- Rating: 9.3 out of 10
- Price: $1,373.80–$2,873.80
- Material: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Shipping: Free shipping
- Warranty: 15 years
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short queen, RV king
- Mattress height: 13.5 inches (″)
9 Best Mattresses for Back Pain in 2024: Tested by Experts
Key Takeaways
- The Best Overall Mattress for Back Pain is the Helix Midnight Luxe because it offers balanced support and pressure relief, zoned lumbar support, and accommodates many body types and sleep positions.
- The best mattresses for back pain are medium firmness (or close), offer adequate lumbar support and pressure relief, and allow for easier bed mobility.
- The mattresses in our review range between $1,319–$2,499 for a queen, or have an average cost of about $1,900.
- About 23% of the population, or roughly 76 million Americans, experience chronic back pain.
- Back pain can occur for various reasons, including prolonged sitting, lifting with poor form, or traumatic injury.
- Always consult a health care professional before purchasing a mattress to address a condition like back pain.
Back pain can range from annoying achiness to debilitating pain. Research shows that up to 84% of the population experiences back pain at some point in their lives, with roughly 23% experiencing chronic lower back pain. [1] Coulter I, et al. Manipulation and Mobilization for Treating Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Spine Journal. May 2018.
Pain like this can significantly affect daily life and sleep quality, so it’s crucial to talk to a health care professional to develop a treatment plan. Everyone’s symptoms are different and require a tailored approach, but addressing sleep quality is one of the most important aspects of recovery, in addition to managing nutrition, stress, and activity levels. Replacing an old, worn mattress could help.
Our Reviews Team developed a comprehensive list of options based on our testing results. Each one had to offer plenty of pressure relief, surface support, and functional support to make this list. They also meet or exceed the industry standard for trial periods (100 nights), so you can try a mattress for a long time knowing you can return or exchange it if it doesn’t work. We hope our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain helps you make the right decision.
Best Mattress for Back Pain Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress with a medium feel, zoned lumbar support, and great pressure relief. Its responsive coils give you a mobility boost as you reposition or get out of bed, which is an important consideration if your lower back pain is associated with body weakness or morning stiffness.
The best mattresses for back pain in 2024
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Overall
- Saatva Classic: Most Supportive
- Nectar Premier: Best for Couples
- The WinkBed: Best Trial Period Terms
- Titan Plus: Best for Heavier People
- Nolah Evolution 15″: Best for Lower Back Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe: Best Firm
- Birch Natural: Best for Mobility
Compare the best mattresses for back pain as of 2024
Mattress type | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex hybrid |
Firmness | Medium | Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Medium | Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus | Firm | Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus | Firm | Soft, medium, firm | Medium |
Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights |
Warranty | 15 years | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | 10 years | Limited lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | 25 years |
White-glove delivery* | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
*Free shipping and installation of new mattress and removal of old mattress
Our best mattress for back pain picks of 2024
Best Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe
Most Supportive: Saatva Classic
Best for Couples: Nectar Premier
Best Trial Period Terms: The WinkBed
Best for Heavier People: Titan Plus
Best for Lower Back Pain: Nolah Evolution 15″
Best for Side Sleepers with Back Pain: Bear Elite Hybrid
Best Firm: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Best for Mobility: Birch Natural
What to consider when choosing a mattress for back pain
The top factors to consider when choosing the right mattress include firmness level, surface support, pressure relief, functional support, white-glove delivery, and a trial period.
Firmness
The right firmness level for someone with back pain is whatever feels most comfortable and allows for uninterrupted sleep. Medium-firm mattresses are best for many, but firmness is subjective, which means everyone interprets it differently. [3] Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of The Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.c Different interpretations of firmness are especially true for different body types. A person who weighs less than 130 pounds will perceive mattresses to be firmer than someone who weighs more than 250 pounds.
Surface support
A supportive mattress fills the gaps between your body and the surface, providing reinforcement in the areas where you need it most. Many clinicians use the term “spinal alignment” to describe how a mattress supports the spine in a neutral position, which is comfortable for most.
While a perfectly aligned spine doesn’t have to be the goal for everyone, a supportive mattress with targeted reinforcement at the lower back (also known as zoned lumbar support) can ease tension for some people with general back pain. [4] Bolton R, et al. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science and Practice. May 10, 2022. Found on the internet at https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-022-00073-x Many mattresses we recommend for back pain offer zoned support for this reason.
Pressure relief
It’s important to consider a mattress with good pressure relief at the shoulder, hip, and bum to avoid tossing and turning as you find a more comfortable position. Most options with high-pressure relief are foam-dominant hybrids or all-foam designs.
Mattresses with poor pressure relief can disrupt your sleep, which can be detrimental to your recovery. If you have tender areas sensitive to force build-up, you may need to consider a mattress with as much pressure relief as possible (like the Bear Elite Hybrid or Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe). But you may need to trade some responsiveness and bounce to get it.
White-glove delivery
Unfortunately, most online mattress companies do not offer white-glove delivery. Instead, they offer free shipping to your home, but you must carry the mattress into your home and set it up. The only brand on our list that does not charge extra for white-glove delivery is Saatva, which is why it’s often high in our picks. Our team highly recommends looking into mattress brands with white-glove delivery if you have lower back pain or ask someone for help getting your mattress in place.
Trial periods
The industry standard trial period length is 100 nights. Our list only contains mattresses that meet or exceed the industry standard, so you have ample time to try your mattress in your home. Most mattress companies have clear return policies within the trial period, and some have exchange programs to help you find the right option. If you’re unsure which mattress is best for your back pain, we recommend looking into WinkBeds and its generous exchange policy.
Sleeping positions and their impact on back pain
It can feel frustrating if you need to adjust your preferred sleeping position due to lower back pain. Your current sleep position is rarely the root cause of pain, but making small adjustments or changing your position temporarily can positively impact your sleep quality and overall recovery. For example:
- Side sleepers can try placing a pillow between their knees to keep the spine and hips in a more neutral position.
- Stomach sleepers can try placing a pillow under their hips (and it may be more comfortable to place another pillow under their head) to relieve some pressure on the lower back.
- Back sleepers can try placing a pillow under the knees to make the hips and lower back more comfortable.
If you have upper back pain, try a pillow for neck pain to better accommodate the neck and upper spine. Side sleepers benefit from puffier pillows to fill the space between their head and the mattress, while back sleepers will feel more comfortable with something flatter. Stomach sleepers often don’t need a pillow, but if you prefer one, a flat down pillow is best.
Although these strategies can help, make sure you’re working with a physical therapist to address the main issue.
What is the best type of mattress for back pain?
The best type of mattress for back pain doesn’t exist. In fact, no one treatment strategy works to resolve back pain for everyone. Back pain—especially chronic back pain—requires a tailored approach with special attention to the whole person, including lifestyle and mental health.
[6]
Steinmetz, Anke. Back Pain Treatment: A New Perspective. Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease. July 4, 2022. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1759720X221100293
This can include addressing stress, activity level, and nutrition.
Research does point to a few mattress characteristics that seem helpful to many, but not all, with back pain. For instance, mattresses of medium firmness levels and zoned support tend to positively affect sleep quality and comfort throughout the night for those with general back pain.
[2]
Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of The Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.c
[3]
Bolton R, et al. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science and Practice. May 10, 2022. Found on the internet at https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-022-00073-x
Our team has noticed how many of the mattresses with medium-firm comfort levels and zoned support are hybrids, which is why our review lists many hybrid mattresses.
But if you prefer the conforming feel of memory foam, look into Nolah. This brand incorporates zoned support in its unique foam. The Nolah Signature made our list of the best memory foam mattresses for this reason.
Older adults and back pain: What to know
The truth about back pain
Many older adults experience lower back pain, but it doesn’t need to be the norm with age. Chronic lower back pain can feel limiting, preventing you from enjoying daily activities independently. According to an analysis of more than 135,000 adults age 60 to 102 years: [7] Batista de Souza I, et al. Prevalence of Low Back Pain in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review. Clinics. Oct. 23, 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6807687/
- 70–85% of older adults will experience an episode of lower back pain at some point
- 90% of these individuals will experience lower back pain more than once
- The prevalence of lower back pain in older adults can be up to 75% depending on the country, with Canada and the United States having the highest occurrence
It’s possible to combat lower back pain with the help of your doctor and a skilled rehabilitation clinician, no matter your age. Occupational and physical therapists can teach you strategies to manage your symptoms, maintain your independence, and enjoy your favorite activities.
Lindy Royer, physical therapist and educator at Balanced Body, also highlights the importance of sleep. “When we don’t sleep well, the nervous system operates in fight or flight. This activates a ‘danger’ pattern in the brain, tissues, organs, and body chemistry, creating more muscle tension and increased pain hypersensitivity. Our body’s healing mechanisms are also compromised, and we are less able to recover. But when we are well rested, the response is the opposite,” she said. If you’re experiencing poor sleep quality, ask your doctor if you’d benefit from a referral to a sleep specialist.
10 ways to manage back pain at home
A comfortable, pain-soothing mattress can be a helpful piece of your recovery, but it shouldn’t be your only approach. In addition to working with a health care professional, you can try these ten ideas to manage your back pain at home:
- Get a referral to physical therapy. Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation and provide activities, exercises, and stretches to help manage pain at home.
- Improve your sleep hygiene. As Royer stated above, sleep is essential for recovery. If you’re waking up throughout the night or having trouble falling asleep, you may benefit from talking to a sleep specialist, but you don’t have to wait to start making positive changes. See our Sleep and Aging article to learn ways to track and improve sleep on your own.
- Stand often. It’s easy to lose track of time when working, watching television, or reading a book. It can be important to rest, but sitting for prolonged periods isn’t beneficial. Movement-based recovery is generally more effective than bed rest because it keeps your body conditioned, which supports long-term relief. [8] Geneen L, et al. Physical Activity and Exercise for Chronic Pain in Adults: An Overview of Cochrane Reviews. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. April 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5461882/
- Start a walking program. Start slow—go for a walk you’re comfortable doing, even if it’s up and down your driveway. Walking is one of the simplest activities for your back pain. [8] Geneen L, et al. Physical Activity and Exercise for Chronic Pain in Adults: An Overview of Cochrane Reviews. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. April 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5461882/
- Use self-massage. Grab a massage tool, like a massage ball, and gently roll out tender areas along your muscles for relief. But don’t depend on gadgets like massage chairs—it’s important to move often rather than relying on these tools designed to provide temporary relief.
- Address your mental health. Modern approaches to pain management focus on the whole person. This can include stress, anxiety, or depression, which can increase pain. [9] Vadivelu N, et al. Pain and Psychology—A Reciprocal Relationship. The Ochsner Journal. 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5472077/ Seek a behavioral health professional who can provide activities you can do at home to help address mental health conditions.
- Manage your diet. Some studies show an association between back pain and a poor diet, like one filled with sugars. [10] Zick S, et al. Association of Chronic Spinal Pain with Diet Quality. Pain Reports. 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7431251/ [11] Pasdar Y, et al. Major Dietary Patterns in Relation to Chronic Low Back Pain; A Cross-Sectional Study from RaNCD Cohort. Nutrition Journal. May 12, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9097067/ Making healthy choices at home can help support your recovery, but ask your doctor if you have specific questions regarding your nutritional needs.
- Try cold and heat therapies. Using hot or cold packs can temporarily relieve aggravated pain, but shouldn’t be a long-term pain relief strategy. Older adults should be careful not to overdo hot and cold packs, as they can damage skin. Always wrap your temperature pack in a thick towel and never apply it directly to your skin. Check your skin every five minutes and remove your hot or cold pack after about 15 minutes.
- See if medication is right for you. Talk to your doctor to see if you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication periodically. It’s important to check whether new medications will interact with ones you’re already taking, even if it’s a natural supplement. Taking multiple medications can have potentially dangerous side effects, like increasing fall risk. [12] The Dangers of Polypharmacy and the Case for Deprescribing in Older Adults. National Institute of Aging. Aug. 24, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/dangers-polypharmacy-and-case-deprescribing-older-adults
- Keep doing the things you love. Don’t let pain stop you from gardening, cooking, or going on outings. Limiting activities can be detrimental to your recovery—physically and mentally. Ask your physical therapist for ways you can modify your favorite activities for the time being so you can continue to enjoy them.
How to afford a new mattress for back pain on low income
Replacing an old, worn mattress with one comfortable enough to encourage better sleep can be expensive. The average cost of a queen-size mattress in this review is about $1,900, which is a hefty investment, especially if you’re on a fixed income or have other expenses.
While financing is an option, you end up owing more than the original amount over time. Fortunately, there are programs available to help older adults afford new mattresses, including:
- Furniture vouchers: Certain organizations, like Catholic Charities, provide vouchers to help reduce furniture costs. Most organizations are local, so it’s best to Google programs in your area. For example, if you’re a veteran in southern California, you can contact Heroes Warehouse for assistance.
- Medicare coverage: In some cases, Medicare Part B may cover part of the cost of a mattress if it’s prescribed by a doctor, qualifies as durable medical equipment, and is purchased through a Medicare-approved supplier. Most mattresses you find from online retailers will not be approved.
- Charitable programs through brands: Some mattress brands, like Leesa, will donate mattresses in partnership with local nonprofits. It’s worth asking mattress brands who they work with and how you can apply.
- Visiting a Furniture Bank location: The Furniture Bank Network collects lightly used furniture and redistrubutes items to those who need them. Find a location near you and ask if any mattresses are available.
Cost comparison of the best mattresses for back pain, as of May 2024
Mattress | Twin | Full | Queen | King |
---|---|---|---|---|
Helix Midnight Luxe | $1,373.80 | $1,998.80 | $2,373.80 | $2,873.80 |
Saatva Classic | $1,395 | $1,995 | $2,095 | $2,595 |
Nectar Premier | $1,049 | $1,349 | $1,499 | $1,799 |
The WinkBed | $1,149 | $1,499 | $1,799 | $1,999 |
Titan Plus | $699 | $999 | $1,249 | $1,499 |
Nolah Evolution | $1,499 | $2,299 | $2,499 | $2,699 |
Bear Elite Hybrid | $1,893 | $2,108 | $2,305 | $2,762 |
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | $1,199 | $1,865 | $2,265 | $2,665 |
Birch Natural | $1,373.80 | $1,686.30 | $1,873.80 | $2,248.80 |
Bottom line
Finding the right mattress for your back pain can feel daunting, but it’s important to talk to a health care professional to understand more about your unique needs from a pain management perspective. Once you have an idea of what to look for, you can more easily consider your personal preferences, including firmness and mattress type.
We love the Helix Midnight Luxe because it accommodates an array of sleep positions, boosts bed mobility to make movement less effortful (and potentially less painful), and offers a medium firmness known to best help manage generalized back pain. But every option in our list offers something slightly different, like extra support or more pressure relief, so you can find a mattress that works for you. If you still need help making a decision on the best mattress for your specific back pain, we encourage you to take advantage of trial periods—all models in this review exceed the industry standard of 100 nights—or opt for the exchange program from WinkBeds.
Frequently asked questions
A one-size-fits-all mattress for back pain doesn’t exist. Although our team chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best overall mattress for its ability to accommodate most sleepers, it may not work for everyone. It’s best to talk to a health care professional first, like your doctor or a physical therapist, to determine what to look for when shopping for a mattress.
A mattress can provoke or exacerbate pain. This can happen if you choose a mattress that doesn’t suit your specific sleeping position. Those with chronic pain should consider other factors, such as nutrition, stress, activity level, and general sleep hygiene. It’s always best to talk to a health care professional to determine the root cause of your pain before you purchase a new mattress.
According to our testing results, the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain is the Bear Elite Hybrid because it offers gentle zoned support, great pressure relief at the shoulder and hip, and good functional support to make bed mobility less effortful.
Research shows that a medium-firm mattress is best for general back pain. [2] Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of The Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021 If you’re a side sleeper, you may want to consider zoned support to maintain a neutral spine position, which many people find comfortable. [3] Bolton R, et al. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science and Practice. May 10, 2022
Memory foam could be good for those with back pain, depending on their sleep position, the amount of support they need, and the amount of support the foam provides. It’s best to talk to a health care professional about what to look for in a mattress, so you can accommodate your specific symptom when shopping for a mattress.
Sources
- Coulter I, et al. Manipulation and Mobilization for Treating Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Spine Journal. May 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1529943018300160
- Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of The Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5
- Bolton R, et al. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science and Practice. May 10, 2022. Found on the internet at https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-022-00073-x
- Staffe A, et al. Total Sleep Deprivation Increases Pain Sensitivity, Impairs Conditioned Pain Modulation, and Facilitates Temporal Summation of Pain in Healthy Participants. PLOS ONE. Dec. 4, 2019. Found on the internet at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225849
- NCOA Adviser Mattresses Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024.
- Steinmetz, Anke. Back Pain Treatment: A New Perspective. Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease. July 4, 2022. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1759720X221100293
- Batista de Souza I, et al. Prevalence of Low Back Pain in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review. Clinics. Oct. 23, 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6807687/
- Geneen L, et al. Physical Activity and Exercise for Chronic Pain in Adults: An Overview of Cochrane Reviews. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. April 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5461882/
- Vadivelu N, et al. Pain and Psychology—A Reciprocal Relationship. The Ochsner Journal. 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5472077/
- Zick S, et al. Association of Chronic Spinal Pain with Diet Quality. Pain Reports. 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7431251/
- Pasdar Y, et al. Major Dietary Patterns in Relation to Chronic Low Back Pain; A Cross-Sectional Study from RaNCD Cohort. Nutrition Journal. May 12, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9097067/
- The Dangers of Polypharmacy and the Case for Deprescribing in Older Adults. National Institute of Aging. Aug. 24, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/dangers-polypharmacy-and-case-deprescribing-older-adults