Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 300 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories. Learn more
Just Updated
We’ve recently re-evaluated all of our top mattress picks for back sleepers and added more feedback from the testers in our lab — so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we found it to be both comfortable and supportive, and we stand by its recommendation.
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 2025
Helix Midnight – Best Overall 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.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Helix
Helix Midnight Mattress
Cooling Mattress
Medium-Firm Comfort
Reinforced Edges
Hybrid mattress
100-night trial on all mattresses
Free shipping on all orders
End of Year Sale!
Save 25% sitewide + 3 FREE products with Helix Luxe or Elite mattress ($330+value) See Details
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the Helix Midnight a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. This means it’s slightly softer than the industry standard (6.5 out of 10).
Price
$937–$1,749 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation, so you shouldn’t feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Pros of the Helix Midnight
Back sleepers should get some cushioning in the lumbar region, and the coils will help keep their spines neutrally aligned.
Side sleepers should experience nice pressure relief and contouring at their shoulders and hips. For extra pressure relief, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe, the standard Helix Midnight’s luxury version.
The Helix Midnight has low motion transfer, which means partners aren’t likely to feel each other moving around at night.
The Midnight is a responsive mattress, so it’s ideal for combination sleepers.
You can return your bed after the 30-day “break-in” period and before the trial period ends for a full refund.
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
Helix Midnight Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4
Support
4
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4.5
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
3.5
Trial Period
3.5
Warranty
4
Value
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.
On my pressure map test, Helix Midnight only showed blue, with just a little bit of green, while I was sleeping on my 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, I’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, I 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.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Firm, Supportive Feel
Cashmere-Blend Cover
Responsive Springs
Hybrid
365 nights
Free shipping
Winter Flash Sale
Save up to 50% on mattresses & up to 66% on bundles See Details
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the DreamCloud a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A 7 means that the DreamCloud is fairly firm.
Price
$839–$2,178 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
You should get enough cushioning for your lumbar region and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
The coils in the support layer leave plenty of room for airflow.
Combination Sleepers
The DreamCloud is responsive enough for you to easily change positions.
Pros of the DreamCloud
Soft memory foam for cushioning at the lumbar region and sturdy coils for spinal support.
Springs that provide a lot of bounce and responsiveness, both of which help you change positions.
Strong edge support, allowing couples to use the whole surface of the bed.
Free returns after at least 30 days and within the 365-night trial period
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
DreamCloud Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Value
4
Cooling
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Responsiveness
4.5
Edge Support
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
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 firmer 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, I saw almost entirely blue. I 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, I felt it lacked in motion isolation. Couples who easily wake from their partner’s movements should consider one of the best mattress for couples.
Nectar Classic – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best for Back Sleeping
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Medium-Soft
Cooling
CertiPUR-US Certified
Memory Foam
365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free shipping
Winter Flash Sale
Save up to 50% on mattresses & up to 66% on bundles See Details
If you sleep on your side, this bed will keep your joints cushioned.
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Nectar will provide a nice mix of cushioning and support.
Budget Shoppers
This affordable mattress is a great pick for those looking to save.
Material
Memory Foam
Firmness
We rated the Nectar as a 6 out of 10, meaning it is just a touch softer than medium-firm.
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Returns
Full refund and free returns within the 365-night trial period
Pros of the Nectar
The Nectar offers a classic memory foam feel, with deep sinkage and contouring.
Side sleepers should enjoy how the soft foams relieve pressure on their shoulder and hip.
Back sleepers should also feel supported, but pleasantly cushioned on the Nectar.
Couples shouldn’t be too disturbed by movement, as the Nectar isolates motion well.
Cons of the Nectar
Stomach sleepers likely won’t get enough support for spinal alignment from the Nectar.
It incorporates some cooling materials but it’s not by any means the best cooling mattress.
The Nectar isn’t supportive enough to be one of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, which accommodate folks weighing 250 pounds or more.
Motion Isolation
A mattress with good motion isolation means that two people should be able to sleep on it without waking each other up with their movement.
Support
The overall durability of the mattress and how effectively it supports various weights and body types.
Cooling
The mattress materials’ ability to dissipate body heat, promote airflow, and provide cooling for hot sleepers.
Edge Support
How well the perimeter or sides of the mattress bear weight.
The Nectar delivers on classic memory foam: it’s soft, contouring, and provides a slow-sinking feel. Still, it provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pressure relief on pain points, like shoulders and hips. Side sleepers especially should enjoy the pressure relief. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think memory foam lovers should be happy on the Nectar. This bed has a classic memory foam feel, so there’s lots of sinkage, contouring, and pressure relief. This can be great for anyone with shoulder pain or hip pain since it gives them cushioning at sensitive pressure points.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Nectar Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
4
Value
Expert Opinion
If you’re a strict back sleeper or someone who suffers from chronic back pain, it can be challenging to find an all-foam bed that provides enough support to keep your spine neutrally aligned throughout the night. Thankfully, I’ve found that the Nectar Classic prevails where many other memory foam mattresses have failed. This bed is a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, making it a bit firmer than most memory foam beds, so you will likely feel more “on top” of this mattress than “inside” of the foam. Because of this, my colleagues and I gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in the support category while testing this mattress for back sleeping.
Our pressure map test revealed some extremely low-pressure buildup on our backs. The test results were primarily blue on our backs, indicating excellent pressure relief around this area. During my tests, I felt the firm and supportive memory foam work wonders on my lower back. The high-density foam at the base layer should also help prevent sleepers from sinking too far into the bed.
What our tester says: ” I think this bed offers a little more support than your average all-foam mattress. I’m getting some good pressure relief around my lower lumbar area and it feels like my spine it’s in a healthy, aligned position.” – Kenny Timper, staff writer
What Customers Say
Many customers note that the Nectar Classic is excellent for back pain and muscle soreness. Other reviewers are surprised at how much support the Nectar offers for an all-foam mattress, saying they barely leave an imprint in the foam after a good night’s sleep. However, some customers say it took them a long time to “break in” the Nectar, making it a little uncomfortable (or too firm) to sleep on initially.
Pros of the Nectar Classic Mattress
Back sleepers will get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep.
The Nectar Classic sleeps surprisingly cool for an all-foam bed, meaning hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should have no trouble at all falling asleep.
Combination back sleepers should have no issues rolling around and switching between different sleeping positions at night on this firm memory mattress.
Cons of the Nectar Classic Mattress
The Nectar Classic doesn’t have the best motion isolation, so I wouldn’t recommend this mattress to couples who wake up easily at night or people with restless pets.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
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
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
5
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
5
Support
5
Value
4.5
Cooling
4.5
Pressure Relief
4
Responsiveness
5
Edge Support
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty
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.
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 preventback 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.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Bear
Bear Original Mattress
Supportive Foam
Firm Comfort
Cooling Gel
Foam
120 nights
Free shipping
December Deals
Use code DEAL30 for 30% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
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
Bear Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
4
Motion Isolation
3.5
Support
4.5
Value
4
Cooling
4
Pressure Relief
4
Responsiveness
3
Edge Support
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty
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.
We also put the Bear through my pressure-map test. When looking at the results, there was nothing but blue along my 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.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.8
Saatva
Saatva Mattress
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling Mattress
Strong Edge Support
Innerspring
365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free white glove delivery
Limited Time Offer
Take $300 off your order of $1,000 or more See Details
Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress that’s easy to move around.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm.
Price
$935–$2,450 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen
Cons of the Saatva
If you’re looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, you’re better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
None of the Saatva Classic models will likely be supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers. For these folks, we recommend the Saatva HD.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Saatva Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
5
Materials
3
Motion Isolation
5
Support
5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
5
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
5
Value
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 I tested out the Luxury Firm model. My 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. I 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.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.7
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Medium-Firm Comfort
Cooling Gel Infusions
Supportive Coils
Hybrid construction
120 nights
Free shipping
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Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick-up fee.
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
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.
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. I 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 my body, it really did feel like I was sleeping in the lap of luxury. Two other foam layers added cushioning and eased me into the support layer of pocketed coils. Based on this, I’d place 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.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nolah
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Multiple Firmnesses
ArcticTex Cover
HDMax Support Coils
Hybrid Mattress
120-night Trial and Lifetime Warranty
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Hybrid, meaning this bed combines foam and coils in its construction.
Firmness
Multiple Firmness Options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm and rated it as 6.5 out of 10, meaning it is a medium-firm mattress.
Price
$1,499–$3,198 (before any discounts)
Sizes
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Hot Sleepers
If you overheat while you sleep, this mattress may help you stay cool.
Side Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
Great for couples due to its good edge support and low motion transfer
Works for back sleepers who need good lumbar support
Side sleepers should appreciate the pressure relief
Full refund after 30 days and within the 120-night trial period
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
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.
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. I certainly think these layers were a huge factor in why it did so well on my 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 — I tested the Luxury Firm. The soft foams and supportive coils create a balanced feel. For even more relief from joint pain, I 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 I 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.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Extra-Firm Feel
Flippable Design
Supportive Foams
Foam
120 nights
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The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with a different firmness option on each side. We score firmest with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, and the Plank Firm features a Firm side (7.5/10) and an Ultra Firm side (8.5/10).
Price
$749–$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short full, short queen, Olympic queen, short king, RV king
Back pain
Support for those living with back pain.
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Pros of the Plank Firm
The Plank Firm often appears on many of our roundups pertaining to spinal health and back pain.
This mattress is a good choice for couples; it scored 4 out 5 or more for motion isolation, edge support, and cooling.
The quality materials, from its firm cover to its high-density foams, make it an extremely durable option.
Cons of the Plank Firm
Side sleepers won’t receive the proper cushioning or contouring on the Plank Firm. They should look at our best mattresses for side sleepers
instead.
It’s not the best mattress for alleviating joint pain because of its firmer feel — take a look at our best soft mattresses
for alternative options
Shipping
Free within the contiguous US, but $125 for AK and HI
