1. Best overall
2. Best hybrid
3. Best luxury
4. Best budget
5. Best cooling
6. Best for bigger bodies
How we test
Our experienced testing panel reviews and researches all of the latest mattresses, using our findings to provide accurate and unbiased recommendations.
If you're looking for the best mattress for back pain we can soon set you up with a more comfortable and supportive night's sleep. Mattresses might all look pretty similar, but they all perform differently, and choosing the wrong one could exacerbate back pain or even cause it in the first place.
Even the best mattresses might not deliver in terms of the pressure relief and support you need if you suffer from back pain. That's why we've gathered together this selection of six of the best mattresses for back pain, based on our extensive research and testing.
Back pain can ruin your sleep, and can in turn lead to further health problems such as brain fog and lower resistance to illness. And while individuals' requirements might vary, there are some common features to look for when figuring out the best mattress for back pain – specifically, a model that provides reliable, consistent support for your body type and sleep position. Many of the models listed in this guide have been given the stamp of approval by an experienced mattress tester who struggles with back pain issues. (If your pain is ongoing, you should consult a medical professional for a specific diagnosis or treatment plan.)
Our picks for the best mattress for back pain cover a range of preferences, body types and price points, so you should find something that will suit you at a price you'll like. Bear in mind that mattress deals crop up regularly, so you shouldn't have to pay full price for your bed; we've included shopping information with each product listing.
Quick List
Best overall
This luxurious memory foam mattress is available in two firmness levels. It's top quality and led to a marked improvement in our reviewer's back pain. Setup is included for free, too.
Best hybrid
This hybrid punches above its affordable price tag when it comes to quality. The traditional feel delivers all-over support, and the medium-firm feel that will suit most people.
Best luxury
This chunky mattress balances excellent support, including targeted lumbar support, with a sumptuous look and feel. You can pick from three firmness levels, to suit your needs.
Best budget
If you want a no-bounce feel, this memory foam mattress balances sturdy support with effective pressure relief. It's the cheapest option here and incredible value for money, too.
Best cooling
A unique stretchy elastic grid delivers softness or firmness where it's needed, so it'll remain supportive in any position. The open structure means it won't trap heat like foams can, either.
Best for bigger bodies
This mattress is specifically aimed at sleepers weighing 250lbs or more. It includes a durable latex layer, and has been designed to deliver reliable support for many years.
The best mattress for back pain 2024, as chosen by experts
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Best mattress for back pain overall
✅ You want to invest in a quality mattress: The Loom & Leaf is made with high-end materials and the build quality is excellent. This premium mattress is worth the investment.
✅ You need help with setup: This is the only mattress to include White Glove delivery as standard, so you won't need to lift a finger.
✅ You want pick your firmness: The Loom & Leaf is available in two sleep feels, which means you can pick the one that best suits your sleep style and body weight.
❌ You're on a budget: The Loom & Leaf is excellent quality, but it's not cheap. For a more affordable alternative, consider the DreamCloud Premier (#2).
❌ You sleep hot: Our tester found this mattress could run warm on occasion. If you often struggle with overheating at night, you might get on better with the Purple (#5).
We think the Saatva Loom & Leaf is the best mattress for back pain. Sleeping on this mattress for three weeks led to a marked improvement in our lead reviewer's lower back issues, which is a strong endorsement.
This luxurious, 12-inch tall design includes multiple layers of five different foams, plus a tufted, organic cotton cover. There's extra quilting and foams in the central third, specifically to bolster support around the sleeper's lumbar – a lack of support here is bad news for back pain. The foam layers including a 5lb memory foam (this ultra-dense foam is about the highest quality memory foam you'll find in a mattress – its no surprise you'll find this model high up in our best memory foam mattress guide).
Different sleep styles require different firmness profiles for proper support, and the Loom & Leaf is available in either a 'Relaxed firm' (5-7 out of 10) or 'Firm' (8) feel. Saatva recommends the relaxed firm for most sleepers, which is what we tried for our review. Our testing panel felt adequate support and pressure relief in all the right places, no matter which position we dropped into. If you're on the heavier side, or typically sleep on your back or stomach, you might find the firm version delivers better support. Or if you weigh significantly more than average, consider a specialist model like the WinkBed (#6).
Any downsides? This mattress didn't fare so well when it came to temperature regulation – our lead tester found it ran warm on some nights. If you're a chronically hot sleeper, we suggest checking out the Purple (#5) instead.
It's also a bit of an investment. The Loom& Leaf sits in the premium price bracket, even with regular Saatva mattress sales. If you can afford it, it's worth the investment, though – the build quality is excellent, and this mattress should last for many years to come. If you struggle with back pain, one bad mattress can do months of damage, so this isn't a situation to scrimp in, if possible. However if you suffer from a chronic back or joint pain condition such as sciatica, arthritis, herniated disc or scoliosis, it may well be worth spending extra on the Saatva Rx, which was developed specifically to help with such conditions; our Saatva Rx mattress review can tell you more. As with all Saatva mattresses, complimentary white glove delivery means you won't have to lift a finger to get it set up (also good news for back pain sufferers).
- Read more: Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress review
Best hybrid mattress for back pain
✅ You like a traditional mattress feel: There's a bit of memory foam here, but the overall feel is traditional, with a bit of bounce and supportive coils.
✅ You want maximum value for money: The DreamCloud Premier sits in the mid-range price bracket, and delivers excellent value for money – especially factoring in the long trial and forever warranty.
❌ You like the sink-in feel of memory foam: If you want that no-bounce, contouring feel, consider an all-foam model like the Loom & Leaf (#1) or Cocoon (#4).
❌ You need something even cheaper: The DreamCloud Premier sits in the mid-range bracket; for something cheaper, consider the lower-mid Cocoon Chill (#4).
❌ You want a range of firmness options: This mattress is only available in one firmness – the Saatva (#1) and Nolah (#3), you can pick your sleep feel to suit your needs.
The DreamCloud is a great-value hybrid that delivers excellent full-body support, making it a strong choice for back pain sufferers. The 12-inch tall design includes some cushioning upper layers of foam (including memory foam) atop a layer of bouncy pocket coils, and the whole thing is topped off with a luxurious-feeling, cashmere-blend Euro-top.
While the pricier Saatva (#1) and Nolah (#3) come in a variety of firmness profiles, there's only one option with the DreamCloud. The brand rates it as just above medium (6.5 out of 10), but we judged it to be more like a 7.5. That's on the upper end of the medium-firm bracket, and our testers found it delivered reliable support – key for anyone struggling with back pain. Although the foam levels provide a good amount of cushioning, to prevent pressure build-up, the feel is quite traditional and responsive; don't expect lots of contouring or a sink-in feel.
This mattress suit most body types and sleep styles, although very heavy people might need a sturdier option (reviews suggest the level-up DreamCloud Premier suits bigger bodies, or check out the WinkBeds Plus at #6), while lightweight side sleepers may prefer something softer, with a bit more contouring.
The hybrid design is nice and breathable, so you won't find yourself having to shift uncomfortably about to find a cool spot. We were also impressed with the sturdy edges, which may be important if your back pain means you need something to push up off when getting up in the morning.
Although it's not the budget option in our ranking (see the Cocoon at #4 for that), the DreamCloud offers perhaps the best value for money. Based on the evergreen DreamCloud mattress deal it sits in the mid-range bracket, and the extras – a full year's trial and forever warranty – match the best you'll find anywhere.
- Read more: DreamCloud Mattress review
Best luxury mattress for back pain
✅ You want something luxurious: This Nolah model is proof that a supportive mattress doesn't need be utilitarian.
✅ You want a choice of firmness: You have three options here, so you can pick the feel that suits your sleep style and body type. This is helpful as it ensures the right balance of support to cushioning for your specific needs.
❌ You sleep hot: We found the Evolution could sleep warm on occasion. If you struggle with overheating at night, consider the Purple (#5) instead.
❌ You're on a tight budget: Although you'd expect to pay more for a luxurious mattress like this, if you're on a tighter budget, consider the DreamCloud Premier (#2), which sits in the mid-range bracket.
❌ You want something streamlined: At 15 inches thick, the Nolah Evolution is the tallest mattress in our roundup, which also means it's fairly bulky and heavy. That could make things a more strenuous when it comes to changing the sheets.
Our #1 best mattress for back pain is pretty luxurious, but the Nolah Evolution 15 really hits it out the park when it comes to delivering the sturdy support coupled with a decadent feel. At 15 inches, it's the tallest in our roundup, with a high-end looking Euro-top.
The seven-layer design includes zoned coils, designed to offer targeted back support, and pressure-relieving foams to provide comfortable cushioning for the sleeper's joints. Standing at a chunky 15-inches tall, with a Euro-top, this is mattress looks and feels super-luxurious.
It's available in three firmness options: Plush (4-5 out of 10), Luxury Firm (6-7) or Firm (7-8). That's the widest choice of any of the mattresses here, and ensures you can pick exactly the level to properly support your body type in your preferred sleep position, ensuring your back is comfortably aligned at all times.
Generally, those struggling with back pain will benefit from a sturdier sleep surface, so we'd probably give the plush option a miss. We'd steer heavier people, as well as some back/stomach sleepers towards the Firm option, while side sleepers will likely get on better with the Luxury Firm.
We tested the firmest option, and were instantly comforted and cradled – which wasn't what we were expecting with a firm mattress. Our lead tester felt unparalleled support in every sleeping position, with her spine well-aligned and no build-up of pressure.
Any down-sides? We found this mattress could run warm on occasion, which means if you struggle with overheating at night, you might end up shifting uncomfortably as you try and find a cool spot. And the thicker profile, while decidedly luxurious, might make changing the sheets difficult. Unlike the other premium option in this guide (the Loom & Leaf at #1) you'll need to pay if you want someone else to set it up for you, too.
- Read more: Nolah Evolution 15 mattress review
Best budget mattress for back pain
✅ You're on a budget: The Cocoon by Sealy Chill is the cheapest model in this roundup, with an evergreen deal that takes it into the lower-mid range bracket. Freebies amp up your value for money further.
✅ You have sore joints: The Chill delivers subtle yet effective pressure relief to ensure the sleeper's joints are cushioned, but their back remains supported.
✅ You prefer a memory foam feel: There are no coils here, so expect a bounce-free sleep feel.
❌ You're a lightweight side sleeper: The surface might be a bit too firm for some side sleepers, especially if they're lighter in weight.
❌ You need a sturdy edge to press up off: Our tester found the edge support on the Chill to be good but not great.
The Cocoon by Sealy Chill is our best budget mattress for people with back pain. This all-foam design is probably the best value for money option we've tested, balancing good quality with elevated features (namely, a cooling phase-change cover), all for a lower mid-range price. The simple design does a great job of supporting the sleeper's spine and keeping everything correctly aligned.
This straightforward, 10-inch tall mattress comprises three different foams. At the top is Sealy's 'Perfect Fit' memory foam, which adapts to the weight and shape of your body. In the middle is a layer of responsive comfort foam, followed by a polyfoam base to limit motion transfer and prevent sleepers from sinking too far into the mattress, putting strain on the sleeper's spine.
As you'd expect at this price point, there's only one firmness option. Officially the Cocoon by Sealy Chill is a medium-firm mattress, but our reviewer found it firmer than that – around an 8 out of 10 sleep feel. The sturdier feel is great news for those who suffer from back pain, and will suit most back and stomach sleepers. However, some side sleepers – especially those of light body weight – might find it a bit too solid. The best mattresses for side sleepers are often slightly softer, to prevent pressure building up in the shoulder or hip.
All-foam mattresses run warm, but our testers found the phase-change cover did a great job of absorbing and dissipating body heat for an immediate cooling effect and an overall more restful night's sleep. The Chill also won't run as cool as the Purple (#5). (Note: if you don't sleep warm, the Chill is very similar in design and price to the Nectar mattress – see exactly how they compare in our Cocoon Chill vs Nectar face-off.)
This mattress delivers tremendous value for money, especially with an evergreen discount that takes it into the lower-mid range. However, be aware there are no delivery upgrade options, so if your back pain means you're unable to set it up yourself, you'll need to find someone to help you.
- Read more: Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review
Best cooling mattress for back pain
✅ You run hot: The top layer of the Purple is a gel grid, which melds to the sleeper's shape without trapping heat like foams can.
✅ You change position at night: Purple's Grid delivers excellent pressure relief, feeling soft or firm exactly where it needs to and remains supportive in any position.
❌ You want a traditional mattress feel: You can feel the GelFlex Grid through the cover, which won't appeal to everyone. Something like the Nolah (#3) has a more traditional feel.
❌ You need help setting up: The Purple is heavy and difficult to move about, and there are no options to upgrade delivery to include setup, either.
Like all of this brand's mattresses, the original Purple mattress' design hinges around a GelFlex Grid layer. This is a bouncy, elastic grid that flexes around the sleeper's body, providing firmness or softness exactly where it's needed – so it'll feel firmer under the spine and lumbar region, but more cushioned beneath the legs and arms. That means it'll remain supportive in any position.
Because of the open structure of said Grid, it does all this without trapping heat. That means you won't find yourself tossing and turning uncomfortably, exacerbating your back pain, as you try and find a cool spot. It also excels when it comes to motion isolation. That's good news for anyone who shares a bed, and again is ideal if you want the best chance of a restful, undisturbed night.
At 9.75 inches tall, it's the thinnest mattress on our list, and thin overall, too. It won't look especially luxurious on your bed, and those who weight above average might need something thicker to ensure they get the support they need.
Any other potential downsides for back pain-sufferers? The Grid gives this mattress a floppy, heavy feel, which can make things tricky when it comes to moving it around. It's not the cheapest option here (although semi-regular Purple mattress sales can help matters), but it's one of the few brands that doesn't give you an option to upgrade delivery to include setup.
There's also a chance you might not like the sensation of sleeping on the Grid. This mattress doesn't have a traditional feel, nor the sink-in contouring of memory foam. But it (and its other range-mates) scored very highly in our TechRadar review, and it could be a game-changer for hot sleepers with back pain.
- Read more: Purple mattress review
Best mattress for heavy people with back pain
✅ You weigh 250lbs or more: This mattress is the only one in our list that has been specifically designed to provide consistent support for bigger bodies.
✅ You need a mattress that will last: Latex is known for being one of the most durable mattress materials, and the Plus is tested to simulate 20 years of use by a 350lb sleeper.
❌ You're average or light in weight: This mattress is probably overkill if you're not a larger-bodied individual.
❌ You need help setting up: Unusually for a mattress of this price, there's no option for setup to be added to the delivery, even for a fee.
Heavier people with back pain need a bed that's built to deliver reliable, sturdy support, and they'll find that with the WinkBed Plus – an upgraded version of the regular WinkBed mattress, designed specially for bigger bodies. The features recommended for plus-size sleepers are similar to those recommended for back pain – namely, a firmer feel, a uniform surface, and reliable support – so most of our best mattresses for bigger bodies should be suitable for those suffering from back pain.
The WinkBed Plus is a hybrid mattress with several design features that bode well for back pain. The coils are individually wrapped, but banded together for reinforcements, to ensure continued support. The coils are combined with a 2.5-inch thick latex foam layer. Latex is known for being one of the most durable mattress materials. It's bouncier and more responsive than memory foam, and many describe it as giving a kind of floating feeling.
The mattress is third-party tested, simulating 20 years of use by a 350lb sleeper, and the brand says results from that testing show the Plus retained its loft and and firmness. That means you shouldn't have to worry about the mattress dipping, and support starting to wane over time as a result.
There's a foam-filled pillow-top that should provide a little cushioning and prevent pressure build-up, while still keeping the sleeper supported (customers describe it as firm but still soft and comfortable). WinkBeds calls its foams 'high-density' and 'sag-proof' and while the latter might be true, the stated density (1.8lbs) is about the minimum density we'd want from a memory foam, rather than being particularly high-density.
This mattress is billed as an 8 out of 10 in terms of firmness, but WinkBeds notes that how you experience it will depend on your body weight. That 8/10 figure is based on the sleeper weighing 200lbs or less; to those weighing 300lbs or more, it will feel more like a 6.5. It's designed for sleepers weighing 250lbs or more.
Which type of mattress is best for back pain?
Memory foam mattresses are often recommended for sleepers with back pain since they'll contour to the exact shape of your body. Whether you go for foam or a hybrid of foam and springs, make sure there aren't any gaps between your body and the mattress as this can strain your back and joints.
You'll also want to take your sleeping position into consideration. If you're a combi sleeper, base your decision on your dominant position. Here's a brief rundown of what to shop for, according to your sleep style...
- Side sleepers should go for a medium or semi-firm mattress to relieve pressure along the hips and shoulders.
- Back sleepers need a mattress firm enough to support their hips and lower lumbar so it doesn't hold them in a 'c' or 'v' shape.
- Stomach sleepers will also want to look for a firmer mattress, although this position isn't recommended if you have back pain.
In terms of firmness, our article on what's the best mattress firmness for back pain can give you some helpful pointers and expert advice. Also, peep our feature about what kind of mattress is good for back pain for more information plus expert tips from medical professionals — but keep in mind that they're providing general advice. Consult with your doctor for a specific diagnosis and treatment plan for your back pain.
How do I know if my mattress is causing my back pain?
If you frequently wake up with back pain, your mattress could be the culprit. Sleeping on the wrong bed can exacerbate an existing injury or introduce new aches. Here are three signs your mattress is causing you back pain:
You can't ever get comfortable. This is an indication that you're sleeping on something that's either too firm or soft for your body type and sleep preferences. There's also a possibility that your sleep needs have changed since you bought your mattress. Either way, not being able to get comfortable in bed will eventually manifest in back and joint pain.
You wake up feeling like you just worked out. This could be trickier to deduce if you have a physically-demanding job or exercise regularly since DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) could be to blame. However, if you wake up every morning feeling like you just completed a serious workout, your mattress is possibly the reason why.
Your mattress has obvious wear and tear. The lifespan of a mattress is between seven and 10 years — possibly longer if you wrap it in one of the best mattress protectors. But if you're finding indents, yellowing fabric, and/or sagging along the perimeter, it's time to save your back and go mattress shopping.
Provided your mattress is in otherwise good shape, you can add one of the best mattress toppers to make it as soft or firm as you need to feel comfortable — but if your bed has seen much better days, one of our listed mattress will see you right.
