The 10 Best Mattresses for Back Pain to Help You Wake Up Pain-Free, Tested by Our Editors

Sleep is the foundation for a healthy lifestyle, yet so many suffer from chronic back pain that makes getting quality sleep difficult—what’s more, your sleep environment might be the source of your pain. Finding the right type of mattress for pain-free sleep depends on multiple factors, starting with your sleep position. Stomach sleepers tend to require a firmer, more supportive mattress to keep the spine in alignment, while side sleepers can get away with a softer memory foam option that cradles the body and its pressure points—as long as it contours to your body.

According to research published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, medium to firm mattresses are the best for low back pain.¹ Kevin Lees, DC, director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic, agrees. He notes that the firmness of a mattress is relative to the person using it; it should always support the shape of your body to keep your spine and body in a neutral position.

To find the best mattress for back pain, we tested the top options available for support, comfort, and quality. We also spoke to sleep and medical experts to understand how mattresses can affect back pain and to learn more about mattress firmness and other factors that can influence pain and your sleep. We also had a physical therapist from our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall Mattress for Back Pain: Saatva Rx
• Best for Side Sleepers: Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress
• Best for Back Sleepers: Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress
• Best for Stomach Sleepers: Saatva Classic Mattress
• Best for Combination Sleepers: Nolah Evolution Mattress

What to Know About Mattresses for Back Pain

Choosing a new mattress is never easy, as it’s difficult to know how your body will adjust until you sleep on it for several weeks or longer (which is why we’ve spent months testing and evaluating these picks). However, it’s crucial to consider a few critical factors beyond the price tag and initial comfort level.

• Firmness: A mattress that’s too soft lacks the support needed to keep your spine aligned while you rest. Start your search with a medium-firm mattress that offers a balance of contouring, bounce, and support. We’ve noted the firmness of each mattress on a scale of 1 to 5 in our reviews below (1 is the softest; 5 is the firmest).
• Material: Foam, gel, and latex conform to your body’s shape to help relieve pressure points and encourage proper body alignment and reduce pain throughout the back.
• Versatility: Some mattresses are dual-sided, meaning each side caters to a different level of firmness. This allows you to try different firmness levels for an extended period before choosing which side is best for you.
• Temperature regulation: Mattresses with temperature-regulating properties absorb and dissipate your body’s heat so you don’t get too hot throughout the night.
• Trial period: Some manufacturers offer a trial period to test the product for 30 days up to 365 days. Keep in mind this program sometimes costs extra, so read the fine print carefully.
• Motion transfer: If you sleep with a partner, motion transfer may be of concern. Consider memory foam mattresses that absorb and isolate motion to ensure neither of you is disturbed by the other’s movements.

What Type of Mattress Is Best for Back Pain?

When choosing the best mattress for your back pain, Danielle Kelvas, MD, chief medical advisor at Sleepline, emphasizes the importance of personal comfort and proper support. “Sleeping on a firm mattress can be healthier as it supports body weight more evenly to prevent sleepers from sinking,” says Dr. Kelvas.

Shelby Harris, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist, clinical associate professor, and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, recommends memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses for their ability to evenly distribute body weight, reduce pressure points, and offer a personalized level of comfort. Furthermore, she advises considering a mattress compatible with your sleep position and health needs, such as a mattress with cooling properties for those with night sweats or general overheating.

How Your Mattress Can Affect Back Pain

Your mattress can be your greatest ally or your worst enemy. Sleep on the wrong one and you might find yourself tossing and turning, unable to find a comfortable position because your mattress isn’t providing the proper support.

When your mattress is too soft, it can cause your spine to sag, leading to muscle tension and discomfort in your back. Alternatively, a mattress that’s too hard might not conform to your body’s natural curves, leading to strained pressure points and awkward sleeping positions that exacerbate back pain. Much like Goldilocks, it takes finding just the right mattress to get a good night’s sleep.

The best mattress provides optimal support and alignment so you wake each morning feeling nothing but refreshed. Thus, investing in a new mattress is essential if your current one isn’t offering the support necessary to reduce and prevent your pain.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Saatva Rx Mattress at Saatva $3,295

Jump to Review

Best Mattress for Back Pain, Overall Runner-up:

Bear Original Mattress at Bear $699

Jump to Review

Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain:

Saatva HD Mattress at Saatva $3,295

Jump to Review

Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain:

Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress at Saatva $4,495

Jump to Review

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Back Pain:

SALE

 Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress at Amazon $1,999 $1,699

Jump to Review

Best Budget Mattress for Back Pain:

Sweetnight Gel Memory Foam Queen Mattress at Amazon $409

Jump to Review

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers With Back Pain:

Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress at Amazon $1,449

Jump to Review

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers With Back Pain:

Saatva Classic Mattress at Saatva $2,095

Jump to Review

Best Mattress for Multiple Positions:

Nolah Evolution Mattress at Nolahmattress.com

Jump to Review

Best Dual-Sided Mattress for Back Pain:

Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress at Saatva $3,295

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Saatva Rx Mattress

PHOTO: Saatva

$3,295 at Saatva

Type: Springs with foam support

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King

Firmness Level: Medium (3/5)

Depth: 15 inches

Delivery: White glove delivery and free mattress removal

Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with free returns; lifetime tiered warranty

Who It’s Best For

Sleepers with chronic back and joint pain.

Why We Like it

Designed specifically to suit the needs of those with joint and back pain, the Saatva Rx includes a layer of gel-foam memory support, reinforced lumbar quilting, and higher-tensile coiling to add support in the lower back. This added layering is also meant to keep the mattress from molding to your shape over time—meaning it won’t lose its shape and support, as we confirmed during testing.

What It’s Made Of

Like most Saatva mattresses, the Saatva Rx combines multiple layers of springs and foam to make up its support system. The Rx begins with Saatva’s standard quilted topper—including hypoallergenic cotton and antimicrobial treatments—but includes reinforced quilting around the lumbar area. Just below is a 1/2-inch layer of lumbar gel-foam, followed by two high-density foam layers to cushion the body. A micro-coil layer sits between the high-density foam for added pressure relief.

Below the foam are Saatva’s standard coils—but it’s also the layer that makes the Rx unique in Saatva’s lineup. What Saatva calls its “Rx Foam Module”—2-inch foam caps on each pocketed coil—is meant to offer added cushioning with reduced motion transfer. High-support coils around the edges and a stable foam layer at the base finish off the Rx.

How It Performed

We woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day, noticing an immediate change from our previous memory foam mattress. While our previous memory foam mattress had us sinking in and straining our backs, we felt an almost immediate reduction in back pain in our first night on the Saatva Rx. We noticed that the Saatva Rx started to cradle and form our bodies—in a good way—for an almost personalized feel. This mattress had us sleeping so well that we found ourselves forgoing our previous nightly melatonin—this mattress had us drifting off to sleep immediately.

It’s Worth Noting

Saatva recommends turning this mattress every six months to keep lumps from forming, so keep in mind that you may need a partner to help.

Meet Our Tester

Our Saatva Rx tester is a side and stomach combination sleeper who occasionally has trouble falling asleep and often tossed and turned on their previous mattress. They also experience back pain from sitting at a desk and sleeping on an unsupportive mattress prior to this test.

• Health
• Health

Best Mattress for Back Pain, Overall Runner-up

Bear Original Mattress

PHOTO: Bed Bath & Beyond

$699 at Bear

Type: Gel Memory Foam

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King

Firmness Level: Medium-Firm (3/5)

Depth: 10 inches

Delivery: Arrives vacuum sealed in a box and expands in around an hour

Warranty and Return Policy: 120-night trial period with free returns; Lifetime warranty

Who It’s Best For

The high-density support foam and responsive transition foam adapt to the body’s contours to distribute weight evenly for pain relief. This makes it a worthwhile option for those with back, hip, or shoulder discomfort.

Why We Like It

Its responsive transition foam maintains an even sleeping surface that adjusts to your body’s movement. Whether you’re a back, stomach, or side sleeper, the mattress molds to your body, ensuring a comfortable and restful sleep. Plus, the gel memory foam layer of the mattress helps regulate temperature—an essential feature for those living in warmer climates or prone to night sweats.

What It’s Made Of

Its top layer contains a cooling graphite-gel memory foam that provides exceptional pressure relief and temperature regulation. The second layer, a responsive transition foam, adjusts to your body’s movements for tailored support. The base layer, a high-density support foam, serves as the foundation for long-term durability.

You can also purchase the mattress with a body heat-dissipating Celliant cover, a material that turns trapped body heat into infrared energy—this can increase tissue oxygen levels, improve athletic performance, and aid in recovery while you sleep. In fact, Celliant-designed products are so effective that they’re classified as medical devices by the FDA.

How It Performed

The Bear Original’s medium-firm consistency effectively cradled our body’s natural curves while still providing ample spinal alignment and pressure relief. As we settled into sleep, the responsive transition allowed for minimal motion transfer, meaning we didn’t disturb our sleeping partners when shifting positions during the night. Our joints and muscles felt relaxed as soon as we got into bed, and our sleep quality improved noticeably throughout the months we’ve been sleeping on it.

Notes From Lab Testing

We were impressed by the Bear Original’s cooling capabilities, which we felt lived up to manufacturer claims. After lying on the mattress, the surface only took a little under two minutes to return to the ambient temperature, making it a great option for active people or those who run hot.

We felt plenty of support in our spines while lying on our backs and sides—even feeling the mattress conform to our lower backs for added support. One of the only drawbacks we noticed during lab testing was a little less support around the edges than in other areas of the mattress.

It’s Worth Noting

The Bear Original offers excellent temperature regulation, but you may not like it if you prefer a warm sleeping environment. While it’s lighter than the Casper Nova Hybrid at 70 pounds for a queen size, it’s also two inches thinner. We also think sleepers who prefer luxury plush beds may not find the Bear Original mattress comfortable as it’s more firm than soft.

If you sleep near the edge of the mattress, you might find more sink and less support in that area than throughout the rest of the mattress.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester slept on a king size mattress with a partner. She works out daily and frequently woke up with back and joint pain during the night before testing the Bear Original.

• Health / Dera Burreson
• Health / Jennifer May
• Health / Jennifer May
• Health / Jennifer May

Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain

Saatva HD Mattress

PHOTO: Saatva

$3,295 at Saatva

Type: Hybrid

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King

Firmness Level: Medium-Firm (3/5)

Depth: 15.5 inches

Delivery: Free in-room delivery, setup, and mattress removal

Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with $99 returns; Lifetime warranty

Who It’s Best For

The Saatva HD Mattress has specialized layering to maintain spinal alignment. It won’t sag or soften prematurely, making it an excellent pick for people with back and joint pain.

Why We Like It

Its seven support layers are uniquely designed with contouring zones to promote natural spinal alignment. We appreciate the mattresses’ eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton and natural latex. Plus, its responsive coils reduce a little of the motion transfer between you and your partner.

What It’s Made Of

The topmost layer is a plush 3-inch Euro pillow top that provides a cushiony surface for immediate solace. This layer works in tandem with a 1.5-inch natural latex layer to support your lumbar region and spine. Below this, layers of memory foam, a transition layer of firm support foam, and a base layer of pocketed coils protect against sagging and softening so your new mattress will maintain its shape for years. All of this is encased in an organic cotton cover for breathability.

How It Performed

We noticed a significant improvement in our back pain and sleep quality after switching to the Saatva HD. Our hips sunk into the mattress just enough for even weight distribution, and the combination of memory foam and coils provided excellent support to our shoulders and lower back. We preferred it for back and stomach sleeping because of the mattress’s ability to align us.

It’s Worth Noting

Although beneficial for back pain, its medium-firm feel may not be comfortable for those who prefer a plusher, softer mattress. At over 15 inches thick, it’s very much a high-profile mattress and may be too high for some. Also, while its coils do help to offset some motion transfer, those who sleep with partners or toss and turn frequently may not find it to be enough.

Meet Our Tester

Our Saatva HD tester often woke up with lower back pain while sleeping on her old mattress. She prefers a firm mattress and tested the mattress with a partner who prefers a softer mattress and is a restless sleeper; both are combination sleepers. Our tester also sleeps hot and has trouble staying asleep. She tested a queen size mattress.

• Health / Kimberly Souza
• Health / Kimberly Souza
• Health / Kimberly Souza

Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain

Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress

PHOTO: Saatva

$4,495 at Saatva

Type: Memory Foam and Latex

Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Queen Upper-Flex, King-Upper Flex

Firmness Level: Adjustable

Depth: 13 inches

Delivery: Free in-room delivery, setup, and mattress removal

Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with $99 returns; Lifetime warranty

Who It’s Best For

The Saatva Solaire has adjustable air chambers to tailor the firmness of either side of the bed. It’s ideal for couples with different sleep preferences or those needing a firmer mattress for maximum support.

Why We Like It

The Solaire is the only mattress on our list with adjustable firmness, a feature that allows you to easily alternate from medium to firm with its remote; queen mattresses and larger have a remote on each side. It has 50 firmness settings, so you can adjust it to your exact preferences based on whether you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper.

What It’s Made Of

The Solaire has six distinct layers. The top layer is made of organic cotton to help maintain a cool and dry environment while you sleep. The second layer is a hypoallergenic, natural latex for all-night pressure relief, followed by a layer of latex and moisture barrier foam that helps keep the mattress hygienic. The heart of the Solaire is its adjustable air chamber, allowing you to tailor the firmness with a simple touch of the remote. The quilted cover resists mold, mildew, and dust mites.

How It Performed

While we initially expected more of a cloud-like feel from the upper foam layers, it was surprisingly firm. However, the adjustable air chamber was a game changer: We had complete control over how firm or soft we wanted the mattress on either side. As we alternated through settings, we felt immediate relief sweep over our bodies. We also loved the dual-sided remote, making it easy to adjust the firmness without moving around or getting out of bed. Each side has its own air chambers, so couples with different sleep preferences are accommodated for.

It’s Worth Noting

Though adjustable, it’s still on the firm side overall. You may be disappointed if you’re looking for the classic memory foam “sinking” sensation. 

The Saatva Solaire is one of the most expensive mattresses on our list. You also have to opt for an upper-flex model with an adjustable base to raise the head of the mattress for a fully-adjustable experience—an additional expense.

Meet Our Tester

Our Saatva Solaire tester is a combination sleeper. She sleeps with a partner who is a restless sleeper. Both partners sleep at different temperatures. Our tester experiences insomnia and has trouble staying asleep. She and her partner tested a king size mattress.

• Health / Sara Michael
• Health / Sara Michael
• Health / Sara Michael

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Back Pain

Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress

PHOTO: Purple

$1,699 at AmazonView on PurpleView on Raymourflanigan.com

Type: Hybrid

Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King

Firmness Level: Soft Plus (2/5) or Firm (4/5)

Depth: 11.5 inches

Delivery: Arrives vacuum-sealed in a purple bag and only took one minute to fully expand

Warranty and Return Policy: 100-night trial period with free returns; 10-year warranty

Who It’s Best For

The Purple Restore Hybrid comes in either soft or firm, so you can choose the feel best for your needs. Its cradling design promotes proper alignment and reduces neck tension in side sleepers prone to neck pain.

Why We Like It

The Restore Hybrid is the perfect combination of comfort and support. The gel grid provides plenty of cushion to relieve pressure points while the base’s hybrid coils support your body and neck. We love its responsiveness—it’s bouncy enough to move with us without feeling trapped inside the mattress. We moved around through the night without disturbing our partner.

What It’s Made Of

The lightweight and breathable cover aids temperature regulation throughout the night. The top layer contains two inches of Purple’s signature GelFlex grid—a polymer grid layer—which creates cushion that contours to your body, relieves pressure, and absorbs heat to eliminate hot spots. There are also two layers of foam beneath the grid for extra comfort, which rests on a sturdy coil base.

How It Performed

We immediately noted the luxurious feel of the gel and foam layer. It’s soft in all the best places yet firm enough to maintain proper spinal alignment—an invaluable benefit to side sleepers. Over several nights, the mattress adapted to our bodies with ease. It’s incredibly supportive without being overly rigid. We think it’s just the right balance of responsiveness, temperature regulation, and relief.

Notes From Lab Testing

While cutting open the mattresses to inspect their layers, we found that Purple’s signature GelFlex grid didn’t extend to the edges of the Purple mattresses we tested—one of the most surprising results from testing. Similarly, we noticed that the Purple mattresses performed well while lying near the edge of the mattress and simulating tossing and turning, but they tended to underperform when it came to sitting on the edge of the mattress.

While we were surprised by the Restore’s internal structure, we were pleased with how well the layers absorbed motion, keeping us from noticing almost any motion during our water glass test and only slight disturbances when other testers got on or off the bed.

It’s Worth Noting

The Purple Restore Hybrid is only 11.5 inches thick—which may not be an issue for those who prefer a medium-profile mattress. However, the height is off-putting to taller individuals or those expecting an elevated sleep surface. You can choose from a soft or firm feel, but there isn’t a middle-ground option. It’s also rather heavy (the queen size weighs 121 pounds) and difficult to move or set up without help.

Meet Our Tester

Before testing the Purple Restore mattress, our tester was a restless sleeper who frequently woke up with lower back pain, hip pain, and tight shoulders. Our tester slept on the queen size mattress with a partner; both are combination sleepers. Our tester also sleeps hot and cold throughout the night.

• Health / Dera Burreson
• Health / Dera Burreson
• Health / Mary Honeyman-Speichingner
• Health / Mary Honeyman-Speichingner
• Health / Mary Honeyman-Speichingner

Best Budget Mattress for Back Pain

Sweetnight Gel Memory Foam Queen Mattress

PHOTO: Amazon

$409 at Amazon

Type: Memory Foam

Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King

Firmness Level: Medium-Firm (3/5)

Depth: 12 inches

Delivery: Arrives vacuum sealed in a box and took about 24 hours to fully expand

Warranty and Return Policy: 100-night trial period with free returns; 10-year warranty

Who It’s Best For

The Sweetnight pairs high-density foam and cooling gel into a supportive mattress that arrives in an easy-to-open box, making it a great option for sleepers who want back pain relief without the complicated (and heavy!) setup luxury mattresses sometimes involve.

Why We Like It

The Sweetnight Queen Mattress comes compressed, vacuum sealed, and rolled in a single box. When you cut the plastic, it expands to its full size. We were impressed with the performance despite it being a budget-friendly option—we were remarkably comfortable throughout the night.

What It’s Made Of

The Sweetnight has three layers: a top layer with gel-infused memory foam, a middle transition layer of comfort foam, and a 5.5-inch high-density base for support. The breathable cover adds a layer of comfort while also keeping you cool.

How It Performed

We spent countless nights sleeping on the Sweetnight after replacing our traditional memory foam mattress. While the edge of the mattress doesn’t hold firm when sitting close to it, it’s comfortable and supportive enough for a peaceful night’s rest. Despite the company’s claim of enhanced ventilation, we were still somewhat hot. However, we slept soundly without tossing and turning.

It’s Worth Noting

The Sweetnight Queen Mattress isn’t the plushest mattress on the market. It may not be a great fit if you’re a hot sleeper or have night sweats, as we experienced some heat retention. The edges also don’t provide much support when sitting.

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is a side and back sleeper. She slept on a Sweetnight full mattress for this test.

• Health / Jodi Espinosa
• Health / Abigail Moore
• Health / Jodi Espinosa

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers With Back Pain

Lull Luxe Hybrid Mattress

PHOTO: Lull

$1,379 at Amazon$1,699 at WalmartView on Lull.com

Type: Hybrid

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King

Firmness Level: Medium (3/5)

Depth: 13 inches

Delivery: Arrives vacuum sealed in a box and expands fully within 12 hours

Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with free returns; Lifetime warranty

Who It’s Best For

The foam and coil construction of the Lull Luxe Hybrid conforms around your hips, shoulders, and back to relieve pressure-sensitive areas for back sleepers.

Why We Like It

The Lull Luxe Hybrid is designed with back sleepers in mind, as the memory foam and coils deliver a great mix of features. The plush comfort layer adds a nice cushiony touch to traditional coils. It’s durable and high-quality, and the value made it even more of a winner.

What It’s Made Of

There are five distinct layers in the Lull Luxe Hybrid: a top layer of quilted memory foam followed by cooling gel memory foam; a layer of transition foam atop the pocket coils; a durable extra firm foam for edge support; and a strong base of pocketed coils. It’s wrapped in a soft, temperature-regulating cover. Bonus: It comes with attached handles for easy lifting.

How It Performed

We put the Lull Luxe Hybrid to the test and were impressed with how it cradled our bodies without sinking too deeply into the mattress. The pocket coils offered excellent support for your back and hips, and the memory foam hugged our spines flawlessly. There was some slight breakdown over time, but overall, we think it’s a splendid option for back sleepers.

It’s Worth Noting

The slight breakdown we experienced during testing confirms that the Luxe Hybrid isn’t a great option for stomach sleepers needing additional support. The queen weighs 108 pounds, which is still a bit bulky for some to move independently.

Meet Our Tester

Our Lull Luxe tester is a side and back sleeper. She had lower back pain while sleeping on her previous mattress. She tested the Lull Luxe in a queen size.

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers With Back Pain

Saatva Classic Mattress

PHOTO: Saatva

$2,095 at Saatva

Type: Spring

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King, Split Cal King

Firmness Level: Firm (4/5)

Depth: 11.5 inches

Delivery: Free in-room delivery, setup, and mattress removal

Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with $99 returns; Lifetime warranty

Who It’s Best For

Its firm construction provides the necessary support to prevent your midsection from sinking into the mattress when you sleep on your stomach.

Why We Like It

The Saatva Classic takes traditional innerspring construction to a new (and more luxurious) level. We immediately noticed how well the Classic supported our midsection. The pillow-like topper offers a gentle cushion, keeping us from sinking too deeply into the mattress.

What It’s Made Of

The quilted pillow top sits atop a layer of dense memory foam crafted specifically for spinal support. Just underneath lies 884 individually wrapped steel coils. The dual perimeter edge support prevents you from slipping off the mattress while maintaining a comfortable sleep surface. A coil base and luxurious cover complete the mattress.

How It Performed

We tested the firm model, though the Classic is also available in a plush soft and luxury firm option. It’s incredibly supportive and provided a good base for our backs. Our stomachs never sunk in too deeply, and our spines stayed straight and properly aligned. After a few weeks, the pillow top softened and became even more comfortable.

It’s Worth Noting

The Saatva Classic retains some heat, which can be an uncomfortable experience for hot sleepers. There’s also a slight breakdown in the pillow top in the first few weeks, so expect it to soften slightly.

Meet Our Testers

• Tester A is a stomach sleeper. She tested the Saatva Classic with a partner, who is a side and back sleeper. She often woke up with lower back pain on her previous mattress. They slept on the Firm model in a queen size.
• Tester B is a side and stomach sleeper. She tested the Saatva Classic with a partner, who is a side and back sleeper; both sleepers tend to toss and turn. Our tester frequently woke up with aches and pains while sleeping on her previous mattress. They tested the Luxury Firm model in a queen size.

• Health / Allison Mango
• Health / Ashleigh Morley
• Health / Allison Mango

Best Mattress for Multiple Positions

Nolah Evolution Mattress

PHOTO: Nolah

View on Nolahmattress.com

Type: Foam Hybrid

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King

Firmness Level: Medium-Firm (3/5)

Depth: 15 inches

Delivery: Arrives vacuum sealed in box and takes only minutes to expand

Warranty and Return Policy: 120-night trial period for an additional fee; Lifetime warranty

Who It’s Best For

The Nolah Evolution Mattress adapts to frequent shifting throughout the night, as it offers a balance of plush comfort and targeted support that adapts to your body’s needs in every position.

Why We Like It

The Nolah Evolution rings true to its name—it evolves to changing sleep positions and body types. You can choose from three firmness options: plush, luxury firm, and firm. Sleepers over 300 pounds may benefit from upgrading to the comfort+ option. We love the cozy memory foam feel and the added responsiveness of the AirFoam.

What It’s Made Of

The top layer is a cooling euro pillow topper, which sits inside an ultra-breathable, temperature-regulating border. Just underneath is a layer of foam designed to keep heat away from your body during sleep, followed by a firmer, more supportive foam layer. A transition layer and coil system provide additional support, and the base is an eco-friendly foundation made from recycled plant fiber. An organic cotton cover finishes off the bed.

How It Performed

The Nolah Evolution delivered an incredibly pleasant night’s rest. This mattress adapted to our changing sleep positions, making it an ideal choice for those who shift a lot. The plush memory foam was a dream, cradling our bodies with just enough firmness. We noticed a significant change in sleep quality—more energized and less body aches upon waking.

It’s Worth Noting

It has the highest cost for returns—it costs $100 for the 120-night trial period and an additional $99 if you decide to return it before the trial is complete. This mattress is also tall, so it may not be suitable for high bed frames.

Meet Our Tester

Our Nolah Evolution tester slept on a queen mattress in Luxury Firm during this test. She often woke up with back pain while using her previous mattress. She tested the mattress with a partner.

• Health / Jessica Mahgerefteh
• Health / Jessica Mahgerefteh

Best Dual-Sided Mattress for Back Pain

Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress

PHOTO: Saatva

$3,295 at Saatva

Type: Natural Latex

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King

Firmness Level: Soft Plus (2/5), Medium-Firm (3/5)

Depth: 10 inches

Delivery: Free in-room delivery, setup, and mattress removal

Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial period with $99 returns; Lifetime warranty

Who It’s Best For

If you don’t know what firmness level you need, this mattress doesn’t make you choose. Its dual-sided design offers two different firmness levels (one on each side), so you can test out both soft and firm before deciding which is best for you.

Why We Like It

The Saatva Zenhaven mattress is made entirely of eco-friendly materials, including organic natural latex and wool. Every mattress purchase includes free white glove delivery and setup, so there’s no unboxing, expansion time, or heavy lifting on your part. The flippable design allows you to switch from a soft, luxury plush side (4/10) to a gentle firm side (8/10) without buying another mattress.

What It’s Made Of

The Zenhaven is constructed using 100% natural latex, known for its resilience and durability. Each side of the mattress has two distinct layers: a wool comfort layer and a breathable latex layer. A middle support core provides stability and prevents sagging. The mattress is encased in an organic cotton cover with antimicrobial properties for a healthy sleep environment.

How It Performed

We tested both sides of the mattress and found that the softer side felt like a cloud, while the firmer side kept our spines aligned for pain-free mornings. The versatility is one of our favorite features of the Zenhaven—you’re guaranteed to get a good night’s sleep regardless of which side you choose. The mattress is also compatible with a box spring, frame, or adjustable base.

Notes From Lab Testing

The Saatva Zenhaven surprised us with how well it dissipated heat during our lab test, especially considering its all-foam structure. One of our other favorite features was the dedicated edge support, which made us feel secure even while tossing and turning right near the side of the mattress.

The mattress’ upper layers were a real stand-out during lab testing, impressing us with added support near the hips and lower back while lying on our sides and back, respectively. The mattress’ surface also sprang back into place immediately after our kettlebell test.

It’s Worth Noting

The high price point could be a deterrent if you’re on a tight budget. Plus, while the two-sided feature is innovative, it may present a challenge for those with mobility issues; flipping the 125-pound mattress can be quite a task. Also, its 10-inch depth may not be enough for those without a box spring or platform bed.

While this mattress is dual-sided, we did notice that it isn’t firm enough for stomach sleeping.

Meet Our Testers

• Tester A is a side, back, and stomach sleeper who often woke with neck, hip, and back pain while using her previous mattress. She also tended to wake up throughout the night, often needing to change positions on her previous mattress. She tried both sides of the mattress during the test, favoring different sleep positions with both. She tested the Saatva Zenhaven in queen size
• Tester B is a side sleeper who sometimes runs hot. She previously experienced chronic neck pain and sometimes had trouble staying asleep. She tried the mattress with a partner who is a back and side sleeper. She also tested both sides of the mattress in a queen size.

• Health / Dera Burreson
• Health / Dera Burreson
• Health / Bronwyn Barnes
• Health / Bronwyn Barnes

Our Testing Process

To find the best mattresses for back pain, we conducted extensive research to ensure our selection included various types of mattresses to cater to diverse sleeping preferences. We tested more than 60 popular models across brands and price points. Each was subjected to rigorous testing over a period of several weeks or months. We also spoke with the following sleep experts to learn more about sleeping with back pain:

• Angelie Mascarinas, MD, board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctor with fellowship training in interventional spine and musculoskeletal care, who practices at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City
• Kevin Lees, DC, director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic, the nation’s largest chiropractic care provider
• Danielle Kelvas, MD, chief medical advisor at Sleepline, a sleep resource website
• Shelby Harris, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist, clinical associate professor, and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, an independent sleep education company

During testing, we particularly focused on comfort, support, and the overall sleep experience. Each mattress was assessed for unique features, such as dual-sided designs, cooling properties, and motion isolation. Finally, we considered factors like shipping and delivery options, trial periods, returns, and warranty, which significantly affect the overall customer experience. We compiled our results and constructed an unbiased review so you can make an informed purchase decision.

Health’s Firmness Scale

At Health, we have our own firmness scale, where we rate mattresses from 1 to 5, from soft to extra firm. While you might see a mattress rating out of 10 when browsing manufacturer websites, we measure out of 5 because, in practice, there’s not much difference between all 10 levels of firmness. More importantly, you won’t see many mattresses at either extreme of the 10-scale. We’ve decided to keep our scale to the middle of that scale and rate them out of 5 so you know what to expect.

Firmness at a Glance
Firmness Level	Description	Who It’s Best For
1	Soft: These mattresses offer the lowest level of support and the highest level of “sinking in”	Potentially back and side sleepers; these may work for people in smaller bodies, but ultimately they won’t provide much support
2	Soft Plus: A soft sink with some added support for alignment, typically from coils	Sleepers looking for a lot of pressure relief around the shoulders and hips; people in smaller bodies
3	Medium: You’ll still have some level of sink, but your spine should be in alignment and well-supported	Side sleepers; will also work for most sleepers, aside from those who sleep exclusively on their stomachs
4	Firm: These offer sturdy support with very little sink	People with back pain who need a little extra alignment; stomach sleepers
5	Extra Firm: The highest level of support. You’ll find little to no conforming.	People with larger bodies or anyone who likes a firm sleeping surface

More Mattresses for Back Pain to Consider

We also tested the below mattresses for back pain, but they fell short of making our final recommendations:

• Winkbed Mattress: Available in four firmness levels—softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus—this mattress has a free 120-trial. However, it doesn’t isolate motion as well as others.
• Casper Original Foam Mattress: Casper’s signature mattress has a medium-firm feel, but we found it too soft for back pain and less supportive than the mattresses mentioned above.
• Purple RejuvenatePlus Mattress: We can’t deny the quality and luxurious feel of the RejuvenatePlus, but at 16 inches tall, it’s too bulky for certain bed frames and sheets.

What We’ve Updated

• We’ve updated our best overall pick. Our previous pick, the Casper Nova Hybrid, was a favorite of ours but was recently discontinued. We replaced this pick with the Saatva Rx, a recent pick from our ongoing mattress testing. The Saatva Rx scored a 5 out of 5 in all of our categories and was designed specifically for back and joint pain.
• We also removed another Casper pick—the Casper Wave Hybrid—after being discontinued by the manufacturer.

Your Questions, Answered

What type of mattress do doctors recommend for back pain?

According to Dr. Kelvas, a firmer mattress provides the most support to those with back pain. However, some may find that a memory foam mattress reduces pressure points and alleviates pain. She recommends considering your sleeping position and body weight when selecting, as these factors can influence the type of mattress that works best for you.

Is a harder or softer mattress better for back pain? 

Firm or medium-firm mattresses provide a more stable sleep surface and are usually superior to softer mattresses. The firmer surface aligns your spine and distributes weight more evenly, preventing pressure points that could cause pain. However, everyone’s sleep preferences are different. In-home trial periods allow you to purchase and test a mattress for several months before deciding if it’s right for you.

What kind of mattress is best for lower back and hip pain? 

Harris says firm mattresses offer better spinal alignment and weight distribution, while softer ones provide more body contouring and comfort. A medium to firm mattress is usually recommended for low back and hip pain since it is plush but not soft enough to disrupt alignment. If you need more time to determine which firmness is right for you, consider a dual-sided mattress to test different levels of support.

Who We Are

Lindsay Modglin is a nurse and journalist with several years of clinical experience. As a side sleeper with a history of lower back pain, she knows firsthand the importance of a quality mattress. Her byline has been featured in global publications like Forbes, Healthline, Insider, Yahoo, and more. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives.

This article was edited and updated by Jaylyn Pruitt

Jaylyn Pruitt is a commerce writer for Health who oversees sleep content. She has tested over 50 mattresses, helped to oversee mattress testing in our lab, and even toured a mattress factory to learn more about how mattresses go from raw materials to your bedroom.