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Chronic back pain is a huge obstacle to overcome when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. If you’ve ever dealt with this type of discomfort, you’ll do just about anything to get comfortable. The bed you’re sleeping in all night can make or break the situation. Having the right mattress to align and cradle your body can mean the difference between waking up refreshed and waking up in agony.
Back pain and sleep directly impact one another, says Dr. Staci Hildebrandt, PT, DPT, OCS, who works at ProRehab in Henderson, Kentucky. “A lack of good sleep can increase the pain experienced by not allowing our body and brain to get the correct duration and depth of rest to reset and heal,” explains Hildebrandt. “And back pain can make it hard to get comfortable getting to sleep and staying asleep.”
Quick round up
Helix Midnight
Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress
Tuft Needle Adaptive Foam
Casper Sleep Wave Hybrid Mattress
Sleep Number C2 - Twin XL Mattress Adjustable Firmness
Saatva Classic Mattress - Queen
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
TEMPUR-PEDIC Hybrid Memory Foam
How to choose the right mattress for back pain
There are certain factors to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress that’ll go easy on your back — and you don’t even have to test out the mattresses in person if you know what to look for.
We analyzed the top mattresses for back pain and analyzed them based on firmness, support, quality, construction, and even different sleep styles. Then we compiled the standouts into one convenient list for you.
We even picked mattresses at a variety of price points so that everyone dealing with back pain at night can find some sweet relief.
What to consider when buying a mattress for back pain
Hildebrant says if you are experiencing back pain, you should look for a mattress with medium-firm support. “This is the kind of mattress that has been shown with research to support improved comfort, sleep quality, and alignment with sleep,” she says.
Physical therapist Marius Hernandez, D.P.T a Doctor of Physical Therapy based in Lorton, Virginia at the Anderson Clinic, agrees that a medium-firm mattress may be best for a bad back. “Studies have shown that medium-firm mattresses, adjustable inflation, and adjustable temperature may improve pain and disability among patients with chronic non-specific low-back pain,” he says. Overall, just paying attention to the right kind of mattress for your individual needs is important. “The type of mattress can affect comfort, alignment and quality of sleep and hence help to decrease the pain, so it is important to have the right type of mattress.”
What does my doctor or physical therapist suggest?
It never hurts to ask your trusted doctor or physical therapist to make bedding recommendations based on your personal physical profile.
How much can I afford to spend?
Most mattresses that are good for helping with back pain may run upwards towards $1000 or more, although we found a few on our list that are under $700. If you are on a tight budget, many companies offer sales over Black Friday, Memorial Day weekend and other shopping -related holidays.
Does the seller offer returns?
Check to make sure the seller offers returns or even a sleep trial run that allows you to try out your new mattress before you commit.
Does my sleep style matter for the type of mattress?
Some mattresses are created for certain types of body positions like side sleepers versus those of us who sleep on our stomachs. It may be worth exploring mattresses designed for particular sleep styles, if you are concerned about your comfort. “
But according to Hildebrandt, positions are dependent on the individual. “Most of the time, with those with low back pain, I tend to recommend lying on their back with pillows under their knees or lying on their side with a pillow between their knees and hugging a pillow with their top arm,” she says. “[But] I do not recommend a specific mattress for a specific position.”
While your sleep style may influence the type of mattress you find comfortable, at the end of the day, so to speak, there is no one-size-fits-all mattress, shares Hernandez. “Each individual has different needs and preferences, but if someone selects the wrong mattress, they will likely experience pain and notice a big difference when they change to a different mattress that alleviates their symptoms.”
Our top picks
Best hybrid mattress for back pain: Helix Midnight
Helix hybrid mattresses are known for customized and adaptive comfort. The company offers a wide range of mattresses and prices, but the highly heralded Helix Midnight checks many boxes, making it our vote for the hybrid models available.
The Helix Midnight is recommended for side sleepers, but it could work for many sleep positions thanks to its adaptive foam layers, medium firmness (not too hard and not too soft), and deep pocketed coils to support your back. You can also upgrade some of the basic features, like adding a cooling cover.
You can choose between two hypoallergenic top fabrics: A 100% poly cover or a 50/50 cooling cover (polyester and polyethylene) for overheated sleepers. You can also upgrade to Helix Midnight Elite, which offers Helix’s most advanced support system, with zoned lumber support and full perimeter reinforcement.
If you are not a side sleeper, Helix offers other models for stomach and back sleepers with similar technology and comfort designed to help elevate muscle pains and ensure a great rest, day or night. Plus, if you’re unsure which mattress to purchase to help protect and care for your back, you can take Helix’s sleep quiz to discover your best fit.
Helix offers financing, free returns, a 100-night sleep trial period, and a 10-year warranty.
Specifications:
- Price: Starting at $936
- Type: Memory foam, dynamic foam, hypoallergenic top fabrics, and high-grade polyfoam
- Trial: 100 nights
- Delivery: Delivery available
- Warranty: 10-year warranty
- Firmness: Multiple options
Pros:
- Offers comfort for side sleepers.
- Affordable pricing and upgrades.
- Made in the USA.
- All mattresses have a layer of zoned, wrapped coils that the company states “provide greater support, durability, airflow, and edge-support” for sleepers.
Cons:
- Elite versions of Helix mattresses are costly.
Helix Midnight
Best mattress for stomach sleepers with back pain: Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress
Stomach sleepers with back pain: you’re going to love the Leesa Hybrid mattress. Leesa’s contouring foam, cooling foam, reinforced edges, and more than 789 pocket springs provide a stable sleep surface that lets you move around freely and comfortably. This mattress is designed for restorative sleep on your stomach—yes, even with back pain!!
Stomach sleepers will enjoy the traditional memory foam mattress combined with a classic spring-style mattress. Hybrid mattresses offer targeted support for the hips and shoulders while maintaining spinal alignment, making it a perfect choice for stomach sleepers. The foam layers give your body “the perfect hug” and are comfortable even for those with chronic body pain.
The Leesa has dual spring support that eliminates motion disturbances and a soft Merino wool cover for all-night temperature control. Merino wool is resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew, with natural moisture-wicking properties. It keeps you cool and comfortable no matter what the temperature is.
Leesa mattresses have the added bonus of being environmentally friendly. Their mattresses are made of natural and recycled materials.
All Leesa Hybrid mattresses are made to order. Each one comes with 2 free hybrid pillows and for each mattress purchased, another is donated to someone in need. The Leesa Hybrid is a sweet dream for stomach sleepers battling back pain.
Specifications:
- Price: Starting at $1,049
- Type: Polyurethane foam and wrapped spring coils
- Trial: 120 nights
- Delivery: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years
- Firmness: Medium
Pros:
- It’s hand tufted.
- Has excellent quality and design.
- Is great for stomach sleepers.
- Is a hybrid, so it combines the comfort and responsiveness of foam with the support and breathability of springs.
Cons:
- No all-foam option.
Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress, Twin
Best memory foam mattress for back pain: Tuft Needle Adaptive Foam
Designed to be compatible with most bed frames, the Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam mattress conforms to your body at every level, which can relieve pressure from your back as well as your hips and neck. It was developed based on the feedback of real customers.
All Tuft & Needle mattresses are made with Adaptive foam, which is specially designed to respond to your body and provide pressure relief without trapping heat and creating body impressions like memory foam or costing a ton like latex.
No matter if you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper, the Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam mattress moves with you to support perfect alignment all night long.
Tuft & Needle mattresses include breathable cooling technology infused with cooling gel and graphite to transfer heat away from your body, so you won’t wake up in the middle of the night or make your back pain worse by tossing and turning.
Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night trial and free returns. They report that 95% of their customers keep their Tuft & Needle products, which should put your mind at ease!
Specifications:
- Type: Memory foam
- Trial: 100 days
- Delivery: N/A
- Warranty: 10 years
- Firmness: Firm
Pros:
- Has cooling properties.
- Combines best features of memory foam and latex.
- Great for all types of sleepers
- Is compatible with most bed frames.
- Is free of harmful chemicals.
- Offers 100-day trial and free returns.
- Price point offers value.
Cons:
- Very firm.
- Doesn’t offer free delivery.
TUFT & NEEDLE Mint Queen Medium Adaptive Foam 11.5 in. Mattress Queen, Gray
Best mattress for side sleepers with back pain: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
Side sleepers seeking a supportive mattress will find comfort in the Casper Wave Hybrid, which is designed to keep your spine aligned. Nine out of 10 buyers have reported that the Wave Hybrid eased their back pain, according to Casper.
The key to Casper Wave Hybrid’s success is its Zoned Support Max (a mix of Align foam and gel pods) that lift your waist and lower back to keep your body in alignment while you sleep on your side, instead of allowing your hips to sink like other mattresses might.
With Casper’s AirScape material, thousands of perforations in the breathable foam offer proper ventilation so you stay cool all night.
The mattress features premium memory foam that conforms to your body to absorb pressure and a durable base foam that offers long-lasting support. This allows for better cradling of your entire body. It also includes resilient springs that provide additional support, prevent sinking, and let air circulate.
All Casper mattresses are made with CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foam, which means the Wave Hybrid is made without ozone-depleting chemicals, so you can rest easy. The Casper Wave Hybrid also comes with free, no-contact delivery, free shipping, a 100-night risk-free trial, and a 10-year warranty.
Specifications:
- Type: Memory foam
- Trial: 100 nights
- Delivery: Free
- Warranty: 10 years
- Firmness: Firm
Pros:
- Has zoned support to keep your waist and lower back aligned.
- Features patented cooling design.
- Is a hybrid of memory foam and springs.
- Uses CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foam materials.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- May be too firm for those under 130 lbs.
Casper Sleep Wave Hybrid Mattress
Best luxury mattress for back pain: Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Bed
Sleep Number beds are known for their luxurious sleep experience and customized firmness for yourself and the person sleeping next to you. The Sleep Number 360 C2 is a high-end option for sleepers with back pain at a relatively affordable price point.
The Sleep Number 360 C2 actively adjusts itself to your needs—and, as someone with back pain, I know those may change from night to night. Not only does it respond to your movements and automatically adjust firmness on each side, but it also displays sleep quality—known as your SleepIQ® score—on the brand’s accompanying SleepIQ® app along with personal insights for better sleep. Once you know your Sleep Number, you’ll always know how to set your mattress to best support your back pain.
The C2 also has little motion transfer. This means you’re less likely to be bothered if your partner tends to toss and turn at night. This mattress is a great option for people who love firm beds, especially side sleepers.
The Sleep Number 360 C2 is the most basic of the Sleep Number collection, and its simplicity is reflected in its reasonable price. Yes, you can experience the back-soothing bliss of a luxury mattress without a high ticket price.
Sleep Number offers a 100-night trial and free returns.
Specifications:
- Price: Starting at $699
- Type: Rayon and polypropylene fabrics
- Trial:100 nights
- Delivery: Delivery available
- Warranty: 25 years
- Firmness: Multiple options
Pros:
- Offers customized firmness for two sleepers.
- Responds to your movements.
- Customizes your experience via a companion app.
- Has low motion transfer.
- Offers 100-day trial.
- Has a great price.
Cons:
- Has no foam topper above air compartments.
- Needs an electric source to use all amenities.
Sleep Number C2 - Twin XL Mattress Adjustable Firmness
Best firm mattress: Saatva Classic Mattress
The best firm mattress for sleepers who require extra support for their back and body pain is the Saatva Classic mattress. It combines the guaranteed support of an innerspring system with the cushy comfort of foam. Its recycled carbon steel coils have been tempered three times for resilience.
Lumbar Zone® Technology supports your spine and keeps it in alignment no matter what sleep position you’re in.
The Saatva Classic adds a plush top that many other memory foam or hybrid beds don’t offer—a nice, marshmallowy treat in the world of sometimes overly flat foam mattresses. This plush top may help support your body and eliminate discomfort by contouring to your individual shape while supporting your head and neck.
Sleepers who prefer a firm mattress will love the support of the Saatva Classic mattress, designed to feel sturdy and responsive so that they never feel they’re sinking into or sliding off the mattress. This is important if a lot of movement irritates your chronic pain.
It’s also one of the few innerspring mattresses you can conveniently buy online.
Saatva offers a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty.
Specifications:
- Price: pre-discount starts at $1095
- Type: Innerspring and memory foam
- Trial: 365 nights
- Delivery: Free delivery
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Firmness: Firm
Pros:
- Available in multiple firmness levels.
- Has patented technology to address and prevent lumbar pain.
- Comes in two heights (11.5 inches and 14.5 inches).
- Comes with lifetime warranty.
- Offers 365-night trial.
- Feels luxurious.
Cons:
- Some customers have reported that it’s a heavy mattress.
Saatva Classic Mattress - Queen
Best cooling mattress for back pain: Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
The best cooling mattress for sleepers who overheat and struggle with back pain is the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress. The Nectar Premier Copper uses a three-pronged method to keep you comfortable: It has a cover that’s cool to the touch, a cooling gel memory foam top layer (four inches thick!), and copper fibers that wick away heat. You’ll be a cool customer all night long.
The Premier Copper is also designed to be suitable for front, back, and side sleepers. It’s also made with CertiPUR US-certified foams, which means the mattress is free of ozone-depleting chemicals.
With Nectar’s virtually risk-free trial and free returns, you’ve got nothing to lose. If you love it, you’ll get Nectar’s Forever Warranty: A truly incredible perk.
Nectar offers a 365-night trial. We think you will be pleasantly surprised that a memory foam mattress can cool and support you, addressing chronic back pain at the same time. And if you want a bit more cooling, you can opt for the Nectar Premier Copper memory foam/spring hybrid.
Specifications:
- Price: Starting at $999
- Type: Memory foam
- Trial: 365 nights
- Delivery: Free delivery
- Warranty: Forever
- Firmness: Firm
Pros:
- Has the most cooling properties of any Nectar mattress.
- Tall mattress that offers extra support.
- Available in memory foam or hybrid.
- Has a forever warranty
- Offers a 365-day trial.
Cons:
- Very firm.
- Tall height may be challenging for getting in and out of bed.
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
Best mattress with lumbar support for back pain: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt
Tempur-Pedic specializes in lumbar support, which is why we chose the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress as our choice for the best lumbar support mattress. Tempur-Pedic uses a top-of-the-line material that’s unique to the brand, but was developed by NASA. If you’re dealing with lower back pain, you can’t do much better than this. The layers of this special foam work together to support your body and relieve pressure. One of our editors, who had a severely herniated lumbar disc, says Tempur-Pedic is by far the most comfortable mattress brand she’s tried.
The Tempur material is a truly custom experience, responsive to every feature of your body including your temperature, and the Adapt technology fully absorbs your weight and pressure points, so the motion isolation is also exceptional. That means can get a good night’s sleep even if your partner is tossing and turning.
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt is compatible with most bed frames, except for a traditional box spring or when placed on the floor. This interferes with the pressure point absorption, and the mattress will not perform optimally.
When it comes to addressing back pain and lumbar alignment, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt is the absolute best on the market right now.
Specifications:
- Price: Starting at $2,899
- Type: Polyurethane foam and wrapped steel coils
- Trial: 90 nights
- Delivery: Free delivery
- Warranty: 10 years
- Firmness: Soft
Pros:
- Offers superior pressure relief and responsiveness.
- Has a strong reputation for reducing back pain.
- Has excellent motion isolation
- Has cooling properties.
Cons:
- Carries a high price that matches its superior construction.
TEMPUR-PEDIC TEMPUR-Adapt 11 in. Medium Hybrid Memory Foam Queen Mattress, White
How we evaluated mattresses
We first spoke to experts who offered advice on what those with back pain should consider when buying a mattress. We then analyzed the main buying and usage considerations for consumers when rating these mattresses for each specific category. The main points we researched were:
- Firmness: The firmness of a mattress is a main concern for most people because it affects their comfort, especially when dealing with back pain. We wanted to touch upon mattress firmness for each selection.
- Composition: The composition of a mattress will determine the way it supports different body types and sleep styles.
- Sleep style: Sleep style is a main determinant of the type of mattress you’ll buy. It was important to include it within our choices.
- Cost: Price is a main concern for buyers and we wanted to share a variety of price points to fit into your budget.
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