Choosing The Best Mattress For Back Sleepers

Last Updated: December, 2024

Please Note: This Post Contains Affiliate Links

Mattress shopping can be such a hassle, especially for those of us who require certain features to prevent aches and pains. For back sleepers, your neck, spine, and pelvis must be aligned while you sleep. In fact, a study by Caggiari et al. (2021) emphasizes that the right mattress features, such as design and firmness, can significantly reduce back pain by enhancing sleep quality and promoting proper spinal alignment. But what does that mean, and what kind of mattress helps with that?

To help you find a suitable mattress for your sleep position, I conducted a rigorous 2-stage review process. In the first stage, I tested several mattresses in our lab to assess crucial factors like support, pressure relief, and firmness. Then, I slept on these mattresses for weeks to offer feedback on pain relief, support, and overall sleep quality. According to our tests, the best mattress for back sleepers is the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss - cooling and ecofriendly mattress that helps keep the spine aligned and pressure points supported.

10 Best Mattress For Back Sleepers

The Botanical Bliss Mattress - Small

PlushBeds Botanical Bliss

Lives up to the brand name with comfort. Unique material supports spinal alignment through the night.

Puffy Lux Mattress

Puffy Lux Mattress

The Puffy Lux mattress is a soft hybrid mattress that’s a great pick for back sleepers due to its excellent support and contouring, cooling foam.

Natural Foam Euro Small

Natural Euro Form

The Natural Form Euro is a hybrid mattress with patented and unique layers cradling your back and relieving pressure points.

Nolah Signature 12

This super soft mattress is great for back sleepers because it contours your body while supporting areas like your hips and shoulders throughout the night.

Purple Queen Mattress

Purple Queen Mattress

Lives up to the brand name with comfort. Unique material supports spinal alignment through the night.

Sweetnight 12 Inch Queen Mattress

Sweetnight 12 Inch Queen Mattress

Big and plush, this firm foam mattress is great for back sleepers. The supportive and cool foam keeps you comfortable throughout the night.

Helix Moonlight Luxe (1)

Helix Moonlight Luxe

The zoned lumbar support system in this Helix Mattress offers targeted support on your lower back area to maintain proper spinal alignment. More importantly, its foam layers are CertiPUR-US certified, indicating the mattress is free of harmful VOCs.

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid - Soft (1)

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

This mattress' multiple firmness options make it easier for buyers to customize their comfort preferences. Moreover, it features TitanFlex Material in its design, which provides balanced contouring and responsiveness comfort.

Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress (1)

Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress

The Bear Pro Hybrid scores 7.0/10, a bit firmer than the industry standard medium firm scale of 6.5—making it ideal for back and stomach sleepers who require extra support. It also has gel-infused foam layers and a Celliant cover that helps regulate your body temperature. 

Zinus Cloud Memory Foam Mattress

Zinus Cloud Mattress

Perfect option for those on a budget still seeking quality. The bed is multi-layered and back supportive.

The Botanical Bliss Mattress

What We Like

  • Customizable height and firmness
  • Great buoyant support that doesn't feel restrictive, but supports your back
  • Anti-microbial & dust mite resistant
  • Sleeps much cooler than a traditional mattress

What We Don't Like

  • The thick versions can weigh over 200 lbs, so they'll need a secure, sturdy base and multiple people to set the bed up

Material

Sizes

Thickness

Sleeping Position

Sleep Trial

Organic Dunlop Latex

Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King, Split Queen, Split Cal King

9”, 10”, 12”

Back, Stomach, Side

100 Nights

Overall Thoughts: 

Not every mattress company lets you customize your mattress. Plush Beds Botanical Bliss mattress is a little different. While back sleepers generally like a firmer mattress, how much you weigh, and whether or not you partner also sleeps on their back are all factors to consider. 


This mattress is made of 100% organic latex, which is considered a premium mattress material that will last 25 years or long (compared to the industry average of around 10 years.)


We tested the medium firmness plush Dunlop latex mattress and found that it was great for relieving pressure in your shoulders and lower back. However, if you're a heavier sleeper (275lb+) this mattress may be too soft, especially for a back sleeper. Luckily, you can completely customize your mattress based on your specific needs, and if you don't love it, you have 100 days to return it!


Read the full review

Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress

What We Like

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Free shipping and returns
  • Cloud Gel Mattress Layer designed to keep you cool
  • Enhanced spinal alignment

What We Don't Like

  • You may find it too soft for your body weight if you prefer a firmer feel

Material

Sizes

Thickness

Sleeping Position

Sleep Trial

Multiple Foam Layers, Coil System

Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King

12”

Back, Side

101 Nights

Overall Thoughts: 

Best known as the best mattress for side sleepers and back sleepers, Puffy Lux is a top-rated mattress brand thanks to its firmness level, accommodating feel, and price. This hybrid model is designed with both pocketed coils and super soft foam layers, which brings forth a balanced vibe between bouncy mobility and deep, cuddly comfort. With sturdy edge support and luxurious, slow-sinking foam, the Puffy Lux is one of the most supportive-feeling mattresses for back sleepers.


Puffy Lux mattress is a six-layer foam mattress that will give you the medium-firm mattress feel necessary for a great night's sleep. It comes with 1.5" of pressure-relieving cloud foam for reduced strain and maximum recovery. What's more, its 7" of high-density foam has a counter-adapt coil base that helps stabilize your bed with advanced edge support.

We found Puffy Lux to be relatively easy and comfortable to switch between positions due to its quick responsiveness. Unlike most memory foam mattresses, there's little to no resistance at all. Although the bed is soft-to-the-touch, it keeps your spine aligned and eliminates pressure points. You won't sink deep into the top layers to the point where your lower back falls out of proper alignment.

The Puffy Lux mattress also performs well in offering excellent motion isolation. If you're a back sleeper suffering through sleepless nights, it's time to give the Puffy Lux Mattress a try for 101 nights.


Read the full review

Natural Foam Euro

What We Like

  • Stable and supportive performance
  • Extra-firm feel and minimal conforming offer an even sleep surface
  • Merino wool cover helps keep the mattress cool
  • Splendid motion isolation

What We Don't Like

  • It could be too firm if you like a softer feel

Overall Thoughts: 

The Natural Form Euro is a hybrid mattress with patented and unique layers cradling your back and relieving pressure points. The transitional layer has thick memory foam, offering an even tighter, medium-firm feeling that most foam mattresses lack. Generally, these mattresses will give back sleepers just the perfect amount of sink to allow their backs to fall into a neutral position. However, if you often find yourself switching from back to side sleeping, you might want to consider purchasing a softer hybrid


If sudden shooting back pain or a dull constant ache keeps you from enjoying a good night’s sleep, the Natural Form Euro mattress is all you need. It features pressure-relieving and body-conforming features that aid in maintaining proper spinal alignment. The bed achieves this by conforming to your spine’s natural curvature, thus boosting lumbar support. Due to its soft, breathable fabric, Natural Form Euro will keep you cool throughout the night as it wicks away moisture.

The patented dual-sided system and dozens of helix air pods work together to give you complete control of the pressure relief and the firmness of your mattress. The pods also work best at responding to movement during the night. They quickly adjust to your body’s shape as you shift positions, ensuring you sleep comfortably and wake up with no pains. Couples will love the Natural Form Euro mattress as it allows them to customize the side of their bed to their preference. If you want a softer mattress, you simply turn the dial to the left and further out to the right for a firmer sleeping surface.


Read the full review

Nolah Signature 12

What We Like

  • Great contouring to support your spine
  • Great motion isolation, so you won't be woken up if your partner gets in and out of bed
  • Made of cooling memory foam which is great for hot sleepers
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Free shipping and returns

What We Don't Like

  • It could be too soft if you like a firmer feel

Overall Thoughts: 

This ultra-soft mattress provides next level support for your neck and spine. It's ideal for back sleepers, side sleepers, and combination sleepers. Since it's an all foam bed, it has excellent motion isolation which means that you won't be woken up if your partner moves around a lot or gets out of bed. 


Nolah also guarantees their mattresses with a lifetime warranty and a generous 100 night trial period. If you're not happy with it, they offer free returns and full refunds. If you're looking for a mattress that's reasonably priced, but will last a long time, this mattress is a great pick. It's one of the best options for the best memory foam mattress, and one of the best  mattresses overall for back sleepers.


This supportive mattress is also great if you sleep hot. Not only is it a supportive mattress, but it's also a cooling mattress as well.


Related Content: Best mattress for combo sleepers

Purple Queen Mattress

What We Like

  • Innovated design for great heat dispersion
  • Soft yet supportive materials
  • Supports lower back
  • Offers great spinal alignment

What We Don't Like

  • Less supportive along the edges than an innerspring mattress

Overall Thoughts: 

Purple is a brand known for its impressive ads bolstering mattress stability and motion isolation. You can sleep soundly through the night even if your partner or pets roll around. Purple uses sleep science to create a mattress that isolates movement where it happens. This is great for all sleepers.

Back sleepers specifically will greatly benefit from the equalized pressure throughout the mattress that aids in proper spinal alignment. The top layer is soft and cozy, sinking right into the lower back for a support system, while the top layer is firm to keep you aligned.

Comfortably sleep without overheating thanks to the uniquely designed free-slow air channels that neutralize temperatures. Unlike a memory foam mattress, latex mattresses, or an innerspring mattress, this mattress feels like it airs itself out as you sleep.


Read the full review

Sweetnight 12 Inch Queen Mattress

What We Like

  • Plush, yet firm
  • Stays cool all night
  • High density foam core provides great support

What We Don't Like

  • The heavy mattress is hard to move and will require a sturdy base

Overall Thoughts: 

Have a sweet night with this 12-inch Sweetnight memory foam mattress. You will get undisturbed sleep with Sweetnight’s high-density foam core layer that is firm for enhanced support. Back sleepers can feel the relief in their joints and muscles as they lay on the gel-infused cushiony as a cloud upper layer.

Breathable foam is designed with airway chambers to allow ventilation as you sleep. This keeps you cool and prevents overheating. The product comes with a 10-year warranty and quality customer service.

Helix Moonlight Luxe

What We Like

  • Combination of the foam layers helps relieve sensitive pressure points
  • Smooth retraction of the pocketed coils ensures minimal sleep disturbances between sleep partners when getting on and off the bed
  • Zoned support system provides premium Targeted support on the lumbar region

What We Don't Like

  • Available in one firmness option that may not suit some sleepers

Overall Thoughts: 

Helix Moonlight Luxe is a great mattress meticulously designed to accommodate side, stomach, and, back sleepers. This is courtesy of its unparalleled targeted support on the lumbar region and ample cushioning for relieving pressure points.


Back sleepers tend to experience pressure points in their shoulders, lower backs, and hips. The Helix Moonlight Luxe Mattress features comfort memory foam layers that conform closely to your body contours—providing targeted pressure relief. This helps promote restorative sleep as it limits the chances of developing any discomfort while asleep.

 

The Moonlight Luxe from Helix is one of the best high-end luxurious mattresses with a hefty price tag. Sizes available for this mattress range from twin to California King, and the price starts from $1,100 for the Twin model to $2,300 for the California King model.


Like other mattresses featured in this review, the Moonlight Luxe model is CertiPUR-US certified, showing it's been independently tested for harmful chemicals and materials. So, you can rest assured that with this mattress, your sleep sanctuary will be comfortable and incredibly hygienic. 


With a 100-night sleep trial period and a generous 15-year warranty, this mattress is definitely worth a long-term investment. The company also offers free shipping but only to customers within the contiguous U.S. In case you don't like the mattress, the company will provide a hassle-free return process.

Not Rea​​​​dy To Buy Today?

That's okay! Sign up for our newsletter to get access to the best mattress deals available online. 

This list is ONLY for deals we negotiate for our readers. No spam. Ever

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid - Soft

What We Like

  • Gel-infused and open cell foam structures make the mattress ideal for hot sleepers
  • Pocketed coil system ensures a reinforced and robust edge support
  • Responsive and cushiony feel of the memory foam construction adapts to your body contour, providing magnificent pressure relief

What We Don't Like

  • Hybrid construction makes the mattress slightly heavier for mobility

Overall Thoughts: 

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress is one of the best cheap mattresses in the industry that provides great value to your sleep experience performance-wise. From cutting-edge pressure relief to unmatched ample support, you can bet it will be an incredible addition to your sleep arsenal.


The bed accommodates all sleeping positions. But since you're after the back sleeping benefits, its combination of body contouring and solid support system will help keep your spine neutrally aligned. Also, the multiple foam layers, in conjunction with pocketed coils, will help distribute your body weight evenly across the sleep surface to relieve pressure points and minimize the risk of developing painful sores.


In the safety department, Brooklyn Bedding prioritizes the well-being of its buyers. It ensures this mattress is CertiPUR-US® Certified and, therefore, free of harmful toxins. Generally, this certification guarantees that the mattress meets rigorous emission durability and performance standards. 


Notably, this Signature Hybrid model from Brooklyn Bedding is among the few most affordable luxurious mattresses that guarantee you sleep comfort like no other. So, if you're eyeing this magnificent mattress, expect to pay between $500 for a twin model and $1,200 for the California King.


This Brooklyn Bedding Mattress ships for free but to shoppers within the contiguous U.S. Moreover, it comes with a 10-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial. If you decide the mattress does not match your comfort expectations, you'll have to pay a return fee of $99.


Read the full review

Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress

What We Like

  • Combination of memory foam and individually wrapped coils offers a perfect support and comfort balance
  • Innerspring coils limit the transfer of motion disturbances between co-sleepers
  • High-quality materials and construction make the mattress super durable

What We Don't Like

  • Initial outgassing limits immediate use upon unpacking the mattress

Overall Thoughts: 

Balanced comfort and support are paramount when it comes to selecting an ideal mattress for back sleeping. Luckily, the Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress comfortably accommodates all types of sleepers, granting them a luxurious sleep experience like no other. This is thanks to its pressure-relieving comfort foam and unparalleled support from the innerspring coils.


The mattress offers hot sleepers an incredible cooling effect during hot nights. This is thanks to its Celliant Cover, which converts heat to infrared energy, which the body uses to improve blood circulation and boost muscle recovery. In addition to the cooling cover, this mattress also has graphite-infused memory foam layers, which help improve overall cooling by dissipating body heat.

 

Like other mattresses, Bear Pro comes in various sizes, from twin to split king size. On average, you can expect to spend between $740 for the twin size and $1,560 for the split king model.

Brooklyn Bedding puts the safety of its customers at the forefront to ensure buyers have an enjoyable and hygienic sleep comfort on this mattress. That is why its memory foam construction comprises CertiPUR-US certified foams, indicating the bed is free of any harmful VOCs.


The Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial in conjunction with a lifetime warranty, making the mattress worth a shot for long-term investment. The company also offers free shipping for this mattress, but only if you live within the contiguous U.S.


Read the full review

Zinus Cloud Memory Foam Mattress

What We Like

  • Budget-friendly hybrid mattress
  • Great pressure relief
  • Layered memory foam technology that provides optimal support

What We Don't Like

  • Edge support was noticeably lacking

Overall Thoughts: 

If you're looking for a comfy memory foam mattress for back sleepers on a budget that provides great pressure relief, this Zinus bed might be the one for you. The 12-inch height of this mattress adds to its overall comfort and stability, so this height is preferred. Each layer is perfectly crafted to contour to your lower back and legs to keep you aligned while relieving pressure.

The plush upper layer of the mattress provides that soft, cushy feeling while the bottom later provides the high-density support. The cloud feeling makes you feel like you are laying in a supportive cloud.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sleeping on Your Back

Those of you who prefer sleeping on your backs are in the minority. It is estimated that only around 10% of adults favor sleeping on their backs. Despite these low numbers, there are some clear advantages for snoozing on your back, and can be a sleepers best shot at sleeping pain free. Most back sleepers prefer a firm or medium firm mattress. A medium firm mattress is great for keeping your neck and spine aligned when you sleep on your back. The only type of sleeper that likes a firmer mattress than back sleepers are stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers need a firm memory foam layer, or innerspring mattresses for adequate support.

With a nice firm mattress, proper alignment of the neck, spine, and pelvis occurs when sleeping on the back. Pressure points are relieved and aches and pains are typically minimized with good rest and alignment. Additional pillows or pads for support are not necessary for back sleeping. Neck discomfort increases, however, if you are not using an appropriately sized pillow.

On the other hand, some disadvantages should be considered. Sleep apnea sufferers or snorers will find that their condition may worsen when sleeping on their backs. This is due to the tongue relaxing into the airway. Acid reflux-related discomfort can also increase in this sleeping position.

>> Related Content:

Back Sleeper's Mattress Buying Guide

If you are new to back sleeping or just are not sure what mattress features will suit your favorite sleep position the best, then this is the section for you. Before investing in a new mattress, you need to evaluate what features work best for back sleepers like yourself.

Let’s take a look at what considerations are important for back sleepers best chance at getting the right mattress.

Your Budget

Decide what you can spend before diving into the world of mattress shopping. If you have a solid idea of what you can spend before shopping, you will be less likely to overspend or even look at items that are over budget.

Firmness Level

Comfortable sleeping is the goal and proper firmness level is how we achieve it. Medium to medium-firm is the optimum starting place for back sleepers and then adjust based on your size. You want your lower back to have adequate support and keep you aligned. Getting a mattress with the right firmness level makes a world of difference when it comes to getting restful sleep on your back.

Warranty

A good warranty is a sleepers best friend. It gives you peace of mind that you purchased the right mattress with the ideal firmness level for you. Most mattresses come with a product warranty that extends over ten years. This tends to cover certain defects like indentations or sinkage. Other mattresses companies offer much less.

Read the fine print to ensure that you are getting a good deal. Prorated charges typically require that you pay a fee to repair the mattress, and these charges may kick in two years into a ten-year warranty.

Conclusion

Whether its firmness levels of pocketed coils, the soft support of memory foam, getting a great mattress is essential for good sleep. Back sleepers can rejoice once they finally have a mattress that provides them adequate support and relief. The best mattresses in this guide provide you with generous options that vary enough for you to find the right fit for you. Your long nights of tossing and turning are just a few clicks away.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *