Best Mattresses for Back Pain 2025: Doctor Reviewed and Approved

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Our team of expert testers has tried around 30 of the most popular mattresses and brands on the market today, using our comprehensive sleep testing methodology to find the best mattresses for all folks.  

Best Mattresses for Back Pain of 2025 

• Best Mattress for Back Pain Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe 
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain: Nectar Classic Memory Foam 
• Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid 
• Best Mattress for Upper Back Pain: Saatva Rx 
• Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid 
• Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain: WinkBed Original Firm 
• Best Luxury Mattress for Back Pain: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling 
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain: Bear Elite Hybrid 
• Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain: Nolah Evolution 

Best Mattress for Back Pain Comparison Table 

Best Mattress for Back Pain Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe

Our Thoughts on the Midnight Helix Luxe 

The Midnight Helix Luxe contains a premium layer of gel memory foam which helps to evenly spread body weight across the mattress, which may help minimize pressure on sensitive areas, such as your lower back and hips. This layer can also help you to maintain a neutral spine position, avoiding any sinking or arching, which may cause discomfort.  

Our tester, Addie, a 25-year-old stomach sleeper in the lightweight category (130 pounds or less) is a big fan of the Midnight Helix Luxe for its cloudlike cushioning. The Helix Midnight Luxe stood out in our evaluations, earning top marks across all criteria, making it our best overall mattress for back pain. 

When testing the pressure relief while resting on her side, Addie noted that as someone with shoulder injuries, she felt slight pressure on her shoulder, but that the mattress relieved most of the ache. “As a side sleeper, I find this very comfortable,” she said. 

Addie noticed her body felt aligned without any sinkage while lying on her back. “The pressure feels even all around. I feel like I am floating in a cloud. My body feels equally supported, like I am being held up by cute little Smurf hands.” She rated this mattress as a 5 out of 5 for pressure relief. 

Our tester felt limited motion from her partner during the couple’s motion test, rating it a 4 out of 5. “Whenever my partner was still, I felt like I was in bed alone,” Addie said. “All movement (aside from bouncing) felt subtle, and I don’t think I would have felt it if I was asleep. I did not feel any movement when my partner got up out of bed.” We recommend this mattress for couples, combination sleepers, and folks looking for a springy bed. If you prefer a less bouncy mattress, the Nectar Classic Memory Foam may be a better fit. 

During our mattress bounce test for this model, the testing ball bounced 10 inches, earning it a 3 out of 5 on our bounce scale. We define this as an average bounce, as it falls between 9 and 11.99 inches.  This isn’t the springiest mattress you’ll find on this list, but it still offers more support than a mattress made solely of memory foam. 

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain: Nectar Classic Memory Foam 

Our Thoughts on the Nectar Classic Memory Foam 

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress has four different layers of foam for pressure relief, motion control, responsive lumbar support, and cooling—a must-have if you’re sleeping next to another person. The layer of gel memory foam helps to cushion your body, relieving pressure on areas such as your lower back. Underneath, a transitional layer of foam secures and helps keep your spine in a neutral position to avoid any sinking, which may cause discomfort. The dense base foam layer stabilizes the entire mattress, helping to reduce possible strain on your back throughout the night. 

Courtney, a 29-year-old combination sleeper of average weight (130 pounds to 220 pounds for our research) tested this mattress. She rated it a 5 out of 5 for the solo motion isolation test. While undergoing this test, Courtney noted that the container of balls on the bed showed no disruption when she moved on the mattress. “It felt solid underneath me, and I did not feel movement transferred throughout,” she said. Even as she rolled onto her back and got off the bed, the balls continued to slowly spin but did not bounce or show any further disruption. 

During the couple’s motion test, which also received a 5 out of 5, Courtney barely felt any movement as her testing partner got onto the mattress and adjusted positions. She said there was only one instance when she felt a slight motion, but that it wasn’t very noticeable. “If I were asleep, I don’t think it would’ve woken me up,” she said. The Nectar Classic offers fantastic motion isolation for those seeking to reduce sleep disturbance from a partner or pet’s movements during the night. 

Our team was also awed by this model’s cooling capabilities. This mattress returned to its baseline temperature in only about 3 minutes and 15 seconds after our tester stood up, earning it a 5 out of 5 for its cooling features. The Nectar Classic has a cooling layer made with a poly-blend fabric top cover, which includes polyethylene fibers to help draw heat away from the body. 

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Back Pain: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid 

Our Thoughts on the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid 

For those who tend to sleep on their back, our team loved the Leesa Sapira Chill. This one is a cooling, supportive hybrid mattress that our tester Kayla, 34, a combination sleeper in the average weight category absolutely loved. The Sapira Chill is available in three firmness levels, ideal for personalization. It’s got a zoned coil support system to help your spine stay aligned, while offering lumbar support. The coils are firmer in the center, which provides extra reinforcement under your hips and lower back. The responsive layers of foam add pressure relief for your shoulders and lower half. 

This mattress is a mid-level 6.5 out of 10 on firmness, so it’s likely to suit many sleepers. Kayla notes that the mattress is a little softer than your standard firm mattress due to its plush topper: “There is great support throughout the mattress, and the topper creates a soft, bouncy, and cradling support system that feels amazing.” 

Kayla also liked the cooling aspects the Sapira Chill offers: “The mattress was noticeably cool when I laid down and felt almost like laying on a bed of snow. As I tested the mattress, the icy feel did soften but remained cool and became more temperature neutral.” We did, however, give it a 2.5 out of 5 cooling rating, as it took five minutes to return to its original temperature after testing, longer than some other mattresses on our list. Still, Kayla thought it felt pretty cool throughout her experience.  

Kayla felt excellent pressure relief while testing this mattress: “I feel really good laying on my stomach. The soft topper allows sinkage in the hips and my lower back to release any tension.” While laying on her back, Kayla said, “It hugs every part of your body. My body feels light and almost like it is floating on this mattress. I have had this mattress for about six months now and can confirm this is top tier for back sleepers.” 

Best Mattress for Upper Back Pain: Saatva Rx 

Our Thoughts on the Saatva Rx 

Addie tested the Saatva Rx, one of our favorite Saatva beds, enjoying its motion control and comfortable pressure relief. This mattress was designed to help relieve back sensitivity, and we recommend it for folks with upper back discomfort. Its layers of foam are designed to provide extra support around your shoulders and upper back, potentially preventing pain by reducing stress in these areas. The Rx also has a layer of over 1,600 micro-coils, which are flexible and allow for contouring comfort while also relieving pressure points. 

During our bounce test for this mattress, the ball bounced 10 inches, which is a fairly average result. That means that this bed is moderately responsive, earning it a 3 out of 5 for bounce. Since the Rx has an average amount of bounce, it’s pretty good for ease of movement (such as getting in and out, shifting positions, and more).   

Addie rated the Rx a 4 out of 5 after undergoing the couple’s motion test. While the movement she felt from her testing partner was subtle, Addie did notice the other tester moving and shifting on the bed, even though she wore a blindfold and noise-canceling headphones. However, Addie didn’t find the motions weren’t overly disturbing, so folks sleeping next to a partner or pet are likely to still enjoy the Rx.  

As Addie tested the pressure relief of the Saatva Rx while laying on her stomach, she felt plenty of support. “It feels very nice. I feel slight pressure on my lower back and hips, but no pressure on the upper part of my body like my chest,” she said, giving a 5 out of 5 for pressure relief. “My body feels equally supported. I feel nice and caressed by this mattress.”   

She rated this mattress a 6 out of 10 for firmness, meaning that this model is a moderately firm mattress. Addie observed that “when lying on the edge, I feel nice and supported. My weight feels more evenly distributed when lying on my back. On my side, the mattress sinks in more.”  

Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid 

Our Thoughts on the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid 

For those who want a high-quality mattress for back pain without a high price tag, the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is a great choice. At $1,698, this one is about $600 less than your average queen bed, making it among the best affordable mattresses. Our tester Courtney is a 29-year-old combination sleeper, meaning she alternates stomach and side sleeping, who enjoyed the body contouring aspects of this hybrid mattress. 

For the motion isolation test, which involves monitoring the movement of a container of bouncy balls on the bed, Courtney gave this mattress a 4 out of 5. “As I initially got on the mattress and laid down, there was some movement of the balls, but more of a wave rather than a jolt. As I shifted around, the balls continued to slowly shift but were not disturbed again when I rolled onto my back or got off the mattress.” 

Our team also tested this bed with a second person, monitoring how much movement Courtney noticed as they got in and out of bed. She gave this couple’s motion test a 3.5 out of 5. Courtney said she “barely noticed when the partner first got on the mattress.” But she added, “As the partner adjusted their positions, I felt the movement of the mattress throughout.” 

Courtney rated this mattress a 4 out of 5 for edge support, finding that the mattress provides good assistance when getting up after sitting on the edge. “There is a slight slide, but I am not putting in a lot of effort to get up off the mattress. I feel some sinkage, like when you sit in those chairs in the shape of a hand, it is very comfortable. I feel like the mattress nicely contours to my body.” 

If you’re a warm sleeper, this budget-friendly model is a good choice. “This mattress remained a comfortable temperature,” Courtney said, adding that it “did not feel warm to the touch after I got up.” It took approximately 4 minutes and 15 seconds to return to its baseline temperature after Courtney got out of bed, scoring a 4 out of 5 on the cooling gun test. This is a quicker return to original temperature than many other mattresses on our list. 

Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain: WinkBed Original Firm 

Our Thoughts on the WinkBed Original Firm 

This mattress offers four firmness options: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus. Our tester, Courtney, tried the WinkBed Luxury Firm, which is firmer than other mattresses on our list. She liked this mattress for its specialty gel foam layer, which helped to alleviate pressure and provide contouring support across her entire body. The WinkBed also has a layer of CertiPUR-US® Certified foam, which helps to evenly distribute your weight. 
 
As this is a pretty firm pick, it’s not ideal for everyone. Courtney rated pressure relief for a side sleeper as a 2 out of 5, saying, “This mattress is very firm while laying on my side, I feel as if my hips were raised slightly more than my shoulders. There was slight pressure in my neck. Overall, my hips do feel unaligned with my spine.” She typically prefers a softer bed, like the Leesa Sapira Chill—so this is our top pick for folks seeking a firm mattress. 

It’s no surprise that the firmness of this mattress clocks in at a 9 out of 10. “This is an extremely firm mattress. I described it as a cinderblock,” our tester said. “For someone looking for a firm bed, this is for you!” 
 
Courtney did enjoy the cooling aspects of the WinkBed. “The mattress did not feel like it got warmer as I sat on it. It also did not feel warmer to the touch after I got off it.” It’s notable that this mattress only warmed up by 5.1 degrees total, which is unique on our list of the best mattresses. Most mattresses that we’ve tested warm up by at least 7 degrees, and sometimes over 10 degrees. It took 3.5 minutes to return to its baseline temperature, earning a 5 out of 5 on the cooling gun test. This mattress is very temperature neutral, and great for warm sleepers. 

Best Luxury Mattress for Back Pain: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling 

Our Thoughts on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling 

Courtney tested the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling, our pick for the best luxury mattress for back pain. It includes a copperflex layer, which contains hyper-elastic foam to adjust and cradle your body. The Aurora Luxe Cooling also has over 1,000 individually wrapped coils for lumbar support and motion isolation.  

Our tester loved this mattress for its edge support, rating it a 5 out of 5. Courtney said, “The stability feels good, and I do not feel as if I am about to roll off the mattress. When I adjusted on to my back, I continue to feel stable.” For those looking for more stability as you get in and out of bed or sit on the edge of the bed, this mattress may be a good fit for you. 

Courtney also liked this mattress for its cooling effects. She didn’t feel the mattress heat up as she tested it. She was surprised by this: “When I got out of the bed, it was actually cool to the touch!” The mattress returned to its baseline temperature in just under 4 minutes, scoring a 4 out of 5 on the cooling gun test. This is a great option for folks looking for a temperature stable mattress. 

During the couple’s motion test, Courtney felt only minor movement when her testing partner got in and out of bed. “Some movement was noticed when my partner changed positions, but it was not very disruptive,” she wrote, earning this mattress a 4.5 out of 5 for motion isolation. We recommend this mattress for co-sleepers looking for reduced motion. 

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain: Bear Elite Hybrid 

Our Thoughts on the Bear Elite Hybrid 

Addie tested the Bear Elite Hybrid, a five-layer mattress with multiple cooling features. It includes a HydroCool® hand-quilted cover. The Elite Hybrid has a zoned coil system, with high gauge coils in the center to provide lumbar support. We like this mattress for side sleepers with back discomfort—its individually wrapped coils react to your body as needed, offering shoulder and hip support throughout the night.  

The Elite Hybrid scored a 5 out of 5 after undergoing the cooling gun test, taking only 4 minutes to return to its baseline temperature. Our team is impressed by how effective this mattress’s cooling features actually are, and our tester agreed. You can opt to add the brand’s Celliant-infused cooling cover for additional temperature control. The mattress also features a copper-infused layer of memory foam for comfort and a hygienic sleep environment. 

When testing the couple’s motion, Addie wrote that she “noticed movement when my co-tester got in bed and as they moved around once laying down.” She didn’t feel subtle movements when the tester got out of bed, writing, “Bigger adjustments were more noticeable.” Addie rated this a 3 out of 5, since the motion isolation could have been better. If you’re looking for more motion isolation, we recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress. 

Addie gave this mattress a 4 out of 5 for the motion isolation test. She noted that the bouncy balls used for the test remained quite still when she got in and out of bed. When she rolled around or adjusted her position in the bed, the movement of the bouncy balls increased. She wrote, “The movement did subside quickly, showing that the mattress was able to absorb the motion.” 

Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain: Nolah Evolution 

Our Thoughts on the Nolah Evolution 

The Nolah Evolution mattress has three firmness levels: plush, luxury firm and firm, so there’s an option for all preferences depending on your back pain needs. It’s got five layers of responsive foam, meant to contour and evenly distribute your weight hopefully reducing aches and pains. The Evolution’s lumbar support includes individually wrapped coils—great for preventing your hips from sinking into the mattress, which can cause lower-back discomfort. 

The starting depth of this Nolah mattress is 15 inches, which is about 3 inches taller than standard mattress height. This height gives the Nolah Evolution a plush, high-end feel. When Courtney tested the sinkage of this mattress, she sank 4 inches. This is considered minor sinkage at a depth of 3.1 to 4.6 inches, ideal for folks who want to keep their lower back in line with their upper body.  
 
While undergoing the mattress bounce test, the ball bounced 12.5 inches, earning it a 4 out of 5 on our bounce height scale. We define this as a moderate bounce height (which falls anywhere from 12 to 14.99 inches). A moderate bounce in a mattress is good for folks who move around a good bit and don’t like feeling “stuck” while lying down. This can also make shifting positions easier.

Courtney found both lying on her side or back near the edge of the bed to be comfortable. She did not feel that she was going to fall off the side of the bed. She reported that the experience was, “Feeling supported—and do not feel like I am going to topple over. All positions feel good… this mattress contours my body nicely.” 

• During both the solo and couple motion tests, the Birch Luxe Natural showed limited ability to minimize movement across the surface of the mattress. 
• DreamCloud’s Premier Memory Foam mattress had very little bounce, moving only 3 inches during our bounce test. It scored only a 1 out of 5, having very limited responsiveness and possibly being difficult to get in and out of. 
   

How a Mattress Can Help With Back Pain 

While it’s not a cure-all, a quality mattress may potentially help alleviate your back pain and keep you comfortable as you rest. How well your mattress improves your symptoms depends on your body’s unique needs, as well as any existing health conditions that you manage. 

Spinal Support 

A mattress that distributes your weight equally can help to keep your spine aligned throughout the night. Keeping your spine in a neutral position may reduce possible tension and overcompression, which can lead to aches and pains.  

Lower Back Support 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low back pain (LBP) affected 619 million people globally in 2020 and it is estimated that the number of cases will increase to 843 million cases by 2050.  

Lower-back pain is common, and it’s vital to have a mattress to lift your lower back and alleviate pressure. A good, supportive mattress cushions your hips and shoulders while still lifting your lower back.  

Assisted Adjustment 

Responsive mattresses may make it easier to shift and move while in bed, assisting you as you move. This can be helpful if you have back sensitivity, as you’ll be able to adjust without feeling additional pain or stress. 

How We Tested and Selected the Best Mattresses for Back Pain 

We tested and evaluated over 30 mattresses with a score of 1-5 for factors such as pressure relief, motion control, cooling aspects, firmness, bounce, edge support, and value. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you. 

Pressure Relief 

When evaluating pressure relief, we first look at a mattress’s construction, materials, and firmness level. We then use a pressure map, which displays where pressure builds on a tester’s body by using heat-mapping technology during their evaluation.   

Not only do we gather this objective data, but the tester also provides their own description of where they might feel pressure when trying out the mattress. 

Cooling 

When evaluating the temperature control of a mattress, we use a thermal gun to record the temperature of the mattress before and after the tester lies down for two minutes. We then measure how long it takes the mattress to return to baseline temperature, giving as an objective cooling test. 

Our testers also provide feedback on how warm or cool they feel, so we compile both objective and subjective data. 

Motion Isolation 

When examining a mattress’s motion isolation capabilities, we run both a motion test and a couple’s motion test. The motion test involves measuring the movement of balls in a container at one end of the bed as the tester completes several movements.   

For the couple’s motion test, one tester wears noise-cancelling headphones and a blindfold, while the other tester completes a series of movements. The blindfolded tester then reports any motions they felt throughout the experiment. 

Bounce 

When testing for bounce, we drop a medicine ball from a 6-foot height onto each mattress. We then measure how high the ball bounces into the air after hitting the mattress. If the ball bounces less than 5.99 inches, the mattress is considered to have an extremely low bounce. If the ball bounces over 15 inches, it’s considered to have an extremely high bounce. Between 9 and 12 inches of bounce is an average amount of bounce. 

We test the bounce to measure a mattress’s responsiveness, meaning how quickly it returns to its original shape after you’ve moved around. This helps you to change positions while sleeping more easily and avoid feeling stuck. 

Edge Support 

During our edge support test, we place 130–150 pounds of weight plates on the mattress edge to measure how much it sinks, simulating a real person’s weight. If our tape measure shows that a mattress sinks 7.9 inches or more during this test, we give it a 1-star rating. If the mattress sinks less than or equal to 3 inches, it earns a 5 out of 5.  

Finally, our mattress testers also sit on the edge of the mattress and provide a subjective rating out of 5 on how supported they feel. A more supportive mattress edge can feel more comfortable for those who may need a little more help getting in and out of bed or for folks who take up more space on the surface. 

Durability & Materials 

When choosing which mattresses to feature, we also consider materials such as hybrid, latex, and memory foam. This may help you choose the type of mattress that’s best for your individualized sleep needs. We also consider materials that are eco-conscious and have special certifications. 

Value 

When considering value, we review mattress materials and construction by cutting each one open. We also place a higher value on brands that manufacture their mattresses in America and use environmentally conscious materials. Below, we compare our different picks, taking a look at their features and costs side-by-side. 

How to Find the Best Back Pain Mattress for You 

Everyone has different mattress needs depending on body type, ideal sleep position, and pre-existing health conditions. Your sleep quality is directly tied to your work performance, quality of life, and ability to think clearly. The right mattress for you is also a great productivity tool, if you think about it!

Here’s what to consider when selecting the best back pain mattress for you. 

Consult Your Doctor 

Before shopping for a new mattress for back pain, we recommend talking with your doctor or specialist to see what type of mattress they suggest. Our recommendations are based on our testing experience and results, but keep in mind that everyone’s needs are different, especially if you are managing aches or pains. 

Sleep Position and Spinal Alignment 

Spinal alignment is essential for healthy sleep. Poor alignment may contribute to neck and shoulder pain, and you may wake up sore or with muscle stiffness. You might also feel fatigued the next day, having tossed and turned all night. Consider your preferred sleep position and mattress types that might work best for you: 

• Side sleepers: We recommend a medium soft to medium firm mattress for support and alignment while on your side. Typically, memory foam or hybrid options may work for pressure relief. 
• Back sleepers: We suggest a medium firm mattress to help raise your hips to an even level while on your back. As far as type of mattress, a memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattress is recommended for equal support. 

• Stomach sleepers: We advise trying a medium firm or firm mattress to support and keep your hips level while on your stomach. Usually, an innerspring or a firm hybrid mattress will work well for core stability. 
• Combination sleepers: We recommend a medium firm mattress for versatility, ensuring that you’re comfortable no matter what position happen to lay in. A latex or responsive hybrid mattress may work best for you for ease of movement as you shift around. 

Weight and Height 

When buying a new hotel mattress, consider how your height and weight, as well as that of your sleeping partner, may impact which mattress suits you best. For instance, folks over 6’2” may need a longer mattress to prevent their feet from hanging over the end of the bed. In this case, you may want to browse some of the best king mattresses. Lightweight sleepers under 130 pounds may need a more plush and contouring type of mattress so that they can feel proper pressure relief, rather than a very firm mattress. 

Mattress Material and Mattress Type 

Mattresses are frequently made with different types of material and varying layers. These materials may feel different to you and have multiple degrees of comfort depending on your personal preferences. Here are highlights and possible drawbacks to the most popular mattress materials: 

• Memory foam: Mattresses made of this material are usually great for pressure relief and motion reduction. Potential drawbacks of memory foam include possible trapping of heat, and the mattress may be less responsive overall.  
• Natural latex: Mattresses made with natural latex are typically more eco-friendly than other materials and are more breathable. Possible pitfalls are that this material may make a mattress too firm for some folks, and it may be more difficult to move due to weighing more.  
• Innerspring: Mattresses made with this material are bouncier than mattresses made with other materials. Innerspring also helps to promote good airflow – great if you tend to sleep hot. Potential drawbacks of this type of mattress are that it may be noisy, and may be less durable over time, wearing down faster than other materials.  
• Hybrid (combines foam and coils): Highlights of this type of mattress are that the combination of materials usually helps with comfort and feeling balanced. Hybrid mattresses may be heavier, and potentially more expensive than mattresses made with other materials. 

 Cooling Abilities 

Many mattresses have cooling features that are included in the materials or can be added on as an upgrade. Consider mattresses with a breathable, organic cotton cover or top, which helps to circulate air around your body. Materials such as gel-infused memory foam, GlacioTex™ cooling fibers, and more can help to keep your bed temperature-controlled throughout the night so you don’t get too hot. 

Prior Aches and Pains 

A high-quality hybrid mattress is generally good for pressure relief, however, go with what makes you feel more comfortable and pain-free. If you’ve experienced aches and pains, we recommend speaking with your doctor or other healthcare professional about the best type of mattress for your condition(s).  

A professional will be able to review any pre-existing conditions and talk to you about possible chronic pain that you’d like to alleviate, then recommend an ideal mattress type. 

Certifications 

When selecting a mattress with hotel-like qualities, consider its third-party certifications. These certifications provide independent, non-profit verification that a mattress is made with quality materials and are eco-conscious.  

Here are a few certifications that are important to keep in mind: 

• Global Organic Textile Standard (aka GOTS): Ensures that organic textiles are sourced in a socially and environmentally conscious way 
• Global Organic Latex Standard (aka GOLS): Ensures that the organic latex utilized is sourced in an environmentally responsible way 
• CertiPUR-US ^®: Certifies the safety of foam and its emissions 
• GREENGUARD Gold: Certifies that the materials emit a low level of chemicals, making the products suitable for safe use indoors 

Value 

When it comes to buying a mattress, we understand that folks have different preferences and considerations for their budget. There are multiple factors that play a part in what you feel comfortable spending.  

A good mattress allows you to mentally reset overnight and prepares you to be productive and alert during your demanding and busy workday. Ultimately, selecting a quality mattress will enhance your life, helping you to be at the top of your game, which is a great return on your investment. 

Many mattress brands offer sleep trials, ranging from 100 to 365 nights. Some also offer free returns. 

Can a Bad Mattress Cause Back Pain? 

According to the CDC in 2019, 39.0% of America adults experienced back pain. Of those folks, pain increased as they aged, and was highest amongst adults over 65. Having a mattress that doesn’t cause you pain is vital for overall health and quality sleep!  

A bad mattress may cause back pain or worsen it. If a mattress doesn’t properly support and help align your spine, you may experience muscle discomfort or even strain. And, you want a mattress that’s not too soft (sinking too deeply can increase pressure points) or too firm (increasing stiffness and pain)—be sure to do your research and test out mattresses to ensure you buy one that suits your needs best.  

A lumpy or saggy mattress does not align your spine or reduce pressure, possibly causing you to toss and turn throughout the night. Small aches and pains can grow into chronic neck or shoulder issues. It’s wise to stick with a medium firm mattress; studies have shown it to be an appropriate level of firmness to reduce back pain (or at least, not make it worse). 

Frequently asked questions 

What type of mattress is best for back pain? 

This will vary by individual—but we think that a medium firm hybrid mattress is likely your best bet for reducing back pain. Typically, a hybrid will have both zoned coils and responsive foam layers to keep your spine neutrally supported and reduce pressure points. A high-quality memory foam mattress is also good for alleviating back pain by contouring your body and providing plenty of cushioning. 

Is a soft or firm mattress better for back pain? 

A medium firm mattress provides support and evenly distributes your weight, making it generally better than a soft mattress for back pain. 

Is memory foam good for your back? 

Memory foam can provide support for your back because it contours to your body and then provides proper spinal alignment. High quality memory foam can also isolate motion and cushion your joints, helping to avoid any muscle tension throughout the night.