Eachnight may earn commissions for products you purchase through our links. Our articles and reviews include affiliate links and advertisements, including amerisleep advertising. Learn more Updated August 27, 2023As a back sleeper, less pressure builds up on your spine because your body is in a neutral position. As such, back sleepers need a mattress that’s firm enough to support the spine and prevent the hips from sinking.If the bed is too soft, heavier sections of the body, like the shoulders and hips, will sink too deeply. This throws your spine out of alignment, leading to back pain. And if the mattress is too firm, your lower back won’t get the support it needs. You may experience painful pressure points along your spine.The following mattresses are excellent choices for back sleepers. They range between medium to medium-firm.Best Mattress for Shoulder PainBest Overall Mattress: Amerisleep AS2Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress: Zoma MattressOur Top Mattress RecommendationView on Amerisleep Read AS2 customer reviewsAS2 Highlights100-night sleep trial20-Year WarrantyDesigned to reduce pain pointsHeat reducing mattress coverComes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and SplitsOur Runner-UpView on Zoma Read Zoma customer reviewsZoma Highlights100-night sleep trial10-Year WarrantyDesigned for faster recoveryTriangulex™ technology promotes healthy postureComes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and SplitsBest Mattresses for Back SleepersMattressHighlightsPriceAmerisleep AS2Supportive and conforming foam layers cradle the hips$1199Zoma MattressCool gel memory foam provides targeted pressure relief$699Avocado GreenOrganic latex cushions the body while zoned coils target pressure areas$1349Nest Bedding Love & SleepMineral-infused memory foam pulls heat away from the body$799Charles P. Rogers Estate SEFlippable mattress with dual firmness construction$1899BearCool and breathable layers provide pressure relief without overheating$800 Best Mattress Overall: Amerisleep AS2 Price: $849 to $1798Mattress Type: Memory foamMattress Height: 12 inchesFirmness: Medium-firm (7 on the firmness scale)Best for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, people with back pain, and hot sleepersAvailable in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king, and split king Warranty 20 Years Sleep Trail 100 Nights Shipping FreeRecommended ForBack sleepersStomach sleepersPeople with back painHot sleepersMattress HighlightsBio-Pur® memory foam is cooling and long-lastingHIVE® technology features five zones of supportAS2 comes in both memory foam and hybrid formsSave $450 on the Amerisleep AS2 with our discount code. Claim Deal If you’re looking for a memory foam mattress with excellent support and targeted pressure point relief, look no further than the Amerisleep AS2. The Amerisleep AS2 is our favorite mattress for back sleepers.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.Amerisleep also includes a 20-year warranty with any mattress purchase. This warranty is one of the best in the mattress industry, covering manufacturing defects and sagging over 0.75 inches. Most mattress warranties only cover sags 1 inch deep or more. Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress: Zoma Mattress Price: $499-$1998Mattress Type: Memory foamMattress Height: 11 inchesFirmness: Medium (5 on the firmness scale)Best for athletes and active people, back sleepers, side sleepers, and hot sleepersAvailable in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king, and split king Warranty 10 Years Sleep Trial 100 Nights Shipping FreeRecommended ForBack sleepersSide sleepersHot sleepersAthletes and active peopleMattress HighlightsBuilt to heal achy muscles and foster deep sleepGel memory foam dissipates any body heat and moistureTriangulex™ includes three support zones for ultimate spinal alignmentSave $150 on the Zoma Mattress with our discount code. Claim Deal The Zoma Mattress is an excellent choice and it’s loved by active adults and people with chronic pain issues. Each of the three foam layers is designed to regulate temperature and evenly support your weight. Cooler sleep can lead to faster recovery, so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.The Zoma Mattress has a medium feel great for petite and average-sized back sleepers. However, if you’re a heavier person or simply prefer a more supportive bed, Zoma also offers the Zoma Start, which has a medium-firm feel.As a back sleeper, you’ll love the top get memory foam layer. Not only does the gel absorb and disperse body heat, but this top layer is also incorporated with Triangulex™ technology. Hundreds of triangle-shaped segments form three levels of support in this layer.The mattress areas under your head, shoulders, and legs feel softer, while the areas under your back and hips feel firmer. Triangulex™ gives enhanced lumbar support, so there’s less risk of experiencing lower back pain.Reactiv™ is a transition layer that gives you extra support and cushion. Reactiv™ contours to the body for enhanced pressure relief. This latex-like layer is more responsive than traditional memory foam and makes it easier to switch sleeping positions.The high-density Support+ base layer consistently relieves pressure in the shoulder and hip areas, while encouraging spinal alignment. You’re less likely to feel lower back pain when your body is adequately supported.If you’d like to try out the Zoma Mattress, you have 100 nights. You can return the bed for a full refund after an adjustment period.A 10-year warranty backs the Zoma Mattress. During this time, Zoma will provide a full repair or replacement in case of sagging greater than 0.75 inches or any workmanship defects. Best Natural Mattress for Back Sleepers: Avocado Green Mattress Price: $999-$2499Mattress Type: HybridMattress Height: 11 or 13 inchesFirmness: Medium or medium-firm (5 or 6 on the firmness scale)Best for eco-conscious shoppers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and people with back painAvailable in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, and California king Warranty 25 Years Sleep Trial 365 Nights Shipping FreeRecommended ForEco-conscious shoppersBack sleepersStomach sleepersPeople with back painMattress HighlightsContains recycled, sustainable, and organic materialsPocketed coils provide targeted support and even alignmentDunlop latex supports the back while staying coolSave with Free Shipping on the Avocado Green Mattress with our discount code. Claim Deal The Avocado Green Mattress is perfect for eco-conscious back sleepers. This mattress contains organic and recycled materials that are sustainably sourced to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The mattress scores 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 15,000 reviews.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.The Avocado Green Mattress also comes with a 25-year warranty. During the first ten years, Avocado will repair or replace the bed free of charge. After, you’ll have to pay a prorated amount until the end of the warranty period for repairs or replacements. Best Budget Mattress for Back Sleepers: Nest Quail Mattress Price: $499-$949Mattress Type: Memory FoamMattress Height: 10 inchesFirmness: Medium or firm (5 or 8 on the firmness scale)Best for eco-conscious shoppers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and people with back painAvailable in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, split king, California king, and split California king Warranty Lifetime Sleep Trial 100 Nights Shipping FreeRecommended ForEco-conscious shoppersBack sleepersStomach sleepersEco-conscious shoppersMattress HighlightsEnergex™ hybrid foam cradles the curves and draws away heatSmartFlow layer features convoluted cutouts to enhance breathabilityCertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold certifiedSave with Free Shipping on the Nest Quail Mattress with our discount code. Claim Deal The Quail Mattress is one of Nest Bedding’s most affordable mattresses in their luxury natural mattress line-up. It’s available in two different firmness levels. For back sleepers, the firm option might be the better choice. The firmer surface may feel more stable than the softer medium, but this depends on your comfort level.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.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.Nest Bedding includes a 100-night sleep trial with the purchase of the Quail Mattress. The trial starts the day you receive the bed so that you can enjoy the full 100 nights.The mattress also has a lifetime warranty, but the warranty only applies to the original purchase and can’t be transferred. The warranty covers sagging greater than 1 inch and manufacturing defects. Best Flippable Mattress for Back Sleepers: Charles P. Rogers Estate SE Price: $1699-$2399Mattress Type: Flippable hybridMattress Height: 13.5 inchesFirmness: Medium-soft or medium-firm (4 or 6 on the firmness scale)Best for most sleep styles, people with back pain, and hot sleepersAvailable in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, and California king Warranty Lifetime Sleep Trial 100 Nights Shipping FreeRecommended ForMost sleep stylesPeople with back painHot sleepersMattress HighlightsRemovable pillow top allows for ultimate customizationFlippable base gives often between soft or firm supportTalalay latex keeps the body lifted while cushioning its curvesSave with Free Shipping on the Charles P. Rogers Estate SE with our discount code. Claim Deal The Charles P. Rogers Estate SE Mattress is one of the most expensive options on our list, but you may feel the cost is worth it. Of Charles P. Rogers’ nine mattress line-up, the Estate SE Mattress is one of their most popular beds for its customizability and support.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.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.Unlike other mattress models that can require the customer to wait 30 days, Charles P. Rogers lets you return the mattress at any time during the 100-night sleep trial.The Charles P. Rogers Estate SE Mattress includes a 25-year warranty, protecting against sagging greater than 1 inch and workmanship defects. Best Mattress for Athletic Back Sleepers: Bear Original Price: $522-$822Mattress Type: Memory foamMattress Height: 10 inchesFirmness: Medium-firm (7.1 on the firmness scale)Best for athletes and athletic people, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and people with back painAvailable in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, and California king Warranty 10 Years Sleep Trial 100 Nights Shipping FreeRecommended ForAthletes and athletic peopleBack sleepersStomach sleepersPeople with back painMattress HighlightsCelliant® cooling cover draws away body heat and boosts muscle recoveryGraphite-gel infused memory foam soothes aches and painsDurable base prevents soft spots, sags, and other premature wearSave with Free Shipping on the Bear Original with our discount code. Claim Deal The Bear Original is a medium-firm mattress and a good option for back sleepers. The firmer surface keeps the body supported and prevents deep sinkage. You’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep without feeling stuck inside the bed.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.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.The Bear Original also comes with a 10-year warranty, protecting customers from replacing the mattress prematurely.How to Find the Best Mattress for Back SleepersBefore choosing a new mattress, it’s important to consider various factors such as mattress firmness, mattress type, available sleep trials, and warranties. By taking these aspects into account, you can narrow down your options and ultimately find the best budget mattress that suits your needs.FirmnessA medium to firm mattress is the best firmness for back sleepers, but the right firmness is also going to depend on body weight. Different body types need certain levels of comfort and support.If you’re a lightweight sleeper (weighs less than 130 pounds), beds firmer than a medium may feel too hard and create more pressure points. Instead, choosing a medium-soft to medium mattress is a better choice if you’re a back sleeper. The softer sleep surface allows your body to sink for conforming pressure relief.Average weight back sleepers who weigh between 130 to 230 pounds may find medium to medium-firm beds more comfortable. This firmness will conform to the body and maintain spinal alignment.If you’re a plus-size sleeper (weighs more than 230 pounds), you need a firmer mattress to give you support without sagging. Medium-firm to extra firm mattresses are the perfect solution. This firmness level consistently supports your weight without bowing out.Mattress TypeMattress materials can affect your sleeping experience. As a back sleeper, you want consistent support and pressure relief, features you can expect from any mattress type. However, specific types also give you additional features.For example, memory foam conforms to your body for pressure relief. The material doesn’t produce any sound and is generally unresponsive. Innersprings are the opposite. They provide little to no pressure relief, but the bouncy feel of an innerspring mattress makes movement easier.Memory FoamMemory foam mattresses are known for their contouring properties and are an excellent choice for back sleepers. Heat and pressure soften the material, causing the foam to form to the body’s natural curves.For back sleepers, this close conforming feature cradles the body and fills in the gaps between the spine and the sleep surface for healthy alignment. A drawback to memory foam is heat retention.Traditional memory foam is dense and not as breathable as other mattress materials. It traps heat and could cause night sweats. However, memory foam with cooling materials reduces heat retention and pulls heat away from the body. These materials include gel, plant-based oils, copper, and graphite.LatexLatex mattresses are similar to memory foam and are also excellent options for back sleepers. Latex foam doesn’t form as close to the body as memory foam and feels firmer.It still gives exceptional pressure relief, but its responsive bounce makes it easier to climb in and out of bed. A latex mattress also doesn’t trap as much heat as traditional memory foam, so you may sleep cooler.HybridA hybrid mattress combines memory foam or latex with innerspring coils. They’re a good option for back sleepers because hybrids relieve pressure points, but pocketed coils prevent back sleepers from sinking too deeply and enhance contouring for better lower back support.Keep in mind that hybrids can overheat from traditional memory foam and not relieve as much pressure with innerspring coils, compared to other mattress types. But, a hybrid mattress allows you to experience the pros and cons of two different mattress types.InnerspringInnerspring mattresses have excellent cooling thanks to the open support structure that allows more airflow inside the bed. But they may not be the best option for back sleepers because they lack pressure relief and long-lasting support.Innerspring beds have a thin comforter layer, mostly meant to protect your body from the steel coils, not relieve pressure points. Innerspring mattresses are the least durable and usually last less than seven years. Memory foam or latex beds may be better options.Sleep Trials and WarrantiesSleep trials allow you to try out a new mattress within the comfort of your home. You don’t have to face the pressure of buying a bed from overbearing salesmen. Please note that it can take up to 30 days for your body to adjust to a new mattress.That’s why some mattress companies require you to keep the mattress at least 30 days before accepting any return. If you don’t like the bed, most companies will issue a refund.Warranties are extended periods of time, at least ten years, where mattress manufacturers promise to replace or repair the mattress in case of sagging and manufacturing defects. Most mattress warranties cover sagging greater than 1 inch, but this measurement varies by brand.Learn more about better sleepSign up for sleep health education, expert tips, and the latest and greatest mattress sales. Email See Privacy PolicyThe Effects of Sleeping on Your BackEven though only 16 percent of Americans sleep on their backs, this is one of the best sleep positions. Lying on your back aligns your shoulders and hips and reduces pain. However, sleeping on your back can worsen snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.BenefitsThe benefits of sleeping on your back include natural spinal alignment and less pain from pressure points. Back sleepers also don’t need additional pillows for support, like side and stomach sleepers.Spinal AlignmentSleeping on your back places your spine in a neutral position. There’s less pressure build-up, and you’re more likely to sleep with fewer aches and pains. But, you want to make sure you’re sleeping on the right mattress.If a mattress is too soft, your hips may sink too deep into the bed, misaligning your spine. If a mattress is too firm, the surface won’t form to your spine and leave gaps. These gaps can create painful pressure points, especially in the lower back for back sleepers.Reduce PainAs a back sleeper, you may not experience as much pain as other sleeping positions. Lying in a neutral position reduces pressure in your spine, and can minimize existing back pain. Your weight is evenly distributed, so there’s less strain on your body.You may even try back sleeping if you’re looking for a mattress to relieve back pain and other symptoms of a medical condition, such as:Best Mattresses for SpondylolisthesisBest Mattresses for Herniated DiscWe want to note that while sciatica can be tied to back pain, due to the way it affects one half of the body, many shoppers look at mattresses for sciatica with side sleeping in mind.DrawbacksBack sleeping does carry some health risks, including snoring and developing sleep apnea. These conditions can inhibit breathing due to gravity.SnoringSleeping on your back can cause your tongue and throat muscles to relax, potentially blocking your airways. The vibrations from air trying to force its way in and out of your lungs from restricted breathing create a sound called snoring.If you snore, you may want to consider sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated, with either a wedge pillow or an adjustable base. That way, your airways stay open, allowing for easier breathing. If left untreated, snoring can worsen and lead to sleep apnea.Sleep ApneaSleep apnea is a sleep disorder when breathing repeatedly stops for short periods of time. You may feel tired the next day, even after getting a full night’s sleep. Sleep apnea occurs when the tongue falls back, obstructing airways, or when soft tissue collapses at the back of the throat. Both sleep disorders are aggravated when you lie on your back.If you have sleep apnea, it would be better to switch to the side sleeping position. Sleeping on your side opens up your airways and allows you to take in more oxygen. If you’re still determined to sleep on your back, try to elevate your upper body with a pillow or think about purchasing an adjustable base.Consider an Adjustable BaseAn adjustable base is an excellent addition to your sleep system. This mechanical foundation elevates your upper and lower body to boost comfort.While they’re expensive, many enjoy the health benefits of an adjustable bed. Elevating your upper body reduces the likelihood of gravity, causing your airways to be blocked if you suffer from sleep apnea or snore. Plus, being in an upright position improves oxygen intake.Mattress SizesMattress SizeDimensionsTwin38 inches by 75 inchesTwin XL38 inches by 80 inchesFull54 inches by 75 inchesQueen60 inches by 80 inchesKing76 inches by 80 inchesCalifornia King72 inches by 84 inchesSplit KingTwo separate mattresses, each 38 inches by 80 inchesSaving on Mattresses for Back SleepersShoppers can save on some of the best mattresses for back sleepers by taking advantage of the year’s best mattress sales:Best Presidents Day Mattress SalesBest Memorial Day Mattress SalesBest 4th of July Mattress SalesBest Labor Day Mattress SalesBest Columbus Day Mattress SalesBest Black Friday Mattress SalesBest Cyber Monday Mattress SalesFAQsWhat is the best type of mattress for back sleepers?While memory foam mattresses may be pricier than some budget mattresses, their benefits make them a worthwhile investment. Memory foam is the best type of mattress for your back. The material closely conforms to your body, pressing to your spine and filling in the gap between your lower back and sleep surface. Memory foam mattresses also provide consistent support by maintaining their shape throughout the night.Are hard or soft beds better for your back?A firmer mattress is a better choice if you’re a back sleeper. The firmer surface evenly distributes weight and keeps the body resting on top. Plus, the surface gives better support to the lower back, pressing against the spine. Back sleepers should choose a mattress that’s medium to firm for the best comfort and support.Soft beds won’t give the support back sleepers need to their spine, especially in the lower back region. The softer surface could cause the hips to sink too deep, misaligning the spine and causing pain.Is a memory foam mattress good for back pain?A memory foam mattress is an excellent choice for back pain. Memory foam contours to your body, relieving pressure and relaxing tense muscles. You may be able to sleep better on a memory foam mattress. In contrast, an innerspring mattress usually creates more pressure, which leads to worsening pain.Are pillow top mattresses bad for your back?Pillow top mattresses may be better for your back than traditional innerspring beds. A pillow top mattress is an innerspring bed topped with a pillow top comfort layer. The pillow top improves pressure relief in an innerspring mattress.Innersprings are not known for their pressure-relieving capabilities because they have a thin comfort layer. A pillow top mattress can better cradle your hips and support your lower back.Why does my back hurt after waking up?If you regularly experience back pain when you wake up in the morning, the problem could be your mattress, especially if that pain fades away during the day. It could be the bed is too soft or too hard for your sleeping position, creating painful pressure points instead of pressure relief. Also, look at the mattress surface—if you notice a visible sag in the area you usually sleep, it might be time for a replacement mattress.ConclusionWhen it comes to sleeping on your back, the best mattress gives you full-body support without deep cushioning. You can enjoy the supportive surface against your spine and enhanced lumbar support for better sleep.Your mattress should also relieve pressure points and cradle your hips. Back sleeping doesn’t create as much pressure as side sleeping, but choosing a bed with some form of pressure relief can soothe tense muscles and help you relax.About the author Kiera PritchardKiera Pritchard’s curiosity around dreams and dreaming sparked her passion for sleep science. In addition to freelancing for eachnight, Kiera is also a physical trainer and strives to help others lead healthy lives while asleep and awake. Since joining our team, Kiera has compiled multiple sleep health guides offering our readers advice on how to improve their days and evenings. Find more articles by Kiera Comments Cancel replyLeave a CommentYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment Name Email I agree to the Terms and Conditions of this website. Δ