Best Mattress for Upper and Lower Back Pain of 2024

Updated April 2024
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Michelle Griczika
Medicine
Written by
Dr. Ifran Saddique
Medicine
Medically reviewed by

For those of us among the vast population dealing with back pain, its impact on daily life can be significant. The culprit could be right beneath you - the wrong mattress can indeed exacerbate your back pain. Basically, finding the best mattress for back pain is a decision you want to make with confidence.

Here's our pick of the best mattresses for back pain in 2024. Our selection covers different types of mattresses, from memory foam to innerspring, all to help you find the perfect bed to ease your back pain.

Back pain is a common issue, affecting millions worldwide. It can come from many things like daily habits, health issues, and injuries. But, one factor that often gets missed is the mattress we sleep on each night.

Mattresses without the right support can make back pain worse. This can ruin your sleep and lead to discomfort over several days. The best mattress for back pain should provide the right mix of support, comfort, and cushioning. It should help you sleep well and ease lower back problems. So, a mattress plays a big part in dealing with this common issue and improving our lives.

If you're dealing with a painful back, the answer isn't in fancy labels or tricks. It's about finding a mattress with the right firmness level. The key is to understand how you sleep and find a back pain mattress that suits your specific pain spot and sleeping position.

 

Best Mattresses for Upper and Lower Back Pain

Looking for the best mattress for back pain? The answer may depend on whether your pain is in the upper or lower back.

For upper back pain, memory foam or hybrid mattresses could do the trick as they're good at easing pressure points. 

For lower back pain, a firmer option like an innerspring mattress may provide the support needed to lessen discomfort. 

Every type of mattress has its pros and cons, so it's important to weigh all factors before deciding on the best mattress for hip and back pain.

With so many things to consider like firmness level, materials, size, and support, choosing the best back pain mattress can seem daunting. If you're dealing with back pain, a medium-firm mattress made of high-quality foam or a hybrid is often a good choice.

While there's no guaranteed way to find the absolute best bed for back pain, understanding your needs and knowing what to look for can lead you to the right match for a good night's sleep.

As you search, reading mattress comparisons can be helpful in finding the best fit for you. For example, the DreamCloud mattress is known for its exceptional comfort, durability, and back support. It has a thick, quilted cashmere design for superior cushioning that's both comfy and supportive. Plus, it has five layers of high-grade foam and springs for ideal stability all night. If you have back pain, this mattress could be a great choice, aligning your spine for restful sleep. Considering value for money, DreamCloud is indeed a solid option and our choice for top-rated mattresses for back pain.

In terms of mattress firmness, the balance between comfort and support is crucial. For those with back pain, medium-firm mattresses often provide the best mix: enough cushioning for a good night's sleep and substantial back support for waking up refreshed. If you prefer a softer feel, memory foam can be an excellent choice, providing excellent body alignment with a touch of luxury.

#1 Dreamcloud

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Dreamcloud Mattress
9.8
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What it’s made of

Structure: This 14-inch mattress guarantees an ideal sleeping experience for all, irrespective of size, from Twin to California King. The sophisticated design promises to alleviate pressure points and maintain spine alignment, thus serving as the best mattress for back and hip pain without sacrificing comfort.

Cover: Woven from a premium blend of cashmere and polyester fibers, it provides unparalleled softness and comfort—offering a soothing remedy for back pain during sleep. Additionally, the Kashmir wool imparts an extraordinary silky texture unmatched by any other, complemented by unbeatable breathability, ensuring you remain cool.

Quilted Euro Pillow Top: Its 1.5-inch quilted Euro pillow top, fabricated from lush memory foam and hand-tufted for enduring comfort, addresses your back pain concerns, whether upper or lower.

Comfort Layer: This mattress ensures a luxurious sleep, thanks to its quilted Euro pillow top, high-density gel memory foam layer, and cooling infusion ingredient. This trio works in harmony, guaranteeing that any discomfort or pain is assuaged, culminating in a cool, restful slumber.

Transition Layer: Nestled between the comfort layer and coil system, adds bounce and ensures peaceful rest, no matter how much you move around. Plus, it effectively takes in motion energy, helping you forget about back pain worries.

Support Layer: Individually wrapped 8-inch springs offer targeted relief while promoting air circulation – keeping you cool and well-rested, perfect for those dealing with back pain or other discomforts like overheating. 

Base: The base layer of this mattress promises a supportive yet comfortable sleep. Beneath the plush exterior lies a dense polyfoam block that absorbs motion and aids in alleviating back pain, ensuring serene sleep night after night. The concealed steel coils respond to your body's every move, providing a gentle bounce each morning as you awaken.

 

Best Features

DreamCloud mattress, with its strategic blend of features, emerges as a standout choice for those seeking an affordable luxury mattress for back pain. One of its key strengths lies in its medium-firm firmness level, which expertly balances comfort and support. This firmness ensures your body maintains proper spinal alignment, a crucial factor in reducing back pain. 

Motion transfer is another standout feature — the mattress's transition layer of poly foam, coupled with its individually wrapped coils, effectively absorb energy from movements. This means you can toss and turn without disturbing your partner, or your own rest. 

Moreover, DreamCloud shines in providing a cooler sleeping experience. The individually wrapped coils not only offer pinpoint support but also promote air circulation throughout the mattress. This design keeps you cool and comfortable, helping you achieve more restful, restorative sleep. While the mattress’s physical features are impressive, its ability to address specific concerns such as back pain truly sets it apart.

 

Who it’s best for

The DreamCloud mattress, often recognized as a top mattress for back pain relief, can be a real game-changer for people dealing with either upper or lower back discomfort. Its unique combination of supportive springs and plush foam padding offers a perfect balance of body-contouring comfort and cushioning. The mattress' design includes individually pocketed coils that minimize motion transfer, helping to maintain better spinal alignment and relieve pressure points.

DreamCloud is particularly beneficial for stomach sleepers. Its slightly firmer build helps avoid lower back arching and keeps the pelvis and hips aligned. This can promote better circulation, and in turn, reduce aches and pains making this our choice for the best mattress for stomach sleepers with back pain. 

Worried about the best sleep position for your back? With DreamCloud, you can put those worries to bed. Its quilted Euro pillow top and spring coils provide localized cushioning that offers a healthy mix of comfort and support. This means it can handle your weight, making it a solid option for those dealing with back pain.

The DreamCloud mattress also works great for side sleepers of all body types. It promises high-level comfort and support, even for combination sleepers. If you're close to 300 lbs and sleep primarily on your side, you might feel some pressure. But, shifting positions throughout the night can offer significant relief from neck pain. So, whether you're a side, back, or stomach sleeper, DreamCloud has got you covered.

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#2 Nectar

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Nectar Mattress
9.7
Spring Sale | Up To 40% OFF Mattresses

What it’s Made Of

Nectar has meticulously engineered their mattresses to provide optimal comfort and support. This starts with a unique fabric blend cover, a blend that prioritizes coolness and breathability, an often overlooked yet essential feature, particularly for memory foam mattresses.

Below the cover is the 2-inch comfort layer, a high-density contour layer infused with cooling gel. This layer is a key element in Nectar's construction, providing a personalized touch by conforming to the body and supporting various sleep positions. The gel infusion helps in dissipating heat, facilitating improved airflow and a cooler sleep experience.

The third layer, a robust 4-inch transition layer packed with Dynamic Support foam, offers a unique balance between comfort and support. The purpose of this layer is to provide gradual support to the body, acting as a bridge between the comfort and foundational layers, thus easing potential neck discomfort during sleep.

At the core of the mattress lies a substantial 6-inch base of resilient polyurethane foam. This firm foundation offers remarkable stability and limits motion transfer, allowing for a peaceful and undisturbed sleep, especially beneficial for those experiencing lower back discomfort.

 

Best Features

Engineered with a five-layer premium foam design, the Nectar mattress offers a harmonious balance of support and contouring comfort that can significantly reduce back pain. Its layers work in tandem to support the spine's natural curvature and mitigate the risk of waking up with aches and pains.

Among the standout features of the Nectar mattress is its innovative cooling technology. The gel-infused memory foam and breathable fabric cover ensure a cooler, more refreshing sleep, a feature highly praised in the mattress industry. The cover's moisture-wicking capabilities further enhance the sleep experience, particularly during warmer nights. If you tend to run hot but love the feel of a memory foam mattress, then the Nectar bed is the best memory foam mattress for back pain. 

Nectar’s edge support technology is another key feature, enhancing the mattress's durability and usability by preventing sagging and maintaining a firm sleeping surface across the entire mattress.

Who it’s Best For

Nectar mattresses, with their innovative construction and features, are an excellent choice for a wide range of people sleeping with back pain. Primarily, those suffering from upper and lower back pain would greatly benefit from the quilted memory foam comfort layers, as they provide even body contouring and pressure-point relief.

If you’re a sleeper looking for the best mattress for stomach sleepers with back pain, particularly those weighing less than 230 lbs, you will find the medium-firmness of Nectar mattresses well-suited to their needs. These mattresses provide enough sinkage to cushion the body while maintaining sufficient support to prevent lower back pain.

Back sleepers, too, can find comfort in a Nectar mattress. Its balanced firmness allows for a more evenly distributed weight and better spinal alignment, thereby reducing pressure buildup in sensitive areas such as the shoulders, lower back, and hips.

Lastly, side sleepers with back pain would find relief with the Nectar mattress due to its high-density memory foam comfort layer supports and cushions the shoulders and hips, ensuring perfect spinal alignment - a critical factor in reducing discomfort during sleep.

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#3 Saatva

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Saatva Mattress
9.5
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What it’s Made Of

At the heart of Saatva's appeal is its thoughtful engineering designed to offer unrivaled comfort and support. The mattress height is customizable, providing users the option between an 11.5" low-profile design or an enhanced coil system at the same cost, allowing a tailored sleeping experience.

Covering this finely crafted mattress is an organic cotton cover. Aside from the aesthetic appeal, this pure, toxin-free layer ensures enhanced breathability and comfort, thus promoting better sleep, particularly for those dealing with back pain.

The Euro Pillow Top layer, with its tufted foam under the organic cotton cover, adapts to your body shape seamlessly. This feature provides the plush comfort that Saatva is known for, allowing you to slip into a comfortable slumber while ensuring targeted back pain relief.

Underneath the pillow top is a comfort layer of high-density memory foam, which offers superior lower back support, pressure relief, and cushioning for an optimized sleeping experience.

The transition layer houses 884 individually encased 14.5 gauge coils. These not only offer exceptional comfort and support but also minimize motion transfer. This feature ensures an undisturbed sleep experience and contributes significantly to back pain relief.

At the base of the mattress is a layer of tempered-steel coils, which provide a robust foundation. This strong base aids in pressure relief and back pain alleviation, guaranteeing a restful night's sleep.

Best Features

Saatva’s engineered coil-on-coil construction is one of its most significant attributes. This innovative design combines two different layers of springs for a uniquely comfortable sleep experience. The top layer consists of individually wrapped coils that contour to your body, offering precise support and isolating movement. The bottom layer comprises stronger, interconnected steel coils to provide a solid base and prevent sagging. This dual-layer system also ensures excellent breathability, resulting in a cooler sleep environment and an overall rejuvenating sleep experience.

The Saatva mattress also boasts an organic cotton cover and a quilted euro foam pillow-top, two features that significantly enhance the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the mattress. The pillow-top layer, nestled beneath the cotton cover, is tufted with foam, ensuring that it adjusts to your body shape and offers a plush, luxurious feel. It serves as a buffer between the firmness of the coil system and the sleeper, offering an immediate cushioning effect for pressure relief.

In terms of customizability, Saatva pulls out all the stops. It offers three levels of firmness - Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. This allows sleepers to select a firmness level that best matches their comfort needs and sleeping style. Further customization is possible with the option to choose from two different mattress heights – 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches. Such flexibility ensures that the Saatva mattress can cater to a broad spectrum of sleep preferences, enhancing its appeal to a wide range of sleepers.

Who it’s Best For

The Saatva mattress is a solid contender, thanks to its advanced coil-on-coil structure. This unique design offers superior support and comfort while maintaining a luxurious feel. Its customizable lumbar zone offers added reinforcement where needed, ensuring a peaceful and restful sleep.

Side sleepers with back pain will find immense comfort in the Plush Soft and Luxury Firm models. The pillow-top layer, with organic cotton quilted with euro foam, provides excellent spinal support and pressure relief, guaranteeing a comfortable sleep experience.

Back sleepers with back pain would benefit from the Luxury Firm and Firm models, as these provide robust support and maintain the spine's natural alignment. The Euro top pillow offers optimal cushioning and pressure point relief, making these models ideal for those who frequently change their sleep positions.

Lastly, stomach sleepers with lower back pain will find the firm mattress a game-changer. Designed to provide targeted support in the hips and abdomen area, this resilient mattress can dramatically improve your sleep quality.

Overall, the Saatva mattress stands out not only for its high-quality construction and exceptional comfort but also for the superior customer service provided by the company. One of Saatva's standout features is their White Glove Delivery service. As part of this service, Saatva's delivery team not only delivers the mattress directly to your home but also sets it up in your room of choice. If you have an old mattress that needs to be disposed of, the team will take care of that as well, removing the burden of heavy lifting from you.

This service offers significant advantages, particularly for sleepers dealing with back pain. Heavy lifting can exacerbate back issues, making the task of setting up a new mattress daunting for some. With Saatva's White Glove Delivery, you can completely avoid the hassle and potential discomfort of setting up the mattress themselves. It ensures a stress-free delivery experience, where all the heavy work is taken care of.

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#4 Helix

  • Customizable firmness options
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Helix Midnight Mattress
9.5
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What it's made of

The Helix Midnight mattress incorporates a blend of innovative materials that strike a perfect balance of comfort and support - essential for individuals dealing with back and hip pain.

The cover of the Helix Midnight mattress is a soft-touch design that promotes increased airflow and breathability. It's stretchy and durable, designed to snap back into place to avoid wrinkles or bunching, thus providing a consistently comfortable sleep surface, crucial for those suffering from back pain.

The comfort layer of the mattress features the Helix Dynamic Foam, an exclusive latex-foam hybrid alternative that reacts and contours to your body shape. It is particularly beneficial for alleviating pressure points in the hips and shoulders.

The transition layer comprises high-grade polyfoam, providing ergonomic support and pressure relief. It acts as a buffer between the softer upper layers and the firm, supportive base.

The support layer utilizes hundreds of individually wrapped coils to provide zoned support and limit motion transfer. Each coil moves independently, providing targeted pressure relief on your hips and shoulders while offering extra support for your waist and lower back.

Lastly, the mattress concludes with a base layer of DuraDense foam, a high-density foam providing overall mattress stability and longevity, and enhancing edge support.

Best Features

What makes the Helix Midnight the best hybrid mattress for back pain? Its customized support system aligns your spine, reduces pressure points, and ensures you wake up refreshed and free of aches and pains.

The individual pocketed coils provide targeted support and limit motion transfer. This means you won't feel your partner's movements throughout the night, contributing to a more peaceful sleep.

Another key feature is the unique blend of memory plus foam and dynamic foam in the mattress's top layers. This combination offers excellent pressure relief, especially for side sleepers who often experience pressure build-up in their hips and shoulders. The memory plus foam also maintains an optimal sleeping temperature, thanks to its gel-infused design that dissipates heat throughout the night.

Who it's made for

The Helix Midnight mattress is versatile and accommodating for various sleeping positions and body types. As the best mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain, the pressure-relieving memory foam layer provides excellent cushioning for the hips and shoulders.

Back sleepers will appreciate the zoned support system. It offers extra support to the lumbar region while maintaining the natural alignment of the spine.

Stomach sleepers, particularly those dealing with back pain, may find comfort in the Helix Midnight mattress, though those with a higher body weight might need a mattress with a higher firmness level.

Furthermore, the Helix Midnight mattress stands out as the best mattress for back and neck pain for individuals dealing with discomfort. The combination of memory foam and pocketed coils works together to alleviate pressure points and support spinal alignment. The mattress is also an excellent choice for couples, thanks to its excellent motion isolation properties, and for hot sleepers, due to its cooling technologies.

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#5 Nolah

  • Pressure relief for back pain
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Nolah Evolution Mattress
9.4
Sleep Week Sale! 35% off + FREE Pillows

What it's Made Of

The Nolah Evolution 15 mattress is thought of as one of the  best mattresses for back pain because it uses innovative technology and superior materials to deliver both comfort and support for a pain-free sleep experience.

Starting with the top, the Cooling ArcticTex Euro Top sets the stage for a restful night's sleep. It is crafted from premium organic cotton and cooling foam. This combination not only ensures a luxurious feel but also facilitates effective heat and moisture dissipation throughout the night. This level of temperature regulation is particularly crucial for those dealing with back pain, as a cooler sleeping environment can assist in reducing inflammation and promoting recovery.

The inclusion of Cooling Nolah AirFoamIce and High-Resilience Foam further enhances this mattress's appeal for those with back issues. The AirFoamIce layer features a cooling Euro Pillow Top and graphite-infused foam. These innovative materials work in tandem to maintain an optimal sleep temperature while offering exceptional pressure relief, arguably making it one of the best mattresses for back pain. The High-Resilience Foam layer guarantees optimal support for your entire body, alleviating discomfort and the sensation of heaviness during sleep, often linked to back pain.

Finally, the mattress employs Patented HDMax Trizone Coils and a durable, Eco-Friendly Foundation Layer. The coils provide enhanced, tailored support that adapts to your body's curves, while the environmentally conscious foundation layer offers both stability and comfort, proving you can find a firm mattress for back pain that doesn't compromise on sustainability.

Best Features

One of the key features of the Nolah Evolution 15 that makes it stand out as a best mattress for back pain is its tri-zoned support system. The patented HDMax Trizone Coils provide exceptional customized support that adjusts to your body, ensuring targeted relief and firmness in key areas such as the lower back.

Additionally, the High-Density Transition Foam and AirBreath Heat Escape Gusset contribute to its suitability for those with back pain. The transition foam evenly distributes your body weight, relieving pressure points that can exacerbate back pain. The unique AirBreath Heat Escape Gusset aids in maintaining a consistent and comfortable sleep temperature, while facilitating air circulation to keep the mattress fresh and conducive to restful sleep.

Furthermore, the mattress is engineered for edge-to-edge support. This level of support not only enhances the sleepable surface area of the mattress but also makes getting in and out of bed easier—a vital consideration for people dealing with back pain.

Who It's Made For:

The Nolah Evolution 15" mattress is versatile, catering to a wide range of sleepers dealing with back pain.

For back sleepers, this mattress offers optimal spinal alignment and concentrated support in the lumbar region, potentially qualifying it as the best mattress for lower back pain. The combination of its High-Resilience Foam layer and tri-zoned coils provide adequate support and cushioning to maintain the natural curvature of the spine, reducing the risk of waking up with back pain.

Side sleepers experiencing back pain might find this mattress an excellent choice due to its pressure-relieving properties. The Euro Pillow top layer and multiple layers of foam offer comfort and sinkage, while the coils support the neck and shoulders to maintain spinal alignment.

Stomach sleepers, especially those weighing up to 230 lbs, may find relief with the Nolah Evolution Luxury-Firm mattress. The firmness of this variant prevents excessive sinkage of the hips, a common issue with stomach sleepers that can lead to spinal misalignment and resultant back pain.

For seniors, couples, and heavy sleepers, the mattress’s superior motion isolation properties, temperature regulation features, and tailored support offer significant advantages, making it a potentially excellent choice for those searching for the best mattress for back pain.

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#6 Cocoon by Sealy

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Cocoon Mattress
9.4
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What it's made of
The Cocoon Chill mattress by Sealy utilizes a specific combination of materials to offer its sleepers a restful night's sleep and adequate back support.

Starting with the exterior, the Cocoon Chill uses a stretch-knit cover made from a blend of polyester and cotton, known for its breathability and durability. It's not just a standard cover; it's infused with Phase Changing Material. This advanced technology actively draws heat away from the body, thereby helping with temperature regulation—an important feature for a good night's sleep, especially for those dealing with back pain.

Beneath the cover lies the comfort layer, consisting of Perfect Fit memory foam. As the name suggests, this layer is designed to mold to the shape and contours of your body, creating a personalized sleeping surface. This tailored support can help to alleviate pressure points that often exacerbate back pain.

Next up is the transition layer, a proprietary layer designed by Sealy, using their Responsive Comfort Foam. This layer of foam provides a degree of softness while ensuring the sleeper is well supported—a key consideration for those seeking a mattress for back pain.

Finally, the bed's support comes from a 6-inch base made of high-density poly foam. This layer is crucial for the overall performance of the mattress, providing the firm support needed to prevent excessive sinkage and promoting a healthier spinal alignment, which can mitigate back pain.

Best Features

What sets the Cocoon Chill mattress apart as a good bed for back pain is its thoughtful layering and cooling features. The mattress offers two layers of memory foam that adjust to your body shape, offering targeted pressure relief. This feature means that the heavier parts of your body such as the hips and shoulders can sink in for comfort, while lighter areas are adequately supported, reducing the risk of back pain.

Moreover, its innovative cover with Phase Changing Material adds a significant cooling feature to the mattress. A cooler sleep environment not only improves sleep quality but also can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate back pain.

Another notable feature is the mattress's high-density poly foam base. It provides excellent support, especially for those suffering from back pain, by preventing excessive sinking and promoting proper spinal alignment.

Who It's Made For

The Cocoon Chill is a medium-firm mattress, making it a versatile choice for all types of sleepers dealing with back pain.

Back sleepers can appreciate the balance this mattress provides, offering the necessary lumbar support and maintaining the spine's natural alignment—a critical aspect for those struggling with back pain.

Side sleepers can benefit from the Cocoon Chill's pressure-relieving memory foam. The foam layers contour to the body's shape, offering comfort and support to the shoulder and hip areas, which are pressure points for side sleepers.

Stomach sleepers, who often struggle with maintaining proper spinal alignment, can find comfort in the Cocoon Chill's high-density poly foam base. It provides the required firmness to prevent the hips from sinking too deeply, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free sleep experience.

The mattress also caters to a variety of body weights and sizes, ensuring that no matter your body type, you can find the support and comfort needed for a good night's sleep.

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#7 Nectar

  • Isolates motion well
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Nectar Premier
9.3
Spring Sale! Up To 40% OFF Mattresses

What it's Made Of

The Nectar Premier mattress is an exceptional offering in the field of sleep technology. It incorporates a series of carefully crafted layers, each with a specific purpose aimed at providing a night of restful sleep, especially for those dealing with back pain.

The topmost layer is a cool-to-touch cover made of a blend of polyethylene and spandex. This moisture-resistant material not only adds a touch of luxury to your bed but also offers a hygienic sleep surface with its antimicrobial properties.

Below this lies the comfort layer, a 3-inch Smart Layer with ActiveCool HD. This layer is infused with gel and Phase Changing Material (PCM). These materials respond to your body's temperature and adjust their properties to deliver tailored comfort. As it cradles your body, the layer evenly distributes weight, relieving pressure points, which is a crucial feature for anyone suffering from back pain.

Next, we have the Dynamic Support layer. This 3-inch layer adds a slight bounce to the mattress, enhancing its responsiveness. This feature prevents sleepers from sinking too deep into the mattress, thereby maintaining a balance between comfort and support that could help reduce back pain and other sleep-related discomforts.

Finally, the mattress rests on a robust 7-inch high-density polyfoam base layer. This foundational layer is integral for healthy spinal alignment and enhances the cushioning provided by the upper layers. Proper spinal alignment during sleep is essential for alleviating back pain, making this a critical component in a mattress for people suffering from this condition.

Best Features

The Nectar Premier mattress truly stands out for its unique blend of traditional memory foam comfort and cutting-edge cooling technologies. This combination makes it an ideal solution for those looking for a foam mattress for back pain. 

One of its standout features is the gel and PCM-infused comfort layer. This smart layer actively responds to your body temperature, adjusting itself to deliver a cooling sleep surface. As the premium version of the original Nectar mattress, the cooling features are more advanced. 

Furthermore, it offers superior pressure relief by providing just the right amount of contouring for your body. Even weight distribution is key in reducing the strain on pressure points that often lead to back pain.

Another noteworthy feature is the mattress's responsive design, courtesy of the Dynamic Support layer. This feature not only prevents sleepers from sinking too deep into the mattress, but it also adds a subtle bounce, providing a comfortable balance between softness and support. If you and your partner love a memory foam feel, then this is one of the best mattresses for couples with back pain. 

Who it's Made For

The Nectar Premier mattress showcases versatility in its appeal to a variety of sleepers. For seniors who require enhanced pressure relief and support, this mattress serves as an excellent choice. The memory foam easily adapts to their body shape, easing strain on pressure points, and providing an essential element in reducing back pain.

Back sleepers, irrespective of their weight, will appreciate the Nectar Premier for its balanced blend of plush comfort and firm support. This balance prevents the lower back from sinking too deep into the mattress, ensuring proper spinal alignment, which is key to managing back pain.

Side sleepers, too, can benefit from this mattress. Its firmness level and contouring properties provide a comforting cradle for their shoulders and hips - the primary pressure points for this sleeping position.

Lightweight stomach sleepers will find the Nectar Premier satisfactory as well. Its firm surface and balanced cushioning help maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent their midsection from sinking in excessively, reducing the likelihood of developing back pain. However, heavier stomach sleepers may need to look for a mattress with a higher firmness level to maintain proper spinal alignment.

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#8 Brooklyn Bedding

  • Multiple firmness options
  • Cooling features
  • 120-Night home trial
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Brooklyn Bedding
9.2
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What it's Made Of

Brooklyn Bedding's Aurora Hybrid mattress is often regarded as one of the best beds for back pain. It brings together state-of-the-art design and top-tier materials to deliver a sleeping experience that can aid those suffering from discomfort. The mattress's construction emphasizes temperature regulation, plush comfort, and body-conforming support, all of which are critical in reducing discomfort and ensuring a restful night's sleep.

Starting with the plush Euro Top cover, this luxury mattress incorporates a phase-change material called TitanCool into a cotton blend to maintain optimal sleeping temperatures. As one of the firm beds for back pain, its temperature regulation aspect is especially beneficial for those dealing with discomfort, as maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment can enhance sleep quality and ease discomfort.

Under the cover, the Aurora Hybrid features a CopperFlex foam primary comfort layer. This proprietary foam has a similar responsiveness to latex and provides personalized support by adjusting to your body contours. Infused with cooling TitanCool and copper for antibacterial benefits, this layer aids in spinal alignment, a key factor in reducing back pain, making it an ideal mattress for back pain.

The secondary comfort layer consists of 2 inches of TitanFlex foam, which complements the primary layer by adding extra cushioning and support that adapts swiftly to body movements. The mattress also includes a one-inch transition layer of cooling gel-infused viscoelastic memory foam to offer superior spinal alignment and ease the transition to the supporting pocketed coil system beneath.

The Aurora Hybrid's support layer is composed of 8-inch Ascension coils that provide differentiated support across the mattress. The system offers a firmer feel in the middle for lumbar support and softer cushioning at the head and feet, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure points. At the base, a .75-inch layer of high-density poly foam ensures the mattress's overall structural integrity and durability.

Best Features

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid mattress is known as one of the best mattresses for lower back pain due to its array of features. Its medium-firm feel ensures a balance of comfort and support, critical for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points, a known cause of discomfort.

One standout feature is the zoned Ascension coil system. By providing differentiated support, this system caters to the varying needs of different areas of the body, reducing pressure points and maintaining spinal alignment. This balanced approach can significantly contribute to easing back pain.

The mattress also excels in cooling technology. The inclusion of phase-change material TitanCool in the cover and comfort layer provides thermal regulation, keeping the sleeping surface cool and comfortable. The viscoelastic memory foam transition layer infused with cooling gel further enhances this effect, adding another layer of relief for sleepers who run hot.

Who it's Made For

The Aurora Hybrid is a versatile mattress, offering tailored comfort to various types of sleepers. Back sleepers, who often search for the best bed for back pain, will find the medium-firm feel and contouring comfort layers suitable for maintaining spinal alignment and providing a supportive cradle for the body.

Stomach sleepers, particularly those of lightweight to average weight, will appreciate the mattress's zoned system, designed to provide extra support where needed most. The emphasis on spinal alignment could prove vital in preventing back pain for this group of sleepers.

Lightweight and average-weight side sleepers can also find the Aurora Hybrid beneficial. The mattress provides enough sinkage for pressure relief, critical for side sleepers. However, heavier side sleepers may want to consider the firm version of this mattress to ensure sufficient support, making it potentially the best firm mattress for back pain.

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#9 Bear Sleep

  • Three firmness levels
  • Works for all body types
  • 120 night trial & lifetime warranty
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Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
9.3
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What it's made of
Cover: The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress features a high-quality Celliant cover. This innovative fabric is scientifically engineered to convert your body's natural energy into infrared light. The fabric then reflects this light back into your skin and tissues, promoting increased blood flow and oxygen levels in your muscles. This process can enhance your overall comfort and contribute to more restful sleep, particularly for those who experience physical discomfort or pain.

Comfort Layer: The top layer of this mattress is composed of Copper-infused foam, which provides a combination of cooling properties and antibacterial benefits. This layer of the Bear Elite Hybrid is designed to dissipate heat and regulate your body temperature while sleeping, enhancing your overall comfort and reducing potential discomfort.

Response Layer: Known as a firm mattress for back pain, this mattress also features a responsive transition foam layer that contours to your body shape and provides pressure relief. The transition layer helps ensure a smooth transition from the soft upper layers to the firmer support layers, allowing for even weight distribution and helping to maintain proper spinal alignment, which can be critical in alleviating back pain.

Support Layer: Beneath the response layer is the pocketed coil system that forms the supportive core of the Bear Elite Hybrid. This system features individually wrapped coils that offer targeted support where you need it most, particularly in areas such as the back, hips, and shoulders. The independent movement of these coils also minimizes motion transfer, making it an ideal choice for couples or people who share a bed.

Base Layer: The mattress is completed by a high-density support foam that serves as the base layer. This foundation layer gives stability to the mattress and enhances its overall durability, ensuring that the mattress maintains its supportive qualities over time.

Best Features

The Bear Elite Hybrid offers a balanced combination of pressure relief, support, and cooling features, making it a worthy contender for the best mattress for lower back pain. The copper-infused foam layer works with the Celliant cover to provide a cooler sleep experience, while the responsive transition layer and pocketed coil system provide tailored support and pressure relief. These features all contribute to creating a mattress that could help alleviate back pain and enhance overall sleep quality.

Who it's best for

The Bear Elite Hybrid could be an excellent choice for back sleepers, thanks to its firm support and pressure-relieving capabilities. The mattress's structure is designed to support the natural curvature of the spine, which can be beneficial for those who sleep on their back.

For side sleepers, especially those of lightweight to average-weight, the Bear Elite Hybrid may also offer a good sleep experience. The mattress's contouring foam layers could provide pressure relief in areas like the shoulders and hips, which can be key comfort zones for side sleepers. Hence, it's often regarded as the best mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain.

Stomach sleepers might also find this mattress comfortable, given its firm support and responsive coil system. These features can help maintain proper spinal alignment, a crucial factor in preventing back pain for stomach sleepers.

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#10 Layla

  • Sleeps cool
  • Cooling copper memory foam
  • 120-Night home trial
IconFree Shipping& Returns
IconTrial Period120-Night Trial
IconWarrantyLifetime
VISIT WEBSITE
woman on layla mattress
Layla Mattress
9.1
Up to $200 Off + $1,100 Off Bundles

What it's made of

The Layla mattress is a flippable mattress, designed with a unique two-sided structure that offers varying degrees of firmness. On one side, the mattress is soft, ideal for those who need pressure relief or prefer a plusher feel. On the other side, it's firm, making it excellent for individuals who require more support. This ability to switch between two comfort levels makes the Layla mattress highly versatile, offering different support levels for those dealing with body aches, particularly back pain.

The top comfort layers of both sides consist of copper-infused memory foam. The soft side contains a thicker layer compared to the firm side. The copper infusion is noteworthy as it offers multiple benefits. Not only does copper have antimicrobial properties, maintaining the cleanliness of your mattress, but it also helps pull heat away from the body. This aids in creating a cooler sleep surface, crucial for those who sleep hot.

The transition layer features convoluted support foam that promotes better airflow, adding to the cooling properties of the mattress. Furthermore, the support core, made of high-density polyfoam, enhances durability and stability on both sides. The construction and materials of the Layla mattress cater to individuals dealing with aches and pains, offering targeted support and pressure relief, especially in the back region.

Best features

The Layla mattress is packed with unique features that enhance its suitability for dealing with back pain. First, the flippable design offers two firmness levels in one mattress, providing adaptability based on individual preferences or changing needs. Whether you require a softer surface for pressure relief or a firmer one for better support, Layla has got you covered.

The copper-infused memory foam is a standout feature that offers a two-fold benefit. It helps distribute heat away from the body for a cooler sleep experience, a plus for those who tend to sleep hot. Additionally, copper is known to provide antimicrobial protection, which could extend the life of your mattress.

Moreover, Layla has excellent motion isolation capabilities due to its all-foam construction. This means that the movements of one person are unlikely to disturb another person on the bed, making Layla an excellent choice for couples, particularly if one or both partners experience back pain. Lastly, the convoluted foam layer aids in airflow, preventing heat retention and further enhancing the cooling properties of the mattress.

Who it's made for

The Layla mattress is a fantastic choice for various types of sleepers dealing with back pain. Side sleepers with back pain may prefer the softer side, which can offer significant pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, promoting proper spinal alignment. Back sleepers, on the other hand, might find the firm side more comfortable as it can provide greater support, maintaining the natural curvature of the spine.

Stomach sleepers with back pain could also benefit from the firm side of the Layla mattress, which helps keep the spine in a neutral position, preventing any undue strain on the back. The flippable design of the Layla mattress also makes it suitable for people who are unsure of their firmness preference or whose preferences change over time.

The Layla mattress can be a good mattress for seniors with back pain as its memory foam layers conform closely to the body, offering targeted support and pressure relief. It also provides excellent motion isolation, which can be beneficial for couples where one or both partners experience back pain.

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How to Choose the Best Mattress?

What we looked at to compare the best beds for back pain

The journey to finding the best mattress for back pain can be arduous but critically rewarding. Consideration of the mattress's construction, materials, price, customer feedback, temperature regulation, pressure alleviation, motion control, edge support, and body weight/age compatibility are paramount when deciding the best bed for back pain.

Construction - The mattress's construction plays a significant role in how well it can support your back. Durable mattresses that resist sagging over time are optimal. For example, firm mattresses for back pain, with sturdy support coils enhanced with layers of high-density memory foam, provide ample spine alignment and offer longevity, hence mitigating back pain.

Material selection - Memory foam or latex options are usually the best mattresses for back pain. They provide conforming support that adapts to body shape and offers relief in critical pressure points, promoting a restful night's sleep.

Price consideration - Securing the best mattress for back pain on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing quality. With diligent research and price comparison, you can achieve excellent value for money and also ensure your back receives the necessary support.

Customer reviews- A thorough look into customer reviews is essential to help identify the best mattress for back and hip pain. Reviews reveal firsthand experiences on various mattress features, helping to refine your options.

Temperature regulation - An attribute of the best mattresses for back pain is temperature control. Look for mattresses with cooling gel or other technologies that aid in maintaining a comfortable body temperature, offering a more restful sleep and soothing sore backs.

Pressure relief – Ideal mattresses for back pain provide substantial pressure relief and support where needed most. High-density memory foam or latex-rubber hybrid materials are excellent choices due to their conforming nature that eases pressure on the spine and joints.

 

The Difference Between Buying a Mattress Online vs. In-Store

Online mattress shopping offers the advantage of customer reviews, bundle deals, and free delivery options. Conversely, in-store shopping allows for physical testing of the mattress and immediate clarification of queries from salespersons. Both avenues make shopping for the best mattress for back pain accessible, depending on personal preference.

Shopping online provides the convenience of price comparison and comprehensive customer reviews. Additionally, most mattress companies offer generous shipping and return policies, making it easy to try out a mattress risk-free. There is also a vast variety of mattresses available from different brands, including innerspring, memory foam, hybrids, and latex mattresses.

On the other hand, in-store shopping offers the unique advantage of trying out different mattresses before purchasing. However, keep in mind that in-store you will be trying a mattress for a few minutes, maximum. It’s important to know that it can take up to 30 days (!) to break in a mattress before you truly understand its firmness and comfort level. That’s why online mattress companies provide such long sleep trials. 

What to Look for When Buying a Mattress for Someone with Back Pain

Mattress firmness is highly subjective, influenced by body weight, shape, and personal preference. The best firm mattress for back pain for one person might feel overly stiff for another. When searching for the ideal mattress, remember it should be about what feels best for you.

Choose a mattress that is firm yet not too hard, capable of contouring to your body shape. This balance offers robust support for your major joints while providing comfort to sore areas. Materials like memory foam or gel provide exceptional pressure relief all over your body and prevent further strain or tension on your joints and back.

Ensure your mattress provides excellent support and doesn't sag in the middle, keeping your spine aligned and reducing the potential for back pain. Quality materials like memory foam or latex are optimal as they offer superior comfort and support, reduce motion transfer, and deliver excellent pressure point relief.

Selecting the right mattress size for your body and sleeping habits is also vital. Remember to consider firmness options such as a firm or soft mattress for lower back pain and take advantage of any free trials to identify what fits you best.

 

The Final Verdict: The Best Mattress for Back Pain in 2024

The wrong mattress can exacerbate back pain, disrupt sleep, and affect daily life. The best mattresses for back pain, like memory foam and latex options, offer unique support properties and pressure point relief. However, these options can sometimes feel too stiff or hot. An economical yet effective alternative could be hybrid mattresses that provide the right balance of support and comfort.

A comfortable and supportive mattress can significantly affect sleep quality and back pain relief. Investing in a quality mattress tailored to your needs can improve posture, reduce pressure point discomfort, and lead to better sleep quality and less morning discomfort.

The Full Mattress Comparison

Brand
Dreamcloud Mattress
Nectar Mattress
Saatva Mattress
Helix Midnight Mattress
Nolah Evolution Mattress
Cocoon Mattress
Nectar Premier
Brooklyn Bedding
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Layla Mattress
Sleep Trial Warranty Free Shipping/ Returns White Glove Firmness Material
365-Nights Lifetime Both No 6.5/10 Hybrid
365-Nights Lifetime Both No 6.5 Memory Foam
365-Nights Lifetime Both Yes Three firmness options Innerspring
100-Nights 10-15 Years Shipping No Medium Feel Hybrid
120-Nights Lifetime Shipping No Three firmness options Hybrid
100-Nights 10 Shipping No Medium Hybrid and all-foam options
365-Nights Lifetime Both No 6.5 Memory Foam
120-Nights 10 Years Both No Three firmness options Hybrid
120-Nights Lifetime Both No
120-Nights Lifetime Both No Flippable Firmness, softer and firmer Memory Foam

Common Questions (FAQ)

Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are highly recommended for back pain due to their superior contouring abilities. Memory foam equally distributes body weight, while hybrid mattresses offer bounce from spring layers and cushioning from memory foam layers. However, individual preferences for firmness and comfort vary. Hence, personal testing and research are key to finding the right mattress.

When selecting a bed for back pain relief, comfort and body support are crucial. Beds should provide contouring, flexibility, motion isolation, breathability, and firmness. Consider your sleep habits and the mattress size you need. Trying out several options before purchasing can ensure you invest in the right one for your needs.

DreamCloud is a top choice for mattresses designed to alleviate back pain. Its hybrid foam design ensures comfort, support, durability, and airflow for cooler sleep. With proper maintenance, a DreamCloud mattress can last 8 years or longer.
 

The right mattress can greatly alleviate back pain. Look for a firm but not too hard mattress that supports your body while offering comfort and contouring. Brands like DreamCloud, Helix Sleep, and Brooklyn Bedding specialize in mattresses that balance comfort and firmness.

Good support and pressure relief are key features in a mattress. Foam and hybrid models excel at this, with latex and memory foam layers offering contouring support. Hybrid mattresses, which combine pocketed coils with foam layers, provide both buoyancy and adaptation.

Comfort and breathability are also important. A mattress should allow air to move freely for optimal sleep temperature and be made with hypoallergenic materials like cooling gel or fiber padding to support the body's natural curve.

Ensure the mattress size is suitable for you. A poorly sized mattress can cause discomfort and negatively impact your health. Especially for taller individuals, the correct size can improve sleep and reduce lower back pain.

If you have specific needs due to chronic back pain, consider a custom-made mattress. This allows you to tailor firmness level, material, and design to your body shape and preferences.
 

Mattress firmness significantly affects back pain. A medium-firm mattress, rated 6 to 7 on a firmness scale of 1 to 10, best supports the spine's natural curvature and relieves pressure points. Back sleepers may prefer slightly firmer beds, while side sleepers may prefer softer ones. Beds should provide strong support, especially in the lumbar region where body weight is concentrated during sleep.

A good mattress can significantly improve sleep quality and alleviate chronic back pain. The best firmness level for back pain relief is medium-firm, which provides adequate support and optimal spine alignment to reduce pressure points. Overly soft or hard mattresses may exacerbate long-term back pain.

For those suffering from chronic back pain, mattress technology has advanced with options designed to alleviate back and neck pain, such as the DreamCloud Mattress collection, which features extra support points and individually wrapped coils that adapt to body shape, and foam comfort layers that cushion pressure points.
 

A firm mattress can potentially cause lower back pain, depending on various factors like your sleep position, comfort preferences, and any existing health conditions. Though firm mattresses provide notable support for lower back pain, aligning the spine and fostering a comfortable sleep surface, they can also pose problems. Particularly firm mattresses can strain the body's smaller, weaker joints during sleep, leading to discomfort and potential long-term damage.

Therefore, for lower back pain relief, a medium-firm mattress, often deemed the best for lower back pain, is advisable. These mattresses offer adequate spinal alignment and contouring capabilities. Hybrid models, combining memory foam and coil layers, or latex-based ones with additional cushioning, can offer enhanced comfort.

Remember, your body weight and sleeping style should match your mattress's structure. Testing different mattresses for at least fifteen minutes each can help you find a suitable one. Aim for a balance of comfort and support, ensuring your spine is adequately supported for rejuvenating sleep and less morning discomfort.
 

Memory foam mattresses provide top-rated comfort and support for back pain relief. They distribute weight evenly, reduce pressure points, and are recommended by doctors. These mattresses contour to the body, offering relief to the spine and neck. They can also benefit those with hip and joint pain. While they may be an investment, memory foam mattresses are durable and provide long-term comfort. Testing mattresses in-person is crucial to find the best fit for your needs.
 
Back pain can disrupt sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. It causes discomfort and can lead to frequent waking during the night. The right mattress for lower back and hip pain is essential for promoting restful sleep. Memory foam or latex mattresses are recommended for cradling the body and providing resiliency. Different mattress types offer comfort and support to minimize back pain. Regular exercise, stretching, and massage can help manage back pain. Investing in a mattress with good motion isolation technology and proper spine support enhances sleep comfort. Consultation with a doctor and discussing quality mattresses can lead to healthy, lasting relief for chronic back pain.
 
Your sleeping position can contribute to back pain. Opt for a moderately firm mattress that provides support and cradles the body. Memory foam or latex mattresses offer superior lumbar support. Avoid sleeping on your stomach to prevent lower back pain. Side sleeping with a pillow between the legs is recommended. Back sleepers benefit from a firm, contoured mattress. Consult with your doctor to determine the best mattress for your specific needs.
 
Waking up with a sore back or stiff neck may indicate an unsuitable mattress. Look for a mattress that offers adequate support and keeps your spine aligned. Consider your sleeping position for optimal support. Ensure your mattress is in good condition to avoid sagging and wear. 
 

If you're constantly feeling unrested or experiencing back pain, your mattress may be the culprit. Invest in a firm or soft mattress suitable for your specific needs. Explore the right firmness level for better sleep quality. Look for mattresses designed to provide support, contour to your body, and reduce pressure points. High-quality mattresses offer long-term relief from aches and pains.

Best Mattresses of 2024

The top 10 mattresses and other products of 2024 are here. Check them out below.

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