Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
By Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach 
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Back sleeping is relatively uncommon, as more and more people choose to fall asleep on their sides. But the position does let you relax by evenly distributing your weight, keeping your spine, pelvis, and hips in a neutral position. For a back sleeper to make the most of their position, though, they need the right mattress. The best mattress for a back sleeper is equally supportive and plush. Most back sleepers find a medium-firm mattress strikes the right balance, though a medium mattress can be suitable for those who want a softer feel. Our team of testers found the Zoma Boost to be a top contender for back sleepers seeking optimal support and pressure relief. Through extensive testing, we noticed that the Boost combines targeted support zones with premium materials to create a comfortable yet firm sleep surface. Its hybrid construction—featuring both memory foam and pocketed coils—delivers an excellent balance of cushioning and spinal alignment, making it ideal for those who need a mattress that keeps the spine in a neutral position throughout the night. Our testers were particularly impressed by the mattress’s responsiveness, which adapts quickly to movement, preventing any sinking or “stuck” feeling. Additionally, we appreciated the cooling features, which help regulate body temperature for a more comfortable sleep. Targeted Support Zones for Better Alignment Responsive and Adaptive Feel The Zoma Boost is constructed with a hybrid design that includes multiple layers for optimal support. It starts with a breathable cover, followed by gel-infused memory foam for pressure relief and cooling. Beneath that, you’ll find responsive pocketed coils, which provide targeted support while reducing motion transfer. The mattress finishes with a durable base layer for added stability, ensuring long-lasting performance. From our testing, the Zoma Boost offers a medium-firm feel, which our team found perfect for maintaining spinal alignment without sacrificing comfort. The top layer of memory foam conforms just enough to alleviate pressure points, but the underlying coils ensure you’re never sinking too deep. This mattress also excels in temperature regulation, thanks to its gel-infused foam and breathable design. One of our users Lisa W. shared: We have been Zoma customers for many years now. Last year we bought the Zoma boost for our bedroom and absolutely love it! As Goldilocks says, “It’s not too soft, it’s not too hard, it’s just right!” We couldn’t agree more!!! When I wake up in the morning, my body does not ache anymore, and I feel refreshed to face the day! Through our team’s rigorous testing, the Amerisleep AS2 stood out as a fantastic option for those seeking a cool and supportive sleep experience. The AS2’s standout feature is its proprietary Bio-Pur® foam, which not only adapts to your body for pressure relief but also excels at keeping you cool throughout the night. Our testers were impressed by how well the mattress maintained airflow and dissipated heat, even during extended use. We found the AS2 to offer a perfect balance between firmness and comfort, making it ideal for sleepers who need proper spinal alignment without sacrificing the cozy feel of memory foam. Outstanding Cooling Technology Our team was particularly impressed by the cooling performance of the AS2, thanks to its advanced open-cell Bio-Pur® foam that keeps body heat at bay. This ensures you stay comfortable throughout the night, even in warmer climates. Firm Yet Contouring Support The AS2 provides excellent firm support while still offering enough contouring to relieve pressure on key areas like the back and hips. Our testers found this to be a perfect blend for those who need a firmer sleep surface without compromising on comfort. The Amerisleep AS2 is crafted with multiple layers, starting with a soft, breathable cover designed to wick away moisture. The main component is the plant-based Bio-Pur® foam, engineered to be more responsive and cooler than traditional memory foam. Underneath, you’ll find a layer of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology, which is zoned to provide targeted support and pressure relief. The mattress is finished with a sturdy base layer for added durability and support. The Bio-Pur® foam contours to the body just enough to alleviate pressure points, while the underlying layers provide a stable, firm foundation. Our testers particularly enjoyed how cool the mattress stayed, even after hours of use, making it a great choice for those who tend to sleep hot. The mattress’s responsiveness also earned high marks, allowing for easy movement and preventing the feeling of being “stuck.” Franklin reviewed: I hit the purchase button and wasn’t disappointed. All the good things you’ve read – breathable, soft yet supportive, environmentally friendly, clean, effective – are true. This is the best mattress I’ve ever used. After extensive testing, our team found the Vaya Mattress to offer impressive value without compromising on comfort or quality. Designed with simplicity in mind, this mattress stood out to us due to its adaptive foam construction that provides both support and pressure relief. During our research, we found that Vaya’s open-cell foam technology promotes airflow, helping sleepers stay cool through the night, while its lightweight design makes it easy to set up and move. Despite its budget-friendly price, the Vaya offers a balanced medium feel, which caters to a wide range of sleepers. Our testers were particularly impressed by the way the mattress adapted to different body types and sleep positions, offering an evenly supported, comfortable sleep surface. Unbeatable Price for Quality Lightweight and Easy to Handle The Vaya Mattress is constructed with two primary layers. The top layer features Vaya Comfort Foam, an open-cell, breathable material that adapts to the body for pressure relief and promotes airflow to keep sleepers cool. Below that, a durable Vaya Base Foam provides stability and support, ensuring the mattress holds its shape over time. The mattress is wrapped in a soft, breathable cover that enhances the overall comfort. The Vaya Comfort Foam quickly adapts to the body’s shape, providing targeted pressure relief without feeling too soft. Our testers noticed that the mattress was responsive enough to make moving around easy, yet offered just the right amount of cushioning to relieve tension in key areas like the hips and shoulders. Additionally, the open-cell structure of the foam worked well to keep the mattress cool, even during warmer nights. One of our users Katherine A. commented: As for the Mattress, I will say I am pretty comfy. I am not sleeping hot anymore which was my biggest issue which is why I bought the new mattress. I do still wake up with back pain and I still do not sleep all night but that is not because of the mattress. Yes if I ever need another mattress I will most likely buy it from Vaya. We noticed that this hybrid mattress excels at providing individualized support, making it ideal for partners with different sleep preferences. The Sparrow Hybrid’s blend of memory foam and pocketed coils offers a balanced feel—soft enough for pressure relief but firm enough to maintain spinal alignment. Also, its ability to minimize motion transfer, allows partners to move without disturbing each other during the night. Additionally, the mattress includes a cooling cover, which helps regulate temperature and prevents overheating, a feature our testers particularly appreciated during warmer nights. Excellent Motion Isolation for Undisturbed Sleep Customizable Firmness Options The Nest Bedding Sparrow Hybrid is constructed with a combination of high-quality materials. The mattress starts with a quilted cooling cover designed to wick away moisture and regulate temperature. Beneath this, you’ll find a layer of pressure-relieving memory foam, which adapts to the body for enhanced comfort. The core of the mattress features pocketed coils, which are individually wrapped to provide targeted support and reduce motion transfer. At the base, a sturdy layer of foam ensures long-lasting durability and stability. Our testers noted that the memory foam top layer provides excellent pressure relief, and contouring to the body without sacrificing support. The pocketed coils below add a bouncy, responsive feel, which prevents that sinking sensation you sometimes get with all-foam mattresses. We also appreciated the cooling technology integrated into the mattress, which helped maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Mica E. shared: The Sparrow Signature is very comfortable and we are sleeping very well. We’ve previously had firm mattresses and this one is still firm but allows our hips and shoulders to enjoy the less firm top. So far, so good. Our team of testers was thoroughly impressed with the Saatva Classic, a mattress that brings a touch of luxury without sacrificing support or comfort. After extensive research and hands-on testing, we found that this innerspring mattress combines eco-friendly materials with advanced coil technology to deliver a high-end sleep experience. What stood out to our reviewers was the dual-coil system, which provides exceptional support and durability, along with the plush Euro pillow top for added comfort. The Saatva Classic is available in multiple firmness levels, allowing you to customize the feel to your preferences. Additionally, the breathable organic cotton cover and advanced airflow design promote cooling, which our testers appreciated for maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Superior Craftsmanship and Durability Customizable Firmness Options The Saatva Classic is built using high-quality, eco-friendly materials. It starts with an organic cotton cover that promotes breathability and comfort. Beneath the surface is a Euro pillow top for added plushness, followed by memory foam that provides targeted lumbar support. The heart of the mattress features two coil layers: the top layer includes individually wrapped coils for motion isolation and contouring, while the base is composed of a sturdy steel coil system for enhanced durability and support. The plush Euro pillow top cushions the body, while the dual-coil system provides firm underlying support, ensuring optimal spinal alignment. The mattress has just the right amount of bounce, which prevents that “stuck” feeling often associated with memory foam models. The airflow through the coil system and organic cotton cover helped maintain a cool, comfortable sleeping environment throughout the night. We found the Saatva Classic to be ideal for those seeking a balance between cushioning and support, with the added benefit of customizable firmness. One of our reviewers Andrew commented: I was skeptical. Buying a mattress I have never seen, touched, laid on for even a couple minutes? My wife did the research and a 365 day return policy did not hurt. Well, color me amazed. From the FIRST NIGHT I was hooked. I usually toss and turn because my hips or shoulders hurt (yes, aging sucks) but from night one I had no pain. We tested the Big Fig mattress extensively and found it to be an excellent option for heavier individuals seeking enhanced support and durability. Designed with a robust foundation, the Big Fig stands out for its ability to maintain firmness and shape under higher weight. We particularly noticed how its hybrid construction—combining high-density foam with a coil system—offers exceptional support and prevents sagging over time. Our reviewers were also impressed by the reinforced edges, which add stability and make getting in and out of bed easier. In addition, the cooling technology integrated into the mattress helps regulate temperature, a crucial feature our team found beneficial during longer sleep tests. Whether you’re looking for a durable mattress that can handle more weight or simply seeking long-lasting comfort, our analysis shows the Big Fig is a standout performer. Specifically Designed for Heavier Weight Reinforced Edges for Added Stability The Big Fig mattress is constructed with a combination of durable materials designed to provide superior support. The top layer features a quilted, breathable cover with ThermoGel® cooling technology, followed by three layers of high-density foam for contouring and pressure relief. Beneath the foam is a layer of individually wrapped coils, which provide targeted support and help distribute weight evenly across the mattress. Reinforced edge support and a sturdy base layer further enhance the durability of this mattress, ensuring it holds up well over time. From our testing, the Big Fig offers a firm feel, specifically designed to support heavier body types without losing their shape or structure. The high-density foam layers provide a comfortable, slightly contouring feel, while the coil system offers strong support that keeps the body properly aligned. Our testers noted that the mattress feels responsive, with no sinking or sagging even after prolonged use. Additionally, the cooling features integrated into the design helped maintain a comfortable temperature, which was particularly appreciated during warm nights. Aaron C. commented: The best mattress we have ever had! This is the of the best mattress and foundation that me and my wife have ever had I would recommend it to anyone that needs a great quality mattress super strong and really comfortable. This mattress stood out during our review process due to its use of high-quality, organic materials and eco-friendly construction. The Botanical Bliss features multiple layers of organic Dunlop latex, which provides both support and pressure relief, adapting to your body without the sinking sensation often associated with memory foam. Our testers were particularly impressed by its natural temperature regulation and breathability, thanks to its organic cotton and wool cover. Additionally, the Botanical Bliss is customizable with multiple firmness levels, allowing users to choose the ideal comfort level for their needs. After extensive research, we believe this mattress is a standout option for those seeking an eco-conscious, supportive, and durable sleep experience. Eco-Friendly and Organic Materials Customizable Firmness Options The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss is made from natural and organic materials. It begins with an organic cotton cover, designed to enhance breathability and comfort. Beneath that, there’s a layer of organic wool, which not only acts as a natural flame retardant but also helps regulate temperature. The core of the mattress consists of multiple layers of organic Dunlop latex, which offers excellent durability, support, and pressure relief. These materials work together to create a mattress that’s both supportive and environmentally friendly. In our testing, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss provided a responsive, slightly bouncy feel, which is typical of latex mattresses. The organic latex layers offer gentle contouring to the body, relieving pressure without the sinking feeling that memory foam can sometimes cause. Our testers found the mattress to be naturally breathable, helping to regulate temperature throughout the night. The firmness options allowed for a more personalized sleep experience, ensuring that sleepers of various body types and preferences could find the right balance of comfort and support. Perfect Mattress for a Bad Back! This is my second PlushBeds mattress and the Botanical Bliss is the Best! Couldn’t sleep without it ever again! Thank you for a great product that is worth the money I spent — Gisela K. Our team tested the Bear Star Hybrid mattress extensively and found it to be a top contender for those seeking a high-quality mattress that comes conveniently packed in a box. What stood out to our reviewers was the mattress’s hybrid construction, which combines the pressure relief of memory foam with the support of pocketed coils. This blend ensures a balance of comfort and durability. We found that the Celliant® technology used in the cover is designed to promote better recovery and improve sleep quality, which our testers noticed during their trials. Additionally, its breathable foam layers work well to regulate temperature, making it suitable for hot sleepers. The Bear Star Hybrid’s ability to offer both cushioning and support impressed our team, and the ease of setup—simply unboxing and letting it expand—made it a convenient choice for shoppers looking for a mattress that’s both comfortable and easy to handle. Hybrid Construction for Balanced Support Celliant® Technology for Sleep Recovery The Bear Star Hybrid mattress is constructed with a mix of memory foam and individually wrapped coils. The top layer features a breathable, Celliant®-infused cover, which promotes cooling and sleep recovery. Underneath, there are layers of foam designed for comfort and pressure relief. The support core consists of pocketed coils that provide targeted support, with a reinforced perimeter for better edge support. This combination of materials creates a balance between cushioning and firmness, ideal for a range of sleep positions. Our team noted that the Bear Star Hybrid delivers a medium-firm feel, providing a good mix of comfort and support. The top foam layers contour to the body, offering pressure relief without causing excessive sinking, while the pocketed coils provide a stable and responsive support system. The mattress felt particularly breathable, thanks to its cooling technology, which helped maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature throughout the night. Our testers also appreciated the slight bounce from the coil system, making it easier to move and change positions during sleep. One user Cory P. reviewed: I love my new bear mattress. Before Bear, I would consistently wake up overnight a couple times a night. Since getting the bear mattress that as stopped nearly completely. I sleep through the entire night for the most part. This mattress is amazing and I am so happy I pulled the trigger on it. Highly recommended! Back sleeping keeps the spine aligned. There are drawbacks to the position, however, such as an increased risk of developing sleep apnea or upsetting your digestive system. Back sleeping is the best position for spinal alignment. When you sleep on your back, your body weight is distributed evenly, which prevents pressure from building up. Sleeping on your back can prevent or soothe lower back pain. Back sleeping is also easy on the limbs, as they rest at the sides with little pressure placed upon them. In contrast, side sleepers sometimes struggle to find a comfortable position for their arms, and they may wake up if they place too much pressure on their arms. Back sleepers don’t press part of their face into their pillow while they sleep as they would while side sleeping or stomach sleeping. By keeping your face cleaner, you reduce your chances of waking up with acne. Back sleeping also minimizes the likelihood of developing premature facial wrinkles. Snoring is one of the more likely consequences of back sleeping. Snoring is caused by gravity pushing down the tongue or the soft tissues at the back of the throat, which blocks the airway, causing snoring. This can also lead to obstructive sleep apnea, which has ties to serious conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and type 2 diabetes. Back sleeping can also worsen symptoms of GERD, more commonly known as acid reflux. When you sleep on your back, it’s easier for stomach acid to flow up the esophagus, which can irritate the esophagus and cause pain. A wedge pillow or adjustable bed base can keep the head elevated and stomach contents in place. Your mattress should have equal amounts of support and cushion to prevent that. A back sleeper needs a mattress that strikes a balance between support and comfort. The mattress must be resistant enough to keep the spine supported, but plush enough to mold to the curves of the spine. Many back sleepers sleep best on a mattress with a medium-firm feel. Back sleepers who like a softer feel or who weigh less than 130 pounds may want to consider a medium mattress. A firm mattress can be good for plus-size back sleepers or those who like to rest on top rather than sink into their bed. A good mattress for a back sleeper should be on the thinner side of our recommended thickness range of 10 to 14 inches— between 10 to 12 inches tall. A mattress that’s too thick may swallow the sleeper and curve their spine out of alignment. The most common types of mattresses available are memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses. While none of them are bad mattresses, some are more suited to back sleepers than others. Still, the right mattress is often a matter of personal preference. Perhaps you prefer a bouncier bed than one that cradles you, or perhaps a bed that eases pressure and pain is what you most want after a long day. Memory foam mattresses have been around for a while (since the 90s). Still, their rise to popularity is relatively recent, as the convenience of bed in a box mattresses caused the material’s popularity to skyrocket. Easy delivery isn’t the best of what memory foam has to offer, though. The material has excellent contouring ability, easily conforming to the body for pressure and pain relief. It’s also the best material to prevent motion transfer, making it an ideal choice for anyone who shares a bed. A memory foam mattress has two to four layers. The base layer should make up at least 50 percent of the mattress; otherwise, the bed will lack support. Traditional memory foam mattresses can overheat as their dense structure holds onto body heat. A memory foam mattress with cooling components such as cooling gels, charcoal, graphite, or copper, can keep a hot sleeper cool. Latex foam has a similar feel to memory foam, and the material molds itself to a body nearly as well. However, latex is naturally cooler and more responsive than memory foam. The responsiveness can make it easier to move about, but it also means a latex mattress doesn’t isolate motion as well as a memory foam mattress does. There are two main types of latex, natural latex and synthetic latex. Of the two, we recommend natural latex, as it’s a more durable material that can last up to 15 years. However, latex mattresses tend to come with a high price tag, and the beds can be heavy and difficult to move. Innerspring mattresses are still popular, despite other mattress options. The beds are bouncy and offer good edge support, which can keep you from feeling as if you’re about to roll off. An innerspring mattress consists mostly of a coil support system, with a thin layer of foam or fiberfill on top. The thin comfort layer helps the mattress stay cool, but it also means an innerspring mattress typically lacks the flexibility to mold to the spine’s four curves. A mattress topper can improve the pressure relief an innerspring mattress offers, but it might not contour as much as a foam or hybrid mattress would. Hybrid mattresses are a mix of springy coils and pressure-relieving foam, usually memory foam. The coils are typically wrapped in fabric or foam for better motion isolation. A hybrid must contain at least 2 inches of foam to qualify as a hybrid mattress. Hybrid mattresses can provide a good night of rest for back sleepers, particularly models made with lumbar support to prevent or ease back pain. However, hybrid mattresses can be one of the more expensive mattress types, and usually, a hybrid gives out before a high-quality memory foam or latex mattress would. Sleeping on your back isn’t the only position you can choose from. There’s also side sleeping and stomach sleeping, and some sleepers move between two or three positions in the night. A good sleeping position supports the spine’s neutral position. Sleeping on your side is the most common sleep position, and it’s also one of the healthiest. By sleeping on your side, you can reduce pressure on your heart, decrease acid reflux symptoms, and open up your airway. Side sleepers, however, may need to take steps to make sure their spines don’t move out of alignment. A soft to medium mattress and a pillow between the knees can help. A plush mattress minimizes the gap between the body and the mattress surface and relieves pressure in the hips and shoulders. Stomach sleeping is possibly the least healthy position because it can lead to more serious health issues. The spine may be thrown out of alignment if the stomach sinks into the mattress too far, which is more likely to happen as gravity pushes down on the stomach in this position. Those who can’t give up stomach sleeping should consider a firm mattress and pillow under their stomach to keep the spine aligned. If you find yourself changing between back sleeping and one or two other sleeping positions, you’re probably a combination sleeper. Combination sleepers may want to consider a medium mattress with motion isolation to suit their various sleep positions better. Another solution is for a combination sleeper to train themselves to sleep in one position. A body pillow can help keep you on your side, while a tennis ball attached to the front of your sleepwear by sewing or taping it on can prevent you from rolling over. Mattress brands use firmness levels to label a mattress’s feel. Descriptions such as “medium-soft” or “extra firm” are used, but you may also see number rankings based upon the firmness scale. The firmness scale goes from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. You’ll find very few mattresses with a 1 or a 10 rating as most people would not sleep comfortably on beds that soft or firm. Your body weight can affect the feel of your mattress. Someone weighing less than 130 pounds often sleeps better on a softer mattress. A mattress for someone over 230 pounds should be firm to support their body weight better. A mattress can be a big purchase, and to make sure the customer is protected, a good mattress comes with a sleep trial, warranty, or return policy. Be cautious of any mattress that doesn’t come with all three of these, particularly a warranty since it can mean the manufacturer isn’t willing to back their product. A sleep trial is the trial period you have to try out a new mattress in the comfort of your home. Typically a sleep trial lasts between 90 to 120 days. Online mattress companies popularized the concept, though you’ll find some mattress stores provide sleep trials with their mattresses. The mattress company may ask or require a customer to keep the mattress for 30 days before they will allow a return. This is because it takes a person about 30 days to adjust to a new mattress, even if the new one is an improvement over their previous mattress. A mattress warranty covers manufacturing and structural defects, but not damage from normal wear and tear or poor ownership. In the case of a defective mattress, the company will repair or replace your mattress. Warranties are the sign of a manufacturer’s faith in their product, so we recommend you always buy a mattress with one. Most mattress warranties last 10 years. A warranty more than a decade long is frequently a prorated warranty, which means the customer will cover part of the costs of repairing or replacing a mattress after the first 10 years. It’s a smart idea to read through the warranty carefully, as it details what the expectations are for a mattress owner and what a mattress owner can expect if they need to repair or replace their mattress. For example, spills can void your warranty, so we advise encasing the mattress in a waterproof mattress protector. We recommend reading the return policy before you buy a mattress. A return policy is typically included as part of a sleep trial, although a mattress without a sleep trial can still have a good return policy. Consider a mattress with a return policy with at least a 30-day guarantee to allow you enough time to adjust. Check if there are any hidden fees for a return, such as a restocking fee or a shipping fee. Avoid these types of return policies if you can. Many mattress companies will not accept a mattress back if it’s dirty, stained, or damaged. Now that we’ve talked about what to look for in a mattress, you may be wondering what’s a fair price to pay for a good mattress? It can be confusing, as you’ll find mattresses for as little as $100 and some for more than $3000. We recommend budgeting between $750 to $1200 for a new mattress. If you’re shopping on a tight budget, don’t worry. With a little bit of searching, you can find a decent budget mattress for under $500. When you’re considering a budget mattress, try to find a mattress that’s close to 10 inches thick. To save more money, try shopping online and on one of the big sales days such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday. If you’ve missed a sale, look and see if the company website offers promo codes for first-time buyers. A better mattress is a big part of improving your sleep quality, but it’s not the only step you can take. By developing better sleep habits, you should see a marked increase in how well you sleep. The first step you can take is to establish a bedtime that gives you seven to eight hours of sleep. Stick to your bedtime and standard waketime on the weekends, as disrupting your routine can affect your sleep quality during the week. Your bedtime routine can also include ways to wind down, such as taking a warm bath 90 minutes before bed. Turn off your electronics a couple of hours before bed and relax by reading a book or journaling. If you’re sometimes plagued by worries when you’re trying to nod off, spending a few minutes writing them down and concocting solutions can help you fall asleep. Don’t get frustrated if you have difficulty falling asleep, as stress will only help keep you awake. Give yourself 20 minutes, and if you’re not sleepy, get out of bed and relax with a good book and a cup of warm milk or herbal tea. Keep the lights low to prevent wakefulness, and return to bed after 15 to 20 minutes or when you start feeling tired. You should avoid beds that are too hard or too soft, but in general, a slightly firmer bed is better. A 2015 review concluded a medium-firm mattress is the best mattress for back pain. The best pillow for a back sleeper is a medium-loft pillow between 3 to 5 inches tall. It should support the neck with any gaps, to prevent neck pain in the morning. The head should rest flat on the pillow to stay aligned with the spine. A wedge pillow or two can help with a back sleeper’s health. By sleeping with their head on a wedge pillow, back sleepers can prevent the collapse of soft tissues that can lead to snoring or sleep apnea and limit symptoms of acid reflux. A wedge pillow underneath the knees reduces pressure on the lower back, minimizing the chances of back pain. Many sleep experts advise against stomach sleeping because you could develop chronic back pain. When you lie on your front, gravity tends to push your belly into the mattress. As your stomach sinks into the mattress, it pulls your spine out of its neutral alignment. Back sleeping isn’t the most common sleep position, but there are still many people who find it to be the most comfortable position. The right mattress should have a durable support system, relief for pressure points, and just enough malleability to follow the curves of the back. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional. 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.Buying Guide for Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best Mattress Overall
1. Zoma Boost
Our testers found that the Zoma Boost’s zoned support system excels in providing the right balance of firmness where needed. This feature ensures the lumbar area gets ample support, while the upper and lower body are cushioned for added comfort.
The Zoma Boost quickly adjusts to movement, a quality we found beneficial for back sleepers who change positions during the night. This responsiveness enhances overall comfort by preventing the body from feeling trapped.Best Cooling Mattress
2. Amerisleep AS2
Best Value Mattress
3. Vaya Mattress
We chose the Vaya Mattress because it provides excellent comfort and support at a significantly lower price point compared to other mattresses. Our team found that it delivers premium features, such as cooling technology and adaptive foam while remaining budget-friendly.
During our analysis, we noted that the Vaya Mattress is incredibly easy to set up due to its lightweight design. This makes it an appealing option for those who frequently move or need a mattress that’s simple to handle.Best Mattress for Couples
4. Nest Bedding Sparrow Hybrid
Our testers were impressed by the mattress’s ability to prevent motion transfer, thanks to the individually wrapped coils. This feature is crucial for couples who don’t want to feel every movement their partner makes throughout the night.
The Sparrow Hybrid offers multiple firmness levels, and our team found this flexibility helpful for couples with differing comfort preferences. This customization allows each partner to find the right balance of support and softness.Best Luxury Mattress
5. Saatva Classic
Our team selected the Saatva Classic due to its robust construction, which features a dual-coil system that enhances both support and longevity. We found that this level of craftsmanship ensures the mattress holds up well over time, even with consistent use.
The Saatva Classic offers multiple firmness levels, and our testers found this versatility appealing. Whether you prefer plush or firm, the Saatva Classic allows for a personalized sleep experience tailored to your specific comfort needs.Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
6. Big Fig
We chose the Big Fig because it’s purpose-built to support individuals weighing up to 1,100 pounds. Our testers found that this mattress provides superior durability and support compared to standard models, ensuring long-lasting comfort.
The Big Fig’s reinforced edges were a key feature our team highlighted, as they offer a more sleeping surface and prevent sagging, making it easier to sit or sleep near the edge without feeling unstable.Best Latex Mattress
7. PlushBeds Botanical Bliss
We selected the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss due to its commitment to using 100% organic materials. Our team appreciated the mattress’s eco-conscious design, which includes organic cotton, wool, and natural latex.
Our testers valued the ability to choose between different firmness levels, making the Botanical Bliss versatile for a wide range of comfort preferences and body types.Best Mattress In A Box
8. Bear Star Hybrid
We chose the Bear Star Hybrid for its unique blend of memory foam and pocketed coils, offering both pressure relief and strong support. Our testers found this combination provides excellent spinal alignment and comfort.
The Celliant® cover, which converts body heat into infrared energy, was a standout feature for our team. We noticed enhanced recovery and overall sleep quality, making it ideal for those with active lifestyles.About Back Sleeping
Benefits of Back Sleeping
Risks of back sleeping
What Back Sleepers Need In a Mattress
Mattress Types for a Back Sleeper
Memory Foam
Latex
Innerspring
Hybrid
Other Sleep Styles
Side Sleeping
Stomach Sleeping
Combination Sleeping
Mattress Firmness
Sleep Trial, Warranty, and Return Policy
Sleep Trial
Warranties
Return Policy
Setting a Budget
Other Tips for a Back Sleeper
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hard or soft beds better for your back?
What is the best pillow for a back sleeper?
Why is it bad to sleep on your stomach?
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Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach
