Sleep plays a vital role in restoring our energy and ensuring optimal performance in the days ahead. However, sleep-related issues are common and affect a significant number of adults. Therefore, choosing the right mattress can contribute to a more comfortable sleep.
In this article, we explore our top mattress picks in today's market and their potential to prevent or alleviate back pain. Our aim is to highlight the key features that define the best mattress.
Best mattresses for back pain: a shortlist
- Puffy — best hybrid mattress with a medium-plush feel
- SONU Sleep — best mattress for relieving common pressure points
- PlushBeds — best mattress for customizable comfort
- Latex for Less — best mattress that molds to the curves
- Amerisleep — best budget-friendly mattress for back pain
How to choose the best mattress for back pain in 2023
| Materials | Quality, durability, and construction |
| Certifications | GOLS, GOTS, CertiPUR-US®, and others |
| Support | Features for spinal alignment |
| Price | $1,549–$3,399 |
- Materials. We focused on the quality of materials, and factors such as durability, and texture.
- Certifications. We prioritized mattresses with certifications, guaranteeing they are free from harmful substances.
- Support. This includes the firmness of the mattress, structure, and design to ensure ergonomic comfort.
- Price. We balance quality and affordability to ensure the best mattresses offer great value for your money.
Top 5 best mattresses for back pain: overview
Within the vast choice of mattresses tailored to promote restful sleep, we present our in-depth guide for the best mattress pick. We have examined various mattresses, considering factors such as material quality, support capabilities, certifications, and cost-effectiveness. Here, you'll find our top contenders for the best mattresses.
1. Puffy — best hybrid mattress with a medium-plush feel
Puffy Lux hybrid mattress features a combination of contour-adapt coils and several layers of memory foam with a medium-plush feel. It is a great choice for sleepers seeking the balance of firm and soft support to avoid back pain.
Puffy's mattress features a 6-layer structure — memory foam and contour-adapt coils that conform to your body's curves. According to Puffy, it provides proper bodily alignment and pressure relief. Additionally, the mattress is hypoallergenic, maintaining ideal airflow and temperature regulation with the help of a humidity-resistant foam layer.
The CertiPUR-US® certified foams also guarantee safety and quality (CertiPUR® certifies the environmental and safety qualities of polyurethane foam in bedding and furniture).
Priced at $2,249, with a 101-night trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping in the USA, this mattress offers comfort and peace of mind. Made in the USA, it's a top choice for those searching for a softer yet supportive mattress.
2. SONU Sleep — best mattress for relieving common pressure points
The SONU Sleep mattress has a unique design that aims to improve comfort in specific areas with the support of a pillow system that molds to each sleeper. This allows for natural arm and shoulder positioning, relieving common pressure points.
This comprehensive system includes four support pillows and a cooling cover for temperature regulation. SONU Sleep mattress is constructed using premium, CertiPUR-US® certified materials like polyurethane foam, ensuring both comfort and environmental responsibility.
Additionally, the SONU Plush model, rated at 4 out of 10 in firmness, offers a softer feel, catering to those who prefer a more cushioned surface.
Priced at $3,399 with a substantial 10-year warranty, the SONU Sleep System is built to last. If you're a side sleeper seeking a more comfortable night's sleep, this mattress is definitely worth considering.
3. PlushBeds — best mattress for customizable comfort
PlushBeds mattress has various thickness, firmness, and size options, accommodating a wide range of preferences, making it the best customizable comfort mattress. It also offers both support and comfort, which can help relieve pressure points and alleviate back pain.
The Botanical Bliss® organic latex mattress, meticulously crafted in California, stands out for its use of top-tier materials: The Global Organic Latex Standard and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOLS and GOTS)certified organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool, emphasizing its commitment to eco-friendliness. It has earned the GreenGuard Gold certification, signifying its low chemical emissions.
With a price of $2,449 and backed by a 100-night comfort guarantee, this mattress becomes an attractive option for environmentally-conscious consumers looking for high-quality sleep.
4. Latex for Less — best mattress that molds to the curves of your body
The mattress is designed with two layers of organic latex. The first is a 3-inch (7,6 cm) latex comfort layer that adapts to your body's contours, providing great comfort and pressure relief.
Below, a 6-inch (15 cm) latex mattress core ensures long-lasting support that won't incurve over time. The organic cotton cover is environmentally friendly, and also provides a soft surface for rest.
The organic latex mattress by Latex for Less is a premium bedding option handcrafted in California. This mattress is constructed using GOLS and GOTS certified organic wool, cotton, and latex, ensuring that it meets stringent standards. It's available in two heights, 9 inches (22,8) and 12 inches (30 cm), and three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm.
Priced at $1,699, it comes with a 120-night home trial and a 20-year warranty, making it a risk-free and durable choice for environmentally conscious sleepers.
5. Amerisleep — best mattress for spinal alignment
The AS2 medium-firm mattress by Amerisleep is designed to promote healthy spinal alignment, thus potentially alleviating back pain. It caters particularly well to back and stomach sleepers, offering a firm level of support.
The mattress features enhanced cooling technology of open-cell structure that allows more air to escape than traditional foam, including a refresh cover that ensures a cooler sleeping surface.
The mattress features enhanced open-cell cooling technology, promoting better air circulation than standard foam. Additionally, a refreshing cover maintains a cooler sleeping surface.
Amerisleep provides various base options for added comfort and support. Notably, the mattress incorporates Bio-Pur® (100% petroleum-based memory foam partially made with renewable plant-based oils) materials for breathability and pressure point relief.
Priced at $1,549, with an eco-friendly production and long-lasting durability complemented by a 20-year warranty, makes Amerisleep a well-rounded choice for those seeking restful sleep.
Comparison of top mattresses for back pain
| Product | Price* | Sizes | Firmness level | Material | Our pick for |
| Puffy | $2,249 | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, cal king** | Medium-soft, medium-firm | CertiPUR® certified memory foams and contour-adapt coils | Best mattress for extra firmness |
| SONU Sleep | $3,399 | Twin XL, queen, king, cal king, split king | Medium-soft, medium-firm | Polyurethane foam | Best mattress for relieving common pressure points |
| PlushBeds | $2,449 | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, split queen, king, split king, cal king, cal split king | Medium-soft, medium, medium-firm | Organic Latex, organic cotton, organic wool | Best mattress for customizable comfort |
| Latex for Less | $1,699 | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, split queen, king, split king, cal king, cal split king | Soft, medium, firm | Organic latex, organic cotton | Best mattress that molds to the curves of your body |
| Amerisleep | $1,549 | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, cal king, split king | Medium-firm | Plant-based Bio-Pur material® foam | Best mattress for back pain on a budget |
* Price might vary depending on the size of the mattress and its firmness level.
** Cal king stands for California king size bed.
The impact of mattress type on back pain
The choice of mattress can potentially reduce or cause back pain, due to specific mattress properties. Firmer mattresses could provide support and maintain proper spinal alignment, which may be helpful for those with back pain. Memory foam mattresses may reduce pressure points.
Latex mattresses strike a balance between support and comfort, allowing for contouring around heavier regions. Innerspring mattresses are a popular choice, but their impact on back pain varies; while the firmness of some models can provide adequate support, others may not align the spine effectively, potentially exacerbating back discomfort.
Ultimately, personal preference is a key, so experimenting with different types of mattresses and seeking guidance from a healthcare professional can aid in finding the best option for comfort.
Mattress sizes and back pain
There is no evidence showing that the size of your mattress has a direct effect on the back pain.
However, it is important to match mattress size with your body and sleeping habits. For couples, larger sizes like queen or king offer ample space and minimize disturbances from a partner's movements.
The wrong size of a mattress can sometimes lead to discomfort or restriction of movement, causing a strain.
Therefore, choosing an appropriate mattress size in alignment with your body and sleeping style is important for alleviating discomfort.
Top features to look in mattress for back pain relief
Here are some key features to consider before purchasing a mattress.
- Firmness. Opt for a medium-firm mattress that provides adequate support.
- Support layers. Look for mattresses with supportive layers like memory foam or latex to maintain proper spinal alignment.
- Pressure relief. Consider a mattress with cushioning layers to relieve pressure on sensitive areas like the lower back.
- Mattress type. Memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses could be suitable to alleviate pain.
- Motion isolation. Choose a mattress with good motion isolation to prevent disturbances from a restless partner.
- Durability. Ensure the mattress is made from high-quality materials that will maintain support over time.
- Trial period. Select a mattress with a generous trial period to ensure it suits your needs.
- Certifications. Look for certifications like CertiPUR-US, which guarantee the mattress is free from harmful chemicals.
- Warranty. Check the warranty to understand the manufacturer's coverage for potential issues.
- Sleep position. Consider your predominant sleep position and choose a mattress that accommodates it.
Memory foam vs. hybrid for back pain
Memory foam mattresses can be good at contouring to your body's unique shape, providing tailored support and pressure relief, making them a possible choice for people with back pain, especially for older adults. Within this demographic, mattresses designed to alleviate the aches and discomforts of seniors may be particularly beneficial.
On the other hand, hybrid mattresses combine memory foam layers with innerspring coils, offering a balanced approach. They provide both the conforming comfort of memory foam and the added support of coils, which can be advantageous for spinal alignment. Both memory foam and hybrid mattress types can offer potential solutions for back pain relief, depending on individual preference.
Firm vs. medium firm mattress for back pain
When choosing between a firm and medium-firm mattress, there are a couple of things you need to consider. A firm mattress offers robust support, keeping the spine aligned. However, a medium-firm mattress may strike a balance between support and comfort, conforming to your body's contours while maintaining spinal alignment.
While some may find solace in the support of a firm mattress, others might prefer the cushioning of a medium-firm one. It is important to note there is no high-quality evidence currently available to support advice to use a particular type of mattress for treating back pain.
However, studies have shown that medium-firm mattresses with active control mechanisms (a feature or technology that allows users to adjust certain aspects of the mattress) can improve spinal column alignment and reduce the likelihood of developing low back pain.
Best mattress for back pain products — conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best mattress for back pain is a highly individualized decision. It depends on factors such as personal preferences, sleep positions, and specific back issues. Firmer mattresses often provide better alignment, but memory foam and latex options can offer pressure relief. It's important to consider your unique needs and try different types if necessary.
Additionally, consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice is recommended. Keep in mind that while there are various options available, high-quality evidence on the superiority of one type of mattress for back pain is currently limited. Ultimately, the best mattress for you is the one that promotes comfortable and restful sleep while alleviating back discomfort.
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FAQ
What kind of mattress is best for back pain?
A medium-firm mattress is often best for back pain. It offers a balance of support and comfort, promoting spinal alignment and reducing pressure points, crucial for alleviating back pain.
Are firm mattresses good for lower back pain?
While some people find relief with firm support, others may need a medium-firm mattress to maintain spinal alignment and alleviate lower back pain. Individual preferences and needs vary.
What is the best-rated mattress for back pain in 2023?
The best-rated mattress for back pain in 2023 can vary depending on individual preferences and needs. It's essential to consider factors like mattress type, firmness level, and personal comfort to find the most suitable option.
How do sleeping positions affect the kind of mattress I should choose for back pain?
Your sleeping position significantly impacts the ideal mattress for back pain relief. Back sleepers typically require a firmer mattress, while side sleepers benefit from softer, contouring options. Stomach sleepers need firm support. Combination sleepers should consider a medium-firm mattress.
- Sleep Health. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials.
- International Asia Conference on Industrial Engineering and Management Innovation (IEMI2012) Proceedings (pp.107-115). The Quantitative Effects of Mattress and Sleep Postures on Sleep Quality.
- Physiotherapy. Mattress type for improving outcomes for chronic low-back pain: a systematic review.
- Sleep Science and Practice. Effects of mattress support on sleeping position and low-back pain.
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