The Best Mattresses to Sleep on if You Suffer From Back Pain

We updated this guide in April 2023 to incorporate new data from our recent test of over 40 mattresses with new recommendations from Nolah and Tempur-Pedic.

Whether you're consistently struggling with back and hip pain or experiencing on-and-off soreness with tight muscles and uncomfortable joints, the last thing you need is a mattress that aggravates your existing pain. While it might not be the main cause of your discomfort, the right mattress has the potential to help alleviate it. But mattresses can be confusing — there are thousands of models available online and in stores, all marketed to help fix your back pain — and choosing the right mattress can feel daunting.

To find the best mattresses for back pain sufferers, we consulted medical doctors that specialize in back pain to understand how mattresses can promote pain relief. We also consulted relevant scientific literature on the topic before reviewing our proprietary mattress data. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab regularly evaluates mattresses of all kinds (including hybrid mattresses, memory foam models, latex mattresses, innerspring mattresses and more). To determine our picks, we use thorough, expertise-driven research, detailed feedback on real-world performance from consumer testers and extensive data analysis. We routinely survey our tester panel for thousands of in-depth reviews on the mattresses they own. Our most recent surveys yielded responses from more than 10,000 mattress owners who answered over 170,000 questions.

Our top picks:

After our top picks (prices are listed for Queen sizes), you can find advice from doctors along with mattress shopping tips from our bedding experts. If you're looking for an easy way to upgrade your current bed in the meantime, be sure to check out our guide to the best mattress toppers for an extra layer of comfort and support.