The 10 Best Mattresses for Back Pain That Alleviate Aches in 2022

Best Overall Mattress: Saatva Classic

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.3/10
• Firmness: Plush-soft (3/10), luxury-firm (6/10), and firm (8/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 180 nights
• Warranty: 15 years

Who it's best for: Mattress Advisor testers rated the Saatva Classic as one of the best mattresses for a bad back because of its superior spine alignment, earning a 9.5 out of 10 in the sleep lab. This bed suits all sleep position preferences (back, side, and stomach sleeping) because of its combination system of dual innersprings and memory foam. Its hybrid construction scored well across key areas important to a majority of sleepers: spine alignment, pressure relief (8.75/10), and responsiveness (8.5/10).

How it feels: If you're familiar with the feeling of a cozy hotel mattress, then you have an idea of how the Saatva feels: supportive, yet plush. Hot-sleeping testers also slept cool on this bed, without being bothered by night sweats.

Pros: The Saatva Classic earned perfect scores for durability and customer service. It comes with a 15-year warranty.

Cons: The Saatva Classic falters with motion isolation. The dual-coil innerspring system is supportive but distributes some motion across the surface of the mattress. Light sleepers who share a bed with a partner or pets may prefer an all-foam mattress, which better isolates motion.

What it's made of: Saatva Classic is a five layer composition. At its base lies a layer of durable steel coils, which is surrounded by a layer of high-density foam to further secure the perimeters. Above that lies a second coil layer made up of 884 individually wrapped springs, so you get two layers of coils to reinforce the core of the mattress. Topping off the Saatva Classic are a memory foam layer and a 3-inch Euro pillow top.

The Saatva Classic provides both pressure relief and support to help you wake up feeling restored and free of back pain. Strong steel coils at its base reinforce individually pocketed coils to keep your spine in near-perfect alignment. The foam layers on top come covered in a plush pillow top that lets you sink into the soft surface. Back pain sufferers may be glad to know that they won't have to strain any muscles assembling the Saatva Classic: It comes with complimentary white glove delivery, which includes discarding your old bed and setting up your new one.

From the sleep lab: "I found the Saatva Classic's Euro pillow top balances out the innerspring coil system underneath. When I lay down on the surface, I sunk just enough for the Euro pillow top to cushion and relieve pressure from my sides, while the two-coil system gave that 'on top' of the mattress feeling necessary for spine alignment."

Best Value Mattress: Nectar

• Mattress Type: Gel memory foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.7/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Who it's best for: Back and side sleepers, in particular, will enjoy the pressure relief this bed offers. The Nectar also excels at motion isolation for couples, and its low price point makes it a good fit for a variety of budgets.

How it feels: The Nectar is a medium-firm bed, but because of its all-foam design, it may feel a bit more plush than a medium-firm hybrid or innerspring mattress.

Pros: Special perks like a lifetime warranty and one-year sleep trial (the best in the industry) give you an extra dose of buyer's confidence when purchasing this mattress.

Cons: This memory foam mattress can sleep hot. It also might not satisfy those who like to feel propped up on their mattress. According to one tester, because it doesn't contain any coils, the top foam layers cushion and cradle you, instead of keeping you elevated on the surface of the bed like an innerspring or hybrid mattress would.

What it's made of: Nectar is grounded by 7 inches of sturdy, standard foam, and follows up with a 2-inch responsive foam layer. The uppermost foam layer is 3 inches of gel memory foam. Nectar's top layer is a quilted, polyblend cover.

In a Nectar mattress review, a Mattress Advisor tester said it delivered her best sleep in years. The Nectar is a layered memory foam mattress with contouring and pressure point relief, which makes it an excellent choice for back support.

In addition to its affordable price, it's typically on sale, making it cheaper than most mattresses on the market. The Nectar consistently rates highly for comfort and pressure relief (8.5/10).

From the sleep lab: "I found the Nectar hugged my curves like a memory foam mattress, but it still had the back support and responsiveness of a hybrid or innerspring bed. You do sink some, but not so much that spine alignment starts to suffer."

Best Luxury Innerspring Mattress: The WinkBed

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.6/10
• Firmness: Softer (4.5/10), luxury-firm (6/10), firmer (7.5/10), and plus (8/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 120 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Who it's best for: Mattress Advisor testers reported that The WinkBed's memory foam layers make it especially comfortable for back and stomach sleepers, while the springy coils help combination sleepers who toss and turn throughout the night easily switch positions. Coils allow for maximum airflow, making this mattress a good fit for hot sleepers, too. A Euro pillow top with gel-infused foam keeps the surface cool as well.

How it feels: This hybrid mattress is solid and supportive, so you'll feel propped up from the center of the bed to its edges. Testers gave it a near-perfect 9.75 out of 10 score for edge support.

Pros: The WinkBed received excellent scores for spine alignment (8.75/10) and responsiveness (9/10).

Cons: The WinkBed didn't isolate motion well, so co-sleepers may feel their partner's movements. Motion isolation is a measure of how well the bed limits movement from one side to the other.

What it's made of: The WinkBed starts with a support system comprised of individually wrapped springs (1,074 total in a queen size), which are made from high-grade recycled steel. The steels were designed to vary in thickness, or "gauge," in order to provide targeted support to the lower back. Next is a contouring gel memory foam layer, topped off by a quilted pillow top. The WinkBed's protective cover is made from Tencel, a moisture-wicking fiber derived from eucalyptus.

Besides high marks in spine alignment, The WinkBed earned a perfect score for durability, which means this mattress is designed to keep back sufferers supported for years to come. The individually wrapped coils provide solid support, while the soft memory foam fills in the crevice at your lower back for added pressure relief. The WinkBed comes in four firmness levels, making it a universal fit for most sleep positions. However, the luxury-firm and firmer models work best for easing back pain, while the softer version is ideal for side sleepers who require more pressure-point relief at their hips and shoulders. Side sleepers should look to The WinkBed GravityLux for more body-contouring foam. Handmade in the US, The WinkBed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

From the sleep lab: "The density of the coil layer provides excellent support, and there's a give-and-take that makes it easy to switch positions. This bed also feels super cool when you sink into the surface. Its added support and responsiveness, combined with its cooling qualities, make it a well-rounded mattress."

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (coil and foam)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.9/10
• Firmness: Medium (5.5/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

Who it's best for: The Helix Midnight is a good fit for side and back sleepers as well as hot sleepers and couples.

How it feels: This bed feels like a true medium-firm mattress because it offers a nice balance of comfort and support.

Pros: The Helix Midnight contains thick layers of memory foam overtop coils, which helps it provide excellent pressure relief for your hips, knees, shoulders, and back. It's one of the most affordable beds on this list.

Cons: One tester warns if you love the feel of an all-foam mattress, the coil base of this bed might get in the way of that close, conforming feel that memory foam lovers seek.

What it's made of: Helix Midnight boasts five layers. Making up its core are 789 steel pocketed coils (in a queen) that sit atop a dense 1-inch polyfoam base. Next are 3 inches of memory foam—a 1-inch polyfoam transition layer followed by a 2-inch gel memory foam layer. A polyester mattress cover finishes off the bed.

Hybrid and memory foam beds are often dubbed the best mattresses for side sleepers, and the Helix Midnight is no exception. This popular model from Helix features both firm coils and soft foam, which is ideal for side sleepers who need support but don't want to compromise comfort. The pocket-wrapped coils are uniquely designed for excellent lumbar support. In fact, the Helix Midnight scored impressively high (8.75/10) during spine alignment testing, which makes this one of the best mattresses for side sleepers with lower back pain. The coils prop side sleepers up in a neutral posture, keeping pressure off of the lower back. In addition to being a great choice for those who favor sleeping on their side, the Helix Midnight is also well-suited for couples due to its durable construction.

From the sleep lab: "I was impressed by how well the Helix Midnight contoured to my body. The top layers of foam create a super cozy surface ideal for pressure relief. At the same time, you can really feel the coils underneath offering support."

Best Mattress for Pressure Relief: DreamCloud

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.1/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Who it's best for: A hybrid mattress, the DreamCloud is a universal fit for all sleeping positions. Standout scores in pressure relief (8.75/10) and spinal alignment (9/10) also make the mattress great for those with hip pain, in addition to back pain.

How it feels: The DreamCloud provides a luxury sleep experience. The mattress has a medium-firm feel, but its cashmere and quilted foam cover is what sets it apart from the competition (think plush soft and cloud-like).

Pros: Contouring pressure relief, sturdy support, a balanced feel, and a breathable innerspring base are all part of the package when you purchase a DreamCloud bed.

Cons: DreamCloud isn't the best choice for those on a budget, as the mattress falls on the upper end of the price scale. In addition, those who prefer the close, conforming feel of memory foam may not enjoy sleeping on a hybrid with innersprings.

What it's made of: DreamCloud has a base of individually wrapped coils (682 within a queen), which sits atop a 1-inch base layer. Above the coils are 5 inches worth of comfort layers, including a gel memory foam and supportive polyfoam layer. A blend of foam and cashmere comprises the DreamCloud's quilted top layer.

For sleepers who need a little extra relief on sore spots, the DreamCloud provides plenty of comfort—testers scored the mattress 8.75 out of 10 in the pressure relief category. A hybrid build, DreamCloud also has a supportive base of pocketed coils that keep the spine aligned and limit pressure on the lower back, alleviating aches and pains. Plus, at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the mattress falls in that firmness sweet spot of not too soft and not too firm.

For even more cushioning pressure relief, check out the DreamCloud Premier. The brand's newest mattress has a luxe hotel feel thanks to its addition of a thick Euro pillow top.

From the sleep lab: "The DreamCloud more closely resembles a luxury hotel mattress than any other bed I've tested. Your back feels supported but also cushioned by the foam comfort layers."

Best Cooling Mattress: GhostBed Flex

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (coils and foam)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.2/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 101 nights
• Warranty: 25 years

Who it's best for: The GhostBed Flex is best for back and combination sleepers because of its supportive yet highly responsive material. It also works well for couples.

How it feels: This mattress has a unique, medium-firm feel that balances the pressure relief of memory foam with the springiness of latex.

Pros: Mattress Advisor testers describe this hybrid mattress as easy to move around on, durable, and cooling. They found the GhostBed's edge support to be equally as impressive, which is helpful if you like to rest near the perimeter of the bed.

Cons: Due to its unique combination of materials, the GhostBed Flex is one of the pricier beds on this list.

What it's made of: GhostBed Flex has an impressive seven layer design, starting with a high-density support layer, and then pocketed coils. The next layer is a contouring foam, followed by two additional layers of gel memory foam. The final two layers of GhostBed Flex are a 1-inch breathable fiber layer, and a quilted cover.

If you're tired of sweaty nights disturbing your precious beauty sleep, a hybrid mattress may be the solution. The GhostBed Flex is especially equipped to deliver a cooling, supportive night's rest for those who sleep hot and also experience back pain. It earned high scores for spine alignment (8.75/10) and pressure relief (8/10) and is made from a sturdy base of individually wrapped coils, gel memory foam, and GhostBed's own proprietary foam that feels like a cross between memory foam and latex. This design helps the GhostBed Flex promote more airflow through the center of the mattress. Coils are a key material in cooling mattresses, helping to break up any heat retained by the foam. Plus, the GhostBed Flex's cover keeps the top layer extra cool so you stay sweat-free even as you sink into the surface. Testers were so impressed with its top-to-bottom breathable construction that they gave it a 9 out of 10 for cooling.

From the sleep lab: "The GhostBed Flex has a unique feel. The foam is very latex-like, with great bounciness and support. The bed's surface also feels super breathable."

Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Puffy

• Mattress Type: Memory foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9/10
• Firmness: Firm (7/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 101 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Who it's best for: The Puffy mattress is best for side sleepers with joint pain who tend to switch sides throughout the night. Unlike many memory foam mattresses, the Puffy is responsive to sleepers' movements while still giving that signature huggable feel. Mattress Advisor testers gave it a 9 out of 10 for responsiveness.

How it feels: The Puffy falls at a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, which is slightly firmer than an average medium-firm bed. One tester explained that you won't feel like you're sinking into your mattress, but you also won't feel propped up like you would on an innerspring bed.

Pros: A lifetime warranty comes with your Puffy mattress purchase. Plus, the bed's all-foam construction helps isolate motion and prevent sleep disturbance for couples and those who co-sleep with children.

Cons: This mattress's memory foam construction won't give stomach sleepers enough support. It's also not an optimal fit for hot sleepers since all-foam mattresses tend to trap heat.

What it's made of: Puffy's bottom cover helps grip the foundation for stability. Next, a thick 6-inch support foam layer forms the bulk of the memory foam mattress. On top are two comfort-adding foam layers, including 2 inches of memory foam and 2 inches of gel-infused foam. A hypoallergenic top cover for stain resistance is Puffy's final layer.

Back problems often disrupt sleep, and the tendency to switch sleep positions throughout the night may not help matters. That's where choosing a responsive mattress like the Puffy can be crucial. Despite the fact that it quickly adjusts to your movements, the Puffy also does a good job in limiting the ripples of that movement across the mattress. It earned a motion isolation score of 9.25 out of 10. That means you can switch sleep positions without disturbing a co-sleeper. Those with back pain will be well-supported wherever they land: The Puffy also scored well for spine alignment (8.75/10) and pressure relief (8/10).

From the sleep lab: "In a lot of ways, the Puffy feels like a typical memory foam bed, but I also found it to be very responsive to my movements. I didn't feel like I was sinking into quicksand on this mattress. My joints felt cradled but supported."

Best Extra-Firm Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Plank

• Mattress Type: Polyfoam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.1/10
• Firmness: Firm (7/10) and ultra-firm (9/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 120 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

Who it's best for: Firm mattress lovers can find comfort on each side of the flippable Brooklyn Bedding Plank. Firm mattresses are a great option for back and stomach sleepers, but side sleepers will also find the cushion they need for joint relief with the Plank. Mattress Advisor testers gave it a 9 out of 10 for pressure relief.

How it feels: If you're a side sleeper who prefers to rest securely atop a mattress rather than sink into it, you'll appreciate the Plank's high-density polyfoam base. Each side of the mattress also has a soft, quilted top layer for comfort.

Pros: With two sides to choose from—firm or ultra-firm—the Plank offers options to back pain sufferers to find the best relief. If you can't get comfortable on the ultra-firm surface, simply flip the mattress to its softer side. Testers rated the firm side at a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with the ultra-firm coming in at a 9 out of 10.

Cons: Hot sleepers will have to pay an extra $250 to add a cooling panel to a queen-size mattress. This may be well worth the cost to customize a firm memory foam mattress.

What it's made of: If you opt to add the Brooklyn Bedding Plank's cooling cover, the phase-change material will be affixed onto both sides of the mattress. The next layer will depend on which side of the Plank you sleep: On the extra firm side is a .75-inch quilted comfort layer, and then a 7-inch base foam. On the less firm side, Plank has a denser 1.5-inch quilted comfort layer and the addition of a responsive latex-like foam between the quilted top and ultra-firm base.

The firmest bed in the Brooklyn Bedding family, the Plank has two choices that will help keep your spine aligned, easing lower back pain. Even though side sleepers don't necessarily gravitate to ultra-firm mattresses, those who prefer feeling held up—rather than held tight—by their mattress should enjoy the Plank. Brooklyn Bedding's flippable mattress is also one of the best value beds featured, often coming in under $1,000 during sales. However, hot sleepers might consider a $125 upgrade on their Plank in the form of a cooling panel, sewn on both sides of the flippable mattress.

From the sleep lab: "This mattress felt more sturdy than just about every all-foam bed we've tested, and that definitely makes the Plank a good choice for back pain for a lot of people. The firmer support helped us maintain good posture without fear of sinkage that might torque the spine."

Best Memory Foam Mattress: Leesa

• Mattress Type: Memory foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.3/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

Who it's best for: The Leesa is good for back sleepers as well as side and combination sleepers. Testers said if you love the classic memory foam feel, you'll enjoy this mattress. Its affordable price point also makes it good for those on a budget.

How it feels: The Leesa is a true medium-firm bed with a super-plush top layer, so you'll sink into it without dipping too far into the mattress. A high-density polyfoam base adds extra support and stability.

Pros: Rather than memory foam, the first foam layer of this bed is made from polyfoam, which is more responsive. A second and third memory foam layer follow, so you can still enjoy that close contouring feel while being able to move around on the surface of the mattress.

Cons: Testers warned that hot sleepers may find themselves a bit uncomfortable on this bed since it is an all-foam construction. Some stomach sleepers may also not get the support they need.

What it's made of: Leesa is a foam mattress top to bottom, starting from the bottom with a 6-inch polyfoam base. The next two foam layers are each 2 inches deep, providing 4 inches total of cooling and contouring foam. Leesa's cover is a gray twill that features the brand's signature stripes.

Oftentimes, memory foam mattresses don't provide enough support for those with back pain, but the Leesa mattress earns high marks in key categories like spine alignment (9/10) and pressure relief (8.5/10). The bed's three medium-firm foam layers keep you resting in a healthy posture. The third layer of memory foam, designed for recovery, contours to your back, hips, and shoulders for a comfortable night's sleep. This also makes it a contender for the best mattress for back and shoulder pain as well. Unlike most memory foam beds, the Leesa feels cool and balances comfort and support, meaning you won't feel "stuck" in your mattress. With the 6-inch supportive foam base that adds sturdiness and durability (the Leesa earned a 9 out of 10 in this category), this bed should last you for at least seven to 10 years.

From the sleep lab: "When I tested the Leesa, I was impressed by its good scores across so many categories: spine alignment, pressure relief, responsiveness, and even cooling. I'm a combination sleeper who sleeps hot, so this bed addressed my needs and then some."

Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain: Casper Wave Hybrid

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.3/10
• Firmness: Medium (5/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

Who it's best for: The Casper Wave Hybrid is an excellent match for all sleep positions as well as hot sleepers, according to the experts at Mattress Advisor. They gave this luxury mattress a 9 out of 10 score for both spine alignment and cooling. It performed nearly as well (8.5/10) for pressure relief.

How it feels: The Casper Wave Hybrid feels a bit more plush than a true medium-firm bed. Testers said the memory foam layer hugs your body, while the latex foam and coil base prevents you from sinking into the bed.

Pros: This hybrid mattress uses a unique zoned support system that's softer at the shoulders with gel pods supporting your waist and lower back. Back pain sufferers receive continuous support from their shoulders to the base of their spines, so they can get comfortable no matter which sleep position they choose.

Cons: The Casper Wave Hybrid is the most expensive mattress on this list, so it's not the best choice for those on a budget.

What it's made of: The hybrid bed has multiple memory foam layers that cushion its support layer of pocketed coils. The coils are flanked by polyfoam bumpers for edge support. The Casper Wave Hybrid includes a perforated foam layer to promote airflow, and a memory foam layer for contouring support. The mattress also has a polyblend knit cover made from recycled materials, including upcycled cotton and lycra.

The brand's most luxurious mattress, the Casper Wave Hybrid offers back pain relief and more. It cools, supports, and aligns, plus, it's extremely durable. A base of individually wrapped coils is topped with nearly 90 gel pods, which flex under areas of pressure. This way, your hips stay supported without sinking too far into the mattress, an ideal setup for side sleepers. Side sleepers are further supported by a top layer of latex foam, helping you rest in a healthy posture without losing out on comfort.

Testers who frequently switch sleep positions during the night appreciated the Wave Hybrid's exceptional bounce (it earned a 9.25 out 10 for responsiveness). This makes turning from side to side to stomach a frictionless experience. The Casper Wave Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty.

From the sleep lab: "The Casper Wave Hybrid is one of our favorite beds we have tested. It has a high level of support and durability, but the bed is still super comfortable, with a plush top layer you can snuggle into."