The 11 Best Mattresses for Back Pain We Tested Can Improve Your Quality of Sleep

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Bronwyn Barnes

People / Bronwyn Barnes

Finding a mattress for back pain is like finding a soulmate. You need one that will support and comfort you without causing pain. Factors like mattress type and sleep position can affect your quality of sleep and pain level, so you should “read your body” beforechoosing a mattressto determine what will work best for you.Dr. Alopi Patel, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, recommends trying out a mattress “many times if you can" — and our team did just that. Our testers slept on top-rated mattresses for two to four weeks to see which ones consistently provided the best sleep and lessened any pain upon waking. Around half held up to our testing standards, providing good support, comfort, and sleep quality.From stomach sleepers to back sleepers, we found winning picks from Saatva, Serta, Casper, and more. Read on for the best mattresses for back pain that get our PEOPLE stamp of approval.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress at Saatva$3,295Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Allswell Hybrid Mattress in a Box at Walmart$284Jump to ReviewBest for Side Sleepers:SALEHelix Midnight Luxe Mattress at Amazon$2,374$1,780Jump to ReviewBest Firm:Bear Original Mattress at Bear$699Jump to ReviewBest Memory Foam:Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress at Saatva$1,795Jump to ReviewBest Hybrid:SALESweetNight Twilight Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$441$348Jump to ReviewBest Mattress in a Box:SALENolah Evolution Mattress at Nolahmattress.com$1,899$1,425Jump to ReviewBest for Stomach Sleepers:Saatva Classic Mattress at Saatva$2,095Jump to ReviewBest for Back Sleepers:Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$1,399Jump to ReviewBest Supportive:Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$2,196Jump to Review

Finding a mattress for back pain is like finding a soulmate. You need one that will support and comfort you without causing pain. Factors like mattress type and sleep position can affect your quality of sleep and pain level, so you should “read your body” beforechoosing a mattressto determine what will work best for you.

Dr. Alopi Patel, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, recommends trying out a mattress “many times if you can" — and our team did just that. Our testers slept on top-rated mattresses for two to four weeks to see which ones consistently provided the best sleep and lessened any pain upon waking. Around half held up to our testing standards, providing good support, comfort, and sleep quality.

From stomach sleepers to back sleepers, we found winning picks from Saatva, Serta, Casper, and more. Read on for the best mattresses for back pain that get our PEOPLE stamp of approval.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress at Saatva$3,295Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Allswell Hybrid Mattress in a Box at Walmart$284Jump to ReviewBest for Side Sleepers:SALEHelix Midnight Luxe Mattress at Amazon$2,374$1,780Jump to ReviewBest Firm:Bear Original Mattress at Bear$699Jump to ReviewBest Memory Foam:Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress at Saatva$1,795Jump to ReviewBest Hybrid:SALESweetNight Twilight Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$441$348Jump to ReviewBest Mattress in a Box:SALENolah Evolution Mattress at Nolahmattress.com$1,899$1,425Jump to ReviewBest for Stomach Sleepers:Saatva Classic Mattress at Saatva$2,095Jump to ReviewBest for Back Sleepers:Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$1,399Jump to ReviewBest Supportive:Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$2,196Jump to Review

Best Overall:Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress at Saatva$3,295Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Allswell Hybrid Mattress in a Box at Walmart$284Jump to ReviewBest for Side Sleepers:SALEHelix Midnight Luxe Mattress at Amazon$2,374$1,780Jump to ReviewBest Firm:Bear Original Mattress at Bear$699Jump to ReviewBest Memory Foam:Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress at Saatva$1,795Jump to ReviewBest Hybrid:SALESweetNight Twilight Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$441$348Jump to ReviewBest Mattress in a Box:SALENolah Evolution Mattress at Nolahmattress.com$1,899$1,425Jump to ReviewBest for Stomach Sleepers:Saatva Classic Mattress at Saatva$2,095Jump to ReviewBest for Back Sleepers:Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$1,399Jump to ReviewBest Supportive:Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$2,196Jump to Review

Best Overall:Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress at Saatva$3,295Jump to Review

Best Overall:Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress at Saatva$3,295

Best Overall:

Best Budget:Allswell Hybrid Mattress in a Box at Walmart$284Jump to Review

Best Budget:Allswell Hybrid Mattress in a Box at Walmart$284

Best Budget:

Best for Side Sleepers:SALEHelix Midnight Luxe Mattress at Amazon$2,374$1,780Jump to Review

Best for Side Sleepers:SALEHelix Midnight Luxe Mattress at Amazon$2,374$1,780

Best for Side Sleepers:

SALE

Best Firm:Bear Original Mattress at Bear$699Jump to Review

Best Firm:Bear Original Mattress at Bear$699

Best Firm:

Best Memory Foam:Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress at Saatva$1,795Jump to Review

Best Memory Foam:Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress at Saatva$1,795

Best Memory Foam:

Best Hybrid:SALESweetNight Twilight Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$441$348Jump to Review

Best Hybrid:SALESweetNight Twilight Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$441$348

Best Hybrid:

Best Mattress in a Box:SALENolah Evolution Mattress at Nolahmattress.com$1,899$1,425Jump to Review

Best Mattress in a Box:SALENolah Evolution Mattress at Nolahmattress.com$1,899$1,425

Best Mattress in a Box:

Best for Stomach Sleepers:Saatva Classic Mattress at Saatva$2,095Jump to Review

Best for Stomach Sleepers:Saatva Classic Mattress at Saatva$2,095

Best for Stomach Sleepers:

Best for Back Sleepers:Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$1,399Jump to Review

Best for Back Sleepers:Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$1,399

Best for Back Sleepers:

Best Supportive:Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$2,196Jump to Review

Best Supportive:Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress at Amazon$2,196

Best Supportive:

Best OverallSaatva Zenhaven Latex MattressPHOTO: Saatva$3,295 at SaatvaStar QualitiesComfortable enough to prevent tossing and turningHas luxury plush side and gentle firm sideSupportive for all sleeping positionsContinually provided pain-free sleepRed FlagsNo box spring, so may feel low to the groundHad a faint smell when installedWe found our soulmate in the Saatva Zenhaven Mattress: It’s incredibly comfortable, versatile, and supportive. The mattress arrived ready to go (not rolled up or compressed into a box), and though it had a faint smell when the plastic was removed, the scent dissipated after a few minutes. Our tester has a platform bed, so they noticed the mattress felt a little low to the ground since it doesn’t come with a box spring or foundation. (If you have astandard bed frame, this shouldn’t be an issue.)We gave this mattress a perfect score for comfort after two weeks, and our tester shared that it was one of the most comfortable mattresses they’d ever slept on. We also appreciated its versatility — because it’s dual-sided with one side leaning soft and one leaning firm, you can customize the level of support and comfort. We slept on the plush side for the first two weeks and the firm side for the next two weeks. The firm side was more comfortable when sleeping on our backs, while the plush side was better for side and stomach sleeping.Firmness:One side luxury plush, one side gentle firm |Filling Material:Organic natural latex |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king |Best for:Stomach, back, side sleepers |Return Policy:365-night sleep trialPeople / Bronwyn Barnes

Best OverallSaatva Zenhaven Latex MattressPHOTO: Saatva$3,295 at Saatva

Best OverallSaatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress

Best Overall

Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress

PHOTO: Saatva

$3,295 at Saatva

Star QualitiesComfortable enough to prevent tossing and turningHas luxury plush side and gentle firm sideSupportive for all sleeping positionsContinually provided pain-free sleepRed FlagsNo box spring, so may feel low to the groundHad a faint smell when installed

Star QualitiesComfortable enough to prevent tossing and turningHas luxury plush side and gentle firm sideSupportive for all sleeping positionsContinually provided pain-free sleep

Comfortable enough to prevent tossing and turning

Has luxury plush side and gentle firm side

Supportive for all sleeping positions

Continually provided pain-free sleep

Red FlagsNo box spring, so may feel low to the groundHad a faint smell when installed

No box spring, so may feel low to the ground

Had a faint smell when installed

We found our soulmate in the Saatva Zenhaven Mattress: It’s incredibly comfortable, versatile, and supportive. The mattress arrived ready to go (not rolled up or compressed into a box), and though it had a faint smell when the plastic was removed, the scent dissipated after a few minutes. Our tester has a platform bed, so they noticed the mattress felt a little low to the ground since it doesn’t come with a box spring or foundation. (If you have astandard bed frame, this shouldn’t be an issue.)

We gave this mattress a perfect score for comfort after two weeks, and our tester shared that it was one of the most comfortable mattresses they’d ever slept on. We also appreciated its versatility — because it’s dual-sided with one side leaning soft and one leaning firm, you can customize the level of support and comfort. We slept on the plush side for the first two weeks and the firm side for the next two weeks. The firm side was more comfortable when sleeping on our backs, while the plush side was better for side and stomach sleeping.

Firmness:One side luxury plush, one side gentle firm |Filling Material:Organic natural latex |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king |Best for:Stomach, back, side sleepers |Return Policy:365-night sleep trial

Best BudgetAllswell Hybrid Mattress in a BoxPHOTO: Walmart$284 at WalmartStar QualitiesNice balance between firmness and softnessEvenly supports whole bodyEasy and quick unboxingRed FlagsMemory foam doesn’t hold shapeDoesn’t regulate temperature very wellWe love this mattress from Allswell because it’s comfortable, supportive, and still reasonably priced at under $500. We liked the medium-firm feel, which has a plush comfort while providing support — a must for those struggling with back pain. This mattress supports your whole body evenly, which helps to alleviate pain and prevent it in the first place. Our tester continued to notice some discomfort in their lower back; however, they did note that their energy during the day improved, and any pain they felt upon waking dissipated after a few minutes of stretching.If you prefer a traditional memory foam feel, this mattress may not be the right fit. When you place your hand on the memory foam surface, the indentation springs right back into place as opposed to holding shape for a few moments. You should also consider a different mattress if you sleep hot — although the product page claims this one is made with cooling technology, our tester said you can’t tell the difference once sheets are placed on it.Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Gel-infused memory foam |Sizes:Twin, full, queen, king, California king |Best for:Side sleepers, combo sleepers |Return Policy:Free 90-day returnsPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

Best BudgetAllswell Hybrid Mattress in a BoxPHOTO: Walmart$284 at Walmart

Best BudgetAllswell Hybrid Mattress in a Box

Best Budget

Allswell Hybrid Mattress in a Box

PHOTO: Walmart

$284 at Walmart

Star QualitiesNice balance between firmness and softnessEvenly supports whole bodyEasy and quick unboxingRed FlagsMemory foam doesn’t hold shapeDoesn’t regulate temperature very well

Star QualitiesNice balance between firmness and softnessEvenly supports whole bodyEasy and quick unboxing

Nice balance between firmness and softness

Evenly supports whole body

Easy and quick unboxing

Red FlagsMemory foam doesn’t hold shapeDoesn’t regulate temperature very well

Memory foam doesn’t hold shape

Doesn’t regulate temperature very well

We love this mattress from Allswell because it’s comfortable, supportive, and still reasonably priced at under $500. We liked the medium-firm feel, which has a plush comfort while providing support — a must for those struggling with back pain. This mattress supports your whole body evenly, which helps to alleviate pain and prevent it in the first place. Our tester continued to notice some discomfort in their lower back; however, they did note that their energy during the day improved, and any pain they felt upon waking dissipated after a few minutes of stretching.

If you prefer a traditional memory foam feel, this mattress may not be the right fit. When you place your hand on the memory foam surface, the indentation springs right back into place as opposed to holding shape for a few moments. You should also consider a different mattress if you sleep hot — although the product page claims this one is made with cooling technology, our tester said you can’t tell the difference once sheets are placed on it.

Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Gel-infused memory foam |Sizes:Twin, full, queen, king, California king |Best for:Side sleepers, combo sleepers |Return Policy:Free 90-day returns

PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

Best for Side SleepersHelix Midnight Luxe MattressPHOTO: Helix$2,374$1,780 at Amazon$1,030 at Wayfair$1,374 at HelixStar QualitiesHas a plush feel; feels like you’re sleeping on a cloudBlends firm and soft support wellSleep quality has vastly improved; less tossing and turningRed FlagsOn the pricier sideYou may have been told that you need a super firm mattress if you suffer from chronic pain. But if you like a more plush feel, this one truly gives you the best of both worlds. We appreciated that it expanded quickly after taking it out of the packaging and were immediately taken with how luxurious it felt. This mattress reminded us of one you’d find at a luxury resort: super plush but a perfect balance between soft and firm.Our tester reported drastically improved sleep quality, and that they truly felt like they were sinking into sleep each night. It supports your body regardless of sleeping position, and it comes with two free pillows, which provide great neck support. As a matter of fact, our tester reported that most mornings they woke up in the same position they fell asleep in — no tossing and turning whatsoever. This mattress is certainly pricier than others on this list, but the quality and comfort are worth it if you’re willing to invest.Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Coils, pillow top, hypoallergenic cooling cover |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Best for:Side sleepers |Return Policy:100-night sleep trial

Best for Side SleepersHelix Midnight Luxe MattressPHOTO: Helix$2,374$1,780 at Amazon$1,030 at Wayfair$1,374 at Helix

Best for Side SleepersHelix Midnight Luxe Mattress

Best for Side Sleepers

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

PHOTO: Helix

$2,374$1,780 at Amazon$1,030 at Wayfair$1,374 at Helix

Star QualitiesHas a plush feel; feels like you’re sleeping on a cloudBlends firm and soft support wellSleep quality has vastly improved; less tossing and turningRed FlagsOn the pricier side

Star QualitiesHas a plush feel; feels like you’re sleeping on a cloudBlends firm and soft support wellSleep quality has vastly improved; less tossing and turning

Has a plush feel; feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud

Blends firm and soft support well

Sleep quality has vastly improved; less tossing and turning

Red FlagsOn the pricier side

On the pricier side

You may have been told that you need a super firm mattress if you suffer from chronic pain. But if you like a more plush feel, this one truly gives you the best of both worlds. We appreciated that it expanded quickly after taking it out of the packaging and were immediately taken with how luxurious it felt. This mattress reminded us of one you’d find at a luxury resort: super plush but a perfect balance between soft and firm.

Our tester reported drastically improved sleep quality, and that they truly felt like they were sinking into sleep each night. It supports your body regardless of sleeping position, and it comes with two free pillows, which provide great neck support. As a matter of fact, our tester reported that most mornings they woke up in the same position they fell asleep in — no tossing and turning whatsoever. This mattress is certainly pricier than others on this list, but the quality and comfort are worth it if you’re willing to invest.

Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Coils, pillow top, hypoallergenic cooling cover |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Best for:Side sleepers |Return Policy:100-night sleep trial

Best FirmBear Original MattressPHOTO: Bed Bath & Beyond$699 at BearStar QualitiesHad fewer middle-of-the-night wakeupsReduced soreness and joint painWon’t rip or fray even if you let pets in the bedRed FlagsHas a light plastic smell upon openingWhen a mattress gets perfect scores in every category, you know it’s worth the hype. This mattress dazzled us with its ease of setup, immense comfort, and reduction of back pain after just a few weeks of sleeping on it. The mattress expanded within an hour after installation and only had a faint plastic smell (which faded shortly).Our tester has suffered from back pain for a long time, and this mattress offered a welcome change in comfort. Thanks to the way it hugs your body and moves with your movements, our tester reported less waking up in the middle of the night and less pain during the day. Even after a day of intense activity, they still woke up in the morning pain-free.Comfort aside, we love how durable the material is — our tester sleeps with their pets in the bed and noted how well the material held up against their sharp claws.Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Cooling gel memory foam, Bear original foam |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king |Best for:Side and back sleepers |Return Policy:120-night sleep trialPHOTO: People / Jennifer MayPHOTO: People / Jennifer May

Best FirmBear Original MattressPHOTO: Bed Bath & Beyond$699 at Bear

Best FirmBear Original Mattress

Best Firm

Bear Original Mattress

PHOTO: Bed Bath & Beyond

$699 at Bear

Star QualitiesHad fewer middle-of-the-night wakeupsReduced soreness and joint painWon’t rip or fray even if you let pets in the bedRed FlagsHas a light plastic smell upon opening

Star QualitiesHad fewer middle-of-the-night wakeupsReduced soreness and joint painWon’t rip or fray even if you let pets in the bed

Had fewer middle-of-the-night wakeups

Reduced soreness and joint pain

Won’t rip or fray even if you let pets in the bed

Red FlagsHas a light plastic smell upon opening

Has a light plastic smell upon opening

When a mattress gets perfect scores in every category, you know it’s worth the hype. This mattress dazzled us with its ease of setup, immense comfort, and reduction of back pain after just a few weeks of sleeping on it. The mattress expanded within an hour after installation and only had a faint plastic smell (which faded shortly).

Our tester has suffered from back pain for a long time, and this mattress offered a welcome change in comfort. Thanks to the way it hugs your body and moves with your movements, our tester reported less waking up in the middle of the night and less pain during the day. Even after a day of intense activity, they still woke up in the morning pain-free.

Comfort aside, we love how durable the material is — our tester sleeps with their pets in the bed and noted how well the material held up against their sharp claws.

Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Cooling gel memory foam, Bear original foam |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king |Best for:Side and back sleepers |Return Policy:120-night sleep trial

PHOTO: People / Jennifer MayPHOTO: People / Jennifer May

Best Memory FoamSaatva Memory Foam Hybrid MattressPHOTO: Saatva$1,795 at Saatva

Best Memory FoamSaatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

Best Memory Foam

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

$1,795 at Saatva

Star QualitiesComes with white glove delivery and setupSignificantly improved our quality of sleepHas plush outer layer yet supportive baseRed FlagsFoundations make mattress sit high on the bed

Star QualitiesComes with white glove delivery and setupSignificantly improved our quality of sleepHas plush outer layer yet supportive base

Comes with white glove delivery and setup

Significantly improved our quality of sleep

Has plush outer layer yet supportive base

Red FlagsFoundations make mattress sit high on the bed

Foundations make mattress sit high on the bed

Before sleeping on this Saatva mattress, our tester was used to tossing and turning throughout the night and experienced some overheating. Our tester’s spouse also has shoulder, hip, and back pain. The hybrid element of this mattress created the perfect foundation for a good night’s sleep thanks to the combo of memory foam and deep inner coils. The memory foam contours to your body, providing support as well as reinforced edges. Our tester and their spouse consistently woke up pain-free and felt support despite their sleeping positions.

While we loved the foundations the mattress came on, they do make it sit high to the ground, which could be a problem for those with mobility issues.

Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Memory foam hybrid |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king |Best for:Side sleepers |Return Policy:Lifetime warranty and 365-night sleep trial

PHOTO: People / Katrina CosseyPHOTO: People / Katrina Cossey

Best HybridSweetNight Twilight Hybrid MattressPHOTO: Amazon$441$348 at Amazon$277 at WalmartView on Sweetnight.com

Best HybridSweetNight Twilight Hybrid Mattress

Best Hybrid

SweetNight Twilight Hybrid Mattress

PHOTO: Amazon

$441$348 at Amazon$277 at WalmartView on Sweetnight.com

Star QualitiesOffers good blend of firmness and softnessReduced lower back pain over timeExcellent price pointRed FlagsStill allowed tossing and turning

Star QualitiesOffers good blend of firmness and softnessReduced lower back pain over timeExcellent price point

Offers good blend of firmness and softness

Reduced lower back pain over time

Excellent price point

Red FlagsStill allowed tossing and turning

Still allowed tossing and turning

We were apprehensive about using a plush mattress for back pain, but it’s actually quite firm and supportive (without being too hard). The hybrid design with foamandcoils offers a good balance of support and comfort while you sleep. You can place it on a slatted bed frame or a platform bed, which means you can keep it if you want to swap out furniture in the future.

Our tester usually has consistent lower back pain, yet they didn’t have any issues during the month they slept on this mattress. Even though they continued to toss and turn a bit during testing, it’s a great value when you consider the price and quality.

Firmness:Plush |Filling Material:Gel memory foam |Sizes:Full, queen, king, California king |Best for:Side or stomach sleepers |Return Policy:10-year warranty

People / Abigail Moore

The More You KnowIf you aren’t sure what mattress material is the right one for you, you may want to consider a hybrid mattress — it gives you the best of both worlds. Hybrid mattresses have a memory foam outer layer and deep coils within so you can get both softness and deep support.

The More You Know

If you aren’t sure what mattress material is the right one for you, you may want to consider a hybrid mattress — it gives you the best of both worlds. Hybrid mattresses have a memory foam outer layer and deep coils within so you can get both softness and deep support.

Best Mattress in a BoxNolah Evolution MattressPHOTO: Nolah$1,899$1,425 at Nolahmattress.comStar QualitiesOnly took a few minutes to fully expandCozy and plush but firm enough to support joints and backProvides better sleep quality with fewer aches and pains in the morningRed FlagsSits high with a box spring underneathSomewhat priceyA mattress in a box is a new-age concept you may be skeptical of, but the quality of this Nolah exceeds the expectations of most traditional options. When it arrived, it only took a few minutes to fully expand, and it was beyond comfortable to lay on. After just one night, our tester felt a huge difference in their back pain because it was more plush than their old mattress.As soon as you lay down, you feel supported without too much of a sinking feeling, yet it still has a slight plushness to it. During testing, this mattress was used with a box spring and it sat quite high (about 15 inches). The price may also be a dealbreaker depending on your budget. Although it lies in the median range of most high-quality mattresses, it would still be an investment.Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Foam hybrid |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king |Best for:Side or back sleepers |Return Policy:120-night sleep trialPHOTO: People / Jessica MahgereftehPHOTO: People / Jessica MahgereftehPHOTO: People / Jessica Mahgerefteh

Best Mattress in a BoxNolah Evolution MattressPHOTO: Nolah$1,899$1,425 at Nolahmattress.com

Best Mattress in a BoxNolah Evolution Mattress

Best Mattress in a Box

Nolah Evolution Mattress

PHOTO: Nolah

$1,899$1,425 at Nolahmattress.com

Star QualitiesOnly took a few minutes to fully expandCozy and plush but firm enough to support joints and backProvides better sleep quality with fewer aches and pains in the morningRed FlagsSits high with a box spring underneathSomewhat pricey

Star QualitiesOnly took a few minutes to fully expandCozy and plush but firm enough to support joints and backProvides better sleep quality with fewer aches and pains in the morning

Only took a few minutes to fully expand

Cozy and plush but firm enough to support joints and back

Provides better sleep quality with fewer aches and pains in the morning

Red FlagsSits high with a box spring underneathSomewhat pricey

Sits high with a box spring underneath

Somewhat pricey

A mattress in a box is a new-age concept you may be skeptical of, but the quality of this Nolah exceeds the expectations of most traditional options. When it arrived, it only took a few minutes to fully expand, and it was beyond comfortable to lay on. After just one night, our tester felt a huge difference in their back pain because it was more plush than their old mattress.

As soon as you lay down, you feel supported without too much of a sinking feeling, yet it still has a slight plushness to it. During testing, this mattress was used with a box spring and it sat quite high (about 15 inches). The price may also be a dealbreaker depending on your budget. Although it lies in the median range of most high-quality mattresses, it would still be an investment.

Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Foam hybrid |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king |Best for:Side or back sleepers |Return Policy:120-night sleep trial

PHOTO: People / Jessica MahgereftehPHOTO: People / Jessica MahgereftehPHOTO: People / Jessica Mahgerefteh

Best for Stomach SleepersSaatva Classic MattressPHOTO: Saatva$2,095 at SaatvaStar QualitiesGood supportNoticeably reduced aches and painsNice balance between firm and softRed FlagsPoor temperature regulationToo firm for side and back sleepersIf you sleep on your stomach, a firmer mattress will ensure your spine stays aligned and properly supported while you sleep. We love this mattress because it delivers in comfort, support, and quality. Although there was a faint chemical scent when the mattress first arrived, it didn’t linger past a day or so.Our tester, a stomach sleeper with a history of chronic lower back pain, said that after sleeping on this mattress their aches and pains slowly dissipated. They also noted that the mattress runs a little warm, but combined with acooling pillow, it felt perfect while falling asleep. Its firmness could be off-putting for back and side sleepers, but we did notice that it softened throughout testing. Overall, we think this mattress offers a great combination of support and comfort and is worth the price considering the noticeable difference in sleep quality.Firmness:Luxury firm|Filling Material:Lumbar support quilting, pillow top, high-density memory foam |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king |Best for:Stomach sleepers |Return Policy:365-night sleep trialPeople / Ashleigh Morley

Best for Stomach SleepersSaatva Classic MattressPHOTO: Saatva$2,095 at Saatva

Best for Stomach SleepersSaatva Classic Mattress

Best for Stomach Sleepers

Saatva Classic Mattress

$2,095 at Saatva

Star QualitiesGood supportNoticeably reduced aches and painsNice balance between firm and softRed FlagsPoor temperature regulationToo firm for side and back sleepers

Star QualitiesGood supportNoticeably reduced aches and painsNice balance between firm and soft

Good support

Noticeably reduced aches and pains

Nice balance between firm and soft

Red FlagsPoor temperature regulationToo firm for side and back sleepers

Poor temperature regulation

Too firm for side and back sleepers

If you sleep on your stomach, a firmer mattress will ensure your spine stays aligned and properly supported while you sleep. We love this mattress because it delivers in comfort, support, and quality. Although there was a faint chemical scent when the mattress first arrived, it didn’t linger past a day or so.

Our tester, a stomach sleeper with a history of chronic lower back pain, said that after sleeping on this mattress their aches and pains slowly dissipated. They also noted that the mattress runs a little warm, but combined with acooling pillow, it felt perfect while falling asleep. Its firmness could be off-putting for back and side sleepers, but we did notice that it softened throughout testing. Overall, we think this mattress offers a great combination of support and comfort and is worth the price considering the noticeable difference in sleep quality.

Firmness:Luxury firm|Filling Material:Lumbar support quilting, pillow top, high-density memory foam |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king |Best for:Stomach sleepers |Return Policy:365-night sleep trial

People / Ashleigh Morley

Best for Back SleepersLull Luxe Hybrid MattressPHOTO: Lull$1,399 at Amazon$87 at WalmartView on Lull.comStar QualitiesBalances support and comfort with memory foam that folds around bodyIncredibly low price given the luxury qualityRed FlagsToo soft for those who prefer firm mattressesBack sleepers can utilize plush or firm mattresses depending on their preference. But a medium-firm mattress, like this one from Lull, will provide the best back support while still maintaining comfort. When this mattress arrived, it took about 10 hours to fully form (though the bulk of it expanded right away).Our tester had a coil mattress before testing and noticed a stark difference in their comfort at night after changing over to this one. They felt both comfort and support (on their backandside) and looked forward to sleeping every night. They shared that the medium-firm feel helped reduce back pain, and they felt the difference when waking up in the morning.If you prefer a firmer feel, this one probably isn’t the right fit as it skews more soft. But considering the luxurious feel and reasonable price, this is a great fit for back sleepers or anyone looking for a softer mattress.Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Open-cell memory foam |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Best for:Back sleepers |Return Policy:365-night sleep trial

Best for Back SleepersLull Luxe Hybrid MattressPHOTO: Lull$1,399 at Amazon$87 at WalmartView on Lull.com

Best for Back SleepersLull Luxe Hybrid Mattress

Best for Back Sleepers

Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress

PHOTO: Lull

$1,399 at Amazon$87 at WalmartView on Lull.com

Star QualitiesBalances support and comfort with memory foam that folds around bodyIncredibly low price given the luxury qualityRed FlagsToo soft for those who prefer firm mattresses

Star QualitiesBalances support and comfort with memory foam that folds around bodyIncredibly low price given the luxury quality

Balances support and comfort with memory foam that folds around body

Incredibly low price given the luxury quality

Red FlagsToo soft for those who prefer firm mattresses

Too soft for those who prefer firm mattresses

Back sleepers can utilize plush or firm mattresses depending on their preference. But a medium-firm mattress, like this one from Lull, will provide the best back support while still maintaining comfort. When this mattress arrived, it took about 10 hours to fully form (though the bulk of it expanded right away).

Our tester had a coil mattress before testing and noticed a stark difference in their comfort at night after changing over to this one. They felt both comfort and support (on their backandside) and looked forward to sleeping every night. They shared that the medium-firm feel helped reduce back pain, and they felt the difference when waking up in the morning.

If you prefer a firmer feel, this one probably isn’t the right fit as it skews more soft. But considering the luxurious feel and reasonable price, this is a great fit for back sleepers or anyone looking for a softer mattress.

Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Open-cell memory foam |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Best for:Back sleepers |Return Policy:365-night sleep trial

Best SupportiveCasper Wave Hybrid MattressPHOTO: Casper$2,196 at Amazon$1,397 at Nordstrom$2,595 at WayfairStar QualitiesClose midpoint between firm and softNoticeable difference in sleep qualityGreat for athletes who deal with injury-related painRed FlagsOn the pricier sideMight not be soft enough if you prefer a super-soft mattressYou might think you need a firm mattress to receive adequate back support, but a medium-firm one like this Casper pick can be equally supportive and comfortable. The manufacturer’s instructions said this mattress should only take a few minutes to fully expand, but we gave it 24 hours before sleeping on it.It was extremely supportive and comfortable — while it does lean slightly more firm than soft, it still has a level of plushness that keeps you comfortable. Our tester is a runner who suffers from hip and lower back pain, but this mattress made a noticeable difference in their comfort. They woke up each morning during testing without feeling as sore or out of alignment as they had in the past. If you’re an athlete or struggle with physical pain all over, you’ll love this mattress.Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Gel memory foam |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Best for:Side, back, and stomach sleepers |Return Policy:10-year limited warrantyPHOTO: People / John SomerallPHOTO: People / Samantha JonesPHOTO: People / John SomerallPHOTO: People / John Somerall

Best SupportiveCasper Wave Hybrid MattressPHOTO: Casper$2,196 at Amazon$1,397 at Nordstrom$2,595 at Wayfair

Best SupportiveCasper Wave Hybrid Mattress

Best Supportive

Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress

PHOTO: Casper

$2,196 at Amazon$1,397 at Nordstrom$2,595 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesClose midpoint between firm and softNoticeable difference in sleep qualityGreat for athletes who deal with injury-related painRed FlagsOn the pricier sideMight not be soft enough if you prefer a super-soft mattress

Star QualitiesClose midpoint between firm and softNoticeable difference in sleep qualityGreat for athletes who deal with injury-related pain

Close midpoint between firm and soft

Noticeable difference in sleep quality

Great for athletes who deal with injury-related pain

Red FlagsOn the pricier sideMight not be soft enough if you prefer a super-soft mattress

Might not be soft enough if you prefer a super-soft mattress

You might think you need a firm mattress to receive adequate back support, but a medium-firm one like this Casper pick can be equally supportive and comfortable. The manufacturer’s instructions said this mattress should only take a few minutes to fully expand, but we gave it 24 hours before sleeping on it.

It was extremely supportive and comfortable — while it does lean slightly more firm than soft, it still has a level of plushness that keeps you comfortable. Our tester is a runner who suffers from hip and lower back pain, but this mattress made a noticeable difference in their comfort. They woke up each morning during testing without feeling as sore or out of alignment as they had in the past. If you’re an athlete or struggle with physical pain all over, you’ll love this mattress.

Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Gel memory foam |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Best for:Side, back, and stomach sleepers |Return Policy:10-year limited warranty

PHOTO: People / John SomerallPHOTO: People / Samantha JonesPHOTO: People / John SomerallPHOTO: People / John Somerall

Most ComfortableSerta Perfect Sleeper Innerspring MattressPHOTO: Serta$499 at Serta.com$1,799 at Macy’sView on Sears.com

Most ComfortableSerta Perfect Sleeper Innerspring Mattress

Most Comfortable

Serta Perfect Sleeper Innerspring Mattress

PHOTO: Serta

$499 at Serta.com$1,799 at Macy’sView on Sears.com

Star QualitiesPlush yet firm feel that perfectly contours to bodyLittle to no sleep disturbance when partner movesProvides comfort no matter your sleep positionRed FlagsNo cons to note

Star QualitiesPlush yet firm feel that perfectly contours to bodyLittle to no sleep disturbance when partner movesProvides comfort no matter your sleep position

Plush yet firm feel that perfectly contours to body

Little to no sleep disturbance when partner moves

Provides comfort no matter your sleep position

Red FlagsNo cons to note

No cons to note

“The medium pillow top cradles every inch of my body while the memory foam gives extreme support through the night. My back pain has greatly improved; my body no longer creaks and cracks when I get up in the morning, and I feel refreshed and cozy.” —Lindsey Metrus, director of social and video

Firmness:Medium-firm |Filling Material:Coils, pillow top, proprietary foam, gel memory foam, antimicrobial mattress protection |Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Best for:All sleepers |Return Policy:120-day in-home trial

If you’re shopping for a mattress, you may also need new accessories for your bed, especially if you’re changing sizes. Start with these PEOPLE-Testedmattress toppersandmattress pads.

Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Foam Mattress Topper$160 at Amazon$104 at Wayfair$440$225 at Kohls.com

Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Foam Mattress Topper

$160 at Amazon$104 at Wayfair$440$225 at Kohls.com

$32 at Amazon

What to Know About Mattresses for Back Pain

Firmness

The level of firmness in a mattress can absolutely affect your level of back pain in the morning. It’s kind of a Goldilocks scenario: You don’t want it to be too firm or too soft, but rather something right in the middle. A medium-firm mattress will often provide the best balance of comfort and support, which is why our list is composed of mostly medium-firm mattresses (with variances should you prefer slightly firmer or softer mattresses).

Material

Memory foam is often a popular material for side sleepers because it molds to the form of your body. However, other mattress designs feature latex, springs, regular foam, and a hybrid of several fillings to support you while you sleep. If you sleep on your back, you might prefer a hybrid option like theLull Luxe Hybrid Mattress, while stomach sleepers could benefit from a firmer foam mattress like theSaatva Classic Mattress.

Sleep Position

Your sleep position can hugely impact your level of comfort and the type of mattress that is best for you. As mentioned above, certain materials and fillings are more conducive to different types of sleepers, as well as the level of firmness. When purchasing a mattress, the position you sleep in is crucial to finding the best option — but your waking position should be considered in the mornings to reduce pain, as well. Consider the position you fall asleep inandthe position you wake up in, so you can find theright mattressto best support your alignment while you snooze.

People / Jennifer May

The More You KnowAside from the mattress you use, how you get out of bed in the morning can worsen your pain, according to Dr. Patel. “Sitting straight up (i.e. flexion of the back) can worsen disc pain versus turning to the side and then getting up.” To help limit pain and discomfort, consider putting in the extra effort to turn before you exit the bed each morning.

Aside from the mattress you use, how you get out of bed in the morning can worsen your pain, according to Dr. Patel. “Sitting straight up (i.e. flexion of the back) can worsen disc pain versus turning to the side and then getting up.” To help limit pain and discomfort, consider putting in the extra effort to turn before you exit the bed each morning.

Prior to testing, our lab team consulted board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation doctorDr. Angelie Mascarinasto determine which type of mattresses we should test are best for those with back pain. Dr. Mascarinas, who is trained in interventional spine and musculoskeletal care, suggested medium-firm mattresses.

We tested nearly 20 of the top-rated mattresses (all medium-firm) in our homes for a period of two to four weeks to see which ones provided the best quality of sleep, while being comfortable and supportive — without adding to pain levels.

Our team included a variety of sleepers (stomach, back, and side), all of which had their own unique testing criteria:

According to experts, generally, you’ll start noticing a difference in pain around the two-week mark. As such, so during the testing period, we considered if our joints and muscles were sore in the morning and how well we were sleeping overall. After the full four-week trial, we rated our sleep quality and comfort as well as whether our back pain had reduced — if at all.

People / John Somerall

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we started this test, our lab team consulted a doctor to see which kinds of mattresses were best for back pain, and the answer was medium-firm. “Mattresses that are too soft cannot support the back and therefore can worsen pain,” says Dr. Patel. “Mattresses that are too hard can be uncomfortable, not allowing for restful sleep.” So, something right in the middle is often your best option.

If you do a quick Google search, you’ll find a lot of sources that say, yes, memory foam is better for back pain. But as Dr. Patel points out, the material of a mattress and how effective it is is very individualized. “The key is to try the mattress in many positions (i.e. stomach lying, side lying) and possibly for many days.” That’s why she suggests finding one with a good return policy — even one that offers a sleep trial — to get a good feel of it before fully committing.

Some people like additions to their mattresses likemattress toppers. “I personally like mattress toppers because you can have more longevity with your mattress without repurchasing for a firmer or softer mattress,” says Dr. Patel. She adds that they can be “excellent temporary additions to an existing mattress if there is a flare-up of back pain.”

Madison Yaugeris an editor for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she spoke with a pain management specialist and anesthesiologist, researched back pain and its correlation to mattresses, and used insights from our lab tests to determine the best mattresses for back pain that you can buy right now.

Our Expert PanelDr. Alopi Patelis a pain management specialist and anesthesiologist.Dr. Angelie Mascarinasis a board-certified physiatrist.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Alopi Patelis a pain management specialist and anesthesiologist.Dr. Angelie Mascarinasis a board-certified physiatrist.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com