Dr. Barry Jarvis
Lower back pain is one of the top health complaints, affecting up to 80% of adults at some point. The right mattress can help provide much-needed relief and support for your lower back. This detailed guide reviews the 10 best mattresses specifically designed for lower back pain based on extensive testing and research.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain often stems from problems with the lumbar region and its surrounding structures that support the spine:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis – narrowing around the spinal cord
- Herniated discs – discs protrude and irritate nerves
- Arthritis – joints degenerate and cause inflammation
- Muscle strains – overly tight or spasming muscles
- Obesity – excess weight strains muscles and discs
- Pregnancy – added weight and hormonal changes
Using a mattress that properly supports the lower back and keeps the spine aligned can help relieve and prevent pain in these delicate structures.
Choosing the Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
Here are the key factors those with lower back pain should consider when selecting a mattress:
1. Firmness Level
Medium and medium-firm mattresses tend to provide the best spinal support for lower back pain. Too soft and the midsection sags, too firm puts pressure on joints. Look for around a 5-7 on the 1-10 firmness scale.
2. Design
Mattresses specially made with zoned support reinforce the lumbar area. This targeted support helps keep the natural spine curvature in this problem zone.
3. Pressure Relief
Contoured foams that cushion the shoulders, hips and back help relieve tension and reduce painful pressure points.
4. Edge Support
Quality edge support allows you to sleep near the perimeter without excessive sagging and instability which can strain the back.
5. Responsiveness
Bouncy, responsive mattresses make moving and adjusting positions easier. This helps maintain healthy alignment and reduce tossing and turning.
Using this criteria, below are the top mattresses recommended for lower back pain relief in 2023.
1. Helix Twilight Mattress
Key Features:
- Hybrid latex and pocketed coil design
- Zoned lumbar support layer
- Medium firm feel ideal for lower back pain
- Breathable latex and cover
- Good motion isolation
- 100 night sleep trial
With reinforced back support and pressure relieving latex, the Helix Twilight keeps the lumbar spine aligned to reduce lower back pain.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Helix Twilight Mattress on Amazon
2. Amerisleep AS2
Key Features:
- Proprietary Bio-Pur® memory foam
- Zoned support layer for extra lumbar reinforcement
- Medium firm (7/10) balanced feel
- Celliant® cover improves circulation and cooling
- Works well for back and stomach sleepers
- 100 night risk free trial
Designed with extra back support, the Amerisleep AS2 cushions the spine to relieve lower back pressure and keep you comfortable.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Amerisleep AS2 Mattress on Amazon
3. WinkBed Plus
Key Features:
- Hybrid innerspring and foam construction
- Zoned lumbar support reinforcement
- Firm feel ideal for heavier weights
- Responsive coils paired with cushioning foam
- 120 night risk free trial
The WinkBed Plus excels at keeping the lumbar spine aligned with back support systems and responsive support coils ideal for heavier individuals with lower back pain.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the WinkBed Plus on Amazon
4. Bear Hybrid
Key Features:
- Responsive coil system paired with foam
- Firmer supportive feel
- Gel and graphite-infused foam keeps the mattress cool
- Zoned pressure relief
- Great edge support and motion isolation
- 100 night sleep trial
The Bear Hybrid uses a combination of supportive coils, targeted pressure relief and advanced cooling technologies to cater to those suffering from lower back pain.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Bear Hybrid Mattress on Amazon
5. Spindle Organic Latex Hybrid
Key Features:
- 3 layers of natural Dunlop latex
- Customizable firmness with changeable layers
- Zoned shoulders, lumbar, and legs support
- GOLS certified organic materials
- Natural wool and organic cotton cover
- 365 night comfort guarantee
The customizable support zones of the Spindle organic hybrid latex mattress conform closely to the contours of your body, tailoring itself perfectly to relieving your lower back pain.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Spindle Mattress on Spindle’s Website
6. Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Key Features:
- Flippable firm and medium-soft feels
- Copper-gel infused foam layers
- Zoned support core designed for back pain
- Antimicrobial copper prevents odors
- Excellent motion isolation
- 120 night risk free trial
With the ability to choose a firm or medium-soft feel, the Layla relieves pressure in all sleeping positions to target lower back tightness and strain.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Layla Memory Foam Mattress on Amazon
7. Nolah Evolution
Key Features:
- Proprietary AirFoamTM latex alternative foam
- Zoned back support layer
- Medium-firm feel
- Graphite-infused foam and cooling fibers
- 120 night home trial
- Lifetime warranty
Nolah’s Evolution mattress prevents you from sleeping hot while providing targeted pressure relief and support for the lower back using innovative materials and zoned construction.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Nolah Evolution 15” Mattress on Amazon
8. Saatva Classic
Key Features:
- Innerspring euro-style luxury mattress
- Zoned lumbar support area
- 180 night home trial
- Dual coil system reinforced center third
- Organic cotton cover
- Free white glove delivery
With extra steel bonnell coils in the lumbar third and foam encasement, the Saatva Classic innerspring mattress excels at promoting lower back health and comfort.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Saatva Classic Mattress on Amazon
9. Alexander Signature Hybrid by Nest Bedding
Key Features:
- Foam and pocketed coils hybrid design
- Zoned lumbar support system with foam barrels
- Thermic phase change cover regulates temperature
- Available in firm and medium firmness options
- Handles motion transfer well
- 100 night sleep trial
Nest Bedding’s innovative foam barrels paired with pocketed coils reinforce the lower back to properly align the lumbar and tailbone.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Nest Bedding Alexander Hybrid Mattress on Amazon
10. Zoma Hybrid
Key Features:
- Responsive foam coupled with pocket springs
- Zoned support with TriangulexTM technology
- Medium feel balances contouring and support
- Gel memory foam and ReactivTM layer
- 100 night risk free trial
- 10 year warranty
This performance mattress from Zoma uses advanced materials and zoned construction specially designed to relieve back pain and tension.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Zoma Hybrid Mattress on Amazon
Mattress Shopping Tips for Lower Back Pain
- Look for long sleep trials of 100+ nights so you can see how your back feels long-term.
- Ask about comfort exchanges in case the first firmness level you try still doesn’t alleviate your back pain.
- Inquire about company policies on recompressing and repackaging the mattress if you need to make an exchange.
- For couples, test out motion transfer isolation by having your partner move while you feel any vibrations.
- Make sure any adjustable base you choose allows for lumbar support and alignment in the raised positions.
- Evaluate edge support by sitting on the sides of the mattress to see if you feel secure and stable.
With so many new online mattress brands, you have the opportunity to truly test out beds with sleep trials to find the perfect match for relieving your lower back pain. Take your time making the decision to ensure many restful and comfortable years ahead.
Choosing the Best Mattress Type for Lower Back Pain
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional innerspring and coil mattresses can provide good support when they have robust coil systems and lumbar reinforcement. Look for thick gauges over 13.5 and coil counts over 1000. But they often lack pressure relief.
Latex Mattresses
Natural latex excels at providing progressive support and contouring for the lower spine while having responsive bounce. This makes changing positions easier. They also sleep very cool.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam molds closely to offer tailored pressure point relief and support. Look for zoned layers that specifically cushion yet reinforce the lower back region. Avoid ultra soft memory foam.
Hybrid Mattresses
By pairing the support of coils with the contouring benefits of latex and memory foam, hybrid mattresses can achieve excellent lumbar support and comfort.
Best Mattress Firmness Level for Lower Back Pain
Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right mattress firmness:
- Lightweight (under 130 lbs) – Medium, around 5, provides some plushness while supporting the lumbar.
- Average weight (130 to 230 lbs) – Medium firm, rating of 6-7, prevents midsection from sinking.
- Heavyweight (over 230 lbs) – Firm, around 8, necessary to properly support the added weight.
But you may personally find you prefer a different firmness outside these recommendations, so try out various models. Mattress composition also impacts feel and support.
Causes of Lower Back Pain When Sleeping
- Old, worn out mattress lacks support and lets the body sag.
- Too soft mattress allows the midsection to sink in excessively.
- Too firm mattress creates pressure points in the shoulders and hips.
- Sleeping in a twisted position strains muscles and joints.
- Prior injury or condition like arthritis or stenosis.
- Lifting heavy objects and physical strain.
Using an incompatible mattress for your body and sleep position often contributes to or exacerbates lower back pain issues.
When To See A Doctor for Lower Back Pain
See your physician promptly if you experience:
- Difficulty with bowel or bladder control
- Numbness in the legs
- Persistent or worsening pain lasting over 1 week
- Pain after a major trauma like a car accident
- Unexplained weight loss along with the back pain
- Pain accompanied by fever
- Abdominal pain
- Leg weakness
- Difficulty standing straight
While changing your mattress can help alleviate general back tightness and achiness, more severe or worsening pain may need medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses for Lower Back Pain
What firmness of mattress is best for lower back pain?
Medium and medium-firm mattresses around 5-7 out of 10 on the firmness scale usually provide the best support for lower back pain. This balances cushioning with adequate support.
Do firm mattresses help lower back pain?
Very firm, hard mattresses may worsen pain by creating added pressure points on the shoulders, hips and knees. Lightly firm to medium options better support the natural spine curvature in the lower back.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for sciatica?
Medium-firm mattresses tend to be best for sciatica pain that radiates through the lower back and down the leg. This provides some plushness to cushion while supporting the lumbar region.
Should you sleep on a hard or soft mattress with back pain?
In most cases, medium to medium-firm mattresses between 5-7 out of 10 on the firmness scale are preferable to ultra hard and ultra plush mattresses for back pain.
What type of mattress is best for arthritis in lower back?
To reduce arthritis pain in the lower back, look for zoned mattresses around medium firmness with either latex or memory foam to provide close contouring and pressure relief.
Closing Summary
Waking up with lower back pain makes the day ahead challenging. But the right mattress for supporting your lumbar spine and sleeping position can help alleviate ongoing issues. Carefully evaluate your options using these criteria to wake up feeling great each morning. Your lower back will thank you.
Originally posted on September 18, 2023 @ 7:05 pm
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
