Last Updated On September 29, 2022 Transparency Disclosure – We may receive a referral fee for products purchased through the links on our site... Read More. Purchasing a top-quality mattress for back pain is
essential for your health and well-being, but with so many options available, it can be a challenge to know which product will provide you with the best relief while you sleep. In recent years, more consumers have been able to purchase mattresses directly from companies online. Cutting out the middle-man, like retail stores, creates an opportunity to save costs and make higher-quality products affordable and accessible to more people. We want to help you find the best product for your needs. Persistent back
pain can wreak havoc on a person’s life, and that includes affecting sleep. Investing in a quality mattress, however, could help ease your back pain and allow you to rest better. We've narrowed down what we believe to be the best mattresses to help with back pain and feel confident you'll find something that gives you the level of support you're looking for. Shopping Recommendation: Are you confident that a mattress for back pain is the perfect
option for you? If so, continue exploring this page! If you're unsure or want to learn about more great mattress options available then we recommend you check out our highest-rated bed picks. It is a great starting place for most mattress shoppers because it includes a diverse list of mattress picks based on various preferences, styles, and needs. It also includes links to an additional 60+ best mattress pages from
Sleep Advisor (example: best mattress for stomach sleepers). Our Top 10 Mattresses for Back Pain Reviewed
HIGHLIGHTS:
DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid has five layers with materials that work together to ease back pain and keep the spine aligned. The construction starts with a soft-to-the-touch cashmere cover with quilted foam. Next is the pressure-relief comfort layer made of gel memory foam that contours to all body shapes. The third layer provides structure and firmness, preventing you from sinking into the bed. The following is the essential base layer, followed by the innerspring unit. DreamCloud’s combination of foams and individually-wrapped coils provides enough pushback support for spinal alignment. The bed has good edge support, so you can use the entire surface of the bed without the edges sagging. Why did we pick it?
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Memory foam is known to help with easing back pain for side, back, and stomach sleepers. Back pain can be persistent, keeping you awake at night regardless of your preferred sleeping position. Nectar’s medium-firm feel helps ease the pain in typical pressure points while keeping the spine aligned in all positions. And, its competitive price makes it an excellent option for value-seekers. Nectar features a cover made from polyurethane, polyester, and nylon, designed to pull the heat away from the body. Below the cover is the 2-inch gel-infused memory foam to regulate the bed’s temperature and prevent the foams from overheating. Next is the 4-inch soft conventional foam, followed by the 6-inch base layer that supports the body in all sleeping positions. Why did we pick it?
Want to learn more? Here's our full Nectar guide.
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WinkBeds EcoCloud is a hybrid mattress made from high-quality materials such as OEKO-TEX100 certified Talalay latex, organic cotton, and sustainable New Zealand wool. The bed is excellent for back pain as it has a unique innerspring support system with 5-zoned individually wrapped coils. The innerspring system supports the body, allowing proper spine alignment, and helping relieve pressure. This WinkBeds mattress fits side sleepers, although it should fit other sleeping positions equally well. The construction offers gentle cradling and is responsive, making it easy to change positions. In addition, the bed has Extra-Edge™ anti-sag support system, allowing you to sit or sleep near the edge. Why we like it:
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Saatva beds are specifically engineered for a pain-free sleep with features that target the lumbar area for enhanced back support and optimal spinal alignment. This hybrid innerspring mattress blends memory foam comfort with coil-on-coil support for a classic feel. Why did it make the list?
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The Helix Dusk is a hybrid mattress that should work well for combination sleepers with back pain. Back pain can prevent you from falling asleep or wake you up in the middle of the night, so you need a mattress that eases the pain for a more comfortable sleep. The Helix Dusk is good for stomach and back sleepers, but side sleepers may prefer a softer bed. Combo sleepers who sometimes sleep on their side shouldn’t struggle with pressure build-up. The mattress has two foam layers on top of hundreds of individual coils to hug the body while providing sufficient support to keep the spine aligned. Why did it make our list?
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The Nolah Evolution is designed to draw the heat away from your body and prevent back pain. The mattress is 15 inches tall, featuring multiple cooling features to keep hot sleepers cool throughout the night. The construction starts with an organic cotton cover, HTC™ topper, AirBreath™ heat escape gusset, and the brand’s Cooling Nolah AirFoamICE™. Next are the high-resilience foam, transition foam, coils, and the plant fiber foundation layer. The Nolah Evolution contains reinforced coils at the perimeter for enhanced edge support. The extra support prevents the bed from sagging near the edges, allowing the sleepers to use the entire surface of the mattress. Why we like it
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Leesa Legend is a sustainable mattress made with natural and recycled materials. The bed features a hypoallergenic cover made from Merino wool and organic cotton to resist bacteria and wick away moisture. Leesa Legend is 12 inches tall, featuring six layers of foam and coils. The first layer is comfort foam with punch holes for improved breathability. Next is the classic memory foam, followed by a 1.5-inch layer with micro-pocket springs. The fourth layer is made from firmer polyfoam standing above the supportive core with 1,000 pocketed springs. The springs offer targeted support and improved motion isolation. The final layer is a 1-inch base layer that gives stability and structure. Why we like it
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If you’re going to purchase a new mattress to help with your back pain, you want to be sure it’s a smart investment. Many shoppers are also working with limited budgets and need a quality bed that won’t break the bank. The Bear Hybrid, which features top-quality construction and innovative materials, is our pick for the best mattress for the money. This hybrid has a cool-to-the-touch moisture-wicking cover, followed by copper-infused memory foam. The two layers provide maximum airflow and cooling to create a clean sleeping environment. In addition, the Bear Hybrid features responsive foam, edge-to-edge coils, and high-density foam that acts as a base for added structure and durability. Why did we pick it?
HIGHLIGHTS:
Puffy Original is a memory foam mattress with a 5-layer sleep system and full-body support. The bed is rated medium-firm, so it should fit all sleeping positions, although some dedicated side sleepers may prefer a softer mattress. The bed’s 5-layer sleep system delivers cooling, support, and comfort without sinking. The system isolates motion, making this a good bed for partners with different sleeping habits. In addition, Puffy has cooling properties thanks to the gel-infused foam that allows optimal temperature control. The foam is cool to the touch, helping pull the heat away from your body instead of building it up on the surface. What stands out?
HIGHLIGHTS:
Stomach and back sleepers who struggle with back pain should benefit from the Awara Natural Hybrid mattress providing luxurious comfort. The bed features organic materials like latex, cotton, and New Zealand wool, so it’s an excellent option for eco-conscious shoppers. What helps with back pain is the coil unit with 8-inch individually-wrapped coils acting as the support layer that holds the body in perfect alignment without letting it sink. In addition, individual wrapping helps reduce motion transfer, which is always a plus. The bed also has a 2-inch Dunlop latex layer above the coil unit, contouring to your curves while supporting joints and pressure points. Why we like it:
Why You Should Trust UsThe Sleep Advisor team reviews each mattress in person so we have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. To begin, we unbox the mattress and place it onto a bedframe. We first asses the cover, looking for features like cooling, softness, and cushioning. The next step is to evaluate how the bed performs under pressure, first by applying pressure with our hands and then in each sleep position. Lying in different positions lets us know how supportive the bed is and if it’s good at relieving pressure. After that, we’ll perform a series of tests for additional features, such as bounce, motion isolation, and edge support. The final testing portion is to determine if there are any new mattress smells present, which is known as off-gassing. These smells usually go away within a day or two, but it’s helpful to know if you can expect any right away, particularly if you’re sensitive to odors. We then take all the information we’ve gathered to rate the bed in individual categories as well as how it stacks up overall. This gives us a thorough idea of who we would recommend this product to, helping our readers find the right mattress for their needs. Buying Considerations for Mattress Shoppers with Back PainLower Back SupportAches and pains radiating from your lower back is common for many sleepers (upper back pain is less common). However, going to sleep shouldn’t be associated with added pressure on your body. Now, keep in mind that firmness and support are not the same characteristics, even though quite a lot of people commonly get them confused. You can easily have a soft or plush mattress which still offers fantastic support. At the same time, if your bed is firm, it doesn’t mean that it would give poor support or lack comfort. An adequate level of support should genuinely result from a mattress that manages to align your spine properly. At the same time, the bed should also remain perfectly comfortable. If you experience pressure, it could be because the mattress is not comfortable and you can’t seem to find the sleeping position that helps you relax. FirmnessFirmness relates to the initial and subjective sensation that you get when you lay down on the mattress. The question many people ask is: Are firm mattresses truly better for back health issues? Now, when it comes to back sleepers, there is an ideal firmness for most, and it is medium-firm. This means that you should aim for a new mattress that falls into that category on the mattress firmness scale. In this scenario, ten is the extra firm setting. This is the perfect firmness level for so many because it brings the necessary balance between the push-back support and the required softness for comfort. This should remove the pressure from your lower back and allow for a good night’s sleep. With that said, some people tend to feel that a softer or firmer mattress is better for their back. Of course, this is somewhat individual and it is based on your sleeping style.  Another consideration to account for when determining the ideal firmness for your back pain would be your weight. For instance, the heavier you are, the more pressure your body would exert on the mattress and the more it would impact it. Therefore, you might be looking at something firmer to compensate for this sinking. On the other hand, lighter weight people tend to stay away from those as it might get them feeling as if they are on a board on top of the mattress. They could potentially exacerbate their back issues. Also, keep in mind that most mattresses have a “break-in” period where the firmness level may change. Need help? Check out our firm and soft mattress comparison. Back Pain Pressure PointsIf there is an overly vital area to be attentive to when suffering from back pain, it’s the pressure points that an improper mattress can cause on your body. These points mean that there is extra push back to a specific area. This can cause misalignment throughout your body and your spine. Once it has moved out of alignment, there is an increased amount of pressure placed on your spine. That’s one of the common causes of back pain. Thinking about it that way may just help you answer the question, “Is a firm mattress good for your back?” from a whole new angle. With this said, it’s essential to ensure that you aren’t sleeping on a bed that places too much pressure on your spine. This is also true for any major joints. That’s what’s going to allow your body to rest in a relaxed state. The chance of pressure points forming along the spine as well as the lower back is diminished dramatically when the appropriate product is picked. Learn more: Mattress That Cause Back Pain Pressure points are capable of causing long-term deformations and pains along your spine. This isn’t something that you can likely afford as it can quickly turn into a chronic condition. How Different Mattress Types Affect Back PainThe type of material that you chose can be determined by your current back and health condition as well as the different requirements of people who prefer to sleep on their back, side or stomach. Memory FoamIs memory foam good for your back? Or is it causing back pain and hurting your overall back pain health? In
fact, memory foam may be your best option, so you may just need an updated product. Our research reveals that people with back problems usually prefer addressing them through memory foam solutions. Studies indicate that the majority of people who have gone through a painful experience resulting in back pain own a memory foam mattress because this is what
brings them satisfaction and pain relief. It is all due to unique properties as well as the behavior of this foam. Returning to the initial point of firm vs. soft, an important feature to consider is the density of the foam. This is where things get a bit more complicated given the physics involved. To keep it simple – 5 PCF memory foams should provide you with optimal spinal alignment and support. On the other hand, medium density foams of 4 PCF offer a little less contouring while the low-density ones between 2 and 3 PCF are not likely to be as effective as the previous ones. Keep in mind, though, that a lot of the modern mattresses come with various infusions to enhance the coolness as well as the responsiveness of the mattress. LatexLatex is another highly recommended material which is also regarded as one of the best choices for chronic back pain issues. The most
appealing thing about it is the fact that it’s more responsive than memory foam and it’s generally cooler. However, it’s also not typically quite as contouring. Mattresses made of latex rate quite well amongst people who have back issues and about 33% of people who own a bed of this kind tend to claim that the unit has definitively provided them with pressure relief. This is a premium material which is rather spongy. It is going to push into your body instantly which attempts to maximize its contouring capabilities. This is a highly recommended option for people who suffer from severe back pain. It is a premium option, and it is usually a bit more expensive in comparison. Find Out More: Best Latex Beds InnerspringNow, when it comes to innerspring beds, what you need to consider is that there are orthopedic solutions that are known to offer full-body level of support. These solutions tend to take advantage of the pocket spring/coil system, which is quite popular. These are mattresses that contain hundreds or thousands of coils, and each one wrapped individually. They act independently and on their own to enhance the contouring capabilities
of the mattress. However, some can be a bit lacking in this regard when stacked against regular memory foam options. The general rule to consider if you decide to buy a mattress of the kind is to aim for between 1,000-2,000 springs. If you weigh more than 400 pounds or so, you should consider a mattress with more than 2,000 springs or look into the gauge of the wire. This could be a great option for pain treatment, but do your research; if less coils are used, find out about the properties of the wire. How Back Pain Affects SleepHundreds of conditions can contribute to back pain, which is a pretty vague term in itself. One could be referring to the various muscles, ribs, shoulders, or any region of the spine. While this may make it hard for some doctors to provide an accurate diagnosis, the good news is that all of these conditions have some commonalities when it comes to sleep. Whether it’s due to tenderness on the pressure points, or soreness that makes it difficult to move, back pain contributes to sleep disturbances significantly in a variety of ways. View Our Guide: How to Cope With Pain and Sleep DisruptionsWhen you’re dealing with an injury, it can be difficult to get comfortable, and once you do, you’ll probably lay still while you sleep. While this is good news for your rest, it could cause the inflamed regions of your back to swell up, causing pain and potentially waking you up to move and relieve some swelling. Longer Sleep LatencyIf you struggle to get comfortable or need a mountain of strategically placed pillows to get to sleep, you probably spend a fair amount of time tossing and turning. Because of the circadian rhythm that determines the release of sleepy hormones, most of the restorative non-rem sleep occurs early in the first half of the evening. So, if you’re taking hours to fall asleep, you could be missing out on the healing time your body desperately needs to repair your injuries. Changed Sleep CyclesMany people take medications to help with pain management, and while they may help you fall asleep, many of them change the way you rest, altering the phases. Normally we get most of our slow-wave deep sleep in the first half of the night and go through the majority of rapid-eye-movement or REM phases in the second half of the night. This is where we dream. When you take opioids or other medications to help you rest, studies show these reduce the amounts of both slow-wave or restorative sleep and REM sleep, meaning you could wake up without feeling rested even if you get eight hours. Get More Info: The 4 Stages of Sleep Your Spine While you SleepOne of the main functions of the spinal cord is to maintain balance so we can walk upright and our motor controls can function properly. If you’ve ever heard someone say it’s a miracle that humans can walk upright, it’s not so far from the truth. However, it takes a lot of subconscious effort, and the spinal curve is essential for it all to work. Why Does it Matter?
When the body experiences trauma, like a car accident, a fall from a ladder, or slipping on the ice, the body has to find a way to accommodate the damage, heal it, and keep us walking upright. These changes can create misalignments that sometimes last for years and cause pain. If you’re wondering what this has to do with sleep, the answer is two-fold. One, sleeping wrong can be enough trauma to cause these issues, and two, sleeping right is a big part of healing these issues. So while those with chronic back pain might think they have a rocky relationship with sleep, the real issue might be the habits or the mattress. Creating Optimal Spinal AlignmentWhen we enter slow-wave sleep, our muscles are not paralyzed like in REM (Rapid Eye Movement) periods, and we may move around. This could mean rolling around and winding up in odd sleeping positions. If you have a mattress with zoned support, this shouldn’t be a big deal as long as you don’t wind yourself into a pretzel. The mattress should do the work in letting your shoulders and hips sink in a little while supporting the spine. However, if you’re on an ultra-hard bed and end up on your side, you could end up messing with the spinal curve, and if you’re already dealing with pain and inflammation, this isn’t great news. Mattresses have come a long way in the past few years and many companies have realized the benefits of proper spinal alignment for sleep. When you’re laying on the side, proper alignment should be fairly straight, allowing the hips and shoulders to sink in slightly while supporting the middle. Mattresses that offer zoned support tend to be great at this.
When sleeping on your back, there should be a slight curve in the spine, with support in the mid and low back, while allowing the neck to rest backward. If you live in the twenty-first century, you probably spend a fair amount of time looking at screens. Whether on your phone, a computer, or a gaming device. Doctors have found this creates an issue commonly called “text neck” meaning the neck juts forward unnaturally and the shoulders roll forward. To correct this problem, many doctors recommend sleeping on your back with a pillow that supports the curve of your neck, allowing the head to fall back and undo some of the day’s damage while reestablishing the cervical curve. Check Out Our Guide: Top Rated Pillows for Back Pain Is Spinal Alignment the Most Important Factor?Spinal alignment is certainly important, but it’s not the only factor when it comes to sleeping with back pain. Pressure relief is also important for helping you reduce pain and get to sleep. However, it’s important to find a material that relieves pressure while still allowing movement. If you find you’re waking up stiff and sore but feel better after you get moving, you could be dealing with swelling or inflammation in the joints or muscle tissue. While this can occur in almost any type of injury, it’s usually a sign that the injury isn’t getting motion, especially while you sleep. When it comes to spinal injuries or misalignments, most chiropractors and physical therapists will treat the issue by aligning the spine and increasing motion to reduce inflammation and swelling. If you can move around easily when you sleep, either to reposition or rollover, your body may be able to help aid in that process. Why We Get Back ProblemsAbout 80% of sleepers are likely to come across some type of lower back pain throughout their lifetime. Of course, it goes without saying that not everyone is actually affected in the same way by these issues. However, this doesn’t mean that you should stay uninformed about them. Some have the potential to get worse over
time. There are two types of back pain that are commonly observed: Acute pain that lasts for less than about six weeks and chronic pain which is less frequent but longer lasting. This is according to the reputable Mayo Clinic. The breakdown is followed by serious research and studies carried over periods of time and a
lot of back pain sufferers. With this in mind, there are also different causes for back pain (even cancer). Here are a few common ones and some tips on how to prevent them. Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back StrainLower back or lumbar pain could result from a range of different causes. However, these are causes that are associated with the lumbar disc directly or with muscle strains. This could actually result from sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or any other twists. In any case, the thing that you need to do here is to get a proper and professional consultation with your doctor. This is based on the prediction that you might have fallen into a specific situation with particular medical requirements. These might determine the firmness as well as the material type of your bed. The only person who could provide you with thorough and actionable advice on the mattress that you should get is your doctor. And, keep in mind that this should happen only after careful and thorough examination. The source of the pain needs to be isolated and targeted properly. Stress and AnxietyBelieve it or not, stress is likely to be the most common cause of issues with your back. It might be hard to measure the exact amount of pressure that you might be feeling, and there are quite a few studies on that matter which show that stress could cause a lack of sleep. This means that you could be turning and tossing quite a lot through the night. The more you do so, the more susceptible you are to straining and pulling a muscle. But that’s not the worst part – you can be more vulnerable to falling asleep in a wrong position that you are not used to. This is what could make matters worse. There are a few things that you could do here to rectify the situation, apart from getting a proper and comfortable mattress. First, you could get a massage – this could potentially alleviate a lot of the stress that has been built up (as long as your doctor okays it). You should also eat more nourishing foods and consider exercising properly. Sleep DisordersSleep disorders usually entail breathing related problems, snoring, or sleep apnea. When your back is supported firmly and properly, the air can easily and freely flow to your lungs. This is going to help minimize the effects of sleep conditions of any kind, and it is also going to reduce snoring. There are also a few different sleeping disorders that can also have an impact on your back pain. It’s important to understand that sleeping disorders also translate to a lack of sleep. Just as with stress – you may fall asleep in a wrong position, sometimes bringing far more complicated issues. Frequently Asked Questions about Mattresses for Back PainDoes my pillow matter?While a better mattress certainly can help with back pain and proper spinal alignment, it isn’t the only factor. When paired with the proper pillow, the duo could help reduce back pain and contribute to a healthier sleep experience by properly elevating the neck and shoulders for better support. Read More: Our Best Pillows Guide ConclusionSleeping with chronic back pain can turn your evening into a nightmare. Luckily, the right mattress can help move you in the right direction towards a better night of sleep. Remember, we don't believe there is one mattress that stands above the rest when it comes to back soreness relief. It's all about finding one that meets your personal sleep preferences (including materials), budget, and unique pain issues. We hope this guide was helpful to you. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave us a comment below! Resources:
Jill ZwarensteynEditor Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness. Based in Los Angeles, she is an experienced writer and journalist who enjoys spending her free time at the beach, hiking, reading, or exploring new places around town. She’s also an avid traveler who has a personal goal of being able to successfully sleep on an airplane someday. Which mattress type is best for back pain?Memory foam and latex mattresses are often considered the best options for back pain, as they conform to your body, cradling pressure points while supporting your spine and keeping it aligned.
Is memory foam or spring better for back pain?Memory foam molds to your body and provides pressure relief, alleviating joint and back pain. It aligns with the natural curvature of your spine offering better support. Spring mattresses are not able to uniformly support the body, causing damage to pressure-points.
What firmness is best for back pain?When in Doubt, Go 'Medium-Firm' Research is limited, but in one study, researchers assigned new mattresses to more than 300 people with low back pain. They used either "medium-firm" or "firm" mattresses for 90 days. Those in the medium group reported the least amount of discomfort.
What mattress is best for back pain firm or soft?A softer mattress is usually recommended for those who are experiencing back pain on a standard mattress, or those who have pre-existing back problems. They're also recommended for lighter individuals as a harder mattress can end up not compressing for them at all.
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Best mattress to buy for back pain
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