Best mattresses for back pain

By Carolin Lehmann August 3, 2023 / 8:00 AM / Essentials CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page.

By Carolin Lehmann

August 3, 2023 / 8:00 AM / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

If you're dealing with back pain, you're going to want to visit your doctor. Turns out, your mattress may be at fault.

"It's important to understand that not all back pain has the same underlying cause," board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon Dr. Rahul Shah told CBS Essentials. "If you experience significant and persistent back discomfort, it's advisable to seek a diagnosis from a physician.

"They can identify the particular areas of support needed for your specific situation, maximizing the chances of finding the correct mattress fit to address your back pain."

Next, consider some of these reviewer-loved mattresses for back pain to replace your old model. Whether you have lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or more, a comfier night's sleep may be ahead, no matter your sleep position.

Here's a quick look at the best mattresses for back pain.

Try these mattresses for back pain from Saatva, Leesa and more. Prices are listed for queen models, but all come in multiple sizes. Also be sure to pick up the best pillow for your new mattress.

Check out this deal on the Nora hybrid mattresses. What exactly is a hybrid mattress?

"Hybrid mattresses have a combination of springs and foam or latex," board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Krishna Satyan told CBS Essentials. "They offer a balance of support, comfort and cooling."

This mattress is 12 inches thick (that's on the plusher side for mattress thickness) and features temperature-regulating technology, so you can get a comfortable night's sleep. This best cooling mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king sizes.

Best for:

Nora medium hybrid mattress (queen), $530 (reduced from $899)

Licensed clinical psychologist and insomnia specialist Dr. Kristen Casey told CBS Essentials that this top-rated Saatva mattress is not only comfortable but also "may reduce shoulder or neck pain."

You can select the firmness level you would like in Saatva's Classic mattress, so it's easy to find an option to support side sleepers and more. Improve your sleep quality with this mattress that's available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king and split California king sizes.

Best for:

Saatva Classic mattress (queen), $1,696 (regularly $1,995)

Are you also a hot sleeper? This mattress does double duty. The Serta Arctic memory foam mattress delivers all-night cooling relief. Serta's Reactex System disperses heat away from the body, resulting in a bed with 15 times better cooling power than any other Serta mattress.

The mattress is available in foam and hybrid models, using Serta's CustomFit HD memory foam and EverCool Fuze Gel memory foam materials. Improve your sleep quality with this mattress that's available in twin XL, queen, king and California king sizes.

Best for:

Serta Arctic Premier mattress (queen), $3,499 (regularly $3,899)

Nectar Sleep's most popular mattress, the Nectar Sleep Premier, is its best option for hot sleepers.

The mattress is made with Nectar's dual-action cooling technology, which reacts to your body's temperature to help you sleep cool. It can be ordered as a memory foam mattress or as a hybrid mattress for an added cost. The Nectar Sleep Premier is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king and California king sizes.

Best for:

The Nectar Sleep Premier mattress (queen), $999 (regularly $1,999)

This new option is Casper's most affordable mattress yet. Inspired by the original Casper mattress, this bedroom essential features layers of Casper's signature foam and premium memory foam, as well as the brand's AirScape Technology for pressure relief, help you stay cool through the night and provide long-lasting support.

It's the classic Casper experience you love, only at a better price. Sleep on this best memory foam mattress that's available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king sizes.

Best for:

The Casper mattress (queen), $896 (reduced from $995)

This mattress is customizable for your most comfortable sleep. Choose from a medium-firm classic mattress, or a medium-firm hybrid mattress. Both offer motion isolation, so your partner's movements won't disturb you. Improve your sleep quality with this mattress adapts to your body weight and shape for maximum comfort.

Best for:

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud mattress, $1,399 (reduced from $1,999)

Check out this deal on the Leesa hybrid mattress.

This five-layer mattress includes a breathable, hole-punched layer to let airflow through, as well as a memory foam layer to help relieve pressure on your back, hips and shoulders. Sleep easy on this best hybrid mattress that's available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king sizes.

Want your mattress purchase to make a difference? Leesa donates one mattress to non-profits for every ten mattresses sold.

Best for:

Leesa Sapira hybrid mattress (queen), $1,359 with coupon (reduced from $1,899)

Don't know where to start when it comes to finding the right mattress?

"Generally, memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses with targeted support zones can provide pressure relief and promote spinal alignment, potentially alleviating back pain," Shah says.

And do you need a firm mattress? Or what about a soft mattress?

"The conventional wisdom used to be go with a very firm mattress for back pain, but some small trials have shown softer mattresses that conform to the spine have been better for chronic pain," sleep medicine specialist Dr. David Rosen told CBS Essentials. "You just need to make sure it's not too firm, like you're sleeping on board or so soft that you're sinking in and your joints are getting uncomfortably out of alignment. So when you're choosing a mattress, just pay attention to just what feels comfortable for you."

When picking the best mattresses for back pain, we considered: