Back pain can be a frustrating feeling and an unsupportive mattress can certainly heighten existing pain or cause new pain altogether. Check this guide for our top picks for the best mattresses to help lessen or eliminate back pain altogether.
The best mattress for back pain is a title earned following the individual testing of over 310+ mattresses and a rigorous 10-part test that analyses 43 separate data points.
Top Pick
Winkbed
Winkbed is our top pick as the best mattress for back pain. It is a 14″ hybrid with the highest performance of any mattress we’ve tested to date. It comes in three firmness levels and has well-rounded performance across the board.
The 9 Best Mattresses for Back Pain
In this guide, we’re going to highlight our 10 best mattress recommendations for back pain. Because of the wide variety of needs of sleepers with back pain, we’ve divided recommendations into three primary categories.
- Winkbed – Best Overall
- Saatva Classic – Best Overall Runner-Up
- Leesa Sapira – Best Overall Runner-Up
- Helix Plus Elite – Best for Heavy People
- Winkbed Plus – Best for Heavy People Runner-Up
- Saatva HD – Best for Heavy People Runner-Up
- Saatva Latex Hybrid – Best for Natural Materials
- Zenhaven – Best Natural Runner-Up
- Birch – Best Natural Value
| Mattress Name | Overall Score | Type | Firmness | Price | Read Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winkbed | 9.82 | Hybrid | Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7) | $1,499 | Review |
| Saatva Classic | 9.74 | Coil | Soft (3.5), Medium (5.5), Firm (8) | $1,696 | Review |
| Leesa Sapira | 9.50 | Hybrid | Medium-Firm (6) | $1,699 | Review |
| Helix Plus Elite | 9.62 | Plus-Sized | Medium-Firm (6) | $2,999 | Review |
| Winkbed Plus | 9.37 | Plus-Sized | Slighty Firm (7) | $1,499 | Review |
| Saatva HD | 9.28 | Plus-Sized | Slightly Firm (7) | $2,945 | Review |
| Saatva Latex Hybrid | 9.48 | Latex Hybrid | Medium-Firm (6.5) | $1,895 | Review |
| Zenhaven | 9.44 | Latex Hybrid | Flippable; Slightly Firm (7.5) and Medium (5) | $2,945 | Review |
| Birch | 9.44 | Latex Hybrid | Slightly Firm (7) | $1499 | Review |
Our Testing & Selection Process
300+
Mattresses Tested
To Date
43
Data Points Tested
On Each Mattress
96
Mattress Brands Tested To Date
Each best list is put through a customized performance analysis with specialized consideration given to our objective & data-driven performance tests. In addition, we consider mattress type, design, materials, value, price, and more.
For our Best Mattress for Back Pain list, we based our selections on the best-scoring mattresses, according to our battery of testing and formulaic-driven scoring.
Our tests analyze performance across 8 critical factors, including cooling, motion transfer, response time, edge support, sex, pressure relief, off-gassing, and company. In addition, we also test sinkage and bounce (though these are not scoring factors).
Our tests include objective and quantifiable data whenever possible. In addition, we use subjective assessment supported by data to round out our testing process.
Our scores are based on mathematical formulas and equations that utilize inputs from our data-driven testing.
In choosing the best mattresses for back pain we looked at the totality of all of our tests, scores, data, and reviews to date. We analyzed this data alongside our established best mattress framework here.
In addition to achieving a high-performance score, all mattresses on this list have a firmer feel (between 6-8), which is advantageous for sleepers who struggle with back pain.
When selecting the best mattress for back pain, we’re looking at a combination of overall scoring performance, firmness, and US availability.
To be included within this list all mattresses:
- Had to have a firmness between 6-8 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm. This firmness is best suited for maintaining spinal alignment, as misalignment is a popular cause of back pain.
- Had to have a performance score of 9.23 or higher.
- Had to be available for purchase within the USA.
Our Testing Team
Derek
Lead Tester
Kayla
Writer
Kyle
Tester
Nathan
Tester
Samantha
Data Analyst
How To Fix Back Pain
To better understand the difficulties in determining the source and best solution for your back pain we’ve included the following explainer below. These short questions and answers can help you better understand your specific needs and our guide can then help match you with an appropriate mattress that can help alleviate your pain.
However, if you just want to jump to the best mattress for back pain recommendations click here.
Bodyweight and sleeping position are arguably the two most important factors to consider when trying to address back pain.
- Lightweight sleepers may experience back pain if their mattress is too firm and provides too much pushback on their spine.
- Heavier sleepers may experience back pain if their mattress is too soft and the spine is allowed to sink deeper into the mattress.
Sleeping position also plays an important role here.
- Side sleepers represent 74% of the sleeping population and generally need more contour and hug from a mattress than back or stomach sleepers.
- Back or stomach sleepers typically need a medium-firm, slightly firm, or firm mattress to achieve the same level of adequate support.
Most sleepers who struggle with back pain will want to go with a medium-firm feel (a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale). While research is limited, there have been several studies that indicate a medium-firm or slightly firm feel is the best mattress for back pain (National Library of Medicine, Sleep Health, and Harvard Health).
That said, depending your body weight and sleeping position, you may need something slightly firmer or softer. The chart below can help you identify the right firmness for you.
All but one of the mattresses (the Saatva HD) listed below are compatible with an adjustable foundation. Adjustable foundations are a great way to reduce lower back pain and they can also help with other pains (neck, shoulders, etc.) because they force you to sleep in a position that reduces stress and pressure on the lower back, while also maintaining a better spinal alignment.
Our favorite adjustable foundations are:
Saatva & Ghostbed are your more luxury end adjustable foundations. Both have massage, under bed lighting, and a higher end look. Winkbed is more utilitarian, has no massage, no under bed lighting, a more basic aesthetic, but it also costs notably less. In terms of head / feet adjustable functionality all three are basically the same.
Is there a single best mattress for back pain? Despite what the internet or advertisements may say, there simply is not one mattress that will fix everyone’s back pain.
The sources of back pain vary dramatically. In addition, sleeper position, body weight, and firmness preference all factor in to determining which mattress best matches the needs of any individual sleeper.
There are many different factors that cause back pain including (but not limited to):
- Poor mattress or bad foundation / frame
- Injuries, health, and genetic issues
- Poor sleeping posture and bad sleeping positions
- Body weight and body type creating a mismatch with your mattress
Back pain can be caused by inadequate mattress support.
The most common cause of back pain is spinal misalignment (according to WebMD.)
A misaligned spine typically involves problems with the way the spine (and the discs of the spine) move. Discs can shift, slip, or degenerate altogether, causing major pain while you sleep.
Back pain can also be caused by falls, injuries, or certain diseases.
Back injuries, like falls or auto accidents, as well as chronic back pain from certain diseases, can also cause back pain.
Diseases with a history of back pain include:
Scoliosis (a curvature of the spine), spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal column), kidney stones, pregnancy, endometriosis, certain cancers, and various forms of arthritis
WebMD
Additional lifestyle factors may also cause or worsen back pain.
According to NIH (National Institute of Arthritis and Muschulosketal and Skin Diseases), there are other factors that can increase your chance of developing back pain.
These factors include:
- Fitness level
- Weight gain
- Job-related risk factors (like heavy lifting or pulling)
- Stress level
- Age
- Hereditary
Best All-Around Mattresses For Back Pain
The following mattresses are ideal for the majority of sleepers who struggle with back pain. These mattresses are best suited to sleepers up to 250 pounds.
Top Picks
Winkbed | Saatva Classic | Leesa Sapira
Winkbed Mattress
Best For
- High-quality materials
- Deep-contouring pillowtop, while maintaining support
- Sleepers of all body types and sleeper weights (up to 300 lbs.)
Considerations
- $49 exchange fee if you decide to swap the mattress (free returns though)
- Deep sinkage may not be ideal for all sleepers
Our Verdict
The WinkBed is a 13.5″ hybrid mattress that has a plush, Euro cover, poly foam comfort material, and a pocketed coil base.
The Winkbed is available in three different firmnesses—softer (4), luxury firm (6), and firmer (7), where 10 is the most firm. For lighter sleepers (100-200 lbs) with back pain, I would recommend the Luxury Firm version whereas I would recommend the Firmer version for heavier sleepers (200-300 lbs.)
It offers a balanced feel with deep sinkage (8% deeper than average) and moderate bounce (2% more bounce than average). The mattress has a balanced feel, despite the deep sinkage, and maintains limited heat retention with a very fast response time with an active feel.
Both the quantity and quality of the materials used in the Winkbed go a long way to provide relief for back pain. It is topped with a luxurious euro-top cover which allows for deeper sinkage. Beneath the cover, Winkbed’s multi-foam design allows for an easy transition from comfort to support layers. Finally, its zonal support is essential for proper spinal alignment.
Winkbed has an exceptional performance score of 9.82 overall, which ranks it as the #1 hybrid, as well as within the top 1% among all mattress types we’ve tested to date.
The Winkbed in queen size is $1,499, 15% higher than the average hybrid mattress. Still, given its performance advantages, the value is fantastic on the Winkbed.
Click here to read the full Winkbed review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7)
Winkbed Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Winkbed |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.82 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,499 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.38″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.6 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 5.85 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 9.91″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 2.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 9.1 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 10 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Company – Score | 9.7 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Saatva Classic
Best For
- Plush euro-top cover & great cooling performance
- Moderate bounce with fast response time
- Ships uncompressed, includes in-home delivery, setup, & old mattress removal
Considerations
- Extremely high bounce (14.67″) may not be ideal for all sleepers
- Ships uncompressed, mattress arrives at full size
- Deep sinkage (2.40″), 12% deeper than average
Our Verdict
The Saatva Classic has a thickness of 11.5″ or 14.5″, depending on personal preference (price is the same for both thicknesses), and a coil-on-coil construction. The cover is a plush Euro-top cover followed by a small amount of comfort foam and two layers of coils.
The Saatva is available in three firmness levels—Plush Soft (4), Luxury Firm (6), or Firm (8), where 10 is the most firm. Like the Winkbed, I would stay away from the soft version of this mattress, as firmer mattresses tend to provide better support and spinal alignment for those with back pain.
The Saatva Luxury Firm has a more traditional coil feel and less foam than a more typical hybrid mattress. This combination of materials gives the mattress deep sinkage and extremely high bounce while retaining low levels of motion transfer (something other coil mattresses tend to struggle with).
Saatva’s deep sinkage is ideal for those who need and prefer to sink further into the mattress. For many, this comfort dynamic can help alleviate back pain by creating ample pressure relief. For sleepers who like the Saatva Classic, but need to avoid deep sinkage, opt for the Firm version, which has less sinkage.
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.74 overall, which ranks it as the #1 coil mattress, as well as within the top 1% among all mattress types we’ve tested to date.
For a Saatva Classic, in queen size, it costs $1,696. This is 10% less than the average coil mattress—a savings of $182, compared to other coil mattresses we’ve tested to date.
I would recommend the Saatva Classic for sleepers who enjoy a more traditional coil-based mattress feel.
Click here to read the full Saatva Classic review.
Type: Coil
Firmness: Soft (3.5), Medium (5.5), Firm (8)
Saatva Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Saatva Classic |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.74 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,756 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.40″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.6 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 5.86 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.7 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.8 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 14.67″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Extremely High |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.00″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 9.9 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.5″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11.5″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 10 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Company – Score | 9.4 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Leesa Sapira
Best For
- Exceptionally good cooling
- Higher levels of bounce
- Fantastic pressure relief, despite only having an 11″ thickness
Considerations
- Very high bounce (12.67″) may not be ideal for all sleepers
- Edge support struggles when seated at or near the edge
- 100-night trial is shorter than the average (179 nights)
Our Verdict
The Leesa Sapira is an 11″ hybrid that uses poly foam, memory foam, support foam, and a pocketed coil base. This dynamic use of different materials gives the Sapira a balanced feel.
The Sapira Hybrid comes in a single firmness, medium-firm, ranking 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale. Although this is softer than the firm options above (Winkbed or Saatva), it would still be sufficient support for light to moderate-weighted sleepers who struggle with back pain.
This mattress has moderate levels of sinkage and very high levels of bounce. If you really enjoy an active feel, while still maintaining extremely low levels of motion transfer, the Sapira may be a good pick for you.
For a firmer feel, you may also want to check out the Sapira Chill, an evolution of the Sapira designed for cooling. The Sapira Chill comes in three firmness levels— soft (4), medium-firm (6), or firm (8). The Firm version may be a good option for heavier sleepers looking for additional support.
While not the thickest comfort layer seen on this list, the Sapira uses high-quality poly and memory foam that gives the best of both worlds. Especially for heavier sleepers or those who sleep on their back or stomach, the 1” transitional layer plays an important role in pressure relief and support. Ensuring you have sufficient pressure relief is essential to helping to eliminate and reduce back pain.
The Sapira Hybrid has a performance score of 9.50 overall, which ranks it among the top 2% of all mattresses tested to date.
The Sapira Hybrid costs 25% more than the average hybrid mattress, $1,699 for a queen. But you’re getting a higher-performing mattress than average as well.
Click here to read the full Leesa Sapira Hybrid review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Leesa Sapira Hybrid Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Leesa Sapira |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.50 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,699 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.05″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 4.66 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.5 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 12.67″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very High |
| Edge Support – Score | 7.5 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 6.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.1 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.3 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 6 days |
| Company – Score | 9.5 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Best Mattresses For Back Pain For Heavy People
The following mattresses are better suited to sleepers who are at least 250 pounds and are capable of supporting sleepers up to 450+ pounds (per side).
Top Picks
Helix Plus Elite | Winkbed Plus | Saatva HD
Helix Plus Elite
Best For
- Low levels of motion transfer
- Good cooling with a thicker profile
- Zoned pocketed coils provide fantastic pressure relief and support
Considerations
- High price tag—2X more than the average plus-sized mattress
- High bounce may not be ideal for all sleepers
- 100-night trial is shorter than the average (178 nights)
Our Verdict
The Helix Plus Elite mattress is a 16″ hybrid designed for plus-sized sleepers. It has a robust 7.0″ comfort layer containing a sandwiched blend of poly foam and micro coils. Support comes from pocketed coils and a support foam base with a 1.0″ quilted cover covering all materials.
The Helix Plus Elite mattress comes in a single firmness (6 out of 10) and with a medium-firm feel. This is a balanced firmness and quite a bit softer than the firmness of the standard Helix Plus.
This mattress has a moderate level of sinkage and a high level of bounce.
The Elite versions of Helix mattresses pull out all the bells and whistles. What we see on the Plus Elite is an extra-thick comfort layer, micro-coil transitional layers, and a zonal support layer. On top of 6” of comfort material, sleepers will be met by pocketed coils that reinforce the heavier sections of the mattress to ensure proper spinal alignment, thereby reducing back pain.
In our performance tests, the Helix Plus Elite has exceptional performance in nearly all categories and is the highest-scoring mattress for plus-sized sleepers that we’ve tested to date. With an overall score of 9.62, the Helix Plus Elite scored within the top 1% of all mattresses we’ve ever tested.
As expected, high performance can sometimes come at a higher price. The Plus Elite is $2,999 for a queen, nearly 2X the cost of the average plus-sized mattress.
Click here to read the full Helix Plus Elite review.
Type: Plus-Sized
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Helix Plus Elite Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Helix Plus Elite |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.62 |
| Price (Queen) | $2,999 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.24″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 6.85 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.8 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.5 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.05″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.4 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.2 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 7.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 16″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.6 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 5 days |
| Company – Score | 9.7 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Winkbed Plus
Best For
- Excellent cooling, breathable with limited heat retention
- Contouring pillow top with 2.5″ of point sinkage
- Exceptional pressure relief
Considerations
- Deep sinkage (2.50″ may not be ideal for all sleepers, especially back or stomach sleepers)
- Lower sex score, largely due to the low levels of bounce
- 10% more motion transfer than average
Our Verdict
The WinkBed Plus mattress is a high-profile 13.5″ hybrid mattress designed for sleepers over 300 lbs. It uses a blend of gel foam, latex foam, and support foam for a total 6.0″ comfort layer.
The Winkbed Plus comes in a single firmness (7 out of 10) with a slightly firm feel. It can support up to 450 lbs. per side (900 lbs total).
This mattress has deep sinkage with a low level of bounce. I would recommend this mattress for heavier side sleepers who can benefit from the deeper contour this mattress provides.
The combination of durable construction and tailored support makes the WinkBed Plus a reliable choice for heavier sleepers seeking back pain relief. Its zoned support system and a layer of latex provide targeted pressure relief and contouring in key areas like the lower back and hips. In addition, the Winkbed Plus is tuned with denser foams, firmer coils, and a thicker comfort layer, all of which improve support for heavier bodies.
In our performance tests, the Winkbed had an overall score of 9.37 making it the #1 best mattress for plus-sized sleepers and ranking it in the top 5% of all mattresses tested to date.
For a queen, the Winkbed Plus runs $1,499, which is right at the average price for a plus-sized mattress ($1,515).
Click here to read our full Winkbed Plus review.
Type: Plus-Sized / HD Hybrid
Firmness: Slightly Firm (7)
Winkbed Plus Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Winkbed Plus |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.37 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,499 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.50″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.9 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 9.67 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.5 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 6.75″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Low |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 2.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 7.8 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.5″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14.5″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.7 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Moderate |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 1 day |
| Company – Score | 9.7 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Saatva HD
Best For
- Excellent support for sleepers from 300-500 lbs.
- Fantastic pressure relief with 7.5″ of comfort material
- Exceptional edge support with only 2.5″ of sinkage when sitting on the edge
Considerations
- Higher levels of motion transfer (11.34 m/s²)
- Very high bounce may not be ideal for all sleepers
- Minimal sinkage may not be ideal, especially for side sleepers
Our Verdict
The Saatva HD mattress is a 15.5″ mattress for plus-sized sleepers. The thicker 12.5 gauge steel coils, higher density foams (5.0 PCF), and thicker comfort layer all contribute to the exceptional quality and performance.
Saatva HD comes in a single firmness (7 out of 10) with a slightly firm feel, much like the other top recommendations in this guide. It can support up to 500 lbs. per side (1,000 lbs. total).
This mattress has minimal sinkage and very high levels of bounce. I would recommend this mattress to heavier back or stomach sleepers who also enjoy a bouncy feel.
The Saatva HD also has zoned support. Like the Winkbed Plus, it uses a latex layer to provide improved durability, comfort, and support. In addition, the core poly foam layer aids in transitioning heavier bodies from the comfort to the support layers. This helps to avoid feeling like your body hits a “wall”, which is common in more basic mattresses, especially for heavier people.
In our performance tests, the Saatva HD has an overall score of 9.28, just 0.01 of a point lower than the Helix Plus, making it the #3 best plus-sized mattress tested to date.
The Saatva HD is more expensive than most other mattresses in this guide, 87% more than the average plus-sized mattress. But its material and build quality are exceptional—the more you weigh (especially above 300 pounds) the more the increased cost and material quality of the Saatva HD will be worth it.
Click here to read our full Saatva HD review.
Type: Plus-Sized / HD Hybrid
Firmness: Slightly Firm (7)
Saatva HD Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Saatva HD |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.28 |
| Price (Queen) | $2,745 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.77″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.1 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 11.34 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.7 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.6 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 12.50″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very High |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 2.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 10 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 7.5″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 15.5″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 10 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Company – Score | 9.4 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Best Natural Mattresses For Back Pain
The following mattresses are constructed using natural and organic materials, including natural latex.
Top Picks
Saatva Latex Hybrid | Zenhaven | Birch
Saatva Latex Hybrid
Best For
- Extremely low levels of motion transfer, 3.13 m/s² max acceleration
- Exceptional edge support
- High levels of bounce, 10.82″ in our tests
Considerations
- High levels of bounce, 12% more than the average mattress
- Higher price tag—28% more than the average latex hybrid
- Minimal sinkage may not be ideal, especially for side sleepers
Our Verdict
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a 12″ latex hybrid mattress with 3.0″ of natural latex followed by an 8.0″ pocketed coil support system. It has a 1.0″ quilted cover and a luxurious feel.
This mattress comes in a single firmness with a medium-firm feel (6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale). This would be an ideal firmness for a wide range of sleepers with various body weights and sleeping positions.
Concerning the feel, the Saatva Latex Hybrid has minimal sinkage paired with high levels of bounce. The coils really give it a more active feel compared to the Zenhaven above.
The mattress does a nice job of finding the balance between support and comfort, while still working with natural and organic materials.. The medium-firm to slightly firmer feel can also go a long way towards creating proper spinal alignment, especially for back and stomach sleepers. If your back pain comes from the lower back sinking too deep into the mattress the Saatva Latex Hybrid can be a great remedy. The minimal sinkage ensures the body stays more “on” the mattress, as opposed to “in” the mattress.
In our performance tests, the Saatva has an overall score of 9.77, making it the highest-scoring latex hybrid we’ve tested to date. Among all mattress types, the Saatva Latex Hybrid ranks in the top 5% overall.
Concerning price, this mattress costs $1895 for a queen, which is only 3% more than the average latex hybrid. Given the high performance, the Saatva Latex Hybrid is a superb value.
Click here to read the full Saatva Latex Hybrid review.
Type: Latex Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6.5)
Saatva Latex Hybrid Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Saatva Latex Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.48 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,932 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.85″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 3.13 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.82″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.00″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 9.4 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 12″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 10 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Company – Score | 9.4 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Zenhaven Latex Foam
Best For
- Exceptionally good cooling
- Extremely low levels of motion transfer, despite the low-profile height & latex
- Extremely fast material response time
Considerations
- Very minimal sinkage may not create enough contour for some side sleepers
- Only 10″ thick, despite having exceptional pressure relief
- Costly option—71% more than the average latex hybrid
Our Verdict
The Zenhaven mattress is a 10″ latex foam mattress with a flippable design. It uses natural latex for both comfort material and support material, with a quilted cover.
One side has a slightly firm feel (Gentle Firm) and a firmness of 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. By comparison, the opposite side has a medium feel (Luxury Firm) and a firmness of 5 out of 10.
This mattress has minimal sinkage and moderate levels of bounce. It offers that classic latex feel and doesn’t include any coils.
A special feature of the Zenhaven is its 5-zone latex layer. While the mattress creates a more floating, “buoyant” feel as a whole, it’s designed to allow more sinkage where your body needs it. This can have a huge impact on spinal alignment and overall comfort. That said, the very minimal sinkage is ideal for those with back pain resulting from too much sinkage on the mattress. If you need a mattress to create more support in the lower back, avoid sinkage, and avoid sagging, the Zenhaven is a good fit.
Concerning performance, the Zenhaven is the top-scoring latex mattress we’ve tested to date with a score of 9.81. A score this high places this mattress in the top 3% of all mattresses tested to date (over 200+ considered).
That being said, the price is also higher—$2,945 for a queen mattress. But what you gain in performance likely helps justify the higher cost for many sleepers.
Click here to read the full Zenhaven review.
Type: Latex Foam
Firmness: Flippable; Slightly Firm (7.5) and Medium (5)
Zenhaven Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Zenhaven |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.44 |
| Price (Queen) | $2,845 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.44″ (Gentle Firm side) 1.77″ (Luxury Plush side) |
| Sinkage – Feel | Very Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 4.62 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 8.40″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.2 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 8.2 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 10″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.2 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days |
| Company – Score | 9.4 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Birch Latex Hybrid
Best For
- Extremely low motion transfer, while retaining high levels of bounce
- Exceptional cooling with hole-punched latex layers
Considerations
- Extremely high levels of bounce (14.91″), 56% more than the average level
- 100-night trial is shorter than the average (178 nights)
Our Verdict
The Birch Original mattress is an 11″ thick latex hybrid mattress with a blend of pocketed coils and GOLS-certified organic latex. The natural latex comfort layer is 2.0″ thick with an organic cotton cover with wool liner.
The Birch Original comes in a single firmness—7 out of 10 with a slightly firm feel. For a softer feel, check out the Birch Luxe, which shares many similarities but has a thicker softer cover for a medium-firm feel (6 out of 10).
It has moderate sinkage and extremely high bounce. The Birch offers deeper contour, while still having a firmer feel overall.
The quality of the latex layer goes a long way in creating a comfortable sleeping surface that mitigates pressure point issues. Lighter-weight sleepers may find the slightly firm feel to be less than ideal. But most medium to heavier-weighted sleepers should find it provides a good balance of comfort and pushback, especially for back and stomach sleepers. The Birch has more sinkage than Saatva’s Latex Hybrid and Zenhaven, however, it still falls within the moderate sinkage depth range. As such, the Birch creates a nice balance between sinkage and support, while still providing ample pressure relief.
This mattress has an overall score of 9.44, making it the #2 top-rated latex hybrid and placing it in the top 3% of all mattresses tested to date.
Birch costs $1499 for a queen, 20% less than the average latex hybrid, making it a great value, especially for heavier side sleepers who benefit from both the firmer feel and the extra contour of Birch.
Click here to read the full Birch review.
Type: Latex Hybrid
Firmness: Slightly Firm (7)
Birch Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Birch |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.44 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,599 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.00″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.8 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 5.52 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 14.91″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Extremely High |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.1 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Good |
| Sex – Score | 9.5 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 10 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Company – Score | 9.1 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Best Mattress By Category
Have a specific mattress type, sleeping position, feature, or firmness in mind? At NapLab we’ve ranked the mattresses we’ve tested in 23 different specialized best mattress lists. These lists can help you identify the mattresses best suited to specific needs and preferences.
Best by Features & Price
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