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The 8 best mattresses for back pain of 2024, reviewed by sleep experts


Back pain and poor sleep can drive a vicious cycle. Back pain reduces sleep quality, while poor sleep over the long term increases your risk of experiencing back pain. (1) Finding a mattress that provides the right balance of support, comfort, and pressure relief can help you break free from this loop, allowing you to wake up feeling rested and pain-free.

“Back pain can be caused by various reasons, [and] a poor mattress may cause or contribute to it,” says Dr. Kevin Lees, D.C., Director of Chiropractic Operations from The Joint Chiropractic. He continues, “It’s important to speak with your doctor to understand the underlying cause of your back pain. Sleeping allows your body to heal and reset. If your mattress isn’t supporting your back well, it may create new pains or aggravate existing problems.”

Now, there isn’t one mattress that can solve all pain problems. Each body is different, and we all have our own preferences and needs that can impact which sleep surface provides optimal comfort and support. We considered these differences throughout our testing of the best mattresses to help curate our list of the best mattresses for back pain, including various mattress materials, firmness levels, and price ranges. Explore our top picks below to find the best option for you. 

Black Friday is coming up! Make sure to read our Black Friday mattress sales page so you are ready for the holiday.

Editor’s pick for best mattress for back pain

The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress is our top pick for back pain because it couples plush comfort with body contouring support. Its cashmere cover and gel foam layers provide exceptional pressure relief through sensitive joints. The innerspring coil system adds adaptive support that conforms to your natural shape while keeping the body lifted and maintaining proper spinal alignment. The best part is that this luxury comfort comes at an affordable price, making it accessible to many sleepers.

Our picks for the best mattresses for back pain

Compare mattresses for back pain 

DreamCloud Hybrid Helix Midnight Luxe Nectar Memory Foam Saatva RX Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid WinkBeds The WinkBed Firm Nolah Evolution Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
DreamCloud Hybrid Helix Midnight Luxe Nectar Memory Foam Saatva RX Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid WinkBeds The WinkBed Firm Nolah Evolution Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
Rating
4.5/5
4.4/5
4.1/5
4.8/5
4.6/5
4.4/5
4.3/5
4.6/5
Price $1,483 $2,373.80 $1,099 $3,295 $2,305 $1,799 $2,499 $1,865
Material Hybrid (coils and foam) Hybrid (coils and foam) Foam Hybrid (coils and foam) Hybrid (coils and foam) Hybrid (coils and foam) Hybrid (coils and foam) Hybrid (coils and foam)
Firmness Medium-firm Medium Medium-firm Medium-firm Soft, medium, firm Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus Plush, luxury firm, firm Soft, medium, firm
Trial Period 365 nights 100 nights 365 nights 365 nights 120 nights 120 nights 120 nights 120 nights

Best mattress for lower back pain: DreamCloud Hybrid

A mattress with a dark blue base and white top surface, featuring blue corner handles

Best mattress for lower back pain

A mattress with a dark blue base and white top surface, featuring blue corner handles
The DreamCloud Hybrid blends firm support with contouring comfort to help alleviate lower back pain through proper spinal alignment.
Fortune Score:
4.5 / 5

Key product features

Icon Firmness Mattress
Cooling features Gel-infused foam
Icon Certification Mattress
CertiPUR-US certified Yes
Icon Warranty
Warranty Forever™
Icon Thickness Mattress
Motion isolation Excellent
Icon Shipping Mattress
Returns Free

What you should know

With a combination of comfort memory foam and supportive coils, the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress helps keep the spine aligned and relieves pressure in the neck, back, hips, and shoulders. Its cashmere cover adds a luxurious touch that makes this mattress seem like it should be more expensive than it is.

  • With a medium-firm feel, this mattress provides sleepers with generous support.
  • Budget-conscious buyers can find this mattress frequently on sale for just $665.
  • Couples can benefit from fewer sleep disturbances thanks to this mattress’s superb motion isolation.
  • It offers a more temperature-neutral feel instead of being noticeably cooling.
Pros
Promotes optimal spinal alignment
Reduces motion transfer for fewer sleep disruptions
Affordably priced at $1,483
Gel foam and breathable coils help regulate body temperature
Foam layers meet CertiPUR-US standards for health and safety
Cons
Only one firmness option
Strict side sleepers may need a softer mattress
In-home setup is an added fee of $199

Why we like DreamCloud Hybrid as best for lower back pain

The DreamCloud Hybrid lives up to the expectations set by its name, offering buyers a blissful night’s sleep with its combination of support and pressure relief. Its hybrid design layers contouring foam on top of supportive coils to help maintain the spine’s natural curve. Finding a mattress like this that promotes good sleep posture can effectively help reduce lower back pain. (3)

Dr. Shelby Harris, licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep clinician, says, “Keeping your spine aligned during sleep is crucial for preventing pain. If it’s out of alignment, you’re likely to wake up feeling stiff and uncomfortable.”

The cashmere cover adds softness to the mattress’s medium-firm feel. While it doesn’t diminish the supportive structure, it offers a more lavish touch and adds a breathable, moisture-wicking material at the surface. After that, four layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foams can give you peace of mind that you’re sleeping on a mattress that meets rigorous testing standards for safety and environmental factors. (4)  

The first two layers of quilted foam provided a cushioning feel. However, thanks to the responsive nature of the gel-infused layer, we didn’t sink excessively into the mattress. We also placed a 15-pound kettlebell on the mattress and timed how long it took to return to it’s original shape. It only took 1.04 seconds, which demonstrates good responsiveness. While some sleepers may miss the slow sinkage of traditional memory foam, others will appreciate that it’s easier to move around and change positions on this mattress. 

As we explored the deeper layers of the mattress, we found another layer of gel foam responsible for the pressure relief we experienced. It targets common high-pressure areas like the neck, back, shoulders, and hips. Our testers noted this held up when sleeping on the back and stomach or for those who change positions frequently. Unfortunately, sleepers who spend most of the night on their side may feel discomfort in their hips and shoulders. 

The final foam layer keeps the spine aligned and helps gently transition sleepers onto the individually wrapped coils below. These pocketed coils move independently from one another to help reduce motion transfer. We tested this by filling a cup to the rim with 100 marbles and placing it on the bed. Then, we dropped a 15-pound kettlebell from two feet up to see how many marbles spilled, which was only one for this mattress, indicating exceptional motion isolation. You’ll appreciate this quality if you share your bed with a pet or a restless partner.

While this mattress is reasonably priced, you can snag it for under $1,000 during frequent holiday and seasonal sales. We often see it listed for $665, which can appeal to those who don’t want to empty their pockets on a mattress purchase. 

Fortunately, this isn’t a “you get what you pay for” situation, as the cheaper price doesn’t indicate low-quality materials. Our testers noted how durable the materials felt, which should ensure long-lasting comfort. 

Check out our comprehensive DreamCloud mattress review for more information.

What customers are saying

You can purchase the DreamCloud Hybrid directly from the company’s website or Amazon. It earns high praise from Amazon customers, with an average of 4.2 stars and over 1,700 reviews. 

One Amazon reviewer with the username “KJ” found the mattress eased their back pain, and the unboxing process provided much entertainment. They wrote, “We love our DreamCloud queen mattress. The way it expanded was fun to watch. My four-year-old nephew was giggling when it was expanding. The comfort is amazing. I can’t believe this mattress fit in the box it came in. It supports our bad, old backs and is soft enough to take the pressure off our hips and shoulders. It’s great and worth the money. We would recommend it and purchase again if the need arises.”

 “My husband and I were waking up with sore backs. We tried a few mattresses until we found the one. We noticed instant results. We woke up fresh—no sore back. We highly recommend it.”

Jamie L, Verified Amazon customer

However, some customers feel this mattress lacks adequate edge support, as Amazon reviewer Mike D. describes: “I did a lot of online research, and this mattress was rated very high by most users. I have been sleeping on it for a couple of weeks now, and I have to say it is very comfortable. It’s not too soft and not too hard. I think they’ve found the sweet spot as far as firmness goes. My one real issue with this mattress is the lack of good edge support. When I roll over and get close to the edge of the bed, I can feel it sloping downward. It makes me feel like I might roll off, even though it hasn’t happened. If you like sitting on the edge of your bed when getting dressed, like I do, you will dislike the edge support. The mattress just sinks; I will slide right off it if I’m not careful. I’m still not sure if I will keep it or return it. I hope this helps anyone else looking to purchase this mattress.” 

Specs

Price$1,483
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessMedium-firm
WarrantyForever
Trial365 nights
ShippingFree
Height12” tall
Weight (Queen)78 lbs

Best mattress for back and neck pain: Helix Midnight Luxe

A bed with a dark gray mattress featuring a white quilted top, set in a bedroom with a blue wall, wooden nightstands with lamps, and a framed picture above the bed.

Best mattress for back and neck pain

A bed with a dark gray mattress featuring a white quilted top, set in a bedroom with a blue wall, wooden nightstands with lamps, and a framed picture above the bed.
The Helix Midnight Luxe delivers a soft, luxurious feel that gently cradles the body and keeps the neck and back well-supported.
Fortune Score:
4.4 / 5

Key product features

Icon Firmness Mattress
Back support Zoned lumbar
Icon Off Gassing Mattress
Cooling features TENCEL™, GlacioTex™
Icon Price
Financing Available
Icon Sleeping Position Mattress
Best for Side sleepers
Icon Material Mattress
Fiberglass-free Yes

What you should know

As part of Helix’s luxury mattress line, the Midnight Luxe blends the plush cushioning of memory foam with enhanced support from durable steel coils. Its advanced cooling technology prevents overheating, even for the hottest sleepers.

  • It offers targeted pressure relief and zoned support, keeping the neck, spine, and hips aligned for reduced pain.
  • For a hybrid mattress, it’s on the more expensive side at $2,373.80, and the optional upgrades can further increase the price.
  • This mattress’s softness is ideal for side and back sleepers, and its responsiveness makes it easy for combination sleepers to change positions.
  • The premium cooling features will help keep hot sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Pros
Targeted support and pressure relief
Advanced cooling features
The softer feel is ideal for side sleepers
Its bouncy feel makes it easy to change positions
Exceptional edge support
Cons
100-night sleep trial is shorter than many competitors
Too soft for stomach sleepers
Underperforms in motion isolation

Why we like Helix Midnight Luxe as best for back and neck pain

The Helix Midnight Luxe offers a medium feel that provides optimal comfort for side and back sleepers, the ideal sleeping positions for relieving neck and back pain. (5, 6) A mattress that’s too soft or firm can cause pressure buildup at critical points, but this mattress finds the sweet spot with balanced firmness that helps reduce the strain on common pain points. 

Dr. Harris adds, “Finding the right balance is important. A mattress that’s too soft or too firm can create pressure on your joints, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep.”

It comes standard with a premium TENCEL™ cooling pillow top that initiates the mattress’s pressure relief and cushioning qualities. Our testers found the dual comfort layer below offered a hugging feeling as it cradled the body. The reactive nature of both foams quickly adapts to the unique shape of each sleeper’s body, which helps reduce pressure in sensitive areas like the lower back and neck. 

If you frequently experience pain, Helix offers an optional upgrade to an ErgoAlign Layer for an extra $249 for a queen mattress. This additional layer features a zone of ultra-dense foam in the middle third of the bed. Extra support and pressure relief around your midsection can help further reduce lower back pain, while the top and bottom thirds contour your body’s shape to help your neck, back, and hips stay aligned.  

The optional modifications don’t end there. If you’re an overly hot sleeper, you might consider adding the GlacioTex™ cooling cover. However, we felt the standard mattress slept plenty cool, so it may not be necessary to dish out the extra money here. 

The foam layers can’t take all the credit for Midnight Luxe’s pain-relieving abilities—the robust steel coils at the mattress’s core also offer zoned support. With reinforced coils in the middle, it targets support around your hips and back to help keep your spine aligned. We found the same enhanced support around the entire perimeter of the bed, offering exceptional edge support on all four sides.

Another notable highlight is this mattress’s superior responsiveness, thanks to the bouncy springs. Our testers could effortlessly switch between sleeping positions and noted that it’d be an excellent choice for couples looking for a good mattress for sex. The downside here is that all this bounce leads to poor motion isolation. If you easily awaken to your partner’s movements, we recommend looking for a better mattress to reduce motion transfer.

To learn more, see our full Helix mattress review or our picks for the best mattresses for neck pain.

Specs

Price$2,373.80
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessMedium
Warranty15 years
Trial100 nights
ShippingFree
Height13.5” tall
Weight (Queen)115 lbs

Best mattress for back pain on a budget: Nectar Memory Foam

Modern memory foam mattress in a bright, minimalist bedroom with wooden furniture

Best mattress for back pain on a budget

Modern memory foam mattress in a bright, minimalist bedroom with wooden furniture
The Nectar offers value for money, with its adaptive memory foam layers balancing comfort and support to reduce aches and pains.
Fortune Score:
4.1 / 5

Key product features

Icon Material Mattress
Materials Foam or hybrid
Icon Certification Mattress
CertiPUR-US certified Yes
Icon Firmness Mattress
Firmness Medium-firm
Icon Shipping Mattress
Returns Free
Icon Trial Period
Trial period 365 nights

What you should know

The Nectar’s foam-over-foam design conforms to the body’s natural shape and helps evenly distribute weight, minimizing pressure buildup that can often cause or worsen back pain. Its soft feel is balanced with a dense base that helps the mattress maintain structure and support.

  • It outperforms most hybrid and innerspring mattresses at reducing motion transfer throughout the mattress.
  • It is frequently on sale for 40% off, saving you hundreds of dollars on your purchase.
  • Our testers felt most comfortable lying on their side and back, noting that their hips sank too much to stay supported when sleeping on their stomach.
  • The gel foam helps keep the mattress cooler but may not be enough for excessively hot sleepers.
Pros
High-quality materials at the economical price of $1,099
Gel foam offers superb pressure relief
Excellent motion isolation
Its lightweight design can help with setup and regular rotations
The breathable cover promotes airflow
Cons
Edge support is lacking
The all-foam design may lead to overheating
Sinkage of traditional memory foam makes it harder to change positions

Why we like Nectar Memory Foam as best for on a budget

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress proves that you don’t have to break the bank to get a good night’s rest. Managing back pain can be stressful enough, and we appreciate this mattress doesn’t add to that with the financial burden that can come with higher-priced competitors. Nectar also didn’t trade quality for affordability. Its premium all-foam design offers a plush, cushiony feel around the joints while keeping the spine well-supported. 

When dissecting this mattress, we found three different foam types that work together to provide a cloud-like sleep environment. The gel-infused layer molds to the body and relieves pressure by distributing body weight evenly. We owe the cradling effect we felt while lying on this mattress to the dynamic foam layer below, which helped keep our spine correctly aligned. Finally, we encountered a thick, dense base layer that offers durability so you can feel confident that your mattress will withstand years of nightly use.

The medium-firm feel is your only option for firmness level, but its balance of comfort and support accommodates many sleep positions and body types. Whether sleeping on your side or back, you’ll experience little to no pressure buildup. However, our testers noted that their hips sank lower than the rest of their bodies, so stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer mattress.

Surprisingly, the Nectar offers decent responsiveness for a memory foam mattress. Our kettlebell test showed impressive results, with the mattress returning to its original shape in 0.5 seconds, meaning the mattress should adapt quickly to position changes. Yet, because it isn’t overly bouncy, it still does well at isolating motion, so when you or your partner get into bed or move about, you don’t have to worry about disturbing one another.

As we expected from a memory foam mattress, the Nectar offers no bounce. The slow sinkage that helps create the dreamy comfort also makes it more challenging to change sleeping positions. On the other hand, it impresses at isolating motion, so when you or your partner get into bed or move about, you don’t have to worry about disturbing one another. 

Another setback we encountered was the lack of edge support. We felt we might slip off the bed if we got too close to the outside. When sleepers can’t utilize the entire width, this can make the mattress feel smaller than it is. 

We were pleasantly surprised by how cool this mattress slept. Contrary to the heat-trapping effects of traditional memory foam, the breathable cover and gel foam provide airflow, draw heat away from the body, and wick moisture away. After lying on the bed for seven minutes, our thermal gun indicated a less than 10-degree increase, and a cup of chilled water from the fridge only rose 2.8 degrees in that same amount of time.

Check out our full Nectar mattress review for more insights. Or, see more budget-friendly options in our roundup of the best affordable mattresses.

What customers are saying

“Not going to break the bank. It was easy to set up and get unpacked solo. The smell of the new mattress wasn’t too bad and is now non-existent.”

“This mattress is so soft. My partner and I’s movements are isolated, so I can’t even tell when they’re moving around. It genuinely feels like my body is being cradled. I don’t like super soft beds or super firm beds. I like this mattress a lot; it seems like a perfect in-between. I would highly recommend this mattress!”

Emma, Verified Amazon customer

Jamie M. is another Amazon reviewer who says, “This mattress is great! I used to wake up with back and hip pain, so I bought this mattress, and it’s made such a huge difference in my sleep. There is no more pain when I wake up. I love it and have recommended it to all my friends and family.”

We found that many negative reviews center on how customers perceive the firmness. While some reviewers say the bed is too firm, others describe it as too soft. Comfort is subjective and can vary depending on many factors, including sleep position and body type, so it’s common to see these discrepancies. 

Specs

Price$1,099
MaterialFoam
FirmnessMedium-firm
WarrantyForever
Trial365 nights
ShippingFree
Height12” tall
Weight (Queen)83 lbs

Best mattress for lumbar support for back pain: Saatva RX

the luxury mattress saatva classic rx without bedding on a wooden bed frame

Best mattress for lumbar support for back pain

the luxury mattress saatva classic rx without bedding on a wooden bed frame
The Saatva RX combines zoned lumbar support with a Therapeutic Support Core™, offering maximum back pain relief.
Fortune Score:
4.8 / 5

Key product features

Icon Shipping Mattress
White glove delivery Free
Icon Firmness Mattress
Back support Lumbar Zone® Quilting
Icon Material Mattress
Fiberglass-free Yes
Icon Sleeping Position Mattress
Best for Side and back sleepers
Icon Trial Period
Trial period 365 nights

What you should know

Saatva layers its RX model with unique features designed to target chronic back and joint pain directly. Its comfort and support blend comes from over 1,600 micro coils, zoned lumbar support, and pocketed coils capped with foam modules.

  • This mattress delivers an exceptional balance of support and comfort that perfectly cradles the body for optimal spinal alignment.
  • You’ll pay top dollar for the signature elements incorporated in this mattress, which exceeds $3,000 when not on sale.
  • While ideal for side and back sleepers, stomach sleepers and heavier-weight individuals will benefit from a firmer mattress to keep their hips lifted.
  • The organic cotton cover, gel-infused foam, and phase change material help regulate body temperature.
Pros
Tailor-made to relieve chronic back and joint conditions
Exceptional pressure relief
Made from durable, high-quality materials
Gracious 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
Free white glove delivery
Cons
Spending over $3,000 on a mattress may be too much for many shoppers
Mediocre support when sitting near the edge
It may be too soft for some stomach sleepers

Why we like Saatva Rx as best for lumbar support

With claims of being the first of its kind, the Saatva Rx is a luxury mattress specially crafted to help alleviate discomfort associated with chronic back and joint pain. It offers exceptional pressure relief and zoned lumbar support to alleviate discomfort in those suffering from conditions like sciatica, arthritis, herniated discs, and scoliosis. The Rx is a favorite among chiropractors, earning approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations and the American Chiropractic Association. We were eager to test this mattress to see if it lived up to all the hype.

When our testers climbed into this bed, they were not disappointed. The comfort and support were tangible from the start. The organic cotton cover provides plush comfort and a breathable, cool sleep surface. We felt the support offered by the Lumbar Zone® Quilting with the spine staying well-aligned through multiple position changes.

The pressure relief and cooling properties continue into the next mattress layer, a thin section of gel-infused foam. However, below, we discovered the distinctive characteristics that set this mattress apart from its competitors. A cutting-edge micro-coil layer with high-density foam layered above and below contours the body and relieves pressure points. Moreover, stronger coils strategically placed in the lumbar zone enhance back support. 

“Mattresses with unique features, like supportive foam and strategically placed coils, can really help with spinal alignment,” says Dr. Harris. “This is important for preventing pain and supporting overall health.”

Next up are the individually wrapped steel coils. While these aren’t unique to the Rx mattress, the individual foam modules topping each coil are. These small, cylindrical caps help reduce motion transfer and enhance contouring. They’re also infused with graphite and phase change material (PCM) to boost cooling abilities beyond traditional memory foam. 

Coils in hybrid mattresses can also be critical for offering edge support. This mattress keeps sleepers well-supported when lying near the edge. However, it didn’t perform as well when sitting along the perimeter. It wasn’t the worst we’ve encountered, but it can be good to keep in mind for those with mobility issues who need extra support when getting in and out of bed.

Our testers rated this mattress at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, which translates to a medium-firm feel. According to research, this is the optimal firmness level to help improve sleep quality and reduce discomfort in those with back pain. (2) Side, back, and combination sleepers will be most comfortable here. While it still felt comfortable, there was some sinkage around the hips, so we recommend a firmer mattress for those who primarily sleep on their stomach. 

If you’re suffering from back pain, you may be cringing at the thought of lugging a heavy mattress into your bedroom and lifting it onto your bed frame. Fortunately, Saatva offers free white glove delivery, meaning the delivery team will do the heavy lifting to set up your mattress and remove your old one. 

Unfortunately, this is not a budget-friendly mattress, with a price tag surpassing $3,000. However, if you can afford it, we feel it’s worth it to experience the pain relief this mattress offers, which can help you more fully enjoy daily life. 

To learn more about this model, see our full Saatva Rx mattress review.

Specs

Price$3,295
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessMedium-firm
WarrantyLifetime
Trial365 nights
ShippingFree
Height15” tall
Weight (Queen)124 lbs

Best mattress for back and hip pain: Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid

A bed with a dark blue mattress and a white quilted top surface, set in a bedroom with a navy blue wall and two wooden nightstands with lamps. The bed is neatly made with pillows.

Best mattress for back and hip pain

A bed with a dark blue mattress and a white quilted top surface, set in a bedroom with a navy blue wall and two wooden nightstands with lamps. The bed is neatly made with pillows.
The Bear Elite Hybrid’s thoughtful design pinpoints common pain points with zoned support and targeted pressure relief.
Fortune Score:
4.6 / 5

Key product features

Icon Off Gassing Mattress
Cooling features Copper-infused
Icon Sleeping Position Mattress
Best for All sleep positions
Icon Material Mattress
Fiberglass-free Yes
Icon Firmness Mattress
Firmness Soft, medium, firm
Icon Shipping Mattress
Returns Free

What you should know

The Bear Elite features a hybrid design that merges the spinal support offered by innerspring coils with the luxurious pressure relief provided by multiple layers of adaptive foam. Plus, its copper-infused foam and cooling cover help keep sleepers comfortably cool.

  • This mattress provides enhanced support in troublesome areas, especially the hips and back. 
  • We feel this mattress proves its value with its superior performance, making it worth the higher price of $2,305. 
  • With advanced cooling technology infused throughout, it’s ideal for hot sleepers. 
  • Three firmness levels to choose from make it an excellent choice for any sleep style and body type. 
Pros
Exceptional pressure relief for hips, back, and shoulders
Zoned coils offer more lumbar support
Three firmness options
Top-tier cooling features
Made from durable materials
Cons
Not as generous of a sleep trial as some competitors with only 120 nights
It does not offer in-home setup
May experience off-gassing from memory foam layers

Why we like Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid as best for back and hip pain

The Bear Elite Hybrid finds the perfect harmony of plush comfort and solid support to help sleepers manage hip and back pain. While the top memory foam layers gently cradle your hips, the durable steel coils below target support the lumbar area to ensure your spine stays aligned. 

You can choose between three firmness options to find the one that best suits your sleep needs and preferences. We tested the medium mattress, which is reflected throughout this review. While we found plenty of comfort lying on our side, some side sleepers may prefer the softer option for a more plush feeling. Similarly, we didn’t experience much hip sinkage when lying on our stomachs, which helped prevent back pain. However, heavier sleepers may need the firmer option to stay supported on top of the mattress.

Bear forgoes traditional memory foam in this model by opting for copper-infused foam. Besides offering the cushiony feel and body contouring we expect, its natural antimicrobial and cooling properties help keep your mattress clean and cool. The copper also provides more reactiveness that helps the mattress adjust to your unique body structure. We ran the same kettlebell test on this mattress as other models throughout this review. After the 15-pound weight was placed on the bed, it rebounded to its original shape in merely 0.44 seconds.

In hybrid mattresses, it’s vital to have a smooth transition between the foam and coil layers, and the dynamic foam in the Bear Elite does just that. Thanks to this layer, we felt supported on top of the bed without sinking excessively into the mattress. When we placed the same 15-pound kettlebell on the cover and measured how far it sank, the ruler showed only 0.25 inches of sinkage. The support is amplified as the innerspring coils below come into play. The individually wrapped construction allows consistent support throughout the mattress to help keep your spine aligned. The responsive nature of the coils also made it easy to change positions. However, memory foam balances this springy feel to help reduce motion transfer.

With reinforced coils along the perimeter, this mattress tested well in edge support, meaning you can sprawl out without feeling like you’ll fall off at any point. If you experience mobility issues, you’ll also appreciate how easy it is to get in and out of this bed.

We’ve seen optional upgrades in many of the mattresses we’ve evaluated, but Bear offers a distinctive option for buyers. For an additional $200 for a queen-size mattress, you can add a Celliant-infused cover. Research shows materials incorporating these fibers can help promote body restoration, pain relief, and body temperature regulation. (7)

See our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review for more insights. Or, check out more of the best mattresses for hip pain.

Specs

Price$2,305
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessSoft, medium, firm
WarrantyLifetime
Trial120 nights
ShippingFree
Height14” tall
Weight (Queen)110 lbs

Best firm mattress for back pain: WinkBeds The WinkBed Firm

best mattresses for back pain winkbeds the wink bed

Best firm mattress for back pain

best mattresses for back pain winkbeds the wink bed
The firm support of the WinkBed Firm maintains proper spinal alignment while the pressure-relieving foam adds comfort.
Fortune Score:
4.4 / 5

Key product features

Icon Firmness Mattress
Back support Lumbar pad
Icon Financing
Financing Available
Icon ECO Mattress
Eco-friendly Yes
Icon Storage V2
Made in the USA Yes
Icon Warranty
Warranty Lifetime

What you should know

The WinkBed Firm’s advanced hybrid construction incorporates a lumbar pad into its foam layers, providing enhanced support for your lower back. Its pocketed coils move independently from each other as they adapt to your body’s curves and offer pressure relief.

  • The firmer mattress provides strong support for proper spinal alignment.
  • Hybrid mattresses can get expensive, but the WinkBed is one of the more affordable options at $1,799.
  • Back, stomach, and heavier sleepers will find this mattress most comfortable.
  • The moisture-wicking cover, gel foam, and breathable coils help keep the mattress cool.
Pros
Enhanced lumbar support
Anti-sag support maintains firmness to the edge of the bed
Cooling materials prevent heat from becoming trapped in the mattress
It offers four firmness levels
Generous lifetime warranty
Cons
This heavy mattress may make it challenging to set up and move around at 135 lbs
Mediocre motion isolation
Too firm for most side sleepers

Why we like The WinkBed Firm as best firm

The WinkBed Firm offers a hybrid design that promotes good sleep posture with solid support and balanced pressure relief. While firm mattresses aren’t suitable for all sleepers, some individuals need extra support to keep their spine aligned while sleeping. This can be especially helpful for stomach sleepers and those with heavier body types.

At first glance, this mattress may seem on par with other hybrid mattresses we’ve evaluated. However, as we dug deeper into its construction, we saw that it revealed various distinctive features. The Euro-pillow top offered enough softness to ease tension and pressure around the back and hips without allowing the body to sink too much. The gel-infused foam layers also boast extra benefits for the lower back, with a lumbar pad that offers enhanced support.

The foam gives way to a thick layer of durable recycled steel coils. Firmer coils are strategically placed in multiple zoned areas where the body can benefit from additional support, while softer coils allow the hips and shoulders to rest comfortably. We found this intentional balance of firmness and pressure relief helped keep our spine in a neutral position and improved sleep posture, which can lead to higher quality sleep. (8) Dr. Harris emphasized these benefits, commenting, “The materials in your mattress are important. If the coils are strong and durable, they won’t sag over time, which is essential for maintaining good support and keeping your spine aligned.”

The one caveat of the firmer support here is that it impedes the mattress’s ability to reduce motion transfer. Our testers could feel a fair amount of movement throughout the mattress when getting in and out of bed or switching positions. 

While we always test a mattress’s edge support, we focus extra on it when assessing firm mattresses. We want to see the mattress stay solid across the entire width so sleepers don’t feel like they must remain in the middle to get the needed support. Fortunately, the WinkBed maintains its firmness up to the edge, with minimal sinkage while sitting on the side of the bed. 

Speaking of firmness, we love that WinkBed offers this mattress in four options to help sleepers find the best fit. Heavier sleepers can benefit from the ultra-firm support provided by the Plus model. But if a firm mattress isn’t right for you, the WinkBed comes in Luxury Firm and Softer options. 

To learn more, see our complete WinkBed mattress review. Or, view more of the best firm mattresses to find the right choice for you.

Specs

Price$1,799
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessFirmer
WarrantyLifetime
Trial120 nights
ShippingFree
Height13.5” tall
Weight (Queen)135 lbs

Best mattress for back pain for side sleepers: Nolah Evolution

A bed with a white mattress and a quilted top surface, set in a bedroom with a navy blue wall and two wooden nightstands with lamps. The bed is neatly made with pillows.

Best mattress for back pain for side sleepers

A bed with a white mattress and a quilted top surface, set in a bedroom with a navy blue wall and two wooden nightstands with lamps. The bed is neatly made with pillows.
The Nolah Evolution’s advanced foam technology delivers optimal pressure relief while the zoned coils support the lower back.
Fortune Score:
4.3 / 5

Key product features

Icon Certification Mattress
CertiPUR-US certified Yes
Icon Mattress Type Mattress
Motion isolation Excellent
Icon Shipping Mattress
White glove delivery $125-$225
Icon Material Mattress
Fiberglass-free Yes
Icon Off Gassing Mattress
Cooling features ArcticTex™

What you should know

The Nolah Evolution employs several proprietary features, including its AirFoam™, HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ coils, and ArcticTex™ fibers, to balance comfort and support while keeping sleepers cool and dry.

  • The mattress excels at balancing pressure relief in the shoulders and hips while maintaining solid back support.
  • We recommend shopping sales events to help reduce the cost of this mattress, which nears $2,500 at full price.
  • Breathable coils and cooling materials help dissipate heat to keep sleepers cool at night.
  • An added perforated foam layer increases this mattress’s responsiveness, making it easier to change sleeping positions.
Pros
Exceptional pressure relief around the hips and shoulders
Maintains spinal alignment
Multiple cooling technologies infused throughout
Buyer’s choice for firmness
Can opt out of the trial period to save $100
Cons
No free returns—$99 fee
Need deep-pocketed sheets to fit the 15-inch profile
Thick, heavy mattress can be hard to move around

Why we like Nolah Evolution as best for side sleepers

The Nolah Evolution caters to the specific needs of side sleepers by delivering optimal pressure relief in the shoulders and hips without compromising back support. As one of the best mattresses-in-a-box, you’ll experience hotel-quality comfort as the mattress contours your body with a plush yet supportive feel. 

This mattress has a higher profile than most of the others we tested, measuring 15 inches tall. It’s packed with layers of high-density foam atop a durable eight-inch innerspring coil layer. The Euro topper creates a cloud-like feel with two inches of quilted cushioning. To further increase the pressure relief, Nolah created a foam layer that is hole-punched in high-pressure areas while staying firmer in the lumbar zone. We could feel how this allowed our shoulders and hips to sink enough to keep our spine aligned while sleeping on our side. The mattress conformed beautifully to each tester’s body shape.

The comfort foam layers pair nicely with the durable steel coils below. As the name suggests, the HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ coils offer three targeted support zones. Similar to what we’ve seen in other hybrid mattresses, the middle section has reinforced coils that keep the back lifted and supported. We found two rows of identical thicker coils around the entire perimeter to help maintain stability along the edges. 

For a hybrid mattress, we were impressed with how well this mattress reduces motion transfer. You can sleep soundly regardless of how often your partner tosses and turns. Thanks to the responsiveness, that same restless partner will also appreciate how effortlessly they can move around.

We can’t forget to mention the cooling features Nolah included in this mattress. The cover’s organic cotton and ArcticTex™ fibers and the cooling Euro topper help disperse body heat. Additionally, a border gusset improves airflow so the heat can escape instead of becoming trapped in the dense foam.

Unfortunately, this mattress’s price may put it out of range for budget-conscious shoppers. At $2,499, it’s one of the more expensive options on our list.

Check out our other top picks for the best mattresses for side sleepers if you’re still searching.

Specs

Price$2,499
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessPlush, luxury firm, firm
WarrantyLifetime
Trial120 nights (optional)
ShippingFree
Height15” tall
Weight (Queen)115 lbs

Best cooling mattress for back pain: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling

A bed with a dark blue mattress and a white top surface, set in a bedroom with a navy blue wall and two wooden nightstands with lamps. The bed is neatly made with pillows.

Best cooling mattress for back pain

A bed with a dark blue mattress and a white top surface, set in a bedroom with a navy blue wall and two wooden nightstands with lamps. The bed is neatly made with pillows.
The Aurora Luxe Cooling excels at keeping hot sleepers comfortable with advanced cooling technology throughout its hybrid design.
Fortune Score:
4.6 / 5

Key product features

Icon Off Gassing Mattress
Cooling features GlacioTex™
Icon Sleeping Position Mattress
Best for All sleep positions
Icon Firmness Mattress
Firmness Soft, medium, firm
Icon Storage V2
Made in the USA Yes
Icon Financing
Financing Available

What you should know

Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress excels at temperature regulation, with advanced cooling technology infused throughout. Multiple layers of pressure-relieving foam and zoned coils help keep back pain sufferers comfortable at night.

  • This mattress is noticeably cool to the touch and feels airy and breathable.
  • Spending over $1,800 on a mattress can seem like a lot, but we feel this mattress is worth it for all it offers.
  • With three firmness levels, this mattress offers comfort regardless of your preferred sleep position.
  • The elasticity of the CopperFlex™ foam creates a responsive sleep surface that makes position changes effortless.
Pros
Sleeps exceptionally cool
Optimal pressure relief and back support
Bouncy and responsive
High-quality materials ensure durability
Accommodates various sleeping positions
Cons
Shorter warranty than most other brands at 10 years
Cooling cover may feel slippery and reduce edge support
The plush model may feel firmer than expected to some sleepers

Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling as best cooling

Brooklyn Bedding takes cooling to another level with its Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress. Cooling technology is infused throughout from the cover to the foam layers to the innerspring core.  “Staying cool while you sleep is really important,” says Dr. Harris. “If you’re too hot, you’re likely to toss and turn, which makes it harder to get the deep, restful sleep your body needs.” Considering how impactful body temperature is to sleep quality, these attributes are vital for sleepers who often overheat at night. (9

We instantly felt a difference in this mattress compared to others with how noticeably cool to the touch it was. The GlacioTex™ cover delivers a breathable, airy feel at the mattress’s surface. Below that, gel and copper-infused foams help regulate your temperature by drawing excess heat away from the body. Furthermore, the individually wrapped coils allow air to circulate so warm air doesn’t become trapped in the mattress. 

Of course, we wanted to test these features to get real, objective data. We used a thermal gun to measure how much the temperature rose after one of our testers lay on the bed for seven minutes. The results showed an increase of only 8.1 degrees, which indicates good cooling.

While these are all excellent highlights, our testing didn’t focus solely on the cooling factors. The Aurora Luxe also earned high marks for comfort and support. The adaptive foams offer body contouring that helps cushion sensitive joints, and the pocketed coils provide a solid base that keeps the body well-supported. Our testers note how well the spine stays aligned while lying on their side, back, and stomach, making it ideal for all sleep positions.

The mattress’s versatility continues with three firmness options available for buyers: soft, medium, and firm. Regardless of which you choose, we found this mattress is extremely bouncy. Combination sleepers and intimate partners can move around all they want without feeling stuck in the bed.

The one area in which this mattress falls short is along the edge. There’s little sinkage when lying or sitting near the perimeter, so the support seems to be there. However, the cooling cover was very slippery, and our testers felt like they would slide off the bed. If you struggle with mobility issues, you may see this as a benefit instead of a shortcoming since it can ease getting in and out of bed. 

For more information, see our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review. Or, see more of the best cooling mattresses for additional options.

Specs

Price$1,865
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessSoft, medium, firm
Warranty10 years
Trial120 nights
ShippingFree
Height13.25” tall
Weight (Queen)105 lbs

How we test mattresses

Our team of experts performs hands-on testing and evidence-based research to develop our comprehensive and reliable mattress reviews. We collaborate with sleep science coaches, medical professionals, and real-world consumers during our evaluation to provide valuable advice and insight. Each mattress in this roundup underwent the same meticulous testing process to assess critical factors that can impact pain relief, including lumbar support, pain relief, and overall mattress performance. Read our full mattress testing methodology for more information.

Performance (sleep experience)—30%

A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. It should also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for: 

  • Temperature regulation
  • Motion isolation
  • Edge support
  • Technology
Comfort and support—30%

Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for: 

  • Firmness
  • Pressure relief
  • Spinal alignment support
  • Customization
Value—20%

Assessing value involves a meticulous examination of several key factors that contribute to a mattress’s worth.  A mattress that is priced just within reach of its target audience, yet surpasses competitors in terms of materials, performance, and support, presents a compelling value proposition. However value is not solely determined by the lowest price point. We also determine it by finding the balance between cost and the tangible benefits a mattress provides.  

Customer experience—10%

Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily put a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong. 

  • Shipping
  • Warranty
  • Customer service
  • Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%

It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.

Our factors in this rating include: 

  • Hypoallergenic materials
  • Off-gassing and chemical exposure
  • Safety certifications

How to choose the best mattress for back pain

With the seemingly endless number of mattress options, finding the right one for you can feel impossible. We’ve outlined some key considerations that can help you find a mattress that will alleviate your back pain and lead to a good night’s rest.

Firmness

Mattress firmness is one of the most vital elements of finding a bed that will help reduce back pain. Previously, doctors would suggest firm mattresses, but recent studies have demonstrated that a medium-firm mattress can better alleviate pain and lead to higher-quality sleep. (10) “Back sleepers should choose a medium-firm mattress, around 5.5 to 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, to keep their spine aligned without causing pain. A hybrid mattress with both foam and coils can offer great support,” affirms Dr. Harris. While each manufacturer gives its mattresses a firmness rating, it’ll ultimately come down to how it feels based on your body type and sleep position. 

Body type

Each person’s body’s unique shape and size can make a big difference regarding perceived mattress firmness. Heavier-weight individuals typically prefer a firmer mattress that helps distribute their weight and provides adequate support. On the other hand, lighter people often perceive a mattress as firmer, so they need a softer option that won’t feel too hard on sensitive joints. (11)

Check out our best mattresses for heavy people if you’re looking for mattresses with adequate support.

Pressure relief

Finding a mattress relieving pressure can help remove stress from critical joints like your shoulders, hips, back, and neck. As the mattress hugs your body this way, it can also promote proper spinal alignment, which is crucial for reducing the strain on your back. Pressure relief is also paramount in how comfortable your mattress feels and how well you sleep. 

Check out the best mattresses for fibromyalgia to see other options for reducing pain and discomfort.

Support

It’s one thing to find a mattress that offers cloud-like comfort, but it also needs to provide adequate support. Regarding back pain, you want to look at how each mattress incorporates lumbar support. This targeted support can help promote proper sleep posture as it maintains spinal alignment and relieves tension in the lower back.

If you are interested specifically in lumbar support, this is also an important feature of the best orthopedic mattresses.

Cost

You should always factor in cost when shopping for any product, especially for bigger ticket items like mattresses. Determine your budget before you start your search, remembering that a quality mattress is a long-term investment. You may feel uneasy as you prepare to make this big purchase, but remember that the upfront cost will be more than worth it if it leads to years of pain relief and quality sleep. We also recommend planning your mattress shopping in advance to take advantage of deep discounts. The best time to buy a mattress is around major U.S. holidays, like President’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. 

Sleep trial

It can be hard to know whether a mattress is comfortable on your back until you’ve had time to sleep on it nightly. Choosing a brand that offers a decent sleep trial can give you ample time to try it out and decide if it’s a good fit. All of the mattresses on our list have at least a 100-day trial, with others generously offering up to a year. 

Check out our article on how to choose a mattress to read more.

What is the best type of mattress for back pain?

The best type of mattress for back pain will be the one that feels the most comfortable and supportive to you. Because there are so many variances in how we perceive comfort, your ideal mattress may not be the same as the next person’s. Dr. Harris notes, “A good mattress keeps your spine aligned and fits your sleep position, body type, and personal preferences while also considering your budget, durability, whether you sleep with a partner, and any sleep issues like heat or back pain.”

We’ll break down the different types of mattresses to help you understand which one may suit you.

Hybrid mattresses are typically the most popular choice and make up most of our list as the best for back pain. They offer a wonderful blend of comfort and support as various layers of contouring memory foam are complemented by a solid innerspring core. You’ll often see these mattresses boast zoned support, where they adjust the density of memory foam and the thickness of the coils around the lumbar area to help provide targeted support. 

Memory foam mattresses typically offer a slow sinking feel as the mattress adapts to your body’s shape and weight. They can be excellent at relieving pressure around sensitive joints while supporting the natural curvature of your body to help keep your spine aligned.

Dr. Harris states, “As a material, memory foam is gentle, pressure-relieving, and cushiony. It works to relieve tension by contouring to the shape of your body, which is especially ideal for back pain and pressure relief.”

However, you must find the best firmness for your sleep style and body type to ensure you strike the right balance of sinkage and support. Memory foam is also known for its lack of responsiveness, which may make it more challenging to change positions and move around in bed. Additionally, its dense nature often traps heat, which can be a dealbreaker for overly hot sleepers.

Innerspring mattresses may be less popular than the above options for helping alleviate pain, but they can be appropriate for some individuals who prefer a firmer, bouncier sleep surface. The coil structure can offer zoned lumbar support and help distribute body weight to maintain proper spinal alignment. These mattresses are excellent at regulating body temperature and preventing overheating, allowing for better airflow. Unfortunately, they may not offer enough pressure relief for some individuals. 

See more mattress types to find the best fit for you.


Mattresses to avoid if you have back pain

As we’ve learned throughout this article, mattresses aren’t one size fits all, thanks to personal needs and preferences variations. That also applies when determining which mattresses are best to avoid.

When you’re suffering from back pain, you need to find balance between comfort and support, so you’ll want to avoid mattresses that feel too firm or soft. An overly firm mattress can lead to pressure buildup in your back and other sensitive areas. Pain and joint discomfort throughout the night can lead to frequent sleep disruptions. Yet, a mattress that is too soft can be just as problematic. The soft, sinking feeling may feel dreamy at first, but if you’re not well-supported, your spine can sink too deeply and become misaligned. 


Other sleep tips to improve chronic pain

A mattress can help improve back pain, but it’s not the only factor to consider when aiming for a restful and restorative night’s sleep. 

Pillows

Like your mattress, you must find a pillow that balances comfort and support to help align your head, neck, and spine. Your ideal pillow will depend on your sleep position and mattress firmness. Typically, side and back sleepers find more comfort in a thicker pillow, while stomach sleepers need a thinner pillow to reduce the strain on their neck and back. Similarly, you can stick to a thinner pillow when sleeping on a firmer mattress. Conversely, a thicker pillow can help fill the bigger gap created by the sinking allowed by softer mattresses. 

You can also use pillows to support other body areas and help ease strain on the spine. A pillow between the legs when sleeping on your side or under the knees when lying on your back can help improve sleep posture.

Mattress toppers

If upgrading your mattress isn’t in the cards right now, you might consider a mattress topper as another helpful solution. These can also be an excellent option for further customizing a new mattress to meet your needs. 

A mattress topper can be especially helpful in adjusting the firmness level of your sleep surface. It can add cushioning for more pressure relief or make it feel firmer to help provide additional support. Some toppers even have enhanced features incorporating zoned lumbar support to target back pain specifically.

Talk to your doctor

Because back pain can significantly disrupt sleep and impact daily activities, it’s always best to consult a medical professional to discuss what you’re experiencing. Your doctor can provide medical advice and help diagnose any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your pain.

Sleep position

How you position yourself, also called your sleep posture, can significantly impact how your back and joints feel throughout the night. As with anything else, you should find what feels most comfortable. However, certain sleeping positions can help reduce pain, while others may exacerbate it. The key is to find proper alignment through your head, shoulders, back, and hips to help keep your spine in a neutral position. (6)

Back

Sleeping on your back can be one of the best ways to reduce the pressure on your spine as you sleep. (6) In this position, your body weight is more evenly distributed to help keep your spine neutral. “Back sleeping for some people is more comfortable and alleviates pressure on the shoulders and hips,” states Dr. Lees. “Often back sleepers are more comfortable with a pillow under their knees to take pressure off their lower back, and {they should} use a slightly thinner pillow that doesn’t push their head too far forward, yet still supports their neck.

Side

Another solid choice for back pain sufferers, sleeping on your side can also help promote proper spinal alignment. “Side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position, and if supported correctly, can be one of the best for preventing back pain,” shares Dr. Lees. 

You may need to take a few extra steps in this position to ensure maximum comfort. Experts recommend avoiding the fetal position and stretching out with a slight knee bend. (6) Also, placing a pillow between your legs can help align your hips and spine. You’ll also want to switch sides regularly throughout the night to help reduce pressure buildup and imbalances from favoring one side over the other.

Stomach

Unfortunately, sleeping on your stomach may do more harm than good, flattening your spine and forcing you to crank your neck to one side. (12) Dr. Lees emphasizes this: “Stomach sleeping can put your spine in awkward positions that can cause twisting and increased pressure on spinal joints.” Slowly training yourself to sleep in a new position or spend less time on your stomach can help reduce pain.

How to manage back pain at home

Beyond sleep posture and mattress type, what you do throughout the day’s waking hours can also significantly impact how much back pain and discomfort you experience. We’ve included additional guidance below on how to relieve the pain

  • Stand often: Prolonged sitting can wreak havoc on your back, especially if poor posture increases the stress on your back and neck. You should aim to stand up, walk around, and stretch at least once every half hour for a minute or two. (13) However, standing in the same position for long periods can be equally as detrimental. Again, moving your body, changing positions, and stretching often is best. (14)
  • Stay active: Often, our response to pain is to stop moving, but staying active is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent and manage low back pain. (15) That’s not to say you must do high-intensity workouts every day. In fact, walking is a super exercise to help reduce back pain. (16) Additionally, strengthening your core (including your abdominal and back muscles) can help ensure your muscles work well together to protect your back from injuries. (17) Even just keeping up with the activities you love can profoundly impact your mental and physical recovery.
  • Manage stress: Back pain can manifest in many ways, and stress can significantly contribute. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, it can cause muscle tension that can lead to neck and back pain. (17) Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and other relaxation strategies can reduce muscle tension and help you manage the frustration, irritability, and other mental health challenges that can acommpany chronic pain. (18
  • Adjust your diet: Foods high in trans fats, sugars, and highly processed ingredients often have an inflammatory effect on the body. A diet high in these types of foods may exacerbate pain. (18) Moreover, maintaining an appropriate weight for your body type can reduce the pressure on your spine. (18) Consider consulting your medical provider or a licensed nutritionist for support in making dietary adjustments to help achieve your goals. 
  • Engage in therapy: Physical therapy and other alternative therapies can help you work through pain and strengthen crucial muscles that support your back. Consider consulting your doctor for a physical therapy referral, who can guide you through stretches and exercises to manage pain in the clinic and at home. Your provider may also recommend massage therapy or chiropractic care. 
  • Apply hot and cold therapies: Applying ice for the first 48 to 72 hours after a back injury can help reduce inflammation. After that, heat therapy can help increase blood flow for improved recovery. (19) It’s best to discuss your pain with your doctor before starting any therapy to ensure you treat the root cause appropriately.
  • Use proper lifting technique: Avoiding heavy lifting is one the best ways to prevent a back injury from improper lifting technique. Let your legs do most of the work if you must lift something. You should bend at the knees, keep your back straight and chest lifted, and avoid twisting for proper form. Even better, use the buddy system by finding a partner to help you. A team lift can reduce the strain on your back. (17)
  • Quit smoking: Smoking and the use of other tobacco products can increase your risk of back pain. These products can cause inflammation, reduce blood flow to the spine, and increase coughing, possibly resulting in herniated discs. (17) Reducing how much tobacco you use or quitting altogether can help improve your condition. 

Types of back pain

Almost everyone will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and it’s the most common cause of disability worldwide. (20, 17) The risk increases with age, weight gain, high stress levels, and working jobs that require heavy lifting, pulling, pushing, or prolonged sitting. (17) Additionally, back pain can present in various ways and result from different causes. You should consult your doctor regarding any pain you feel to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Lower back pain

Lower back pain can occur anywhere between the bottom of your rib cage and the buttock. (20) It can severely impact your quality of life by hindering your ability to work, socialize, and perform daily activities. Sometimes, it results from a specific injury, disease, or spinal problem, but doctors often can’t find a particular reason for the pain. In these cases, it’s called non-specific lower back pain. (20) Common symptoms include dull aching pain, sharp pain, tingling, a burning sensation, or weakness in your legs or feet. (21)

Upper back pain

If you have pain anywhere between the base of your neck and the bottom of your rib cage, you may be experiencing upper back pain. Poor posture, injuries, disk problems, or arthritis typically cause this pain. (22) You may feel sharp, burning, or throbbing pain. It can also cause muscle tightness, stiffness, tingling, numbness, or weakness. (22)

Sciatica

Sciatica often begins in the lower back and expands down the buttock, leg, and calf, sometimes reaching the foot. (23) It’s usually caused by a herniated disk that puts pressure on your sciatic nerve, but it can also result from obesity, poor posture, and other nerve disorders. (24) The pain can feel debilitating, but it can also be prevented in many cases through regular exercise, core strengthening, avoiding sitting for too long, and practicing good posture. (23

Getting adequate sleep is another important factor in keeping your spine healthy. We encourage you to browse our list of the best mattresses for sciatica to help you narrow down your search.

Arthritis

Arthritis is another common cause of back pain, with osteoarthritis (OA) to blame most of the time. (25) It can impact any part of the spine, but most people feel it in their lower back and sometimes the neck. While the exact cause is unknown, certain factors such as age, weight, previous back injury, and genetics may increase your risk. (25) Besides pain, arthritis can cause stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and grinding when moving. This happens because the cartilage between your joints slowly breaks down, earning it the nickname of “wear and tear” arthritis. (26) Other types of arthritis that can lead to back pain include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Spondyloarthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis

Explore our list of the best mattresses for arthritis for additional options to help ease your pain at night.

FAQs

Is a firm or soft mattress better for back pain?

While some studies indicate that medium-firm mattresses are most effective at reducing back pain, there isn’t one universal mattress type that can solve everyone’s pain issues. (2) Firmness is a subjective measure that varies based on many factors. Your ideal mattress firmness will ultimately depend on your preferences, sleep style, and body type. 

What type of mattresses do chiropractors recommend?

The American Chiropractic Association endorses several of the mattresses on our list, including the Saatva RX, Helix Midnight Luxe, and Bear Elite Hybrid. Overall, chiropractors recommend a mattress that balances comfort and support while helping maintain proper spinal alignment. Because there isn’t one standard mattress that will work for everyone, we recommend talking with your medical provider or chiropractor to help determine which one best suits your needs.

Are memory foam mattresses good for back pain?

As memory foam adapts and conforms to your body, it can relieve pressure on your joints and support the natural curve of your spine, which can help reduce back pain. “For most people, memory foam mattresses provide great support and help alleviate pressure points because the pressure is spread out more evenly,” says Dr. Lees. The key is to choose the right firmness level for your sleep position and body type to ensure your mattress offers an ideal balance of support and sinkage.

How do I know if my mattress is causing my back pain?

If you notice new or worsening pain after sleeping, your mattress may be at least contributing to, if not causing, your back pain. Likewise, if you frequently toss and turn throughout the night or notice your mattress is sagging, it may be a sign that your bed isn’t comfortable or supportive enough to help you rest well.

What type of mattress is best for spinal alignment?

Your mattress should adapt well to your body type and sleep position to help maintain proper spinal alignment. Because we all come in different shapes and sizes and have different sleep preferences, no one mattress can provide universal comfort and support. Consider your unique needs when browsing mattress options, and choose one that has a decent sleep trial so you can try it out risk-free.

Our experts

Soma Mandal

Dr. Mandal is a board-certified internist and one of the top physicians in midlife women’s health. She has helped thousands of women navigate aging and reinvent themselves. Her peers have selected her for Castle Connolly Top Docs, New York Top Doctors, Inside Jersey Top Doctors, and Millburn- Short Hills Super Doctors. Dr. Mandal completed an internship and residency at NYU Langone Medical Center and a prestigious research fellowship in evidence-based medicine at the University of Oxford, England.  She practices at a thriving practice in Summit Health, New Jersey.

Krista Manning

Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.

Corey Jungwirth, NBC-HWC

Corey Jungwirth, NBC-HWC

Fortune Recommends Staff Writer

About Author

Corey Jungwirth is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach with over 11 years of experience working in health and wellness. Additionally, she has earned certifications as a Behavioral Health Coach and Lifestyle Medicine Coach. For over five years, Corey has enjoyed combining her wellness knowledge with her passion for writing. When she’s not writing about it, Corey enjoys engaging in her own health by running, taking Peloton classes, and playing soccer and volleyball. She also enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and being outdoors as often as possible. Corey lives in a cozy home in the woods in Wisconsin with her two kids, husband, and dog, Kona.

References