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A good night’s sleep helps support your mental health, immune system, and other essential functions. A lot of different health issues can contribute to poor sleep, including joint pain, anxiety, and sleep apnea. But did you know your sleeping position can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall health? Different sleep positions can influence spinal alignment, pressure points, and breathing patterns.
According to a 2022 study, back sleepers had slightly worse sleep quality than people who sleep in other positions. The back sleepers in the study tended to wake more often than their side-sleeping counterparts. Additionally, sleeping on one’s back can negatively influence the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
If that sounds like you, then choosing the best mattress for back sleepers might help you break the cycle and find more supportive, restorative sleep.
Back sleepers need a combination of sturdy support and good pressure relief, so hybrid mattresses are ideal. Medium to firm mattresses provide enough support for the lower back but still have enough cushioning to feel comfortable. Below, find our top hybrid mattresses for back sleepers, and get more of our Reviews Team’s expert approved tips on choosing the best mattress for you.
When choosing a mattress for back sleeping, consider these features:
Back sleepers need a mattress that provides both support and pressure relief. Look for a mattress that keeps your hips aligned with your shoulders and lower back.
A good mattress for back sleepers should relieve pressure pointsⓘ The parts of the sleeper’s body that are in direct contact with the mattress, such as the backside, shoulder, hips, and ribcage , especially in the lower back area. Comfort foams that contour to the lower back can help relieve pain and discomfort.
Maintaining neutral spine ⓘ The spine’s natural curves at the neck, middle, and lower (lumbar) sections alignment is crucial for avoiding aches and pains. Mattresses with zoned support, featuring different firmness levels for different body parts, can help achieve this.
Firmness doesn’t always equal support. Many back sleepers prefer a medium to slightly firm mattress, typically around six to seven on the firmness scaleⓘ Brands rate firmness on a scale from one to 10. One is the softest, and 10 is the firmest. It’s generally accepted that 6.5 is considered medium on this scale. .
The Saatva Classic puts a spin on the classic innerspring mattress. The interior of the queen-size mattress features a supportive innerspring base layer of 416 individual coils to provide sturdy, but springy, support and airflow. The next layer is a set of 884 individually wrapped coils made of recycled steel, which are firmer toward the middle of the mattress to support your back and keep your spine neutral. A strip of dense, CertiPUR-USⓘ This is a certification given to foam bedding materials that have been tested and confirmed to be environmentally friendly. memory foam for pressure-point relief and lower back support is layered over the coils. And finally, the quilted, organic cotton Euro pillow topⓘ A style of pillow top that provides an added layer of plush, the extra layer of padding is stitched beneath the mattress cover, so it’s flush with the edges of the mattress without adding extra height. provides extra support in the lower back area for a plush, breathable sleeping surface.
During testing, our Reviews Team found the zoned lower back support for the Saatva Classic was comfortable and ideal for most back sleepers. With that said, people who are taller or shorter than average may need to adjust where they lie on the bed to take full advantage of the support zones. For example, our mattress tester was 5 feet, 3 inches tall, and they found they needed to scoot down slightly to align their lower back with the mattress’s lower back support.
We tried the luxury firm option, which we give a seven out of 10 for firmness, with 10 being the most firm. But the Saatva Classic also comes in two other firmness options: plush soft and firm. All versions of the Saatva Classic are made with eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, a plant-based, fiberglass-free flame barrier, and recycled steel coils.
“This mattress has a memory foam layer for lumbar support (literally the only memory foam in the mattress), which adds support to the lower back.”
Before we recommend a mattress, we conduct hands-on testing so we can feel confident in the mattresses we suggest to our readers. Because we want to be certain the Saatva Classic mattress will be beneficial for sleepers with back pain, we turn to testers who experience pain in their back to see if this mattress would help to relieve their symptoms. Tim, who is age 62, was happy to trial the Saatva Classic mattress and felt his history of chronic lower back pain allowed him to give honest feedback on this bed. He is an average weight person, weighing between 130 and 250 pounds, and typically sleeps on his back.
”It feels good laying on my back. It feels like the pressure is distributed and I don’t feel like one area is lacking over the other. I do feel the contour in the lower back, which is, you know, a good feeling. Like there’s some support there. And, I’m not super fond of big pillow tops, fluffy, you know, that sort of thing. Like duck feathers or something. But this feels good. This feels natural.”
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Looking through the customer reviews for the Saatva Classic, it is apparent the company has a strong history of customer satisfaction, which is no surprise considering its customer-focused policies like free white-glove delivery, lifetime warranty, and a year-long trial period.
The Saatva Classic has 4.8 out of five stars on the Saatva website. Many customers report excellent customer service and are happy with their mattresses.
“Originally purchased the Saatva RX about 8 months ago. The mattress was very well made but a little too soft for my wife and I. We spoke with customer service, and they shipped a new Saatva classic luxury firm out in a few days and did the exchange for the $99 fee. The new classic is exactly the right firmness and the quality is exceptional. The whole experience was 5 Stars. Highly recommend this mattress and this company.”
— Rich, verified buyer on 4/18/2024
“I got my mattress over a year ago. I didn’t have much expectations at first, but I started to notice after a week, I woke up with no lower back pain. What a difference between Saava and the old mattress! I like it very much and decided to order one for my son. He too loves his mattress. We went with the luxury firm. We are both small people and this firmness is perfect for us. […] Customer service is always awesome! A really good company for both products and services! Thank you.”
— Kim D., verified buyer on 6/19/2024
For more information on all Saatva mattress models, visit our Saatva mattress review.
If you often wake up with achy hips, a mattress with good pressure relief, like the Helix Midnight Luxe, might be the best mattress for hip pain for you.
The Midnight Luxe has a medium firmness and zoned lower back support that’s ideal for back sleepers. It features a hybrid design, with a layer of reinforced coils concentrated toward the hip area and a combination of memory foam and responsive foams. It’s topped with a quilted, hypoallergenic pillow-top in your choice of TENCEL or GlacioTex material. If you or your sleeping partner tend to sleep hot, the GlacioTex cooling cover would be your best choice.
Our mattress testers found that this model conformed to their body and provided relief to their hip and shoulder pressure points without pushing against their lower back. We gave it a firmness rating of 5.5 out of 10, which is a little bit softer than medium-firm. Due to the coils and responsive foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is fairly bouncy, making it easy to shift around and change positions on the mattress. But we found it doesn’t isolate motionⓘ The ability of a mattress to keep movement on one side of the bed from affecting the other side well, so it may not be ideal for couples who are easily awakened by their partner’s movements.
The mattress features good edge support, which could make it easier to sit on the edge and get out of bed. If you have sore hip joints, good edge support is an important feature to look for in a mattress. It’s also on the higher side at 13.5″. Depending on your height, this could mean that you won’t have to lean as far forward as you would with a lower mattress when getting in and out of bed, putting less stress on your hips.
The foam in the Midnight Luxe is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it does not contain harmful chemicals.
“This mattress has a very soft pillow top and a responsive surface underneath. The pillow top offers a great amount of pressure relief for back and side sleepers. Back sleepers will feel support from not only the pillow top, but the foam layers underneath.”
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Who may want to avoid it
The Helix Midnight Luxe has 4.4 out of five stars on the Helix website, with more than 6,100 reviews.
“Just got married and was looking for a new bed. We wanted a king size for sure and went out to a few stores to figure out what we both liked. We agreed on medium soft/firm and started looking around but couldn’t find anything high quality that wasn’t $4000+ or anything cheap that wasn’t memory foam (my wife has consistent hip problems that memory foam aggravates). We ordered the Helix Midnight Luxe and have been blown away. I was nervous as this was the largest purchase we had made, but the 100-night guarantee calmed those nerves. You do need to sleep on it 30 nights before you can return it, but that’s a completely reasonable way to make sure you give it a fair shot. […] We thought it was too soft until we laid for a while and realized it was soft in comfort, but incredibly supportive. It is also the quietest mattress I have ever owned. We made a joke that it was like sleeping at a hotel in our own home.”
— Braden W., verified buyer on 6/10/2024
“I thought getting the middle of the road in firm/soft mattress would be a good choice. It kind of was. But as the nights went by, I realized maybe something a touch softer would be nice. So I looked through the website to see what I could do. Did I have to send the whole mattress back and wait for the softer model!? No! I found that I could request a pillow topper that could be softer or firmer to put on top of the existing mattress. And the bonus was it was free! […] It came and was rolled tight just like the mattress had been. We got it on the bed that very night and it is perfect!”
— Charlene E., verified buyer on 6/25/2024
To learn more, read our Helix Midnight Luxe review.
If you are looking for the best firm mattress for back sleepers, the Nolah Evolution could provide the support you’re looking for.
This mattress comes in four different firmness levels: plush, luxury firm, firm, and comfort plus. Our Reviews Team gave the luxury firm version a solid seven out of 10 on the firmness scale. It’s bouncy and contours nicely to the body, which should keep your spine neutral when lying on your back.
The Nolah Evolution features seven different layers, including a coiled base organized into support zones. It also features layers of unique “air foam,” which the brand claims is cooler and more durable than traditional memory foam. Our testers found lying on this mattress felt like a “gentle hug,” and it was easy to push up and move around. But they didn’t find anything remarkable about the cooling effects.
The Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm has a medium-high firmness with zoned coils that provide lower back support for back sleepers. It scores high in our rankings for pressure relief and earned top marks for back sleepers.
“I think the zoned support in both the coil and foam layers provides enough support, pressure relief, and responsiveness for back sleepers of all weights.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nolah Evolution has 4.9 out of five stars on the Nolah website.
“I didn’t come across Nolah by chance—if you are like me, I looked and looked and came across Nolah with the top tier reviews for cooler sleeping, if not other benefits. […] Nolah proved to be the best choice I could have hoped for in comfort and value. If I’m honest, it took me several weeks, if not a couple months, to get completely comfortable, even though from day one I loved the feel. […] Once I got through the initial period I couldn’t be more happy. For reference, I’m 300 lbs, my partner is about 120, and we both agree this is as good as it gets. I’ve spent more time in bed than I perhaps ever have in my life.”
— Ashley G., verified buyer on 3/20/2024
“From the first night the Nolah arrived my wife and I both noticed a huge increase in our quality of sleep. It’s more comfortable and inhibits motion transfer really well. It’s hard to get up every morning!”
— Shyam V., verified buyer on 9/26/2023
Read our full Nolah mattress review to learn about this and other Nolah models.
If you often shift between your side and back, you’re probably looking for a mattress that can support you in all different positions. If so, the WinkBed might be a good option.
The WinkBed combines zoned coils with a gel infused Euro pillow top, which helps provide relief at the pressure points while keeping the spine aligned, regardless of whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or a combinationⓘ People who sleep in more than one position throughout the night . Our testers found this mattress supportive and bouncy, and they said it was easy to roll into different positions.
While most innerspring mattresses transfer motion, our testers found the WinkBed isolates motion well. They said there was very little movement when one tester lay on one side of the mattress while another tester jumped on the opposite side of the bed. For people who sleep with a partner who is easily awakened, this is a good feature to have.
The WinkBed comes in three different firmness options, but we tested the luxury firm option, which scored 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. WinkBeds also earned a spot in our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
“Lighter sleepers may want the plusher version for side sleeping, but should still be comfortable for most positions. I’m a higher-weight sleeper, and those like me may want to change to a firmer option.”
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The WinkBed mattress has 4.8 out of five stars on the WinkBeds website, with 8,686 reviews.
“We purchased a king size luxury firm. Delivery was very fast and setup was easy. The mattress is heavy so it’s best to have two people. There was a slight off-gassing odor for the first week or two, but it wasn’t too bad and then it was gone. We have had our mattress for about six weeks. Our prior mattress was quite plush, so it took a bit of time to adjust to the firmness of this bed. However, now that we’ve gotten used to it, we’ve found it to be very supportive and comfortable and we sleep very well. We have been turning it every two weeks as per instructions. I do wish the mattress had handles to make lifting and turning easier, but that would be my only criticism.”
— Amy B., verified buyer on 5/23/2024
“The mattress was a gift for my brother, and he absolutely loves it. He suffers from back pain, and the mattress has helped reduce it. Overall, he is sleeping much better and is feeling healthier as a result. He states that the mattress is soft, but not too soft. He also finds it easy to turn in bed. Overall, a great purchase!”
— Mark K., verified buyer on 2/5/2024
For more on WinkBeds mattresses, see our WinkBeds mattress review.
If you have a condition like osteoarthritis, sleeping on a mattress that provides a balance between good support and plushness can make a big difference in your ability to sleep restfully.
The Bear Elite Hybrid fit the bill for our testers. It features zoned support coils that curve with your body and support the lower back. Our Reviews Team gave it a solid five out of five for pressure relief. We tested the medium version of the Bear Elite Hybrid, which we gave a firmness score of 6.5 out of 10. But the mattress also comes in soft and firm options.
This hybrid mattress contains a layer of encased coils zoned for lower back support, and two layers of foam above the coils: a body-contouring foam, and copper-infused memory foam for cooling. The quilted cover is soft to the touch, with a fluffy, cloud-like quality. It’s made with phase-change material (PCM)ⓘ A material that stores or releases heat to maintain a constant temperature 1, which is meant to keep sleepers from getting too warm. Even so, our testers said the mattress had only average cooling. The bounce score was low for this mattress at 2.5 out of five, so people who change positions while they sleep may not find this to be responsive enough.
This Elite Hybrid provides a good balance of cushiness and firmness, making it a good option for people who need pressure relief on their joints. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold-certifiedⓘ Certifies that a product has low chemical emissions to reduce indoor air pollution and lower chemical exposure risk for low chemical emissions and comes with a lifetime warranty.
“I feel cradled by the memory-foam and plush, quilted top, but not like I’m sinking too far in. I still feel ‘on’ rather than ‘in’ the mattress.”
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The Elite Hybrid is the most popular Bear mattress. It has 4.6 out of five stars on the Bear website, with 3,792 reviews.
“The difference between our old mattress and our new one has been night and day! The Chiropractic Association endorsement sold it for us: We were tired of waking up with back pain every day! It even has enough support for my bear-sized, 6’+ husband!”
— Melissa E., verified buyer on 6/21/2024
“I was looking for a new mattress because my previous mattress (foam) just became too firm over time. My husband and I both experience back pain and decided on switching to a hybrid instead of foam. We came across the Bear mattress and it just has exceeded our expectations. This mattress has just the right amount of firmness so you won’t sink into the bed, but just the right amount of plush to make you feel like you’re sleeping on clouds. Shipping also came on time and overall just had a pleasant experience.”
— Jada, verified buyer on 6/4/2024
For more information on all of the Bear mattress models, see our Bear mattress review.
When it comes to the best mattress for lower back pain, a too-firm mattress may not provide good pressure relief on the joints, while a too-soft mattress won’t provide enough support. Research has found that a medium-firm mattress is typically the most beneficial for relieving back pain.
The Birch Natural ranks 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, putting it in the “Goldilocks zone” for back pain. Like other mattresses on our list, the Natural features zoned coils that are designed to provide support for the lower back region. Our testers found the mattress conformed and contoured to their lower back, while keeping their spine in a neutral position. It earned a solid five out of five for back sleepers during testing.
If you have lower back pain, Nicole Hernandez, doctor of physical therapy, recommends putting a pillow under your knees to help you get more comfortable. “This puts the hips in a flexed position, which takes slack off the hip flexors and prevents the pelvis from tilting forward, which prevents the back from feeling like it’s arching. A pillow can fix that easily,” she said.
– From our expert
Additionally, the Birch Natural uses non-toxic and responsibly sourced materials. The mattress does not contain memory foam. Instead, it uses an organic cotton pillow topper for comfort and organic wool for further plushness and fire resistance. It also features natural latex to provide pressure relief.
The mattress materials are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified as genuinely organic and GREENGUARD-Gold certified. Birch also offers a 25 year warranty for the mattress. Birch Natural mattress offers support and pressure relief, earning it a spot as one of the best mattresses for back pain.
The Birch Natural features a supportive, zoned spring base topped with organic cotton and wool layers. It creates a true medium-firm mattress experience that those with back pain may find comfortable.
This mattress does not contain memory foam, so you will not get the feeling of being hugged by this mattress. While our testers said it does have some contouring, you may feel more “on top” of the mattress than “in” the mattress. Instead, the Birch Natural uses organic cotton and wool over a layer of natural latex to provide softness for your pressure points and responsiveness for easier movement as you sleep.
The Birch Natural is made with non-toxic and responsibly sourced materials. The mattress materials are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certifiedⓘ A textile standard for organic fibers that certifies it’s been sourced ethically and the production process was monitored and GREENGUARD-Gold ⓘ Certifies that a product has low chemical emissions to reduce indoor air pollution and lower chemical exposure risk . The natural latex is chemical-free and eco-INSTITUT ⓘ Certifies that a product has low chemical emissions to reduce indoor air pollution and lower chemical exposure risk certified, and in place of standard fiberglass for fire protection, the Birch has layers of organic wool at the base and under the cover.
The Birch Natural mattress provides excellent support and pressure relief, earning it a spot on our list of the best mattresses for back pain as well.
When lying on their back, our tester noted that the materials were contouring to their lower back, their weight was evenly distributed, and their spine felt neutral.
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Who may want to avoid it
Birch customers give the Birch Natural 4.6 out of five stars, with more than 4,000 reviews on its website.
“Mattress is very comfortable. Only con I can think of is that the side at the end of the bed is not very firm and it’s hard to sit there. I understand that the more expensive model has a more firm side but we wanted a firmer bed. Overall happy with it!”
— Kimberly O., verified buyer on 3/19/2024
“Bought a Birch mattress a couple weeks ago and wanted to test it out before leaving a review. Honestly, I’m very happy with this mattress. I haven’t been consistently waking up with my allergies going off or my back hurting like I did with my old mattress. The mattress is soft but still firm enough to accommodate me during sleep, and the two pillows we got with it have been great for supporting my neck while I sleep. Very pleased with this purchase!”
— Dalin Y., verified buyer on 1/18/2024
To learn more, read our in-depth Birch mattress review.
While memory foam can help curve and hug the body, you might not enjoy the “quicksand” feeling of sinking into an all-foam mattress. A traditional mattress with a pillow top over a core of innerspring coils can provide the firmness and bounciness that keeps you from feeling stuck in your mattress, but you might miss the pressure relief provided by the contouring qualities of foam.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid offers the best of both worlds. It’s a true hybrid mattress with a core base of encased coils topped by two layers of foam—responsive foam that bounces back as you change positions, and compression foam that gives enough sinkage to relieve pressure point pain—and a 1.5-inch thick quilted top. It comes in firm, medium, and soft, with the option to add a cooling pillow top. We tested the medium, which our Reviews Team gave a six out of 10 for firmness.
The top layer is plush and provides a gentle cradling effect, but without the “sinking” feeling of a memory foam mattress. Our testers compared it to lying in a hammock. The supportive coils made it easy for our testers to move around and change positions, and they said it has a nice bounce. At the same time, they said the foam provided decent motion isolation, meaning they could still feel when their testing partner moved on the other side of the mattress..
Our testers said it was comfortable to lie on their back, but the Signature Hybrid lacks the zoned support some of the other mattresses on our list have.
While this mattress does not have as much sinkage as a memory foam mattress, our tester described the quilted top as “giving a superficial hammock feeling that’s really nice.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Signature Hybrid has 4.7 out of five stars from more than 10,000 reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website.
“I waited a while to review until my husband and I had sufficient time to adjust to our new mattress; however, we are both quite happy with our purchase and would not hesitate to recommend to others. Our new mattress is in our Travel Trailer, which we are in seven months of the year.”
— Linda C., verified buyer on 6/21/2024
“I have spent $5,000 + on mattresses in the last two years and the Signature Hybrid is the only one I have been able to sleep on. I have had to sleep in a recliner for the past two years due to major medical problems. It is hard for me to do a survey because of my problems but I must say this mattress is very well constructed and is certainly a blessing for me to find and purchase.”
— Aubrey S., verified buyer on 6/20/2024
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
For more information, read ourfull Brooklyn Bedding mattress review.
If you’re interested in learning more about hybrid mattresses, check out our ranking of the best hybrid mattresses.
At our in-house testing facility, we conduct rigorous evaluations to ensure each mattress meets the needs of back sleepers, focusing on firmness, support, and pressure relief.
Our team spent more than 500 hours testing a variety of mattresses to provide the most accurate and detailed reviews. We tested more than 50 models across 30 different brands. This extensive testing process allows us to understand the unique features and performance of each mattress.
Our testing protocols include:
Firmness
We measure firmness using a 10-pound ball to determine how much the surface sinks under pressure. This helps us identify mattresses that provide the ideal balance of comfort and support for back sleepers. We prioritize medium to slightly firm mattresses, as they typically provide the best combination of support and pressure relief.
We use a one to 10 scoring scale when testing firmness. Back sleepers generally do well with medium to firm mattresses that score a six to seven on the firmness scale. A score of 6.5 is considered a universal medium and is most comfortable for a wide range of people, including back sleepers.
Support
To evaluate support, our testers lie in multiple positions to see if the mattress maintains a neutral spine alignment. Proper support for the lower back is crucial for back sleepers, but so is pressure point relief. We also consider edge support, which is important for people who sleep close to the edge, and for people who have joint pain when standing up from their bed. Our testers sit on the edge, leaning forward, bouncing, placing a weighted ball close to the edge, and lying on the mattress edge to measure its stability. This thorough approach helps us to identify mattresses that will consistently support a neutral spine.
We score support on a scale of one to five, with five being the most supportive. Back sleepers require extra support around the lumbar (lower back) region, so mattresses with zoned support are the ones most likely to pass our standards for excellent back support.
Pressure relief
We score pressure relief on a one to five scale. Using a pressure mapping system, we measure how well each mattress distributes weight and relieves pressure points, particularly in the lower back. This involves mapping the pressure distribution when lying on the mattress to see how well it cushions the pressure points on our bodies, which for many of us are the shoulders, hips, tailbone, and ribcage (for stomach sleepers).
Back sleepers need enough sinkage and pressure relief for their hips to sink a few inches to keep the spine straight.
Additional testing criteria
We also consider other factors, like motion isolation, cooling, and ease of repositioning. These factors contribute to overall comfort and usability for back sleepers. For cooling, we use a temperature gun to measure the mattress temperature before our testers lie down, and again after they have been lying on the mattress for several minutes.
To learn more about our standards for mattress testing, review our sleep methodology.
We continuously test new mattresses each month to ensure our recommendations are based on the latest models and innovations. Our team stays current with industry trends and regularly updates our reviews to provide you with the most up-to-date information possible. This ongoing commitment helps us maintain the highest standards in our mattress evaluations.
When shopping for a new mattress, the best mattress for you is the one you find most comfortable, allowing you to sleep deeply through the night. We tested and researched a wide variety of brands and models and ultimately chose the Saatva Classic as the best mattress for back sleepers, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best for you and your unique preferences.
Before making a choice, take a close look at each of the mattresses we’ve included in this guide, read customer reviews—the good and the bad—and try to visit a mattress store to test them out for yourself. Most companies have trial periods of 100 days or more. Take advantage of that to get the best mattress you can afford.
Your sleep position should play an important role in how a mattress is designed. In general, back sleepers benefit from a mattress that allows them to maintain spinal alignment while sleeping. Hybrid mattresses are frequently designed with zoned coils to support the lower part of the back, commonly called lumbar support. Some back sleepers may find they benefit most from mattresses with support zones.
Body type is another important factor that should influence the mattress you buy. For example, we have found that lighter-weight sleepers (130 pounds or less) will experience a mattress as firmer than higher-weight sleepers (250 pounds or more) generally do. Higher-weight people who are also back sleepers tend to require more firmness to maintain a neutral spine. A mattress that is too soft will allow the midsection of a higher weight person to sink too much, while a mattress that is very firm may not allow for the pressure-point sinkage that lighter- and average-weight sleepers need. Hybrid mattresses are often able to meet the needs of a variety of body types better than memory foam mattresses can.
The size of the bed is also important, especially if you have a sleeping partner. If you have a body type that requires more space, or you like to spread out while you sleep, a king- or California king-size mattress may be a better fit than a queen-size.
Sharing a bed with another person can have a big impact on your sleep experience. Starting with a larger model with plenty of room for two is a good first step when shopping for a mattress. We typically suggest that couples look at hybrid options that have a good amount of motion isolation. Typically, mattresses with a memory foam outer layer that contours to each person’s body don’t bounce when partners change positions.
Firmness is a key consideration for back sleepers. A medium to slightly firm mattress (around six to seven on the firmness scale) often provides the best balance of support and comfort. This firmness level helps maintain spinal alignment by providing enough support to lift the hips and shoulders, while also providing enough give to contour to the body’s natural curves.
If you experience chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, back pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, or neck pain, choosing the right mattress can be a real game changer. Look for a mattress that provides both support and pressure relief. Zoned support mattresses can be particularly beneficial, as they provide targeted support to different body areas. Also, a mattress with a balance of foam layers and innerspring coils can help alleviate pressure points and improve overall sleep quality.
A mattress that contours to the lower back area and provides cushioning in key places like the hips and shoulders can help distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure. Memory foam or latex comfort layers combined with a supportive base can provide the right mix of softness and support to keep your spine aligned and your pressure points cushioned.
The design of the mattress, including the materials used, can change how soft or firm it feels. No one type of mattress is guaranteed to be the best fit for a back sleeper, but the materials can certainly influence how suitable each mattress will be for your sleep position.
An innerspring mattress has a base made of metal coils. The base is then padded by support foam, memory foam, and a quilted cover. These mattresses tend to provide a good level of support while still maintaining responsiveness, and they can be found in a variety of firmness levels. Innerspring mattresses are often more cooling than other types of mattresses because they allow air to flow in the space between the coils.
Foam mattresses are constructed with layers of different types of foam to provide both support and comfort. Most foam mattresses will have a dense, foam core in the center, surrounded by a slightly less firm foam, and then a plush memory foam near the top. These foams tend to be very responsive to pressure, contouring around your body, but some foams are firmer than others. Back sleepers may find some foam mattresses aren’t firm enough to maintain a neutral spine, but it depends on the types of foams used and how they are layered.
Hybrid mattresses combine an innerspring core and memory foam to create a supportive and pressure-relieving mattress. Because of the support provided by the coils in the core, a hybrid mattress could be just right for a back sleeper who prefers the feel of memory foam but requires a level of firmness to maintain a neutral spine. Hybrid mattresses also work well for partnered sleepers since memory foam tends to isolate movement and contour to individual sleepers.
An air chamber mattress is highly customizable, using adjustable air pockets within the mattress to change the support levels based on personal preferences. Because of its technology, most sleepers can find an option that works well for them. The downside of air chamber mattresses is the cost, since they tend to be the most expensive on the market.
Latex mattresses have a similar feel to foam mattresses but are considered eco-friendly because they are made from rubber trees. Many sustainability-conscious companies prioritize the care of this natural resource throughout the harvesting and manufacturing process, making them a good option for those who are concerned with the environmental impact of their mattress purchase.
Similar in look and feel to foam, Latex mattresses provide exceptional pressure relief and responsiveness. Because of how resilient latex mattresses are, they may provide back sleepers with more support than a memory foam mattress. These mattresses are also known for longevity, in many cases lasting up to 20 years. The big drawback is the higher price, as latex mattresses are expensive to manufacture.
Each sleeper is unique. Sleeping on your back may be the most comfortable position for you, but it may not be the healthiest. As mentioned before, some back sleepers tend to experience breathing disorders like sleep apnea, which causes lower-quality sleep and daytime fatigue.
If you are experiencing obstructive sleep apnea, one of the best things you can do is avoid sleeping on your back. Research has suggested that patients who change their sleeping positions from back to side sleeping can decrease their chances of more serious consequences related to their disordered breathing.
If you have lower back pain, you may find that sleeping flat on your back provides the most relief. This sleep position can also place added stress on your neck if it’s not being supported properly. Placing pillows under your knees and head can help you to maintain a neutral spine as you lie flat.
Mattresses are expensive investments. Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your mattress and ensure it continues to provide the support you need for years to come. Follow these tips to keep your mattress in top condition.
Most modern mattresses are designed to be one-sided, but rotating your mattress from head to foot every three to six months can help prevent uneven wear and sagging. If you have a double-sided mattress, flipping it every few months can help maintain its shape and support.
A high quality mattress protector shields your mattress from spills, stains, and dust mites, which can all degrade the materials over time. A waterproof mattress protector that’s breathable will keep your mattress clean and fresh without compromising comfort.
Regularly vacuuming your mattress can help remove dust and allergens. For deeper cleaning, spot clean stains with a mild detergent and warm water, but avoid soaking the mattress. Allow it to dry completely before putting any bedding back on to prevent mold and mildew.
Ensure your mattress has a sturdy foundation. Most modern day mattresses do not require a box spring, but a well-constructed bed frame can provide the necessary support to keep your mattress from sagging and losing its shape. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best type of bed-frame support for your specific mattress.
While it might be tempting for kids (and even adults) to jump on the bed, this can damage the mattress structure. Avoid heavy impacts to maintain the integrity of the internal support systems.
Even with the best care, mattresses don’t last forever. Monitor your mattress for signs of wear, such as sagging, lumps, or reduced comfort and support. Most mattresses should be replaced every seven to 10 years, depending on the quality and usage.
| Cost for a queen* | $2,095 | $2,374 | $2,499 | $1,799 | $2,305 | $1,874 | $1,332 |
| Firmness | Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Medium | Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus | Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus | Soft, medium, firm | Medium | Soft, medium, firm |
| Mattress type | Innerspring hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| White glove delivery** | Yes | No | Yes, for a fee | No | Yes, for a fee | Yes, for a fee | No |
*Before discounts
**Free delivery and setup of new mattress and removal of old mattress
Whether you prefer a classic coiled mattress or a hybrid mattress with contouring memory foam, all of the above mattresses have earned our Reviews Team’s stamp of approval for back sleepers.
Our top pick for back sleepers is the Saatva Classic. The Helix Midnight Luxe provides excellent pressure relief for hip pain, and the Nolah Evolution is our favorite firm option. The WinkBed works well for both side and back sleepers, and the Bear Elte Hybrid provides exceptional pressure relief. The Birch Natural works well for back pain, and the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is our favorite hybrid construction mattress.
To get the most out of your new mattress, it’s a good idea to pair it with an ergonomic pillow that supports proper spinal alignment. And if you are living with a chronic pain condition like arthritis, you might also want to consider investing in an adjustable frame so that you can find the perfect angle for a restful night’s sleep, no matter which position you feel comfortable sleeping in.
If you’re a back sleeper, it’s important to choose a mattress that keeps the spine neutral and supports your spine’s natural curvature. This is best achieved with a hybrid mattress that combines supportive coils with contouring foam.
Our testers gave the highest marks to mattresses that use coils arranged in “support zones,” which are designed to contour around your body. For instance, the mattress might be firmer around the hip area to support your lower back, and less firm around the shoulders. Most of the mattresses on our roundup feature zoned coil systems.
Yes, memory foam layers near the sleeping surface are great for back sleepers because they allow the hips to sink just enough to keep the spine aligned and straight.
A medium-firm to firm mattress is usually preferred by back sleepers. Mattresses around six to seven on the firmness scale will provide enough support and contouring to keep the spine in alignment.
Back sleepers should avoid overly soft mattresses, as they can cause the hips to sink too much, leading to spinal misalignment and potentially worsening back pain. Ultra-firm mattresses might not contour to the body’s natural curves, creating pain in pressure points like the hips.
Low-quality foam mattresses tend to deteriorate quickly and fail to provide consistent support, while thin mattresses often lack the necessary layers for adequate support and pressure relief. Also, mattresses without zoned support may not provide the targeted support needed for proper spinal alignment. Back sleepers should buy a medium-firm, high-quality, and adequately thick mattress with zoned lumbar support to ensure comfort and alignment.
Have questions about this article? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
