What's the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers? Key Features To Consider

What is the best mattress for back support? 

The Purple Essentials and Restore Hybrid collections are some of the best options for back sleepers due to their focus on pressure relief and luxurious comfort layers, but there are mattresses in every Purple collection that are great for back sleepers depending on your budget and personal preferences.

If you’re a back sleeper, you know restful sleep is all about keeping your spine happy. But how do you find a mattress that feels comfortable while still keeping your back sufficiently supported? The best mattress for back sleepers is constructed with just the right balance of comfort and support to keep your sleep rejuvenating and prevent back aches when the sun comes up. 

Key factors to consider when mattress shopping as a back sleeper include finding a mattress with a medium firmness level, one that supports your spine, and one that provides pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. Purple mattresses provide a balanced sleep experience, offering support for your back while cradling your joints for more comfortable sleep.

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Best Type of Mattress for Back Sleepers

A mattress that relieves pressure points and promotes alignment is best for back sleepers, but ultimately, personal preference matters most. Sleepers should opt for a mattress that offers support and pressure relief, especially in the hips, lower back, and shoulders.

Below is a selection and comparison of the best mattresses for back sleepers from Purple.

Best Overall for Back Sleepers: RestorePlus® Mattress

Alternative for: Helix Midnight Hybrid

First on our list is the Purple RestorePlus® Mattress. We’ve ranked it the best overall due to its pressure relief, comfort, and cooling benefits. With a medium-soft feel, this hybrid mattress is excellent for any sleep position, including on your back. 

• Key Features: 3” GelFlex Grid® that adapts to your position and cradles pressure points, 3 Zone edge-to-edge coils for targeted shoulder, hip, and back support, superior airflow to sleep up to 3X cooler than leading competitors, advanced edge support system, ultra comfort layer, antimicrobial finish, moisture-wicking cover
• Materials: Non-toxic materials, hypoallergenic, designed and manufactured in the USA, Certified Clean Air GOLD
• Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $2,549-$5,098

A thick, 3-inch GelFlex Grid® or Gel Matrix™ also adds tons of pressure relief, and its special zoned structure coil system provides targeted back support, making it the best mattress for lumbar support on our list. 

“I have arthritis in my hips, and my old mattress was developing a divot where my body was. Purple is perfectly supportive. I love this mattress.” — Tim M., RestorePlus® Mattress review

If you’re a back sleeper, don't wait to try this one out. 

Best Medium-Firm Mattress: The Purple Mattress®

Alternative for: Winkbed (Luxury Firm)

For back sleepers, medium to medium-firm mattresses are the sweet spot when it comes to firmness level. The best medium-firm mattress on our list is the classic Purple Mattress®. Designed with the innovative and instantly adaptive GelFlex Grid®, the Purple Mattress® is primarily made for back sleepers, while also supporting other sleep positions. 

• Key Features: 2” GelFlex Grid® instantly adapts to any sleep position and cradles your pressure points, significant airflow to sleep up to 2X cooler than leading competitors, comfort layer for added cushioning, foam base for stability and motion isolation
• Materials: Non-toxic materials, hypoallergenic, designed and manufactured in the USA, Certified Clean Air GOLD
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $999-$2,198

Back sleepers rave about the Purple Mattress® for its pressure relief, breathable airflow, and motion isolation. 

“If you like to feel like you are in a cloud then this is the right type of mattress for you! I love my Purple mattress; it's super soft.”  — Alejandra B., Purple Mattress® review

If our best overall pick is a little too soft for your taste, this medium-firm option is one of the next best mattresses for back support.

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers With Back Pain: Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress

Alternative for: Helix Midnight Luxe

If you’re here because you need a back sleeper mattress that may help soothe nightly back pain, we suggest the Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress. With the extra-thick 3-inch GelFlex Grid® and individually responsive Coolflex™ coils for dynamic full body support, it’s our best mattress for back sleepers with lower back pain and upper body aches.

• Key Features: 3” GelFlex Grid® that instantly adapts to any sleep position, boosts comfort, and cradles your pressure points, individually responsive Coolflex™ coils for dynamic full body support, maximum airflow, advanced edge support system for ease of getting in and out of bed, ultra comfort layer, antimicrobial finish, moisture-wicking cover
• Materials: Non-toxic materials, hypoallergenic, designed and manufactured in the USA, Certified Clean Air GOLD
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $3,249-$6,498

With our adaptive, temperature-balancing Gel Matrix™, this mattress contours your body for superior pressure relief. Plus, its advanced edge support system makes getting in and out of bed easier than ever. With maximum airflow, it’s also the best mattress for back pain and cooling.

“I was in desperate need of a bed that would put zero pressure on any part of my body, and this is it. I love how soft it is without sagging. I feel like I'm enveloped in a warm taco. Love love love!” — Karen R., RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress review

If your old, saggy mattress or other life circumstances are causing you back pain, you deserve to try out this best-in-class option for restful, soothing nights.

Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers: RejuvenatePlus® Mattress

Alternative for: Titan Plus

We’ve ranked the RejuvenatePlus® Mattress as the comfiest option for heavier back sleepers. With melt-in comfort and adaptive, spine-aligning support, it’s hard to go wrong with this supportive, luxury option. We’d also call it the best firm mattress for back sleepers in our ranking.

• Key Features: Luxury cover with a quilted, gusseted edge, DreamLayer® technology with soothing surface comfort and temperature balance, 3” GelFlex Grid® that enhances pressure relief and spine-aligning support, adaptive response foam, dynamic grid support
• Materials: Non-toxic materials, designed and manufactured in the USA
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $5,499-$10,998

As with all Purple mattresses, the RejuvenatePlus® has a weight limit of up to 700 pounds, including body weight, pets, and blankets — so you won’t have to worry about it sagging, even with the whole family on board.

What Makes the Best Bed for Back Sleepers?

When it comes time to choose a mattress, don’t settle for the first option that jumps out online. Make sure to take the following factors into consideration as a back sleeper. 

Mattress Type

Pay attention to the type of mattress you’re looking at. Here’s a quick overview of the benefits each type provides for back sleepers:

• Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are made of viscoelastic, which contours to your body and helps distribute weight equally. For back sleepers, that “sinking” quality can provide nice pressure relief.
• Latex: Latex mattresses are durable and springy. Back sleepers may enjoy the responsive support of latex.
• Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses are made with a combination of springs, foam, or latex, giving them a versatile blend of support and comfort. For back sleepers, their modern comfort layers are responsive and supportive. Purple Hybrids™ have offered a 40% reduction in pain for some sleepers.*
• GelFlex Grid®: Purple’s proprietary sleep innovation, the GelFlex Grid®, offers all of the above benefits and more. Back sleepers may especially appreciate the balance of pressure relief and full-body support.

*Disclaimer: Based on an independent study performed on Purple Hybrid Mattresses compared to previous mattress models.

Finally, back sleepers seeking an above-and-beyond option for further comfort and support should consider placing their mattress on an adjustable base. Zero-gravity beds can be some of the best beds for back sleepers because they can elevate the head and feet to take pressure off the spine and create a weightless feeling. 

Firmness

“Mattress firmness is one of the most important factors for back sleepers. A medium-firm to firm mattress usually suits back sleepers best,” says Tyler Wright, Senior Product Manager of Mattresses at Purple. “A medium-firm to firm mattress provides the right balance of support to help keep the spine aligned while providing pressure relief and cushioning to allow the shoulders and hips to sink in just the right amount.”

But sleeper size can impact your desired firmness as well. It’s up to personal preference. If you’re a back sleeper who finds a medium-firm to firm mattress keeps your spine aligned but feels too firm, for example, you can always make a firm mattress softer with a mattress topper. 

Spinal Alignment

Proper spinal alignment can prevent back sleepers from waking up with a sore back. It’s essential to keep the spine neutral during the night so that no strain on your muscles surprises you with aches in the morning. The key is keeping the hips and shoulders aligned, allowing the spine to rest comfortably in its natural curve. 

“While spinal alignment is tied to firmness to a certain degree,” says Wright, “there are also other mattress features that a back sleeper should look for. For example, mattresses with zoned coils offer superior targeted support for your back.” 

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief mattresses cradle your pressure points while supporting the rest of your body, preventing uneven tension on your body to enhance comfort. When you sleep on your back, you put less pressure on your shoulders but you need more support and cushioning for your hips. Make sure to find a pressure relief mattress that contours your hips and supports your back.

Sleep Trials and Warranties

All that said, to find the best mattress for you, it’s best to give the mattress a spin before committing. That’s why it’s important not only to test out mattresses in store, but also to make sure your mattress comes with a reasonable sleep trial. That way, you have a chance to take it home and test it out before investing in it for the long term. Make sure the sleep trial is at least 90 to 120 nights.

Transform Your Sleep With a Purple Mattress

To recap, the best mattress for back sleepers is most likely going to feel medium-firm or firm, keep your spine neutral, provide pressure relief to your hips and support to your back, and come with a great sleep trial. 

That’s why Purple tops the list when it comes to blissful back sleeping. Purple mattresses are created by sleep experts using innovative technology to promote spinal alignment and reduce pressure exactly where you need relief. 

The Perfect Combination

Enjoy the instantly adaptive GelFlex Grid®, responsive coils, and comfort foam for the pressure relief and support you need.

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