The Best Mattresses for Back and Neck Pain in 2023

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Avocado Green came out as our pick for best overall mattress for back and neck pain. Looking for specifics? Check out our picks in this roundup.

• Best overall mattress:Avocado Green Mattress
• Best adjustable mattress:Saatva Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
• Best eco-friendly mattress:Saatva Classic Mattress
• Best mattress in a box:Helix Dawn
• Best mattress to splurge on:Leesa Legend Hybrid
• Best-rated mattress:Casper Original Mattress
• Best foam mattress:Nolah Original 10″
• Best mattress for upper back and neck pain:The Purple Mattress
• Best cooling mattress:The Wink Bed (Luxury Firm)
• Best hybrid mattress:Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid
• Best budget mattress:Beautyrest Silver BRS900 Extra Firm
• Best latex mattress:Avocado Latex Mattress

We all need sleep — and plenty of it. In fact, experts suggest getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night for optimal health.

About half of all denied claims that are challenged or appealed ultimately end up being covered – but only when policyholders put in the time and energy to fight the denial, the Los Angeles Times

Of course, if you live with pain, you probably know that spending a set amount of time in bed doesn’t automatically translate to good sleep. You likely won’t feel very rested if you spend most nights tossing and turning in hopes of easing discomfort.

Making sure you’re sleeping on a decent mattress is a great start toward improving sleep quality. A mattress that doesn’t work for your sleeping position and pain needs can interfere with your ability to get comfy and finally get some shut-eye.

Changing your mattress may not provide an instant cure, but many people find that sleeping on a better mattress really does help relieve back and neck pain.

Start your search with our 12 picks below.

We explored top-rated mattresses on the market, paying careful attention to features important for pain relief. To create our list, we considered:

• Customer reviews: Many brands say their mattresses can relieve pressure and pain, but reviews from other shoppers often present a more accurate picture. We read what customers had to say to see how these picks actually helped improve their pain and sleep quality.
• Company reputation and transparency: We focused on brands known for good business practices, quality mattress construction, and a reputation for providing good customer service.
• Company policies: Most brands understand the leap of faith required to buy a mattress online, and many offer a trial period so you can return the mattress if it doesn’t work out. Reputable mattress brands generally offer a lengthy warranty to cover product defects and excessive sagging.
• Expert insights: We consulted peer-reviewed studies for more information on the connection between sleep and pain and the qualities that make a mattress good for pain relief. We also reached out to Krystle Howald, PT, DPT, owner of Expecting and Empowered and Empower Movement Physical Therapy, for her tips on getting pain-free sleep.
• Vetting: The mattresses on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Austra Health’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Pricing guide

Mattresses can cost quite a bit, particularly when you need one specifically designed for pain relief. A quality mattress is certainly a worthwhile investment, but we understand that not everyone has the option to make that investment.

We’ve included queen-size mattresses in a range of price points to help you find the right mattress for your pain, no matter your budget.

Here’s the price breakdown for our top mattress picks:

Best overall

Avocado Green Mattress

4.7 (17.8k+) from Avocado

Austra Health’s review

Avocado’s Green Mattress combines a medium-firm, supportive mattress with soft, sustainable materials. This hybrid mattress contains latex foam and pocketed coils arranged in five ergonomic zones for superior back and neck support when you need it the most.

The materials used to make the mattress are noteworthy, too. GOTS-certified organic wool and organic latex are hand-sewn together, so there’s no toxic glue or chemical flame retardants. This mattress is also GreenGuard GOLD- and Made Safe-certified, which means it meets strict standards for chemical emissions and does not contain any potentially hazardous materials.

Plus, the wool and cotton help with temperature regulation. Reviewers frequently mention that this mattress does not get too hot or too cold.

The high quality materials mean that this mattress costs a bit more than some competitors. It comes in medium firm, but the added pillow topper can provide some extra coziness if you’re willing to pay extra.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Firmness : medium firm or gentle firm
• Weight : 76 lb, 82 lb, 1108 lb, 1114 lb, 134 lb, 158 lb
• Available sizes : twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, cal king
• Compatible with adjustable base : yes
• Cooling technology : yes
• Sleeping position : side
• Financing : available through Affirm
• Materials : organic latex foam, individually wrapped coils
• Returns : free returns
• Shipping : free shipping in the contiguous United States

Best adjustable mattress

Saatva Solaire Mattress

Austra Health’s review

The Saatva Solaire mattress combines gel-infused memory foam with inflatable air chambers, so you can change how firm your mattress is whenever you’d like to make an adjustment. If you sleep with a partner, they can choose their setting, too.

Vulcanized air chambers underneath layers of organic cotton and natural latex can be customized with 50 available firmness settings. If your back pain varies from day to day, it can be helpful to adjust your mattress according to what your body feels like it needs.

Research from 2015 found that inflatable, adjustable mattresses can be more comfortable and help promote proper spinal alignment because they allow for customized firmness levels.

You can even store your preferred settings in the bed’s controller if you’d like to have a couple options at the ready.

The “upper flex” version of the Solaire also allows you to adjust the head and foot of the mattress to different heights, but you’ll need to purchase an adjustable base.

While it may take a little getting used to, several reviewers say that this mattress is very comfortable and has helped relieve their back pain.

This mattress comes in at a higher price point, but its customizability may be worth the investment if you’re looking for a high quality adjustable option. With free setup and delivery plus a lifetime warranty, your purchase is protected.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Compatible with adjustable base : yes
• Cooling technology : yes
• Financing : financing available through Affirm
• Available sizes : twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split cal king

Best eco-friendly mattress

Saatva Classic Mattress

4.8 (2.9k+) from

Austra Health’s review

Looking for sustainable, environmentally friendly materials in your mattress? The Saatva Classic has recycled steel coils, a natural flame retardant, and an organic cotton mattress cover. The foam is free of formaldehyde and toxic or ozone-depleting chemicals.

Saatva’s hand-crafted luxury mattress offers customizable firmness. Their luxury firm option provides the medium firmness recommended for most people with back pain.

Saatva specifically designed this mattress to help with back pain by providing more support. According to Saatva, the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations approves of this mattress, and many chiropractors across the United States recommend it to clients.

The mattress features patented Lumbar Zone technology, which helps provide spinal alignment in any sleeping position via a contoured quilting material.

While this mattress is designed for spinal support and alignment, you won’t have to compromise on comfort. The Euro pillow top provides cushioning, and if you opt for the plush soft mattress — which is recommended for side sleepers — your pillow top contains bonus padding to hug your body and relieve pressure as you gently sink into bed.

The vast majority of reviewers praise this mattress: It averages 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 2,800 reviews. People rave about the support it provides, saying it relieved back and neck pain immediately and proved even more comfortable than they expected.

The mattresses are also American-made and delivered free of charge.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Firmness : plush soft, luxury firm, firm
• Compatible with adjustable base : yes
• Cooling technology : yes
• Sleeping position : side
• Materials : memory foam, individually wrapped coils
• Returns : returns include a $99 processing fee
• Shipping : free shipping in the contiguous United States

Best mattress in a box

Helix Dawn Mattress

4.5 (1.1k+) from Helix

Austra Health’s review

Helix recommends this firm hybrid for back and stomach sleepers, but a few reviewers note that it also works well for combination sleepers. Plus, it comes neatly rolled in a box and only needs about 30–45 minutes to expand once opened, and then you’re all set.

The company says the individually wrapped coils provide firm support, and they’re reinforced around the perimeter to keep the mattress from giving way when you roll toward the edge.

The middle polyfoam layer offers extra cushioning, while the top layer — made from the company’s latex foam — contours to your body to relieve pressure, align your spine, and ease pain. The firmness of the mattress is designed to help you feel supported and keep you from sinking into the bed.

Hybrid mattresses are generally cooler at night than those made entirely of foam, and several reviewers say this mattress stays comfortably cool. In general, reviewers praise this mattress. Many reviewers report relief from longtime back pain after just one night.

A few reviewers did notice some motion transfer when sleeping with a partner, so it may work best if you sleep alone.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Firmness : firm
• Weight : 65 lbs, 65 lbs, 85 lbs, 100 lbs, 120 lbs, 120 lbs
• Compatible with adjustable base : yes
• Cooling technology : yes
• Sleeping position : back, stomach
• Financing : financing available through Klarna
• Available sizes : twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, cal king
• Materials : hypoallergenic knitted cover, CertiPUR-US certified memory and polyfoaam layers, individually wrapped steel coils
• Returns : free returns within 100 days
• Shipping : free shipping in the United States (Alaska and Hawaii included)

Best mattress to splurge on

Leesa Legend Hybrid Mattress

4.5 (227+) from Leesa

Austra Health’s review

The Leesa Legend uses the same key elements as other hybrids: springs and foam. The base layer of the mattress is dense foam, which the company claims provides stability and support. The next layers use coils and memory foam to lend pressure relief while still stabilizing your hips and shoulders. The structure also reduces motion transfer.

Above are two layers of foam that were designed with breathability in mind. The uppermost layer has punches that make it breathable and encourage airflow. The bed is topped with a fabric cover that incorporates Merino wool, cotton, and fiber from recycled water bottles.

According to Leesa, the cover is hypoallergenic, as Merino wool is resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Reviewers praise the mattress, saying it alleviated back pain and that it’s one of the most comfortable options out there. Some say it’s the most comfortable mattress they’ve ever had.

Plus, the company rates the bed as medium firm, meaning it will appeal to a large array of people and provide good support for the back and neck.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Firmness : lux-plush
• Available sizes : twin XL, full, queen, king, cal king
• Returns : free returns within 100 days
• Shipping : free shipping in the United States (Alaska and Hawaii included)

Best-rated mattress

Casper Original Mattress

4.5 (21.1k+) from Casper

Austra Health’s review

With an average rating of 4.5 stars and over 20,000 reviews, this Casper foam mattress comes highly rated. But what makes this mattress such a great choice for back and neck pain?

The company says the main memory foam layer provides three zones of support for optimal spinal alignment and pain relief.

Soft foam at the shoulder area provides better cushioning, while firm foam at the low back and hips helps align your spine. The top layer of body-conforming foam is designed to cushion you, and it features perforations to keep air circulating and help you sleep cooler.

Multiple reviewers praise this mattress, saying it helped relieve body aches and improved their sleep right away. A few people even prefer this Casper mattress to pricier mattresses specifically designed for pain relief.

The company recommends this mattress for any sleeping position, and although some reviewers found it too firm, others say it offers the perfect combination of comfort and support.

The cooling technology earned mixed reviews. Some people say it didn’t make much difference, while others note they sleep cooler on this mattress.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Weight : twin: 46 lb, twin XL: 50 lb, full: 67 lb, queen: 79 lb, king: 101 lb, California king: 100 lb
• Compatible with adjustable base : yes
• Cooling technology : yes
• Financing : financing available through Affirm
• Available sizes : twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, cal king
• Materials : top layer of breathable polyurethane foam, second layer of zoned memory foam, durable base of polyurethane foam
• Returns : free returns
• Shipping : free shipping in the United States and canada

Best foam mattress

Nolah Original 10-Inch Mattress

4.7 (0+) from Nolah

Austra Health’s review

If you have back and neck pain, you need a mattress that provides excellent pressure relief. That’s just what the Nolah mattress aims to do.

According to the company, their specially designed foam provides four times the pressure relief of standard memory foam in three key zones: shoulders, back, and hips.

This foam is also made without viscoelastic chemicals — the chemicals in memory foam known for trapping heat and creating a “sinking in” feeling — for a neutral temperature. Several reviewers confirm it stays cooler through the night.

Reviewers have plenty of good things to say about this mattress. Several people mention significant improvements in back and neck pain and rave about the great sleep they’re getting. Others praise the motion isolation and the supportive edges. The firmness also feels “just right” to many: soft enough for comfort yet sturdy enough for support.

That said, dedicated stomach sleepers and people who weigh more than 200 pounds may want to consider a firmer option for added support.

The Nolah mattress is engineered for durability to provide comfort and support for years to come. Since the company offers a 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty, you’ll have plenty of time to make sure the mattress really does relieve your pain.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Firmness : medium firm
• Compatible with adjustable base : yes
• Cooling technology : yes
• Sleeping position : back, side
• Financing : financing available through Affirm
• Available sizes : twin, twin xl, full, queen, split king, king, cal king
• Materials : botanic origin tencel cover, cooling Nolah AirFoam, High-Resilience Foam, High-Density Base Foam
• Returns : free returns within 120 days
• Shipping : free shipping in the contiguous United States

Best mattress for upper back and neck pain

Purple Mattress

4.4 (31.3k+) from Purple

Austra Health’s review

We tested the Purple Mattress

According to our tester, the Purple mattress is a top choice for many reasons.

First, it was comfortable for both back and stomach sleeping, which is important if you sleep in multiple positions or sleep with a partner who rests differently than you do. Notably, our tester was also pregnant while she used the Purple mattress and said it was very supportive for side sleeping. (She also used a Purple pillow under her hips for extra support.)

As far as temperature goes, our tester said that the Purple mattress was neither too warm in the summer nor too cool in the winter, though she did add an extra blanket on chillier nights.

This innovative mattress offers a unique sleeping experience that thousands of reviewers love. You’ll still find foam in the two base layers that cushion and support, but above those layers rests a 2-inch elastic gel grid.

This material is designed to flex as you sleep, so it bounces back quickly when you turn over. This extra support at areas of high pressure — like your shoulders, back, and hips — helps keep even restless sleepers comfortable and aligned. Reviewers say this leads to higher quality, pain-free sleep.

The extra-supportive cushioning helps align your spine and reduce upper body pain and pressure. Reviewers emphasize the quality of the sleep they get on this mattress. Many people say they sleep through the night and wake up without neck pain for the first time in years.

Another bonus of the grid? It’s built to be temperature neutral, with air channels to help you stay cool. Many reviewers say this technology does the job, even for the hottest sleepers.

Some reviewers did have difficulty getting used to this mattress. The company recommends sticking with it for 3 weeks to give yourself time to adjust. They also suggest stretchy sheets since the mattress won’t flex properly if it’s restricted by tighter cotton.

The mattress is made from nontoxic materials, but some reviewers note an unpleasant smell that took a few days to clear up.