In the U.S., 1 in 3 adults claim back problems affect their everyday activities, including sleep. Less sleep can cause back pain to escalate because of the lack of time spent in non-REM — a key part of the sleep cycle responsible for muscle recovery.

The right mattress can make a difference between a good night’s sleep and a sleepless night. The best mattress for back pain will conform to the body, relieve pressure points, and provide full-body support. We’ve compiled a list of the best mattress options on the market today. We also include a guide on what to look for in the best mattress for back pain.

The Amerisleep AS2 is our favorite mattress for back pain. The AS2 is Amerisleep’s second firmest mattress model. Other Amerisleep mattress models include the AS1, AS3, AS3 Hybrid, AS4, AS5, AS5 Hybrid, and Organica. The only mattress firmer than the AS2 is the AS1, being a true firm while the AS2 is only medium-firm. For a little extra cushioning, the AS3 or AS3 Hybrid may be more appealing than the AS2.

How Lying Down Feels

AS2 owners describe the bed as slightly bouncy and highly supportive, yet still cushiony so as not to cause joint pain or lower back pain. Buyers also rave about the helpful customer service and straightforward return policies, in case they decide they need to return their bed.

Many people looking for memory foam mattresses that will offer pressure relief and a supportive mattress for back pain have chosen the AS2. Here is what some had to say:

Wanie: I had to switch mattresses due to a back problem but other than that reason it was a great mattress!

Goat: I have a bad back from over the years slowly destroying it doing things I shouldn’t have done. Either way, the plush mattress we had before our AS2 hybrid caused me back pain every morning I would crawl out of bed. It’s like night and day difference. Thanks Amerisleep!!!!

Bill: In my case, (getting a new mattress) did feel bad on my hips for about a night or three. That hip discomfort went away and the middle back pain I had bought the mattress to help with did too, mostly (Read more about best mattresses for hip pain here).

Inside the Mattress

The AS2 mattress is 12 inches thick with 2 inches of Bio-Pur®, 3 inches of Affinity, and 7 inches of Bio-Core®. The mattress cover is made with a soft, breathable cover designed to keep you cool and comfortable.

Bio-Pur® is a plant-based foam— castor oil replaces part of the petroleum during the manufacturing process. As a result, the foam breathes better than traditional memory foam with little to no off-gassing odor.

The Affinity layer uses special HIVE® technology, a 5-zone support layer offering firmer support to the head, back, and legs, and softer support to the hips and shoulders.

The Bio-Core® foam in the base of the mattress provides additional support to the spine and helps the mattress keep its shape. With a layer of soft yet supportive foam and Amerisleep’s unique Affinity layer with HIVE® technology, the AS2 is one of Amerisleep’s best mattresses for back pain.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Scoliosis

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS2 Mattress

The Zoma Hybrid Mattress is another great Zoma mattress for people with back pain. This bed has the same responsive foam layers as their memory foam mattress, but the Zoma Hybrid features a spring coil base that gives this model a slight bounce. This bed also has a medium comfort level that is suitable for most sleep positions and body types.

As with their memory foam model, the Zoma Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

The mattress’s breathable comfort layer conforms well to your body’s curves for near-instant pressure relief. At the same time, the bed has lots of bounce so you don’t feel stuck or unable to move at nighttime. Zoma Hybrid users note how the bed improves their chronic soreness and discomfort, making it easier to wake up and get the day started without pain.

People with back pain have sought out the Zoma Hybrid and have been happy with the results:

Sarahi: I got this mattress hesitant at first but I’m so happy I did I’ve been sleeping so much better, my back doesn’t hurt and I feel cooler at night to it was one of the best decisions to get this bed.

Rod S: Had the hybrid for 3 weeks and comfort seems to be working ok so far for my wife who has a lot of back pain. Of many brands tried, even 3 times this price,, this one seems to be working the best so far.

Jamie M: The hybrid mattress feels awesome. I don’t “sink” in or get stuck in it. I don’t have pressure points or wake up stiff or back hurting. It’s a great mattress.

Inside the Mattress

Like its memory foam counterpart, the Zoma Hybrid’s comfort layer is made with their propriety gel-infused memory foam with zoned support. This layer cradles each area of the body with pressure-free support, so you’re less likely to develop painful pressure points near the joints.

Beneath this layer is their Reactiv™ transition layer. This material keeps the heaviest parts of the body lifted and in alignment with the hips and shoulders, so you wake with fewer aches and pains.

Supporting both of these foam layers is a 7 inch pocketed spring coil base. The coils are zoned to react differently to pressure. For example, coils are thinner and softer near sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders. However, near the lumbar region, they are firmer and offer more stability. This base is also reinforced with edge support to reduce motion transfer and to make getting in and out of bed easier.

Vaya Sleep prioritizes making eco-friendly, breathable, and affordable mattresses. They currently only offer two mattresses, the Vaya Mattress and Vaya Hybrid, but both are stand-out products. The hybrid model contains pocketed coils in the place of support foam, but otherwise, the two beds are quite similar.

The Vaya Mattress is made right here in the USA with CertiPUR-US® certified foams.

Each Vaya Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping, free returns, and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Though the Vaya Mattress only contains two layers, the Vaya offers excellent support, motion isolation, and pressure relief for all kinds of sleepers. As a medium mattress, it has a balanced feel, with customers saying it doesn’t feel too soft or too firm. Despite being so affordable, customers say the bed is just as good, if not better than some more expensive mattresses.

Here is what some reviewers with back pain have said about the Vaya:

Erin S: Delivered easily, set up easily, quite comfy, made in America. I don’t wake up with a stuff back, nor am I sleeping in a sunken pit. Pretty good overall.

Cooper: I’ve had the Vaya for about a month and for the first time in decades I can sleep though the night and wake up with no back pain. That in itself is nothing short of a miracle.

Tia W: I have some back problems, and this mattress is very supportive on my low back and hips. It’s firm, but doesn’t result in stiffness. I would recommend Vaya to anyone, especially considering the price!

Inside the Mattress

First, the Vaya Comfort Foam, wrapped in a soft cover, relieves pressure points and conforms closely to the body’s curves. That way, sleepers won’t feel trapped in the foam or wake up with aches and pains. This layer is also silent and it absorbs motion, so no more squeaky mattress.

The Vaya Base Foam is the thickest in the mattress and ensures the softer layer above it doesn’t sag. It’s a high-density foam that supports your spine.

Another one of the most comfortable mattresses around is the Nolah Evolution 15. This ultra-thick mattress offers multiple layers of contouring foam for an incredibly luxurious feel that can relieve pressure and leave you feeling like you’re floating on a cooling cloud. This excellent mattress can offer everyone from side sleepers to hot sleepers an amazing night.

How Lying Down Feels

Lying down on the Evolution, the first thing you’ll notice is its superior contouring. The Evolution combines multiple layers of adaptable memory foam with an equally adaptable pocketed coil support core. That means this mattress can perfectly contour to your body to keep your spine in healthy alignment and cradle your pressure points.

This is also an incredibly cool mattress. It combines multiple cooling features that work together to both pull heat away from you and keep cool air flowing through the mattress. So no worries about overheating memory foam. This mattress can regulate its temperature!

People with back pain who prefer a medium firm mattress tend to choose the Nolah Evolution. Here is what some had to say:

Katie M: We’ve had our mattress for 3 weeks now. I have lower back issues and needed a new mattress after 10 years on our Tempurpedic. We tried a more firm mattress in a box different brand and sent it back. My husband and I are both under 150lbs and are side sleepers. This Nolah hybrid plush mattress is super comfy but supportive.

Anonymous: I love everything about the mattress, it feels cool and natural. It’s just not firm enough for me.

Ariel M: We love our Nolah mattress! My husband and I hated our previous memory foam mattress but this one has alleviated our back pains and we sleep so much better! Thanks for making a great mattress!

Inside the Mattress

The Evolution starts off with the ArcticTexTM cooling cover and quilted cooling Euro top. These two features keep the surface of your bed cool to the touch and offer an amazingly plush feel no matter which firmness level you choose.

Next, comes the AirBreathTM heat escape gusset. This gusset ensures there is nothing impeding airflow underneath your body. That allows the mattress to wick away moisture and body heat from the time you go to sleep to the time you wake up.

The comfort layer of this mattress is cooling Nolah AirFoamICETM. This graphite-infused memory foam helps conduct heat down into the mattress. The graphite infusions also create a hostile environment for microbes that could infest your bed.

Between the coils and comfort layer, you’ll find two layers of high-resilience and high-density foam. These layers create buoyancy to keep you on top of the sleep surface.

Finally, the HDMaxTM pocketed coils provide 25 percent more support than traditional coils. They’re also arranged into three zones to ensure each zone of your body gets its ideal mix of support and comfort.

SEE ALSO: Nolah Mattress Review

People looking for a more firm mattress with back pain also have chosen the Saatva Classic and have been satisfied:

Steve: I was torn on which bed to buy. We got to talking and I explained my bad back situation and she pointed me in the same direction as I was leaning.

Jeff H: After sleeping on the Luxury Firm mattress for the last 20 nights, my back feels better than it has in decades.

JLG: Having back problems we knew we needed a firm mattress if the first couple weeks of sleeping on our new mattress is any indication of the comfort and pain relief we’re extremely happy with the purchase. The quality far exceeded expectations. 

Spindle takes a unique approach to mattress design by shipping the mattress in layers that are then assembled at home by the customer. On the one hand, it’s more work for the customer. On the other, you get a custom-built mattress based on your comfort preferences.

Besides, many customers say that with the help of customer services and the how-to videos on Spindle’s website, it’s easy to assemble the layers to suit your preferences.

Spindle offers a 365-day comfort adjustment, which is their sleep trial period. They recommend a 60-day break-in period—if you don’t like the mattress, it can be returned. However, Spindle may also suggest changing the order of the layers to adjust the firmness level.

Spindle’s mattresses also come with a 10-year warranty that covers indentations over 0.75 inches, but it also has a 25-year comfort renewal program—you can contact Spindle and they’ll replace layers that have lost their comfort. However, the replacement layers come with a fee.

How Lying Down Feels

Because of the adjustable design to the Spindle Organic Latex Mattress, there’s no one way for the bed to feel. It can be soft or firm, depending on how you arrange the three latex layers. Regardless of firmness, the breathable latex and airy cotton and wool coverings ensure you’ll stay cool all night long.

Spindle is a medium firm mattress that has had great reviews so far as well:

Jenna H: There was no adjustment period. It was instant relief. I kept waking up, actually, because I was so comfortable.

Bassel: I am glad I have invested in this mattress. Now my back feels well supported sleeping on it after switching from a memory foam mattress. I got the medium firm mattress.

Deborah T: I love this bed. I was so worried because I couldn’t test it, but was not disappointed in anything. Lots of support with a soft top layer. Awesome.

Inside the Mattress

Spindle uses Dunlop latex that’s OEKO-TEX, GOLS, and Rainforest Alliance Certified:

• The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means that the entire mattress has been tested and found free of harmful levels of chemicals and emissions.
• The GOLS certification means the latex foam is at least 95 percent organic.
• The Rainforest Alliance certification has to do with the sustainability of the rubber trees where the sap for the latex is harvested.

The mattress contains three individual foam layers, with firm, medium, and soft feels. The order in which the layers are assembled affects the final firmness and feel of the mattress. In its standard order, the bed is a medium-firm mattress, but it can be firmer or softer as needed. Spindle even lets you order the layers in a certain arrangement, so the mattress arrives with your desired firmness.

Wrapped around the mattress is a zippable cotton cover with GOTS-certified fibers, with wool padding underneath that’s also certified organic. These materials work to maintain a cool, cozy temperature by pulling away heat and sweat. The wool also serves as a natural flame-resistant barrier.

See Also: Best Mattress for College Students

​​Many sleepers move between positions in the night, switching from their sides to their back or stomach. If their mattress can’t support them adequately in different positions, these combination sleepers may wake up with back pain and other aches.

When it comes to GhostBed’s mattresses, our top recommendation is their luxury hybrid model, the GhostBed Flex.

The GhostBed Flex is backed by a 101-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

The GhostBed Flex has a notably lightweight, springy feel similar to latex. Customers note how easy it is to move positions or get out of bed because of how responsive the foam and coils are. It’s supportive without feeling overly firm or worsening pain.

People who selected the GhostBed Flex for their back pain had this to say about the mattress:

Tania H: I love it, my back doesn’t hurt anymore, thank you Ghostbed!

Robert R: The bed is Great for me as I sleep on my back and also my side. My cat also enjoys the pillow and bed.

Andy: Great mattress for a bigger person with a bad back. Can’t stress enough how comfortable it is.

Inside the Mattress

This 13-inch mattress contains six mattress layers underneath a quilted pillow top with plush cooling fabric. Sewn into the pillow top is the first layer, an inch of cool-to-the-touch fibers.

Underneath the fibers are two layers of gel memory foam, each an inch thick. The gel memory foam layers deepen compression and offer a hug-like feel while staying cool throughout the night.

Unique Ghost Bounce foam forms the transition layer, keeping sleepers from feeling stuck in the mattress. The foam is engineered to provide a floating sensation that has the buoyancy of latex and the conforming feel of memory foam.

The mattress core has individually wrapped pocket coils. The coils respond independently, supporting a sleeper in different positions. Air can freely circulate between the coils, and the bed’s sides offer reinforced edge support.

The last layer is high-density support foam to structure the coils and increase the mattress’s likely lifespan.

SEE ALSO: Best 10 Inch Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding offers five hybrid mattresses, each suited for a different sleep need. Our top recommendation for hot sleepers with back pain is the Aurora Hybrid, thanks to its combination of cooling features and bouncy coils with targeted support.

Brooklyn Bedding includes a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty with the Aurora Hybrid.

How Lying Down Feels

The firmness you choose will affect the actual softness of your Aurora Hybrid, but regardless, the mattress will be cool to the touch. Brooklyn Bedding infuses the Aurora Hybrid with multiple cooling technologies to help you sleep at the optimal temperature all night. By staying cool, you sleep more restfully and wake up feeling restored.

People with back pain like the Aurora, but there are some mixed thoughts:

Jeremy S: The top is cool, unfortunately the cooling effect does not persist through bed sheets. I would have ordered the pillow-top but thought I’d be further from the cooling layer. Edge support is great during sleep, I can feel the firm edge and roll away. I am happy to have back, side and stomach; I am 260 lbs.

Marvin B: I sleep better and my back and shoulders feel better, am very happy with mattress.

Lori R: I was very hesitant in purchasing this costly mattress and was willing to return it promptly if it did not perform as expected or as reviewed by other customers. I have to say that I’m blown away with this mattress and the comfort. I wake up refreshed from an excellent night sleep with no lower back or hip pain.

Inside the Mattress

The exact construction of the Aurora Hybrid depends on whether you choose a soft, medium, or firm mattress.

No matter what firmness level you pick, the top layer will always be 1.5 inches of CopperFlex™ foam. The infused copper not only maintains a cool surface temperature but also keeps bacteria from infesting the mattress. Plus, the copper concentrates at the surface when the foam is compressed for added support.

The transition layers vary and depend on your chosen firmness. The soft mattress has 2 inches of plush TitanFlex™ foam with an underlying 1-inch layer of swirl gel memory foam. The medium mattress is similar, with the TitanFlex™ foam establishing a balanced foam. The firm mattress has 1.5 inches of firm TitanFlex™ foam and 1.5 inches of VariFlex™ transition foam.

The support core is 8 inches of pocketed coils and an 0.75-inch of dense base foam.

The mattress is covered with fabric infused with TitanCool™, a phase change molecule material designed to maintain a surface temperature of 88 degrees. The gel beads that make up this technology are liquid at high temperatures, solidifying as the temperature cools.

Many back pain sufferers dream of sinking into a mattress that eases tension and aches. When it comes to beds that feel like a luxury mattress, our top recommendation is the Purple® Hybrid Premier. Its thick comfort layer, paired with a set of responsive coils, can support various positions and body types.

The Purple® Hybrid Premier is the most expensive mattress model the company offers. While many sleepers find it worthwhile because of the bed’s weightless comfort, budget shoppers might prefer the thinner Purple®  Hybrid or the original all-foam Purple® mattress.

Like all Purple® mattresses, the Purple® Hybrid Premier has a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

The Purple® Hybrid Premier has a distinct “no pressure” feel. It has an incredible balance of responsive support and cushioning so you feel weightless at night. The stretchy, bouncy feel of the Purple® Hybrid Premier stops you from sinking into bed so you don’t feel suffocated in your own mattress. The motion-isolating characteristics of the mattress are also great for couples!

Shoppers with back pain tend to look for a more firm mattress according to reviews:

S.M.: We find our purple mattress sleeps very hot. Not as described. It also hasn’t kept its support as it should. There is a **** in the middle of our bed where we don’t usually sleep and neither of us are over 190lbs!

Vickie W: My son is special needs, he has been having back pain. Since I have gotten the mattress, he has slept longer than expected. Also he seems to not have as much pain.

Tereese D: We love it…neither my husband or myself have had back pain in the morning, which is an incredible blessing.

Inside the Mattress

First is a 3-inch or 4-inch layer of Purple GelFlex

Grid™, designed to flex under pressure. The unique material supports the spine while cushioning the shoulders and hips, maintaining ideal alignment. The squares that make up the grid double as cool channels, boosting airflow through the mattress.

Next is an inch of polyfoam to limit uncomfortable sinkage and prevent spinal misalignment. The support core is 7.5 inches of pocketed springs on top of a foam base.

The mattress’s airy cover boosts the bed’s overall breathability, with its side panels specifically woven to increase air circulation between the mattress’s coils.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses Without Memory Foam

Pillow tops are a common feature to give a mattress deeper cushion. While traditionally they’re associated with standard innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses and even some all-foam mattresses can have a pillow top for added comfort. The Helix Midnight Luxe is one such hybrid mattress and is an updated version of the brand’s original Midnight model.

The Helix Midnight Luxe comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty. As a side note, the original Midnight mattress only has a 10-year warranty, so shoppers benefit not only from greater comfort but increased coverage with the upgraded model.

How Lying Down Feels

The Helix Midnight Luxe has a medium feel, although Helix gives it a relatively wide range on the firmness scale for a medium bed. How it feels to you will depend on the pressure you exert on the mattress, though the majority of sleepers should find its surface pleasantly balanced between support and cushion.

Shoppers who bought the Helix Midnight Luxe are overall happy, but some feel it is too much of a firm mattress:

Kim J: Wonderful bed that allows me to sleep better right on my back. Do wish it was a bit softer.

Daniela J: He is a stomach sleeper and I have a herniated disc. A medium feel mattress sounded reasonable. This mattress sinks so much! My husband has experimented pain because of this mattress, pain that he didn’t have before.

Dana D: No regrets at all. This mattress is comfy and cool. I have a lot less neck and back pain since I started sleeping on it. The 100 night return policy was the selling feature and says a lot about customer satisfaction across the board.

Inside the Mattress

Shoppers can choose what cooling fabric cover their Helix mattress has. The default is Tencel fabric, made with partly natural fibers for cool, dry comfort. However, they can upgrade to the GlacioTex Cooling Cover for an added charge,

The Helix Midnight Luxe has a straightforward design typical of a hybrid mattress. The main comfort layers are the top layer of MemoryPlus Foam and the underlying layer of gel visco foam. These foam layers establish the bed’s compressive cushion for pressure relief.

The transition foam is engineered to provide responsive body support, while also increasing comfort by limiting sinkage. The base is pocketed coils, arranged for softer support for the shoulders and firmer hip support to maintain spine alignment. These coils rest on a sturdy based foam named DuraDense for its dense durability.

SEE ALSO: Best Pillow Top Mattresses

Best Mattress for Back Pain Comparisons And Highlights

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain results from injuries, daily activities, prolonged static postures, and medical conditions. Some forms of back pain fade away after treatment, while others persist.

Before looking for a mattress to help reduce back pain, talk with your doctor. Your doctor is more familiar with your symptoms and can offer suggestions for the best pain relief.

Injuries

Back pain can result from muscle and ligament strain, causing stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. Back injuries can come from a variety of situations, such as car accidents, sports injuries, lifting too much weight, or lifting weights improperly.

Another common back injury is bulging or ruptured discs. Discs, or wedges of cartilage, cushion the bones in the spine. When the discs weaken, the cartilage’s soft center pushes or bulges out, pressing against nerves and may cause pain.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses for Herniated Disc

Medical Conditions

Back pain can result from medical conditions, including arthritis, skeletal irregularities, and osteoporosis. Understanding each condition can help customers find a mattress to help lessen symptoms, particularly pain.

We have a number of guides with recommendations for mattresses to address specific conditions:

• Best Mattresses for Sciatica
• Best Mattresses for Spondylolisthesis
• Best Mattresses for Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Best Mattresses for Degenerative Disc Disease

Arthritis

Arthritis is caused by joint inflammation due to weakened cartilage between bones resulting in pain, weakness, and stiffness of joints. A common problem for those with arthritis is falling asleep and staying asleep. Common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout.

“People with arthritis may wake up feeling back pain from stiffness in their joints,” says Dr. Bhavik Sheth, Physical Therapist.

• Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage breaks down inside the joints, making movement painful. Over time, pain can escalate when the bones start grinding against each other once the cartilage is gone.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where, for unexplained reasons, the body’s immune system attacks the joints, specifically the synovium. The synovium is a thin membrane that surrounds the inner lining of a joint. The synovium produces synovial fluid that nourishes and lubricates the joint. “Arthritis affects the synovial lining ability to produce the synovial fluid which allows the joint to move smoothly, and results in a more painful movement,” says Dr. Bhavik Sheth, Physical Therapist.

• Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the body, including the tendons or ligaments connecting bones and skin. Pain, swelling, and inflammation can occur.

• Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is central pain syndrome. Pain signals are processed differently by the brain and spinal cord. Pain occurs from touch or movement which would normally not happen. Pain either comes and goes or remains constant.

• Gout

Gout occurs from uric acid crystal build-up. When the body produces too much uric acid or if the body is unable to remove the excess uric acid, crystals form in the joints, causing inflammation and pain.

Skeletal Irregularities

Common forms of skeletal irregularities include:

• Lordosis: Also known as swayback, lordosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally inward in the lower back.
• Kyphosis: A condition where the upper back is rounded more than 50 degrees.
• Scoliosis: A condition where the spine curves sideways in an S-shape or C-shape.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the skeletal structure. Bones become porous and brittle, easily fracturing from simple movements like sneezing.

How Back Pain Affects Sleep

Those with back pain struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep. Back pain may be temporary (acute back pain) or constant (chronic back pain). Lack of sleep can escalate pain because the body’s recovery time is cut short.

Acute Back Pain

Individuals who suffer from acute back pain experience pain for less than three months. Acute back pain is usually connected with an injury or a car accident. Pain fades after treatment such as physical therapy is complete.

Chronic Back Pain

Those who suffer from chronic back pain experience consistent pain for longer than 3 months. Chronic back pain can result from an injury, car accident, or medical condition.

What to Look For in a Mattress

Before shopping for a new bed, it’s crucial to take a step back and evaluate what you want, particularly if you’re looking for a budget mattress. For back pain sufferers, support and pressure relief are major considerations. It’s important to find a budget mattress that can evenly support the body and effectively relieve pressure points, ultimately reducing pain and inflammation.

In addition, to support and pressure relief, individuals with back pain should also take into account their preferred sleep position, body weight, and the type of mattress that would best suit their needs.

Sleepers may also want to consult with their doctor or another medical professional before making a choice. A mattress recommended by chiropractors or doctors can provide just what a sleeper needs to relieve back pain.

Support

Support provides proper spinal alignment while feeling comfortable to the sleeper. Proper support prevents or reduces back pain by keeping the spine in neutral alignment, no matter the sleep position. A mattress with poor support misaligns the spine and may worsen pain.

Pressure Relief

All mattresses should include some form of body contouring to provide pressure relief. Pressure points form when body weight is not supported properly. Contouring relieves pressure points, lessens pain, and reduces inflammation.

For those who want to maximize pressure relief, we suggest pairing your mattress with an adjustable bed for back pain. The freedom to move beyond a flat surface can further decrease pressure on the spine.

Sleep Position

How a person sleeps on a mattress can affect the type of mattress they decide to buy. There are three different sleep positions— side sleeping, back sleeping, and stomach sleeping. Each sleeping position needs a specific firmness to maintain healthy spinal alignment.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is one of the most common and healthiest sleep positions. Side sleeping, especially on the right side removes pressure off vital organs and improves heart health. Side sleepers breathe better at night and face less risk of snoring and developing sleep apnea.

Back Sleeping

Another healthy sleep position is back sleeping. Back sleepers also breathe better at night, but unlike side sleeping, back sleepers run the risk of snoring and developing sleep apnea. Sleeping on the back may cause soft tissue at the back of the throat to collapse, or the tongue to fall back, blocking airways. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to heart problems and high blood pressure.

Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers do not have a strong preference for any particular sleep position, they need a mattress that can accommodate different positions without being designed for a specific one. The best mattresses for combination sleepers are medium mattresses strike a balance between support and pressure relief, which is ideal for combination sleepers who may switch positions throughout the night.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleepers face higher health risks than other sleepers. Twisting the neck to the side puts your spine in an awkward position, resulting in neck strain. Gravity pulling the weight down in the midsection straightens the spine, causing lower back pain. Switching to the side sleeping position is a healthier alternative to stomach sleeping, and could reduce back pain.

Body Weight

Bodyweight can have a large impact on sleep quality. Customers need to keep their weight in mind when looking for a good mattress. Couples, in particular, need a mattress to support and conform to their bodies while handling their combined weight.

Bodyweight determines how much the body sinks into the mattress. Avoid mattresses with a deep sink— too much sinkage throws off spinal alignment, resulting in pain and pressure buildup.

Lightweight Sleepers

Lightweight sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds need a softer mattress. Softer mattresses allow a lightweight sleeper’s body to slightly sink into the mattress, conforming to the body and relieving pressure. Lightweight sleepers need a soft to medium mattress, depending on preferred sleep position.

Average Weight Sleepers

Average weight sleepers who weigh between 130 pounds and 230 pounds, should choose mattresses ranging between medium-soft to medium-firm, depending on preferred sleep position. Average weight sleepers need a mattress to conform to the body while offering full support.

Heavyweight Sleepers

Heavyweight sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or more need a firmer mattress. Firmer mattresses won’t bottom out and provide equal levels of comfort and support to heavyweight sleepers. Medium-firm to firm mattresses are good options for heavyweight sleepers, depending on preferred sleep position.

Mattress Type

The type of mattress you choose can affect back pain. Memory foam and latex are the best options for those with back pain because of their excellent contouring abilities and pressure relief. Innersprings are a poor choice because of their lack of conforming abilities— innerspring mattresses have a thin comfort layer that may not be enough to reduce pain from built-up pressure. Hybrid mattresses are okay choices, but look to see what type of materials make up the comfort layer.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a great option for those with back pain. Memory foam hugs the body, relieving pressure points and evenly distributing body weight across the sleep surface. Memory foam mattresses contain a comfort layer of memory foam with a high-density poly-foam base.

Traditional memory foam was known to retain heat, but manufacturers today have since altered memory foam to include cooling properties like replacing part of the petroleum with castor oil or infusing the foam with gel beads.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses, while a good option for those looking for a medium-firm to firm mattress, are not the best choice for back pain sufferers. Those with back pain need a sleep surface to conform to the body, relieving pressure points. Innerspring mattresses have little conforming capabilities due to the lack of a comfort layer— some mattress companies use a layer of microcoils as their comfort layer. Compared to foam and latex, innersprings are more likely to create pressure points rather than eliminate them.

Latex

Latex is another type of mattress ideal for reducing back pain. Latex mattresses may contain natural latex or synthetic latex. Natural latex comes in one of two forms— Dunlop or Talalay.

Dunlop latex is denser and more durable. Talalay latex contains strategically-placed holes for a zoned support system and is softer and less durable than Dunlop latex.

Latex mattresses are more expensive than other mattress types, but natural latex will come at a higher price tag. For back pain sufferers and eco-conscious individuals, a latex mattress might be the right choice.

Hybrid

To create the perfect mattress, manufacturers took the body-contouring abilities of memory foam and the cooling coils of an innerspring to create the hybrid mattress. The best hybrid mattress will have a comfort layer at least 2 inches thick with a coiled support layer. Hybrid mattresses might be a good option for back pain, but look to see how thick the comfort layer is and what type of material the top layers are made of.

Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Return Policies

When it comes to evaluating mattress warranties, customers should not only consider the mattress itself but also the accompanying features and policies. Before committing to a mattress, customers should look to see if a sleep trial is offered, read the fine print of a warranty, and see if there is a return policy. Each of these features is reassurance to the customer from the manufacturer.

Sleep Trial

Sleep trials are mostly offered through mattress-in-a-box brands because the customer buys an online mattress without being able to try it first. Sleep trials allow the customer to try a mattress within the comfort of their own home. Most sleep trials last between 90 to 120 nights.

During the sleep trial, if the customer is not satisfied with the mattress in a box they can return it for a full refund. Return mattresses are either donated to a local charity or dropped off at a recycling center through the mattress company.

If a sleep trial isn’t offered, the next best thing is to look at the return policy. Sleep trials are better because of their extended trial period, but return policies can act as a good substitute.

Warranty

Warranties protect the mattress investment of the customer. Most mattresses come with a standard 10-year warranty, which outlines what the customer can expect from the manufacturer and what the manufacturer expects from the customer. Warranties cover sagging and manufacturer defects not caused by customer misuse.

One thing to keep in mind is water damage. If you haven’t already, purchase a mattress protector. Should a liquid spill occur, the mattress remains protected and the warranty won’t be voided.

Return Policy

If a sleep trial is not included with the purchase of a mattress, a return policy is the next best thing. A typical return policy lasts 30 days, the same amount of time it takes for the body to adjust to a new mattress. During this time, the customer decides whether they wish to keep the mattress or return it. Return policies usually aren’t as long as sleep trials, but they’re a good substitute.

Additional Tips

Additional sleep accessories, like pillows, mattress toppers, and adjustable beds can reduce pain and inflammation.

Pillows

The right pillow can work in tandem with a mattress to align the spine and reduce back pain. Look at the loft of a pillow, or a pillow’s height, before committing to buy. A pillow’s loft and your preferred sleep position determine spinal alignment. Side and back sleepers do well with a medium to high loft pillow, while stomach sleepers do best with a low loft pillow.

Extra pillows can also reduce back pain. Placing a pillow between the knees can take the pressure off the hips for side sleepers. Back sleepers should use a pillow under the knees to slightly elevate the lower body, removing pressure off the lower back. Placing a thin pillow under the hips reduces pressure in the lower back and aligns the spine for stomach sleepers.

Mattress Topper

A mattress topper is an individual layer that provides additional cushioning to the body. Mattress toppers are normally used to alter the sleep surface or adjust the firmness level of the mattress. Mattress toppers for back pain are great options for customers who can’t return their mattresses and for couples with different firmness preferences.

Please note: even the best mattress toppers are not a solution to a sagging mattress. If your mattress is 7 years old or more, or you’re noticing a definite sag on the surface, it’s time to buy a new bed. Old and sagging mattresses could be the reason behind back pain.

Adjustable Bed

An adjustable bed automatically lowers and elevates different sections of the body— the angled surface reduces back pain. Users make adjustments using a remote or phone app.

Adjustable beds for back pain can be expensive— most quality models cost around $2000— but many back pain sufferers feel the high price tag is worth it when their sleep quality improves.

Saving on a Mattress for Back Pain

Shoppers don’t need to overspend to find the right mattress to relieve backaches and morning stiffness. Keeping an eye for the year’s best mattress sales can help them save significantly:

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Other Things to Consider

Are firm mattresses best for back pain?

While firm mattresses were thought to be the best for back pain, many actually prefer medium-firm because these beds allow for a little more cushion. Medium-firm mattresses are great for keeping the spine in a neutral position, but they also relieve pressure points, which can contribute to back pain.

What type of mattress is best for back pain?

Many sleepers with back pain love memory foam for its contouring and pressure-relieving abilities. Memory foam mattresses, especially ones with zoned support technologies, can cradle the spine in a neutral position and eliminate discomfort. It’s best to choose medium-firm or medium memory foam mattresses, though.

What mattress is best for side sleepers with back pain?

When struggling with back pain as a side sleeper, check out mattresses with a medium firmness level. They provide more support than bo sleepers, outright soft mattresses but are still cushiony so you won’t face pressure build-up, stiffness, or achiness.

Some mattresses we like for side sleepers with back pain include the Amerisleep AS3, Zoma Hybrid, Vaya Mattress, Bear Original, and Purple Hybrid.

What mattress is best for combination sleepers with back pain?

As a combo sleeper with back pain, we generally recommend going for a medium mattress. With this in mind, consider what sleeping positions you generally prefer. If you’re switching between back and stomach sleeping, choose a medium-firm or medium mattress. If you generally prefer sleeping on your side or back, a medium mattress works fine.

Regardless, several mattresses that work well for combination sleepers with back pain are the Amerisleep AS3 and the Vaya Hybrid.

What mattress is best for lower back pain?

Lower back pain is often a result of the lumbar spine curving unnaturally and or by sleeping on too firm of a bed. Resolve lower back pain with a medium-firm mattress since it will support your entire back while lightly cushioning your lower back.

When it comes to medium-firm mattresses for lower back pain, we suggest checking out the Amerisleep AS2, Zoma Mattress, Nolah Original 10”, and Avocado Green Mattress.

Conclusion

Back pain is one of the most common disabilities in the United States. Back pain can affect sleep quality, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. The right mattress may reduce pain and inflammation and could provide relief. Before buying a new mattress, talk with your doctor for guidance in finding the best solution.

Now that you know what to look for, start improving your sleep tonight by purchasing the best mattress for back pain.