true mattress type. They consist of a spring unit plus a thin comfort layer on top, so they tend to be great for folks who need lots of support.
Most folks with back pain may need something with a bit more cushioning, but stomach sleepers might enjoy the firmness and lift these beds can offer.
Hybrid
Hybrid beds are constructed with both an innerspring unit and multiple comfort layers. They bring the best of both worlds, so it’s no surprise that we recommend them for sleepers with back pain.
These beds have a balanced profile of lift and comfort that work for a variety of sleepers and body types. Most people with back pain should be able to find a hybrid bed that’s soft or firm enough for their needs.
Latex
Latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees and has a bouncy feel. Latex mattresses are best suited for folks who prefer a springy bed, such as combination sleepers or sexually active couples. They’re a great choice for eco-conscious shoppers, but not the most budget-friendly option.
These beds also provide a unique sort of pressure relief that can benefit folks with back pain. It’s a different feeling to memory foam, so there won’t be as much sinkage, but the buoyant nature of latex leads to a more responsive cradle.
What Causes Back Pain?
The causes of back pain are numerous and varied. Some are easily treated, while others require more involved solutions from a medical professional. If you’re experiencing back pain you’re far from alone: about 25 percent of U.S. adults report having lower back pain in the last three months.³
Common physical causes range from muscle strain caused by heavy activity to complex musculoskeletal issues. Interestingly, some health experts cite stress as a culprit, as its effects on breathing could cause tension in the back.⁴
Don’t just trust our word for it. Check out this video by our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, who’s been through his own journey with low back pain. In the video below, he outlines what to expect when seeking treatment for this kind of pain, as well as its causes.
Can a Mattress Cause Back Pain?
Easy answer: yes. If your mattress is poorly suited to your body type, sleeping position, or any other health or preference concerns, it can cause or exacerbate back pain.
As we’ve mentioned, spinal alignment is key. If your bed isn’t supporting your back or encouraging a neutral spine position, chances are, it’s contributing to your back pain. A bed that’s too soft can have you sinking too far, while a bed that’s too firm could prevent necessary pressure relief in crucial areas.
The solution is simple: find a bed that works with you, not against you.
Tips to Reduce Back Pain
You might be surprised to find that small lifestyle changes can help with back pain, especially ones related to your mattress or sleeping habits. These tips may help to get you on the road to recovery:
- Find a mattress that works for you – If your mattress already isn’t working for you, it might be time to upgrade. Make sure to take into account all the considerations we’ve outlined above so you can choose the best mattress for you.
- Get mattress accessories – Worry not, budget shoppers—you might not have to get a whole new bed. You can add pillows, toppers, or an adjustable base to change the feel of your mattress and make it more conducive to pain-free sleep. (We’ll explore this option more below!)
- Improve sleep hygiene – Sleep hygiene refers to the choices you make that affect your sleep quality. Good sleep hygiene practices include keeping your room cool and dark, and making sure to turn off screens at least an hour before bed.
- Relax before bed – If your back pain is linked to stress, it’s important to take a moment to calm your mind before bed. This could mean anything from doing yoga to regulating your breathing. Don’t bring things like work tasks or adrenaline-inducing movies into bed, as they can disrupt the calming environment.
For more guidelines, check out our detailed guide on How to Sleep With Lower Back Pain.
Back Pain Sleep Accessories
Not in the market for a new mattress? No worries, you can truss up your sleeping experience with plenty of accessories to combat your back pain.
Pillows for Back Pain
Not all pillows are created equal, and there’s a chance your pillow could be doing more heavy lifting to tackle your back pain. After all, pillows can be highly useful for taking pressure off your spine.⁵
Depending on your sleeping position, you can place a pillow under areas where pressure might build up. Side sleepers might benefit from having a pillow between their legs, while back sleepers could use one to elevate and cushion their knees. Even stomach sleepers can counteract a sinking mattress with a pillow beneath their hips.⁶
Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of the best pillows for back pain to make your search easier.
Mattress Toppers for Back Pain
Mattress toppers can change the feel of a mattress without forcing you to purchase a brand-new one. The best mattress toppers for back pain should address whatever concerns you have about your current bed.
If your bed is too firm, you can add a cushioning mattress topper; the same is true if your bed is too soft, as firm toppers exist. Mattress toppers can provide extra pressure relief or support, reviving old, sagging mattresses that aren’t getting the job done anymore.
Adjustable Bases for Back Pain
Adjustable bed frames are all the rage for their ability to turn your mattress into a smart bed, but did you know they’re becoming a popular product to address back pain? It makes sense, since folks may need to lie at an angle that their regular mattress (or a mountain of pillows) can’t provide.
An adjustable bed frame can also be a gift for folks with chronic pain who need lots of shifting. Some of the “smart” bases even offer massage settings, a more luxurious feature to address strained back muscles.
Of course, using an adjustable base for back pain should always correspond with your doctor’s treatment plan. Consult with them to learn the best postures to try and which ones to avoid, as some positions could amplify your pain.
Best Mattresses for Back Pain: Price Comparison
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Helix Midnight | Editor’s Pick | $1,332 | Helix Midnight Mattress Review |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Firm | $1,319 | Emma Hybrid Comfort Review |
| Saatva Rx | Upper Back Pain | $3,295 | Saatva Rx Mattress Review |
| Nectar Hybrid | Couples | $1,199 | Nectar Hybrid Mattress Review |
| WinkBed | Mid-Back Pain | $1,799 | WinkBed Mattress Review |
| Nolah Evolution Comfort+ | Soft | $2,499 | Nolah Evolution Comfort+ Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Lower Back Pain | $2,305 | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Affordable | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavy People | $1,249 | Titan Plus Mattress Review |
Best Mattresses for Back Pain FAQs
What type of mattress should I avoid for back pain?
Avoid mattresses that don’t offer enough support to align your spine. These may be beds that are too soft (usually super-soft foam options) or cheaply made.
On the other hand, you don’t want a too-firm mattress, as the lack of pressure relief can exacerbate upper or lower back pain when the shoulders and hips aren’t sufficiently cradled..
Stick to beds with solid support units, like hybrid or innerspring beds, or memory foam beds with strong cores. Zoning in the coils or foams is also a plus, as it should help with spinal alignment.
Is it better to have a soft or firm mattress for back pain?
Generally, we recommend medium-firm mattresses for back pain, as they balance softness and support. Preferences and individual experiences being what they are, you may find that some mattresses marketed as “soft” or “firm” don’t feel that way when you test them out.
For example, a petite person might find “softer” beds too firm for their liking, and a heavier person might find that “firm” beds aren’t truly firm enough. It’s important to consider your unique needs, as it’s hard to find a one-size-fits-all bed for back pain.
Is memory foam good for your back?
It can be, but a mattress with springs is generally recommended over one that’s made entirely of foam. Memory foam is a good option for cushioning, but it’s important to have the proper support underneath.
See more: Best Memory Foam Mattresses
What is the best mattress for lower back pain?
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a wonderful bed for people with lower back pain, as it keeps the lumbar spine lifted with a zoned coil system. During testing, the team agreed that they all felt supported in this key region.
The best mattresses for lower back pain should coax the spine into its proper alignment so the lower back doesn’t sink too far or remain uncomfortably elevated. These beds usually have a medium to medium-firm feel with some pressure relief. We recommend you check out hybrid beds, as they’ll check these boxes.
What is the best mattress topper for back pain?
Mattress toppers change the feel of a mattress, so the best one for your back pain will depend on what you want from your current bed. If your mattress is too firm, you’ll probably want a softer, cushioning mattress topper. If your mattress is too soft, stick to a firmer mattress topper made of stiffer foam or latex.
See more: Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain
Julia Forbes
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
References:
- Caggiari, Gianfilippo., et al. “What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature.” Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 2021.
- Hira, Kazuhiro., et al. “Relationship of sagittal spinal alignment with low back pain and physical performance in the general population.” National Library of Medicine. 2021.
- “Back Pain.” National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Last modified March 3, 2023.
- “Acute Low Back Pain.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last modified January 31, 2023.
- 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. 2019.
- “Sleeping positions that reduce back pain.” Mayo Clinic. Last modified January 13, 2024.