8 Best Mattresses for Back and Neck Pain in 2022
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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: 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.
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.
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.
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 Krystle Howald, PT, DPT, owner of Expecting and Empowered and Empower Movement Physical Therapy, for her tips on getting pain-free sleep. Pricing guide Mattresses can cost quite a bit, particularly when you need one specifically designed for pain relief. A quality mattress is certainly a worthwhile investment, but we understand that not everyone has the option to make that investment. We’ve included queen-size mattresses in a range of price points to help you find the right mattress for your pain, no matter your budget. Here’s the price breakdown for our top mattress picks: $ = under $900
= under $900 $$ = $900–$1,400
= $900–$1,400 $$$ = over $1,400
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. Firmness According to a 2015 review of 24 studies , medium-firm mattresses may improve sleep quality and decrease back pain in people with chronic lower 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. Memory foam mattresses aren’t recommended for people who weigh 230 pounds or more. The foam may not provide enough support, even with different types of foam layers within the mattress. Mattresses tend to get softer overtime, so your best bet is to purchase one that is as firm as you can comfortably sleep on. 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 customized to their body type and 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 pain while sleeping Perhaps you can’t spring for a new mattress just yet. Or maybe your new mattress helps, but some discomfort remains. These strategies can also help ease lingering back and neck pain: Replace your pillows Look for feather and memory foam pillows, or ones specifically designed to relieve back and neck pain. A pillow with a high loft can cramp your neck and cause pain, especially if you sleep on your back or stomach. Generally speaking, 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 a little more cushioning and make you more comfortable. Reposition Your sleeping position may not be everything, but it can absolutely 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, consider a bed with an adjustable base. Many of the mattresses on this list are compatible with adjustable bases.
Frequently asked questions about sleeping with back and neck pain What’s the best type of mattress for neck and back pain? A hybrid or latex foam mattress may work well for people who deal with neck and back pain. An innerspring mattress likely won’t provide enough pressure relief. What’s the best sleeping position for neck and back pain? It’s best to sleep on your side or back if you have neck and back pain. Sleeping on your stomach may put too much pressure on your back. Additionally, it can cause you to sleep with your head turned to the side in an unnatural position, which may make neck pain worse. What mattress firmness is best for back and neck pain? Research from 2015 suggests that a medium-firm, self-adjusted mattress is best for back pain. However, firmness is subjective. What feels firm to you might feel soft to someone else. It’s best to try out a mattress in a store before buying it, or to choose a mattress that comes with an in-home trial period. Can an old mattress cause back and neck pain? Yes. Mattresses don’t last forever. They wear out over time and become less supportive, no matter which type you’re using. Generally speaking, aim to replace your mattress every 8 years, or whenever you start to notice it doesn’t feel as comfortable as it used to.