Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Expert-Reviewed by Dr. Navin Ramchandani, MD

If you’re getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, you’ll spend one-third of your life in bed. That makes the mattress you choose, one of the most important factors in the quality of your life. If your sleep quality is suffering, and not providing you pain relief, the importance of investing in the right mattress increases drastically.

In this guide, I will review the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new mattress for back pain. I will also dive into the specifics of each of our top picks, and help you decide which might be the best choice for you. So, if you have a bad back, explore our top picks for the best mattress for back pain in 2021, and discover which may aid in your pain relief!

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Best Mattresses for Back Pain in 2021

• Editor’s Pick – Layla
• Best Mattress for Back and Neck Pain – Bear Hybrid
• Best for Side Sleepers with Back Pain – Helix Midnight Luxe
• Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain – Saatva
• Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain – WinkBeds
• Best Flippable Mattress for Back Pain – Nolah Signature
• Best Mattress For Upper Back Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature
• Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Pain – Amerisleep AS2

If at first, you don’t succeed…flip it over.  That’s definitely not Layla’s official slogan, but it’s what I like most about a flippable mattress.  

Stomach sleeping is finicky.  It’s often touted as the worst sleeping position.  But…it’s comfortable. So how can we make it as harmless as possible?  Find a mattress that supports the proper way and doesn’t put undue stress on your back.  That typically means a firmer mattress.

Layla has a firmer and softer side, to appeal to many, but the reality is, this is all relative depending on the person.  I’m confident that between the two sides, you’ll find one that is a good fit for a stomach sleeper. Layla is also one of our picks for the best bed in a box! 

See our full Layla Mattress Review to learn more!

Often times 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, piano 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.

See out full Bear Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more. 

Helix does an incredible 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 and hip pain. We recommend the firmer options for individuals with back pain, but if you prefer a more cradling feeling, one of the medium-firm options may work well for you. 

“The Helix Midnight Luxe uses a multi-zone construction to support different parts of the body, which is what you need if you’re trying to maintain a healthy spine alignment. Maintaining proper spine alignment is important for relieving back pain and reducing stress placed on your lumbar region,” according to Dr. Navin Ramchandani. Helix also comes with a 10-15 year warranty. 

Read our full Helix Midnight Mattress Review to learn more!

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.

See our full Saatva Mattress Review to learn more! 

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.

See our full WinkBeds Mattress Review to learn more. 

The Nolah signature 12 caters to an extra-broad range of sleepers with its flippable design. With its proprietary cooling AirFoam, high-resilience foam, and a high-density core, the bed provides cradling without feeling stuck in the mattress, along with support and cooling. If you’re waking up with increased back pain, it could be due to your spine being out of alignment when you sleep. For example, if you sleep on a firm mattress on your side and you wake up with lower back pain, it’s likely because your hips don’t sink into the mattress enough.

Since the Nolah is flippable from its soft to firm sides, the bed is a great option for those who aren’t sure what kind of mattress will best alleviate their back pain.

Read our full Nolah Signature mattress review to learn more.

You’ve probably read it elsewhere on the site…I like Brooklyn products a lot.  They also offer quality goods thanks to their rigorous quality assurance process.

Brooklyn offers its Signature in soft, medium, and firm options.  While they’re not the only brand to do this, it’s still somewhat rare.  The beauty of this is that if you like the mattress materials, but it’s not quite the right feel, you can opt for a different firmness that fits your body type.  This is a fantastic option if you’re looking to relieve some pressure.

Combine the power of choice with Brooklyn’s 1024 premium wrapped coils and you have one supportive mattress.  Enjoy!

See our full Brooklyn Signature Mattress Review!

Ranging from the A1 to the A5 model, these mattresses increase in price as you ascend. They are very transparent about the differences between each model, and which model is best suited for each type of sleeper. They have thought of everything from overheating, to pain relief, to overall comfort and have designed each of their mattresses with these concerns in mind. With free shipping in the U.S. and helpful customer support, Amerisleep is a great choice for a hybrid mattress!

The AS2 is their best model for back and stomach sleepers, and is one of their best selling models. Pain is not universal, so the ability to choose the firmness level you prefer all while still receiving the pain relief and support that you need is an amazing feature of Amerisleep mattresses. The AS2 is the perfect balance of firm and soft to keep you supported and comfortable. 

Check out our full Amerisleep Mattress Review to see which one may be best for you!

Types 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 on most backs, 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.

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; 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.

Different Mattress Types for Back Pain

“Depending on the level of your back pain, you may prefer either a memory foam mattress or an innerspring. Memory foam beds are typically better for relieving chronic pain as they do a better job of contouring to the shape of your body. Innerspring mattresses provide firmer support that can adequately relieve your back pain as well. The deciding factor is what you prefer based on your level of pain,” says Dr. Navin Ramchandani, MD.

Hybrid 

Hybrid mattresses are made of layers on top of a coil base. These are some of the best mattresses for those with back pain because they have a good amount of contouring to the body along with adequate support. Depending on what these mattresses are topped with, they have a decent amount of bounce and are easy to move around on.

Memory Foam

Memory Foam mattresses range in how they feel more than just about any other mattress. They have a great amount of give for the body to have a close contour in many spots. As long as memory foam mattresses are not too soft, they are usually good options for those with back pain, especially lower back pain since it can fill in the lumbar region. These mattresses are also typically good for those with hip and neck pain as well.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are often referred to as “traditional” mattresses. They are made up of a coil base and are have a comfort top layer that is thinner than a hybrid mattress. These mattresses are very supportive and provide a lot of back pain relief.

Latex

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 pains.

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.

Mattress Firmness 

Another important factor in reducing back pain is mattress’ firmness. Firmness varies from person to person and mattress to mattress. 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.

Again, if you’re not sure which is best, you can always try some before you make your final choice. According to Dr. Navin Ramchandani, “If relieving back pain is your main concern when it comes to finding a mattress, an overly soft mattress may provide too much cushioning, and not enough support to ease your pain. Firmer mattresses usually provide the proper support needed to relieve back pain.”

Sleeping Position

The position you prefer to sleep in should definitely be a consideration when choosing a mattress. Whether you prefer to sleep on your side, your stomach, your back or a combination of positions, there is a mattress for you that will also provide pain relief for your back. In fact, many are engineered to support a variety of sleep positions.

Motion Transfer

If you plan to share your bed, you’ll want a mattress that minimizes motion transfer. That way, you and your partner won’t be woken up every time one of you has to get out of bed or change positions. If this aspect is important to you, you’ll want to find a mattress that has characteristics designed to eliminate motion transfer.

Temperature

Are you a hot sleeper? Many older styles and cheap mattresses tend to retain heat. If you want cooling comfort in addition to pressure relief for your back, you’ll want to invest in a mattress designed for ventilation. Many of the newer types of foam used in high-quality mattresses are engineered to keep you cooler. Related: Best mattress for hot sleepers

Edge Support

If you sleep near the edge of your mattress or sit on the edge of the bed often, you’ll want a mattress with good edge support. If this is particularly important, you may want to opt for an innerspring mattress as foam mattresses, by nature, don’t offer great edge support. If you’re planning to purchase an innerspring mattress, I recommend looking for a mattress with upgraded foam encasement around the edge as opposed to the old-fashioned steel rods on the side.

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. Finally, there are other factors that might be important such as motion transfer, temperature, and edge support.

I’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