Best Mattress for Back Pain

All four firmness options offer above-average motion isolation compared to other hybrids we’ve tested. The Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer models have polyfoam layers that significantly absorb vibrations, preventing motion from traveling across the surface. The Plus features latex, and does not isolate as much motion – though it still received high marks from our team. Although the coil core gives the mattress some bounce, the foam layers are substantial enough to dampen motion transfer.

Like with many hybrid models, the WinkBed’s strong contouring can help relieve painful pressure points. Using pressure-mapping sensors, we found the Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer versions of the mattress generously cradle your body and ease pressure off sensitive joints, thanks largely to the multiple foam layers. The Plus version uses polyfoam and latex layers, which offer gentle contouring as well.

The WinkBed’s Tencel cover wicks heat and moisture away from the sleeper’s body. In the Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer models, polyfoam infused with cooling gel helps to minimize heat retention. The Plus version uses latex, a naturally breathable material that resists heat buildup.The coil core also promotes significant air circulation. All of these components make the WinkBed one of the best cooling mattresses on the market.

While many hybrid models have sturdy edges, the WinkBed’s perimeter is exceptionally strong . Thanks to extra reinforcement along the edges, our testers noticed minimal compression when sitting along the edge. Most sleepers should feel secure enough to sleep or sit on the full surface of the mattress without worrying about rolling off.The edge of the Softer model may not seem quite as sturdy as the Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus versions, due to its plusher design.

The three softest versions of the WinkBed Mattress feature polyfoam comfort layers. Polyfoam is more responsive than memory foam, so the WinkBed won’t hug your body as closely as hybrid mattresses made with close-conforming memory foam. The result is strong ease of movement across the surface.The Plus model features a very responsive latex layer, so this option shines when it comes to ease of movement.

As a medium firm mattress with thick foam comfort layers, it’s no surprise that the Midnight Luxe tested very well for motion isolation. Our testers could barely feel any movement across the surface of the mattress when fellow testers rolled around on it.

All of the Helix Luxe models have thick foam comfort layers and conform fairly close to the body. Consequently, they’ve all performed well in our pressure mapping tests, with notably less pressure in the hips and shoulders than many hybrids. With it’s 6 out of 10 firmness, The Midnight Luxe in particular performs average among other Helix Luxe beds.

The Helix mattresses perform about average for hybrids when it comes to sleeping cool. Memory foam is well-known for its tendency to sleep hot, as it often traps and retains heat through the night, but the coil cores of these beds promote airflow to help balance out heat retention.

All Helix mattresses feature a reinforced perimeter, meaning the coils on the edges are thicker than the coils in the middle of the bed. When putting this to the test, we found significantly less sinkage on the edge than the middle while applying weight.

Helix Luxe mattresses tend to be somewhat responsive and bouncy, and all tested pretty well for ease of movement. The Midnight Luxe in particular had a middle-of-the-road performance in our tests, as the medium firm surface conforms a bit to the body, but doesn’t fully provide that ‘stuck’ feeling and inhibit motion.

During our hands-on evaluations, the DreamCloud provided impressive motion isolation. The layers of foam in the comfort system, including a top layer of memory foam, conform to the body and help prevent vibrations from spreading across the mattress surface. This makes the DreamCloud a good choice for anyone who shares their mattress with a partner.

Most of our testers appreciated how much pressure this mattress alleviated without feeling excessively soft or enveloping. Its ability to cushion the shoulders, lower back, and hips make it particularly appealing for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds.

We found that the DreamCloud Classic delivers above-average temperature control, especially for a mattress with two layers of adaptive foam. A cooling gel infusion in the top layer further reduces heat retention, and air flows easily through the coils for ventilation. Although not the coolest mattress on the market, the DreamCloud Classic offers enough temperature control that even hot sleepers can stay comfortable through the night.

Our testing found that edge support from the DreamCloud was solid. The coils are reinforced around the perimeter, making it easier to feel supported anywhere on the mattress surface. This results in minimal compression when you sleep close to the edges of the mattress or get in and out of bed.

We found sufficient ease of movement on the DreamCloud Classic, and there was not much resistance because of its bouncier support core. The memory foam in this mattress gently conforms around the heavier parts of the body. That can make it harder to move on the mattress surface, but our testers didn’t feel like they were stuck in place.

We found that the Saatva Rx excels at isolation movement and preventing motion transfer. The memory foam comfort layer helps absorb surface vibrations, while the microcoil layer is encased in high-density polyfoam to further isolate movement. In addition to wrapping the support core’s individual coils in fabric — a standard feature of most hybrid mattresses — Saatva includes 2-inch foam caps on top of each coil. This helps muffle vibrations when pressure is exerted on the coils.

Designed by Saatva specifically for those who need extra pressure relief, our testers reported that the Rx delivers on their claims. The memory foam lumbar pad promotes spinal alignment, which can reduce lower back strain.We found the medium soft (4) surface relieved the most pressure for side and back sleepers under 230 pounds. The mattress compressed too much for stomach sleepers over 130 pounds, putting pressure on the lower back.

The mattress’ temperature control is on par with most quality hybrids on the market, with a breathable cotton cover and wool flame barrier that help regulate surface temperature.The support core also has a number of temperature-regulating features. The Rx Foam Module has an open-cell structure that’s more ventilated than traditional polyfoam. It also contains graphite infusions and thermally conductive fibers designed for cooling.

Our testers sit and lie near the edges of a mattress to determine how sturdy its perimeter is.The Saatva Rx’s firmer coils along the perimeter keep the mattress from warping at the sides, so couples should be able to sleep comfortably near the edges of the mattress. That said, the mattress is pretty soft and some sinkage along the perimeter is to be expected.

A mattress that facilitates movement is helpful if you have joint or muscle pain. It’s also an advantage for sleepers who toss and turn at night.Our testers could easily move on the Saatva Rx despite its plush surface. Responsive microcoils prevent the comfort system from overly conforming to sleepers. Additionally, the strong pocketed coil core helps the mattress’ surface regain its shape more quickly.

The Bear Elite Hybrid shows considerable ability to prevent vibrations from traveling across the surface of the mattress. Its memory foam layer only reacts where weight is directly applied, which helps keep movement from causing ripple effects that spread to the other side of the bed.However, the bounce of the coils can cause some motion transfer, especially on the firm model that has a reduced amount of contouring.

The Bear Elite Hybrid offers excellent pressure relief that stems from its comfort system and the zoned, pocketed coils in its support core. In our testing, it was side and back sleepers who tended to get the best pressure relief and support. That said, stomach sleepers liked the firm (8) model that maintained a flat, stable surface with just enough cushioning for the midsection.

This mattress doesn’t feel overwhelmingly hot, but it also probably shouldn’t be the top choice for hot sleepers. The copper-infused foam makes it slightly cooler than some other memory foam mattresses, but heat can still collect in and around the foam. The risk of overheating is highest on the Luxury Plush model because it has the closest contouring around the skin, which may make it harder for heat around the body to dissipate during the night.

Reinforced edges in the support core help give this mattress a solid rating for edge support. While you’ll notice foam compression around the perimeter, it’s not so significant that you’ll feel like the mattress is giving out beneath you.Of the three different firmness options, edge support is clearly strongest in the firm (8) model and weakest in the one with a firmness level of medium (5).

When you need to switch your sleeping position or adjust your body’s alignment on the mattress, you generally won’t encounter much resistance. Sleepers over 230 pounds may find that there’s less ease of movement, especially on the softer models. But in most cases, the springiness from the thick layer of pocketed coils enables relatively easy movement on the surface of the Bear Elite Hybrid.

In our tests, the Sapira Chill Hybrid’s foam-heavy comfort system absorbed most motion with ease. Even when one tester shifted positions or got up, the other hardly noticed — especially on the medium and medium firm models. For couples, this mattress is a standout in motion isolation for a hybrid.

Pressure relief was a top-scoring category across the board. Our side sleepers noted significant cushioning in the hips and shoulders, and even our back sleepers experienced a nice balance of support and contouring. The plush top layers adapted closely without making us feel stuck.

Though it contains multiple foam layers, the Sapira Chill didn’t trap as much heat as we expected. The open-cell construction and airflow from the coil core helped maintain a neutral sleep temperature for most of our testers — particularly on the firmer options where we didn’t sink in as deeply.

We were impressed with how well the Sapira Chill held up around the edges. The reinforced perimeter coils gave us a stable feel when sitting or lying near the sides of the bed, which is especially helpful for co-sleepers or anyone who likes to spread out.

Movement on the Sapira Chill felt smooth, especially for a hybrid with four foam layers. While the softer model had a bit of a “sink-in” feel, the underlying coil support and responsive transition foam made it easy to shift positions or get in and out of bed on all three firmness levels.

The Plank Firm Luxe has lower ratings for motion isolation than most hybrid mattresses.Because of its firmness and bouncy coils, the Plank Firm Luxe has limited ability to absorb motion that happens when there’s movement on another part of the mattress. With less cushioning, the extra firm (9) side tends to permit more motion transfer.Couples who are worried about sleep disruptions from movement may prefer a mattress with foam materials that better absorb vibrations.

A lack of pressure relief is one of the main drawbacks of the Plank Firm Luxe Mattress. The firm (7) side has limited ability to cradle the joints, and the extra firm (9) side offers even less cushioning.That said, this mattress isn’t built to hug sleepers and provide a cloud-like feel. Instead, it is meant precisely for people who need or prefer a harder sleep surface. Based on our testing, the mattress appeals most to back and stomach sleepers.

We found that the Plank Firm Luxe offers above-average temperature control. None of our testers complained about overheating, especially when using the extra firm (9) side. Since sleepers don’t sink into the mattress, there’s plenty of room for airflow around the skin, which helps the body naturally regulate its temperature.For hot sleepers who want extra cooling features, the optional cooling cover can make it even easier to avoid waking up in a sweat.

Because of its firmness, the Plank Firm Luxe has excellent edge support. The extra firm (9) side of the mattress is particularly supportive around the perimeter, but both sides allow you to comfortably sit or sleep near the edge of the bed. Strong edge support also makes getting in and out of bed easier.

Our testers had very few problems when they wanted to move around on the surface of the Plank Firm Luxe. The firmness level means that you don’t sink into the mattress, so there’s little resistance when you want to adjust your body’s positioning. The bounce of the coils also contributes to the high marks for ease of movement for the Plank Firm Luxe.

Thanks to its thick polyfoam layers, the Nolah Evolution 15 Hybrid absorbs enough movement to prevent most sleep disruptions. However, there is still some motion transfer because of the bounciness of the coils. You can expect the most motion transfer on the firm (8) model and the least on the plush (5) option. Across the board, though, our testers noticed only light motion transfer across all three firmness levels.

The combination of zoned coils and multiple polyfoam layers, including zoned AirFoam, enable the Nolah Evolution Hybrid to cushion pain points and provide above-average pressure relief. Choosing the right firmness option can optimize pressure relief. While individual preferences vary, a plush (5) or luxury firm (6) model works best for most side sleepers under 230 pounds, while the luxury firm (6) or firm (8) are better suited to the majority of back and stomach sleepers.

Like many hybrids, the Nolah Evolution 15 excels at temperature regulation. Cooling fibers in the cover are engineered to draw heat away from the body, and the aerated polyfoam layers help reduce heat retention. The coil layer also promotes steady ventilation.In our testing, all three models resisted heat retention. That said, compared to the firm (8) model, the plush (5) and luxury firm (6) permit more sink and allow slightly less cooling airflow around the skin.

The sturdy 8-inch coils gives the Nolah Evolution Hybrid a reliable level of edge support. While there can be some sink from the foam layers, resilient polyfoam prevents instability around the perimeter of the bed.Edge support does vary based on the firmness level. Our team noticed a reduction in edge support between the firm (8) and the luxury firm (6) and plush (5) models. Even on the softer models, though, you get solid edge support from this mattress.

The Nolah Evolution 15’s foam layers don’t sink or hug excessively, and the bounce of the coils facilitates movement on the surface. This makes this mattress a solid fit for combination sleepers or anyone who hates feeling stuck in place when lying in bed. With its softer surface, the plush (5) model restricts movement a bit more than the other two. The firm (8) model provided standout ease of movement to all of our sleepers.

The Layla Hybrid has better motion isolation than the average hybrid mattress, especially on the soft side. Since the mattress uses memory foam in the comfort system, it absorbs movements and prevents them from transferring across the bed. The coils in the support core are pocketed, meaning they respond individually to pressure and minimize motion transfer. The firm side still isolates motion well since it incorporates memory foam in its comfort system.

A thicker memory foam layer on the Layla Hybrid’s soft side conforms closely to the body and cushions pressure points at the shoulders, back, and hips. This is especially helpful for side sleepers and sleepers under 130 pounds.The firm side is better for back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more. This side gently contours to the body but has less foam padding and provides more support. This side is likely too firm to reduce pressure for sleepers under 130 pounds.

The Layla Hybrid doesn’t sleep as hot as other memory foam hybrids, but how cool it feels depends on which side you’re using. Both sides incorporate copper-infused memory foam that draws heat away from the body. The coils add airflow and dissipate heat. The soft side of the mattress conforms more closely and can restrict airflow around the body. The firm side of the Layla Hybrid allows more air to circulate more easily around the body. Hot sleepers should prefer this side.

The Layla Hybrid has lower gauge coils around the perimeter to bolster the edges of the bed. Having sturdy edge support increases the usable surface area of the mattress. Sleepers should feel supported sleeping near the edge of the bed. Those who often sit near the edge of the bed and those who need additional assistance getting in and out of bed will also notice the robust edge support of the mattress.

The soft side of the mattress has thicker memory foam and softer polyfoam, so it returns to its original shape more slowly when pressure is removed. This can inhibit movement to a certain extent, but it also provides traction.The firm side of the mattress has more bounce, so sleepers will find it easier to change positions. This side is less conforming so it does not restrict movement. This is beneficial for couples and combination sleepers.

The Birch Natural Mattress definitely has more bounce than contouring, which in our testing lab meant more motion transfer. Vibrations from movement on one part of the bed could be felt at least lightly on other parts of the bed. For most couples, a little motion transfer doesn’t create significant problems. But if you’re easily awoken during the night, you may encounter more sleep disruptions from your bed partner’s movement when sleeping on the Birch Natural Mattress

The Birch Natural Mattress offers effective pressure relief for many sleepers, but it may not be the top option for people who want deep contouring around their body.The wool and latex layers of the Birch Natural Mattress lightly cradle the joints and heavier parts of your body, but these materials do not hug you closely. In most cases, the cushioning from the latex is enough to relieve pressure, but it may be lacking in this category for people with very sharp pressure points.

We found that the Birch Natural Mattress offers excellent temperature control. It has several components that promote cooling and temperature neutrality. Wool and cotton are highly breathable to wick away moisture and dissipate heat. Latex does not heat up the way foam does, and the coil support core promotes plenty of ventilation.The responsiveness of the mattress also keeps you from sinking in too far. As a result, airflow can reach your skin and help cool you down.

The Birch Natural Mattress offers solid edge support that comes from the bounciness of its materials and its thick layer of pocketed coils. The coils are reinforced around the perimeter to give the mattress a more stable feel when sitting or lying down near the edge.

The Birch Natural Mattress keeps you from feeling stuck in one position. Our testers observed that, thanks to its responsive materials like latex and coils, you can easily adjust your sleeping position, roll over, or get up out of bed.The ease of movement on the Birch Natural Mattress makes it a good fit for combination sleepers and anyone else who prefers to feel like they are sleeping on top of the bed rather than “in” the bed.