Best Mattress for Back Pain

January 27, 2023

Choosing the right mattress can be the difference between relieving and worsening your back pain. Whether you experience lower back pain, shoulder pain, chronic pain, or all three, it is crucial to find the best mattress for back pain that offers sufficient support and aids relief.

If you experience any type of back pain, you will want to find a mattress that offers proper spinal alignment, pressure point relief, and overall good support. To help you choose the perfect mattress, we’ve researched the best mattresses for back pain and outlined the special features of each brand and make. All of our picks are also considered some of the best mattresses in a box, making it even easier to purchase a new bed. Read on to find out which mattress will work best for you to get a good night’s sleep.

By clicking on the product links in this article, US-Mattress and Mattress Advisor may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read the full disclosure statement.

Best Mattress for Back Pain - Top Picks

• Best Overall - Saatva Classic
• Best Luxury - DreamCloud Original
• Best Value - Nectar Original
• Best Innerspring - WinkBeds Original
• Best for Side Sleepers - Helix Midnight
• Best for Pressure Relief - Nolah Evolution
• Best for Overweight Sleepers - Brooklyn Bedding Titan
• Best for Athletes - Bear Elite Hybrid
• Best for Couples - Casper Wave Hybrid

Best Overall - Saatva Classic

The Saatva Classic is our favorite mattress for back pain for more than just one reason. Most obviously, the Saatva Classic received a perfect 10 out of 10 in spine alignment, indicating that your back will be in good shape during and after sleeping on this mattress. A super durable construction coupled with a lifetime warranty gives customers peace of mind that while this mattress may be more expensive than some of its competitors, it’s built to last and they can count on Saatva to take care of any issues (such as sagging) that may arise in the future.

Saatva’s “customer first” business model goes beyond the lifetime warranty, they also promise a full year to test out their mattresses before deciding if it’s the right fit for you. What’s more, they not only offer free delivery of your new mattress, but will set it up and remove your old bed free of charge. The Saatva Classic is made to order in one of their factories in the USA and consists of eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, making their beds good for the people sleeping on them and for the planet.

Read more in our Saatva mattress review.

Pros	Cons
Three firmness levels to choose from Perfect score in spine alignment from testing team Year-long sleep trial and lifetime warranty	A bit pricey for budget-conscious shoppers Motion transfer isn’t great, couples may want a bed with better motion isolation

Check Price

Best Luxury - DreamCloud Original

Looking to make your sleep a little dreamier and more luxurious? The DreamCloud Original mattress is just the bed for you. With stellar marks in spine alignment from the testing team, you can rest easily (literally) knowing your back is in a healthy posture during those nighttime hours. Proper alignment in the spine can help mitigate some of those aches, improving the pain over time and helping you achieve deeper, more restful sleep. CertiPUR-US certified foams gently contour to the body, giving hips and shoulders the pressure relief necessary for side sleepers to rest comfortably. A soft cover made with quilted foam and cashmere adds some extra plush lift to the bed, welcoming you at the end of a long day.

In addition to being a great bed for back pain, the DreamCloud Original is one of the best cooling mattresses on the market. This is credited to the cooling cover and pocketed coils, which help air circulate throughout the bed. DreamCloud mattresses come with a lifetime warranty, meaning they’ll address and fix any issues with your mattress’s construction, like sagging or deep body impressions. A full year sleep trial gives you plenty of time to determine whether or not the DreamCloud is alleviating your back pain, and you can return it free of charge within the sleep trial’s time limit if you decide not to keep it.

Read more in our DreamCloud Mattress review.

Pros	Cons
Great pick for hot sleepers High scores in all performance factors Comfortable for all sleep positions	Not the most budget-friendly option out there Might be too firm for some lightweight side sleepers

Check Price

Best Value - Nectar

We get it — buying a new mattress can be expensive. It’s a big investment and you want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money, especially if you are buying on a tighter budget. The Nectar Mattress is the most affordable option on our best mattresses for back pain list. You shouldn’t have to compromise your comfort for affordability, and Nectar knows that. Nectar is known to make some of the best mattresses under $1,000, with the smallest model (a Twin XL) priced at just $399. Nectar makes high-quality budget mattresses that will keep you sleeping soundly and your wallet happy.

The Nectar Mattress is a memory foam mattress that comes with a proprietary cover specifically designed to keep out dust mites. This model scored highly on edge support, durability, and responsiveness. Nectar is also one of the best mattresses for side sleepers. This is the kind of mattress you slowly sink into, with top layers that do a good job of cradling your hips and shoulders. For a budget mattress, Nectar provides great support for your hips, trunk, and lower back. Customers, including back sleepers and stomach sleepers, note the Nectar’s great pressure relief and comfort. In addition to offering a great price, Nectar mattresses come with a lifetime warranty and trial period that lasts an entire year.

Read more in our Nectar mattress review.

Pros	Cons
One of the best mattresses under $1,000 Great mattress for side sleepers Great edge support	Not great for individuals who dislike memory foam Not great for individuals who want some bounce in their mattress (no coils)

Check Price

Best Innerspring - WinkBeds Original

Mattresses with innersprings in their construction are a great option for those with back pain, as the coils offer plenty of support to keep the back aligned and in a healthy position throughout sleep. In addition to aiding back pain recovery, innersprings also improve the overall durability of a mattress and can offer good responsiveness, helping restless sleepers shift positions while they rest. The Original WinkBed is a hybrid mattress with two separate coil layers: A layer of microcoils and a pocketed coil system. Both of these help support the body and keep the midsection properly lifted, but they also aid in airflow and give the bed ample bounce.

There’s more to the WinkBed than just coils. A plush Euro pillow top awaits sleepers. The hypersoft foam provides plenty of softness to soothe joint and back pain. A layer of dense cotton also helps with lower back pain relief, reducing tension and delivering an element of cushioning to the mattress. The Original WinkBed comes in four firmness options, giving sleepers a choice of how firm (or soft) they’d like their mattress to be. WinkBeds stands behind their mattresses with a lifetime warranty, promising quality customer service.

Pros	Cons
Cooling elements help hot sleepers stay cool at night Suitable for back, stomach, and combination sleepers Handmade in Wisconsin	Couples may need better motion isolation in their bed Side sleepers will likely require a softer firmness model

Check Price

Best for Side Sleepers - Helix Midnight

We chose the Helix Midnight as the top mattress for side sleepers. The mattress’ foam layers and support from coils cradles your body to offer maximum comfort and keep body weight evenly distributed. The Helix Midnight is a premium hybrid mattress that’s built with side sleepers in mind, with dual foam layers that contour to pressure points without compromising the natural alignment of the spine.

The combination of soft give and firm lift in this bed is what makes it so well-suited for those who prefer to sleep on their sides. The Helix provides firm support around the hips to avoid dipping in the lower back, making this mattress a great choice for sleepers who experience lower back pain or hip pain. The mattress has a softer feel under the shoulders and a firm feel under the hips, providing for ideal spine alignment and relieving back pain. In addition to being incredibly comfortable for those who sleep on their sides, this mattress is a great fit for couples, boasting superb edge support (allowing both partners to spread out) and motion isolation (preventing one partner’s movements from waking the other).

Read more in our Helix mattress review.

Pros	Cons
Great option for couples Suitable for back, side, and combination sleepers Provides cooling relief for hot sleepers	Lovers of memory foam may want a different bed Not supportive enough for stomach sleepers

Check Price 

Best for Pressure Relief - Nolah Evolution

If you’re dealing with pain in your hips, lower back, shoulders, or neck, a bed with plenty of cushioning layers can give you the pressure relief necessary to relieve some of the pain. The Nolah Evolution is a seven-layer hybrid mattress with multiple foams in its construction, giving high-tension areas the cradling comfort they need to release some of the tension, helping reduce your pain. Nolah’s patented air foam is full of billions of tiny air bubbles, creating a surface with unparalleled pressure relief while still allowing air to freely flow through the foam. A layer of responsive foam helps sleepers adjust their bodies without feeling like they’re sinking into the bed too much, and zoned coils deliver more support to areas that need it, like the hips and lower back, while softening in areas like the knees and neck. This zoned support ensures the spine stays perfectly aligned during sleep.

The Nolah Evolution’s cooling cover, aerated foams, and coil system gives it excellent cooling capabilities, helping hot sleepers remain cool and comfortable in bed. Edge rails line the periphery of the bed, making it easier to get in and out of bed or sleep near the edge without falling off.

Pros	Cons
Great cooling mattress for hot sleepers Made in the USA	Out of budget for many shoppers Too soft for heavier stomach sleepers

Check Price

Best for Overweight Sleepers - Brooklyn Bedding Titan

If you feel like your current mattress isn’t providing the level of support you need, and you find that your back is sinking or positioned uncomfortably due to sinkage in your bed, investing in a bed specifically designed for larger bodies can make a big difference. You may find that a new mattress that offers proper support alleviates a lot of your back pain. The Brooklyn Bedding Titan is a heavy-duty mattress that promises plenty of support and pressure relief for heavier sleepers. This bed is crafted for plus-size people and employs durable coils, patented foams and a cooling quilted top for optimal comfort and support. The foam layers dampen motion effectively, a plus for couples looking to share the bed without disruptions when their partner moves in the middle of the night.

The Titan had a strong showing during lab testing, earning high marks in spine alignment (a must-have for those with back pain) and responsiveness (useful for those who like to shift around as they rest). Customers have the option to add an extra cooling panel to the Titan, which is especially helpful if you’re a hot sleeper who can’t seem to cool down at night.

Pros	Cons
Mattresses are made in the USA Incredibly durable bed, built to last for years to come Great choice for hot sleepers	Not suitable for those who prefer a softer bed Side sleepers may want more cushioning

Check Price 

Best for Athletes - Bear Elite Hybrid

Staying fit is obviously great for your health, and ensuring you’re recovering properly between workouts is essential; this study observed that quality sleep was associated with greater muscle strength. If you’re an athlete or are regularly very active, investing in a bed that aids in your recovery process can help you meet your fitness goals quicker, or at the very least help you feel rested enough to tackle your workouts day after day. The Bear Elite Hybrid is our pick as the bed mattress for athletes, starting with its cooling, cushioned cover that reduces overheating during sleep. A zoned foam design supports the lumbar and targets certain pressure points differently, releasing muscle tension. Pocketed spring coils provide ample support to areas that need it, such as the hips and midsection, while memory foam softens the surface, giving shoulders plenty of room to sink in.

The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in three firmness levels: Luxury plush, luxury firm, and extra firm. This gives sleepers a little more flexibility when choosing their bed, allowing them to find the right amount of support and cushion for their sleep preferences. Bear mattresses come with a lifetime warranty and are made with eco-friendly materials, so you don’t need to worry about your bed lasting: It’s built to do so, and covered by a warranty if it doesn’t.

Read more in our Bear mattress review.

Pros	Cons
Cooling cover and materials help hot sleepers stay cool Couples can share the bed without disruptions thanks to good motion isolation Multiple firmnesses available	Pricey if bought outside of sale event Only one free return allowed per household

Check Price 

Best for Couples - Casper Wave Hybrid

The Casper Wave Hybrid mattress ranked highly in many of our key measures. We chose it as the best mattress for couples because it combines the best of mattress comfort features: quality memory foam material, excellent contouring to adjust and respond to your body, and the fluid feel that a latex layer offers. The pocketed coils allow for responsiveness and cradling that hugs your body and supports the body weight of two if you sleep with a partner.

The Casper Wave Hybrid has a medium firmness level and provides both comfort and support to couples. The Wave Hybrid earned high marks in responsiveness, support, motion isolation, and pressure relief. The bouncy feel of the pocketed coils makes the Casper Wave Hybrid a great choice for combo sleepers. If you share a bed with a partner, you know how important it is to control motion transfer in your mattress. A mattress that offers poor motion transfer will have you waking up every time your partner tosses and turns. With the Casper, you’ll be able to control motion transfer and sleep comfortably next to your partner.

Read more in our compare Casper mattresses review.

Pros	Cons
Top-notch responsiveness Proper spine alignment Ability to control motion transfer	Not ideal for shoppers seeking an extra-firm mattress Not ideal for stomach sleepers

Check Price 

Compare the Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Mattress Name	Quick Overview	Special Offer
Saatva Classic	Material: Hybrid of coils and memory foam Firmness: Plush soft (3/10), luxury firm (6/10), firm (8/10) Customer Rating: 4.9/5 MA Score: 9/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box; delivered in 3-9 business days Trial Period: 365 days Warranty: Lifetime Price: $$	Click to see exclusive offer Check Price
DreamCloud Original	Material: Hybrid of coils and memory foam Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10) Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 9/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box; delivered in 2-5 business days Trial Period: 365 days Warranty: Lifetime Price: $$	Click to see exclusive offer Check Price
Nectar	Material: Gel memory foam Firmness: Medium firm (5.5-6/10) Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: Ships free and arrives to your door within 2-5 business days Trial Period: 365 nights Warranty: Lifetime warranty Price: $	Click to see exclusive offer Check Price
WinkBeds Original	Material: Hybrid with foam and coils Firmness: Soft (4.5/10), luxury firm (6.5/10), firm (7.5/10), plus (8/10) Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.6/10 Delivery: Ships free and arrives to your door within 7-14 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: Lifetime warranty Price: $$	Click to see exclusive offer Check Price
Helix Midnight	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Medium (5.5/10) Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box; delivered in 6-10 business days Trial Period: 100 days Warranty: 10-year Price: $$	Click to see exclusive offer Check Price
Nolah Evolution	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Plush (4.5/10), luxury firm (6.5/10), firm (7.5/10) Customer Rating: 4.9/5 MA Score: N/A Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box; delivered in 2-8 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: Limited lifetime Price: $$$	Click to see exclusive offer Check Price
Brooklyn Bedding Titan	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Firm (8/10) Customer Rating: 4.7/5 MA Score: 9.2/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box; delivered in 3-4 business days Trial Period: 120 days Warranty: 10-year Price: $$	Click to see exclusive offer Check Price
Bear Elite Hybrid	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Luxury plush (5/10), luxury firm (6/10), extra firm (8/10) Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: N/A Delivery: Ships free and arrives to your door within 7-10 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: Lifetime warranty Price: $$	Click to see exclusive offer Check Price
Casper Wave Hybrid	Material: Hybrid of latex and memory foam Firmness: Medium firm (5/10) Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 9.3/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box; delivered in 2-7 business days Trial Period: 100 days Warranty: 10-year limited Price: $$$	Click to see exclusive offer Check Price

MA Score: The Mattress Advisor Score is a weighted score that takes into account 14 different factors related to the mattress’ performance, function, convenience and the brand’s social responsibility.

Compare Features and Materials

Saatva Classic	DreamCloud Original
What’s inside: Quilted Euro Pillow Top: A three-inch cushioning pillow top with quilting in the lumbar zone for added support and comfort. Memory Foam Support Layer: High-density memory foam confined with Saatva’s lumbar zone active spinal wire to provide targeted relief for the lower back. Responsive Coils: Pocketed coils made from recycled steel contour to the body and provide added support in the center of the mattress (where your hips and midsection typically lie). Edge Support Rails: Rails made from high-density foam support the mattress periphery. Base Coil Unit: Dual-coils made from tempered steel help reduce sagging and improve durability and airflow.	What’s inside: Cashmere Cover: Luxuriously soft cover made from quilted foam and cashmere. Comfort Foam: Pressure relief is added with this layer of gel-infused memory foam. Sink-in Layer: Delivers weight distribution and cushioning for extra coziness. Coil System: Pocketed coils provide plenty of responsiveness (bounce) to make it easier to change positions and move around. Foam Base Layer: Serves as a stable foundation.
Scored best in: Spine Alignment Edge Support Durability	Scored best in: Durability Edge Support Pressure Relief Responsiveness

Nectar Original	WinkBed Original
What’s inside: Quilted Cover: This cover feels cool and soft without trapping heat. Gel Memory Foam: Gel infused into this memory foam absorbs excess body heat and stops pressure buildup on joints. Support Core: The ideal middle ground between soft cushioning and firm support, this layer keeps the body supported without feeling too soft. Thick Base Foam: A dense layer of foam functions as the main source of support in the mattress while the cover below keeps the Nectar in place.	What’s inside: Euro Pillow Top: A layer of plush foam topped with a cooling, moisture-wicking fabric helps keep sleepers cool and cozy. Comfort Layer: A slab of gel-infused foam aids in the bed’s cooling capabilities while improving motion isolation. Micro-Coils: A thin layer of small coils help air circulate throughout the mattress. Lumbar Support Pad: A dense, thick cotton layer dissipates tension in the lower back. Edge Support System: A perimeter of high-density foam keeps the edges stable and durable. Pocketed Coils: Durable coils made of tempered steel deliver support.
Scored best in: Pressure Relief Edge Support Motion Transfer	Scored best in: Edge Support Durability Responsiveness

Helix Midnight	Nolah Evolution
What’s inside: Soft touch mattress cover: A soft and stretchy cover that allows for optimal airflow. Memory Foam Comfort Layer: Cushioning memory foam designed specifically for providing comfort and pressure relief. High-Grade Polyfoam Transition Layer: Assists in contouring to your body and allowing for a seamless transition from foam to coils. Pocket Coil Mattress Core: Individually wrapped pocket coils that provide zoned body support. There is a softer feel under the shoulders and a firmer feel under the hips to cradle your body while providing superior spinal alignment. Base Foam Layer: Thick layer of dense foam that adds durability and support to the mattress.	What’s inside: Cooling Cover and Foam: Both the cover and top foam layer soak up excess body heat with the help of organic cotton and high thermal conductivity technology. AirBreath™ Gusset: This layer creates space for heat to flow out of the mattress. Graphite Foam: Any body heat that manages to get past the top layers is absorbed by this cooling foam. 2” High Resiliency Foam: A thick, supportive layer of foam that keeps the body from sinking in too much. 1” Transition Foam: Dense layer of foam designed to perform like latex and remain highly responsive. 8.0” Tri-Zone™ Coils: Nolah’s patented coils designed to be even sturdier and pressure-relieving than standard pocketed coils. Base foam: All-natural foam derived from plants keeps the bed stable.
Scored best in: Motion Transfer Spine Alignment	Scored best in: Cooling Motion Transfer Pressure Relief

Brooklyn Bedding Titan	Bear Elite Hybrid
What’s inside: Quilted Top: The topper uses firm foam to prevent too much sinkage along with gel to help with cooling. Option to add an additional cooling panel as well. Responsive Foam: Brooklyn Bedding’s TitanFlex™ foam is highly responsive to motion. Coil Network: Nearly 1,000 “industrial strength” pocketed coils are contained within this network. Base Foam: Supports the coil network and helps with long-term durability.	What’s inside: Cooling Cover: Phase-change technology and cooling fibers make up this hand-quilted cover. Copper Foam: Top memory foam layer works alongside cover to regulate your body temperature. Zone Comfort Foam: This layer keeps tension and pressure from weighing down on joints by way of 5 “zones” around different regions of the body. Coil System: These pocketed coils spring back quickly when pressure and motion are applied. High Density Support Foam: Thin but durable foam base serves as the foundation.
Scored best in: Spine Alignment Responsiveness Motion Transfer	Scored best in: Responsiveness Pressure Relief Spine Alignment

Casper Wave Hybrid
What’s inside: 1.0” Comfort Foam: The top layer of the Casper Wave Hybrid is designed to offer responsive comfort that makes you look forward to climbing into bed each night. 1.5” Breathable Latex Foam: Has a more buoyant feel than traditional memory foam. Latex is a naturally breathable material so this layer helps transfer heat away from the body to regulate body temperature. 1.5” Pressure Relieving Memory Foam: Designed to aid in pressure relief by cradling your joints, particularly the hips and shoulders. 1.5” High Resiliency Foam: Highly durable and resilient foam made with gel pods for targeted support 7.0” Foundation of Durable, Pocket-Coil Spring System: Designed to support, respond and isolate motion for its sleepers.
Scored best in: Responsiveness Motion Transfer Targeted Support

What is a Mattress for Back Pain?

The type of mattress you choose is an important decision for anyone —especially if you are someone who suffers from back pain. If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep due to soreness, aches, and tension in your back, neck, and shoulders, it is recommended that you sleep on a high-quality mattress that offers adequate support and pressure relief. There are many different mattress types, including memory foam, latex, traditional innerspring, and hybrids. When you are choosing a mattress that will relieve your back pain, it is important that you look at the material the mattress is made of. In addition to the material, you should look into how highly a mattress ranks on measures like firmness, pressure relief, temperature, and spinal alignment.

Mattress Firmness

Firmness is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing the right mattress to relieve back pain. You will want to find a mattress that is neither too firm or too soft, but somewhere in the middle. Medium-firm mattresses provide the best support for people with back pain because they support your pressure points and evenly distribute body weight.

Temperature

Another consideration is temperature. You definitely don’t want to be sweating throughout the night, so make sure you look at mattresses that offer excellent airflow, breathability, and special cooling properties.

Spinal Alignment

Also important to note is a mattress’s spinal alignment. Spinal alignment places a crucial role in determining how your back feels when you wake up. To avoid headaches, muscle strain, and pressure, consider mattresses that are designed with spinal alignment in mind.

Pressure Relief

Finally, you will need a mattress that offers maximum pressure relief. A good pressure-relief mattress targets your pressure points like hips and shoulders and is made of materials that contour to your body rather than pushing into it.

Shopping Considerations

While you’re shopping for a new mattress, you’ll want to consider the following before making a final decision: the type of mattress, performance factors, price, and shipping and delivery.

Type of Mattress

Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses are ideal for relieving back pain. Memory foam is a very durable type of material that can provide excellent pressure relief at high densities. Memory foam cradles your body, provides targeted pressure relief, and keeps your spine aligned. A memory foam mattress is excellent at distributing your body weight, meaning you won’t feel uneven pressure between your body and the mattress. Memory foam is known to be durable and lasts longer than many other types of mattresses.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are the traditional mattress type that most people are used to sleeping on. While you may be familiar with the feel of an innerspring mattress, it’s not always the best choice for relieving back pain. Innerspring beds don’t cradle your body as memory foam does and they do not always perform well with relieving pressure points.

Latex

Latex mattresses are popular for their durability and comfort. Latex tends to conform to your body more than foam and offers similar benefits, such as motion isolation and pressure relief. Latex mattresses are great cooling mattresses that prevent overheating in bed. Latex is a good choice for hot sleepers who want to feel like they are sleeping on top of the mattress, rather than sinking into it.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress is any kind of mattress that combines multiple materials. There are many different types of hybrid mattresses; some combine memory foam and latex, while others use springs and coils. Check the spinal alignment and pressure relief performance of any hybrid mattress before purchasing.

Performance Factors

Set-up

Mattress set-up varies by company and style. Some companies deliver their mattresses directly to your home rolled up in a box, while others offer a “white glove” service where a delivery agent takes care of the unpacking and disposal of packing materials for you. To set up a roll-up mattress yourself, remove the mattress from the box and place it on your bed. Make sure the edges of the mattress are lined up with the sides of your bed. Then, use a cutting tool to open the mattress bag and pull off the plastic cover from the foot end. Finally, wait and let the mattress expand. You can lay on it right away, although some mattresses take up to eight hours to fully expand. Wait two hours before putting sheets on.

Pressure relief

Pressure relief mattresses, or pressure redistribution mattresses, prevent bedsores and provide additional comfort. If you suffer from back pain or joint pain, you should consider buying a mattress with excellent pressure relief features. Pressure relief mattresses can help alleviate pain and give you a better night’s sleep.

Spine alignment

The kind of mattress you choose can affect your sleep quality and long-term health. The best mattress for heavy people will provide adequate spine support. This is important as you want a mattress that supports your core. Softer mattresses can sink your head and back, compromising your spine and neck. Extra-firm mattresses, on the other hand, support your head and back and aid spine alignment. When looking at various mattress options, it is recommended to try out the mattress before buying to test for alignment. While lying on your back and stomach on a good mattress, your spine should be supported in its natural “S” curve. While lying on your side, it should be completely straight, including your neck. To test for “straightness” on your side, ask your partner or the mattress store employee to hold a yardstick up to your back to see how your spine looks in comparison to the mattress. While lying on your side, observe if you notice any strain or tension in your back or neck. Be careful about confusing firmness with support; not all firm mattresses are supportive, and not all supportive mattresses are super firm.

Durability

Mattress durability is a measure of how well the mattress holds up, despite the pressure placed on it. Durability refers to how well the bed withstands sagging, sinkage, and other forms of deterioration that can compromise sleepers’ comfort. Durable mattresses are less susceptible to wear and tear and tend to last longer than flimsier mattresses.

Motion transfer

Motion transfer is when movement in one part of a bed carries energy through the building materials of the rest of the mattress. For people who sleep with a partner or pet, this can lead to disturbances in the night. Finding a mattress that reduces motion transfer is critical to a good night of sleep if you share a bed, especially if you are a light sleeper or heavier individual.

Temperature regulation

Some mattresses offer temperature regulation features that let you control how hot or cold you want your bed to be. If you tend to overheat in your bed, look for a mattress that comes with specialized cooling features such as the Amerisleep AS4.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness is a measure of how well your mattress responds to your body weight and movements. The faster a mattress adjusts to your movements, the more responsive it is. This is an important factor when buying a new mattress, as you will want a mattress that adjusts to your body and maximizes comfort. Memory foam responsiveness tends to provide excellent support and alignment.

Edge support

A mattress’ edge support is an important factor to consider if you find yourself struggling to physically pull yourself off your bed. Edge support prevents sag, provides structure, protects from falls, increases sleep surface, and allows for sitting comfortably on the bed. Foam, metal rods, or springs are typically the three components that make up edge support in a mattress.

Price

There is a wide price range for the mattresses we listed for our top picks of Best Mattress for Back Pain. The lowest-priced mattress on our list is the Nectar Twin Mattress at only $399. The luxury brand Saatva Solaire is the highest-price option, offering their Twin model at $1,995. If you’re a shopper on a budget, we recommend choosing from our list of the best mattresses under $1,000.

Shipping and Delivery

Shipping and delivery vary by company, but most mattress in a box companies ship within 3-8 business days. Saatva is the only company on the above list which offers white glove delivery. The remaining companies ship their mattresses rolled up in a box.

FAQ About Mattresses for Back Pain

1. Why does sleep position matter when it comes to back pain?

   The position you sleep in — on your side, back, or stomach —can affect how well-rested you feel when you wake up in the morning. If you sleep on your stomach, you may be more prone to experiencing back pain, whereas back sleepers tend to experience less pain. When you’re shopping for a new mattress, take note of your sleep position so that you can find a mattress that minimizes back pain as much as possible. Back sleepers will generally need more firm mattresses, while side or stomach sleepers may find themselves comfortable with softer or medium-firm mattresses. Some mattresses are designed specifically with certain sleep positions in mind, such as the Puffy Mattress which is a great option for side sleepers.

2. Should I get a mattress topper?

   While a mattress topper isn’t a replacement for a good mattress, purchasing a topper to place over your mattress can provide additional back pain relief. The added layer of a topper can help alleviate pressure points. There are many different types of mattresses toppers to choose from. For example, memory foam toppers provide additional support, while latex foam toppers can help people with allergies by resisting mold and dust mites.

3. What’s the best type of mattress for relieving joint pain?

   If you suffer from joint pain, you will want to find a mattress with maximum pressure relief. A softer mattress may be a good choice for people with arthritis or tender joints. For those with arthritis, we recommend sticking with latex, memory foam, or hybrid mattresses, as innerspring mattresses are less effective at targeting pressure points.

Summary of Our Top Picks for the Best Mattress for Back Pain

• Best Overall - Saatva Classic
• Best Luxury - DreamCloud Original
• Best Value - Nectar Original
• Best Innerspring - WinkBeds Original
• Best for Side Sleepers - Helix Midnight
• Best for Pressure Relief - Nolah Evolution
• Best for Overweight Sleepers - Brooklyn Bedding Titan
• Best for Athletes - Bear Elite Hybrid
• Best for Couples - Casper Wave Hybrid

About the Author Devorah Levy-Pearlman

Devorah Levy-Pearlman is a freelance writer based in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is passionate about helping others improve their lives through better nights of sleep.