- We spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated over 100 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
- We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process.
- Back sleepers often find medium-firm mattresses most comfortable, benefiting from a responsive surface that cushions their back and moderately contours to their curves while still maintaining a neutral spine.
Learn more about how we tested mattresses for back sleepers.
Key takeaways
- The Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for the best mattress for back sleepers overall because back sleepers benefit from a medium-firm mattress that helps maintain a neutral spine while still cushioning their lower back.
- Based on over 1,000 hours of testing and our survey of 600 mattress owners, we found that back sleepers need a mattress that isn’t too soft, and that they are most comfortable when they can lay “on” instead of “in” their mattress.
- Mattresses for back sleepers can cost around $665 to over $3,900 depending on size, construction, and materials.
When was the last time you thought about your quality of sleep? Sleep and your mental health are closely connected, with each influencing the other. A restful night’s sleep can significantly enhance your mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Conversely, poor sleep can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. This makes finding the best mattress—one that’s “just right” for your body type and sleep preferences—essential for maintaining both physical comfort and mental wellness.
Selecting the best mattress for back sleepers is particularly important, as the right mattress can alleviate pain and promote spinal alignment. Finding your most comfortable mattress is highly subjective and varies depending on your preferred sleeping position, but a mattress that offers the right balance of support and cushioning can make all the difference in how well you sleep and how you feel when you wake up. In this review, we explore the top selections for back sleepers, focusing on key features such as cost, comfort, and construction to help you find the best option for your needs.
7 best mattresses for back sleepers of 2024
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best overall
- Nectar Premier: Best mattress for back and side sleepers
- Saatva Classic: Best mattress for lower back support
- Nolah Evolution: Best mattress for back pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best luxury mattress for back sleepers
- Brooklyn Bettering Signature Hybrid: Best affordable mattress for back sleepers
- Titan Plus: Best mattress for heavier people
What to look for in a mattress for back sleepers
- Medium-firm support: Most back sleepers will find that a medium-firm mattress offers the necessary support to keep their spine neutral.
- Pressure relief: A mattress for back sleepers should provide enough pressure relief to prevent pressure build up at the hips and shoulders.
- Responsiveness: Responsiveness refers to how well the surface of the mattress bounces back after compression, promoting ease of movement while contouring to the curves of the body.
Best overall: Helix Midnight Luxe
Why Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for best overall
The Helix Midnight Luxe is our top pick for the best mattress for back sleepers because its hybrid design provides pressure relief and lumbar support while keeping our testers snug and comfortable. The mattress’s responsiveness makes it easy to move around without feeling like you’re sinking in.
Who should consider the Helix Midnight Luxe: Sleepers with mobility issues will appreciate the responsiveness of this mattress, which promotes ease of movement.
Who should consider other options: While this mattress has a medium-firm rating, we feel it isn’t firm enough for higher-weight sleepers.
Helix Midnight Luxe tester insights
The Midnight Luxe relieves pressure on the lower back, cushions hip joints, and prevents shoulder stiffness. During testing, we found that the zoned support layer does a great job of distributing pressure and weight, which may benefit people who regularly have back and hip pain. This mattress offers a hybrid combination of breathable coils and cooling gel foam in six layers of material.
From our tester
“I love the cool pillow top cover, which adds a bit of extra cushioning. Its top, softer layers are body-conforming, and the deeper coil layer provides support.”
Our testers found the mattress minimized motion transfer, which makes it a good bed for couples who don’t want to disturb each other when switching sleeping positions at night. We moved around easily without feeling like we were sinking into the mattress. We give this mattress 4.5 out of 5 for edge support, which means you should feel safe if you sleep close to the edge and don’t want to risk falling out of bed.
To learn more, read our Helix review.
Best mattress for back and side sleepers: Nectar Premier Hybrid
Why Nectar Premier Hybrid is our pick for best for back and side sleepers
The Nectar Premier is our top pick for back and side sleepers. Back sleepers will like how this bed evenly supports your body’s weight, molds to the curve of your lower back, and keeps your spine aligned. Side sleepers will appreciate the hip pressure relief.
Who should consider the Nectar Premier Hybrid: Because this mattress works well for both side and back sleepers, it would be a great fit for partners who have different preferred sleeping positions.
Who should consider other options: Stomach sleepers will likely feel that the Nectar Premier Hybrid isn’t firm enough to prevent their hips from sinking into the mattress.
Nectar Premier Hybrid tester insights
We found this mattress ideal for both back and side sleepers—or a combination of the two—because of its mixture of pressure relief and gentle support. If you have hip or shoulder pain, this mattress may allow your joints to sink comfortably into the mattress while you sleep. Our team gave the Nectar Premier mattress a 6/10 for firmness. The industry standard is 6.5 for a medium-firm, so the Nectar Premier is on the slightly softer side. Because everyone’s preferences are different, some back sleepers prefer firmer beds because these have the most support, while others may find a slightly softer mattress more comfortable.
From our tester
“My favorite thing about the Nectar Premier is the pressure relief. It might work well for people with shoulder pain.”
Because of the model’s good motion isolation, your sleeping partner should not be disturbed if you change positions throughout the night. One thing our testers would have liked from this model was better edge support to feel more secure when sleeping near the edge.
Best mattress for lower back support: Saatva Classic
Why Saatva Classic is our pick for best for lower back support
The Saatva Classic has excellent lumbar support, which can help your lower back feel cushioned while sleeping. You can choose between a plush soft, luxury firm (which we tested), and a firm model—and two mattress heights, making this a highly customizable choice.
Who should consider the Saatva Classic: Sleepers with chronic pain will appreciate the targeted lumbar support this mattress provides.
Who should consider other options: Because the Saatva Classic has poor motion isolation, lighter sleepers sharing a bed with another person may find their sleep is disturbed by their partner’s movement.
Saatva Classic tester insights
The Saatva Classic has zoned lumbar support, setting it apart from some of its competitors. Unlike traditional innerspring models, it uses a foam layer and strong coils across the middle of the mattress to reinforce the lower back and keep the spine neutral while sleeping. This mattress’s spinal reinforcement gives your back more targeted support. Shorter people may need to adjust their position on the bed to get the best experience, as our tester noted.
From our tester
“I’m 5 feet, 3 inches tall, so I’m on the shorter side. I needed to scoot down the mattress to make sure the lumbar support hit my lower back.”
We like being able to choose from three different firmness levels and two heights to customize the mattress to our preferences. If you like targeted lumbar support while you sleep on your back, this Saatva Classic may be the mattress for you.
Best mattress for back pain: Nolah Evolution
Why Nolah Evolution is our pick for best for back pain
The Nolah Evolution is our top pick for back sleepers with back pain. The luxury firm model we tested has a medium-firm feel at 6.5 out of 10, which research suggests is best for relieving back pain and improving sleep quality.
Who should consider the Nolah Evolution: This mattress has excellent responsiveness, bouncing back quickly after being compressed, promoting ease of movement for sleepers with mobility limitations.
Who should consider other options: The medium-firmness of the Nolah Natural is likely too firm for most side sleepers, who require a softer surface that contours to their curves.
Nolah Evolution tester insights
We like that the Nolah Evolution has a contour for the lumbar region, offering the right amount of support and pressure relief for back sleepers. The coils give it some bounce, which should allow combination sleepers to easily switch sleeping positions.
From our tester
“I think the Nolah Evolution is a good choice for back sleepers. The coils give me plenty of support, and the foams help soothe my back pain.”
If you’re having back pain, chances are your sleep is affected. Amanda Weeks, a licensed occupational therapist at B. Well Health in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, who regularly sees patients with pain, explains, “Sleep and pain perception are definitely interconnected. Poor sleep can alter your body’s ability to cope with pain, creating a vicious cycle where pain disrupts sleep and poor sleep exacerbates pain.”
Since pain can affect your mental health, it’s important to find a supportive mattress that provides support in the areas where you need it most. Getting the right mattress is one tool in the toolbox for improving sleep quality and your overall health.
Best luxury mattress for back sleepers: Bear Elite Hybrid
Why Bear Elite Hybrid is our pick for best luxury
The Bear Elite Hybrid is our top selection for people who want a luxurious mattress for back support. It’s the most expensive mattress on our list, but considering you spend, on average, one-third of your life sleeping, it might be a worthwhile investment.
Who should consider the Bear Elite Hybrid: This mattress has a copper-infused foam layer that promotes temperature regulation, making this hybrid a good choice for sleepers who tend to run hot.
Who should consider other options: During testing, we noticed pressure build up at the shoulders, and feel it may not be comfortable for many side sleepers.
Bear Elite Hybrid tester insights
With its cushy top layer, we felt in the lap of luxury in the Bear Elite Hybrid. Our tester and her husband have different sleeping styles and move around at night, but overall, they felt comfortable and didn’t notice the other’s movement. As a plus, our tester thought that the stitching looks high-quality, indicating good construction.
From our tester
“I feel like I’m laying closer to the surface. The cover has some give to it and is pushing up against my back, which is nice. Definitely molding to my body.”
Our tester felt comfortable and cradled by the memory foam quilted top and didn’t feel like she was sinking past the top layer, which is important for back sleepers. If you’re looking for pressure relief on your back, you may want to consider the Bear Elite Hybrid. This mattress is constructed with two layers of foam: one that provides body-contouring support and another infused with copper, which is meant to promote coolness. Our tester did find the mattress cool when laying in it, scoring that aspect 4.5/5.
Best affordable mattress for back sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Why Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is our pick for best affordable
If you’re looking for a high-quality mattress at a low cost, consider the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. This well-designed mattress is the most affordable on our list and is available in three firmness options—soft, medium, and firm.
Who should consider the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Because the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has excellent bounce as well as motion isolation, it is a good fit for couples sharing a bed.
Who should consider other options: This hybrid is a value buy at an affordable price, but individuals seeking a more luxury feel may find they prefer other options on this list.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid tester insights
For back sleepers on a budget, we recommend the medium and firm selections from the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. While testing this affordable mattress, we found it performed well in motion isolation, making it a good choice for couples. This mattress is constructed with hyper-elastic comfort foam, proprietary VariFlex transition foam (high-density foam designed with deep compression support), and hundreds of 8-inch coils.
From our focus group
“I rationalized you spend a third of your life on your back (…) this is something worth spending on. This is an area of your life you should be able to feel good about spending.”
Our survey respondents said cost was a top consideration when buying a mattress, and most budgets were between $500–$1,000. Brooklyn Bedding’s regular-priced queen exceeds this range before any discounts or promotions, but the company offers many deals on its website, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
Best mattress for heavier people: Titan Plus
Why Titan Plus is our pick for heavier people
We chose the Titan Plus as a great choice for people weighing 250 pounds or more. These models are made with sturdier, more supportive materials, and we suggest the king-size model to give ample room and support for individuals or co-sleepers.
Who should consider the Titan Plus: Because this mattress regulates temperature well, it would be a good fit for sleepers who run hot.
Who should consider other options: Lighter-weight and average-weight sleepers who sleep on their side may find this mattress too firm, and that pressure tends to build up at the shoulders and hips.
Titan Plus tester insights
The Titan PIus is well-made and constructed with foam and tall coils, making it the best firm mattress for back sleepers who weigh 250 pounds or more. The Titan proprietary TitanFlex foam is hyper-elastic and made to contour like memory foam but with the responsiveness of latex. When our higher-weight tester tried out the bed, he experienced both pressure relief and support.
From our tester
“There’s a great mix of soft pressure relief and sturdy support that should appeal to heavier-weight sleepers, who might sink through a softer mattress.”
Titan is a Brooklyn Bedding brand. It manufactures Titan mattresses in its own factory, cutting production costs. You can often find discounts that cut king-size models to around $1,000. Before discounts are applied, the Titan Plus typically costs under $1,500.
How we test and choose the best mattresses for back sleepers
There is a strong link between sleep and mental health, and the National Institutes of Health states that insufficient sleep is linked to problems with mood, decision-making, and socialization. Knowing that getting good sleep is so important to our overall well being, our Reviews Team spent over 1,000 hours researching more than 100 models before testing every model we include in our reviews. We also surveyed more than 600 mattress owners while consulting with experts on what is most important in a new mattress for back sleepers.
First-hand testing experience
Because we have first-hand testing experience with each model in this review, we feel confident in our recommendations for the best mattresses for back sleepers. We evaluate each mattress using a standardized, 42-question testing form to evaluate each model across the categories we have found most important in mattresses for back sleepers. For example, back sleepers tend to be most comfortable in medium-firm mattresses with good responsiveness, so we documented how quickly each mattress bounced back after being compressed.
Mattress surveys & interviews
We surveyed over 600 mattress owners, specifically noting what is most important to sleepers who typically sleep on their back. This included considerations surrounding price, features, and the set-up process. We also interviewed real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
Objective and honest ratings
Personal preferences play an important role in choosing a new mattress, but there are some things we have found to be generally true about what makes a mattress a good fit for back sleepers. Using the information compiled through surveys, interviews, and consultations with experts, we created a mattress scorecard rating each model on features like firmness, cooling, and pressure relief. Then we used these scores to calculate one weighted score that represents the overall performance of each mattress during testing. When creating our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers, we only included models with a score of 8 out of 10 or more.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15% | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10% | Years in business, lawsuits & class actions against this company |
| Features | 20% | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, add-ons included (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35% | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20% | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.
Our mattress testing process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back to rate comfort and support in this sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “family” scores.
How to choose a mattress for a good night’s sleep
We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best mattress for back sleepers, but we also know this option might not be the best fit for everyone. Purchasing a new mattress can be a big decision, with the hope being that your new mattress will promote high-quality sleep for the next decade or more. As you are looking for the mattress that is the best fit for you, we suggest you keep the following considerations in mind.
Material
The materials used to construct your mattress can completely change the way it feels, no matter which sleeping position you prefer.
- Innerspring: An innerspring mattress contains supportive steel coils surrounded by a quilted cover and tends to be durable and supportive with good bounce. See our full innerspring mattress guide.
- Memory foam: Layers of memory foam create a soft mattress that responds to body heat to contour to the curves of the body. See our full memory foam mattress guide.
- Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine a supportive, innerspring core with the comfort of memory foam. See our full hybrid mattress guide.
- Latex: This natural alternative to memory foam is derived from the rubber tree and tends to be more breathable and durable than memory foam. See our full latex mattress guide.
- Organic: Mattresses made from organic materials are a good fit for sleepers with allergies or those who are more sensitive to chemicals. See our full organic mattress guide.
Sleeping position
Your preferred sleeping position can change what you find most comfortable in a mattress. While back sleepers often find medium-firm mattresses with a cushioning surface most comfortable, side and stomach sleepers have different comfort needs.
- Stomach sleepers: Firmer beds are best suited for stomach sleepers who need the extra support at the hips in order to maintain a neutral spine. See our full stomach sleeper mattress guide.
- Side sleepers: Side sleepers are most comfortable in beds that are soft enough to contour to their curves, while distributing weight evenly to avoid build up at pressure points. See our full side sleeper mattress guide.
Sleeper’s body
Every body is unique and the differences that exist from person to person can play an important role in determining what each person needs from a mattress.
- Weight: Higher weight people typically experience a mattress as less firm than an average weight person while someone who is lighter weight will experience a mattress as more firm. See our full mattresses for heavy sleepers guide.
- Age: Young children are safest in a firm bed but will be most comfortable in a softer mattress as they grow older. See our full mattresses for kids guide.
- Health conditions: Individuals with chronic pain may require specialized support, such as zoned lumbar support or plush, cushioning covers to provide pain relief. See our full guides on mattresses for back pain and mattresses for hip pain.
Temperature
It is difficult to sleep well if you’re struggling to stay cool in bed. The best cooling mattress allows more airflow, often because it is made from natural materials or contains coils which provide more room for air movement.
Price
A mattress for back sleepers can cost as little as $665 or more than $3,900. The best luxury mattresses often cost over $3,000 to account for premium features and higher-quality materials. Back sleepers shopping on a budget can learn more about finding the best affordable mattress in our in-depth review.
Spinal alignment
While each sleeper may have different preferences for how they sleep and which mattress features feel most comfortable to them, it is generally well-supported that spinal alignment is an important consideration for all sleepers. For back sleepers, a medium-firm mattress with balanced foam layers tends to provide enough support to maintain a neutral spine, and zoned support can further promote a healthy sleep position. Side sleepers will find a slightly softer mattress to be a better fit, while stomach sleepers require enough firmness to prevent their hips from sinking into the mattress.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best mattress for back pain is the Helix Midnight Luxe because it received high scores in the categories we have found most important to back sleepers. During testing, we observed excellent pressure relief due to how this mattress evenly distributes weight to prevent pain at pressure points like the shoulders, hips, and lower back. We also noticed a high level of responsiveness, with the mattress contouring slightly to the lower back and promoting ease of movement. Our testers felt this mattress earns a 5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which is a medium-firm rating.
Compared to the other mattresses on this list, the Helix Midnight Luxe is a mid-priced option with a queen-size mattress costing $2,3730 before discounts. Helix mattresses are regularly discounted by up to 30 percent. This mattress is only covered by a 15-year warranty and the sleep trial is shorter than others at 100 nights, but we feel the positive features of this mattress make up for these average policies.
Compare the best mattresses for back sleepers of 2024
| Price | $811.30–$1,623.80 | $1,349–$2,998 | $1,395–$2,990 | $1,499–$3,198 | $1,839–$3,920 | $665–$1,599 | $699–$1,598 |
| Firmness | 6/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 15 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | 10 years |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
Frequently asked questions
Many people who sleep on their back prefer a firmer mattress that keeps their spine neutral and aligned while contouring hips and shoulders. A firmer mattress will help back sleepers stay on the first layer of the mattress and not sink in.
Side sleepers might enjoy a softer mattress that cradles their hips and shoulders, but everyone is different and some may have another preference. Some mattresses on the market can be flipped over, with one side being softer and the other firmer.
It depends on the preference of each individual, but research suggests that firmer mattresses are preferable to softer mattresses for back sleepers.
- Scott, A.J., Webb, T.L., Martyn-St James, M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60. Link
- Caggiari, G., Talesa, G.R., Toro, G., Jannelli, E., Monteleone, G., & Puddu, L. (2021) What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology, 22(1). Link
- Pak, K., Kim, J., Kim. K., Kim, S.J, & Kim, I.J. (2020). Sleep and neuroimaging. Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 54(2), 98–104. Link