The 12 Best Mattresses for Back Pain to Help You Wake Up Pain-Free, Tested by Our Editors
Your mattress could be the cause of—and solution to—your back pain.
Original article published by Health on October 12, 2023 on Health.com
By Lindsay Modglin
Sleep is the foundation for a healthy lifestyle, yet so many suffer from chronic back pain that makes getting quality sleep difficult—what’s more, your sleep environment might be the source of your pain. Finding the right type of mattress for pain-free sleep depends on multiple factors, starting with your sleep position. Stomach sleepers tend to require a firmer, more supportive mattress to keep the spine in alignment, while side sleepers can get away with a softer memory foam option that cradles the body and its pressure points—as long as it contours to your body.
According to research published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, medium to firm mattresses are the best for low back pain. Kevin Lees, DC, director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic, agrees. He notes that the firmness of a mattress is relative to the person using it; it should always support the shape of your body to keep your spine and body in a neutral position.
To find the best mattress for back pain, we tested the top options available for support, comfort, and quality. We also spoke to sleep and medical experts to understand how mattresses can affect back pain and to learn more about mattress firmness and other factors that can influence pain and your sleep.
What to Know About Mattresses for Back Pain
Choosing a new mattress is never easy, as it’s difficult to know how your body will adjust until you sleep on it for several weeks or longer (which is why we’ve spent months testing and evaluating these picks). However, it’s crucial to consider a few critical factors beyond the price tag and initial comfort level.
- Firmness: A mattress that's too soft lacks the support needed to keep your spine aligned while you rest. Start your search with a medium-firm mattress that offers a balance of contouring, bounce, and support. We've noted the firmness of each mattress on a scale of 1 to 10 in our reviews below (1 is the softest; 10 is the firmest).
- Material: Foam, gel, and latex conform to your body’s shape to help relieve pressure points and encourage proper body alignment and reduce pain throughout the back.
- Versatility: Some mattresses are dual-sided, meaning each side caters to a different level of firmness. This allows you to try different firmness levels for an extended period before choosing which side is best for you.
- Temperature regulation: Mattresses with temperature-regulating properties absorb and dissipate your body's heat so you don’t get too hot throughout the night.
- Trial period: Some manufacturers offer a trial period to test the product for 30 days up to 365 days. Keep in mind this program sometimes costs extra, so read the fine print carefully.
- Motion transfer: If you sleep with a partner, motion transfer may be of concern. Consider memory foam mattresses that absorb and isolate motion to ensure neither of you is disturbed by the other’s movements.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Back Pain?
When choosing the best mattress for your back pain, Danielle Kelvas, MD, chief medical advisor at Sleepline, emphasizes the importance of personal comfort and proper support. "Sleeping on a firm mattress can be healthier as it supports body weight more evenly to prevent sleepers from sinking," says Dr. Kelvas.
Shelby Harris, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist, clinical associate professor, and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, recommends memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses for their ability to evenly distribute body weight, reduce pressure points, and offer a personalized level of comfort. Furthermore, she advises considering a mattress compatible with your sleep position and health needs, such as a mattress with cooling properties for those with night sweats or general overheating.
How Your Mattress Can Affect Back Pain
Your mattress can be your greatest ally or your worst enemy. Sleep on the wrong one and you might find yourself tossing and turning, unable to find a comfortable position because your mattress isn't providing the proper support.
When your mattress is too soft, it can cause your spine to sag, leading to muscle tension and discomfort in your back. Alternatively, a mattress that's too hard might not conform to your body's natural curves, leading to strained pressure points and awkward sleeping positions that exacerbate back pain. Much like Goldilocks, it takes finding just the right mattress to get a good night’s sleep.
The best mattress provides optimal support and alignment so you wake each morning feeling nothing but refreshed. Thus, investing in a new mattress is essential if your current one isn’t offering the support necessary to reduce and prevent your pain.
Best Overall: Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 5/5 | Support 5/5 | Sleep Quality 5/5 | Value 5/5
Type: Spring and Foam
Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,795 – $2,895
Firmness Level: Medium (6/10)
Depth: 12 inches
Delivery: Arrives vacuum-sealed in a box and only took about five minutes to fully expand
Warranty and Return Policy: 100-night trial period with free returns; 10-year limited warranty
Who It's Best For
Casper's hybrid design pairs a plush sleep surface with the added support of springs, making it ideal for those with chronic back pain, side sleepers, or anyone who appreciates a balanced blend of comfort and support.
Why We Like it
The Casper Nova Hybrid combines the soft, body-conforming comfort of foam with the sturdy support of innerspring coils to relieve persistent back pain. The mattress has a cooling foam layer and perforated top that increases air circulation that keeps our body temperature stable throughout the night. Plus, its supportive foam layers help cushion pressure points for added comfort.
What It's Made Of
The Casper Nova Hybrid offers a unique, four-layer construction that combines a plush, breathable top layer, a cooling foam layer, memory foam, and durable flex coils. The mattress is also wrapped in an ultrasoft knit cover to increase breathability.
How It Performed
During months of testing, the Casper Nova Hybrid’s supportive foam layers and sturdy flex coils worked in harmony, delivering a sleep experience that was both comfortable and restorative. As we sank into the mattress, we noticed how the top foam layers gently cradled our body contours, relieving our lower back and hip pressure. The innerspring coils provided a robust support base to keep our spine aligned throughout the night. One of the most positive changes was in the quality of our sleep: We slept more soundly and woke refreshed and energized in the morning.
It's Worth Noting
This pick may not suit those who prefer or require a firmer sleep surface or are on a tight budget, as the Casper Nova Hybrid isn't as firm as other options and falls on the pricier end of the spectrum. Although the hybrid design is more supportive than an all-foam mattress, it isn't as firm as the more traditional innerspring mattresses. However, the queen size weighs 89 pounds—one of the lighter options on our list—for those worried about moving it.
Best Overall: Runner-upBear Original Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 5/5 | Support 5/5 | Value 5/5
Type: Gel Memory Foam
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Price Range: $748 – $1,622
Firmness Level: Medium-Firm (7/10)
Depth: 10 inches
Delivery: Arrives vacuum sealed in a box and expands in around an hour
Warranty and Return Policy: 120-night trial period with free returns; Lifetime warranty
Who It's Best For
The high-density support foam and responsive transition foam adapt to the body's contours to distribute weight evenly for pain relief. This makes it a worthwhile option for those with back, hip, or shoulder discomfort.
Why We Like It
Its responsive transition foam maintains an even sleeping surface that adjusts to your body's movement. Whether you're a back, stomach, or side sleeper, the mattress molds to your body, ensuring a comfortable and restful sleep. Plus, the gel memory foam layer of the mattress helps regulate temperature—an essential feature for those living in warmer climates or prone to night sweats.
What It’s Made Of
Its top layer contains a cooling graphite-gel memory foam that provides exceptional pressure relief and temperature regulation. The second layer, a responsive transition foam, adjusts to your body's movements for tailored support. The base layer, a high-density support foam, serves as the foundation for long-term durability.
You can also purchase the mattress with a body heat-dissipating Celliant cover, a material that turns trapped body heat into infrared energy—this can increase tissue oxygen levels, improve athletic performance, and aid in recovery while you sleep. In fact, Celliant-designed products are so effective that they’re classified as medical devices by the FDA.
How It Performed
The Bear Original's medium-firm consistency effectively cradled our body's natural curves while still providing ample spinal alignment and pressure relief. As we settled into sleep, the responsive transition allowed for minimal motion transfer, meaning we didn't disturb our sleeping partners when shifting positions during the night. Our joints and muscles felt relaxed as soon as we got into bed, and our sleep quality improved noticeably throughout the months we’ve been sleeping on it.
It’s Worth Noting
The Bear Original offers excellent temperature regulation, but you may not like it if you prefer a warm sleeping environment. While it's lighter than the Casper Nova Hybrid at 70 pounds for a queen size, it's also two inches thinner. We also think sleepers who prefer luxury plush beds may not find the Bear Original mattress comfortable as it’s more firm than soft.
Best for Lower Back Pain: Saatva HD Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 4.9/5 | Support 5/5 | Sleep Quality 4.9/5 | Value 5/5
Type: Hybrid
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Price Range: $1,895 – $3,945
Firmness Level: Medium-Firm (7/10)
Depth: 15.5 inches
Delivery: Free in-room delivery, setup, and mattress removal
Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with $99 returns; Lifetime warranty
Who It's Best For
The Saatva HD Mattress has specialized layering to maintain spinal alignment. It won't sag or soften prematurely, making it an excellent pick for people with back and joint pain.
Why We Like It
Its seven support layers are uniquely designed with contouring zones to promote natural spinal alignment. We appreciate the mattresses’ eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton and natural latex. Plus, its responsive coils reduce a little of the motion transfer between you and your partner.
What It’s Made Of
The topmost layer is a plush 3-inch Euro pillow top that provides a cushiony surface for immediate solace. This layer works in tandem with a 1.5-inch natural latex layer to support your lumbar region and spine. Below this, layers of memory foam, a transition layer of firm support foam, and a base layer of pocketed coils protect against sagging and softening so your new mattress will maintain its shape for years. All of this is encased in an organic cotton cover for breathability.
How It Performed
We noticed a significant improvement in our back pain and sleep quality after switching to the Saatva HD. Our hips sunk into the mattress just enough for even weight distribution, and the combination of memory foam and coils provided excellent support to our shoulders and lower back. We preferred it for back and stomach sleeping because of the mattress's ability to align us.
It’s Worth Noting
Although beneficial for back pain, its medium-firm feel may not be comfortable for those who prefer a plusher, softer mattress. At over 15 inches thick, it's very much a high-profile mattress and may be too high for some. Also, while its coils do help to offset some motion transfer, those who sleep with partners or toss and turn frequently may not find it to be enough.
Best Firm: Saatva Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 5/5 | Performance 5/5 | Value 4.8/5
Type: Memory Foam and Latex
Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Queen Upper-Flex, King-Upper Flex
Price Range: $2,595 – $5,190
Firmness Level: Adjustable
Depth: 13 inches
Delivery: Free in-room delivery, setup, and mattress removal
Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with $99 returns; Lifetime warranty
Who It's Best For
The Saatva Solaire has adjustable air chambers to tailor the firmness of either side of the bed. It’s ideal for couples with different sleep preferences or those needing a firmer mattress for maximum support.
Why We Like It
The Solaire is the only mattress on our list with adjustable firmness, a feature that allows you to easily alternate from medium to firm with its remote; queen mattresses and larger have a remote on each side. It has 50 firmness settings, so you can adjust it to your exact preferences based on whether you're a side, back, or stomach sleeper.
What It’s Made Of
The Solaire has six distinct layers. The top layer is made of organic cotton to help maintain a cool and dry environment while you sleep. The second layer is a hypoallergenic, natural latex for all-night pressure relief, followed by a layer of latex and moisture barrier foam that helps keep the mattress hygienic. The heart of the Solaire is its adjustable air chamber, allowing you to tailor the firmness with a simple touch of the remote. The quilted cover resists mold, mildew, and dust mites.
How It Performed
While we initially expected more of a cloud-like feel from the upper foam layers, it was surprisingly firm. However, the adjustable air chamber was a game changer: We had complete control over how firm or soft we wanted the mattress on either side. As we alternated through settings, we felt immediate relief sweep over our bodies. We also loved the dual-sided remote, making it easy to adjust the firmness without moving around or getting out of bed. Each side has its own air chambers, so couples with different sleep preferences are accommodated for.
It’s Worth Noting
Though adjustable, it's still on the firm side overall. You may be disappointed if you're looking for the classic memory foam "sinking" sensation.
The Saatva Solaire is one of the most expensive mattresses on our list. You also have to opt for an upper-flex model with an adjustable base to raise the head of the mattress for a fully-adjustable experience—an additional expense.
Best for Side Sleepers: Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 5/5 | Support 5/5 | Sleep Quality 5/5 | Value 5/5
Type: Hybrid
Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Price Range: $1,845 – $3,690
Firmness Level: Soft (2/10) or Firm (8/10)
Depth: 11.5 inches
Delivery: Arrives vacuum-sealed in a purple bag and only took one minute to fully expand
Warranty and Return Policy: 100-night trial period with free returns; 10-year warranty
Who It's Best For
The Purple Restore Hybrid comes in either soft or firm, so you can choose the feel best for your needs. Its cradling design promotes proper alignment and reduces neck tension in side sleepers prone to neck pain.
Why We Like It
The Restore Hybrid is the perfect combination of comfort and support. The gel grid provides plenty of cushion to relieve pressure points while the base’s hybrid coils support your body and neck. We love its responsiveness—it's bouncy enough to move with us without feeling trapped inside the mattress. We moved around through the night without disturbing our partner.
What It’s Made Of
The lightweight and breathable cover aids temperature regulation throughout the night. The top layer contains two inches of Purple’s signature GelFlex grid—a polymer grid layer—which creates cushion that contours to your body, relieves pressure, and absorbs heat to eliminate hot spots. There are also two layers of foam beneath the grid for extra comfort, which rests on a sturdy coil base.
How It Performed
We immediately noted the luxurious feel of the gel and foam layer. It’s soft in all the best places yet firm enough to maintain proper spinal alignment—an invaluable benefit to side sleepers. Over several nights, the mattress adapted to our bodies with ease. It's incredibly supportive without being overly rigid. We think it’s just the right balance of responsiveness, temperature regulation, and relief.
It’s Worth Noting
The Purple Restore Hybrid is only 11.5 inches thick—which may not be an issue for those who prefer a medium-profile mattress. However, the height is off-putting to taller individuals or those expecting an elevated sleep surface. You can choose from a soft or firm feel, but there isn't a middle-ground option. It’s also rather heavy (the queen size weighs 121 pounds) and difficult to move or set up without help.
Best Budget: Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 4.3/5 | Support 4.5/5 | Value 5/5
Type: Hybrid
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, Cal King
Price Range: $199 – $389.99
Firmness Level: Medium (5/10)
Depth: 10 inches
Delivery: Arrives vacuum sealed in a box and took around 5 minutes to expand
Warranty and Return Policy: Free returns; 10-year limited warranty
Who It's Best For
The medium level of support is best for budget-conscious shoppers who want a squishier sleep surface.
Why We Like It
The Linenspa is a happy medium for those who like a bit of give. This memory foam and innerspring hybrid contours to your body without feeling overly stiff—all while the springs reduce motion transfer. It's also lighter than our other picks. At just 74 pounds for the queen size, it's easier to set up, maneuver, and clean.
What It’s Made Of
The Linenspa Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress has a coiled spring base for a traditional mattress feel, topped with a layer of memory foam to provide the pressure relief of memory foam mattresses. This hybrid design delivers a balanced feel, catering to people who enjoy a bit of comforting squish without sacrificing support.
How It Performed
We were impressed by the quality, considering the relatively low price tag. It's comfortable, supportive, and cushioning at the same time. While there was an initial plastic smell that dissipated after a few hours, the mattress maintained its shape and structure throughout the night. It didn't cause us to overheat, either.
It’s Worth Noting
At 10 inches thick, the Linenspa Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress is not as plush as some of the higher-end mattresses on this list. This could be an issue for heavier individuals or those who prefer extra cushioning, but it provides enough support for the average sleeper.
Best Hybrid: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 5/5 | Support 5/5 | Sleep Quality 5/5 | Value 4.8/5
Type: Hybrid
Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Price Range: $2,395 – $3,495
Firmness Level: Medium-firm (7/10)
Depth: 13 inches
Delivery: Arrives vacuum sealed in a box
Warranty and Return Policy: 100-night trial period with free returns; 10-year limited warranty
Who It's Best For
The Casper Wave Hybrid combines support with cooling technology to transform sleep for the better. It’s ideal for most sleep positions and those who sleep hot.
Why We Like It
This Casper mattress has three support layers but also features cooling technology to eliminate heat buildup throughout the night. We love its simple design and construction: a breathable top layer of foam and gel followed by a second layer of perforated foam. Our morning stiffness improved drastically thanks to the mattress' ergonomic design, which features strategically-placed zones that adapt to your body’s shape.
What It’s Made Of
The Casper Wave Hybrid boasts five layers of responsive foam and coils: a top layer of breathable gel with a foam underlay, a second layer of perforated foam for enhanced air circulation, two middle layers of memory foam and gel, and a base composed of individually wrapped coils. A soft knit cover wraps the exterior to diminish heat retention.
How It Performed
We experienced minimal motion transfer during testing, a plus for couples who tend to shift around at night. The mattress contoured around our bodies perfectly and kept our spine and hips aligned. We slept peacefully and woke up with less morning stiffness—a tremendous relief for those with joint pain and arthritis.
It’s Worth Noting
The Casper Wave Hybrid's 13-inch thickness is heavy (a queen is 111 pounds, and the king is 145 pounds). It’s also not available in a standard twin. And we don't recommend this medium-firm option for plush mattress enthusiasts—it might not provide enough cushioning for those looking for a softer, cloud-like feel.
Best Mattress in a Box: Sweetnight Gel Memory Foam Queen Mattress
Type: Memory Foam
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Price Range: $286 – $764
Firmness Level: Medium-firm (7/10)
Depth: 12 inches
Delivery: Arrives vacuum sealed in a box and took about 24 hours to fully expand
Warranty and Return Policy: 100-night trial period with free returns; 10-year warranty
Who It's Best For
The Sweetnight pairs high-density foam and cooling gel into a supportive mattress that arrives in an easy-to-open box, making it a great option for sleepers who want back pain relief without the complicated (and heavy!) setup luxury mattresses sometimes involve.
Why We Like It
The Sweetnight Queen Mattress comes compressed, vacuum sealed, and rolled in a single box. When you cut the plastic, it expands to its full size. We were impressed with the performance despite it being a budget-friendly option—we were remarkably comfortable throughout the night.
What It’s Made Of
The Sweetnight has three layers: a top layer with gel-infused memory foam, a middle transition layer of comfort foam, and a 5.5-inch high-density base for support. The breathable cover adds a layer of comfort while also keeping you cool.
How It Performed
We spent countless nights sleeping on the Sweetnight after replacing our traditional memory foam mattress. While the edge of the mattress doesn't hold firm when sitting close to it, it's comfortable and supportive enough for a peaceful night's rest. Despite the company's claim of enhanced ventilation, we were still somewhat hot. However, we slept soundly without tossing and turning.
It’s Worth Noting
The Sweetnight Queen Mattress isn't the plushest mattress on the market. It may not be a great fit if you're a hot sleeper or have night sweats, as we experienced some heat retention. The edges also don't provide much support when sitting.
Best for Back Sleepers: Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 4.7/5 | Support 4/5 | Value 5/5
Type: Hybrid
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Price Range: $1,699 – 2,399
Firmness Level: Medium (6/10)
Depth: 13 inches
Delivery: Arrives vacuum sealed in a box and expands fully within 12 hours
Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with free returns; Lifetime warranty
Who It's Best For
The foam and coil construction of the Lull Luxe Hybrid conforms around your hips, shoulders, and back to relieve pressure-sensitive areas for back sleepers.
Why We Like It
The Lull Luxe Hybrid is designed with back sleepers in mind, as the memory foam and coils deliver a great mix of features. The plush comfort layer adds a nice cushiony touch to traditional coils. It’s durable and high-quality, and the value made it even more of a winner.
What It’s Made Of
There are five distinct layers in the Lull Luxe Hybrid: a top layer of quilted memory foam followed by cooling gel memory foam; a layer of transition foam atop the pocket coils; a durable extra firm foam for edge support; and a strong base of pocketed coils. It’s wrapped in a soft, temperature-regulating cover. Bonus: It comes with attached handles for easy lifting.
How It Performed
We put the Lull Luxe Hybrid to the test and were impressed with how it cradled our bodies without sinking too deeply into the mattress. The pocket coils offered excellent support for your back and hips, and the memory foam hugged our spines flawlessly. There was some slight breakdown over time, but overall, we think it’s a splendid option for back sleepers.
It’s Worth Noting
The slight breakdown we experienced during testing confirms that the Luxe Hybrid isn't a great option for stomach sleepers needing additional support. The queen weighs 108 pounds, which is still a bit bulky for some to move independently.
Best for Stomach Sleepers: Saatva Classic Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 5/5 | Support 4.5/5 | Sleep Quality 5/5 | Value 4.5/5
Type: Spring
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King, Split Cal King
Price Range: $1,095 – $2,790
Firmness Level: Firm (9/10)
Depth: 11.5 inches
Delivery: Free in-room delivery, setup, and mattress removal
Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with $99 returns; Lifetime warranty
Who It's Best For
Its firm construction provides the necessary support to prevent your midsection from sinking into the mattress when you sleep on your stomach.
Why We Like It
The Saatva Classic takes traditional innerspring construction to a new (and more luxurious) level. We immediately noticed how well the Classic supported our midsection. The pillow-like topper offers a gentle cushion, keeping us from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
What It’s Made Of
The quilted pillow top sits atop a layer of dense memory foam crafted specifically for spinal support. Just underneath lies 884 individually wrapped steel coils. The dual perimeter edge support prevents you from slipping off the mattress while maintaining a comfortable sleep surface. A coil base and luxurious cover complete the mattress.
How It Performed
We tested the firm model, though the Classic is also available in a plush soft and luxury firm option. It’s incredibly supportive and provided a good base for our backs. Our stomachs never sunk in too deeply, and our spines stayed straight and properly aligned. After a few weeks, the pillow top softened and became even more comfortable.
It’s Worth Noting
The Saatva Classic retains some heat, which can be an uncomfortable experience for hot sleepers. There's also a slight breakdown in the pillow top in the first few weeks, so expect it to soften slightly.
Best for Multiple Positions: Nolah Evolution Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 4.8/5 | Support 5/5 | Value 4.5/5
Type: Foam Hybrid
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Price Range: $1,499 – $3,198
Firmness Level: Medium-firm (7/10)
Depth: 15 inches
Delivery: Arrives vacuum sealed in box and takes only minutes to expand
Warranty and Return Policy: 120-night trial period for an additional fee; Lifetime warranty
Who It's Best For
The Nolah Evolution Mattress adapts to frequent shifting throughout the night, as it offers a balance of plush comfort and targeted support that adapts to your body's needs in every position.
Why We Like It
The Nolah Evolution rings true to its name—it evolves to changing sleep positions and body types. You can choose from three firmness options: plush, luxury firm, and firm. Sleepers over 300 pounds may benefit from upgrading to the comfort+ option. We love the cozy memory foam feel and the added responsiveness of the AirFoam.
What It’s Made Of
The top layer is a cooling euro pillow topper, which sits inside an ultra-breathable, temperature-regulating border. Just underneath is a layer of foam designed to keep heat away from your body during sleep, followed by a firmer, more supportive foam layer. A transition layer and coil system provide additional support, and the base is an eco-friendly foundation made from recycled plant fiber. An organic cotton cover finishes off the bed.
How It Performed
The Nolah Evolution delivered an incredibly pleasant night’s rest. This mattress adapted to our changing sleep positions, making it an ideal choice for those who shift a lot. The plush memory foam was a dream, cradling our bodies with just enough firmness. We noticed a significant change in sleep quality—more energized and less body aches upon waking.
It’s Worth Noting
It has the highest cost for returns—it costs $100 for the 120-night trial period and an additional $99 if you decide to return it before the trial is complete. This mattress is also tall, so it may not be suitable for high bed frames.
Best Dual-Sided: Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress
Our Ratings
Comfort 5/5 | Support 5/5 | Sleep Quality 5/5 | Value 4.3/5
Type: Natural Latex
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King
Price Range: $1,895 – $3,945
Firmness Level: Soft-medium (4/10), Medium-firm (8/10)
Depth: 10 inches
Delivery: Free in-room delivery, setup, and mattress removal
Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with $99 returns; Lifetime warranty
Who It's Best For
If you don’t know what firmness level you need, this mattress doesn’t make you choose. Its dual-sided design offers two different firmness levels (one on each side), so you can test out both soft and firm before deciding which is best for you.
Why We Like It
The Saatva Zenhaven mattress is made entirely of eco-friendly materials, including organic natural latex and wool. Every mattress purchase includes free white glove delivery and setup, so there's no unboxing, expansion time, or heavy lifting on your part. The flippable design allows you to switch from a soft, luxury plush side (4/10) to a gentle firm side (8/10) without buying another mattress.
What It’s Made Of
The Zenhaven is constructed using 100% natural latex, known for its resilience and durability. Each side of the mattress has two distinct layers: a wool comfort layer and a breathable latex layer. A middle support core provides stability and prevents sagging. The mattress is encased in an organic cotton cover with antimicrobial properties for a healthy sleep environment.
How It Performed
We tested both sides of the mattress and found that the softer side felt like a cloud, while the firmer side kept our spines aligned for pain-free mornings. The versatility is one of our favorite features of the Zenhaven—you're guaranteed to get a good night's sleep regardless of which side you choose. The mattress is also compatible with a box spring, frame, or adjustable base.
It’s Worth Noting
The high price point could be a deterrent if you're on a tight budget. Plus, while the two-sided feature is innovative, it may present a challenge for those with mobility issues; flipping the 125-pound mattress can be quite a task. Also, its 10-inch depth may not be enough for those without a box spring or platform bed.
Our Testing Process
To find the best mattresses for back pain, we conducted extensive research to ensure our selection included various types of mattresses to cater to diverse sleeping preferences. Each was subjected to rigorous testing over a period of several weeks or months. We also spoke with the following sleep experts to learn more about sleeping with back pain:
- Angelie Mascarinas, MD, board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctor with fellowship training in interventional spine and musculoskeletal care, who practices at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City
- Kevin Lees, DC, director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic, the nation’s largest chiropractic care provider
- Danielle Kelvas, MD, chief medical advisor at Sleepline, a sleep resource website
- Shelby Harris, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist, clinical associate professor, and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, an independent sleep education company
During testing, we particularly focused on comfort, support, and the overall sleep experience. Each mattress was assessed for unique features, such as dual-sided designs, cooling properties, and motion isolation. Finally, we considered factors like shipping and delivery options, trial periods, returns, and warranty, which significantly affect the overall customer experience. We compiled our results and constructed an unbiased review so you can make an informed purchase decision.
More Mattresses for Back Pain to Consider
We also tested the below mattresses for back pain, but they fell short of making our final recommendations:
- Winkbed Mattress: Available in four firmness levels—softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus—this mattress has a free 120-trial. However, it doesn’t isolate motion as well as others.
- Casper Original Foam Mattress: Casper's signature mattress has a medium-firm feel, but we found it too soft for back pain and less supportive than the mattresses mentioned above.
- Purple RejuvenatePlus Mattress: We can't deny the quality and luxurious feel of the RejuvenatePlus, but at 16 inches tall, it's too bulky for certain bed frames and sheets.
Your Questions, Answered
What type of mattress do doctors recommend for back pain?
According to Dr. Kelvas, a firmer mattress provides the most support to those with back pain. However, some may find that a memory foam mattress reduces pressure points and alleviates pain. She recommends considering your sleeping position and body weight when selecting, as these factors can influence the type of mattress that works best for you.
Is a harder or softer mattress better for back pain?
Firm or medium-firm mattresses provide a more stable sleep surface and are usually superior to softer mattresses. The firmer surface aligns your spine and distributes weight more evenly, preventing pressure points that could cause pain. However, everyone's sleep preferences are different. In-home trial periods allow you to purchase and test a mattress for several months before deciding if it's right for you.
What kind of mattress is best for lower back and hip pain?
Harris says firm mattresses offer better spinal alignment and weight distribution, while softer ones provide more body contouring and comfort. A medium to firm mattress is usually recommended for low back and hip pain since it is plush but not soft enough to disrupt alignment. If you need more time to determine which firmness is right for you, consider a dual-sided mattress to test different levels of support.
Who We Are
Lindsay Modglin is a nurse and journalist with several years of clinical experience. As a side sleeper with a history of lower back pain, she knows firsthand the importance of a quality mattress. Her byline has been featured in global publications like Forbes, Healthline, Insider, Yahoo, and more. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives.
About The Joint Chiropractic
The Joint Corp. revolutionized access to chiropractic care when it introduced its retail health care business model in 2010. Today, it is the nation’s largest operator, manager and franchisor of chiropractic clinics through The Joint Chiropractic network. The company is making quality care convenient and affordable, while eliminating the need for insurance, for millions of patients seeking pain relief and ongoing wellness. With 800+ locations nationwide and nearly 11 million patient visits annually, The Joint Chiropractic is a key leader in the chiropractic industry. Ranked number one on Forbes’ 2022 America’s Best Small Companies list, number three on Fortune’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list and consistently named to Franchise Times “Top 400+ Franchises” and Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500®” lists, The Joint Chiropractic is an innovative force, where healthcare meets retail. For more information, visit www.thejoint.com.
Business Structure
The Joint Corp. is a franchisor of clinics and an operator of clinics in certain states. In Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, The Joint Corp. and its franchisees provide management services to affiliated professional chiropractic practices.
Media Contacts
The Joint Corp.
Margie Wojciechowski
[email protected]
Office: (480) 245-5960 x 210
Leadership claim based on network size. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.