We Spent Two Years Testing Mattresses—These Are the Best for Back Pain
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A great mattress turns your bedtime routine into the best part of your day. But a subpar mattress will make you dread turning in. We all deserve somewhere to rest that eases our aches and pains. After over two years of testing, the editors of House Beautiful are ready to reveal the best mattresses for back pain on the market.
We spent at least six months sleeping on each mattress below, evaluating their firmness, support, and relief on the pressure points. Every editor has a different sleep need: couples prioritize motion isolation, while stomach sleepers need enough firmness to keep their spine aligned.
Now, you may be thinking that mattresses designed to aid in joint support are going to be extremely expensive, and we won't lie to you; some of the mattresses on our list are pricey (the most costly one is just over $3,000). However, three of our top picks are well under $1,000, so if you want to save while still looking out for your back, you've come to the right place. Otherwise, feel free to splurge because these luxury mattresses are well worth it. And most of our picks come with a lengthy trial period, so you can take your time making sure it's right for you.
Trust us; if you haven't been sleeping very well for more than a few weeks, your mattress may be to blame. Scroll through our list, read our honest thoughts on these mattresses, and add your favorite one to your cart.
Saatva Rx Mattress
Although Saatva's Rx mattress is "designed for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions," the comfort level creates a dream sleep experience for all. Just ask tester Katelyn Lunders , who is a firm believer in the mattress after sleeping comfortably night after night for the past two years.
"As a combination sleeper with sciatica, I have found the Rx incredibly supportive and comfortable, whether I sleep on my back or side," she says. "Thanks to the mattress's seven (yes, seven) layers, the firmness isn't one note, like my former memory foam mattress. What sets the Rx apart from other mattresses on the market is its additional layers of pressure-relieving support. The Rx offers more support in the center third of the mattress to help align your spine while you sleep and has a gel-infused memory foam layer to support your lower back. Each section of the mattress works together to relieve pressure points and create a feeling of being cradled, which I love.
I currently sleep alone, so I get out to sprawl out across my Rx, but when I have shared the bed, I have experienced no issues with the edge support. Unlike some mattresses that will roll you off as you attempt to get out of bed in the morning, the Saatva Rx holds steady, thanks to firm spring coils around the mattress's perimeter. The coils provide support without sacrificing comfort due to the layer of foam on top of them."
- Free and seamless white glove delivery
- 365-day mattress trial
- Lumbar support eases lower back pain
- Extra-tall mattress (15 inches) might require oversized bedding
Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
When you think of a mattress designed to soothe joint and back pain, you may picture a hefty price tag attached, but this Zinus find is the one exception. At only $230 (for a queen-size), this pick gets the job done for a fraction of the price. Just ask Lunders, who says, "I was personally so happy with my bed-in-a-box memory foam mattress that I told anyone who would listen to buy one, including my own family, who share my love of a good deal." As for the back pain component, a firm mattress will do wonders, and Lunders notes that this mattress is definitely not soft. "I slept on my Zinus mattress for five years, and it never sagged. If anything, it became more comfortable with time," she adds.
One more thing about the pressure relief component: Zinus enlisted its patented zoned pressure relief technology designed to help reduce even the smallest aches and pains that may arise throughout the night.
- Green tea and charcoal-infused for odor prevention
- Very affordable price point
- Firm enough to provide support
- No trial period
Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress
Not everyone has the budget for a luxury mattress that costs thousands of dollars, so if you want an under-$500 mattress that is supportive and holds up well over time, check out contributing writer Kelsey Mulvey 's pick.
"As far as I'm concerned, Allswell's Luxe Hybrid Mattress offers the best bang for your buck," Mulvey says. "I mean, the King mattress I have costs under $500! It's sometimes hard to find bedding for that price point! Layers of foam—think a copper-infused memory foam and a shock-absorbing high-density support foam—are paired with an eight-inch coil unit to create the perfect medium-firm base. It's soft and cloud-like yet provides the right amount of structure, which my husband and I really appreciate."
"We first got this mattress back in 2019, and it has endured a pandemic, a move, an engagement, and many lazy nights watching movies in bed. While we have experimented with different mattress pads and bed frames, this pick has stayed in tip-top shape and has no obvious sags or dips."
- Cozy, quilted top layer
- Maintained its firmness over seven years
- Affordable price point
- Might be firmer than you expect
Leesa Sapira Hybrid 11" Mattress
Tester Samantha Jones was waking up with shoulder and back pain most mornings. But when she tested out the cooling Leesa Sapira Hybrid mattress, that changed.
"Its squishy memory foam layers on top provide a sink-in feeling like you're climbing into a bed at a luxury hotel," Jones says. "The individually wrapped coils below did their job of providing support for my hips, shoulders, and back, making the bed comfy yet not like quicksand. Notoriously someone who tosses and turns for hours before falling asleep, I've actually found that I drift off to sleep faster on the Sapira Hybrid than my previous, firmer mattress model."
"I have been waking up with significantly less back pain on the Sapira Hybrid. As an avid runner, I'm accustomed to waking up with tight muscles after a workout. But because the individually wrapped coils contour to my body and provide adequate support for my hips at night, I've noticed less lower back pain and stiffness. The same is true for my shoulder pain: The balance of squish and support has helped eliminate shoulder discomfort."
- Bed feels cool to the touch for hot sleepers
- Excellent motion isolation
- Individually wrapped coils provide contoured support at pressure points
- Little edge support
Naturepedic EOS Classic Customizable Organic Mattress
Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao's customizable Naturepedic mattress allowed her to build a bespoke sleep routine. "I initially slept on the cushion-firm layers and liked them, but after a few weeks, I noticed they didn't feel as comfy, especially when my sciatica flared up," Liao says. "The layers suddenly felt too soft for me. Naturepedic offers a 100-night sleep trial, which gives you ample time to test the mattress thoroughly. I switched my layers for the 'extra firm' option and immediately liked their feel much better."
"The mattress feels soft when you're lying on it, and though you might intuitively think this means you'll wake up with an achy back, that hasn't been my experience. The layers ensure you feel supported from the top of your head to your neck, spine, and even hips. I'll also add that this mattress has a 12-inch height, so it is taller than my old mattress, which makes me feel elevated off the ground and like I'm sleeping on a cloud."
- Two isolated mattress layers great for couples with different needs
- Made with certified organic materials
- 100-night sleep trial to address any concerns
- Too heavy to move on its own
Stearns & Foster Estate Mattress
As a stomach sleeper, Social Media Editor Bianca Bonetti is used to waking up with back pain. She sleeps comfortably since switching to the pillow-top Estate , and to her, it feels like every pressure point is supported.
"Considering I sleep in a position that is bad for my back, it's kind of a miracle that I haven't woken up with soreness since sleeping on the Estate mattress," Bonetti says. "Unless it's the day after a tough workout. I was hoping to get the best of both worlds by still feeling cocooned and like I'm sleeping on a cloud, but looking out for the health of my back and posture," Bonetti says. "I love that I get the low back support I need without sinking into the mattress. I do think I would have purchased a medium pillow top if it had been an option for the full size, but I was pleasantly surprised by my love for a firm mattress."
- Pressure point support throughout the mattress
- Pillow top for cushioned feel
- Elegant hand-sewn pattern
- Tufted cover takes some getting used to
Casper Dream Hybrid Mattress
Shopping Editor Jessica Dukes is pretty picky about her bed and bedding. Comfort and support have to come first, as she has sciatica that doesn't respond well to poofy mattresses. So the Casper Dream was her ideal switch.
"Night after night, I have found this mattress to be extremely comfortable ," Dukes says. "I also didn't notice too much of a difference between how it felt the first night and how it feels several weeks in, so if you don't want to wait up to 48 hours to start using it, I think that's okay. Despite my back issues, the medium firmness of the memory foam is a delight, which is high praise considering how picky I am. The mattress gives me a slight 'sinking in' feeling, but it's supportive at the same time. The result is balanced comfort, and whether I fall asleep on my side or back, I wake up with zero back pain. As for my husband's tossing and turning, I barely feel him move, as those coils do a great job of minimizing the effects."
- Soft yet supportive for side sleepers
- Even temperature regulation
- Reduces motion from other sleepers
- Not much edge support due to rounded memory foam top
Purple RestorePremier Mattress
If you've ever seen a video of someone dropping an uncooked egg onto a purple grid and being amazed that the egg didn't immediately explode, you're familiar with the mattress brand Purple. That famous purple grid lives beneath the surface of most of its products, as it's the backbone (pun intended) of its creations. The grid in question is what gives you that cradled support ideal for anyone who likes a little extra TLC on their backs. "Given that I weigh much more than an egg, I was skeptical. But after a year of sleeping on the mattress, I'm officially a convert," says Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie .
"Just above the supportive coils is the purple GelFlex grid, the feature Purple is best known for. The Premier has the thickest grid, so it gives the softest hold," McKenzie adds. "It's the first mattress I've tested that lives up to its promise to cradle me. Plus, the isolated coils provide pinpoint relief, almost like the mattress can sense where I need extra support and deliver it." With Purple, you don't really have to settle for a firm mattress (if that's not your thing) to protect your back.
- Individual coils and grid provide airflow for a cooler sleep
- No tufting—sheets look neater on the bed
- Precision pressure point relief
- You can feel the grid, which takes some getting used to
Nectar Gel Memory Foam Mattress
There may not be white-glove delivery involved for the Nectar mattress, which comes in a box and unrolls in 24 hours for you to sleep on, but it feels just as nice as some of the other luxury models on the market. "I grew up sleeping on rock-hard mattresses, so I felt dubious about foam options, thinking they would feel too soft and hurt my back. My Nectar has completely changed my mind about this. Now I can't even go back to sleeping on the surfaces I've previously slept on," Liao says. Nectar offers its mattress in three different tiers with various features: Nectar, Nectar Premier, and Nectar Premier Cooper, which you can read all about on the website . For a brief overview, though, the models differ in height and offer relief for different types of sleepers.
"We opted for just the Nectar in a queen size, which is a 12-inch mattress with cooling capabilities," Liao says. "I would love to take credit for finding the mattress, but it was actually my husband who bought it six years ago while we were still dating for his apartment. I asked him why he bought it, and he said, 'It had good reviews on Reddit or something. I don't remember, but I love it.' I have to concur because it does check the boxes that are important to us, which are comfort and support, as both of us have sciatica.
The mattress is indeed medium-firm, and even after countless nights of rest, it has maintained this feel. When we get up to use the bathroom at night, neither of us feels the other waking up, which speaks to the multiple layers of the Nectar that minimize motion transfer. Both of us have experienced periodic night sweats on this mattress (when our AC breaks or when we're stressed about work), so it's not as cooling as the description says, but with the right sheets (linen!)
, it does feel cooler. However, if you run extra hot, you may want to upgrade to the Nectar Premier Copper, which has triple-action
cooling power.
I really love my Nectar, and when it comes time to change it, I'll just buy a Nectar again. In fact, several people who have slept on this bed actually ended up purchasing it right after, including my husband's cousin, who was then pregnant with her third child. She immediately bought it for her and her husband after napping on it!"
How We Selected the Most Comfortable Mattresses
As you might've guessed, the phrase "most comfortable" is subjective when you're talking about a mattress. We all have different sleep preferences , so there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to shopping for one. In order to know which mattresses are actually comfy and which are not, we started by asking our in-house experts: House Beautiful's very own editors. Many of us test beds for a living (it's part of our jobs), so we only recommend the ones we truly stand by. Of course, in our research, some editors candidly said they don't like their mattresses, so you won't find those named on our best-of list.
After we had our pool of editors who love their mattresses, we made sure everyone had slept on theirs for at least six months. You can only tell if the mattress is truly comfortable over a period of time by sleeping on it every day, which is why plenty of the brands on our list have long sleep trial periods. Additionally, you can rest assured that everyone on the House Beautiful team has different sleeping habits, which translates nicely to a well-rounded curation. You'll find comfortable mattresses for those with back pain, comfortable mattresses for side sleepers, and even comfortable mattresses for the whole family (pets included!). Every editor also provided pros and cons for their mattresses, so you have all the details to make the most informed purchase decision.
What to Look for in the Most Comfortable Mattress
There are several qualities to take note of when you're shopping for a comfortable mattress. They are:
Mattress Type:You will notice that the mattresses on our list are either foam or a hybrid. Foam mattresses are made of memory foam and other layers of foam without any springs or internal structures. Meanwhile, hybrid mattresses typically have coils or an innerspring along with a comfortable layer on top. This layer can be made from various materials, from polyfoam or latex to memory foam. One type isn't better than the other since personal preference will play a role here.
Memory foam is known for conforming to your body's shape and cradling you while providing support. You don't have to worry about squeaky springs (there are none), and the dense foam layers make it hypoallergenic because dust and mites will find it hard to penetrate the deep layers. Some drawbacks of memory foam, though, include trapping heat while you sleep and less edge support. This means you sink in if you sit on the edge of the mattress since memory foam doesn't have coils for support.
On the flip side, since a hybrid has a coil support system, it will feel sturdy and supportive. There's less chance of your mattress sagging over time, and hybrids can support heavier weights. The coils, too, allow for more airflow, so your mattress holds in less heat. Some downsides to hybrids: they are often more expensive than foam mattresses, and they are usually heavier to maneuver.
Firmness:Everyone has a different tolerance for firmness; some prefer a softer feel, while others like a rock-hard mattress. Firmness is calculated by how far one sinks into a mattress. And remember: firmness does not equate to support. The latter is determined by how the mattress helps a sleeper maintain spinal alignment. So, you can have a firm bed but not have it be supportive for your back. To test for support in person, lie on the mattress for at least 10 to 15 minutes—the mattress should push back slightly to support your body. You will know if the mattress supports your body or not after sleeping on it for a few nights. If you get aches and pains anywhere, that means the mattress is not supportive.
Temperature Regulation:If you're a hot sleeper , you know how important it is to find a mattress that is more cooling, which often comes in the form of a hybrid model. (The coils don't trap as much heat as multiple layers of an all-foam mattress.) Look for a mattress with elements like a breathable cover made of cotton or natural latex that regulates body temperature. Mattresses with gel-infused memory foam are also good indicators that they'll cool you as you sleep.
Motion Isolation:If you sleep alone, this probably isn't important to you, but if you sleep with a partner or pet, pay attention to this category. A mattress that can reduce motion transfer will help you get a good night's rest, whether your partner is getting out of bed early for a workout (and you want to sleep in) or your pet is jumping on/off the bed throughout the night. All the picks on our list have excellent motion isolation, but a simple test you can do at home is to put a cup of water on the bed. Press your hands down on one side or even dramatically plop onto the bed—if the glass of water doesn't spill or the liquid barely moves in the cup, the mattress has good motion isolation.
Trial Period:Almost all mattress brands will offer a lengthy trial period for testing out your new piece. You can't sleep on a mattress for a week and expect it to still feel the same months down the line! We love brands that offer a year-long trial, but chances are, when you buy a mattress and it works, you likely won't go through the hassle of returning it (unless it is really terrible!). Make sure to check the return policy and how to return your mattress if needed, as this can affect whether or not you want to buy it.
What to Consider When Buying the Most Comfortable Mattress
Don't forget these personal preferences when shopping for a mattress. They will play a role in what you end up buying.
Budget:When buying any big piece of furniture, price is always a concern . You may not have the budget to spend thousands of dollars on a comfy mattress, but that doesn't mean you should sacrifice your sleep for a more inferior model. Thankfully, our editors all had different budgeting constraints in mind when buying mattresses, so our list contains comfy mattresses that give you the most for your buck to more luxurious options that make you feel like you're staying at a five-star hotel. You can find a quality and supportive mattress for under $500!
Sleeping Position:Now that you're familiar with the different types of mattresses, what is your sleep position? If you're a side sleeper, for instance, memory foam and hybrids are good for pressure-relieving comfort. If you're a heavier sleeper, you may want to opt for a hybrid since the coils will provide more support. If you like your mattress to feel very stiff, then an all-foam option may not be the best for you. Stomach sleepers, like one of our editors, will need medium-firm to firm support, which foam and hybrid will provide. We highlighted the comfiest mattresses for the different types of sleepers above, but again, you won't know until you try one out for yourself. Make sure to read through our notes and the product description, as a good brand will note whether or not this is good for all types of sleeping positions or just caters to one.
Body Type:Similar to how your height affects the type of mattress you buy (you don't want your feet dangling off!), your weight will also factor in the purchase decision. Sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or less can handle a softer mattress because they don't sink too deep into the mattress. If you weigh between 130 and 230 pounds, go for a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress. For those who weigh more than 230 pounds, a firmer mattress with extra support is ideal.
How to Pick the Most Comfortable Mattresses for Pain
Chances are, if you're looking for a comfortable mattress, it's because you've been sleeping on a mattress that gives you back pain, or you have a pre-existing condition that makes picking a mattress trickier. Here, we break down what to look for if you have:
Back pain:Look for a mattress with a medium-firm to firm surface. Studies show that this might effectively reduce back pain in individuals. Mattresses like the ones from Saatva even spotlight that they're good for people with back pain and are chiropractor-approved. Look for these types of callouts in your mattress as you shop.
Hip pain:The best mattresses for hip pain offer firm lumbar support with gentle pressure relief. The mattresses should have a supportive edge and be high enough to allow your hips to remain above your knees when you're sitting on them. Memory foam is often good for hip pain as it contours to your body, but keep in mind that if you're a stomach or back sleeper with hip pain, this material might allow too much sinkage, and your spine won't be properly aligned—going with a hybrid model then is more beneficial.
Shoulder pain:For people with shoulder pain, we didn't forget about you! Look for memory foam or latex mattresses that will provide pressure relief and support as they contour to your body the best. In particular, if you're a side sleeper with shoulder pain , opt for a softer mattress vs. a firmer one. Also, consider switching out your pillow , as the wrong one will misalign your spine, causing both neck and shoulder pain. Shop our best pillows for neck pains .
Why Trust House Beautiful?
House Beautiful editors are experts in all things bedding, from having written about the softest sheets to reviewing the most luxurious mattresses . Our editors have tested and thoroughly reviewed popular mattresses from the likes of Nolah , Saatva , Purple , and more, plus traded notes with one another so we can recommend the best options to readers. For this story on comfortable mattresses, since the topic is entirely dependent on personal preferences, we asked our fellow editors for their top-rated picks that they themselves own and have slept on for months to years at a time. There is no better indicator that a mattress is comfortable if you've had it for a long time, and it helps alleviate any pain! We spent over a week making sure the list was packed with a variety of brands and mattress types so readers could find the one that most closely matches their own personal preferences. Every mattress on this list is thoroughly vetted by the team.
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