Best Mattress for Back Pain:
Back pain can ruin your sleep — and the wrong mattress often makes it worse. If your bed is too soft, your hips can sink and pull your spine out of alignment. If it’s too firm, it can create pressure points and stiffness. The best mattress for back pain supports a neutral spine, reduces pressure, and keeps your body properly aligned all night.
In this guide, Elite Sleep Reviews breaks down the best mattresses for back pain in 2026, including top picks for side sleepers with hip pain, back sleepers who need more support, and couples who want better motion isolation.
Top Picks (Quick Summary)
How We Test Mattresses
Our reviews are based on firsthand, hands-on testing and real-world sleep experience. We evaluate mattresses using consistent criteria, including pressure relief, spinal alignment, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and durability. We do not use any fancy gimmicks, proprietary scoring systems, or manufacturer-provided ratings. Each mattress is tested the same way so comparisons are fair, transparent, and based on actual performance, helping readers make informed, trustworthy buying decisions. Read our full mattress testing methodology!
- Best Overall: Helix Midnight — Check Price
- Best for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe — Check Price
- Best Cooling: Purple Restore — Check Price
- Best Budget: Lull Premium Luxe Hybrid — Check Price
✅ Quick Answer: Best Mattress for Back Pain
If you want the short version:
Best Mattress for Back Pain Overall: Saatva Classic
Why: strong support + excellent spinal alignment + multiple firmness options.
(See our full picks and comparisons below.)
Our Top Picks: Best Mattresses for Back Pain (2026)
Best Overall Mattress for Back Pain: Saatva Classic
Best for: back sleepers, combination sleepers, people needing strong support
Firmness: Plush Soft / Luxury Firm / Firm
Why we like it: The coil-on-coil design offers excellent support and responsiveness, helping reduce sagging and improve spinal alignment.
✅ Pros
- Excellent lumbar and full-body support
- Strong edge support
- Multiple firmness options (great for back pain needs)
⚠️ Cons
- Motion transfer higher than foam hybrids
- Not as “huggy” as memory foam
👉 Check Price
👉 Read Full Review: Saatva Classic Review
Best for Back Pain + Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe
Best for: side sleepers with lower back pain or hip pain, couples
Firmness: medium to medium-firm (6–7/10)
Why we like it: Zoned support helps prevent hip sinkage, while plush comfort layers relieve pressure points.
✅ Pros
- Great balance of support + pressure relief
- Zoned lumbar support helps alignment
- Excellent motion isolation
⚠️ Cons
- Higher price tier
- Pillow top feel may be too plush for strict stomach sleepers
👉 Check Price
👉 Read Full Review: Helix Midnight Luxe Review
Best Value for Back Pain: Helix Midnight
Best for: back pain sufferers on a mid-range budget
Firmness: medium (6/10)
Why we like it: supportive hybrid design that works well for back and combo sleepers without the premium price.
✅ Pros
- Balanced support and comfort
- Helps reduce pressure without deep sinking
- Great value for a hybrid
⚠️ Cons
- Not as plush as the Luxe
- Cooling is good but not top-tier
👉 Check Price
👉 Read Full Review: Helix Midnight Review
Best Mattress for Back Pain + Cooling: Purple Restore
Best for: hot sleepers with back pain
Firmness: medium (6/10)
Why we like it: Purple’s Grid design relieves pressure while keeping airflow high — helpful for restless sleepers who overheat.
✅ Pros
- Excellent cooling
- Pressure relief with support
- Responsive feel
⚠️ Cons
- Unique feel isn’t for everyone
- Premium cost
👉 Check Price
👉 Read Full Review: Purple Restore Review
Best Hybrid for Lower Back Pain: Casper Dream Hybrid
Best for: combination sleepers, light-to-average back pain needs
Firmness: medium (6/10)
Why we like it: Balanced hybrid feel with a supportive core that works well for many sleepers.
✅ Pros
- Comfortable for multiple positions
- Good pressure relief
- Easy to move on
⚠️ Cons
- Edge support is average
- Not as supportive as Saatva for heavier sleepers
👉 Check Price
👉 Read Full Review: Casper Dream Hybrid Review
Best Budget Mattress for Back Pain: Lull Mattress
Best for: budget shoppers with mild back pain
Firmness: medium-soft to medium (5–6/10)
Why we like it: A simple foam design that can be comfortable for lighter sleepers needing more pressure relief.
✅ Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable foam pressure relief
- Solid trial + warranty
⚠️ Cons
- Not ideal for heavier sleepers (230+ lbs)
- Support may not be strong enough for severe back pain
👉 Check Price
👉 Read Full Review: Lull Mattress Review
Back Pain Comparison Table (Top Picks)
| Mattress | Best Pick | Type | Firmness (1-10) | Best For Back Pain | Why It Helps Back Pain | Price Tier | Trial | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | Best Overall Back Pain Pick | Innerspring (coil-on-coil) | 6-8 (varies by model) | Back sleepers + lumbar support seekers | Strong coil support keeps spine aligned; excellent edge support; multiple firmness options | $$$$ | 365 nights | Lifetime |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Best for Side Sleepers w/ Back Pain | Hybrid (foam + coils) | 6-7 | Side sleepers w/ hip/lower back pain | Zoned support helps prevent hip sink; plush top relieves shoulder/hip pressure while maintaining alignment | $$$ | 100 nights | 15 years |
| Helix Midnight | Best Value for Back Pain | Hybrid (foam + coils) | 6 | Combo sleepers w/ mild-moderate back pain | Balanced support + pressure relief; solid alignment without feeling too firm | $$ | 100 nights | 10 years |
| Purple Restore | Best Cooling for Back Pain | Hybrid (Grid + coils) | 6 | Hot sleepers w/ back pain | Grid reduces pressure points while supporting spine; strong airflow helps reduce overheating-related restlessness | $$$ | 100 nights | 10 years |
| Casper Dream Hybrid | Best Balanced Hybrid for Back Pain | Hybrid | 6 | Combo sleepers w/ back pain | Balanced feel supports alignment while cushioning pressure points; easy to move on | $$ | 100 nights | 10 years |
| Lull Mattress | Best Budget for Mild Back Pain | All-foam | 5-6 | Budget shoppers w/ mild back pain | Soft pressure relief helps reduce tension; better for lighter sleepers who want more contouring | $ | 100 nights | 10 years |
How We Test Mattresses for Back Pain
Our reviews are based on firsthand, hands-on testing and real-world sleep experience. We evaluate mattresses using consistent criteria, including pressure relief, spinal alignment, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and durability. We do not use any fancy gimmicks, proprietary scoring systems, or manufacturer-provided ratings.
→ Read our full mattress testing methodology
What to Look for in a Mattress for Back Pain
✅ 1) Spinal Alignment Comes First
The #1 goal is keeping your spine neutral:
- no sagging at the hips
- no bowing at the midsection
If your mattress allows your hips to sink too deeply, your lower back gets strained.
✅ 2) Support + Pressure Relief Balance
Back pain mattresses should not be rock-hard.
The best options balance:
- support (alignment)
- pressure relief (comfort)
✅ 3) The Right Firmness for Your Body
Firmness depends heavily on body weight.
General guidelines:
- Under 130 lbs: medium-soft to medium (4–6/10)
- 130–230 lbs: medium to medium-firm (5–7/10)
- 230+ lbs: medium-firm to firm (6–8/10)
Best Mattress for Back Pain by Sleep Position
Side Sleepers with Back Pain
Side sleepers often need:
- pressure relief at shoulders/hips
- support under the waist
✅ Best picks:
Back Sleepers with Back Pain
Back sleepers often do best with:
- strong lumbar support
- medium-firm feel
✅ Best picks:
Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
Stomach sleepers usually need:
- firm support to prevent hip sink
✅ Best pick:
FAQs: Best Mattress for Back Pain
What is the best mattress for back pain?
The best mattress for back pain is the Saatva Classic because it provides strong spinal alignment support, excellent responsiveness, and multiple firmness options.
Is a firm mattress better for back pain?
Not always. Too-firm mattresses can create pressure points. Most people do best with a medium-firm mattress that supports alignment without causing stiffness.
Are hybrids good for back pain?
Yes. Hybrids often provide the best balance of support and pressure relief, making them a strong option for back pain sufferers.
Can a mattress actually cause back pain?
Absolutely. A sagging or unsupportive mattress can pull your spine out of alignment and worsen stiffness and pain over time.
Final Verdict: Our Top Back Pain Pick
If you want the simplest recommendation:
✅ Saatva Classic is our #1 pick for back pain in 2026.
For sleepers who need more pressure relief (especially side sleepers), the Helix Midnight Luxe is a close second and often a better fit.