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A good night’s sleep helps you support your mental health, immune system, and other essential functions. But did you know that your sleeping position could impact the quality of your rest?
According to a small 2022 study, back sleepers had slightly worse sleep quality than people who sleep in other positions. The back sleepers in the study tended to wake more often than their side-sleeping counterparts. Additionally, sleeping on one’s back can negatively influence obstructive sleep apnea severity.
If that sounds like you, then choosing a mattress built with back sleeping in mind might help you break the cycle and find more supportive, restorative sleep. Below, find our top mattresses for back sleepers, and get more expert-approved tips on choosing the best mattress for you.
Our Reviews Team chose the Saatva Classic mattress as our best overall pick of the best mattress for back sleepers. It has zoned lumber support and is available in three firmness levels, so you can customize it to your preferences and comfort.
| Cost for a queen* | $2,095 | $1,319 | $2,373.80 | $2,499 | $1,799 | $2,305 | $1,873.80 | $1,332 |
| Firmness | Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Medium-firm | Medium | Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus | Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus | Soft, medium, firm | Medium | Soft, medium, firm |
| Mattress type | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| White glove delivery | Yes | No | No | Yes, for a fee through a third party | No | Yes, for a fee | Yes, for a fee | No |
* Without discounts or promotions
Whether you prefer a classical coiled mattress or a hybrid mattress with contouring memory foam, all of the above mattresses have our Reviews Team’s stamp of approval for back sleepers. To get the most out of your new mattress, it’s a good idea to pair it with an ergonomic pillow that supports proper spinal alignment. You may also consider an adjustable frame to find the perfect angle for a restful night’s sleep on your back.
If you’re a back sleeper, it’s important to choose a mattress that keeps the spine neutral and supports your body’s natural curvature. [3] Yu E. What sleep positions are best for your back? Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. October 4, 2018. Though most of our top picks are hybrid models, memory foam and traditional innerspring mattresses can also offer a supportive, comfortable experience for back sleepers, but it depends on your personal preferences.
We’re fond of mattresses that use coils arranged in “support zones,” which are designed to contour around your body. For instance, the mattress might be firmer around the hip region to support your lower back. Most of the mattresses on our roundup feature a zoned coil system in the base with the exception of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.
This may depend on your personal preference and your age. According to a 2020 conference paper, younger participants tended to prefer memory foam or latex mattresses for back sleeping. [4] Hou J, Zhang Y. The Influence of Mattress Material on Sleeping Comfort of Different Age. Man-Machine-Environment System Engineering. Sept. 29, 2020. At the same time, older participants preferred coil and pillow-top mattresses when lying on their backs.
Research suggests that a medium-firm mattress may minimize lower back pain. [2] Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021 But some people may prefer a firmer or softer experience. Before purchasing, it can be a good idea to test some models first to get an idea of what you like. You can also take advantage of a brand’s trial period.
