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After researching and testing hundreds of beds for construction, quality, features, and cost, consulting with experts and analyzing reviews, we selected these as the best mattresses for back pain.
Back pain is common and a good mattress can aid in keeping pain at bay, or at least not making it worse. Recent research suggests that a medium-firm mattress can help with lower back pain and promote improved sleep quality. As with anything involving health and wellness, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
“Certain medical conditions such as arthritis and sciatica can be made worse by a mattress that doesn’t support a neutral spine alignment. Finding a mattress that supports your body weight and keeps your lumbar area well-supported is important,” said Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, a quadruple-board certified physician in pulmonary, critical care, sleep and internal medicine.
We pored through studies, consulted with mattress experts and spent more than 300 hours testing beds to find the top mattresses that work best for all types of sleepers with back pain. Here’s what we found.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing a mattress. Here’s what to look out for:
You may be surprised that body weight can affect how a mattress feels. Gravity can make your body sink in more or less depending on your weight. Sinking in more can make a mattress feel more soft, which can be good for contouring but bad for overall spine support.
A lighter person may find they sit more “on top” of the bed instead of sinking in, which can add pressure to the hips and shoulders. They may need a softer mattress to allow them to sink in further. Always check the mattress’s weight maximum before purchasing.
The way you sleep is an important element to consider when choosing a mattress. Most mattresses are versatile enough to be comfy for different positions. Some mattresses are better than others for certain sleeping styles. Here’s what to look for, depending on your sleep position:
Speak with a healthcare professional before making a mattress decision geared toward pain management. They can make recommendations based on your specific medical needs. If you’re having issues like back pain or joint pain, seeking a mattress that will keep your spine aligned and offer good support is a good move.
As with many other situations, a medium-firm mattress tends to be a good option for those living with back pain. Look for mattress materials like memory foam, latex, or a pillow top that can adequately support your hips while hugging your spine and lower back.
If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll probably benefit from a mattress with cooling abilities. Look for options with the following, which can help regulate your body temperature to keep you cool and dry while you sleep.
Mattresses brands often have options for the firmness of their products. Examples of these levels could be “plush,” “soft,” “medium-firm” and “firm.” The firmness level you choose should be based on your personal preference, weight and sleeping position.
Most sleepers will do well with a medium-firm mattress, a fairly common firmness level many mattresses have.
Lighter people might like a softer mattress better, while heavier people will likely find a firmer mattress more comfortable.
A mattress is a big purchase, so you might be feeling pressure to get it right. Online mattress brands tend to offer the lowest prices, best value and largest selections, making them an affordable mattress option. If you have no idea what firmness level you like, in-store shopping can offer the chance to test your options. Some online brands also offer in-store testing if you’re near a local showroom.
If you already know what you want in a mattress, online purchasing can be much more convenient. Online mattress shopping can save you time and in some cases, money—particularly if you wait for big sales events around holidays and Black Friday. Keep an eye out for brands that offer generous return policies and trial periods.
Living with back pain is hard enough without having your mattress making it worse. Keeping the spine in a neutral position is one way to prevent back pain from starting or worsening.
While we found the Saatva Classic to generally be the best overall option for those living with back pain, many mattress models can provide the lumbar support needed to aid in back health. Look for a mattress that matches your body type, sleep position and comfort preferences. Also make sure to check with your doctor for recommendations based on your specific health needs.
Every person is different, so there is not one universally recommended mattress for back pain. Many doctors suggest a mattress that is medium-firm with good pressure relief and support. Look for features like lumbar support.
There is no one mattress that is most comfortable for all sleepers with back pain. Overall, a medium-firm mattress offers the best combination of pressure relief and solid support, which can be helpful for someone with back pain.
Side sleepers with back pain might find relief with a medium-firm mattress that is well-cushioned and made with contouring materials. This can help relieve pressure in the shoulders and hips.
Lower back pain is often made worse by a lack of support in the lumbar region. A mattress that has medium-firmness and lumbar support that keeps your spine neutrally-aligned can help with lower back pain.
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