Mattress Reviews
Best Mattresses
Compare Mattresses
Accessory Reviews
Sleep Science
Sleep Disorders
Sleep Tips
Health
If you are one of the estimated 65 million Americans who have experienced back pain in the last year, your mattress might be contributing to the problem. However, the right mattress can help alleviate your discomfort. To help you find the right bed, our team of certified sleep science coaches and product experts has tested over 375 mattresses and compiled a comprehensive list of the best mattresses for back pain.
Before a mattress is considered, it must meet our rigorous 13-point mattress testing criteria, which include using testers with different body types and preferred sleep positions for each bed to bring you thoughtful, well-rounded evaluations. Our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joseph J. Tedesco, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, also regularly visits our Charlotte, NC, sleep studio to test mattresses and give us his professional feedback on their potential benefits and drawbacks.
Once you have read this article, we feel confident youโll join the more than 132,000 people weโve helped find their ideal mattress.
Sleepopolisโ Best In Rest โ Back Pain
Nectar shines as the best overall pick due to the contouring of its softer foams and the support offered by its firmer foams โ both key factors for reducing back pain.
Best Mattresses for Back Pain
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress โ Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Helix Midnight Luxe w/ErgoAlign Layer โ Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers With Back Pain
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid โ Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
- Saatva Classic โ Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
- WinkBed Mattress โ Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress โ Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain
- Saatva Rx Mattress โ Best Mattress for Back Sleepers With Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress โ Best Luxury Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid โ Best Cheap Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress โ Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Titan Plus Core โ Most Supportive Mattress for Sleepers With Back Pain
Current Top Deals
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress โ Save Up to 50% on Mattresses + 66% on Bundles
- Helix Midnight Luxe w/ErgoAlign Layer โ 27% Off Sitewide with Code SLEEPOPOLIS27
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid โ 25% Off Mattresses | Up to 30% Off Mattress and Adjustable Base Bundle | 25% Off Bedding
- Saatva Classic โ $300 Off Orders of $1,000 or More
- WinkBed Mattress โ 30% Off All Mattresses
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
How We Picked the Best Mattresses for Back Pain
Our firmness scale places mattresses from 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest possible mattress, and 10 is the firmest. Our testers consider a 6.5 out of 10 as a true medium-firm mattress, offering a balanced feel of comfort and support. Medium firm is our general firmness advice for folks seeking to relieve back pain, as it provides comfort and support.
After testing over 375 mattresses, our testers found that the average firmness is
6.7 out of 10, confirming that most manufacturers aim for that medium-firm sweet spot. For this list, we favored mattresses that fall within the 6 to 7.5 range (most are 6.5) or come in multiple firmness options, as this firmness seems to best accommodate those with back pain.
The Sleepopolis team has tested each of these mattresses to determine which sleeping positions and body types they best serve, with a primary focus on support. A supportive bed can lift the body into a neutral spinal alignment to help prevent aches and pains. We evaluate support by cutting open the mattress and examining its materials, then seeing how lifted we feel by the bed. If we felt the mattress was supportive, then it was a contender for this list. We tended to favor beds that earned a support score of 4 or higher.
To measure pressure relief, we place a specialized mat over each mattress we test, which then records and displays where pressure builds up in the three major sleep positions. The data is transmitted to a computer, creating a color-coded graphic called a โpressure mapโ that helps us determine how comfortable a bed might be for certain areas of the body. For back pain, we looked for mattresses that mostly displayed blue in the upper back and lumbar areas.
This test also measures pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI) to determine an overall pressure relief score. Over time, our testers have found that the average PSIs for back and side sleeping are 15.1 and 12.6, respectively. A lower-than-average PSI usually means that the bed is less prone to pressure buildup in those positions. For the best mattresses for back pain, we tended to favor those that fell below the average PSI across all sleeping positions.
Weโve developed a rigorous testing methodology that tells us how each mattress performs and who it might be a good fit for. All the beds on this list have been evaluated for pressure relief, cooling, responsiveness, edge support, and more.
Our team of certified sleep science coaches has tested more than 500 mattresses over the last decade, allowing us to guide more than 145,000 people to the best mattress for them. Not only do we use and evaluate these products ourselves, but we also consult with doctors and other professionals to ensure we keep up to date with the latest in sleep science and medicine. For example, Dr. Joe Tedesco (DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS) comes into our studio to personally test mattresses and give a medical perspective on each product.
Need help finding the right mattress?
Compare the Best Mattresses for Back Pain
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress with Ergoalign Layer | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | Saatva Classic | WinkBed Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress | Titan Plus Core | |
| Rating | |||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-Soft: 6/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Multiple Firmness Options | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | ||
Best Mattress for Back Pain Video Review
Nectar โ Best Mattress for Back Pain Overall
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: itโs definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
โI think back sleepers are going to love the Nectar Classic. These sleepers will get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good nightโs sleep. Similarly, lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers should find that they get enough support around their hips to sleep comfortably on this mattress. The Nectar Classic is firm enough to keep these sleepersโ spines in a healthy position.โ โ Kenny Timper, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Why Itโs the Best Mattress for Back Pain Overall
- The all-foam flagship Nectar Classic mattress offers a mix of pressure relief and support that may ease back pain.
- This mattress costs less than $1,000 for a queen-size.
- It earned a 4 or higher in nearly all performance categories, including edge support, motion isolation, and responsiveness.
How Did It Perform in Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
The memory foam version of the Nectar does a great job of dampening motion.
Cooling: 4.5/5
After lying on it for 5 minutes, the temperature of the Nectar only increased by 5.4 degrees.
Response: 4/5
Despite being an all-foam bed, the Nectar is surprisingly easy to change positions on.
Edge Support: 4/5
There was more sinkage along the edge while sitting on it, but one could lie on it without falling off.
Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
The Nectar Classic felt great on our testersโ backs, but they noticed some pressure buildup on their sides.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Nectar Classic is a medium-firm memory foam mattress.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
After testing the Nectar, chief medical product tester Dr. Joe Tedesco said, โThis bed can be great for those with back pain, especially if you need to stay aligned to feel comfort because it creates a very supported feeling. Those with back pain who need structural support will likely think this bed is great.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | unpleasant | good | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | good | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | good |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | good |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
Although the Nectar is a memory foam mattress with a slow-moving, contouring feel, it still offers balanced support for back pain, including a fairly solid perimeter that allows sleepers to use the entire bed surface without fear of the edges collapsing. Couples may also appreciate its motion isolation, while combination sleepers should find it easy to move around on. It even features a cooling cover to keep temperatures low. However, it may not be soft enough for some side sleepers, especially those with sensitive hips or shoulders.
Choose the Nectar if โฆ
- You sleep with a partner. You should barely feel your partnerโs movements on this bed, ensuring you both rest undisturbed.
- You run hot. Though the Nectar wasnโt cool to the touch, it impressed by remaining temperature-neutral throughout our testing.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You like to sit at the edge of the bed. Lying down along the Nectarโs perimeter had our testers feeling stable, but sitting down created quite a lot of sinkage.
- Youโre a lightweight side sleeper. Although our lightweight tester felt comfortable on her back on the Nectar, she wasnโt as keen on it when she was on her side. For something with better pressure relief for these sleepers, check out the Helix Midnight Luxe.
For more information about this bed, read our full Nectar mattress review.
Helix Midnight Luxe With ErgoAlign Layer โ Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers With Back Pain
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness. The Midnight is one of their medium models. It has enough contouring for side sleepers, but should still be supportive enough for back sleepers, as long as they donโt mind a softer bed. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
โI like the Helix Midnight Luxe for back sleepers and side sleepers. The medium-soft to medium-firm feel should give these folks the right balance of comfort and support.โ โ Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Why Itโs the Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain
- The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid with a luxurious feel, thanks to its pressure-relieving pillow top, which should contour to the spine and reduce pain points.
- The bedโs coil unit provides great springiness, making it easier for combination sleepers with back pain to switch positions.
- With its approachable medium firmness (we rated it at 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale), the Midnight Luxe is sure to please a wide variety of sleepers, not just those with back pain or the side sleepers it was designed for.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4/5
Our partner test showed that the Helix Midnight Luxe has solid motion isolation.
Cooling: 4/5
A 7-degree temperature increase after 5 minutes spent on the bed marks a good cooling mattress.
Response: 4/5
It was pretty easy to move around on this bed, despite some pushback from the softer top.
Edge Support: 4.8/5
The edges were exceptionally strong, earning a near-perfect score from our tester.
Pressure Relief: 4.2/5
Our pressure map test showed negligible pressure buildup in all sleeping positions.
Firmness: 6.5/10
This bedโs hybrid construction yields a true medium-firm feel.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
Dr. Tedesco was a fan of this bed for side and stomach sleepers. This is a bit of an anomaly, as side sleepers usually need a much softer bed than stomach sleepers. He said, โThis could be great for side sleepers with back pain because I feel that my pelvis lifted. For some people, this can mean opening up space in the lower back, which could feel very therapeutic. However, when I switched to my stomach, my knees were lower than my butt, and I felt a posterior pelvic tilt, making it a solid choice for stomach sleepers with back pain.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | good |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | unpleasant | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
The Helix Midnight Luxe earned a 4 or higher in all our tests, including motion isolation and cooling. The reinforced coils along the perimeter of the mattress also keep it from sagging, even as the plush pillow top compresses when bearing weight. And although we didnโt test a model with the optional ErgoAlign Layer, it is a worthwhile addition for back pain sufferers. This layer uses zoned dense foam to provide additional back support and pressure relief where you need it most.
Choose the Helix Midnight Luxe if โฆ
- Youโre a side and back sleeper. These positions should glean the most pressure relief and comfort from the Midnight Luxeโs plusher pillow top.
- You like to spread out. The bedโs rock-solid edges earned a near-perfect rating since they barely budged when we sat or lay down on them.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You want a long trial period. The Helix Midnight Luxe comes with only a 120-night trial, unlike other beds on this list that offer a full year, like the Saatva.
- Youโre looking for a cheaper bed. Itโs a luxury mattress with a price tag to match, which may deter some budget shoppers. Consider the original Helix Midnight model if youโre after affordability.
For more information about this bed, read our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review.
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid โ Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress, available in three firmness levels. We tested the Medium-Firm model and felt it was just softer than average. It should be especially comfortable for back sleepers and side sleepers. The bed also has some effective cooling technology built into it, which helps to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
โSleepers with joint pain can appreciate the soft, plush feel, which can reduce tension and stiffness at their pressure points. I also think back sleepers and side sleepers will be comfortable on this mattress.โ โ Riley Otis, staff writer
Why Itโs the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
- The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid earned an overall score of 4.7 out of 5 for pressure relief in the side-sleeping position (and a 4.5 out of 5 for overall pressure relief) from our testers across all weight categories.
- The Medium model is true-to-feel at a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which should contour to the hips and shoulders while still supporting the spine to address back pain.
- As the name suggests, the Sapira Chill Hybrid should also be a good match for side sleepers who run hot.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 3.7/5
The water sloshed around quite a bit during our ripple test, indicating just-average motion isolation.
Cooling: 4.5/5
This bed lived up to its name with its exceptional cooling abilities.
Response: 4.5/5
Moving around was largely seamless, save for rolling over on the doughier pillow top.
Edge Support: 3.9/5
While our tester found the edge support acceptable, there was more sagging in our weighted tests.
Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Our pressure map results showed almost no pressure buildup on the Leesa Sapira Chill.
Firmness: 6/10
We found the Leesa Sapira Chillโs construction to have a softer feel.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
After trying out the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid, Dr, Tedesco says this is a solid mattress for side sleepers with back pain, particularly if they need to prioritize a neutral spine. โI am very comfortable with a pillow on my side,โ he explains. โMy hips arenโt falling into the mattress, and my ankles and hips donโt have any extra pressure. Even better, thereโs the right amount of softness to relieve pressure at the joints, but the coils underneath are providing enough support to keep the spine straight and neutral.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | excellent | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | excellent | excellent | unpleasant |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | unpleasant | unpleasant | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid comes in multiple firmness options, but the Medium model should be the best for folks who need a balanced sleep surface. Side sleepers with back pain will feel plenty of contouring and get the support they need to back it up. The bed ultimately earned high marks for cooling, responsiveness, and overall pressure relief. Our tester also called the Leesa Sapira Chillโs edge support โsolid,โ but not the best sheโs ever seen.
Choose the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid if โฆ
- You overheat at night. The mattress cover felt cool to the touch and helped the bed remain comfortably neutral throughout our temperature test.
- You toss and turn. Even with the bedโs doughy-feeling pillow top, we were able to move around on its surface rather easily.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You want rock-solid edge support. Our weighted edge support test showed significant sagging, suggesting that heavier sleepers may experience greater instability.
- Youโre a light sleeper. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid earned its lowest score in motion isolation (3.7 out of 5), a common drawback to beds with innerspring coils. For a bed thatโs a better fit for couples, I recommend the Nectar.
For more information about this bed, read our full Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid mattress review.
Saatva Classic โ Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
The Saatvaโs coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. Itโs a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling โstuckโ in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
โThe Saatva Classicโs springy surface is perfect for combination sleepers looking for ease of movement as they toss and turn throughout the night. Also, back sleepers are perhaps best suited to the bedโs lifted support and balanced cushioning from the pillow top.โ โ Livvi DiCicco, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Why Itโs the Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
- The Saatva combines coil-on-coil construction with a cushiony pillow top to win the title of best innerspring mattress for back pain.
- It packs in multiple back-pain-specific enhancements: a layer of foam designed to contour to your lower back, a wire within the coils that promotes proper spinal alignment, and zoning in the center third of the mattress for firmer support.
- The Classic did well in most of our performance tests, but it shone brightest in edge support and responsiveness, landing a 4.8 and 5 out of 5, respectively.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 2.7/5
Our tester could feel a lot of his partnerโs movement on the Saatva.
Cooling: 4/5
This bed has a temperature-neutral feel.
Response: 5/5
The Saatvaโs innerspring feel makes it super bouncy and easy to move around on.
Edge Support: 4.8/5
The perimeter of the Saatva Classic is rock-solid.
Pressure Relief: 4/5
Pressure relief is better for back sleepers than side sleepers on this bed.
Firmness: 7.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic has a firmer feel.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
After spending some time on the Saatva, Dr. Joe Tedesco stated, โThis is an excellent bed for people with back pain โ no matter their preferred sleeping position.โ He was particularly impressed by how evenly his weight was distributed, resulting in a supported, neutrally aligned spine.
Dr. Tedesco also praised the bed for stomach sleepers with back pain, adding: โIโm not anteriorly tilted at all on this bed; in fact, Iโm still pretty neutral. I feel supported and not compressed.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | unpleasant | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | good |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
Our Expert Opinion
The Saatva comes in three different firmness options and two heights. This allows you to tailor the mattress to your specific preferences and create the perfect profile to tackle pesky back pain. We tested the Luxury Firm and think that itโs an excellent choice for most combination sleepers who prefer a firmer feel. It also features rock-solid edges and mega-bounce from its two coil layers. Unfortunately, its motion isolation leaves something to be desired.
Choose the Saatva Classic if โฆ
- Youโre an older adult or have mobility concerns. The Saatva Classicโs perimeter feels just as sturdy as the center of the bed, making transfer in and out of bed seamless.
- You like a bouncy mattress. Itโs easy to launch yourself across the surface of this bed.
Keep looking if โฆ
- Youโre on a budget. As a luxury innerspring, the Saatva costs nearly $2,000 for a queen size โ though itโs worth every penny.
- Youโre a light sleeper who shares the bed. Expect to feel every little twist and turn from your bedmate, as the Saatva Classic amplifies more than stifles motion. For less motion transfer but the same brand, check out the Saatva Rx, also on this list.
For more information about this bed, read our full Saatva Classic mattress review.
WinkBed โ Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
โIf you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, Iโd also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.โ โ Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why Itโs the Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
- This bedโs coil construction also provides ample airflow, resulting in a breathable mattress that should suit most hot sleepers with back pain.
- The WinkBedโs highlighting feature is its sturdy zoned coil unit, which is firmer in the center to provide necessary support for the lumbar area.
- The WinkBed secured a 4.3 or higher in back pressure relief, edge support, and motion isolation, highlighting its overall versatility.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Our tester didnโt notice much movement during our ripple test.
Cooling: 3.5/5
Our cooling test found that the WinkBed did not excel at temperature regulation.
Response: 3/5
It was a little difficult to move around on the WinkBed, despite its hybrid construction.
Edge Support: 4.4/5
We found the WinkBedโs edges to be very strong.
Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
While pressure mapping the WinkBed, our testers found some pressure buildup on their side.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Luxury Firm WinkBed has a medium-firm feel.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
Dr. Tedesco thinks those with back pain will reap the benefits of sleeping on this bed. He added that the even support combined with the softer pillow top should make it an excellent option for those who sleep on their sides. โI prefer sleeping on my back, and when I was in that position, I could have fallen asleep during the few minutes I spent on the WinkBed,โ he said.
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | unpleasant |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | good | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | good |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
The WinkBed is a high-quality hybrid mattress with a hotel-bed feel. It features a dense, cushioning pillow top and sturdy support coils, creating the perfect environment for back sleepers with back pain. Our testers thought it also remained cool throughout testing. Its sturdy edge support should also ensure sleepers can spread out to their heartโs content. However, for a hybrid, we expected it to feel bouncier.
Choose the WinkBed if โฆ
- Youโre primarily a back sleeper. This position earned multiple 5-star ratings from our testers, with many praising how the WinkBed contoured to their lumbar area.
- You share the bed with a partner. The WinkBedโs strong edges and excellent motion absorption should ensure couples have plenty of space to rest undisturbed, side-by-side.
Keep looking if โฆ
- Youโre a dedicated side sleeper. Our testers said they didnโt quite get the support and pressure relief they needed while resting in this position.
- You want ease of movement. While this comfort layer offers back sleepers great pressure relief, combination sleepers who frequently change positions at night might find it more challenging to do so on this mattress. Sound like you? Check out the Plank Firm Luxe.
For more information about this bed, read our full WinkBed mattress review.
Bear Elite Hybrid โ Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an โon top ofโ feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
โIโd recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.โ โ Kenny Timper, lead reviewer and certified sleep science coach
Why Itโs the Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain
- The Bear Elite Hybrid combines pressure-relieving foam and sturdy coils in its hybrid construction, which is great for reducing back pain.
- It comes in multiple firmness models, with the Medium falling a bit firmer than expected at 7 out of 10 on our scale.
- It earned a 4 or higher in our tests for back-sleeping pressure relief, edge support, motion isolation, and responsiveness.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Our tester could only vaguely feel their colleagueโs movements on this bed.
Cooling: 4.5/5
There wasnโt much of a temperature increase after we lay on the bed.
Response: 4/5
It was fairly easy to move between sleeping positions on the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Edge Support: 4.4/5
We found that the Bear Elite Hybridโs edges were fairly sturdy.
Pressure Relief: 4.1/5
Back sleeping is best for pressure relief on this mattress.
Firmness: 7/10
The materials of the Bear Elite Hybrid resulted in a somewhat firmer feel for the mid-range model.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
Although it is a little firmer than what typically works for side sleepers, Dr. Tedesco gave an emphatic yes when we asked whether it would work well for side sleepers with back pain. โIn the side position, I feel very supported and cradled,โ he said. โI donโt notice any pressure that would lead me to believe that people with back pain wouldnโt enjoy this mattress.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | good |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | unpleasant | good | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | good |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a luxury mattress geared toward folks who are looking for active recovery. The bedโs cool-feeling and pressure-relieving pillow top also helps keep the spine aligned, benefiting sleepers with back pain. The bed earned high marks for motion isolation, edge support, and responsiveness, but it was firmer than expected, which could turn some side sleepers off to the mattress.
Choose the Bear Elite Hybrid if โฆ
- You primarily sleep on your back. This should be the preferred position, as the Bear Elite Hybridโs slightly firmer feel ensures the spine is propped up into alignment, which may help alleviate back pain
- You run hot at night. Our thermal gun recorded a very small increase in surface temperature, indicating that the Bear Elite doesnโt hold onto heat.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You have sensitive hips and shoulders. This bed may cause too much pressure for these folks, especially if theyโre lightweight side sleepers.
- Youโre looking for a more affordable bed. Its $2,000 price point for a queen-sized mattress wonโt fit all budgets. Instead, take a look at the Bear Original, Bearโs more affordable foam mattress.
For more information about this bed, read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review.
Saatva Rx โ Best Mattress for Back Sleepers With Back Pain
Designed specifically for sleepers with back pain and joint pain, the Saatva Rx features several layers that combine both foam and coils. This creates a blend of comfort and support throughout the entire mattress thatโs cushioning enough for any aches and pains while still being sturdy enough for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our Saatva Rx video review.
What our tester says:
โOverall, the mattress offers a pleasant mix of comfort and support to create a balanced, medium-firm feel. While lying on the bed, I experienced plushness and cushioning from the quilted cover and upper foam layers, but felt firmly supported by the coils below. I think the unique design of this bed, with features like micro coils and the foam caps on the pocketed coils, contributes to this very balanced feel. โ โ Sosha Leiws, senior staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Why Itโs the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain
- The Saatva Rx is an orthopedic-focused luxury mattress with Saatvaโs proprietary โLumbar Zoneโ technology, consisting of quilting and a gel-infused โcrownโ in the center to support and contour the lower back.
- This bed has a true medium-firm feel, a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which is thought of as an ideal firmness for sleepers with back pain.
- It earned a 4.8 when we averaged side- and back-sleeping pressure relief and a perfect 5 in motion isolation.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 5/5
Our experts did not detect any movement ripple across its surface during testing.
Cooling: 3.5/5
The plush cover layer causes the Saatva Rx to retain more heat than other hybrid model
Response: 4/5
Despite its plush, pressure-relieving foam pillow top, the Rx is easy to move on.
Edge Support: 3.2/5
The soft memory foam layers cause the perimeter of the Rx to sink more than other hybrid beds.
Pressure Relief: 4.8/5
The Saatva Rx is a homerun for anyone with joint pain, thanks to its near-perfect pressure relief.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Saatva Rx has a medium-firm feel that is suitable for most sleepers.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
After Dr. Tedesco tested the Rx, he felt it might be a pain-relief prescription. โThis bed could be a great option for someone who sleeps on their back and has back pain,โ he said. โI feel some nice elevation in my legs, which feels good and gives me some back relief because my legs feel a little lifted; having that slight posterior tilt could provide a lot of relief.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | excellent | excellent | good |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | excellent | excellent | good |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
The Saatva Rx gets its name from its intended purpose: itโs a prescription for those with chronic joint pain. Therefore, itโs outfitted with a plush-feeling Euro top thatโs balanced with supportive coils, creating a true medium-firm feel. Itโs best for back and side sleepers who want to sink deeply into their mattress, but may not be firm enough for folks who sleep on their stomach.
Choose the Saatva Rx if โฆ
- You have arthritis. In addition to easing back pain, folks with arthritic joint pain will appreciate the Saatva Rxโs pressure relief and cradling feel, which will protect these sensitive areas.
- Youโre a light sleeper with a restless partner. The Rx earned a 5-out-of-5 rating for its excellent motion absorption, which means you shouldnโt feel a peep from your side of the bed.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You sleep hot. Despite featuring a breathable organic cotton cover, the Saatva Rxโs cushy top layers retain heat more than wick it away.
- You rest or sit along the edge. Because of its soft pillow top, the mattress surface collapses significantly under weight. For better edge support, consider the Saatva Classic.
For more information about this bed, read our full Saatva Rx mattress review.
Nolah Evolution โ Best Luxury Mattress for Back Pain
The Nolah Evolutionโs hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you wonโt be disturbed by a partnerโs movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
โThereโs enough cushioning for side sleepers to prevent pressure from building at the hips and shoulders. The mattress also scored highly in motion isolation, edge support, cooling, and responsiveness, all of which are important to couples.โ โ Riley Otis, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Why Itโs the Best Luxury Mattress for Back Pain
- A luxury mattress like the Nolah Evolution treats your lumbar aches with layers of sumptuous foams, strong coils, and proprietary features to enhance overall performance and comfort.
- We evaluated the Luxury Firm version of this mattress and found that it was well worth its hefty price tag โ its medium-firm feel is perfect for sleepers with back pain.
- The Nolah Evolution scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in responsiveness, motion isolation, edge support, cooling, and pressure relief.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 5/5
Our tester noticed no movement during our ripple test, resulting in a perfect score for motion isolation.
Cooling: 4.5/5
The Nolah Evolution showed above-average cooling capabilities.
Response: 4/5
Our tester found it fairly easy to roll around on the Nolah Evolution.
Edge Support: 4.6/5
The Nolah Evolution had a strong perimeter, earning a high edge support test.
Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
The bed was good at relieving pressure, though some of our testers wanted more sinkage.
Firmness: 7/10
The springs in the construction made for a slightly firmer feel.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
In addition to its top-notch materials and construction, this bed is an excellent choice for those with back pain. After Dr. Tedesco tested the Evolution, he said, โI think people who have back pain could stand to benefit from this mattress. With this mattress, you get some great weightlessness and slight posterior tilt as a back sleeper, which is ideal for alleviating hip and back pain.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | excellent | excellent | good |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | unpleasant | good | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | good |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
If you want to level up your sleep experience, you canโt go wrong with the Nolah Evolution. This hybrid features super-soft comfort layers that will sumptuously contour to your spine while the coils keep you aligned, reducing the risk of back pain. Itโs a knockout for couples, thanks to its perfect motion isolation rating and robust edge support. However, its high quality and performance come at a high price.
Choose the Nolah Evolution if โฆ
- Youโre a light sleeper. Our testers could barely feel each otherโs movements when they lay on the mattress side by side.
- You like a traditional memory foam feel. Because of its slow-moving upper layers, youโll sink deeply into this mattress.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You weigh over 230 pounds. Our heavyweight tester didnโt find this mattress comfortable in most positions. Iโd only recommend it if you sleep on your back and can handle a softer feel.
- You want a cheaper bed. The Nolah Evolution can run you close to $1,600 for a queen-size, and thatโs usually with sales. For a cheaper bed with a similar feel, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.
For more information about this bed, read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid โ Best Cheap Mattress for Back Pain
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. Itโs a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
โBack sleepers who like an โon topโ feel to their bed should also be able to sleep comfortably on the Signature Hybrid. And thanks to its robust edge support, I recommend it to folks with mobility concerns. These individuals should get enough support from the innerspring coils to bear down on the perimeter of the mattress and get up in the morning.โ โ Kenny Timper, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Why Itโs the Best Mattress for Budget Shoppers with Back Pain
- As Brooklyn Beddingโs self-described โvalue mattress,โ a queen-size Signature Hybrid can cost as low as $1,000, thanks to sales and coupons.
- Our testing found that its simple yet effective combination of foams and springs helped us maintain a healthy sleeping posture, essential for avoiding back pain.
- This bed performed well in our cooling and edge support tests, earning 4.5 and 4.2, respectively.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
This hybrid offers some excellent motion absorption despite the springs in its construction.
Cooling: 3.5/5
The Signature Hybrid felt just okay during our temperature regulation test, but some hot sleepers may prefer a more actively cooling bed.
Response: 4/5
The Signature Hybridโs soft cover layer might make it challenging for some combination sleepers to move around, but you should still get some bounce from the coils.
Edge Support: 3.4/5
We noticed quite a bit of sinkage during our weighted edge support test, but the perimeter does help you โbounceโ to your feet.
Pressure Relief: 4.8/5
The soft cushioning of the Signature Hybrid makes it a good option for back and side sleepers.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid falls right at the industry standard of medium-firm.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
Dr. Tedesco said the Signature Hybrid was an excellent choice for back and side sleepers with back pain. โOn my back and side, I can tell that the bed is providing great support for my spineโs natural curves through the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine,โ he said. โYou arenโt put in any unnatural position.โ The doctorโs assessment shows that you donโt have to go into debt to find a mattress that will ease your back pain.
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | excellent | excellent | good |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
After a hybrid mattress that does it all without breaking the bank? Check out the Signature Hybrid by Brooklyn Bedding. This mattress provides a great balance of support and softness to cater to multiple sleeper types with back pain, especially if youโre a dedicated back sleeper. It also boasts excellent motion absorption while still maintaining a responsive surface. Its only notable lack is edge support, which we noticed falter when seated at the perimeter.
Choose the Signature Hybrid if โฆ
- You sleep on your back. This position earned a perfect 5-star rating for pressure relief.
- You share the bed. The Signature Hybrid has a bit of bounce, but its pillow stop still stifles motion before it can travel across the surface, ensuring you sleep soundly.
Keep looking if โฆ
- Youโre a stomach sleeper over 130 pounds. While our lightweight tester enjoyed the mattress in this position, she noted that sleepers of a larger size would likely sink too far into the bedโs plush upper layers.
- You have mobility concerns. Our weighted edge support test yielded below-average results, meaning some folks might feel like theyโre going to slip off the mattress as they get in and out of bed. For stronger edge support, I suggest the WinkBed.
For more information about this bed, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review.
Plank Firm Luxe โ Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
The Plank Firm Luxe is an upgraded model of Brooklyn Beddingโs original Plank Firm. Like the OG, the Luxe is a flippable mattress with both a firm and extra-firm side. However, this bed is a hybrid, meaning it has coils at the center. This gives it a leg up for bounce and support. It should work wonderfully for back sleepers, including those weighing more than 230 pounds.
What our tester says:
โI love this on my back. Itโs firm enough to keep the spine completely straight, but itโs not too firm. Iโm still getting comfort from the foam layers filling in my lower back, and thereโs enough cushioning at my shoulder blades as well.โ โ Riley Otis, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Why Itโs the Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid that has a Firm and an Extra-Firm side: The Firm side landed on a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, and the latter a 7.5.
- Both sides received high marks for responsiveness, so tossing and turning to get comfortable should be easy.
- Firm mattresses like the Plank are great for stomach sleepers and for those over 230 pounds who are looking for extra support, which should reduce the risk of back pain.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
(Note: the below imaging scores are for the extra-firm side of the bed.)
Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Despite being closest to the springy coils, the Extra Firm side has surprisingly solid motion isolation for couples.
Cooling: 3/5
During testing, our team found that the cooling on the Extra Firm side was about average.
Response: 5/5
The Extra Firm side is closest to the innerspring coils, making it is highly responsive to movement and ideal for combination sleepers.
Edge Support: 3.2/5
We found more sinkage on the edge of the Extra Firm side; its performance here was about average.
Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
The Extra Firm side provides less cushioning, meaning some side sleepers may experience pressure buildup.
Firmness: 7.5/10
Most sleepers will find that the Extra Firm side is significantly firmer than most mattresses.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
As a firm mattress, Dr. Tedesco noticed that thereโs not a lot of contouring to the Plank Firm Luxe. However, he noticed it provided great pain relief for his upper back and spine, specifically around his neck. โLying on my back, my head and neck feel very comfortable,โ he explained. โMy head doesnโt sink a lot into the mattress, so I have a nice elongated feeling in my neck. If you have neck arthritis, you may like that feeling.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | unpleasant | good | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | unpleasant | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | good |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
Our Expert Opinion
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable mattress fashioned with two firm-feeling sides. One is a more traditional firm feel at 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, and the second, โextra-firmโ side is 7.5 out of 10. Both sides provide little sinkage and strong responsiveness, yielding a great mattress for sex and combination sleepers. However, its super-firm feel may be too unyielding for sleepers who need deep contouring and pressure relief.
Choose the Plank Firm Luxe if โฆ
- You move around a lot. Either side of the Plank Firm Luxe should be firm and responsive enough to allow for ease of movement during sleep or sex.
- You sleep on your stomach or back. These two positions will get the most support โ just note that if you like a softer feel for back sleeping, they wonโt be a good fit.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You want strong edge support. Despite its super-firm feel, the Plank Firm Luxe doesnโt have the sturdiest perimeter; youโll likely feel a lot of sinkage when you sit along the edge.
- You sleep on your side. This mattress is just too firm for these sleepers. Only our heavyweight side sleeper found comfort in this position. For side sleepers, we recommend the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid.
For more information about this bed, read our full Plank Firm Luxe mattress review.
Titan Plus Core โ Most Supportive Mattress for Sleepers With Back Pain
The Titan Plus Core mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. Itโs firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review. Note that the video is for an older model with a slightly different construction.
What our tester says:
โI think the Titan Plus Core lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the support and durability they need.โ โ Sosha Lewis, senior staff writer and certified sleep science coach.
Why Itโs the Most Supportive Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding designed the Titan Plus Core for people over 230 pounds, so itโs beyond durable and supportive.
- This mattress does a great job promoting proper spinal alignment through the use of coils and foam, a boon for those with back pain.
- It received a perfect 5 in responsiveness and a 4 or higher in back-sleeping pressure relief, cooling, and edge support.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Our testers were impressed by how the Core dampened motion and prevented it from rippling across the bedโs surface.
Cooling: 4/5
The innerspring coils and GlacioTex cooling cover give this mattress a temperature-regulating edge.
Response: 5/5
The sturdy innerspring coils make the surface of this mattress highly responsive and easy to move around on.
Edge Support: 4/5
We found minimal sinkage near the perimeter of the Titan, meaning it is a good pick for sleepers who rest on the edge.
Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
While most sleepers should experience solid pressure relief, those with sensitive joints may experience some buildup.
Firmness: 7.5/10
The Titan Plus Coreโs heavy-duty construction is quite firm compared to most mattresses.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
Dr. Tedesco felt that the Titan Plus Core did exactly what it needed to do for back sleepers while trying out the Titan Plus Core. Although it has more of an โon topโ feeling, he said, โOrthopedically, itโs doing what itโs supposed to do. Iโm not uncomfortable anywhere, plus thereโs no pressure buildup. Itโs firm, bouncy, and responsive, so someone who wants to feel on the bed rather than in the bed would like this mattress.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | good | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | good |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
Our Expert Opinion
The Titan Plus Core was specifically designed for plus-size sleepers who are constantly let down by so-called supportive beds. However, this firm-feeling mattress is great for anyone who likes a lifted feel to their bed. Our heavyweight tester liked it on his back and stomach, but most stomach sleepers should find this mattress spine-aligning and pressure-relieving, which should lessen back pain. But some lightweight sleepers may not get the sinkage they need on this bed.
Choose the Titan Plus Core if โฆ
- You weigh more than 230 pounds. Heavyweight sleepers are the target audience for this mattress, so theyโll likely be most comfortable.
- You sleep on your stomach. Our testersโ hips each felt propped up by the Titan Plus Core in this position.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You weigh under 130 pounds and have sensitive joints. Our lightweight tester felt a lot of pressure on her neck and shoulders when she rested on her side.
- You like a softer, traditional foam feel. Youโll feel more โon topโ of the Titan Plus Core, rather than โinโ it. For a softer, slow-moving feel, I recommend the Nolah Evolution.
For more information about this bed, read our full Titan Plus Core mattress review.
Latest Updates: In July of 2026, we updated this page into a more digestible format, so you only get the most important information about these beds for back pain. This includes our buyerโs guide, where we aimed to address the most-asked questions about back pain, sleep, and whether your mattress can help.
Other Mattresses I Considered
There are plenty of high-quality mattresses out there that could also work for those with back pain. If you didnโt find what you were looking for on our list, here are some contenders that didnโt make the final cut:
Birch Luxe
The Birch Luxe is an organic luxury mattress, great if youโre looking for a latex bed that brings springy support. However, it didnโt make our list as itโs a bit on the pricey side. Plus, its 7-out-of-10 firmness rating may be a bit too unyielding for lightweight sleepers and side sleepers with back pain.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a higher-end cooling hybrid that earned a spot on our best orthopedic mattresses list. It can provide pressure relief for those with back pain, and it keeps pretty cool for hot sleepers. That said, itโs a bit more expensive than the Signature Hybrid, which is featured in this article.
Bear Original
The Bear Original mattress is an all-foam bed designed for affordable support. Itโs on our list as one of the best beds for scoliosis, so you could say itโs primed to address back pain. However, itโs an all-foam bed and not the hybrid construction we prefer, hence why we chose its more luxurious cousin, the Bear Elite Hybrid, instead.
How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Back Pain
We evaluate mattresses based on performance, construction, and policy to get a full picture of what the bed offers and who will enjoy it best. When looking at a mattress for back pain, we prioritized three main categories: spinal alignment, pressure relief, and firmness.
Key Testing Categories for Back Pain
Firmness
Dr. Raj Dasgupta notes the importance of finding the mattress firmness that works best for you and your specific needs. He notes that โan overly soft mattress may lead to poor spinal alignment and lack of support, contributing to discomfort in your back.โ He recommends a medium-firm mattress above all, because โit maintains proper spine curvature, distributes weight evenly, and reduces pressure points.โ
On the Sleepopolis scale, we consider 6.5 out of 10 to be medium firm, hence why youโll see most of the mattresses in this article fall somewhere around that line. Our firmness ratings for each mattress are based on multiple opinions from our testers that are averaged to get our final, all-encompassing score. This number might even be different from whatโs advertised by the mattress manufacturer.
Your ideal firmness can also be affected by factors such as your preferred sleeping position or body weight. Weโll also go into detail on these common categories and what we recommend for each.
What the Best Mattresses for Back Pain Were Rated for Firmness
Average Firmness Rating โ 6.8
Support
Sound support is extremely important for those who experience chronic back pain, as it helps keep the spine in neutral alignment, which goes a long way toward preventing soreness. The proper spinal posture for sleep is one that follows the natural S-curve. A bed with good spinal alignment will allow for some give while providing more support where you need it most. This is why some mattresses have zoning in their layered construction to keep things firmer in the center to keep your hips elevated, for example.
Itโs important to realize that support and firmness are not the same. You can have a soft mattress thatโs ultra-supportive, and a firm one that doesnโt support the body at all. Adequate support is all about how a mattress props up your body while also holding it in comfortable alignment.
Under the umbrella of support is edge support. This refers to how well a mattress holds up on its edges compared to the center. Some beds tend to be less supportive around the perimeter, which is something those with back pain, seniors, and heavy people should look out for. Iโd recommend seeing if the brand mentions edge support or reinforced edges on their site.
We test for edge support by lying down and sitting on the edge of the bed, sometimes using a yardstick or tape measure to determine how much the mattress sinks. From there, we give it a score out of 5 based on how secure we feel. A few of these beds scored lower than expected for edge support, but this was usually brought down by seated edge support. When it comes to back pain, we have little concern โ the spinal support should remain constant throughout the mattress if youโre lying down.
How the Best Mattresses for Back Pain Scored in Edge Support
Average Edge Support Score โ 4.1
Pressure Relief
More than other sleepers, those who struggle with chronic pain need to find a mattress that will actively alleviate tension at sensitive spots along the body, especially at the lower back region and shoulders.
Typically, pressure points form when thereโs more pushback focused on a specific area, which tends to cause misalignment in the spine. As your body moves out of alignment, more pressure is placed on the back, which can lead to frustrating pains throughout the torso. Therefore, itโs important to make sure youโre not sleeping on a mattress that places pressure on any of your major joints. By doing so, your body is able to enter a relaxed state, and the chance of pressure points forming along the spine and lower back is diminished.
Here at Sleepopolis, we actually test a mattressโs pressure-relieving capabilities with our pressure mat. We roll the mat across the bedโs surface and have a tester lie down on it in different sleeping positions (back, stomach, side). The mat measures the pressure applied to their body, then maps the results on a computer via thermal imaging. Blue and green are signs of low pressure, yellow is a sign of moderate pressure, and orange and red indicate high pressure.
With most beds, we also record the overall pressure distributed across the surface in pounds per square inch, or PSI. This gives us an idea of how much resistance a sleeper should feel overall.
How the Best Mattresses for Back Pain Scored in Pressure Relief
Average Pressure Relief Score โ 4.2
Other Tests
The best mattresses for back pain are wide and varied, as youโve already seen in this article. There are many other important factors that have an impact on your new mattress decision, as well as preference-based features you may not have yet considered in your search.
If you sleep with a partner, for example, you usually want a bed with better motion isolation (or low motion transfer). This means you wonโt feel them from the other side of the mattress. Slow-moving foams, which are best for absorbing motion, can also provide the pressure relief necessary for comfort when you have back pain. We try out every mattress with two partners for this reason.
Hot sleepers might also want to consider a cooling mattress. These beds scored high in our cooling test, wherein we use a thermal gun to record the surface temperature before and after a tester lies down on the bed for 5 minutes. They might feature fancy cooling covers, gel-infused foams, or other moisture-wicking tech to dissipate excess heat.
What Causes Back Pain?
If youโre experiencing chronic back pain, it could be situational or it could be due to a medical condition. According to Dr. Dasgupta, lower back pain is hands down the most common complaint he hears from his patients. โItโs usually caused by poor mattress support, bad sleep posture, or underlying conditions like arthritis or disc issues,โ he said.
If you frequently lift heavy objects during work or gym sessions, you may be prone to muscle and ligament strain, including those in the lower back. Other injuries, such as motor accidents or sports-related injuries, can also lead to strained muscles.
If you experience back pain upon waking, thereโs a high chance that your mattress is simply ill-suited to your sleeping position, body type, or any other conditions that affect your comfort.
Can A Mattress Cause Back Pain?
While itโs far from the only cause of back pain, Dr. Dasgupta says yes, the wrong mattress can worsen or cause back pain by disrupting spinal alignment, creating pressure points, and leading to discomfort.
An unsuitable mattress may lack proper support, have an uneven surface, or not match your preferred sleeping position. Over time, material degradation can also contribute to back pain.
To lessen or alleviate back pain while sleeping, spinal alignment is the main factor. Find a bed that supports you enough to maintain a neutral spine, while also providing enough cushioning to provide pressure relief in crucial areas.
How Can A Mattress Help With Back Pain?
The right mattress can be key to relieving back pain symptoms and getting more comfortable at night. Dr. Dasgupta says, โPain alleviation is promoted by proper spinal alignment, medium-firm to firm support, pressure relief from materials like memory foam or latex, zoned support, and motion isolation.โ On the other hand, the wrong mattress can exacerbate pain if it has insufficient support, not enough cushioning, or sagging.
The right mattress should provide enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned, which is done by propping the hips in line with the shoulders. Enough cushioning to relieve pressure at the joints and lumbar spine is also crucial. Ideally, the mattress should place your body in a straight line, while still contouring the natural curves and providing support around the lower back.
Itโs also important to consider your sleeping position and find a compatible mattress. This allows for even weight distribution and pressure relief at sensitive areas.
Your back pain may also come from a preexisting condition. For example, a herniated disc, scoliosis, arthritis, and sciatica are commonly associated with back pain symptoms. If you have one of these conditions, we recommend consulting your doctor for a personalized treatment plan.
Which Type of Mattress is Best for Back Pain?
If you experience frequent back pain, itโs important to prioritize a mattress with a sturdy support system that promotes proper spinal alignment. Whether the support layer is made from steel coils or high-density foam, this material should be firm enough to lift your hips in line with your shoulders, thus placing the spine in a straight, neutral line. Additionally, a bit of soft cushioning around the upper back and lumbar region can increase comfort without sacrificing support.
Hybrid mattresses use coil and foam layers to create a supportive yet comfortable sleeping environment. These beds can vary widely in feel and materials, but are often the type of bed we recommend for sleepers looking for back pain relief.
Is A Firm or Soft Mattress Better for Back Pain?
We recommend a medium-firm feel for those with back pain. Opt for something in the 5 to 7 range on the firmness scale (with 1 being the softest, and 10 the firmest). This medium-firm feel is likely to both soothe aches at the lumbar region and provide much needed support at the hips.
However, some side sleepers might need something softer, as they put a lot of pressure on their shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers and/or heavier sleepers might want a firmer, more supportive mattress to keep the spine lifted and in alignment.
What Mattresses Do Chiropractors Recommend?
Some mattresses actually bear endorsements from the American Chiropractic Association for their spinal support. One such bed is the Saatva Rx, designed for those with chronic pain concerns.
References
- Lucas, Jacqueline W., et al. โBack, Lower Limb, and Upper Limb Pain Among U.S. Adults, 2019.โ NCHS Data Brief, no. 415, July 2021.
- Gerhart, James I., et al. โRelationships Between Sleep Quality and Pain-Related Factors for People with Chronic Low Back Pain: Tests of Reciprocal and Time of Day Effects.โ Annals of Behavioral Medicine, vol. 51, no. 3, 2016, pp. 365โ375., doi:10.1007/s12160-016-9860-2.
- Jacobson, Bert H., et al. โEffect of Prescribed Sleep Surfaces on Back Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients Diagnosed with Low Back and Shoulder Pain.โ Applied Ergonomics, vol. 42, no. 1, 2010, pp. 91โ97., doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2010.05.004.
- Ashburn, Michael. (2017, November 15). 3 Common Forms of Lower Back Pain. Penn Medicine Musculoskeletal and Rheumatology Blog.
- St-Onge, Marie-Pierre, et al. โEffects of Diet on Sleep Quality.โ Advances in Nutrition, vol. 7, no. 5, 2016, pp. 938โ949., doi:10.3945/an.116.012336.
- Kline, Christopher E. โThe Bidirectional Relationship Between Exercise and Sleep.โ American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, vol. 8, no. 6, 2014, pp. 375โ379., doi:10.1177/1559827614544437.
- Nicol, Vanina, Verdaguer, Claire, et al. โChronic Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review of Recent International Guidelines for Diagnosis and Conservative Treatment.โ National Library of Medicine. 2023.