Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

For back sleepers, choosing the right mattress can be tricky. While side sleepers typically need a softer mattress with plenty of pressure relief and stomach sleepers often prefer something firmer, back sleepers fall somewhere in between and need a bed that offers both comfort and support. Thankfully, after reviewing numerous mattresses, I’ve narrowed it down to ten top choices that should be an excellent fit.

Our expert reviewers selected the DreamCloud Premier as the best mattress for back sleepers because of its memory foam contouring, hybrid design, and balanced support tailored to back sleepers.

• DreamCloud Mattress – Best Overall
• Helix Mattress – Best Mattress for Couples
• WinkBeds Mattress – Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers
• Saatva Mattress – Best Innerspring Mattress
• Bear Mattress – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Brooklyn Bedding Mattress – Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Nolah Mattress – Best Mattress for Back Pain
• Plank Mattress – Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
• Birch Mattress – Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Back Sleepers

We assess mattresses across various performance categories, including edge support, cooling, and motion isolation, using our comprehensive testing methodology. Additionally, we consult with medical experts to ensure our recommendations align with the latest research. For back sleepers, our chief medical advisor emphasized that they "should focus on a medium-firm mattress to ensure proper spinal alignment and support." He also recommended considering mattresses with added features to support the lumbar region (lower back). Keeping these expert insights in mind, we prioritized the following qualities in our final selections:

• Appropriate firmness – We rate mattress firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. A rating of 6.5/10 is typically considered medium-firm, which is ideal for back sleepers. We focused on finding beds that either fall around this level or offer multiple firmness options to accommodate varying preferences. We'll also note specific recommendations based on individual needs.
• Support – Back sleepers need a mattress that offers substantial support to maintain proper spinal alignment. This means the mattress should gently guide the spine into its natural S-curve. We had multiple testers lie on the mattress in the back-sleeping position to ensure they felt adequately supported.
• Pressure relief – In addition to support, back sleepers require pressure relief, especially in areas like the lower back. We measure this using a pressure mat that tracks the pressure exerted on the body’s contact points. Testers of various body weights lie on the mat in both side- and back-sleeping positions to evaluate the mattress. We then calculate the pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch) and compare it to the average pressure for that position and weight category to assign a rating.

At Mattress Clarity, we rate firmness on a scale from 1 to 10. For back sleepers, a medium-firm mattress, in the range of 6.5 to 7, is ideal. A mattress that's too soft can cause the hips to sink too deeply, affecting spinal alignment and potentially leading to lower back pain. On the other hand, a mattress that's too firm can create pressure in the back and shoulders, causing discomfort from muscle tension buildup.

It’s important to understand that natural motion during sleep is necessary, which can be hindered by a mattress that's too soft. Unlike activities like standing or walking, lying down and sleeping allow our muscles to relax. While relaxed muscles help stabilize our joints, holding a position too long that stretches our joint range can lead to pain or stiffness upon waking.

Conversely, a mattress that's too firm can put excessive pressure on bony areas, where there's less soft tissue for cushioning. This can even result in skin breakdown, which is common in seniors and can lead to bedsores.

When consumers are evaluating a mattress design, it's important to consider the thickness of the comfort layer. While a thicker comfort layer can be beneficial for side sleepers, back sleepers may prefer it to be on the thinner side. A comfort layer between 2″ and 4″ provides just enough sinkage for comfort while still offering the necessary support for the back and cushioning for the lumbar area.

When buying a mattress, it's essential to consider your overall size and weight. A mattress that provides adequate support for a lighter sleeper may not be sufficient for a heavier individual. Similarly, a larger person might find a mattress ideal for back-sleeping, while someone lighter could perceive it as too firm. It's crucial for consumers to take their size into account to find the right balance between comfort and support.

There are several main types of mattresses, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks for back-sleeping. Let’s explore how each type can be both a good and poor fit for back sleepers.

Memory foam mattresses are a great choice for back sleepers because they offer excellent contouring, filling in gaps like the lumbar area that naturally form when lying on your back. However, they can sometimes be overly soft, which may not provide the best support for back-sleeping. If someone prefers a memory foam mattress for back-sleeping, they should look for one with a comfort layer that's not too thick. This will allow their hips to sink in just the right amount while the mattress offers proper support for the rest of the body.

A mattress with high-quality coils can be a great option for back sleepers, but the overall firmness and the comfort layer play a significant role. If an innerspring mattress is too firm, it can push the hips out of the mattress, leading to back pain. That's why innerspring pillow-top mattresses are often a good choice for back sleepers. The pillow-top adds softness, allowing the hips to sink in slightly. When selecting an innerspring mattress for back-sleeping, shoppers should ensure it's a true medium-firm option.

Hybrid mattresses offer the soft comfort of foam combined with the support of coils, making them a great choice for back sleepers. In fact, Dr. Dasgupta recommends hybrids for back sleepers, as the coils provide added support beneath the cozy foam.

That said, there are a few things to consider. First, ensure the comfort layer is the right thickness. A thick memory foam layer could cause your spine to fall out of alignment while you sleep. On the other hand, a thin layer of firmer foam may push the hips out of the mattress.

Latex mattresses are well-known for their eco-friendliness, but how do they fare for back sleepers? Latex is a denser material, which can sometimes feel firmer. If it's too dense, it may prevent the hips from sinking in the right amount. Back sleepers should look for a latex mattress that offers a bit of give. On the plus side, latex mattresses are highly durable, making them a great option for long-term use. While they tend to be more expensive, they are less likely to sag over time, making them a worthwhile investment.

Yes, back sleeping is often considered the healthiest sleeping position by most medical professionals. As a back sleeper, you're less likely to experience the pressure point pain common with side sleeping or the lower back pain that often comes with stomach sleeping.

While back sleeping gives you an advantage in terms of sleep health, there are still a few things to consider. This position can lead to snoring, as the tissues in your throat may naturally fall backward and restrict airflow. If this is a concern, a wedge pillow could help by adjusting your sleeping angle to prevent airway restriction. You may also want to explore our list of the best mattresses for sleep apnea.

Additionally, doctors recommend that pregnant individuals avoid sleeping on their backs, as it can reduce blood flow to the fetus. For more information, check out our guide on how to get the best sleep during pregnancy.

For back sleepers, ensuring a good night’s rest goes beyond finding the right mattress. Certain accessories can enhance comfort and support.

A properly fitting pillow is essential for back sleepers. Look for one that's not too thick or too thin. A pillow with a medium loft helps keep the head, neck, and spine aligned neutrally. These pillows come in various materials, such as latex and memory foam, and there are even options specifically designed to support the neck. For more options, be sure to check out our best pillows for back sleepers.

Mattress toppers are another great accessory, especially for back sleepers with a mattress that's too firm. A 2" or 3" mattress topper can add comfort, providing more contouring and allowing the hips to sink in just a bit. There are also zoned mattress toppers designed to offer additional lumbar support for back sleepers.