For back sleepers, finding the right mattress can be a challenge. Where side sleepers tend to need a soft mattress with lots of pressure relief and stomach sleepers often require something firmer, folks who sleep on their back are stuck in the middle, and will want a bed that’s both comfortable and supportive. Fortunately, I’ve reviewed a lot of mattresses and have come up with ten standouts that should be a great match.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers?
Our expert reviewers chose the DreamCloud Premier as the best mattress for back sleepers due to its memory foam contouring, hybrid construction, and balanced support for those who sleep on their back.
The 10 Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Overall
- Helix Midnight – Best Value Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress
- WinkBeds EcoCloud – Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers
- Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Bear – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Plank Firm Luxe – Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
- Birch Natural – Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers 2024: Our Video Roundup
Compare the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
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| DreamCloud Premier Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Saatva Mattress | WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Firm: 8/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Latex | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep Position | Back | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Side | Combination | Back & Stomach |
How We Chose the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
To identify the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers, we’ve paid special attention to support, durability, and other relevant criteria. For example, eight of our 10 products scored a 4 out of 5 or above for support, while seven of them scored a 4 out of 5 or above for durability.
Best Overall – DreamCloud Premier
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$1169 - $2998
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$1169 - $2998
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$1169 - $2998
Our Expert’s Take
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress comprised of a luxurious pillow-top, memory foam, and coils, all of which work together to create a medium-firm feel and a good balance of comfort and support. While back sleeping, the hips should sink into the pillow-top, but only a bit. Meanwhile, the pillow-top and foam layers conform to the curves of the body and support the lumbar area. The pocketed coils beneath offer more support, so people should feel held up everywhere else.
What the testers say: “As a heavier sleeper, the DreamCloud Premier offered me some great pressure relief. I’m a back and side combination sleeper, and I thought this mattress was a great fit for both of those sleeping positions.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud Premier
- The DreamCloud Premier is made with a breathable cover and should allow air to pass in and escape from the mattress. This means that this mattress should be a good fit for hot sleepers.
- The DreamCloud Premier stood up pretty well when we tested for motion isolation on this mattress. This should make it a great fit for couples who share a bed and are worried about being woken up by their partner’s movements.
- The mattress is made of durable and high-quality materials, meaning that it should last you for years with proper care.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Premier
- When we sat near the edge of the DreamCloud Premier, it collapsed a bit around the perimeter. This is something to keep in mind if you sleep near the edge of the bed.
- Many of the mattresses we test are perfectly medium-firm, making them too soft for stomach sleepers to feel supported. This is the case for the DreamCloud Premier, so if you’re a back sleeper who switches to their stomach, this may not be a great fit for you.
Other user reviews
The DreamCloud mattress is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by real customers on the company’s site. Reviewers praise the fact that heavier sleepers can sleep comfortably on the mattress, even in multiple sleeping positions. Other reviewers noted that the mattress can be heavy and bulky, so it may be useful to set it up with the help of a friend.
Read our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review for more information. check out our list of Best Mattresses 2023 for more great options.
Best Value Mattress for Back Sleepers – Helix Midnight
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$936 - $1748
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$936 - $1748
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$936 - $1748
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Helix is a fascinating company in that it allows customers to customize their mattresses and find the perfect fit given their breadth of mattress options — 20 on our last count. They even provide a sleep quiz that narrows down the choices. But what if you need to compromise your personal preferences a bit to those of a partner you share the bed with? In that case, you’ll most likely land on the Helix Midnight, the brand’s most popular bed, according to Helix. The hybrid offers the comfort of foam and the support of coils. And because the coils have plenty of room for airflow, the bed should also sleep cool. The best perk, the Helix Midnight costs under $1,500 for a queen, and with discounts, can run even cheaper.
What the testers say: “The Helix Midnight is one of the most appealing mattresses in the Helix line, which is why I love it as a middle ground for back sleepers sharing a bed with a side sleeper. Very little motion transfers across the surface, and back and side sleepers get the pressure relief needed to stay comfortable the entire night.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
- Side sleeping is the most popular sleep position, so even if you’re a back sleeper, chances are you’ll share a bed with a side sleeper. The pressure relief offered by Midnight is great for side sleepers, but the supportive coils provide excellent support as well for back sleepers.
- The Helix Midnight is very cooling. It has a layer of coils that make it great at promoting airflow, and customers get to choose between a Breathe Knit cover or GlacioTex™ Cooling Pillow Top cover. Both are breathable and should provide cooling benefits.
- Thanks to the supportive coils, the Helix Midnight has some decent edge support. Folks who sleep near the edge of their mattress should feel supported.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
- Since the mattress has a coil layer, it is more bouncy and responsive than other mattresses. It does okay at isolating motion, but if you sleep lightly and sleep with a partner, their movements might wake you up.
- Because of the coil layer, we did hear a bit of noise when moving around on the mattress. This may be an issue for people who sleep lightly.
Other user reviews
On the Helix Midnight website, customers rated the mattress 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most customers shared the same sentiments as we did – the mattress is very comfortable. However, there were a few users who felt like the mattress was too firm for their liking and suggested that potential customers should purchase a mattress topper to go with this mattress.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Couples for more great options.
Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers – Emma Hybrid Comfort
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$725 - $1489
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that is designed to support all weights while also promoting a cool night of sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$725 - $1489
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that is designed to support all weights while also promoting a cool night of sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$725 - $1489
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress built with zoned coils and comfortable foams. We rank it at an 8/10 on our firmness scale, with a 6.5/10 being the standard for a medium firm, making the Emma Hybrid Comfort a mattress on the firmer side. Most back sleepers should feel comfortable on this mattress since the top layers of foam will allow the body to compress into it just a bit, while the coils and bottom layers will support the body.
What our testers say: “As a larger sleeper, I felt very comfortable on the Emma Hybrid Comfort, since it’s supportive and firm. Back sleeping felt great since my body felt both comfortable and supported, but fans of soft mattress may not feel the same way.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
- The Emma Hybrid Comfort is ideal for heavy people. Its zoned coil layer is perfect for weights up to 300 lbs, and its foams are high-density, so they should support heavier weights very well.
- The Emma Hybrid’s covers and foams are meant to dissipate heat, and there is also a coil layer that helps promote airflow. This means that the mattress shouldn’t sleep hot.
- As we’ve mentioned before on this page, most mattresses we test are medium-firm. This one is firmer than average, which may work well for sleepers who prefer a harder sleeping surface.
What to Keep in Mind About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
- This is a bouncy bed that doesn’t offer much contouring. If you prefer mattresses that allow you to sink in, you may want to consider an all-foam mattress.
- In addition to the point above, mattresses that don’t offer contouring and pressure relief likely won’t work for back sleepers who shift to their sides. Side sleepers tend to need more joint and pressure relief than this mattress offers.
Other user reviews
On the Emma website, customers gave the Hybrid Comfort mattress an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Some of the more positive feedback included how bouncy and responsive it is, and how supportive it is for heavier folks. Most of the negative feedback revolved around the brand’s customer service.
Read our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Firm Mattresses for more great options.
Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Sleepers – Saatva
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$1395 - $2990
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$1395 - $2990
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$1395 - $2990
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress with a pillow-top that offers the balance of comfort and support that back sleepers crave. The pillow-top allows the hips to sink in, while the two layers of coils stop them from sinking in too far. These coils are very supportive, and even heavier back sleepers should find the Saatva to be an excellent fit. The mattress also contains a memory foam layer to help with contouring, so the mattress should take the shape of the body and fill in gaps such as the lumbar area.
What the testers say: “The two layers of coils in the Saatva gave me some really great support, and I got some nice, plush comfort from the pillow-top layer. This mattress gives me the feeling that I’m sleeping “on it” rather than in it.”– Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva
- The Saatva comes in multiple firmness options, but for back sleepers, we recommend the Luxury Firm version. Your hips should sink into the mattress, and the coil layers should hold your body up properly.
- The Saatva has zoned construction, so it should feel firmer or softer depending on your sleeping position. Even if you’re a back sleeper who shifts into other sleeping positions, you should feel comfortable on the Saatva.
- We rank the Saatva as one of the best orthopedic mattresses. Its plush foams and dual coils make it comfortable yet supportive, and it helps keep the spine in neutral alignment and relieves pressure on the joints.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva
- If you love a super soft, plush-feeling mattress, this one isn’t for you. Even the softest model of the mattresses isn’t as soft as its competitors.
- The Saatva is bouncy and responsive, so if you prefer a memory foam mattress, this won’t be a good fit.
Other user reviews
Users seem to love the Saatva mattress, as it’s rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Saatva website. The top reviews raved about how great the brand’s customer support team was, as well as the luxury feel of the product. Some users even went as far as claiming that they have improved sleep quality since purchasing the mattress.
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Innerspring Mattresses for more great options.
Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers – WinkBeds EcoCloud
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$1399 - $2399
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The WinkBeds EcoCloud is a very supportive latex hybrid mattress.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$1399 - $2399
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
The WinkBeds EcoCloud is a very supportive latex hybrid mattress.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$1399 - $2399
Our Expert’s Take
Heavier back sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds are going to need a ton of spinal support, and they just might get it on the WinkBeds EcoCloud. A layer of zoned pocketed coils at the bottom of the bed makes the mattress more supportive near the center (where you need the most spinal support) and softer at the head and the foot. There’s also some zoning in the above comfort layer of Talalay latex foam.
What the testers say: “The all-natural latex in the WinkBed EcoCloud makes it a really bouncy mattress, and sleeping on it made me feel like I was on top of it instead of inside it.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBeds EcoCloud
- It’s an eco-friendly mattress, meaning that the foam layer is made from latex foam instead of memory foam. This, in combination with the breathable coils, makes it a great cooling mattress for hot sleepers.
- Latex is a much more durable material than regular foam, so the WinkBeds EcoCloud should be a durable and long-lasting mattress.
- Back sleepers need a balance of comfort and support,
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBeds EcoCloud
- Much like many of the other mattresses on this page, the WinkBeds EcoCloud is perfectly medium-firm. This means that if you prefer a mattress that is very soft or very firm, this may not be a great fit for you.
- Since it’s a latex mattress and made with other high-quality materials, the WinkBeds EcoCloud is not a cheap mattress and may be too expensive for shoppers on a budget.
Other user reviews
The WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress has a pretty high rating on the company’s site, averaging a 4.8 rating out of 5 stars. Some of the most positive reviews praised the mattress for being extremely comfortable and lacking an off-gassing smell, unlike some of its competitors. However, some of the less positive reviews say that since the mattress is bouncy, they are disturbed by their partner’s movements at night.
Read our full WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Heavy People for more great options.
Best Mattress for Back Pain – Nolah Evolution
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$1499 - $3198
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$1499 - $3198
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$1499 - $3198
Our Expert’s Take
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress that features a unique zoned construction, meaning the middle part of the mattress is firmer and more supportive, while the shoulder area is softer. This makes the bed an especially excellent fit for back sleepers, as it offers extra lumbar support. That applies doubly to anyone who struggles with lower back pain.
What the testers say: “I sleep both on my side and on my back, and the Nolah Evolution is the perfect mattress for those positions. It’s a high-quality mattress, and it offers a nice balance of comfort and support. It also is a great fit for hot sleepers, since it has lots of cooling features.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Evolution
- The Nolah Evolution is made with coils that promote airflow, and its foam layers are infused with graphite. This helps with cooling and makes the mattress a good fit for sleepers who tend to overheat at night.
- We expect the Nolah Evolution to be a long-term investment thanks to its high-quality foams and coils. With proper care, we expect this mattress to last at least a decade.
- Partners who want the best mattress for sex typically will want a mattress that is bouncy and responsive. This makes the Nolah Evolution a good fit.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution
- The Nolah Evolution is a luxurious mattress made with high-quality materials, so it comes at a luxurious price tag. If you’re looking for a less expensive mattress with similar features, try the original Nolah mattress instead.
- We noticed some off-gassing with the Nolah Evolution mattress, which is common for bed-in-a-box mattresses. After about a day or two of airing out the mattress, the smell should dissipate.
Other user reviews
The Nolah Evolution is one of the most highly rated mattresses on the Nolah site, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, giving it an almost perfect score. Some of the best reviews praised the luxury feel of the mattress, as well as the high-quality materials, and many reviewers also praised the comfort of the mattress. What’s even better is that customers also seemed to love the brand’s customer service team.
Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Pain for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers – Bear
Bear Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
There’s so much to love about the Bear mattress — it’s designed to support muscle recovery, pressure relief, and has cooling features. Back sleepers will especially love the firmness of this mattress, which feels like a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale. The supportive foam layers help keep the back in the proper alignment all night long.
Hot sleepers should appreciate Bear’s Celliant cover that helps with cooling. It also may help improve blood flow and muscle recovery, making this a great mattress for athletes.
What the testers say: “The Bear was super comfortable and allowed me to sink right into the top layer when I was on my back. I got some great lumbar support and spinal support, and I think most sleepers will get a similar feeling on this mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear
- It’s a good balance of comfort and support, which is one of the major reasons why we highlight it as one of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
- Though the Bear mattress is an all-foam mattress, it shouldn’t sleep hot. It’s made with a celliant cover that helps with cooling, and the foams within the mattress are infused with graphite.
- Because it’s an all-foam mattress, the Bear mattress is great at isolating motion. This makes it a great fit for couples who disturb each other throughout the night with their movements.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
- As we’ve mentioned before, this mattress, like others on this list isn’t firm enough for stomach sleepers. Check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers if you sleep on your stomach as well as your back.
- If you want a bouncy, innerspring mattress feel, try another mattress on this mattress, such as the Helix Dusk.
Other user reviews
On the Bear website, real customers who reviewed the mattress gave it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. Back sleepers in particular tended to find this mattress comfortable, along with side sleepers, and the highest ratings seemed to come from them. Some users complained that this mattress doesn’t work well for stomach sleeping, though.
Read our full Bear mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Cooling Mattresses for more great options.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$165 - $2665
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$165 - $2665
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$165 - $2665
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re looking for a value mattress, Brooklyn Bedding is always a good place to start. They own their own factory, so they cut out the middleman and pass the saving on to you, the customer. Their most popular model is the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora, a hybrid that features supportive coils and proprietary comfort foams on top. The mattress comes in three different firmnesses, and back sleepers will likely be most comfortable on the Medium model. They should feel their hips sink into the top layers while the coils hold up their body.
What the testers say: “I think the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a great fit for back sleepers. Its foam is responsive and the coils are sturdy, which makes this mattress very supportive and helps keep the spine in alignment.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is made with cooling materials including a breathable cover and gel-infused foams. This makes it a great choice for people who tend to sleep hot at night.
- We listed it as a great choice for back sleepers since it does a great job of balancing comfort and support.
- It’s bouncy and responsive, so for folks who need to change positions easily throughout the night, this should be a great fit.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Heavy people probably won’t be supported enough on this mattress. If you weigh more than 230 lbs, you may want to opt for other Brooklyn Bedding mattresses, such as the Titan.
- Much like other bed-in-a-box mattresses, the Aurora Luxe does have some initial chemical smells when it’s first unboxed, otherwise known as an off-gassing smell. This odor should dissipate within 24-48 hours, though.
Other user reviews
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe seems to be liked by customers, as it’s rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on the company website. Some of the top reviews praised how comfortable the mattress is and said that it kept them from tossing and turning throughout the night. The few negative reviews mostly stated that the mattress wasn’t comfortable enough.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Hybrid Mattresses for more great options.
Best Mattress That Won’t Sag – Plank Firm Luxe
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we've ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we've ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Nobody wants their mattress to fold like a taco. If you’re especially worried about your mattress sagging, check out the Plank Firm Luxe.
As the name suggests, the Firm Luxe is an extra firm mattress that is flippable. The softer side of the mattress ranks at an 8/10 on our firmness scale, while the firmer side ranks at a 9/10. The extra firm build of the mattress helps it with durability, making this a mattress that will last years without sagging.
The Plank Firm Luxe mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty, and we expect it to last at least that long.
What the testers say: “Both sides of the Plank Firm Luxe felt great for back and stomach sleeping, and kept my spine aligned in these positions. Side sleeping didn’t feel the best though, on either side of the mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Plank Firm Luxe
- The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable mattress, meaning that you get two firmness options in one mattress.
- If you’re a lover of firm mattresses, this one is for you. The Plank Firm Luxe is an extremely firm mattress. It’s an 8/10 on our firmness scale on the soft side and a 9/10 on the firm side.
- There is an optional GlacioTex cooling cover for the Plank Firm Luxe, so hot sleepers should stay cool on this mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm Luxe
- If you’re a fan of soft mattresses, or even medium firm mattresses, this won’t be a good fit for you. This mattress is one of the firmest mattresses on the market.
- If you like to be hugged by your mattress, again, this won’t be a good fit. The Plank won’t give you a contouring feel at all.
Other user reviews
On the company site, the Plank was rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by real customers. Many customers raved about the fact that the mattress was firm but could be flipped for either a softer or firmer feel. On the contrary, some of the less positive reviews were that the mattress was too firm, making it uncomfortable.
Read our full Plank Firm Luxe mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses That Won’t Sag for more great options.
Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Back Sleepers – Birch Natural
Birch Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Birch Natural is a hybrid mattress with a delightfully cooling, eco-friendly build. The cover features a soft, stretchy, breathable organic cotton that helps keep you cool. In tandem with the breathable coil base, these materials helped the bed earn a perfect cooling score (5/5) in the sleep lab. Underneath the cover, there’s a layer of wool, which ups the softness and breathability factor while also acting as a fiberglass alternative flame retardant.
Aerated Talalay latex adds pressure relief and a responsive feel, helping you feel more on top of the mattress, rather than sunken in. You have the option to include a mattress topper for an extra 3” of comfort, adding pressure relief back sleepers’ shoulders and hips. The support layer consists of individually wrapped coils resting on a wool batting base, offering enough support and durability to help Birch Natural earn another perfect score in the sleep lab for overall support.
What our testers say: “I felt well-supported on the Birch Natural on my back, and it should be great for side sleepers too. I love that you can unbox and hit the hay right away on the Birch Natural too, since the use of natural materials pretty much eliminates any chemical off-gassing smell standard with other bed-in-a-box mattresses.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Birch Natural
- As its mattress lab scores indicate, the Birch Natural sleeps exceptionally cool, making it an excellent fit for hot sleepers. Testers said the bed is one of the most breathable mattresses they’ve tried.
- Some mattresses collapse when you sit near or on the edge of them. That’s not the case with this one. The Birch Natural has some nice edge support, so you should feel supported if you sleep near the perimeter.
- The Birch Natural should last you quite a while — between 7-10 years — thanks to its use of eco-friendly but durable materials like latex.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch Natural
- If you prefer soft or medium-firm mattresses, this one won’t be a good fit. It’s firmer than average, and we rank it 7/10 on our firmness scale.
- If you sleep with a partner and their movements wake you up at night, the Birch Natural might be a poor choice. Bouncy latex and coils don’t isolate motion as well as memory foam beds, so disturbances from movement are more likely.
Other user reviews
On the Birch Natural page, customers gave the mattress an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customers love the bed’s use of organic materials, lack of unboxing odor, and cool feel. There are no 1- or 2-star reviews, and a few 3-star reviews were from customers who didn’t think find the mattress to feel as they expected.
Read our full Birch Natural mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Organic & Non-Toxic Mattresses for more great options.
What People Should Think About When Buying a Mattress for Back-Sleeping
Mattress Firmness
At Mattress Clarity, we always rate firmness on a scale of 1 to 10. Back sleepers will want to find something in the medium-firm range of 6.5 to 7. If the mattress is too soft, they might not get the support they need, and their hips could sink in too far (potentially leading to lower back pain). If the mattress is too firm, they won’t sink in far enough and get the contouring that they need.
Let’s dig into that a little further. Dr. Daniel Davids, a DPT and Mattress Clarity Expert Network Member, explains that we actually require natural motion while we sleep, which can be unhealthily reduced by a too-soft bed. Unlike standing, walking, or other upright activities, Davids says actions like lying down and sleeping allow our muscles to be in a relatively off position. Because our muscles provide stability to our joints when they’re relaxed, our joints also relax. However, he says that if we maintain a position for too long that pushes the limits of our joint range, we may wake up with pain or stiffness.
Likewise, a mattress that’s too stiff puts undue pressure on certain areas of our body with “bony prominences” — areas where the bone isn’t as covered with soft tissue (muscle and fat), says Davids. This issue can even lead to skin breakdown as we see with seniors and bedsores.
Comfort Layer Thickness
When consumers are looking at the design of the mattress, they should pay close attention to the thickness of the comfort layer. While a thick comfort layer can be nice for those who sleep on their side, back sleepers won’t want it to be too thick. A comfort layer between 2″ and 4″ should allow them to sink into the mattress just enough while still getting enough support for their back and cushioning in their lumbar area.
Your Weight
As with any mattress purchase, people will want to consider their overall size and weight. A mattress that’s supportive enough for a lighter-weight sleeper might not support a heavier sleeper. Likewise, a larger person might think a mattress is perfect for back-sleeping, while a lighter person could possibly find it too firm. Consumers should definitely keep their size in mind when attempting to find that perfect balance between comfort and support.
RELATED: Best Mattress For Lower Back Pain And Sciatica
Choose the Right Type of Mattress for Back-Sleeping
There are a few major types of mattresses, and they all offer benefits and drawbacks when it comes to back-sleeping. Let’s discuss exactly how each one can be a good and poor fit.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are extremely popular right now, and for good reason. They offer superior pressure relief and comfort, and are usually a big hit with side sleepers. They’re also good for back sleepers in that they provide excellent contouring and really fill all the gaps (such as the lumbar area). They can also be extremely soft, however, and sometimes don’t offer the best support for back-sleeping.
If a shopper wants a memory foam mattress for back-sleeping, they should find something where the comfort layer isn’t too thick. They’ll want a bed that will allow their hips to sink in just the right amount while the mattress supports the rest of their body. Memory foam can be great for back-sleeping, as long as there’s not too much of it!
Innerspring
Traditional innerspring mattresses are one of the oldest types of beds and are known for their excellent breathability and support. A mattress with high-grade coils can indeed be a good match for back-sleeping, but it really comes down to the overall firmness and what’s in the comfort layer.
If an innerspring mattress is too firm, it can really push the hips out of the mattress and cause back pain. That’s why innerspring mattresses with a pillow-top are often a good fit for back-sleeping. The pillow-top adds some softness and allows those hips to sink in just a bit. If shoppers want an innerspring mattress for back-sleeping, they just need to make sure it is truly medium-firm.
Hybrid
When it comes to back-sleeping, hybrid mattresses are hard to beat. This is because they provide the soft comfort of foam and the support of coils. However, there are still a few things to look out for. First off, make sure the comfort layer is the right thickness. If it’s a thick layer of memory foam, your spine might get out of alignment while you’re sleeping. If it’s just a thin layer of a firmer foam, the mattress might push the hips out of the mattress.
Latex
Latex mattresses are known for being eco-friendly, but how do they work for back-sleeping? First off, latex is a denser material that can sometimes be on the firmer side. If it’s too dense, it might not let sleepers’ hips sink in the right amount. So, back sleepers want to make sure there’s some give in place. Latex mattresses can also be good for back-sleeping because they’re highly durable. While they do cost more, they’re a better long-term investment and are less likely to sag.
Sleep Accessories for Back-Sleeping
For back sleepers, getting a good night’s rest doesn’t stop with finding a mattress. There are also some accessories that can help ensure comfort and support.
First off, a pillow can really help with back-sleeping if it’s a proper fit. Back sleepers should look for something that isn’t too thick and isn’t too thin. A pillow with a medium loft will keep the head, neck, and spine neutrally aligned. These can come in many types, including latex and memory foam. There are also some pillows made specifically to support the neck. Make sure to take a look at our best pillows for back sleepers for more information.
Mattress toppers can also be a great accessory for back sleepers, especially if their current mattress is too firm. A 2″ or 3″ mattress topper can add just a bit of comfort to the top of the mattress, providing some more contouring and allowing the hips to sink in. There are also zoned mattress toppers that can provide some more lumbar support for back sleepers.
Overall
Here’s a recap of our top picks for the best mattresses for back sleepers:
| Mattress | Best For |
| DreamCloud Premier | Best Overall |
| Helix Midnight | Best Value Mattress |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Best Firm Mattress |
| Saatva | Best Innerspring Mattress |
| WinkBeds EcoCloud | Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Mattress for Back Pain |
| Bear | Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora | Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Plank Firm Luxe | Best Mattress That Won’t Sag |
| Birch Natural | Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Back Sleepers |
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers FAQs
What mattress firmness is best for back sleepers?
Medium-firm mattresses are great for back sleepers since it supports proper spinal alignment while cushioning the shoulders and hips.
Are foam mattresses good for back sleepers?
Memory foam is great for back sleepers since it cradles the body in some of the heavier places while also cushioning the spine.
Which thickness is best for back sleepers?
We recommend sleepers have mattresses at least 10″ thick, regardless of your sleep position.
