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A quick look at the best mattresses for lower back pain
If you’ve been dealing with achy mornings and think your mattress may be the culprit, read on. We’ll help you narrow down your shopping list with these 11 best mattresses for lower back pain. While sleeping on a good mattress is one way to help you get a better night’s sleep, a bad one can lead to a seriously sore lower back in the morning. It all comes down to support and alignment. Mattress materialsA mattress is a big purchase and should last you several years. That said, it might have been a while since you bought a new one, and the lingo can be a little confusing. The main types of mattresses you’ll see on the market are:
How we chose the best mattresses for lower back painA2015 studysuggests that medium-firm, self-adjustable mattresses are effective for promoting comfort, so we looked for those in creating our list. We also considered:
Why you can trust usHealthline checks the quality and safety of the products in our lists on multiple levels, considering industry standards, customer reviews, and other factors. We check and update product reviews regularly to make sure we’re using the most up-to-date information and customer feedback. Read more about our selection and vetting process. Pricing guidePrices on our list are based on a queen-size mattress.
Healthline’s picks for the best mattresses for lower back painBest mattress for multiposition sleepers with lower back painThe DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress
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Sleepers who go from their side to their stomach to their back can end up with low back pain if the mattress doesn’t adapt to their changing sleep shape. The DreamCloud mattress features gel memory foam and individually wrapped coils. Together, they gently contour to your body and eliminate pressure point pain to keep your body properly supported, no matter how you’re sleeping. DreamCloud comes with a full 365-night trial, and the mattress is guaranteed for life. Buy The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress online. Best mattress for side sleepers with lower back painHelix Midnight Luxe
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Helix made our list again with its Midnight Luxe mattress, which offers relief to side sleepers experiencing low back pain. Layers of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam are designed to provide pressure relief in the hips and shoulders and proper spinal alignment. Zoned lumbar support coils offer additional cradling and comfort right where you need them. With an added pillow top, this mattress offers plush comfort and overall medium firmness. You can try the mattress at home for 100 nights. It ships free in the United States and has a 15-year warranty. Buy the Helix Midnight Luxe online. Best mattress for people with more weight and lower back painHelix Plus
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Designed with an additional support layer and the highest density foam, this mattress is made for comfort and support. A unique combination of memory foams, plus oversized wrapped coils with a reinforced perimeter, offer superior pressure relief and cradling for people with more weight. This mattress leans toward the firm side of support with an ultra-breathable cover for cooler sleep. It’s made in the United States with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified materials. Helix has a 100-night sleep trial, free U.S. shipping, and a 15-year warranty. Buy the Helix Plus online. Best mattress for lower back pain and sciaticaPuffy Mattress
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Like back pain, sciatic pain may benefit from a medium-firm mattress that supports the spine. The Puffy Mattress offers firm core support with thick layers of cushioning foam that cradle the body and keep your spine aligned, even as you move throughout the night. The mattress is backed with a lifetime warranty, and you can test it out at home with a 101-night trial. Buy the Puffy Mattress online. Best adjustable mattress for lower back painSaatva Solaire Mattress
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With 50 firmness options, the Saatva Solaire Mattress means truly personalized comfort. The mattress has 5 layers, including the quilted surface and a layer with dual air chambers that feature individual controls that allow you and your partner to choose your level of support on any given night. A latex layer with five zones also offers support in the lumbar region. Saatva offers a 365-night trial and free white-glove delivery, which includes removal of your old mattress. The Solaire also comes with a 25-year warranty. Buy the Saatva Solaire Mattress online. Best mattress for stomach sleepers with lower back painSaatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
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Stomach sleepers need a mattress that offers adequate spinal support and even weight distribution. With a choice of relaxed firm or firm, Saatva’s Loom & Leaf Mattress is made with layers of high-density CertiPUR-US foam for contouring and pressure relief. A breathable gel cooling layer is concentrated in the lumbar region for maximum spinal support. The Loom & Leaf Mattress has a 180-night home trial, a 15-year warranty, and free white-glove delivery service. Buy the Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress online. Best cooling mattress for hot sleepers with lower back painBirch Natural Mattress
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If you deal with dual issues of sweaty sleep and lower back pain, consider the nontoxic Birch mattress. It’s made with natural materials like organic cotton, organic wool, and OEKO-TEX, eco-INSTITUT, and Rainforest Alliance certified latex for maximum breathability and support. The mattress offers superior airflow and temperature regulation, plus pressure relief and contouring, thanks to a mix of foam layers and individually wrapped coils. Birch offers a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping, and a 25-year warranty. Buy the Birch Natural Mattress online. Best mattress for lower back and neck painCasper Original Hybrid Mattress
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Casper’s Original Hybrid Mattress has medium firmness, with three zones of targeted support to keep your spine aligned. Softer CertiPUR-US certified foam around the shoulders cradles the upper body, while firmer foam supports the hips, waist, and lower back. A layer of springs adds support. The mattress comes with a 100-night trial, free shipping and returns, and a 10-year limited warranty. Buy the Casper Original Hybrid Mattress online. Best hybrid mattress for lower back painAmerisleep AS2 Hybrid Mattress
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Amerisleep’s AS2 Hybrid mattress combines the pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam with the support of pocketed coils. The result is a medium-firm mattress that contours to your body and relieves pain-causing pressure points. The company says its proprietary memory foam is more responsive than traditional foam, so you don’t get that “stuck” sensation if you tend to roll around while you sleep. The mattress comes with a 100-night trial period and free shipping and returns. It also has a 20-year warranty. Buy the Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid Mattress online. Best latex mattress for lower back painNolah Natural 11”
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With responsive latex layers and zoned support coils, the Nolah Natural mattress is made to support and cushion the spine. According to Nolah, Talalay latex has 33 percent more pressure relief than other types of latex. Latex also has a more buoyant feel, so if you don’t like the sinking-in sensation of memory foam, this is a good option. The company offers a 120-night trial, with free shipping. Plus, the mattress has a lifetime warranty. Buy the Nolah Natural mattress online. Best mattress for lower back pain under $900Molecule 1
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The Molecule 1 mattress was designed as a recovery-focused mattress with temperature-regulating, spine-aligning benefits, and an affordable price tag. The mattress is made with a proprietary, CertiPUR-US certified foam for excellent pressure relief, a heat and moisture-wicking cover, and a seven-inch layer of firm support to encourage healthy spine alignment. A contoured layer also offers self-adjusting support, and the mattress as a whole is a 6 on the firmness scale. That makes it particularly suited to people with lower back pain and who are on a budget. Molecule has a generous 365-night home trial, with free shipping and returns. Buy the Molecule 1 mattress online. Quick comparison of best mattresses for lower back painMattressTypeFirmnessPriceWarrantyHelix Midnight Luxehybridmedium$$$15 yearsHelix Plushybridmedium firm$$$15 yearsSaatva Solaire Mattressadjustable airadjustable$$$25 yearsSaatva Loom & Leaf Mattressmemory foamrelaxed firm, firm$$$15 yearsThe DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattresshybridluxury medium$$lifetimeBirch Natural Mattresshybridmedium firm$$25 yearsCasper Original Hybrid Mattresshybridmedium$10 yearsAmerisleep AS2 Hybrid Mattresshybridmedium firm$20 yearsPuffy Mattressfoammedium firm$$lifetimeNolah Natural 11″latex hybridmedium$$lifetimeMolecule 1foammedium$lifetime Healthline Reviews: Best mattresses for back painHow does lower back pain affect sleep?Lower back pain takes a toll on people whether they’re awake or trying to sleep. A2018 studyfound that people with chronic low back pain often also experience sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. And their quality of life can lessen because of both. This may happen because of several factors:
What type of mattress is best for lower back pain?If you’re dealing with lower back pain, the right mattress can make a big difference. “A mattress that doesn’t hold up our body will cause pain in the lower back,” explains Dr. Lynelle McSweeney, a chiropractor in Reno, Nevada. “We need support to keep our joints from going into a stress point, which puts pressure on nerves and strains the muscles.” Firmness optionsIn general, hybrid or innerspring mattresses will offer more support than all-foam options, which may be too soft. The manufacturer’s firmness rating can also help you zero in on a supportive option. These ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Medium-firm mattresses, which have a rating of 7 to 8, are typically recommended for lower back pain. Sleeping positionsKeep in mind that the firmness of a mattress will depend on a few different factors, including your preferred sleeping position, your body size and weight, and whether you share your bed with a partner or pet. Personal preference plays a role too. Other things to considerThere is no single “right” mattress for everyone, but there are certain considerations when you’re dealing with lower back pain:
Make a point of checking reviews so you can see what previous purchasers have to say about any mattresses you’re considering. Comfort is highly individual, so take advantage of the free in-home trials that manufacturers offer when they’re available to find a mattress that balances enough support for your lower back with overall comfort. Check the return policy and warranty, too. What are the best sleeping positions for lower back pain?“Sleeping on your back is generally considered best for the body,” says McSweeney. “But supporting your body in your preferred sleep position can also work. Getting sleep is the most important thing for your health and well-being.” Whatever your preferred sleeping position, here are a few tricks that can help minimize lower back pain:
When to contact a doctor about lower back painIf lower back pain is interfering with your ability to get a good night’s sleep, and the problem is persisting, it’s time to see a doctor. The same is true if your lower back pain is making daily activities difficult, or if you’d characterize it as severe. Some types of back pain are associated with other symptoms, like pain that extends into other body parts, tingling or numbness, or a fever. These can be signs of nerve irritation or infection, and it’s important to see a doctor for more information. If you suspect that your mattress is to blame, your doctor may be able to offer recommendations for better sleep positions to help. How else can you make your mattress more comfortable?If you aren’t able to buy a brand-new mattress, there are other things you can try to help alleviate lower back pain. Try a mattress topperMattress toppers can offer a budget-friendly way to offer specific benefits, including relief from low back pain. If you suspect your mattress is contributing to your lower back pain, a good mattress topper is one way to test your theory. Try putting your mattress on the floorSupport is critical for proper spinal alignment. You can try putting your mattress on the floor to see if a firmer mattress would be a better fit for you. It’s an easy way to check whether a firmer mattress will help alleviate your lower back pain. Try putting a piece of plywood under your mattressIf moving your mattress to the floor isn’t an option, try sliding a piece of sturdy plywood between your mattress and your box spring or bed frame. This will help minimize movement and increase support. Try an adjustable bed baseAn inclined sleeping position may offer more relief from lower back pain than a flat sleeping surface. Swapping your standard base for an adjustable version gives you the option of elevating your upper body to alleviate lower back pain. Use pillowsIf you can’t invest in an adjustable bed base, a wedge pillow or a body pillow may help you adjust your positioning. Frequently asked questionsCan a mattress cause lower back pain?Yes. A mattress that’s too soft, without enough spinal support, will cause pressure and pain in the lower back. But a mattress that’s too firm can also create lower back pain by not allowing enough “give” to pressure points, causing misalignment. Can replacing your mattress improve lower back pain?Yes. If your mattress isn’t offering enough support because it’s too soft or too old, swapping your mattress for a medium-firm option can help improve lower back pain. You can also try moving the mattress to the floor, using plywood beneath the mattress, or adding a supportive mattress topper designed to alleviate back pain. What style of mattress is best for lower back pain?Medium-firm, adjustable mattresses are most effective for minimizing lower back pain. Look for hybrid or innerspring models with zoned support that offer greater firmness in the lumbar region. What style of mattress is worst for lower back pain?Mattresses that are excessively soft or overly firm will worsen lower back pain. All-foam options that lack zoned support may not be a good choice if you’re already dealing with lower back pain. Takeaway Many people experience lower back pain. A mattress that does not offer enough support can make it worse, no matter how you sleep. Consider looking for a mattress that offers medium-firm support with layers of foam or a hybrid system, and always opt for a company that has a generous in-home trial period. Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com. Who is the best mattress for lower back pain?The Best Mattresses For Upper and Lower Back Pain. Best Overall. DreamCloud Mattress. SHOP NOW. ... . Best Value. Nectar Mattress. SHOP NOW. ... . Most Comfortable. WinkBed. ... . Best Lumbar Support. Saatva Classic. ... . Best Luxury. Birch Luxe. ... . Best for Side Sleepers. Layla Hybrid. ... . Best for Couples. Bear Hybrid. ... . Best for Spinal Alignment. Nolah Evolution 15.. Is Hybrid good for back pain?If you're looking for a good mattress for back pain, a hybrid mattress is a great choice. A hybrid mattress is good for back pain because it combines multiple materials to create an end product that has virtually no weaknesses.
What are the negatives to a hybrid mattress?Here are a few downsides to a hybrid mattress:. Lower quality motion isolation. Models with innerspring coils won't isolate movement as well as those with pocketed coils.. Expensive. The higher cost is a drawback but may also get you more support and better durability.. Is it better to get a foam or hybrid mattress?Hybrid Mattresses are More Supportive
Coils add a level of support so they can handle heavier weights than a memory foam mattress. They also offer more support for back sleepers and are some of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
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