The position you sleep in says a lot about you—particularly if you favor sleeping on your back. This common sleeping position provides additional support to the head, neck and spine, making it a great option for anyone who is looking for some relief for neck pain or heartburn. But it’s not always ideal for people who deal with lower back pain, as the wrong mattress could make it worse.
Rest assured, we’ve got you covered with the best mattresses for back sleepers. To find the best mattresses for back sleepers, we analyzed data on more than 650 mattress options and ranked them in terms of price, firmness, their try-and-return policies and more. See which mattresses made the list.
Note: This ranking focuses exclusively on queen size mattresses. Prices are accurate as of the publication and the availability of mattresses are subject to change.
Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress
Price: $561.75 | Type: Hybrid | Sleep trial length: 120 nights
Linenspa 10-Inch Latex Hybrid Mattress
Price: $299.99 | Type: Hybrid | Sleep trial length: 30 nights
Casper Element Mattress
Price: $695.00 | Type: Foam | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Allswell The Brick Mattress
Price: $699.00 | Type: Hybrid | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Price: $799.00 | Type: Foam | Sleep trial length: 365 nights
Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress
Price: $799.00 | Type: Foam | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Signature Design by Ashley Chime 12-Inch Plush Hybrid Mattress
Price: $305.99 | Type: Hybrid | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Bear Pro Mattress
Price: $1,026.00 | Type: Foam | Sleep trial length: 120 nights
Novilla Bliss 10-Inch Memory Foam Mattress
Price: $388.00 | Type: Foam | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Novilla 10-Inch Serenity Hybrid Mattress
Price: $367.00 | Type: Hybrid | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Methodology
To determine the best mattresses for back sleepers, we analyzed data on more than 650 mattress options, ranking them in terms of:
- Price
- Firmness
- Free shipping availability
- Free returns availability
- Sleep trial availability and length
- Warranty length and details
- Pillow top option availability
- The brand’s reputation in the industry
For this ranking, we prioritized mattresses that were between a 6 and 6.5 firmness level and focused exclusively on queen-size mattresses. Star ratings were determined solely by our editorial team.
What Makes a Mattress Good for Back Sleepers?
Back sleepers need specific features in their mattress. Back sleepers should look for a mattress that provides support for the spine and keeps in mind their back alignment. Additional support around the hips and shoulders is ideal to make sure you stay sturdy and aligned. Most back sleepers benefit from a medium-firm to firm mattress, with a firmness rating between 6 to 7. Some may prefer a softer top, but a firm base is key when looking for a mattress for back sleepers.
What to Consider in a Mattress for Back Sleepers
Mattresses for back sleepers tend to be firmer and offer more support, particularly around common pain points like the neck, shoulders and hips. These mattresses may be great options for anyone who needs additional support in these areas, or prefers a firm mattress that contours to the spine and limits both weight transfer and movement. If you primarily sleep on your back, sleep on your side and back or sleep with a partner and need a firm base that supports both of you, a mattress for back sleepers would suit your bedroom.
If you tend to sleep on your back and are in the market for a new mattress, you should consider the firmness first and foremost. A medium-firm to firm mattress could be ideal for most back sleepers. You will also want to consider the level of support that is provided by the mattress, particularly for spine alignment. Foam and hybrid mattresses often fall into this category, though some foam mattresses can run less firm and may not be best for those who spend the night sleeping on their back. Coils found in hybrid beds can also provide additional support for those who need it.