Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Mattress Nerd consulted Vivian Eisenstadt, MAPT, CPT, MASP to ensure that this article met our editorial standards

Written by Becca Fair, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Methodology

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed hundreds of mattresses and sleep products for over eight years using hands-on testing. We assess each sleep product for comfort, support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more. Learn more.

In This Article

We’ve consulted a medical professional and combined our mattress expertise in order to present you with our top mattresses for back pain.

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Sleeping with back pain can negatively impact your quality of rest and leave you feeling even worse in the morning. While there are many sources of back pain— an old, unsupportive mattress could be the culprit of your discomfort.

It’s important to say: the right mattress can’t cure all types of back pain. However, prioritizing your comfort by sleeping on an elevating and pressure-relieving bed could make a big difference in your ability to sleep throughout the night without flare-ups. In this guide, we’ll review the most important factors to consider when purchasing the best mattress for back pain.

Our team of testers range in size, weight, and sleeping preferences. This diversity of opinions ensure our roundups are filled with options that work for the widest range of mattress shoppers. When selecting the models on this list, we focused on pressure relief, durability and spinal alignment. And while we assigned each pick a more personalized superlative to help you distinguish one from another, they all aim to achieve the same goal: prevent back pain.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress for Back Pain?

Our experts chose the Nectar Premier Copper as the best mattress for back pain because of its cushioning, yet supportive top layers that do a great job at promoting proper spinal alignment by keeping you elevated on the surface, while still experiencing targeted pressure relief in the low back. 

Best Mattresses for Lower and Upper Back Pain

• Saatva – Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
• Helix Midnight Luxe – Best for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
• Nectar Premier Copper – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain
• Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Budget Mattress for Back Pain
• Nolah – Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain
• Plank – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Pain
• DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
• WinkBeds – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
• Bear Hybrid – Best Mattress for Back and Neck Pain
• Leesa Sapira Hybrid – Best Mattress for Lightweight People with Back Pain

Video Roundup: Best Mattresses for Back Pain

More of a visual learner? Watch some of our teammates break down the best mattresses for back pain.

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

At Mattress Nerd, our testing process involves assessing each product in categories that determine how they perform for every type of sleeper. In the case of back pain, we look at spinal alignment, pressure relief, and mattress firmness. Becca, one of our trusty certified sleep science coaches, has tested hundreds of mattresses throughout her career. The mattresses on this list check all of her boxes for back pain relief and prevention. To learn more, check out our review process.

Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain: Saatva Classic

Pros of the Saatva Classic Mattress

Targeted support for back pain relief

Hybrid technology is best of both worlds

Sleeps cool

Cons of the Saatva Classic Mattress

Higher price point

May not isolate motion well for couples

If you’re a fan of a more classic-style mattress, but still want relief from low back pain, the Saatva mattress might just be the right fit for you. The Saatva mattress has the innerspring base of a traditional mattress but with the newer, hybrid technology of wrapped coils, a plush pillow top, and memory foam. 

The Saatva mattress is designed to provide additional support to the middle third of the mattress where your lumbar region (i.e. lower back) would be. Additionally, an added foam layer of “visco-elastic” memory foam supports the areas most commonly associated with pressure points. It comes in a plush soft, luxury firm, and firm option. 

Whether you require extra support to relieve your chronic lower back pain, or simply prefer the firmness of a traditional-style mattress and the added benefits of pain-free sleep, the Saatva mattress is a great option.

What our testers say: “The two layers of lumbar support make the Saatva Classic a great mattress for people with back pain. With three firmness options, it can accommodate almost every sleeping position and body type, too.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Saatva Classic Mattress

• Hot sleepers as it has temperature regulation technology and materials to keep you cool
• People with back pain due to its firmness and ability to help align neck and spine

Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic Mattress

• Couples easily disturbed by movement because this mattress is not the best at motion isolation
• Shoppers on a tight budget as this mattress is not the cheapest

Other User Reviews

According to Saatva’s website, the Classic comes in at 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviews are generally positive, praising the bed’s high-quality construction and comfort. Some customers complained about issues with delivery or felt the bed didn’t hold up as long as they would’ve liked.

See our full Saatva mattress review to learn more! 

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain: Helix Midnight Luxe

Pros of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

Accommodates side sleepers of all sizes

Great motion isolation

Good price point

Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

May not be responsive enough for combination sleepers who spend time on their sides

Medium-firm feel may not be soft enough for fans of plush beds

Helix does a great job of being inclusive with their products. They have a variety of customized options so shoppers can find what’s just right. So it’s no surprise they have a model that fits the bill for back pain. We recommend the firmer options (like the Helix Midnight) for individuals with back pain, but if you prefer a more cradling feeling, one of the medium-firm options may work well for you.  

As mentioned above, the Helix Midnight works particularly well for side sleepers, as its pressure-relieving construction keeps hips and shoulders free of pain. It also does a great job of keeping your spine aligned, which factors into back pain relief. 

Helix offers a 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial with every mattress purchase. 

What our testers say: “The Midnight has a true hybrid feel; in other words, it feels like a hotel bed—cushioning on top that’s balanced by a supportive, springy coil base. You’ll sink an inch or two into the memory foam top layer and feel the foam contouring around your curves. The coils below keep you lifted on top of the mattress.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

• Combination sleepers as the mattress can support you in multiple sleeping positions
• Hot sleepers as the multiple breathable layers will help the mattress to not hold onto your body heat
• Those with back pain with its firmness

Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

• Heavyweight stomach sleepers because it won’t provide the appropriate support or comfort
• Light sleepers concerned about motion transfer as it is pretty average at motion isolation
• Budget shoppers due to its higher price tag

Other User Reviews

On Helix’s website, the mattress scores 4.5 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews come mostly from side sleepers who found the mattress too firm and therefore uncomfortable for their tastes. Positive reviews cite pain relief, easy set-up, and overall comfort.

Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review to learn more! For more, see our ranking of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain: Nectar Premier Copper

Pros of the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

Supportive and cooling upgrades

Great price point

Generous trial window

Cons of the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

Lacks edge support

Lacks support for heavyweight sleepers

The Nectar Premier Copper is a medium-firm, luxury foam mattress made with special cooling materials like gel, copper and phase change material. This bed performs best for back sleepers who experience back pain and need the proper lumbar support to have a restful night’s sleep. 

When you lie on this mattress, your back will keep its natural “S” curve alignment, which can be helpful for preventing aches and pains. The copper makes the difference in this bed’s performance by not only helping it stay cool, but also by relieving pressure from the lower back and keeping stress off of your joints. Our pressure map test shows the best results for light to average-weight back sleepers. 

The Nectar Premier Copper comes with a 365-night sleep trial, as well as a lifetime warranty, and free shipping to the contiguous United States. If you order from Alaska or Hawaii, you will be charged an added shipping fee.

What our testers say: “The Nectar Premier Copper is a great option for memory foam lovers who sleep on their side or back or those who often change positions throughout the night.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

• Back sleepers
• Combination sleepers
• Memory foam lovers

Who Might Not Like the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

• Stomach sleepers
• Those who sleep near the edge of their mattress
• Budget shoppers

Other User Reviews

According to Nectar’s site, the Nectar Premier Copper has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews seem focused on personal preference that the bed is too soft or too firm, while others say their sheets can slide off the bed. Overall, the majority positive reviews find the bed comfortable and cooling.

Read our full Nectar Premier Copper mattress review to learn more! Looking for more options? Check out our Guide to best  mattresses for back sleepers.

Best Budget Mattress for Back Pain: Emma Hybrid Comfort

Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort

Responsive

Supportive enough for back and stomach sleepers

Reasonable price point considering all the features

Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort

Not the best at isolating motion

Might not provide pressure relief for some sleepers

Between orthopedic accessories, doctor’s visits, and chiropractic appointments, coping with back pain can be expensive. Although mattresses are a larger investment, you can find plenty of reasonably priced models that may help avoid aggravating your back pain. The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress is one of those options. Its hybrid construction should create a balanced feel that can be beneficial for those experiencing back pain.

The Hybrid Comfort features a zoned transition layer that helps with lumbar support. While the foam layers provide cushioning, the sturdy support layer prevents you from sinking too far into the mattress. This helps keep the spine in proper alignment. You can typically find this mattress on sale priced at under $1,000 for a queen, and this is all before sales and discounts. This is a solid price considering the quality and construction of this mattress.

When it comes to policies, Emma offers free shipping and returns in the contiguous United States. The company also offers a 365-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

What our testers say: “While this bed doesn’t have a cushioning feel, it still relieves pressure well.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Emma Hybrid Comfort

• Back sleepers
• Stomach sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Emma Hybrid Comfort

• Lightweight side sleepers
• Those who need motion isolation
• Sleepers needing more pressure relief

Other User Reviews

This is a new mattress, so Emma’s site doesn’t have many reviews yet, but early customers already rate it an impressive 5 out of 5 stars. So far, users rave about the mattress’ cooling abilities.

Not convinced the Hybrid Comfort is for you? See our ranking of the best budget mattresses.

Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain: Nolah

Pros of the Nolah Mattress

Great for pain and pressure relief

Cooling upgrades

Excellend price point

Cons of the Nolah Mattress

Lacks edge support for heavyweight sleepers

Lacks the soft contouring of memory foam

The Nolah is an affordable medium-firm mattress with three layers of AirFoam and a cooling cover, which makes this a good all-foam mattress option for sleepers with back pain. With a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale and a 1″ support layer, the Nolah’s construction prevents sinkage and promotes proper spinal alignment. Additionally, Nolah’s signature AirFoam allows for body contouring, which can help with pressure and pain relief. This balance of both comfort and support is ideal for those with back pain.

The best part? The Nolah comes at an excellent price. A Queen-sized Nolah at its full price is $1,149, but that is before sales and discounts. Typically, you’ll find that the Nolah’s Queen mattress is often priced under $1,000, making this not only a great mattress for back pain, but an excellent choice for budget-savvy shoppers.

The Nolah comes with a 120-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping to the contiguous United States. The mattress is delivered to your doorstep and will arrive five to 10 days after ordering.

What our testers say: Nolah designed the Nolah Original mattress for side sleeping: it pays extra attention to the need for contouring around the hips and shoulders and supports proper spinal alignment. Everyone except stomach sleepers and heavyweight sleepers will find something to like about the Nolah Original mattress.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nolah Mattress

• Side sleepers
• Sleepers with back pain
• People who sleep hot

Who Might Not Like the Nolah Mattress

• Heavyweight sleepers
• Innerspring mattress lovers
• People who enjoy the “hugging” feel of memory foam

Other User Reviews

On Nolah’s site, the Nolah Original scores favorably at 4.7 out of 5 stars. With mostly positive reviews, customers say they find the bed comfortable and relieving of many aches and pains. Some customers disagree and say they’re still adjusting, and others took note of the bed’s lack of edge support.

Read our full Nolah mattress review to learn more! Interested in learning about more budget-friendly options? Check out our best cheap mattresses on a budget. 

Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Pain: Plank

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Mattress

Ultra-dense and supportive with great pressure relief

Flippable design with firm and extra-firm feels

Ensures proper spinal alignment

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Mattress

Lacks cushioning

Doesn’t isolate motion well

If you’ve always found most beds to be too soft for your liking, the Brooklyn Bedding Plank is going to be your best bet for an extra-firm bed. With this model, you get a flippable, all-foam mattress, with one side coming in at a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, and the other side is a 9 out of 10, or extra-firm. We think light to average-weight folks will experience their best relief on the firm side (7.5/10), while average-to-heavyweight folks should try out the extra firm side (9/10) for even more support. 

When we tested this bed out in our lab, we found the Plank to be very dense and supportive, while still being able to easily move around on, since you stay elevated on that firm surface. Plus, this bed performed very well in our pressure map testing for all sleeping positions, so regardless of if you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper, you should experience great spinal alignment on this bed, which is essential to back pain relief. The firm side scored a perfect 5 out of 5 for pressure relief, while the extra-firm side scored a nearly perfect 4 out of 5. 

As for policies, the Plank ships for free within the contiguous United States, comes with a 120-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. The Plank is priced pretty well compared to other online brands, and comes at a significantly lower price point than luxury competitors—especially considering the added value of multiple firmness options. 

What our testers say: “The Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm is best for back and stomach sleepers who love extra firm mattresses. Surprisingly, it also works well for side sleepers who don’t mind the lack of cushion.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Plank Mattress

• People who find most beds too soft
• Back & stomach sleepers
• Side sleepers who prefer a firm mattress
• People with back pain

Who Might Not Like the Plank Mattress

• Side sleepers who want deep cushioning
• Hot sleepers
• Couples concerned about motion transfer

Other User Reviews

On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews tend to say that the bed is either too firm or softer than they expected. But, overall, many people seem satisfied and are finding relief from chronic pain.

Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Plank review to learn more! For more, see our ranking of the best firm mattresses.

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain: DreamCloud

Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress

Great motion isolation for couples

Excellent temperature regulation

Supportive and responsive

Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress

May be lacking in pressure relief for lightweight side sleepers

Higher price point

The DreamCloud mattress is a great option for stomach sleepers who experience lower back pain because of its firm, yet supportive feel, which will keep your hips lifted in alignment with your shoulders. This mattress is a hybrid option that offers five layers including the soft-to-the-touch cover, three comfort foam layers, and a supportive coil layer. 

Stomach sleepers tend to be susceptible to chronic pains because their spine is likely to hyper-extend, increasing the likelihood of lower back pain. With the DreamCloud, stomach sleepers who experience this issue will find comfort in the foam layers, while simultaneously receiving that crucial lifting support for their hips and lower back. 

The DreamCloud Original comes with a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping within the contiguous United States. If you are ordering from Alaska or Hawaii, there is a $150 shipping fee. You can also choose to opt into DreamCloud’s white glove delivery service for an additional $149, which means a delivery team will set up your new mattress for you and remove your old one. 

What our testers say: “The DreamCloud mattress brings a high-quality, hotel-like feel to the bed-in-a-box market. It performed well in all of our tests, and while it’s not a perfect fit for every sleeper, it’s a great option for a lot of people.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the DreamCloud Mattress

• Couples
• Hot sleepers
• Shoppers wanting a hotel-like bed
• Combination and back sleepers

Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud Mattress

• Budget shoppers
• Lightweight side sleepers
• Heavyweight stomach sleepers

Other User Reviews

The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. Reviews are mixed on the firmness of the mattress but overall users are satisfied with the comfort and say that their sleep has improved.

Read our full DreamCloud Original mattress review to learn more! For more, see our ranking of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain: WinkBed

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

Proprietary lumbar layer for targeted support

Firmness options

Great temperature regulation

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

Not great at motion isolation

May not be contouring enough for fans of plush beds

The WinkBeds Original Mattress is an excellent choice for stomach sleepers with back pain. This mattress is available in four firmness levels; softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus. We recommend the firm option for stomach sleepers with back pain, so the hips will not sink too much.

The mattress is complete with a proprietary lumbar layer; this mattress is engineered to keep the spine aligned in every sleeping position, the WinkBed will ease all your aches and pains. What’s more, the WinkBed mattress includes a Triple Layer Heat Disperse technology system that includes a cooling Tencel cover and breathable coils.

The mattress is also equipped with a 3-step back relief system, meaning it has zoned support throughout the length of the mattress. It will fill in areas of the back that need more support and give comfort to the areas which need more cushioning.

What our testers say: “The WinkBed is a solid mid-range hybrid mattress. With some great features like temperature regulation, strong edge support, and responsive materials, as well as having a variety of firmnesses to choose from, the WinkBed will work well for a wide variety of sleepers.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the WinkBed Mattress

• Hot sleepers as the gel-infused memory foam and breathable layering keeps you cool
• Combination sleepers as it can support a variety of sleeping positions
• All sizes of sleepers with its support and firmness

Who Might Not Like the WinkBed Mattress

• Memory foam purists as it has coils in the mattress to promote airflow
• Light sleepers due to its low performance in motion isolation

Other User Reviews

On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews focus on problems with delivery and removal. But overall, people seem satisfied and consider the bed supportive and sturdy.

See our full WinkBeds mattress review to learn more. For more, check out the best mattresses for cooling.

Best Mattress for Back and Neck Pain: Bear Hybrid

Pros of the Bear Hybrid Mattress

Excellent motion isolation

Sleeps cool

Firmness ideal for back sleeper

Cons of the Bear Hybrid Mattress

Lacking edge support

Might not support heavyweight sleepers

Oftentimes if you suffer from back pain, you may suffer from neck or hip pain as well. Many mattresses have cracked the code to remedy back pain, but the Bear Hybrid was constructed to also accommodate those with neck pains. This mattress is especially good for sleepers who live an active lifestyle since it combines support, pain relief, and comfort all in one bed.

The Bear Hybrid is good for heavy sleepers, couples, and every sleeping position. It is a thicker-than-average mattress, so if you like a taller bed you will be a big fan of the hybrid version of the Bear.

What our testers say: “The Bear Star mattress captures all the most coveted features in a mattress and jam-packs them into this state-of-the-art hybrid. The cooling gel memory foam continuously carries away heat, promising you a cooler, more restful night’s sleep.” – Ashton, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Bear Hybrid Mattress

• Hot sleepers as all the layers of foam contain a cooling feature
• Athletes as it was built specifically for those who lead an active life
• Back sleepers due to the pressure relief and support

Who Might Not Like the Bear Hybrid Mattress

• Heavyweight stomach sleepers as it might not be firm enough
• Seniors due to the low performing edge support
• Budget shoppers as it is a bit more expensive mattress

Other User Reviews

According to Bear’s website, the Bear Elite scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews complain that the bed was either too firm or too soft for their personal preference, while others noted the lack of edge support. Overall, customers say that this bed helped them stay cool at night and helped relieve their pain.

Read our full Bear Hybrid mattress review to learn more! 

Best Mattress for Lightweight People with Back Pain: Leesa Sapira Hybrid 

Pros of the Leesa Sapira Mattress

Designed to meet needs of most sleepers

Cushioning and supportive

Naturally cooling

Cons of the Leesa Sapira Mattress

Higher price point

Lacking motion isolation

The Sapira Hybrid from Leesa is one of the best beds on the market for keeping the spine supported in every sleeping position. At a perfectly medium firmness level of 6 out of 10, the Sapira’s comfortable surface will appeal to a wide range of people, but especially to lightweight individuals with back pain. That’s because of its excellent pressure relief and hybrid construction, which provides cushioning comfort for sensitive areas like the lower back, shoulders, and hips, as well as a strong coil system for ultimate support.   

When we put this bed through a series of performance tests, the Sapira scored perfectly in the lightweight back and side sleepers categories, and scored a 4 out of 5 for lightweight stomach sleepers. 

The Sapira ships for free throughout the entire United States (yes, even for you customers from Alaska and Hawaii)! Leesa also offers white glove delivery at checkout for an additional fee of $150. You can try out the Sapira for 100 nights risk-free. If you like it and decide to keep it, you’re covered under the company’s 10-year warranty.  

What our testers say: “The Sapira Hybrid is an excellent bed crafted for the average sleeper. With a robust comfort system, there’s plenty of cushion for most back, stomach, and side sleepers. And thanks to durable foams and strong innerspring coils, the Sapira hybrid is supportive enough for bigger bodies. It’s easy to move around on, sleeps cool, and works well enough for most couples.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Leesa Sapira Mattress

• Most sleeping positions and body types
• Combination sleepers
• Hot sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Leesa Sapira Mattress

• Heavyweight Budget shoppers
• Heavyweight side sleepers
• Couples who easily awaken

Other User Reviews

On the Leesa site, this mattress scored a 4.4 out of 5 stars, from over 1,500 reviews. Praise is given to the support this mattress provides for different styles of sleeping.

Read our full Leesa Sapira Hybrid review to learn more! 

Back Pain and Sleep

If you have any experience with back pain, then you likely know the struggle of trying to fall asleep with that sort of discomfort. The smallest movement can cause a jolt of pain that yanks you right out of a deep rest. 

Unfortunately, we cannot claim that a better mattress will fix your back pain. If possible, we recommend you visit a doctor who can provide a treatment tailored to your specific situation. That said, your mattress may be one of many factors contributing to your condition, and replacing it may not just make falling asleep easier, but may also lead to less pain throughout your days.

We’ll start off by briefly discussing different kinds of back pain before going into ways in which changing your mattress and your sleep preferences can lead to better health and better sleep.

Can a Mattress Cause Back Pain?

While it can be difficult to determine the primary cause of your back pain, your mattress should definitely be considered a culprit. This doesn’t mean that we recommend kicking your mattress to the curb if you suffer from back aches, but some investigation might be in order.

First, how old is your current mattress? The older they get, the less support they’ll provide. If your mattress does not offer that magical blend of comfort and support, then it can cause your spine to go out of alignment as you’re resting, which can certainly lead to morning back pain.

It’s also important to ensure that the firmness of your mattress is ideal for your body type, sleeping position, and personal preference. If, for example, you’re a lightweight side sleeper, you probably shouldn’t be sleeping on a very firm mattress. Doing so can not only cause lower back pain, but also hip and shoulder pain. Take a look at our mattress firmness guide for a more detailed breakdown on this subject.

How to Get Better Sleep with Back Pain

Types of Back Pain

It’s important to note that back pain comes in different forms. Once you are able to better classify your back pain, it may become easier to find a solution for it.

Chronic vs. Acute Back Pain

If you have noticed a recent onset of back pain that immediately followed a determinable event, such as lifting something heavy, overexerting yourself playing sports, or falling down, then it is likely acute back pain. Acute pain, as the name would suggest, is quite sharp and may not last as long as chronic pain, if properly treated. 

Chronic pain can occur when acute back pain is not properly managed. Though the symptoms are similar, chronic back pain can cause persistent discomfort in addition to the unexpected jolts of pain that are associated with acute back pain. Though it is not necessarily time dependent, if you have been experiencing back pain for several months then it has likely developed from acute pain into chronic pain.

If you’d like to learn more, head over to our full article on chronic vs. acute back pain.

Location of Back Pain

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain, the most common type of back pain reported in the U.S., can be caused by a variety of factors and can range greatly in severity. This affects the region of the back that naturally curves in, also known as the “lumbar region.” This condition is made most manageable by a mattress or pillow that fills in the lower back and allows it to be aligned with the rest of the spine.

For more on this, take a look at our article on sleeping with lower back pain.

Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain is caused by many of the same triggers for lower and upper back pain, it just manifests itself differently depending largely on a person’s body weight and lifestyle. People with this condition often have more feelings of “overall” back pain, and can benefit from using techniques for both lower and upper back pain together.

Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain is the second most common type of back pain. Upper back pain can be caused by several things, such as poor posture, muscle overuse, injury, herniated discs, and much more. This type of pain can also impact the shoulders, and cause overall pain in the top parts of the body. If you are sleeping with this condition, make sure your neck and spine are aligned, and that your body is properly supported.

Proper Spinal Alignment

It cannot be stressed enough how important proper spinal support is in keeping your back pain-free. A mattress that excels in this will contour to your body in such a way that keeps your spine resting in its naturally curved position. If your spine gets thrown out of whack as you sleep, then you will likely wake up with aches as a result. 

Vivian Eisenstadt, CPT, explains, “…many times low back pain originates in the tight muscles of the low back, so full spinal support is imperative to a good night sleep where all the muscles in your back can rest and rejuvenate and heal you for the day ahead.”

There are a number of reasons why your spine might not be properly aligned as you sleep, it isn’t just a result of the quality of your mattress. Rather, your sleeping position, preferred mattress material, and your body type should all be taken into consideration when looking for the perfect mattress to keep your spine healthy.

For more information, check out our article on spine alignment and sleep.

Mattress Firmness

Mattress firmness should always be at top of mind when you are shopping for a new bed, regardless of whether or not you have back pain. How firmness works is, companies will grade each of their mattresses on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being extremely soft and 10 being extremely firm. 

No firmness is inherently better than another one, but your personal preference as well as your particular situation will play a part in which firmness is most compatible with you. You might prefer a firm mattress or a medium-firm mattress. You may want a combination of both. Perhaps a firm, supportive mattress with an added top comfort layer would be the perfect solution for you. For back pain, there isn’t one ideal firmness level. However, there are firmness levels that work better with different sleeping positions. 

Read our mattress firmness guide for more information.

Sleeping Positions

While it is not the end-all-be-all, sleeping position can absolutely have an effect on your back pain. The good news is that there are ways in which each sleeping position can improve your sleep, and hopefully help your back pain. 

Side Sleeping

Side sleepers put a lot of pressure on their shoulders and hips when they lie down, as these are the heaviest areas of their body that make contact with the bed. If you sleep on your side, you should look for a mattress that is on the softer end of medium-firm. 

At this firmness level, your shoulders and hips will sink just far enough into the mattress, but not so far that your spine gets thrown out of alignment. Not only can this help prevent or reduce back soreness, it can also help with shoulder pain. Take a look at our best mattresses for side sleepers article for more great options.

Back Sleeping

Back sleepers need something a bit firmer than side sleepers. Somewhere between 5 and 7 on the firmness scale tends to be right for them. It allows their shoulders to remain supported and their lower back to sink just far enough to maintain the natural curve of the spine. Also, it is still soft enough to help relieve pressure.

If you sleep on your back, a tip from Vivian Eisenstadt, CPT, is, “For Low back pain, you can sleep supine with a pillow half way under your buttocks to tilt your pelvis so your low back is more in connection with the mattress.” Take a look at our best mattresses for back sleepers article for more great options.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleepers tend to need a mattress with a very firm feel, around the 7.5 or 8 range. That is because sinking into the mattress even slightly too much can lead to improper spinal support. 

Another problem that stomach sleepers might contend with is that they usually have to twist their head at an awkward angle in order to make comfortable contact with their pillow. Though it is far up on the body, this twisting can still have a negative impact. Vivian Eisenstadt, CPT, suggests, “For stomach sleepers, you can use a body pillow to hug so your neck isn’t rotated too much.” Take a look at our best mattresses for stomach sleepers article for more great options.

Different Mattress Types for Back Pain

Hybrid Mattresses for Back Pain

Hybrid mattresses are made of all-foam or latex layers on top of a coil base. This construction performs well for those with back pain because it provides a good amount of contouring to the body along with adequate support. Depending on what these mattresses are topped with, they also have a decent amount of bounce and responsiveness. Our list of best hybrid mattresses has some of our favorite of this type of bed

Memory Foam Mattresses for Back Pain

Memory foam mattresses range in how they feel more than just about any other mattress type. They have a great amount of give, and closely contour to the body in many spots. As long as these mattresses are not too soft, they are usually good options for those with back pain, especially lower back pain since the moldable foam can fill in the lumbar region. Take a look at our best memory foam mattresses page for more info.

Innerspring Mattresses for Back Pain

Innerspring mattresses are often referred to as “traditional” mattresses. They are made up of a coil base and have a comfort top layer that is thinner than that of a hybrid mattress. These mattresses can be very supportive and provide a lot of back pain relief. See our best innerspring mattress list if you’re interested.

Latex Mattresses for Back Pain

Latex mattresses have gained popularity for their “all-natural” qualities and their pressure point relief. Latex is naturally breathable and offers very sturdy support, making it good for those with all types of back pain. Head over to our best latex mattresses roundup for a more comprehensive look.

Other Things To Consider When Sleeping With Back Pain

While relief from chronic back pain may be your primary concern, there are other factors you’ll want to consider before you make your final decision. Here are some other components you may want to look for in a mattress when you’re narrowing down your options.

Body Type

Make sure you keep your body type in mind when looking for a mattress to help with your back pain. As mentioned above, the firmness of your bed can affect the quality of your sleep depending on your preferred position. Well, your weight plays a part in how firm a mattress feels to you. What feels soft to a larger person may feel uncomfortably firm to a petite person. Our heavy sleepers guide has more information that may prove useful in your buying journey.

Mattress Durability

As is the case for any mattress shopper, you’ll want to make sure you are investing in a quality product. The higher the quality, the likelier it is that your mattress will have high durability and be able to hold up under your weight for many years. If you get a mattress that begins to sag prematurely, this could contribute to worsened back pain.

Conclusion

Since you will spend a third of your life in bed, your mattress should be a good investment, particularly if you suffer from back pain. The right mattress can provide good support, relieve chronic back pain, and provide the restful sleep you need to be productive and energetic.

Choose a mattress that is specifically designed to treat your type of pain whether it is upper back, lower back, or hip pain. And while that may be the most important factor, it isn’t the only factor. You’ll also want to take into account your preferred sleep position and mattress type.

We’ve recommended mattresses that I feel could help with back problems, but your experience may be different from mine. The good news is that most mattress companies now offer sleep trial periods so you can be sure it’s the best match for you. If you are not ready to buy a new mattress yet, but still want to relieve some stubborn back pain, check out our picks for the best mattress toppers for back pain.

If you want to learn more about how and when to purchase a mattress, check out our Best Mattress Buying Guide.

Recap: Best Rated Mattresses for Back Pain (2023)

Model	Award
Saatva Classic	Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
Helix Midnight Luxe	Best for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
Nectar Premier Copper	Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain
Emma Hybrid Comfort	Best Budget Mattress for Back Pain
Nolah	Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain
Plank	Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Pain
DreamCloud Original	Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
WinkBed	Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
Bear Hybrid	Best Mattress for Back and Neck Pain
Leesa Sapira Hybrid	Best Mattress for Lightweight People with Back Pain

Becca Fair

Editor, Certified Sleep Science Coach

About Author

Becca is the Sleep Accessories Editor at Mattress Nerd. She has always been interested in sleep health and how it relates to other areas of wellness. As an accessories editor on Mattress Nerd and a Certified Sleep Science Coach, Becca’s goal is to lead people to an amazing night’s sleep, so they can live their best lives. When she’s not typing away writing editorial reviews, you can find her as one of the faces of Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel.

Combination Sleeper

Education & Credentials

• Certified Sleep Science Coach

Vivian Eisenstadt 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.