The 11 Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers of 2023
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Our favorite is Saatva’s Classic Mattress
The Spruce / Kristin Kempa
There are few things folks look forward to more than climbing into a luxuriously comfortable and welcoming mattress after a long day. When it comes to sleeping soundly, everyone has specific boxes they need to check in order to ensure restful and rejuvenating sleep. Mattresses and beds have an interesting history, and they continue to evolve and improve with advances in technology and manufacturing techniques. In fact, nowadays, there are many different types of mattresses on the market to accommodate every type of sleeper.
No matter how you sleep, there’s no arguing that sleeping on your back is best when it comes to your posture. Dr. Tyler Lamson of Seabrook Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center in Seabrook, New Hampshire, is quick to point out that “sleeping on your back at night gives your spine a break from the pressures of gravity. It’s the best position to help maintain proper spinal alignment.”
Hours of research and years of personal experience have led us to an extensive list of the top mattresses that are best for back sleepers. We researched and tested mattresses, looking for options that offered all-night comfort in addition to durability and long-lasting quality that’ll ensure plenty of wonderful nights of deep sleep. That said, there are plenty of great options when it comes to the best mattresses for back sleepers that are worth a look.
Saatva Classic Mattress
Best Overall
What We Like
Lumbar support zone
Multiple firmness options
365-day free trial
Lifetime warranty
What We Don't Like
Very heavy and hard to maneuver
May be too firm for some
If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable, supportive bed constructed from healthy materials that won’t cost you your life savings, the Saatva Classic Mattress is it. Available in eight sizes and two different heights, this mattress gives you plenty of options for customized comfort. You can choose from plush soft, luxury firm, or firm support levels. Unlike most mattresses, Saatva even offers a regular platform foundation or an adjustable base for those who suffer from sleep disorders and require elevation.
With its 3-inch pillow top and a patented lumbar support zone, this mattress is ideal for back sleepers and those who struggle with lower back pain and hip issues at night. Constructed with 884 pocketed 14.5 gauge steel innerspring coils topped with CertiPUR-US high-density memory foam, the mattress gives plenty of support without feeling overly hard. It also helps minimize motion transfer whenever your partner moves.
High-density foam rails create a strong and solid base that helps prevent sagging over time. Add to that an incredible 365-day risk-free trial period, free in-home delivery and set-up, and this mattress just might become your favorite piece of furniture in the house. One drawback, however, is that all those different layers add up to make this mattress quite heavy and cumbersome to move around.
Price at time of publish: $1,345 for a Queen
Material Type: Innerspring and foam | Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King, Split Cal King
Serta Perfect Sleeper Elkins II 10 Inch Firm Mattress
Best Budget
What We Like
Affordable
More compact than some other models
Compatible with adjustable bases
What We Don't Like
Not the most durable
May be too firm for lighter-weight people
A tighter budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a good night’s sleep. Serta has a long-running reputation for supplying high-quality sleep products, and the Serta Perfect Sleeper Elkins II Mattress is one of their best budget-friendly models. It comes with a decent 120-day sleep trial, giving you plenty of chances to decide whether you love it or not. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a quality mattress for a new sleeper sofa.
The mattress itself is composed of eco-friendly materials that surround individually-wrapped coils that are designed to cushion and guard against sleep-disturbing motion transfer. It’s also light enough to easily maneuver without throwing your back out. While this model does provide cooling technology, it’s not as breathable as others. This mattress also comes backed by a 10-year limited warranty. That’s not as long as some models, but for the price, it’s tough to beat. It also doesn’t come with different firmness options.
Price at time of publish: $440 for a Queen
Material Type: Innerspring, gel foam | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Stearns & Foster Lux Estate 16 Inch Medium Euro Pillow Top Mattress
Best Splurge
What We Like
Hand-crafted and solidly constructed
Works with adjustable bases
Excellent at alleviating pressure points
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Height of mattress on base can make it difficult to get in and out of
The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Euro Pillow Top Mattress is the pinnacle of luxurious comfort. Measuring a whopping 16 inches in height, this handcrafted mattress boasts some of the most extensive cushioning and support on the market. This mattress utilizes a unique multi-height coil system and micro coils to deliver plenty of support and alleviate pressure on your back, hips, and shoulders. The coil setup also provides excellent motion separation.
A super soft, moisture-wicking knit cover is enhanced with specially designed cooling fibers to keep you comfortable on hot nights. The medium support is great for the vast majority of sleepers, but having more firmness options would be a greater benefit. The height of the mattress can also be somewhat prohibitive for people with higher bases or adjustable bases. It’s also quite heavy and cumbersome compared to some other models, and it comes in limited sizes compared to some others.
Price at time of publish: $3,599 for a Queen
Material Type: TEMPUR-Indulge memory foam, innerspring | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, Cal King
Text Link:The 13 Best Pillow-Top Mattresses of 2023
GhostBed Natural Mattress
Best Latex
What We Like
Constructed from healthy natural materials
Available in plenty of size options
Backed by an impressive 25-year warranty
What We Don't Like
Somewhat pricey
Only available in one firmness option
The GhostBed Natural Mattress features not one but two types of all-natural latex: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is known for being extremely durable yet very breathable and comfortable. Talalay latex is known for its cloud-like softness and luxurious comfort. So, you get the best of both worlds. The GhostBed Natural is also made from all-natural wool, which is naturally fire resistant, so there are no harsh, toxic fire-retardant chemicals in the mix.
Another thing to love about this mattress is it’s made in the USA and comes backed by an impressive 25-year warranty. This is ideal for protecting your investment, as this definitely isn’t one of the more budget-conscious choices available. The mattress also comes in a variety of size choices and is compatible with adjustable bases, making it quite versatile and supportive. Aside from the higher price point, the fact that this mattress only comes in a single firmness choice is a bit of a bummer. However, with five layers of targeted comfort, this mattress is a fan favorite with lots of different body types and sleeping preferences.
Price at time of publish: $1,743 for a Queen
Material Type: Latex, natural wool, cotton, innerspring | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Text Link:The 9 Best Organic Mattresses of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Helix Plus Queen Mattress
Best for Heavier People
What We Like
Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association
Highest-density foam provides maximum support
Super easy setup
What We Don't Like
Special cooling cover costs extra
Only one firmness
For those who require added durability and support, the Helix Plus mattress is an award-winning choice that’s backed by the American Chiropractic Association. This 11.5-inch hybrid mattress offers a medium-firm density, which is great for larger sleepers. Proprietary Helix dynamic foam provides cushioning and pressure point alleviation. This mattress is also made in the USA.
Because this mattress is specifically designed for larger adults, it’s not a good choice for smaller or more petite sleepers. It does feature hundreds of taller, individually-wrapped coils with a reinforced perimeter to help prevent sagging and premature breakdown. While it comes with a breathable cover included, the optional upgrade to the GlacioTex Cooling cover is somewhat pricey. This mattress also isn’t compatible with adjustable frames. It comes with a 100-day sleep trial and is only backed by a 10-year warranty.
Price at time of publish: $1,452 for a Queen
Material Type: Memory foam and reinforced steel coils | Firmness: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Text Link:The 12 Best Firm Mattresses of 2023
Layla Hybrid Mattress
Best Flippable
What We Like
Flippable design allows for customizable firmness
Infused with copper for added cooling and anti-microbial properties
Compatible with adjustable bed frame
What We Don't Like
Limited warranty
Lacks uniform firmness on both sides
The Layla Hybrid mattress stands out for its flippable design, which allows you to choose between a softer or firmer feel depending on your preference. On one side, you have a soft, plush feel thanks to the top layer of memory foam. Flip it over, and you’ll find a firmer, more supportive feel, thanks to the pocketed coils. This level of customization isn’t something you find in many other mattresses—and it’s ideal for back sleepers.
The Layla Hybrid also includes copper-infused memory foam, which helps to give you both cooling and anti-microbial properties. Copper is a natural conductor of heat, so it can help regulate body temperature as you sleep. This mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty. One downside is some people may find it lacks the support of other hybrid options. If you sleep with a partner, it still may not solve the argument of whether softer or firmer is better.
Price at time of publish: $1,499 for a Queen
Material Type: Memory foam and reinforced steel coils | Firmness: Soft or firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Text Link:The 14 Best Hybrid Mattresses of 2023
Purple Mattress
Best Cooling
What We Like
Unique grid design promotes airflow and cooling
Responsive support for all body types
Non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials
What We Don't Like
Slightly more expensive
Some users find it too soft
If you’re a back sleeper who tends to run hot, the Purple Mattress might be the perfect choice. Its unique grid design is made of an innovative hyper-elastic polymer, which allows for maximum airflow and cooling. This material is also highly responsive, providing support for all body types and sleeping positions. However, it probably isn’t a realistic choice for larger people since it’s lacking innerspring coil support that many other hybrid mattresses have.
Thanks to its lack of metal coils, however, the Purple Mattress offers excellent pressure relief. Its grid design conforms to your body, helping to evenly distribute your weight and alleviate pressure points. Unfortunately, it only comes backed by a 10-year warranty. It’s also one of the slightly more expensive options on the market.
Price at time of publish: $1,399 for a Queen
Material Type: GelFlex hyper-elastic polymer, polyurethane foam | Firmness: Medium-soft | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
Best for Back Pain
What We Like
Gel memory foam helps alleviate pressure points
Heat-dissipating copper cover
365-night home trial
Lifetime warranty
What We Don't Like
Some may find it too soft
Can be difficult to get in and out of
If you’re living with dreaded back pain, the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress is our pick to click. It features gel memory foam, which helps to alleviate pressure points and provide support to the areas of your body that need it most. This can be especially helpful for people with back pain, as it can help reduce tension and discomfort. This model also includes a copper-infused cover that helps dissipate heat and promote cooling airflow for a more comfortable sleeping experience.
In addition to its pressure-relieving properties, the Nectar Gel Mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you added peace of mind about your investment. It’s also more affordable than many other options on the market, making it a good choice for those on a budget. Because this model lacks innerspring coils for added support, it can be too soft for some users and difficult to get in or out of if you suffer from arthritis or physical limitations.
Price at time of publish: $1,449 for a Queen
Material Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-soft | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Text Link:We Love the 11 Best Cheap Mattresses of 2023
Casper Original Mattress
Best for Pressure Relief
What We Like
Four layers of foam for support and pressure relief
Affordable price point
Free returns within 100 days
What We Don't Like
Not highly durable
May retain more heat than other models
The Casper Mattress is designed to provide pressure relief and support for your entire body. Its top layer is made of memory foam, which conforms to your body and provides excellent support for your pressure points. The foam is also cleverly designed into three ergonomic zones to give you reliable support. The medium-firm feel of the mattress is suitable for most sleeping styles, making it a versatile option for a wide range of people.
Unlike some other models that come with a very long warranty, the Casper mattress comes with what seems to be the industry standard minimum 10-year warranty. Additionally, the memory foam layer may retain heat, which could be uncomfortable for some sleepers. However, if you're looking for a mattress that provides pressure relief and support for your entire body, the Casper Mattress is a great choice that’s offered at a reasonable price point.
Price at time of publish: $1,036 for a Queen
Material Type: Memory foam and polyurethane foam | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Text Link:The 15 Best Online Mattress Companies of 2023
DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
Best Hybrid
What We Like
Extremely reasonable price point
Impressive lifetime warranty
One-year sleep trial
What We Don't Like
Heavy, which can make it difficult to move or adjust
May not be suitable for those who prefer a very firm sleeping surface
Many people want the long-lasting and durable support of an innerspring mattress but long for the cushiony-soft comfort of a memory foam mattress. If that’s you, consider a hybrid mattress, which gives you the best of both worlds. The DreamCloud Mattress is a hybrid option that combines a base layer of coils for support with several layers of memory foam for comfort and pressure relief. The medium-plush feel of the mattress is great for those who want a comfortable sleeping surface that still offers plenty of support.
The mattress is offered at a very refreshing price point, and it comes with a one-year sleep trial and lifetime warranty, making it one of the best values on our list. However, one downside of the Dreamcloud Mattress is it can be quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move or adjust. Additionally, the plush feel may not be suitable for those who prefer a very firm sleeping surface. But for those looking for a comfortable, supportive, and long-lasting option, the Dreamcloud is a great choice.
Price at time of publish: $899 for a Queen
Material Type: Memory foam and spring coils | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress
Best Organic
What We Like
100 percent natural and organic materials
Handmade in the USA
25-year warranty
What We Don't Like
Expensive
May be less responsive
The Avocado Mattress is the perfect choice for those looking for an organic and truly healthy option. It’s made from 100 percent natural and organic materials, allowing you to sleep soundly, knowing you're not exposing yourself to any harsh chemicals or synthetic materials. The mattress comes with a medium-firm feel, and it’s suitable for most sleeping styles, including back sleepers. The mattress also comes with a 25-year warranty and is handmade in the USA.
One drawback is the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress comes with a high luxury-level price tag compared to a lot of other mattresses. That might be a dealbreaker for many consumers. Additionally, it may be less responsive than other mattresses, which can be uncomfortable for some sleepers. It’s also available in a plush gentle-firm support option for those looking for a softer feel, though.
Price at time of publish: $3,899 for a Queen
Material Type: Latex, cotton, wool, and stainless steel coils | Firmness: Medium, Ideal Gentle | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Built to last but also to be optimally comfortable and supportive, the best overall mattress for back sleepers has to be the Saatva Classic Mattress. Available in plenty of sizes and multiple firmness levels, this reasonably priced option comes with an impressive 365-day home sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, making it one of the best values on the market. If you’re looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly choice, check out the Serta Perfect Sleeper Elkins II 10 Inch Firm Mattress. It’s composed of eco-friendly materials and is compatible with adjustable bases for added versatility.
What to Look For in a Mattress for Back Sleepers
Firmness Level
One of the most important things to consider is the firmness level of the mattress. For back sleepers, a medium-firm to firm mattress like the Helix Plus Mattress is typically recommended as it provides the necessary support for the spine and lower back while also cradling the shoulders and hips. A medium-firm to firm mattress will help keep the spine aligned and ensure the natural curvature of the spine is maintained. Trying out different mattresses inside an actual store is one of the best places to buy a mattress if you’re concerned about firmness level.
Trial Period
A good mattress should come with a trial period of at least 90-100 days, during which you can test out the mattress and decide if it's the right fit for you. While there are plenty of tips for buying a new mattress, ensuring you get a decent trial period is one of the more important ones and will allow you to get a sense of how the mattress feels and how it supports your body. If it doesn't meet your expectations, you have the option to return it and try something else. Some of the better mattresses on the market offer a whopping 365-day trial period, like the standout Saatva Classic Mattress.
Warranty
Look for a mattress that comes with a warranty that covers any defects in materials or workmanship for at least 10 years. A longer warranty period, like 25 years or a lifetime warranty, gives you peace of mind and protection for your investment and ensures that you will be able to enjoy your new mattress for many years to come.
Material
Quality materials, such as all-natural latex or high-density memory foam, are recommended for back sleepers as they offer the necessary support and pressure relief. These materials also tend to be more durable than others and retain their shape and support over time. They’re also great options for pillows and can actually be washed if done properly. Additionally, if you’re looking for a hybrid mattress, supportive innerspring coils are important for back sleepers, providing additional support and preventing sagging.
Standout Features
Pressure Relief and Body Contouring
A mattress with good pressure relief and body contouring will be able to distribute the weight of your body evenly across the surface, reducing pressure points and providing a comfortable and supportive sleeping experience that is specifically meant to promote optimal spinal alignment. This can be achieved through the use of materials such as memory foam, latex, or high-density foam.
Mattress Height
The height of a mattress can greatly affect its overall comfort and support. A mattress with a taller height provides a more luxurious feel but can sometimes make it more difficult to get in and out of bed. Additionally, a taller mattress provides more room for additional layers of comfort and support.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation is an important feature for those who share the bed with a partner. A mattress with good motion isolation will be able to reduce the amount of motion transfer, which means less disturbance for one person when the other moves during the night. Mattresses with memory foam, latex, or pocketed coils tend to be good at isolating motion, ensuring a peaceful and uninterrupted night's sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What firmness level should a back sleeper get?
For back sleepers, a firmness level of medium-firm to firm is recommended, as it provides the necessary support for the spine and lower back while also cradling the shoulders and hips. However, the best firmness can be very different depending on the size of the person, so it’s important to make use of the sleep trial period and send back a mattress that isn’t ideally comfortable.
Is memory foam good for a back sleeper?
Yes. According to Dr. Lamson, “Memory foam is considered to be good for a back sleeper because it conforms to the body's shape and provides excellent support [to] your spine while you sleep.” It’s also ideal for alleviating pressure points. In fact, many back sleepers also prefer memory foam when looking for a new pillow, as it provides great neck support.
How often should you replace a mattress?
A mattress should be replaced approximately every eight to 10 years, or when it shows signs of wear and tear or if you start to experience discomfort or back pain while sleeping. It's also good to replace it before you've already passed the trial period you had from buying it and if it still does not meet your expectations. Dr. Lamson recommends replacing your mattress whenever you begin waking up in more pain than when you went to sleep.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Lisa Conant, a freelance writer who’s also a licensed chiropractor. Who better to write about the best mattresses? Lisa has written hundreds of articles on natural health and wellness, as well as home and automotive topics. For this roundup, she relied on her own clinical expertise, sought insight from Dr. Tyler Lamson of Seabrook Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center, and also poured over dozens of product reviews from both The Spruce's at-home testers and independent consumers, putting comfort, durability, brand reputation, warranty, and construction materials at the top of the list.
