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Back Science Series 2 Mattress Review
A hybrid model designed to promote spinal alignment for combination sleepers.
A top of the line hybrid mattress with a firm feel. This bed is full of bells and whistles, including extra-reinforced edges, a zoned core for targeted support, and ventilated materials for enhanced temperature regulation.
- Two types of edge reinforcement extend the usable surface
- Zoned for enhanced lumbar support
- Incorporates ventilated materials designed to dissipate heat
- 365-night trial policy with optional mattress customization
- Generous comfort system may slightly impede movement
- Higher-than-average price-point
- May be too firm for stomach sleepers under 130 pounds and too soft for some over 230 pounds
Back Science is a sleep product company that aims to relieve back pain by promoting good overnight posture. Its product line includes pillows, bedding, bases, and three mattress models. The Back Science Series 2 Mattress is a firm (7) hybrid option that falls toward the middle of the pack in terms of firmness, depth, and price.
The company’s firmest model, the Series 1, is a 10-inch all-foam model intended primarily for back sleepers. Because it uses the least material, it is the most affordable option in the line. The Series 3, Back Science’s plushest model, is a 14-inch hybrid designed for side sleepers. Because of its high profile, it carries the steepest price tag. At 12 inches thick with a firm (7) feel, the Series 2 is a balanced option built with combination sleepers in mind.
We’ll break down how the Back Science Series 2 Mattress performed during our in-house testing. Additionally, we’ll share its construction, pricing, and policies to help you decide if it’s right for you.
SMART MATCHING
Is the Back Science Series 2 Right for You?
Use the filters below to see how well the Back Science Series 2 lines up with your unique needs. We'll also give you a couple other recommendations based on your answers.
TEST LAB RATINGS
How the Back Science Series 2 Scored
Motion Isolation8.0/10
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress isolates motion quite well, which is common among similar hybrid models. Four layers of polyfoam totaling 6 inches top the mattress, absorbing many surface vibrations before they reach the coil core. Movement that reaches the spring system also doesn’t spread too much since the coils are pocketed and move independently of each other.
When we dropped a kettlebell on one side of the bed, our vibration sensor detected minimal motion on the opposite side. Our team members also reported that they felt only some movement when a testing partner moved around on the surface.
Brad Nehring, Product Testing Manager: Motion isolation is above-average for the Back Science Series 2. There’s some motion transfer, but the foam layers should isolate movement enough to prevent couples from waking each other up.
Pressure Relief7.0/10
For a firm (7) mattress, the Back Science Series 2 Mattress relieves pressure well. This is largely thanks to the generous polyfoam layers, which add 6 inches of cradling and conforming to the surface. Since the coils can also compress independently of each other, the core further lends to the notable contouring.
We mapped pressure when our testers lay on the mattress and noticed that the surface spread out their body weight fairly well, particularly for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. Team members also did not report noticing any sharp pressure points.
Jeremy Klein, Product Testing Manager: Pressure relief is one of the Series 2’s defining strengths as a mattress. Deep cushioning from the foam layers, zoned lumbar support, and robust coil reinforcement all help ensure you’ll experience minimal pain and pressure buildup.
Temperature Control7.5/10
Like many of the best cooling mattresses, the Back Science Series 2 incorporates technology designed for temperature regulation. This includes a breathable cover, vented polyfoam to allow airflow, and gel infusions designed to limit heat retention. Air circulation through the coil core also adds to the temperature control.
Our temperature readings showed that the Back Science Series 2 Mattress maintains a relatively neutral temperature. While some warmth lingered on the surface once we removed a heat source, it dissipated quickly. Team members, including those who sleep hot, also said they stayed at a comfortable temperature on the mattress.
Logan Foley, Executive Product Director: One thing that really impressed me about the Series 2 is its ability to stay cool. A lot of foam hybrids we’ve tested retain at least some heat, but I never felt any warmth lying on the mattress — this is the best of both worlds if you’re looking for a bed that cushions your body and maintains a comfortable temperature.
Edge Support8.5/10
Hybrids often have exceptional edge support, and the Back Science Series 2 Mattress follows suit. Many hybrid designs use either reinforced coils or a foam edge encasement to fortify the perimeter, but the Back Science Series 2 Mattress incorporates both.
In our tests, team members comfortably used the full mattress surface, including sitting and sleeping along the perimeter. This not only made the bed feel bigger to them, but it also simplified getting into and out of bed.
Logan Foley, Executive Product Director: The Series 2’s reinforced perimeter delivers strong edge support. Most of our testers felt little to no sinkage when getting on and off the mattress.
Ease of Movement6.5/10
While the Back Science Series 2 Mattress is fairly easy to change positions on, it doesn’t facilitate motion to the same extent as many firm (7) hybrid models. This is largely due to the four layers of polyfoam on the surface of the mattress. These layers don’t hold a lasting body impression or significantly restrict movement, but they do dampen the responsiveness of the coil core.
None of our testers struggled to move across the surface, but they noted that it took a bit more effort than they’d usually expect from this type of mattress. We don’t anticipate most sleepers will experience any difficulty, but some with mobility issues may find position changes slightly more challenging.
Brad Nehring, Product Testing Manager: The Series 2’s foam layers do hamper movement a bit, especially when you change sleep positions, but there’s enough pushback from the coils to prevent excessive sink. Most people who weigh 230 pounds or less should be able to move across the mattress with relative ease.
HANDS-ON TESTING
Testing Team Takeaways
To test the Back Science Series 2 Mattress, we had three people on our testing team each take the bed home with them for one week. Here are their initial observations.
Brad Nehring
Product Testing Manager · Back sleeper · 215 lbs
Back sleeper · 215 lbs
As someone who experiences back pain from time to time, I am a big fan of the Series 2. That extra padding for my lower back and hips really helps this mattress go the extra mile.
Jeremy Klein
Product Testing Manager · Side sleeper · 160 lbs
Side sleeper · 160 lbs
Normally I prefer a softer mattress, but the Series 2 pulls off that tricky feat of providing heavy-duty support without feeling too stiff or rigid on the surface. I can see this bed being a major asset for anyone who deals with frequent aches and pains.
Logan Foley
Executive Product Director · Side sleeper · 140 lbs
Side sleeper · 140 lbs
The Back Science Series 2 feels tailor-made for people with back pain. There’s plenty of support beneath the lumbar region and hips, and great reinforcement from the coils.
Who it Fits
Fit by Sleep Position and Body Weight
Sizes, dimensions and weights
Side Sleepers
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress’ combination of cradling and support is a great match for side sleeping. It incorporates two polyfoam comfort layers totaling 3 inches thick to conform to and cushion a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders. These are the regions most prone to pressure-related discomfort. Next, two polyfoam transition layers add another 3 inches of contouring to redistribute the sleeper’s weight. A polyfoam lumbar pad sandwiched between the transition layers also helps lift the hips to keep a side sleeper’s spine in a more neutral position.
Our testers noted that the Back Science Series 2 Mattress had a balanced feel. It earned the highest marks from team members between 130 and 230 pounds, who appreciated the contouring and support of the firm (7) surface. Lighter and heavier testers also reported resting comfortably on their sides. However, some team members under 130 pounds would have preferred a plusher feel to sink in more deeply, and a few testers over 230 pounds felt they’d benefit from firmer support.
Back Sleepers
With its firm (7) feel and reinforced lumbar region, the Back Science Series 2 Mattress is a good match for most back sleepers. The two polyfoam comfort layers and two polyfoam transition layers mold to the back to ease pressure and promote good posture. Meanwhile, the lumbar reinforcement helps prevent the hips from sagging, which could otherwise drag a back sleeper’s spine out of alignment.
Regardless of their body type, our testers reported that the Back Science Series 2 Mattress was comfortable for back sleeping. It was the biggest hit with our back sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. Some team members under 130 pounds thought it would be better if it were slightly softer, whereas those over 230 pounds would have preferred if the surface were a bit firmer.
Stomach Sleepers
While the Back Science Series 2 Mattress accommodates stomach sleeping, it may not be optimal for those who sleep exclusively in the position. Its lumbar reinforcement helps limit midsection sinkage that could strain the lower back of a stomach sleeper, but some individuals may find the firm (7) feel too firm or too soft depending on their body type.
Our team members between 130 pounds and 230 pounds felt reasonably well supported when lying on their stomachs, making the Back Science Series 2 Mattress a strong option for combination sleepers in this weight group. However, some testers under 130 pounds reported that the surface felt too hard against the front of their bodies, and most over 230 pounds thought the mattress didn’t keep their spines on an even plane.
Construction
Inside the Back Science Series 2
Cover
Stretch-Knit Bamboo-Derived Cover
3″ Comfort Layer
1" Flex-Comfort Hypergel-Infused Polyfoam, 2" PostureFlex Hypergel-Infused Polyfoam,
1″ Transition Layer
1" HD-Flex Polyfoam
8″ Support Core
Lumbar-Flex Zoning Layer, 2" HD-Flex Transitional Support Polyfoam, 6" DuraFlex Pocketed Coils (Reinforced)
Other Mattresses You Might Like
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Helix Midnight
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WinkBed
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The Company Store Mattress
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Buying It
Trial, Warranty, and Delivery
365 Night
Sleep Trial (21 night break in)
30 Year
Warranty (Free replacement 10 yr)
Free
Ground shipping (contiguous US)
$99
White glove delivery (optional)
Availability
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress is available through the official Back Science website. Orders through the website ship within the contiguous United States. Back Science also ships to select locations outside of the contiguous U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, which customers can learn more about by phone.
In addition, Back Science mattresses are available in person at the Ultrabed showroom in Agoura Hills, California.
Shipping
Back Science ships the Series 2 Mattress for free within the contiguous U.S. Shipping may be available to other destinations for a fee.
While many online mattress retailers compress and roll their mattresses, Back Science ships its models flat. Each mattress is wrapped in plastic, placed in a sturdy box, and delivered via special carrier or freight. The mattress arrives via curbside delivery, so the customer is responsible for moving it in and setting it up.
Most mattresses are produced after the order is placed, which usually takes two to three weeks. One or two days later, the mattress generally leaves the manufacturing facility, arriving at the customer’s home around one week after its departure.
Additional Services
White Glove delivery is available for a $99 fee. This fee includes mattress delivery and setup.
Sleep Trial
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial. Back Science asks that you try the mattress for at least 21 nights to adjust. If during the remainder of the trial period you decide to return the mattress in its original condition, you can receive a refund of the purchase price minus shipping costs. Returns require a return merchandise authorization and must be received before the end of the trial period.
Alternatively, Back Science offers free modifications to adjust the firmness or lumbar support. This can often be accomplished at home by unzipping the cover and adjusting the layering. If necessary, the company may send a complimentary replacement layer.
Warranty
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress comes with a partially prorated 30-year limited warranty.
During the first 10 years, Back Science offers to repair or replace a defective mattress at no cost beyond shipping and handling. After that, customers will incur a prorated charge in addition to shipping and handling expenses.
Eligible defects include visible indentations over .75 inches deep. Damage sustained after delivery is not covered.
Brad is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Washington University. As someone who has lived with sleep problems throughout his adult life, Brad is passionate about helping others get the rest they need. He’s professionally tested and reviewed sleep products for nearly a decade.