Best Mattress for Back Pain in 2022

December 1, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

Let’s be honest: Back pain can be, well, a pain. If you suffer from an achy back, you’ll want the best mattress for back pain to give you a better night’s sleep. 

Sleep ought to be relaxing, not painful. Unfortunately, back pain can get in the way of valuable snoozing. Plus, waking up with discomfort can put your whole day out of whack. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing chronic back pain, an old mattress that sinks could be making the problem even worse. 

Thankfully, advanced materials with the proper support may provide some relief. In this article, we’ll explain which mattress features best support back pain. Then, we’ll introduce our best mattresses for back pain in 2022 and beyond.

At Casper, we thoughtfully engineer our mattresses for maximum support, less aching, and better tomorrows.

What Type of Mattress Is Best For Back and Neck Pain? 

Whether it’s lower, middle, or upper back pain, it’s not fun to deal with. Neck pain can go hand-in-hand with back pain too — and that can definitely keep you tossing and turning at night. 

No matter what kind of back pain you experience, sleeping on an old mattress isn’t helping. If the mattress has started to sag, it could even be the main culprit behind your aches. Of course, it’s best to check with your doctor to identify the source of your back pain. However, upgrading to a more supportive and comfortable mattress can help. 

When it comes to firmness or softness, it’s all about balance. A mattress doesn’t have to be rock-hard to support your back. In fact, one study found that a medium-firm mattress is actually better for lower back pain than a firm one. A good quality mattress that contours your body and keeps your spine aligned can do wonders for those aches and pains. 

Memory foam and latex foam mattresses are usually best for back pain. They’re dense and soft enough to hit that sweet spot between cradling your body and adding support.

We all hit the hay in our own way, so it’s best to find the right mattress firmness for you. Here’s an overview of the ideal firmness levels for the three sleeping positions:

  • Stomach sleepers have pressure points on their neck and lower back area. If a mattress is too soft, the lower body can sink in too much and create misalignment and more pain. Therefore, stomach sleepers can benefit most from a medium-firm to firm mattress that keeps their body lifted and aligned. 
  • Side sleepers have pressure points on their hips and shoulders. Their mattresses need to cradle their hips and shoulders and let them sink in to keep the spine straight. Side sleepers might benefit from a medium to medium-firm mattress.
  • Back sleeper pressure points fall on the lower back. Medium-firm to firm mattresses will provide the right amount of support for their hips to keep them from sinking too far in.

With this in mind, we’ll move on to the best mattresses that support all types of sleepers.

Best Mattresses for Back Pain 

At Casper, we’ve carefully designed various products with comfort and better sleep top of mind. Here are our best mattresses for back pain to help you fall asleep fast and enjoy bedtime again. 

Best Mattress for Upper and Lower Back Pain: Casper Dream Max Mattress

If you’re ready for an upgrade that best supports your spine, a mattress engineered specifically for back ache relief is for you.The Casper Dream Max orthopedic mattress is our best mattress for back pain. Designed specifically for those who have trouble sleeping due to aches and pains, our Zoned Support™ Max and ultra-supportive Casper Signature Foam layers are designed to give you less aching and optimal pressure relief.

Best for:

  • Those with back and neck pain
  • Those who want a medium-firm mattress

Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain: Casper One Mattress

Everyone should be able to have better sleep and back support, regardless of budget. With the Casper One, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get back relief with this affordable mattress

The Casper One is designed for cooling comfort on top with long-lasting support below. Breathe Flex Foam technology keeps you cool, while a durable Casper Core base prevents sinking and sagging. It’ll give you seriously comfortable sleep at our coziest price.

Best for: 

  • Those who want a budget-friendly option for back support

Best Soothing Mattress for Back Pain: Casper Dream Max Mattress

Interested in back support but dreaming of something soft? We recommend the Casper Dream Max again. It features some of our most innovative sleep technology and is designed to support spinal alignment while still feeling luxurious. 

Better posture at night means less pain, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice softness either. With the Casper Dream Max plush hybrid mattress, you get to sleep in alignment and let your back muscles rest.

Best for:

  • Those who want a soothing feel
  • Those willing to splurge on luxury

Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain: Casper Dream Max Mattress

Want serene softness and maximum support? Once again, the Casper Dream Max Mattress comes out on top — our best ergonomic mattress for softness is also our most supportive. This medium-firm mattress is designed for utmost support without sacrificing comfort. 

Zoned Support™ Max and Align+ Flex Foam work harmoniously to ergonomically align your spine and cradle your hips. A firm center foam core layered with precisely cut channels cradles the natural shape of your body for the best spinal alignment throughout the night. 

Best for:

  • Those who want a medium-firm option

Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain: Casper Mattress Topper

If you want to add a layer of softness and support but aren’t ready to replace your entire mattress, a good quality mattress topper could be the way to go. 

With three layers of support and breathable foam, the Casper Mattress Topper will transform your bed with a buoyant layer of oh-so-good plushness. 

Best for: 

  • Those who want to add softness and support to their existing mattress
  • Those looking for a budget-friendly option

Sleeping With Back Pain: 6 Quick Tips

Chronic back pain can seriously disrupt sleep and even lead to insomnia. To help you get better rest, here are some quick tips on how to sleep with back pain

  • Use a body pillow. If you sleep on your side, try hugging a body pillow between your knees and thighs. This can help reduce pressure on your lower back. 
  • Put a pillow under your abdomen. If you’re a stomach sleeper, place a pillow under your stomach to take some of the stress off your body. 
  • Place a pillow under your knees. Back sleepers, this one’s for you: Put a pillow under your knees to release tension from your lower back. 
  • Sleep on your back. Sleeping with your back to the bed is the best position for your neck and spine. Your weight gets evenly distributed and your spine stays in a neutral position. 
  • Sleep face down with an extra pillow. Stomach sleeping isn’t great for your back overall. However, if you’re a stomach sleeper through and through, try sleeping face-down with two pillows. This can help lift your torso and take pressure off your spine. The Original Casper Pillow is a great option because it’s breathable and cool. 
  • Find a mattress with zoned support. A sagging mattress can compound back pain. Our Zoned Support™ technology divides the mattress into three ergonomic zones to help align your spine. It cradles hips and gently sinks shoulders for better spinal alignment and lets your back muscles rest. 

A good night’s sleep has such a positive influence on the quality of your day. That’s why we created mattresses specifically designed for maximum support and comfort. They’re crafted to support your spine and relax your muscles, letting you get undisturbed rest for many nights to come.