The Best Mattresses for Back Pain, According to Firsthand Testing

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Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

A combination of support coils and memory foam coupled with a two-inch pillow top make this one of the best mattresses for back pain.

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$1149 at Wayfair

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Helix mattresses are a longtime favorite of many of our editors and product testers, thanks to their quality construction and overall comfort. The Helix Midnight Luxe is no exception. This hybrid mattress is constructed with a combination of steel coils and pressure-relieving memory foam, which means it’s a great pick for side sleepers.

It also boasts a 2-inch quilted pillow top for additional support. Best of all? You can customize this mattress to best suit your needs. If you suffer from frequent lower back pain, you can add the brand’s ErgoAlign layer for additional support. Hot sleepers can upgrade to a Tencel cooling cover to alleviate pesky night sweats. No matter which upgrades you select, all of these layers give the Helix Midnight Luxe a medium feel that is ideal for side sleepers.

In her full Helix review, our tester, Bryce Gruber, details her experience sleeping on the Helix Midnight Luxe. Over the years, mild scoliosis and several pregnancies have done a number on Gruber’s back. And in spite of trying every pain device, mattress and sleep product on the market, nothing seemed to help. That is until she started sleeping on the Helix Midnight Luxe. The relief was almost instant.

Gruber noticed a significant improvement in the quality and duration of her sleep. She also found herself waking up with fewer aches and pains than ever before. “My lumbar pain improved so dramatically that my husband noticed I was waking up earlier each morning. Now, that may sound like less sleep, but for me, it means restful, uninterrupted sleep,” she writes.

After a year, she was still delighted by how well the Helix Midnight Luxe supported her spine. Not only that, but she also noticed an improvement in how her neck felt. “I knew I needed a new bed for my lower back pain, but I no longer get pinched nerves or pain where my lower neck meets my shoulders,” she explains. Better still, her husband also reported less shoulder pain, which he had grappled with for years before sleeping on a Helix mattress.

And while it didn’t fully resolve all of her lingering back issues, Gruber insists that this mattress was still a total game-changer for her. “As to whether the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress is worth it, my answer is an unequivocal yes,” she raves.

Additionally, if you sleep warm, you can choose between two cooling covers: Tencel or GlacioTex fabric. While we’ve seen some reports that the cooling performance isn’t as astounding as expected, we’ve seen far more that do appreciate the pillowtops’ cooling power. One thing: If you’re a stomach sleeper, you may need more firmness than the Midnight Luxe offers.

But don’t fret: Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial, so if you don’t like it, returns within that window are stress-free. Certain zip codes are also privy to in-home setup and mattress removal, and all shoppers receive free shipping and a limited lifetime warranty.

LARA EUCALANO FOR READER'S DIGEST

Best cooling

Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress

This naturally hypoallergenic hybrid mattress delivers pressure-free support for more restorative sleep.

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All of Saatva’s mattresses have the COCSA Seal of Approval, which means they meet the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations’ standards for supporting spinal health. The brand, which offers free white-glove service and setup, hand-delivers and assembles the mattress and bed frame anywhere, as well as disposes of the old bed at no additional cost (a huge plus for back pain sufferers).

The brand’s five-layer latex hybrid mattress is made using only the best materials: a naturally breathable and hypoallergenic organic cotton cover, organic wool to help wick away moisture and regulate body temperature, natural latex with airflow channels for breathability and individually wrapped coils to maintain airflow throughout the mattress. Better still, it’s hand-tufted for added comfort and durability.

On a firmness scale of 1 to 10, Saatva rates this model a 6, making it ideal for all sleep positions, particularly back and stomach sleepers. The balance between responsive support and buoyancy also means it’s great for sleeping duos who prefer different firmness levels or have different preferred sleeping positions.

According to our tester, Lara Eucalano, it’s on the firmer side without being too stiff. “You sink into the plush top layer, but not so far that it’s impossible to extract yourself from bed in the morning,” she writes in her Saatva Latex hybrid review. That kind of support is exactly what you need to kiss back pain and stiffness goodbye once and for all. For some side sleepers, the mattress may prove too firm, though. If firmness is a concern, you could try the Saatva Classic, which comes in various firmness options. The Avocado Green mattress, covered below in detail, is also an option worth considering.

According to Lara, this mattress was comfortable from day one and didn’t need to be broken in. This was especially fortuitous for Lara given the fact that a bout of COVID kept her in bed for a week. Despite her lingering fever and body aches, she was able to sleep soundly on the Saatva without pain or discomfort.

And this mattress isn’t just adept at alleviating back pain. It’s also one of the best cooling mattresses we’ve tested. Lara is a hot sleeper who tested this mattress during the hot and humid summer months. “I didn’t notice feeling cooler right away, but then it dawned on me: It was 80 degrees in the house, and I was sleeping comfortably. I couldn’t believe it,” she raves. “Saatva makes a cooling mattress that delivers on its promise. If, like me, your partner is chilled at night, rest easy—she was warm and toasty throughout the mattress test.”

One of our favorite things about Saatva is the impressive year-long sleep trial the brand offers. If, for any reason, you do not like your Saatva mattress, you can return it within a year of delivery. You’ll just need to pay a $99 processing fee for returns. To us, that’s a small price to pay for a 365-night trial period (there is no minimum trial period, so you can return it as soon as you want).

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Best organic

Avocado Green Mattress

The Avocado mattress is made with organic materials and is free of potentially toxic foams, chemical fire retardants and off-gassing materials.

2299.0015% OFF$1954 at Avocado

Good news for anyone suffering from aches and pains: It’s possible to find an affordable mattress that isn’t loaded with harmful chemicals and toxins. Meet the Avocado Green mattress. This mattress is made of Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic latex and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic wool and cotton, plus up to 1,379 individually wrapped support coils, depending on the size you choose. The coils are arranged in seven strategic zones to keep your back aligned while supporting your hips and shoulders. Each mattress also has a reinforced steel perimeter for consistent edge support and is free of potentially toxic foams, chemical fire retardants and off-gassing materials.

According to our tester, Nancy Snyder, the Avocado Green mattress is as restful and comparable to a five-star hotel. “It wasn’t just ‘comfortable for a box mattress,’ says Snyder in her full Avocado mattress review. “This might actually be one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever laid on. Our only regret? Getting this for the guest bedroom, as it was more comfortable than our main bedroom mattress!”

The Avocado Green mattress is available in three firmness levels: firm, medium and plush. Nancy opted for a queen-size, firm mattress. And while Avocado recommends the firm mattress for back and stomach sleepers, she was perfectly comfortable sleeping on her side. Her only complaint? It wasn’t particularly good at eliminating motion transfer. “I could easily feel my dog jumping up and moving around on the bed beside me, and many other reviewers noted that they could easily feel every movement from their partner,” she explains. “But while this is important for some, it may not be a deal breaker for others.”

Luckily, this mattress also comes in plush and medium firmness options, so if low motion transfer is a nonnegotiable for you, a softer model would be the better choice. Such models may also be better for side sleepers who weigh under 140 pounds: The softer pillowtops will reduce pressure points and allow you to sink in a little more.

As for cooling and durability, we’ve noticed mixed reviews. Some buyers are loving their Avocado mattress after years of use, while others report sagging after a couple of years and lackluster cooling performance. Overall, though, customer sentiment still seems majority positive. Beyond its eco-friendly construction and versatile options, you can also spring for the brand’s bed frame, organic mattress pad protector and pillow to truly complete your setup.

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Best pillow top

Bear Star Hybrid Mattress

The Bear Star Hybrid mattress features a hand-quilted top for a luxurious, hotel feel.

$1712 at Bear

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Four layers of supportive gel foam and individually encased coils make the Bear Star hybrid mattress one of the best mattresses for back pain. It’s rated a 6.8 out of 10 on the firmness scale, which the brand considers medium-firm, which means it’s great for pain-reducing pressure relief. According to our tester, Allison Robicelli, it’s perfect. “As far as firmness goes, the Bear Star Hybrid is the Goldilocks of mattresses—not too firm, not too soft,” she writes in her comprehensive Bear mattress review.

According to Robicelli, it was easy to get comfortable, and the mattress did not require a breaking-in period. In fact, she describes her nights on the Bear mattress as glorious and praise-worthy.

“Of all the sleep issues I have, none of them are attributable to this mattress. It’s highly reactive to my body no matter what convoluted position I lie in. I’m a side sleeper, but I lie on my back to meditate, which is beyond easy to do in this bed,” she writes. “Every inch of my body feels so well-supported while lying on the Star Hybrid that I pretty much never struggle to get comfortable.”

Another feature that impressed our tester was the Bear’s ability to regulate her temperature. “I’m also a hot sleeper and much of my frequent tossing and turning is due to overheating under the sheets,” explains Robicelli. “When paired with cooling sheets, the Bear Star hybrid mattress makes temperature regulation a total non-issue. Even while working on my Bear Mattress review in the middle of the summer, I never once woke up in the middle of the night because I felt too hot.”

Though Robicelli found the cooling performance fantastic, others have found it lackluster. Several customer reviews indicate that they get overheated on the Bar Star hybrid mattress, though plenty of others say the opposite. If temperature regulation is an issue for you, we recommend upgrading to the Celliant cover and investing in some great cooling sheets; maybe a cooling mattress topper, too.

Bear offers a 120-night sleep trial, free shipping and returns and a limited lifetime warranty, plus the mattress is non-toxic and certified clean with a GREENGUARD Gold certification.

Overall, long-term durability doesn’t seem to be an issue, but some customer reviews indicate that sagging can occur sooner than one might expect. Our tester hasn’t had that problem, though. Firmness and excellent edge support were hallmarks of her review.

MORGAN CHANEY FOR READER'S DIGEST

Best for all sleep positions

Beautyrest Black Mattress

Pocketed coils and gel-infused foam allow this mattress to support you no matter which position you prefer.

$2599 at Beautyrest

$3599 at Mattress Firm

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The best mattress for back pain depends on what kind of discomfort you’re experiencing, along with your sleeping position. Fortunately, you don’t have to commit to any one position in order to find relief thanks to the Beautyrest Black mattress. This hybrid mattress has myriad options to ensure all types of sleepers get the best night’s sleep possible. And for those of us who can’t commit to just one position, Beautyrest’s medium pillow-top mattress is the perfect choice.

The brand advertises this mattress as being “for the person who likes medium support with just the right amount of pressure relief and a lush top layer.” In her detailed Beautyrest review, tester Morgan Chaney confirms that it lives up to its promises. “As a person with chronic back pain, pressure relief and support are paramount in my search for a good mattress. I tend to sleep in all positions depending on how my spine is feeling on any given night, and I’ve found that other mattresses are only good for certain types of sleepers,” writes Chaney in her full Beautyrest mattress review.

“The hybrid model provides a firmer base with pocket coils that is fantastic for back sleepers while also offering layers of gel memory foam to provide a softness that is much needed for stomach and side sleepers. The foam comfort layers conform to your body and help relieve common pressure points in the hips and shoulders.”

After months of sleeping on the Beautyrest Black mattress, Chaney insists she has never slept better and wonders why she didn’t purchase this mattress sooner. “This mattress is extremely supportive, yet comfy, and has all the features to make sure I sleep soundly all night long,” she raves. “After two months of sleeping like a dog after a day at the beach, I can’t believe it took me this long to get one.”

You should know: In our research, we’ve seen incredibly mixed customer reviews about this mattress—more so than any other mattress we’ve tested and researched. It appears that buyers fall on one side of the pendulum or the other; they adore it or despise it. Those who don’t like it say that it’s too firm and never breaks in, while those who love it say it provides exceptional support while still feeling luxurious. Worth noting, the mattress is available in several firmness options, so those who dislike it may have chosen the wrong model for their needs.

Luckily, Beautyrest offers a 100-night trial, so you’ll have plenty of time to see if it works for you. Other nice details include free shipping and returns, white glove delivery, free mattress removal and a 10-year warranty.

Products on our radar

• Nectar Classic: The Nectar Classic is often recommended for back pain due to its firm but not-too-firm feel. It’s fully memory foam, so it contours to your body for pressure relief. It also has low motion transfer.
• WinkBed Luxury Hybrid: Built with coils and foam, this hybrid mattress offers low motion transfer across four firmness levels. The “plus” option, specifically designed for individuals who weigh more than 250 pounds, is a unique offering.

What to look for when buying a mattress for back pain

“Any mattress can help alleviate back pain if it offers the right combination of comfort and support,” says David Rubin, a certified sleep coach and director of product testing at The Sleep Doctor. The best mattress for back pain depends on personal sleeping positions and body types.

“Most studies suggest that a medium-firm mattress is the most useful for preventing and relieving lower back pain. People who experience upper back pain should consider sleeping on their back or side to help alleviate pressure on the shoulders,” says Rubin.

So, is it time to buy a new mattress? “If you wake up from sleep more than three times a week feeling stiff and sore, and it was not due to a big workout, then it’s probably the bed,” explains Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., founder of The Sleep Doctor. “If the mattress is sagging like a taco, and you’re a stomach sleeper, then it will put more pressure on the lower back and cause continued strain in that area.”

Spinal alignment and pressure relief

Spinal alignment and pressure relief are two factors specific to alleviating back pain. This can look like edge-to-edge support via layers of coils, foam and gel. Responsive materials like comfort foam can also adapt to your sleeping position and body, cradling and supporting you regardless of how you sleep.

Remembering that a mattress is one part of a sleep system is also important. “Choose the pillow to complement the mattress to avoid putting the spine out of alignment or putting pressure on the joints,” notes Rubin. In general, the softer the mattress, the higher loft pillow you’ll want, he explains.

“People who suffer from back pain will want to look for a mattress that keeps their spine in a neutral position. In other words, the hips and trunk should be in the same plane as the rest of the body,” says Matthew Ross, the general manager and in-house sleep specialist at Slumber Yard.

Your preferred sleeping position

Your sleeping position is also a factor in the equation. “Sleeping on the back is actually the best position for the back,” says Breus.

“When sleeping on the back, back pain sufferers may want to place a pillow under the knees and a little roll underneath the small of the neck,” advises Ross. The pillows will help maintain the natural curves of the spine, he explains. Side sleepers need a mattress that has added pressure relief for the shoulders and hips, along with the best pillows to match.

With the ability to buy beds online, you no longer need to leave home to find the best mattress for back and hip pain. But, Breus warns, “You’ll need to sleep on the surface for a week or more before you can really tell if the mattress is a good fit.” Look for brands offering an in-home trial period to ensure you’ve made the right choice.

Materials

The materials matter, too. We included models made from latex, gel and foam, along with hybrid ones, which may be made from a combination of different resources. Generally, the best materials for relieving back pain can depend on a person’s personal preferences, but gel and latex are some of the most responsive and pressure-relieving options.

While a few of the beds we listed allow you to choose the firmness level, we recommend opting for something right in the middle. Think about Goldilocks—if the mattress is too soft, you won’t have any support, but if it’s too hard, it can make your back pain even worse.

You also need to consider the foundation for the mattress. You may think the box spring or base of the bed is simply there to hold it up off the ground, but these foundational pieces serve an important function, too. “Many people with back pain like adjustable bases,” says Breus. “These are bed frames that adjust the height and angle of the bed itself for the sleeper. These turn out to, in some cases, be more critical than the mattress.”

Types of mattresses for back pain

When it comes to finding the best mattress for back pain, the options are plentiful: memory foam, pillow top, traditional coils/springs, gel, latex and various combinations (hybrids) of these material types. Then, of course, there’s the level of hardness within each material category (soft, medium, firm) and also the support level (how it keeps the spine aligned).

How we found the best mattresses for back pain

To find the best mattresses for back pain, we searched for models that provide equal measures of comfort and support. We took into consideration options for firmness, range of sizes and types of materials like memory foam and coils. We considered various customer reviews and then considered additional factors like price, warranty and risk-free sleep trials.

“Aside from injury and general posture, back and spine health can be greatly affected by the surface slept upon,” says Breus. The best mattresses help reduce stiffness and pain by supporting the natural curvature of the spine. For many, this is most evident around pressure points—most often the hips and shoulders, which require varying amounts of cushioning when lying down.

Most importantly, we tested the mattresses ourselves. The editors and testers who slept on these mattresses all experience various levels of back pain along with other sleep issues like overheating, restlessness and insomnia. Once they received their new mattresses, our testers slept on them for a period of time ranging from a few months to over a year. Based on their detailed notes, we were able to narrow down our selection to the five best mattresses for back pain.

FAQ

What type of mattress is best for back pain?

The answer isn’t so simple. Ultimately, the best bed is the one that feels best to you. With so many options on the market, don’t get too hung up on what material you’ve heard is better. “It’s really about personal preference,” says Breus. “For example, if you sleep hot, steer clear of memory foam. But if you have significant back issues, the nice part about memory foam mattresses is that they help keep the body in one place, so that way the spine is stabilized.”

Gregg Dean, CEO of Layla, agrees that memory foam mattresses are top picks for pain because they contour to the shape of the body, providing support and pressure relief to the back. “They help alleviate pain by distributing body weight evenly and reducing pressure points,” he adds.

Hybrid mattresses, he notes, combine the support of innerspring coils with the comfort of memory foam. They also provide an ideal balance of support and pressure relief for people with back pain. Latex mattresses, made from natural or synthetic rubber, are another popular option for their responsive and supportive feel.

Is a soft or firm mattress better for back pain?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Factors such as body weight, pain points and sleeping habits require different levels of firmness. “Generally speaking, side sleepers tend to prefer softer beds that provide more pressure relief for their hips and shoulders. Back sleepers typically prefer slightly firmer beds for support purposes. Combination sleepers typically prefer beds that are more medium in terms of firmness,” says Ross.

You’ll want to determine the location of the pain, as well as if the discomfort comes from a specific condition, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or arthritis. “People with lower back pain should look for a firm mattress. The mattress should also have a built-in pillow top or mattress topper that adjusts to provide even more support where it is needed,” suggests Pagano. For people with a herniated disk, a softer mattress cushions common pressure points and provides less pressure on the spine.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that comfort is subjective, and what works for one person might not work for another. The best mattress for lower back and leg pain is the one that provides the right balance of comfort and support for an individual’s needs.

Does insurance or Medicare cover mattresses for back pain?

Generally, insurance plans, including Medicare, don’t cover the cost of mattresses specifically for back pain. However, insurance may cover a portion of the cost if a doctor prescribes a specialized mattress for a medical condition, such as pressure ulcers or spinal cord injuries.

Why you should trust us

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s the importance of good quality sleep. While writing this article, we consulted with nine experts, all with unique backgrounds in sleep, to get their insight into the best beds for back pain. Our trusted sources include Michael J. Breus, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist, member of both the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and founder of The Sleep Doctor, David Rubin, a certified sleep coach and director of product testing at The Sleep Doctor, Abby Wood, a sleep health content associate at Mattress Nerd, Alex Savy, a certified sleep science coach and founder of SleepingOcean, Tuck founder Keith Cushner, Sleepline co-founder Robert Pagano, Victoria Wildhorn, a sleep health specialist at Mattress Clarity, Matthew Ross, a general manager and in-house sleep specialist at Slumber Yard and Gregg Dean, the CEO of Layla. Together, they provided critical information to help shoppers make thoughtful shopping decisions.

Nina Derwin is a commerce updates editor for Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home and Family Handyman. She has experience researching and reviewing various items to help shoppers find the best products on the market. She researched and updated this piece.