If you’re a back sleeper looking to find a bed that’ll support you in your preferred sleeping position, then you’ve landed on the right page! In this guide, I’m going to introduce you to the absolute best mattresses for back sleepers, including picks for back pain, those who sleep hot, budget shoppers, and more.
I’ll also be sharing the methodology I used to make my selections, so you’ll know exactly what to look for when shopping for a back sleeping mattress of your own.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers 2021 – Our Top 8
- Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Lower Back Pain – Saatva
- Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers – Helix
- Best Value Mattress for Back Sleepers – DreamCloud
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers – Layla Hybrid
- Best Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers – Avocado
- Best Mattress for Back and Side Sleepers – Leesa Hybrid
- Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers – Sealy Cocoon Chill
- Best Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers – Puffy
How I Picked
Now that I’ve gone over my picks, let’s take a minute to chat about the methodology I used to select them. You can think of this section as a round-up of all the major factors you’ll want to consider before buying a bed for back sleeping.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Lower Back Pain
Saatva
Looking for a supportive innerspring mattress that’ll help soothe your lower back pain? Then I’d recommend checking out the Saatva mattress. Built with a coil-on-coil construction, this bed is firm, bouncy, and extra supportive, working to alleviate tension all across the spine.
To that end, my favorite thing about the Saatva is how well it supports a neutral spine alignment. This means it lifts the hips in line with the lumbar region and the shoulders, creating an even line across the body. This alignment is key to relieving pressure and pain at the lower back. I also like that the mattress comes in different firmnesses, which allows folks to really hone in on the comfort level that’s going to be right for them. The bed’s also got fantastic edge support, so sleepers should feel evenly supported from the center of the mattress all the way to the sides.
Read all about it at my full Saatva mattress review.
The Saatva mattress combines a luxurious pillow-top layer with two sections of coils for that classic innerspring feel.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers
Helix
If you’re on the market for a bouncy and supportive hybrid mattress, look no further than Helix. This brand currently sells 13 different hybrid models, all of which features layers of pressure-relieving foam over buoyant pocketed coils. I especially like these beds for back sleepers because they all feature plenty of lift at the hips and lower back.
The 13 mattresses I mentioned above are divided into two different lines: the Standard Helix collection and the Helix Luxe collection. I like the Standard line for back sleepers, which features six unique models ranging from the super soft Sunset to the ultra-firm Dawn. Regardless of the one you choose, you’ll wind up with a bed built to set the spine in a neutral line for endless nights of cozy sleep.
To learn more about the Helix brand, check out my full reviews of the Standard Helix and Helix Luxe lines as well as the Helix Plus, which is designed specifically with heavier folks in mind.
Whether you choose the standard or luxe edition, Helix mattresses have something to offer every style of sleeper!
Best Value Mattress for Back Sleepers
DreamCloud
Back sleepers looking to snag a luxury bed at a value price should definitely check out the DreamCloud mattress. This hybrid model packs a serious comfort punch, and all without breaking the bank.
Designed with layers of gel-infused memory foam and pocketed coils, this mattress strikes a satisfying balance between pressure relief and support. While this feel should work wonders for a variety of different sleepers, it could be especially beneficial for those who like to doze on their backs. Why? Well, the top layer of memory foam works to alleviate tension at the lumbar region while the coils lift the hips in line with the shoulders. The bed also features excellent edge support, so could be a nice fit for couples. In general, the quality of the mattress is superb, so when you add the affordable price tag into the mix, clicking buy is pretty much a no-brainer.
Interested? Head on over to my full DreamCloud mattress review to learn more.
This tall hybrid mattress combines foams with pocketed coils for a luxuriously supportive sleeping experience.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
Layla Hybrid
Back sleepers who also happen to love memory foam should definitely take a gander at the Layla Hybrid mattress. Built with thick layers of copper-infused memory foam, this bed offers great pressure relief along with some nice bounce thanks to the pocketed coil support core.
But what’s especially neat about this mattress is that it’s flippable. Yep, you read that right — the mattress features both a “Soft” side and a “Firm” side. This allows folks to oscillate between two totally different firmnesses at the drop of a hat. And while it’ll be up to you to figure out which side is best for your slumber needs, I’d recommend that back sleepers stick with the “Firm” side. Featuring just a single inch of memory foam up top, this configuration provides a touch of snuggly pressure relief without causing the hips to sink out of alignment with the shoulders i.e. it’s a win-win!
Learn more in my full Layla Hybrid mattress review.
The Layla Hybrid uses foam and coil layers for two firmness options so you can choose the right support level for your sleep style.
Best Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers
Avocado
Latex mattresses can be fantastic for back sleepers because they’re soft without sacrificing the support these folks need at the hips and lower back. While there are a ton of fantastic latex models on the market today, one of my absolute favorites is the Avocado mattress.
This all-natural bed is built with layers of buoyant Dunlop latex and pocketed coils for a structure that’s supremely springy and supportive. Back sleepers will be especially pleased by the bed’s firmness, which works to establish an “on top of the bed” feel that works wonders for neutral spine alignment. And if you’re a back sleeper who struggles with lower back pain or sciatica, the brand offers up this bed in a pillow top version, which balances out some of this firmness with a touch of plush comfort. Back sleeping accolades aside, the Avocado is also exceedingly eco-friendly, built as it is with organic cotton and all-natural latex.
Dig into all the Avocado details at my full Avocado mattress review.
Composed of 100% natural latex and pocketed coils, the Avocado is as eco-conscious as it is comfortable.
Best Mattress for Back and Side Sleepers
Leesa Hybrid
While most of the picks on this list are intended for strict back sleepers, I thought I’d include one for those folks who switch between their back and side in the night. So, if you fall into this camp, say hello to the Leesa Hybrid mattress.
I like this bed for back/side combo sleepers because it combines bouncy latex-like foam with plush memory foam for a one-two punch of pressure relief and support. This means that you’ll get enough lift at the hips while snoozing on your back and plenty of give at the shoulders when you eventually turn onto your side. Plus, the bed is pretty bouncy thanks to the pocketed coil support, so it makes moving between different positions a breeze.
Does this mattress sound like the one for you? Then get all the details at my full Leesa mattress review.
Thick layers of foam and pocketed coils come together to offer sleepers the perfect hotel-bed feel.
Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
Sealy Cocoon Chill
If you’re a back sleeper who also happens to sleep hot, you’ll want to buy a mattress that actively works to absorb and dissipate body heat. There are a lot of fantastic cooling options to choose from, but my favorite is the Cocoon Chill from Sealy.
The bed kicks things off with a cover that’s been infused with a special Phase Change Material, which is literally cool to the touch. This establishes a “chill” vibe that neutralizes and cools temps as soon as you hop on the mattress. Beneath the cover, you’ll land on a plush layer of memory foam, included to bring a little pressure relief to the hips and lower back. What’s below the memory foam is up to you — you can either choose a gentle transition layer or one that’s extra firm. Regardless, you’ll wind up with a bed that’s supportive, pressure-relieving, and oh so very cool.
For more, check out my full Cocoon Chill mattress review.
The Cocoon Chill is Sealy’s all-foam mattress that offers a memory foam comfort layer to provide a contouring feeling as you sink in for pressure relief.
Best Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
Puffy
Into the idea of a foam bed because you want to experience a little plush pressure relief while you snooze? Well then, allow me to introduce you to the Puffy mattress.
Though its name might make you think this bed is too soft for back sleeping, I’d argue that the Puffy is actually ideal for slumbering in supine. Yes, there’s a top layer of gel-infused memory foam for deep body-contouring and pressure relief, but this relatively soft layer is bolstered by internal sections of much firmer foam. This produces a true medium firm feel, which is ideal for back sleepers. Long story short, you get all the cuddly goodness of memory foam without that “stuck-in-the-bed” feeling that can be a real bummer for those who doze on their backs.
Intrigued? Then hop on over to my full Puffy mattress review to get all the details you need.
The Puffy is an all-foam mattress that lives up to its name with soft, pressure relieving comfort!
Support
Perhaps the most crucial factor to consider is 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 lumbar region. 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 that 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 the vibe too much.
Neutral Spine Alignment
At the end of the day, support is really all about neutral spine alignment. I mentioned it a few times throughout this guide, but I just wanted to dive into it a little bit more here.
When I talk about neutral spine alignment, I’m really just talking about finding a bed that establishes an even line all the way from your neck and shoulders to your hips and lower back. Ideally, whatever mattress you choose would actively work to set your spine into this even line; otherwise, you could end up with aches, pains, and limited mobility. Plus, good alignment can help alleviate common nighttime issues like snoring or 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 we 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 back pain sufferers. This balanced approach combines lift with pressure relief for a well-rounded feel.
Firmness
Tied into this conversation about support and neutral spine alignment is firmness. Now, 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 that the terms firmness and support are not synonymous with one another.
That being said, most back sleepers will prefer a mattress that’s on the medium to slightly firm range. This usually means beds that achieve a 5-7/10 on the firmness scale (where 1 is super soft and 10 is the most firm). The industry standard for medium firmness is 6.5, so back sleepers will want to land on a structure that hovers around that score.
Why is medium firmness the ideal? Well, it implies that 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.
Summary: The Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva | Lower Back Pain | $1,399 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Helix | Hybrid | $999 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| DreamCloud | Value | $1,099 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Layla Hybrid | Memory Foam | $1,649 | Layla Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Avocado | Latex | $1,399 | Avocado Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Leesa Hybrid | Back & Side Sleepers | $1,699 | Leesa Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Leesa Hybrid | Cooling | $1,699 | CocoonCoupon | Read Our Review! |
| Puffy | Foam | $1,150 | Puffy Coupon | Read Our Review! |
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, there are a ton of options for back sleepers to choose from, whether you sleep hot, occasionally doze on your side, or simply want a solid value buy. To find the bed that’s right for you, remember to keep a tight eye on support, firmness, and spine alignment. That way, you’ll land on a mattress sure to keep you dreaming all night long!
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