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Best Mattress for Back Sleepers of 2026
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
Back sleeping is the second most common sleeping position behind side sleeping. Its main benefit is that when you’re on your back, your body is naturally aligned over your spine. Maintaining this alignment is key for back sleepers, so your ideal mattress needs to support the hips and shoulders without putting too much pressure on them. Thus, an even sleep surface with some conforming but no sagging is usually the best bed for back sleepers.
Our #1 Pick: Luxury Firm WinkBed
The Luxury Firm WinkBed is our top pick for back sleepers. This foam-on-coil hybrid delivers a comfy balance of cushioning, support, and responsiveness to promote even alignment and alleviate pressure in sensitive areas along the spine, such as the shoulders and hips.
Read on to see our full list of best mattresses for back sleepers of 2026 based on performance ratings from our in-house testing team, in-depth product inspections, and verified reviews from real mattress owners.
Our Top Picks
Best Mattress Overall
:Luxury Firm WinkBed
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Most Comfortable Mattress
:Helix Dusk Luxe
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Best Value Mattress
:Nectar Adjustable Bundle
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Best Luxury Mattress
:Saatva Classic
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Best Hybrid Mattress
:Keetsa Classic
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Best Cooling Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
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Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
:Nolah Evolution 15
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Best Mattress for Couples
:Bear Elite Hybrid
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Best Firm Mattress
:Plank Firm Luxe
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Best Organic Mattress
:Birch Mattress
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Best Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $771 — Luxury Firm WinkBed
$1,799(List Price $2,570) - Save $652 — Helix Dusk Luxe
$1,847(List Price $2,499) - Save $2,436 — Nectar Adjustable Bundle
$1,398(List Price $3,834) - Save $325 — Saatva Classic
$1,854(List Price $2,179) - Save $438 — Keetsa Classic
$1,752(List Price $2,190)
How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Testing Criteria
The body tends to fall into a more natural alignment when you sleep on your back, but only when the mattress offers the right balance of contouring and support. When evaluating mattresses to find the best options for back sleepers, we considered the following criteria:
Support & Firmness: Back sleepers generally feel most comfortable on a mattress that balances cushioning and contouring with stabilizing support. In our research, we found that back sleepers preferred a medium to medium firm feel that promotes spinal alignment, allowing the hips to dip slightly (without sinking) while keeping the torso and shoulders evenly stabilized.
Pressure Relief: Back sleeping promotes spinal alignment, but pressure relief is still important — particularly for the shoulder and lower back. Mattresses with adaptive comfort layers can help distribute weight evenly, while adequate responsiveness allows back sleepers to move, rotate, or change to a different sleep position during the night without feeling stuck or waking up their partner.
Quality Materials and Construction: For back sleepers, consistent support depends on well-constructed mattresses with durable foams, coils, or hybrid systems that resist sagging over time. We prioritized models with thoughtful layer design, reinforced support cores, and materials engineered to maintain their shape and performance.
Durability: Because back sleepers rely on even, long-term support, our testing team also focused on reliable mattresses that maintain shape and structural integrity over time. This helps prevent premature wear that can compromise spinal alignment and overall comfort.
How We Evaluated
To find the best mattresses suited for back sleepers, we first filtered through our database of over 2,000 mattresses. We evaluated each mattress based on a set of quantitative benchmarks, including:
- An overall rating of at least 8/10
- Medium to medium-firm firmness options
- Strong scores for support and spinal alignment
- Above-average durability and brand reputation
We narrowed the vast selection down to a short list of top performers for back sleepers and brought those mattresses into our Seattle Test Lab for hands-on evaluation. Our testing team includes back sleepers of different body weights and sleep preferences who assessed each mattress for lumbar support, pressure relief, responsiveness, and overall comfort.
Based on these results, we selected the nine mattresses with the best performance for back sleepers. To suit the needs of different back sleepers, this list includes a range of price points, materials, and temperature regulation systems.
Our Testing Team
Logan Foley
Editorial Director
Full Bio
Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
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Jeremy Klein
Senior Product Testing Manager
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Brad Nehring
Senior Product Analyst
Full Bio
Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
Full Bio
Best Mattress Overall: Luxury Firm WinkBed
Best Mattress Overall
9.5/10Test Lab Score
Luxury Firm WinkBed
High end hybrid bed providing ample support, cushion, and cool sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers or couples.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) with a lofty feel that cushions without letting sleepers sink in too far.
- What It’s Made Of: Tencel cover and a Euro-top with two layers of quilted gel polyfoam. Extra foam pad in the middle third of the bed, a third layer of gel-infused polyfoam, and a pocketed coil support core with reinforced edges and firmer coils in key areas.
- What We Don’t Like: Requires deep pocket sheets. Some motion transfer.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Most Comfortable Mattress: Helix Dusk Luxe
Most Comfortable Mattress
9.7/10Test Lab Score
Helix Dusk Luxe
Responsive design, zoned support to keep your body aligned.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Back, side, and stomach sleepers.
- Feel: Medium firm (6). Responsive foams keep the spine aligned and prevent the feeling of being stuck in the bed. The memory foam layer contours to relieve pressure points.
- What It’s Made Of: Quilted Tencel cover and three layers of polyfoam and memory foam. The support core is built pocketed coils, featuring targeted lumbar support and perimeter reinforcement.
- What We Don’t Like: Slightly too thick for a standard fitted sheet. May lack support for people over 230 pounds.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Value Mattress: Nectar Adjustable Bundle
Best Value Mattress
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Nectar Adjustable Bundle
An all-inclusive sleep bundle at a terrific price.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: People with chronic pain and obstructive sleep apnea, couples, and side and back sleepers under 230 pounds.
- Feel: Medium firm (6). The top layers hug your body, while the slightly more responsive layers underneath keep you from sinking too far in.
- What It’s Made Of: All-foam model with 3 inches of gel-infused memory foam, 2 inches of transitional polyfoam, and a 7-inch polyfoam support core. Nectar also makes hybrid models and specialty models with extra features.
- What We Don’t Like: Expensive. Not available in twin or California King. Surface may limit movement, trap heat, and allow excessive sinkage for stomach sleepers.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Luxury Mattress: Saatva Classic
Best Luxury Mattress
9.5/10Test Lab Score
Saatva Classic
Traditional innerspring with a plush euro-top and excellent breathability.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Back sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds (Firm and Luxury Firm).
- Feel: Soft (3), medium firm (6), or firm (8). Breathable and highly responsive, almost bouncy sleep surface.
- What It’s Made Of Euro-top design with 3 inches of padding. Memory foam pad in the middle third, as well as an active spinal wire. Two layers of coils, with added reinforcement around the edges of the bed. Organic cotton cover with a natural thistle flame barrier.
- What We Don’t Like: Expensive. Return fee of $99.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Hybrid Mattress: Keetsa Classic
Best Hybrid Mattress
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Keetsa Classic
A firm, responsive foam hybrid with excellent back support
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers, back and stomach sleepers, and people who prefer mattresses that feel firm and responsive.
- Feel: Firm (7) design with gentle cushioning on the surface and strong coil pushback.
- What It’s Made Of Comfort layers of memory foam and adaptive polyfoam over individually pocketed coils.
- What We Don’t Like: Couples are likely to notice bothersome motion transfer.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Cooling Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Best Cooling Mattress
8.7/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Luxury hybrid with deep foam layers and cooling technology.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Back sleepers under 130 pounds (softest model), between 130 and 230 pounds (medium firm model), and over 230 pounds (firm).
- Feel: Medium soft (4), medium firm (6), or firm (7) versions. The medium soft hugs the sleeper quite closely, while the medium firm and firm models provide more subtle contouring.
- What It’s Made Of: GlacioTex cover with phase change material. The foam comfort system uses open-cell foams, as well as gel and copper infusions. Coil support core reinforced in the lumbar area and along the perimeter. Optional 2-inch pillow-top.
- What We Don’t Like: Firm model allows significant motion transfer. Return fee of $99.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment: Nolah Evolution 15
Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
8.7/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Evolution 15
A cloud-like experience with a plush euro-top in multiple firmnes options.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Back sleepers (medium firm or firm models), with the firmest providing more support for individuals over 130 pounds.
- Feel: Medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8). Cushioning yet supportive.
- What It’s Made Of: Organic cotton cover and a thick comfort section containing a 2-inch quilted Euro-top and three layers of polyfoam. Top polyfoam layer , an 8-inch layer of pocketed coils, with firmer coils in the lumbar area and around the perimeter.
- What We Don’t Like: Won’t fit most standard fitted sheets. Firm version may transfer motion.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Mattress for Couples: Bear Elite Hybrid
Best Mattress for Couples
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Bear Elite Hybrid
A close-conforming memory foam hybrid offering great pressure relief.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Couples who sleep on their back or side.
- Feel: Medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8). Has a signature memory foam “hug” that’s tempered by the bounce of the pocketed coils.
- What It’s Made Of: Quilted cover with cooling phase change material and Celliant fibers, followed by a layer of copper-infused memory foam. One more layer of polyfoam and a pocketed coil support core with zoned spinal alignment and perimeter reinforcement.
- What We Don’t Like: Requires deep pocket sheets. Not firm enough for most stomach sleepers.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Firm Mattress: Plank Firm Luxe
Best Firm Mattress
8.2/10Test Lab Score
Plank Firm Luxe
High-end flippable bed that’s firm on one side, and even firmer on the other.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Back sleepers of all weight categories (regular firm side) and back sleepers over 230 pounds (extra firm side).
- Feel: One side is firm (7), with a somewhat classic responsive feel and light cushioning. The other side is extra firm (9), one of the firmest sleep surfaces we’ve seen.
- What It’s Made Of: Both sides share a core of pocketed coils. The extra firm side has a tight stitching pattern and 2 inches of firm polyfoam. The firm side offers a little more give, with a thin quilted layer and two layers of foams that are a little plusher.
- What We Don’t Like: No “hug” feeling. Couples may feel motion transfer. Return fee of $99.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Organic Mattress: Birch Mattress
Best Organic Mattress
8.8/10Test Lab Score
Birch Mattress
A latex hybrid with responsive comfort materials and a robust support system.
Key Details
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What to Consider as a Back Sleeper
“Sleep position is important to consider because it can significantly impact your overall health, comfort and sleep quality,” says Sleep Medicine Physician Lulu Guo, M.D. “Different sleep positions have unique needs when it comes to mattresses and accessories to ensure proper support, comfort and alignment.”
Dr. Guo goes on to say choosing the right firmness is crucial for any sleep position. “For back sleepers,” she says, “medium firm mattresses may be the most ideal as they provide enough support for spinal alignment while offering some cushioning for comfort. Whereas for side sleepers, a softer mattress may work well to provide cushioning for the shoulders and hips while still providing support. Lastly, firmer mattresses may be most suitable for stomach sleepers to prevent the hip from sinking too low causing misalignment of the spine.”
Spine Alignment
Spinal alignment refers to how well the spine lines up to its natural shape. Maintaining good spinal alignment overnight can help reduce aches and pains, contributing to a better night’s sleep. Because of this, the University of Rochester Medical Center suggests that regardless of sleep position, sleepers should try to line up their ears, shoulders, and hips to maintain proper spinal alignment.
One benefit of back sleeping is that your body is naturally centered over your spine.This makes it easier to maintain proper spinal alignment, as long as your mattress provides enough support to the shoulders and mid-section to prevent them from sinking too deeply. Back sleeping may also reduce the risk of developing wrinkles or breakouts on your skin and can alleviate lower back pain for some sleepers.
Sleep Apnea and Other Conditions
While back sleeping has some clear benefits, it isn’t ideal for all sleepers. Those who suffer from sleep apnea or are prone to snoring may find their conditions aggravated by sleeping on their backs. People with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also notice increased symptoms when sleeping on their backs, especially for sleepers with extra weight in their midsections that adds pressure in that area.
Predominant side sleeping, more specifically left sided sleeping, is recommended for the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Pregnant women often find that sleeping on their backs can contribute to back pain due to the extra weight in their midsections. Laying on the back can also compress a major vein which can decrease blood flow to the fetus and the mother’s organs.
Back Sleepers With Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
Improper alignment can contribute to aches and pains. If your mattress doesn’t have the right balance of contouring and support, your muscles may work overtime to try to improve your body’s alignment. Since these muscles can’t fully relax, you may wake up with more aches and pains. If you do experience aches and pains in the morning, it may be worth looking at a new mattress.
How to Choose a Mattress for Back Sleepers
While many mattress companies claim their models are comfortable for all sleep positions, back sleepers have unique needs. Focusing on the most important mattress features can help you find a mattress that supports your spine while cushioning your pressure points. Below, we’ll detail key factors to consider when selecting the best mattress for back sleepers.
Firmness and Support
A mattress’s firmness influences how much the sleeper sinks in, how comfortable the mattress feels, and how supportive it is for certain body types. A 10-point firmness scale is commonly used to rate mattress firmness. In this scale, 1 is the softest mattress and 10 is the firmest.
Back sleepers often favor slightly firmer mattresses than their side-sleeping counterparts. This is because back sleepers require more support to maintain the natural alignment of their spines, but they don’t experience the same types of pressure points that side sleepers often do. Too soft of a mattress may cause a back sleeper’s hips to sink in too far, while too firm of a mattress may not allow their hips to sink in far enough. “Long term consequences of this causes misalignment of the spine and can cause low back pain,” adds Dr. Guo.
Body Weight
The right firmness level for you depends in large part on your body type. Most individuals between 130 and 230 pounds prefer a medium or medium firm mattress. Average-weight back sleepers usually gravitate towards the firmer end of this range since they don’t require as much conforming as side sleepers.
Sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds don’t apply as much force on a mattress, so any mattress is likely to feel firmer to them. Because of this, back sleepers in this range often prefer a medium or medium soft model.
Individuals who weigh over 230 pounds need more support than other weight groups. Too soft of a mattress may cause their hips to sink in excessively, misaligning the spine. These sleepers frequently favor a medium firm or firm mattress to give them extra support.
Contouring
Many mattresses contour to the body, adjusting to each sleeper’s unique shape. This can help support a back sleeper’s spinal alignment while relieving pressure points. Mattresses vary in how much contouring they provide, with softer mattresses and those containing foam offering the most. Back sleepers typically prefer a moderate level of contouring to fill in the space around their lower backs while not allowing for too much sinking.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is closely linked to contouring. When a mattress contours to a sleeper’s body, it distributes their weight more evenly. This can take the pressure off heavier body parts, like the hips and shoulders. While back sleepers don’t usually suffer from sharp pressure points like side sleepers, they may still appreciate a mattress that cradles their hips.
Quality Materials
Quality materials can impact how comfortable a mattress feels and how well it holds up over time. Mattress sagging is often a problem for back sleepers, and high-quality materials frequently resist sagging better than lower-quality alternatives.
Which Type of Mattress Is Best for Back Sleepers?
While individual models may have notable differences based on their materials, quality, and construction, there tend to be some similarities between models of the same type of mattress. Understanding the key benefits and features that are common for each type of mattress may clarify which type is best for you.
Hybrid
Hybrid models have a thick comfort layer of memory foam, polyfoam, or latex, though it may also contain wool, microcoils, or other materials. The support core uses pocket coils, which move independently of one another and minimize motion transfer, unlike those typically found in innerspring mattresses.
A hybrid’s balance of contouring and support make it a good fit for back sleepers. The generous comfort layer is engineered to conform to the sleeper’s body for pressure relief and the coil support core gives solid, even support, which can help promote proper spinal alignment for back sleepers
Innerspring
A substantial support core of coils serves as the main component of an innerspring mattress, and they may also have thin comfort layers. While these comfort layers may provide some cushioning, they’re usually not substantial enough for contouring and pressure relief.
High-quality innerspring mattresses usually have even support that can help keep a back sleeper’s spine straight. Thin comfort layers may cushion the sleeper’s pressure points, but they generally are not thick enough to allow a back sleeper’s midsection to sink in too deeply.
Latex
Latex mattresses are traditionally constructed of multiple layers of latex foam, which may be natural, synthetic, or a blend. Talalay latex is usually lighter and springier and is commonly used in comfort layers. Dunlop latex is generally denser and more durable, making it a popular choice for both comfort and support layers.
While memory foam compresses directly beneath the sleeper’s body, latex spreads the compression over a wider area. This cradles the sleeper without excessive sinkage, creating a balance between cradling and support that may make back sleepers feel like they are floating on the bed.
Airbed
Airbeds get their name from the air chambers they use to support the sleeper. Depending on the model, these air chambers can be emptied or filled using a pump, remote control, or app. Airbeds may also include comfort layers, though these are usually relatively thin. Comfort layer materials may include memory foam, polyfoam, latex, wool, and/or cotton.
Since the air chambers can be filled or emptied to change the feel of the mattress, back sleepers can adjust an airbed to get as close as possible to their ideal firmness. Some models also allow sleepers to adjust each side of the bed independently, which may make them a good choice for partners who have different firmness preferences.
Foam
Most foam mattresses are constructed of multiple foam layers, which usually include memory foam, polyfoam, or a combination of the two. Softer foams are traditionally used in the comfort layers to contour to the sleeper, while firmer support foams prevent them from sinking in too deeply.
All-foam models tend to shape to the sleeper’s body, providing a close hug that relieves pressure points. Firmer models give less hug, but they still usually contour enough for pressure relief. Back sleepers who like to sink into their mattress may appreciate this close conforming. “Firmer foam mattresses may have the dual benefit of conforming to the body yet have enough support for back sleepers for spine alignment,” says Dr. Guo.
Important Accessories for Sleeping on Your Back
Accessories can be the finishing touch to make your sleep surface more comfortable. While you might upgrade your accessories when you purchase a new mattress, sleepers on a budget may look to them as a lower-cost alternative to replacing their mattress.
Pillows
While the right mattress can keep most of the spine aligned, your pillow is responsible for continuing that alignment into the neck and head. The wrong pillow can contribute to back and neck pain.
Pillow loft refers to how thick a pillow is. A pillow with too much loft may force a back sleeper’s head towards their chest. A pillow with too little loft may hyperextend the neck. The best pillows for back sleepers are medium-loft pillows that support the head, neck, and shoulders without lifting them up too far. Back sleepers often prefer memory foam or latex pillows that cradle the head to help them maintain proper alignment.
While many back sleepers favor a medium-loft pillow, those with medical conditions aggravated by lying flat may prefer a wedge pillow to elevate the upper body. Sleepers who suffer from sleep apnea, acid reflux, or frequent snoring may also benefit from this extra lift.
| Sleeping Position | Pillow Loft Recommended |
|---|---|
| Back | Medium |
| Side | Medium or High |
| Stomach | Low |
Many back sleepers also place a small pillow beneath their knees. “Placing a pillow under the knees can help with spinal alignment because, when laying flat, the lower back can arch excessively,” says Dr. Guo. “A pillow under the knees elevates the legs slightly, reducing this arch and keeping the spine in a more neutral position. Elevating the legs can also take pressure off the lower back, further promoting more relaxation during sleep.”
Mattress Toppers
A mattress topper is an extra layer that rests on top of the mattress to adjust the feel of the surface. While a mattress topper won’t completely overhaul your existing mattress, it may make it more comfortable.
Because mattress toppers are usually less expensive than purchasing a new mattress, they can be a convenient and affordable way to modify the sleep surface and try out different materials. Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex toppers can give you an idea of how a mattress that uses these materials might feel without the commitment of replacing your existing mattress.
While mattress toppers can add some cushioning and contouring, they don’t provide all the benefits of a new mattress. Most notably, they don’t usually provide significant support. If your hips are sinking in too deeply in your existing mattress, a mattress topper is unlikely to resolve the issue. A mattress topper also won’t make up for a mattress that is in bad condition or is sagging. However, a mattress topper may be a good choice for back sleepers who feel their mattress is a little too firm or who are experiencing pressure points.
How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science
Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.
In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.
Construction analysis: Mattress construction plays a major role in our ratings system. We begin our testing with a top-to-bottom analysis of each mattress, making note of its materials, firmness, thickness, and other physical attributes. Price-point is another major factor as we assess quality of materials and overall value.
Quantitative product testing: For hands-on testing, our team members take turns lying and moving on each mattress. This immersive process helps us evaluate beds for performance categories like motion isolation, pressure relief, ease of movement, and temperature control.
Field testing: Once we’re finished testing a mattress in our lab, one of our team members takes it home and sleeps on it in their own bedroom for two to three weeks. Field testing helps us understand how each mattress performs in the long term.
User feedback: In addition to our team’s testing data, we draw from customer surveys and product reviews to calculate our final ratings. This helps us ensure our findings are consistent with real-world experiences.
How We Determine Our Overall Scores
To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This criteria alludes to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate motion isolation, who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.
Temperature Control
To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.
Pressure Relief
A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.
Ease of Movement
This criteria reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.
Edge Support
We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.
Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Sleeper Type
If you want to expand your options beyond beds for back sleepers, you can read through our collection of mattress guides categorized by sleeping preferences.
Best Mattress by Sleeper Type
- Best Mattress for Athletes
- Best Mattress for Couples
- Best Mattress for Kids
- Best Mattress for Toddlers
- Best Mattress for Seniors
- Best Mattress for Teenagers
- Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers
- Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to AskAnExpert@sleepfoundation.org with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.
Dr. Lulu Guo is a graduate of the prestigious Medical Scholars program at Michigan State University and was admitted into medical school at the age of seventeen after completing undergraduate studies in two years. She is double board-certified in Family and Sleep Medicine.
Learn more about our medical advisory board