At times we are compensated for the links you click at no cost to you. Learn more about why you should trust our reviews and view our disclosure page.
The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Read our full medical disclaimer.
Back pain – we’ve all been there. Chronic pain can completely wreck your sleep and destroy your quality of life. Did you know that the #1 cause of back pain is sleeping on a cheap, low-quality mattress? We personally tested over a hundred different mattresses and narrowed them down to the top 10 that are proven to help relieve your back pain. Our top pick is the Saatva RX (a mattress that’s also endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association).
Top 10 Best Mattresses for Back Pain – Based on Hands-On Testing
#1. Saatva RX
Why it’s the overall best
It’s literally in the name – Saatva RX.
A mattress specifically prescribed by Saatva for those who suffer from chronic back and/or joint pain, the Saatva RX features a blend of body contouring memory foam and 8-inch individually wrapped coils plus a truly unique feature that not many mattresses have: a 2-inch RX foam module PLUS a micro-coil unit that sits on top of the main coil system of that Saatva RX that makes up the mattress’ therapeutic support core. This support core helps provide plusher support and allows the bed to move with your body without any pressure whatsoever.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 15 inches |
| Firmness levels | Medium Soft |
| Materials | Memory foam, triple-tempered recycled steel coils and organic cotton |
| Free trial period | 365 nights |
| Warranty length | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free |
| Certification | CertiPUR-US |
Saatva RX performance
When it comes to overall performance, we rate the Saatva RX a 9.7 out of 10.
Think of the Saatva RX as a souped-up memory foam mattress and a plusher innerspring mattress all rolled into one.
Those who suffer from chronic back pain will appreciate the Saatva RX mattress’ medium-soft firmness. The memory foam comfort layer cradles and contours the body, relieving any kind of pressure off the main pressure points.
Unlike traditional memory foam though, the Saatva RX is pretty responsive, thanks to its pocketed coils that are made up of spring coils that are triple-tempered which also offers precise lumbar zone support – especially crucial for those who suffer from lower back pain. When it comes to pressure relief, we rate it at a 9.8 out of 10.
Motion transfer was practically nonexistent when we tried the Saatva RX mattress making it a good choice for those who share a bed. This gets the mattress a score of 9.8 when it comes to motion isolation.
Firmer caliper spring coils surround the perimeter of the coil unit which provides stable edge support for the Saatva RX mattress. We rate the mattress a 9.7 for edge support.
As much as we love the Saatva RX, we don’t recommend it for those who weigh well over 300 lbs. due to its plusher mattress surface which will, in fact, do more harm than good for heavier individuals who suffer from back pain.
| Factor | Performance |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Soft/Medium/Firm |
| Cooling | 9.5 |
| Pressure relief | 9.8 |
| Motion transfer | 9.4 |
| Edge support | 9.2 |
| Mattress thickness (inches) | 14 |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Trial (days) | 120 |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime |
Alternate pick: Saatva HD
So you still really want a Saatva but you’re a little bit heavier than the recommended weight limit on the Saatva RX. Don’t fret, the Saatva HD is your answer.
Slightly higher than the Saatva RX at 15.5″, the Saatva HD is made especially for heavier-set individuals.
It also comes in three different firmness levels as opposed to the Saatva RX’s one – soft, medium and medium-firm. A medium-firm mattress is best for those who share a bed with a partner who has a different preferred sleeping position.
#2. Bear Elite Hybrid
Why it’s one of the best
Bear is the only online mattress brand that uses Celliant in their mattresses. Celliant is a performance textile that converts body heat into infrared energy which in turn helps you sleep cool as well as aids in recovery while you sleep.
Coupled with Bear’s very own phase change material (PCM) that makes up the Bear Hybrid’s mattress cover makes it one of the most cooling mattresses we’ve tried.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 14 inches |
| Firmness levels | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Materials | PCM, Celliant, copper-infused memory foam, pocketed coils, reinforced edge coils and high density foam |
| Free trial period | 120 nights |
| Warranty length | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free |
| Certification | CertiPUR-US, Greenguard Gold |
Bear Elite Hybrid performance
We rate the Bear Elite Hybrid a 9.5 for overall performance.
Suitable for all sleeping positions because it comes in three different firmness options, the Bear Hybrid mattress is also suitable for heavier-set individuals who prefer a firmer mattress for back pain, including those who sleep strictly on their backs.
The copper-infused memory foam plus the individually pocketed coil unit in the Bear Hybrid mattress helps absorb a lot of cross-mattress movement making it a great choice for those who share a bed. We gave the Bear Hybrid Elite a 9.4 rating for motion isolation.
When it comes to pressure relief, once again the memory foam component in the Bear Hybrid does a lot of heavy lifting. Memory foam mattresses are well-known in providing both pressure and pain relief by keeping pressure off the body’s main pressure points. This gets a 9.8 from us.
That said, you won’t feel any of that sunk-in feel most associated with memory foam due to the Bear Hybrid’s hybrid construction which could be a pet peeve for a lot of sleepers.
Edge support is something a lot of people overlook when it comes to choosing a mattress, but it’s important especially if you are the type of sleeper who likes to sleep closer to the edge of the bed. Thankfully, the Bear Elite Hybrid lives up to its name – its edge support is definitely elite as evidenced by our in-depth testing. We rate it at a 9.2.
We experienced a tiny bit of off-gassing when we first unboxed the Bear Elite Hybrid but this dissipated within 48 hours.
| Factor | Performance |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Soft/Medium/Firm |
| Cooling | 9.5 |
| Pressure relief | 9.8 |
| Motion transfer | 9.4 |
| Edge support | 9.2 |
| Mattress thickness (inches) | 14 |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Trial (days) | 120 |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime |
Alternate pick: Bear Star Hybrid
Don’t like the sound of the Bear Elite Hybrid but still want to keep your mattress choice within the Bear Family? Check out the Bear Star Hybrid mattress.
Made with the same Celliant mattress cover, the Bear Star Hybrid has cooling gel-infused memory foam instead of copper which still helps you sleep cool even though it’s much more affordable than the Bear Elite Hybrid.
It only comes in a medium-firm firmness level and yet it offers the same pressure relief and spinal alignment as its more expensive counterpart.
#3. Naturepedic EOS Classic
Why it’s one of the best
Latex mattresses are great at elevating sleep quality and the Naturepedic EOS Classic is no exception. Naturally cooling and hypoallergenic and of course, fully organic, the Naturepedic EOS Classic mattress is a responsive yet supportive mattress that’s good for back pain.
Fully customizable, the EOS Classic is also a hybrid mattress, which means it is suitable for all sleeper types, including heavier-set individuals.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 12 inches |
| Firmness levels | Customizable |
| Materials | Organic latex foam layers and glue-less pocketed coils |
| Free trial period | 100 nights |
| Warranty length | 25 years |
| Shipping | Free |
| Certification | MADE SAFE, GOTS and UL Greenguard certified |
Naturepedic EOS Classic performance
The Naturepedic EOS Classic gets an overall rating of 9.3.
Whether you prefer softer mattresses, firm mattresses or medium-firm mattresses, the Naturepedic EOS Classic is like a one size fits all mattress that you can customize to get your desired firmness level.
All you need to do is to shift the foam and coil layers around (Naturepedic includes a handy little configuration guide). This makes the mattress suitable for all sleep positions from combination sleepers to back and side sleepers.
Natural latex is pretty responsive and unlike traditional memory foam mattress, you won’t get that stuck in the mud feel when you move around.
That said, the Naturepedic EOS is still very much pressure relieving, especially if you choose the softer configuration. This gets a 9.5 from us.
The same principle applies when it comes to the mattress’ motion isolation capabilities – if you choose a firmer configuration, you get less motion transfer but the softer the layers become, you might feel a tiny amount of movement if you share a bed with a partner who’s a restless sleeper. We rate it an 8.7 for motion isolation.
Due to its removable layers, edge support can vary on the Naturepedic EOS Classic mattress.
If the coil unit sits on the upper layers, you would get very good edge support and if you choose to place it within the lower layers, then you would not have adequate support especially if you like to sleep close to the edge. If you choose the former (which we recommend), we rate the mattress’ edge support a 9.7.
We did not experience any off-gassing with the Naturepedic EOS Classic mattress although you may experience an earthy sort off scent that comes off of the mattress – don’t worry, this is just how natural latex smells.
| Factor | Performance |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Customizable |
| Cooling | 9.3 |
| Pressure relief | 9.5 |
| Motion transfer | 8.7 |
| Edge support | 9.7 |
| Mattress thickness (inches) | 12 |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Trial (days) | 100 |
| Warranty (years) | 25 |
Alternate pick: Naturepedic EOS Organic Pillow Top
If you’re hankering for something a little bit more lux and a whole lot plusher for total pain relief, you might want to take a look at Naturepedic’s EOS Organic Pillow Top mattress.
Sure, you can also customize its firmness levels but the addition of a pillow top surface adds a layer of softness to the mattress that can help alleviate any pain you might feel, whether chronic or temporary (and so sorry, only the physical kind).
#4. Nolah Evolution 15
Why it’s one of the best
Nolah has recently revamped their entire mattress lineup and the Nolah Evolution 15 comes with newer and more improved features as well as an entirely new look.
The Nolah Evolution mattress now comes with an ArcticTex cover and a high thermal conductivity topper that actively draws heat away from the body and the mattress which helps you sleep cooler.
In lieu of traditional memory foam, Nolah uses their very own AirFoam, a memory foam alternative that offers the same pressure relieving comfort without any of the heat retention.
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 and Greenguard Gold certified |
Nolah Evolution 15 performance
Overall, the Nolah Evolution 15 gets a 9.4.
With three different firmness options to choose from, the Nolah Evolution 15 mattress can is suitable for all sleeper types, including those who sleep strictly on their backs.
The Plush firmness level sits on a 4 on the mattress firmness scale and is best for strict side sleepers whereas the Luxury Firm model is around a 5.5 which can accommodate all sleeper types.
Stomach and back sleepers would do best by choosing the Firm model which helps them achieve proper spinal alignment.
When it comes to pressure relief though, the Nolah Evolution 15 is outstanding and get a rating of 9.7.
We experienced very little motion transfer on the Nolah Evolution mattress when we tried it out with a partner making it a solid choice for couples. We rate it a 9.6 for motion isolation.
We also found edge support to be very good on the Nolah Evolution mattress although slightly less so on the Plush model. This gets it a 9.2 for edge support.
We did, however, experience a tiny amount of off-gassing when we first unboxed the mattress but this disappeared within 24 hours.
| Factor | Performance |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Plush/Luxury Firm/Firm |
| Cooling | 9.3 |
| Pressure relief | 9.7 |
| Motion isolation | 9.6 |
| Edge support | 9.2 |
| Mattress thickness (inches) | 15 |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Trial (days) | 120 |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime |
Alternate pick: Nolah Original Hybrid
For a slightly more affordable alternative, check out the Nolah Original Hybrid.
Featuring a soft and moisture-wicking Tencel cover, the same AirFoam memory foam alternative and individually pocketed coils as the Nolah Evolution, the Nolah Original Hybrid is a pressure relieving mattress that can help with back pain.
We go into a lot more detail about this mattress in our in-depth Nolah Original Hybrid review.
#5. The WinkBed
Why it’s one of the best
Everyone suffers from back pain, no matter the body type or size.
Everyone.
But not every mattress is suitable for heavier-set individuals. This is where the WinkBed mattress comes in.
It comes in 4 different firmness options including a Plus which is made specifically for those who weigh well over 250 lbs.
There’s definitely something for everyone.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 13.5 inches |
| Firmness levels | Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm, Plus |
| Materials | Gel-infused, HyperSoft foam, pocketed coils, Tencel cover |
| Free trial period | 120 nights |
| Warranty length | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free |
| Certification | Oeko-Tex, CertiPUR-US certified |
The WinkBed performance
We gave the WinkBed mattress a 9.4 out of 10 for performance.
You don’t only get three but FOUR firmness options with the WinkBed mattress including one specially made for heavier-set individuals.
This means it can accommodate sleepers of all shapes and sizes, as well as all sleeping positions from strict stomach and back sleepers to side sleepers.
When it comes to addressing issues with back pain, the WinkBed’s quilted Euro pillow top along with its memory foam comfort layer does all the heavy lifting when it comes to both pain and pressure relief. We rate it a 9.8 for pressure relief.
Just like a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed mattress contains a thick layer of individually wrapped pocketed coils that provide targeted back support that push back in areas with greater pressure and gently cradle areas that need less pressure.
We found motion isolation to be excellent in the WinkBed mattress, especially with the firmer models so if you share a bed with a partner, it would be best to choose either the Firm or the Plus firmness levels. We rate the WinkBed mattress an 8.9 for motion isolation.
The same goes for edge support – on the firmer models we found edge support to be a tad bit better compared to the softer models which is important to note, especially if you’re a heavier-set sleeper who likes to sleep close to the edge of the bed. We rate it an 8.9 for motion isolation.
As with most hybrid mattresses that contain memory foam, we experienced a tiny amount of off-gassing when we first unboxed the mattress but this disappeared almost immediately once we gave the mattress time to air out.
| Factor | Performance |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Softer/Firmer/Plus |
| Cooling | 9.1 |
| Pressure relief | 9.8 |
| Motion transfer | 8.9 |
| Edge support | 9.7 |
| Mattress thickness (inches) | 13.5 |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Trial (nights) | 120 |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime |
Alternate pick: WinkBeds EcoCloud
If you want something similar to the WinkBed mattress but prefer latex instead of gel memory foam, the WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress might just be the one for you.
Back pain sufferers who want the naturally cooling and hypoallergenic benefits that only a latex foam mattress can give would appreciate the latex foam comfort layer on the EcoCloud mattress.
Being a hybrid mattress, the WinkBeds EcoCloud would be able to give the extra support that a heavier individual would need, especially ones who suffer from chronic back pain. Bear in mind though that unlike the WinkBed mattress, the EcoCloud only comes in a medium-firm option.
#6. Emma Hybrid Comfort
Why it’s one of the best
Cheap does not necessarily equate to low quality and if you’re hankering for a good quality mattress that won’t break the bank, you might want to take a look at the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress.
Made with proprietary foam that features Airgocell technology as well as a coil unit made up of an ergonomic 7-zone edge pocketed coils, the Emma Hybrid Comfort provides proper support for those who need back pain relief.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 13 inches |
| Firmness levels | Medium to Medium Firm |
| Materials | Airgocell memory foam alternative, gel-infused memory foam, HRX foam, individually wrapped steel coils, cotton cover |
| Free trial period | 365 night |
| Warranty length | 10 years |
| Shipping | Free |
| Certification | CertiPUR-US |
Emma Comfort Hybrid performance
We gave the Emma Hybrid Comfort a 9.1 for overall performance.
We found the Emma Hybrid Comfort’s firmness level to be between a true medium to medium-firm depending on body weight.
The heavier you are, the softer a mattress feels and vice versa.
There really isn’t that big of a difference though unless you’re really light or really heavy so the Emma Hybrid Comfort can accommodate pretty much every type of sleeper from strict stomach sleepers and back sleepers to those who sleep predominantly on their sides.
When it comes to pressure relief, we gave the Emma Hybrid Comfort a 9.6. The mattress did a good job of keeping pressure off the main pressure points.
The triple foam layers of the Emma Hybrid Comfort also did a pretty good job of deadening any cross-mattress movement making the mattress a great choice for couples who vary in both preferred sleeping positions and body weight. We gave it a 9.1 for motion isolation.
That said, edge support on the Emma Hybrid Comfort could definitely use some work (are you listening, Emma) – you would find yourself sliding off the bed whether you’re sitting or laying on it (if you’re a weirdo like me who loves sleeping close to the edge). This gets it an 8.8 for edge support.
There definitely was that new mattress smell when we first unboxed the Emma Hybrid Comfort but don’t worry, this dissipates within a a few days to a week.
| Factor | Performance |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium Firm |
| Cooling | 9 |
| Pressure relief | 9.6 |
| Motion transfer | 9.1 |
| Edge support | 8.8 |
| Mattress thickness (inches) | 13 |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Trial (days) | 365 |
| Warranty (years) | 10 |
Alternate pick: Emma Original
Not a fan of springs? Try the Emma Original mattress if you’re more of an all-foam mattress fan. Made with Point Elastic Airgocell, pressure relieving memory foam and high density HRX foam, the Emma Original has a medium-firm feel that offers enough support especially for the lumbar region in those who suffer from back pain.
The only thing is (well, a couple of things really) all foam-mattresses are not really a good choice for heavier-set individuals or those who sleep hot.
#7. PlushBeds Eco Bliss
Why it’s one of the best
Made with a blend of layers of high density foam and 100% natural latex foam comfort layer, the PlushBeds Eco Bliss mattress helps relieve pressure as well as offer responsive support for those who suffer from back pain.
Talalay latex is naturally hypoallergenic which makes the Eco Bliss mattress a good choice for those who suffer from seasonal allergies as well as for those who have children.
The PlushBeds Eco Bliss also contains a plant-based fire barrier making the mattress fiberglass-free.
The PlushBeds Eco Bliss mattress also comes in two different firmness options and three different height profiles that can suit different sleeping positions and different bed profiles.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches |
| Firmness levels | Medium, Medium Firm |
| Materials | Talalay latex, polyfoam, plant-based fire barrier and organic cotton |
| Free trial period | 100 nights |
| Warranty length | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free |
| Certification | CertiPUR-US, Greenguard Gold, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT, Control Union, Forest Stewardship Council |
PlushBeds Eco Bliss performance
The PlushBeds Eco Bliss mattress gets a 9.6 for overall performance.
The PlushBeds Eco Bliss mattress comes in both medium and medium-firm options which makes it suitable for all sleeper types including strict stomach sleepers.
You also get three different height profiles to choose from including an 8-inch option which is great for those with poor mobility (aka the perfect mattress for grandpa).
When it comes to pressure relief, the PlushBeds Eco Bliss mattress did an amazing job off keeping pressure off our main pressure points which gets it a score of 9.8.
All-foam mattresses in general are pretty good at isolating motion and the PlushBeds Eco Bliss is no exception which we found out when we tried the mattress out with a partner. We rate the Eco Bliss mattress a 9.7 for motion isolation.
Edge support on all-foam mattresses can be a hit or miss though but thankfully not a miss on the PlushBeds Eco Bliss. This garners a score of 9.5 for edge support.
We did not experience any off-gassing when we first unboxed the mattress although mattresses made from natural latex tend to carry a distinct, slightly earthy scent which is shouldn’t really be an issue.
| Factor | Performance |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium, Medium Firm |
| Cooling | 9.4 |
| Pressure relief | 9.8 |
| Motion transfer | 9.7 |
| Edge support | 9.5 |
| Mattress thickness (inches) | 8, 10, 12 |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Trial (nights) | 100 nights |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime |
Alternate pick: PlushBeds Cool Bliss
If you’re an extremely hot sleeper who suffers from back pain, you might want to take a look at the PlushBeds Cool Bliss mattress instead.
Made with the same natural Talalay latex as the Eco Bliss, the Cool Bliss mattress contains cooling gel-infused memory foam as its top layer which offers both support and pressure relief. And yes, it’s also fiberglass-free.
#8. Avocado Latex mattress
Why it’s one of the best
Natural and all-organic are marketing jargons that mattress companies seem to throw around with wild abandon but Avocado certainly has all the chops to back it up (and by chops we mean certifications).
But that’s not all.
The L.A. made, handcrafted Avocado Latex mattress contains pain and pressure relieving, 100% natural latex that can help back pain sufferers get a good night’s sleep.
Natural latex is also naturally cooling and hypoallergenic making the Avocado Latex a great choice for both hot sleepers and those with seasonal allergies.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 9 inches |
| Firmness levels | Medium Firm |
| Materials | Organic latex, organic cotton, organic wool |
| Free trial period | 365 nights |
| Warranty length | 25 years |
| Shipping | Free |
| Certification | GOTS, Greenguard Gold, GOLS, MADE SAFE |
Avocado Latex mattress performance
Overall, we rate the Avocado Latex mattress a 9.7 for performance.
The Avocado Latex mattress comes in a medium firmness level which is suitable for all sleep positions including strict back and stomach sleepers.
Bear in mind though that it is an all-foam bed which means it may not give you the extra support that you would need if you weigh well over 250 lbs.
In terms of pressure relief, we rate the Avocado Latex mattress a 9.8. Although pretty responsive, it gave us the same contouring comfort as memory foam mattresses, just without any of the sinkage.
Like most all-foam beds, the Avocado Latex mattress performed pretty well when it comes to motion isolation so whether you share your bed with a partner or a pet, your sleep would not be disturbed by any type of movement. This gets the mattress a score of 9.7.
All Avocado mattresses are handcrafted and the thick lining holding all the internal layers together do a very good job of proving edge support throughout the entire perimeter of the mattress. We rate it a 9.5 for edge support.
We did not experience any type of off-gassing when we unboxed the Avocado Latex mattress but latex mattresses in general tend to have an earthy, natural scent to them that slowly disappears over time.
| Factor | Performance |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium Firm |
| Cooling | 9.5 |
| Pressure relief | 9.8 |
| Motion transfer | 9.7 |
| Edge support | 9.5 |
| Mattress thickness (inches) | 9 |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Trial (nights) | 365 |
| Warranty (years) | 25 |
Alternate pick: Avocado Green
If you’re looking for that extra support that only a hybrid mattress can give, check out the Avocado Green mattress.
Made with a blend of latex foam layers, organic wool and a recycled steel coil unit, the Avocado Green offers ample and more responsive support for those who need it.
#9. Puffy Royal
Why it’s one of the best
Back pain sufferers looking for a more luxurious sleeping experience should look no further than the Puffy Royal mattress. In fact, it’s even endorsed by the Chiropractors Association of America.
Made with layers of proprietary foam and memory foam as well as a supportive coil unit, the Puffy Royal helps relieve pressure as well as offering pain alleviation.
Those who tend to sleep hot would appreciate the Puffy Royal mattress’ temperature regulating properties.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 14 inches |
| Firmness levels | Medium |
| Materials | Cooling cotton yarn, blended wool, proprietary foam, memory foam, contour adapt pocketed coils |
| Free trial period | 101 nights |
| Warranty length | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free |
| Certification | CertiPUR-US |
Puffy Royal performance
The Puffy Royal mattress gets a 9.6 for overall performance.
The Puffy Royal mattress sits on a 5-6 on the mattress firmness scale making it a medium-firm mattress. This makes the Puffy Royal suitable for all sleeper types, including those who sleep predominantly on their sides.
Being a hybrid mattress, the Puffy Royal mattress is also suitable for heavier-set individuals as the coil unit offers enough support to hold a lot of weight.
When it comes to pressure relief, the Puffy Royal mattress did a superb job of keeping pressure off the main pressure points which garners it a score of 9.8.
We found motion isolation to be excellent on the Puffy Royal mattress as well as its edge support although if you weigh a little over 250 lbs. you might find the mattress to be a little too soft especially along the edge. We rate the Puffy Royal mattress a 9.5 isolation and a 9.6 for edge support.
We got whiffs of somewhat of a new mattress smell when we unboxed the Puffy Royal but this dissipated within a day.
| Factor | Performance |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium |
| Cooling | 9.8 |
| Pressure relief | 9.8 |
| Motion isolation | 9.5 |
| Edge support | 9.6 |
| Mattress thickness (inches) | 14 |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Trial (nights) | 101 |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime |
Alternate pick: Puffy Cloud
Although Puffy cites their Puffy Cloud mattress to be a medium-firm, we think it’s around a medium-soft to medium making it great for those who prefer a softer and fluffier bed.
Those who suffer from back pain who also suffers from chronic and joint pain might prefer the sleeping on a cloud sleep experience on the Puffy Cloud mattress.
#10. Purple mattress
Why it’s one of the best
Is it a memory foam mattress or not?
It feels like it but not quite.
Dare I say it feels better?
And if you are someone who suffers from chronic back pain, there’s nothing that helps alleviate any pain than an adaptive mattress that moves and grooves with you, no matter your sleeping position.
Made with a memory foam alternative and a unique GelFlex grid, the Purple mattress adapts to your body type and shape helping relieve pressure off your main pain and pressure points for better quality sleep that’s, of course, pain-free.
Specs at a glance
| Thickness levels | 9.25 inches |
| Firmness levels | Medium |
| Materials | SoftFlex cover, GelFlex grid, edge support foam, comfort foam memory foam alternative, high density polyfoam |
| Free trial period | 100 nights |
| Warranty length | 10 years |
| Shipping | Free |
| Certification | CertiPUR-US |
Purple mattress performance
Overall, we rate the Purple mattress a 9.2 for performance.
The Purple mattress comes in a true medium feel making it suitable for all sleeper types including those who prefer stomach sleeping.
That said, being an all-foam mattress, the Purple mattress would not be able to offer enough support for those who weigh over 250 lbs.
As for pressure relief, just like a memory foam mattres, the Purple mattress cradles and contours the body offering very good pressure relief. This gets the mattress a score of 9.8 for pressure relief.
All-foam mattresses are mostly good at motion isolation and although the Purple mattress is an a-foam mattress, you still might feel a little bit of movement if you share a bed with a partner. We rate it an 8.8 for motion isolation.
We think it’s because of the hyper-elastic foam that follows every movement.
When it comes to edge support, the Purple mattress performed fairly well and we did not feel like we were in any danger of rolling off the bed when we sat on the edge. This gets the mattress a score of 9.6 for edge support.
We experienced a tiny amount of off-gassing when we first unboxed the mattress but don’t fret, it goes away completely once you’ve given time for the matters to air out.
| Factor | Performance |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium |
| Cooling | 8.9 |
| Pressure relief | 9.8 |
| Motion transfer | 8.8 |
| Edge support | 9.6 |
| Mattress thickness (inches) | 9.25 |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Trial (nights) | 100 nights |
| Warranty (years) | 10 |
Alternate pick: Purple Restore
If you still want to experience the unique feel of the GelFlex grid but need the support of innersprings, try the Purple Restore mattress.
Containing the same GelFlex grid layer and thinner layers of memory foam alternative, the pocketed coil unit takes center stage in the Purple Restore mattress offering extra support especially for heavier individuals.
Why we chose these mattresses
Back pain is no joke, whether it’s a one time deal or it’s with you for life, getting enough restorative sleep when you’re in pain seems impossible.
We chose the mattresses on our list based on their features, materials and certifications. Costs may vary depending on mattress brands but we included different price point options to suit any budget.
A good mattress that could help with back pain needs to be supportive, pressure relieving and comfortable. Features such as cooling and temperature regulation as well as different firmness options are also important to suit a wide range of sleepers.
Additional resources
FAQs
If you suffer from back pain, you should avoid mattresses that are too soft or too firm, no matter your body weight. Mattress firmnesses that sit on extreme ends of the spectrum could distort your spinal alignment and not provide enough support for your lumbar area which can cause you even more issues in the long run.
A mattress that has a medium to medium-firm feel and is pressure relieving and supportive is a good mattress for back pain.
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 are chosen for their superior pressure relieving abilities as well as their comfortability and cooling capabilities.
How we rate mattresses
We personally test and rate mattresses using the following strict quantitative criteria:
- Comfort
- Structural integrity and durability
- Firmness and support
- Cooling capabilities
- Pressure relief
- Edge support
- Motion isolation
Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.
Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
- Best mattresses with Affirm financing – data-backed performance tests - August 27, 2025
- Best mattresses – data-backed performance tests on 20+ brands - August 17, 2025
- Best mattresses without memory foam – hands-on performance test results - August 13, 2025
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?