How to Choose the Best Mattress for Back Pain
Last Updated on October 24, 2024
by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed
Do you have back pain? Read our comprehensive guide on seeking a pain free night of sleep, along with the best mattress for back pain.
Overview: Best Mattress for Back Pain
The best mattress for back pain is one that offers a balanced blend of contouring memory foam and supportive latex. For those who prefer a firmer feel, the GhostBed Classic is a top choice. Our hybrid (and slightly softer) GhostBed Flex comes in at a close second. For an even better sleep, pair with our adjustable base!
Selecting the Best Mattress for Back Pain
Back pain is a common curse on a large portion of society. Whether lower, upper or both, many suffer with aching in their back. The quest to find the best mattress for back pain is a huge goal for many who are seeking a pain free night of sleep. Remarkably, only eight percent of adults have been found to be back sleepers. If you’re a side sleeper, you might want to view our page: best mattress for side sleeper.
Although many back sleepers like a firm mattress, it is important to have enough softness that will mold to the contours of the body. This allows for the arch of the back to be properly supported as to prevent lower back pain issues. When seeking the best mattress for lower back pain, or for just back pain in general, it is important to think of ergonomics. A mattress designed to properly support the body will promote stability for a healthy posture, as well a peaceful sleep. Memory foams mattresses are a great choice for their combination of firmness and the ability to form to the body.
Tips for Sleeping on Your Back
- It is important to have your head elevated properly when sleeping on the back. This will help to avert any acid reflux distress. With the head raised, gravity allows for the stomach to sit below the esophagus, keeping any acid from food coming up to the throat to cause discomfort.
- Make sure all the pressure points in the body are equally supported. You will want a firm mattress that allows the cradling of all points of the body resting on the surface. Consider adding a mattress topper to a very firm mattress, or to top an older bed.
- Although researchers have found that sleeping on the back is the best for back pain, adding a rolled pillow behind the knees, to assure that your spine lies flat against the mattress, will help to prevent lower back pain.
- Research shows that sleeping on your back may lead to snoring, difficulty breathing, and an overall bad night’s sleep. Is your snoring keeping someone awake at night? Try flipping over—you’ll both wake up more refreshed.
GhostBed’s Mattress Pick for Back Pain
What’s the best GhostBed mattress for back pain? Customer-favorites include the GhostBed Classic, featuring a blend of memory foam and latex, or our hybrid GhostBed Flex. Compare the two below.
Shop Now | Shop Now |
Gel Memory Foam & Latex | Hybrid: Individually-Wrapped Coils + Gel Memory Foam |
From: $1,195 $717 |
From: $1,795 $1,077 |
Best Choice If... | |
- You have a limited budget—but don’t want to skimp on comfort or quality - You need a mattress that’s soft yet supportive to alleviate back, neck or joint pain - You want a bed that’s springy enough to move around on, but with minimal motion transfer so your partner doesn’t wake up when you move |
- You’re making the switch from a traditional innerspring mattress - You love the idea of supportive coils combined with comforting gel memory foam (the best of both worlds!) - You want a mattress that contours to your body without making you feel “sunk in” |
Sleeper Style | |
- All Sleeper Types: Stomach, Back, Side and Combo - Those who need spinal alignment & extra support |
- All Sleeper Types: Stomach, Back, Side and Combo - Those who want the best of both (ultra-relaxing) worlds, with the perfect blend of supportive coils and comforting gel memory foam. - Those who dislike that “sinking feeling” of too-soft mattresses. |
Marc has spent the last two decades designing & manufacturing mattresses and other sleep products, drawing on a lifetime of experience working with the material sciences. With several patents to his name, he works closely with the GhostBed team to create products with the perfect balance of comfort & support. Learn More