Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers 2026
This sleeping position is the best for spinal alignment, but what type of mattress is best for back sleepers? The right support and other features are still important. Find out what to look for.
- The overall best mattress for back sleepers is the Saatva Classic, which had the highest possible score for pressure relief in a back-sleeping position in our tests.
- The best mattresses for back sleepers range in price from $1,799–$2,373 for a queen-size mattress.
- Back sleepers should look for a mattress that is medium-firm and keeps their spine aligned.
- Zoned support under the hips, lower back, and shoulders can be useful for people who sleep in this position.
- Our top picks include options for different needs, including lower back pain, couples, and strong cooling performance.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing mattresses to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best mattresses, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best mattress
- Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate mattresses and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new mattresses and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our mattress review methodology.
If you’re a back sleeper, congrats: You sleep in one of the best positions to ease back pain. While the “best” sleeping position depends on your needs, experts we talked to for our review of the best mattresses for back pain said sleeping on your back is generally best for relieving back pain and pressure.
While sleeping on your side is by far the most common position (see our guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers), sleeping on your back is what most orthopedic experts recommend. “That position keeps the spine completely aligned and prevents excess pressure on the shoulders and hips,” says Ruchir P. Patel, MD, founder of the Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona in Phoenix. Based on our testing, the best mattresses for back sleepers help ease pressure, keep your spine neutral, and have the right firmness (6.5/10).
What type of mattress is best for back sleepers? This guide highlights those with the right firmness, weight distribution, and support for the spine and lower back. Our overall pick for best mattress for back sleepers is the Saatva Classic because it was the most supportive for back sleepers in our tests, and the brand has an overall reputation for quality.
Back sleeping and sleep apnea: What’s the connection?
While sleeping on your back may help ease back pain and pressure, it can also make sleep apnea worse. That’s because when you lie on your back, gravity can pull your tongue downward, which blocks your throat.1
If you have, or are suspicious you may have, sleep apnea, avoid sleeping on your back until you consult with your medical provider.
- Exceptional back support
- Can help relieve pain
- Good balance of comfort and support
- Can help ease back pain
- Promotes spinal alignment
- Relieves pressure in all sleeping positions
- Limits motion transfer between partners
- Top marks for back pain and pressure relief
- Sleeps cool
Best mattresses for back sleepers in 2026
- Saatva Classic: Best Overall
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Lower Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm: Best Mattress for Back Sleeping Couples
- The WinkBed Luxury Firm: Best Value Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Birch Natural: Most Accessible Mattress for Back Sleepers
Need help picking out the right mattress?
Answer 3 simple questions to find a mattress that meets your needs.
Comparing the best mattresses for back sleepers
| Comparison Features | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (out of 10 | 9.4 |
9 |
9.2 |
9.2 |
9.1 |
| Best for | Back, side, stomach |
Back, side, stomach |
Back, side, stomach |
Back, side, stomach |
Back, side |
| Brand firmness rating | 6 |
6 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
| Trial period (nights) | 365 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
Understanding our scoring
Our mattress recommendations are based on our thorough research and testing. We created two scores:
- Accessibility score: A combined score reflecting factors that make it easier to move around and get in and out of bed.
- Pain relief score: A combined score reflecting factors that help relieve pain while in bed.
What we look for in a mattress for back sleepers:
Saatva Classic: Best Mattress Overall
We chose the Saatva Classic as our Best Mattress for Back Sleepers Overall because it earned near-perfect scores in our tests for relieving pressure when sleeping on your back. Its mix of stable support and bounce makes it easier to move on than other mattresses we tested. Saatva is also known for its free white-glove delivery (meaning they’ll set up your new mattress and remove your old one for free). And it has one of the longest trial periods in the industry (365 nights).
- Saatva Review
- Mix of pressure relief and firmness can help ease pain
- Balances support and comfort
- Near-perfect test scores for back support
- Our pain relief score: 4.87/5
- Accessibility score: 4.55/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10
Pros
- Exceptional pressure relief for back sleepers
- One of the best mattresses for helping to relieve pain
- Easier for testers to get in and out of
- Industry-leading free trial period (365 nights) and a lifetime warranty
- Free white-glove delivery
Cons
- Movement may wake your sleeping partner
- Only average for cooling
- At 120 pounds, this mattress is on the heavy side
- One of the more expensive mattresses we tested
Helix Midnight Luxe: Best for Back Sleepers with Lower Back Pain
We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as our Best for Back Sleepers with Lower Back Pain because it received a solid 4/5 for easing pressure when lying on your back. It earned a high pain relief score, and the optional ErgoAlign contour layer ($259) provides extra, reinforced support for the lower back, which our testers loved.
- Helix Review
- Zoned low-back support with ErgoAlign
- Eases pressure on your back
- Stays cool while sleeping
- Our pain relief score: 4.21/5
- Accessibility score: 4.06/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10
Pros
- Top marks for pain and pressure relief for the low back
- Even support with no sinking or sagging
- Has great cooling properties
- Helix is highly ranked for customer service and affordability
Cons
- Could be too firm for some
- Poor motion isolation—meaning you can feel a partner move through the night
- Lacks bounce, so may be hard for some to get up and out of bed
Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm: Best for Back Sleeping Couples
We chose the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm as our Best Mattress for Back Sleeping Couples because it earned high scores for easing pressure for back sleepers and minimizing motion better than almost any other mattress we tested. That means your partner’s movements are less likely to wake you at night.
- Nolah Review
- Great at limiting motion transfer between sleeping partners
- Top-rated for back pain and pressure relief
- Sleeps cool
- Our pain relief score: 4.31/5
- Accessibility score: 3.96/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Great motion isolation, so you’re unlikely to feel a partner move
- Can relieve back pressure and pain
- Strong edges makes getting in and out bed easier
Cons
- May not feel firm enough for higher-weight sleepers
- Cushioning memory foam may make it hard to change positions for some
- Extra fee for white-glove delivery
The WinkBed Luxury Firm: Best Value Mattress for Back Sleepers
We chose The WinkBed Luxury Firm as the Best Value Mattress for Back Sleepers because it offers similar back pain and pressure relief as other mattresses on our list, as well as perks like a lifetime warranty, for a more affordable price. The Winkbed Luxury Firm is also one of the few hybrid mattresses that works with adjustable bed frames.
- WinkBed Review
- High scores for pain and pressure relief
- Stays cool through the night
- Easier to get in and out of
- Our pain relief score: 4.20/5
- Accessibility score: 3.99/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Supports back and cradles joints
- Strong overall pain relief
- Is firm, with bounce and edge support to help with mobility issues
- Above-average at cooling
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Mattress is heavier (135 pounds)
- No white-glove delivery
- Mattress cover is not removable
Birch Natural: Most Accessible for Back Sleepers
We chose the Birch Natural as our Most Accessible Mattress for Back Sleepers because it had high pressure relief in the back sleeping position, great pain relief, and one of the highest accessibility scores of any mattress we tested. Strong edges, uniform support, and decent bounce made it one of the easier mattresses to move around on and get in and out of. That can be a plus if you sleep on your back, deal with back pain, or have mobility issues.
- Birch Review
- Stable edges
- Good for those with mobility issues
- Above-average pressure relief scores for back and stomach
- Uses eco-friendly materials
- Our pain relief score: 4.55/5
- Accessibility score: 4.51/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- One of the most accessible mattresses we’ve tested
- Easier to get in and out of
- Stable edges and strong surface
- High marks for pain relief
Cons
- May be disturbed by partner’s movement
- May be too firm for some (testers rated it as firmer than it is)
- Shorter trial period (120 days)
Our process testing the best mattresses for back sleepers
Our team has spent thousands of hours researching and testing mattresses so you can feel confident in our reviews. We work with experts in sleep, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, so we know what features are most important when searching for the best mattress for back sleepers.
For this review, we personally tested 30 mattresses identified through our research to offer pain relief and ease pressure for back sleepers. Each mattress was put through rigorous testing by older adults with pain, to ensure we have real-world data about how they perform.
We considered these important factors when testing the best mattresses for back sleepers:
The right firmness
A mattress that is medium-firm, or around a 6.5/10, is best for people who sleep on their backs. The degree of firmness helps ease back pain and pressure on the joints, according to research.3 Someone with a higher body weight may prefer a slightly firmer mattress, while someone with a lower body weight may prefer a slightly softer one.
Good pressure relief
Our pressure relief score reflects our testers’ experiences on the mattress and the results shown on our pressure map. The pressure map uses sensors to show how much pressure the body feels when lying on the mattress. Blue and green are great pressure relief; yellow, orange, and red show places where pressure builds up. We looked for high pressure relief scores (blue and green) for the back sleeping position.
High accessibility score
Our accessibility score measures how easily a person can get into and out of bed and change positions. It was essential to us that we made clear which mattresses were (and were not) accessible for people with mobility issues, or pain that affects the body’s ability to move easily.
To create our accessibility score, we combined and weighted the following factors:
- Edge support: A mattress with strong edge support offers a stable surface for getting in and out of bed, especially for those with chronic pain.
- Bounce: A bouncy mattress ensures sleepers don’t feel stuck, restricting the ability to adjust positions or get up out of bed.
- Motion isolation: A mattress with strong motion isolation ensures you remain comfortably placed in the bed, even if a partner moves through the night.
- Firmness: Finding the optimal mattress firmness will vary depending on your needs. But a medium-firm mattress is soft enough to rest comfortably, and firm enough to offer enough resistance to move easily.
Spinal support
For back sleepers especially, it’s important that your mattress keeps your spine aligned. We tested spinal support by having older adults lie on the mattresses on their backs and rate how comfortable and supported they felt. We asked them to note how much pressure they felt under their hips, knees, shoulders and other joints, and whether their spine felt curved or in alignment.
What is the best type of mattress for back sleepers?
The materials a mattress is made from affect how comfortable and supportive it feels. A lot of choosing the best mattress for back sleepers is personal preference, and that includes what materials feel best to you. But knowing a little about the major kinds of mattresses and materials used in them may help guide your choice.
Innerspring mattress
These are more traditional mattresses that use metal coils or springs to provide support. They tend to have good bounce, which helps mobility, and stay cooler than foam or latex mattresses. Some have individually wrapped coils to limit the amount of movement that can be felt from either side of the bed.
Memory foam mattress
Memory foam was originally developed by NASA as a way to cushion astronauts during flights.4 Its softness and ability to absorb energy is used in mattresses to contour to the body’s curves and support and cushion the spine and joints. Foam is also used in hybrid mattresses to dampen the motion of the coils, so your sleep won’t be disturbed by a partner changing positions. For more information, see our review of the best memory foam mattress.
Hybrid mattress
Hybrid mattresses combine the support and responsiveness of springs with layers of memory foam for cushion and comfort. There are many different configurations of hybrid mattresses. Some have zoned support, or extra foam in a specific area to help support your back or other areas. For more information, see our review of the best hybrid mattress.
Latex mattress
Latex is a dense, rubbery material that can be natural, synthetic, or a combination of both. It is often used as a foam in mattresses and is known for its durability and responsiveness. Natural latex can be good for anyone with allergies and may be eco-friendly depending on how it is made. Latex mattresses do tend to be heavier and more expensive than other kinds.
Additional factors for back sleepers
When it comes to the best mattresses for back sleepers, lower-back support, pain relief, and a medium-firm feel are top concerns. But there are other things to consider as well. Some include:
How easy is it to get in and out of?
Mattresses that have springs can help if you have any mobility issues because they add some bounce. Some people feel “trapped” in memory foam, which is dense and contours around their body.
Do you sleep with a partner?
Some people are easily awakened by a mattress moving due to a partner getting in or out of bed or shifting positions during the night. If you are a light sleeper, you’ll want to look for a mattress with good motion isolation. That means it limits how much motion you feel from a partner. Memory foam mattresses tend to be best at this, but hybrids with individually wrapped coils also work well. It’s also good to consider if your partner sleeps on their back or in another position.
Does the temperature of the mattress matter?
Being too hot or too cold at night can interrupt your sleep. Some mattresses are designed with better airflow or materials that wick heat and moisture away to keep you cool. “A mattress that retains heat, like a foam-based mattress, can result in potentially increasing body temperature, which can impact melatonin release and sleep quality,” said Dr. Patel, doctor of sleep medicine in Phoenix.
Can the mattress work with an adjustable frame?
Adjustable frames offer the flexibility to adjust the height of different parts of the mattress so you are best supported and feel most comfortable. Not every mattress works in every frame, so make sure to check whether the mattress you like is compatible with an adjustable frame.
Do you have a higher or lower than average body weight?
Most mattresses are designed for an average-weight person and may feel firmer for lighter-weight people, or not firm enough for higher-weight people. Consider your body weight when choosing the right firmness level.
Looking to upgrade your whole sleep setup? Check out our guide to the best pillows for back sleepers or our roundup of the best mattress toppers for back pain for even more comfort.
How much do the best mattresses for back sleepers cost?
The mattresses in this guide range from $1,799–$2,373 for a queen size (without discounts).
Comparing the costs of the best mattresses for back sleepers
| Comparison Features | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for a queen* | $2,139 |
$2,398 |
$2,277 |
$2,570 |
$1,874 |
| Shipping costs | Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
| White-glove delivery available? | Yes, free |
Yes, $149 |
Yes, $125–$225 |
No |
Yes, $199 |
| Warranty length | Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
| Return fees | Yes, $99 |
No |
Yes, $99 |
No |
Yes, $99 |
*Most mattress brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.
How to save money on mattresses
A new mattress is often a hefty investment, but keep in mind that it is something you will use daily for several years. To help with the upfront cost, there are several ways to save money on a mattress:
- Many manufacturers have sales, especially around holidays like Labor Day and Memorial Day.
- It’s also common to find coupons, sale codes, and discounts on a manufacturer’s website.
- Many companies also offer discounts for current or former members of the military, students, teachers, older adults, and other groups.
- If you’re not buying direct from a manufacturer, stores often have floor models at a big discount.
- Most mattress manufacturers offer some kind of financing plan, which can be a better bargain than paying for a mattress with a credit card.
- Medicare may cover part of the cost of a new mattress if it's deemed medically necessary.
It’s a good idea to research mattresses before you buy, so you can find the best mattress for the best price. Knowing what features you need and which you can live without can save you some money, too.
Frequently asked questions
What firmness level is best for back sleepers?
People who sleep on their backs generally do best with a medium-firm mattress, or one that is around 6.5/10. This degree of firmness helps support the spine and joints and makes moving on a mattress easier than softer mattresses. Of course, you should choose the mattress that feels best to you.
Can a mattress help with back pain for back sleepers?
Yes, many of the mattresses in our guide earned high scores for pain relief, and simply providing enough lower-back support can help keep stress off the spine and prevent soreness.
How can I tell if my mattress provides enough lumbar support?
Feeling soreness or pain in the lower-back region after you sleep or as the day goes on is one sign that your mattress may not be supportive enough. You can also lie on your mattress on your back and note how your lower back feels and whether there is a lot of space between your spine and the mattress. The best mattresses for back sleepers won’t sink too much (a sign that it is too soft) or leave a lot of space (a sign that it is too firm), but allow the spine to curve gently while staying supported and straight.
Questions? Reach out to reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
