Best mattresses for back pain – hands-on performance tests

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Did you know that the #1 cause of back pain is sleeping on a cheap, low-quality mattress? I personally tested all of the top mattress brands and narrowed them down to the top ten that are best at relieving back pain. My top pick is the Helix Midnight Luxe.

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Top ten best mattresses for back pain and performance test results

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#1. Helix Midnight Luxe

Pros

• Relieves pressure
• Supports back and joints
• Best for side sleepers and combination sleepers
• Fiberglass-free

Cons

• Slight off-gassing
• Not great for hot sleepers

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Why it’s the best

From my tests, the Helix Midnight Luxe offers the most relief when it comes to sleeping with chronic back pain.

While you may think that the multiple foam layers of the Helix Midnight Luxe do all the heavy lifting here, the support foam of the Helix Midnight Luxe is its dark horse and provides the zoned support that helps with back pain.

Of course, I also like the fact that the memory foam layers provide compression for the main pressure points.

Another thing I liked a lot about the Helix Midnight Luxe is its motion isolating capabilities – it is one of the best I’ve tried.

Specs at a glance

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Helix Midnight Luxe Performance Test Results

The Helix Midnight Luxe sits at a 6 on the mattress firmness scale which is a medium-firm.

For sleepers who weigh well over 300 lbs. though, it may feel more like a true medium or even softer.

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

Not only does it provide deep compression thanks to its dual memory foam layers but it also provides zoned support for the entire back.

We rate the Helix Midnight Luxe a 6 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Unfortunately, the memory foam layers absorb quite a good amount of heat. I don’t recommend it to those who sleep hot.

We rate the Helix Midnight Luxe a 10 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

The memory foam layers come into play here – they absorb cross-mattress movement really well. I barely felt any motion transfer when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the Helix Midnight Luxe a 9 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The Helix Midnight Luxe contains reinforced edge coils giving the mattress extra edge support. This allows you to sleep on the entire mattress surface.

>> View my full Helix Midnight Luxe review for more details

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Alternate pick: Helix Plus Luxe

If you’re a heavier-set sleeper, check out the Helix Plus Luxe.

Designed specifically for overweight sleepers, the Plus Luxe contains multiple foam layers that help with both support and pressure relief.

>> View my full Helix Plus Luxe review for more details

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#2. Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

Pros

• Cooling
• Good for all sleeper types
• Pressure-relieving
• Supports back and joints

Cons

• Slight off-gassing
• Edge support could be better

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Why it’s one of the best

The Leesa Sapira Chill is the coolest mattress that I have tried on this list and no surprises there – every layer of the mattress features some form of cooling tech.

Zoned lumbar spring coils as well as the ultra supportive memory foam layer of the Leesa Sapira Chill mattress provides back pain sufferers with the extra support they need while also helping them achieve proper spinal alignment.

Specs at a glance

Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Performance Test Results

You get to choose between three different firmness options: plush, medium-firm and firm.

The plush version is best for side sleepers. The medium-firm version is good for all sleeper types. The firm version is best for those who sleep on their backs or stomachs.

We rate the Leesa Sapira Chill a 9 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

I found that the multiple foam layers did a good job at making the mattress both comfortable and pressure-relieving.

We rate the Leesa Sapira Chill a 10 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

All the layers of the mattress contain cooling technology; from the mattress cover down to the base layer. This is one of the coolest mattresses I have ever tried. I highly recommend it to back pain sufferers who are also hot sleepers.

We rate the Leesa Sapira Chill an 8 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Though not the best I have tried, it still does a pretty good job at isolating cross-mattress movement.

We rate the Leesa Sapira Chill a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Even though the mattress contains reinforced edge coils, the multiple foam layers work against it and the edge support on the Leesa Sapira Chill is pretty much nonexistent.

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#3. Bear Elite Hybrid

Pros

• Great edge support
• Temperature-regulating
• Relieves pain from pressure points
• Good for all sleeper types

Cons

• Might be too tall for those with limited mobility
• Slight off-gassing

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Why it’s one of the best

For me, what clinched the deal with the Bear Elite Hybrid is that it features Celliant as its mattress cover; it not only helps with temperature regulation but also muscle recovery.

Basically, you get to sleep cool when it’s hot and sleep warm when it’s cold which is a definite plus, especially if you are in a place with four seasons.

Another thing I like a lot about the Bear Elite Hybrid is its great edge support – you definitely won’t be finding yourself rolling off the edge of the bed at any time.

Specs at a glance

Bear Elite Hybrid Performance Test Results

You get to choose between three different firmness levels: soft, medium and firm.

The soft version is best for side sleepers. The medium version is good for all sleeper types. The firm version is best for back and stomach sleepers.

We rate the Bear Elite Hybrid a 9 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The mattress did very well in my comfort and pressure relief tests.

We rate the Bear Elite Hybrid a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Aside from its copper-infused memory foam, the Celliant cover helps regulate temperature. This means you not only get cooling when you need it but warmth as well.

We rate the Bear Elite Hybrid an 8 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Although the mattress only contains two foam layers, it still did a pretty good job of isolating cross-mattress movement. I barely felt any motion transfer when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the Bear Elite Hybrid a 10 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Reinforced edge coils surround the entire perimeter. Based on my testing, those coils did a good job at maintaining structure around the edge of the mattress. It won’t compress or sag if you sit down on the edge.

>> View my full Bear Elite Hybrid review for more details

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Alternate pick: Bear Natural

If you’re looking for something natural and organic, check out the Bear Natural.

Made with a combo of 100% natural latex foam and recycled steel coils, the Bear Natural mattress not only provides pressure point relief but also lumbar support for those who suffer from chronic back pain.

>> View my full Bear Natural review for more details

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#4. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Pros

• Supports back and joints
• Very cooling
• Relieves pressure
• Features soft, plush pillow top

Cons

• Poor edge support
• Motion isolation could be better

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Why it’s one of the best

Many brands are supportive, but they don’t do a good job at sinking-in on the parts of your body that need it (shoulders, hips, etc.).

I found that the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe did a good job at conforming to the shape of my body. It supported my back but also cradled the areas that needed a little bit of give.

That’s rare in a mattress.

Specs at a glance

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Performance Test Results

You get to choose between three different firmness options: soft, medium and firm.

The soft option is best for side sleepers. The medium option is good for all sleeper types including those who switch between different sleeping positions. The firm version is best for back and stomach sleepers.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe a 10 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The combination of foam layers and the plush pillow top provide deep compression without making you feel like you’re sinking in; this is truly beneficial for those who suffer from chronic back pain. I actually woke up pain-free.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

The mattress contains actively-cooling materials in practically every layer of its construction. When I tested it out, it didn’t retain any heat whatsoever.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

The plush pillow top works against it in this case. The softness and bounce makes you feel every movement which is why I won’t recommend it to couples.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe a 6 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

While you may think that edge support is not that important, it can be a deal breaker for some people, especially ones that like sleeping close to the edge of the bed. The edge support on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe leaves much to be desired.

>> View my full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review for more details

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Alternate pick: Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex

If you need something with better motion isolation, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex mattress.

The CopperFlex’s thick layers do a great job of absorbing any movement, making it a good choice for those who share a bed.

There’s also an upgraded CopperFlex Pro model if you want to spend a bit more on something that’s even better.

>> View my full Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex review for more details

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#5. Nolah Evolution

Pros

• Good for all sleeper types
• Relieves pain from pressure points
• Cooling
• Supports back and joints

Cons

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

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Why it’s one of the best

I tried the mattress out during a time when I was experiencing some neck and back pain and when I was pleasantly surprised to find that I felt absolutely nothing upon waking up.

Another I liked a lot about the Nolah Evolution is that it aced my cooling tests and no wonder – every layer of the mattress is made with active-cooling materials.

Specs at a glance

Nolah Evolution Performance Test Results

You have three options to choose from: soft, medium and firm.

The soft version is best for side sleepers. The medium version is good for all sleeper types. The firm version is best for those who sleep on their backs and stomachs.

We rate the Nolah Evolution a 9 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The pillow top is plush but it still helps you achieve proper spinal alignment.

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

The mattress contains active-cooling materials including one that’s pretty unique called an AirBreath border gusset, which allows air to circulate throughout the entire mattress. I found that it did a great job of keeping me cool throughout the night.

We rate the Nolah Evolution a 7.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

I won’t say the mattress is bad when it comes to motion isolation but it’s not great either. You may experience some motion transfer, especially if you share a bed with someone who’s significantly heavier than you are.

We rate the Nolah Evolution a 7 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The mattress does contain reinforced edge coils but let’s just say it was not as reinforced as I would have liked.

>> View my full Nolah Evolution review for more details

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#6. Birch Luxe Natural

Pros

• Best for back and stomach sleepers
• Made from natural latex
• Naturally cooling and hypoallergenic
• Supports back and joints

Cons

• May be a bit too firm for petite side sleepers
• Not good for heavier-set people

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Why it’s one of the best

Here’s something for back pain sufferers who prefer something a bit more natural – the Birch Luxe Natural mattress is made up of organic latex foam, plant fibers, and organic wool. You can’t get any more natural than that.

One thing that stands out to me the most is that the mattress comes backed by all the regulatory bodies around the world including Greenguard Gold and eco-INSTITUT, which is pretty impressive.

But the main thing for me is that I found the Birch Luxe Natural to be thoroughly consistent when it comes to overall performance.

Specs at a glance

Birch Luxe Natural Performance Performance Tests

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

While this firmness level is good for most sleeper types, I found it to be too firm for petite side sleepers.

We rate the Birch Luxe Natural an 8 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The mattress did very well during my comfort and pressure relief tests.

We rate the Birch Luxe Natural a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Pure latex is naturally cooling, so this mattress doesn’t. retain any heat whatsoever.

We rate the Birch Luxe Natural an 8 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Even for a latex mattress which can be quite bouncy, it absorbs motion transfer very well. I barely felt any movement when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

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

Thick edge coils surround the perimeter of the mattress. During my tests, I found that the edge support was solid.

>> View my full Birch Luxe Natural review for more details

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Alternate pick: Birch Natural

If you prefer something a little less expensive, check out the base model Birch Natural mattress.

It’s very similar to the Luxe Natural when it comes to construction. The main difference is that the standard Natural contains less foam layers.

The interesting thing is that, when I tested it, the comfort and pressure relief were almost identical to its more expensive counterpart.

If you want to save some money, this is definitely a solid alternative to the Luxe version.

>> View my full Birch Natural review for more details

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#7. Saatva Classic

Pros

• Good for all sleeper types
• Cooling
• Treated with an antimicrobial treatment

Cons

• Edge support is too firm
• Expensive

Why it’s the best

In terms of performance, the Saatva Classic pretty much scores high all across the board.

I like the streamlined construction and the fact that it’s chiropractor-approved.

Another unique perk is that it’s treated with an antimicrobial formula. How effective it is I don’t know. But I do know that it’s pretty cool and something that most other brands don’t offer.

Specs at a glance

Saatva Classic Performance Test Results

You get to choose between three different firmness levels: plush soft, luxury firm and firm.

The plush soft is best for side sleepers. The luxury firm is good for all sleeper types. The firm version is best for back and stomach sleepers.

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

I found that this brand is very similar in feel to classic innerspring mattresses. The coils did a good job at relieving pressure, and the foam was comfortable but not overbearing in the way most memory foam mattresses are.

We rate the Saatva Classic a 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

The mattress does not retain any heat making it an excellent choice for hot sleepers.

We rate the Saatva Classic an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Though not the best, I can’t say that I’m disappointed either. I barely felt any movement when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the Saatva Classic a 7.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support. 

This is a case of ‘too much of a good thing can be a bad thing’. The edge foam rails are too thick and too firm to the point that it’s a little uncomfortable to sit on (a common complaint with Saatva).

>> View my full Saatva Classic review for more details

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#8. Puffy Royal

Pros

• Plush and luxurious
• Cooling
• Good for all sleeper types
• Pressure-relieving

Cons

• Expensive
• Not the best edge support

Why it’s one of the best

If you want a mattress with a lot of cushioning, the Puffy Royal won’t steer you wrong.

Sleeping on the Puffy Royal mattress feels like sleeping on a 5-star hotel bed.

It really does do a good job at relieving back pain from conditions including fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Specs at a glance

Puffy Royal Performance Test Results

The Puffy Royal sits on a 5 on the mattress firmness scale giving it a true medium feel. This firmness level is good for all sleeper types.

We rate the Puffy Royal a 9 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief.

The memory foam layers did a great job at relieiving pressure from hips, shoulders, and other key areas.

We rate the Puffy Royal an 8 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

The mattress does not retain heat making it an excellent choice for hot sleepers.

We rate the Puffy Royal a 9 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

The multiple foam layers show their strength here by absorbing cross-mattress movement. I did not feel any motion transfer when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the Puffy Royal a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The plushness of the mattress is the culprit here – there’s barely any edge support (so manage your expectations).

>> View my full Puffy Royal review for more details

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#9. The WinkBed

Pros

• Good for all sleeper types
• Supports back and joints
• Relieves pain from pressure points
• Comes in four different firmness levels

Cons

• Can be too pricey for some
• Slight off-gassing

Why it’s one of the best

Simple in its construction (just three layers), the WinkBed mattress packs a punch when it comes to providing support as well as helping you achieve proper spinal alignment.

I found that the coil support core did a good job of keeping my back aligned properly, which reduced my pain to essentially zero.

I also like that it provides good edge support which allows you to use more of the mattress surface.

Specs at a glance

The WinkBed Performance

You get to choose between four firmness options:

The soft version is best for side sleepers. The luxury firm version is good for all sleeper types. The firm version is best for back and stomach sleepers. The Plus version is designed specifically for heavier-set people (even those weighing more than 500 pounds).

We rate the WinkBed an 8 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

The mattress did exceptionally well in my comfort and pressure relief tests.

We rate the WinkBed a 7 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Though not the coolest I have tried; it still did a pretty good job at dissipating any heat retention.

We rate the WinkBed a 7 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Although I did experience a very small amount of motion transfer, it’s barely noticeable unless you share a bed with a partner who’s significantly heavier than you are.

We rate the WinkBed an 8 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Reinforced edge coils surround the perimeter of the entire mattress giving the WinkBed extra edge support.

>> View my full WinkBed review for more details

Alternate pick: WinkBeds EcoCloud

If you prefer a latex mattress, check out the WinkBeds EcoCloud.

Made with natural latex foam and recycled steel coils, the WinkBeds Ecocloud does a good job at providing lumbar support for those who suffer from back pain.

>> View my full WinkBeds EcoCloud review for more details

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#10. Egohome Black

Pros

• Good for those who suffer from chronic pain
• Exceptional motion isolation
• Good for couples
• Best for side sleepers

Cons

• Poor edge support
• Not suitable for heavier-set stomach sleepers

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Why it’s one of the best

All-foam mattresses are usually great when it comes to motion isolation, but even so the Egohome Black stands out.

You won’t feel any movement at all if you share the bed with a partner. That’s why I highly recommend this mattress to couples who have back pain.

The low price is another major positive to the Egohome Black (under $1000 for a queen).

Specs at a glance

Egohome Black Performance

You get to choose between two different firmness levels: medium-soft and medium-firm.

The medium-soft version is best for side sleepers and combination sleepers while the medium-firm version is best for back and stomach sleepers.

We rate the Egohome Black an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to comfort and pressure relief.

No surprises that I give this mattress a high score when it comes to pressure relief because it feels and acts just like a top-quality memory foam mattress (without the high price point).

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

The foam layers retained quite a good amount of heat. I don’t recommend this mattress to those who sleep extremely hot.

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

I did not feel any motion transfer whatsoever 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.

Unfortunately, the mattress does not feature reinforced edges and there’s barely any edge support.

>> View my full Egohome Black review for more details

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Alternate pick: Egohome Tenzura

If you prefer a hybrid option, check out the Egohome Tenzura.

Similar in construction to the Black but with the addition of pocketed coils, the Tenzura mattress is very cooling making it a great option for back pain sufferers who sleep hot.

>> View my full Egohome Tenzura review for more details

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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 those that suffer from back pain. We base them all off the following criteria:

• Pressure relief – Everyone has pressure points and this is important when it comes to choosing the right mattress. Depending on a person’s sleeping position, mattress firmness can greatly affect whether you get enough pressure relief or not. We chose mattresses that offer maximum pressure relief.
• Cooling – Sleeping hot is a major 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 and we chose mattresses that can suit most, if not all, sleeping positions from back sleeping to stomach sleeping and side sleeping.
• 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 effectively gives y ou a wider mattress surface.
• Durability – We chose mattresses that we know would last long and ones that come with reasonable return policies.

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Conclusion

Mattresses that are good for back pain should be able to give enough lumbar support as well as be both comfortable and pressure relieving. 

The mattresses on our list were chosen based on how well they did during my hands-on, data-backed testing process.

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