Best Mattresses for Upper and Lower Back Pain

The Nectar has a slow-moving feel that felt to mattress testers like being hugged by the bed’s surface. This stands in contrast to the other mattresses on this list, which have a bouncier feel. The memory foam construction also helps make this a great option for couples, as it isolates motion very well. 

What We Love About the Nectar

• The softness of the Nectar makes it a great choice for lightweight sleepers, as it will allow them to sink below the mattress surface just enough for pressure around the hips and shoulders to be relieved. Our lightweight mattress tester felt great on the cushiony surface of the Nectar, and we observed that her spine remained aligned in all three sleeping positions.
• This mattress is very affordable, relative to many of the popular bed-in-a-box mattresses you can purchase online. A queen will cost you just under $1,000, and there are sometimes sales running that will make the Nectar even cheaper. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar

• Unless you weigh 130 lb or less, you likely won’t find this mattress comfortable on your stomach. We suggest a firmer mattress for you stomach sleepers out there, one that will keep your hips supported and your spine aligned. We suggest you take a look at the WinkBed instead.

What Customers Say

This mattress has an average rating of 4.7/5 based on 50,129 reviews from the Nectar website. Customers have good things to say about the product’s effectiveness at combating back pain, however, some were unhappy to find that the Nectar was firmer than they were expecting. 

Nectar Specs

Read our Nectar mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Memory Foam Mattresses for more great options.

As far as helping alleviate back pain, the DreamCloud should help because it’s on the firmer end. Firm mattresses offer more support for most average weight sleepers in the lumbar area thanks to study coils. So, if you’re a fan of a firmer mattress and dealing with some back pain, this is a great luxury option for back and stomach sleepers.

What We Love About the DreamCloud

• The combination of a memory foam comfort layer and sturdy, supportive coils make this a great option for back sleepers who are facing some back pain. It should provide some pain relief by keeping you supported and not letting your hips sink too far into the mattress.
• It’s built with many different cooling components. The coils alone allow for airflow, but the outer cashmere cover is very breathable. You shouldn’t sleep hot with this mattress.
• The coils make it very springy and responsive. We found it very easy to move around on as we tested it. This is great for those who are looking for a mattress that’s easy to move around on and don’t want to feel trapped by memory foam.

What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud

• Because of how firm this mattress is, it might not be the best choice for side sleepers. The top comfort layer isn’t very thick, so it won’t offer as much pressure relief or protection from pressure build-up as other beds. If you’re a side sleeper, consider the Bear Elite Hybrid instead.
• Sleepers who are closer to or over 300 lbs may need an extra firm mattress or a mattress that’s designed to handle heavier weights. Instead, check out the Titan Plus.

What Customers Say

The DreamCloud mattress has an average 4.7/5 star rating out of about 12,000 reviews. Many people praise it for the comfortable feeling it offers. Many even left reviews saying the mattress they purchased wasn’t the first DreamCloud they had bought. But those that had problems with it all dealt with firmness. Some found it to be firmer than expected. While firmness is subjective, this mattress does tend to fall on the firmer end of the spectrum.

DreamCloud Specs

Read our full DreamCloud mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the DreamCloud mattress, check out our list of the Best Firm Mattresses for more great options.

Those who suffer from back pain will feel relief with this mattress, as its luxurious pillow top cover should relieve pressure from the hips and fill in the lumbar region. Sleepers shouldn’t feel like they’re sinking in too far though, and the coils offer extra lumbar support. It does this with a zoned coil system. This makes the bed feel firmer in the center to provide optimal back support. Customers can test out this mattress with a 100-night sleep trial. Additionally, Helix offers a 15-year warranty, free shipping, returns, and full refunds on its mattresses.

What We Love About the Helix Midnight Luxe

• This is considered a luxury upgrade from the base Midnight model, and it delivers on that. The pillow top gives it a wonderful, hotel-like feel, and the multiple foam layers are thick and offer really good body contouring. Also, the zoned coil system at the bottom offers good lumbar support for those dealing with back pain.
• This bed already comes with a good amount of cooling components, but for those who are worried about overheating, you can always opt for a special cooling cover. We tried this cover, and it actually does deliver on its promise of being cool to the touch.
• The Midnight is Helix’s most popular mattress, be it the base model or the Luxe model. It’s a perfect medium-firm that’s supportive, and easy to move around on all while isolating motion well. We recommend this firmness specifically for back sleepers with back pain, as it provided us with the right amount of support when we tested it on our backs.

What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight Luxe

• With “luxe” in the name, this is a rather luxurious bed. As such, it could be a bit pricey for those who are shopping for a new bed on a budget. If you want something more affordable that can also help with back pain we suggest you consider the Nectar.
• Due to its medium-firmness, this bed is likely not going to offer enough support for stomach sleepers. There’s the potential for your hips to sink too far into the mattress, which can cause back pain. For stomach sleepers, we suggest the Titan Plus.

What Customers Say

On Helix’s website, the Midnight Luxe has a respectable 4.5/5 star average out of over 5,000 reviews. Customers that were happy with the Midnight Luxe mentioned that it did help with some back and hip pain. There were a few others, however, that found they preferred the base model Midnight over the Luxe. This is because the thicker comfort layer wasn’t as responsive and was a bit too squishy to move around on. Overall, it should still be easy to move around on, but this is something worth pointing out.

Helix Midnight Luxe Specs

Read our full review of the Helix Midnight Luxe to learn more! If you aren’t interested in the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress, check out our list of the Best Pillow Top Mattresses for more great options.

Still, if you deal with back pain, you’ll need a bed that’s supportive enough to help keep your spine in a straight line. The Bear Elite Hybrid strikes this balance nicely due to its supportive coils. Overall, this hybrid mattress has a luxurious, soft feel that should provide sleepers with a very comfortable experience.

What We Love About the Bear Elite Hybrid

• Many mattresses are offered in different firmness models these days. The Bear Elite is a really good option for people who prefer a soft, luxurious mattress. But the other firmnesses can fit different needs. We’d recommend the Soft model specifically for side sleepers and lightweight sleepers with back pain.
• This mattress was designed to not trap heat. The coils promote a lot of airflow within the bottom of the mattress. And the outer cover is made with something called phase change material, which stays cool to the touch.
• The foam and the coils work well together for combination sleepers. It’s easy to move around on, but it still provides the comfort and support that people with back pain need.

What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid

• This is Bear’s most luxurious mattress. And as such, it does come with a luxury price tag. This is something to keep in mind if you’re shopping on a budget; a more affordable bed, like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, might be a good alternative.
• You’ll need to consider your weight and sleeping position when selecting the firmness model. The soft model is best for side sleepers and lightweight people. The medium-firm is better for back sleepers and average-weight sleepers, while the firm will work better for heavier-weight sleepers and most stomach sleepers.

What Customers Say

The Bear Elite Hybrid has earned an average 4.4/5 star average after about 300 reviews. Many reviews praised both the soft and medium-firm options as being great for side sleepers. Some even noted that it helped with aches and pains as well. When it comes to reviews that had three stars or less, the most common complaint was a persistent chemical or plastic smell after unboxing or the firmness not meeting their expectations.

Bear Elite Hybrid Specs

Check out our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress, check out our list of the Best Soft Mattresses for more great options.

This classic innerspring mattress is bouncy and responsive, making it easy to move around on. Though we love the Luxury Firm model at Mattress Clarity, which is around that medium-firm range, if not a bit firmer, the WinkBed mattress is also available in different firmness options. Regardless of which firmness you pick, this is a great option for helping with back pain.

What We Love About the WinkBed

• The Luxury Firm model is just a touch firmer than medium-firm, but it’s still a good option for those looking for a medium-firm mattress. But, if you need something softer or firmer, WinkBed does offer this in different firmness options.
• The zoned coil system makes the mattress firmer in the center of the mattress. When we rested on it, we felt that it adequately supported the lumbar area of your backs, which is what helps with back pain.
• In our experience testing the WinkBed, we felt that it did a good job of dissipating heat. The coils in the support system allow for a lot of airflow, and the outer cover is made with Tencel, which is both breathable and moisture-wicking.

What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed

• Due to the coils, this bed might not be the best for couples who are light sleepers. It doesn’t handle motion transfer well, meaning you will feel your partner move around or get in and out of bed. Check out the Nolah Evolution if you’re looking for a hybrid with better motion isolation.
• This might not be the best mattress for people who are shopping on a strict budget. Even after a discount, a queen WinkBed mattress is about $1,500. Consider the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid if you’re trying to save some money.

What Customers Say

On the WinkBeds website, customers have sent in reviews and out of 8,000+, the WinkBed mattress has an average star rating of 4.8/5. Many customers are happy with the mattress as it helps with some back pain and it feels very comfortable. Most of the reviews that had complaints dealt with firmness. Many side sleepers found the mattress to be too firm, even with soft firmness. This mattress is closer to a traditional innerspring, so if you’re a side sleeper, we would suggest looking for something else.

Winkbed Specs

Read our full WinkBed mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the WinkBed mattress, check out our list of the Best Medium-Firm Mattresses for more great options.

This mattress does come in a few different firmness options, and we tested the Luxury Firm model. This version has a more traditional medium-firm feel to it. The proprietary AirFoam™ is more responsive than traditional memory foam. Testers still found this to be nice and pressure-relieving, but it’s very easy to move around on. And thanks to the zoned coils, you really feel that lumbar support.

What We Love About the Nolah Evolution

• The Nolah Evolution has zoned coils. This means that it feels firmer in the center of the bed, which helps provide some extra lumbar support for back sleeping. This is what should help alleviate back pain.
• There are many cooling components built into this mattress. The foam is designed to not trap heat, and the entire mattress comes inside a very cooling, breathable cover. We gave it a perfect score of 5/5 on our cooling test, as it kept us at a very comfortable temperature as we rested on it.
• The Luxury Firm model is ideal for those who are looking for a medium-firm feeling mattress.

What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution

• The Nolah Evolution is the brand’s most luxurious model. As such, it comes with a luxurious price tag. This might not be the best choice for shoppers who have a strict budget in mind. For a cheaper option, consider the Nectar.
• While the AirFoam™ is great for combination sleepers, it might not be the best for those who are looking for a more traditional memory foam feel and who prefer that sinking, slow-moving feel.

What Customers Say

With a high average star rating of 4.9, the Nolah Evolution is just about as close to perfect for most customers. Many mentioned that it helped them get better sleep quality, and many reviews said the Nolah Evolution helped with pain. Those that had some issues all dealt with firmness. Some said they should have trusted their instincts and gone with a different firmness. With so many firmness options available, it can be hard to know which is right for you. Luckily, Nolah does offer exchanges for those who need it.

Nolah Evolution Specs

Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review to learn more. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Sciatica for more options!

After testing the Plank Firm Luxe, our sleep specialists gave the bed a 4/5 for its ability to keep hot sleepers cool on either side of the bed. They pointed out that the bed’s combination of a coiled core and quilted top on each side provides “plenty of airflow to circulate throughout the mattress.” Furthermore, people already experiencing back pain or who struggle to get in and out of bed should take notice of Plank Firm Luxe’s near-perfect edge support (4.5/5) and orthopedic support (4.5/5) scores given by our testers after putting the bed to the test. Also, couples seeking a bed with quality motion isolation and a long-lasting build may want to consider the Plank Firm Luxe. Our testers gave the bed a 4/5 for its ability to isolate disruptive motion while retaining a bouncy feel and a 4/5 for its durability, stating, “With proper care, expect this mattress to last for between 7 and 10 years—if not more.”

The Plank Firm Luxe is a versatile ultra-firm mattress for sleepers who may struggle to find a bed that offers the level of firmness they need (heavyweight, stomach, and back sleepers in particular). In conclusion, the bed’s dual super firm firmness levels and cozy, cool, yet durable construction make the Plank Firm Luxe our favorite firm hybrid for back pain.

What We Love About the Plank Firm Luxe

• The Plank Firm Luxe offers two firmness options in the same bed. It allows you to flip the mattress for a firm 8/10 sleeping surface on one side and an ultra-firm 9/10 sleeping surface on the other.
• Most heavyweight and stomach sleepers who struggle to find a bed that is firm enough to support them should be able to get quality rest and spinal support on the Plank Firm Luxe.
• People experiencing back pain or looking to avoid back inflammation from poor rest should appreciate the firm posture support offered by the Plank Firm Luxe.

What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm Luxe

• Lightweight and most side sleepers will find both sides of the Plank Firm Luxe way too hard and should consider a softer mattress geared towards their body type or sleeping position. The Bear Elite Hybrid, for example, has three distinct firmness levels to choose from.
• While the Luxe includes foam components, fans of memory foam or ultra-soft mattresses will likely find the Plank too hard for them. They might do better on something like the Saatva Rx, which has foam-topped coils.
• While its original hybrid design makes the Plank Firm Luxe an excellent choice for hot sleepers, the additional cooling panel offered for ultra-weary hot sleepers comes with an extra fee.

What Customers Say

On Amazon, the Plank Firm Luxe has over 120 reviews, scoring an average of 4.3/5. One verified buyer wrote, “Overall, this mattress is firm. I just received it, and it is firm for your back, and you can tell it will be a long-lasting mattress. If you are struggling to look for a supportive, easy set-up and non-smelling mattress, I would recommend it. If you are a side sleeper, just be cautious due to it being firm. But overall, I am happy with this mattress and feel good about the purchase!”

Plank Firm Luxe Specs

Read our full Saatva RX mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva RX mattress, check out our list of the Best Mattresses for more great options.

The mattress provides some softness in the top comfort layers while also giving elderly sleepers a slight lift from a 6” support layer of individually wrapped ascension coils. But depending on preference, this mattress does have a few firmness options available. We tested the Medium model, and this should be a great pick for most seniors who are back and side sleepers.

What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature

• We found that this bed offers a really good balance of comfort and support. With this in mind, back and side sleepers should find pain-free sleep on the medium-firm model.
• The bouncy feel of this hybrid made it very easy for us to move around on. People with back pain who don’t want to feel trapped by an all-foam bed should enjoy this mattress.
• Brooklyn Bedding owns its own factory, and because of this, the brand’s mattresses are very affordable. And if you shop around holidays, you’ll often be able to save big thanks to discounts.

What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature

• It’s a rather simple mattress in design. It may not have a lot of luxurious features for those who are looking to elevate their mattress. If you’re interested in more bells and whistles, check out the Nolah Evolution.
• This mattress does not isolate motion very well. While it’s easy to move on, if you sleep with a partner, you’ll notice your partner shifting around during the night. Again, the Nolah Evolution is an alternative that performs better in this department.

What Customers Say

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature has an impressive 10,000 reviews on Brooklyn Bedding’s website. From all these reviews, the Signature has achieved an average 4.7/5 star rating. There are a good number of reviews that praise the Signature for its ability to help with aches and pains. Those that had issues with it were with the firmness. This can often be the case when multiple firmnesses are available, so you should consider your weight and sleeping position when looking at firmness options.

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Specs

Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress, check out our list of the Best Hybrid Mattresses for more great options.

Sleepers over 230 lb who experience back pain should be particularly comfortable on this bed and might even experience it as a softer mattress than lightweight or average-weight sleepers. This mattress is also firm enough for stomach sleepers. It will keep hips elevated, and keep strain off of the lower back.

What We Love About Titan Plus

• We rated the Titan Plus a 9/10 on our firmness scale, making it one of the firmest mattresses we’ve tested. This is great for heavyweight people with back pain because it should keep your back supported and keep your hips from sinking too far into the mattress.
• The Titan Plus is designed specifically for heavyweight sleepers, and can support up to 500 lb. This is thanks to industrial coils and a thinner comfort layer. Our heavyweight mattress testers felt great on the Titan Plus, especially while in the back- and side-sleeping positions.
• It’s a great option for those who have a budget in mind. A queen size Titan Plus comes in under $1,000 when discounted around holiday season.

What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus

• Considering how firm this mattress is, if you’re a side sleeper, you’ll likely face a lot of shoulder and hip pain on this mattress. We would recommend something much softer than the Titan Plus for side sleepers, like the Bear Elite Hybrid or the Helix Midnight Luxe.
• Given the firm feel to this bed, you’re going to sleep more “on top” of the bed, rather than “inside” of it. If you’re a fan of a memory foam mattress, or prefer thicker memory foam comfort layers in a mattress, this might not be the best choice.

What Customers Say

Out of around 2,400 reviews on Titan’s website, the Titan Plus has an average rating of 4.7/5 stars. For those that loved the mattress, they praised how truly firm it was. Customers felt supported while they slept. However, from three stars and below, many mentioned that over time, they noticed a depression in the middle of the bed develop.

Titan Plus Specs

Read our full Titan Plus mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Titan Plus mattress, check out our list of the Best Mattresses for Heavy People for more great options.