7 Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers – Get the Most Benefits from Sleeping on Your Back

By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Medical Advisory Team
Medical Advisory Team
Includes well-known professionals, who together provide decades of sleep medicine experience that enables Talk About Sleep to fulfill its mission of creating access to high- read more
Last updated: September 11, 2023
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Did you know that around 14% of people sleep on their back? This sounds like pretty few, right? It is natural, however, that back sleepers have their own needs when it comes to choosing a comfortable mattress. Mattress support is the primary consideration here, as a back sleeper needs their spine to be aligned properly to sleep well and wake up refreshed.

In reviewing the best mattress types for back sleepers, we determined the support they give based on composition and firmness. In general, a medium mattress is best for an average back sleeper. However, the mattress type and the level of firmness you’ll need will highly depend on your weight and preferences. Taking all this into account, we think that the Helix Luxe would be suitable for most back sleepers, as it has different firmness levels for any type of sleeper. We also have picked and reviewed six other mattresses that make up a great round-up and cater to back sleeper depending on their personal tastes and needs.

We asked back sleepers what they liked, pored over hundreds of real customer reviews, and came up with this list of what we think are the best mattresses for back sleepers. Further on, we reviewed each mattress in detail to reveal their pros and cons, and created a buying guide to help you make a well-informed selection when choosing a new mattress.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: The WinkBed
    "A truly luxury 14.5-inch hybrid with coil and microcoil support systems, as well as several firmness options and excellent edge support"
  • Best Flippable Mattress: Layla Hybrid Mattress
    "A hybrid mattress with flappable firmness – one side is soft, and the other firm, which is great if you haven’t decided on the level firmness"
  • Best Customizable Mattress: Idle Hybrid
    "A truly customizable 14-inch hybrid mattress with several mattress feel options, including on different sides"
  • Best Pillowtop Mattress: Helix Luxe
    "A 10-inch hybrid mattress that is extremely comfortable and comes in three firmness options, making it the best mattress for most back sleepers out there"
  • Best Memory Foam Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding PLANK
    "An excellent choice for those back sleepers who prefer very firm mattresses"
  • Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers: Puffy Lux Mattress
    "A 12-inch stain-resistant foam mattress made of body adaptive foam, with a cooling gel layer and climate regulation"
  • Best Value: Nectar Mattress
    "An 11-inch foam mattress made with internal gel-infused foam and Tencel cooling top cover."

Top 7 Mattresses for Back Sleepers Reviews 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6414 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.9
1
Editor’s Choice

The WinkBed

Features
  • Mattress type: hybrid
  • Thickness: 14.5ʹʹ
  • Mattress feel: Firm (6.5), Firmer (7.5), Plus (8)
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX Standard 100
  • Trial: 120 nights
  • Warranty: lifetime limited

More features: SleepCalm motion isolation technology; proprietary lumbar layer; Extra-Edge support; 7-zone support coil system

Get ready to relish in your 40 winks with the WinkBed. This is a hybrid mattress that uses both coils and memory foam to achieve an amazing night of sleep.

Because of the hybrid construction, you can choose between firm, firmer, and plus styles. Often, memory foam doesn’t allow for a choice, so this is nice if you are particular about how you sleep.

The WinkBed uses amazing, innovative technology so that you get the best night’s sleep possible. If you share your bed with another person, or even if you have a pet that sleeps next to you, then this is a bed that will certainly help you enjoy a deep sleep. It uses SleepCalm technology which isolates motions. You can have a person roll around next to you and not even be aware of it.

Another great feature of the Wink Bed is the lumbar layer. For those who have back issues, are recovering from surgery, or just those who want to prevent aches and pains, this is model well worth considering. The lumbar layer supports your entire back and spine so that there are no pressure points. You won’t have to roll around, desperately searching for the perfect position.

However, while the WinkBed is great for back sleepers, its firmness is not always ideal for side sleepers. If you mix up your positions, you should be fine. But if your better half sleeps on their side, then this might not be the bed for you.

    What are its best features?
  • Excellent lumbar support
  • Different firmness styles to choose from
  • Solid edge support
  • Great for heavyset people and couples
  • Lifetime limited warranty
    What could be improved?
  • Pricey
Also Product Ranking:
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?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4233 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
2
Best Flippable Mattress

Layla Hybrid Mattress

Features
  • Mattress type: hybrid
  • Thickness: 13ʹʹ
  • Mattress feel: soft / firm
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Trial: 120 nights
  • Warranty: 10-year limited

More features: flippable firmness; copper-infused foam; washable cover

As more and more foam mattresses hit the market, each company is trying to distinguish themselves from each other. In the case of the Layla hybrid mattress, the difference is all about copper.

The memory foam in this mattress is infused with copper. As a result, heat is transferred away from your body faster than with other materials. If you naturally sleep hot, or sleep with a person who emits a lot of body heat, then this feature will be a real bonus.

Another impressive aspect of copper is that it is naturally antibacterial. Beds can unfortunately carry a lot of micro bugs, including dust mites. The copper can help prevent germs from spreading and keep your mattress in a healthier state.

The Layla hybrid mattress is constructed with multiple layers that all add up to a unique design. In the middle is a layer of individually wrapped coils for extra support. This layer actually features an infinity edge so even the edges of your mattress will keep you supported.

There are actually two usable sides with the Layla hybrid mattress. One side is firm, and the other side is soft. If you aren’t sure which style you want, you can purchase this mattress and test out each side to find one that works best for your body.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Includes a soft and firm side
  • Infused with copper to transfer heat
  • Multiple layers of support
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Heavy mattress
Also Product Ranking:
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?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8761 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
3
Best Customizable Mattress

Idle Hybrid

Features
  • Mattress type: hybrid
  • Thickness: 14″
  • Mattress feel: medium / luxury firm / medium and luxury firm on different sides
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Trial: 18 months (548 nights)
  • Warranty: lifetime limited

More features: 1,000 smart support coils; natural fire-resistant barrier; flippable firmness

They Idle hybrid mattress is a great option if you’re looking for a medium firmness. A lot of foam mattresses only offer firm styles, so it’s nice that this hybrid model offers medium and luxury firm.

This is a hybrid mattress so it uses both coils and memory foam for support. The coils offer incredible support. There are actually 1000 coils in the mattress, all individually wrapped. No matter where you roll on this mattress, you will be supported.

The memory foam allows for even weight distribution and great lumbar support. It is also pretty good at keeping you cool in the summer months thanks to its ability to disperse body heat.

One really nice feature of the Idle hybrid mattress is that it can be flipped. When you are able to flip a mattress, you are essentially able to double its lifespan. This is a pricey mattress, so being able to flip it actually evens out the cost in the future.

Furthermore, the Idle hybrid mattress offers an 18-month trial period. This is one of the longest trial periods in the mattress space. You can test the mattress out all year-long, and make sure that it keeps you cool in the summer months while still providing cozy comfort in the winter months.

There is also a lifetime limited warranty, meaning you don’t have to worry about purchasing a new mattress for quite some time.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Amazing 18-month trial period
  • Comes in regular and firm styles
  • Able to flip mattress and extend its lifespan
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Quite pricey
  • Not great for lightweight sleepers
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2145 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.7
4
Best Pillowtop Mattress

Helix Luxe

Features
  • Mattress type: hybrid
  • Thickness: 10 inches
  • Mattress feel: medium
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Certification: CertiPUR US, Oeko-Tex
  • Trial: 100-night
  • Warranty: 15-year limited

More features: LUXE upgrade features, 3 firmness options, Helix Dynamic Foam for back and stomach support

The Helix Luxe models were designed with the body in mind. Its upscale take on the mattress focuses on cushioning and contouring in a manner that is unprecedented, and will be a tough act to follow.

Great news back sleepers, the Luxe model comes in three firmness options: Moonlight is soft, best for lightweight back sleepers, Dusk is medium, for most people with average weight, and Dawn, a firm mattress suitable for heavier individuals.

With its premium soft, quilted huggable pillow top, topped with an Ultra Cool over design made from 100% soft polyester, a newborn’s night-rest is guaranteed. And that’s just the exterior. The Helix Luxe is a hybrid, so there’s a medley of composites going on inside, all for your comfort’s sake including Gel Visco; a pressure relieving component that is best in class. There’s Memory Foam Plus, which comes with a high density Helix blend, and a special latex-foam hybrid alternative called Helix Dynamic Foam, designed to react in response to your body. Its Zoned Body Shape Coils are strategically placed to cradle and align your body, with softer shoulder areas, firmer around the hips and advanced lumbar support. And to bottom things out, is the last layer of DuraDense Foam for a strong foundation of durability and support.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Affordable
  • Reinforced perimeter
  • Motion isolation
  • Three firmness options
  • Four foam layers
  • Ultra Cool cover
  • Pillow top
  • Side-handles
  • 15-year warranty
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Heavy
  • 30-day break-in period for sleep trial
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7956 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
5
Best Memory Foam Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding PLANK

Features
  • Mattress type: all-foam
  • Thickness: 11.5ʹʹ
  • Mattress feel: firm / extra firm
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Full, Short Queen, Olympic Queen, Short King, RV King (3 options)
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Trial: 120 night
  • Warranty: 10-year limited

More features: flippable firmness; optional cooling panel; firm transitional TitanFlex foam for extra support

The Plank mattress, which is created by Brooklyn Bedding, is perfect of you love choice. It comes in an amazing selection of sizes and you can choose between firm and extra firm.

This all-foam mattress is unique in that you can actually flip it. Most foam mattresses don’t allow you to flip them because of their construction, which can decrease their lifespan. With the Plank, you are essentially increasing the lifespan, thus saving a lot of money in the future.

The Plank mattress uses TitanFlex foam to give you ultimate support. If you like a medium firmness or something softer, you will need to look elsewhere, however. Its two styles are firm or extra firm so just keep this in mind.

These styles are good for your back, however, especially if you are recovering from an injury, or are worried about support at night.

If you sleep hot, or live in a very warm climate, you can purchase an optional cooling panel for the Plank mattress. This allows you to further customize the mattress. It also gives you the option to remove the panel in the winter in case you find cooling mattresses too cold.

While the Plank mattress does come with a 120-night trial period, it only has a 10-year limited warranty. More and more foam mattresses come with lifetime warranties, so this is a bit disappointing.

    Why is it special?
  • Flappable and will extend its lifespan
  • Comes with an optional cooling panel
  • Great lumbar support
    What are the flaws?
  • Only comes in firm or extra firm
  • Not great for lightweight sleepers
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8176 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.3
6
Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers

Puffy Lux Mattress

Features
  • Mattress type: foam
  • Thickness: 12 inches
  • Mattress feel: medium
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Certification: Oeko-Tex Standard 100
  • Trial: 101-night
  • Warranty: lifetime

More features: body adapting foam, climate adaptive regulation, cooling gel layer

If you are anything like us, and you’re big on features, then this is the mattress you’re looking for. A fan favorite online, Puffy Lux has raised the stakes in quality comfort. If you’re in the market for a spinal supportive mattress that is best for all sleeper types with lifetime protection, then this bed’s for you!

You would have to start by commending the manufacturer’s philanthropic efforts, by way of its charitable donations to children in need. A great applause is in order for that service alone. Then you would follow that by feasting your eyes upon the Puffy Lux Mattress, exclusively sold online. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this sleeper is rich in adaptable cloud foam, designed to keep you cool and properly aligned. On the floor, with or without a box spring, or lay it anywhere else, Puffy Lux will not falter. No more stress, no more strain. Over 42,000 verified purchaser’s agree, one night’s rest on this mattress is the equivalent of a one-hour massage.

If you don’t mind the price or waiting 2 to 5 days for it to arrive at your doorstep to try it out, you’ll discover it’s well worth the wait because shipping is FREE! Complimented by a 101-trial period, giving you plenty of time to fall in love.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Pressure relieving
  • Temperature regulated
  • Charitable
  • Stain resistant
  • Oeko-Tex, Standard 100 certified
  • Breathable and cooling effects
  • Spinal supportive
  • Works on any surface
  • Free shipping
  • Lifetime warranty
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Poor edge support
  • Pricey
Also Product Ranking:
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?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7068 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.0
7
Best Value

Nectar Mattress

Features
  • Mattress type: foam
  • Thickness: 11 inches
  • Mattress feel: medium-firm
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Trial: 180-night
  • Warranty: lifetime

More features: gel memory foam, Tencel cooling cover

Fall into your new quilted, memory foam top layer and start making snow angels, before you’re lulled to sleep by the exquisite comfort that is the Nectar Sleeper.

While the memory foam top layer promotes air flow, the Tencel fabric serves as a wick, pulling away heat and moisture; generating a concerted effort for a night of dreaming under cool and comfortable conditions. A customer review described her Nectar bed “cradling her all through the night.” We would agree in that it was a lot like sleeping in a pillow top palm. The firmness of the contouring was well-designed to work cohesively with the soft top layer. Feel free to see for yourself by taking advantage of the risk-free 365-day trial period. If you don’t love it after a year, simply send it back for a refund. No harm, no muss, no fuss.

    What stands out?
  • Tencel cooling cover
  • Financing offered
  • Free shipping and returns
  • Works on any surface
  • 365-day risk-free trial
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • CertiPUR US certification
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Pricey
Also Product Ranking:
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Things to Consider

We know that a purchase of this magnitude can’t be easy, and you may already be inundated with industry jargon that’s making your head swirl. That’s why we have custom-built this buying guide, FAQs, and we have even thrown in our own recommendations for your consideration.

What makes a mattress work for back sleepers?

As we have mentioned above, if you’re a back sleeper, the most important thing to look for is the support that a mattress provides. But how do you measure support? Pretty easy, actually. Good support means that your spine is properly aligned, without any unnecessary sagging or excessive firmness.

Take your weight into account while looking for the right firmness level. Lighter individuals need a softer mattress to conform to their shapes, while heavier people get more support from a firmer mattress. A medium to medium firm option would be ideal for most average-weight people.

Mattress type and composition

7 Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers – Get the Most Benefits from Sleeping on Your BackYou are probably too young to remember, but we’ve come a long way from the days of wired spring-coiled mattresses. As stated above, the mattress type describes the firmness, whereas the composition is what the mattress is made of. For intance, foam or memory foam is exactly as it is named. However, this is nothing like foam from a beverage like coffee or beer, this is an elastic, breathable material that literally memorizes and conforms or contours to shape of applied pressure, for support. It come in many variations, but more commonly in latex, or gel form, sometimes a combination of both, also known as hybrid.

With so many technical advancements, many manufactuer’s have developed their own patented version of mattress foam in route to taking your business away from their competitors. Be advised that the best foams are those that are breathable, cooling, contouring, washable/cleanable, and lifetime warrantied.

Mattress firmness

Most people aren’t aware that although they may enjoy a certain firmness, or softness, it may not be designed for their body type. If you weigh over 230 pounds, and experience chronic back pain, it could be due to the fact that you are sleeping in a bed that has soft, or medium firmness that has subtly taken its toll over time.

Let’s breakdown the basics of firmness, and the type of sleeper to whom it is best suited. Soft is for individuals weighing 130 pounds and below. Medium is for people of average weight, and firm is for anyone weighing 230 pounds and above.

Mattress thickness and sizes available

7 Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers – Get the Most Benefits from Sleeping on Your BackMattress thickness is usually a high indication of its durability. Anything less than 12 inches, may not last as long as those that are 12 inches and above. If you prefer a thin mattress, there are plenty out there. Try the Purple, it is popular with consumers and doing quite well. It made our list, right? The available bed sizes are as follows: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and Cal king. Twin will fit a single average-size person, twin XL is for a single taller person, full will fit one individual comfortable, or two people snugly. A queen fits two people comfortably, while a king can sleep up to four persons snugly. A Cal king is a big as you can get, and when necessary, can hold a single family on a scary, stormy night.

Motion isolation and edge support

Ever see the nerve-wrecking commercial with the guy jumping on a mattress with a glass of red wine resting on it? That is what motion isolation is. Your sleeping partner can toss and turn unitil the sun rises, and you won’t feel a thing. Or if you stayed out a little later than you should have, crawling into bed unsuspectingly will be a breeze. Edge support is exactly as it sounds. We’re sure you have sat on the edge of a bed that gave way, way too easily because it failed over time. A bed with edge support combats that give, which surprises us everytime, doesn’t it?

Certification

7 Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers – Get the Most Benefits from Sleeping on Your BackCertifications are performed and awarded by organizations that guarantee a product is safe from harsh chemicals, poisons, heavy metals, ozone depleters, and verifying that is flame retardant, hypoallergenic, or basically, hazard-free. The more poular, widely-accepted certifications are CertiPUR US, Parent Tested, Parent Approved and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX.

Tips for back sleepers on getting the most comfortable sleep

Back sleepers aren’t as common as we may think. To add, they actually require least amount of support of all the sleep types. Needing only to buy a mattress that doesn’t sag excessively, and promote proper alignment.  If you are a back sleeper who suffers from lower back pain, be sure that you are sleeping on the correct firmness for your body type. Also, sleeping with a supportive pillow squarely beneath your knees (simulating the seated position), should provide instant belief.

FAQ

Are there any health problems that can be associated with sleeping on my back?

We suggest you speak to a physician regarding any questions about health problems as we are unable diagnose, or give any medical advice of any kind. However, we understand that sleeping disorders are common conditions, and that sleeping habits or mattresses may be aiding or harmful for an individual. Therefore, it is best to have that discussion with your doctor.

I’m a back sleeper, but my partner is not. What mattress type and firmness should we be looking for?

Consider a king-sized mattress with adjustability. That way, not only would you be able to control the level of firmness on your side of the bed, but there would also be enough space between you, so one or both, of you can move around without disturbing the other. The best way to know which works best is for both of you to visit a manufacturer’s store or its authorized dealer, and give it a trial run.

I sleep on my back but suffer from back pain. What mattress type should I prefer?

If you suffer from back pain, we recommend first that you see a doctor. While not all back pain is related to sleeping habits, it could very well be attributed to sleeping on a mattress that is the wrong firmness for your body type. It is best to buy a mattress that helps with correcting alignment. Be sure to give yourself 30 days for your body to adjust to your new purchase. Also, check out medium to medium-firm mattresses for back pain reduction.

Our verdict

Move over posturepedics, a new day for comfortable sleeping has arrived. There seems to be no limit to technological advancements, and this list is proof-positive. We are fully aware that this isn’t an easy choice to make, so as the subject matter experts, let us take a shot at it, by narrowing the candidates down to the top three picks. The Helix Luxe won our Editor’s Choice reward as a great all-around mattress for back sleepers. The company offers three different mattresses, each suitable for specific weight and sleeping position. The mattress itself is of top-notch quality, and they also offer a long trial period to make sure you’re comfortable on your new mattress. The DreamCloud undoubtedly stands out because of its high quality, comfort and the lifetime promise. And last but not least, Puffy Lux. This mattress had all pluses in virtually every category. It is the best mattress for back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers without question.

We hope you learned something knew today, and will walk away feeling you know enough to make an informed decision. Come back and visit us soon, we’ll have more fun, facts, tips waiting for you. Thanks for choosing us!

9,9
Total Score
The WinkBed - Editor’s Choice
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