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Written by
Lauren Fountain
Medically Reviewed by
Jenny Iyo
Back sleeping is the second most common sleeping position behind side sleeping. When searching for the best mattresses for back sleepers, proper spine alignment is probably the most crucial factor. In order to achieve this, a mattress must provide support to 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.
To provide ideal support for back sleepers, a mattress must have the right firmness — and sleepers of different body types tend to have different requirements. Average-weight back sleepers often favor a medium to medium-firm feel. Lightweight individuals may prefer a softer option, while heavyweight sleepers often appreciate a firmer model.
With so many mattresses to choose from, selecting the best mattress for your sleep needs and preferences can seem complicated. In this guide, we’ll try to simplify the shopping process by sharing our top picks for the best mattresses for back sleepers and explaining criteria that can affect a back sleeper’s comfort.
Best Overall
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The Saatva is a hybrid mattress with a dual coil system, foam comfort layers and a plush-pillow top. The bed comes in three firmness options, which can accommodate back sleepers of different weights.While back sleepers usually favor a medium or medium firm feel, this varies between weight groups.
The Saatva’s hybrid design balances support and pressure relief. A Euro pillow top with an organic cotton cover uses polyfoam to cushion the surface of the bed. A thin layer of memory foam near the midsection of the bed cradles and supports the sleeper’s hips.
A layer of pocketed coils within the comfort system contours to the sleeper’s body without restricting airflow. Since the coils are individually pocketed, very little motion is transferred between them, minimizing disruptions to co-sleepers. Finally, a layer of Bonnell coils acts as the mattress’s support core. These coils give the mattress bounce and stable support.
The Saatva comes in three firmness options: soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8). It also comes in two thickness options: 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches. Since back sleepers often favor firmer mattresses, Saatva’s firm option may be a particularly good match for back sleepers who weigh over 130 pounds. Sleepers under 130 pounds may prefer the soft or medium firm model for extra conforming.
The Saatva Mattress comes with free White Glove delivery, in which a team comes to unpackage and setup the mattress. Saatva also provides a 180-night trial period and a 15-year warranty for the Saatva Mattress.
Best Value
Zoned support is key for many back sleepers, and this is one area where the Zoma Mattress excels. The bed’s memory foam comfort layer is divided into three zones based on firmness, ensuring extra reinforcement for the torso, lower back, and hips while softer foam cradles lighter areas of the body.
The mattress has a medium (5) feel, so back sleepers weighing 230 pounds or less can lie comfortably without sinking too much around the middle. Side sleepers in this weight range should also feel quite comfortable, and the same is true for stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. The zoned support can be particularly helpful for athletes and other physically active people who feel aches, pains, and pressure points.
Like other all-foam models, the Zoma Mattress absorbs movement well and reduces transfer across the surface. This can cut down on sleep disruptions for people who tend to wake up when their partner changes positions or gets on and off of the bed. Additionally, the mattress is virtually silent and won’t produce any of the squeaks and creaks associated with other mattress types.
For people who prefer more responsiveness from their sleep surface, the Zoma Mattress is also available in a hybrid version that swaps the high-density foam base layer for a pocketed coil system. The hybrid model also sleeps cooler and sinks less along the perimeter when people sleep near the edges.
Compared to other memory foam beds, the Zoma Mattress has a very reasonable price-point. Ground shipping is also free of charge for all orders in the contiguous U.S. Zoma’s sleep trial lasts 100 nights, and those who keep the mattress also receive a 10-year warranty against excessive sagging and other structural defects.
Best for Back Pain
With four firmness options, the WinkBed can closely match the needs and preferences of most back sleepers, regardless of their weight group. Back sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds might gravitate towards the medium soft or medium firm options. Back sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds may prefer the firm version. Back sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds may find the firm or the Plus most comfortable.
The firmness options are medium soft (4), medium firm (6), firm (7), and Plus (8). While the medium soft, medium firm, and firm mattresses share similar constructions, the Plus varies in several key areas.
All the firmness options share a few features. A Tencel cover wicks away heat to help the sleeper stay cool and comfortable. A reinforced midsection promotes better spinal alignment by preventing excessive sagging around the midsection. To accomplish this, a foam enhancement adds support to the lumbar region, and the coil support core is zoned to be sturdier around the hips.
The coils are also pocketed to limit motion transfer while allowing air circulation. This coil support layer also creates an exceptionally stable edge, which may allow sleepers to use more of the mattress surface.
The three softest models of the WinkBed use a comfort system constructed of three main layers: a layer of polyfoam, a layer of gel polyfoam, and a layer of pocketed microcoils. This system balances conforming and breathability.
The Plus option uses a comfort system of a layer of high-density polyfoam and a layer of latex to contour to the sleeper’s body without excessive sinkage. This design lends to the mattress’s durability, resisting impressions more than many sleep surfaces. Additionally, the individually-pocketed coils are banded together in groups of four to bolster the mattress’s support.
The WinkBeds provides a lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial with the WinkBed Mattress.
Most Comfortable
The Puffy Lux Hybrid combines foam and pocketed coils in a thoughtful design that many sleepers will find comfortable and supportive. This mattress ranks as a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, which is within the range most people prefer. Back sleepers under 230 pounds are most likely to enjoy this mattress’ medium feel, while those who weigh more than 230 pounds may find it too soft.
The support core has a unique design that combines high-density polyfoam and pocketed coils to create a stable and responsive base. Between the core and comfort system rests a layer of transitional polyfoam that’s designed to reduce humidity. The comfort layer above is made from pressure-relieving polyfoam that cradles your body. The final layer of gel-infused memory foam feels cool to the touch and helps evenly disperse your weight. A stain-resistant cover protects against spills and dust.
Our in-house testing found that in addition to alleviating pressure points, the Lux Hybrid excels at isolating motion. The layers of foam within the comfort system absorb movement rather than transferring it across the mattress’ surface, a feature appreciated by those with a partner prone to tossing and turning.
You have 101 nights to try your Puffy Lux Hybrid and returns are free within this window. Shoppers who live in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free shipping. Puffy backs this model with a lifetime limited warranty.
Best for Pressure Relief
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Nolah produces three mattress-in-a-box models, and the Nolah Evolution 15 is the brand’s sole hybrid model. While the bed offers significant support, the plush foam layers also provide generous contouring to help relieve uncomfortable pressure points during sleep.
The Nolah Evolution 15 measures 15 inches thick and contains a thick Euro-top cover quilted with foam. Beneath is a comfort layer made of Nolah’s AirFoamICE polyfoam, which is engineered to draw heat away from the body while offering excellent pressure relief and comfort. A firmer polyfoam layer below prevents bodies from sinking too deep into the bed. Finally, an 8-inch pocketed coil system generates strong, zoned support to target areas of the body that need more reinforcement than others.
This Nolah model is offered in three firmness options, making it a good fit for all types of sleep positions, preferences, and weight categories. The firm (8) option is well-suited for stomach sleepers, who require flat, firm beds to achieve healthy sleep posture. The plush and luxury firm options, which feel medium (5) and medium firm (6) respectively, may cater more to side and back sleepers.
Nolah offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. and a 120-night sleep trial. After an initial 30 days, customers may return the bed for a full refund. The mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Best for Couples
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The GhostBed Flex is a hybrid mattress that both cushions and supports your body. Some mattresses with memory foam are too soft for sleepers over 230 pounds, which can make it feel like you’re sinking into the mattress, but the GhostBed Flex features a pocketed coil support core that gives the mattress a medium firm feel and substantial support beneath its memory foam comfort system. People who weigh over 230 pounds should find this mattress a comfortable choice, especially those who sleep on their sides.
Two layers of gel-infused memory foam offer close contouring and excellent pressure relief on the bed’s surface. One inch of polyfoam is stitched into the cover, which gives the surface an extra plush feel. A polyfoam transitional layer creates a barrier between the coil support core and comfort system, and the pocketed coil core has a reinforced perimeter, enhancing edge support.
The Flex also includes several cooling components, such as gel infusions in the foam and proprietary cooling fibers. These features help give the model above-average marks for temperature control. The hybrid construction has a responsive feel that’s a good fit for couples and those who prefer the feeling of sleeping “on” versus “in” their mattress.
GhostBed ships the Flex for free within the contiguous U.S. and includes a 101-night sleep trial that has a 30-day break-in requirement. A 25-year limited warranty protects against faulty workmanship and structural defects.
Best Cooling
Latex hybrids have proven popular with back sleepers, and for good reason. These mattresses tend to be quite supportive and responsive, allowing back sleepers to lie down without sinking too much in places around the midsection where people tend to carry a disproportionate amount of weight.
The Birch Mattress is a standout latex hybrid thanks in part to its eco-friendly design. Components include an organic cotton cover, natural wool batting, and a natural Talalay latex comfort layer certified by the Rainforest Alliance, an organization that recognizes sustainable growth and harvesting of rubber trees used to produce latex. These materials also offer natural cooling and breathability, which benefits hot sleepers and people who live in warm or humid parts of the world.
The support core contains robust pocketed coils laid out in a zoned configuration to reinforce the edges without compromising comfort for sleepers. Steady air currents through the coils also contribute to the bed’s excellent temperature regulation. Since the mattress has a medium firm (6) feel, it is best suited to back sleepers in the range of 130-230 pounds.
The Birch Mattress has a sticker price that’s in line with the average latex hybrid and shipping is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Two Eco-Rest Pillows are included with your purchase at no extra charge. Birch’s sleep trial spans 100 nights in length, and the manufacturer’s warranty covers structural defects in the mattress for up to 25 years.
Best Luxury
An ideal mattress for back sleepers is one that’s supportive enough to keep the spine aligned but soft enough to prevent pressure buildup. The Helix Dusk Luxe is a hybrid bed that hits these marks. The sophisticated design makes it an excellent fit for back sleepers who are looking for a strong balance of support and cushion.
With a medium firm (6) feel, the Helix Dusk Luxe features a six-layer construction measuring 14 inches thick. The bed begins with a layer of Helix Dynamic Foam, a proprietary polyfoam with a latex-like quality that is more responsive than memory foam. This is followed by a thick layer of memory foam that offers deep contouring, and then a transitional layer of polyfoam that prevents the body from sinking too deep. Beneath the foam layers is a support core of pocketed coils, and on top of the bed is a quilted pillow-top with a Tencel cover.
While the foam layers offer excellent contouring to help prevent painful pressure buildup, the use of firmer polyfoams enables this model to provide more support than some other foam beds might offer. The coil system is also zoned to provide enhanced lumbar support to the hips and additional cushion to the shoulders, with the intention of promoting proper sleep posture. If you tend to run hot during sleep, the Tencel cover is designed to increase breathability and the coil system enables air to flow through the interior.
The mattress ships free throughout the U.S. Helix provides a 100-night sleep trial, with full refunds issued to customers who try out the mattress for at least 30 days. The bed also comes with a 15-year warranty.
Best Motion Isolation
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The flippable Layla Hybrid is constructed with a sleep surface on both its top and bottom sides. Each surface has a distinct feel – one medium soft (4), the other firm (7) – and this dual-firmness design makes the mattress comfortable for a wider range of sleepers compared to a standard, single-surface mattress.
Each side contains a memory foam comfort layer and a polyfoam transitional layer. The foam layers are thicker on the medium soft surface to ensure a plusher feel, making it best suited to side sleepers – particularly those who weigh up to 230 pounds. The firm side contours less and feels more supportive, so back and stomach sleepers will likely prefer this surface instead. If one side doesn’t feel comfortable, side handles make it easy to flip over the mattress and change the firmness – though the Layla Hybrid is rather heavy and a lifting partner is recommended.
A shared support core of pocketed coils provides great stability for either side, especially around the edges where thicker coils protect against deep sinkage. Both memory foam layers are infused with copper to cool off the foam and prevent bothersome heat buildup. Copper also has natural antimicrobial properties to keep the mattress fresh and bacteria-free, but for added cleanliness the mattress cover can be removed and washed in any household machine.
The Layla Hybrid is competitively priced and shipping is free of charge for all contiguous U.S. orders. Your purchase will include a sleep trial that spans 120 nights and a warranty that protects against structural defects in the mattress for up to 10 years.
Back sleeping isn’t the most common sleep position in the United States, but it has some distinct benefits. When sleeping on your back, your body is naturally centered over your spine, which makes it easier to maintain proper spinal alignment. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that back sleeping may also reduce the risk of developing wrinkles or breakouts on your skin and can alleviate lower back pain for some sleepers.
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 who suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also notice increased symptoms when sleeping on their back, especially for sleepers with stomach fat that puts extra pressure on their stomachs. Additionally, pregnant women often find that sleeping on their backs can contribute to back pain due to the extra weight in their midsections.
Spinal alignment refers to how well the spine lines up to its natural shape. When you’re standing, proper spinal alignment is synonymous to good posture. In sleepers, a well-aligned spine is harder to spot, but it’s just as important. 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.
Back sleepers have an advantage when it comes to spinal alignment. A back sleeper’s body is already centered over their spine. So long as a mattress provides enough support to the shoulders and mid-section, preventing them from sinking to deepy, back sleepers should be able to maintain this healthy alignment.
Improper alignment can contribute to aches and pains. If a mattress does not balance contouring and support to help the sleeper maintain proper alignment through the night, their muscles may work overtime to try to improve the body’s alignment. Since these muscles can’t fully relax, the sleeper may awaken with more aches and pains.
If you’re not sure whether your mattress is giving you the right combination of contouring and support to promote good alignment, consider whether you are waking up with aches and pains. If you wake up with aches and pains that get better over the course of the day, your mattress may not be giving you the support and contouring you need. The right mattress can help you maintain proper spinal alignment effortlessly and awaken with fewer aches and pains.
A mattress’s firmness can affect how comfortable the mattress feels to an individual, how much contouring it provides, and how supportive it is. 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. Mattresses on either end of the spectrum are uncommon, with most models falling between 3 and 8. When you’re shopping for a mattress, paying attention to its firmness rating can give you a better idea of how it will feel to you.
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 do not require as much conforming as side sleepers.
Sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds do not 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-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.
Comfort preference is subjective, and it’s impossible to guess how a mattress will feel to an individual. However, understanding firmness ratings and which rating tends to work best for your weight group and sleep position can give you an excellent starting point to finding the ideal firmness for you.
Below, we’ll describe the major types of mattresses on the market and explain what they have to offer 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.
Definition: Hybrid models fuse components of two or more other mattress types. The comfort layer most often consists of memory foam, polyfoam, or latex, though it may also contain wool, microcoils, or other materials. A hybrid mattress’s support core uses coils, like a traditional innerspring mattress.
Highlight: A hybrid mattress’s comfort layer is generally engineered to conform to the sleeper’s body for pressure relief. The coil support core usually gives even support, which can help promote proper spinal alignment for back sleepers.
Definition: A substantial support core of coils serves as the main component of an innerspring mattress. Innerspring models may also have thin comfort layers. While these comfort layers may provide some cushioning, they usually are not substantial enough for contouring and pressure relief.
Highlight: 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.
Definition: 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. It 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.
Highlight: 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.
Definition: 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.
Highlight: 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.
Definition: Most foam mattresses are constructed of multiple foam layers, which usually include memory foam, polyfoam, or a combination of the two. Some foam mattresses may also include other materials, including latex, wool, and/or cotton. 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.
Highlight: 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 more may appreciate this close conforming.
Accessories can be the finishing touch to make your sleep surface more comfortable. The right accessories can help reduce discomfort and promote quality sleep. While you might upgrade your accessories when you purchase a new mattress, sleepers on a budget may replace them as a lower-cost alternative to replacing their mattress.
While the right mattress can keep most of the spine aligned, the sleeper’s pillow is responsible for continuing that alignment into the neck and head. Because sleepers rely on their pillow to support their necks and heads, 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. Back sleepers frequently benefit from a medium-loft pillow that supports 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 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. The University of Rochester Medical Center suggests that this may help relieve back pain by supporting the natural curvature of the back and reducing stress on the spine.
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.
Thickness varies between toppers. Thinner toppers can offer some cushioning, slightly adjusting the feel of the mattress. Thicker toppers modify the feel more significantly and can relieve pressure to a greater extent.
While mattress toppers can add some cushioning and contouring, they do not provide all the benefits of a new mattress. Most notably, they do not usually provide significant support. If a back sleeper’s hips are sinking in too deeply in their existing mattress, a mattress topper is unlikely to resolve the issue. A mattress topper also will not 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.
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.
Certified Sleep Coach
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
Physical Therapist
DPT
Dr. Iyo is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at an orthopedic clinic in Seattle. She specializes in hands-on therapy and tailored exercise programs.
Certified Sleep Coach
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
Physical Therapist
DPT
Dr. Iyo is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at an orthopedic clinic in Seattle. She specializes in hands-on therapy and tailored exercise programs.
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