Best Mattresses for Back Pain: Top Sellers

Finding the right mattress is essential if you suffer from back pain. A mattress that offers proper support and alignment can make all the difference in reducing discomfort and improving your quality of sleep. With so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the best mattresses of 2024 specifically designed to relieve back pain. These top-rated picks stand out for their ergonomic support, pressure relief, and durability, based on customer reviews and expert recommendations.

Sleep Doctor independently selects the products we test. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on our site. Prices listed for queen size mattresses.

Top Mattresses

How to Choose a Mattress for Back Pain

Shopping for a mattress online doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even if you experience back pain. Finding the right balance of comfort and support is essential for spinal alignment and pressure relief. Here’s what else to consider before making your purchase:

  • Pressure Relief

    A mattress can either reduce or worsen pressure build up in areas like the hips and shoulders due to uneven spinal alignment and lack of support.

  • Ease of Movement

    A mattress with a responsive, springy surface is usually easier to move across than one that sinks beneath your weight.

  • Edge Support

    Stability along the edges and the rate at which the compression recovers after weight is removed allows for greater ease getting in and out of bed.

  • Temperature Neutrality

    This performance category refers to how well a mattress maintains a comfortable temperature.

  • Motion Isolation

    A mattress with great motion isolation absorbs movement on one side of the bed and prevents it from transferring to the other.

  • Odor Emissions

    Most new mattresses emit chemical odors after unboxing, but some smell stronger or take longer to dissipate than others.

  • Pressure Relief

    A mattress can either reduce or worsen pressure build up in areas like the hips and shoulders due to uneven spinal alignment and lack of support.

  • Ease of Movement

    A mattress with a responsive, springy surface is usually easier to move across than one that sinks beneath your weight.

  • Edge Support

    Stability along the edges and the rate at which the compression recovers after weight is removed allows for greater ease getting in and out of bed.

  • Temperature Neutrality

    This performance category refers to how well a mattress maintains a comfortable temperature.

  • Motion Isolation

    A mattress with great motion isolation absorbs movement on one side of the bed and prevents it from transferring to the other.

  • Odor Emissions

    Most new mattresses emit chemical odors after unboxing, but some smell stronger or take longer to dissipate than others.

More Mattress Customer Favorites

How to Buy the Right Mattress to Solve Your Back Pain

FAQ's

What is the best mattress for back pain?

The best mattress for back pain provides a balance of comfort and support to promote proper spinal alignment and alleviate pressure points. There’s no exact right answer for every sleeper but look for options that offer superior contouring and support. Most sleepers with back pain will do well with a mattress with a medium to medium-firm firmness level. We’ve put together a list of our favorites here.

What type of mattress is best for back pain?

Hybrid and all-foam mattresses are popular choices for sleepers with back pain. Firmness is more important than mattress type for back pain. The ideal firmness depends on your sleep position and preferences:

  • Side sleepers: Medium-soft to medium-firm mattresses.
  • Back sleepers: Medium-firm mattresses that maintain spinal alignment.
  • Stomach sleepers: Firmer mattresses to prevent the lower back from sinking.

Can a mattress cause back pain?

Yes, an unsupportive or old mattress can cause or exacerbate back pain. Issues arise when:

  • The mattress sags or loses support.
  • It’s too firm or too soft for your sleeping position.
  • It fails to distribute weight evenly, leading to pressure points.

Is a firm mattress good for back pain?

Not always. While a firm mattress provides support, it might not relieve pressure points, especially for side sleepers, which can lead to more pain. A medium-firm mattress is often ideal as it balances support and cushioning.

Do mattress toppers help back pain?

Yes, a mattress topper can add cushioning to a mattress that’s too firm and provide some support if your mattress is sagging. However, this is usually a temporary solution. If you are consistently waking up with back pain even after adding a topper, it may be time to evaluate your mattress.

Is a memory foam mattress good for back pain?

Yes, memory foam is excellent for back pain because it contours to your body, alleviates pressure points, and promotes spinal alignment. However, it’s important to ensure the foam firmness is supportive enough for your weight. For example, if you weigh more than 230 pounds, look for a mattress that is medium-firm to firm. If you’re a side sleeper, you may need a softer option to provide cushioning for your shoulders and hips.

Can an old mattress cause back pain?

Absolutely. Over time, mattresses lose their ability to provide proper support and may sag or develop uneven surfaces, leading to poor spinal alignment and increased discomfort.