Best Mattress for Back Pain 2024
By Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach 
Dr. Jennifer Miller, PT, DPT
Dr. Jennifer Miller is an outpatient physical therapist. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Elon University, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Minnesota State University-Mankato. She...Read more
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Buying Guide for Best Mattress for Back Pain
There are many potential factors behind a case of chronic back pain—poor posture, muscle strain, obesity, stress, and various medical conditions.
And your mattress can influence whether you start the day with more or less pain than you had when you fell asleep.
In this guide, we outline how to find the best mattresses for back pain relief.
Best Mattresses for Back Pain (Top Choices)
Best Mattress for Back Pain
1. Zoma Boost
- Price Range: $1749 - $2748
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Absorbs motion giving you a comfortable sleeping experience
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
- Athletes and active individuals seeking superior comfort and back pain relief during restorative sleep
- Those looking for a mattress with exceptional motion isolation to minimize disruptions during sleep.
- Individuals who prioritize temperature regulation and cooling features for a comfortable night's sleep
- Ultra-Cool Fabric Cover
- Hypersoft Foam Layer
- Reactiv™ Transition Layer
- Zoned Edge Coil Support
Our team of reviewers has put the Zoma Boost to the test, and it’s clear why it’s our top choice for people suffering with back pain. Crafted with premium materials and innovative design, this mattress offers luxurious comfort and unparalleled performance.
One of the standout features of the Zoma Boost is its graphite memory foam, which not only provides exceptional comfort but also relieves pain, absorbs motion, and keeps you cool throughout the night. Our testers unanimously praised its ability to alleviate pressure points and promote restorative sleep.
From the moment you lay down, you’ll notice the difference. The ultra-cool fabric cover feels soft, breathable, and pleasantly cool against your skin, ensuring a refreshing sleep experience.
Unlike other mattresses with thick and heavy covers, the Zoma Boost embraces you with a light, airy touch.
Beneath the cover lies a layer of hypersoft foam, quilted and 2 inches thick, delivering a cloud-like comfort that gently hugs your body and releases tension.
Paired with graphite-infused memory foam, which deepens the embrace and maintains optimal temperature regulation, this mattress ensures you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
What sets the Zoma Boost apart is its Reactiv™ transition layer, a bouncy material that balances out the compressive comfort of the top foams, preventing unwanted sinkage and making it easy to move across the mattress.
Combined with the motion-isolating pocketed coils in the support core, this mattress contours to your body’s shape and reacts immediately to your movements, ensuring undisturbed rest.
Certified by CertiPUR-US®, you can rest easy knowing that this mattress is free of harmful materials and unlikely to off-gas.
Our testers were particularly impressed by the Zoma Boost’s motion isolation capabilities, which allow for seamless absorption of movements. Say goodbye to waking up due to a partner’s tossing and turning – this mattress lets you move freely without disrupting your sleep or theirs.
Our selection of the Zoma Boost for the best mattresses for back pain was driven by its unparalleled combination of features tailored to alleviate discomfort and promote restorative sleep. Here’s why we chose it:
Advanced Graphite Memory Foam: Engineered to relieve pressure points and absorb motion, providing targeted support and enhanced comfort for individuals suffering from back pain.
Ultra-Cool Fabric Cover: Designed to maintain optimal temperature regulation, ensuring a refreshing and comfortable sleep environment conducive to pain relief.
Motion-Isolating Pocketed Coils: Minimizes disruptions during sleep by contouring to the body’s shape and reducing motion transfer, promoting undisturbed rest for those with back pain.
The Zoma Boost is meticulously crafted with premium materials to address the specific needs of individuals dealing with back pain. Here’s what it’s made of:
Graphite Memory Foam: Provides pressure relief and motion absorption for targeted support and enhanced comfort.
Hypersoft Foam Layer: Offers cloud-like comfort and tension release, ensuring a restorative sleep experience.
Reactiv™ Transition Layer: Balances comfort and support while facilitating ease of movement across the mattress.
Motion-Isolating Pocketed Coils: Contours to the body and minimizes motion transfer, promoting undisturbed sleep for individuals with back pain.
CertiPUR-US® Certified Foams: Guarantees the absence of harmful materials, ensuring a safe and healthy sleep environment.
The Zoma Boost delivers a unique sleep experience tailored to alleviate back pain and promote restorative rest. Here’s how it feels:
Luxuriously Comfortable: The cloud-like feel of the hypersoft foam layer gently cradles the body, providing relief from pressure points and tension.
Supportive Yet Responsive: The combination of memory foam and pocketed coils offers support where needed while allowing for ease of movement across the mattress.
Cool and Breathable: The ultra-cool fabric cover and graphite-infused memory foam work synergistically to regulate temperature, ensuring a refreshing sleep environment.
Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
2. AmeriSleep AS2
- Price Range: $849-$1798
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Absorbs motion giving you a comfortable sleeping experience
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
- Individuals seeking relief from back pain
- Stomach Sleepers
- Those who sleep hot
- Advanced Support
- Pressure Relief
- Cooling Technology
One of the standout features of the Amerisleep AS2 is its impressive cooling technology, perfect for those who tend to sleep hot or prefer sinking into the mattress while sleeping on their side. The mattress maintains a cool and comfortable temperature throughout the night, allowing you to rest easy without worrying about overheating.
Crafted with precision, the Amerisleep AS2 is engineered to promote healthy spinal alignment, making it ideal for individuals struggling with back issues.
The memory foam construction allows for comfortable side sleeping, ensuring you can drift off into a deep and restorative slumber with ease. Our team found that the mattress effectively alleviates pressure points, providing targeted support while the body undergoes repair during sleep.
In terms of customization, the Amerisleep AS2 offers a range of sizes to suit different preferences and needs. Its durable support system caters specifically to individuals with back pain, ensuring long-lasting comfort and relief.
However, it’s worth noting that there are some drawbacks to consider. Additional charges may apply for customization options, and the available bases are limited in design variety.
Despite these minor drawbacks, our team unanimously agrees that the Amerisleep AS2 is a top-tier choice for those in search of a supportive, cooling, and comfortable mattress.
Overall, the Amerisleep AS2 impressed our testers with its light yet supportive feel, particularly for the back and neck. Stomach sleepers will appreciate the level of support provided, while the cooling properties ensure a refreshing sleep experience.
With its eco-friendly construction and dust mite-resistant properties, the Amerisleep AS2 guarantees a fresh and rejuvenating night’s rest every time you lie down.
The Amerisleep AS2 stands out as an excellent choice for individuals struggling with back pain due to its specialized design focused on promoting healthy spinal alignment.
Our team selected the AS2 for its exceptional support, pressure-relieving properties, and innovative cooling technology, making it an ideal option for those seeking relief from back discomfort.
The Amerisleep AS2 is crafted with high-quality materials to provide optimal comfort and support.
It features a combination of memory foam layers, including Bio-Pur® foam for pressure relief and comfort, along with a sturdy support core of pocketed coils.
Additionally, the mattress is encased in a breathable and eco-friendly cover, ensuring a cool and comfortable sleep surface.
The Amerisleep AS2 offers a balanced feel that is both supportive and comfortable. The memory foam layers contour to the body, relieving pressure points and promoting proper spinal alignment, while the pocketed coil support core provides stability and responsiveness.
Overall, the AS2 provides a medium-firm feel that is suitable for back pain sufferers and those seeking a supportive yet cushioning mattress.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
3. WinkBed Luxury Hybrid Mattress
- Price Range: $849-$1749
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: No
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Cal. King
- Individuals seeking superior comfort and support, especially those with back issues
- Side sleepers who require extra support for their shoulders
- Those looking for a mattress with a plush Euro-pillow top for added comfort
- Sleepers who prioritize breathability and moisture-wicking properties in their mattress cover
- Eucalyptus-derived Tencel cover for enhanced breathability and moisture-free comfort
- Individually wrapped pocketed coils provide targeted support to the back and neck
- Gel-infused Hypersoft foam ensures excellent pressure relief and temperature regulation
Our team rigorously tested the WinkBed Luxury Hybrid mattress, and it’s clear why it’s a standout choice for individuals seeking superior comfort and support, especially those with back issues. Crafted with meticulous engineering and attention to detail, this hand-made mattress boasts exceptional features designed to promote a restorative night’s sleep.
The WinkBed is revered for its ability to provide robust support, making it a popular choice even in hotels.
Engineered with individually wrapped pocketed coils, this mattress offers targeted support to the back and neck, crucial for alleviating pressure points and maintaining proper spinal alignment.
One of the key highlights of the WinkBed is its Euro-pillow top, which delivers an added layer of plushness and support, particularly for the neck and shoulders. Combined with extra edge support, this mattress ensures optimal comfort and stability, catering to sleepers of varying body types.
What sets the WinkBed apart is its innovative design that incorporates a moisture-free soft cover made from eucalyptus-derived Tencel fibers.
This luxurious cover enhances breathability, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night, while also being resistant to moisture and dust mites.
The mattress’s construction includes layers of high-quality materials, including gel-infused Hypersoft foam, which provides excellent pressure relief and prevents heat retention, ensuring a cool and restful sleep experience.
Despite its luxury features, the WinkBed remains competitively priced, offering exceptional value for the comfort and support it provides.
In summary, the WinkBed Luxury Hybrid mattress offers a premium sleep experience, combining superior craftsmanship, advanced support technologies, and luxurious comfort layers to deliver a truly exceptional sleeping surface.
Our team selected the WinkBed Luxury Hybrid Mattress due to its exceptional features tailored to alleviate back pain and provide superior comfort and support. From its individually wrapped pocketed coils to its Euro-pillow top, every aspect of this mattress is engineered to promote spinal alignment and pressure relief.
The WinkBed Luxury Hybrid Mattress is crafted with multiple layers designed to offer optimal support and comfort.
It features a Tencel cover derived from eucalyptus fibers for breathability and moisture-free softness.
Beneath the cover, layers of individually wrapped pocketed coils and gel-infused Hypersoft foam work together to provide targeted support and pressure relief.
The WinkBed Luxury Hybrid Mattress feels luxurious and supportive, with a plush Euro-pillow top that cradles the body while maintaining proper spinal alignment.
Side sleepers will appreciate the additional support for their shoulders, thanks to the gel-infused Hypersoft foam. The mattress cover’s Tencel-derived fabric ensures a cool and comfortable sleep surface.
Best Plush Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
4. Saatva Classic Mattress
- Price Range: $935-$2450
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Absorbs motion giving you a comfortable sleeping experience
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
- Side Sleepers
- Hot Sleepers
- Individuals Seeking Durability
- Customizable Thickness
- Cooling Technology
- Versatile Design
During our testing process, we found Saatva Classic Mattress to be one of the top contenders for the best mattress for people suffering with back pain.
Saatva Classic is a fusion of memory foam and sturdy coil-on-coil construction, engineered to deliver unparalleled support and comfort. This unique combination ensures that side sleepers, in particular, find solace in its firm yet accommodating embrace, offering the crucial support needed around the neck and hip areas for a restful night’s sleep.
One of the standout features of the Saatva Classic is its versatility.
With varying thickness options available, this mattress adapts to the individual preferences and body types of its users, ensuring a tailor-made sleep experience for each sleeper. Whether you prefer a plush surface or crave the stability of a firmer mattress, the Saatva Classic has it for you.
The Saatva Classic doesn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of temperature regulation in achieving a restful slumber, Saatva Classic mattress incorporates innovative cooling technology, making it an ideal choice for hot sleepers who often struggle with overheating during the night.
Our choice of the Saatva Classic as the best mattresses for back pain stems from its exceptional design tailored to provide optimal support and comfort, particularly for those dealing with back issues.
Through meticulous engineering and thoughtful construction, the Saatva Classic stands out as a top contender in addressing the needs of individuals seeking relief from back discomfort during sleep.
The Saatva Classic is crafted with a strategic combination of materials aimed at delivering both support and comfort.
Its core features a robust coil-on-coil construction, providing essential spinal alignment and support.
This is complemented by layers of premium memory foam, meticulously engineered to cradle the body and alleviate pressure points, ensuring a restorative sleep experience.
The Saatva Classic offers a balanced feel that strikes the perfect equilibrium between firmness and plushness.
Side sleepers, in particular, will appreciate its gentle yet supportive embrace, which effectively cushions the neck and hip areas to alleviate pressure and promote proper spinal alignment.
Moreover, its innovative cooling technology ensures a refreshing sleep environment, ideal for those prone to overheating during the night.
Most Comfortable Mattress for Back Pain
5. Sapira Hybrid Mattress
- Price Range: $1349 - $2299
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Absorbs motion giving you a comfortable sleeping experience
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Sleepers seeking a mattress with exceptional cooling properties
- Individuals looking for a balance of comfort and support
- Those who value edge support for the maximum sleeping surface
- High-airflow foam and breathable cover for optimal temperature regulation
- Two premium foam layers provide pressure relief and responsiveness to movement
- Medium to medium-firm comfort, catering to a wide range of sleep preferences
When it comes to bedtime bliss, the Sapira Hybrid Mattress reigns supreme as a beacon of comfort and support. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to superior quality, this mattress boasts features that cater to the diverse needs of sleepers seeking the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.
Our team of testers delved into the depths of slumber with the Sapira Hybrid, and the results were unanimous: this mattress is a true game-changer.
Featuring a winning combination of premium foams and over 1,000 individually wrapped springs, the Sapira Hybrid offers unparalleled adaptability and support for a restful night’s sleep.
A standout features of the Sapira Hybrid is its high-airflow foam and breathable cover, designed to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
But it’s not just about staying cool – the Sapira Hybrid also excels in providing pressure relief and responsive support. With two premium foam layers that respond to movement and contour to your body, you’ll experience the perfect balance of comfort and support, no matter your sleeping position.
And let’s not forget about edge support – with over 1,000 individually wrapped springs, the Sapira Hybrid delivers superior edge support, allowing you to spread out and soak up every inch of luxurious comfort. Say goodbye to sagging edges and hello to a mattress that supports you from edge to edge.
Overall, the Sapira Hybrid Mattress is a true bedtime bestseller, offering a winning combination of cooling comfort, responsive support, and luxurious plushness.
- Exceptional cooling properties are provided by high-airflow foam and breathable cover.
- Premium foam layers offer both pressure relief and responsiveness to movement, crucial for alleviating back pain.
- Individually wrapped springs provide superior airflow and edge support, ensuring proper spinal alignment and support for individuals with back pain.
- Medium to medium-firm comfort level, catering to a wide range of sleep preferences, including those with back pain.
- High-airflow foam and breathable cover for optimal temperature regulation.
- Two premium foam layers for pressure relief and responsiveness to movement.
- Over 1,000 individually wrapped springs for superior airflow and edge support.
- Luxurious blend of materials, including ultra-fine viscose fibers and plant-based rayon, for moisture-wicking comfort.
- Medium to medium-firm comfort level, suitable for individuals with back pain.
- Cooling properties of the foam and cover ensure a comfortable sleep environment.
- Responsive foam layers provide support and alleviate pressure points, contributing to a restful night’s sleep for those with back pain.
Best Mattress for Couples with Back Pain
6. Bear Elite Hybrid
- Price Range: $1231-$2548
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Absorbs motion giving you a comfortable sleeping experience
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Side Sleepers
- Hot Sleepers
- Couples
- Zoned Support Coil System
- Advanced Cooling Technology
- Motion Isolation
Our team has thoroughly examined the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress, and it’s clear why it stands out among the rest. Awarded the Best Bedding Award, this mattress offers a winning combination of comfort and support, making it a top choice for side sleepers.
One of its standout features is the zoned support coil system, designed to adjust to the body’s contours and alleviate pressure points, particularly in areas like the back, hips, and shoulders.
What sets the Bear Elite Hybrid apart is its attention to detail in both aesthetics and functionality. Not only does it boast a visually appealing design, but it also incorporates advanced cooling technology, ensuring a restful and cool sleep experience.
The five-zone support coil system provides targeted support where it’s needed most, while the soft upper layer accommodates shoulders for optimal comfort.
The Bear Elite Hybrid excels in providing a comfortable and supportive sleep surface, especially for side sleepers. Its innovative design, combined with cooling features and pressure relief capabilities, makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a restorative and rejuvenating night’s sleep.
The Bear Elite Hybrid stood out as an excellent choice for people with back pain due to its versatile features and exceptional comfort. Its zoned support coil system provides targeted pressure relief, making it suitable for a wide range of sleepers, while its advanced cooling technology ensures a cool and comfortable sleep environment.
Constructed with premium materials, the Bear Elite Hybrid combines innovative design with quality craftsmanship.
It features a zoned support coil system for targeted pressure relief, a copper-infused memory foam layer for cooling comfort, and a hand-quilted cushion cover with high-density support foam for added durability and luxury.
The Bear Elite Hybrid offers a luxurious yet supportive feel, perfect for ensuring a restful night’s sleep for guests. The soft upper layer gently contours to the body, relieving pressure points, while the supportive foam layers provide stability and proper spinal alignment. People suffering from back pain appreciated the mattress’s cooling properties as well.
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain
7. Tempurpedic Cloud
- Price Range: $1699-$3398
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Absorbs motion giving you a comfortable sleeping experience
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- Individuals who prefer mattresses with more bounce, particularly those incorporating springs
- Sleepers in need of pressure point relief
- Innovative Design
- Cooling Technology
- Enhanced Support
Our team at Zoma Sleep has thoroughly tested and analyzed the TempurPedic Cloud mattress, and we’re excited to share our findings with you. Designed with a focus on providing exceptional comfort and support, the TempurPedic Cloud is a top choice for side sleepers, particularly those experiencing neck pain.
One of the standout features of the TempurPedic Cloud is its innovative design, which includes a combination of thick foam layers, individually wrapped pocketed coils, and a moisture-free soft cover crafted from eucalyptus-derived Tencel.
This blend of materials ensures optimal comfort and support throughout the night, helping to minimize pressure points and promote restful sleep.
Our team particularly appreciated the cooling technology incorporated into the TempurPedic Cloud. Unlike some mattresses with thicker cooling layers, the TempurPedic Cloud offers just the right amount of cooling without feeling extreme.
Additionally, the mattress provides an extra bounce, which translates to excellent support, while its edge support and motion isolation features further enhance the sleeping experience.
The TempurPedic Cloud mattress adapts to the weight, shape, and temperature of the sleeper, providing instant pressure relief and ensuring minimal disturbance for partners sharing the bed.
Overall, TempurPedic Cloud is a superb choice for those seeking a supportive and comfortable mattress, especially side sleepers with neck pain.
The TempurPedic Cloud stood out to our team for its exceptional blend of innovative design and comfort features.
Its thoughtful combination of thick foam layers, individually wrapped pocketed coils, and moisture-free soft cover derived from eucalyptus-based Tencel ensures optimal comfort and support, making it an ideal choice for guest rooms.
Additionally, its cooling technology and pressure relief capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of sleepers, ensuring a restful night’s sleep for guests.
The TempurPedic Cloud is crafted with several layers of foam, including memory foam and gel foam, along with individually wrapped pocketed coils.
The base layer provides structural support, ensuring all components work together harmoniously to deliver lasting comfort and support. The mattress also features a soft cover made from eucalyptus-derived Tencel, promoting breathability and moisture-free sleep.
Upon lying down on the TempurPedic Cloud, users experienced immediate pressure relief in their neck and back, thanks to its adaptive design.
The mattress offered an extra bounce and excellent support, allowing individuals to sink comfortably into the surface while feeling fully supported. Its motion isolation features ensure minimal disturbance, making it an inviting option for guest rooms.
What Can Cause Back Pain?
There is no one cause for chronic back pain, although we’re more likely to develop it as we get older, as our lifestyle choices add up, and our bodies begin to age.
Some of the many possible causes of back pain outside of sleep include:
- Poor posture or physical condition
- Straining your muscles or ligaments
- Repeated stretches of sitting for a long time
- Improper lifting of heavy objects (lifting from your back vs. using your legs)
- Overexertion
- Ruptured or bulging discs in your spine
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Stress and anxiety
- Underlying conditions such as skeletal irregularities, arthritis or osteoporosis
Is My Mattress to Blame for My Back Pain?
If you’ve had a bad morning where you’ve woken up with back pain, you won’t be surprised to hear that a bad mattress and poor sleep habits can cause or worsen chronic back pain. A night spent tossing and turning on an uncomfortable bed can aggravate any existing injuries or aches.
Aside from waking up with pain, you can tell your mattress is due for a replacement if:
- It’s sagging or has developed lumps
- You’re waking up tired even after a full night of sleep
- Your allergy symptoms worsen in the morning
You may also wake up in pain if your mattress does not match your sleep style. Side sleepers need a softer mattress than back sleepers, and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress than back sleepers. We go into more detail about the various sleep styles further down.
Back pain can become a vicious cycle, as sleeping poorly can mean waking up in pain, while being in pain can keep you from falling asleep and remaining undisturbed. But you can take charge of it by changing how you sleep and your overall sleep habits, for better overall health.
Talk to an Expert
It’s a good idea to start with a visit to your doctor, physical therapist, or a licensed chiropractor to discuss your exact symptoms and if you should seek care to correct them.
Ask what you can do to lessen and alleviate your back problems, which may include weight limits on what you can carry or changes to your exercise and diet. An expert should be able to help you narrow down what factors in your life are contributing to your back pain and suggest ways to reduce their influence.
Ask also what advice they have for your sleep positions and their opinion on what mattresses to consider. They may have heard from other patients what did and did not work for them.
Please note, it’s best to seek medical attention immediately if your back pain is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, sudden weakness, or bladder issues.
What to Look for in a Mattress
So what should you look for in a mattress to relieve your back pain?
Consider the type of mattress you want. There are four main types to consider: memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid.
Each of these types includes different materials and comes with a set of pros and cons. There are more kinds of mattresses on the market, of course, but any other variety of beds, such as a futon or an airbed, is unlikely to provide the support and pain relief needed for a better night of sleep.
Of the four, memory foam and latex tend to rank the highest with customers suffering from back pain —each can contour to your body’s curves, particularly the ones in your spine.
There are four curves to your spine —one in your neck, one in the middle of your back, and two at the bottom. Your perfect mattress should meet and mold to all four of these curves for proper spinal alignment.
Once you’ve decided on a material, you can then think about the desired firmness of your mattress. You may have the idea that when it comes to treating back pain, a firmer bed is better. However, that’s not entirely true.
There is research suggesting the best mattress for those who suffer from back pain is a medium-firm one, as a 2015 review found by examining controlled trials within the previous 15 years.
Your body weight should also be factored into your calculations of what firmness will be best for you. Heavier sleepers will want a firmer mattress for support, while lightweight people should look for something softer.
And you’ll want to consider your preferred sleeping position, as it can inform what mattress material and firmness will provide you the best night’s sleep.
The right bed is something different for everyone. It may take time, numerous comparisons, and a little bit of experimentation to find what is the best fit for you. It will all be worth it to get not just a good night’s sleep, but many nights of blissful shut-eye.
Mattress Types
The type of mattress you want is the first thing you should consider when you go shopping for a new bed. Each of the four mattress types listed below can provide some relief to chronic back pain.
Memory Foam
Memory foam takes its name from its ability to adapt and conform to your body’s shape, relieving pressure. The material prevents motion transfer, a necessity for any restless sleeper. Memory foam mattresses have a top layer of memory foam and layer(s) of more supportive foam underneath.
High-quality memory foam is considered by many to be the best choice to soothe chronic back pain because of the way it molds itself to your body, simultaneously providing cushion and support. The wider parts of your body, such as your hips and shoulders, are given the space to sink in. Your body’s narrower areas such as your waist and feet, however, lie on top of the mattress.
A drawback to memory foam’s design is the material naturally traps heat, meaning you might be awakened in the night by a mattress that’s grown too hot to be comfortable. Many brands address this issue by adding a cool agent, such as cooling gels or another cooling material like graphite or copper.
There’s a wide quality of memory foam mattresses out on the market. Not all are made the same, and not all are made equally. We recommend you thoroughly read information about the bed and its customer reviews before you commit to one.
Latex
Latex is a material designed to be more bouncy than your average memory foam. The material snaps back into shape easily and has a durable structure, making for a long-lasting mattress that resists deep bodily impressions.
There’s a disadvantage to a latex mattress’s structure, though, as they’re naturally firm beds. Plush softness and sufficient body contouring are important for back pain sufferers who want to spend a night in comfort. Some brands solve this problem by adding a pillow top to the latex mattress.
Another drawback to a latex mattress is that it doesn’t isolate movement as well as a memory foam mattress does, thanks to latex’s added bounce. If you shift around in your sleep or share a bed, you may not want a latex mattress.
When shopping for a latex mattress, we recommend one made with Dunlop latex or Talalay latex rather than one made with a synthetic blend. Both latex types have a longer expected lifespan than synthetic blends, which tend to last about six years.
Innerspring
Chances are you slept on an innerspring mattress when you were a child. It’s a traditional mattress that’s still around, even as other types have sprung up and grown in popularity.
You’ll find many coil systems used in an innerspring mattress. There’s two-in-one coils, connected coils, pocketed coils, and so many others. We recommend pocketed coils, as each coil is wrapped for better motion isolation.
An innerspring can help back pain sufferers. But this type of mattress lacks the responsiveness of other beds and may not be able to offer the specialized support needed to relieve chronic pain.
When you’re considering an innerspring mattress, you’ll want to look at its coil count and coil setup. A coil count lower than 300 is unlikely to provide your body with needed support.
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress provides a mix of cushion and bounce. You don’t sink in as deeply as you would on a pure foam bed, but the top foam layer is still responsive enough to mold to your body and offer pressure relief. Manufacturers can concentrate a hybrid’s coils to provide zoned support to areas such as your head, shoulders, back, hips, and feet.
A downside to hybrid mattresses is they can be some of the more expensive beds on the market, due to being a mix of high-quality materials. If you’re shopping on a tight budget, a hybrid bed may not be the mattress for you.
We recommend a hybrid mattress with a top comfort layer of at least 2 inches for your comfort. And be sure to examine the mattress’s construction carefully to be certain what you’re buying is a true hybrid, as the term can be used as a simple marketing gimmick. A true hybrid has at least 2 to 3 inches of foam, along with the innerspring coil system.
Mattress Firmness
Firmness has more to do with the feel of a mattress than its measurable density, so it can be a bit subjective. It’s important to know what firmness level is right for you, as it can mean the difference between a rejuvenating night of sleep or waking up in more pain.
Firmness is typically measured by brands on a scale running from 1 to 10, with 1 as the softest and 10 as the firmest, although most mattresses fall between 3 and 8. Mattresses at the extremes of either end are typically impractical, too firm or too soft for most.
As a reminder, research suggests a medium-firm mattress is a good choice for those with back pain. You may wish to look for something softer if you’re a side sleeper or firmer if you want the extra support as a back or stomach sleeper.
We mentioned earlier to think about your body weight as you shop for a mattress. Firmer mattresses are better for heavier people who weigh more than 230 pounds. Lightweight sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds will want a softer mattress.
More Than Just a Mattress to Think About
A new mattress isn’t the only step you can take to better handle back pain as you sleep. For those hesitant to take the leap and buy a new mattress if the current one is still serviceable, you may wish to think about a mattress topper as your first step forward. Conversely, those who are willing to invest in preventing and alleviating future pain may wish to look at adjustable bed frames while mattress shopping.
Mattress Toppers
You may be advised to try a mattress topper instead of buying a new mattress if your current one is too firm or not a memory foam bed, or it might be something to consider if you’re shopping on a tight budget.
A good mattress topper is naturally far less expensive than buying a new mattress. If your mattress is still in good condition, just a bit too firm for your tastes, it can be a good way to improve comfort and relieve pain while keeping your expenses down. Look for a memory foam mattress topper that is between 1½ to 2½ inches thick.
Of course, a foam topper does not offer all the benefits that a new memory foam or latex mattress would. A foam mattress provides more pressure relief and longevity than a simple topper.
It might be better to think of a mattress topper as a first step, helping you to decide what you would like in a future mattress. It’s a good way to acquaint yourself with what it’s like to sleep on memory foam to better decide if it’s right for you.
Before you decide to use a topper, check that your mattress isn’t sagging or visibly indented. Your topper will follow the shape of the mattress, so a mattress lacking in support will mean a topper that’s lacking in support.
If you decide on a new mattress but are still operating on a tight budget, have no fear. You can find a high-quality mattress for under $1000.
Adjustable Bed Frames
Another thing to consider in addition to a new mattress is whether you want to purchase an adjustable bed frame.
Adjustable bed frames offer you a customized sleep experience. The base can better ease any pressure on your joints and spine with the head articulation feature or with the zero-gravity position. An adjustable bed frame can distribute your weight better and relieve pressure points.
However, this isn’t an impulse buy. Adjustable bed frames can range between a few hundred to thousands of dollars. You’ll want to do your research on the features each frame offers.
Memory foam and latex mattresses work best with an adjustable bed frame, as hybrid and innerspring models may lack the flexibility the base requires.
Other Stuff to Consider
We know we’ve already given you a lot to think about, but there are a few more points to consider in your mattress search.
Sleep Styles
It’s good to understand your sleeping position to see how it contributes to or alleviates your back pain and to know what is the best firmness of mattress for you. A good night of sleep awaits you once you understand your sleep needs a bit better.
Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is the most common sleeping position, with quite a few health benefits attached to it. For example, pressure can be reduced on your heart muscles as you sleep by lying on your right side.
A side sleeper may wake to pain in their lower backs if their mattress is not firm enough to keep their spines happy and healthy in its natural alignment. They may also wake with shoulder pain and hip pain, as pressure concentrates in these areas when you sleep on your side. A mattress for shoulder pain and a mattress for hip pain can prevent that pressure build-up.
Keeping a pillow between your legs and drawing your legs up just a bit to your chest can alleviate pain as you sleep. The best pillows for side sleepers include knee pillows, body pillows (to rest your upper arm and to place between your knees), and contour pillows.
The best mattress for a side sleeper will be one that’s between soft to medium, as a perfect blend of softness and support. Look for mentions of zoned support. We highly recommend memory foam mattresses for side sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Back sleeping is a good position to keep your spine in its healthy and natural alignment, although it can worsen snoring and sleep apnea.
You’ll likely want a medium-firm mattress as a back sleeper. A bed that’s too firm will push back against your spine and leave your lower back’s curve without needed support. But a bed that’s too soft may let your hips sink below your thighs, placing unwanted pressure on your lower back.
If you’re a back sleeper, you can place a pillow underneath your knees before you fall asleep to reduce pressure on your lower back. And use a flat pillow rather than a thick one to support your head and neck.
Stomach Sleeping
If you experience chronic lower back pain and have a tendency to sleep on your stomach, we recommend that you switch to another sleep position as soon as possible. Stomach sleeping can aggravate chronic back pain.
By sleeping on your stomach, you shift your center of gravity to your torso, which places unneeded stress on your spine. Your stomach and hips can sink too far into your mattress, creating a detrimental arch that puts pressure on your spine.
Furthermore, many stomach sleepers have to turn their neck to the side as they sleep so they can breathe, an unnatural position that places more pressure on the spine and can cause them to wake up with neck pain.
We understand it can be a big change to make, and that back or side sleeping may not be as comfortable a position at first. But you should see improvements in your sleep quality and your aches and pains soon enough.
Those who like sleeping on their stomachs, though, should shop for a firm mattress. A soft mattress will only allow your hips to sink in too deep, over-extending your spine. Have a pillow beneath your lower abdomen, and place your head on a thin pillow or skip a head pillow entirely.
Combination Sleeping
Many sleepers don’t stick with one sleeping position but flit throughout them during the night. If this sounds like you, then you’re a combination sleeper.
Take note of the position you fall asleep in and the position you wake up in. You’ll want to find a mattress that’s a good compromise between what works for each style, such as a medium to medium-firm mattress. A mattress made to reduce or isolate motion transfer is also a good choice, as you’ll move throughout the night.
Sleep Trials and Warranties
If you decide that a new mattress is a step you want to take toward soothing your back pain, then it’s good to consider not just the qualities of the mattress but the sleep trial and warranty that comes attached. Both are a measure of the mattress’s quality, as a long sleep trial and warranty show a company has faith in its mattresses.
Sleep Trial
Sleep trials are the trial periods a company gives you to try out your new mattress. Most online mattresses come with a sleep trial period, as do some in-store only models. The typical sleep trial runs for 90 to 120 days, although you’ll find the occasional brand that offers up to a full year.
Many brands suggest you try your mattress for at least a month, as it takes around that amount of time to fully adjust to any new mattress.
Warranties
It’s a good idea to read carefully through the warranty to see what’s covered, what’s not, and what voids the warranty.
Defects a warranty commonly covers are:
- Sagging
- Cracks or splits in the foam
- Tears in the cover
You’ll find many mattresses offer a warranty of 10 years. Some brands offer prorated coverage for a few years afterward.
We strongly recommend you do not purchase any mattress that does not come with a warranty. Take it as a warning sign that the company lacks confidence in its product if it’s not willing to guarantee you that a product that should last you years and years will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a soft or firm mattress best for back pain?
When it comes to back pain, both a too-soft and too-firm surface can make the problem worse. Softer mattresses are excellent for side sleepers who experience pressure build-up in sensitive areas of the body. Firmer mattresses are better for back and stomach sleepers who need to promote an ideal spine alignment.
What mattress types are best for sleepers with back pain?
We recommend mattresses with conforming foam tops that ease pressure points in sensitive areas. Memory foam mattresses are a good way to relieve back pain without overspending, particularly as it’s easy to find one in your preferred firmness. Latex and hybrid mattresses are excellent for sleepers who want more bounce.
What sleeping position is best for lower back pain?
Sleeping on your back is one of the best ways to minimize stress on your spine. Side sleeping can also be a good way to combat back pain if you make sure to reduce pressure on your lower back. When you’re on your side, curl your knees slightly toward your chest and slip a supportive pillow between your legs.
What sleeping position is best for upper back pain?
It can depend on how the pain manifests itself in your upper back. If you’re experiencing shoulder or neck pain you might want to reconsider side sleeping, or at least make sure you’re resting on a soft enough mattress and that your head is supported by a firm enough pillow. Generalized upper back pain can be relieved by sleeping on your back.
What mattress is best for side sleepers with back pain?
Side sleepers need a mattress that supports their spine yet conforms to the shoulders and hips for pressure relief. We recommend medium feel mattresses with targeted lumbar support to eas back pain. Side sleepers with back pain may also want to consider sleeping with a knee or body pillow between their legs to reduce pressure on the lower back area.
Did We Help?
We put together this guide on finding a mattress for back pain sufferers to provide relief and to ease the pain. Finding the right mattress means finding a bed designed to soothe your pain and soreness, ensuring you get the night of sleep that you deserve.
We hope we’ve succeeded, and that your future will soon be filled with many comfortable nights of sleep. Do the research and take your time to find your perfect match. And feel free to reach out to us with any comments or questions in the comment section below.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Sarah Anderson is a sleep, health, and wellness writer and product reviewer. She has written articles on changing and improving your sleep schedule, choosing the right mattress for chronic pain conditions, and finding the best pillow for you. Sarah Anderson has her Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University in Journalism and Mass Communications. Prior to working for Zoma, she wrote for a variety of news publications. Sarah's work has been featured on Bustle, PureWow, and other publications.
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