The Best Mattresses to Sleep on if You Suffer From Back Pain (2024)

This mattress offers exactly what's recommended for neutral spinal alignment: a medium level of firmness. And compared to your typical memory foam bed, Nolah's foam comes injected with extra pockets of air for extra breathability and a responsive feel, which allows for a balance between much-needed pressure relief and reliable support.

Tester notes: While it may seem too good to be true, many panelists and testers — including those with medical conditions like sciatica and scoliosis — swore that this mattress made all the difference, alleviating everything from tight shoulders to back and hip pain. One tester highlighted its comfortable feel, noting that the mattress "offers support while still cradling pressure points." Another user told us it was "significantly helpful in relieving back pain for [her] husband who has scoliosis."

Who it's best for: Users with joint pain (including back, hip, neck and shoulder pain) in search of a pressure-relieving bed that won't compromise on long-term comfort or support.

Who should avoid it: Stomach sleepers, people with large frames who need a firmer bed and those who aren't keen on the idea of an all-foam bed.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Sleep Testers Swear Nolah's Mattress Alleviates Back Pain

If you're looking to save on your mattress, this bed-in-a-box costs much less than others, yet still gets glowing reviews from users. It has a medium level of firmness, which is a good choice for most people with back pain, according to multiple studies, and combines comfy foam with supportive coils.

Tester notes: This mattress earned high scores across the board, in categories from ease of setup to support while sleeping. Some users even told us that it helped get rid of their back pain: "It's great for my back," said one user, while another said, "This mattress gives much more support than my previous spring mattress." Several commended the high-quality feel despite its low cost and compared it to a "high-end hotel bed." The caveat is that the edges sunk down more than other mattresses we've evaluated.

Who it's best for: Price-conscious shoppers looking for an affordable bed that doesn't skimp on comfort. In our tests, younger adults (including those with back or hip pain) favored it over older users.

Who should avoid it: Older users or those with limited mobility may find the edge support and DIY setup unideal.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Why the Allswell Luxe Hybrid Is Our Best Value Mattress

Tempur-Pedic's mattresses stand out for their signature, pressure-relieving feel, superior motion isolation and contouring foam. Our testers were blown away by just how comfortable they felt sleeping on this bed. And while the brand's mattresses often come at a high price, this model uses the same proprietary foam as the mattresses it sells in stores, but it's shipped directly to your door for DIY setup at a lower cost.

Tester notes: Our testers and survey panelists alike highlighted how the brand's foam fully cradled their hips and shoulders, especially when sleeping on their sides. One said, "I feel like my entire body is supported in a very gentle way." Others agreed that it helped keep their spines in a relaxed, neutral alignment. While the brand notes that the mattress may feel firm when you first lie down on it, our testers confirmed that it quickly molds to your body for precise support.

Who it's best for: Side sleepers looking for personalized comfort for their hips and shoulders and those who want the unique feel of Tempur-Pedic's foam at a more affordable price point.

Who should avoid it: Users who prefer a firmer surface over the sinking-in feel of memory foam.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tempur-Pedic's Tempur-Cloud Delivers Luxurious Memory Foam to Your Door

Purple stands out for its elastic grid layer on the surface which offers a combination of support and pressure relief that some users swear feels like the perfect balance of soft and firm. Aside from the unique feel, the grid structure offers excellent breathability, making this mattress a great option for those who tend to overheat at night.

Tester notes: Panelists praised its ability to relieve their and their partner's back pain with comments like, "This is the first mattress where we both woke with no pain," and, "It only took a couple of nights of sleeping on the Purple mattress for my back to feel much better!" Many have also highlighted the bed's noticeably cool feel and motion isolation, which means you're less likely to feel your sleeping partner move around at night.

Who it's best for: Hot sleepers in search of a more breathable mattress or those who want a firmer and more responsive mattress that still offers a cradling feel.

Who should avoid it: Cold sleepers or anyone who prefers a tall mattress. (This is our shortest pick at 9.25 inches.) Those who prefer to use a mattress pad or topper won't feel the grid's cooling effects or unique feel.

Unlike memory foam mattresses that come compressed in a box for you to set up on your own, Saatva offers the same type of luxury mattress you'd find in stores with a complimentary white glove delivery service to set it up for you. It comes in multiple firmnesses, though we find it runs firm in our tests.

Tester notes: Hundreds of our survey respondents swear by this mattress, giving it high praise and top scores across the board. One of our testers told us, "I tend to have chronic back pain, which has much improved since using this mattress." Another user said, "I wake up with no lower back pain!" Others have called it "the best mattress ever," and many specifically highlighted the edge support, which makes it easier to get in and out of bed.

Who it's best for: Anyone who wants the bounce, breathability and support of a traditional innerspring mattress along with free white glove delivery and mattress removal.

Who should avoid it: Users who prefer the cradling feel of memory foam; many users told us that this mattress ran firm.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Here's Why Saatva Is Our Pick for the Best Overall Mattress

If you're not a fan of memory foam, this mattress uses organic materials (like cotton, wool and latex) and is certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) and GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), so you know the entire manufacturing process follows strict guidelines. It's on the firmer side, but you can add a plush pillowtop (starting at $400) for a softer feel. Plus, it has a full-year trial period, which is longer than most.

Tester notes: Latex foam is known for its responsive nature, and this is one of the best latex mattresses we've ever tested. Users told us they loved sleeping on this mattress, and some highlighted how it helps keep their body weight evenly distributed. One said, "I like that it is supportive, and I don't wake up in pain as I have with other mattresses." Several even noted that it has held up well over the years without developing any "dips" or indents.

Who it's best for: Eco-conscious consumers who prefer organic materials to memory foam or those who enjoy the springy, responsive feel of latex.

Who should avoid it: Shoppers who prefer the conforming nature of memory foam; latex doesn't offer the same level of pressure relief.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Avocado's Green Mattress is the Best Organic Mattress on the Market

While there isn't one mattress that can solve everyone's back pain, an adjustable mattress can provide truly customizable comfort and support while automatically adapting to the shape of your body. Sleep Number's mattresses are filled with air chambers that let you customize your side of the bed to whatever firmness level you choose.

Tester notes: It's definitely pricey, but Sleep Number consistently received top praise from over 300 users in our surveys. Many especially like having personalized control over the feel of their bed. "I really feel like it gives me a custom sleep experience," noted one tester. Another told us he felt 30 years younger just days after sleeping on it. Plus, the bed is made to last.

Not only has it earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, which means it's been heavily vetted by our Lab experts, but even those who've had this model for close to 10 years praised the quality.

Who it's best for: Couples with different sleep preferences, users looking to invest in a smart bed and those who are unsure which firmness is best for their back pain.

Who should avoid it: Shoppers who prefer the conforming nature of memory foam; latex doesn't offer the same level of pressure relief.

We've tested hundreds of mattresses, but not all made our list of the best mattresses for back pain. Still, here are a few popular options you may be curious about:

The Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress was previously one of our picks for its ergonomic support and cloud-like comfort. The brand recently updated its assortment, so it's no longer available directly from the brand, though you can still purchase it on Amazon.

Bear's Elite Hybrid Mattress is our pick for the best hybrid mattress, but it's only been on the market for a few years. While testers, including one with recurring back pain, have had nothing but glowing praise for its targeted support, we don't have enough feedback — especially long-term — to confidently include it in our recommendations quite yet.

The Saatva Rx is a popular recent launch, but it earned mixed reviews from consumer testers with back pain. Though it felt soft in the store, our most recent tester found it ran too firm for comfort.

Nolah's Evolution 15 is the brand's most popular model, but at 15 inches, it can be tough to set up. It's earned good feedback from many, but some testers found it ran soft. The Original 10 ultimately earned better and more consistent feedback over time.

The Winkbed is another popular hybrid mattress, but it's received mixed reviews in our surveys and tests. Our most recent tester found the support solid and uniform but noted that it slept notably hot and ran firm, ultimately aggravating her shoulder and lower back over time.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been evaluating home products for over a century. To find the best mattresses, we leverage the expertise of our textile analysts and analyze feedback from consumer testers and everyday users.

In the past few years alone, we've surveyed over 10,000 mattress owners and worked with consumer testers to review hundreds of models. Additionally, our experts use their categorical knowledge to assess everything from materials and design to brand reputation.

During the review process, our analysts coordinate at-home consumer testing of hundreds of mattresses. From there, we have testers complete thorough surveys after several weeks of use and once again after an extended period, so we can gauge how the mattress holds up over time. We also routinely survey our panel of Good Housekeeping readers for additional in-depth feedback on the mattresses they already own.

To find the best mattresses for those with back pain, we focused on responses from users with established back, shoulder and hip pain, including those with medical conditions like scoliosis.

Here are just some important factors we consider during our evaluations:

✔️ Ordering and delivery: Users rate and comment on the ease of purchase, arrival time and any delays or issues.

✔️ Setup: Whether their mattress arrived in a box for self-setup or with white glove delivery, users note how easy the process was and how long it took the mattress to take shape after arrival.

✔️ Firmness level: While brands list a firmness level for a mattress, it doesn't always match up to the user experience. Testers assign a firmness rating to their mattress without knowing what the brand lists, which helps us gain insight into how soft or firm it may feel to different users.

✔️ Edge support: Testers comment on whether the bed sinks when they sit on the edge or if it holds the shape well under weight.

✔️ Comfort: Reviewers share whether they liked sleeping on the mattress both immediately and after a longer adjustment period, providing both a quantitative score and more detailed comments.

✔️ Support: Similarly, users share their thoughts on how supportive the bed feels over time.

✔️ Temperature: We ask users, including hot sleepers, whether they managed to stay at a comfortable body temperature throughout the night, which helps us gain insight into the effectiveness of cooling technology and mattress design.

✔️ Sleep quality: All respondents let us know if and how the mattress affected their sleep, from whether they woke up sore to how satisfied they were with the mattress. They are asked to compare the mattress with any other ones they've owned and to comment on the overall impact on sleep quality.

✔️ Additional feedback: Testers also share likes, dislikes and additional comments, providing helpful information to future customers.

Mattress shopping is tricky enough, but it's even more complicated if you're factoring in back pain. Here's what you should consider as you pick out your new bed, according to medical experts and Good Housekeeping Institute shopping pros:

• Memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses are both great options, according to Jaspal R. Singh, M.D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian. There isn’t one definitive type of mattress that’s best for back pain, but patients who sleep on a mattress with some type of memory foam often report a more supportive and restful sleep, since memory foam offers pressure relief, especially around the hips and shoulders.
• For those who don't like memory foam, don't worry. While it certainly offers benefits, memory foam isn't necessarily superior to other types of mattresses like innerspring or latex. "Patients should select mattresses that provide adequate support to their back. Memory foam vs. traditional is a matter of individual preference. Medically one is not superior to the other," says Amit Jain, M.D., M.B.A., Chief of Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery and Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
• Medium firmness is effective in improving pain, according to Naimish Baxi, M.D., physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery as well as a recent review of many medical studies. Plus, medium firmness offers an ideal balance of cushioning and support for side sleepers. A too-firm mattress doesn't let your shoulders or hips sink into the mattress, causing inadequate support of the neck and shoulders. On the other hand, if it’s too soft, there won’t be enough support, causing the hips and shoulders to sink in too much, resulting in improper spinal alignment.
• A trial period is especially important for someone with back pain who struggles to find a comfortable bed. Many brands offer returns for at least 100 days so you can sleep on the mattress for a few months and get a refund if it's not a good fit. All of our recommendations have several-month-long trial periods.

It depends. Chances are, your pain is caused by an underlying issue beyond your mattress, yet buying the right mattress can certainly be one factor in getting rid of your back pain. Dr. Baxi says, “Back pain can be complicated and have many other contributing issues. For someone with chronic lower back pain, mattress characteristics can contribute to reduced pain throughout the day." In fact, he said some studies have shown that the right mattress can improve pain, stiffness and sleep quality by up to 60%.

That being said, it's a good idea to consider what else can be causing your pain. “It’s mostly related to what we do during the day that dictates the impact on our spine,” says Dr. Singh. He adds that one example is sitting at a desk all day, which puts pressure on the back and can cause lower back and neck pain.

If you find that you're experiencing recurring pain upon waking, it's best to consult with a physician to identify the nature of the pain, as a new mattress may not fully address any pre-existing conditions.

Besides factoring in materials, sleep position and the trial period, it's important to consider other aspects unrelated to back pain. Here's what to keep in mind as you shop:

• Body type: Heavy people need a firmer bed in order to keep their spines aligned, while lightweight people are better suited to a softer mattress.
• Temperature: If you're a hot sleeper or struggle with night sweats, consider buying a mattress with cooling properties. Memory foam is helpful for back pain but it tends to sleep hot, so look for a mattress with coils for airflow or cooling technology like copper particles, gel or phase change technology that's added to the foam.
• Price: A quality mattress that can help with back pain will often be in the $1,000 to $2,000 price range for a Queen size. That being said, you can still get pain relief from an affordable mattress under $1,000, and there are plenty of luxury models over $2,000 that are well worth the splurge. To avoid overspending, shop during a holiday weekend with mattress sales, like Presidents' Day or July 4th.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested all kinds of bedding and home products for over a century. Each year, our experts review hundreds of mattresses online and survey our readers, organize consumer testing and analyze countless data points. In the past year, we worked with consumer testers to evaluate over 150 mattresses.

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she oversees all bedding content and testing. She has been actively researching and reporting on mattresses since online bed shopping hit the mainstream in 2014, and she has extensively reviewed dozens of models by meeting with brands, surveying real mattress owners and conducting consumer tests.

Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at Good Housekeeping and most recently updated this story. She regularly evaluates mattresses herself, coordinates consumer testing and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.

We partnered with the following physicians for more medical insight on mattresses for users with back pain:

• Amit Jain, M.D., M.B.A., Chief of Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery and Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Jaspal R. Singh, M.D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine.
• Naimish Baxi, M.D., physiatrist at The Hospital of Special Surgery in New York.
• Raj Dasgupta, M.D., FACP, FCCP, FAASM is an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine.