Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Medically reviewed by
 Dr. Nayantara Santhi

Dr. Nayantara Santhi

Dr. Nayantara Santhi holds an academic position at Northumbria University. After completing her Ph.D. at Northeastern University (Boston, MA), she joined the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School as a post-doctoral fellow to research how sleep and circadian rhythmicity influence our cognitive functioning.

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By McKenzie Hyde Certified Sleep Coach

Last Updated On January 18th, 2024
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

While not as common as side sleeping, about 10 percent of Americans sleep on their backs, compared to 74 percent who sleep on their sides. Back sleeping enables the spine to rest in neutral spinal alignment.

Back sleepers may need reinforced support for the lower back with pressure relief in the hips and shoulders for the best comfort. Without a good mattress, they may wake up sore or stiff.

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As Dr. Nayantara Santhi says, “Chronic poor sleep can affect your memory, mood, and other cognitive functions. The different stages of sleep are involved in different aspects of cognition. Therefore getting a good night’s sleep is a gateway to mental health and well-being.”

That’s why we recommend the AS2 mattress.

Consider the AS2

Quick Guide: A 30-Second Summary

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers Amerisleep AS2

The medium-firm mattress in our numbered line-up was constructed with back sleepers’ comfort in mind.

Mattress Highlights
  • Memory foam swallows motion and eases pressure
  • Targeted support from transition foam
  • Firmer feel resists wear and tear well
Recommended For
  • Back sleepers
  • People with back pain
  • Hot sleepers

The AS2 is our medium-firm model, perfect for back and stomach sleepers. This feel is also recommended for people trying to cope with recurring back pain, as it’s conforming yet largely still supportive.

A 2-inch layer of Bio-Pur® memory foam provides a firmer surface to keep the body resting on top of the bed. Bio-Pur® foam is responsive yet molds to the body’s curves for gentle pressure relief. Its eco-friendly structure also helps it keep cooler than traditional memory foam.

Next is 3 inches of the Affinity with HIVE® technology enhancing support to the lower back, while also targeting other areas of the body for specialized comfort. Lastly, 7 inches of Bio-Core® supports the body without risk of sinking.

Quick Summary

  • Memory foam conforms to the back and lowers pressure
  • Foams minimize motion transfer and provide durable comfort and support
  • Cooling surface promotes undisturbed sleep
Save $450 on the Amerisleep AS2 with our discount code
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Why Choose Amerisleep?

Each of our five mattress models (AS1, AS2, AS3, AS4, and AS5) is designed to provide a healthy balance of comfort and support for varying sleep needs. Our eco-friendly foams conform to the body, relieving pressure points without leaving sleepers feeling “stuck,” while the soft, breathable cover keeps you cool throughout the night.

Bio-Pur®

Bio-Pur® is plant-based memory foam. During the manufacturing process, we partially replace petroleum with castor oil to produce an eco-friendly foam that’s 5 times more breathable and 10 times more responsive than traditional memory foam. Bio-Pur® conforms to the body’s natural curves and cradles the lower back.

Affinity with HIVE®

The Affinity layer incorporates HIVE® technology. HIVE® contains hundreds of hexagonal-shaped segments that form a 5-zone support system; softer support rests under the shoulders and hips, and firmer support rests under the head, back, and legs. HIVE® evenly relieves pressure points in the body.

Bio-Core®

Bio-Core® provides a firm and supportive base that reinforces the top comfort layers and evenly distributes body weight on the sleep surface. Bio-Core® adds stability to the mattress and ensures it lasts.

100-Night Sleep Trial

We include a 100-night sleep trial with the purchase of any of our mattress models. Essentially, this trial functions as a long-lasting return policy.

During this trial period, customers can try out an Amerisleep mattress within the comfort of their own home and make sure it’s right for them.

20-Year Warranty

We include a 20-year warranty with each mattress purchase— one of the best in the industry. Our warranty covers manufacturing defects and flaws which could damage the mattress, and sagging greater than an inch.

During the first 10 years, we will repair or replace the mattress free of charge to the customer. During the last 10 years, we will either repair or replace the mattress at a prorated charge.

What is a Back Sleeper?

A person who sleeps flat on their back is a back sleeper. Back sleeping naturally aligns the spine because the spine is so close to the sleep surface. Back sleepers face some risks, including potential snoring, development of sleep apnea, and aggravating acid reflux.

Back sleepers need a medium to firm mattress for pressure point relief in the shoulders and hips, plus enhanced lumbar support.

Pros and Cons of Back Sleeping

Like any sleep position, there are both pros and cons to back sleeping. If you suffer from back pain, back sleeping may provide some relief, but if you have sleep apnea or are prone to snoring, we recommend switching to the side position.

Pros

  • Natural spinal alignment

Cons

  • Snoring potential
  • Risk of developing sleep apnea
  • Worsened acid reflux

The Right Mattress

Before committing to a mattress, consider firmness options, mattress type, and any available sleep trials, return policies, and warranties. Establishing these factors before shopping will narrow down your options and get you closer to finding the best mattress for your needs.

Firmness Scale

While many individuals give the advice that “firmer is better,” that’s not always the case. Choose a mattress firmness based on your sleep position and body type. Body type influences firmness by determining what level of comfort and support you need for a good night’s rest. Body types are divided up into three categories— light, average, and plus-size.

Light Sleepers

Light sleepers weigh 130 pounds or less. A softer mattress is better for them, since it enables the bed to conform to their bodies. A firmer surface may cause unnatural curves in the spine, throwing it out of alignment.

Average Sleepers

Average sleepers weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. A medium feel is the perfect firmness for most average sleepers— it offers a nice balance of cushion and support to the body for proper spinal alignment.

Heavy Sleepers

Plus-size sleepers weigh 230 pounds or more. Plus-size individuals need a firmer mattress, because it prevents their bodies from bottoming out and provides equal levels of pressure relief and support.

Mattress Type

Memory foam, innerspring, latex, and hybrid are the most common mattress types available on the market. Each mattress type offers their own unique feel for sleepers, but the mattress you choose may come down to what you prefer. For example, some sleepers want a mattress with more bounce like an innerspring, while others prefer the contouring feel of memory foam.

Memory Foam

Memory foam first appeared in mattresses back in the 90s and has since grown in popularity—beds in a box have only made them easier to get, since memory foam compresses easily to fit into a box. A memory foam mattress conforms to the body, relieving pressure points and reducing aches and pains. Memory foam also has excellent motion isolation and is quiet.

Generally, a memory foam mattress is an all-foam bed containing a comfort layer of memory foam and a support layer of high-density foam. Memory foam beds may also include a transitional layer of poly-foam.

Memory foam has the risk of overheating because of its dense structure. Choosing a memory foam mattress with cooling properties, like breathable, plant-based memory foam or heat-absorbing gel memory foam, reduces the risk of overheating and ensures a cooler sleep.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are more popular than any other mattress type. An innerspring mattress has a bouncy surface with great edge support, so there’s less risk of sleepers rolling off the bed. Innersprings also provide better cooling through the open structure of their base layer.

An innerspring mattress contains pillow tops made of foam or fiberfill and a support layer of innerspring coils. Some innerspring mattresses may include a layer of microcoils for enhanced support.

Because of their thin comfort layers, innerspring mattresses have little to no pressure-relieving properties. Innerspring beds also have more noise potential and less motion isolation due to the coils. Adding a mattress topper may improve pressure point relief.

Latex

Latex foam is similar to memory foam— latex conforms to the body, though not as closely as memory foam and has excellent motion isolation. While memory foam retains heat, latex sleeps cooler and is responsive, making movement easier. A latex mattress contains a comfort layer of latex foam and a support layer of either high-density foam or latex.

Depending on how much natural latex the mattress contains, latex mattresses can come at a higher price point. They can also be heavier and harder to maneuver than other mattress types.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress combines pressure-relieving memory foam and bouncy innerspring coils. With the benefits of both a memory foam mattress and an innerspring, hybrids are the perfect bed.

However, hybrid mattresses also come with drawbacks of both mattress types: risk of overheating from memory foam and less pressure relief and motion transfer from innerspring coils. A hybrid mattress contains a comfort layer of either memory foam or latex (must be at least 2 inches thick) and a support layer of pocketed coils.

Because hybrids contain a combination of memory foam and innerspring coils, they’re heavier and more expensive than other mattress types.

Other Sleeping Positions

Other sleeping positions include side, stomach, and combination sleeping. Each sleep position requires a certain level of comfort and support to maintain spinal alignment, from mattress thickness to firmness and material.

If you’re looking to switch to a healthier sleep position, especially if you have sleep apnea, we highly recommend side sleeping— it enables better breathing and may reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is one of the most common sleep positions. Side sleepers breathe easier, put less pressure on their vital organs, and may experience reduced acid reflux symptoms. To prevent their spines from misaligning, side sleepers can place a pillow between the knees.

The best mattresses for side sleepers are medium in firmness— a medium to plush surface fills in the large gap between the body and the surface, while extra cushioning relieves pressure points in the shoulders and hips.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least common position. Stomach sleepers have a greater risk of neck pain (twisting the head to breathe) and lower back pain (gravity pulls weight down, forcing the spine to straighten). Placing a thin pillow under the hips reduces pressure and may help relieve lower back pain. Stomach sleepers need a medium-firm to firm sleep surface, or the best mattress for back pain, to keep the body resting on top instead of sinking.

Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers, or restless sleepers, regularly switch between 2 to 3 sleep positions a night. Combination sleepers have benefits of each sleep position, like less pressure on their organs and natural spinal alignment.

However, combination sleepers also face drawbacks of each sleep position— risk of developing sleep apnea and neck strain. Combination sleepers need a medium to medium-firm mattress with a balance of comfort and support, keeping the spine in neutral alignment.

Mattress Thickness

The thickness of a mattress plays a significant role in determining the comfort and support it offers to back sleepers. For individuals who predominantly sleep on their backs, a mattress with medium thickness is often recommended, typically ranging from 10 to 12 inches. This thickness provides a balance between adequate support for the spine and the right amount of plushness for comfort.

Back sleepers benefit from a mattress that promotes proper spinal alignment, and the thickness contributes to achieving this alignment. A thicker mattress, especially one designed with layers of memory foam, latex, or supportive coils, can contour to the natural curves of the body and provide the necessary support for the lower back.

Sleep Trials, Return Policies, and Warranties

Take a look at any sleep trials, return policies, and warranties before committing to a new mattress. These perks reassure customers of a quality purchase.

Sleep Trial

A sleep trial allows customers to try a new mattress at home for an extended period of time. Sleep trials usually last between 90 to 120 nights. If the customer doesn’t like the mattress, most companies will donate it to a local charity.

Return Policy

A return policy is an okay substitute if a sleep trial isn’t available. Return policies last 30 days, about the same time it takes most individuals to adjust to a new bed. If not happy with the bed, customers can return the mattress for a full refund. Double-check the fine print though— some mattress companies will only accept an unopened box.

Warranty

A warranty is designed to protect the mattress from any manufacturing defects and flaws which could damage the mattress and sagging greater than 1 inch— it doesn’t cover damage caused through customer misuse. Most mattresses come with a standard 10-year warranty, but only for the original purchaser.

FAQs

What is the best type of mattress for back sleepers?

Memory foam or latex are the best mattress types for back sleepers— their conforming properties relieve pressure points and isolate motion. Hybrid mattresses are another good choice as the coils will support the spine in a neutral position. Some back sleepers may enjoy the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, but others may find they wake up sore and stiff after sleeping on one.

Are hard or soft beds better for your back?

Soft mattresses may not be the best choice— deep sinking can misalign the spine. A firmer mattress is the best option for back sleepers by keeping the body resting on top of the bed and relieving pressure points in the shoulders and hips. Still, back sleepers interested in a soft surface may want to try a medium mattress with targeted lumbar support.

The Right Mattress for Back Sleepers

The best mattress for back sleepers is the AS2 mattress— its medium-firm surface relieves pressure points and provides enhanced support to the lower back. Back sleepers will feel nicely supported without finding the mattress too hard or too soft.


About the author

McKenzie Hyde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer specializing in sleep health and the mattress industry. With a Master of Arts degree in literature and writing from Utah State University, McKenzie combines her passion for writing with her in-depth knowledge of sleep science. Her articles cover a wide range of topics, including best sleep practices for students, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and choosing the right mattress for back pain relief. McKenzie's dedication to delivering accurate and informative content makes her a valuable contributor to the field of sleep health.

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