Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

January 27, 2023

Whether you are a shopper on a budget or suffering with back pain, this mattress review outlines our top picks for the best mattress for back sleepers. Read on to discover which mattress is best at preventing motion isolation, which one excels at durability, and which offers the most generous trial period. Better nights of sleep await!

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Best Mattress for Back Sleepers - Top Picks

• Casper - Best for Back Pain
• Loom & Leaf - Best for Heavy Sleepers
• Helix Midnight Luxe - Best for Hot Sleepers
• Leesa - Best All-Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Nectar - Best for Those on a Budget
• Puffy - Best for Couples

Casper - Best for Back Pain

The Casper mattress features a universal design for the average sleeper. The medium-firm design ranks at a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, providing the medium firmness that back sleepers require. If you are looking for an all-foam mattress, this is one of the most well-known of the bunch.

The Casper mattress earned a perfect score in responsiveness, meaning you will easily be able to switch sleep positions easily, especially for side or stomach sleepers. The Casper also does an amazing job of keeping your spine aligned, important for all sleeping positions. This is due in large part to the Zoned Support Layer which contours to your pressure points to cradle your hips and shoulders and provide needed back support.

Read more in our Casper mattress review.

PROS	CONS
Responsive: You can easily switch positions throughout the night. Spinal Alignment: The Casper keeps your spine in proper alignment. Zone Support Layer: Contours to your pressure points.	May Sleep Hot: Though Casper features breathable foam, all-foam beds generally sleep hotter than innerspring or hybrid mattresses. Medium-Firm: The 6/10 firmness level may not be as firm as some back sleepers need.

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Loom & Leaf - Best for Heavy People

The Loom & Leaf comes in two mattress firmness options: Relaxed Firm (6/10) and Firm (8/10). The firmest level is best for strict back sleepers, while those who spend time sleeping on their sides are likely to prefer Relaxed Firm.

This mattress earned high marks in spinal alignment, great for all sleeping positions. It also provides superior durability, ensuring that your mattress will stay comfortable and supportive for the long haul.

The Loom & Leaf by Saatva also comes with free set-up and removal of your old mattress, a rare feature for online mattresses. This is a convenient benefit for seniors, people with back pain, or anyone looking for a stress-free experience.

Learn more in the Loom & Leaf mattress review.

PROS	CONS
Free Set-Up and Removal: The Loom & Leaf by Saatva comes with free set-up as well as removal of our old mattress. A great bonus! Spinal Alignment: This bed does a great job of keeping the spine aligned. Durability: The Loom & Leaf should maintain its shape over time, and also work well for heavy sleepers.	Poor Motion Isolation: Couples wanting to stop motion transfer should keep looking. Lacking Edge Support: The Loom & Leaf mattress does not provide great support at the edge.

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Helix Midnight Luxe - Best for Hot Sleepers

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress and one of the brand’s premium models. Hot sleepers should seriously consider this bed, as it boasts an Ultra-Cool cover that absorbs excess body heat, regulates body temperature, and even feels cool to the touch.

The Helix Midnight Luxe touts Zoned Lumbar Support, which means different areas of the mattress offer varying levels of support. This contributes to the bed’s great score in spinal alignment.

The Helix Midnight Luxe is offered in a medium on the firmness scale, ideal for back sleepers who need a combination of cushioning and support. All of the materials in this hybrid mattress are CertiPUR-US certified and OEKO-TEX certified, adding a little peace of mind.

Find out more in the Helix Midnight mattress review.

PROS	CONS
Superior Cooling: An Ultra-Cool cover regulates body temperature and feels cool to the touch.  Spinal Alignment: Proper spinal alignment ensures restful nights of sleep. Zoned Lumbar Support: Different areas of the mattress offer varying levels of support.	Not the Most Budget Friendly: May not be ideal for sleepers looking for the most affordable bed.  Motion Transfer: This mattress did not rank particularly high in motion transfer.

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Leesa - Best All-Foam Mattress

The Leesa is a three-layer, all-foam mattress that ranks as medium firm (6/10) on the firmness scale. Already one of our highest rated mattresses, Leesa recently released an updated model that performs even better.

The Leesa bed stands out for responsiveness, allowing you to easily switch from back to side sleeping in the middle of the night. This mattress also does a great job of keeping your spine in alignment and preventing motion transfer, an important feature for back-sleeping couples.

During testing that replicated 10 years of use, the Leesa didn’t lose an inch of its height. This ensures that the mattress is highly durable, and you can sleep comfortably now, as well as for years to come. And while most all-foam mattresses tend to sleep hot, the Leesa is designed to promote airflow for a cooler sleeping experience.

Leesa also does a great job in the area of social responsibility. The company donates a mattress for every 10 sold, and plants a tree for every purchase.

Read more in our Leesa mattress review.

PROS	CONS
Superior Responsiveness: This ensures you don’t feel stuck when you switch positions throughout the night.  Good for Backs: The Leesa scored well in spinal alignment, important for back sleepers (as well as all sleep positions). Impressively Durable: Our testing showed that the Leesa maintains its full height, even after 10 years of restful nights.	Not first pick for Heavy People: Heavier sleepers are likely to want the added durability of pocketed coils. Not Organic: Though the Leesa is CertiPUR-US certified, the mattress is not organic.

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Nectar - Best for Those on a Budget

If you are on the hunt for a great mattress and a terrific price point, consider the Nectar. This all-foam bed features a medium-firm feel that we ranked at 6 out of 10, meaning it is not too soft and not too firm.

The Nectar scored highest in edge support, ensuring comfort and support over the entire surface of the bed. This memory foam mattress also did a good job at providing pressure relief, which is ideal for back sleepers who also spend time on their sides. The Nectar also prevents excess motion transfer, important for couples wanting to minimize sleep disturbances.

For shoppers wanting the longest possible trial period, Nectar fits the bill. This mattress includes a full 365-day sleep trial, so you can be confident that you will not be stuck with the wrong bed. Nectar also provides a lifetime warranty.

Learn more in the Nectar mattress review.

PROS	CONS
Standout Edge Support: No comfort is lost on the edge of the Nectar. Full 365-Night Sleep Trial: Important for those who want extra time to make up their mind.   Good Price Point: The Nectar mattress beats most of the competition in pricing.	Could Trap Heat: Though the Nectar includes a cooling cover and breathable foam, all memory foam beds generally sleep hotter than innerspring mattresses. Just Okay Spinal Alignment: The Nectar mattress did not score particularly high in spinal alignment.

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Puffy - Best for Couples

The Puffy is an all memory foam mattress that ranks at a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. This is great for back sleepers who prefer a sleep surface that is firmer. The Puffy is made with ClimateComfort and Cooling Cloud foam so it resists the mattress materials changing size due to temperature changes. This translates to a reliably supportive mattress.

Though memory foam mattresses tend to sink, the Puffy bed will not; it performed well in responding to movements and preventing that stuck feeling. The Puffy also impressed us in the category of motion transfer. This is good for those who share the bed with a partner, as it prevents the movements of one partner from disturbing the other.

The Puffy includes a standard 101-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty that covers the mattress as long as you own it.

Learn more in the Puffy mattress review.

PROS	CONS
Good for Couples: This mattress earned a high score in motion transfer. Unusually Responsive: Though some memory foam beds may create a stuck feeling, the Puffy allows you to move with ease. ClimateCloud and Cooling Cloud foam: The Puffy is designed to prevent the contractions and expansions caused by extreme temperatures.	Could Be Hot: Hot sleepers are likely to be cooler on a hybrid or innerspring mattress.  Firmer Feel: Sleepers seeking a plush mattress could find the 7/10 rating to be too firm.

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Compare the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers

Mattress Name	Quick Overview	Special Offer
Casper	Material: Memory Foam Firmness: Medium-Firm Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 9.1/10 Delivery: Free Shipping Trial Period: 100-Night Sleep Trial Warranty: 10-Year Limited Warranty Price: $$	Check Price
Loom & Leaf	Material: Gel Memory Foam Firmness: Relaxed Firm, Firm Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.2/10 Delivery: Free Shipping Trial Period: 180-Night Sleep Trial Warranty: 15-Year Limited Warranty Price: $$	Check Price
Helix Midnight Luxe	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Medium Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.9/10 Delivery: Free shipping Trial Period: 100-Night Sleep Trial Warranty: 15-Year Limited Warranty Price: $$$$	Check Price
Leesa	Material: Foam Combo Firmness: Medium-Firm Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 9.3/10 Delivery: Free shipping Trial Period: 100-Night Sleep Trial Warranty: 10-Year Limited Warranty Price: $	Check Price
Nectar	Material: Gel Memory Foam Firmness: Medium-Firm Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: Free shipping Trial Period: 365-Night Sleep Trial Warranty: Lifetime Warranty Price: $	Check Price
Puffy	Material: Memory Foam Firmness: Medium-Firm Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score: 9/10 Delivery: Free shipping Trial Period: 101-Night Sleep Trial Warranty: Lifetime Warranty Price: $$	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	Loom & Leaf
What’s inside: Open-cell foam: Made up of breathable foam to enhance airflow and encourage air circulation. Zoned support layer: Includes three ergonomic zones for spinal alignment. Evenly distributes weight and provides softer support where needed. Durable support foam: This base layer stops sinkage and enhances overall support.	What’s inside: Quilted organic cotton cover: This healthy cover provides breathable, antimicrobial performance. Gel cooling layer: This gel memory foam layer delivers varying levels of support to keep your spine aligned. Premium memory foam: CertiPUR-US certified foam relieves pressure points. Multi-layer support base layer: Constructed of high-density polyfoam and transitional layers, this sturdy support layer adds durability.
Scored best in: Responsiveness Edge support Spinal alignment	Scored best in: Spinal alignment Durability

Helix Midnight Luxe	Leesa
What’s inside: Ultra-cool premium pillow top: The top layer absorbs body heat while regulating body temperature for cooler nights. Gel comfort layer: This layer of gel-infused memory foam provides pressure point relief. Memory plus foam support layer: A 2” high-density memory foam layer provides cushioning and support for your joints. High-grade polyfoam transition layer: This layer of the mattress provides an easy transition between the memory foam and the innerspring core. Pocketed coils: Over 1,000 individually wrapped pocketed coils deliver zoned support, as well as gentler support under the shoulders and firmer comfort under the hips. Dense foam base layer: The base layer adds durability and strength.	What’s inside: Cooling foam comfort top: This 2” foam layer encourages airflow and is responsive to your movements. Contouring memory foam: Also 2”, this foam layer delivers pressure relief, so you wake up feeling rested. Dense base layer: The bottom layer adds a solid feel without making the bed too firm.
Scored best in: Cooling Durability Spine alignment	Scored best in: Responsiveness Durability Spine alignment Motion transfer

Nectar	Puffy
What’s inside: Quilted memory foam cover: This soft cover provides extra cushioning. Gel memory foam: This layer equally distributes weight as it provides pressure relief. Adaptive memory foam: The middle layer supports your shape and stops you from sinking into the mattress. Base layer: A solid layer of support adds durability for years to come. Bottom cover: Designed to prevent the mattress from slipping or moving.	What’s inside: Cooling gel-infused memory foam: This 2” top layer is designed to pull extra heat away from the body while enhancing air circulation for a cooler sleeping experience. ClimateComfort memory foam: This 2” advanced memory foam layer is designed to resist the contractions and expansions that can happen due to temperature extremes. Regardless of the temperature, this layer ensures consistent comfort. Firm core support base layer: This polyfoam base layer measures 6” and boasts specialized foam technology for 99% greater responsiveness and greater support than standard mattresses.
Scored best in: Edge Support Motion Transfer Pressure Relief Responsiveness Durability	Scored best in: Motion transfer Responsiveness Edge support Spine alignment

What Makes a Mattress Good for Back Sleepers?

Depending on the source, back sleeping is considered the healthiest sleeping position. Your head, neck, and spine are in a neutral position and it reduces acid reflux. It is not the best option for all people though. According to the Cleveland Clinic, pregnant women should not sleep on their backs after 20 weeks. Back sleeping is also not recommended for those with sleep apnea and may increase snoring for those prone to it.

If you are a back sleeper looking for a new mattress, choose one that is a medium-firm on the firmness scale. A mattress that is too soft is likely to put your back in an uncomfortable decision. A mattress that is too firm may not provide gentle contouring where it is needed.

As many people switch positions throughout the night, it is also beneficial to choose a mattress that is responsive to your movements. Otherwise, you may sink in too deeply. For those who sleep as part of a couple, a mattress with good motion isolation prevents the movements of one partner from disturbing the other.

Shopping Considerations

Type of Mattress

Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses excel at contouring to your body and relieving pressure. They give a feeling of weightlessness and generally consist of high-density support foam and low-density comfort foam. This provides a medium-firm feel that is recommended for back sleepers. Memory foam mattresses may lack durability as they do not include pocketed coils, though some are just as sturdy.

Innerspring: This type of mattress offers a good amount of bounce and boasts durable steel coils to support all body types. Innerspring mattresses generally include memory foam or polyfoam for a combination of contouring and support. The topper determines how plush or firm the mattress is.

Latex: Latex foam is a medium-firm material with a good amount of bounce. Latex mattresses can be made out of rubber-tree sap or synthetic materials. This type of mattress is known for its cooling performance, so it is a great option for hot sleepers. Natural latex mattresses can also be a good choice for those wanting a healthier mattress.

Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses generally consist of steel coils and foam layers. Whether they are ideal for helping back sleepers get restful nights of sleep depends upon how firm they are. Many hybrid mattresses combine the body contouring properties of memory foam with the strength of pocketed coils. If the top layer is a medium-firm on the firmness scale, back sleepers may find it to be a perfect choice.

Performance Factors

Set-up: Set-up can vary from particularly cumbersome to amazingly easy. If you purchase a very heavy mattress, you may need at least two people to move it and set it up. On the other hand, if your mattress includes free white glove delivery and removal (as Saatva’s does), you will not have to lift a finger. Take this into consideration if you feel you need assistance setting up your new mattress.

Pressure relief: The right mattress needs to provide gentle cradling in certain areas and firmer support in others. Mattresses that score high in pressure relief cushion your hips and shoulders, an important feature for side sleepers.

Spine alignment: Choosing a mattress with good spinal alignment is important for all sleep positions. If you find yourself waking up achy or uncomfortable, it may be a sign that your mattress is not properly supporting your spine. Back sleepers should also research the right pillow as that can impact spine alignment.

Durability: It is important for a mattress to feel great today, but you also want to continue to enjoy it for years to come. Our testing includes a simulation of years of use to reveal how the mattress will hold up over the long haul. A high score in durability means the mattress will remain supportive and won’t sag. That translates to a greater value for you as well as less frequent mattress shopping.

Motion transfer: Couples looking for the right mattress should take motion transfer into account. A high score in this category means one partner’s movements will not be felt (or felt very little) by the other. If you are a light sleeper, poor motion isolation could be a major sleep issue. You may be disturbed every time your partner moves or gets up. Therefore, a good score in motion transfer can translate to great nights of sleep for couples.

Temperature regulation: The type of mattress plays a big part in how cool it sleeps. Memory foam beds tend to sleep hotter, though many now include cooling covers or breathable foam to help enhance airflow. If you tend to sleep hot, you may want to look into purchasing a latex foam mattress or an innerspring mattress as both are known for breathability.

Related: Read more about the best cooling mattresses

Responsiveness: Do you toss and turn a lot at night? Choose a mattress that responds to your movements and won’t give you a stuck feeling. This is an important feature for combo sleepers as well. Mattresses that score high in responsiveness allow easy movement and quickly adjust to your body.

Edge support: Mattresses with good edge support maintain a comfortable feel all the way out to the edge. This ensures proper support wherever you find yourself snoozing on the bed.

Price

It is important to consider your budget as well as durability when purchasing a new mattress. Spending less on a mattress that you will have to replace in a few years is not as efficient as spending slightly more on a mattress that will last for 10–15 years. You also do not need to dole out a lot if there are comparable options for less.

Another factor to consider when purchasing a mattress is that most come with a sleep trial of at least 100 days. If you are not fully satisfied, you can return the bed for no cost.

Shipping and Delivery

Most online mattresses include free shipping and will show up on your doorstep compressed in a box. They generally come with free returns, should you decide to return the mattress.

FAQ About the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers

1. What firmness should back sleepers choose?

   Back sleepers should look for a mattress that is right in the middle on the firmness scale. A medium-firm mattress ensures you will not sink in too deeply, while still getting the contouring your body needs. Whether you prefer a 5, 6, or 7 out of 10 depends on your personal firmness preferences.

2. What mattress type is best for back sleepers?

   All types of mattresses, from innerspring and latex to hybrid and memory foam, can be good options for back sleepers. The most important factor to consider is spinal alignment. If the mattress does a good job in that department, you should wake up rested.

3. What should couples look for in a new mattress?

   Couples purchasing a new mattress should consider their own sleeping positions and firmness preferences. There are many mattresses that can meet a variety of needs, such as providing cooling for a hot sleeper and supporting a heavier person. Motion transfer is also an important feature if you are a light sleeper or tend to toss and turn a lot throughout the night.

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

• Casper - Best for Back Pain
• Loom & Leaf - Best for Heavy Sleepers
• Helix Midnight Luxe - Best for Hot Sleepers
• Leesa - Best All-Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Nectar - Best for Those on a Budget
• Puffy - Best for Couples

About the Author Pamela Mahajan

Pamela Mahajan researches and writes in-depth articles on a variety of products, including mattresses, to help consumers navigate the buying process and get sound nights of sleep. Pamela holds a Masters in Journalism from the University of Missouri - Columbia.