Best Mattress for Back Sleepers to Buy in 2024: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

The Amerisleep AS2 medium-firm mattress is made to facilitate healthy spinal alignment. Verywell Health even calls it the best mattress for back pain. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, the AS2 is perfect for you.

While a firmer bed, the Amerisleep AS2 features a plush and breathable cover crafted from a unique fiber blend that shares qualities with Celliant, which a material known for its exceptional energy transfer properties.

Here is what some of the thousands of reviews said about the Amerisleep AS3 firmness for back sleepers. While most are satisfied, some say the firmness doesn’t last:

Me: My husband & I have both had surgeries – him – his hip – me MAJOR back surgery & these mattresses are so incredibly comfortable and give great support without being too firm — no pressure points anywhere – just the right amount of softness — they’re great!

Shan: Place where we regularly sleep on the mattress sides have basically collapsed without any firmness/support. Middle of bed still very firm. Loved the bed when we first got it, but now buying a different bed 8 months later.

Marcos: I’ve had memory foam and standard mattresses previously, this is one of the best mattresses I’ve used. At 65, I need a firm mattress that doesn’t get out of shape.

The medium-firm surface ensures your hips won’t sink too deep.  At the same time, the cushioning foam layers provide targeted pressure relief. The Amerisleep AS2 has three foam layers, each built to improve your sleep.

The comfort layer of the AS2 consists of 2 inches of Bio-Pur®, a plant-based memory foam. This breathable and responsive foam hugs your curves without trapping heat. You can rest easy without worrying about waking up from uncomfortable night sweats.

The second layer of the AS2 is called the Affinity with HIVE® technology. The hexagon-shaped cutouts in this layer offer targeted support and pressure relief. You’ll get more cushioning in your shoulders and hips, and more support in your head, back, and legs.

Bio-Core® gives your body long-lasting support without sagging or developing soft spots from constant pressure. This base evenly distributes body weight for even wear and tear.

Amerisleep gives you 100 nights to try out the AS2 to ensure it’s the right mattress for you. If it doesn’t work out after a month, Amerisleep will issue a full refund.

Lying down on the Zoma Start, the first thing you’ll notice is that they are highly responsive for all-foam mattresses. This is all thanks to the layer of bouncy Reactiv™ transition foam that springs back as soon as you move and offers dynamic support.

This medium mattress also offers tons of versatility for all kinds of sleepers. It is on the more supportive end of a medium feel. So it can accommodate some back sleepers and virtually all combo sleepers at once. This is perfect for combo sleepers who tend to favor their backs. It also is a good fit for those who suffer from back pain.

Back sleepers love the Zoma Start. Here is what some had to say:

Asia R: I got this mattress for myself and one for my mom. It’s probably the most supportive bed I’ve owned. My mom also mentioned it’s helped with her back aches.

Geena R: It is definitely a medium firm mattress with minimal sinkage just for your pressure points and I would say it benefits back sleeper the most. I move a lot in my sleep and I haven’t had any trouble moving or any of my limbs falling asleep from the firmness.

Zac: My wife has a bad back and searched tirelessly for a good mattress that didn’t break the bank. So glad we found Zoma. We sleep SO well and the customer service has been incredible.

The Zoma Start starts off with a cooling, ventilated cover that breathes all night to wick away heat and sweat. This cover works with the gel memory foam comfort layer to ensure your sleep surface stays cool all night. The gel memory foam also offers a high degree of compression and pressure relief to ensure you get the contouring you need.

Underneath the comfort layer, you’ll find a bouncy transition layer made of Reactiv™ foam. This layer offers buoyancy and dynamic support. It also springs back as soon as you move to ensure that the sleep surface does not have issues with body impressions or slow response time.

Finally, a layer of highly durable base foam ensures there is no sinkage in this mattress. It keeps you lifted onto the sleep surface and provides total spinal alignment. Best of all, this base foam layer increases the durability of the entire mattress.

You can expect it to fight sagging and soft spot development for at least 10 years. That means it will last just as long as many more expensive mattresses.

The Vaya Hybrid has a plush foam comfort layer and a base of pocketed spring coils. Vaya aims to offer high-quality beds at budget prices, with the Vaya Hybrid being their second of two mattresses they offer. Despite being one of the more affordable hybrid beds on our list, the Vaya Hybrid is loved by customers, with people comparing the bed to popular luxury mattresses.

The Vaya Hybrid provides a pillowy feel with budget-friendly yet high-quality materials. The mattress balances a plush surface with a supportive core. Sleepers can gently sink into the bed without feeling like they’re uncomfortably stuck, thanks to the bed’s reactive materials.

The Vaya Hybrid is a favorite for back sleepers. Here is what some had to say:

Jacqueline H: Excellent mattress! No more back aches. I am so please we read the reviews!

SK: I’m primarily a side and back sleeper and found this mattress very comfortable. Not too soft and not too firm. Just the right amount of support. When delivered it only took a few hours for it to expand completely. Highly recommend.

Catherine G: Customer service was superb, as is the mattress. I bought a twin for a guest room daybed and now it’s my family’s favorite nap spot.

The surface of the Vaya Hybrid is a breathable cover fabric stretched over 2 inches of soft, heat-wicking cotton. The cotton gently cushions sensitive areas and provides a stay-cool feel throughout the night.

Next is 2 inches of Vaya Comfort Foam, a material swift to conform to the body and support sensitive areas. Vaya Comfort Foam embraces the body for complete pressure relief and adapts well to changes in position.

The support core is 8 inches of pocketed coils, every coil is wrapped to isolate motion for a couple’s comfort. These coils rest on a thick foam base to maximize the mattress’s value.

The feel of the Saatva Classic depends on the firmness you choose, with the soft option quick to provide a touch of cloudlike comfort while the firmer options still feel supportive, even with the 3-inch thick pillow top. The cotton fabric feels gentle against the skin, with supportive foam and coils ensuring comfort.

Reviewers of the Saatva mattress had mixed feelings on this mattress for back sleeping. Here are some reviews:

Kara K: Delivery was so much faster than expected, came in about a week of ordering! Love the white glove delivery service. The mattress is unfortunately too firm for us. We got the luxury firm, the most popular middle firmness version. It is definitely one of the firmest mattresses I have ever laid on. My husband and I are side, Read more about review stating Luxury Firm is Too firmback and stomach sleepers. This is not comfortable for side or stomach sleepers…back sleeping ONLY!

Lindsey: This mattress did not work for me. It was too firm for my back and I have had to go in a different direction to be able to sleep comfortably. The reason I am giving this mattress a higher rating is because of their customer service.

Bert: Having issues with lower back and shoulders, I opted for the Plush Soft. If I sleep on my back with CPAP (sleep apnea), the mattress is wonderfully comfortable.

At the top, the Saatva Classic mattress features the brand’s exclusive luxury Euro pillow top system. This pillow top is made from foam that is able to provide a cushioning effect, without making you feel like you are sinking into the mattress. Organic cotton covers the surface, and this fabric is treated with a botanical compound that ensures microbes don’t settle inside the mattress.

The memory foam underneath the pillow top has active wire support to target the back area, minimizing the chances of misalignment. The density of the foam ensures durable, lasting support night after night.

The pillow top layer is followed by a dual coil system, going beyond merely adequate levels of support to create a highly responsive mattress. The transition is a pocketed coil system for motion isolation and high amounts of reactivity. These coils are also zoned for added support under the back area.

This ensures you get support on top of the bed, but without causing the bed to feel hard. At the base of the Saatva Classic Mattress, a standard spring system is also used. This makes the mattress more durable and adds further support.

The mattress is also able to offer excellent edge support with its sturdy foam rails. This provides a larger surface to sleep on, making it an excellent mattress for couples too.

The Nolah Evolution comes in three different firmnesses, each one tailored for certain sleep styles. The cooling fabrics, foams, and coils that make up the Evolution are consistent across all three firmness options, ensuring that the bed will keep sleepers pleasantly chilled on warm summer nights and when sharing the mattress with a partner.

Customers who bought the Nolah are fans. Here are some reviews:

Thomas T: I started my journey with Nolah by way of the Evolution mattress and the platform base. That experience led me to their bedding products as well. By that, I mean nearly all of their bedding products including sheets, pillows, blankets, and comforter. The bed is fantastic and the platform base is seriously built to last.

Wanda M: I love, love, love these mattresses! Did I mention that I love them? We don’t sink in, like we did our former mattress, so it is easy to get out of it (we are Seniors) yet we are so comfortable that we don’t awaken with aching joints as we did before our Nolah.

Hannah H: An amazing mattress! Constructed with luxuriously well made materials that are breathable and incredibly comfortable.

The Nolah Evolution 15 is a thick mattress with multiple comfort layers, two transition layers, and a support system. Let’s take a look at its parts!

The surface of the mattress is a mix of organic cotton and specialty ArcticTex™ fibers, establishing a breathable fabric covering. Underneath the cover is 2 inches of HTC™-quilted foam, which is surrounded by a breathable border gusset designed to swiftly release heat.

This is followed by another cooling foam, Nolah’s AirFoamICE™. This comfort foam is engineered to provide a breathable structure, with its heat dispersion boosted by a graphite infusion. Plus, the material is swift to conform to the body and relieve pressure.

There are two supportive layers inside the Nolah Evolution 15 that serve as the bed’s transition. The first layer is a highly resilient foam for increased comfort and support, followed by the bed’s proper transition foam layer.

The support core of the Nolah Evolution 15 is pocketed coils separated into three support zones. These coils rest on an eco-friendly base of plant fibers for support.

Hybrid mattresses are known for their hefty weight, especially thick mattresses like the Nolah Evolution 15. To make it easier to shift and change the sheets, the Nolah Evolution 15 has carrying handles on the sides.

The Avocado Green mattress is a hybrid mattress made with latex foam and innerspring coils—so you get the contouring of foam but a slight bounce from the spring coils. For a more luxury firm feel, you can opt to add a European-style topper to the Avocado Green mattress, giving the comfort layer a full 5 inches of plush latex foam.

Avocado Green is typically a highly regarded mattress, however, for back sleepers, reviews are mixed:

Shannon B: It’s better than the 12 year old mattress that we were sleeping on, but only marginally. Expected a bit more comfort for the money, honestly. It traps way more heat than I thought a hybrid would. Good if you are a back sleeper, but not as good if you are a side sleeper.

Thomas B: Purchased a built in pillow top because a mattress and separate pillow top were not available, which we have a set. This is not comfortable an hurts my back.

Lorraine: I’ve slept on my Avacado Green only 4 nights and I loved it immediately. I’m mostly back sleeper with shoulder and hip pain. I sometimes swich to my side which when it feels a bit too firm. Fortunately, I bought a topper a few years ago for my previous mattress so adding that to my Avacado has made all the difference.

The Avocado Green Mattress has latex instead of memory foam in the comfort layer. Dunlop latex is naturally derived from rubber tree sap. It mimics the same properties as memory foam, but it sleeps cooler and feels firmer than traditional memory foam. Dunlop latex doesn’t form as close to the body or trap heat, a feature you’ll love if you’re a hot sleeper. The firmer surface also gives you better back support. You’ll enjoy the cradling sensation in your hips.

The support layer contains individually wrapped recycled steel coils. These coils have different gauges to form a 5-zone support system. You’ll feel softness under your shoulders and hips, and firmness under your head, back, and legs. This support system gives targeted support and pressure relief, keeping your body evenly supported on the bed’s surface without sagging.

The Avocado Green Mattress is normally medium-firm, but if you want a slightly softer surface, you can add a 2-inch Dunlop latex pillow top for an additional fee. The pillow top softens the bed to a medium—still a great choice for back sleepers. However, beds softer than a medium may feel too soft for back sleeping and cause your body to sink too deep.

Avocado offers its customers a 1-year sleep trial, but you’d have to hold onto the mattress at least 30 days before Avocado will accept any returns. The 30-day period gives your body time to adjust to a new sleep surface.

Both medium and firm are excellent options for back sleepers, because the surface conforms to your body, but keeps you resting on top of the bed. Either way, you’ll like the soft, yet supportive feel of the Nest Quail Mattress.

Back sleepers rave about the Quail. Here are some of the over 3,000 reviews we have seen:

CmT: I’m a side/back sleeper and aching back feels much better. My husband who is a stomach sleeper sleeps better as well. My in-laws were in town while I was away and we were still waiting on other for other so he gamble them our room for the night. They couldn’t stop asking him what type of mattress we had as they both slept so well and it felt so plush.

Bonnie T: Mattress was easy to put in, no smell whatsoever. We ordered firm because we are back sleepers, and though it’s firmer than our last mattress, we would prefer an even firmer one. Nest was a good experience, great customer service, good product.

Tracy L: Great mattress! I’m usually not a big fan of foam but this one has more bounce back. I don’t feel like I’m sinking forever. Plus, it really lives up to its former name! I got the medium firmness. I thought it might be too soft but it’s actually perfect. I’m a back sleeper with the occasional side position.

The top layer contains a special breathable hybrid foam called Energex™. Energex™ is infused with different minerals that draw heat away from your body. You’ll love the cradling sensation of foam without the discomfort of trapped heat. Hot sleepers, especially, can appreciate this cooling foam and enjoy better sleep.

The SmartFlow Air Flow layer is a convoluted transition foam. The convoluted structure creates air channels for heat to escape and draws in cooler air, further regulating body temperature.

A high-density foam base completes the Nest Quail Mattress. You may like the constant support and enhanced pressure relief. Plus, the base is built to last, allowing you to enjoy consistent support for years to come.

This hybrid contains a combination of organic latex and innerspring coils to give you the comfort and support needed for a good night’s sleep. The Charles P. Rogers Estate SE Mattress consists of a two-part, eight-layer comfort system.

People love the Charles P. Rogers. Out of the many customers who gave us feedback, it was almost all positive:

Karen: We purchased the mattress after having slept on one in a relative’s house. The costumer service was excellent! Erik was knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful!

Faye: This is the forth bed & mattress I have purchased from Charles Rogers; 1st Hyde Park, 2nd The Boston, 3rd Solid Brass Sleigh Bed and now the Alexandria Bed. They are beautiful and excellent quality.

Lee G: High quality, sturdy, clean look, durable platform base with headboard. Great design, easy assembly. Ukay furniture delivery offered a truly white glove service.

The first layer is a removable pillow top that contains Talalay latex sandwiched between two thin layers of foam. Talalay latex is softer than Dunlop latex but feels firmer than traditional memory foam. You can enjoy the extra cushioning without the mattress feeling too soft.

The second layer is the flippable base—not a common feature of modern beds. If one side feels too soft, you can flip to the opposite side for a firmer surface.

The base starts with a layer of Talalay latex and a layer of latex bounded natural fiber padding. The latex contours to your body’s curves, relieving pressure points without a deep sink. The firmer feel gives the mattress better edge support, so if you like to sleep on the edge, you’re less likely to roll off the bed.

The pocketed coil support layer automatically adjusts to your body’s shape and weight. You’ll love the targeted support for consistent spinal alignment. The mattress construction finishes with a base layer of Talalay latex, which becomes the top layer if you choose to flip your mattress to the firmer side.

Side sleepers may find the Bear Mattress too firm, but back and stomach sleepers will find this mattress greatly rejuvenating. For a softer bed, consider Bear’s Hybrid or Pro models.

While traditional memory foam can feel too soft and retain heat, the Bear implements cooling Celliant® technology to pull heat away from your body in the Bear Original, along with the two other beds they offer. You’re less likely to wake up feeling hot when sleeping on the Bear Mattress. At the same time, the foam layers conform to the body, relieving pressure points for a pain-free rest.

While Bear Mattress does not have as much of a long of a track record of reviews as some of our other mattresses, we found plenty offering their thoughts, here are a few:

Doug D: I’ve slept on BEAR’S Original — Hybrid for a month. I’ve got my aches and pains, but some are now less. I don’t toss & turn nearly as much. I’ll never looking back on my number bed – ugh! This bear gets more rest in my new “den.” I’m very glad I didn’t get a mattress thicker than the 10″ this comes in.

Kelly A: Bed was of good quality, but more firm than medium-firm for my partner and I (back/side sleeper; side/stomach sleeper). Return process went pretty smoothly. Would recommend for those looking for a nice firm mattress!

Cynthis S: Great for growing athletic teenager! My growing son loves and he’s sleeping much better

The top comfort layer has graphite-infused gel memory foam. Gel memory foam on its own, absorbs and dissipates body heat. Adding graphite enhances the bed’s cooling properties, so you stay cool and comfortable all night long.

The responsive transition layer boosts the pressure relief of the top layer and adapts to your body’s shape. This layer prevents you from sinking and reduces pressure points in your shoulders, back, and hips.

The high-density base layer gives you durable support. You don’t have to worry about soft spots or sagging areas. The stable support distributes body weight across the sleep surface and reinforces the bed’s shape.

Bear gives customers 100 nights to try out the Bear Original. If you don’t like the bed, Bear will pick it up and issue a full refund.