The Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain (2020 Updated Research)

Posted on the 16 December 2019 by Charlene Farwell

Most of the people wake up with back pain and discomfort in the morning. Studies show that about 80 percent of people on average feel stiffness or slight pain in their back and most of it is mainly due to the poor quality mattresses and pillows used. Where there are low-quality mattresses available, you will also find some high-quality ones that not only give you a sound sleep but also have a positive effect on the quality of your life.

Back pain is a prevailing problem and is seen in many old and young people. It can be a big risk and affect your life adversely if not treated properly. You need to start taking preventions if you remotely find yourself prone to back pain.


Top 10 Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain Comparison

Product Type Layers Feel Warranty Link

Tuft & Needle Adaptive foam 2 Medium firm 10 years Check Price

Dreamfoam Bedding Arctic Dreams Cooling Gel 3 Medium firm 10 years Check Price

Casper Sleep Memory foam 4 Medium firm 10 years Check Price

Leesa Mattress Memory foam 3 soft 10 years (limited) Check Price

Perfect cloud Memory foam 3 Medium firm 10 years Check Price

Bear Mattress Memory foam with others 4 Firm 10 years Check Price

Layla Sleep Memory foam NA Medium soft on one side firm on the other Lifetime Check Price

Nest Bedding Love & Sleep Mattress EnergexTM breathable foam NA Medium firm Lifetime Check Price


What should you look for in the mattress for back pain?

The best mattress is the one that gives your back and your spinal cord all the support it needs. If you lay down in an awkward position or the mattress presses down in the wrong places due to the weight you might suffer from back pain. Even if you don’t have it prior to using the mattress.

The things that can affect your back while using the mattress are:

  • It is more than 8 years old as in cases like these, the inner structure starts deteriorating, and this decreases the support provided to your back.
  • A very soft mattress does not provide the necessary support; it should be medium firm for proper support.

Do You have a problem with back pain? Check out The Best Mattress for Back Pain and The Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain to find out more!


Does posture matters while choosing the mattress for a back pain?

Yes, your posture and body type play an important role in the type of mattress you choose. Every type of posture and structure requires a different type of support. If you have a stiffer lower back with a deep kind of curve that does not become straight while lying, then you need a medium soft mattress, not a stiff one. This condition is called Lumbar Lordosis.

Similarly, if you have a flexed posture and slouch when you are normally sitting then the mattress you invest in should be firm. If you don’t get a firm one, you might face problems with your back in the future if you don’t have them yet. These are the two most common postures, there are multiple postures and each requires a different set of support consideration. Make sure you get the one that is best for your back or it might get worse.


How often should I change my mattress?

The way you sleep at night is the answer to when your mattress needs replacement. If you start feeling like you lack support, have a stiff neck, shoulder and back in the morning or have an unsatisfying sleep during the night then your mattress is surely old and needs a replacement.

On average, even though the companies promise a longer life, every mattress requires changing after 5 to 7 years. On the other hand, some products that lack support might give you the exact same symptoms. Products like these need changing before their life is over as it can cause immense problems for you and can affect your quality of life adversely.


Is a firm mattress suitable for back pain?

We all have heard that the firmer the mattress, the better it is for your back but this is not the case. All depends on the kind of support your back needs and the kind of support the product gives. If a mattress is firm but lacks support, it can make your back worse.

A firm mattress can cause arching in your lower back and also cause a lower back pain problem. Moreover, it can also cause stiff upper back and shoulders which will keep you in pain throughout the day. The trick is to find the best support. A very soft mattress can cause back problems by producing an uneven surface when you lie down.

If you want a firm yet supportive mattress, then latex will do the task. It provides the perfect blend of firmness and support which gives you a sound sleep at night by keeping your back supported.

Find out more about Top Rated Mattress Brands.


Buying guide:

Before investing in a mattress you should consider a few things. For your comfort, convenience, and satisfaction it is very important you do complete research and have the know-how of the product. While buying a mattress for your back pain, the things that you should consider are:


• Orthopedic:

These mattresses benefit your complete bod, whether it is your back, hips, shoulders, neck or anything else. Although they are not cheap their lifespan can be increased up to 20 years, they give you a good night sleep by providing you with the required support.

Any kind of muscular pain and discomfort is released with it which is why it promotes a healthy back. Orthopedic mattresses have more types as well. The most common are spring and non-spring ones.


• Latex:

Apart from being environmentally friendly, these mattresses come in different levels of firmness. They not only provide the user with comfort by adapting to the person’s body shape but are also hypo-allergenic which means they prevent any kind of mattress allergies which are common in other mattresses.

Moreover, they are breathable which is why no hotspots are formed on them. This also adds a lot to the sound sleep you need at night.


• Spring air back supporter:

The back supporter mattress by the company spring air is one of the best for back pains on the market. It is ideal for any kind of back problem, whether it is post-surgery or just a simple back pain. Furthermore, it works wonders for all. It is made from a number of layers of foam combined with natural latex along with surface modification. It works on different pressure points to relieve pain.


• Adjustable base:

A base is basically the foundation of your mattress. An adjustable base is the one that adapts to your needs and in a back pain this is exactly what you need. As compared to a standard flat base, the adjustable base can help you a lot. It can help you find the exact zero gravity position by helping you adjust your posture and your position.

After finding the proper posture and position for your sleep, the amount of relief you get only in one night is phenomenal. Apart from this, it also helps your body in different ways. One of the most prized benefits is the improved circulation in the body.


• Latex or memory foam?

Latex and memory foam are both parts of the mattress structure. The latex mattress is a naturally extracted product and offers a firm feel. Whereas the memory foam contours your body and give you a comfortable sleep.


Best Mattress for back pain Reviews


1. Tuft & Needle Mattress

Tuff & Needle manufacturing company is the new hype of the market. The satisfaction and comfort the products offer at such a low price are what has helped it gains its popularity.

Foam:

The foam used in this product is adaptive foam which is made using T&N; that is freshly poured. The foam is neither very firm nor very soft which is why it allows sleeping in all position. It is specially built for relieving pressure. This foam is cooler as compared to memory foam or latex, moreover getting in and out of it is very easy as compared to memory foam.

The material used:

The material used in the production of this product is of high quality. All the best products, fresh T&N;, and similar materials are used. A combination of materials is specially used to keep the sleeper cool and content throughout the night. It also provides a little bounce. All the materials are manufactured in the USA.

Warranty:

This product comes with a 100-night return policy in which you can test the product for 100 nights and if you don’t feel content you can send it back with a complete refund of the money. Apart from this, it comes with a 10-year warranty if any of the made promises are proved untrue.

Pros
  • It is made of adaptive foam that provides a cool sound sleep.
  • Comes with a 10-year warranty and 100-night trial.
  • All the materials used are high quality and durable.
  • Gives a proper rebound without letting you sink in.
Cons
  • The lack of box spring is a setback as you have to buy a base of your own.

Verdict:

If you are looking for something reasonable, yet of high quality then this is the product for you. It has all the qualities of an expensive mattress and also provides breathability like latex.

Also, You can learn more about Tuft & Needle vs. Leesa Mattress Review.


2. Dreamfoam Bedding Arctic Dreams

This mattress by DreamFoam is a cooling gel mattress that gives you a cool sleep as compared to the traditional memory foam and latex. It is completely environment-friendly and is also certified by the US Certi-PUR.

Foam:

Energex foam is used in this product. It is an advanced version of viscoelastic foam. If compared to the traditional visco memory foam we see that it has a slow recovery time that can hinder the support you get from it. This one has filled that gap and gives cool, responsive and very supportive foam to lie on.

Layers:

The thickness of the layers depends on the size of the mattress you choose. The Energex gel foam on the top is about 2 or 3 inches thick which depends on the size of foam you selected. Below the Energex foam lays high-density polyurethane foam which is convoluted. On the top of both of these, there is a soft foam quilting that gives you the feeling of a fluffy mattress.

Firmness:

According to the DreamFoam scale, the firmness of this 10 inches foam is medium. It is ideal for lower back pain as well as for relieving stiff back and shoulders. It is neither very firm nor very soft which means it provides ample support by keeping you comfortable.

Pros
  • Comes with a 10 years warranty.
  • Does not have any odor or toxic outgassing.
  • Use of environment-friendly material.
  • It relieves back pain to a great extent.
Cons
  • The edges tend to sink when somebody sits on it.

Verdict:

This product is ideal for people who suffer from shoulder stiffness or lower back pain. It gives the exact amount of support needed and also provides great comfort at the same time. It is soft but not saggy. If you are a stomach sleeper or you are in a habit of sleeping straight on your back, it will support you in all cases.


3. Casper Sleep Mattress

Casper claims to have changed the way the world thinks about sleep. Their mattresses are so on point and provide the exact balance of support, comfort, and bounce needed by our bodies. It uses a combination of latex and memory foam to make your sleeping routine better.

Design:

This product is designed to encourage airflow. The mattress keeps you cool as the upper layer is designed a way that removes all the heat using the process of convection and conduction. The memory foam also uses the airflow from the top layer and keeps the sleeper cool by moving away the heat using extraction.

Pressure points:

This product works on the pressure points of the body. It produces pressure on certain pressure points to relieve the stiffness in your body parts like back, neck, and shoulder. It also has a zoned support that works towards improving your posture. The total mattress consists of 4 layers one of which is a pressure relieving foam.

Warranty:

Like most mattresses, this one also comes with a 100-night trial. You have this time to see if this product works for you and gives you a good night sleep. If not, you can give it back with full refund. Apart from this, it comes with a 10 years warranty in case any of the foams start deteriorating before time.

Pros
  • The pressure relief technology helps a lot in relieving back pain.
  • Help stay cool in warm and humid weather.
  • It comes with a money back 100 nights trial.
  • Comes with a 10 years warranty.
Cons
  • Adjusting from a traditional mattress to the Casper mattress can be difficult at times.

Verdict:

This product is ideal for people who face the problem of waking up sweaty from the humid and hot weather accumulating in your mattress. It is specifically designed to keep you cool and also releases all the pressure accumulated in your back.

Want to know more before purchasing? See our review of Casper where we mention everything that you need to know about this model.


4. Leesa Mattress

This expertly crafted product by Leesa can be the answer to all your problems. It is neither very hard nor very soft and does not transfer any kind of movement. It gives the premium features at a cost which is only a fraction of high-end mattresses.

Construction:

It has three layers of different kinds of foams. The first one is a 2 inches layer of perforated foam known as perforated Avena foam. It is basically added to keep you cool and encourage airflow so that your body temperature does not rise. After this layer, a 2 inches layer of memory foam is added. This gives your body the contour it needs and also provides space for releasing any kind of accumulated pressure. The last layer is 6 inches thick core support foam. This layer is there to give the most part of the support and this layer is what makes the mattress durable and sturdy.

Comfort:

The comfort provided by this mattress is ideal. It is popular for the good night sleep it provides by keeping the mattress soft and fluffy to the extent that provides comfortable sleep but does not become saggy.

Giving:

The best part about this mattress is that unknowingly you are also taking part in charity. For every 10 mattresses sold by Leesa, one is given to the homeless shelters.

Pros
  • Has a luxury feel.
  • Crafted in a way that maximizes comfort.
  • It is a way to contribute to charity.
  • Does not transfer any kinds of motions.
Cons
  • The edge support is seen to lack.

Verdict:

If you are looking for a mattress that reduces back pain to a great degree then this is the one for you. Many customers have reviewed that their back pain reduced to almost zero despite the fact that the edge support is lacking.

Interested in this Leesa Mattress? Check out full review that we made here.


5. Perfect cloud Mattress


This product is constructed specifically to accommodate the needs of all kinds of sleepers. It can compensate for all kinds of sleeping positions as well as it can bear the weight up to 400 pounds.

Air flow:

The 80 percent materials used in the foam are made to encourage air flow in both the directions. The second and third layer is both meant to provide immense support and keep the sleeper cool.

Layers formation:

It has a total of three layers the first layer is a 3 inches thick gel memory foam which is not a regular gel foam rather a perfect cloud signature gel plus foam that has a 4 pounds density. Next is 3 inches air flow foam that has a double flow of air for better conduction and convection. The third layer is 4 inches thick. It is an HD base which also encourages air flow and is bi-directional.

Cover:

The cover is made of the best quality stretch knit cloth. It provides a luxurious feel and is also removable.

Pros
  • Bi-directional air flow foams added to it.
  • It provides the proper support with HD base
  • The cover is removable in case you need to get it washed.
  • Comes with a 10-year warranty.
Cons
  • The foam is a little soft as compared to other foams for back pain.

Verdict:

If you are fond of soft and fluffy foams that still provide ample support then this is the one for you. It not only gives support but also keeps your cool.


6. Bear Mattress

This mattress is the perfect combination of pressure relief using contouring, cooling, as well as core support. It gives the sleeper a perfect night sleep.

Layers:

The cover on the top of the product is clinically proven which improves blood flow and oxygen flow throughout the body. The next is graphite gel foam combined with memory foam. This layer is supercooled and is 7 times cooler than the normal foam. After a quick response foam is added that improves the alignment of the spinal cord which releases the pressure in the back. In the end, highly durable high-density foam is added which acts as a supportive base.

Certification:

It is Certi-PUR certified which means no toxic gasses or chemicals are eliminated from any of the layers. This gives you a clean, environmental friendly sleep.

Pain relief:

The third layer is quick response foam which gives a certain bounce. This is specifically made to relieve any kind of back pain whether it is in the upper back or lower back.

Pros
  • The top layer is scientifically proven.
  • The foam is 7 times cooler.
  • Comes with a 10-year warranty.
  • 4 different types of foams are used.
Cons
  • Very firm for some people.

Verdict:

This foam is perfect for a person who wants a firm mattress that does not put stress on their back rather gives them a good night sleep.

Learn more about Bear Mattress and its overall pros and cons here.


7. Layla Sleep

This mattress like all the other mattresses comes in an airtight packing and is delivered to your doorstep. It is the only copper infused mattress on the market. Moreover, it has two firmness levels so that you can get what you want for a sound sleep.

Cover:

The cover of this product has thermogel infused in it. It is known for its heat dissipation abilities and helps to keep your body temperature down throughout the night.

Firmness:

The firmness of this product is flappable which means it has two different types of firmness. If you lay on one side of the product you will see it is softer than the other side.

Layers formation:

It has 4 layers in total. The first one is 3 inches thick copper infused memory foam that gives deep support and transfers heat rapidly. The next in convoluted foam that is 2 inches thick. It maximizes the air flow. The base support is 4.5 inches thick and provides the basic support for the complete product. In the end, unlike any product, copper infused memory foam which is 1 inch thick is added again.

Pros
  • The firmness is flappable.
  • It uses copper infused gel foam.
  • 120 night trial for a full refund.
  • Certified and completely environment-friendly.
Cons
  • Some people complain about unpleasant odors on receiving.

Verdict:

If you want a top of the line eco-friendly product for your bed then this is the one for you. It has new technologies that can help you get sound sleep.

Like the sound of Layla mattress? Click here to read our full review.


8. Nest Bedding Love & Sleep Mattress

This affordable mattress not only gives you a high-quality product without being heavy on your pocket but also customizes the firmness, layering, cooling, and airflow according to your needs. All the foams used are Certi-PUR certified and have no toxic chemical barriers.

Materials used:

All the materials used in this product are environment-friendly. There are no toxic chemicals used, neither is there any kind of toxic outgassing. All the products are hypo-allergenic which means they are treated for sensitive skin people. The phase change cooling fabrics used are also of high quality and non-toxic.

Foam:

The foam used in this product is energexTM that is better than the memory foam and latex. It is not only breathable but also provides fast recovery. The fast recovery helps in releasing the feeling of being stuck in the bed which is common in memory foams. It also provides a bounce and provides relief with the help of pressure points.

Warranty:

Most of the mattress companies provide its customers with a limited 10-year warranty but the nest bedding are so sure of the quality and support of the mattress used that they provide a lifetime warranty so that the customer can replace if they ever find any one of their promises not true.

Pros
  • Comes with a lifetime warranty.
  • It is extremely affordable and still provides high-quality features.
  • No use of toxic chemicals.
  • Provides the ideal bounce and support.
Cons
  • It only works well with low flexibility bases.

Verdict:

This mattress is perfect for people who want to make a lifetime investment. Its lifetime warranty is a great plus. Moreover, the support and comfort provided by this product are up to the mark. It is not saggy on the edges either.

You may be love to know more about How to Choose a Mattress Fit for You?

Conclusion:

A good quality mattress is extremely important to relieve back pain. Of course, you can use painkillers but that is not a permanent option. If you constantly wake up with a lower back pain or stiff shoulders and neck then this is your cue for changing your mattress.

The mattresses considered best for relieving back pain and stiffness are reviewed. Moreover, for your ease, the things you should consider prior to buying a mattress for your sore back are also explained in detail.

Now it’s your turn to pick the mattress that suits your need the most.