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The best mattress for back pain relief will support pressure points and maintain spinal alignment. Our top picks and reviews can provide helpful insight into how to navigate finding a mattress for back pain.
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Choosing a mattress to prevent and relieve back pain can help improve sleep quality and decrease aches and pains. This article looks at 7 of the best mattresses for back pain and compares them with their competitors for firmness, price, and more.
All prices below are for queen-size mattresses.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
The table below compares all the mattresses in this article on key features.
| Price | Warranty | Sleep trial | Firmness | Material | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar | $1,249 | forever | 365 nights | medium to firm | foam |
| Sleep Number | $3,999 | 15 years | 100 nights | adjustable | foam |
| Purple | $3,495 | 10 years | 100 nights | soft | hybrid |
| Leesa | $2,599 | 10 years | 100 nights | medium to firm | hybrid |
| DreamCloud | $799 | lifetime | 365 nights | medium to firm | hybrid |
| Layla | $1,099 | lifetime | 120 nights | soft and firm | memory foam |
| Loom & Leaf | $2,395 | lifetime | 365 nights | relaxed firm, or firm | memory foam |
We selected these mattresses based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
Read more about how we vet products and brands.
The type of mattress best for back pain may vary between individuals. The following table defines the most common mattress types and how they may help relieve back pain.
| Definition | How it may help | |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | contains coils and memory foam | Individual springs react to movement, and memory foam provides contouring and pressure relief. |
| Memory foam | contains memory foam only | It supports the natural curvature of the spine and molds to your body shape to provide pressure point relief. |
| Latex | contains latex foam | Usually firmer than memory foam, this material adjusts automatically to your shape and weight as you move, providing pressure point relief. |
| Airbed | is a PVC or rubber inflatable mattress | You can adjust the firmness by adding or removing air, providing a more supportive sleeping surface. |
| Innerspring | contains metal coils and wire | Each coil dynamically moves to provide support and may help prevent sinking by evenly distributing your weight. |
People may wish to consider several factors when buying a new mattress, including:
- Price: The price of mattresses varies widely, and while they are a good investment, you should consider your budget and the features you would like.
- Firmness: Research suggests that a medium-firm mattress may help improve sleep quality and comfort in people with back pain. The best firmness for one person may not suit another, so partners may wish to consider mattresses with zoned, adjustable, or split firmness.
- Sleep trial: Most brands offer a sleep trial, which allows customers to try out a mattress for up to 1 year before making a purchase. This can help if you’re unsure what type of mattress you need to improve your back pain.
- Materials: Those with allergies to certain materials can check the materials a company uses before buying a mattress. People may also consider brands that use environmentally friendly, natural, or sustainable materials.
- Sleep position: You should consider your preferred sleep position and choose a mattress that will provide adequate support for that position.
Signs that a mattress might be causing back pain include:
- waking up with back pain
- waking up without back pain after sleeping on a different mattress
- tossing, turning, and waking up frequently during sleep
- back pain that goes away after getting out of bed
Look for signs of sagging in the area you sleep in. Mattresses can break down and degrade over time, reducing the amount of support they provide. A mattress that does not keep the spine aligned or support your body can cause back pain.
If you notice lumps or protruding springs in your mattress, you should consider replacing it. These are clear signs of mattress degradation.
You can also consider the firmness of their mattress. If you find you sink too far into your mattress, it may be too soft and may not keep the hips and spine aligned. A mattress that is too firm can also be uncomfortable, and you may not fully relax as you sleep.
Additionally, anyone experiencing back pain can speak with a doctor. Regardless of whether it originates in the lower, middle, or upper back, this pain may indicate an underlying health issue.
Mattresses can be expensive, but so can the difference between a restful night’s sleep and waking up with aches and pains.
However, there are several ways you can shop for mattresses while on a tighter budget.
Buying a mattress online
Buying a mattress online rather than in a showroom can reduce costs, as the manufacturer has fewer overhead costs than a physical store.
Many websites have regular sales, discount codes, and coupons that may not be available in showrooms. Additionally, having access to customer reviews may allow you to make a more informed decision before purchasing.
Mattress toppers
A mattress topper can be a cheaper alternative to purchasing a new mattress. Toppers can provide extra comfort to older mattresses and may even extend mattress life by providing a layer of protection.
However, toppers cannot fix issues such as mattress sagging. They are more suitable for use with mattresses that are supportive but do not have comfortable firmness.
Pillows
Using pillows to support your sleeping position may help promote spinal alignment and reduce back pain. Side sleepers may find that placing a pillow between their legs reduces aches and pains, whereas stomach sleepers may find extra relief if they put a pillow under the pelvis and lower abdomen.
People who sleep on their front may find that a lower loft pillow reduces strain on their neck. Side and back sleepers may be more comfortable with a medium-loft pillow.
Pillows are usually much less expensive than purchasing a new mattress. However, pillows cannot fix serious issues with mattresses, such as sagging or broken springs.
Bed platforms and bases
Having compatible bed platforms and bases can help provide support and reduce aches and pains. You should always ensure that your bed frame is compatible with the mattress you use.
Adjustable beds may be a suitable option, as you can adjust the position to provide the support you need. However, these products are expensive and require ongoing maintenance.
Below, we answer some common questions about mattresses for back pain.
Research suggests that a medium-firm, adjustable mattress may work best for those with nonspecific back pain. However, the best firmness level may depend on an individual’s weight and preferred sleep position.
When choosing the firmness of their mattress, consumers should also consider their type of back pain and their preferred sleep position.
Research shows that the best mattress for back pain is medium-firm. However, the best firmness for one person may not be the best for another — it is a personal choice. For those with back pain, a mattress that provides pressure relief and keeps the spine aligned is key.
Foam mattresses can support the natural curvature of the spine and mold to your body shape to provide pressure point relief and spinal alignment. However, all-foam mattresses can be difficult to move in, which may be unsuitable for those with lower back pain.
In a spring mattress, the coils move to provide support and minimize sinking by evenly distributing your body weight. However, spring mattresses may not always provide the comfort level of a foam mattress.
Additionally, people can consider hybrid mattresses, which combine foam and springs.
If you have back pain, you may experience difficulty falling asleep because you cannot get comfortable.
Choosing a mattress to suit your personal needs and preferences may help alleviate back pain and improve overall sleep quality.
You should consider the type of back pain you are experiencing and your preferred sleep position before choosing a mattress that will work best for you.