Our favorite mattresses for back pain relief
To find the best mattresses for those who suffer from back pain, we compared the firmness, support, layers and construction of several highly-rated mattresses. We only included mattresses with features designed to reduce pain, relieve pressure or improve spinal alignment.
Our picks:
- Special features: Cooling technology
- Price (queen): $2,132 (as of publication)
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Test period: 365-night trial
This hybrid mattress provides the support of a coil mattress system with the comfort and pressure relief of memory foam. A hybrid is a good choice for anyone who wants a not-too-soft, not-too-firm solution and for those who suffer from chronic back pain. The Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress is available in plush, medium and firm. We recommend the medium or firm version if you have back pain, depending on your sleeping position.
What we like
What reviewers say
- Special features: Smartphone control
- Price (queen): $2,699 (as of publication)
- Warranty: 15-year limited
- Test period: 100-night trial
With a Sleep Number bed, you can adjust the mattress to suit your individual sleep needs. The 360 p5 Smart Bed model is designed with pressure relief in mind, and its responsive technology automatically adjusts to your movements. The mattress is 10 inches high, and the top plush layer is 4 inches tall.
What we like
What reviewers say
- Special features: Free setup
- Price (queen): $1,795 (as of publication)
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Test period: 365-night trial
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress is made of cooling innerspring and memory foam. The mattress isn’t adjustable, but you can purchase a Saatva adjustable base along with it ($1,245 as of publication). The Memory Foam Hybrid is also compatible with other frames and box springs.
What we like
What reviewers say
Is a hard or soft mattress better for back pain?
Conventional wisdom may hold that a hard mattress is best for an ailing back, but studies indicate that medium-firm mattresses are actually most advantageous for those suffering from low back pain. A mattress that’s too firm offers little support for the curve of the spine and can actually make back pain worse. The goal is to sleep on something that supports the arches and curves of your body and allows your spine to rest in a neutral position that relieves pressure.
What mattress material is best for back pain?
If you sleep in several positions throughout the night, choose a mattress that suits all kinds of sleeping styles. According to James Oliver, founder of the mattress review site Hey Mattress: “A hybrid or foam mattress can be a good choice because they offer a combination of support and pressure relief. However, it's important to choose a mattress that can provide adequate support in all positions to prevent back pain and other issues.”
How should I sleep if I have lower back pain?
Those with back pain can find relief by sleeping on their side or back with the right mattress. Stomach sleeping puts a lot of pressure on your spine, so it typically isn’t recommended for those with back pain or injury. Consider these sleep position modifications for pain relief:
- Sleep with a pillow under your knees. If you sleep on your back, placing a pillow under your knees will help maintain the natural curve of your lower back and alleviate unnecessary pressure.
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees. Side sleepers can reduce lower back pain by placing a pillow between their knees to keep their pelvis in a neutral position and aligned with their spine.
- Sleep with a pillow under your pelvis. While stomach sleeping isn’t generally recommended for those who suffer from back pain, stomach sleepers may find some relief by placing a thin pillow just under their lower abdomen and pelvis.
- Sleep at a slight incline. Gravity can do wonders. Try sleeping at a slight incline to increase circulation. An adjustable bed provides the easiest way to achieve this position, but wedge pillows and other mattress add-ons are also available.
- Get the right pillow (for all sleeping positions). The quality and thickness of your pillow can also make a big impact on neck and back pain. Recommendations vary slightly depending on your size and weight, but a pillow thickness of four to 6 inches will be optimal for most.
Article sources
- Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, " What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature ." Accessed April 4, 2023.
