Best mattress for side and back sleepers with back pain

A 2015 study suggests that medium-firm, self-adjustable mattresses are effective for promoting comfort, so we looked for those in creating our list.

We also considered:

• Safety. Every mattress shared here complies with federal flammability regulations.
• Brand reputation. All the mattresses are manufactured by companies that meet our content integrity and vetting guidelines, have good customer reviews, and are also determined by their Better Business Bureau profile and lack of litigation issues.
• Materials certifications. We prioritized picks with third-party material certifications, like CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX.
• Company policies. It’s generally understood that the best test of a mattress is sleeping on it for at least a few weeks. All our recommendations offer warranties and free in-home trials.

Healthline checks the quality and safety of the products in our lists on multiple levels, considering industry standards, customer reviews, and other factors. We check and update product reviews regularly to make sure we’re using the most up-to-date information and customer feedback.

Read more about our selection and vetting process.

Pricing guide

Prices on our list are based on a queen-size mattress.

• $ = under $1,700
• $$ = $1,700–$2,000
• $$$ = over $2,000

Best mattress for multiposition sleepers with lower back pain

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 14 in.
• Firmness: luxury firm
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Who it’s best for: combination sleepers who share a mattress

Sleepers who go from their side to their stomach to their back can end up with low back pain if the mattress doesn’t adapt to their changing sleep shape.

The DreamCloud mattress features gel memory foam and individually wrapped coils. Together, they gently contour to your body and eliminate pressure point pain to keep your body properly supported, no matter how you’re sleeping.

DreamCloud comes with a full 365-night trial, and the mattress is guaranteed for life.

Buy The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress online.

Best mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain

Helix Midnight Luxe

• Price: $$$
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 14 inches (in.)
• Firmness: medium
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Who it’s best for: side sleepers who share their bed with a partner

Helix made our list again with its Midnight Luxe mattress, which offers relief to side sleepers experiencing low back pain. Layers of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam are designed to provide pressure relief in the hips and shoulders and proper spinal alignment. Zoned lumbar support coils offer additional cradling and comfort right where you need them.

With an added pillow top, this mattress offers plush comfort and overall medium firmness.

You can try the mattress at home for 100 nights. It ships free in the United States and has a 15-year warranty.

Buy the Helix Midnight Luxe online.

Best mattress for people with more weight and lower back pain

Helix Plus

• Price: $$$
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 12 in.
• Firmness: medium firm
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Who it’s best for: sleepers with more weight

Designed with an additional support layer and the highest density foam, this mattress is made for comfort and support. A unique combination of memory foams, plus oversized wrapped coils with a reinforced perimeter, offer superior pressure relief and cradling for people with more weight.

This mattress leans toward the firm side of support with an ultra-breathable cover for cooler sleep. It’s made in the United States with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified materials.

Helix has a 100-night sleep trial, free U.S. shipping, and a 15-year warranty.

Buy the Helix Plus online.

Best adjustable mattress for lower back pain

Saatva Solaire Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: adjustable air
• Height: 13 in.
• Firmness: adjustable; 50 settings
• Sizes: twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king, split Cal king
• Who it’s best for: people looking for adjustability

With 50 firmness options, the Saatva Solaire Mattress means truly personalized comfort. The mattress has 5 layers, including the quilted surface and a layer with dual air chambers that feature individual controls that allow you and your partner to choose your level of support on any given night. A latex layer with five zones also offers support in the lumbar region.

Saatva offers a 180-night trial and free white-glove delivery, which includes removal of your old mattress. The Solaire also comes with a 25-year warranty.

Buy the Saatva Solaire Mattress online.

Best mattress for stomach sleepers with lower back pain

Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: foam
• Height: 12 in.
• Firmness: relaxed firm; firm
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king, split Cal king
• Who it’s best for: stomach sleepers who want a hypoallergenic mattress

Stomach sleepers need a mattress that offers adequate spinal support and even weight distribution. With a choice of relaxed firm or firm, Saatva’s Loom & Leaf Mattress is made with layers of high-density CertiPUR-US foam for contouring and pressure relief. A breathable gel cooling layer is concentrated in the lumbar region for maximum spinal support.

The Loom & Leaf Mattress has a 180-night home trial, a 15-year warranty, and free white-glove delivery service.

Buy the Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress online.

Best cooling mattress for hot sleepers with lower back pain

Birch Natural Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 11 in.
• Firmness: medium soft to medium firm
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Who it’s best for: people who want organic materials

If you deal with dual issues of sweaty sleep and lower back pain, consider the nontoxic Birch mattress. It’s made with natural materials like organic cotton, organic wool, and OEKO-TEX, eco-INSTITUT, and Rainforest Alliance certified latex for maximum breathability and support.

The mattress offers superior airflow and temperature regulation, plus pressure relief and contouring, thanks to a mix of foam layers and individually wrapped coils.

Birch offers a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping, and a 25-year warranty.

Buy the Birch Natural Mattress online.

Best mattress for lower back and neck pain

Casper Original Hybrid Mattress

• Price: $
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 11 in.
• Firmness: medium
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Who it’s best for: back sleepers looking for targeted neck and lower back support

Casper’s Original Hybrid Mattress has medium firmness, with three zones of targeted support to keep your spine aligned. Softer CertiPUR-US certified foam around the shoulders cradles the upper body, while firmer foam supports the hips, waist, and lower back. A layer of springs adds support.

The mattress comes with a 100-night trial, free shipping and returns, and a 10-year limited warranty.

Buy the Casper Original Hybrid Mattress online.

Best hybrid mattress for lower back pain

Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid Mattress

• Price: $
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 12 in.
• Firmness: medium firm
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Who it’s best for: combination sleepers who like the feel of foam

Amerisleep’s AS2 Hybrid mattress combines the pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam with the support of pocketed coils. The result is a medium-firm mattress that contours to your body and relieves pain-causing pressure points.

The company says its proprietary memory foam is more responsive than traditional foam, so you don’t get that “stuck” sensation if you tend to roll around while you sleep.

The mattress comes with a 100-night trial period and free shipping and returns. It also has a 20-year warranty.

Buy the Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid Mattress online.

Best mattress for lower back pain and sciatica

Puffy Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: foam
• Height: 10 in.
• Firmness: medium firm
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Who it’s best for: combination sleepers with less weight

Like back pain, sciatic pain may benefit from a medium-firm mattress that supports the spine. The Puffy Mattress offers firm core support with thick layers of cushioning foam that cradle the body and keep your spine aligned, even as you move throughout the night.

The mattress is backed with a lifetime warranty, and you can test it out at home with a 101-night trial.

Buy the Puffy Mattress online.

Best latex mattress for lower back pain

Nolah Natural 11”

• Price: $$
• Type: latex hybrid
• Height: 11 in.
• Firmness: medium
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Who it’s best for: combination sleepers looking for support without feeling stuck in their mattress

With responsive latex layers and zoned support coils, the Nolah Natural mattress is made to support and cushion the spine. According to Nolah, Talalay latex has 33 percent more pressure relief than other types of latex.

Latex also has a more buoyant feel, so if you don’t like the sinking-in sensation of memory foam, this is a good option.

The company offers a 120-night trial, with free shipping. Plus, the mattress has a lifetime warranty.

Buy the Nolah Natural mattress online.

Best mattress for lower back pain under $900

Molecule 1

• Price: $
• Type: foam
• Height: 12.25 in.
• Firmness: medium
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Who it’s best for: hot sleepers on a budget

The Molecule 1 mattress was designed as a recovery-focused mattress with temperature-regulating, spine-aligning benefits, and an affordable price tag.

The mattress is made with a proprietary, CertiPUR-US certified foam for excellent pressure relief, a heat and moisture-wicking cover, and a seven-inch layer of firm support to encourage healthy spine alignment.

A contoured layer also offers self-adjusting support, and the mattress as a whole is a 6 on the firmness scale. That makes it particularly suited to people with lower back pain and who are on a budget.

Molecule has a generous 365-night home trial, with free shipping and returns.

Buy the Molecule 1 mattress online.

Lower back pain takes a toll on people whether they’re awake or trying to sleep. A 2018 study found that people with chronic low back pain often also experience sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. And their quality of life can lessen because of both. This may happen because of several factors:

• Getting comfortable: Accommodating lower back pain may mean trying out new sleeping positions, which can delay sleep. For some, this could mean tossing and turning before feeling cozy enough to fall asleep.
• Prominent pain: With fewer distractions at night, lower back pain may be more noticeable than usual, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. For some, pain could be the only thing on their mind while they’re lying in bed.
• Medication: Some medications that may be prescribed for back pain, such as opioids, can also interfere with sleep, according to a 2009 study. And if lower back pain is severe enough to limit regular exercise, that can also play a role in poor sleep quality.

If you’re dealing with lower back pain, the right mattress can make a big difference.

“A mattress that doesn’t hold up our body will cause pain in the lower back,” explains Dr. Lynelle McSweeney, a chiropractor in Reno, Nevada. “We need support to keep our joints from going into a stress point, which puts pressure on nerves and strains the muscles.”

Firmness options

In general, hybrid or innerspring mattresses will offer more support than all-foam options, which may be too soft.

The manufacturer’s firmness rating can also help you zero in on a supportive option. These ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Medium-firm mattresses, which have a rating of 7 to 8, are typically recommended for lower back pain.

Sleep positions

Keep in mind that the firmness of a mattress will depend on a few different factors, including your preferred sleeping position, your body size and weight, and whether you share your bed with a partner or pet. Personal preference plays a role too.

Other things to consider

There is no single “right” mattress for everyone, but there are certain considerations when you’re dealing with lower back pain:

• Mattress firmness: Soft or plush mattresses likely won’t provide enough support. Research from 2003 suggests medium-firm mattresses are better for reducing low back pain than firm mattresses.
• Adjustability: Adjustable mattresses that let you choose your firmness level from one night to the next can be a good option but be prepared to pay a premium for this feature.
• Zoned support: Some mattresses are designed with zoned support, offering more firmness in the lower back region.

Make a point of checking reviews so you can see what previous purchasers have to say about any mattresses you’re considering.

Comfort is highly individual, so take advantage of the free in-home trials that manufacturers offer when they’re available to find a mattress that balances enough support for your lower back with overall comfort. Check the return policy and warranty, too.

“Sleeping on your back is generally considered best for the body,” says McSweeney. “But supporting your body in your preferred sleep position can also work. Getting sleep is the most important thing for your health and well-being.”

Whatever your preferred sleeping position, here are a few tricks that can help minimize lower back pain:

• If you sleep on your back, you try putting a pillow beneath your knees. It will help maintain the natural curve of the spine. You might also try using a small, rolled-up towel beneath the small of your back for extra support.
• If you’re a side sleeper, try tucking a pillow between your knees to keep your hips, pelvis, and spine better aligned.
• You can also try curling into the fetal position, with your knees tucked toward your chest and your back slightly curved forward, to help make space between vertebrae. Remember to switch sides to avoid imbalances. Note that if you have an extension bias, or find that arching your back relieves your symptoms, then the fetal position will not help with lower back pain.
• To avoid low back pain, stomach sleepers can try using a pillow beneath the pelvis and lower abdomen. The extra support may relieve some of the pressure that can build in your low back when you sleep on your stomach.

If lower back pain is interfering with your ability to get a good night’s sleep, and the problem is persisting, it’s time to see a doctor. The same is true if your lower back pain is making daily activities difficult, or if you’d characterize it as severe.

Some types of back pain are associated with other symptoms, like pain that extends into other body parts, tingling or numbness, or a fever. These can be signs of nerve irritation or infection, and it’s important to see a doctor for more information.

If you suspect that your mattress is to blame, your doctor may be able to offer recommendations for better sleep positions to help.

If you aren’t able to buy a brand-new mattress, there are other things you can try to help alleviate lower back pain.

Try a mattress topper

Mattress toppers can offer a budget-friendly way to offer specific benefits, including relief from low back pain. If you suspect your mattress is contributing to your lower back pain, a good mattress topper is one way to test your theory.

Try putting your mattress on the floor

Support is critical for proper spinal alignment. You can try putting your mattress on the floor to see if a firmer mattress would be a better fit for you. It’s an easy way to check whether a firmer mattress will help alleviate your lower back pain.

Try putting a piece of plywood under your mattress

If moving your mattress to the floor isn’t an option, try sliding a piece of sturdy plywood between your mattress and your box spring or bed frame. This will help minimize movement and increase support.

Try an adjustable bed base

An inclined sleeping position may offer more relief from lower back pain than a flat sleeping surface. Swapping your standard base for an adjustable version gives you the option of elevating your upper body to alleviate lower back pain.

Use pillows

If you can’t invest in an adjustable bed base, a wedge pillow or a body pillow may help you adjust your positioning.

Can a mattress cause lower back pain?

Yes. A mattress that’s too soft, without enough spinal support, will cause pressure and pain in the lower back. But a mattress that’s too firm can also create lower back pain by not allowing enough “give” to pressure points, causing misalignment.

Can replacing your mattress improve lower back pain?

Yes. If your mattress isn’t offering enough support because it’s too soft or too old, swapping your mattress for a medium-firm option can help improve lower back pain.

You can also try moving the mattress to the floor, using plywood beneath the mattress, or adding a supportive mattress topper designed to alleviate back pain.

What style of mattress is best for lower back pain?

Medium-firm, adjustable mattresses are most effective for minimizing lower back pain. Look for hybrid or innerspring models with zoned support that offer greater firmness in the lumbar region.

What style of mattress is worst for lower back pain?

Mattresses that are excessively soft or overly firm will worsen lower back pain. All-foam options that lack zoned support may not be a good choice if you’re already dealing with lower back pain.

Many people experience lower back pain. A mattress that does not offer enough support can make it worse, no matter how you sleep.

Consider looking for a mattress that offers medium-firm support with layers of foam or a hybrid system, and always opt for a company that has a generous in-home trial period.

Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.