Written by Natalie Grigson, Fortune Recommends Writer
Depending on your age, you may be more or less likely to spend a good portion of the night sleeping on your back. One study found that, on average, women spend about 40 percent of the night sleeping on their backs, and men about 35 percent of the night. ( 1 ) This number decreases for both groups as we age, likely because back sleeping can be something of a mixed bag. For some people, it helps with back and neck pain; for others, it makes it worse. ( 2 )
One thing is certain: The wrong mattress will make back sleeping uncomfortable at any age. Is there a “right mattress” for back sleeping? Our team tested over 60 of the best mattresses . After hours of assessing things like firmness, support, pressure relief, and more, our team of sleep experts narrowed it down to these nine best mattresses for back sleepers.
Best Overall Mattress Pick
We chose the Helix Midnight as our best overall pick. This hybrid bed combines individually wrapped coils and soft, contouring memory foam for a bed that feels supportive and comfortable along the spine. It’s also quite responsive, in case you need to switch positions at night.
Our picks for the best mattresses for back sleepers
- Best overall: Helix Midnight
- Best hybrid: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid
- Best for lower back pain: Saatva Classic
- Best mattress in a box: Wink Beds EcoCloud
- Best for couples: Nolah Evolution
- Best cooling: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
- Best memory foam: Bear Mattress Original
- Best firm: Plank Mattress Firm
- Best organic: Birch Natural
Compare mattresses for back sleepers
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| Helix Midnight | DreamCloud Premier Hybrid | Saatva Classic | Wink Beds EcoCloud | Nolah Evolution | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling | Bear Mattress Original | Plank Mattress Firm | Birch Natural | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Price | $1,332 – $1,705.80(with mattress upgrades) | $1,832 | $2,095 | $1,999 | $2,499 | $1,865 | $998 | $1,332 | Birch Natural |
| Material | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and latex foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Foam | Hybrid (coils and latex foam) |
| Firmness | Medium | Medium-firm | Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Medium | Medium | Soft, Medium, Firm | Medium-firm | Firm | Medium |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights (optional) | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights |
Best overall mattress for back sleepers: Helix Midnight
Key product features
What you should know
Our testing found that the Helix Midnight is the best overall choice for back sleepers, considering everything from support to its overall value. This hybrid mattress should provide a good balance of pressure relief, comfort, and spinal support, making it a great choice if you spend much of your night on your back.
- This mattress is not as contouring as an all-foam mattress.
- The quality of this bed for the price is excellent.
- This mattress is medium firm, making it best for back and side sleepers.
Why we like Helix Midnight as best overall
Back sleeping requires a mattress that isn’t too soft since the hips can sink down and cause lower back issues. But you also want to be careful and get a mattress that isn’t too firm. Research backs this up: A medium-firm mattress has been shown to reduce back pain in some people. ( 3 )
The Helix Midnight is a medium-firm mattress, sitting right between too soft and too firm, providing great balance. If there is a word to describe this mattress, it is probably “balance.” Our mattress testers found it to be very supportive but also soft enough to feel comfortable. Though their hips did dip slightly—especially for heavier-weight sleepers—overall, the rest of the body felt held and supported on top of the mattress rather than sinking into it.
The support continues to the edges of the bed with reinforced edge support. Though you may sink down a little bit if you’re sitting right on the edge of the bed (depending on your size), it is still easy to get in and out of the bed, and it’s also easy to change positions on the bed as it is relatively bouncy.
Usually, a bouncy or responsive bed might mean poor motion isolation (or an unhappy partner). However, our testers found this bed to have pretty good motion isolation, giving it a 3.5 out of 5 in this category.
The only thing you might need to remember with this bed is that since its top layer is made of memory foam, it isn’t necessarily cooling. If you’re an extra hot sleeper, you might consider upgrading your Helix Midnight to include cooling features, which will cost an extra $200 to $300.
What customers are saying
Customers on Reddit praise the mattress for its comfort and quality. One Redditor with the username “Silversum1” says, “It has helped alleviate back pain we both have felt. I noticed I don’t wake up in the middle of my sleep anymore. The firmness feels good, but not too much pressure on the shoulders or hips.”
Another Redditor with the username “paramedic999” noted the off-gassing was a bit strong.
“My only real complaint is that the off-gassing was much worse then they described,” they begin. “I didn’t sleep on it the first week. Let it air out and crawled all over it to try to help. But overall very happy with the purchase.”
However one Redditor, “mielabelle2” complained that it made their backpain worse, stating, “I spent an entire week sleeping on hospital beds without as much pain as the Midnight Luxe.”
Specs
| Price | $1,332 – $1,705.80 (with upgrades) |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
Best hybrid mattress for back sleepers: Dreamcloud Premier Hybrid
Key product features
What you should know
If you’re specifically looking for a hybrid bed for back sleeping, we think the Dreamcloud Premier Hybrid is the best choice. This bed is slightly firmer, so it will be better for those who spend most of the night on their back rather than their side. The hybrid bed also comes at a great value, costing less than their memory foam option. Here’s what else you should know:
- The top layers are made from slow-moving foams, making this mattress 7 out of 10 in terms of firmness.
- Because of its innerspring coils, this mattress feels breathable and cool.
- It’s an excellent value at under $1,000 for the queen size.
- Our testers could feel that the materials were durable and high-quality when lying on this bed.
- It has excellent edge support, making it easier to get in and out of bed.
Why we like Dreamcloud Premier Hybrid as best hybrid
A hybrid mattress includes springs and foam to provide the sleeper with support, pressure relief, and breathability. While we’ve included several hybrids on this list, the Dreamcloud Premier Hybrid is our favorite hybrid for back sleepers because of its particular firmness level. Out of 10, our mattress testers rated this one a seven, making it firmer than not. At the same time, they reported that it still feels comfortable, with enough cushion to allow the lower back to curve slightly, as it should.
This is what we consider a healthy spinal alignment: when the ears, shoulders, and hips are aligned, even while you’re lying down. ( 4 ) Unfortunately, since this mattress is firmer, it may feel uncomfortable for those switching between their back and side throughout the night. Our mattress testers docked some points for the pressure it applies to the shoulder when side sleeping, because of its firmness. (They rated it 2.5 out of five for side sleeping pressure.)
That said, it ranked well in nearly every other category, showing excellent edge support, motion isolation, cooling ability, and spinal support, and it even worked well for stomach sleeping (for light to average-weight sleepers.) Unusually, the hybrid version of this mattress even costs less than the memory foam version, giving it a five out of five for overall value.
What customers are saying
The Dreamcloud Hybrid mattress received over 1,700 ratings on Amazon, averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the quality of the mattress for the price while others report a lack of edge support.
“The mattress is very plush/cushy on top, but when you lie down, it has a medium firm core of support, begins Leeann Solice, a verified Amazon reviewer. “My husband and I have both slept well with no pressure point pain on shoulders when side-sleeping, but it also provides good lumbar support when on our backs. I knew we wanted a hybrid mattress with individual coils for some firmness but also a topper layer with some softness, and this is very much that Goldilocks combo. After sleeping on hundreds of hotel beds, I would say that of all the mattresses we’ve used, it is definitely in the top 5-10% only out-paced by a few really luxe splurgy hotel experiences.”
“I love this mattress. Immediately out of wrapper there was some chemical smell but it went away within a day or two. The mattress was well packaged and when opened fluffed right up. It has been super comfortable and seems super durable. The memory foam hugs you in the right spots but still allows for movement. When my spouse gets up it doesn’t shake the whole bed so I barely notice. Overall great quality mattress and have been getting wonderful sleep.”
—Amazon customer
Several customers note that the edge support is lacking, with one customer, Melisa, stating, “It slept great until the last week or so. The edge doesn’t stay strong like the middle and I’m by no means an overweight person. I feel like I’m going to roll off if I fall asleep close to the center.”
Specs
| Price | $1,832 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty ™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best mattress for lower back pain: Saatva Classic
Key product features
What you should know
Sleepers with lower back pain—no matter their sleep position preference— should love the Saatva Classic. It includes Saatva’s patented Lumbar Zone® Technology to keep the spine in alignment. Additionally, the top layer of this bed is a plush Euro-top, making for comfortable, luxurious sleep.
- Our testers found the Saatva Classic to feel bouncier and more responsive than other beds on the list.
- It’s a pricier model at $ 2,095 for a queen size.
- The plush top layers of foam make this mattress extremely contouring and comfortable.
- This mattress includes zoned support to help prop up the lumbar area, mitigating back pain.
- It is available in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.
Why we like Saatva Classic as best for lower back pain
Studies show that sleeping with lower back pain leads to sleep impairments like insomnia and sleep disturbances. ( 5 ) Additional research notes a correlation between mattress type and lower back pain. For example, one recent study had 16 participants with lower back pain first sleep on their own mattress and then on an experimental mattress with built-in extra lumbar support. The participants reported better sleep and improved lower back pain on the mattress with extra lumbar support. ( 6 )
Similarly, the Saatva Classic includes zoned support, so beneath the lower back, the mattress is slightly firmer. Our mattress testers reported that this helped ease pressure and pain in the lower back, especially when back-sleeping.
Aside from supporting the lower back, our testers found that this bed felt luxurious, plush, and durable. They tested this mattress’s “Luxury Firm” version, available in Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. The Luxury Firm was a good fit for most body types and sleep positions, though our testers noted the Plush may be a better fit for lightweight sleepers.
The Saatva Classic also ranked five out of five regarding bounce and responsiveness. This is great news for those who change positions through the night or for sexually active couples, but it may mean that you’re more likely to wake your partner during the night getting in or out of bed.
This “chiropractor-approved” mattress is a great choice for those with back pain– but may be unnecessary or too expensive for those who don’t need the extra support. ( 7 )
Specs
| Price | $2,095 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best mattress in a box for back sleepers: Wink Beds EcoCloud
Key product features
What you should know
Our mattress testers found that the EcoCloud from Wink Beds is the best mattress-in-a-box for back sleepers because of its support and overall quality. With a layer of individually wrapped innerspring coils and a top layer of naturally breathable Talalay latex, this hybrid bed feels cooling and comfortable.
- This mattress includes zoned coils, which are thicker and more supportive beneath the lower back, preventing an uncomfortable curvature of the spine.
- It’s a more expensive model, coming in at $1,999 for a queen.
- It has extra edge support, which should keep it from sagging over time and help sleepers get in and out of bed.
- It includes a top layer of latex, which is a bouncier material than memory foam, making this a good option for those who switch positions often.
- This mattress is medium firm, making it best for back and side sleepers.
Why we like Wink Beds EcoCloud as best mattress in a box
A mattress-in-a-box can be delivered right to your front door so that you can set it up on your own time. While several mattresses-in-a-box are on the market, we think the Wink Beds EcoCloud is the best for back sleepers because of its specific materials.
Many mattresses-in-a-box are either hybrids containing coils and memory foam or made completely from memory foam. The EcoCloud uses a layer of pocketed, individually wrapped coils, which provide excellent support and stability throughout the mattress, and then a layer of natural Talalay latex. Latex is different from memory foam because it is breathable, cooling, and bouncy. While you’ll sink into memory foam, you’ll feel more on top of and supported by latex.
This is key when sleeping on the back, as sinking too far into a mattress in this position could cause lower back pain.
We love that even though this bed comes in a box, it is made with some of the highest-quality materials, including organic cotton and New Zealand wool, natural Talalay latex, and individually wrapped coils zoned to support the lumbar spine.
The only real drawbacks to the EcoCloud are the price tag (at around $2,000, it may be too expensive for some budgets) and personal preference. If you prefer the contouring, snug feel of memory foam, this isn’t the bed for you. Likewise, this bed is bouncy, so if you have a partner who gets in and out of bed through the night, you may want to go for a bed that doesn’t include latex.
Specs
| Price | $1,999 |
| Material | Hybrid (coils and latex) |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best mattress for back-sleeping couples: Nolah Evolution
Key product features
What you should know
The Nolah Evolution combines individually wrapped coils with a plush top layer for a luxury hotel-feeling sleep. This bed also has advanced cooling properties, excellent motion isolation, and even some bounce, making it ideal for couples.
- The mattress features enhanced cooling capabilities, including a cooling topper, ArcticTEX ™ cover, and AirFoam ™ .
- The cost is among the priciest on the list at $2,499.
- The zoned support allows for great spinal alignment, no matter your sleep position.
- Thanks to the great motion isolation, couples shouldn’t disturb each other.
- The mattress has some bounce, which makes it a good option for sexually active couples.
Why we like Nolah Evolution as best for back-sleeping couples
Couples sharing a bed need a unique combination of mattress qualities—especially if one or both of them are sensitive sleepers. Usually, we’d recommend a mattress that is cooling since two people’s body heat can be a lot; a mattress that has good motion isolation, so one person’s movements don’t disturb the other; and also, one that has a good amount of bounce, for couples who are sexually active.
Finding a mattress for couples with all these attributes can be hard, but the Nolah Evolution delivers across the board. Our mattress reviewers rated the Luxury Firm model of the Nolah Evolution high in every category: A five out of five for spinal support, edge support, cooling, bounce, and responsiveness, and a four out of five for motion isolation and pressure relief.
As one reviewer put it, “This bed slaps.”
While this bed should work well for all sleep positions, the mattress testers found it particularly supportive while back sleeping. They noted that lightweight sleepers might want to go for the soft version of this bed for side sleeping, and heavy-weight sleepers might want the firm version for stomach sleeping, but that back sleeping on the Luxury Firm was comfortable for all body types.
One thing to keep in mind is that this is considered Nolah’s luxury mattress, and it is the most expensive on this list, retailing at $2,499.
Specs
| Price | $2,499 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best cooling mattress for back sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
Key product features
What you should know
The Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress by Brooklyn Bedding earns our pick as the best bed for back sleepers who also tend to sleep hot because of its advanced cooling abilities. The bed includes innerspring coils for better airflow and additional cooling features.
- The GlacioTex ™ Cooling Cover on the mattress helps to remove excess heat during the night.
- While the sticker price of $1,865 is expensive, expect to find frequent discounts.
- The bed’s top foam layer includes cooling fibers, preventing the heat buildup that is often associated with memory foam.
- For an additional $400, you can add on a cooling cloud pillow top, for a luxuriously plush feel.
- This bed comes in Soft, Medium, and Firm, though we recommend back sleepers stick to Medium and Firm.
Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling as best cooling
Research shows us that finding the best temperature for sleep is important for a good night’s sleep. In fact, to produce the sleep hormone melatonin, the body must cool down to a certain extent. ( 8 )
This is why it’s so important to use a mattress and bedding that won’t overheat, especially if you naturally tend to sleep hot.
Luckily, there are plenty of mattresses on the market with cooling technology, and if you’re a back sleeper who also sleeps hot, we think the Aurora Luxe Cooling is your best bet. This medium-firm hybrid mattress includes innerspring coils and a plush top layer of foam. Often, mattresses that use memory foam can leave you feeling hot and sweaty, but this one uses Copperflex ™ foam with cooling technology and the GlacioTex ™ Cooling Cover.
If you prefer a plush-feeling mattress, you can easily add the Cloud Pillow Top for an additional $400. Our testers tried out the medium firm mattress and found it comfortable enough without the pillow top, especially for back sleepers.
Do be aware, though, that this is a pretty substantial mattress, measuring 13.25 inches tall (without the pillow top add-on), and weighing up to 145 pounds. With no option of white-glove delivery, be sure you have somebody to help you unpack and set up this mattress.
Specs
| Price | $1,865 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best memory foam mattress for back sleepers: Bear Mattress Original
Key product features
What you should know
The Bear Original mattress combines medium-firm support and advanced cooling technology, making it a great option for back sleepers who prefer memory foam– but don’t want to overheat at night.
- Even though the mattress uses memory foam, it is firm and not especially contouring, providing good support for average-weight back sleepers.
- As an all-foam mattress, it’s less expensive than others on this list at $998 for a queen.
- The mattress may be too thin for heavy-weight sleepers who need more support.
- You can add on the Celliant-infused cooling cover for an additional $200.
Why we like Bear Mattress Original as best memory foam
Many memory foam mattresses are too contouring and soft for back sleepers. The Bear Original, though, is on the firmer side, allowing the sleeper to feel more on top of this mattress than other memory foam options. If you are a back or stomach sleeper or prefer a firm-feeling foam mattress, this is a great option for you; however, we’ll say right now that this bed will be too firm for some people’s liking. It doesn’t have a lot of yield, and our mattress testers found it to feel uncomfortable when lying on their sides.
Furthermore, our mattress testers found that the edges weren’t well supported. When they sat on the edge of the bed, it sank down quite a bit, so they wouldn’t recommend this mattress to anyone with mobility issues. In fact, if you struggle with lower back pain mobility or are a side sleeper, we’d recommend you look for a hybrid bed with a bit more cushion and zoned support.
That said, it is a good buy for the price, especially if you snag a good deal with one of their holiday coupons.
Specs
| Price | $998 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best firm mattress for back sleepers: Plank Mattress Firm
Key product features
What you should know
Our testing found that the Plank Firm mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is a great choice for stomach or back sleepers who love a very firm-feeling bed. This all-foam mattress is flippable so that one side feels firm and the other feels extra firm.
- Even the “less” firm side still feels quite firm.
- Its sticker price is a middle-of-the-road $1,332, but it’s frequently discounted to $999.
- This bed will be too hard for lightweight or side sleepers.
- It is advertised as the “firmest” all-foam mattress on the market.
- For an additional $150, you can upgrade to include the GlacioTex™ cooling cover.
Why we like Plank Mattress Firm as best firm
This mattress is advertised as the “firmest all-foam mattress on the market,” after testing it out, we agree. This bed is not for the faint of heart; it is not for those who love a cushioning feel or prefer sleeping on their sides.
It is, however, an excellent choice for sleepers who prefer a very firm bed. This all-foam mattress is flippable, so one side is slightly less firm (at about an eight out of 10), and the other is as firm as it gets (a nine or 10 out of 10.) It feels a lot like sleeping on the floor, and for some people, this is perfect. In fact, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has endorsed this mattress, saying it can reduce spinal stress, improve lumbar support, and alleviate back pain. ( 9 )
Back and stomach sleepers will get the most out of this mattress, whereas side sleepers will most likely feel uncomfortable with this level of firmness. Likewise, heavy and average-weight sleepers will probably feel the most supported on this mattress, whereas lightweight sleepers may not sink into it enough to feel comfortable.
If you think you’ll love a firm mattress but are unsure, you can try this one out for 120 nights and send it back within that time if it doesn’t work for you. You can either get a full refund or exchange it for a different mattress.
Specs
| Price | $1,332 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best organic mattress for back sleepers: Birch Natural
Key product features
What you should know
The Birch Natural is an excellent option for back sleepers looking for an eco-friendlier option. This mattress is made from natural and certified organic materials, including a top layer of Talalay latex, which can feel supportive and bouncy.
- The mattress features the GOTS and GREENGUARD Gold certifications.
- One of the pricier mattresses on our list at $1,873.80 for a queen-size before any discounts.
- We found the mattress is not as contouring as a memory foam mattress.
- The combination of Dunlop latex and coils makes for a very springy mattress.
- It does not include poly foam, as memory foam beds do.
Why we like Birch Natural as best organic mattress
Birch Natural checks all of the boxes when it comes to finding an organic and sustainable mattress. It is GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS Certified, meaning it has no polyurethane foams, formaldehyde, or pesticides and is sustainably sourced. They use natural Dunlop latex, organic cotton, hygroscopic organic wool, and individually wrapped steel coils. Not only are these materials eco-friendly, but combined, they create a mattress that should feel naturally cool, springy, and plenty supportive for back sleepers of all body types.
Our testers noticed this bed was definitely on the bouncier side due to its coils and latex top layer. This is great for those who change positions a lot throughout the night or for sexually active couples who like a bit of spring in their mattress. However, this may present a problem for sensitive sleepers who share a bed and don’t want to be disturbed by their partner’s movements.
We also like this bed’s overall value, as oftentimes natural mattresses can come at a luxury mattress price point; this one, however, maintains excellent quality with a price tag of $1,873.80 (for a queen), which is less than some other organic mattresses or mattresses on this list.
Please note that this bed comes with free shipping. For an additional charge, you can arrange for the removal of your old mattress and the complete setup of this new one.
Specs
| Price | $1,873.80 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 25 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
How we test mattresses
Whether looking at the best mattresses for back sleepers or mattresses under $1,000, our methodology relies on research and hands-on experience. Our team comprises certified sleep science coaches, industry experts, and real-world consumers overseeing each stage of mattress testing, reviewing, and fact-checking. We start by testing each mattress and ranking it in several categories: performance, comfort and support, value, customer experience, and health and safety. From there, our team narrows things down to our top-ranking picks– in this case, our nine best mattresses for back sleepers.
Read our full mattress testing methodology for more information.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. They should also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Assessing value involves a meticulous examination of several key factors that contribute to a mattress’s worth. A mattress that is priced just within reach of its target audience yet surpasses competitors in terms of materials, performance, and support presents a compelling value proposition. However, value is not solely determined by the lowest price point. We also determine it by finding the balance between cost and the tangible benefits a mattress provides.
Customer experience—10%
Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily put a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
How to choose the best mattress for back sleepers
Choosing a mattress can seem daunting, but with the right information, you can find a bed that fits your needs and preferences. If you sleep mostly on your back, you’ll need a mattress that supports proper spinal alignment and keeps you comfortable through the night. Whether you’re lying on your back, side, or stomach, you should always think about keeping your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned. ( 4 ) This indicates that your spine is properly aligned, which should help protect your back from pain or injury. Your sleeping position makes a huge difference in the quality of sleep you get every night.
If you already have back pain, you might consider looking for a mattress with extra lumbar or “zoned support.” This means that there will be more fortified support beneath the lumbar area. Likewise, if you are a heavier sleeper, you’ll likely want a mattress with more than just foam to support your body weight. A hybrid mattress consisting of durable, innerspring coils and top layers of foam can support the spine and be comfortable.
Research shows that most people (including back sleepers) will do best with a medium-firm mattress, but some prefer a softer bed, and others a firmer one. ( 10 ) As a general rule, the heavier you are, the more firmness and support you will need in your mattress; if you are under 130 pounds or so, you should feel supported by a softer mattress if that’s your preference.
Ultimately, the rest comes down to personal preference and specific sleep needs. Ask yourself: Do you sleep hot at night? Do you share the bed with a partner? If so, you may want a bed with cooling features and good motion isolation. Do you want an eco-friendly bed? One with a long warranty and trial period? And importantly– how much are you able to spend on a mattress? Answering these questions before shopping will help you narrow your search for the right mattress.
FAQs
What type of mattress should a back sleeper use?
Most back sleepers should feel supported and comfortable on a medium- to medium-firm mattress. As a general rule, the heavier you are, the more firmness and support you’ll want in your mattress. However, the type of mattress you choose (hybrid, innerspring, or foam) comes down to personal preference.
Is a hybrid mattress good for back sleepers?
A hybrid mattress can be an excellent choice for back sleepers. Hybrids combine a layer of innerspring coils with top layers of foam, creating a bed that is both supportive for the spine and comfortable. If you have back issues, consider a hybrid mattress with “zoned support,” providing extra lumbar support.
Is it better to be a back sleeper or a side sleeper?
Back and side sleeping both have their benefits and drawbacks. Back sleeping is easier on the joints, putting less strain on the neck and shoulders; however, it also worsens snoring and sleep apnea. Side sleeping can reduce snoring and sleep apnea, but it can put pressure on the hip and shoulder—especially if your mattress is too firm. All told most evidence points to side sleeping as slightly better for the average person than back sleeping. ( 11 )
What mattress firmness is best for back sleepers?
Most back sleepers should feel comfortable and well-supported on a medium-firm mattress. If the mattress is too soft or too firm, it may misalign the spine.
Our experts
Dr. Audrey Wells
Dr. Wells is board-certified in sleep medicine and obesity medicine. She is the founder of Super Sleep MD, an online platform for education, support, and group coaching experiences specifically for people struggling with obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia. Through Super Sleep MD, she offers a comprehensive library of self-directed courses, a group coaching program, and a private Facebook community.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Natalie Grigson
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
Natalie is a writer for Fortune Recommends with a deep passion for all things health and a fascination with the mysterious activity that is sleep. Outside of writing about sleep, she is a bestselling author, improviser, and creative writing teacher based out of Austin.