If you find yourself struggling with chronic back pain, your mattress might be playing a role.
“Using the wrong mattress can disrupt spinal alignment, create pressure points, and lead to discomfort,” explains Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. “But a suitable mattress can help ease back pain by providing proper support that keeps your spine aligned naturally, reducing muscle strain. It also distributes your body weight evenly, relieving pressure points that can cause discomfort. The mattress adapts to your preferred sleeping position, whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper.”
That’s why I put together this list of the best mattresses for back pain — to give you some options that might provide the optimal blend of comfort and support to prevent you from waking up sore.
My Top Pick for Sleepers With 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 — both key factors for reducing back pain.
Best Mattresses for Back Pain
- Nectar – Best Overall Mattress for Back Pain
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
- Helix Midnight Luxe With ErgoAlign Layer – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers With Back Pain
- WinkBed – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
- Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Back Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution – Best Luxury Mattress for Back Pain
- Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Mattress for Couples With Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Cheap Mattress for Back Pain
- Plank Firm Luxe – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers With Back Pain
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.
What I Looked for in the Best Mattresses for Back Pain
When deciding on the best mattresses for back pain, Dr. Dasgupta’s observations make it clear that the right mattress isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Here are the main criteria I prioritized when determining which beds should make this list:
- Spinal alignment: Mattresses that we’ve proven to support healthy spinal alignment were the first to be considered for this roundup. The Sleepopolis team has tested each of these mattresses to determine which sleeping positions and which body types they best serve, with the primary concern being support. A supportive bed is able to lift the body into a neutral spinal alignment to help prevent aches and pains.
- Pressure relief: While spinal support is crucial for alleviating back pain, it’s also important that the mattress relieves pressure. An ill-suited or too-firm mattress can cause excess pressure buildup in sensitive areas, resulting in exacerbated back pain or even added joint pain. That’s why it’s paramount for back sleepers to receive cushioning at the lumbar region, side sleepers at the shoulder and hip, and stomach sleepers just a bit at the hips. In testing, we lie down on a pressure mat on top of each mattress to record and display where pressure builds up in each of the three major sleep positions. We then use these results to determine an overall pressure relief score.
- Firmness level: Our firmness scale places mattresses on a scale of 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 also happens to be our general firmness advice for folks looking to relieve back pain, as it tends to offer a blend of comfort and support.
Sleepopolis helped 12,544 people find a mattress in 2024, and hopefully this roundup will help you find your own personal best mattress for back pain.
Compare the Best Mattresses for Back Pain
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| Nectar Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | |||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Best For |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Hot Sleepers,
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Back Sleepers,
Hip Pain, Couples |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Couples
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Best Mattress for Back Pain Video Review
Nectar – Best Overall Mattress for Back Pain
The Nectar Classic is a memory foam mattress that provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pain relief around the lower lumbar spine. Most back sleepers and side sleepers should enjoy the pressure relief. 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:
“I think the Nectar Classic does a great job of relieving back pain. The pressure map test results show a lot of blue and green on our backs, meaning back sleepers should experience good pressure relief from the Nectar.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
The Nectar mattress is the brand’s flagship all-foam bed. It brings a mix of pressure relief and support in its construction. We scored the bed high in both categories, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 for pressure relief and a perfect 5 out of 5 for support. Our expert tester Nichole Mondshein finds that “the Nectar does a great job relieving back pain, especially for back sleepers.” I tested out the Nectar myself, and I noticed that the cushy surface contours to your body, filling in the lower back to reduce pressure and pain in that area.
Though it’s a memory foam mattress and has a somewhat slow-moving feel, the Nectar doesn’t have the usual drawbacks of this mattress type. It’s surprisingly responsive (scoring 4 out of 5 in our tests), meaning the Nectar could be a solid choice for sleepers who frequently switch between different sleeping positions at night. Foam usually holds onto heat, but the breathable cooling cover on top of the mattress helps to mitigate that. Though it wasn’t cool to the touch, I didn’t overheat when lying on this bed, hence our impressive 4.5 out of 5 score for cooling. The edges also held up much better than expected for a foam bed, which are prone to sagging. We were able to sit and lie down comfortably on the sides of the mattress, so we gave the bed another 4.5 out of 5 for edge support.
Foam beds are usually coveted for their motion-isolating ability. The Nectar has some of that cushy, sinking feeling on top, but its thinner surface layer isn’t enough to absorb movement before it travels across the surface. Small shifts might go undetected, but if you’re someone who wakes up when your partner gets out of bed, you might want to look for a mattress with a higher motion isolation score than the Nectar’s 3.5 out of 5.
Want to find out more? Read our full Nectar mattress review. You should check out the Bear Original if you’re looking for a foam bed with better motion isolation.
Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” 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:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
The Saatva stands out for its traditional innerspring mattress feel, which comes from its unique coil-on-coil construction. This lifted feel provides strong support, hence why we gave the bed an impressive 5 out of 5 score in this category. Those with back pain should appreciate this too. As tester Nicole mentioned, “The support of the coils should keep their back in a healthy neutral position, which can help combat back pain.” Also included in the mattress are multiple back-pain-specific enhancements, including 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 where you’ll need it most.
I sleep on a Saatva Classic myself, and I enjoy it in every position: back, side, and stomach. Despite its lifted, “on-top” feel, you’re still able to get some pressure relief where needed, hence why we gave it a 4.5 out of 5 score in this category. It also comes in three different firmness options and two heights, so you can tailor the mattress to your specific preferences. I recommend that back sleepers choose the Luxury Firm version of the bed, while side sleepers go for the Soft, and stomach sleepers opt for the Firm.
One of the highlights of the Saatva Classic is its bounce. It earned a perfect score in this category, likely because of how it almost launches you across the surface when you move around on it. As a particularly rowdy combination sleeper, I love how easy it is to move around on the bed’s surface without feeling “trapped” by the cushiness of the Euro top. The only downside is that this mattress’s bounce doesn’t translate well to isolating motion. We gave it a low score of 3 out of 5 in this category. I can feel every little movement on the other side of the bed, so I wouldn’t recommend the Saatva for light sleepers with a restless partner.
Read our Saatva Classic review to find out more. Want a Saatva bed with better motion isolation? Check out the Saatva Rx, also on this list.
Helix Midnight Luxe With ErgoAlign Layer – 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 don’t mind a softer bed. Also, the Luxe models give you the option to add Helix’s ErgoAlign Layer, which upgrades the top layer of your mattress so that you will experience deep body contouring from the zoned foam. Although it cost more, if you’re a combination sleeper with back pain, we recommend spending the extra $199. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I 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.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid with a luxurious feel, thanks to its pressure-relieving pillow top. It’s got a medium feel (we rated it at 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale) that’s sure to please a wide variety of sleepers, not just the side sleepers it was designed for. But for those with back pain, you can take this bed to the next level by adding the ErgoAlign Layer. This layer uses dense foam that is zoned to provide additional support and pressure relief where you need it most. It also helps keep your spine in a neutral position throughout the night, contouring to your lower back. The bed on its own earned a 4.5 for support and 5 for pressure relief in our tests, stats which should only be enhanced by the addition of this specialized layer.
My fellow tester Nichole Mondshein praised the Midnight Luxe’s zoned construction, saying, “I like that the coils have zoned support, which means that they’re softer at the shoulders for added pressure relief and firmer at the hips to help promote a neutral spinal alignment. Zoned support is ideal for sleepers with back pain, as it helps keep the spine nice and straight.” This zoning shines when lying on your back and side, the two positions we think are best suited to this mattress. For combination sleepers, it should also be fairly easy to switch between them, thanks to the beds coil unit, which helped to earn it a 4.5 out of 5 in the response test. Stomach sleepers, however, may want to look for something firmer.
Other areas the Helix Midnight Luxe excelled were edge support (4 out of 5) and cooling (4.5 out of 5). The reinforced coils along the perimeter of the mattress keep it from sagging, even as the plush pillow top compresses when bearing weight. The cooling test only saw an increase of 3.3 degrees after lying on the surface for 5 minutes, making this bed a solid choice for hot sleepers. Two main drawbacks of this bed that come to mind are its sub-par motion isolation (it only earned 3.5 out of 5) and price. It’s a luxury mattress, so it has a luxury price, which may deter some budget shoppers.
Read our full Helix Midnight Luxe review to find out more. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you might consider the original Helix Midnight model.
WinkBed – 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:
“If 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, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
The last thing you want to deal with on top of back pain is overheating on your mattress. Luckily, the WinkBed is built to address both of these problems. Its highlighting feature is its sturdy zoned coil unit, which is firmer in the center to provide necessary support for the lumbar area. It’s why we gave the bed a remarkable 4.5 out of 5 for support. And because there are so many coils throughout the construction, there’s lots of room for airflow. In our cooling test, we only recorded a 7-degree increase in the WinkBed’s surface temperature after lying on it for 5 minutes, a sign of effective temperature regulation that earned the bed its 4.5-out-of-5 cooling score — and a sign of a truly cooling mattress.
Our tester Nichole Mondshein performed the pressure map test on the WinkBed and gave the bed a 4.5 out of 5. “I think the WinkBed is an especially good fit for sleepers with back pain, with the pressure map almost entirely blue,” she said. “This indicates low pressure and even weight distribution, which is essential for avoiding soreness in the upper or lower back.” Though the pillow top keeps pressure points from digging into the surface uncomfortably, you should still feel lifted on the surface, an “on top” feel that’s more conducive to back and stomach sleeping. Side sleepers may want to opt for the softest WinkBed model.
Our testing also found that the WinkBed is a good one for couples—and not just because it’s so cooling. Despite its springy surface, it performed well in our motion isolation tests, earning a surprising 4 out of 5—the same score it earned for responsiveness. This means it’s easy to move around on the WinkBed, which suggests it’s a great option for sexually active couples and combination sleepers, as well. The edge support is also fairly rock solid, so we rated it a 4 out of 5. Only the pillow top compressed a bit when sitting on the edges, but lying down near them should have you feeling comfortably secure.
Find out more in our full WinkBed mattress review. Want a foam version? Check out the WinkBeds GravityLux.
Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Side 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 that’s 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:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Side sleepers struggling with back pain should be on the lookout for a mattress designed to offer superior pressure relief while still ensuring the healthy alignment of the spine when resting on it. One such bed is the Saatva Rx, an orthopedic-focused luxury mattress that includes Saatva’s proprietary “Lumbar Zone” technology, which consists of quilting and a gel-infused “crown” in the center of the mattress to support and contour the lower back. This trait was awarded a seal of approval by the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations — and a stellar 5-out-of-5 for support from us.
My fellow tester Amelia Jerden praised the bed’s versatility, saying, “This bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” Our pressure map tests showed only blue and green on the hips, shoulders, and back — unsurprising based on the bed’s targeted cradling in its zoned construction. It earned a 4.5 out of 5 for pressure relief. Its medium-firm feel (6.5 out of 10) works for just about every sleeping position, but some heavier stomach sleepers may want to go for something firmer.
This bed earned 4s, 4.5s, and 5s across the board in every category, so you’d be hard-pressed to find a more well-rounded mattress. Couples should appreciate its motion absorption (4.5 out of 5) and temperature regulation (4.5 out of 5), keeping sleep undisturbed and comfortably cool. The bed’s edges also held up like champions, only sinking at the very corner of the bed, for a 4-out-of-5 edge support score. The cushy pillow top doesn’t dampen the bed’s bounce, either, so combination sleepers and sexually active folks should appreciate its 4-out-of-5 response score. The only downside is this bed is one of the more expensive offerings, at over $3,000 for a queen.
You can read more in our Saatva Rx review. Want a more affordable Saatva model? Check out the Saatva Classic, another back pain superstar.
Bear Elite Hybrid – 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 “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d 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.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Many folks like a balanced hybrid mattress, which combines pressure-relieving foams and sturdy coils for support. It’s why hybrids often make some of the best mattresses for back pain, and the Bear Elite Hybrid is no exception. Expert tester Nichole Mondshein noticed the bed’s prowess in this area when back sleeping: “On my back, there is very little pressure buildup and only slight pressure around my hips and lower lumbar region, indicating that the Bear Elite Hybrid may work well to relieve pressure for most back sleepers.” This is why the Bear Elite earned solid 4.5s in both pressure relief and support.
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in multiple firmness options (Soft, Medium, and Firm) so you can choose which will work best for you. We tested the Medium and found it to be at a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, a smidge softer than true medium-firm. This means it’ll work best for side sleepers and back sleepers, who fare better on medium beds. But if you’re a stomach sleeper or heavier person who needs firm support, the Firm should have your back (no pun intended). Soft may suit some lightweight sleepers best.
The Bear Elite Hybrid earned 4.5s in motion isolation, cooling, and edge support — all of which should appeal to couples. The top layer of memory foam is thick enough to absorb motion before it travels across the surface, but not so dense as to trap heat, which is wicked away by the bed’s breathable cover. The coils not only give the bed response (4 out of 5) but also ensure the edges hold up when bearing weight. It truly seems like the only drawback for this bed might be its over $2,000 price point, but coupons can bring this down closer to the $1,500 mark.
Check out our full Bear Elite Hybrid review to learn more about this bed. Price-conscious? Take a look at the Bear Original, Bear’s affordable foam mattress.
Nolah Evolution – Best Luxury Mattress for Back Pain
The Nolah Evolution’s 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 due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s 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:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Sometimes a plain Jane, bare-bones mattress won’t cut it, especially if you’re looking to treat back pain. A luxury mattress can have layers of sumptuous foams, strong coils, and proprietary features to enhance overall performance and comfort. The Nolah Evolution mattress is one such mattress, having earned an impressive 4.5 out of 5 in support and 5 out of 5 in pressure relief. Tester Bridget Chapman says, “I found that the pocketed coils on the Nolah Evolution provide enough support to keep the spine aligned and help alleviate back pain.”
The Nolah Evolution comes in three firmness options, Soft, Medium, and Firm. We tested out the Medium, which falls at the ideal medium-firm feel, a 6.5 out of 10 on our scale. It works best for back sleepers and should work for most side sleepers. Stomach sleepers and those of a heavier weight might prefer the Firm model. Despite the Evolution’s plush pillow top, it still has a lifted sleep surface with an “on top” feel. If you want to be “hugged” by your bed, you might prefer a memory foam bed.
The coil unit in the Nolah Evolution is in part responsible for many of its high performance scores. The individually wrapped construction of the innerspring unit allows air to keep flowing through the mattress. This, combined with the use of perforated AirFoam and an air gusset in the bed’s construction, yields a cooling score of 4.5 out of 5. The bed earned a perfect 5 for responsiveness because of the bounce provided by the springs, which makes it easy to move around on the bed’s otherwise plush surface. This affects the bed’s overall ability to isolate motion, though we were surprised it still performed rather well for a hybrid and gave it a 4.5 out of 5 in this category.
Read more about this bed in our Nolah Evolution review. Check out the Nolah Signature if you’re looking for a bed with a more sinking feel.
Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Mattress for Couples With Back Pain
As an affordable option with a medium-firm feel, we think that the Silk & Snow Hybrid should appeal to a wide variety of sleepers, including back sleepers, side sleepers, hot sleepers, and budget shoppers. Learn more in our full video review, where we compare the Silk & Snow Hybrid to the original Silk & Snow, which doesn’t have coils.
What our tester says:
“The Silk & Snow Hybrid is a great middle ground firmness for those who don’t want an ultra-firm bed, but also want to feel well-supported.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
If you or your partner are looking for a new mattress to address your back pain, you may want to consider one that’ll be good for couples, too. We suggest you take a look at the Silk & Snow Hybrid. My fellow tester Amelia Jerden notes that this bed is a great choice for co-sleepers “based on the bed’s responsive feel, good motion isolation, and good cooling capabilities.” The hybrid earned scores of 4.5, 4.5, and 4 out of 5 in these respective categories. The bed’s firmness is not only a good middle ground for couples to compromise, it just so happens to be our recommended level for back pain: medium-firm, or 6.5 out of 10 on our scale.
We put the Silk & Snow Hybrid through our pressure map test, and there was very minimal pressure buildup at the lumbar region while back and side sleeping. The mattress is cushioning enough to relieve pressure, yet supportive enough to promote proper spinal alignment. This is why we gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for support and a 4 out of 5 for pressure relief. The pressure-relieving memory foam on top is also infused with gel, lending the aptly named Silk & Snow its aforementioned cooling ability.
Couples who like to spread out on their shared sleep space should know that the Silk & Snow hybrid didn’t impress us with its edge support. It has built-in reinforcement in a foam encasement that wraps around the perimeter, but all this did was compress under our weight when we sat down, leading to its low score of 3.5 out of 5. If this causes you to worry about the bed sagging over time, it’s backed by a generous 15-year warranty, and is otherwise fairly sturdy, earning a 4 out of 5 durability score. With a sub-$900 price for a queen, it’s hard to beat that deal.
Read our full Silk & Snow Hybrid mattress review for more. Want better edge support? Check out the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – 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. It’s 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:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Brooklyn Bedding has a wide variety of models, with the Signature Hybrid being one of its most comfortable and economical mattresses (you can often find a queen size for under $1,000 after discounts). In our testing, we found that its simple yet effective hybrid construction of foams and springs helped us maintain a healthy sleeping posture, which is essential for avoiding back pain. It earned a 4.5 out of 5 in both support and pressure relief, and you can get it in three different firmnesses. Expert tester Nichole Mondshein says, “Based on the amount of blue on this pressure map, I think the Signature Hybrid could be a nice choice for back sleepers with back pain.”
We tested the Medium, which clocked in at an appropriate medium-firm 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. This versatile firmness level should appeal to most sleeper types, especially if they switch between positions. That said, I’d say that the Soft model is better for dedicated side sleepers and the Firm is better for dedicated stomach sleepers.
The Signature Hybrid has a deceptively simple construction: a quilted top, two responsive comfort foam layers, and a coil unit. Despite this, it still excelled in many performance categories. It performed notably well in our cooling test (4.5 out of 5) — the surface temperature only increased by about 8 degrees after we lay on it for 5 minutes. Unfortunately, the Signature Hybrid’s motion isolation didn’t stand out (probably due to its high level of bounce, which earned it a 5-out-of-5 responsiveness score). Our testers noticed sizable spikes on our seismometer and could feel when their partner got in and out of bed, so they ultimately rated it at a 3.5 out of 5.
Check out our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. Want a hybrid with better motion isolation? Check out the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Plank Firm Luxe – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress with different firmness levels on either side. It’s like getting two mattresses for the price of one! This mattress is great for any sleeper seeking the firmest mattress possible. The extra-firm side is one of the firmest we have tested, while the firm side has a more classic medium-firm feel. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“The mattress is incredibly bouncy and was very easy for me to change sleeping positions and to move freely on top of this mattress. It felt like I was on a trampoline. I gave this bed a perfect score for responsiveness so this bed is an excellent pick for combination sleepers as well as a good bed for sex!” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
If you’re looking for a firm mattress, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than Brooklyn Bedding’s Plank Firm line. The Plank Firm Luxe is the upgraded version — a flippable hybrid that’s sure to bring the support those with back pain need. Our team of certified sleep science coaches gave the firm side of the Plank Firm Luxe a score of 6.5 out of 10, meaning this side has a medium-firm feel that could appeal to a variety of sleepers. The extra-firm side is significantly firmer, landing at an 8 out of 10 on our firmness scale. Support is the name of the game here with this mattress, as both sides earned a 4.5 out of 5 in this category.
You’ll likely feel more “on top” of the bed rather than “in” it, as this mattress keeps the sleeper lifted and provides minimal sinkage. For sleepers experiencing back pain, we recommend sleeping on the firm side of the Plank Firm Luxe. Despite the name, this side has a more medium-firm feel that helps cushion and support the lumbar region. Back pain relief can also be found on the extra-firm side, but note there will be a bit less cushioning at the lumbar region. As tester Nichole Mondshein puts it, “This side did definitely feel as if I was sleeping on a plank, as the name suggests.” Still, the bed earned a 4.5 out of 5 for pressure relief, so don’t expect it to be unbearably unyielding.
The Plank Firm Luxe’s hybrid construction lends it quite a bit of bounce, for which we gave the bed a perfect 5 out of 5 for response. However, this put a damper on its motion isolation score, which came in at only 3.5 out of 5. We were seeing sizable spikes on the seismometer, so I wouldn’t recommend the mattress for light sleepers who share the bed with a partner. But if you and your partner like to spread out, you’ll be pleased by the Plank Firm Luxe’s unflagging edges, which barely sank 3 inches in our tests and earned the bed a 4.5 out of 5. As you won’t sink into this mattress, it’ll also keep pretty cool from the airflow in its coils, a boon for hot sleepers.
Read more in our Plank Firm Luxe review. Want a bed with better motion isolation? Check out the original Plank Firm.
Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers With Back Pain
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s 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.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
A firm and supportive mattress is absolutely crucial for heavy sleepers who compress through mattress layers more than others. Fortunately for these folks, Brooklyn Bedding has designed the Titan Plus for people over 230 pounds. As a bed created specifically for heavy sleepers, it’s no surprise that the Titan Plus is incredibly supportive; we gave it a 5 out of 5 in this category. This mattress does a great job promoting proper spinal alignment through the use of coils and foam, a boon for those with back pain. As expert tester Nichole Mondshein says, “I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.”
Nichole is of average weight and noticed some pressure buildup on her side when sleeping on the Titan Plus. However, this shouldn’t be an issue for heavier sleepers because they can more comfortably sink into the surface. For this reason, we gave the bed a 4-out-of-5 pressure relief score despite its firmer feel. I should underscore that sleepers under 230 pounds are unlikely to experience as much contouring, but some stomach sleepers may prefer the bed’s lifted feel, as it keeps the hips elevated.
In terms of other performance categories, the Titan Plus is rather accomplished. The combination of a gel-infused foam and spaced coils keeps the bed at a comfortable temperature, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 in our cooling tests. It got the same score for edge support: The coils that keep you sturdily supported extend to the edges of the bed, providing security as you sit or lie down at the perimeter. They also lend the bed its bounce (scoring 4.5 out of 5 in responsiveness). The only area for improvement is motion isolation (3.5 out of 5), as we noticed quite a bit of disturbance in our motion transfer tests, so light sleepers may want to steer clear.
Read more about this bed in our full Titan Plus mattress review. Want more motion isolation? Check out the upgraded model, the Titan Plus Luxe.
Other Mattresses I Considered
There are plenty of high-quality mattresses out there that could also work for those with back pain. If you didn’t find what you were looking for on our list, here are some contenders that didn’t make the final cut:
Birch Luxe
The Birch Luxe is an organic luxury mattress featured on our best for sciatica article. It’s great if you’re looking for a latex bed that brings springy support. However, it didn’t make our list, as it’s 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, it’s 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. It’s on our list as one of the best beds for scoliosis, so you could say it’s primed to address back pain. However, it’s 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 Picked and Tested These Mattresses
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.
Spinal Alignment
Sound support is super-important for those who suffer with chronic back pain, as it helps keep your spine neutrally aligned, 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, as an example.
It’s important to realize that support and firmness are not the same. You can have a soft mattress that’s ultra-supportive, and a firm one that doesn’t support the body at all. Adequate support is all about how a mattress props up your body, while also holding it in comfortable alignment.
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 there’s more pushback focused on a specific area, which tends to cause misalignment at 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, it’s important to make sure you’re 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 mattress’s pressure-relieving capabilities with our pressure mat. We roll the mat across the bed’s surface and have a tester lie down on it in different sleeping positions (back, stomach, side). The mat measures how much pressure is being put on their body, then maps out 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.
Firmness
Dr. Raj Dasgupta notes the importance of finding a mattress firmness that works best for you and your specific needs. He notes that “an overly soft mattress may lead to poor spinal alignment and lack of support, contributing to discomfort in your back.” He recommends a medium-firm mattress above all, because “it maintains proper spine curvature, distributes weight evenly, and reduces pressure points.” On the Sleepopolis scale, we consider 6.5 out of 10 to be medium firm, hence why you’ll 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 what’s advertised by the mattress manufacturer.
Your ideal firmness can also be affected by factors such as your preferred sleeping position or body weight. We’ll also go into detail on these common categories and what we recommend for each.
What to Consider In a Mattress for Back Pain
The best mattresses for back pain are wide and varied, as you’ve already seen in this article. Let’s go over some of the important factors that may have an impact on your final decision, as well as preference-based features you may not have yet considered in your search.
Mattress Type
There are several different types of mattresses, and some are better than others for combatting back pain. Let’s take a look at the main mattress types and their common features.
Memory Foam Mattresses
All-foam mattresses rely on high-density poly foams to support the sleeper. If you struggle with back problems, we often recommend avoiding all-foam mattresses in favor of slightly more supportive innerspring or hybrid mattresses. However, the pressure relief provided by foams can help fill in hollows in the back.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses combine steel coil support with top layers made of thin comfort foam. They’re often firm and bouncy, which can work well for back pain (as long as they also provide enough pressure relief).
Hybrid Mattresses
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.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are taut, bouncy, and naturally cooling. These beds are very durable and supportive, but are not my first choice for sleepers with bad backs. These folks often need a material that offers more body contouring. Latex mattresses don’t usually provide the right sort of cradling to ease tension, especially at the lower back, unless they’re combined with other materials or formulated to have a more pliant feel. Most organic mattresses also use latex in their construction, driving up the price.
Although it’s possible for any type of mattress material to be comfortable for someone experiencing back pain (there are exceptions to every rule), we think hybrid mattresses and innerspring mattresses are generally going to be best. The springs present in these beds are most likely to provide the spinal support you need to stay neutrally aligned and prevent further pain.
Body Weight
Our director of sleep health, Dr. Shelby Harris, summed up the relationship between body type and overall mattress feel. “The feel and support of a mattress is regularly affected by how much you weigh,” she says. “A mattress will feel firmer to those lighter in weight than it does to those heavier in weight.” Let’s dive deeper into what each weight category should prioritize in choosing a mattress to improve their sleep quality.
- Lightweight sleepers (less than 130 lbs) – Since beds feel firmer to these folks, they may want to go for something softer than the typical medium firm we recommend for back sleepers. This is so their body can comfortably sink into the bed and feel some pressure relief.
- Average-weight sleepers (130 lbs to 230 lbs) – Average-weight sleepers fare best on medium to medium-firm beds. This range should work well for those with back pain. As we’ve mentioned, we recommend 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale for these folks.
- Heavyweight sleepers (more than 230 lbs) – Heavyweight sleepers may need a firmer mattress to counteract possible support concerns. They won’t want to sink too far into the mattress, which can only exacerbate back pain. So a bed on the firm or even extra-firm side, depending on their sleeping position, may be a better choice.
Sleeping Position
How you sleep can also determine what features and firmness you’ll need from your mattress. Let’s go over the main types and what we recommend these sleepers look for in order to have better sleep.
- Side sleepers. Dr. Raj Dasgupta noted that these sleepers might deviate from the typical medium-firm recommendation for back pain: “Some side sleepers may prefer a softer mattress to cradle their pressure points. They might benefit from having a pillow between their knees, too.” Look for mattresses with thicker foam comfort layers that will allow for some sinkage.
- Back sleepers. Back sleepers should do well on a medium-firm mattress, which is coincidentally what is best recommended for back pain. This firmness provides a balanced feel and should keep the spine aligned.
- Stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers may want something a bit firmer, perhaps above a 7 out of 10 on our scale, for extra support. This is to ensure that their hips don’t sink too far out of alignment, which can cause lower back pain.
- Combination sleepers. Combination sleepers should also benefit from the medium-firm recommendation, as it’s one of the most versatile firmnesses. They may want to prioritize beds with responsive features, like coils, to make switching positions on the surface a bit easier.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer or motion isolation refers to how movement travels across the surface of a mattress. If you sleep with a partner, you usually want a bed with better motion isolation (or low motion transfer), as this means you won’t feel them from the other side of the mattress. It can be especially important for light sleepers who are prone to waking up at any little disturbance. Generally, beds with slow-moving foam on top tend to be best at isolating motion. This layer can also provide the pressure relief necessary for comfort when you have back pain.
At Sleepopolis, we test for motion transfer in two distinct ways: first, we use a water test. We put a container full of water on one side of the bed and observe it as we move around on the other. How much it ripples will determine whether or not motion is being stifled. We’ll also test with a partner, who wears a blindfold as we cause a commotion on the other side of the mattress, then raises their hand when they can feel our movements. The number of times a hand is raised determines the overall score. Finally, we’ll even use a seismographic app to record disturbances by dropping a ball onto the surface at different heights.
Edge Support
Edge support 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. I’d 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.
Durability
The durability and quality of materials used in a mattress’s construction affects its long-term performance and support. Dr. Raj Dasgupta highlights the importance of this fact for those with back pain: “High-quality materials ensure lasting comfort and support, and some mattresses even offer customization options. Over time, material degradation and inadequate size can also contribute to back pain.”
For determining a mattress’s durability, pay attention to the construction. Look for individually wrapped coils and dense foam layers. We also consider edge support a good marker of how long a bed will last before starting to sag. You may want to look at the warranty offered, since it’s a good indication of how long the brand expects the mattress to last. Overall, the typical 10-year warranty lines up with the typical 10-year lifespan of a mattress.
Price
Budget is often the deciding factor when purchasing a high-ticket item such as a mattress. Generally, we recommend that you do your due diligence when choosing an “affordable” option. Sometimes manufacturers cut corners and you end up with a lower-quality product. A good price for a queen-size bed is usually around the $1,000 mark. But don’t just assume that anything lower is a good deal and anything higher is overpriced. Some beds have luxurious features reflected in the cost, and these features (such as zoned support and pressure-relieving pillow tops) may be beneficial for those with back pain. I’d recommend taking full advantage of any sleep trial offered by the brand. This allows you to try before you commit to your purchase, as most brands will offer a full refund if you return it within the trial period.
FAQs
What type of mattress is best for back pain?
A hybrid mattress may be the best type of mattress for back pain. Hybrid beds come in a wide range of constructions that cater to all sorts of body types and sleeping positions. These mattresses incorporate sturdy coils and pressure-relieving foams for support and comfort.
We picked Nectar as our top pick, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all mattress that we recommend over all others for back pain. It’s more about finding one that suits your needs and preferences. The most important factors to take into account are your body type, sleeping position, and ideal firmness.
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.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for bad backs?
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 shoulder and hip. Stomach sleepers and/or heavier sleepers might want a firmer, more supportive mattress to keep the spine lifted and in alignment.
What mattress do orthopedic doctors recommend?
The best orthopedic mattresses are often those that are geared towards support and pain relief. Choose the right firmness for your needs, and look for materials that are pressure-relieving, like memory foam.
Is latex or memory foam better for back pain?
We’d recommend memory foam over latex for back pain. Memory foam has a slow response to pressure, so it allows the sleeper to sink in for some satisfying contouring at the shoulders and hips. This helps to alleviate tension at these sensitive spots and can bring some much needed relief to the upper and lower back. However, latex has its perks too. It can be especially springy and supportive, which may work better based on your preferred sleeping position or how much you weigh.
How do I know if my mattress is causing my back pain?
If you need a new mattress for your back pain, there are a few ways you can tell. When pain occurs or worsens after sleeping on your mattress, this is a telltale sign. Another is that you experience restlessness throughout the night, which is an indicator that your mattress isn’t good for your back.
Finally, an important question to ask yourself is whether or not you feel comfortable. If your mattress feels like it’s sagging, or if you don’t feel supported in some way, then your bed is probably worsening your back pain.
Sources
- Lucas, Jacqueline W., et al. “Back, Lower Limb, and Upper Limb Pain Among U.S. Adults, 2019.” NCHS Data Brief, no. 415, July 2021.
- Gerhart, James I., et al. “Relationships Between Sleep Quality and Pain-Related Factors for People with Chronic Low Back Pain: Tests of Reciprocal and Time of Day Effects.” Annals of Behavioral Medicine, vol. 51, no. 3, 2016, pp. 365–375., doi:10.1007/s12160-016-9860-2.
- Jacobson, Bert H., et al. “Effect of Prescribed Sleep Surfaces on Back Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients Diagnosed with Low Back and Shoulder Pain.” Applied Ergonomics, vol. 42, no. 1, 2010, pp. 91–97., 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. “Effects of Diet on Sleep Quality.” Advances in Nutrition, vol. 7, no. 5, 2016, pp. 938–949., doi:10.3945/an.116.012336.
- Kline, Christopher E. “The Bidirectional Relationship Between Exercise and Sleep.” American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, vol. 8, no. 6, 2014, pp. 375–379., doi:10.1177/1559827614544437.
Logan Block
Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Logan is the former content director of Sleepopolis. As content director, he reviewed new mattresses every week and curated the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. Logan perfected his method by personally testing over 200 different mattresses, so he’s not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole.
Combination Sleeper