We’ve tested 189+ mattresses using our battery of objective & data-driven tests. Our best mattresses for back sleepers analyze all of our performance tests, data, and research to highlight the best-performing mattresses for sleeping on your back.
Our Testing & Selection Process
189
Mattresses Tested
To Date
35
Data Points Tested
On Each Mattress
6
Mattress Winners Selected
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 Sleepers 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 6 best mattresses for back sleepers 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 medium-firm (6 out of 10) or slightly-firm feel (7 out of 10). Most back sleepers are most comfortable at the 6-7 firmness range, where 10 is the most firm.
When selecting the best mattress for back sleepers, we’re looking at a combination of overall scoring performance, firmness, and US availability.
Mattresses that were automatically excluded from this guide include:
- Mattresses that had a firmness outside of the 6-7 (medium-firm to slightly firm) range, a range deemed optimal for most back sleepers
- Mattresses that were not available within the USA
- Mattresses with a performance score below 9.71
Outliers that met the criteria above, but were still excluded for other various reasons are listed below.
| Mattress | Score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond Flurry Lux | 9.84 | Brand is not widely known by sleepers |
| Winkbed Plus | 9.82 | Only ideal for heavier-weighted sleepers |
| Elm Sleep Resort | 9.75 | Relatively new to the market |
In This Guide
Winkbed | Saatva Latex Hybrid | Helix Midnight Luxe | Leesa Sapira Chill | Birch | Bear Elite Hybrid | Best Mattress By Category
The 6 Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
#1 Best Overall
Latex Hybrid
Hybrid
hybrid
Latex Hybrid
Memory Foam Hybrid
Winkbed Original
Best For
- Excellent cooling with a fast response time
- Contouring euro-top cover
- Great for sleepers of all body types
Quick Specs
- 13.5″ thick with Euro-top
- 120-night trial, free returns ($49 fee for exchanges)
- Lifetime limited warranty
Why It’s Best
The WinkBed mattress is a hybrid mattress that uses pocketed coils and a layer of gel-infused foam to provide comfort and support, with a Euro top finish. It offers a balanced feel with high-quality materials and is available in three different firmnesses.
For back sleepers, I would recommend the Luxury Firm or Firmer version. The Luxury Firm has a 6 out of 10 medium-firm feel. The firmer version has a 7 out of 10 slightly firm feel.
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.95 overall, which ranks it in the top 1% among all hybrid mattresses as well as the top 1% among all mattress types we’ve tested. The Winkbed costs $1,499 for a queen, which is 10% higher than the average price for a hybrid mattress.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7)
Winkbed Performance
Overall, the Winkbed Original has great performance across the board. It has great cooling, exceptional edge support (sitting or lying), and 5.0″ comfort layer.
It has a moderate level of bounce, which improves the sex performance, but is still within an acceptable range without being “too bouncy”.
For back sleepers, I will note that this mattress has deeper sinkage than average (on the luxury firm and softer versions). The deep sinkage is usually an asset for side sleepers mostly, and not as advantageous for back sleepers.
For less sinkage, opt for the Firmer Winkbed. Although we haven’t tested it in-house, firmer mattresses generally have less sinkage than their softer counterparts and it’s reasonable to expect that’s true of the firmer Winkbed.
Despite the deeper sinkage, the Winkbed Original still maintains a fast material response time of only 0.2 seconds.
| Factor | Winkbed |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.95 |
| Max Temp. | 90.3° F |
| Max Sinkage | 2.38″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 5.85 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.2 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 9.91″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 2.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying Support | Exceptional |
| Sex Overall | 9.9 |
| Comfort Material | 5.00″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Trial | 120 days |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Saatva Latex Hybrid
Best For
- Extremely low levels of motion transfer, 3.13 m/s² max acceleration range
- Exceptional edge support
- High levels of bounce, 10.82″ in our tests
Quick Specs
- 12″ thick + quilted cover
- 365-night trial, $99 return fee
- 15-year warranty
Why It’s Best
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a 12″ latex hybrid mattress with a medium-firm feel. It’s priced just slightly above the average for all latex hybrids, but also has the best performance of any latex hybrid we’ve tested to date.
In our performance tests, the Saatva has extremely low levels of motion transfer (the lowest among all latex hybrid mattresses we’ve tested), while retaining minimal sinkage and an extremely fast response time, both incredibly important for back sleepers. Pressure relief was excellent as well with 3.0″ of comfort material and a zoned support system.
The Saatva is the highest-scoring latex hybrid that we’ve tested to date and is not that much more expensive than the average. This makes it an easy recommendation from us and a great choice for any sleeper who just wants the best latex hybrid.
Type: Latex Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6.5)
Saatva Latex Hybrid Performance
Performance on the Saatva Latex Hybrid is fantastic across the board. All category scores were 9.5 or higher, making Saatva the highest-performing latex hybrid we’ve tested to date.
It has great cooling, fast material response time, and low levels of motion transfer. In our tests, it only generated an acceleration range of 3.13 m/s², 62.5% less motion than the average mattress tested to date.
It also has fantastic edge support (only 3.0″ of sinkage when seated directly at the edge) as well as exceptional lying support.
This mattress also has higher levels of bounce (10.82″) compared to the average mattress, which only has 9.65″. Bounce is more of a preferential factor, but still worth considering, as more bounce is a benefit for sex performance.
| Factor | Saatva Latex Hybrid Performance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.77 |
| Price | $1,932 |
| Cooling | 9.5 |
| Max Sinkage | 1.85″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 3.13 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.2 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 10.82″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 3.00″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 12.0″ |
| Sex Overall | 10 |
| Comfort Material | 4.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Helix Midnight Luxe
Best For
- Excellent pressure relief
- Great cooling with hybrid design
- Low levels of motion transfer
Quick Specs
- 14″ thick with pillow-top cover
- 100-night trial, free returns
- 15-year warranty
Why It’s Best
The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is a hybrid blend that is the best of both worlds. It has a plush, tufted cover, good contour, and a medium feel, while also retaining a fast response time, good bounce, and exceptional cooling. It also has an optional cooling cover you can add for $199 for additional cooling performance.
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.76 overall. The Helix Luxe costs $1899 for a queen, making it the most expensive hybrid in this guide, and 40% more expensive than the average hybrid.
The Midnight Luxe is 14″ tall, with 5″ of comfort material, whereas the average is only 4.2″. These two key points help provide a luxury feel and boost the overall value of the mattress.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Helix Midnight Luxe Performance
During our testing, the Helix Midnight Luxe performed like a true luxury hybrid. It scored a perfect 10 for extremely low motion transfer, extremely fast response time, and exceptional pressure relief.
It also had good cooling and slightly less sinkage than average, compared to other hybrids we’ve tested. It has a plush feel without that sinking feeling.
It does have less bounce than average—only 7.47″ compared to the hybrid average of 10.49″. While this is bad for sex performance, the limited bounce also helps limit motion transfer, which is good for couples.
Cooling performance was also better than average, as shown in the thermal video below.
| Factor | Helix Midnight Luxe |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.76 |
| Max Temp. | 91.0° F |
| Max Sinkage | 2.15″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 4.03 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.3 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 7.47″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 4.00″ |
| Edge Support – Lying Support | Excellent |
| Sex Overall | 9.4 |
| Comfort Material | 5.00″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Moderate |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days |
| Trial | 101 days |
| Warranty | 25 years |
Note: If you’re looking for a Helix Midnight mattress with more bounce and don’t mind giving up the plush cover, check out the standard Helix Midnight. This mattress has 10.19″ of bounce, 35% more bounce than the Luxe, and also with a lower price tag.
Leesa Sapira Chill
Best For
- Exceptional cooling performance
- Fantastic edge support
- High level of bounce make it great for sex performance
Quick Specs
- 14″ with cooling cover
- 100-night trial period, free returns
- 10-year warranty
Why It’s Best
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a 14″ hybrid that is the 2nd top-tier mattress within the Chill collection by Leesa. This mattress is designed as a high-profile, luxury pick for sleepers of all body weights and sleeping positions.
For back sleepers, I would recommend the medium-firm or firm version. The medium-firm has a 6 out of 10 firmness, whereas the firm version is an 8 out of 10 (where 10 is the most firm).
In our performance tests, this mattress excelled in all categories except for motion transfer, where it measured higher motion than average.
Comparing all hybrids we’ve tested to date, the Leesa Sapira Chill ranks in the top 10% of all hybrids (including latex hybrids or memory foam hybrids as well). It is an exceptionally high-performing mattress by any standard.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), or Firm (8)
Leesa Sapira Chill Performance
Performance on the Leesa Sapira Chill was excellent, especially for exceptional cooling. This mattress has a quilted, Euro-top cover, but also integrated cooling fibers. This gives the mattress a plush feel and a notably cooler feeling cover.
It also scored a perfect 10 / 10 score for incredibly fast material response time, exceptional edge support, amazing sex performance, and extraordinary edge support.
Really, the only category pulling this score down is motion transfer, where we measured 48% higher levels of motion transfer compared to the average hybrid. Beyond that, performance in our tests was fantastic.
| Factor | Leesa Sapira Chill Performance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.75 |
| Price | $1,799 |
| Cooling | 10 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.16″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 12.55 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.3 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 10.51″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 3.00″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14.0″ |
| Sex Overall | 10 |
| Comfort Material | 5.3″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 10 days |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Birch Original
Best For
- 2nd best latex hybrid we’ve tested to date
- Extremely low motion transfer, while retaining high levels of bounce
- Exceptional cooling with hole-punched latex layers
Quick Specs
- 11″ thick + organic cover
- 100-night trial with a $99 return fee
- 25-year warranty
Our Verdict
The Birch Original mattress is a hybrid mattress that is a blend of pocketed coils and Talalay latex. Latex mattresses can be great for back sleepers, considering their faster material response time and good cooling performance.
The natural latex is perforated, which helps the cooling and breathability of this mattress. There is also a layer of natural wool at the top and bottom of this mattress, which also aids in temperature regulation.
In our performance tests, the Birch is the 2nd highest-scoring latex mattress that we’ve tested to date (2nd to the Saatva Latex Hybrid listed above). If you’re on a budget, you can get the benefit of latex, while also saving a little over $300 compared to Saatva.
Type: Latex Hybrid
Firmness: Slightly Firm (7)
Birch Performance
Performance on the Birch Original latex mattress is solid all-around. All scores are in the upper 9’s, with perfect 10’s for excellent cooling, extremely fast response time, minimal off-gassing, and a 9.9 for very low motion transfer levels.
Motion transfer had a max acceleration range of 5.52 m/s², much less than the average 8.52 m/s².
Edge support had a score of 9.3 on the Birch, where it had 4.5″ of sinkage when sitting directly at the edge. This is a bit more sinkage than I would like to see, as I typically like to see 4″ or less.
The average level of edge sinkage across all mattresses tested to date is 4.11″. All that being said, if you scoot a couple of inches away from the edge, support on this mattress is fantastic.
| Factor | Birch Performance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.75 |
| Price | $1,599 |
| Cooling | 10 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.00″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 5.52 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.2 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 14.91″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 4.50″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11.0″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.7 |
| Comfort Material | 3.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 25 years |
Bear Elite Hybrid
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Best For
- Fantastic cooling performance with phase change cover
- 3 firmness options
- 5″ of comfort material
Quick Specs
- 14″ with phase change cover
- 120-night trial period, free returns
- Lifetime limited warranty
Why It’s Best
The Bear Elite hybrid mattress is a 14″ tall hybrid with copper-infused memory foal and a pocketed coil base. This mattress is available in three firmness levels, which makes it a solid pick for a wider range of sleepers.
For back sleepers, I would recommend the Medium or Firm versions of this mattress. The medium is a 6 out of 10 medium-firm feel. The firm is a 7.5 out of 10 slightly firm-feel (where 10 is the most firm).
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.72 overall, which ranks it in the top 14% among all mattresses we’ve tested to date.
The Elite hybrid mattress costs $1,584 for a queen, which is 16% more than the average, but you’re also getting a thicker mattress (14″), better materials, and a higher performance score overall.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4.5), Medium-Firm (6), Firm (7.5)
Bear Elite Performance
Performance on the Bear Elite hybrid is excellent, scoring a perfect 10 for exceptional cooling, extremely low motion transfer, and extremely fast response time.
The 14″ thickness provides great pressure relief and overall comfort. This mattress has high levels of bounce which enhances sex performance.
Despite having a thicker profile, the Bear Elite does struggle in one area—edge support. When sitting directly at the edge, there was 4.75″ of sinkage. The average among all hybrids we’ve tested to date is 4.38″ so the Bear Elite is a little beyond that. Still, when lying on the edge, lying support was excellent.
| Factor | Bear Elite Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.72 |
| Max Temp. | 88.4° F |
| Max Sinkage | 2.14″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 3.74 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.4 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 10.32″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 4.75″ |
| Edge Support – Lying Support | Excellent |
| Sex Overall | 9.8 |
| Comfort Material | 5.00″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days |
| Trial | 120 days |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Best Mattress By Category
Want to see more “best of” ranked lists? Check out the links below for other guides, ranking the top-performing mattresses in a range of categories.
