For back sleepers, finding the right mattress can be a challenge. Where side sleepers tend to need a soft mattress with lots of pressure relief and stomach sleepers often require something firmer, folks who sleep on their back are stuck in the middle, and will want a bed that’s both comfortable and supportive. Fortunately, I’ve reviewed a lot of mattresses and have come up with eight standouts that should be a great match.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers?
Our expert reviewers chose the Helix Dusk as the best mattress for back sleepers due to its memory foam contouring, hybrid construction, and balanced support for those who sleep on their back.
The 10 Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
- Helix Dusk – Best Overall
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Luxury Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe –Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress
- WinkBeds EcoCloud – Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers
- Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Bear – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Plank Firm Luxe – Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
- Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Cocoon Chill – Best For Couples
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers 2023: Our Video Roundup
Compare the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
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| Helix Dusk Mattress | DreamCloud Premier Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Saatva Mattress | WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Bear Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Cocoon Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Latex | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back | Back | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Side | Combination | Back & Side | Back & Side |
How We Chose the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
To identify the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers, we’ve paid special attention to support, durability, and other relevant criteria. For example, eight of our 10 products scored a 4 out of 5 or above for support, while seven of them scored a 4 out of 5 or above for durability.
Be sure to consider the superlatives we’ve assigned to each mattress so you can narrow down your options. And if you’re still left searching for your next perfect bed, try taking our mattress quiz for more tailored recommendations.
Helix Dusk Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$899 - $1549
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress that is going to be a great fit for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$899 - $1549
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress that is going to be a great fit for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$899 - $1549
Our Expert’s Take
Helix is a fascinating company in that they allow customers to customize their mattress and find the perfect fit. They even provide a sleep quiz that narrows down the choices. Back sleepers will most likely land on the Helix Dusk, a hybrid that offers the comfort of foam and the support of coils. And because the coils have plenty of room for airflow, the bed should also sleep cool.
What the testers say: “The Helix Dusk is one of the most supportive mattresses in the Helix line, which is why I loved it for back sleeping. My hips and spine were elevated, and I was confident that my back was going to stay in alignment the entire night.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Helix Dusk
- Contains Helix Dynamic Foam
- Base layers offer great support
- Available in a Luxe model
Cons of the Helix Dusk
- Not great for side sleepers
- Not great for foam lovers
Read our full Helix Dusk mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses 2022 for more great options.
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$1169 - $2169
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$1169 - $2169
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$1169 - $2169
Our Expert’s Take
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress comprised of a luxurious pillow-top, memory foam, and coils, all of which work together to create a medium-firm feel and a good balance of comfort and support. While back sleeping, the hips should sink into the pillow-top, but only a bit. Meanwhile, the pillow-top and foam layers conform to the curves of the body and support the lumbar area. The pocketed coils beneath offer more support, so people should feel held up everywhere else.
What the testers say: “As a heavier sleeper, the DreamCloud Premier offered me some great pressure relief. I’m a back and side combination sleeper, and I thought this mattress was a great fit for both of those sleeping positions.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the DreamCloud Premier
Cons of the DreamCloud Premier
- Not great for fans of firm mattresses
- Not great for stomach sleepers
Read our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Luxury Mattresses for more great options.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$1199 - $2498
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$1199 - $2498
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$1199 - $2498
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re looking for a value mattress, Brooklyn Bedding is always a good place to start. They own their own factory, so they cut out the middleman and pass the saving on to you, the customer. Their most popular model is the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora, a hybrid that features supportive coils and proprietary comfort foams on top. The mattress comes in three different firmnesses, and back sleepers will likely be most comfortable on the Medium model. They should feel their hips sink into the top layers while the coils hold up their body.
What the testers say: “I think the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a great fit for back sleepers. Its foam is responsive and the coils are sturdy, which makes this mattress very supportive and helps keep the spine in alignment.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Plus innerspring feel
- Great mattress for side sleepers
- Cooling features
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Not great for stomach sleepers
- Not great for heavy people
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Hybrid Mattresses for more great options.
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$1095 - $2790
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$1095 - $2790
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$1095 - $2790
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress with a pillow-top that offers the balance of comfort and support that back sleepers crave. The pillow-top allows the hips to sink in, while the two layers of coils stop them from sinking in too far. These coils are very supportive, and even heavier back sleepers should find the Saatva to be an excellent fit. The mattress also contains a memory foam layer to help with contouring, so the mattress should take the shape of the body and fill in gaps such as the lumbar area.
What the testers say: “The two layers of coils in the Saatva gave me some really great support, and I got some nice, plush comfort from the pillow-top layer. This mattress gives me the feeling that I’m sleeping “on it” rather than in it.”– Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Saatva
- One of the best innerspring mattresses for back sleepers
- Great firmness for back sleepers
- Sleeps cool
Cons of the Saatva
- Not good for lightweight sleepers
- Lacks slow-moving foam feel
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Innerspring Mattresses for more great options.
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$1399 - $2399
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The WinkBeds EcoCloud is a very supportive latex hybrid mattress.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$1399 - $2399
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The WinkBeds EcoCloud is a very supportive latex hybrid mattress.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$1399 - $2399
Our Expert’s Take
Heavier back sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds are going to need a ton of spinal support, and they just might get it on the WinkBeds EcoCloud. A layer of zoned pocketed coils at the bottom of the bed makes the mattress more supportive near the center (where you need the most spinal support) and softer at the head and the foot. There’s also some zoning in the above comfort layer of Talalay latex foam.
What the testers say: “The all-natural latex in the WinkBed EcoCloud makes it a really bouncy mattress, and sleeping on it made me feel like I was on top of it instead of inside it.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the WinkBeds EcoCloud
- Great for pressure relief
- Stands at 13” tall
- Great edge support
Cons of the WinkBeds EcoCloud
- Not great for stomach sleepers
- Expensive
Read our full WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Heavy People for more great options.
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
If you love that slow-moving memory foam feel, then Nectar might be the mattress of your dreams. This mattress provides tons of body contouring and has a medium-firm feel, making it great for back and side sleepers.
The top layer contains gel foam, a cooling material that helps dissipate body heat. At the bottom, you’ll find a layer of high-density support foam. This prevents sleepers from bottoming out, and it provides the lumbar support back sleepers need.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, so it’s a great choice for couples. It’s also one of the best mattresses for the money! You can’t go wrong with this classic, memory foam mattress.
What the testers say: “Though the Nectar is amazing for back sleeping, its equally great for combination sleepers who sleep on their side too. People who shift to their sides at night should get some great pressure relief and comfort throughout the night.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Nectar
- Slow-moving feel
- Dissipates body heat
- Isolates motion well
Cons of the Nectar
- Not great for heavyweight people
- Isn’t responsive
Read our full Nectar mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Memory Foam Mattresses for more great options.
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
There’s so much to love about the Bear mattress — it’s designed to support muscle recovery, pressure relief, and has cooling features. Back sleepers will especially love the firmness of this mattress, which feels like a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale. The supportive foam layers help keep the back in the proper alignment all night long.
Hot sleepers should appreciate Bear’s Celliant cover that helps with cooling. It also may help improve blood flow and muscle recovery, making this a great mattress for athletes.
What the testers say: “The Bear was super comfortable and allowed me to sink right into the top layer when I was on my back. I got some great lumbar support and spinal support, and I think most sleepers will get a similar feeling on this mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Bear
- Its pressure-relieving abilities are great for lightweight and average-weight sleepers.
- If you love the feel of memory foam but don’t love that the material typically traps heat, this may be a great fit for you.
- Even with the all foam construction, the Bear is a very durable mattress. If you don’t love it though, the company offers a 365-night sleep trial.
Cons of the Bear
- Not great for stomach sleepers
- Not great for heavier side sleepers
Read our full Bear mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Cooling Mattresses for more great options.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we've ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we've ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Nobody wants their mattress to fold like a taco. If you’re especially worried about your mattress sagging, check out the Plank Firm Luxe.
As the name suggests, the Firm Luxe is an extra firm mattress that is flippable. The softer side of the mattress ranks at an 8/10 on our firmness scale, while the firmer side ranks at a 9/10. The extra firm build of the mattress helps it with durability, making this a mattress that will last years without sagging.
The Plank Firm Luxe mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty, and we expect it to last at least that long.
What the testers say: “Both sides of the Plank Firm Luxe felt great for back and stomach sleeping, and kept my spine aligned in these positions. Side sleeping didn’t feel the best though, on either side of the mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Plank Firm Luxe
- Supportive coils
- Durable
- Bouncy and responsive feel
Cons of the Plank Firm Luxe
- Not great for side sleepers
- May be too firm for some
Read our full Plank Firm Luxe mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses That Won’t Sag for more great options.
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$1499 - $3598
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$1499 - $3598
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$1499 - $3598
Our Expert’s Take
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress that features a unique zoned construction, meaning the middle part of the mattress is firmer and more supportive, while the shoulder area is softer. This makes the bed an especially excellent fit for back sleepers, as it offers extra lumbar support. That applies doubly to anyone who struggles with lower back pain.
What the testers say: “I sleep both on my side and on my back, and the Nolah Evolution is the perfect mattress for those positions. It’s a high-quality mattress, and it offers a nice balance of comfort and support. It also is a great fit for hot sleepers, since it has lots of cooling features.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
- A great fit for several sleeping positions.
- Great for side and back sleepers
- Solid edge support
- Sleeps cool
Cons of the Nolah Evolution
- Expensive
- Not great for side sleepers
Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Pain for more great options.
Cocoon Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Cocoon Mattress
The Cocoon by Sealy is a comfortable mattress that is also a great value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Cocoon Mattress
The Cocoon by Sealy is a comfortable mattress that is also a great value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
The Cocoon Chill is an all-foam mattress with some advanced cooling materials. The cover features Phase Change Material that works to draw heat away from your body. This helps the mattress stay cool to the touch.
And because the Cocoon Chill mattress is made entirely out of foam, it also isolates motion well! This is great news for couples, because if one person switches sleeping positions during the night, the other person won’t feel that movement on their side of the bed.
To make things even better, the Cocoon Chill mattress has excellent edge support. This means if you rest near the side of the bed, you’ll feel very secure.
What our testers say: “My hips sank right into the Cocoon, while the bottom layers on this mattress held me up. Back sleeping is great on this mattress, and it should even be great for stomach sleepers too.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Cocoon Chill
- Great firmness for back sleepers
- The cover feels cool to the touch
- Great motion isolation
Cons of the Cocoon Chill
- Not great for side sleepers
- Not great for heavy people
Read our full Cocoon Chill mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Couples for more great options.
What People Should Think About When Buying a Mattress for Back-Sleeping
Mattress Firmness
At Mattress Clarity, we always rate firmness on a scale of 1 to 10. Back sleepers will want to find something in the medium-firm range of 6.5 to 7. If the mattress is too soft, they might not get the support they need, and their hips could sink in too far (potentially leading to lower back pain). If the mattress is too firm, they won’t sink in far enough and get the contouring that they need.
Let’s dig into that a little further. Dr. Daniel Davids, a DPT and Mattress Clarity Expert Network Member, explains that we actually require natural motion while we sleep, which can be unhealthily reduced by a too-soft bed. Unlike standing, walking, or other upright activities, Davids says actions like lying down and sleeping allow our muscles to be in a relatively off position. Because our muscles provide stability to our joints when they’re relaxed, our joints also relax. However, he says that if we maintain a position for too long that pushes the limits of our joint range, we may wake up with pain or stiffness.
Likewise, a mattress that’s too stiff puts undue pressure on certain areas of our body with “bony prominences” — areas where the bone isn’t as covered with soft tissue (muscle and fat), says Davids. This issue can even lead to skin breakdown as we see with seniors and bedsores.
Comfort Layer Thickness
When consumers are looking at the design of the mattress, they should pay close attention to the thickness of the comfort layer. While a thick comfort layer can be nice for those who sleep on their side, back sleepers won’t want it to be too thick. A comfort layer between 2″ and 4″ should allow them to sink into the mattress just enough while still getting enough support for their back and cushioning in their lumbar area.
Your Weight
As with any mattress purchase, people will want to consider their overall size and weight. A mattress that’s supportive enough for a lighter-weight sleeper might not support a heavier sleeper. Likewise, a larger person might think a mattress is perfect for back-sleeping, while a lighter person could possibly find it too firm. Consumers should definitely keep their size in mind when attempting to find that perfect balance between comfort and support.
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Choose the Right Type of Mattress for Back-Sleeping
There are a few major types of mattresses, and they all offer benefits and drawbacks when it comes to back-sleeping. Let’s discuss exactly how each one can be a good and poor fit.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are extremely popular right now, and for good reason. They offer superior pressure relief and comfort, and are usually a big hit with side sleepers. They’re also good for back sleepers in that they provide excellent contouring and really fill all the gaps (such as the lumbar area). They can also be extremely soft, however, and sometimes don’t offer the best support for back-sleeping.
If a shopper wants a memory foam mattress for back-sleeping, they should find something where the comfort layer isn’t too thick. They’ll want a bed that will allow their hips to sink in just the right amount while the mattress supports the rest of their body. Memory foam can be great for back-sleeping, as long as there’s not too much of it!
Innerspring
Traditional innerspring mattresses are one of the oldest types of beds and are known for their excellent breathability and support. A mattress with high-grade coils can indeed be a good match for back-sleeping, but it really comes down to the overall firmness and what’s in the comfort layer.
If an innerspring mattress is too firm, it can really push the hips out of the mattress and cause back pain. That’s why innerspring mattresses with a pillow-top are often a good fit for back-sleeping. The pillow-top adds some softness and allows those hips to sink in just a bit. If shoppers want an innerspring mattress for back-sleeping, they just need to make sure it is truly medium-firm.
Hybrid
When it comes to back-sleeping, hybrid mattresses are hard to beat. This is because they provide the soft comfort of foam and the support of coils. However, there are still a few things to look out for. First off, make sure the comfort layer is the right thickness. If it’s a thick layer of memory foam, your spine might get out of alignment while you’re sleeping. If it’s just a thin layer of a firmer foam, the mattress might push the hips out of the mattress.
Latex
Latex mattresses are known for being eco-friendly, but how do they work for back-sleeping? First off, latex is a denser material that can sometimes be on the firmer side. If it’s too dense, it might not let sleepers’ hips sink in the right amount. So, back sleepers want to make sure there’s some give in place. Latex mattresses can also be good for back-sleeping because they’re highly durable. While they do cost more, they’re a better long-term investment and are less likely to sag.
Sleep Accessories for Back-Sleeping
For back sleepers, getting a good night’s rest doesn’t stop with finding a mattress. There are also some accessories that can help ensure comfort and support.
First off, a pillow can really help with back-sleeping if it’s a proper fit. Back sleepers should look for something that isn’t too thick and isn’t too thin. A pillow with a medium loft will keep the head, neck, and spine neutrally aligned. These can come in many types, including latex and memory foam. There are also some pillows made specifically to support the neck. Make sure to take a look at our best pillows for back sleepers for more information.
Mattress toppers can also be a great accessory for back sleepers, especially if their current mattress is too firm. A 2″ or 3″ mattress topper can add just a bit of comfort to the top of the mattress, providing some more contouring and allowing the hips to sink in. There are also zoned mattress toppers that can provide some more lumbar support for back sleepers.
Overall
Here’s a recap of our top picks for the best mattresses for back sleepers:
| Mattress | Best For |
| Helix Dusk | Best Overall |
| DreamCloud Premier | Best Luxury Mattress |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora | Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Saatva | Best Innerspring Mattress |
| WinkBeds EcoCloud | Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers |
| Nectar | Best Memory Foam Mattress |
| Bear | Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Plank Firm Luxe | Best Mattress That Won’t Sag |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Mattress for Back Pain |
| Cocoon Chill | Best Mattress For Couples |
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers FAQs
What mattress firmness is best for back sleepers?
Medium-firm mattresses are great for back sleepers since it supports proper spinal alignment while cushioning the shoulders and hips.
Are foam mattresses good for back sleepers?
Memory foam is great for back sleepers since it cradles the body in some of the heavier places while also cushioning the spine.
Which thickness is best for back sleepers?
We recommend sleepers have mattresses at least 10″ thick, regardless of your sleep position.