Best Mattress for Back Pain

February 18, 2020

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.

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Best Mattress for Back Pain - Top Picks

• Casper Wave Hybrid - Best for Couples
• Helix Midnight Luxe - Best for Hot Sleepers
• Purple - Most Innovative
• Puffy - Best Pressure Relief
• Nectar - Best Value
• Saatva Solaire - Best Adjustable Bed

Casper Wave Hybrid - Best for Couples

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 bodyweight 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, one of the best mattresses for combination 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

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Helix Midnight Luxe - Best for Hot Sleepers

We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the top mattress for hot sleepers. The mattress’ state-of-the-art cooling technology set it over the top for body temperature control, while its body zoning support cradles your body to offer maximum comfort and keep body weight evenly distributed. The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium hybrid mattress that comes with a built-in cooling cover. This makes it an ideal choice for sleepers who tend to overheat in their beds, and one of the best mattresses for heavy people. The Ultra-Cool cover regulates body temperature with cooling technology in the fabric that absorbs excess body heat.

The Helix Midnight Luxe also rated highly in spine alignment and weight distribution. 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.

Read more in our Helix mattress review.

Pros	Cons
Superior cooling technology Excellent spine alignment	Superior cooling technology Excellent spine alignment

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Purple - Most Innovative

The Purple mattress stands out for its innovative features, including a design specifically engineered for spinal alignment and pressure point relief. The Purple mattress also uses advanced grid technology, which has been used and tested by consumers and medical professionals for decades. The grid formation in the Purple mattress’ hyper-elastic polymer layer creates walls that can support or fold. The Purple is a softer mattress that still provides an excellent supportive layer for back pain relief. Due to its unique and innovative components, it may take sleepers some time to get used to the materials of the Purple mattress. Experts recommend that sleepers wait 30 nights to decide whether or not the Purple is the right mattress for them. This mattress type is not for everyone and shoppers should test it out before deciding if it is the right permanent fit for them.

Purple’s patented Hyper-Elastic Polymer Smart Comfort Grid is uniquely designed to provide maximum cushioning. Unlike the structure of a memory form mattress or spring material, Purple’s design does not have a standard spring constant effect. This takes the pressure off the body while sleeping and is especially great for relieving pain in the hip and shoulder areas. Customers with chronic back pain rave about the Purple mattress’ stellar back pain relief. Other customers have noted that Purple mattress’ comfort level and even body temperature distribution.

Read more in our Purple mattress review.

Pros	Cons
Hyper-Elastic Polymer Smart Comfort Grid for targeted pressure point relief Provides adequate spinal alignment Great for sleepers with back problems	Motion transfer not ideal May take time to get accustomed to the unique feel of the mattress

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Puffy - Best Pressure Relief

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, comfort always comes first. That’s why we think it’s worth checking out the Puffy Mattress — especially if you have a bad back and require extra back support in your mattress. The Puffy Mattress is the best mattress for side sleepers and provides unmatched pressure relief for individuals in any sleeping position.

The Puffy is a three-layer hybrid memory foam mattress, composed of two types of proprietary foam: ClimateComfort foam and Cooling Cloud foam. The ClimateComfort foam is resistant to contractions and expansions caused by extreme temperatures. This top layer feels and functions like memory foam. The Cooling Cloud foam is a gel-infused memory foam that prevents overheating during the night by drawing heat away from your body. The Puffy Mattress is designed to cradle your body and adjust to both high and low temperatures. Whatever your body temperature or sleep position, the Puffy will surely provide maximum comfort and top-notch pressure relief for the whole body. As a plus, the Puffy’s cover is stain-resistant, making it easy to clean spillages or food off the mattress.

Customers note that it is easy to switch sleeping positions on the Puffy and that it offers a nice balance between support and pressure relief. Customers say it is a great pick for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and side sleepers alike.

Read more in our Puffy mattress review.

Pros	Cons
Three-layer memory foam mattress for extra comfort Excellent pressure relief, especially for side sleepers Made with a stain-resistant cover	Not a traditional memory-foam feel Not ideal for heavier people

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Nectar - Best Value

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 propriety 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)

$399 of free accessories with every mattress

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Saatva Solaire - Best Adjustable Bed

Last — but not least — we ranked the Saatva Solaire Mattress as the perfect fit for an adjustable bed. An adjustable bed base lifts the bottom and top of the mattress and creates a more comfortable shape for you to read, watch TV, and sleep. An adjustable bed can be profiled into a number of different positions to match your personal preferences. The Saatva Solaire is perfect for those who want to control the settings on their bed. The Saatva Solaire is an adjustable luxury airbed that uses one remote to control 50 precise firmness level settings on each side of the bed. This advanced technology is also great for couples and allows you to select different firmness levels for each side of the bed.

The Saatva Solaire is the best mattress for personalized comfort. The mattress comes with an adjustable base that allows you to elevate your torso and/or your feet to your liking. The Solaire also has impressive upper flex capabilities. This allows you to select your preferred comfort settings without disturbing the person sleeping next to you. In addition to its customizability offerings, Saatva is an environmentally friendly mattress option. The Solaire is made with organic, hypoallergenic cotton treated with Guardin antimicrobial properties. The memory foam layer is certified by CertiPUR-US, so it is free of ozone depleters, PBDEs, mercury, lead, or other heavy materials.

Read more in our Saatva Solaire mattress review.

Pros	Cons
Adjustable bed - customizable firmness setting Great for couples Environmentally friendly	No Twin size available, only Twin XL

$200 off any purchase of $1000 or more

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Compare the Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Mattress Name	Quick Overview	Special Offer
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 warranty Price: $$$	Get up to $175 off Check Price
Helix Midnight Luxe	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Medium firm Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.9/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box; delivered in 6-10 business days Trial Period: 100 days Warranty: 15-year limited warranty Price: $$	$200 off + 2 free Dream pillows with code: PRESDAY200 Check Price
Purple	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Medium firm (6.5/10) Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score: 8.4/10 Delivery: Compressed in a cylinder case; delivered in 4-7 business days Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: 10-year limited warranty Price: $$	Get $100 off Check Price
Puffy	Material: Gel-infused memory foam Firmness: Medium firm (7/10) Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score: 9/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box; delivered in 2-5 business days Trial Period: 101 days Warranty: Lifetime warranty for as long as you own the mattress Price: $$	Get $300 OFF + a FREE king-sized pillow 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 for as long as you own the mattress Price: $	$399 of free accessories with every mattress Check Price
Saatva Solaire	Material: Adjustable airbed Firmness: 50 Custom Firmness Levels Customer Rating: 4.9/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: Free white glove delivery and set-up Trial Period: 120 days Warranty: 15-year limited warranty Price: $$$	$200 off any purchase of $1000 or more 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

Casper Wave Hybrid	Helix Midnight Luxe
What’s inside: 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. 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. Pressure Relieving Memory Foam: Designed to aid in pressure relief by cradling your joints, particularly the hips and shoulders. High Resiliency Foam: Highly durable and resilient foam made with gel pods for targeted support Foundation of Durable, Pocket-Coil Spring System: Designed to support, respond and isolate motion for its sleepers.	What’s inside: Ultra-Cool Premium Pillow Top: Offers superior comfort and features a phase change material in its fabric that absorbs excess heat to regular body temperature. Gel Visco Comfort Layer: Medium feel, gel-infused memory foam layer made with high-density gel Visco foam designed specifically for providing comfort and pressure relief. Memory Plus Foam Support Layer: Two inches of high-density memory foam is used in the Midnight LUXE to cushion and support your body weight. 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: 1,000 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.
Scored best in: Responsiveness Motion transfer Targeted support	Scored best in: Cooling technology Spine alignment

Purple	Puffy
What’s inside: Responsive Knit Cover: Soft and stretchy cover that helps maximize the flexing properties of the Smart Comfort Grid. The breathable design also promotes airflow to help you sleep cool. Smart Comfort Grid: Designed to cushion your shoulders and hips (pressure points), and support your body’s natural shape. Plush Comfort Foam: Soft, high-density polyurethane foam designed to enhance the responsiveness and feel of the Smart Comfort Grid. Support Form: Medium-firm, high-density polyurethane foam provides structural support to the mattress.	What’s inside: 2” Cooling Cloud Gel-Infused Memory Foam: The top layer is designed to disperse heat away from your body and promote airflow so you don’t wake up in the middle of the night with night sweats. 2” ClimateComfort Memory Foam: This foam, unlike most, does not expand and contract depending on the temperature. When it’s hot, foam tends to expand. When it’s cold, it contracts. The ClimateComfort Memory Foam is resistant to these changes in temperature. 6” Firm Core Support Base Layer: The base layer of the Puffy mattress provides structure and durability to the entire structure. Its Insta-Firm technology offers 99% better responsiveness and 4x the support of standard mattresses.
Scored best in: Spine Alignment Pressure Relief Edge Support Durability	Scored best in: Motion Transfer Pressure Relief Heat Resistance Responsiveness

Nectar	Saatva Solaire
What’s inside: Quilted gel memory foam: Designed to help you sleep cool with breathability Gel memory foam: Designed to relieve pressure and distribute weight Cooling cover: Bed bug resistant and designed to circulate airflow Adaptive hi-core memory foam: Highly supportive for most sleep positions	What’s inside: Organic Cotton Pillow Top: Wrapped in a breathable organic cotton cover, this pillow top adds cushioning for comfort and support. 5-Zone Talalay Latex: Naturally hypoallergenic, this dense layer of latex adds pressure point relief for the back. Gel-Infused Memory Foam: Sleep cool and fully supported on this CertiPUR-US® approved gel memory foam Moisture Barrier: Allows the mattress to last by protecting the inner components from bacteria growth. Vulcanized Air Chambers: Offers full-body support using its multi-directional box baffle design, no matter the firmness level. Power Edge Enclosure: Provides perimeter supports as its in-rail air inflator operates quietly and invisibly.
Scored best in: Affordability Edge Support Durability Motion Transfer Responsiveness	Scored best in: Adjustability Motion Transfer Durability Cooling

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

• Casper Wave Hybrid - Best for Couples
• Helix Midnight Luxe - Best for Hot Sleepers
• Purple - Most Innovative
• Puffy - Best Pressure Relief
• Nectar - Best Value
• Saatva Solaire - Best Adjustable Bed

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.