The Best Mattresses for Back Pain Sufferers

Posted on June 12, 2024

When you suffer from back pain, getting a good night’s sleep where you feel rested the next day can be a challenge. Aching joints and sore back muscles make it difficult to get comfortable at night, even in bed. Heck, your mattress can even contribute to your condition and make pain worse: yikes! So how do you find a mattress that will help your ailing back? What makes a mattress helpful in reducing pain? For the most part, it’s support and pressure relief, both of which are dependent upon the weight and position of the sleeper. Here we’ll review the best mattresses for back pain so you can make a better decision.

While your back pain may not be due to your mattress alone, sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t provide support for the lower back and remove pressure from the hips, knees and shoulders can make your pain worse. First and foremost, let’s remember that there is no single mattress, or mattress style or type, that will work for everyone who suffers back pain. Any mattress that helps someone sleep comfortably without pain, stiffness or achiness is the best mattress for that one sleeper. People who suffer lower back pain should choose a mattress that is both comfortable and supportive, and allows them to get a complete, restful night’s sleep.

Mattress firmness seems to play a leading role in back pain and easing it, according to Scott Gale, President and Owner of Sleep Architecture Mattress Store. “Sleeping on a mattress that is too firm can actually cause pain on pressure points,” Gale said. A good mattress should provide support for the natural curves and alignment of the spine. The right amount of back support also helps the patient avoid muscle soreness in the morning. 

“A medium-firm mattress is generally more comfortable because it allows your shoulders and hips to sink in slightly,” he said. All-foam mattresses, including memory foam, tend to be too soft and less supportive. A 2021 study found that medium-firm mattresses were best for those battling back pain, hence, Gale recommends getting a hybrid mattress with medium-firm support.

And comfort is as important as support, according to Gale. Sleep comfort is sacrificed if a mattress doesn’t match one's individual preferences. A mattress that provides comfort and back support helps reduce low back pain, allowing the structures in the spine to rest and rejuvenate during the night. For example, Posh + Lavish mattresses are one of the best picks for those with back pain because they’re made from latex and structurally will support you better, Gale said. Latex mattresses offer several perks: durability, pressure relief, comfort and support.

Other options for both comfort and support to help your aching back include M Lily’s Fusion Orthopedic Mattress, the M Lily Onyx Hybrid Firm, the Magniflex Dolce Vita Dual 14, and Blu Sleep’s Conforma Adapt Mattress.