4 Best Mattresses for Back Pain based on consumer ratings, reports and personal experience

Best for All Weight Categories — Winkbeds

The next mattress that could help with back pain is the Winkbed. Not only does it feature a special lumbar area to guarantee proper spinal alignment, but it also comes in 4 firmness variations. This mattress would work for any sleeper out there, regardless of their weight or favorite sleeping position.

There’s even an extra-firm option (Winkbed Plus) that can deliver optimal support for heavier sleepers (over 230 pounds) without budging.

The Winkbed uses a system of individually encased coils for targeted support. There’s also an extra layer of smaller coils for even more precision. Such construction allows heavier body parts to sink in and compress the individual coils while the rest of the system retains its shape and delivers reliable support to the body. The Winkbed promotes even weight distribution and can reduce pressure from the spine, keeping it neutral, rested, and pain-free during the night.

Read our full Winkbed mattress review for more information.

Our Methodology - Why I Picked These Mattresses

I always choose mattresses that may help with back pain based on their spinal and lumbar support, and their ability the relieve pressure.

In my review methodology, I test spinal support by lying on my back, seeing how well my hips are aligned and if my muscles relax. This gives me a good idea of whether the mattress will be good for spinal relief. I also check the sinkage, measure how much my upper and lower body parts compress the mattress, and rate how much the conformity contributes to overall pressure relief. My hands-on experience and knowledge of mattresses help me choose the best mattresses that may help with back pain, and I share a few methodology tips at the end of the article so you can find the best mattress yourself.

What Causes Back Pain (And Could It Be Your Mattress?)

The reason behind back pain can hide in countless aspects, including even “innocent” day-to-day occurrences. Let’s take a look at the most common factors that may cause back pain to understand why you might experience it:

• Your mattress. Yes, a mattress can cause or worsen back pain if it’s unsupportive, overly soft for your sleeping position or body type, overly firm, old, lumpy, or saggy. In any of these scenarios, a mattress would not be able to keep your spine properly aligned (in a neutral state) and support it correctly. This can lead to unnatural (and unhealthy) curves in your back, tension build-up in some of its parts, and back pain (sometimes chronic).
• Sprains, strains, or injuries (may be caused by overworking the back muscles, falling, playing sports, car accidents, etc.) (1).
• Arthritis (2). Arthritis can affect different parts of one’s body, including the back.
• Age-related changes in the spine (3). They may involve disc degeneration, tissue alterations, muscle changes, joint stiffness, etc.
• Nerve and spinal cord issues and diseases. Those might include spinal stenosis, sciatica, osteoporosis, herniated (or ruptured) discs, nerve inflammation, and so on.
• Lack of exercise. Weak back muscles (and also the abdomen muscles) don’t provide enough support for the spine, which can cause back pain (4).
• Spinal irregularities. Back pain can also be caused by more serious congenital issues, such as scoliosis or another spinal irregularity.

Also Read: Best Mattress Topper for Lower Back Pain Relief

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What Is the Best Mattress Type for Back Pain?

When looking for the best mattress for back pain, shoppers need to remember that each type has its unique feel. The trick is to find something that would suit your particular needs and preferences.

So, here are the most common options shoppers can come across:

• Memory foam. What makes memory foam great for back pain is its adaptive properties. Memory foam adjusts to the body’s shape, aiding pressure redistribution. And less pressure often means alleviated pain. That being said, the slow-moving feel of memory foam can often make shifting in bed more challenging, which can be an issue for sleepers with limited mobility. Memory foam also tends to sleep hot. However, this problem can be avoided if shoppers choose gel-infused or open-cell models.
• Polyurethane foam. Polyfoam has a slightly more resilient feel, so it’s not as restricting as traditional memory foam. Other than that, the properties of the two are very similar. Therefore, polyfoam mattresses make an excellent option for back pain sufferers. Shoppers just need to remember that polyfoam is typically less durable than memory foam.
• Hybrid. Hybrid mattresses are favored for the way they combine the best from two worlds: coils for responsive support and foam/latex for effective tension alleviation. Hybrid mattresses also don’t typically sleep hot thanks to the breathable coil core. They also have strong edges and make getting out of bed easier. At the same time, hybrid mattresses aren’t that cheap. They also tend to be tall and may seem too bulky to some sleepers.
• Latex. Latex mattresses are popular among eco-conscious shoppers. This mattress type also works perfectly for those who want close conforming without feeling stuck in the mattress. Additionally, latex sleeps neutral and suits hot sleepers. It’s also worth mentioning that latex mattresses are incredibly durable. Nevertheless, they are pretty expensive.

A quick note: innerspring mattresses are also rather widespread on the modern market. However, they don’t usually make a good pick for back pain. The thing is, most innerspring mattresses use minimal padding (the Saatva Classic is a rare exception). Thus, spring models don’t typically help with pressure alleviation (which is crucial for back pain).