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Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.
We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best mattresses for back sleepers who have trickier needs when it comes to support and contouring. We’ll look at these factors plus comfort, spinal alignment, and durability.
For back sleepers, finding the right mattress can be a challenge. Where side sleepers tend to need a soft mattress with lots of pressure relief and stomach sleepers often require something firmer, folks who sleep on their back are stuck in the middle, and will want a bed that’s both comfortable and supportive. Fortunately, I’ve reviewed a lot of mattresses and have come up with ten standouts that should be a great match.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers?
Our expert reviewers chose the DreamCloud Premier as the best mattress for back sleepers due to its memory foam contouring, hybrid construction, and balanced support for those who sleep on their back.
How We Chose the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab.
To identify the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers, we’ve paid special attention to support, durability, and other relevant criteria. For example, eight of our 10 products scored a 4 out of 5 or above for support, while seven of them scored a 4 out of 5 or above for durability.
The DreamCloud Premier uses multiple pressure-relieving foam layers and coils to deliver exceptional lumbar support, especially for people who sleep on their backs. Our testers found the DreamCloud Premier to be one “of the best mattresses for back sleepers” after extensive testing on it. The DreamCloud Premier earned a great support score (4/5), with testers feeling ultra-comfortable when resting on its upper foam layers without experiencing posture-disrupting sinkage into them due to its durable (4/5) coil and support foam layers. While all types of lightweight (under 130 pounds) and average weight (under 230 pounds) back sleepers should enjoy the DreamCloud Premier according to our tests, heavier sleepers, particularly those who sleep on their stomach, may want to consider another mattress.
Overall, DreamCloud Premier’s construction provided an “orthopedic level of support” for people who struggle with back pain or sleep on their back according to our testers. However, the industry-average firmness of the Premier (6.5/10) may have some sleepers who don’t like resting in between an ultra-soft or ultra-firm feel, opting for a mattress with a firmness more unique to their sleeping needs. On the other hand, this accessible firmness makes the DreamCloud more accommodating to most sleeper types. In addition to this accessible firmness, the bed’s excellent motion isolation (4/5) and durability make the Premier a great choice for couples looking to share a versatile bed that can meet both of their preferences.
The Premier’s fusion of foam and coils should help you fall asleep feeling relief from the pressures of back pain while still ensuring your back has the support it needs at night. Potentially helping to alleviate inflammation rather than worsen it.
What the testers say: “As a heavier sleeper, the DreamCloud Premier offered me some great pressure relief. I’m a back and side combination sleeper, and I thought this mattress was a great fit for both of those sleeping positions.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud Premier
The DreamCloud Premier is made with a breathable cover and should allow air to pass in and escape from the mattress. This means that this mattress should be a good fit for hot sleepers.
The DreamCloud Premier stood up pretty well when we tested for motion isolation on this mattress. This should make it a great fit for couples who share a bed and are worried about being woken up by their partner’s movements.
The mattress is made of durable and high-quality materials, meaning that it should last you for years with proper care.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Premier
When we sat near the edge of the DreamCloud Premier, it collapsed a bit around the perimeter. This is something to keep in mind if you sleep near the edge of the bed.
Many of the mattresses we test are perfectly medium-firm, making them too soft for stomach sleepers to feel supported. This is the case for the DreamCloud Premier, so if you’re a back sleeper who switches to their stomach, this may not be a great fit for you.
Other user reviews
The DreamCloud mattress is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by real customers on the company’s site. Reviewers praise the fact that heavier sleepers can sleep comfortably on the mattress, even in multiple sleeping positions. Other reviewers noted that the mattress can be heavy and bulky, so it may be useful to set it up with the help of a friend.
Contains Helix Dynamic Foam and Helix Responsive Foam
Base layers offer great support
Available in a Luxe model
Cons of the Helix Midnight
Not great for foam lovers
Not great for stomach sleepers
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress that comes in at a 7/10 on the firmness scale. According to our testers, the bed’s durable and responsive design makes it excellent for lightweight and average-weight back sleepers and uniquely supportive enough for heavier back sleepers to get good quality rest as well. Furthermore, testers found the combination of coils and foam offered back sleepers the specific “balance of comfort and support they need”. Due to both its hybrid design and harder firmness, you can also expect exceptional bounce on the Midnight, making it super easy to move around on and, as a result, a good mattress for sex. In addition to the bed’s impressive bounce, couples should also take note of the Midnight’s motion isolation score of 4/5. When testing the Midnight’s ability to isolate motion, our testers felt minimal disruption on the bed’s surface when moving next to each other. So, if your significant other tends to toss and turn, waking you up at night, the Helix Midnight could be an ideal solution.
Furthermore, the Helix Midnight has awesome edge support, scoring a 4/5 by our testers. You should expect the same level of support and comfort on the sides of this bed as you would in the center, meaning you and your partner don’t need to fight over who gets the sweet spot on the Helix Midnight.
What the testers say: “The Helix Midnight is one of the most appealing mattresses in the Helix line, which is why I love it as a middle ground for back sleepers sharing a bed with a side sleeper. Very little motion transfers across the surface, and back and side sleepers get the pressure relief needed to stay comfortable the entire night.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
Side sleeping is the most popular sleep position, so even if you’re a back sleeper, chances are you’ll share a bed with a side sleeper. The pressure relief offered by Midnight is great for side sleepers, but the supportive coils provide excellent support as well for back sleepers.
The Helix Midnight is very cooling. It has a layer of coils that make it great at promoting airflow, and customers get to choose between a Breathe Knit cover or upgrade to a GlacioTex™ Cooling Pillow Top cover. Both are breathable and should provide cooling benefits. With the standard cover, we measured a 3.4 degree F rise on the bed’s surface after a tester’s nap. Not bad. Hence, the bed’s 4/5 cooling score.
Thanks to the supportive coils, the Helix Midnight has some decent bounce (4/5 responsiveness score from testers), and edge support. Folks who sleep near the edge of their mattress should feel supported.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
Since the mattress has a coil layer, it is more bouncy and responsive than other mattresses. It does okay at isolating motion, but if you sleep lightly and sleep with a partner, their movements might wake you up.
Because of the coil layer, we did hear a bit of noise when moving around on the mattress. This may be an issue for people who sleep lightly.
Other user reviews
On the Helix Midnight website, customers rated the mattress 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most customers shared the same sentiments as we did – the mattress is very comfortable. However, there were a few users who felt like the mattress was too firm for their liking and suggested that potential customers should purchase a mattress topper to go with this mattress.
The Emma Hybrid is a luxury mattress containing zoned-support coils and multiple layers of pressure-relieving foam. However, this mattress is definitely on the firmer side, with an 8/10 level of firmness. Considering the industry standard is 6.5/10, this mattress is for people who want a firmer feel. In light of that, this mattress is great for back and stomach sleepers, especially those on the heavier side, but side sleepers and lightweight sleepers may find it too hard. The Emma Hybrid has multiple upper comfort layers, with a base of coils and dense foam. This combination creates a balance of comfort and support where you should experience decent pressure relief amidst a mattress that specializes in providing firm support.
Notably, back sleepers should feel that the Emma Hybrid offers exceptional spine support when resting, helping them avoid the problematic sinkage they may feel when easing into a classic memory foam bed. However, if you prefer memory foam’s plush feel, the Emma Hybrid is likely too firm for you despite its foam components. Back sleepers, especially heavier back sleepers, should definitely consider the Emma Hybrid if they’re looking for an ultra-firm mattress that still incorporates cushioning foam components in its design.
What our testers say: “As a larger sleeper, I felt very comfortable on the Emma Hybrid Comfort, since it’s supportive and firm. Back sleeping felt great since my body felt both comfortable and supported, but fans of soft mattress may not feel the same way.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is ideal for heavy people. Its zoned coil layer is perfect for weights up to 300 lbs, and its foams are high-density, so they should support heavier weights very well.
The Emma Hybrid’s covers and foams are meant to dissipate heat, and there is also a coil layer that helps promote airflow. This means that the mattress shouldn’t sleep hot.
As we’ve mentioned before on this page, most mattresses we test are medium-firm. This one is firmer than average, which may work well for sleepers who prefer a harder sleeping surface.
What to Keep in Mind About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
This is a bouncy bed that doesn’t offer much contouring. If you prefer mattresses that allow you to sink in, you may want to consider an all-foam mattress.
In addition to the point above, mattresses that don’t offer contouring and pressure relief likely won’t work for back sleepers who shift to their sides. Side sleepers tend to need more joint and pressure relief than this mattress offers.
Other user reviews
On the Emma website, customers gave the Hybrid Comfort mattress an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Some of the more positive feedback included how bouncy and responsive it is, and how supportive it is for heavier folks. Most of the negative feedback revolved around the brand’s customer service.
Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best Innerspring Mattress
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
One of the best innerspring mattresses for back sleepers
Cons of the Saatva
Lacks slow-moving foam feel
Not good for lightweight sleepers
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva uses coils, memory foam, and organic cotton to deliver a luxury-grade sleeping experience for back sleepers. Unlike many other mattresses, the firm layer of coils makes the Saatva great for not only lightweight and average-weight back sleepers, but also heavier (230 lb and over) back sleepers. Notably, when testing Saatva’s support and responsiveness, our sleep specialists gave the Saatva a 4.5/5 for both. Furthermore, the innerspring design really stimulates airflow through Saatva’s core, creating a super cool (4/5) sleeping surface. Our heavyweight tester, who weighs 250 pounds, took multiple naps on the Saatva in different positions and determined that the mattress provides great spine and joint support regardless of which position you occupy. As a result, combination sleepers can really enjoy the versatile construction of this bed.
Despite different types of sleepers enjoying the Saatva, its coils create quite a bit of bounce. While such bounce is great for sex, moving around on the bed, and experiencing consistent support, it did result in less-than-perfect motion isolation (3/5). The Saatva should help provide a firm yet plush base for back sleepers, making it our favorite innerspring mattress for people who rest on their backs.
What the testers say: “The two layers of coils in the Saatva gave me some really great support, and I got some nice, plush comfort from the pillow-top layer. This mattress gives me the feeling that I’m sleeping “on it” rather than in it.”– Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva
The Saatva comes in multiple firmness options, but for back sleepers, we recommend the Luxury Firm version. Your hips should sink into the mattress, and the coil layers should hold your body up properly.
The Saatva has zoned construction, so it should feel firmer or softer depending on your sleeping position. Even if you’re a back sleeper who shifts into other sleeping positions, you should feel comfortable on the Saatva.
We rank the Saatva as one of the best orthopedic mattresses. Its plush foams and dual coils make it comfortable yet supportive, and it helps keep the spine in neutral alignment and relieves pressure on the joints.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva
If you love a super soft, plush-feeling mattress, this one isn’t for you. Even the softest model of the mattresses isn’t as soft as its competitors.
The Saatva is bouncy and responsive, so if you prefer a memory foam mattress, this won’t be a good fit.
Other user reviews
Users seem to love the Saatva mattress, as it’s rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Saatva website. The top reviews raved about how great the brand’s customer support team was, as well as the luxury feel of the product. Some users even went as far as claiming that they have improved sleep quality since purchasing the mattress.
The WinkBeds EcoCloud is an eco-friendly luxury bed that uses wool, cotton, coils, and latex in its construction. The EcoCloud has a 6.5/10 firmness, which typically may be too soft for heavier back sleepers, but due to the bounce generated from the bed’s latex layer, heavier back sleepers should really appreciate it. The EcoCloud allows heavier back sleepers to rest their spine more safely in the bed’s comfort layers without compromising their posture’s alignment. Our testers deemed the EcoCloud excellent for all back sleepers. However, most stomach sleepers will likely not get enough hip support, which could intensify back inflammation.
Latex beds are notorious for their exceptional bounce and responsiveness but, unfortunately, also for their subpar motion isolation (2/5). Our testers discovered this to be the case with the EcoCloud as well. However, it’s not all bad; this level of bounce and support resulted in exceptional scores when testing the EcoCloud’s support (4.5/5), edge support (4.5/5), and durability 5/5). In addition, hot sleepers can enjoy the EcoCloud’s cooling latex foam and coiled layers, as testers found the bed’s sleeping surface cool (4/5) to the touch. Notably, the EcoCloud’s name references its super eco-friendly design, with WinkBeds using primarily eco-friendly and non-toxic materials when building this mattress. This means that beyond being a more conscientious consumer choice considering its environmental impact, the EcoCloud is a highly hypoallergenic bed, free of many of the toxic chemicals you may find in cheaper generic mattresses.
What the testers say: “The all-natural latex in the WinkBed EcoCloud makes it a really bouncy mattress, and sleeping on it made me feel like I was on top of it instead of inside it.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBeds EcoCloud
It’s an eco-friendly mattress, meaning that the foam layer is made from latex foam instead of memory foam. This, in combination with the breathable coils, makes it a great cooling mattress for hot sleepers.
Latex is a much more durable material than regular foam, so the WinkBeds EcoCloud should be a durable and long-lasting mattress.
Back sleepers who need a balance of comfort and support.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBeds EcoCloud
Much like many of the other mattresses on this page, the WinkBeds EcoCloud is perfectly medium-firm. This means that if you prefer a mattress that is very soft or very firm, this may not be a great fit for you.
Since it’s a latex mattress and made with other high-quality materials, the WinkBeds EcoCloud is not a cheap mattress and may be too expensive for shoppers on a budget. Check out some of the best cheap mattresses for affordable alternatives.
Other user reviews
The WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress has a pretty high rating on the company’s site, averaging a 4.8 rating out of 5 stars. Some of the most positive reviews praised the mattress for being extremely comfortable and lacking an off-gassing smell, unlike some of its competitors. However, some of the less positive reviews say that since the mattress is bouncy, they are disturbed by their partner’s movements at night.
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress made of high-quality foam and coils, which deliver what our testers have determined is “excellent lumbar support for back sleepers.” According to our sleep specialists, the Evolution creates a “balanced hybrid feel” that allows back sleepers to safely ease into the bed’s upper comfort foam layers without disrupting their spine’s alignment. The bed’s healthy cradle of your spine not only prevents inflammation from building up in your back, but may help to alleviate it by allowing your spine to focus on restoring itself while in its healthiest resting position when you sleep. Notably, the Evolution is excellent for lightweight and average-weight back sleepers and “fair” for heavier back sleepers. I should point out, though, that this was determined by tests conducted on Nola’s luxury firm model. Fortunately, Nolah offers its Evolution mattress in plush, luxury firm, and firm firmness options, allowing you to likely, regardless of how you sleep, find a mattress that best suits your specific sleeping patterns.
The Nolah Evolution has a zoned-support design, which ensures firmer support in some areas and softer cushioning in others where your body needs it. This zoned support helps to maximize pressure relief while maintaining support according to your body’s demands, making it a more orthopedic mattress by design.
In addition to exceptional support (4/5), I should note that our testers gave the Nolah Evolution a 5/5 for its cooling abilities, making it a great option for back sleepers who struggle to stay comfortably cool at night.
What the testers say:“I sleep both on my side and on my back, and the Nolah Evolution is the perfect mattress for those positions. It’s a high-quality mattress, and it offers a nice balance of comfort and support. It also is a great fit for hot sleepers, since it has lots of cooling features.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution is made with coils that promote airflow, and its foam layers are infused with graphite. This helps with cooling and makes the mattress a good fit for sleepers who tend to overheat at night.
We expect the Nolah Evolution to be a long-term investment thanks to its high-quality foams and coils. With proper care, we expect this mattress to last at least a decade.
Partners who want the best mattress for sex typically will want a mattress that is bouncy and responsive. This makes the Nolah Evolution a good fit.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution is a luxurious mattress made with high-quality materials, so it comes at a luxurious price tag. If you’re looking for a less expensive mattress with similar features, try the original Nolah mattress instead.
We noticed some off-gassing with the Nolah Evolution mattress, which is common for bed-in-a-box mattresses. After about a day or two of airing out the mattress, the smell should dissipate.
Other user reviews
The Nolah Evolution is one of the most highly rated mattresses on the Nolah site, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, giving it an almost perfect score. Some of the best reviews praised the luxury feel of the mattress, as well as the high-quality materials, and many reviewers also praised the comfort of the mattress. What’s even better is that customers also seemed to love the brand’s customer service team.
The Bear is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for back and side sleepers. Its cooling memory foam and breathable quilted cover top help it retain a sleep-friendly temperature when resting on its surface. Furthermore, our testers found that the Bear offered back sleepers durable support (4/5) despite being an all-foam mattress. This is likely due to the durable foam materials Bear uses for its mattresses, which allow for a plush feeling when easing into this bed’s comfort layers without having your spine “bottom out” due to a lack of support. In addition to more durable and hot-sleeper-friendly foam materials used by Bear, the company uses only GREENGUARD GOLD and CertiPUR-US Certified foam materials. This means the Bear is lower in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and has a more eco-friendly manufacturing process. As a result, you shouldn’t expect the chemical-like smell you may expect from other all-foam mattresses when they first arrive.
In addition to a more reliably cool sleeping surface, the Bear has excellent motion isolation (4.5/5), which will appeal to couples. This means that if you’re sharing the bed, you or your partner are less likely to disturb each other if either of you tends to move around at night. The Bear’s quality cooling should also be of interest to couples seeking a bed. The Bear’s ability to dissipate body heat should help couples cuddle or rest near each other without being overwhelmed with shared sweat. Overall, the Bear is a great foam option if you’re sleeping on your back and want a mattress that relieves pressure without making you feel clammy.
What the testers say:“The Bear was super comfortable and allowed me to sink right into the top layer when I was on my back. I got some great lumbar support and spinal support, and I think most sleepers will get a similar feeling on this mattress.”– Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear
It’s a good balance of comfort and support, which is one of the major reasons why we highlight it as one of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Though the Bear mattress is an all-foam mattress, it shouldn’t sleep hot. It’s made with a celliant cover that helps with cooling, and the foams within the mattress are infused with graphite.
Because it’s an all-foam mattress, the Bear mattress is great at isolating motion. This makes it a great fit for couples who disturb each other throughout the night with their movements.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
As we’ve mentioned before, this mattress, like others on this list isn’t firm enough for stomach sleepers. Check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers if you sleep on your stomach as well as your back.
If you want a bouncy, innerspring mattress feel, try another mattress, such as the Helix Dusk.
Other user reviews
On the Bear website, real customers who reviewed the mattress gave it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. Back sleepers in particular tended to find this mattress comfortable, along with side sleepers, and the highest ratings seemed to come from them. Some users complained that this mattress doesn’t work well for stomach sleeping, though.
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
The Aurora Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding offers back sleepers exceptional lumbar support while still delivering deep pressure relief. One of our testers took a nap on the Aurora Lux on his back and attested to the benefits of this bed’s hybrid design, saying, “I felt the sturdy coils support my lower back and the memory foam cushion my shoulders.” While great for back sleepers, the Aurora Lux’s hybrid design is generally a great mattress for helping ease back pain. Our testers gave the Aurora Lux a 4/5 for its support but warned that this level of support only applied to back and side sleepers, as stomach sleepers likely will need a firmer mattress. Furthermore, due to its hybrid design, the Aurora Luxe offers the pressure relief of foam without trapping body heat. Due to its coiled core, our testers found the mattress provided excellent temperature regulation (4/5). More specifically, one tester used a heat gauge gun to measure the difference in temperature before and after resting on the Aurora Luxe and found the surface temperature only rose by six degrees, which is pretty impressive when considering the heat our bodies generate.
Overall, the Aurora Luxe allows back sleepers to safely sink into the cradle of memory foam while still getting quality support and plenty of airflow.
What the testers say: “I think the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a great fit for back sleepers. Its foam is responsive and the coils are sturdy, which makes this mattress very supportive and helps keep the spine in alignment.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is made with cooling materials including a breathable cover and gel-infused foams. This makes it a great choice for people who tend to sleep hot at night.
We listed it as a great choice for back sleepers since it does a great job of balancing comfort and support.
It’s bouncy and responsive, so for folks who need to change positions easily throughout the night, this should be a great fit.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Heavy people probably won’t be supported enough on this mattress. If you weigh more than 230 lbs, you may want to opt for other Brooklyn Bedding mattresses, such as the Titan.
Much like other bed-in-a-box mattresses, the Aurora Luxe does have some initial chemical smells when it’s first unboxed, otherwise known as an off-gassing smell. This odor should dissipate within 24-48 hours, though.
Other user reviews
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe seems to be liked by customers, as it’s rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on the company website. Some of the top reviews praised how comfortable the mattress is and said that it kept them from tossing and turning throughout the night. The few negative reviews mostly stated that the mattress wasn’t comfortable enough.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe is an ultra-firm mattress that is uniquely flippable. On the Plank Firm Luxe, one side has an 8/10 firmness, and the other has a 9/10 firmness. Regardless of which side you choose, this is one of the firmer mattresses available. This level of firmness is particularly helpful to stomach sleepers and heavier back sleepers. Because of this firmness, you can also expect consistent support and responsiveness across the entirety of the Plank Luxe’s surface, which is why our testers gave the Plank Luxe a nearly perfect 4.5/5 for its edge support. This level of edge support also makes it easier to get in and out of bed or comfortably sleep on the edges of the bed if you share it.
This bed is not for most lightweight or side sleepers. However, the Plank Luxe received some quality scores concerning average-weight and heavy-weight back and stomach sleepers. Our testers gave the Plank Luxe a 4.5/5 for its support and a 4/5 for its durability. When testing out the Plank Luxe, we found it also had great temperature control (4/5) due to the airflow produced by its coiled layer and breathable cover top.
If you’re on the heavier side and seeking a mattress that you can comfortably hang out or rest on the edges of, the Plank Luxe is a great choice. Furthermore, expect firm support for your spine if you sleep on your back and have had issues getting the posture support you need with less firm mattresses that may be unable to hold up your weight.
What the testers say: “Both sides of the Plank Firm Luxe felt great for back and stomach sleeping, and kept my spine aligned in these positions. Side sleeping didn’t feel the best though, on either side of the mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Plank Firm Luxe
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable mattress, meaning that you get two firmness options in one mattress.
If you’re a lover of firm mattresses, this one is for you. The Plank Firm Luxe is an extremely firm mattress. It’s an 8/10 on our firmness scale on the soft side and a 9/10 on the firm side.
There is an optional GlacioTex cooling cover for the Plank Firm Luxe, so hot sleepers should stay cool on this mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm Luxe
If you’re a fan of soft mattresses, or even medium firm mattresses, this won’t be a good fit for you. This mattress is one of the firmest mattresses on the market.
If you like to be hugged by your mattress, again, this won’t be a good fit. The Plank won’t give you a contouring feel at all.
Other user reviews
On the company site, the Plank was rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by real customers. Many customers raved about the fact that the mattress was firm but could be flipped for either a softer or firmer feel. On the contrary, some of the less positive reviews were that the mattress was too firm, making it uncomfortable.
Birch Natural – Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best Eco-Friendly Mattress
Birch Natural Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
The Birch Natural is a slightly firmer (7/10) all-natural hybrid mattress that is great for back and stomach sleepers. While not ideal for side sleepers, back and stomach sleepers can enjoy what our testers determined was a 5/5 level of support on the Birch Natural. Also, the Birch Natural is one of the most eco-friendly mattresses available today. The Birch uses only certified organic and natural materials in its construction. The Birch is also fair-trade and GREENGUARD GOLD certified.
The Birch Natural uses organic cotton, wool, and all-natural latex for its upper comfort layers and base around its core layer of coils (for support and airflow), which is produced under eco-friendly conditions. Moreover, due to its all-natural design, the Birch offers one of the more hypoallergenic mattresses available today and is generally free of toxins. This hyper-eco-friendly build didn’t result in lower scores by our testers either. The Birch scored quite well when putting it to the test. The Birch scored a 4.5/5 for its edge support, 4.5/5 for its durability, and most impressively, a perfect 5/5 for its temperature regulation, which is rare for our testers to give to a mattress.
The Birch Natural is not only one of the more eco-friendly mattresses we’ve reviewed, but it’s also one of the highest-scoring. Back sleepers who want a more ethical mattress will not only feel better about purchasing the Birch but will likely be very pleased with the quality of sleep they get on this luxury mattress.
What our testers say: “I felt well-supported on the Birch Natural on my back, and it should be great for side sleepers too. I love that you can unbox and hit the hay right away on the Birch Natural too, since the use of natural materials pretty much eliminates any chemical off-gassing smell standard with other bed-in-a-box mattresses.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Birch Natural
As its mattress lab scores indicate, the Birch Natural sleeps exceptionally cool, making it an excellent fit for hot sleepers. Testers said the bed is one of the most breathable mattresses they’ve tried.
Some mattresses collapse when you sit near or on the edge of them. That’s not the case with this one. The Birch Natural has some nice edge support, so you should feel supported if you sleep near the perimeter.
The Birch Natural should last you quite a while — between 7-10 years — thanks to its use of eco-friendly but durable materials like latex.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch Natural
If you prefer soft or medium-firm mattresses, this one won’t be a good fit. It’s firmer than average, and we rank it 7/10 on our firmness scale.
If you sleep with a partner and their movements wake you up at night, the Birch Natural might be a poor choice. Bouncy latex and coils don’t isolate motion as well as memory foam beds, so disturbances from movement are more likely.
Other user reviews
On the Birch Natural page, customers gave the mattress an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customers love the bed’s use of organic materials, lack of unboxing odor, and cool feel. There are no 1- or 2-star reviews, and a few 3-star reviews were from customers who didn’t think find the mattress to feel as they expected.
Birch Natural Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-Year Warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 Nights
Shipping
Free Shipping
Weight (Queen)
Not specified on manufacturer site but likely 110-130 pounds
Important Considerations When Shopping for The Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
Mattress Firmness
At Mattress Clarity, we always rate firmness on a scale of 1 to 10. Back sleepers will want to find something in the medium-firm range of 6.5 to 7. If the mattress is too soft, they might not get the support they need, and their hips could sink in too far (potentially leading to lower back pain). If the mattress is too firm, they won’t sink in far enough and get the contouring that they need.
Let’s dig into that a little further. Dr. Daniel Davids, a DPT and Mattress Clarity Expert Network Member, explains that we actually require natural motion while we sleep, which can be unhealthily reduced by a too-soft bed. Unlike standing, walking, or other upright activities, Davids says actions like lying down and sleeping allow our muscles to be in a relatively off position. Because our muscles provide stability to our joints when they’re relaxed, our joints also relax. However, he says that if we maintain a position for too long that pushes the limits of our joint range, we may wake up with pain or stiffness.
Likewise, a mattress that’s too stiff puts undue pressure on certain areas of our body with “bony prominences” — areas where the bone isn’t as covered with soft tissue (muscle and fat), says Davids. This issue can even lead to skin breakdown as we see with seniors and bedsores. Check out our best mattresses for seniors page to see alternative recommendations.
Comfort Layer Thickness
When consumers are looking at the design of the mattress, they should pay close attention to the thickness of the comfort layer. While a thick comfort layer can be nice for those who sleep on their side, back sleepers won’t want it to be too thick. A comfort layer between 2″ and 4″ should allow them to sink into the mattress just enough while still getting enough support for their back and cushioning in their lumbar area.
Your Weight
As with any mattress purchase, people will want to consider their overall size and weight. A mattress that’s supportive enough for a lighter-weight sleeper might not support a heavier sleeper. Likewise, a larger person might think a mattress is perfect for back-sleeping, while a lighter person could possibly find it too firm. Consumers should definitely keep their size in mind when attempting to find that perfect balance between comfort and support.
Best Mattress Types for Back Sleepers
There are a few major types of mattresses, and they all offer benefits and drawbacks when it comes to back-sleeping. Let’s discuss exactly how each one can be a good and poor fit.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are good for back sleepers in that they provide excellent contouring and really fill all the gaps (such as the lumbar area) that naturally occur when you rest on your back. They can also be extremely soft, however, and sometimes don’t offer the best support for back-sleeping. If a shopper wants a memory foam mattress for back-sleeping, they should find something where the comfort layer isn’t too thick. They’ll want a bed that will allow their hips to sink in just the right amount while the mattress supports the rest of their body.
Innerspring
A mattress with high-grade coils can indeed be a good match for back-sleeping, but it really comes down to the overall firmness and what’s in the comfort layer. If an innerspring mattress is too firm, it can push the hips out of the mattress and cause back pain. That’s why innerspring pillow-top mattresses are often a good fit for back-sleeping. The pillow-top adds some softness and allows those hips to sink in just a bit. If shoppers want an innerspring mattress for back-sleeping, they just need to make sure it is truly medium-firm.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses provide the soft comfort of foam and the support of coils, both of which help back sleepers rest comfortably. However, there are still a few things to look out for. First off, make sure the comfort layer is the right thickness. If it’s a thick layer of memory foam, your spine might get out of alignment while you’re sleeping. If it’s just a thin layer of a firmer foam, the mattress might push the hips out of the mattress.
Latex
Latex mattresses are known for being eco-friendly, but how do they work for back-sleeping? First off, latex is a denser material that can sometimes be on the firmer side. If it’s too dense, it might not let sleepers’ hips sink in the right amount. So, back sleepers want to make sure there’s some give in place. Latex mattresses can also be good for back-sleeping because they’re highly durable. While they do cost more, they’re a better long-term investment and are less likely to sag.
Is Back Sleeping Healthy?
Yes. In fact, most medical professionals consider back sleeping to be the healthiest of all the positions. As a back sleeper, you’re less likely to face the pressure point pain that often comes with side sleeping, and the lower back pain that often comes with stomach sleeping.
While you already have a leg-up on the other sleeping positions in terms of sleep health, there are still some things you should keep in mind as a back sleeper. Back sleeping can cause snoring, as in this position the tissues in your throat can naturally fall backwards and restrict airflow. If this is a problem for you, though, you could consider a wedge pillow, which will adjust your angle of rest so as to prevent airway restriction.
Doctors also recommend that pregnant people avoid back sleeping, as it can lead to the reduction of blood flow to the fetus. For more on this, check out our guide on how to get the best sleep during pregnancy.
Sleep Accessories for Back-Sleeping
For back sleepers, getting a good night’s rest doesn’t stop with finding a mattress. There are also some accessories that can help ensure comfort and support.
First off, a pillow can really help with back-sleeping if it’s a proper fit. Back sleepers should look for something that isn’t too thick and isn’t too thin. A pillow with a medium loft will keep the head, neck, and spine neutrally aligned. These can come in many types, including latex and memory foam. There are also some pillows made specifically to support the neck. Make sure to take a look at our best pillows for back sleepers for more information.
Mattress toppers can also be a great accessory for back sleepers, especially if their current mattress is too firm. A 2″ or 3″ mattress topper can add just a bit of comfort to the top of the mattress, providing some more contouring and allowing the hips to sink in. There are also zoned mattress toppers that can provide some more lumbar support for back sleepers.
Overall
Here’s a recap of our top picks for the best mattresses for back sleepers:
Medium-firm mattresses are great for back sleepers since it supports proper spinal alignment while cushioning the shoulders and hips.
Are foam mattresses good for back sleepers?
Memory foam is great for back sleepers since it cradles the body in some of the heavier places while also cushioning the spine.
Which thickness is best for back sleepers?
We recommend sleepers have mattresses at least 10″ thick, regardless of your sleep position.
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Marten Carlson
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.
