Best Mattress for Back Pain 2024

Watch Our Amerisleep AS2 Video Review

I researched and analyzed Amerisleep’s AS2, and it’s the first product on our list for a reason. This mattress stands out for its exceptional back support, making it an ideal choice for those struggling with back pain. The AS2 features a medium-firm feel, perfectly balancing comfort and support.

My team of testers and I found that the AS2’s unique design, which includes Amerisleep’s proprietary Bio-Pur® memory foam, excels in providing targeted pressure relief. The foam conforms to your body, alleviating pressure points without compromising on support. This feature is particularly beneficial for back sleepers who need firm support to maintain proper spinal alignment.

According to my testing, what sets the AS2 apart from other mattresses is its HIVE® technology. This technology uses hexagonal cutouts in the foam to create five distinct comfort zones, offering tailored support to different areas of your body. For instance, it provides softer cushioning under your shoulders and firmer support under your hips, ensuring a balanced and comfortable sleep posture.

During my testing, I noticed that the AS2 also excels in temperature regulation. The open-cell structure of the Bio-Pur® foam promotes better airflow, preventing heat buildup. This feature is a game-changer for hot sleepers who struggle with temperature fluctuations throughout the night.

My team compared the AS2 with other medium-firm mattresses on the market, like the Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt. While the ProAdapt also offers good support, my team and I found that the AS2’s targeted pressure relief and superior cooling properties give it an edge. Furthermore, the AS2 is more responsive than traditional memory foam mattresses, which tend to have a sinking feeling. This responsiveness makes it easier to move and change positions during the night.

One of our testers, who suffers from chronic lower back pain, noted a substantial improvement after sleeping on the AS2. “I woke up with less stiffness and pain in my lower back, which is a rare occurrence for me,” they reported. This firsthand experience underscores the mattress’s effectiveness in providing both comfort and support.

If you’re seeking a mattress that combines firmness with comfort, excels in pressure relief, and maintains a cool sleeping environment, the Amerisleep AS2 is an excellent choice. It not only meets but exceeds expectations, particularly for those dealing with back pain.

Read My Full Review of the Amerisleep AS2

Watch Our Zoma Boost Video Review

When researching mattresses for back pain relief, the Zoma Boost quickly became a standout choice. My team of testers, who have diverse sleep needs and preferences, analyzed the Zoma Boost extensively. The mattress’s combination of innovative features and high-quality materials positions it as a top contender for those seeking comfort and support.

The Zoma Boost excels in cooling, outperforming even the renowned Saatva Classic. Its advanced cooling technology is designed to dissipate heat, ensuring a comfortable sleeping temperature throughout the night. For those who tend to overheat, this feature alone makes the Zoma Boost an attractive option. My team, including those prone to night sweats, found the mattress maintained a cool and comfortable surface, contributing to a restful sleep.

Motion isolation is another area where the Zoma Boost shines. It surpasses the Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid in this regard, making it ideal for couples or individuals with restless partners. During our testing, even the most active sleepers experienced minimal disturbance. One tester noted, “When my partner moved during the night, I didn’t feel a thing. The Zoma Boost truly minimizes motion transfer.”

The mattress is constructed with a blend of high-quality foams that provide excellent support and pressure relief. The top layer features gel-infused memory foam, which contours to the body while maintaining a cool surface. Below this, a layer of Reactiv™ foam offers responsive support, preventing the sinking feeling often associated with memory foam mattresses. The supportive base layer ensures durability and maintains the mattress’s shape over time.

Orthopedic specialists have highlighted the importance of a mattress that supports proper spinal alignment to alleviate back pain. The Zoma Boost’s zoned support system caters to this need by providing targeted support where it’s needed most. This design helps maintain a neutral spine position, reducing pressure points and promoting healthy posture.

My team of testers also appreciated the Zoma Boost’s balanced firmness. It offers a medium-firm feel that suits a wide range of sleeping positions. Whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper, the Zoma Boost provides adequate support and comfort. One back sleeper on our team mentioned, “I woke up without the usual lower back pain. The mattress supported my spine perfectly.”

The Zoma Boost stands out for its superior cooling, exceptional motion isolation, and targeted support system. It’s a well-rounded mattress that caters to those with back pain and those who share their bed with a partner. My thorough research and testing confirm that the Zoma Boost is a worthy investment for a healthier, more comfortable sleep.

Read My Full Review of the Zoma Boost

Watch Our Vaya Mattress Video Review

In my quest to find the perfect mattress for alleviating back pain, I delved deep into the specifics of the Vaya Mattress. My team of testers and I were keen to understand why this mattress is frequently recommended for those suffering from back issues. Here’s what I found.

The Vaya Mattress stands out for its unique blend of comfort and support. At its core, the mattress features a proprietary foam designed to provide balanced support while ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep. This foam contours to the body, which helps maintain spinal alignment—a crucial factor for anyone dealing with back pain. During my tests, I noticed that the Vaya Mattress offered excellent pressure relief, particularly around the shoulders and hips, making it a suitable option for side sleepers and back sleepers alike.

One of the standout features of the Vaya Mattress I noticed is its superior cooling capabilities. When I compared it to other mattresses like the Brooklyn Plank Firm, the Vaya Mattress maintains a cooler sleeping surface, which is a significant advantage for hot sleepers. The open-cell foam structure promotes better airflow, ensuring you stay cool throughout the night. This is particularly beneficial for those who tend to wake up due to overheating, as it allows for a more restful sleep experience.

Motion isolation is another area where the Vaya Mattress excels. When I compared it to the Zoma Start, the Vaya Mattress performed better in minimizing motion transfer. During our testing, even the most restless sleepers’ movements were hardly felt by their partners. This makes the Vaya an ideal choice for couples, especially when one partner is prone to tossing and turning.

From a personal perspective, sleeping on the Vaya Mattress was a pleasant experience. I found that the mattress provided just the right amount of firmness without feeling too hard or too soft. It struck a perfect balance, supporting my lower back while allowing me to sink in comfortably at the shoulders. This balance is often hard to find but is crucial for a night of restorative sleep.

After thoroughly analyzing the Vaya Mattress, it’s clear why it ranks high on our list for back pain relief. Its combination of comfort, support, cooling properties, and motion isolation makes it a well-rounded choice. Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or someone who sleeps hot, the Vaya Mattress offers a versatile solution that caters to various needs while ensuring a good night’s sleep.

Read My Full Review of the Vaya Mattress

Watch Our Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Video Review

When I researched the Helix Midnight LUXE, it quickly became evident why it’s a standout choice for those seeking relief from back pain. The Helix Midnight LUXE is designed with a combination of advanced materials and thoughtful construction, offering a balance of comfort and support that my team of testers found impressive.

The Helix Midnight LUXE features a hybrid design, which combines memory foam and individually wrapped coils. This blend not only provides excellent support but also enhances the mattress’s cooling properties. My team noted that the cooling effect was significantly better compared to the Vaya Hybrid. The top layer of gel-infused memory foam helps dissipate heat, making it a great option for hot sleepers.

One of the standout features I analyzed was the targeted lumbar support, which is particularly beneficial for those with back pain. The zoned support system ensures that different parts of your body receive the right level of support, promoting proper spinal alignment. As a side sleeper myself, I appreciated how the mattress provided pressure relief on my hips and shoulders while maintaining support for my lower back.
During my testing, the Helix Midnight LUXE excelled in motion isolation. Even when my partner tossed and turned, I barely felt any movement on my side of the bed. This was a noticeable improvement over the Saatva Classic, which, while comfortable, did not isolate motion as effectively. This feature is particularly beneficial for couples, as it allows for undisturbed sleep even if one partner moves frequently during the night.

When my team compared the Helix Midnight LUXE to other mattresses, it was clear that it stands out in several key areas. For instance, its cooling properties surpass those of the Vaya Hybrid, making it a better option for hot sleepers. Additionally, its motion isolation is superior to that of the Saatva Classic, which is crucial for couples who want to sleep undisturbed.

The Helix Midnight LUXE offers a combination of advanced materials and thoughtful design that provides excellent support and comfort, particularly for those struggling with back pain. Its superior cooling and motion isolation make it a standout choice among hybrid mattresses. My team of testers and I were thoroughly impressed with how well it performed in our rigorous testing, making it a highly recommended option for a restful night’s sleep.

Read My Full Review of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

When I researched the Saatva Classic, it quickly became clear why this mattress is highly recommended. This innerspring mattress combines luxury and support in a way that few others can match. My team of testers and I found that its unique construction, featuring a coil-on-coil system and a plush Euro pillow top, delivers a balance of comfort and support that’s ideal for those suffering from back pain.

One standout feature of the Saatva Classic is its dual-coil design. The first layer consists of individually wrapped coils that adapt to your body shape, reducing motion transfer and providing targeted support. This is particularly beneficial if you share your bed, as it means movements on one side are less likely to disturb the other side—offering better motion isolation than the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss.

Additionally, the mattress has a second layer of steel coils that provide excellent durability and prevent sagging over time. This robust support system helps keep your spine aligned, which is essential for alleviating back pain. I analyzed the cooling capabilities of the Saatva Classic and found it to be superior to many others, including the Zoma Start. The organic cotton cover and dual-coil design promote airflow, keeping you cool throughout the night.

The Saatva Classic comes in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. During my testing, the Luxury Firm model stood out for its perfect blend of softness and support, making it suitable for most sleepers, especially back and stomach sleepers who need a firmer surface to keep their spine properly aligned. For side sleepers, the Plush Soft option offers a bit more cushioning for the shoulders and hips.

Comparing the Saatva Classic to other mattresses on my list, it outshines many in terms of cooling and motion isolation. For example, while the Zoma Start has decent cooling properties, the Saatva Classic’s dual-coil system and breathable materials provide a cooler sleep experience. Additionally, the motion isolation offered by the Saatva Classic is more effective than that of the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss, making it an excellent choice for couples.

The Saatva Classic is a versatile and high-quality mattress that excels in providing both comfort and support. Its superior construction and thoughtful design make it a top contender for anyone seeking relief from back pain.

Read My Full Review of the Saatva Classic

Watch Our Nolah Evolution Mattress Video Review

When my team began researching the Nolah Evolution 15″, my team and I were intrigued by its combination of advanced materials and thoughtful design aimed at providing exceptional comfort and support.

One of the first things I noticed during my analysis was the superior cooling capabilities of the Nolah Evolution 15″ compared to the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss. The mattress features a proprietary AirFoamICE™ layer, which is designed to dissipate heat and keep you cool throughout the night. Our testers, particularly those who tend to sleep hot, appreciated this feature, noting a significant difference in their sleep quality.

Additionally, the Nolah Evolution 15″ excels in motion isolation, surpassing even the Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid. This is a crucial factor for couples, as it minimizes disturbances caused by a partner’s movements. During my testing, one tester mentioned, “Even when my partner tossed and turned, I barely felt any movement on my side of the bed, allowing for an undisturbed sleep.”

The Nolah Evolution 15″ is a hybrid mattress, combining the best of both worlds with a supportive coil base and multiple comfort layers, including high-resilience foam and the cooling AirFoamICE™. This combination offers a balance of pressure relief, support, and responsiveness, which caters to a wide range of sleep preferences.

One of my testers, who prefers a firmer feel, noted, “The zoned coils provided exceptional support for my back, while the top layers offered just the right amount of cushioning.” This hybrid design also contributes to better edge support and cooling properties compared to all-foam mattresses, making it an excellent choice for couples.

From my personal experience, the Nolah Evolution 15″ provided a noticeable improvement in my sleep quality. As someone who struggles with back pain, I found the zoned support to be particularly beneficial. The mattress conformed to my body, alleviating pressure points and maintaining proper spinal alignment. I woke up feeling more refreshed and less stiff than I had in months.

The Nolah Evolution 15″ combines innovative materials and thoughtful design to deliver a comfortable and supportive sleep experience. Its superior cooling and motion isolation make it a standout choice for couples, while its expert-backed support features cater to those with back pain. Whether you sleep hot, share your bed, or need targeted support, this mattress is designed to meet your needs.

Read My Full Review of the Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress

Watch Our Amerisleep Organica Mattress Video Review

When it comes to addressing back pain, the Amerisleep Organica stands out as a top contender. As I researched and analyzed this mattress, I found it to be an exceptional blend of natural materials and innovative design, making it a noteworthy option for those seeking relief from back discomfort.

The Amerisleep Organica features a combination of organic latex and pocketed coils, creating a balanced feel that caters to a wide range of sleepers. The organic latex provides a responsive yet supportive surface, while the pocketed coils offer targeted support and enhanced airflow. This hybrid construction ensures that the mattress adapts to your body’s contours, promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points.

During my testing, the Amerisleep Organica impressed my team of testers with its ability to deliver both comfort and support. The medium-firm feel is ideal for maintaining spinal alignment, which is crucial for alleviating back pain. When I compared it to all-foam mattresses, the Organica’s hybrid design offers superior edge support, making it easier to get in and out of bed and utilize the entire sleeping surface.

One standout feature of the Amerisleep Organica is its excellent motion isolation. Even when my partner moved around at night, I barely felt any disturbances on my side of the bed, leading to a more restful sleep. Additionally, the breathable organic latex and coil system work together to regulate temperature, preventing overheating—a common issue with many foam mattresses.

When my team compared it to other mattresses, such as the all-foam models, the Amerisleep Organica’s hybrid construction offers a more dynamic sleeping experience. While memory foam mattresses excel in pressure relief, they sometimes lack the responsiveness and edge support provided by Organica’s coil system. This makes the Organica a versatile choice for sleepers who need a balance of support and comfort.

My analysis and personal experience with the Amerisleep Organica highlight its effectiveness in addressing back pain. Its thoughtful design, incorporating organic materials and hybrid construction, sets it apart as a mattress that can cater to a variety of sleep needs while promoting a healthy spine.

Read My Full Review of the Amerisleep Organica

Watch Our Nest Bedding Sparrow Mattress Video Review

In my quest to find the ideal mattress for addressing back pain, the Nest Sparrow emerged as a standout contender. Through extensive research and analysis, coupled with hands-on testing by my team of sleep experts, I delved deep into what sets this mattress apart.

The Nest Sparrow boasts a hybrid construction that blends a robust coil support system with luxurious memory foam comfort layers. This combination not only provides exceptional support for the spine but also offers plush comfort that conforms to the body’s contours. During my testing, I found that the mattress effectively distributes weight evenly, which helps alleviate pressure points—a crucial factor for relieving back pain, when I compared it to traditional innerspring mattresses, such as the Saatva Classic, the Nest Sparrow’s hybrid design offers superior support and comfort customization.

One of the Nest Sparrow’s standout features is its customizable firmness options. Whether you prefer a softer feel to sink into or a firmer surface for added support, this mattress accommodates a range of preferences. This versatility ensures that each sleeper can find their ideal level of comfort and support, tailored precisely to their needs. This flexibility outshines many competitors like the Purple Hybrid, which offers fewer firmness options and may not cater as precisely to individual preferences.

For couples, motion isolation is a key consideration to prevent disturbances during sleep. The Nest Sparrow excels in this regard, significantly reducing motion transfer across the mattress.

Even with partner movements, sleepers experience minimal disruption, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. Additionally, the mattress incorporates advanced cooling technology, such as breathable materials and enhanced airflow, which actively dissipate heat. This cooling capability surpasses that of many competitors, such as the Casper Hybrid, making the Nest Sparrow an ideal choice for hot sleepers seeking uninterrupted rest.

The Nest Sparrow sets a new standard for mattresses designed to alleviate back pain and enhance overall sleep quality. Its hybrid construction, customizable firmness options, endorsements from orthopedic specialists, and advanced features like motion isolation and cooling technology combine to deliver a truly exceptional sleep experience. Whether you prioritize comfort, support, or addressing back issues, our detailed analysis and testing confirm that the Nest Sparrow is a top contender worthy of consideration.

Read My Full Nest Bedding Sparrow Signature Hybrid Review

Watch Our Brooklyn Aurora Luxe Mattress Video Review

When it comes to finding a mattress that merges luxurious comfort with cutting-edge support, the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is a top contender. I spent considerable time researching and analyzing this mattress alongside my team of testers, and I and my team were impressed by its advanced design and numerous features. Here’s a deep dive into what makes the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe a standout choice.

The Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress that combines multiple layers of premium materials to deliver exceptional comfort and support. At the top, it features a layer of TitanCool™ infused foam, designed to enhance cooling and provide a soft, plush feel. During my testing, I found this layer remarkably effective in maintaining a comfortable sleep temperature throughout the night. This is particularly beneficial for hot sleepers who struggle with temperature regulation.

Beneath the TitanCool™ layer, the mattress incorporates several layers of memory foam and high-density foam. These layers work together to provide a balance of pressure relief and support. The memory foam contours to your body, alleviating pressure points, while the high-density foam ensures robust support to keep your spine aligned. This combination is essential for preventing and alleviating back pain, as it supports the natural curvature of your spine.

One of the standout features of the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is its customizable firmness options. This mattress is available in three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. Each firmness level caters to different sleep preferences and needs. For example, the soft option is ideal for side sleepers who need more cushioning around their shoulders and hips, while the firm option provides the extra support required by back and stomach sleepers.

During my comparison tests, I noted that while other mattresses like the Nest Sparrow also offer customizable firmness, the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe’s options felt more distinctly tailored to specific sleep styles. The medium firmness, which I tested extensively, offered an excellent balance that suited a wide range of sleeping positions, making it a versatile choice for couples with differing preferences.

Sleep expert Kristina added, “The advanced cooling technology integrated into the Aurora Luxe sets it apart from many other mattresses. The TitanCool™ technology, combined with the breathable materials, ensures that the mattress remains cool, which is essential for a comfortable and undisturbed sleep.”

Motion isolation is a critical factor, especially for couples, and the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe excels in this area. The individually wrapped coils within the mattress significantly reduce motion transfer, ensuring that movements on one side of the bed do not disturb the other side. During my testing, even with a partner moving around frequently, the mattress maintained its stability, providing an undisturbed sleep experience.

Additionally, the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe’s cooling properties are among the best we’ve tested. The TitanCool™ foam, combined with breathable materials and a cooling cover, effectively dissipates heat. This advanced cooling technology surpasses many other hybrid mattresses like the Saatva Classic and Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt, making the Aurora Luxe an excellent choice for those who tend to overheat during the night.

User feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. For instance, Lisa from New York shared, “The Brooklyn Aurora Luxe has transformed my sleep. The medium firmness is perfect for my combination sleeping style, and the cooling technology has made a huge difference in my comfort level.” Another user, Tom from California, remarked, “As someone with chronic back pain, I’ve tried many mattresses. The Aurora Luxe offers the perfect combination of support and pressure relief, and I wake up pain-free every morning.”

The Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is a luxurious and well-engineered mattress that excels in providing tailored support, advanced cooling, and superior comfort. Its hybrid construction, customizable firmness options, and expert endorsements make it an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a high-quality mattress that meets diverse sleep needs.

Read My Full Review of the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe Hybrid Mattress

Watch Our Zoma Start Video Review

When I set out to research the Zoma Start mattress, I was intrigued by its promise of cooling comfort and support. My team of testers and I conducted a series of tests to see how well it lived up to these claims. I wanted to know if it could genuinely provide a good night’s sleep, especially for those who struggle with discomfort.

I analyzed its construction, tested its comfort, and compared it to other popular mattresses to ensure it offers optimal support and relief for back pain sufferers.

The Zoma Start is a 10-inch all-foam mattress designed with a focus on recovery and performance. It comprises three distinct layers, each contributing to its overall comfort and support. The top layer is made of Triangulex™ foam, which is zoned to provide targeted pressure relief and enhanced airflow. This design helps keep the mattress cool throughout the night, a feature that outperforms the Nolah Natural 11” in terms of cooling.

Beneath the Triangulex™ foam is the Reactiv™ layer, which adds a responsive feel to the mattress, ensuring you don’t feel stuck when changing positions. This responsiveness is crucial for maintaining proper spinal alignment, particularly for those with back pain. The base layer is made of Support+ foam, offering durable support and longevity.

One of the standout features I noticed of the Zoma Start is its excellent motion isolation. During our testing, I found that it effectively absorbs movement, making it a superior choice compared to the Bear Original in terms of minimizing sleep disturbances. For couples, this means one partner’s movements are less likely to wake the other, contributing to a more restful sleep.

In my comparative analysis, the Zoma Start excelled in several areas. Its cooling properties surpassed those of the Nolah Natural 11”, thanks to the ventilated design of the Triangulex™ foam. When it came to motion isolation, it outperformed the Bear Original, making it an excellent choice for couples who value undisturbed sleep.

During the testing, I was particularly impressed by how the Zoma Start accommodated different sleeping positions. As someone who switches between my back and side, I found that the mattress provided consistent support and comfort throughout the night. The Reactiv™ layer’s responsiveness prevented any sinking feeling, which is crucial for maintaining proper spinal alignment and alleviating back pain.

The Zoma Start’s combination of pressure-relieving foams and supportive layers makes it suitable for a wide range of sleepers. The Triangulex™ foam’s zoned design targets specific areas of the body, providing softer cushioning under the shoulders and firmer support under the hips and lower back. This targeted approach helps maintain spinal alignment, which is crucial for back pain relief.

Moreover, the mattress’s construction promotes better airflow compared to traditional memory foam mattresses, enhancing its cooling properties. This feature is especially important for hot sleepers who need a mattress that can regulate temperature effectively.

The Zoma Start’s excellent motion isolation means less disruption when one partner moves. I noticed this is particularly beneficial for couples with different sleep schedules or movement patterns. The superior cooling technology ensures a comfortable temperature throughout the night, making it ideal for couples who generate more body heat.

While the Zoma Start offers good support, it may not be the best for couples who utilize the full bed surface, including the edges, as edge support is not as robust as some hybrid models.

The Zoma Start is classified as medium-firm, which is a versatile firmness level suitable for a broad range of sleepers. My testing revealed it provides enough support to maintain spinal alignment while offering sufficient cushioning for pressure relief.

The medium-firm feel is ideal for back sleepers, providing the necessary support to keep the spine aligned without creating pressure points. While the zoned Triangulex™ foam offers targeted pressure relief for shoulders and hips, some side sleepers who prefer a softer feel might find it slightly firm. The mattress provides adequate support for stomach sleepers, helping to prevent the lower back from sinking too deeply and causing strain.

The Zoma Start is a thoughtfully designed mattress that combines cooling, motion isolation, and responsive support to address the needs of back pain sufferers. Through my detailed testing and analysis, I found it to be a reliable choice for anyone seeking a balance of comfort and support. Whether you’re a solo sleeper or sharing the bed with a partner, the Zoma Start offers features that cater to a variety of sleep preferences, making it a worthwhile investment for better sleep quality.

Read My Full Review of the Zoma Start

Watch Our Bear Original Video Review

In my search for a mattress that perfectly balances comfort and support, I explored the details of the Bear Original mattress. My team of testers and I conducted thorough analyses to understand how this mattress performs in various aspects.

The Bear Original is constructed with a combination of high-quality foams designed to offer a comfortable and supportive sleep experience. The top layer is made of graphite-gel-infused memory foam, which helps in dissipating heat and keeping the sleeping surface cool. Beneath this is a responsive transition foam layer that adds a bit of bounce and prevents the sinking feeling often associated with memory foam mattresses. The base layer is high-density support foam, providing the necessary support to maintain proper spinal alignment.

One of the standout features of the Bear Original I found is its cooling technology. The graphite-gel infusion in the top layer works effectively to pull heat away from the body, ensuring a cooler sleeping environment. During my testing, I found that this mattress outperformed many others in terms of maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the night. While it doesn’t quite match the exceptional cooling of the Zoma Start, it still offers a significant improvement over traditional memory foam mattresses.

During my testing, the Bear Original also shines in motion isolation. This is crucial for couples, as it minimizes the disturbance caused by movement from one side of the bed to the other. In my tests, even when my partner shifted positions or got out of bed, I barely noticed any motion transfer. This level of performance is comparable to the Zoma Start, making it an excellent choice for undisturbed sleep.

From my first night on the Bear Original, I could tell that it offered a unique blend of support and comfort. The graphite-gel-infused memory foam felt cool to the touch, and the responsive transition foam provided a slight bounce that made changing positions effortless. I woke up feeling refreshed and without the usual stiffness in my back.

User feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Sarah K. from New York shared, “The Bear Original has transformed my sleep. I no longer wake up with back pain, and the cooling effect is fantastic.” John D. from Florida commented, “This mattress is perfect for my partner and me. We both move around a lot at night, and the motion isolation has been a game-changer.”

The Bear Original mattress stands out for its balanced support, cooling technology, and excellent motion isolation. Based on my team’s thorough testing and expert consultations, it’s clear that this mattress offers a reliable and comfortable sleep experience, making it a great option for those seeking improved rest and relief from discomfort.

Read My Full Review of the Bear Mattress

What Causes Back Pain?

As back pain sufferers know, the pain can come from many places, such as an injury, occupational strains, daily stress, sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, or a combination of the above.

According to the Mayo Clinic’s research, the conditions most commonly linked to back pain are muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, skeletal irregularities, and osteoporosis. It’s clear there is no singular cause, but there are common factors. Understanding these factors and using them to manage your discomfort is one of the most effective ways to alleviate back pain.

Many forms of back pain have one thing in common: they get worse after a bad night’s sleep. Whether it’s the result of a one-time injury, a chronic problem, or just the aches and pains of everyday life, back pain will only worsen on an uncomfortable mattress. Tossing and turning may aggravate the underlying cause. Too much pressure on the wrong part of the body can make you feel worse than when you went to bed.

While sleeping, pressure is gradually released from your vertebrae— because you’re lying down, your upper body is no longer applying pressure to your spine. When a person wakes up, they can be up to one inch taller than when they went to bed. As the day progresses, pressure returns with gravity, and various factors (like poor posture) compress your spine throughout the day.

The effects of poor sleep can be even worse depending on your sleeping position. Stomach sleeping, for example, places extra pressure and strain on the neck and spine. “In fact, I strongly discouraged my patients with back pain from sleep on their stomachs,” says physical therapist Dr. Jennifer Miller. “I educate them that sleeping on their back or side is best.”

In many cases, managing a chronic back problem comes down to finding the best mattress for back pain. Getting a good night’s sleep reduces stress, takes pressure off injured or strained areas of the body, and helps alleviate pain.

How Back Pain Impacts Sleep

How much of an impact can back pain have on sleep? The facts might surprise you:

• Lower back discomfort is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. It’s one of the most common reasons for missed work. Up to 80% of us will experience it at some point in our lives, says the American Chiropractic Association.
• Pain is a key factor keeping many Americans from getting the quality sleep they need. Sleep disturbance is a top complaint among patients dealing with a chronic back or joint problem.
• It has been reported by the National Sleep Foundation that those suffering chronic pain in their back or joints get around 42 fewer minutes of sleep per night.
• People with pain feel like they have less control over their sleep, and are more likely to worry about whether they’re snoozing enough.

Ease Pain with Healthy Sleep

The good news is, you do have control over your sleep quality. If back discomfort is a chronic issue, investing in the right mattress can significantly improve the quality of your sleep—as well as your well-being while awake. Even if an injury or chronic condition causes back pain, getting a peaceful night’s sleep with good support and alignment can be the difference between manageable pain and debilitating pain. Choosing a mattress with the right features can lead to several significant improvements including reducing pain, facilitating better rest, and preventing new aches.

Sleeping on a lumpy or unsupportive surface can lead to discomfort. Sinking too deeply into a mattress can throw your joints out of alignment, causing them to twist and become uncomfortable as the night goes on. On the other hand, sleeping on a too-firm surface can interfere with the spinal cord’s ability to reach its proper alignment. Years ago, doctors recommended a firmer mattress for people with back pain. However, recent surveys suggest people who sleep on very hard mattresses (sometimes called orthopedic mattresses) have the poorest sleep quality.

Finding a mattress with the right level of support, while also encouraging a comfortable and uninterrupted night’s sleep, can take significant stress off those pressure points and help your spine relax.

Best Mattress Types for Back Pain

Memory foam and latex mattresses tend to rate the highest amongst customers with back pain, with innerspring beds performing poorly in reviews. In this section, we discuss memory foam, latex, hybrid, and innerspring beds, and how well they perform to reduce and prevent pains.

The ideal bed will be based on each person’s sleep style and preferences. Some people have a preference for the feel of memory foam, while others prefer the feel of latex. Things like materials, layer thickness, and firmness will depend on your body weight, sleep style, and other factors.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is thought to be the best for back pain relief because it’s the most contouring and cushioning. These mattresses mold and adapt to your body’s shape, allowing the wider parts of your body, like your hips and shoulders, to sink in while the narrower areas of your body, such as your waist and feet, lay atop the mattress.

Sleeping with straight, natural alignment relieves the pressures commonly associated with many back pains. A mattress with poor conformity or support forces the body to rest at an unnatural angle and prevents tense muscles from fully relaxing.

Choose a memory foam mattress that is made with natural, plant-based material to avoid harmful chemicals and overheating.

Latex

Latex is also great for back pain relief because it’s cushioning and contouring. While it’s not as contouring as memory foam, it is adaptable and will mold to your body to some degree. Latex is more responsive than memory foam; instead of “cradling” you in the mattress, latex keeps you lifted and offers a more “on top of the bed” feeling in terms of firmness.

Because many sleepers report latex beds feeling firmer than they expected, we’re weary to recommend them as the best for back pain relief— as you do need some softness and adequate contouring to eliminate and prevent discomfort.

Hybrid

High-quality hybrid mattresses are also great for pain relief because they combine pressure-relieving foam layers with zoned pocketed coils to create a responsive but cushioning bed. If you prefer the bounciness of an innerspring mattress, but need the comfort of foam layers for pain relief, hybrids are perfect for you.

When shopping for a hybrid, check for zoned support technologies and the thickness of the foam layers— you want to ensure there are enough cushioning technologies at play to relieve pain.

Innerspring

Traditional innerspring mattresses are often flat and plank-like, providing uneven support. These beds don’t conform to your body, and aren’t all that cushioning, either. For back sleepers, flat surfaces force the spine to arch and leave the inner knee unsupported; this prevents the lower back from decompressing, which can cause several types of strains and pains.

When comparing these mattress types, medium-firm memory foam, or even latex, mattresses are better choices. These sleep surfaces perform well because they don’t force the spine to curve into unnatural positions while you sleep. Instead, they allow the parts of your body that need to sink to do so, while still giving support in the places that require it. Hips and shoulders are cushioned, while the lower back is fully supported and able to relax.

Concerns With Memory Foam

Memory foam is designed to fully conform to your body’s natural curves, to provide support exactly where you need it. But does that benefit come with a downside?

As memory foam beds have become more popular, there has been a growing concern with their tendency to trap heat. Meaning, even if the bed is soft and comfortable, you’ll still be uncomfortable at night because you’re sleeping on a hot mattress. Though it is true some memory foam mattresses are made from synthetic materials and extremely dense foams can trap heat, many mattress brands are taking extra steps to ensure their beds won’t trap heat. Mattress manufacturers have also found memory foam mattresses made from natural, plant-based materials tend to offer cooler and more comfortable sleep.

When it comes to getting a memory foam mattress, it’s important to consider where the product is coming from and how it is made. This can be harder than you’d think. For example, Nectar mattresses settled FTC charges that claims of their product being ‘assembled in the USA’ were false. When looking at a company, read its reviews and read its website to find out as much as you can about the product quality.

Choosing Your Ideal Mattress Firmness

Now that we’ve sorted through the different types of mattresses, it’s time to answer another essential question for sufferers of back pain— how firm should my mattress be?

Is it better to go with a soft and cloud-like sleep, or should you take the old advice that the firmest bed is best? The answer may be neither, or possibly a combination of both options.

It has long been believed that a firm bed is the best choice for people who suffer from a bad back. But in reality, a firmer mattress remains a hotly contested debate between orthopedic doctors and chiropractors.

Recent surveys have shown hard mattresses might not be the best choice. The majority of chiropractors were probably right in recommending their patients sleep on medium-firm mattresses. See our guide to mattresses recommended by chiropractors.

Picking the best mattress firmness usually comes down to a person’s body type and their favorite sleep position, along with comfort preferences. For example, a heavyweight back sleeper likely needs a different mattress than a lightweight side sleeper.

Sleep Position and Suitable Mattress Firmness

Often, the firmness that will feel most comfortable to you is dependent on your favorite sleeping position. Your sleeping position affects how your body weight is distributed and where pressure builds up in your body, which determines what areas might need extra support and cushion to avoid waking up in pain.

Side Sleeping

Side sleepers outnumber sleepers of other styles by a wide margin. To sleep comfortably, a good mattress for side sleeping should feature a soft to medium feel. Many side sleepers enjoy mattresses with extra cushion in the shoulders and hips, to prevent pressure build-up and misalignment.

Most mattress types are suitable for side sleepers, though we recommend staying away from traditional innerspring mattresses. Innerspring mattresses often cannot conform well enough to the shoulders and hips to relieve pressure, causing aches and possibly back pain.

Back Sleeping

Back sleepers require a mattress that can support their torsos, leaving minimal space for their spines to bow too far into the bed. Medium-firm to firm mattresses for back sleeping are recommended, though medium mattresses are acceptable if they feature responsive back support.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleepers usually wake up with back pain because their bellies sink into a too-soft mattress, shifting their spine out of a healthy alignment. Firm mattresses for stomach sleeping limit this sinkage, although many stomach sleepers find greater pain relief by switching to another position.

Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers switch between these positions in the night, so they need a mattress that can suit all three and that offers a responsive surface. Many combination sleepers enjoy a medium feel mattress that features some bounce, either from adaptable coils or buoyant foams.

Body Type

A person’s body type determines how much pressure is placed on a mattress, which affects how the mattress feels to their body. If a plus-size person and a petite person lie down on the same mattress, it would feel very different to each person.

Often, plus-size people find a mattress on the firmer end of their recommended range more comfortable. For example, a medium mattress may feel more supportive to a larger side sleeper than a soft mattress.

Petite sleepers usually find softer mattresses in their recommended range more comfortable because they’re quick to conform to the body and relieve pressure points.

Expert Opinions

In two separate studies, Oklahoma State University researchers found medium-firm mattresses are the most effective at reducing clinically diagnosed back pain, shoulder pain, and spine stiffness. Subjects who slept on medium-firm mattresses experienced better sleep quality overall and fewer sleep disturbances throughout the night.

A review of trial studies concluded that medium-firm mattresses are the best options for back pain. They are a good choice for many, especially for back sleepers. However, many side sleepers will find the feel too firm, so we can’t make a blanket statement that medium-firm mattresses are suited for everyone.

People with pre-existing conditions sometimes require a moderately firm sleeping surface to heal properly from strains and other injuries. Side sleepers might prefer options in the medium range to better cushion their hips and shoulder.

Are you not convinced a medium-firm mattress is a better choice than one that’s rock-hard? Here’s an easy way to see how it might feel to sleep on a very firm mattress— place a plywood board under your mattress, or put your mattress on the floor for the night. Doing this will make your bed less cushy, giving you a good approximation of how a very firm mattress might feel.

Still want to do some more research? Check out other mattress reviews to learn about other types of mattresses, the materials they’re made from, and their firmness.

In the end, it comes down to what works best for your body and the way you sleep. If back pain is a recurring issue, medium-firm mattresses are often a good way to alleviate some of that pain. You may need to try a few different options to find the best bed for your back pain, though; that’s why it’s a good idea to buy from a mattress brand that lets you try the mattress risk-free at home.

How Temperature Can Impact Pain

Cooler sleeping experiences often facilitate deeper sleep than hotter ones. A good night’s sleep requires a 1°C loss of core body temperature. Deep sleep is synonymous with more restful sleep, so seeking ways to cool your sleeping experience makes sense. Think of it this way: even if the support is perfect and your spine’s pressure points are alleviated, what happens if you’re hot all night? You’ll likely toss and turn because you’re warm and sweaty, only making your pain worse.

Comfort is a complicated thing. Finding the best mattress for back pain means considering all the factors, from comfort and support to keeping cool. Gel infusions and added air channels are a couple of features that can increase a mattress’s cooling abilities.

Consider an Adjustable Bed

Adjustable beds are no longer confined to the insides of hospital rooms. Today, they’re found in homes across the world helping people improve their night’s rest— and for sufferers of back pain, these sleep-promoting bed frames can be the key to sound, pain-free sleep.

The main feature in all adjustable beds is head and foot articulation; this allows you to adjust the angle of your head and feet to find the most comfortable position for sleep. These beds also allow you to sleep in the Zero-Gravity position. In this position, you’re lying flat, but your feet are angled ever so slightly above your head, creating a weightless feel. The Zero-Gravity position is recommended for those with back pain because it virtually eliminates pressure.

Those with back pain may find relief from sleeping on an adjustable bed with their legs raised, too. Doing this takes pressure off the spine and alleviates discomfort in your lower back.

Many adjustable beds come with fun features such as body massagers, which are excellent for those with pain and discomfort. You can use these massagers to help you fall asleep at night, and you can also set them to turn on at a certain time in the morning to help you wake up. The bells and whistles are going to change from base to base, so double-check to ensure the one you’re buying comes with the features you need.

Adjustable beds can be costly, and some sleepers with back pain may not be able to afford one. For similar results on a budget, we recommend wedge pillows. Wedge pillows can prop the knees up, relieving pressure on the lower back and preventing morning cases of back pain.

Fighting Back Pain on a Budget

Of course, buying a new mattress is a big investment. Even if you’re not in the market to spend a lot of money, there are still budget-friendly ways to improve your night’s sleep.

Consider a Mattress-in-a-Box

Everybody knows a mattress from a traditional retailer can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. However, you can save yourself quite a bit of money by shopping with an online or mattress in a box brand. By selling their beds direct-to-consumer, these brands are able to price their high-quality beds more affordably. Meaning, a bed you may pay over $1,500 for in a store can cost you less than $1,000 online.

If you need a new bed but have a tight budget, we recommend starting your search online. There are over 175 different online mattress brands, and many brands sell their beds through Amazon. Just be wary of cheap beds or beds sold through unauthorized sellers.

When shopping on a marketplace such as Amazon, always check to make sure you’re buying through a brand’s verified storefront, and not from a third-party seller. You can usually easily detect third-party sellers because they price their beds much cheaper than others. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Before clicking purchase on any new mattress, make sure it comes with a sleep trial and warranty, too. These protect you from getting stuck with an uncomfortable or defective bed.

Mattress Toppers

Many chiropractors believe if the sleeper does not own a memory foam bed or if their bed is too firm, the best thing to do is to lay a 1½ to 2½-inch thick mattress topper on their sleep surface.

It’s best to think of a memory foam topper as a small step towards an improved sleeping experience or increasing mattress thickness. Even this small step can have a big impact on back pain, especially if you decide to invest in a high-quality memory foam topper.

High-quality toppers are considerably less expensive than a new mattress, and with proper care, they can last for years. By adding a topper, you can get more use out of the mattress you already have—while boosting your comfort level in bed and keeping your back pain at bay.

Drawbacks to Mattress Toppers

Of course, foam toppers are not a foolproof solution. While a mattress pad aids comfort and can help with support, its thin profile doesn’t give the sleeper the deep advantages a memory foam or latex mattress does.

Compared with foam toppers, foam mattresses offer more pressure relief, mold and dust mite resistance, and longevity. The breathability and advantages of memory foam make it an overall good choice for pain, and it’s likely to be comfortable for most people.

In short, a mattress topper can help make your sleep surface more comfortable, but it won’t be as effective as a new memory foam mattress.

If you’re hesitant to purchase a new mattress outright, a memory foam mattress topper can be a good stepping stone. Knowing how your body responds to memory foam can inform your mattress decision when the time comes.

One thing to keep in mind— if you choose to use a mattress topper, make sure your current mattress isn’t already sagging. If your current mattress bows inward, the topper will likely do the same, so it won’t be able to provide you with the support to wake up pain-free.

Sleeping Positions and Back Pain

How you sleep at night greatly impacts your severity and frequency of pain; and simply changing your sleep position can make a huge difference in combating discomfort. People who sleep on their backs are less likely to experience these discomforts, while stomach sleepers are prone to nagging backaches. Below, we discuss these differences a bit further.

Side Sleepers

Side and back sleeping are both thought to be the “healthiest” sleep position. It’s impossible to discern one singular “best,” as everybody has unique sleep needs; but most doctors, physical therapists, and sleep specialists can agree that stomach sleeping is quite unhealthy.

Side sleepers may experience pain in their lower backs if their mattress is not firm enough to reinforce healthy posture. The best mattresses for side sleepers are medium to medium-firm, as beds of medium firmness are soft enough to alleviate pressure points and supportive enough to maintain healthy spinal alignment.

To kick pesky pains, the Mayo Clinic recommends side sleepers draw up their legs slightly toward their chest, and place a pillow between their knees. Another option is using a body pillow between your knees and to support your arm.

Back Sleepers

Back sleeping has many benefits— it keeps your spine aligned, reduces headaches, relieves sinus pressure, and reduces your risk of developing certain chronic conditions by easing pressure on your body.

Because sleeping this way keeps your spine in its natural alignment, back sleepers already have a leg up in the fight against back pain. However, though this position is very healthy, its rare— only 8% of people choose to sleep this way.

If you’re currently a back sleeper, don’t change sleeping positions! Instead, combat pain by placing a pillow beneath your knees and supporting your neck with a flat pillow (rather than a thick one).

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers have the hardest time fighting back pain because sleeping on the stomach naturally stresses the spine. However, placing a pillow beneath the lower abdomen and using a thin pillow (or none at all) under the head can help reduce the negative impact of sleeping on your stomach.

However, as we mentioned earlier, stomach sleeping is not healthy, especially for your back. If you’re a stomach sleeper, we urge you to (at least) try to change your sleeping position. While it may feel unnatural or uncomfortable to sleep on your side or back, it’s worth it in the long run to make the change.

Changing how you sleep can make a big difference in your aches and pains, especially when you combine these changes with a new, comfortable mattress. Making this change is easier said than done, though. During the adjustment period, you might naturally toss pillows away and roll back into your old position. Dr. Miller suggests, “A way to avoid rolling onto your stomach is by placing pillows around you if you’re on your back or behind you if sleeping on your side.”

There is no single best position for back pain because there is no single source of back pain. It’s up to you to assess your situation and determine what changes are the most effective towards getting pain-free sleep.

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Common Questions

What mattress firmness is best for lower back pain?

Studies have found medium-firm mattresses are the best for alleviating back pain and promoting healthy sleeping positions. That said, medium mattresses are usually better for side sleepers with back pain because they offer better pressure relief for the shoulders and hips. Ultra-firm and too-soft mattresses may exacerbate pain.

What sleeping position is best for back pain?

Many people experience back pain relief by lying on their backs with their knees propped up. Raising the knees reduces on the lower back, alleviating pain. A wedge pillow is an inexpensive way to elevate your knees, although an adjustable bed offers greater freedom of elevation.

What’s the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain?

Side sleepers often experience back pain because their mattress is too firm or too soft. When it’s too firm, the hips and shoulders can’t sink in far enough to relieve pressure on the joints. Too soft and the sleeper sinks in too far, misaligning their spine.

Medium mattresses are a good choice for side sleepers, particularly if they offer multiple support zones that focus on the shoulders and hips.

What mattress type is best for back pain?

This will ultimately depend upon your specific needs and how much you can afford to spend. The surface should balance conforming to the body’s curves with supporting the spine’s neutral position. Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are all good choices. Just as important as mattress type is choosing a mattress firmness that complements your sleeping style.

If you’re struggling to find a comfortable bed, we suggest talking with your doctor about your current mattress and the frequency and severity of your pains. With that, they’ll be able to recommend a mattress for you.

What is the best mattress for lower back and hip pain?

If you have hip pain in addition to your back pain, it may be a sign that your mattress is too firm. Mattresses of medium firmness are usually the best for cushioning the hips while preventing them from sinking too far, however, ideal firmness also depends on body weight. If you’re experiencing hip pain, find a mattress that will hold your body in a neutral position while still offering cushion for the hips and shoulders.

Can a mattress cause back pain?

Yes, if your mattress does not hold you in a neutral position, it can cause you to sleep in wonky positions and lead to chronic back pain. Lumpy, worn down, and unsupportive mattresses just can’t promote healthy sleep, and many wake up with back pains and discomfort as a result of sleeping on an uncomfortable bed. Give your spine the support it needs and invest in a mattress to facilitate healthy sleeping positions.

Research and Resources

In making this article, we:

• Researched the leading contributors of back pain and how your mattress can play a part in the frequency of your aches and pains.
• Compared over 25 different beds looking specifically for features that promote healthy spinal alignment and proper sleep positions.
• Spent 20 hours writing and revising the article to deliver the most valuable information to those suffering from chronic back pain.

Did You Find Your Next Bed?

Pain and stress feed on each other. When sleep gets interrupted, especially if it’s because the body is too hot, it can cause discomfort, making chronic back pain even worse. Pain causes your body to be stressed, which in turn can lead to even poorer sleep, which will worsen the pain. It’s a vicious cycle, but it can be broken.

A healthy and comfortable night’s sleep can be one of the best ways to reduce stress and combat chronic pain. Meaning, finding the best bed for back pain is critical.

Remember the key mattress features for back pain: comfort, pressure relief, and temperature control. A good night’s sleep can be a hard thing to find, so take proper time to choose a solution that’s right for you. The perfect mattress will have you sleeping soundly through the night, instead of tossing and turning or waking up in a sweat. Medium-firm memory foam mattresses assist vertebrae alignment, reduce muscle tension, as well as soothe and prevent aches. These factors, along with affordability, make memory foam the best mattress for a bad back.

You spend nearly a third of your life sleeping, so it’s important you don’t cut corners. Now that you have the facts about the type of mattress will help your back stay comfortable, it’s time to make your pick. Of course, you should factor in your own preferences as well as your budget by doing research on the best mattress for your lifestyle. But our top pick is Amerisleep’s AS2. It’s made of high-quality medium-firm memory foam that conforms to your spine’s natural curves to keep it properly aligned. So you’ll sleep more soundly now—and for years to come.