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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
- Best overall mattress for back sleepers: Saatva Classic Mattress
- Best memory foam mattress for back sleepers: Loom & Leaf Mattress
- Best mattress for back sleepers with back pain: Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
- Best luxury mattress for back sleepers: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
- Best mattress for back sleepers on a budget: Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
- Best organic mattress for back sleepers: Avocado Green Mattress
- Best flippable mattress for back sleepers: Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Sleeping on your back means that all parts of your spine tend to stay in neutral alignment all night long. Basically, that means that sleeping on your back is good for your health!
In addition to the health benefits of sleeping on your back, using this position to get your Zzz’s means that a wide variety of mattress types will work for you.
Since there are so many variables and individual preferences, there’s no such thing as a one-size-all mattress. By keeping your sleeping position in mind and considering other factors, shopping for a mattress that’s right for your lifestyle and budget can be easy and even a little bit fun.
We picked seven of the best-in-class mattresses for back sleepers to get you started.
We tried to consider every question you might have when we put together this roundup of the best mattresses for back sleepers. Here are the criteria we used:
- Recommendations from health experts. We kept the science of a good night’s sleep front of mind. Studies on sleep hygiene were heavily weighed, as were the published opinions of experts.
- Customer-friendly policies. We looked for long warranties, extended sleep trials, and generous return policies, so you can feel your purchase is well protected.
- Awards and certifications. The mattresses selected meet or exceed industry standards for safety and environmental friendliness for their materials and manufacturing.
- Reviews and company reputation. We read through hundreds of customer reviews and ratings to ensure that the mattress companies live up to their claims and communicate with customers to make things right if something goes wrong.
Pricing guide
Price can be a mattress quality indicator, but there are lots of other things to consider. We believe that there’s a great mattress out there for every sleeper, no matter the budget. So, the mattresses on this list reflect several different price points.
Also, keep in mind that most mattress companies have sales, coupons, and deals that change all the time. We based our pricing guide on the market price of a queen-size mattress.
- $ = under $1,000
- $$ = $1,000–$1,500
- $$$ = over $1,500
Back sleepers may do best on a firmer mattress. While what’s “firm” and “soft” are subjective, the main goal is to support the spine in a way that doesn’t introduce strain.
If you sink too far into a mattress, it’s likely too soft for you. On the other hand, if you don’t sink in far enough, the mattress is likely too firm. Sleeping on a mattress that’s either too soft or too firm can encourage your spine to fall out of alignment.
Keep in mind that most mattresses will become softer with use and over time. If you’re a back sleeper, that means what’s cozy and body contouring today may sag and sink in 5 years.
Try mattresses in person if you can. Give any serious contenders at least 15 minutes of your time, lying down in your usual sleeping position.
Best overall mattress for back sleepers
Saatva Classic Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: innerspring
- Height: 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches
- Trial period: 180-night
- Warranty: 15-year
You can purchase the Saatva Classic Mattress in one of three different firmness levels. If you prefer a plush feel, you can add a 3-inch Euro pillow top to the mattress.
This mattress is made in the United States and uses CertiPUR-US certified foams and coils made from recycled steel, and a plant-based treatment to make it flame-resistant. In a design patented by Saatva, the coils work with the foam to support your spine so that your back stays aligned throughout the night. The mattress comes with three firmness levels and is also covered by a cotton pillow top for extra comfort.
The Saatva Classic Mattress isn’t cheap, but it’s also not wildly expensive.
Saatva offers complimentary white-glove delivery, a 180-night free trial, and a 15-year warranty with purchase. If you do return the mattress, Saatva asks for a $99 return fee to cover the cost of picking up the bed.
Pros
- supportive for people with back pain
- CertiPUR-us certified
- cooling materials help keep sleepers comfortable
Cons
- $99 dollar return fee
- may be too firm for some
Buy the Saatva Classic Mattress online.
Best memory foam mattress for back sleepers
Loom & Leaf Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Type: memory foam
- Height: 12 inches
- Trial period: 180-day
- Warranty: 15-year
The Loom & Leaf Mattress is an all-foam option, sporting three layers, including a gel-infused layer. You can also choose between two firmness levels when you buy. (Tip: If you have more weight, you may want to choose the firmer option).
The Loom & Leaf Mattress is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams and covered with an organic cotton outer cover. It’s treated with a nontoxic anti-microbial solution to make it less prone to mildew, mold, mites, and some pathogens.
This mattress includes free white-glove delivery, a 180-day sleep trial, and a 15-year limited warranty.
Pros
- back sleepers appreciate firm support
- antimicrobial materials help limit pests and bacteria
- cooling gel helps minimize overheating
Cons
- some find it too firm
- reviewers note mattress may initially emit a smell
- possible delivery delays
Buy the Loom & Leaf Mattress online.
Best mattress for back sleepers with back pain
Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Type: latex foam
- Trial period: 180-night
- Warranty: 20-year
- Height: 13 inches
If you have back pain, finding a bed that offers back support and spine alignment, while also feeling comfortable enough to sleep deeply on, is probably your top priority.
A
Latex beds tend to be on the expensive side, but they may be more durable than memory foam and are known to last a long time. The Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress includes a 180-night trial, free white-glove delivery, and a 20-year warranty.
The Zenhaven is also flippable, so you can choose between a medium-firm side or and a slightly less-firm side. However, the mattress is heavy, so you probably won’t be flipping it back and forth much.
Pros
- long lasting and durable
- free delivery and white-glove delivery
- both a medium and medium-firm side, so you can choose what works best for you
Cons
- expensive
- heavy, and may be difficult to move around once installed
Buy the Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress online.
Best luxury mattress for back sleepers
Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Type: hybrid
- Trial Period:100-night
- Warranty: 10-year
- Height: 13 inches
If bells and whistles are your thing, this mattress may be for you. The Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress consists of five different layers, all of which offer something different for back sleepers.
A top layer of memory foam provides cushion, with an additional layer of latex foam under that. (Presumably, the durable latex will prevent the top layer from sagging). There are two additional layers of foam that provide zoned support to your lower spine, and bouncy, wrapped springs in the bottom layer make it breathable and a bit more responsive.
Since this mattress is thicker than most, it might be a good option for back sleepers with more weight. While most reviewers love the Casper, some did end up returning it because they couldn’t justify the cost.
All the foams used in the Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress are CertiPUR-US certified. There’s free shipping, free returns, a 100-night trial, and a 10-year limited warranty.
Pros
- multiple layers for zoned lumbar support
- CertiPur-US certified
- breathable material to help keep you cool while you sleep
Cons
- may be too firm for people with less weight
- some dislike the feeling off memory foam
- expensive
Buy the Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress online.
Best mattress for back sleepers on a budget
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: memory foam
- Trial period: 100-night trial
- Warranty: 10-year
- Height: 12 inches
There are a few options for back sleepers looking for a mattress right around $1,000, but we like Tuft & Needle’s upgraded memory foam mattress: the Mint. This mattress was designed with couples in mind so it can support a variety of sleep styles.
It’s made of three different types of foam and includes all-natural antimicrobial protection in the cover to ward off odors and pathogens. While this mattress may be better suited to side sleepers, customers who tend towards back-sleeping claim they find this mattress to be supportive.
Sleeping on your back means that a mattress on the firmer side is likely the best choice for your body. But some reviewers note that this mattress is a bit firmer than they expected. If you try it and feel like it’s not going to work out, there’s a 100-night trial and free returns.
Pros
- designed for couples to help reduce motion transfer
- ceramic cooling gel helps minimize overheating
- free returns
Cons
- some might not like body-contouring feeling of memory foam
- somewhat limited trial period
- might not support people over 225 pounds
Buy the Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress Online.
Best organic mattress for back sleepers
Avocado Green Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: hybrid
- Trial period: 365-day
- Warranty:25-year
- Height: 11 inches or 13 inches
If you want an eco-friendly mattress, the Avocado Green Mattress can check off that box.
Certifications include Greenguard Gold, Madesafe, Formaldehyde-Free, and the Global Organic Standard. Avocado uses organic latex foam layered over steel coils to provide targeted cushion and support for your back. The mattress is covered by an organic wool cover. Wool has natural temperature-regulating properties.
You can also choose to add a pillow top to the mattress so that it’s thicker.
Avocado offers a 365-day trial and a 25-year warranty.
Pros
- organic materials limit exposure to chemicals
- wool fabric helps reduce over-heating
- can accommodate people of all weights
- long trial period
Cons
- may be too firm for some
- springs may cause motion transfer
Buy the Avocado Green Mattress online.
Best flippable mattress for back sleepers
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: memory foam
- Trial period: 120-day
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Height: 10 inches
Layla’s flagship product is a reasonably priced option if you’re looking for a simple memory foam mattress.
On both sides of the mattress is a layer of copper-infused memory foam. One layer is softer than the other, so you can choose the firmness level that you’re looking for. The mattress weighs 50 pounds, so flipping it may not be a huge deal if you have someone to help you.
The mattress’s copper infusion helps provide natural antimicrobial protection. All four types of foam in the mattress are CertiPUR-US certified.
This mattress also comes with a 120-day trial period and a lifetime limited warranty.
Pros
- option to choose between firmness levels on each side of the mattress
- copper infused material has antimicrobial properties
- relatively less expensive
Cons
- some may not like the “sinking in” feeling of memory foam
- may not work for people with more weight
Back sleeping is one of the healthiest sleeping positions and can be very helpful for those who have issues with their spinal alignment. Back sleeping not only promotes a healthy spine, but it can also help relieve hip and knee pain.
To further reinforce back sleeping benefits, you can place a pillow underneath your knees to slightly elevate them, which further improves spinal alignment.
Though sleeping on your back can be beneficial, it isn’t for everyone. If you have sleep apnea or trouble with snoring, sleeping on your back can make these issues worse. Back sleeping is also not recommended for those who are pregnant, according to a
Many factors go into what mattress may work for you, but for many back sleepers, a foam mattress that is medium firm may work best. Other types of mattresses for back sleepers to consider include:
Accessories that help back sleepers
For some back sleepers, choosing the right pillow makes all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep. Adding a pillow that offers good neck, back, and shoulder support, such as a medium-firm pillow, can help ease aches and pains in those areas.
| Saatva Classic Mattress | Loom & Leaf Mattress | Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress | Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress | Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress | Avocado Green Mattress | Layla Memory Foam Mattress | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$ |
| Type | innerspring | memory foam | latex foam | hybrid | memory foam | hybrid | memory foam |
| Height | 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches | 12 inches | 13 inches | 13 inches | 12 inches | 11 inches or 13 inches | 10 inches |
| Trial period | 180-night | 180-night | 180-night | 100-night | 100-night | 365-day | 120-day |
| Warranty | 15 years | 15 years | 20 years | 10 year | 10-year | 25-year | limited lifetime |
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about back sleeping.
Are plush or firm mattresses best for your back?
A mattress should support your spine to help it stay in a neutral alignment while you sleep. It’s best to avoid mattresses that are too soft or that don’t have ample support.
What’s the best hybrid mattress for back sleepers?
The Casper Hybrid Wave Mattress’ multiple layers of memory foam, latex, and springs are a customer favorite when it comes to back sleeping.
Why is back sleeping recommended?
Back sleeping is seen as an ideal way of sleeping because of the way the spine naturally aligns in this position. Back sleeping also helps avoid aggravating major pressure points that can lead to neck, shoulder, back, knee, and hip pains.
How can you start training to sleep on your back?
To sleep comfortably on your back, it’s important to have good support. You can try checking out one of the mattresses above to find one that suits your personal needs. You can also find a pillow that offers great support for your neck and one to go under your knees as you sleep.
Also, your arms and legs don’t have to rest stiffly at your side when you sleep on your back: You can position them in whatever way works for you.
Are there drawbacks to back sleeping?
Back sleeping can be problematic for those with sleep apnea, as it leaves the airways vulnerable to collapsing. A
Once you’ve narrowed down your dream list of mattress picks, choosing just one can start to feel a bit overwhelming.
There are a few simple rules of thumb you can follow when you’re mattress shopping.
Know your type
Mattress options seem unlimited, but there are only a few mattress types. The three main types are:
- memory foam or all foam (no coils or springs)
- innerspring (supported primarily by springs)
- hybrid (an innerspring mattress combined with layers of foam or textiles)
Before you make any big mattress choices, consider which of these types you prefer. Your preference will be influenced by your sleeping position and your body type.
Materials used
Be sure to research the materials used to produce a mattress. This can help you determine if it’ll be durable and compatible with your priorities.
Mattresses that really use organic materials typically have certifications to show that they meet the standards. You might also look to see if the mattress coils are made from recycled materials and if the foams used are CertiPUR-US certified.
Mattress performance
Identifying if a mattress lives up to its marketing is probably the step that takes the most legwork. You may need to browse independent review sites or discussion forums to find out if the mattress you’re eyeing offers good motion isolation, edge support, and temperature regulation.
Company policies
Look for mattresses that offer in-home trial periods of at least 100 days, preferably more. It can take your body about a month to adjust to sleeping on a new mattress, so keep that in mind. Before you buy, review what the warranty covers and what you have to do to return the mattress.
If you sleep on your back, you have a lot of options in terms of mattress selection.
Looking for a mattress that incorporates back support, durability, and high quality materials is a good place to start. Browse firmness options, and choose the mattress that’s as firm as possible yet still comfortable to sleep on.
If you have other preferences or lifestyle factors, such as back pain or sharing your bed with a partner, keep those in mind, too.
Jasmine Seales is an editor for the Healthline Media Update’s team, primarily focusing on market content. She graduated from Michigan State University’s School of Journalism in 2018, and went on to write, edit, and produce for a number of media publications and news outlets before joining Healthline in February 2021.
Kathryn Watson is a freelance writer covering everything from sleep hygiene to moral philosophy. Her recent bylines include Healthline, Christianity Today, LitHub, and Curbed. She lives in New York City with her husband and two children, and her website is kathrynswatson.com.