The best mattress for back pain 2023

Sleeping on the best mattress for back pain will offer a keen balance of support and pressure relief – alleviating tension in your neck, shoulders, and lumbar. Some of our expert mattress testers are all too familiar with the unpleasant experience of trying to sleep with a back injury – but on the flip side, that means we know what to look for if you're seeking salvation from aches and pains. Among our best mattress contenders are nine models we deem exceptional at alleviating back issues based on our extensive research and testing.

Why is it important to find the right mattress for back pain? Constantly shifting positions to get comfortable will add more strain to your back if you're sleeping on the wrong bed. It'll also diminish your sleep quality, leaving you tired and unfocused during the day. To supplement our knowledge, we also spoke to a couple of experts in the field of chiropractic medicine about finding the right mattress for back pain when it comes to firmness and materials. (Of course, this is general advice they're providing; consult with a doctor directly if you're seeking a specific diagnosis or treatment.)

We think the customizable Saatva Classic mattress is the best mattress for back pain for most people. It also comes with free white-glove delivery and in-home set-up so all you'll have to do is sleep on it. However, our picks span a range of budgets and preferences so you'll be able to find exactly what you need for relief. Mattress sales and deals happen all year round, and the current Labor Day mattress deals are delivering especially strong discounts. You'll find pricing information with each entry. Keep scrolling for a look at the best mattresses for back pain, as chosen by our expert reviewers.

The quick list

Best mattress for back pain overall

The best mattress for back pain is the Saatva Classic. This mattress stands out for its high level of customization: three firmness levels plus two depth levels, which enables shoppers to design the ideal bed for their sleep preferences and body type. We found it comfortable in all sleeping positions. Nearly 1,000 of Saatva's 5-star customer reviews come from those who claim their backaches have decreased or disappeared. That was our experience when we tested the 11.5-inch medium-firm version in our Saatva Classic Mattress review; the improvement in our back pain was obvious when coming from an older, less supportive mattress.

Saatva has also earned a seal of approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations for its lumbar zone technology. You'll get a full year to test it out, although you'll have to pay $99 for return shipping. Free white glove delivery is standard with all orders so you won't have to worry about setting this over 100lb. mattress on your bed – a huge benefit for anyone with back pain.

Like most brands, Saatva is feeling the effects of inflation, and MSRPs have risen steadily over the past 12 months or so. It's not quite as good value as it once was, but it's still a competitively-priced luxury mattress option – especially if you buy when a deal is on. However, if it's still out of your budget, the DreamCloud (#2) and Brooklyn Bedding Aurora (#3) are cheaper.

• Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review

Saatva sale</a> we've seen this year, but it is cheaper than the regular deal prices (typically you'll pay $1,695 for the queen, but with this link that drops to $1,620). Buy now if you don't want to wait until Black Friday.</p>" data-widget-type="deal" data-render-type="editorial">

Saatva Classic mattress: from $1,095 now $695 at Saatva
Head to Saavta using the link above and you'll unlock our special deal, which knocks $400 off all orders over $1,000. That's not quite the best Saatva sale we've seen this year, but it is cheaper than the regular deal prices (typically you'll pay $1,695 for the queen, but with this link that drops to $1,620). Buy now if you don't want to wait until Black Friday.

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Best budget mattress for back pain

If you're on a tight budget, consider the Cocoon Chill. This all-foam mattress is the cheapest on our list, and we rate it amongst the best mattresses under $1,000. The Chill does an excellent job of distributing weight and alleviating pressure points. It's suitable for any sleeping position, although we'd especially recommend it to side sleepers. It's also one of the most consistently cool all-foam mattresses we've tested.

You are making some concessions for that lower price. While it provides good support for the price, we'd generally recommend a hybrid model (like all the others on our list) if you can afford it. Take note especially if you weigh more than average – the Chill likely won't provide enough support for you.

• Read more: Cocoon Chill mattress review

Cocoon by Sealy promo code</a> EXTRA25 at checkout for an additional $25 off, taking the price of a queen size down to $674. You'll get free pillows and a sheet set with your mattress purchase.&nbsp;</p>" data-widget-type="deal" data-render-type="editorial">

Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress: was $619 now from $374 + freebies at Cocoon by Sealy
The Chill is already more affordable than many cooling beds, but it dropped in MSRP over the summer. There's a regular 35% discount, and if you add Cocoon by Sealy promo code EXTRA25 at checkout for an additional $25 off, taking the price of a queen size down to $674. You'll get free pillows and a sheet set with your mattress purchase. 

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Best affordable hybrid mattress

Whether you or your sleeping partner (or both) suffer from back pain, the DreamCloud mattress will offer loads of relief. Our testers were impressed by the layers of adaptive foam and innersprings that immediately contoured their hips and lower lumbar, resulting in much less pain in those areas. 

Another area where the DreamCloud mattress shines is its excellent motion isolation. There's little chance your partner's movements will disrupt your sleep (or vice versa). If either of you tosses and turns due to back pain, the relief that comes from the subtle hug of the DreamCloud will help solve that problem anyway.

Unlike the pricier Saatva and Brooklyn models, there's only one firmness option here: an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale. That firmer feel is generally what's recommended for back pain sufferers, but be aware it still might feel a bit too firm – particularly if you're petite. Fortunately, DreamCloud offers a 1-year trial, which matches the best you'll find anywhere – and unlike Saatva, returns are free if you decide it's not right for you. 

• Read more: DreamCloud Mattress review

DreamCloud mattress sale</a> (it's been running since last fall), but we haven't seen this model for cheaper. There's also up to $599 in free bedding included.</p>" data-widget-type="deal" data-render-type="editorial">

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress: was $799 now from $599 at DreamCloud
DreamCloud always offers generous discounts, and the current offer knocks 25% off everything, taking the cost of a queen-size Luxury Hybrid down to $899. That's a common DreamCloud mattress sale (it's been running since last fall), but we haven't seen this model for cheaper. There's also up to $599 in free bedding included.

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Best for cooling

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress combines a luxurious look and feel with excellent spinal support. Our self-confessed picky reviewer found this hybrid mattress amongst the most comfortable they'd ever slept on. The coils provide plenty of support to the spine, while the memory foam layers deliver comfortable cushioning without being overwhelming or making the sleep surface feel unstable.

Like a few other models on our list, you can choose your firmness level here. The middle option (rated 4-6/10 by Brooklyn) delivered the perfect balance of plushness and firmness for our petite tester, but there's also the option of going softer (2-4), or – perhaps more likely for back pain sufferers – firmer (7-8). Whatever sleep feel you go for, you can also touch more luxurious by adding the Cloud Pillow Top (on the version pictured here). 

There's more good news if you're a hot sleeper, because this mattress has a special cooling cover that we found worked very effectively to prevent overheating during our testing period (even if it did make the sleep surface slightly too slippery for our liking). 

One area in which this mattress fell down slightly was on motion transfer – it's perhaps not the best option for very light sleepers or anyone sharing a bed with someone on a different sleep schedule, as movements can reverberate across the sleep surface rather. If that's you, consider the DreamCloud instead. 

Price-wise, the Aurora sits between the Saatva and DreamCloud. An evergreen sale means you can expect to pay 30% less than MSRP, putting it in the upper mid-range price bracket (or premium, if you want to splash out on the Cloud Pillow Top).

• Read more: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review

Best for bigger bodies

The WinkBed is a customizable luxury mattress. Like a few models on our list, you can choose your firmness preference, but this is the only model that includes a Plus option for individuals over 250 pounds (it's one of the best mattresses for heavy people). Although nobody on our testing panel on this mattress grapples with regular back pain, we still felt well-aligned thanks to its Back Relief System. Hundreds of WinkBed 5-star customer reviews note reduced back pain and improved sleep quality.

The WinkBed's edge support is excellent, which bodes well for heavier people with mobility issues who must sit on the edge of their bed in order to get up or lie down, since it won't compress too much. At 13.5 inches thick, it's one of the tallest options on our list, and unlike the Saatva (#1) there's only one height option – consider a different option if you prefer to be lower to the ground.

Regular WinkBed mattress sales feature hundreds of dollars in savings for this award-winning mattress. You get 120 nights to test it at home, but you'll have to pay $49 to send it back. It's also quite heavy, weighing as much as 145 pounds, so you'll want to ask someone to help set up your new WinkBed mattress. (In-home delivery is not provided as a service.)

• Read more: WinkBed mattress review

Best memory foam mattress for back pain

Saatva makes our list once again – this time for its Loom & Leaf mattress. This handcrafted memory foam mattress comes in two firmness levels and features specialized lumbar support and body-contouring foam that work together to relieve pressure in your lower back and keep everything aligned. The upper and lower thirds of the mattress are slightly firmer but still soft enough to contour to your shoulders and knees. This is one of two all-foam mattresses on our list – if you're on a tighter budget, check out the Cocoon Chill (#4). 

We tested out the relaxed firm model and our lead reviewer noticed a marked improvement in her lower back pain after three weeks of sleeping on it. The rest of our testing panel was also comfortable regardless of their position or stature. Despite the presence of cooling tech, we found the Loom & Leaf is still prone to trapping heat so chronically hot sleepers may want to check out a hybrid model. Or if you're a Saatva fan, a good alternative would be the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid, which offers better temperature regulation.

Otherwise, we recommend the Loom & Leaf for sleepers with back pain who like the hug of memory foam and want something durable that they won't have to replace too often. Complimentary white-glove delivery is a nice perk, as is a 1-year trial – but you'll have to pay $99 to return it. 

• Read more: Loom & Leaf mattress review

Best for joint pain

Purple's mattresses have a slightly unusual sleep feel, thanks to a unique GelFlex grid – a springy, elastic gel grid that melds to your shape and cradles you comfortably in place, then springs back instantly when pressure is removed. The Purple Plus is a great choice for those with aching joints who need cushioning without sacrificing support. 

When we tested the Purple Plus out, we ended up giving it two separate firmness ratings out of 10. We found it's softer underneath the arms and legs (6/10) yet firmer along the spine and lumbar (7.5/10). This means you'll have support in all of the right places and not wake up feeling misaligned. 

There's another big benefit of the GelFlex Grid – the open structure means it sleeps nice and cool. (Hot sleepers who toss and turn to get comfortable can wind up contorting their spine in unpleasant ways.) Edge support is middling, but the low motion isolation makes the Purple Plus a fine choice for couples.

The Purple Plus mattress weighs up to 140lb, so ask someone to help move it if you're dealing with back pain. You can opt for in-home delivery and setup, but it costs an extra $200. Shipping is free otherwise, and you'll have 100 nights to trial the mattress.

• Read more: Purple Plus Mattress review

Best latex mattress for back pain

The Awara Natural Hybrid is the only mattress in our ranking to use latex rather than synthetic foam (we rate this amongst the best organic mattresses you can buy). As well as being a natural option, latex foam delivers a weightless sleep feel and is known for being one of the must durable mattress materials. Here, it's combined with individually wrapped innersprings. The 2-inch layer of Dunlop latex foam quickly adapts to the shape of your body so you feel immediate support, delivering excellent pressure relief, as well as keeping your spine properly aligned.

Our testing panel features reviewers of varying sleep styles – and all of them felt well-supported in their shoulders (side sleepers), lumbar (back sleepers), and hips (stomach sleepers). Edge support here is very good so sitting on the perimeter of the bed is unlikely to compress your back, and you'll be able to spread out without fear of falling. The Awara is also a good choice for hot sleepers, partly thanks to the New Zealand wool cover on top, which helps regulate temperature.

One potential down-side is that this mattress is rather bouncy, which may be off-putting for couples seeking something with low motion transfer. Otherwise, it's an excellent value buy for sleepers with back pain. 

• Read more: Awara Mattress review

Best premium mattress for back pain

The premium Casper Wave Hybrid Snow mattress is imbued with specialized 'Snow' technology that offers a 24% cooler-to-the-touch feeling than the original Casper Wave Hybrid. It also has HeatDelete Bands designed to remove 34% more body heat while sustaining temperature regulation for up to 12 hours. This bodes well for hot sleepers with back pain as they'll be less inclined to toss and turn in order to feel comfortable, thereby reducing the risk of torquing their spine.

Among the testers who slept on this bed for our Casper Wave Hybrid Snow mattress review, our back sleepers found the most relief. It has continuous ergonomic zones so it's firmer along the hips, waist, and lower back yet softer around the shoulders. Meanwhile, up to 78 gel pods placed in the center of the mattress help alleviate lumbar pressure and promote proper alignment.

It's on the firmer side of the scale so side sleepers and lightweight individuals may need time to break it in (unlike a few models on this list, you've only got one firmness option). Casper includes 100 nights to trial it at home with free returns and a full refund if you're not satisfied. The Casper Wave Hybrid Snow is also the priciest option on our list – keep an eye out for a Casper mattress sale if you want to save.

• Read more: Casper Wave Hybrid Snow mattress review

Frequently asked questions

There's no catchall solution as everyone is different. Dr. Lev Kalika, clinic director and founder of NYDN Rehab in New York City, says the type of back issue someone has will influence whether they should opt for a soft or firm mattress. "For patients with hypermobility or spondylosis [spine degeneration], I recommend hard mattresses. For people who are super stiff with fixed spine deformities, I recommend soft mattresses," says Dr. Kalika, who adds that people with less severe back ailments will benefit from something in between.

You'll also want to consider your dominant sleep position. If you often drop onto your side, take a look at the best mattresses for side sleepers, most of which are smack in the middle of the firmness scale. 

Remember that firmness is subjective. You won't get a true feel for a mattress until you sleep on it yourself. Fortunately, the best mattress-in-a-box brands come with trial periods of at least 100 nights, which is more than enough time to determine whether or not a mattress is improving (or worsening) your back pain.

Is memory foam good for back pain?

Are memory foam mattresses good for back pain? According to Dr. Grant Radermacher, owner of Ascent Chiropractic in Brookfield, WI, they are for most people.

"Memory foam evenly distributes weight across its surface as it compresses. It can automatically adjust to your body’s shape, contouring itself around your shoulders, back, and hips for a more pain-free sleeping experience," explains Dr. Radermacher.

The majority of our best mattresses for back pain picks are hybrids – a blend of foam and springs. When choosing between memory foam vs hybrid mattresses, you'll need to take into consideration what else you'll need in order to sleep comfortably. 

Full memory foam mattresses have a 'hugging' feeling that'll help alleviate any pressure, but they tend to sleep warm if they're designed without any additional cooling tech (like gel or charcoal). Hybrids sleep cooler and tend to be firmer and more supportive; however, they don't isolate motion as well as foam beds, which can be tricky if you're a light sleeper or share a bed with a fidgety partner.

Remember that it takes more than the right mattress to unlock quality sleep. The best pillows will work in harmony with your mattress to ensure you're properly aligned each night so you wake up pain-free and refreshed. For more advice on what to look for in the best mattress for back pain, you'll find expert tips here.

Can a mattress cause back pain?

A mattress can create back pain or amplify an existing injury. But how can you tell? If your back pain is much worse right after waking up, chances are your mattress is to blame. 

More obvious signs include visible sagging and sleeping on a mattress that's too hard or soft to properly support you. If firmness (or lack thereof) is the issue, adding a mattress topper can provide an instant upgrade if your current mattress is in otherwise fine shape.

We go into more detail in our feature explaining why some mattresses can cause aches and pains, which also provides additional tips for finding a new bed with proper spinal support so you can avoid nights of uncomfortable sleep.

Saatva mattress sales</a> take place regularly throughout the year, but some offers are better than others. This isn't a great discount, so it's worth holding off if you're not in a hurry.</p>" data-widget-type="deal" data-render-type="editorial">

Saatva Classic mattress 1was $1,095 now from $895 $1k at Saatva
Right now, there's 12% off all orders over $1,000 at Saatva. The offer will kick in on the Twin XL Classic and bigger, and drops the price of a queen size to $1,756. Saatva mattress sales take place regularly throughout the year, but some offers are better than others. This isn't a great discount, so it's worth holding off if you're not in a hurry.

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