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.
In this guide, we’re going to introduce folks to the absolute best mattresses for back sleepers. These are beds that truly hit the sweet spot for all the traits mentioned above. We’ve included picks for all types of sleepers, from those who living back pain to folks who sleep hot, budget shoppers, and more. And we of course selected mattresses that shouldn’t put any added pressure on the back, thanks to something called a pressure-map test (more info on that below).
Our Top Pick for Back Sleepers
We have the Helix Midnight at the top of our list due to its supportive coils that help with spinal alignment. We 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 We 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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
|
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Sleepers,
Side Sleepers |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
|
Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain,
|
Hot Sleepers,
Back Pain, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
|
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, our 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.
On our pressure map test, Helix Midnight only showed blue, with just a little bit of green, while we were sleeping on our back. This further verifies that it’s a worthy choice for the best mattresses for back sleepers. Each Helix model has a different firmness, with the Midnight falling into the medium-firm category. So, if you’re looking for something just a touch firmer, we’d recommend checking out one of Helix’s firm models such as the Helix Dawn.
What our tester says: “I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints. This model also has a nice, bouncy feel, thanks to its hybrid construction. That means it’s easy to roll around on, so combination sleepers shouldn’t have trouble changing positions during the night.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
What Customers Say
The Helix Midnight has a little over 6,700 reviews on the Helix website and an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers compliment the mattress on its ability to address back aches and pains.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- On the pressure map, we saw little to no pressure around the shoulders and hips. This is where side sleepers put the most pressure, so they should also be comfortable on the Helix Midnight.
- The Helix Midnight has strong edge support, so couples can spread out and use the whole surface of the bed.
- With coils that promote airflow and a breathable cover, the Helix Midnight should have no problem keeping hot sleepers cool.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Stomach sleepers will likely want a mattress that’s firmer and more supportive than the Helix Midnight.
- Heavy people weighing over 250 pounds may want to check out one of our best mattresses for heavy people, or the Helix Plus — Helix’s model made especially for those over 250 pounds.
Take a look at our reviews of the Standard Helix and Helix Luxe lines, as well as the Helix Plus. Think the Helix Midnight is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Helix Midnight mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses of 2024.
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.
This mattress also pairs exceptionally well with back sleepers. The Saatva Classic is offered in multiple firmness options, but we tested out the Luxury Firm model. Our pressure map test showed almost entirely blue on the graphic, indicating low pressure buildup at the hips and lower back. Still, its innerspring coils provide the lift needed to keep the spine aligned. We believe this model suits back sleepers of all body types, especially since shoppers can select their ideal firmness option, and therefore their preferred balance of comfort and support.
What our tester says: “I think this mattress is a nice option for back sleepers and combination sleepers. I also appreciate how the Saatva Classic comes in three different firmness levels and two different heights, so sleepers can choose the model that works best for their needs.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are over 3,000 customer reviews on Saatva’s website, and their original mattress has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. One feature that customers especially love is the brand’s free white glove delivery. If you buy a mattress from Saatva, they’ll send someone to your house to deliver it and set it up. Also, Saatva mattresses arrive uncompressed and don’t come in a box, which makes them stand out from other mattresses on this list.
Pros of the Saatva Mattress
- Back sleepers can find comfort in the Luxury Firm model, side sleepers can sleep soundly on the Plush Soft, and stomach sleepers can feel supported by the Firm model.
- Because of the Saatva’s springiness, combination sleepers can easily easily switch positions.
- Since the bulk of the mattress is made up of coils, there’s a ton of room for airflow in the Saatva. This is good news for hot sleepers who have a hard time staying cool at night.
Cons of the Saatva Mattress
- As is the case with many innerspring mattresses, there’s a lot of motion transfer on the Saatva, meaning that if you sleep with a partner, it’s easy for both of your movements to travel across the bed. So couples are likely to feel each other tossing and turning if they’re light sleepers.
Think this is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Saatva mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best luxury mattresses.
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. We 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.
Our pressure map test revealed some extremely low pressure buildup. Across the graphic in the back-sleeping position, we saw almost entirely blue. We felt the cashmere blend cover and layers of foam prevent pressure at the lower back. At the same time, tall pocketed coils keep sleepers from feeling stuck in the mattress’s materials, promoting a neutral alignment.
What our tester says: “There’s some gentle cushioning up top, as well as some firm bounce in the bed’s core. I think this feel could work well for back sleepers and combination sleepers who switch sleeping positions at night, or anyone who likes to feel more lifted up by their bed rather than stuck in it.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many customers note how the DreamCloud has helped alleviate their back and hip pain.
Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress
- The more responsive transition layer and the springy coils should keep combination sleepers lifted on top of the mattress.
- Because it tested well in edge support, responsiveness, and cooling, many couples should enjoy a sound sleep on the DreamCloud.
- Lightweight stomach sleepers will likely feel this mattress is firm enough for keeping the body properly lifted and in alignment.
Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress
- While the DreamCloud excels in many aspects, we felt it lacked in motion isolation. Couples who easily wake from their partner’s movements should consider one of the best mattress for couples.
Think the DreamCloud is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full DreamCloud mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for sciatica.
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 our mattress experts want to single out the best organic mattresses, they look at a bed’s materials and environmental certifications. We 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.
The EcoCloud also has a cover made from organic cotton and sustainable New Zealand wool. Plus, its construction includes zoned support, which means the coils vary in firmness across different parts of the mattress, with the springs being firmer by the hips and softer by the shoulders. This helps to promote proper spinal alignment, which studies suggest may prevent back pain and improve sleep quality over time.
What our tester says: “The EcoCloud’s zoned support makes this mattress great for anyone who suffers from back pain, as it promotes an ideal straight spinal alignment. I also love how environmentally friendly this mattress is.” – Zoë Ettinger, former Sleepopolis editor and mattress tester
What Customers Say
Being one of WinkBeds’ newer products, the EcoCloud has just a little less than 250 reviews on the company’s website, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. But you can actually filter out the reviews by category and search for specific traits of the mattress. Many of the reviewers specifically call out the WinkBeds EcoCloud for providing a lot of pain relief at the lower back and sciatic nerve.
Pros of the WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
- Heavy sleepers who weigh 250 pounds or more may find that the EcoCloud provides a good level of support. It also features what the brand calls”ExtraEdge Anti-Sag Support” along the edges, which makes the bed more durable and helps prevent sinkage for heavy sleepers.
- Combination sleepers should appreciate how bouncy the EcoCloud is, thanks to the responsive latex and springy coils. This makes it easy for them to change sleeping positions at night.
- The latex and coil construction make the EcoCloud an exceptionally cooling mattress. This is good news for hot sleepers.
Cons of the WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
- This bed might feel too firm for strict side sleepers, unless they’re heavy side sleepers or really enjoy a firmer feel.
- Stomach sleepers will likely not find the proper support on the WinkBeds EcoCloud.
Think the WinkBeds EcoCloud is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best organic mattresses.
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, we start by looking at mattress materials and construction. Specifically, we 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.
We believe the hybrid Nolah Evolution does it all. There’s a layer of pressure-relieving foam underneath another thick layer of proprietary contouring foam and a plush cotton cover. We certainly think these layers were a huge factor in why it did so well on our pressure map in both the back- and side-sleeping positions. Additionally, at the bottom of the mattress, there’s a layer of coils that not only allows extra airflow, but creates some support to keep back sleepers’ spines neutrally aligned.
What our tester says: “This mattress provides good pressure relief and body contouring. I think the Luxury Firm model is a great choice for side sleepers, and back sleepers who like a softer mattress. One of my favorite features is the soft pillow top. It’s a great touch for anyone with shoulder or hip pain.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
On Nolah’s website, the Evolution has an average customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers love how the foams feel soft while still being supportive. And you can actually see what each person’s age and sleeping position is, so you can get the opinion of someone similar to you.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- The Nolah Evolution hybrid is also available in three different firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm — we tested the Luxury Firm. The soft foams and supportive coils create a balanced feel. For even more relief from joint pain, we recommend trying the Plush model.
- While the Nolah Evolution isn’t responsive enough to be one of the best mattresses for sex, it has solid motion isolation and strong edge support. So we think it’s a good choice for couples.
- If you’re a heavier sleeper over 250 pounds, the Nolah Evolution offers a Comfort+ version made specifically for your sleeping needs.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- Stomach sleepers will likely find comfort in a firmer and more supportive mattress.
- The Nolah Evolution offers a little bit of sinkage that, while comfortable, might make it hard for combo sleepers to switch positions.
Think the Nolah Evolution is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for arthritis.
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 our 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 we 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.
We also put the Bear through our pressure-map test. When looking at the results, there was nothing but blue along our entire back while back sleeping. This confirms that the mattress is a fantastic pick for back sleepers.
What our tester says: “I really appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it a great option for back sleepers with back pain. I also really like the Bear’s Celliant cover!” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
As the brand’s flagship mattress, the Bear has over 10,000 reviews on the company’s website, and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Almost 200 of these reviews come from back sleepers. Most of these folks say that the mattress does wonders for their back pain and that they wake up every morning feeling refreshed.
Pros of the Bear Mattress
- One of the most unique features of the Bear is that it offers a cover made of Celliant. This is a material designed to absorb body heat, then redirect it back to sleepers as a means of promoting blood flow and recovery. So far, studies on Celliant are small but promising: A 2019 study that asked 24 participants to wear both a regular shirt and a Celliant shirt found that the participants experienced an increase in skin oxygenation after donning the latter. This helps to boost Bear’s claims that the material promotes recovery after exercising, and makes the mattress a sensible choice for athletes. However, before you purchase this mattress, it’s important to note that this cover does cost an extra $130, in addition to your mattress total.
- The foams in Bear are pretty responsive, so combination sleepers can easily switch positions.
- As a material, Celliant sleeps cool, and there are graphite infusions in the foam to help the Bear (and hot sleepers) keep a low temperature.
Cons of the Bear Mattress
- The Bear is probably a little too firm for side sleepers, who will want to seek out a softer mattress with more contouring.
- We don’t think stomach sleepers will find the proper support or firmness on this mattress.
Think the Bear is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Bear mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for couples.
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, we 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. We 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.
This hybrid mattress is available in three different firmnesses: Soft, Medium, and Firm. Most back sleepers should feel comfortable on the Medium or Firm models. We tested the Medium, and found that it had a really soft, cuddly top foam layer and rated it a 6.5 on our firmness scale. As the memory foam cushioned our body, it really did feel like we were sleeping in the lap of luxury. Two other foam layers added cushioning and eased us into the support layer of pocketed coils. Based on this, our tester’s expert opinion places the Soft level around 5.5 or 6.
What our tester says: “With this bed, back sleepers should enjoy a balanced feel that promotes spinal alignment and maximum comfort. I also appreciate how soft and cuddly this bed is. It feels similar to a lot of luxury hybrids on the market right now, but is a little cheaper than these beds.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
On the Brooklyn Bedding website, the Aurora Luxe has an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. 19 of these reviews are confirmed back sleepers, most of whom rated the mattress a perfect 5.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- Almost every layer of the mattress has cooling features, from a cover made of Phase Change Material to infusions of gel and copper in the foam and coils that leave space for airflow. These traits make the Aurora Luxe a great match for hot sleepers.
- The Aurora Luxe has decent motion isolation, excellent cooling capabilities, and good responsiveness, which makes it a good mattress for couples and sex.
- The various levels of firmness provided in the Aurora Luxe make it a great option for many sleepers, as you can pick what is most comfortable while still getting the necesary support.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- Even the Firm model probably isn’t going to be supportive enough for stomach sleepers.
- There might not be enough support for heavy sleepers (who weigh 250 pounds or more) , and the poor edge support may led to discomfort.
Think the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best soft mattresses.
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, we have to recommend the balanced feel of the Emma Comfort Hybrid. We 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.
We run all of our mattresses through something called a pressure map test. This is where we spread a specialized mat across the mattress to detect how much pressure it’s putting on our body in different sleeping positions. It then uses thermal imaging to create a color-coded “map” (blue means no pressure, green means little pressure, yellow means moderate pressure, orange means high pressure, and red means very high pressure). The Emma Hybrid Comfort showed impressive results while back sleeping. The map presented primarily blue with a touch of green at the lumbar region (low pressure buildup), and we didn’t feel any pressure either.
What our tester says: “The first thing I noticed when I laid down on the mattress was how firm it felt. It definitely felt like I was sleeping “on” the bed rather than “in” it, thanks to the firm foam layers. It does offer a small amount of sinkage, but overall, I’d say the Emma mattress does a great job of keeping you lifted up and supported.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There aren’t many reviews for the Hybrid Comfort yet, but as a whole, Emma customers say the models they ordered arrived quickly and involved a convenient setup process.
Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress
- The Hybrid Comfort was made with cooling in mind, as it includes a moisture-wicking cover, cooling foam, and breathable coils. Our thermal gun test showed an increase of 7.7 degrees after lying down on it, indicating good cooling abilities.
- This bed is excellent for heavier sleepers, thanks to high-density support foam and strong coils with zoned support towards the mattress foundation.
- Overall, the Hybrid Comfort has a bouncy, responsive feel that makes it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions.
Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress
- Side sleepers may feel too much pressure at the hip and shoulder. For them, we recommend a softer mattress, or the addition of a thick mattress topper.
Think the Emma Hybrid Comfort is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best hybrid mattresses.
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 we 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. We 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).
While we certainly don’t recommend the Plank Firm to side sleepers (there were poor results on our pressure map test), back sleeping is a different story. Yes, the Plank Firm provides support and lift to the hips, but its comfort layer is also plush enough to properly contour the lumbar region and prevent back pain in this area. This resulted in our graphic showing mostly green and blue, indicating lower pressure.
What our tester says: “The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress, so the five layers work double duty. The support layers on one side become the top layers when the mattress is flipped. When the logo is right side up, the firmer side is facing you.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are almost 3,000 reviews on the Plank Firm, and many are positive comments about how it’s a fantastic value buy for such a firm, supportive bed.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
- With good scores in motion isolation and responsiveness, we recommend this bed for couples who like a firmer feel.
- Combination sleepers should find this bed to have a bouncy feel that makes it easy to switch between back and stomach sleeping.
- Stomach sleepers should love the Plank Firm because its firmness should keep the hips lifted and in proper alignment.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
- Folks struggling from joint pain, such as hip and/or shoulder pain, likely won’t find enough relief on this firm bed.
Think the Plank Firm is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Plank Firm mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best firm mattresses.
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 we laid down on our back to test it out, we felt our hips being lifted and kept in line with our 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.
We also felt comfortable stomach sleeping on the Birch. Stomach sleepers tend to need a firmer, more supportive mattress than other sleeping positions, and we found that the durable latex and springy coils prevented us from sinking too far into the mattress’s layers. We scored the Birch Natural at a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale.
What our tester says: “I also think anyone looking for a classic latex feel will really appreciate this bed. Its organic layers have a taut, springy feel and really offer great lift and support. If you’re a back and stomach combination sleeper, I’d highly recommend the Birch.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
What Customers Say
The Birch has almost 4,200 reviews on the mattress’s website, and many back sleepers say it’s a great match for anyone with a stiff back.
Pros of the Birch Natural Mattress
- With organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex, the Birch is an eco-friendly mattress, which should appeal to green-minded shoppers.
- Latex is a naturally cooling material, and the pocketed coil system provides lots of airflow, so the mattress should have no problem sleeping cool.
- The responsive nature of latex and coils is great for combination sleepers who need easy mobility to change sleeping positions throughout the night.
Cons of the Birch Natural Mattress
- Even with the pressure relief provided by the wool comfort layer, it’s probably not enough to cushion side sleepers’ shoulders and hips.
Think this is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Birch Natural mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best latex mattresses.
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, we 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, we 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 our recommendations for the best soft mattresses to learn more.
In the graphic above, you’ll see how we test pressure relief in our mattress lab. First, we spread our pressure map across the mattress surface. Then, we 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 our 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.
We test edge support by sitting and laying near the edges of the mattress and measuring how much it sinks under our weight. We also observe how stable we feel and whether we are about to slip off the bed. If the mattress struggles to support our 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, we place a glass of wine on one side of the mattress and then toss and turn on the other side. We 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 our motion. Next, we 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. Our 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.
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.
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, we recommend finding a quality memory foam bed with high-density foam for support. Some foam mattresses are prone to premature sagging, which causes the mattress to lose support and throw your spine out of alignment.
Hybrid
The best hybrid mattresses combine the support of innerspring coils with the comfort and relief of all-foam beds. For this reason, we 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.
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.
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. We 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