Best mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain

The best mattresses for back pain promote spinal alignment and pressure relief for your preferred sleeping position. For instance, if you’re a side sleeper or you’re recovering from an injury, a model with responsive foam layers that cradle your joints may be right for you. Dedicated back sleepers, on the other hand, may want a slightly firmer feel while combination sleepers should aim for something in between.

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Here at Forbes Vetted, we’re well-versed in the art of getting good z’s: We’ve researched and published dozens of mattress and sleep stories plus tested many of our top picks first-hand. With that knowledge, we compiled this list, which includes the Saatva Classic Mattress (our best overall pick) plus many other top-quality contenders.

The Nolah Natural is made with premium Talalay latex for targeted pressure relief.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER

In general, when shopping for a mattress to alleviate back pain, seek a medium-firm bed that’ll provide the right blend of softness and support. “Look for a mattress that supports the natural curve of your spine when you are lying flat and on your side,” says Neel Anand, M.D., a professor of orthopedic surgery and director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles.

Need more help narrowing it down? Scroll to the bottom of this story for more expert tips or check out our complete best mattresses of 2022 shopping guide. And, keep in mind: Every pick on this list comes with a generous sleep trial period to ensure you’ve made the right choice.

  • Best Mattress For Back Pain Overall: Saatva Classic
  • Best Pressure-Relieving Mattress For Back Pain: Helix Twilight
  • Best Mattress For Side Sleepers With Back Pain: Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress
  • Best Luxury Mattress For Back Pain: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-ProAdapt
  • Best Targeted Support Mattress For Back Pain: Casper Original Mattress
  • [PAID PLACEMENT] Best Organic Mattress For Back Pain: Nolah Natural
  • Best Eco-Friendly Mattress For Back Pain: Avocado Green Mattress
  • Best Mattress For Combination Sleepers With Back Pain: Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress
  • Best Two-Sided Mattress For Back Pain: Layla Memory Foam Mattress
  • Best Cooling Mattress For Back Pain: Purple Hybrid Mattress
  • Best Firm Mattress For Back Pain: Amerisleep AS1

Best Mattress For Back Pain Overall

A Luxe Firm Mattress With Free White Glove Delivery

MOST POPULAR

Saatva

Saatva Classic Mattress (Queen)

Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Luxury firm and firm recommended for back pain; plush soft also available | Delivery: Free white glove delivery | Trial: 365 nights (one year) | Warranty: Lifetime

Saatva offers three levels of firmness: plush soft, firm and luxury firm (a blend of cushiony softness and firm support). The latter two are recommended for people with back pain, with the luxury firm being the company’s most popular option. The mattress is built with double-layer coils for added support, along with layers of memory foam and polyfoam to help keep you comfortable and stable while you sleep. It also has a wire “Lumbar Zone” in the center of the mattress to add additional support and pressure relief to the middle of the mattress.

What the editors say: The Forbes Vetted deals writer says she loves her Saatva. “The mattress is bouncy, plush and offers plenty of support (including ample edge support, a feature I didn’t fully understand until I had a mattress with it),” she says. “The company will also take your old mattress away free of charge—a major boon for anyone who’s ever dealt with their own mattress disposal before.”


Best Pressure-Relieving Mattress For Back Pain

Layers Of Memory Foam Provide Cushioning And Pressure Relief

Editor’s Pick

Helix Sleep

Helix Twilight Mattress (Queen)

Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Very firm | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 15 years

Helix offers mattresses that are tailor-built to your needs. You answer a short questionnaire, and the company will recommend the perfect mattress for you. That being said, the Helix Twilight is a top choice for back pain. It offers a firm feel with no sink or give, but it’s not so hard that you feel like you’re sleeping on a rock. (The company rates its firmness between 8/9 on a 1 to 10 scale.) The mattress has a specialized foam layer to help cushion your pressure points, especially when you’re sleeping on your side, along with a polyfoam transition layer for added support.

Use code FORBES100 to receive $100 off when you spend $600 or more; code FORBES150 to receive $150 off when you spend $1,250 or more; or code FORBES200 to receive $200 off when you spend $1,750 or more. Plus, score two free Dream Pillows with your purchase.

What the editors say: Although our updates editor sleeps on a different Helix model (the Dusk Luxe), she says she strongly recommends this brand. “The quality is great, the prices are affordable and there’s a model for everyone,” she says, adding, “There’s a reason that Helix is in most of our mattress lists.”


Best Mattress For Side Sleepers With Back Pain

A Temperature-Regulating Model That’s Ideal For Back Pain

Nectar

Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress (Queen)

Materials: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-firm |Delivery: Bed in a box| Trial: 365 nights (one year) | Warranty: Lifetime

For side sleepers, finding the sweet spot is the key to a quality night’s sleep, and that’s possible with this Premier Memory Foam Mattress from Nectar. Its five-layer structure cushions your pressure points and supports your body weight, while also keeping you cool so you stay comfortable throughout the night. The 3-inch layer of gel memory foam is designed to respond to your body’s unique changes in temperature, while its shift-resistant lower cover keeps the mattress in place even if you twist and turn. If you’re trying to gauge its firmness, the brand puts it this way: It scores a 6.5 on a one to 10 scale, with one being a feather pillow and 10 being a cement floor.

What the editors say: “I used to wake up with leg and back pain until I switched to a Nectar mattress,” reports our deals editor. “Now I sleep through the night without any issues and wake up feeling much more rested."


Best Luxury Mattress For Back Pain

A High-End Option That’s Worth The Price Tag

Tempur-Pedic

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-ProAdapt Mattress (Queen)

Type: Foam (proprietary Tempur material) | Firmness: Medium, medium hybrid or firm recommended for back pain; soft is also available | Delivery: Free white glove delivery on select purchases | Trial: 90 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Constructed of special Tempu material that was originally developed by NASA, the Tempur-ProAdapt luxury mattress provides advanced pressure-relieving power that’s ideal for those with back pain. Responding to your weight, shape and temperature, this adaptive mattress conforms to your body even if you shift positions throughout the night. The proprietary material also absorbs motion better than other memory foam mattresses so if you sleep with a partner, you won’t get jostled awake if they toss and turn in the middle of the night. As far as choosing a firmness: The foam is known for its supportive properties all around, but the overall consensus is that back sleepers usually opt for a firmer mattress while side sleepers tend to go for a medium to soft feel. This ProAdapt model has an extra support layer, and it has two additional firmness options over the basic Adapt model.

What the reviews say: “My old mattress sunk in the middle and was causing a lot of back and neck pain,” shares one former sufferer. “Since buying the Tempur-Pedic, I've had great sleep and my pain is has almost disappeared.”


Best Targeted Support Mattress For Back Pain

Three Zones Of Foam Provide Ultimate Comfort

Casper

Casper Original Hybrid Mattress (Queen)

Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years

The Casper Original Hybrid mattress has three zones of targeted support to help align your spine—and hopefully ease your back pain in the process. Softer foam around your shoulders cushions your upper body, while firmer foam under your hips, waist and lower back keep your spine in the right position. The durable foam base underneath allows for added firmness and support, so the mattress doesn’t sink or sag under your weight. It’s available in all-foam or hybrid options, with the former being the firmer pick, the latter having a medium-firm feel. When asked, a Casper Snooze Specialist recommended the hybrid for back pain due to its combination of support and give. That said, it also comes in an all-foam version for those who prefer it.

What the reviews say: “Over the past year woke up daily with hip and back pain,” recounts a reviewer. “Our son and his wife have a Casper. We slept on it for two nights and I woke up with no pain! [I] immediately went home and ordered online, figuring we had 100 days to try it out. It's been 30 days and no amount of money could make us part with this mattress!”


Best Organic Mattress For Back Pain

A Buoyant Design That Contours To Your Body And Keeps Cool


Best Eco-Friendly Mattress For Back Pain

Another Organic Option That’s Ideal For Back Sleepers

Avocado

Avocado Green Mattress (Queen)

Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 365 nights (one year) | Warranty: 10 years full, 25 years limited

Many of today’s mattresses are made from memory foam, which typically contains synthetic chemicals. If you’re looking for something a bit more eco-friendly, consider the Avocado Green Mattress. It’s constructed of organic ingredients, including a layer of organic latex sitting on top of more than 1,000 pocketed support coils. The mattress has a gentle-yet-firm feel and five distinct ergonomic zones that adapt to your pressure points and provide relief where you need it. The thoughtful construction also helps reduce motion transfer and distributes weight more evenly so the mattress can contour to your body’s natural shape. It’s best for back and stomach sleepers. 

What the reviews say: “The organic, natural materials are perhaps what separates this bed from others [but] it’s the amazingly comfortable and superior support that I think tops my list,” says one happy review. “Over the last six months, I’ve now purchased three [Avocado mattress styles].”


Best Mattress For Combination Sleepers With Back Pain

A Zoned Model That’s Firm In The Middle And Softer At The Edges

Parachute

Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress (Queen)

Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Made with layers of pure New Zealand wool and 100% organic cotton, the Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress is another eco-friendly mattress that can help alleviate back pain. It has two layers of pocketed steel coils, and it’s designed to be firm in the middle for back support and softer at the head and feet for pressure point relief and spinal alignment—great for combination sleepers. In between the coils is a comfort layer made from real wool, and the whole thing is wrapped in an organic cotton cover.

What the reviews say: “I wish we would have purchased this mattress years ago,” says one coupled sleeper. “It is so soft that it’s hard to get out of, and it isn’t so [firm] that you’re stiff in the morning. It was worth every single penny!”


Best Two-Sided Mattress For Back Pain

A Flippable Model With Two Levels Of Firmness

Layla Sleep

Layla Memory Foam Mattress (Queen)

Type: Foam| Firmness: Soft on one side, medium-firm on the other | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime

Layla’s mattress has a four layer construction, including a 4.5-inch layer of support foam that’s specifically aimed at keeping your back aligned. This layer also combats the sinking feeling that you get with other memory foam mattresses, so you don’t feel like you’re dropping too far into the mattress when you sleep. The mattress is flippable, with both a soft and firm side (the soft side’s firmness is rated a 4 out of 10, the firm is a 7). That said, back pain sufferers will likely feel the most comfortable on the firm side.

What the reviews say: “Best mattress I’ve ever had,” begins one satisfied customer. “[The mattress is] three years old now and it’s been three years since I had any major back pain. And the price is one-third the price of a conventional mattress.” Another adds, “Great balance of comfort and support. Just firm enough, but also has a soft element.”


Best Cooling Mattress For Back Pain

Its Unique Grid Structure Offers Optimal Airflow

Editor’s Pick

Purple

Purple Hybrid Mattress (Queen)

Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm but responsive | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Thanks to its patented Purple Grid, the Purple Hybrid Mattress is unlike any other on this list. It consists of five layers, and the Purple Grid gently gives under your body, hugging your pressure points and fully supporting your back while you sleep. The grid sits on top of a 7.5-inch layer of responsive coils that offer additional support while you sleep. Plus, there are open air channels that allow air to freely flow through, making it much cooler than memory foam-only mattresses. This particular model is the company’s firmest and offers the most support in the hybrid collection; the Hybrid Premier 3 and Hybrid Premier 4 are medium-soft and soft, respectively.

What the reviews say: “I have had previous spinal surgeries so pressure relief and support are paramount, [and] this mattress delivers,” says a satisfied customer. “I feel very supported—it even corrected some back pain I had from the last mattress I tried. And yes, it sleeps cool and [I’ve] always been the hottest sleeper.”


Best Firm Mattress For Back Pain

A Mattress With Reactive Memory Foam Adapts To Your Body

Amerisleep

Amerisleep AS1 (Queen)

Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Very firm | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 20 years

Thanks to its Bio-Pur memory foam—a proprietary foam that’s more responsive and adaptive to movement—this mattress contours your back and neck, promoting proper sleep posture and relieving pressure points. When you have back pain, soft spots can be detrimental to your comfort, but this mattress bounces back in seconds, alleviating sinking and misalignment that can contribute to aches. The Amerisleep AS1 also keeps you cool throughout the night by allowing air to quickly pass through its open-cell design. And it includes its Refresh Cooling Cover. This is the company’s firmest mattress.

What the reviews say: “We used the Amerisleep King AS1 mattress for close to 3 years and sleep has never been so comfortable,” writes one reviewer. “It has a great cover and the right amount of firmness. We liked it so much that when we needed another mattress we didn't even think twice before ordering another one.”


How We Chose The Best Mattresses For Back Pain

We researched tediously, compared features, combed through reviews and enlisted expert advice to compile this list of the best mattresses for back pain. Further, we’ve beds from several picks on this list. We also have a broad base of mattress knowledge from writing—and continuing to improve—our base of sleep, which includes over 15 mattress-specific round-ups.

To make the cut, each mattress had to be from a reputable brand and offer a generous sleep trial period. This list is regularly updated to reflect current information and pricing, including sale pricing; it was last updated in October 2022.


What To Consider When Buying A Mattress For Back Pain

When buying a mattress to relieve back pain, materials, construction and firmness are all key factors to consider. Below is a breakdown to help you make your decision.

Type

There are three main types of mattresses based on materials and design, and each have pros and cons. Here’s a brief breakdown:

  • Innerspring: These are the traditional style of mattresses in which springs are the main support system, and in general, they offer the most structured support compared to other mattress types. However, innerspring mattresses can sink over time and create pressure points, so if you go this route, be sure to pick a high-quality brand that’s built to last.
  • Foam: All-foam beds usually consist of memory foam, latex foam or separate layers of each. Often, there are also proprietary foams infused with cooling gels or antimicrobial materials for added comfort. The foam bed’s main claim to fame is its responsive feel that contours to curves and cradles joints. That said, some people find that they tend to trap heat (although many top brands have invented technologies to keep them cooler) and some sleepers don’t like the feeling of being “swallowed” by their mattress.
  • Hybrid: Known for offering “the best of both worlds,” hybrid mattresses are popular because they feature both supportive coils and foam layers for plush, pressure-relieving comfort. They tend to be naturally cooler than all-foam mattresses because the coils allow for airflow and sleepers don’t have the same “sinking in” feeling as they might with a foam mattress. Because of the coils, hybrids may be bouncier than foam mattresses, but the foam they do contain does a decent job at eliminating motion transfer.

Firmness

As mentioned, the firmness you settle on is ultimately a matter of preference, but generally, firmer mattresses are ideal for stomach sleepers while softer mattresses have more give for side sleepers’ joints. The best mattresses for back pain are somewhere in the middle, with medium-firm beds offering the supportive-yet-cushy sweet spot.

Delivery Method

Especially for back pain sufferers, delivery and setup options are important to consider before making your purchase. Many popular retailers offer bed in a box options in which the mattresses are vacuum-sealed and shipped in a compact box. This also means you don’t have to be home for your mattress delivery. Although the package will be heavy (enlisting help to haul it inside is strongly encouraged), the box is easier to maneuver than a full-size mattress; just unbox, unwrap and set it on the frame. Note that it will take a few hours—sometimes as much as an entire day—to fully expand.

Setting up a mattress in a box requires some effort (and muscle), and if that doesn’t appeal to you, check out mattress brands that do the work for you. Saatva offers white glove delivery service free with purchase, as does Tempur-Pedic on select mattresses, foundations and adjustable bases. Avocado Green Mattress will also provide an optional In-Home Delivery Service for an additional fee. These services all include setting up your new bed and removing your old mattress.

Trial Period And Warranty

When shopping for any bed, especially online, it’s important to find out the trial period before pressing “purchase.” Luckily, most online mattress retailers offer generous risk-free trial periods in which you can try your bed at home for up to a full year. If you don’t like it, you can send it back for a refund or exchange.

You’ll also want to check out your mattress’ warranty. Things like manufacturing defects and premature wear should be covered for at least five or so years.


What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain?

Back pain often occurs when your mattress doesn’t provide adequate support to your body throughout the night, causing misalignment in your spine. The key to alleviating an aching back is finding a mattress that provides appropriate support.

Memory foam and latex mattresses are often considered the best options for back pain, as they conform to your body, cradling pressure points while supporting your spine and keeping it aligned. However, hybrid and coil mattresses can provide similar benefits, as long as you choose one that’s specifically designed for that purpose.


Is A Firm Mattress Better For Back Pain?

Many people will tell you that you need a firm mattress to stop back pain, but that’s not necessarily true. A mattress that’s too firm can also cause spine misalignment by pushing up the shoulders and hips. Instead, look for a medium-firm mattress that offers some cushioning for these key pressure points. Ultimately, it comes down to your comfort level, so be sure to choose a mattress brand that offers a generous trial period in case you choose to exchange or return your purchase.


Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good For Back Pain?

Memory foam mattresses are often touted as the best option for back pain, and they certainly can be, thanks to their balance of support and cushioning. However, choosing the right firmness is essential. If you go this route, find a mattress made with high-quality, dense memory foam designed to provide ample support. Keep in mind that many inexpensive memory foam mattresses are too plush to keep the spine properly aligned, which can actually worsen your back and joint pain.


How Do I Know If My Mattress Is Causing Back Pain?

Back pain can be caused by many different factors, making it difficult to pinpoint whether or not your mattress is the culprit. However, if your back pain is worse in the morning, it’s a good sign that your mattress isn’t providing proper support. You may also find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night. Additionally, if your mattress is more than seven years old, that’s another clue it might be time to invest in a new one. Regardless of what is causing your back pain, though, a supportive and comfortable mattress can help ease aches, and at the very least, prevent additional discomfort.


More Sleep Stories To Shop

Ultimately, the best relief for bedtime back pain is finding the right mattress (and pillow, for that matter) that suits your needs. For more options, check out some of our other sleep stories below:

  • Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers
  • Best Hybrid Mattresses
  • Best Memory Foam Mattresses
  • Best Mattresses For Heavy People
  • Best Firm Mattresses
  • Best Pillows For Neck Pain

What is the best type of mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain?

According to the manufacturer's website, foam mattresses are suitable for side sleepers as they support the pressure points while contouring the body. Additionally, 2021 research states that medium-firm mattresses are best for those with back pain.

What firmness of mattress is best for side and back sleepers?

A medium-firm mattress is an excellent choice for combo sleepers because they typically strike a pleasant balance between pressure relief and support. They're soft enough to provide pressure relief to the shoulders while sleeping on the side and firm enough to support the hips whilst dozing on the back.

What mattress is best for lower back problems?

The Best Mattresses for Back Pain.
Nectar – Editor's Pick..
Helix Dusk – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain..
DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain..
WinkBed – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain..
Nolah Evolution – Best Luxury Mattress for Back Pain..
Saatva – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers..

What type of mattress should I get if I sleep on my side?

Memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses are ideal for side sleepers because they offer pressure relief for proper alignment, whereas innerspring mattresses can't contour around pressure points.