The Best Mattresses for Back and Neck Pain for 2024

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    Avocado Green came out as our pick for best overall mattress for back and neck pain. Want to know what other features we looked at? See our vetting process and how to choose for yourself.

    The Purple Mattress on a blue backgroundShare on Pinterest

    A glance at the best mattresses for back and neck pain

  • Best overall: Avocado Green Mattress | Skip to review
  • Best adjustable mattress: Saatva Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress | Skip to review
  • Best latex mattress: Avocado Latex Mattress | Skip to review
  • Best foam mattress: Casper Original Mattress | Skip to review
  • Best cooling foam mattress: Nolah Original 10-Inch Mattress | Skip to review
  • Best for upper back and neck pain: Purple Mattress | Skip to review
  • Best cooling hybrid mattress: The WinkBed Mattress | Skip to review
  • If you live with pain, you probably know that spending a set amount of time in bed doesn’t automatically translate to good sleep. You likely don’t feel very rested if you spend most nights tossing and turning in hopes of easing discomfort.

    Sleeping on a decent mattress is a great start toward improving sleep quality. It may not provide an instant cure, but many people find that sleeping on a better mattress really does help relieve back and neck pain.

    Healthline’s picks of the best mattresses for back and neck pain

    Best overall

    Avocado Green Mattress

    4.7 (17.8k+) from AvocadoFront of Avocado Green Mattress on a bed frame
  • Type: hybrid
  • Firmness: firm, medium, or plush
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Trial period: 1 year
  • Use code “SAVE10” for 10% off.

    $1,999.00 AT AVOCADO

    *Price may vary.

    4.5out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's review

    Avocado’s Green Mattress combines a medium-firm, supportive mattress with soft, sustainable materials. This hybrid mattress contains latex foam and pocketed coils arranged in five ergonomic zones for superior back and neck support when you need it the most.

    The materials used to make the mattress are noteworthy, too. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic wool and organic latex are hand-sewn together, so there’s no toxic glue or chemical flame retardants. This mattress is also Greenguard Gold and Made Safe certified, which means it meets strict standards for chemical emissions and does not contain any potentially hazardous materials.

    Plus, the wool and cotton help with temperature regulation. Reviewers frequently mention that this mattress does not get too hot or too cold.

    The high quality materials mean that this mattress costs a bit more than some competitors. It comes in medium firm, but the added pillow topper can provide some extra coziness if you’re willing to pay extra.

    Our score breakdownUser ratings4.7Quality of materials5Size availability5Additional features3Shipping4.5Warranty4Trial period5Affordability5

    Pros & cons

  • All materials are certified organic and meet strict standards for safety.
  • The cotton mattress top is soft and comfortable, while the coils support your spine and back as you sleep.
  • Thanks to its natural materials, this mattress does not off-gas.
  • People who weigh less may find the mattress does not contour to their body.
  • All materials are certified organic and meet strict standards for safety.
  • The cotton mattress top is soft and comfortable, while the coils support your spine and back as you sleep.
  • Thanks to its natural materials, this mattress does not off-gas.
  • People who weigh less may find the mattress does not contour to their body.
  • Product details

  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Compatible with adjustable base: yes
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Sleeping position: all
  • Financing: available through Affirm
  • Materials: organic latex foam, individually wrapped coils
  • Returns: free returns
  • Shipping: free shipping in the contiguous United States
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Compatible with adjustable base: yes
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Sleeping position: all
  • Financing: available through Affirm
  • Materials: organic latex foam, individually wrapped coils
  • Returns: free returns
  • Shipping: free shipping in the contiguous United States
  • Best adjustable mattress

    Saatva Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress

    4.7 (122+) from SaatvaFront angle view of the Saatva Solaire Mattress
  • Type: hybrid
  • Firmness: adjustable
  • Warranty: lifetime
  • Trial period: 365 days
  • $4,495.00 AT SAATVA

    *Price may vary.

    4.2out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's review

    The Saatva Solaire Mattress combines gel-infused memory foam with inflatable air chambers, so you can change how firm your mattress is whenever you’d like to make an adjustment. If you sleep with a partner, they can choose their setting, too.

    Vulcanized air chambers underneath layers of organic cotton and natural latex can be customized with 50 available firmness settings. If your back pain varies from day to day, it can be helpful to adjust your mattress according to what your body feels like it needs.

    Research from 2015 found that inflatable, adjustable mattresses can be more comfortable and help promote proper spinal alignment because they allow for customized firmness levels.

    You can even store your preferred settings in the bed’s controller if you’d like to have a couple options at the ready.

    The “upper flex” version of the Solaire also allows you to adjust the head and foot of the mattress to different heights, but you’ll need to purchase an adjustable base.

    While it may take a little getting used to, several reviewers say that this mattress is very comfortable and has helped relieve their back pain.

    This mattress comes in at a higher price point, but its customizability may be worth the investment if you’re looking for a high-quality adjustable option. With free setup and delivery plus a lifetime warranty, your purchase is protected.

    Our score breakdownUser ratings4.7Quality of materials5Size availability5Additional features3Shipping2Warranty5Trial period5Affordability4

    Pros & cons

  • Both sides of the bed adjust independently, so you and your partner can each customize your settings.
  • Customer service and purchase protection are considered some of the best policies available on the market.
  • To make the most of the mattress settings, you may want to purchase an adjustable bed frame.
  • This mattress has a high price point.
  • Both sides of the bed adjust independently, so you and your partner can each customize your settings.
  • Customer service and purchase protection are considered some of the best policies available on the market.
  • To make the most of the mattress settings, you may want to purchase an adjustable bed frame.
  • This mattress has a high price point.
  • Product details

  • Financing: financing available through Affirm
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Sleeping position: all
  • Materials: memory foam and latex mattress, organic cotton cover
  • Returns: returns include a $99 processing fee
  • Shipping: free shipping in the contiguous United States
  • Financing: financing available through Affirm
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Sleeping position: all
  • Materials: memory foam and latex mattress, organic cotton cover
  • Returns: returns include a $99 processing fee
  • Shipping: free shipping in the contiguous United States
  • Best latex mattress

    Avocado Latex Mattress

    4.5 (142+) from Front view of the Avocado Latex Mattress
  • Type: latex
  • Firmness: firm
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Trial period: 1 year
  • Use code “SAVE10” for 10% off.

    $3,299.00 AT AVOCADO

    *Price may vary.

    4.1out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's review

    The Avocado Latex mattress is 9 in tall and made with organic latex.

    The mattress is a great choice for anyone looking for a latex option that can alleviate back and neck pain, but it’s also good for those who value sustainability and organic materials.

    In addition to using organic latex, the mattress has Global Organic Textile Standard certified organic wool and cotton in the cover.

    Avocado’s Latex Mattress is a firm option according to the company’s website. Reviewers didn’t generally say it was too firm, though if you like softer beds, there may be better choices out there. Avocado claims this mattress sleeps cool. Not a single reviewer commented on the mattress sleeping hot.

    And as for back and neck pain, reviewers rave about this option. Many of the customers who mention consistent back and neck pain had issues with their prior mattresses. When they switched to the Avocado Latex Mattress, the pain was relieved.

    Our score breakdownUser ratings4.5Quality of materials5Size availability5Additional features1Shipping4.5Warranty4Trial period5Affordability4

    Pros & cons

  • This mattress is firm and is designed to limit motion transfer.
  • The bed is made with environmentally friendly materials.
  • It alleviated many reviewers' back and neck pain.
  • The mattress comes in a good selection of sizes.
  • It's one of the more expensive options on our list.
  • Some people may not like latex.
  • The mattress has a thinner profile.
  • This mattress is firm and is designed to limit motion transfer.
  • The bed is made with environmentally friendly materials.
  • It alleviated many reviewers' back and neck pain.
  • The mattress comes in a good selection of sizes.
  • It's one of the more expensive options on our list.
  • Some people may not like latex.
  • The mattress has a thinner profile.
  • Product details

  • Financing: financing available with Affirm
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
  • Materials: organic certified natural latex foam, orgaanic certified wool, organic certified cotton
  • Returns: free returns
  • Shipping: free shipping in the contiguous United States
  • Financing: financing available with Affirm
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
  • Materials: organic certified natural latex foam, orgaanic certified wool, organic certified cotton
  • Returns: free returns
  • Shipping: free shipping in the contiguous United States
  • Best foam mattress

    Casper Original Mattress

    4.4 (21.4k+) from CasperFront view of the Casper Original Foam Mattress
  • Type: foam
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Firmness: medium firm
  • $1,295.00 AT CASPER

    *Price may vary.

    3.9out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's review

    With an average rating of 4.5 stars and over 20,000 reviews, this Casper foam mattress comes highly rated. But what makes this mattress such a great choice for back and neck pain?

    The company says the main memory foam layer provides three zones of support for optimal spinal alignment and pain relief.

    Soft foam at the shoulder area provides better cushioning, while firm foam at the low back and hips helps align your spine. The top layer of body-conforming foam is designed to cushion you, and it features perforations to keep air circulating and help you sleep cooler.

    Multiple reviewers praise this mattress, saying it helped relieve body aches and improved their sleep right away. A few people even prefer this Casper mattress to pricier mattresses specifically designed for pain relief.

    The company recommends this mattress for any sleeping position, and although some reviewers found it too firm, others say it offers the perfect combination of comfort and support.

    The cooling technology earned mixed reviews. Some people say it didn’t make much difference, while others note they sleep cooler on this mattress.

    Our score breakdownUser ratings4.4Quality of materials4Size availability5Additional features3Shipping4.5Warranty2Trial period3Affordability5

    Pros & cons

  • It has a great price point for a high quality mattress.
  • The zoned memory foam is designed to be softer under your shoulders while providing more support for your back and hips.
  • Reviewers say this mattress is super breathable and cooling throughout the night.
  • If you like a super-soft mattress, this is probably not the one for you.
  • Side sleepers say that the mattress does not contour well to their body. So in the long run, it could add to back and neck pain.
  • It has a great price point for a high quality mattress.
  • The zoned memory foam is designed to be softer under your shoulders while providing more support for your back and hips.
  • Reviewers say this mattress is super breathable and cooling throughout the night.
  • If you like a super-soft mattress, this is probably not the one for you.
  • Side sleepers say that the mattress does not contour well to their body. So in the long run, it could add to back and neck pain.
  • Product details

  • Compatible with adjustable base: yes
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Financing: financing available through Affirm
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Materials: top layer of breathable polyurethane foam, second layer of zoned memory foam, durable base of polyurethane foam
  • Returns: free returns
  • Shipping: free shipping in the United States and Canada
  • Compatible with adjustable base: yes
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Financing: financing available through Affirm
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Materials: top layer of breathable polyurethane foam, second layer of zoned memory foam, durable base of polyurethane foam
  • Returns: free returns
  • Shipping: free shipping in the United States and Canada
  • Best cooling foam mattress

    Nolah Original 10-Inch Mattress

    4.7 (0+) from NolahFront view of the Nolah Original 10-inch Mattress
  • Type: foam
  • Firmness: medium firm
  • Warranty: lifetime
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • $1,449.00 AT NOLAH

    *Price may vary.

    4.1out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's review

    If you have back and neck pain, you need a mattress that provides excellent pressure relief. That’s just what the Nolah mattress aims to do.

    According to the company, their specially designed foam provides four times the pressure relief of standard memory foam in three key zones: shoulders, back, and hips.

    This foam is also made without viscoelastic chemicals — the chemicals in memory foam known for trapping heat and creating a “sinking in” feeling — for a neutral temperature. Several reviewers confirm it stays cooler through the night.

    Reviewers have plenty of good things to say about this mattress. Several people mention significant improvements in back and neck pain and rave about the great sleep they’re getting. Others praise the motion isolation and the supportive edges. The firmness also feels “just right” to many: soft enough for comfort yet sturdy enough for support.

    That said, dedicated stomach sleepers and people who weigh more than 200 pounds (lb) may want to consider a firmer option for added support.

    The Nolah mattress is engineered for durability to provide comfort and support for years to come. Since the company offers a 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty, you’ll have plenty of time to make sure the mattress really does relieve your pain.

    Our score breakdownUser ratings4.7Quality of materials4Size availability5Additional features3Shipping2Warranty5Trial period4Affordability5

    Pros & cons

  • The company offers a 120-night trial and a lifetime warranty.
  • The foam blend may sleep cooler than pure memory foam.
  • This mattress is a great option for side sleepers and people with smaller body types.
  • At only 10 inches thick, people weighing more than 200 lb and those who prefer a cushiony feel may want to skip this one.
  • Stomach sleepers may feel that they sink too deeply into the top layer of foam.
  • The company offers a 120-night trial and a lifetime warranty.
  • The foam blend may sleep cooler than pure memory foam.
  • This mattress is a great option for side sleepers and people with smaller body types.
  • At only 10 inches thick, people weighing more than 200 lb and those who prefer a cushiony feel may want to skip this one.
  • Stomach sleepers may feel that they sink too deeply into the top layer of foam.
  • Product details

  • Compatible with adjustable base: yes
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Sleeping position: side, back
  • Financing: financing available through Affirm
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, split king, king, California king
  • Materials: botanic origin Tencel cover, cooling Nolah AirFoam, high resilience foam, high density base foam
  • Returns: returns within 120 days
  • Shipping: free shipping in the contiguous United States
  • Compatible with adjustable base: yes
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Sleeping position: side, back
  • Financing: financing available through Affirm
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, split king, king, California king
  • Materials: botanic origin Tencel cover, cooling Nolah AirFoam, high resilience foam, high density base foam
  • Returns: returns within 120 days
  • Shipping: free shipping in the contiguous United States
  • Best for upper back and neck pain

    Purple Mattress

    4.4 (31.3k+) from PurpleSide view of the Purple Original Mattress
  • Type: foam
  • Firmness: medium firm
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • $1,499.00 AT PURPLE

    *Price may vary.

    3.7out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's review

    This innovative mattress offers a unique sleeping experience that thousands of reviewers love. You’ll still find foam in the two base layers that cushion and support, but above those layers rests a 2-in elastic gel grid.

    This material is designed to flex as you sleep, so it bounces back quickly when you turn over. This extra support at areas of high pressure — like your shoulders, back, and hips — helps keep even restless sleepers comfortable and aligned. Reviewers say this leads to higher quality, pain-free sleep.

    The extra supportive cushioning helps align your spine and reduce upper body pain and pressure. Reviewers emphasize the quality of the sleep they get on this mattress. Many people say they sleep through the night and wake up without neck pain for the first time in years.

    Another bonus of the grid? It’s built to be temperature neutral, with air channels to help you stay cool. Many reviewers say this technology does the job, even for the hottest sleepers.

    Some reviewers did have difficulty getting used to this mattress. The company recommends sticking with it for 3 weeks to give yourself time to adjust. They also suggest stretchy sheets since the mattress won’t flex properly if it’s restricted by tighter cotton.

    The mattress is made from nontoxic materials, but some reviewers note an unpleasant smell that took a few days to clear up.

    Our score breakdownUser ratings4.4Quality of materials5Size availability5Additional features3Shipping2.5Warranty2Trial period3Affordability5

    What our tester says

    Freelance Editor Carley Millhone had the Purple mattress for the past 7 years and says the Purple mattress is a top choice for many reasons.

    “First, it was comfortable for both back and stomach sleeping, which is important if you sleep in multiple positions or sleep with a partner who rests differently than you do.”

    Notably, Millhone was also pregnant while she used the Purple mattress and said it was very supportive for side sleeping. “I also used a Purple pillow under my hips for extra support.

    As far as temperature goes, Millhone said that the Purple mattress was neither too warm in the summer nor too cool in the winter, though she did add an extra blanket on chillier nights.

    Freelance Editor Carley Millhone had the Purple mattress for the past 7 years and says the Purple mattress is a top choice for many reasons.

    “First, it was comfortable for both back and stomach sleeping, which is important if you sleep in multiple positions or sleep with a partner who rests differently than you do.”

    Notably, Millhone was also pregnant while she used the Purple mattress and said it was very supportive for side sleeping. “I also used a Purple pillow under my hips for extra support.

    As far as temperature goes, Millhone said that the Purple mattress was neither too warm in the summer nor too cool in the winter, though she did add an extra blanket on chillier nights.

    Pros & cons

  • Many reviewers swear by this mattress.
  • It offers extra support at your pressure points, such as your shoulders, back, and hips.
  • The innovative hex grid design benefits hot sleepers.
  • It takes some time to get used to sleeping on the gel grid, and some reviewers say they never did get accustomed to it.
  • At less than 10 in thick, this mattress may feel a bit thin.
  • Some reviewers say it takes days for Purple's off-gassing to completely dissipate.
  • Many reviewers swear by this mattress.
  • It offers extra support at your pressure points, such as your shoulders, back, and hips.
  • The innovative hex grid design benefits hot sleepers.
  • It takes some time to get used to sleeping on the gel grid, and some reviewers say they never did get accustomed to it.
  • At less than 10 in thick, this mattress may feel a bit thin.
  • Some reviewers say it takes days for Purple's off-gassing to completely dissipate.
  • Product details

  • Compatible with adjustable base: yes
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Financing: financing available through Affirm
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, split king, king, California king
  • Materials: Purple GelFlex Grid (Hyper-Elastic Polymer), polyurethane foam, top panel: polyester 98%, spandex 2%; nonslip bottom panel: polyester 74%, acrylic latex 26%; nontoxic knit barrier
  • Returns: returns within 100 days
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Compatible with adjustable base: yes
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Financing: financing available through Affirm
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, split king, king, California king
  • Materials: Purple GelFlex Grid (Hyper-Elastic Polymer), polyurethane foam, top panel: polyester 98%, spandex 2%; nonslip bottom panel: polyester 74%, acrylic latex 26%; nontoxic knit barrier
  • Returns: returns within 100 days
  • Shipping: free shipping
  • Best cooling hybrid mattress

    The WinkBed Mattress

    4.8 (8.1k+) from WinkBedsFront view of the WinkBed Luxury Firm Mattress
  • Type: hybrid
  • Firmness: luxury firm
  • Warranty: lifetime
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Returns: returns within 120 days
  • Shipping: free shipping in the contiguous United States
  • Price: $1,799.00
  • $1,799.00 AT WINKBEDS

    *Price may vary.

    4.4out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's review

    If you tend to heat up while you sleep, sleeping on a mattress that’s too warm can lead to a night of serious tossing and turning. Enter: the WinkBed in Luxury Firm.

    This hybrid-style bed features a Tencel cover and gel-infused foam that are designed to keep you cool while you sleep. Plus, the mattress comes with pocketed coils that are designed to help improve airflow, which keeps the mattress from trapping heat.

    The whole thing is topped off with a super-soft pillow topper and mattress cover that you may like if plush, billowy beds are your thing.

    The WinkBed may also be a great option if you’re looking for a mattress that’s firm enough to support your back without being so firm that it’s uncomfortable. It’s specifically designed to keep your spine in a healthy position throughout the night.

    This mattress is a thick one at 13.5 in, which helps make it more durable. You won’t have to worry too much about that, though, because the mattress has a lifetime guarantee. Many reviewers say that this mattress lives up to its claims of keeping them cool and well-rested while helping with back pain.

    Negative reviews mention that customer service, including the return process, could be simpler and more responsive.

    Our score breakdownUser ratings4.8Quality of materials4Size availability5Additional features3Shipping4Warranty5Trial period4Affordability5

    Pros & cons

  • It works well for combination sleepers and couples with different sleeping preferences.
  • It's firm enough for people who weigh more, even if you sleep on your side or your stomach.
  • Reviewers say the mattress is extremely durable.
  • This bed comes in at a splurge price point.
  • Motion isolation is not the bed's strong suit.
  • It works well for combination sleepers and couples with different sleeping preferences.
  • It's firm enough for people who weigh more, even if you sleep on your side or your stomach.
  • Reviewers say the mattress is extremely durable.
  • This bed comes in at a splurge price point.
  • Motion isolation is not the bed's strong suit.
  • Product details

  • Compatible with adjustable base: yes
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Sleeping position: side
  • Financing: financing available
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Materials: pillow top with gel-infused foam, tencel cover, individually wrapped coils
  • Compatible with adjustable base: yes
  • Cooling technology: yes
  • Sleeping position: side
  • Financing: financing available
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Materials: pillow top with gel-infused foam, tencel cover, individually wrapped coils
  • Comparison of the best mattress for back and neck pain

    MattressPrice*TypeFirmnessWarrantyTrial periodAvocado Green$1,999 hybridmedium firm or gentle firm25 years365 nightsSaatva Solaire$4,495hybrid plus airadjustablelifetime365 nightsAvocado Latex$2,999latex foammedium25 years1 yearCasper Original$1,245foamfirm10 years100 nightsNolah Original 10-Inch$1,449foammediumlifetime120 nightsPurple$1,499foammedium firm10 years100 nightsThe WinkBed$1,799hybridmediumlifetime120 nights

    *Prices are based on queen-size mattresses. All prices are accurate at the time of publish.

    How we chose the best mattresses for back and neck pain

    We explored top-rated mattresses on the market, paying careful attention to features important for pain relief. To create our list, we considered:

  • Firmness: All the mattresses on our list offer a medium-firm option, which research has shown may be most effective at supporting proper spinal alignment.
  • Customer reviews: Many brands say their mattresses can relieve pressure and pain, but reviews from other shoppers often present a more accurate picture. We read what customers had to say to see how these picks actually helped improve their pain and sleep quality.
  • Company reputation and transparency: We focused on brands known for good business practices, quality mattress construction, and a reputation for providing good customer service.
  • Company policies: Most brands understand the leap of faith required to buy a mattress online, and many offer a trial period so you can return the mattress if it doesn’t work out. Reputable mattress brands generally offer a lengthy warranty to cover product defects and excessive sagging.
  • Expert insights: We consulted peer-reviewed studies for more information on the connection between sleep and pain and the qualities that make a mattress good for pain relief. We also reached out to Doctor of Physical Therapy Krystle Howald, the owner of Expecting and Empowered and Empower Movement Physical Therapy, for her tips on getting pain-free sleep.
  • Vetting: The mattresses on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
  • What to look for in a mattress for back and neck pain

    There’s plenty to consider as you shop for a mattress. The elements below are particularly important to keep in mind when looking for a mattress to help relieve back and pain.

    Mattress type

    Hybrid mattresses are a great option for most sleepers. They offer a good mix of support, from their coil base and pressure relief from their foam comfort layers. They also come in a wide range of materials, so you have a lot of options for finding what feels best for you.

    Foam mattresses can be a good option for side sleepers looking for a softer mattress, but they might not provide enough support for sleepers with more weight.

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    Firmness

    According to a 2015 review of 24 studies, medium-firm mattresses may improve sleep quality and promote proper spinal alignment. This could help decrease back pain. In addition, a 2021 review similarly pointed to a medium-firm mattress as the best choice.

    Personal preference matters, of course, since you won’t sleep well if you can’t get comfortable on a mattress that feels squishy or unyielding. Look for a mattress that supports you without feeling hard.

    The best mattress firmness for back pain may also be based on your weight. If you have more weight, you might sink more deeply into a mattress, which can trigger back pain.

    Pressure relief

    A mattress that provides good pressure relief will gently conform to your shoulders and hips. For good pressure relief, look for all-foam mattresses or hybrid mattresses with foam comfort layers. You may also want to consider a latex mattress or a mattress that contains a latex blend foam.

    Research from 2017 suggests that latex can better support your body mass and relieve pressure than memory foam alone (check out the Helix Dawn above).

    “Comfort” is a subjective metric, and what works for one person might not work for another. When it comes to pressure relief, your best bet might be to give a bed with a generous in-home trial policy a try.

    Sleeping position

    A 2010 study found that participants saw an improvement in back pain after sleeping on mattresses that were chosen for each individual’s dominant sleeping position. So, it’s important to consider that while shopping.

    Side sleepers generally prefer softer mattresses, since they often provide relief for the extra pressure placed on hip and shoulder joints.

    If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, you’ll likely prefer a firmer mattress with coils to prevent the heaviest parts of your body (like your hips and shoulders) from sinking into the mattress and to keep your spine aligned.

    If you have more weight, try opting for a hybrid mattress to take advantage of the supportive coil base, but keep in mind that you might need to choose a firmer option to feel properly supported.

    Note what type of sleeper and sleeping position each mattress is recommended for in its product description. But take care to read reviews, too. People who have experience with the mattress can offer more insight.

    Materials

    Foam, particularly latex foam, may work best for sleepers with back and neck pain. Coils alone won’t provide enough contouring and pressure relief, so opting for a hybrid with latex foam comfort layers can help meet that need.

    If you get hot while sleeping, note whether mattresses feature any cooling technology, such as phase-change materials, gel foam, or perforated foam. While sleeping hot might not necessarily cause you pain, tossing and turning all night can leave you feeling uncomfortable all the same.

    Other mattress performance considerations

    Your specific sleeping needs can also guide you to other important features.

    If you sleep with a partner, look for mattresses with good motion isolation. Foam and hybrids with pocketed coils tend to reduce motion transfer best.

    Edge support is also important for couples since you don’t want a rude awakening when you find yourself pushed toward the edge of the bed.

    Company policies

    In-home trials give you the chance to try your mattress risk-free. Look for brands with sleep trials long enough for you to get a good feel for your mattress and see how it changes your pain. Don’t forget to double-check the warranty to make sure you know what it covers.

    How pain affects your sleep and overall health

    Persistent back and neck pain can have multiple causes, including:

  • acute injury
  • strenuous exercise
  • muscle or ligament strain
  • normal effects of aging
  • pinched nerves or herniated disks
  • Another common cause? Sleeping on a bad mattress.

    “You’ll know it’s time for a new mattress when you wake up sore, particularly in the neck and shoulders. You should feel better there after you’ve slept, but these areas tend to get sore with a bad mattress. You might notice sore hips and stiffness in your lower back and feel like it takes you a bit to get going in the morning,” Howald explains.

    She says that most mattresses typically don’t last much longer than 7 to 10 years: “Once you begin to see indentations, you’ll probably want to consider buying a new mattress. Changing your mattress once it no longer feels supportive can relieve aches and pains and help you sleep more comfortably for longer stretches of time.”

    When pain, or anything else, disrupts your sleep, your brain doesn’t have the chance to filter out toxins and restore itself, which it normally does during deep sleep. Insufficient deep sleep can interfere with brain function and make it hard for your body to recover properly.

    So even if it’s not pain keeping you awake right now, sleep loss could lead to pain a few months or years down the line. A mattress that improves your sleep can help you maintain your health and prevent this unpleasant cycle before it starts.

    Other ways to reduce back and neck pain while sleeping

    These strategies can also help ease lingering back and neck pain:

    Replace your pillows

    A pillow with a high loft can cramp your neck and cause pain, especially if you sleep on your back or stomach.

    Generally, side sleepers need firm pillows that align the head and neck, while back and stomach sleepers need thinner pillows. If you only sleep on your stomach, you’ll want the thinnest pillow you can find — or none at all.

    Consider a mattress topper

    If your mattress offers support but feels too firm, a topper can provide more cushioning and make you more comfortable.

    Reposition

    Your sleeping position may not be everything, but it can affect back and neck pain. Sleeping flat on your back with pillows under your knees can help relieve lower back pain. Try back or side sleeping for neck pain.

    If you need to recline to get comfortable, con

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