Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
In this guide, we’ll discuss the many benefits of sleeping on your back, and help back sleepers find the right mattress for their sleep position.
Mattress Nerd consulted Dr. Ravi Pandey, MD to ensure that this article met our editorial standards
Back sleepers are among the rare breed of U.S. adults who sleep in the position considered most ideal by health professionals. When lying on your back, the body rests in a relatively natural posture with the spine, neck, and pelvis aligned. While this position helps minimize aches and pains, its benefits can become negligible if a mattress is too soft, too firm, or has other qualities that throw the spine out of alignment.
If the time has come for you to invest in a new mattress, you are smart to search for one that is tailored specifically to your dominant sleeping position. The sheer number of mattresses available can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help! In this guide, we have narrowed down the best mattress models for back sleepers and included additional specifications, the benefits of sleeping on your back, and other considerations. If you find you want something a bit more general, check out our best mattresses of 2022 roundup.
Disclosure: By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Nerd may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.
The Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers of 2022
- Editor’s Pick – Helix Plus
- Best Pressure Point Relief for Back Sleepers – WinkBeds
- Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers – ZenHaven
- Best Value – Brooklyn Bedding Signature
- Best for Couples – GhostBed Flex
- Best Cooling Mattress – Cocoon Chill
- Best Mattress for Average-Weight Back Sleepers – DreamCloud Premier
- Best Mattress for Lightweight Back Sleepers – Leesa
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
Our team of mattress testers consists of sleep science coaches with a wide range of personal preferences. From lightweight back sleepers to heavy side sleepers, our diverse set of sleep styles enables us to test mattresses with many types of sleepers in mind. For the purposes of this article, our resident back sleeper and seasoned mattress tester, Becca Fair, has signed off on these mattresses as providing the middle-of-the-road firmness and supportive comfort that back sleepers need. If you’d like to learn more, check out our review process.
Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers Video Review
Editor’s Pick: Helix Plus
Helix Plus Mattress
The Helix Plus is designed with plus-size or taller individuals in mind. The mattress features extra-dense memory foam that won't lose its shape over time, even with added weight.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Plus Mattress
The Helix Plus is designed with plus-size or taller individuals in mind. The mattress features extra-dense memory foam that won't lose its shape over time, even with added weight.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Plus Mattress
The Helix Plus is designed with plus-size or taller individuals in mind. The mattress features extra-dense memory foam that won't lose its shape over time, even with added weight.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Helix Plus has a firm, foam-and-coil construction that has been designed to specifically suit heavier sleepers (over 230 lbs), particularly heavy back sleepers. Not only will larger back sleepers find comfort on the Helix Plus, but the mattress’s high durability score means that it will maintain its quality for a long time, even under a lot of weight.
While not cheap ($1,649 for a Queen), it also isn’t as expensive as some mattresses with comparable quality. Also, the Helix Plus comes with a 100-night sleep trial and 15-year warranty, so you’ll have plenty of time to make sure you’re happy, and if you are happy with it you’ll know that the company has your back for over a decade.
Read our full Helix Plus Mattress Review for all the details. If you aren’t interested in the Helix Plus mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers for more great options.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief: WinkBed
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is available in four different firmness options. We particularly love it for hot sleepers because of its great temperature regulation, and it’s great for combination sleepers because of its responsiveness.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is available in four different firmness options. We particularly love it for hot sleepers because of its great temperature regulation, and it’s great for combination sleepers because of its responsiveness.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is available in four different firmness options. We particularly love it for hot sleepers because of its great temperature regulation, and it’s great for combination sleepers because of its responsiveness.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Winkbed is a hybrid, innerspring mattress with a plush pillow top and two layers of coils. It’s engineered to provide decompression support for the spine, enhanced ventilation for a cool sleep, and pressure point and pain relief.
The WinkBed has many properties that make it appealing to back sleepers. From a cool Tencel outer layer to motion isolation technology, anti-sag edge support, and a devoted “Lumbarlayer” for added lumbar support it will prevent sinkage and keep you supported. Additionally, back sleepers should find that this mattress evenly distributes their weight to help relieve pressure. The top layer is soft, but it won’t envelop you quite like an all-foam mattress might.
Read our full WinkBed Review to learn more.
Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers: Zenhaven
Zenhaven Mattress
Made by Saatva, the Zenaven mattress is a unique latex mattress, unique because you can flip it to change the feel of it. One side is a plush, soft layer and the other is a gentle firm layer.
Material
Latex
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Zenhaven Mattress
Made by Saatva, the Zenaven mattress is a unique latex mattress, unique because you can flip it to change the feel of it. One side is a plush, soft layer and the other is a gentle firm layer.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Zenhaven Mattress
Made by Saatva, the Zenaven mattress is a unique latex mattress, unique because you can flip it to change the feel of it. One side is a plush, soft layer and the other is a gentle firm layer.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Zenhaven by Saatva is a firm, luxury mattress for back sleepers, made of 100% Talalay latex for the eco-conscious shopper. The mattress has a “5-zone” comfort design, in order to provide firmer support where you need it most. The ZenHaven is another two-sided mattress, which provides buyers with two levels of firmness.
This mattress is somewhat unrivaled in its ability to provide a responsive, body-contouring feel while also ensuring that an even surface is maintained. Average weight back sleepers will likely feel supported enough on the Gentle Firm side, while heavier back sleepers may enjoy the firmer Luxury Plush side. One upside to this bed is that it can accommodate a variety of sleeping positions. If you’re a back sleeper with a partner who sleeps on their side or stomach, this is a great choice.
Read our full ZenHaven Review for more details. If you aren’t interested in the ZenHaven mattress, check out our list of the best firm mattresses for more great options.
Best Value Mattress for Back Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Signature
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding know their mattresses.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding know their mattresses.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding know their mattresses.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
If you’re a back sleeper looking for a mattress with a little bit of everything, look no further than The Brooklyn Signature. This hybrid mattress was awarded our Editor’s Pick because it will appeal to the widest variety of back sleepers and help them get their best night’s sleep. Brooklyn Bedding combines a 6” pocketed spring base layer with a 4” layer of contouring TitanFlex foam to enhance the durability and longevity of the mattress.
This Brooklyn Signature is offered in three firmness options, and for back sleepers, we recommend the medium-firm or firm option. The heavier you are, you will sleep better on the firm option. Regardless of your body type, body weight, or size, all back sleepers will benefit from the support of the innerspring coils in this mattress, which helps keep the spine aligned. The patented TitanFlex foam should provide just the right amount of contouring in the lumbar area, helping sleepers avoid lower back pain.
Read our full Brooklyn Signature Mattress Review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Brooklyn mattress, check out our list of the most affordable mattresses for more great options.
Best for Couples: GhostBed Flex
GhostBed Flex Mattress
Featuring seven layers of support and comfort, the GhostBed Flex mattress is a great hybrid option, with advanced motion isolation for couples. The responsive coils provide support and cooling, while the foam layers cradle and cushion your pressure points.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
GhostBed Flex Mattress
Featuring seven layers of support and comfort, the GhostBed Flex mattress is a great hybrid option, with advanced motion isolation for couples. The responsive coils provide support and cooling, while the foam layers cradle and cushion your pressure points.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
GhostBed Flex Mattress
Featuring seven layers of support and comfort, the GhostBed Flex mattress is a great hybrid option, with advanced motion isolation for couples. The responsive coils provide support and cooling, while the foam layers cradle and cushion your pressure points.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Earning the spot of best mattress for back sleepers and couples is the GhostBed Flex, a Hybrid mattress with a medium-firm construction that perfectly suits supine sleepers. This mattress performs well for back sleepers of all sizes, as well as those who sleep hot, couples, and folks who toss and turn in their sleep. With all of this going for it, how could we not award it the top position on our list?
The GhostBed Flex will cost you a pretty penny, but the $2,130 (Queen) price tag is justified by this mattress’s quality of materials and construction. In fact, GhostBed is so confident in the longevity of this product that they offer a generous 25-year warranty with every purchase.
Read our full GhostBed Flex Mattress Review for all the details. If you aren’t interested in the GhostBed Flex mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for couples for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers: Cocoon by Sealy
Cocoon Chill Mattress
The Cocoon Chill by Sealy is a great choice for anyone looking for a cooling mattress at a reasonable price point. Created by Sealy, one of the most trusted brands in the industry, the Cocoon gives customers a cooling all-foam option delivered right to their door.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Cocoon Chill Mattress
The Cocoon Chill by Sealy is a great choice for anyone looking for a cooling mattress at a reasonable price point. Created by Sealy, one of the most trusted brands in the industry, the Cocoon gives customers a cooling all-foam option delivered right to their door.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Cocoon Chill Mattress
The Cocoon Chill by Sealy is a great choice for anyone looking for a cooling mattress at a reasonable price point. Created by Sealy, one of the most trusted brands in the industry, the Cocoon gives customers a cooling all-foam option delivered right to their door.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Cocoon Chill’s top two selling points are two firmness levels – perfect for several types of sleepers – and a phase-changing material that traps your body heat and releases it when you’re feeling cool. This material moves from a liquid to a solid state and can keep even hot sleepers cool throughout the night.
Though the edge support isn’t top-notch (a problem that’s common in all-foam mattresses), the Cocoon comes delivered straight to your door for free and comes with a 100-day trial period. Its two firmness levels (medium soft and extra firm) can accommodate different types of sleepers, but we recommend that stomach and back sleepers try the extra firm version while side sleepers stick to the medium soft firmness for extra cushioning.
Read our full Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress Review for all the details. If you aren’t interested in the Cocoon mattress, check out our list of the best cooling mattresses for more great options.
Best Mattress for Average-Weight Back Sleepers: DreamCloud Premier
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxury hybrid mattress with a euro top and cashmere blend cover. It offers great pressure relief and maintains spinal alignment well.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxury hybrid mattress with a euro top and cashmere blend cover. It offers great pressure relief and maintains spinal alignment well.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxury hybrid mattress with a euro top and cashmere blend cover. It offers great pressure relief and maintains spinal alignment well.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you’re a back sleeper who falls into the category of average weight (between 130 lbs and 230 lbs), then the DreamCloud Premier may be your ideal mattress. It has a middle-of-the-road firmness and well-rounded construction that caters to not only the average back sleeper, but the average side and stomach sleeper as well.
The Premier also has great edge support (4.5/5) and durability (4.5/5), indicating a mattress with solid construction that will likely last you a long time. Speaking of a long time, DreamCloud offers a lifetime warranty on all of their mattresses, so you can sleep well knowing that you and your Premier will have a long, lovely relationship together.
Read our full DreamCloud Premier Mattress Review to learn more.
Best Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers: Leesa
Leesa Original Mattress
The Leesa mattress adapts to all sleep positions and most body types. With its cooling foam and additional layers that both hug and support you, it's no wonder customers love sleeping on their Leesa.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
The Leesa mattress adapts to all sleep positions and most body types. With its cooling foam and additional layers that both hug and support you, it's no wonder customers love sleeping on their Leesa.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
The Leesa mattress adapts to all sleep positions and most body types. With its cooling foam and additional layers that both hug and support you, it's no wonder customers love sleeping on their Leesa.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Leesa is an all-foam mattress that’s constructed with slow-moving memory foam and high-density foundation foam, giving it a balanced medium-firm feel. While it’s not our favorite choice for heavier sleepers, we think the Leesa has a great mix of comfort and support for lightweight sleepers. In fact, whether you’re a back, stomach, side, or combination sleeper, you should be able to find plenty to love with the Leesa. Back sleepers should especially enjoy the firmer feel of this mattress, since it provides the support for proper spinal alignment as well as pressure relief for more sensitive areas.
One of the most impressive features of the Leesa is how well of a job at cooling it does, especially for an all-foam mattress. Its soft twill cover is breathable and its responsive polyfoam helps with heat dissipation, making it great for many hot sleepers.
Read our full Leesa Mattress Review to learn more.
Mattress Buying Guide For Back Sleepers
If you’re a back sleeper, congratulations! Snoozing in a supine position can have many long-term benefits, such as sinus relief, reduced pain, less stress on internal organs, and, since your face doesn’t rub against your pillow, less skin irritation. On the flip side, sleeping on your back can result in snoring and even sleep apnea.
Related: What is the Best Sleeping Position?
This buyer’s guide will provide you, back sleepers, with a better understanding of what you should look for when shopping for a mattress—which materials work best, firmness level considerations, and other factors that contribute to a restful, healthy night’s sleep.
We’ll also share with you some helpful tips on dealing with the problems that might be caused by back sleeping, and even some suggestions on how to change your sleeping position if it becomes necessary.
What Is the Best Mattress Type for Back Sleepers?
There are four major groups that mattresses generally fall into when it comes to materials: latex, memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid. High-quality, comfortable mattresses can be found within each of these groups, so your ideal material will come down to sleeping situation and preference.
Since your preference is back sleeping, we’ve provided some insight into how each of these types of beds might be good or bad for that specific position.
Latex Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Latex is known for its ability to quickly bounce back to its original shape, which helps it provide the slight contouring and cushioning feeling that back sleepers need. The material tends to conform to the body while alleviating pressure in all the right places. As an added benefit, the best latex mattresses offer motion isolation and sleep cooler than their foam counterparts. On the downside, they tend to be the most expensive options on the market.
Foam Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Like latex, foam conforms well to the body, alleviates pressure, and does a good job minimizing motion transfer for couples. Additionally, it’s more widely available and comes in at a friendlier price point than latex. If you opt for foam, take a look at our best memory foam mattresses page. Memory foam is well-known for its body-contouring properties. Traditional foam, while supportive, may give back sleepers the sensation that they’re “stuck” on the mattress.
Innerspring Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Innerspring mattresses are constructed with a layer of sturdy coils that provides high levels of breathability—a warm sleepers delight! But whether or not an innerspring mattress is a good fit for a back sleeper really depends on what’s on top of the metal coils. Because of the sturdy coils, innerspring mattresses have an inherent firmness that can push back sleepers’ hips up too high, throwing their body out of alignment and causing back pain. This firmness, however, can be counteracted with a pillow top that can provide more comfort and pressure relief. You can find some options with appropriate cushioning on our best innerspring mattress list.
Related: Best Cooling Mattresses
Hybrid Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Hybrid mattresses combine a supportive innerspring system with two or more contouring memory foam or latex support layers on top. Back sleepers should look for hybrids with well-designed comfort layers; a thicker comfort layer will mean that the mattress can provide more body-contouring than traditional innerspring mattresses. Many styles also offer a light bounce that may suit some back sleepers’ preferences. You can find many options that meet these criteria on our list of best hybrid mattresses.
Ideal Firmness Level for Back Sleepers
For most sleepers, firmness is a quality only thought of in terms of preference: you either like a soft surface to sleep on or you like a firmer mattress. However, a mattress’ firmness plays a crucial role in getting high-quality sleep, especially for individuals dedicated to one sleeping position.
Back sleepers will likely find that a medium-firm mattress is soft enough for their hips to sink into alignment with their shoulders and back, but also has enough firmness to keep their hips from sinking too far. The resulting proper alignment can lead to less stress on sensitive areas like the lower back and pelvic region.
In order to help you identify firmness in mattresses, we rate each one on a scale on 1 to 10. Medium-firm is anything from 5 to 7. Lightweight to average back sleepers should be happiest around 5.5 or 6, while heavier back sleepers may want to consider a mattress closer to a firmness rating of 7. For more information, take a look at our mattress firmness guide.
Other Factors for Back Sleepers to Consider
In addition to the type of mattress you choose, there are various other qualities within a mattress that can either support the natural alignment of the body or indirectly disrupt it as you sleep. Due to a person’s individual preferences, size, height, medical history, etc., the most important aspects of a mattress will vary.
It is important to ensure the mattress will work with your body, allowing it to rest in a natural posture that alleviates pressure points on the neck, spine, and pelvis. There are also some ways for you to optimize your back-sleeping experience by using the ideal sleep accessories and mattress foundations. We have outlined some factors to pay close attention to below.
Construction of the Support System
The core of the mattress should be stable and resilient, providing a relatively flat surface on which the softer, more comfort-focused layers can rest. The strong core will help balance out the softness provided by the comfort layers, and create the medium-firm feel that works so well for back sleepers. Look for innerspring support systems, pocketed coils, hyper-elastic polymer, and support polyfoam, which work in conjunction to create a supportive mattress core.
Contouring
While too much softness can lead to excessive sagging and exacerbate neck or chronic back pain, the ideal mattress for back sleepers will allow for contour in specific areas, like the hips. Foam and latex mattresses are usually the best at this.
Pillows & Accessories for Back Sleepers
Back sleepers don’t typically require support pillows like stomach sleepers and side sleepers do. However, back sleepers who struggle with sleep apnea may want to choose a thicker pillow to reduce snoring. A contouring memory foam pillow that provides support for the cervical spine can help in these cases by propping the sleeper up. Additionally, placing a pillow under your neck to fill in that space can result in optimal sleep. Take a look at our best pillows for back sleepers list for some great options.
Mattress toppers are also a good option for back sleepers whose current mattress is too firm for comfort, but who don’t want to replace it entirely. A 2” to 3” thick topper can make a world of difference when it comes to your mattress’ softness.
Related: Best Pillows, Best Mattress Toppers
Foundations/Bed Frames
The foundation, or bed frame, is what holds your mattress up from the floor. While all bed frames share similar traits, it’s important that back sleepers select a foundation that offers substantial support for the mattress. If opting for a standard metal frame, for example, you’ll want to ensure you’re using a box spring, since the metal frame has no additional supportive slats. Take a look at this article if you’re still unsure if you need a boxspring.
Related: Mattress Foundation Guide
Is Sleeping on Your Back Good for You?
If you are a back sleeper, you’re among the few people whose body has chosen the sleeping position with the most health benefits and the least amount of drawbacks. From allowing for even weight distribution and alleviating pressure points, to creating the ideal scenario for cervical spinal alignment and lessening stiffness in the neck, there are many benefits of this sleeping style.
While the position is a mostly positive one, there are some potential drawbacks. Finding a mattress that’s tailored to this sleep position and your body is crucial to ensure you are reaping the benefits, and not causing unnecessary pain. We explored some pros and cons of sleeping on your back, how you can make sure you are doing so in a safe and effective way, and some tips on switching sleep positions if it becomes necessary.
Pros
- Sleeping on your back naturally encourages proper spinal alignment as long as your mattress has the right firmness (between 5 and 7 on the firmness scale).
- Back-sleeping puts less pressure on shoulders and hips than side sleepers experience.
- With the right pillow, you likely won’t have to worry about neck pain as much as stomach sleepers might.
Related: Sleep and Neck Pain
Cons
- Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue to relax and slip back into a position that obstructs your airways, which can cause you to snore. Take a look at our guide on understanding how snoring affects sleep.
- Sleep apnea can be heightened or caused by back-sleeping. Check out our understanding sleep apnea guide, which details possible symptoms and steps you can take in treating this disorder.
- Back-sleeping can lead to lower back pain.
Back Sleeping and Back Pain
In order to reduce the risk of lower back pain while sleeping on your back, place a pillow below your knees. Doing so helps to keep your spine aligned to its natural curve, which is very important in reducing discomfort in your lower back. Take a look at our video on sleeping with lower back pain for more information.
If lower back pain continues to be an issue for you, consider switching to a side-sleeping position, as it has been found to be the best position for preventing back pain. If you want to continue sleeping on your back, check out our roundup of best mattresses for back pain.
Switching to Side-Sleeping
Switching to a full-time side sleeper may not be as difficult as you think. After all, it’s only a 90 degree turn! Still, it may be challenging to get used to at first. Here are a couple of tricks that can help you train your body to adapt to the new sleeping style.
- The couch can be a great place to start. The narrow surface area encourages side sleeping and can be a useful tool in adapting to the new position.
- Try building a wall of pillows on either side of you. These will prevent you from rolling off your side and onto your back as you sleep.
- If you don’t have enough pillows for the walls, try putting a soft object in the back of your pajama shirt—a small stuffed animal, perhaps. The discomfort of it pushing into your back when you roll over will wake you up, at which point you can put yourself back on your side.
With enough practice, we’re confident you can become a world-class side sleeper in no time. And when you do, take a look at our best mattresses for side sleepers roundup!
Recap: Top Rated Mattresses for Back Sleeping
| Model | Award | Nerd Score |
| Helix Plus | Editor’s Pick | 3.8/5 |
| WinkBeds | Best Pressure Point Relief | 4.7/5 |
| Zenhaven | Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers | 4.8/5 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature | Best Value | 4.7/5 |
| GhostBed Flex | Best for Couples | 4.3/5 |
| Cocoon Chill by Sealy | Best Cooling Mattress | 4.8/5 |
| DreamCloud Premier | Best for Average Weight Sleepers | 3.8/5 |
| Leesa | Best for Lightweight Sleepers | 4.4/5 |
Dr. Ravi Pandey is part of our panel of medical expert contributors on the subject of sleep health. They provide important perspectives on the topics we discuss to help make our content as accurate and dependable as possible. They do not personally endorse any products, nor are they associated with any brands featured in our review content.
