Best Mattress for Back Pain

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Finding the best mattress for back pain can be a challenge. Sleepers come in all shapes and sizes, and if you struggle with upper or lower back pain, mattresses promising deep pressure relief often don’t deliver. When putting together our list of the best mattresses for back pain, we made sure to choose a wide variety. They run the gamut from affordable to luxurious, from firm to soft, and are sure to give you plenty of options to mull over.

As you’ll see in our reviews of each mattress below, we paid very close attention to something called the pressure map when selecting these mattresses. A pressure map is a device that we roll across every bed we test. We lie down on the map, and it reads how much pressure the mattress puts on our body in different sleeping positions via thermal imaging. Blue indicates almost no pressure, green indicates low pressure, yellow indicates moderate pressure, and red means high pressure. If the pressure map shows blue (or maybe a little green) at the upper or lower back in various sleeping positions, it’s likely an effective mattress for back pain.

Our Top Pick for Sleepers With Back Pain

Saatva Rx shines on our list as the best overall pick due to its unique construction of innerspring coils and foam modules. This should help give you a neutral spinal alignment, as well as deep pressure relief — both key factors for reducing back pain.

Best Mattresses for Upper and Lower Back Pain

Best Mattress for Back Pain Video

Disclaimer: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t take the place of advice or treatment from your physician or medical professional. This review is meant to be an informative guide for those looking to maintain healthy posture while they sleep. User experiences and needs will vary. If you experience lasting pain, soreness, or discomfort while sleeping, it’s always a good idea to seek out a healthcare professional in person.

What We Look for in the Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Spinal Alignment

Mattresses that we’ve proven to healthily support spinal alignment were our first considerations on this roundup. We’ve tested each of these mattresses and determined which sleeping positions and which body types they best serve, with our primary concern being support. When a mattress has strong support, it doesn’t mean it’s firm. A supportive bed is able to lift the body into a neutral spinal alignment and to keep the body well-supported throughout the night, preventing aches and pains.

Pressure Relief

While mattresses with spinal support are crucial for alleviating back pain, we also pay attention to pressure relief. If a mattress is overly firm, it can cause excess pressure buildup in sensitive areas, resulting in exacerbated back pain or even added joint pain. That’s why we consider it 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.

Firmness

When testing mattresses, we use our firmness scale which 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. It also happens to be our general firmness advice for folks looking to relieve back pain, as it offers a blend of comfort and support.

Compare The Best Mattresses For Back Pain

Saatva Rx Mattress Nectar Mattress Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress DreamCloud Original Mattress WinkBed Mattress Saatva Mattress Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Emma Hybrid Comfort Titan Plus Birch Natural Mattress
Saatva Rx Mattress Nectar Mattress Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress DreamCloud Original Mattress WinkBed Mattress Saatva Mattress Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Emma Hybrid Comfort Titan Plus Birch Natural Mattress
Rating
4.8
4.7
4.7
4.6
4.6
4.8
4.5
4.8
4.7
4.6
4.7
4.8
Firmness Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Medium-soft: 6/10 Firm: 7/10 Firm: 7/10 Multiple firmness options Multiple firmness options Multiple firmness options Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Firm: 7.5/10 Firm: 7.5/10 Firm: 7/10
Material Hybrid Foam Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Innerspring Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid
Cooling
Best For
Back Pain, Hip Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers,
Seniors
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
Couples,
Back Sleepers,
Hip Pain
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,

Saatva Rx – Best Overall Mattress for Back Pain

Best Overall Mattress for Back Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.7
Saatva
Saatva Rx Mattress
Medium-Firm Feel
Caters to Joint Pain
Unique Construction
Hybrid
365 nights
Free white glove delivery
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
We rated the Saatva Rx a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A 6.5 means that it’s a medium-firm mattress.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$1,995–$4,390 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
You should get enough cushioning for your lumbar region and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
stomach sleeper
Stomach Sleepers
The Saatva Rx is supportive enough to prevent stomach sleepers’ hips from bowing into the mattress.
Pros of the Saatva Rx
It’s supportive while providing enough pressure relief for joint pain
The specially designed blend of comfort and support makes it a good fit for all three primary sleeping positions
There are plenty of cooling features, including airflow-promoting coils and infusions of gel and phase change material
Cons of the Saatva Rx
It’s a very pricy mattress. For less-expensive options, see our roundup of the best cheap mattresses.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free shipping and white glove delivery
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
365 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Free returns after at least 45 days and within the 365-night trial period

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

Saatva Rx Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
5
Materials
5
Support
4.5
Value
4.5
Cooling
4
Edge Support
5
Trial
5
Warranty
4.5
Motion Isolation

Expert Opinion

With the Rx, Saatva designed a bed specifically for sleepers who struggle with back pain and chronic joint pain. As such, its construction is rather unique, with its comfort layer consisting of microcoils wrapped in foam. This gives the bed a supportive yet pressure-relieving feel as soon as you lie down — a balance that’s extremely important for folks who have to contend with aches and pain. While they’ll definitely need some contouring, their mattress shouldn’t be too soft, as that can make it difficult to move around and give them the support they need. At the bottom of the Saatva Rx, they’ll get that combination of sturdiness and pressure relief once again with a layer of taller pocketed coils overlaid with a 2-inch foam module meant to help with motion isolation and provide additional contouring.

Of course, savvy design means little if a mattress isn’t actually comfortable to sleep on. That’s why, in addition to testing out the feel of the Saatva Rx, we rolled out our pressure map across its surface. The upper and lower black lit up bright blue, showing little to no signs of pressure. So back sleepers and side sleepers alike should stay comfortable throughout the night without any pressure buildup.

What our tester says: “This bed a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer

What Customers Say

Around the time of the Saatva Rx’s release, a Reddit user asked for other peoples’ opinions on the mattress. One user had this to say about the bed and its effect on their back pain:

“The Saatva Rx arrived a few weeks ago, and it’s the first time in years I’ve been able to sleep through the night, and my back pain is almost completely gone. Zero pain sleeping, and no more numbness. Sometimes I wake up in the morning in the same exact position I slept in. That’s amazing for me because I would toss and turn all night on the other mattresses. Rx is exactly what I was looking for.”

Highlights of the Saatva Rx Mattress

  • We found that the Saatca Rx had a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress scale. This is the industry standard for medium firm, and is usually an excellent fit for people struggling with back pain and joint pain, especially if they have arthritis. Once again, it’s all about that balance of comfort and support.
  • The responsiveness toward the top of this mattress helps with ease of movement so combination sleepers can change sleeping positions.
  • The Saatva Rx’s should sleep cool, due to the airflow-promoting coils, as well as infusions of graphite gel and phase change material in the foam module. We tested the bed’s temperature with our thermal gun, and it only increased eight degrees when we laid down on it, which indicates good cooling.

What to Keep in Mind about the Saatva Rx Mattress

  • This is one of the more expensive mattresses on our list, so it likely isn’t going to be the best fit for anyone on a strict budget. These folks might be interested in perusing our best mattresses under $1,000.

Will this mattress lead you to restful nights? Find out in our full Saatva Rx mattress review, or check out our best mattress roundup.

Nectar – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Medium-Soft
Cooling
CertiPUR-US Certified
Memory Foam
365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free shipping
Fall Into Savings
Up to 50% Off Mattresses See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
Memory Foam
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
We rated the Nectar as a 6 out of 10, meaning it is just a touch softer than medium-firm.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$699–$1,798 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side, this bed will keep your joints cushioned.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Nectar will provide a nice mix of cushioning and support.
SO Sleeper Type Icons BudgetShoppers
Budget Shoppers
This affordable mattress is a great pick for those looking to save.
Pros of the Nectar
The Nectar offers a classic memory foam feel, with deep sinkage and contouring.
Side sleepers should enjoy how the soft foams relieve pressure on their shoulder and hip.
Back sleepers should also feel supported, but pleasantly cushioned on the Nectar.
Couples shouldn’t be too disturbed by movement, as the Nectar isolates motion well.
Cons of the Nectar
Stomach sleepers likely won’t get enough support for spinal alignment from the Nectar.
It incorporates some cooling materials but it’s not by any means the best cooling mattress.
The Nectar isn’t supportive enough to be one of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, which accommodate folks weighing 250 pounds or more.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
365 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Full refund and free returns within the 365-night trial period

The Nectar delivers on classic memory foam: it’s soft, contouring, and provides a slow-sinking feel. Still, it provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pressure relief on pain points, like shoulders and hips. Side sleepers especially 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 memory foam lovers should be happy on the Nectar. This bed has a classic memory foam feel, so there’s lots of sinkage, contouring, and pressure relief. This can be great for anyone with shoulder pain or hip pain since it gives them cushioning at sensitive pressure points.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

Nectar Mattress Sleepopolis Score

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
4.5
Motion Isolation
4
Support
4
Value
4.5
Cooling
3
Edge Support
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty

Expert Opinion

Made entirely of foam, the Nectar is a pressure-relieving mattress with a medium-soft feel. When reviewing it, we found that the mattress was very effective in relieving back pain, especially for lightweight and average weight side sleepers. They should feel the top foams cushioning the pressure points at the hip and shoulder, which can help promote a healthy spinal alignment.

These feelings were confirmed by our pressure map test. While lying on our back and side on the Nectar, the map was entirely blue and green at the upper and lower back, indicating little no pressure in these areas.

What our tester says: “ I think the Nectar does a great job relieving back pain, especially for back sleepers. The pressure map results above also make me think this bed is a great fit for any sleepers with shoulder pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

What Customers Say

Nectar is one of the biggest players in the mattress industry, so it’s no surprise that the bed has almost 48,000 reviews on the company’s website. Many customers have positive things to say about the optimal blend of comfort and support; how the mattress is soft without letting you sink too far into the layers. We recommend purchasing a Nectar online to take advantage of the Nectar’s lower price, especially because it also comes with a generous forever warranty. But you can also find it at independent mattress retailers such as Mattress Firm if you want to test it out in person.

Highlights of the Nectar Mattress

  • We think the Nectar could be extra-comfy for back sleepers who struggle with back pain.
  • While it’s not the coolest mattress out there, the Nectar sleeps cooler than the average memory foam mattress. So if you’re a hot sleeper who still loves memory foam, it could be a sensible option for you.
  • Memory foam is known for its ability to isolate motion, and the Nectar exceeds in this area. If you’re someone who sleeps with a partner, you’re unlikely to disturb one another with your movements. 

What to Keep in Mind about the Nectar Mattress

  • Combination sleepers may want a more responsive, bouncy mattress that allows them to more easily switch positions.
  • The Nectar isn’t supportive enough for stomach sleepers, although lightweight stomach sleepers under 150 pounds might find it comfortable. 

Interested in learning more about the Nectar? Read our full Nectar mattress review, or check out our roundup for the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain

Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Helix
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Medium-Soft Comfort
Cooling Pillow Top
Zoned Support
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
Labor Day Sale-Extended
Save 25% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
Hybrid, combining foam and zoned support coils for a supportive feel.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a medium-soft to medium-firm bed in the brand’s luxury line of hybrids, coming in at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale (1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest).
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$1,373–$2,873 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full. queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
The springs in the Helix Midnight Luxe should help back sleepers maintain a neutral posture.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleepers
The pillow top and layer of memory foam should give these folks plenty of softness and contouring.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Luxe
The luxury version of the standard Helix Midnight comes with a pillow top and Tencel cover.
The Midnight Luxe should sleep fairly cool, thanks to its airflow-promoting coils and breathable Tencel cover.
The springs give the Helix Midnight Luxe a good deal of bounce and responsiveness that should make it easy for combination sleepers to change. positions
Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe
The softness of this mattress isn’t going to be an ideal fit for stomach sleepers. They’ll need something more supportive to keep their hips elevated and in line with their shoulders. See our best mattresses for stomach sleepers for more options.
Likewise, heavy sleepers over 250 pounds will likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress. They should look at our best mattresses for heavy people.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
100 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
10-year warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Free refunds after 30 days, as long as it’s still within the 100-night trial period.

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. 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

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Value
4.5
Cooling
4
Edge Support
3.5
Trial Period
4
Warranty

Expert Opinion

While Helix is known for their customizable mattresses, they also have a line of pre-existing hybrid beds made with layers of foam and a bottom layer of coils, each with a different level of firmness. When we tested out the Helix Midnight — the brand’s medium-firm option — we saw little to no pressure at the lumbar region in all three sleeping positions, making it an excellent choice for soothing back pain. And if you want even more contouring for your lower back, you can pay extra for the Helix Midnight Luxe, a luxury upgrade with a cushy pillow top.

Even though both Helix Midnight models are advertised as medium firm, we experienced the Midnight Luxe as a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which is medium soft. However, firmness varies from person to person, so we feel confident in calling the Luxe version a medium-soft to medium-firm bed. At the same time, it has a lot of support and responsiveness due to its coils. This should make it easy for combination sleepers with back pain to change positions. They should have no problem switching back and forth between sleeping positions.

What our tester says: “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.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

What Customers Say

The Midnight Luxe has a 4.4 out of 5 rating on Helix’s website. Customers regularly praise its firmness and support, with several pointing out that they also found it to be a cooling hybrid mattress. While we recommend ordering a bed in a box online for both price and convenience, you can also try out the Helix Midnight Luxe yourself in several showrooms and independent retails across the country, including CB2.

Highlights of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

  • Back sleepers should feel pressure relief on their lumbar region as it gets filled in with the bed’s soft foams.
  • The pressure map showed little to no yellow or red at the shoulders and hips, so the Helix Midnight Luxe can help with pain there, too.
  • Like most of Helix’s hybrid mattresses, the Midnight Luxe sleeps cool due to the airiness of its cover and coils that leave lots of room for air to flow through the bed. This makes it an excellent choice for hot sleepers.

What to Keep in Mind about the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

  • Stomach sleepers are going to need a firmer option to get the support they need to keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders.

Hungry to learn more about the Midnight Luxe? Read our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review, or check out our roundup for the best mattresses for combo sleepers.

DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Firm, Supportive Feel
Cashmere-Blend Cover
Responsive Springs
Hybrid
365 nights
Free shipping
Fall Into Savings Deals
50% off all mattresses See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
We rated the DreamCloud a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A 7 means that the DreamCloud is fairly firm.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$839–$2,178 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
You should get enough cushioning for your lumbar region and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
The coils in the support layer leave plenty of room for airflow.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Combination Sleepers
The DreamCloud is responsive enough for you to easily change positions.
Pros of the DreamCloud
Soft memory foam for cushioning at the lumbar region and sturdy coils for spinal support.
Springs that provide a lot of bounce and responsiveness, both of which help you change positions.
Strong edge support, allowing couples to use the whole surface of the bed.
Cons of the DreamCloud
Not enough contouring at the shoulders and hips to be one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
365 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Free returns after at least 30 days and within the 365-night trial period

With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.

What our tester says:

“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor

DreamCloud Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Value
4
Cooling
3.5
Edge Support
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty

Expert Opinion

For back sleepers already experiencing back pain, it’s imperative to match yourself with a mattress that helps you maintain a neutral spinal alignment. If you select an option that’s not compatible with your body type, you could end up worsening your pain. Luckily, the DreamCloud has many back sleepers with back pain out there completely covered. Folks resting on their backs require plenty of support and lift to keep the hips up throughout the night. To help keep weight evenly distributed, the mattress must also have contouring layers that relieve pressure at the arc of the lower back. While putting the DreamCloud through our pressure map test, we were impressed with the results for back sleeping.

What our tester says: “The DreamCloud does a stellar job relieving tension around the lower back. As I sank into this bed, I could feel its top layers of foam filling in the space at my lumbar region for some pleasant pressure relief.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

On a Reddit thread asking for thoughts on the DreamCloud mattress, one user shared an amusing anecdote about their back pain flaring up while building the mattress’s foundation. But after their first night sleeping on the DreamCloud, the pain was gone.

Highlights of the DreamCloud Mattress

  • With a balanced feel and lots of support, we determined the DreamCloud should be a favorable option for back sleepers of all body types. Heavy sleepers wanting some extra support should also consider the DreamCloud Premier Rest.
  • On our pressure map test, we found that the DreamCloud also works incredibly well for back sleepers suffering from shoulder pain.
  • This is one of our favorite online mattresses, with a 4.5 out of 5 score in value and the highest marks for a generous lifetime warranty and year-long sleep trial period.

What to Keep in Mind about the DreamCloud Mattress

  • One area where the DreamCloud didn’t excel in was motion isolation. If you’re a light sleeper and share the bed with a partner, we recommend you select something that’s better at trapping movement.

Curious to learn more? Read our full DreamCloud mattress review, or check out our roundup for the best mattresses for back sleepers.

WinkBeds – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain

Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.7
WinkBeds
WinkBed Mattress
Firm, Supportive Feel
Euro Pillow Top
Sturdy Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
Labor Day Sale
Get $300 off all our award winning mattresses See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
Hybrid, combining a plush pillow top with coils and foams for a luxury feel.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm and scored it a 7 out of 10, meaning it’s on the firmer side of medium-firm.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$1,149–$2,049 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the WinkBed
Back sleepers should get the support they need
It has a traditional, supportive feel
The WinkBed has cooling capabilities to help people who sleep hot
Sturdy edge support and good motion isolation make this a good choice for couples
Cons of the WinkBed
It lacks a contouring, slow-sinking feel that most associate with the best memory foam mattresses.
It may be too pricey for some, and we recommend those shoppers browse the best mattresses under $1,000.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free Shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
120 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial period

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

WinkBed Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
4
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4
Value
4.5
Cooling
4
Edge Support
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty

Expert Opinion

As a luxury hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel, the WinkBed should appeal to sleepers who value lots of support, firmness, and responsiveness. And because there are so many coils throughout the construction, there’s lots of room for the mattress to breathe. We felt incredibly cool when testing it out.

Regarding back pain, we felt almost no pressure when sleeping on our backs, in addition to getting some cushioning from the WinkBed’s quilted foam cover. This mattress is sold in three firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We think the Luxury firm model is best for back pain. The foam should fill in the space at the lower back while still lifting the sleeper and promoting proper spinal alignment. Additionally, WinkBeds offers a Plus model designed for heavier folks.

What our tester says: “I think the WinkBed is an especially good fit for sleepers with back pain, with the pressure map almost entirely blue. This indicates low pressure and even weight distribution, which is essential for avoiding soreness in the upper or lower back. ” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

What Customers Say

One Reddit user with back problems took the time to post about their experience with their new WinkBed mattress.

“Two months in, I couldn’t be happier,” they wrote. “My back feels much better than it ever has — consistently, too! It’s a great bed for side, back, and stomach sleepers. Very supportive, but also comfortable. [My] wife loves it, too.”

Highlights of the WinkBed Mattress

  • The mattress’s coils are zoned, so they’re firmer in the places where back sleepers need it most. There should be plenty of support here to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.
  • Back sleepers should feel supported on either the Luxury Firm or Firmer model of the WinkBed.
  • Due to its springiness, the WinkBed is responsive enough for combination sleepers to move around and change positions.

What to Keep in Mind about the WinkBed Mattress

  • The WinkBed is definitely a bouncier, responsive mattress. So if you’re after the slow-sinking feel of memory foam, it probably isn’t for you. You’d be better off checking out our best memory foam mattresses instead.

Could the WinkBed ease your back pain? Learn more in our full WinkBeds mattress review, or check out our roundup for the best cooling mattresses.

Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain

Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.8
Saatva
Saatva Mattress
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling Mattress
Strong Edge Support
Innerspring
365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free white glove delivery
Sale
$400 off $1,000 with mattress purchase See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress that’s easy to move around.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$935–$2,450 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
back pain
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
back sleeper
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
stomach sleeper
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen
Cons of the Saatva
If you’re looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, you’re better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
None of the Saatva Classic models will likely be supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers. For these folks, we recommend the Saatva HD.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
365 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee

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

Saatva Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
5
Materials
3
Motion Isolation
5
Support
5
Value
4.5
Cooling
5
Edge Support
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty

Expert Opinion

The Saatva stands out for its traditional innerspring feel, which comes from its unique coil-on-coil construction. When testing it out, we saw and felt very little pressure buildup around the back (i.e. lots of blue on our pressure map). This means the mattress isn’t likely to cause any back pain. That being said, the Saatva comes in three different firmness levels, and different ones are going to to accommodate different sleeping positions, especially if you’re someone who experiences pain in the lumbar region or upper back. See our Pros section below for specific recommendations.

We should also take a moment to dive further into the coil-on-coil construction. At the bottom of the bed is a thick layer of durable support coils, with another layer of coils right above it. This results in a considerable amount of support, so sleepers should be able to keep a neutral spinal alignment. The coils also give the Saatva lots of responsiveness and bounce, which makes it easier for combination sleepers to switch positions.

What our tester says: “Back sleepers should enjoy the Saatva. The support of the coils should keep their back in a healthy neutral position, which can help combat back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

What Customers Say

On a Reddit thread about sleepers’ experiences on Saatva mattresses, one user wrote “My new bed is ABSURDLY comfortable,” when referring to the Saatva Classic. “[The] back pain that I had previously been in physical therapy for has improved immensely. In fact, it is nearly gone. Considering how much the physical therapy cost me over time, I am pleased with this.”

Highlights of the Saatva Mattress

  • Back sleepers will likely find the right blend of comfort and support on the Luxury Firm version of the bed.
  • The Soft version of the bed should give side sleepers plenty of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
  • The mattress’s cover is soft and breathable, and because there are so many coils in the construction, there’s a ton of room for airflow. This is a plus for hot sleepers everywhere.

What to Keep in Mind about the Saatva Mattress

  • Although we think all types of sleepers could be comfortable on the Saatva, it isn’t the cheapest mattress around. So budget shoppers should look elsewhere, perhaps on our best cheap mattress page.

Will this mattress lead you to restful nights? Find out in our full Saatva mattress review, or check out our best innerspring mattress roundup.

Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain 

Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain 
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Designed for Athletes
Soft Feel
Luxurious Foams
Hybrid mattress
120 nights
Free shipping
Seasonal Deals
Save 30% off sitewide + free accessories See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, Firm. We rated the Medium model a 6 out of 10, meaning it is softer than average.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$1,865–$3,997 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
Ideal for back sleepers of all weights, as it is supportive but cushioning.
SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
A good match for people who sleep hot, thanks to a cooling cover and breathable coils.
so brand icons 2023 Best Mattress Home Page
Athletes
This mattress was designed for rest and recovery and uses Celliant, a material Bear says assists with muscle recovery.
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid
Thick comfort layers provide lots of pressure relief while coils lift the hips for spinal support
The Medium model has a medium-soft feel that should suit most back sleepers
A responsive feel makes this bed easy to move on
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid
Heavyweight stomach sleepers won’t get enough support. See our