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Best mattresses for back sleepers – hands-on performance tests

Back sleeper mattress performance test

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If you’re part of the tiny 10th percentile of the population that sleep strictly on their backs, don’t think for one minute that we’ve forgotten you. No matter your weight or health issues, we’ve got just the right mattress for you. Read on to find out more about our top picks for the best mattress for back sleepers. Our Editor’s Choice is the Plank Firm Luxe.

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Top 10 best mattresses for back sleepers and performance test results

Plank logo

#1.  Plank Firm Luxe

Editor’s Choice

  • Suitable for heavier-set individuals
  • Flippable design
  • Great edge support
Bear mattress logo

#2. Bear Natural

Best Natural Mattress for Back Sleepers

  • Naturally hypoallergenic
  • Great for couples
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
egohome mattress logo

#3. Egohome Black

Best for Couples

  • Good for couples
  • Great motion isolation
  • Contouring and pressure relieving
brooklyn bedding logo

#4. Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Best RV Mattress for Back Sleepers

  • Comes in a variety of mattress sizes
  • Comes in three firmness options
  • Offers responsive support
Saatva mattress logo

#5. Saatva Classic

Best Luxury Mattress for Back Sleepers

  • Good for couples
  • Comes in multiple firmness options
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
Glacier Sleep logo

#6. Glacier Apex Hybrid

Best for Chronic Pain

  • Good for sleepers of any size
  • Fiberglass-free
  • Offers deep compression and contouring
Sweet Zzz mattress logo

#7. Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid

Best Affordable Latex Mattress for Back Sleepers

  • Fiberglass-free
  • Fully organic
  • Great for couples
Birch mattress logo

#8.  Birch Natural

Best Organic Mattress for Back Sleepers

  • Actively cooling
  • All-natural and certified organic
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
sweet night logo

#9. Sweetnight Prime

Best Affordable Mattress for Back Sleepers

  • Comes in 4 different firmness levels within one mattress
  • Affordable
  • Contouring and pressure relieving
Nolah logo

#10. Nolah Evolution 15

Best for Back Pain

  • Great for back pain
  • Pressure relieving
  • Cooling

#1. Plank Firm Luxe

Plank Firm Luxe mattress sleep test
Plank Firm Luxe

Pros

  • Suitable for heavier-set people
  • Flippable design
  • Great edge support
  • Cooling

Cons

  • Slight motion transfer
  • Not suitable for strict side sleepers

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Why it’s the best

The Plank Firm Luxe is a hybrid mattress that offers two different firmness levels within one mattress – all you need to do is to flip it.

And while most flippable mattresses offer both a soft and a firm feel, the Plank Firm Luxe instead offers a firm and an extra firm making it an excellent choice for back sleepers (as well as stomach sleepers).

Don’t get me wrong though – a firm mattress does not mean it’s going to be hard as a rock, it just means that it has less give and more support compared to softer mattresses. This also means that the Plank Firm Luxe isn’t a good choice for those who sleep mostly on their sides.

Another thing I liked about the Plank Firm Luxe is its edge support.

Although it’s a hybrid mattress, it does not feature reinforced edge coils. Surprisingly, that does not stop it from providing some of the best edge support on a hybrid mattress I’ve ever experienced.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 13 inches
Firmness levels Firm, Extra Firm
Materials Quilted layer, high density foam, supreme response comfort foam, individually wrapped steel Ascension coils
Free trial period 120 night
Warranty length 120 night
Shipping Free
Certification N/A

Plank Firm Luxe Performance

As I’ve mentioned, the Plank Firm Luxe features two different firmness levels – a firm and an extra firm.

The mattress is a hybrid which means it’s great for heavier-set stomach and back sleepers.

We rate the Plank Firm Luxe an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

This rating honestly would have been higher had the mattress been a tad bit softer, but it’s more than comfortable enough for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers (who tend to need firmer mattresses).

We rate the Plank Firm Luxe a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Even though the mattress doesn’t contain any fancy schmancy actively-cooling materials, it still did an amazing job of keeping heat retention at bay, making it a good choice for those who tend to sleep hot.

We rate the Plank Firm Luxe a 7 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

There aren’t a lot of foam layers in the mattress, which means if you’re a light sleeper and share a bed with a partner who moves around a lot in their sleep, you might experience a tiny amount of motion transfer.

We rate the Plank Firm Luxe a 10 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Even if you lay right on the edge of the Plank Firm Luxe mattress you won’t be in any danger of rolling off.

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Alternate pick: Plank Firm

Plank Firm base model
Plank Firm Mattress

If you like what the Plank Firm Luxe offers but want a cheaper version without the coils, check out the base model Plank Firm.

Similar in construction to the Luxe version but without the coil unit, the Plank Firm also features a flippable design with two different firmness levels.

25% Off Coupon Code: SLEEPLINE25


#2. Bear Natural

Bear Natural mattress top view
Bear Natural

Pros

  • Naturally hypoallergenic
  • Great for couples
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
  • Responsive yet pressure relieving

Cons

  • Edge support is average
  • Very slight motion transfer

35% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE35

Why it’s one of the best

Affordable latex hybrid mattresses that are suitable for strict back sleepers are few and far in between – but the Bear Natural is a notable exception.

Made of Talalay latex foam and a coil unit that feature different types of gauged coils, the Bear Natural mattress offers a plushness that you’d usually associate with memory foam – despite being a latex hybrid.

The mattress is also naturally cooling and hypoallergenic. If you’re a hot sleeper or suffer from chronic allergies, this is the brand for you.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 13 inches
Firmness levels Medium
Materials Quilted organic cotton cover, Talalay latex foam, proprietary foam, pocketed coils, high density polyfoam
Free trial period 120 nights
Warranty length Lifetime
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US

Bear Natural Performance

The Bear Natural mattress sits on a five on the mattress firmness scale (medium).

This mattress firmness level can suit all sleeping positions including those who sleep predominantly on their backs.

Being a hybrid mattress, the Bear Natural is great for heavier-set people.

We rate the Bear Natural a 9.5 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

There’s no question that latex foam is king when it comes to comfort. The Talalay latex foam in the Bear Natural does a stellar job at providing just the right amount of pressure relief.

We rate the Bear Natural a 7.5 when it comes to cooling.

Pure latex is naturally cooling. Even though the mattress doesn’t contain any actively cooling materials, it’s still a great choice for hot sleepers.

We rate the Bear Natural an 8.5 when it comes to motion isolation.

Pure latex by nature is springier than memory foam. While you won’t feel a ton of motion transfer with this mattress, you might feel a small amount, especially if you share a bed with someone who’s heavier than you.

We rate the Bear Natural a 7 when it comes to edge support.

For a hybrid mattress that supposedly has reinforced edges, the mattress’ edge support is a little bit disappointing. Though not the worst I’ve tried, I still don’t recommend you lay close to the edge on this one.

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Alternate pick: Bear Elite Hybrid

Bear Elite Hybrid mattress top view
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

If you prefer something with better edge support, check out the Bear Elite Hybrid.

Aside from having way better edge support than the Bear Natural, the Elite Hybrid also comes in three different firmness levels, making it suitable for all sleeper types including strict back stomach sleepers.

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#3. Egohome Black

Egohome Black mattress testing process
Egohome Black Mattress

Pros

  • Great motion isolation
  • Good for those who suffer from fibromyalgia
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
  • Contouring and pressure relieving

Cons

  • Poor edge support
  • Not suitable for those who tend to sleep extremely hot

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Why it’s one of the best

The Egohome Black is an all-foam mattress that not only comes in different firmness levels (so you get that perfect feel for your preferred sleeping position) but is also easy on the budget.

Made from a blend of proprietary foam and memory foam alternatives, the Egohome Black provides contouring and compression without any sinkage.

One standout feature I quite like is its motion isolation – true, most all-foam mattresses have fantastic motion isolating properties – but the Egohome Black takes it up a notch. You feel no cross mattress movement whatsoever.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 12 inches, 14 inches
Firmness levels Medium Soft, Medium Firm
Materials Graphene cooling cover, gel AeroFusion foam, Adaptifoam, CoolFlex gel foam, BraceSleeper support foam
Free trial period 100 nights
Warranty length 10 years
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US

Egohome Black Performance

The Egohome Black comes in two different firmness levels – medium-soft and medium-firm.

The medium-soft version is best for strict side sleepers and combination sleepers while stomach and back sleepers get the most support from the medium-firm version.

The Egohome Black is an all-foam mattress and unfortunately it won’t be able to provide heavier-set sleepers the extra support that they need.

We rate the Egohome Black an 8.5 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The multiple layers of proprietary foam and memory foam work together to provide contouring and deep compression that you would usually associate with traditional memory foam, offering more than enough pressure relief no matter your sleeping position. The only difference is there’s none of the stuck in the mud feel which is perfect for those who hate sinkage.

We rate the Egohome Black a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Although the memory foam alternative layers are infused with cooling gel and feature an open-celled construction, I still found that the Egohome Black retains a tiny amount of heat.

We rate the Egohome Black a 10 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

All-foam mattresses are the best mattresses when it comes to having great motion isolation. I did not feel any cross mattress movement when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the Egohome Black a 6 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The edge support leaves much to be desired. If you’re the type of sleeper who likes sleeping close to the edge of the bed then this isn’t the right mattress for you – you definitely will roll off the edge.

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#4. Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid back sleeper test results
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Pros

  • Comes in a variety of mattress sizes
  • Comes in three firmness options
  • Great for couples
  • Offers responsive support

Cons

  • Might be too pricey for some
  • Extra cooling top comes with an additional fee

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Why it’s one of the best

If you’re on the hunt for a mattress that comes in not-so-standard sizes (like an RV King) that’s great for back sleepers, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is where it’s at.

Made up of a blend of proprietary foam layers and coils, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid also features a plush and premium quilted pillow top that offers contouring and extra support.

There’s three different firmness options to choose from.

If you sleep only on your back then the firm version is your best bet – it offers just the right amount of firmness and will help you get proper spinal alignment.

Here’s something of note though if you’re a hot sleeper – although the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is not as heat-retentive as a classic memory foam mattress, it still retained a tiny amount of heat.

The bad news is that if you want a cooling top upgrade, you need to shell out more money on top of its already somewhat expensive price.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 2.25 inches
Firmness levels Soft, Medium, Firm
Materials Premium quilted top, supreme response comfort foam, VariFlex foam, 8-inch Ascension coils, high density foam
Free trial period 120 nights
Warranty length 10 years
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Performance

You get to choose between three different firmness levels with the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – soft, medium, and firm.

The soft version is best for strict side sleepers. The medium version can accommodate most sleeper types, including combination sleepers. The firm version is best for those who sleep predominantly on their backs or stomachs.

Being a hybrid mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is suitable for those who weigh well over 230 lbs.. 

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid a 9 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

You get three different types of proprietary foam plus a quilted pillow top with the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. This means there’s no shortage of pressure point relief no matter your preferred sleeping position.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid a 7 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

The mattress does not contain any actively cooling materials, but the heat retention on it isn’t that bad if you aren’t the type of sleeper who sleeps extremely hot. You do get the option to add a cooling pillow top for an extra fee.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid a 9 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

For a hybrid mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid performs amazingly well when it comes to deadening any cross mattress movement. I barely felt any motion transfer when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid an 8 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Though not the best I’ve tried, the edge support on this mattress provides support that you won’t be rolling off the edge of the bed (whether you’re sitting or laying).

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Alternate pick: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Brooklyn Bedding Aujrroa Luxe performance tests
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

If you want something that’s extremely cooling, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe.

Unlike the Signature Hybrid, the Aurora Luxe features a cooling GlacioTex cover and copper-infused foam – two things that massively help do away with heat retention.

25% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE25


#5. Saatva Classic

Saatva Classic back sleeper evaluation
Saatva Classic

Pros

  • Comes in multiple firmness options
  • Great for couples
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
  • White glove delivery

Cons

  • Edge support can be too firm
  • Might be too pricey for some

Why it’s one of the best

If you’re a strict back sleeper with a little money to burn, there’s nothing better than the Saatva Classic mattress. You and I both know there’s no such thing as a perfect mattress, but imho this one comes quite close.

In fact, I think they made it a little too perfect that they’ve gone ham on the edge support – the edges are a little too firm for comfort but hey, if you’re a back sleeper then you’re golden.

The only mattress brand on this list that provides white glove delivery, Saatva’s Classic mattress also features a cover that’s been infused with an antimicrobial treatment, making it one of the safest mattresses you can lay your head on.

You also get to choose between three different firmness levels which means there’s something for everyone.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 11.5 inches, 14.5 inches
Firmness levels Medium Soft, Medium, Medium Firm
Materials Organic cotton cover, Euro pillow top, gel-infused memory foam, 14.5 gauge steel coils, high density foam rails, 13 gauge tempered steel base
Free trial period 365 nights
Warranty length Lifetime
Shipping Free
Certification Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US

Saatva Classic Performance

You get to choose between three different firmness options with the Saatva Classic – medium-soft, medium and medium-firm.

You know the drill by now: medium-soft is for side sleepers, medium is for everyone and medium-firm is for, you guessed it, back and stomach sleepers.

The Saatva Classic is also a hybrid mattress, which means it can accommodate heavier-set people and provide them with the extra support that they need.

We rate the Saatva Classic a 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The Saatva Classic’s Euro top, memory foam layer, and individually-wrapped spring coils work together to provide just the exact amount of contouring, compression and responsiveness that you need from a mattress (no matter your sleeping position).

We rate the Saatva Classic a 9.5 when it comes to cooling.

Amazingly enough, the mattress does not contain any actively cooling materials other than its gel memory foam, but it still did not retain one shred of heat making it the perfect choice for back sleepers who sleep extremely hot.

We rate the Saatva Classic an 8.5 when it comes to motion isolation.

I did experience a very, VERY small amount of motion transfer when I tried the mattress out with a partner but it’s super minimal to the point that you probably won’t even notice it at all.

We rate the Saatva Classic a 7.5 when it comes to edge support.

Ever heard the saying ‘too much of a good thing can be a bad thing’? Well, it applies to the Saatva Classic, sad to say. The edges on the mattress are too firm and can feel uncomfortable for those who like sleeping close to the edge of the bed.

Alternate pick: Saatva Latex Hybrid

Saatva Latex Hybrid
Saatva Latex Hybrid

For a latex alternative, check out the Saatva Latex Hybrid.

Similar in construction to the Classic save for a layer of premium latex foam, the Saatva Latex Hybrid also features the same Guardin-treated cover and coil unit.


#6. Glacier Apex Hybrid

Glacier Apex performance test
Glacier Apex Hybrid

Pros

  • Good for sleepers of any size
  • Fiberglass-free
  • Great motion isolation
  • Offers deep compression and contouring

Cons

  • Slight off-gassing
  • Not suitable for heavier-set stomach sleepers

Why it’s one of the best

A lot of us disregard the importance of motion isolation when it comes to choosing a mattress, but if you’re someone who shares a bed with a partner then this feature should be at the top of your checklist.

The Glacier Apex Hybrid mattress is made up of different layers of memory foam, proprietary foam, and a pocketed coil unit that provides not only responsive support but also compression and pressure relief.

What I liked best about the Glacier Apex Hybrid is that, even though it’s a hybrid mattress built with multiple responsive foam layers, there was not one ounce of bounce or springiness that I experienced even when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

I think the Glacier Apex Hybrid is a solid affordable mattress choice for couples.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 14 inches
Firmness levels Medium Soft
Materials GlacierTECH Elite cooling cover, quilted pillow top, graphite-infused memory foam, copper-infused foam, responsive memory foam, ARCFlow ventilated gel foam, individually pocketed coils, high density foam
Free trial period 365 nights
Warranty length Lifetime
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US

Glacier Apex Hybrid Performance

The Glacier Apex Hybrid sits on a 4.5 on the mattress firmness scale giving it a medium-soft feel. While this mattress firmness is best for those who sleep mostly on their sides, it can also accommodate combination sleepers and back sleepers.

We rate the Glacier Apex Hybrid an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

There are eight different layers in the Glacier Apex Hybrid. The majority of these layers are made up of different types of proprietary foam that offer deep contouring and compression without any sinkage. You will get enough pressure point relief when you sleep on your back.

We rate the Glacier Apex Hybrid a 7.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Although the mattress does contain quite a few actively cooling materials, it’s not the most cooling mattress that I’ve tried… but it does the job well enough. The memory foam layers don’t retain too much heat to the point that you’ll feel hot and uncomfortable.

We rate the Glacier Apex Hybrid a 9 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Even with the large-and-in-charge coil unit, the multiple foam layers absorb a lot of cross mattress movement.

We rate the Glacier Apex Hybrid a 7 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Not the worst but not the best either – the edge support is pretty average and nothing to write home about. It does the job.

Alternate pick: Glacier Original Hybrid

Glacier Original Hybrid sleep test
Glacier Original Hybrid

If you prefer something firmer, check out the Glacier Original Hybrid.

Built similarly to the Apex Hybrid with its coil unit and multiple proprietary foam layers, the Original Hybrid offers a firmer mattress surface for those who sleep mostly on their backs.


#7. Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid

SweetZzz Honey Hybrid back sleeper test
Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid Mattress

Pros

  • Fiberglass-free
  • Fully organic
  • Great for couples
  • Offers responsive support

Cons

  • Not as compressing as memory foam
  • Medium version might be too firm for strict side sleepers

Why it’s one of the best

Good quality latex mattresses are pretty pricey – but the Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid is one that won’t break the bank.

Made from a blend of GOLS-certified organic latex, organic wool and tempered steel coils, the Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid mattress comes in three different firmness options to choose from including a firm version that’s perfect for those who only sleep on their backs.

Unlike memory foam, latex does not retain any heat and the combination of the coil unit and latex foam layers makes for a pretty cooling mattress to sleep on.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 9 inches, 10 inches, 13 inches
Firmness levels Medium Soft, Medium Firm, Firm
Materials Organic cotton cover, organic New Zealand Calmera wool, Dunlop latex, micro-coils, American tempered steel coils, organic cotton and wool blend base layer
Free trial period 100 nights
Warranty length Lifetime
Shipping Free
Certification GOTS, GOLS

Why it’s one of the best

The Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid mattress comes in three different firmness level options – medium-soft, medium-firm and firm.

The medium-soft version is best for strict side sleepers while the medium-firm version can accommodate all sleeper types from combination sleepers to back and stomach sleepers. The firm version of the Honey Hybrid mattress is best for those who sleep only on their backs or stomachs.

Being a hybrid mattress, the Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid can accommodate heavier-set sleepers and give them the extra support that they would need.

We rate the Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid mattress a 7.5 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief.

Although the latex foam on the Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid mattress is not as contouring and compressing as memory foam (hence the not too high rating), it still provides enough pressure point relief that you won’t be in any type of discomfort no matter what position you sleep in.

We rate the Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid mattress an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Pure latex is naturally cooling and does not retain any heat like manmade foam can, making this a very cool mattress to sleep on. It’s not the best cooling mattress I’ve tried but it’s not the worst either.

We rate the Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid mattress an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

I did not experience a lot of motion transfer when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid mattress a 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The mattress features reinforced edge coils which helps give it extra heavy-duty edge support. You will not be in any danger of rolling off the edge of the bed whatsoever.


#8. Birch Natural

Birch Natural mattress performance test for back sleeping
Birch Natural

Pros

  • Actively cooling
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
  • All-natural and certified organic
  • Offers great edge support

Cons

  • Not suitable for couples
  • Can be a bit too expensive for some

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Why it’s one of the best

If you prefer something all-natural and organic, the Birch Natural mattress is your best bet

Made from a blend of certified organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton; the Birch Natural is eco-conscious and sustainably-sourced making it a good choice for those who care deeply about the environment and the things around us.

The Birch Natural is also (of course) fiberglass-free making it one of the safest mattresses to sleep on.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 11 inches
Firmness levels Medium Firm
Materials Organic cotton cover, plant-based fire retardant, organic wool, organic latex, individually wrapped coils
Free trial period 100 nights
Warranty length Lifetime
Shipping Free
Certification Greenguard Gold, GOLS ,GOTS, eco-INSTITUT, Fair Trade

Birch Natural Performance

The Birch Natural sits on a 6.5 on the mattress firmness scale giving it a medium-firm feel.

This firmness level can accommodate most sleeper types but is best for strict back sleepers and stomach sleepers.

Being a hybrid mattress, the Birch Natural can accommodate heavier-set people and give them the support they need.

We rate the Birch Natural a 7 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

Though not as contouring and compressing as a traditional memory foam brand, the mattress still offers ample amounts of support and pressure relief while also helping with spinal alignment.

We rate the Birch Natural a 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

The combination of pure, organic latex and the robust coil unit offers both continuous air flow and a cool-to-the-touch feel which helps keep the mattress stay cool no matter the ambient temperature.

We rate the Birch Natural a 6 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

The naturally springy nature of latex foam works against you in this instance. I did experience quite a good amount of motion transfer when I tried it out with a partner.

We rate the Birch Natural an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The mattress features reinforced edge coils which helps give the entire mattress really good edge support.

20% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE20

Alternate pick: Birch Luxe Natural

Birch Luxe Natural
Birch Luxe Natural

If you’re looking to splurge a little bit more, check out the Birch Luxe Natural.

Built similarly to the base model, the upgraded Luxe Natural features a few more extras such as a Euro pillow top and an additional layer of latex foam.

20% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE20


#9. Sweetnight Prime

man lying down on sweet night prime mattress
Sweet Night Prime

Pros

  • Comes in four different firmness levels
  • Affordable
  • Contouring and pressure relieving
  • Suitable for all sleeper types

Cons

  • Poor edge support
  • Not suitable for heavier-set individuals

Save 5% with coupon code: SLEEPLINE

Why it’s one of the best

Sure, you’ve heard of flippable mattresses that usually feature two different firmness levels in one mattress but have you heard of one that offers four?

Now you have.

The Sweetnight Prime is a flippable all-foam mattress that features four different firmness levels all within one mattress. Made from proprietary memory foam, the mattress has a true memory foam feel that’s contouring and compressing and honestly just feels like a hug.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 10 inches, 12 inches
Firmness levels Soft, Medium Soft, Medium Firm, Firm
Materials Cotton cover, gel memory foam, high density support foam
Free trial period 100 nights
Warranty length 10 years
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US

Sweetnight Prime Performance

There are four different firmness levels within the Sweetnight Prime – on one side you get a soft and a medium-soft and on the other side you get a medium-firm and a firm. This makes the Sweetnight Prime suitable for all sleeper types including strict back sleepers.

Because it’s an all-foam mattress, I do not recommend the Sweetnight Prime for heavier-set sleepers as it won’t provide them with the extra support they need.

We rate the Sweetnight Prime a 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The memory foam layers do a stellar job at providing pressure relief for all your main pressure points.

We rate the Sweetnight Prime a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

This surprised me a little bit – usually all-foam mattresses are notorious for retaining a ton of heat but the Sweetnight Prime was cool and comfortable to sleep on.

We rate the Sweetnight Prime a 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

All-foam mattresses need no further hyping up when it comes to motion isolation. This mattress does the job and it does it well. I did not feel any cross mattress movement whatsoever when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the Sweetnight Prime an 8.7 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The edge support felt fairly… average. Honestly, Sweetnight could have done a lot better with their Prime mattress.

Save 5% with coupon code: SLEEPLINE

Alternate pick: Sweetnight CoolNest

Back sleeper on a SweetNight CoolNest
SweetNight CoolNest Mattress

If you’re not too keen on the four different firmnesses within one mattress and just would like to stick to one, check out the Sweetnight CoolNest.

An all-foam mattress similar to the Prime, the CoolNest comes in a medium-firm and is great if you sleep on your back.

Save 5% with coupon code: SLEEPLINE


#10. Nolah Evolution 15

Nolah Evolution 15 Hybrid Mattress
Nolah Evolution 15

Pros

  • Great for back pain
  • Pressure relieving
  • Cooling
  • Suitable for all sleeper types

Cons

  • Can be a bit too pricey for some
  • Edge support could be better

Why it’s one of the best

Back sleepers are probably the ones most susceptible to an achy back, so of course I have to recommend you the best mattress I have found for back pain.

The Nolah Evolution 15 is made up of a blend of proprietary memory foam alternatives, copper-infused foam, and high density foam which gives it a distinct cradled-in feel.

Available in three different firmness options, the Nolah Evolution 15 is excellent for back sleepers.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 15 inches
Firmness levels Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm
Materials AirFoam, HDMax pocketed coils, breathable ArcticTex cover, AirBreath border gusset, recycled plant fiber foundation
Free trial period 120 nights
Warranty length Lifetime
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US

Nolah Evolution 15 Performance

You get to choose between three different firmness options with the Nolah Evolution 15 – plush, luxury firm and firm.

The plush version is best for strict side sleepers while the luxury firm version can accommodate most sleeper types including combination sleepers. The firm version is best for strict stomach and back sleepers.

We rate the Nolah Evolution 15 a 9.7 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The mattress contains different types of proprietary foam layers that offer pressure relief as well as zoned support for better spinal alignment – crucial for those who suffer from back pain.

We rate the Nolah Evolution 15 a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Almost every layer of the mattress is made up of actively cooling materials but what sets it apart from other mattresses is its so-called AirBreath border gusset which surrounds the entire perimeter of the and acts as an avenue for continuous air flow.

We rate the Nolah Evolution 15 a 9.6 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

I barely felt any movement when I tried the mattress out with a partner making it a great choice for those who share a bed.

We rate the Nolah Evolution 15 a 9.2 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The mattress features reinforced edge coils which helps give it stable edge support. You won’t be in any danger of rolling off the bed whether you’re sitting on it or laying close to the edge.


How we chose these mattresses

We picked these mattresses based on a complete list of factors that we believe make up a great mattress for back sleepers. We base them off the following criteria:

  • Pressure relief – Everyone has pressure points, so this is important when it comes to choosing the right mattress. We chose mattresses that offer maximum pressure relief.
  • Cooling – Sleeping hot is the number one cause of sleeplessness. Choosing mattresses that offer superb cooling capabilities is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep.
  • Firmness – Mattress firmness correlates to one’s preferred sleeping position, so we chose mattresses that suit the needs of side sleepers in particular.
  • Motion isolation – Picking a mattress that offers good motion isolation is important if you share a bed with a partner. We chose mattresses that are suitable for couples.
  • Edge support – Not only does edge support help (and protect) those who prefer sleeping close to the edge of the bed, having a mattress with good edge support also provides you with a wider mattress surface.
  • Durability – We chose mattresses that we know will last long and ones that come with reasonable return policies.

Conclusion

Back sleepers only make up a small proportion of the population. If you’re one of them, it’s important that you choose the right mattress otherwise you’ll end up with terrible sleep.

A firm, supportive mattress that doesn’t retain too much heat is the best mattress for back sleepers. Softer mattresses could wreak havoc on a back sleeper’s spinal alignment.

Whether your average-weight, lightweight or heavier set, the mattresses on this list will help you get the sleep quality you deserve.


How we rate mattresses

We personally test and rate mattresses using the following strict quantitative criteria:

  1. Comfort
  2. Structural integrity and durability
  3. Firmness and support
  4. Cooling capabilities
  5. Pressure relief
  6. Edge support
  7. Motion isolation

Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.


Michelline Norton

Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?