When was the last time you thought about your quality of sleep? Sleep and your mental health are closely related. The better the quality of your sleep, the better your mental health, and vice versa. Therefore, it’s important to find a mattress that’s “just right” for you. Finding the best mattress for your body type and individual sleep preferences can make all the difference in how well you sleep and whether you have pain upon waking. Mattress comfort is highly subjective and often depends on your preferred sleeping position. In this review, we look in depth at the top selections for back sleepers, including features such as cost, comfort, and construction.
Best Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe
The Helix Midnight Luxe is our top pick for back sleepers because its hybrid design of memory foam and coils relieves pressure at the lower back, cushions the hip joints, and may help with shoulder stiffness.
Our pick of the best mattresses for back sleepers
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best overall
- Nectar Premier: Best mattress for back and side sleepers
- Saatva Classic: Best mattress for lower back support
- Nolah Evolution: Best mattress for back pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best luxury mattress for back sleepers
- Brooklyn Bettering Signature Hybrid: Best affordable mattress for back sleepers
- Titan Plus: Best mattress for heavier people
Our testing experience
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “sex” and “family” scores.
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress. For example, we record:
- Firmness score and whether the mattress is best for back, side, or stomach sleepers.
- Starting temperature of the mattress and how much it heats up after two testers lie on the mattress for five minutes.
- How many times a 10-pound ball bounces on the mattress after dropping from a height of two feet in order to arrive at a mattress bounce score.
We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This includes price, features, and the set-up process. We also interview real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress, as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
According to our survey
According to our survey, about 80 percent of all respondents said their new mattress helps them sleep better, and 65 percent reported improved mental health.
As our testers evaluate each brand and its features, we consider why many people choose a new mattress in the first place. Of our respondents, 42 percent decided to purchase a new mattress for “improved comfort and support for better sleep,” while only seven percent did so for “pain relief and targeted support.” The most common pain respondents wanted relieved was lower back pain.
Despite only 42 percent of respondents prioritizing comfort and support for better sleep when shopping for a new mattress, 68 percent reported they sleep longer on their new mattress and 49 percent and 45 percent, respectively, said their stress and anxiety had improved after switching to their new mattress. Almost all mattress owners we surveyed (95 percent) were at least somewhat satisfied with their new mattress. We consult sleep experts, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain specialists to understand what mattresses offer that make an overwhelmingly positive impact.
In order to focus on the mattresses themselves, we structure our test designs to objectively rank each one based on a range of criteria. For example, we test things like bounce, edge support (the sturdiness of your mattress edge), and cooling capabilities the same way on each mattress and compare the results. That way we can accurately compare each mattress’s score in an unbiased way while also sharing our subjective point of view as mattress testers and experts.
Lastly, we compare warranty lengths, trial periods, and white glove delivery (in-home delivery and setup) options. While most brands offer warranties, not all are comprehensive. And many brands on the market don’t have free white glove delivery. This could be a deal-breaker if you’re nervous to invest in a new mattress because you’re worried the bed won’t get set up properly or offer what you need.
From our tester
“During our research, we realized that the brand’s firmness scale and perceived firmness aren’t always the same. We decided to report how firm we thought the mattress felt so that you can gain a different perspective, but more importantly, feel confident about what you’re purchasing.”
A note on our testing
We acknowledge that every body is different, and what feels comfortable to one person may not feel comfortable to another. Throughout our reviews, we refer to weight categories as light (below 130 pounds), average (130–250 pounds), and heavy (above 250 pounds) to distinguish between body weights.
Typically, lighter-weight sleepers perceive mattresses to feel firmer than they are, and higher-weight sleepers perceive mattresses to feel softer than they are. Keep in mind that most mattresses are designed for the average-weight person.
Compare the best mattresses for back sleepers
| Price | $811.30–$1,623.80 | $1,349–$2,998 | $1,395–$2,990 | $1,499–$3,198 | $1,839–$3,920 | $665–$1,599 | $699–$1,598 |
| Firmness | 6/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 15 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | 10 years |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
The best mattresses for back sleepers reviews
Best overall: Helix Midnight Luxe
Our final verdict
The Midnight Luxe relieves pressure on the lower back, cushions hip joints, and prevents shoulder stiffness. During testing, we found that the zoned support layer does a great job of distributing pressure and weight, which may benefit people who regularly have back and hip pain. This mattress offers a hybrid combination of breathable coils and cooling gel foam in six layers of material.
From our tester
“I love the cool pillow top cover, which adds a bit of extra cushioning. Its top, softer layers are body-conforming, and the deeper coil layer provides support.”
Our testers found the mattress minimized motion transfer, which makes it a good bed for couples who don’t want to disturb each other when switching sleeping positions at night. We moved around easily without feeling like we were sinking into the mattress. We give this mattress 4.5 out of 5 for edge support, which means you should feel safe if you sleep close to the edge and don’t want to risk falling out of bed.
Best mattress for back and side sleepers: Nectar Premier Hybrid
Our final verdict
We found this mattress ideal for both back and side sleepers—or a combination of the two—because of its mixture of pressure relief and gentle support. If you have hip or shoulder pain, this mattress may allow your joints to sink comfortably into the mattress while you sleep. Our team gave the Nectar Premier mattress a 6/10 for firmness. The industry standard is 6.5 for a medium-firm, so the Nectar Premier is on the slightly softer side. Because everyone’s preferences are different, some back sleepers prefer firmer beds because these have the most support, while others may find a slightly softer mattress more comfortable.
From our tester
“My favorite thing about the Nectar Premier is the pressure relief. It might work well for people with shoulder pain.”
Because of the model’s good motion isolation, your sleeping partner should not be disturbed if you change positions throughout the night. One thing our testers would have liked from this model was better edge support to feel more secure when sleeping near the edge.
Best mattress for lower back support: Saatva Classic
Our final verdict
The Saatva Classic has zoned lumbar support, setting it apart from some of its competitors. Unlike traditional innerspring models, it uses a foam layer and strong coils across the middle of the mattress to reinforce the lower back and keep the spine neutral while sleeping. This mattress’s spinal reinforcement gives your back more targeted support. Shorter people may need to adjust their position on the bed to get the best experience, as our tester noted.
From our tester
“I’m 5 feet, 3 inches tall, so I’m on the shorter side. I needed to scoot down the mattress to make sure the lumbar support hit my lower back.”
We like being able to choose from three different firmness levels and two heights to customize the mattress to our preferences. If you like targeted lumbar support while you sleep on your back, this Saatva Classic may be the mattress for you.
Best mattress for back pain: Nolah Evolution
Our final verdict
We like that the Nolah Evolution has a contour for the lumbar region, offering the right amount of support and pressure relief for back sleepers. The coils give it some bounce, which should allow combination sleepers to easily switch sleeping positions.
From our tester
“I think the Nolah Evolution is a good choice for back sleepers. The coils give me plenty of support, and the foams help soothe my back pain.”
If you’re having back pain, chances are your sleep is affected. Amanda Weeks, a licensed occupational therapist at B. Well Health in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, who regularly sees patients with pain, explains, “Sleep and pain perception are definitely interconnected. Poor sleep can alter your body’s ability to cope with pain, creating a vicious cycle where pain disrupts sleep and poor sleep exacerbates pain.”
Since pain can affect your mental health, it’s important to find a supportive mattress that provides support in the areas where you need it most. Getting the right mattress is one tool in the toolbox for improving sleep quality and your overall health.
Best luxury mattress for back sleepers: Bear Elite Hybrid
Our final verdict
With its cushy top layer, we felt in the lap of luxury in the Bear Elite Hybrid. Our tester and her husband have different sleeping styles and move around at night, but overall, they felt comfortable and didn’t notice the other’s movement. As a plus, our tester thought that the stitching looks high-quality, indicating good construction.
From our tester
“I feel like I’m laying closer to the surface. The cover has some give to it and is pushing up against my back, which is nice. Definitely molding to my body.”
Our tester felt comfortable and cradled by the memory foam quilted top and didn’t feel like she was sinking past the top layer, which is important for back sleepers. If you’re looking for pressure relief on your back, you may want to consider the Bear Elite Hybrid. This mattress is constructed with two layers of foam: one that provides body-contouring support and another infused with copper, which is meant to promote coolness. Our tester did find the mattress cool when laying in it, scoring that aspect 4.5/5.
Best affordable mattress for back sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
For back sleepers on a budget, we recommend the medium and firm selections from the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. While testing this affordable mattress, we found it performed well in motion isolation, making it a good choice for couples. This mattress is constructed with hyper-elastic comfort foam, proprietary VariFlex transition foam (high-density foam designed with deep compression support), and hundreds of 8-inch coils.
From our focus group
“I rationalized you spend a third of your life on your back (…) this is something worth spending on. This is an area of your life you should be able to feel good about spending.”
Our survey respondents said cost was a top consideration when buying a mattress, and most budgets were between $500–$1,000. Brooklyn Bedding’s regular-priced queen exceeds this range before any discounts or promotions, but the company offers many deals on its website, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
Best mattress for heavier people: Titan Plus
Our final verdict
The Titan PIus is well-made and constructed with foam and tall coils, which make it a firm and supportive mattress for back sleepers who weigh 250 pounds or more. The Titan proprietary TitanFlex foam is hyper-elastic and made to contour like memory foam but with the responsiveness of latex. When our higher-weight tester tried out the bed, he experienced both pressure relief and support.
From our tester
“There’s a great mix of soft pressure relief and sturdy support that should appeal to heavier-weight sleepers, who might sink through a softer mattress.”
Titan is a Brooklyn Bedding brand, and it manufactures Titan mattresses in its own factory, cutting production costs. You can often find discounts that cut king-size models to around $1,000. Before discounts are applied, the Titan Plus typically costs under $1,500.
Frequently asked questions
Many people who sleep on their back prefer a firmer mattress that keeps their spine neutral and aligned while contouring hips and shoulders. A firmer mattress will help back sleepers stay on the first layer of the mattress and not sink in.
Side sleepers might enjoy a softer mattress that cradles their hips and shoulders, but everyone is different and some may have another preference. Some mattresses on the market can be flipped over, with one side being softer and the other firmer.
It depends on the preference of each individual, but research suggests that firmer mattresses are preferable to softer mattresses for back sleepers.
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- Caggiari, G., Talesa, G.R., Toro, G., Jannelli, E., Monteleone, G., & Puddu, L. (2021) What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology, 22(1). Link
- Pak, K., Kim, J., Kim. K., Kim, S.J, & Kim, I.J. (2020). Sleep and neuroimaging. Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 54(2), 98–104. Link