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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.
In This Review
I’ll go over the best mattresses for back pain and also explain how the correct mattress can ease and prevent future back pain. The mattresses we have selected for this page have features that provide excellent body contouring and zoned coil support which is an important factor to ease back pain while sleeping. We have recently updated this page by adding in the Saatva RX mattress.
If you’re struggling with back pain, you’re not alone. Surveys from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke found that about 80 percent of Americans will struggle with back pain at some point in their lifetimes. And while there are many causes for it, sleeping on an uncomfortable and unsupportive mattress can be a large contributor. So, let’s talk about our top picks for the best mattresses for back pain relief.
In 2024 alone, we helped 5,919 sleepers (and 35,000 since we started in 2015) find a new mattress. To select the mattresses with the best chance of mitigating back pain, we called upon our rigorous testing methodology, advice from medical experts, and our wealth of personal experience with different brands and models. Specifically, we focused on beds that offer pressure relief, edge support, and response.
In this article, we’ll share our top mattress recommendations for people with upper and lower back pain and explain how you can choose which mattress is the best fit for you. We’ll also explain how back pain and sleep are related and tell you what factors to look for when buying a mattress for better sleep.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Back Pain?
Our expert reviewers chose theSaatva as the best mattress for upper and lower back pain for its multiple firmness options, support, cooling features and versatility.
[Editor’s Note: The information provided should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a medical professional or another medical expert if there are any health-related questions or if you’re experiencing severe back pain.]
Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy People with Back Pain
What Matters Most in a Mattress for Back Pain
When testing the best mattresses for back pain, we focused on models that balanced support, pressure relief, and response. A mattress that offers proper spinal alignment while cushioning sensitive areas is crucial for minimizing discomfort and promoting restful sleep. In this list, I’ve selected mattresses that excel in these areas to help you find the right match for alleviating back pain and improving sleep quality.
Pressure Relief – Pressure relief is essential for alleviating back pain because it helps reduce the buildup of tension in key areas like the lower back and hips. We use a pressure map test to measure a mattress’s ability to relieve pressure and pain. The map tells us the average PSI and gives us a digital thermal reading of where pressure is building up on our bodies. We’ve found that the average PSIs for back and side sleeping are 15.1 and 12.6, respectively. If the PSI is lower than the average, that usually indicates that the mattress is less prone to pressure buildup in those positions.
Edge Support – Edge support is important for sleepers with back pain because it ensures the mattress remains supportive across its entire surface, not just in the middle. As Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, explains, “Mattresses with consistent support also distribute your body weight evenly. Uneven weight distribution can cause pressure buildup that can lead to additional discomfort.”
Response – A mattress’s response time plays a key role in helping people with back pain maintain proper spinal alignment while they sleep. A responsive mattress quickly adjusts to the body’s movements and allows sleepers to shift positions without feeling “stuck” or experiencing increased discomfort. A mattress that responds well to changes in position helps prevent misalignment of the spine, which can cause or worsen back pain. It also reduces the chances of waking up stiff or in pain due to prolonged pressure on certain areas of the body.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Saatva
Saatva Classic
Multiplem Firmnesses
Durable
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free white glove delivery
Limited Time Offer
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The Saatva is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is a bit firmer than average.
Price
$1,295-$2,790 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive enough for stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 300 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
The Saatva mattress is a great option for combination sleepers. It is available in multiple firmness options, but the Luxury Firm model works well for multiple sleeping positions.
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva will work well for most back sleepers. Its balance of comfort and support and zoned construction ensure you’ll sleep in good neutral alignment.
Shoppers looking for a long-lasting mattress will love the Saatva. It feature high-density foam and durable coils that should ensure it lasts for over 10 years.
Cons
If you like the feel of a memory foam mattress, you’re not going to love the feel of the Saatva.
Lightweight side sleepers might not get the best pressure relief, even on the softest Saatva model.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Saatva is a luxurious hybrid innerspring mattress that should be a great long-term investment. It is available in multiple firmness options, so it should work for the majority of sleeping positions, and its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress with bells and whistles designed to help you sleep better. However, to be selected as the best bed for back pain, it has to do more than make a lot of noise; it has to do the work, and the Saatva does. After taking the Saatva for a spin, our mattress testers awarded the Luxury Firm model a 4.5 or higher in pressure relief, edge support, and response.
We gave the Saatva Classic a 4.5/5 for pressure relief, which is excellent compared to the average pressure relief scores of all mattresses we tested, which are 3.5 and 4.0 for side and back sleeping, respectively. When testing pressure relief, we use a high-tech mat that we roll onto the mattress and have three testers of different weight classes lie on. The mat identifies where pressure forms in the body and displays those results on the screen.
Our mattress testers loved the pillow top, which provides the lower lumbar area with enough cushioning to relieve lower back pain.
“The Saatva hugs my lower back in a way that relieves its pressure,” said our average-weight mattress tester, Kayla Godfrey. “My hips and shoulders feel nicely aligned. This bed offers great support without feeling too firm or soft.”
The Saatva Classic earns a perfect 5/5 for edge support, making it one of the best in its class. Edge support is crucial for back pain, as it helps maintain proper spinal alignment across the entire surface area of the mattress and prevents discomfort from sagging or instability. When measuring sinkage across varying weight classes, our testers noted there was no noticeable sinking or slipping when sitting or lying on the edge.
“There’s no sinkage or slipping that I can notice, which is a sign of amazing edge support,” said mattress tester Livvi DiCicco. “I think older adults and folks with mobility concerns would feel secure on the Saatva.”
Our mattress testers also gave the Saatva Classic another perfect 5/5 for its response. This is especially important for people with back pain because it helps maintain proper spinal alignment while moving, reducing the strain on pressure points. It also prevents the sleeper from sinking too deeply, which can exacerbate discomfort or stiffness. During testing, our mattress testers found that maneuvering on the Saatva was a breeze.
As great as the Saatva is for back pain, I still wouldn’t recommend this mattress to everyone. Couples who are easily disturbed by movement should opt for a mattress with better motion isolation, as the Saatva’s bouncy springs transfer a lot of motion from one side of the bed to the other.
I also wouldn’t recommend this bed to folks who spend a lot of time sleeping on their side. The Luxury Firm model probably won’t be soft enough to offer these sleepers sufficient pressure relief around their hips and shoulders.
Got your eyes set on the Saatva? Check out our full Saatva Classic mattress review to learn more about it before you buy. If you’re looking for the same Saatva support with better motion isolation, check out the Saatva Contour5.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Nectar
Nectar Classic
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Spring Into Savings
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The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, there’s a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldn’t feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because it’s an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. You’ll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is the only memory foam mattress on this list, and as such, it performs quite a bit differently than the innerspring and hybrid models that dominate this list. Nectar’s flagship mattress excels in response, cooling, and motion isolation, earning a 4/5 or higher in each category. This bed is a good fit for folks who prefer the cushioning feel of memory foam and couples who are easily disturbed by movement at night.
My fellow mattress testers and I gave the Nectar a 4/5 for response, which is surprising for an all-foam bed. A responsive mattress can help folks with back pain reduce the strain on high-pressure areas while switching between different sleeping positions. During our tests, we found that moving around on the Nectar was surprisingly easy.
“The Nectar has a super doughy feel on top, but it’s easier to move than most foam beds,” agreed mattress tester Livvi DiCicco. “However, rolling from my stomach to my back was probably the most difficult.”
Typically, responsive mattresses have less-than-stellar motion isolation, but that’s not the case with the Nectar Classic. We gave the Nectar Classic a 4.7/5 for its ability to isolate motion to one side of the bed. In other words, folks sensitive to movement should not have to worry about their partner or pet waking them in the middle of the night.
“I’m someone who usually feels every little movement,” said Livvi. “However, the Nectar has some of the best motion isolation I’ve experienced yet. I didn’t feel my fellow tester’s movements. I only noticed when he got out of bed.”
While the Nectar Classic showed impressive results in our response and motion isolation tests, cooling is where this mattress shines. We gave the Nectar a perfect 5/5 for cooling for its stellar performance on our thermal gun test. After using a thermal gun to record the surface temperature of the mattress before and after lying on it for 7 minutes, I found that it only went up by 3.9 degrees. These results are outstanding for a memory foam mattress, as these beds are typically known for trapping heat.
Overall, I think the Nectar Classic is ideal for sleepers with back pain who don’t want to give up responsive support to have the slow-moving cushiony feel of an all-foam mattress. However, I wouldn’t recommend this mattress to couples who gravitate towards the edge of the mattress and need additional support around the perimeter, as the Nectar performed at about average in edge support.
The Nectar Classic will also likely sink too much for folks with larger bodies who suffer from back pain. I would recommend an innerspring or hybrid mattress to these sleepers instead.
Need to know more about the Nectar Classic before you buy? Read our full Nectar mattress review to see how it performed on all our tests. If you’re interested in the Nectar’s cooling features but prefer a hybrid feel, I recommend checking out the Nectar Classic Hybrid.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original
Firm Feel
Responsive
Affordable
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7.5/10. This makes the mattress firmer than average.
Price
$839-$2,178 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the DreamCloud
It is a good option for back sleepers. While it is a bit firmer than average, its balance of comfort and support will keep the spine in neutral alignment.
You shouldn’t be sleeping too hot on this mattress. The breathable cover, gel-infused foam, and airflow-promoting coils should prevent the mattress from trapping heat.
You should never feel stuck in this mattress. The DreamCloud is bouncy and responsive, so you will have no trouble moving around and changing positions.
The DreamCloud is a good value option. Hybrid mattresses can be quite pricey, but the DreamCloud is surprisingly affordable.
Cons of the DreamCloud
Side sleepers will want to find a softer mattress to give them the pressure relief they need.
Fans of the slow-moving memory foam feel won’t get that feeling on the DreamCloud.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleepers and nice cooling for hot sleepers. Its mix of foam and coils ensures you get the right amount of support, while its breathable materials ensure you don’t sleep too hot. It is a bouncier mattress, and if you prefer more of a memory foam feel, consider the Nectar mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Sometimes, people with back pain find their symptoms alleviated after sleeping on a luxury mattress at a nice hotel or resort. To bring that 5-star feel to your house, we recommend the DreamCloud. The DreamCloud is a luxury mattress with high-end materials like gel memory foam and a plush cashmere cover, offering a balance of comfort and durability. It is is also one of the firmest mattresses on this list, making it a great fit for sleepers who need more support. Our testers gave the DreamCloud a 4/5 or higher in edge support, response, and cooling.
Our testers found that the DreamCloud provided exceptional support; a must-have for sleepers with back pain. The DreamCloud earned a 4/5 for support and edge support, meaning these sleepers should be able to spread out across the entire surface of the mattress and maintain proper spinal alignment, which is crucial to relieving pressure around the lower back. When our testers sat on the edge of the mattress, they saw that it only sank 2.5 inches, meaning sleepers should have no trouble spreading out on the DreamCloud.
The DreamCloud scored a near-perfect 4.5/5 in the response category. Hybrid beds are often known for their bouncy and responsive feel, and the DreamCloud is no different. This makes it easy for sleepers with back pain to adjust themselves on the mattress without putting more strain on their lower backs.
“The DreamCloud has a bouncy and responsive feel, thanks to its strong coils,” said mattress tester Marten Carlson. “During testing, I noticed the springy surface right away.”
The DreamCloud is also a great option for hot sleepers because it features temperature-regulating materials. The cashmere-blend cover is breathable, and the gel-infused memory foam helps dissipate body heat. Meanwhile, the coils in the support layer allow air to pass through the mattress. Our testers gave the DreamCloud a strong 4/5 in this category.
“When I tested the DreamCloud, I felt quite cool because of its materials,” explained Marten. “Its individually wrapped coils facilitate airflow so that it isn’t one big block of heat.”
Based on our experience with the DreamCloud, I think it’s a good fit for people with back pain who want a hotel-quality mattress. However, I wouldn’t recommend this mattress to sleepers with more body weight and couples sensitive to motion transfer. Sleepers over 230 pounds will likely not get enough support from the DreamCloud and its less-than-stellar motion isolation could lead to disturbances from a partner’s movements.
Ready to jump into the DreamCloud? Read our full DreamCloud mattress review to learn more about this luxury model. For a luxurious mattress that’s better at isolating motion, I recommend the Leesa Sapira Chill.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Helix
Helix Midnight Luxe
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Breathability
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
March Madness Sale
Use code MARCH20 and save 20% off sitewide See Details
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,373-$2,073 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
This bed has a hotel-like feel. The pillow top provides a plush comfort layer to sink into.
The Helix Midnight Luxe sleeps cool. Thanks to its cooling cover and copper-infused memory foam, even hot sleepers shouldn’t worry about overheating on this bed.
Even though it’s a hybrid mattress, this bed has great motion isolation. That means if you co-sleep, you’re less likely to feel your partner’s movements.
Cons
Stomach sleepers probably won’t find this bed supportive enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
This is a luxury mattress model, so it wouldn’t be considered a budget-buy.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. It likely isn’t firm enough for most stomach sleepers, though. If you’re looking for a more supportive bed, check out the Titan Plus. Learn more in our video review.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress that features a plush mattress topper, multiple proprietary foams, and innerspring coils so any sleeper can feel supported and comfortable while they rest. Currently, you can order it with an ErgoAlign layer—an upgraded top layer of foam that’s denser and firmer underneath your lower back and midsection. This additional support for the lumbar spine can be a reliable defense against back pain. Our testers gave this excellent pillow top mattress a 4/5 across key categories for back pain, including pressure relief and responsiveness.
The Helix Midnight earned a 4.2/5 for pressure relief, which is better than the average pressure relief scores of 3.5 and 4.0 for side and back sleeping, respectively. When testing pressure relief, we use a high-tech mat that we roll onto the mattress and have three testers of different weight classes lie on. The mat identifies where pressure forms in the body and displays those results on the screen. Overall, we saw minimal pressure buildup in our testers’ lower backs, indicating this a good mattress for people with lower back pain.
“The Helix Midnight felt really good on my back,” said Kate Gorman, our lightweight mattress tester. “My hips are a little bit lower than my shoulders, but there’s no pressure in my lower back.”
Combination sleepers and those with back pain will also be pleased to hear that the Helix Midnight Luxe is highly responsive, making it easier to switch between different sleeping positions on this mattress. Responsiveness also allows folks with back pain to easily adjust themselves at night without putting more strain on high-pressure areas. Our testers gave the Helix Midnight Luxe a 4/5 in this category.
“It’s fairly easy to change positions on this mattress,” said mattress tester Caitlin Giddings. “I’d say this bed is fairly responsive. It doesn’t feel bouncy or springy, but I also didn’t sink into the mattress.”
Although the Midnight Luxe is an impressive offering from Helix, it’s not perfect. I wouldn’t recommend this mattress to folks with limited mobility who need a strong perimeter to bear down on while getting out of bed. While the Midnight Luxe has solid edge support overall, our testers noted the corners and edges dipping down a bit while sitting on them.
Similarly, our testers gave the Helix Midnight Luxe a 3.7/5 in the motion isolation category. During testing, they found they could feel major movements happening on the other side of the mattress from theirs. If you have a restless partner or wiggly pet who loves to move around at night, you will likely feel their more substantial movements.
Is your heart set on Helix? Head over to our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review to learn more about this impressive hybrid mattress. For an option with stronger edge support, I recommend the Helix Dusk Luxe instead.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Helix Midnight Luxe
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid
Medium-Firm Feel
Lifetime Warranty
Sturdy Edges
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
March Deals
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The Bear Elite Hybrid is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,893-$3,920 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Hot Sleepers
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid
This mattress offers great value. It’s made with high-quality materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, but available at a relatively affordable price point.
It comes with excellent edge support. The Bear Elite Hybrid’s sturdy perimeter is helpful if you need a stable surface to get in and out of bed.
The bed’s cover and foam layers contain cooling materials to help regulate your body temperature. Its coil layer also promotes plenty of airflow to keep you cool.
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid
Doesn’t do the best job of isolating motion.
Likely not supportive enough for sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, we’d recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
Sleepers with back pain who need a softer mattress that offers ample support and pressure relief should check out the Bear Elite Hybrid. We tested the medium-firm option and found that its memory foam comfort layer and quilted cover to be incredibly comfortable and cushioning. After testing it, we gave Elite Hybrid a firmness rating of 6 out of 10, meaning this mattress is softer than the industry standard of 6.5 or medium-firm. The Bear Elite Hybrid earned an impressive 4/5 or higher in categories like pressure relief, edge support, and response.
When it comes to alleviating pressure points, especially around the lower back, the Bear Elite Hybrid does an excellent job. The combination of memory foam and the quilted cover offers just enough cushioning to relieve pressure without being overly soft. Our testers particularly appreciated how it eased tension in their hips and lower back and gave it a 4/5 for pressure relief.
“I didn’t feel any pressure on my back on this mattress,” said mattress tester Matt Schickling. “I feel like my hips and shoulders are well-aligned. If you’re a heavy back sleeper, I’d say this is a good pick.”
Edge support is another crucial category for folks with back pain who need reliable, even support across the entire mattress. The Bear Elite Hybrid stands out in this category with a perfect 5/5. Our mattress testers noted minimal sinkage when sitting or lying near the edges, making it a great option for those who need to get in and out of bed easily.
“I felt like I could lie on the absolute farthest reaches of the Bear without sliding or rolling out,” said mattress tester Caitlin Giddings. “I felt super secure switching positions.”
A responsive mattress can help with back pain because it helps sleepers maintain spinal alignment while moving at night. The Bear Elite Hybrid scored highly in this category due to its quick response to body movements, meaning folks with back pain can easily adjust themselves without putting additional stress on their hips or lower back. The Bear’s hybrid design with coils provides enough bounce to align your spine without excessive sinkage. Our mattress testers gave the Bear Elite Hybrid another perfect 5/5 in this category.
While the Bear Elite Hybrid might be a dream come true for sleepers with back pain, it doesn’t perform as well in the cooling department. With a cooling score of 2.5/5, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers. The memory foam tends to trap heat, and the mattress doesn’t feature the most breathable materials to keep things cool overnight.
Additionally, while it did a decent job of isolating motion, our testers could still feel significant movements, like someone getting in or out of bed. This makes the Elite Hybrid less ideal for couples who are sensitive to motion transfer.
Interested in the Bear? Check out our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review to learn more about its performance across other categories. If you’re a hot sleeper, I recommend checking out the Nectar Premier Hybrid for an option with better cooling features.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Saatva
Saatva Rx
Medium-Firm Feel
Pain Relief
Luxury
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free white glove delivery
Limited Time Offer
Take $300 off your order of $1,000 or more See Details
The Saatva Rx is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1995 – $4,390 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 300 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
The mattress is designed specifically with pain in mind. Its unique design can prevent and easy future back pain.
It is a great luxury pick. If you want a mattress with all the bells and whistles, this is a good investment.
Cons
It doesn’t offer a memory foam feel.
It is a pricier mattress.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Saatva Rx is a great fit for people with deal with pain issues. Its unique coil system offers some of the best contouring we have ever experienced. Learn more in our video review.
The Saatva Rx’s luxury construction and premium materials provide maximum support and pressure relief for folks with chronic back pain. Whether you’re sleeping on your back, side, or stomach, the Saatva Rx ensures proper support throughout the night. This mattress earned a 4/5 or higher in key categories for back and joint pain, including pressure relief and responsiveness.
Pressure relief is one of the most critical factors for easing back and joint pain, and the Saatva Rx earns a near-perfect 4.5/5 in this area. Its high-quality foam layers and coil system work together to reduce pressure, especially in sensitive areas like the lower back, hips, and shoulders. During testing, our reviewers fell in love with how well the mattress distributed weight and relieved tension without causing any additional pressure on pain points.
“The pocketed coils are quick to respond, automatically adjusting to your body’s shape and movement for superior pressure relief,” explained mattress tester Marten Carlson. “ The firmer caliber spring coils around the mattress perimeter also add great edge support.”
Responsiveness is important for maintaining spinal alignment and staying comfortable while shifting between different positions throughout the night. The Saatva Rx earned a solid score of 4/5 here thanks to how quickly it adapts to body movements. This mattress should be easy for sleepers to adjust themselves without feeling stuck in one position. This is especially beneficial for people with back and joint pain, as it prevents additional strain during the night.
“The Saatva Rx is very thick and plush, but it’s still surprisingly easy to move around on,” said mattress tester Kayla Godfrey. “It took minimal effort to switch positions on this mattress.”
The Saatva Rx is also a great choice for couples or folks who share the bed with pets. It earned a 4.7/5 in motion isolation for its ability to reduce motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other. This means that movements on one side of the bed are less likely to disturb the other side, ensuring a more restful sleep.
Unfortunately, the Rx does have its drawbacks. Firstly, it comes with a premium price tag, making it less ideal for budget shoppers. Additionally, while the Saatva Rx is a great option for most sleepers, it may be too soft for stomach sleepers with more body weight. These sleepers often require a firmer surface to keep their hips from sinking too deeply into the mattress, which could lead to misalignment and exacerbate pain.
Feeling sure about the Saatva Rx? Check out our full Saatva Rx mattress review to learn more. If you’re looking for a comparable mattress that can support more body weight, I recommend the Titan Plus Elite.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,149-$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It has a bouncy, responsive feel. This is great for combination sleepers who benefit from a bed that makes it easy to change positions at night.
The WinkBed features zoned support. With firmer foam at the top and bottom and more cushioning foam in the middle, this bed has excellent lumbar support.
This bed sleeps cool. Thanks to the breathable coils and gel-infused memory foam, hot sleepers can expect a cool night’s rest.
Cons
This isn’t the best option for motion isolation.
The WinkBed doesn’t have a traditional “sink-in” memory foam feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
The WinkBed offers a balanced blend of support and durability. We rated it a 6.5 out of 10 for firmness, which places it in the industry standard of medium-firm. This mattress is engineered to support proper spinal alignment and help relieve tension and pressure where it matters most for sleepers with back pain. With individually wrapped coils designed to provide zoned lumbar support and a plush, gel-infused pillow top for extra comfort, it’s a true standout for anyone seeking pain relief and quality sleep.
For those with back pain, strong support is a necessity throughout the entire mattress. The WinkBed nails this with a 4.4/5 score for edge support. When sitting or lying near the edge, our testers didn’t feel like they were about to roll off or sink into the mattress. The solid edge support helps maintain a consistent sleeping surface and ensures you’re not compromising your spinal alignment, even if you tend to gravitate toward the perimeter of the bed.
“Perhaps not surprisingly, the WinkBed has excellent edge support,” said mattress tester Marten Carlson. “When I sat along the side of the bed, the edge only sagged about 3 inches. For reference, many mattresses sink 4 to 5 inches when I sit along the sides.”
If your back pain tends to get worse when you shift positions during the night, it means you probably need a more responsive mattress. Scoring 3/5, the WinkBed has a solid balance between support and responsiveness. Its hybrid design ensures that you won’t sink in too deeply, keeping your spine aligned while allowing you to move freely throughout the night. This is crucial for minimizing pressure points and avoiding stiff or achy mornings.
“To test the WinkBed’s responsiveness, I pressed my hand into the pillow top and watched how quickly it snapped back into place,” explained Marten. “The coils helped the mattress come back into place quickly, but the gel foam in the pillow top created a little bit of that slow-moving feel. For this reason, I’d say the WinkBed’s response is just shy of perfection.”
The WinkBed scores decent in motion isolation. Our testers gave it a 3.7/5 for this category, meaning couples might feel more movement transfer than they’d like, especially if their partner tosses and turns during the night.
Additionally, at 13.5 inches tall, the WinkBed might present a challenge for sleepers with limited mobility. The height makes it a bit more difficult to get in and out of bed without putting strain on your back, so it may not be the best choice for those with mobility issues.
Want to get to know the WinkBed a little better before hitting the add-to-cart button? Read our full WinkBed mattress review to learn more. If you’re looking for a similar mattress with better motion isolation, I recommend checking out the Nectar Luxe.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nolah
Nolah Evolution
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Sale
Use code CLARITY50 and save an additional $50 off mattress purchases See Details
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress, which means it has coils at the bottom and memory foam on top.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,499-$3,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid offers great lumbar support for most back sleepers under 300 lb.
Hot Sleepers
This bed has graphite-infused foam, which helps dissipate body heat. It also has coils that promote airflow.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
It has great cooling features, such as graphite-infused foam and airflow-promoting coils.
Even though it has coils, it isolates motion well. This makes it a great mattress for couples.
It’s available in three firmness levels, so it works for a variety of people.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution
It lacks a slow-moving feel.
It’s not supportive enough for most people who weigh more than 300 lb.
Because it’s a luxurious mattress, it might be too pricey for some people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
If lower back pain has been your nightly companion, the Nolah Evolution might just become your new best friend. The Evolution is designed with zoning technology that firms up the center to give your lower back the support it craves while still offering enough comfort for the rest of your body. Thanks to its hybrid construction, the Nolah also delivers a perfect combination of pressure-relieving foam and supportive coils. Our mattress testers gave this mattress a 4 or higher in all the essential categories for back pain, including pressure relief, edge support, and response.
When you’re dealing with lower back pain, pressure relief is essential, and the Nolah Evolution truly delivers here. Its generous foam layers provide exceptional cushioning around the lumbar region. Our testers gave it a solid 4.5/5, noting how the mattress cradles the body and relieves tension without making you feel like you’re sinking in too deep.
“The mattress’s pillow top gave me a little bit of contouring through the lumbar area and absorbed any pressure I might have felt there,” said mattress tester Caitlin Giddings. “My spine felt like it was supported and held in its neutral position and there was absolutely zero sinking on this mattress—I felt like I just floated inside the Nolah’s doughy, pillow-top layer.”
The Nolah Evolution’s edge support could be another game changer for people with back pain. The Nolah Evolution earned an impressive 4.6/5 for edge support, which means you won’t have to worry about sinking or losing support when you sleep near the edges. This solid edge also makes getting in and out of bed a lot easier, especially for folks who need a little extra help with stability.
“When lying at the far reaches of the bed, I felt beyond secure,” said Caitlin. “At no point did the bed dip down even slightly, no matter how close I inched to its edge. Whether I lay on my side, back, or stomach, the Evolution remained solid and steady, with no sinking or sagging to suggest its structured support would falter along the edges.”
A mattress that responds well to your movements is also essential when dealing with lower back pain. The Nolah Evolution earned a 4/5 for response, meaning it provides just the right amount of bounce to support shifting positions without creating extra strain. Whether you’re turning from side to side or getting up to adjust your sleeping position, the mattress adapts without compromising spinal alignment.
While the Nolah Evolution excels in support and comfort, it comes with a hefty price tag, which might not be ideal for budget shoppers looking for a more affordable option. I also wouldn’t recommend the Evolution to stomach sleepers, as its firmness might be too soft for them, especially those with more body weight. These sleepers typically need a firmer surface to avoid their hips sinking too much, which can cause misalignment and worsen back pain.
Need to get your hands on the Nolah? Check out our full Nolah Evolution mattress review to see how it performed across each testing category. If you’re looking for a comparable budget option, I recommend checking out the Leesa Legend.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Brooklyn Bedding
Plank Firm Luxe
Firm Feel
Flippable
Supportive
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping except for HI and AK
Spring Sale
Use code SPRING25 and save 25% off sitewide See Details
The Plank Firm Luxe is a hybrid mattress, meaning it contains both coil and foam layers.
Firmness
The Plank Firm Luxe is flippable, offering an 8/10 (firm) firmness on one side and 9/10 (ultra-firm) on the other.
Price
$693-$1,299 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, Olympic queen, king, short king, California king, split California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Stomach Sleepers
Provides lots of support under hips for stomach sleepers.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s optional cooling panel can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
The mattress is flippable, giving you two different firmness options (firm and extra-firm) in one bed.
You can add a cooling cover to each side for a modest fee.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
It doesn’t offer a slow-moving memory foam feel. You’ll feel more on-top of the bed, than sunken in.
Side sleepers may not be able to get enough pressure relief, even on the bed’s less firm side.
Shipping
Free shipping except for HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
$99 return fee
The Plank Firm Luxe is a versatile ultra-firm mattress for sleepers who may typically struggle to find a bed that offers the level of firmness they need (heavyweight, stomach, and back sleepers in particular). Moreover, the bed’s dual firmness levels, and cozy, cool, yet durable construction, make the Plank Firm Luxe our favorite firm mattress for back pain.
If you’re in the market for a mattress that provides serious, no-nonsense support, the Plank Firm Luxe is as firm as it gets. Designed for heavier sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers who need extra support, this mattress ensures your spine stays in neutral alignment and reduces chronic pain. What sets the Plank Firm Luxe apart is its flippable design. One side delivers an 8/10 firmness (firm), while the other cranks it up to a 9/10 (extra firm). This gives sleepers the freedom to choose the level of support they need without committing to one set firmness. Our mattress testers gave this mattress a 4 or higher in edge support and response.
Firm mattresses are typically effective when it comes to edge support, and the Plank Firm Luxe is no different, earning a score of 4.5/5 in this category. When our testers sat and lay near the edges, they noted little to no sinking. In other words, you should get the full benefit of the mattress’s support across the entire surface. This is especially important for back pain sufferers, as consistent, stable support around the edges helps keep your spine in a healthy position, even if you toss and turn toward the perimeter of the mattress.
“I found the edge support on the Plank Firm Luxe to be nothing short of amazing,” said mattress tester Marten Carlson. “Because it’s a very firm mattress, it doesn’t collapse when I sit or lie near the edge.”
Response is another area where the Plank Firm Luxe doesn’t disappoint. Scoring a solid 4/5 for response, this mattress quickly adapts to your movements without losing its firmness. The Plank’s response prevented our reviewers from sinking in too deep and maintained their spinal alignment during testing, even while adjusting positions.
“Because the Plank Firm Luxe is a bouncy and responsive mattress, it should be a great mattress for combination sleepers,” said Marten. “Sleepers shouldn’t feel stuck in this bed, and it should be easy to move around and change positions.”
As its name suggests, the Plank Firm Luxe is built for those who need extreme firmness, which makes it unsuitable for side sleepers. If you sleep on your side, you’ll likely feel bunched up and uncomfortable. The mattress is too firm to properly cushion the hips and shoulders, which can lead to pressure points and worsen discomfort.
And if you’re a fan of that classic memory foam feel—where you sink into the mattress and feel cradled—this mattress is definitely not for you. The Plank Firm Luxe is as firm as it sounds. You won’t sink into it at all, which can be a turn-off for those who prefer a more cushioned, “conforming” sensation from their bed.
Planning on getting the Plank Firm Luxe? Check out our in-depth assessment of it in our full Plank Firm Luxe mattress review. If you want something similar at a lower cost, check out the standard Plank Firm.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Multiple Firmnesses
Affordable
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
120-night trial period
Free shipping
Spring Sale
Use code SPRING25 and save 25% off sitewide See Details
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$665-$1,599 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, king, short king, Olympic queen, California king, split California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a budget-friendly mattress. It’s a good fit for shoppers looking for an affordable, versatile bed.
Combination sleepers will find it easy to change positions on this bed. Thanks to its bouncy coil construction, the Signature offers a very responsive surface.
Back and side sleepers under 230 lbs can expect great pressure relief and support on this bed.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
This bed doesn’t provide much motion isolation.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature isn’t a luxury mattress.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable, no-frills bed with a medium-firm feel that should work for a wide variety of sleepers. While it’s made with durable materials and should last up to 10 years, it isn’t the most luxurious option. If you’re looking for a premium bed, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a mattress that provides just the right amount of softness without sacrificing support. It features three layers of plush foam, complemented by a robust 8-inch support layer of individually wrapped coils. Our testers tried out the Medium model, which we think is perfect for sleepers who are after that sweet spot between comfort and support, and folks with limited mobility. We gave the Signature Hybrid a 4/5 or higher in every single category.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid earned a solid 4/5 in the pressure relief category, which is a must for folks struggling with back pain. When testing pressure relief, we roll out a specialized mat on top of the mattress and have three testers of different weight classes lie on it. The mat identifies where pressure forms in the body and displays those results on the screen. Our testers saw minimal pressure buildup in their backs.
“This mattress feels really good on my back with very minimal pressure,” said Kayla Godfrey, our average-weight mattress tester. “I think the pressure relief here is great for my body type. The mattress sinks in enough to keep my spine aligned and even with the rest of my body.”
Back pain sufferers often need extra edge support to prevent rolling off the bed or losing spinal alignment when they sleep near the edges. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid earned a near-perfect 4.2/5 in this category. Thanks to its strong coil system, there’s minimal sinkage when sitting or lying on the edge, making it a great option for seniors or those with mobility concerns who need to get in and out of bed with ease.
“I didn’t notice any sinkage in any position while lying near the edge,” said mattress tester Livvi DiCicco. “I didn’t feel like I was compressing the edges too much as I moved around on the perimeter of the bed.”
For many sleepers, overheating at night can be an additional source of discomfort. Thankfully, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid offers strong cooling capabilities, earning it another 4.5/5 for its ability to regulate temperature. The breathable coils promote airflow, while the comfort layers do a good job of dissipating heat.
However, there are a couple of cons to note about the Signature Hybrid. This bed delivers solid pressure relief, but don’t expect to sink deeply into the mattress like you might with a traditional memory foam bed. The hybrid construction is designed to offer a more balanced feel, which might not be ideal for those who prefer lots of cushioning and deep contouring from their mattress.
Also, keep in mind that this is a standard hybrid model, so while it’s high-quality, it doesn’t include a lot of extras or high-tech features that some other mattresses offer. If you’re used to a luxury mattress, this one might feel a bit more basic in comparison.
Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy People with Back Pain
Best Mattress for Heavy People
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Brooklyn Bedding
Titan Plus
Firm Feel
Supportive
Breathable
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Spring Sale
Use code SPRING25 and save 25% off sitewide See Details
The Titan Plus is a hybrid mattress. This means it has coils at the bottom and foam on top.
Firmness
The Titan Plus mattress is very firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 9/10.
Price
$699-$1,499 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
Heavyweight sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Stomach Sleepers
It offers lots of hip support, which can help stomach sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment.
Couples
This mattress has good edge support and motion isolation.
Pros of the Titan Plus
It works well for people who weigh 230 – 500 lb, thanks to its supportive feel.
This mattress has great edge support.
The Titan Plus mattress is breathable and cool, so it works well for hot sleepers.
Cons of the Titan Plus
Lightweight people likely won’t get enough pressure relief on this mattress.
It’s too firm for many side sleepers, who will likely need more cushioning along their shoulders and hips.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Titan Plus mattress works well for many heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. It’s quite firm, coming in at 9/10 on our firmness scale. This means that many side sleepers won’t get the pressure relief they need along their shoulders and hips. Watch our Titan Plus mattress review video to learn more.
The Titan Plus is the ideal pick for sleepers over 230 pounds who suffer from back pain. This hybrid mattress offers the support heavier bodies need, with durable materials and a robust coil system that helps keep the spine aligned.
For those who tend to sleep on their stomach, this bed will keep the hips elevated to minimize strain on the lower back. Sleepers with bigger bodies will likely find that the foam layers offer just the right amount of cushion while still providing the solid support necessary for back pain relief. Our testers were impressed with the Titan’s performance overall, awarding it a 4/5 or higher in edge support, response, and motion transfer.
Even support throughout the entire surface of the mattress is a must for people with back pain, which is why edge support is so important for these sleepers. The Titan Plus scored a perfect 5/5 for its mighty perimeter. Our testers were able to sit and lay on the edge of the bed without worrying about feeling like you’re going to roll off. This stability is particularly important for heavier sleepers who need consistent support throughout the entire mattress surface.
“No matter how close I got to the edge of the bed—even when I dangled off the side to reach my phone on the floor—the bed supported me with no dipping or sagging,” said mattress tester Caitlin Giddings. “The firmness of the Titan at its far edge was virtually identical to the firmness in the center of the mattress, no matter which sleeping position I tried.”
Response is also an essential factor for people with back pain, as a responsive mattress allows you to adjust positions without adding strain. The Titan Plus earned another 5/5 in this category for its quick response to movement. The combination of foam and durable coils ensures that when you move, the mattress adapts to your new position quickly, offering support without leaving you feeling stuck or sinking into the bed.
“The soft memory foam layer on top of this mattress is thin and the layers beneath are so bouncy that switching positions requires almost no effort,” said Caitlin. “The mattress essentially turns into a springboard when you need to move around—you can push off and use that momentum to get in and out of the bed or into any sleep position almost instantly.”
Unfortunately, the Titan Plus struggles when it comes to cooling. Our testers gave it a 3/5, meaning it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers. While the breathable coil system promotes airflow, the foam layers may trap heat during the night, making it a less ideal choice if you tend to overheat while you sleep.
I also wouldn’t recommend the Titan to lightweight side sleepers. The firmness of the mattress might prevent side sleepers from getting the deep sinkage they need for pressure relief around the hips and shoulders. If you’re a strict side sleeper, I’d recommend checking out one of our best mattresses for side sleepers.
Ready to take the Titan Plus for a spin? Read our full Titan Plus mattress review for more information before you make your decision. If you’re looking for a mattress that sleeps cooler, I recommend the WinkBed Plus.
After testing numerous models, my fellow testers and I narrowed it down to our top 11 picks for the best mattresses for back pain. However, there were a pair of fantastic mattresses that didn’t quite make it. Depending on your specific sleep needs, they could still be a great option for you. Learn more about them below.
Saatva LatexHybrid – This mattress is a fantastic option for folks who frequently adjust their sleeping position throughout the night. Latex mattresses are super responsive and bouncy, so you don’t have to worry about straining yourself to maneuver on the Saatva’s surface. Like the Saatva Classic and Rx, the Latex Hybrid has a strong perimeter, so you get consistent support no matter where you are on the mattress. I ultimately left it off this list because its motion isolation is easily the weakest of the Saatva mattresses, making it less than ideal for couples.
Avocado Green – The Avocado Green is a mattress made with high-quality organic materials. Its bouncy latex, plush pillow top, and innerspring coils offer a balanced combination of responsive support and gentle contouring that is ideal for sleepers with back pain. However, it fell short of landing on my list because of its higher-than-average price tag.
How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Back Pain
When assessing which mattresses would be best for folks with back pain, my fellow mattress testers and I focus on factors that help these sleepers keep their spine in a healthy, neutral position. We look at essential categories such as pressure relief, response, and edge support.
Pressure Relief
Our pressure map test allows us to assess how well a mattress alleviates pressure, particularly for individuals with back pain. Using a specialized mat, we take a digital thermal reading to identify areas where pressure is relieved and where it accumulates on the body. We place the mat on the mattress and assess different sleeping positions—side, back, and stomach—to see how each position affects pressure distribution. The results are displayed on a monitor and offer insights into the specific pressure levels experienced by back pain sufferers.
Deep pressure relief is crucial for folks with back pain and side sleepers who often experience more pressure in areas like their hips and shoulders.
According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, Chief Medical Advisor at Mattress Clarity, a mattress with a medium-soft to medium-firm feel, made from memory foam or latex, will likely provide optimal pressure point relief.
Edge Support
When evaluating edge support, our mattress testers look at how well the perimeter of the mattress acts under pressure, particularly when seated or lying near the edge. We sit on the edge of the bed and then move in and out of position, noting how stable and supportive the edges feel during these transitions. Next, we use a tape measure to measure the sinkage along the edge when sitting on it. Minimal sinkage indicates better edge support, while deeper impressions suggest that the edge is less supportive.
Testing edge support on the WinkBed.
Robust edge support reduces the risk of sagging or collapsing along the perimeter, which can cause unnecessary stress on the spine. A mattress with weak edge support can exacerbate back strain by creating instability that leads to discomfort when sitting or lying near the edges. A sturdy perimeter can make it easier for folks with back pain to get in and out of bed without experiencing sharp movements or awkward pressure on the back.
Edge support also helps determine mattress quality. Dr. Dasgupta says, “The hallmarks of a durable mattress are high-quality materials, a strong support core, good edge support, and minimal sagging. It should provide long-lasting support and maintain its structural integrity over time.”
What Else Is Important When Buying a Mattress for Back Pain?
When shopping for a mattress for back pain, a couple of other factors impact how a bed feels. Before you hit add to cart, you should know how factors like body weight and firmness affect your experience on a mattress.
Firmness
Your ideal mattress firmness level varies depending on your sleep position and body type. Many sleepers prefer a medium-firm mattress (around 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale) because these mattresses provide a good balance of support and pressure relief. In fact, a literature review regarding the type of mattress that helps you avoid back pain and improve sleep quality stated that “different studies show that medium-firm surfaces might effectively reduce pain in individuals complaining of back pain.”
Many back sleepers with back pain often prefer a medium-firm mattress because it strikes a balance between support and cushioning, which helps promote proper spinal alignment while relieving pressure. A mattress that’s too soft can cause the body to sink too deeply, potentially misaligning the spine and increasing discomfort in the lower back. Meanwhile, a mattress that’s too firm may not provide enough contouring to support the natural curves of the body, which can also lead to pressure points and discomfort.
However, side sleepers and lightweight sleepers may find medium-firm mattresses uncomfortable. These individuals usually benefit from soft mattresses (6 or lower on the firmness scale), which provide better cushioning and contouring to alleviate pressure points. Stomach sleepers generally require a firmer mattress (above 6.5) to maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night.
Body Weight and Sleep Position
Body weight plays a significant role in finding your ideal mattress. As Dr. Harris, one of our medical advisors, explains, “How a mattress feels and supports you is directly impacted by how much you weigh. People with less body weight will likely find that a mattress is firmer than those who are heavier.”
Lightweight sleepers (under 130 pounds) will likely be most comfortable on a plush memory foam mattress with soft cushioning. Sleepers in the 130- to 230-pound range will likely get the balance of support and pressure relief they need on a medium-firm mattress. Folks weighing 230 pounds or more should look into firmer mattresses to ensure adequate support.
Best Mattress for Back Pain FAQs
Should you sleep on a firm or soft mattress if you have back pain?
A firm mattress can certainly be good for back pain. But keep in mind that firmness has more to do with feel than it does foundation or support. There are also soft mattresses that can be good for back pain, as long as they’re supportive enough. It’s all about what you prefer as a sleeper.
Are hybrid mattresses good for back pain?
In general, we believe that a hybrid mattress tends to be the best for back pain. The coils at the bottom give the sleeper a lot of support and help keep the spine in a neutral alignment, while the foams up top create pressure relief.
What is the best mattress topper for back pain?
Your first stop should, naturally, be our roundup of the best mattress toppers for back pain. From there, you’ll want to hone in on your individual sleep preferences and what specific kind of back pain you experience. Overall, we’d say that the best mattress topper for back pain (in general) is the Saatva.
What mattresses are not good for back pain?
Anything that doesn’t offer the proper level of comfort and support. If you feel the mattress sagging or think you might be sinking in too much, then it probably isn’t going to help your back pain. While you want it soft enough to feel comfortable and pressure-relieving, you also want to feel a slight lift.
Is memory foam good for your back?
Memory foam mattresses can be a good option for back pain, but there are a few things to keep in mind to sleep better. First, make sure that the mattress is still in that medium-firm range; if the mattress is extremely soft, it might not offer quite enough support.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2000). Low back pain fact sheet | national institute of neurological disorders and stroke. Nih.gov. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet
Caggiari, G., Talesa, G. R., Toro, G., Jannelli, E., Monteleone, G., & Puddu, L. (2021). What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5
[Editor’s Note: The information provided should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a medical professional or another medical expert if you have health-related questions.]
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Kenny Timper
Staff Writer
About Author
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Mattress Clarity, where he reviews mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories to help you skip the guesswork and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. As a natural tinkerer, he enjoys getting hands-on with each product to determine if it truly makes a difference in sleep quality. When he’s not testing out mattresses and other sleep products, you can find him hiking, biking, or trying out new local eats.