Shoppers looking for the best mattress for back sleepers may want something that offers a blend of comfort and support. While back sleepers benefit from contouring and pressure relief (especially in the lower back), they also might need a mattress that’s strong and sturdy enough to give them a slight lift and help keep their spine in a neutral alignment.
According to News Medical, approximately 38% of people sleep on their back, making it the second most popular sleeping position, behind side sleeping. Since this sleeping position is so popular, I crafted this roundup to include mattresses that vary in price, so you can choose a bed within your budget. The beds on this roundup range from $998 to $2,499 for a queen-size before sales and discounts. I also want to note that these mattress companies all offer frequent sales, so you’re very likely to purchase a bed for even cheaper.
In this guide, I’m going to introduce folks to the absolute best mattresses for back sleepers. According to Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, “back sleepers should focus on a medium-firm mattress for proper spinal alignment and support. Pressure relief is also important, especially in the lumbar area.” The beds on this roundup truly hit the sweet spot for all these traits. I’ve included picks for all types of sleepers, from those who live with back pain to folks who sleep hot, budget shoppers, and more. In just the year 2024, Sleepopolis has helped 12,544 people find their perfect mattress.
Our Top Pick for Back Sleepers
I have the Helix Midnight at the top of my list due to its supportive coils that help with spinal alignment. I also love the soft foams that help cushion the back and prevent back pain.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers 2024
- Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress for Back Sleepers
- DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
- WinkBeds EcoCloud – Best Organic Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Joint Pain
- Bear – Best Mattress for Back-Sleeping Couples
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Birch Natural – Best Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers Video Review
What I Look For In The Best Mattresses For Back Sleepers
Firmness Level
Firmness level is important for every mattress, but is especially important to consider the various levels depending on how you sleep. We considered the best firmness level for back sleepers and tested that in all of the mattresses on this list using our firmness scale. This scale runs from 1-10, with 10 being the firmest. For back sleepers, we generally recommend a mattress between 6.5-8.5 on our firmness scale.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is particularly important for people who sleep on their backs, as it is important to make sure your back, shoulders, and hips are aligned properly throughout the evening to keep you comfortable and relieve pain. We tested all of these mattresses for pressure relief using a pressure map to help you find the best pressure relieving mattress for back sleepers.
Support and Contouring
Regardless of how you sleep, support and contouring are important for your mattress. However, back sleepers need a specific level of contouring and support to keep them comfortable, and we know this. So, we tested each of these mattresses for their support and contouring abilities specifically for back sleepers.
Comparing the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Latex | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Sleepers,
Side Sleepers |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Hot Sleepers,
Back Pain, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
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Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Hybrid mattresses are a natural fit for back sleepers because their construction creates a blend of comfort and support. In the case of the Helix Midnight, my top pick for back sleepers, the sturdy springs at the bottom of the mattress help keep sleepers lifted. This, in turn, helps keep the spine neutrally aligned. But at the top of the mattress, a layer of soft foam and a plush cooling cover provide pressure relief at the lumbar region. So, back sleepers get the cushioning they need without sinking too far into the Midnight’s layers.
Saatva – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress
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
Expert Opinion
From high-quality materials and enhanced durability to exceptional cooling and outstanding pressure relief, there are a number of reasons why a back sleeper would want to opt for a luxury mattress. However, a mattress is a large investment as it is, and with so many special features, luxury mattresses tend to drive up that price even more. One mattress that strives to keep luxury more affordable is the Saatva Classic. It boasts cooling features, zoned support, and a plush Euro top, all at less than $1,700 for a queen after discounts.
DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
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
Expert Opinion
The best mattresses for lower back pain (and back sleepers for that matter), include enough cushioning to fill in the curve at the lumbar region and also include enough lift to keep the hips elevated and in proper alignment throughout the night. The DreamCloud Original is no exception. I think that this slightly fimer mattress (a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale) should appeal to back sleepers of all body types. Whether you’re a lightweight sleeper under 130 pounds, a heavier sleeper over 250 pounds, or somewhere in between, the Original’s balanced feel was made for this sleeping position.
WinkBeds EcoCloud – Best Organic Mattress for Back Sleepers
If you’re looking for a mattress made with high-quality, organic materials, then look no further than the WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress. This bed is packed with sustainable materials, including organic cotton, sustainable New Zeland wool, natural Talalay latex, and recycled steel coils. The quilted cover gives this bed an initial plush feel, and the sturdy coils below provide lift and support. We especially like this bed for back sleepers, as it has the perfect balance between pressure relief and lumbar support. We also think hot sleepers would enjoy the breathable materials that work to keep the bed cool all night.
What our tester says:
“The EcoCloud is a great mattress for back sleepers. it has zoned support, which is meant to help promote a neutral spinal alignment, especially when back sleeping.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
When us mattress experts want to single out the best organic mattresses, we look at a bed’s materials and environmental certifications. I think the WinkBeds EcoCloud is a solid eco-conscious pick because of the recycled steel used to make its coils and its comfort layer of Talalay latex — a material derived from the sap of a rubber tree. Together, the foam and coils work to create a medium firmness that’s a natural fit for back sleepers.
Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Joint 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
Expert Opinion
Prolonged joint pain can quickly turn into a cycle resulting in both exacerbated pain and lack of sleep. When considering the best mattress for back sleepers and their joint pain, I start by looking at mattress materials and construction. Specifically, I want to see a comfy mattress that delivers enough pressure relief to prevent buildup at sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips. But there also needs to be enough support to maintain back sleepers’ spinal alignment.
Bear – Best Mattress for Back-Sleeping Couples
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
One of my most important tests when finding the best mattress for couples is measuring a bed’s motion transfer. It involves dropping a steel ball onto the surface and using a seismometer to track the ball’s movements and vibrations. If a mattress has low motion transfer, it means the bed is good at isolating motion, and that partners shouldn’t feel each other tossing and turning at night. The Bear has excellent motion transfer results, plus a ton of support from the firm foams at the bottom of the bed. So I think it’s a good choice for back-sleeping couples. They should get the support they need to keep their spines neutrally aligned, and are unlikely to wake each other up.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It’s got a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate all of the sleeping positions. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“First and foremost, I’d recommend this mattress to hot sleepers. This bed sleeps nice and cool thanks to special phase change technology and gel infusions. The Aurora Luxe is also a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
When testing out soft mattresses for back sleepers, I pay extra attention to support. While a mattress with a soft feel should contour and soothe the lumbar area, there still needs to be enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned. I think the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe strikes this balance, mostly due to a layer of zoned coils as the support layer at the bottom of the bed.
Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a firm mattress with a durable hybrid construction. It works well for heavyweight stomach and back sleepers, as it provides enough support to keep these sleepers’ spines in neutral alignment. In addition to making it a good choice for heavier people, the Emma Hybrid Comfort’s design also gives it nice breathability and responsiveness, meaning it stays cool as you sleep and is easy to move around on.
What our tester says:
“After five minutes of lying on the Emma Hybrid Comfort, it increased 7.7 degrees. This indicates good temperature regulation. I really did feel cool when resting on it. Considering this, the airy hybrid construction, and the additional cooling features, I feel that the Emma Hybrid Comfort is one of the best cooling mattresses.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
Hybrid mattresses combine soft foams for comfort and coils for support, resulting in models that take the best of both worlds from all-foam beds and innersprings. In terms of firmness and feel, there’s an extremely diverse selection of hybrids on the market. But if you’re wanting the best hybrid for back sleepers, I have to recommend the balanced feel of the Emma Comfort Hybrid. I found that it supports the hips and keeps the spine in proper alignment while still cushioning the lumbar region — two factors that, when combined, help prevent back pain.
Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
While many back sleepers like a balance between comfort and support, others prefer a firmer feel. For instance, back-stomach combination sleepers or heavier sleepers often require more firmness and support in a mattress. If this sounds like you, then I recommend the Plank Firm. It’s an all-foam mattress designed for cooling and extra support. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Plank Firm is its flippable nature. I think back sleepers are going to be most comfortable on the firm side (a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale). However, folks have the option to transition to the ultra firm side (an 8.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale).
Birch Natural – Best Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Expert Opinion
Back sleepers looking for a high-quality latex mattress might not find much better than the Birch Natural. The mattress’s foam is made from naturally sourced Talalay latex that gives sleepers quality support, responsiveness, and cooling. When I laid down on my back to test it out, I felt my hips being lifted and kept in line with my shoulders, which is crucial for preventing back pain. At the same time, there was enough cushioning from the foam to provide pressure relief at the lumbar region.
Important Considerations for Buying the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a back-sleeping mattress of your own:
Support
Back sleepers are in a league of their own in terms of the support and pressure relief they need. On one hand, it’s important for these folks to experience enough support at the hips to lift them up into alignment with the shoulders and lower back. On the other hand, they also need deep pressure relief to soothe tension at the lower back. It’s a tricky balance to strike, but one the best mattresses do with ease.
So how do you spot a truly supportive bed? Well, I recommend back sleepers pay attention to the transition and base layers of a mattress. A tall section of pocketed coils, for example, will bring a little more support to a mattress than a layer of high-density poly foam. And when it comes to comfort layers, if you want memory foam, make sure it’s buffeted by a firmer section of latex or poly foam. That way, the sinkage won’t dominate too much.
Neutral Spine Alignment
Ideally, whatever mattress you choose would actively work keep your spine aligned and balanced.. Otherwise, you could end up with aches, pains, and limited mobility. Plus, good alignment helps ease any pain that might be causing insomnia. If you’re trying to figure out if a bed is going to help you achieve neutral spine alignment, I recommend keeping an eye on two different types of designs: zoned support and balanced foam.
- Zoned Support — As briefly discussed up top, mattresses with zoned support are designed to target different parts of the body in different ways, with softer foams at the shoulders and firmer ones at the hips. This helps to encourage a healthy body line and promote relief.
- Balanced Foam — Beds built with several different types of foam (latex, memory foam, and high-density poly foam) are going to offer the best support for those living with back pain. This balanced approach combines lift with pressure relief for a well-rounded feel.
More On Zoned Support
Zoned support is when a mattress has multiple firmness levels built into it, so it can support different areas of your body in different ways. The goal for every sleeping position is to keep the spine aligned to ensure good sleep posture.
Different weight-bearing sections of your body, such as your hips, shoulder, and lumbar region may require different levels of firmness to cater to their individual needs. To help with this, some mattresses are made up of different “zones,” with each zone having a different firmness level.
Pressure Relief for Back Sleepers
As outlined in earlier sections, one of the most important parts about back sleeping is support. While you’ll want your hips lifted into alignment throughout the night, you’ll also want to look for something equally as important: pressure relief. A pressure-relieving mattress eases points of sensitivity. In the case of back sleeping, comfort foams should fill in the lumbar region and contour around it. This should help pain from developing or worsening at the back.
The best mattresses for pressure relief are soft mattresses. These mattresses are especially good for side sleepers because they have the give necessary to allow hips and shoulders to really sink in. You can look at my recommendations for the best soft mattresses to learn more.
In the graphic above, you’ll see how I test pressure relief in our mattress lab. First, I spread the pressure map across the mattress surface. Then, I lie down on it in a couple of different sleeping positions. The graphic shown uses thermal imaging to demonstrate areas of high pressure (red and orange), moderate pressure (yellow), and low pressure (green and blue).
For back sleeping, you can see the map above shows primarily blue and green. This should be a great mattress for pressure relief in the back sleeping position.
Firmness
Firmness refers to how “hard” or “soft” a bed is. A soft mattress can be just as supportive as a firm one, so it’s important to acknowledge the terms “firmness” and “support” are not synonymous with one another. If you prefer a softer mattress, check out my picks for the best soft mattresses.
That being said, many back sleepers will prefer a mattress that’s on the medium to slightly firm range. The industry standard for medium firmness is 6.5 on the firmness scale (where 1 is super soft and 10 is the most firm), so they’ll likely want to land on a structure that hovers around that score.
Why is medium firmness the ideal? Well, it implies the mattress strikes an ideal balance between supportive lift and pressure-relieving give. This will help achieve neutral spine alignment, set you up for some solid sleep hygiene, and bring optimized comfort to the hips, shoulders, and lower back.
Edge Support
Edge support is exactly what it sounds like — how supportive the mattress is along its edges. Ideally, a mattress will be just as supportive at the perimeter as it is in the center. Strong edge support is great for couples or anyone who likes to spread out because it can make the mattress feel bigger. Mattresses containing coils or reinforced edges typically excel in this category.
Edge support can be important for back sleeping, especially if the sleeper tends to gravitate towards the side of the bed rather than the center. These sleepers will want their hips, lower back, and shoulders to be supported regardless of where they’re laying.
I test edge support by sitting and laying near the edges of the mattress and measuring how much it sinks under my weight. I also observe how stable I feel and whether I am about to slip off the bed. If the mattress struggles to support my weight near the edge, it could be a sign that it’s prone to premature sagging.
Motion Isolation
If you share your bed with someone else, you may be disturbed by their tossing and turning at night. A bed with excellent motion isolation will absorb motion on one side of the bed and prevent the sleeper on the other side from feeling it. If you switch between back sleeping and another sleeping position throughout the night, you may want a bed with low motion transfer to prevent waking up your partner.
We test motion isolation using a red wine test and a seismometer test. First, I place a glass of wine on one side of the mattress and then toss and turn on the other side. I observe the liquid in the glass for movement. If the liquid is sloshing around or the glass is about to tip over, it’s clear that the mattress is not isolating my motion. Next, I drop a 10-pound steel ball onto the bed from three heights and measure the disturbance using a seismometer. The larger the lines on the graph, the worse the motion isolation.
Memory foam mattresses typically have the best motion isolation, as the foam layers can absorb movement and prevent it from traveling. Innerspring mattresses containing springs are usually bouncier and have higher motion transfer. My mattress reviews always test for motion isolation, so be sure to give those sections a read before purchasing.
Best Mattress Materials for Back Sleepers
Latex
The best latex mattresses are known for their durability, cooling, and eco-friendliness. Generally, these mattresses are firmer and have a bouncier feel. While this gives the mattress plenty of structure to help lift your hips, it may not provide adequate pressure relief depending on your body type. An easy fix would be to invest in one of the best mattress toppers for some extra plushness. Since latex is a natural material, it’s typically very durable, so these beds tend to last a long time.
Innerspring
The best innerspring mattresses are known to have a thick layer of supportive coils and a thinner foam layer. For some body types, this mattress works for back sleeping. But similar to latex mattresses, there may not be enough of a comfort layer to fill in the lumbar area. A mattress topper might be needed here, too. Since these beds contain strong coils and not a lot of foam, they’re typically durable options that aren’t prone to premature sagging. However, always consult our edge support test to confirm this.
Memory Foam
The best memory foam mattresses have a famous slow-moving feel and provide lots of contouring and pressure relief. For this reason, they’re great for alleviating pain in sensitive areas. In the case of back sleepers, I recommend finding a quality memory foam bed with high-density foam for support. Since these beds don’t contain strong coils, some foam mattresses are prone to premature sagging, which causes the mattress to lose support and throw your spine out of alignment. These mattresses are typically not as durable as hybrid and innerspring beds.
Hybrid
The best hybrid mattresses combine the support of innerspring coils with the comfort and relief of all-foam beds. For this reason, I highly recommend them to back sleepers. The hips should stay lifted yet cushioned. Hybrids come in a variety of firmnesses, so they’re great for a lot of different body types. The strong coils in these beds help with durability and can prevent premature sagging. However, not all hybrid mattresses perform well on our edge support test, so be sure to consult this category in our reviews.
Company Policies
A mattress purchase is no small feat. You’re investing in a product you’ll use every night, and it should be in your life for years to come. When making this decision, it can be a good idea to read the fine print surrounding your purchase. Three of the most important policies to look at are the warranty, sleep trial, and shipping.
Warranty
A mattress warranty can be a good indicator of a mattress’s durability, as it can measure how long the company expects their product to last. A warranty is how long after purchase the company is willing to replace your mattress for free. These warranties can be handy if your mattress has manufacturing errors, premature sagging, or defective materials. Most online mattress retailers offer a 10-year or a lifetime warranty. However, other brands offer no warranty at all, so it’s important to check.
Sleep Trial
A sleep trial is the amount of time you can sleep on your mattress before it becomes ineligible for returns or exchanges. Online mattress companies understand hesitancy to purchase a bed without trying it first, so they will usually offer a lengthy trial. We recommend looking for a sleep trial period of at least 100 nights so you have plenty of time to decide whether you want to keep it. Some companies even let you try the mattress for a full year before deciding it’s not for you.
It can sometimes take up to 30 days to fully adjust to a new mattress, so some companies will not begin accepting returns until 30 days after delivery.
Shipping and Handling
Shipping can be a hassle. Luckily, there are many mattress companies that offer free shipping with mattress purchases. Some companies will require a flat fee for returns, while others offer free returns.
If you’re purchasing a bed-in-a-box mattress, it will ship right to your door compressed in a box. Some mattress companies offer white glove delivery, meaning they’ll deliver the bed to your home and set it up for you. Some companies will even take away your old mattress for free.
Should Back Sleepers Use an Adjustable Bed?
Some back sleepers could benefit from the use of an adjustable bed, which allows them to lower and raise their upper and lower body. Back sleepers are more prone to sleep apnea, and an adjustable bed can help raise the sleeper into an angle that promotes better airflow and prevents snoring. Adjustable beds can also help back sleepers struggling with chronic pain by allowing them to find an angle that reduces pressure on sensitive areas. For more about adjustable beds, head to our best adjustable bed roundup.
Health Issues Related to Back Sleeping
One of the biggest complaints some back sleepers (and their partners) have is snoring. When sleeping on your back, gravity causes your tongue and throat tissues to fall backward and restrict airflow. This may lead to some intense snoring or even sleep apnea, which can be dangerous. However, this issue can be helped by using an adjustable base, wedge pillow, or simply stacking a few pillows to create a slight incline for better breathing.
Back sleeping can sometimes cause issues during pregnancy, and pregnant people are typically advised to avoid this position. When back sleeping, critical blood vessels can compress, which reduces blood flow to the fetus and can cause major complications.
Acid reflux and back pain are two more issues that might be aggravated by back sleeping. Laying flat on your back can increase the chances of stomach acid reaching the esophagus, although a wedge pillow can help prevent this. If you have chronic back pain, you’ll want to make sure you have a mattress that is both supportive and pressure-relieving, especially if you’re sleeping directly on your back.
Do Doctors Recommend Back Sleeping?
Overall, many medical professionals and sleep experts agree that sleeping on the back is great for preventing pain because the body’s weight is more evenly distributed. However, like with any sleeping position, it’s important that your mattress is compatible with back sleeping. Otherwise, pain and discomfort may occur. I typically steer back sleepers towards medium-firm mattresses for a balance of pressure relief and support, and our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, agrees.
“An overly soft mattress may lead to poor spinal alignment and lack of support, contributing to discomfort in your back. A medium-firm mattress is often best, as it maintains proper spine curvature, distributes weight evenly and reduces pressure points. Pressure relief is important, especially in the lumbar area.”
– Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
FAQs
What mattress firmness is best for back sleepers?
While it depends on body type, medium-firm mattresses are known to suit back sleepers well. This is because medium-firm beds balance pressure relief for the lumbar area with support for spinal alignment.
What is the best mattress thickness for back sleepers?
Regardless of your preferred sleeping position, it is recommended that folks use a mattress thickness of 10 or more inches.
Is a spring or foam mattress for back sleepers?
Coils are great at providing structure and durability, while foam is beneficial for pressure relief around the lumbar region. For this reason, we actually recommend a hybrid mattress, which combines the benefits of spring and foam mattresses.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories, such as value and warranty.
Back sleepers usually need a good amount of support, so for our roundup, we only chose beds that scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in this category. Jump back to our mattress picks or click here to learn more about our methodology.
Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Midnight | Overall | $1,374 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Affordable Luxury | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud | Lower Back Pain | $1,199 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBeds EcoCloud | Organic | $1,999 | WinkBeds Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Joint Pain | $2,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear | Couples | $998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Soft | $1,865 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Hybrid | $1,199 | Emma Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding | Firm | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch by Helix | Latex | $1,812 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper
Sources
- Gordon Ian, L. Effect of shirts with 42% Celliant™ fiber on tcPO2 levels and grip strength in healthy subjects: A placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Textile Science and Engineering. 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8351537/
- Wei Yu. Investigating the influence of an adjustable zoned air mattress on sleep: a multinight polysomnography study. Frontiers in Neuroscience. April 20, 2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1160805/full