10 Best Mattresses for Back Pain of 2026

Key takeaways from our testing

Eases pressure on hips in all positions. The Nectar Premier Memory Foam was a top-performing mattress for hip and back pain for its high scores in pressure relief and spinal support. One tester, 60-year-old Donna, who experiences pain in both her hips and sleeps on her side, said the bed felt comfortable in every position. “[My back and hips] feel great on this mattress,” she said. This all-foam bed allows your hips to sink in comfortably, even when sleeping on your stomach. “Lying on my stomach, I’m shocked how good it feels,” she said. Not only did this bed ease pressure on Donna’s hips, but it also relieved pressure on her back, resulting in her giving the bed a near-perfect score for back sleeping pressure relief and an impressive score for back sleeping spinal alignment.

Dense foam helps dampen motion. The Nectar Premier Memory Foam netted perfect scores in both our ripple test and our couples’ motion isolation test. While memory foam beds tend to perform well on these measures because memory foam absorbs motion, rather than redirecting it to other parts of the mattress, this bed stood out. “I’m really impressed with the motion isolation,” said Donna. If you’re sleeping with a partner or you’re especially sensitive to movement, choosing a bed like this one that is highly-rated for motion isolation might make it easier to get a sound night’s sleep. 

Ashley Caravelli, medical director and doctor of osteopathic medicine at QC Kinetix in Chicago, stresses the importance of undisturbed sleep. "Any time your sleep cycle is disturbed, the body misses out on the stages of sleep where it repairs tissues and resets the nervous system," she says. "Repeated awakenings from movement, heat or noise can increase stress and make pain feel more intense during the day."

So-so bounce and edge support. The Nectar Premier Memory Foam received an average score for bounce. Tester Donna didn't find it helpful when getting out of bed, especially given the middle-of-the-road edge support. “The edge support is really lacking,” she said, adding that when sitting on the edge of this bed, the side felt like it was “bottoming” out. Memory foam beds typically don't have as good bounce and edge support as coil and hybrid mattresses, and this can make it harder to reposition and safely get out of bed. If that is a consideration for you, we recommend choosing a mattress with coils, like the Saatva Classic, or pairing this bed with an adjustable base to make it easier to adjust your positioning in bed safely.

Best for Neck and Back Pain: Saatva Classic

Score: 9.7 out of 10

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Near-top-level pressure relief on back and side
• Very good edge support
• Springy feel may make it easier to get out of bed

Cons

• Retains heat
• Movement may wake light sleepers

Features

• Materials: Innerspring
• Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm or firm
• Pressure relief: 4.5 out of 5
• Spinal alignment: 4.7 out of 5
• Read more in our in-depth Saatva mattress review.

Key takeaways from our testing

Superior back support. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring hybrid mattress featuring a unique dual-coil design with an innerspring base and a layer of individually cloth-wrapped coils that supports the neck and spine. It’s available in three firmness options — we tested the luxury firm model. Lighter-weight tester Sandra gave this bed an almost-perfect rating for spinal alignment across all tested sleeping positions. She reported that when lying on her side, there was no pressure on her shoulders or back. Jerry, a 77-year-old, higher-weight tester with back pain, said his back felt “great” on this mattress and that his spine felt aligned. Both testers also noted the bed helped support their side and keep their spine aligned, which may help ease neck discomfort.

Strong edges for stability. This mattress has a fortified edge made with thick foam that helps the surface maintain its shape under weight. Tester Dana said she felt just as supported on the edge of this bed as she did in the center. She also noted that the edge, paired with the bed’s best-in-class bounce, helped her get out of bed with less effort, a potential selling point for people with back pain or stiff joints.

Traps heat and may be too bouncy for some sleepers. During our cooling gun test, the Saatva Classic had the highest rate of heat retention on this list, resulting in a bottom-of-the-pack score for this metric. The company says the innerspring design and organic cotton cover help this bed’s breathability, though we didn’t find that these features moved the needle in our testing. If you’re a hot sleeper looking for a mattress that keeps you cool, this bed may not be a good fit. 

Also, the mattress's bouncy innerspring design comes with a tradeoff: low motion isolation. This model scored unfavorably in our ripple test and couples’ motion isolation test. If you’re a light sleeper who is often woken up by your partner's — or pet’s — movement, this bed may be too springy for you. If you like some bounce but need better motion isolation, consider the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid.

Best for Combination Sleepers: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid

Score: 9.8 out of 10

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Bouncy with strong edges
• Isolates motion well
• Conforms well to an adjustable base

Cons

• Too firm for some sleepers
• So-so cooling performance

Features

• Materials: Hybrid
• Firmness: Firm
• Pressure relief: 3.7 out of 5
• Spinal alignment: 3.8 out of 5
• Read more in our in-depth Dreamcloud mattress review.

Key takeaways from our testing

Ideal for combination sleepers with partners. People who change positions during sleep — also known as “combination sleepers” — can benefit from a bed that is responsive and supports movement. The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid may fit the bill — it's bouncy with solid edges, making it easier to get up or reposition. It also received admirable spinal alignment scores for side and back sleeping on average and near-perfect pressure relief scores for side sleeping. Jim, a 78-year-old higher-weight tester, said he liked how the bed had a lot of plushness while still feeling firm and supportive. “My spine feels really supported and cushioned,” he said. He also gave this bed an above-average score in the couples’ motion isolation test.

Works well with an adjustable base. If you have an adjustable base — an electronic bed frame that raises or lowers the mattress — you may like the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid. It earned a perfect score when we tested adjustable base compatibility, which requires our testers to measure how well a mattress conforms on three different adjustable bases. Testers did not notice tilting, gapping or sloping as the base moved under the mattress. Combination sleepers who find raising their head or feet gives them pain relief might like to pair this bed with an adjustable base.

May not be suited for stomach sleepers. Some testers reported feeling pressure on their stomach and chests on this bed due to the mattress's firmness. While the mattress industry generally recommends beds with a firmness of medium firm or higher for stomach sleepers to maintain spinal alignment (see our best mattresses for stomach sleepers guide), you should always take your body shape and firmness preferences into account. Toni, an average-weight 50-year-old tester with mild back pain, said the bed was too firm to be comfortable for stomach sleeping. “Lying on my stomach, my lower back feels slightly curved and my chest feels elevated,” she said. “It feels like there’s pressure on my chest. It'd feel better if my hips were sinking more.” Our testing also found this bed retains heat. It only received a passable score for its cooling performance, which may be a concern if you sleep hot.

Best Hybrid: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid

Score: 9.8 out of 10

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Near-excellent spinal alignment and pressure relief
• Almost-perfect motion isolation
• Impressive cooling

Cons

• Average responsiveness
• Plush cover may make it harder to change positions

Features

• Materials: Hybrid
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Pressure relief: 4.5 out of 5
• Spinal alignment: 4.7 out of 5
• Read more in our in-depth DreamCloud mattress review.

Key takeaways from our testing

Comfortable and supportive. The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid is the upgrade to the company's base model, the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid, and it shows. Our lab team found that the Premier Hybrid outscored the Classic Hybrid in comfort qualities that are important for people with back pain, such as pressure relief and spinal alignment. Tester Donna said that the spinal support from this medium-firm mattress was top-notch. “I don’t think I could feel any better,” she said, adding that she liked how the bed’s Euro top — a quilted cover with cooling fibers and a stitched-in foam layer —conformed to her body. The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid also isolated motion better than the Classic Hybrid (though both models performed strongly). During our ripple test, the red liquid in the glass barely moved, indicating this bed absorbs motion well.

Limits heat buildup. DreamCloud markets this mattress as having strong cooling capability, and our lab testing confirmed that claim. The mattress earned an upper-tier score for its ability to dissipate heat. "When I touch the cover, it feels instantly cold to the touch," Donna said. During our heating pad test, the bed surface temperature rose from nearly 70 degrees to 124.16 degrees but after one minute without the heating pad, the bed cooled to 84.02 degrees, meaning it retained only around 14 degrees of heat. While it wasn’t the top cooling bed on this list, it’s a solid choice for hot sleepers who want a hybrid mattress that balances pressure relief and spinal support.

Low bounce may not assist movement. One area where the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid didn’t outperform the company’s base model was our bounce test. It received only an average rating. Testers reported the thick cushioning from the memory foam layer provided pressure relief, but the bed itself did not feel springy. And they noted that the plush Euro top cover might make it harder to change positions. While the mattress felt somewhat responsive, it did not provide extra momentum when switching positions or getting out of bed.

Best Memory Foam: Leesa Original

Score: 9.1 out of 10

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Cradling, all-foam design
• Strong pressure relief and back support
• Exceptional compatibility with an adjustable base

Cons

• Midrange motion isolation
• Not that responsive 

Features

• Materials: Memory Foam
• Firmness: Medium
• Pressure relief: 3.5 out of 5
• Spinal alignment: 3.5 out of 5
• Read more in our in-depth Leesa mattress review.

Key takeaways from our testing

Classic memory foam feel. If you love the feeling of sinking into a soft bed, you may want to give the Leesa Original a close look. It’s a wallet-friendly all-foam mattress that cradles you. Tester Toni said her favorite thing about this bed was its balance of softness and support."I thought my spine felt aligned in all positions," she said. For many memory-foam lovers with back pain, supportive layers may be a consideration.

Flexes well on an adjustable base. Since this all-foam bed is only 10 inches thick, it bends well with the movements of an adjustable base. In our testing, it did not lift off the base during adjustments. Some thicker, stiffer mattresses move and leave gaps betwen the base when you raise the head, for example. “This bed did exceptionally well,” Toni said, referring to its best-in-class compatibility with adjustable bases.

Noticeable motion transfer. In our motion isolation test, the beaker of liquid wobbled as the tester got in and out of bed, which is why this bed received a middle-of-the-road rating on this metric. This can be a drawback for couples or light sleepers. "There was more disturbance than I would have liked to see," Toni said. The knit cover sits loosely on the bed’s surface, which may have contributed to the motion transfer. "I felt the cover pulling," she added. If you are concerned about feeling your partner’s — or your pet’s — movements, consider the Nectar Premier Memory Foam, an all-foam bed with first-rate motion isolation. The Leesa Original also has poor bounce, which is worth considering if you have trouble switching positions or getting out of bed. The memory foam layers of this bed that cradle you may not snap back into place quickly enough to assist your movements.

Best Soft: Nolah Evolution

Score: 9.8 out of 10

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Highly pressure-relieving
• Supportive in all sleeping positions
• Surface cools quickly

Cons

• Mattress may be too high for some people
• So-so motion isolation

Features

• Materials: Hybrid
• Firmness: Plush, luxury firm or firm
• Pressure relief: 4.3 out of 5
• Spinal alignment: 4.3 out of 5
• Read more in our in-depth Nolah mattress review. 

Key takeaways from our testing

Soft upper layers offer pressure relief. The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress that strikes the right balance between cushioning and support. This bed is available in three firmness levels: plush soft, luxury firm or firm. We tested the luxury firm, which the company says is between a six and seven on the firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest.Our testers immediately noticed how soft the bed felt. Karin, a 54-year-old tester, gave this bed an almost-perfect score on average for both pressure relief and spinal alignment. While lying on her side, she said, “I feel no pressure building.” Her favorite thing about this bed, she added, was the quilted topper, which provided plenty of cushioning. Based on our testing, this bed also earned a place on our list of the best mattress for neck and back pain.

Very good cooling. Soft materials can often retain heat because your body sinks farther into them. But the plush Nolah Evolution earned above-average scores in our cooling gun test, even without the optional cooling pillow top layer. During testing, it retained 13.3 degrees of heat, among the lowest rates on this list. If you’re a hot sleeper and want active cooling relief, you may want to consider the cooling pillow-top add-on that costs $195 for a queen.

Taller profile may introduce fall risk. The 14-inch Nolah Evolution has one of the highest profiles of any mattress we tested. When paired with a taller bed frame, some people may find it hard to get into bed without a step stool. If pain or weakness makes this process difficult for you, consider a lower profile mattress, such as the 12-inch DreamCloud Classic Hybrid. Adjusting the bed frame height can also help set the mattress at a more comfortable level. Tester Karin also said this bed wasn’t the best at isolating movement. During the ripple test, she said the red liquid “swayed rapidly” from side to side. Karin gave this bed middling marks for motion isolation.

Best Latex: WinkBed EcoCloud

Score: 9.0 out of 10

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Bouncy material could be assistive with movement
• Very good spinal alignment for side and back sleepers
• Favorable edge support

Cons

• May be too firm for some stomach sleepers
• Below-average motion isolation

Features

• Materials: Latex hybrid
• Firmness: Medium
• Pressure relief: 3.5 out of 5
• Spinal alignment: 3.7 out of 5
• Read more in our in-depth WinkBed mattress review. 

Key takeaways from our testing

Supportive construction with top-tier bounce. The WinkBed EcoCloud is a hybrid mattress featuring a layer of latex and recycled steel coils with a zoned support design, making it firmer in the center for lower-back support. This type of foam is naturally very responsive, meaning it snaps back into place fast when you lift your body off it. Responsive foam often translates into a bouncy feel and an easier time changing positions on the mattres, as evidenced by the perfect score in our bounce test.

Near-perfect spinal alignment and sturdy edges. This bed earned admirable marks for spinal alignment. Tester Donna said it felt particularly comfortable while lying on her back and side, adding that her spine felt properly aligned. WinkBed rates this model a medium on the firmness scale (5 out of 10, with 10 being the most firm), but Donna said it felt firm. Latex foam is naturally a little firmer than memory foam because it’s denser. If you require some extra support produced by a sturdy edge, The “push back” feel of the foam's density likely contributed to the solid edge support scores from Donna. She said she liked the bounciness of the mattress, and noted how this characteristic was helpful for her while trying to stand up from the edge. She alsosaid her weight felt evenly distributed and she didn’t feel like she was tilting toward the ground.

Lacking pressure relief for stomach sleepers. During testing, we observed a dip in pressure-relief performance for stomach sleepers. “There’s pressure building across my rib area and shoulders,” said Donna, while lying on her stomach. She also noted that her spine felt slightly out of alignment, resulting in a midrange score for stomach-sleeping spinal alignment. If you sleep in a prone position, this bed might not be for you. Another knock? This bed performed poorly in the couples’ motion isolation test, resulting in an unimpressive score on that front.“The motion actually moved my body and disrupted me,” said Donna. This is something to consider if you’re a sensitive sleeper or share a bed.

Best for Side Sleepers: Avocado Eco Organic

Score: 9.9 out of 10

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Affordably priced for an organic latex bed
• Soft cover
• Perfect balance of pressure relief and spinal alignment 

Cons

• Poor cooling capabilities
• Movement may wake lighter sleepers

Features

• Materials: Organic latex hybrid
• Firmness: Medium
• Pressure relief: 4.83 out of 5
• Spinal alignment: 4.83 out of 5
• Read more in our in-depth Avocado review.

Key takeaways from our testing

Wallet-friendly organic latex and a soft cover. The Avocado Eco Organic is a hybrid mattress made with certified organic Dunlop latex, certified organic wool and cotton, and individually wrapped coils for support. Tester Donna said her favorite part of this bed was the texture of its surface. “It’s super soft and natural feeling,” she said. Organic beds tend to be a little more expensive due to the materials and sourcing practices. However, this bed costs $1,599 for a queen, which makes it one of the most affordable organic latex beds we’ve tested. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly bed, this option may be a good fit. It’s rated a medium firmness level (5 out of 10, with 10 being the firmest), making it a versatile choice for most sleepers who want both support and cushion. 

First-rate back support. Donna awarded this bed perfect scores for spinal alignment and pressure relief for side and back sleeping. She said the bed is supportive but also plush, which made lying on her side comfortable. “There is still enough cushioning to prevent any pressure [build up],” she said. While Donna doesn’t usually sleep on her stomach, she said it was more comfortable in this position than she expected. “My chest and ribs are being cushioned well,” she said, resulting in an almost-perfect score for both metrics in this position.

May trap heat. This bed features organic wool and cotton, which are supposed to wick away moisture, according to Avocado. However, our testing didn’t support the company's claim. This bed flunked our cooling-gun test, retaining 22.4 degrees of heat. This performance may be a consideration for older adults who manage hot flashes or sleep hot. Another downside to consider: This bed may not be the best at isolating motion, which is a common complaint about latex foam. Donna gave it a solid score, though she mentioned a “moderate” amount of vibration during the couples’ motion isolation test.

How we tested the best mattresses for back pain

To find the best mattresses for back pain, we analyzed information from our lab testing process. We based our analysis on a few main factors that older adults with back pain may want to consider when mattress shopping, including:

• Pressure relief
• Spinal alignment 
• Firmness

So how did this process work? We started by researching the market. What mattress features help ease back pain? What beds with these features are popular and why? Who has the best customer reviews — and are the reviews legitimate? 

To identify each bed's strengths and weaknesses, we used controlled lab tests to assess things like edge support, bounce and temperature regulation. Then we recruited more than 15 testers, ages 50 and older, to give us their unbiased feedback. Many of our testers reported experiencing back pain or other types of pain, such as neck or shoulder pain. They tried each bed in various sleeping positions, sitting and lying on the edge, sharing the bed with a partner and more. During this process, we wanted their perspective on what would or wouldn’t ease back pain and made sure to ask questions about how their backs felt in all sleeping positions.

Testers answered questions like: Did the mattresses provide good pressure relief on your back? Is your lower back supported in every sleeping position? Does your spine feel aligned when lying down? Beds that excelled in our tests made our list of the best mattresses for back pain.

For many of our mattresses, we have multiple older adults test them and provide insights, so we’re getting a well-rounded view of each bed. We then average the data to get the final overall score for a bed and the average score for each metric, from spinal alignment and pressure relief to motion isolation. The scoring system for each of our tests is one through five, with five being the best performance. This data tracking allows us to accurately compare the performance of one bed to another and give you the best possible insights.

For more details, see our mattress testing methodology.

What to consider when buying a mattress for back pain

Sleep is an important part of overall well-being. Dr. Emeka Nwodim, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Hanover, Maryland, says that healthy sleep ergonomics, or sleep posture, is a crucial factor in spinal and musculoskeletal health. “Choosing the right mattress is essential to help minimize musculoskeletal pain, maintain good spinal alignment, prevent pressure points and get the most out of your times of rest,” he says.

While no mattress can guarantee relief from back pain, certain features may help you sleep more comfortably. Based on insight from medical experts and our survey results, there are a few key considerations when shopping for a mattress if you experience back pain, particularly if you experience sciatica, scoliosis or another condition that makes finding a comfortable sleep position more difficult.

Keep in mind, these considerations are not medical recommendations to treat back pain. They're suggestions based on industry research and real people's experiences.

Sleeping position

Many older adults with back pain may benefit from a medium to medium-firm mattress for proper spinal support and a comfortable balance of cushioning and support, Nwodim says. This firmness level is about a five and higher out of 10 on the typical firmness scale, with 10 being the most firm. But you should also consider your personal preference and your usual sleep position.

Different sleep positions pair well with different firmness levels. Matching your mattress firmness to your preferred position can help you find the right balance of cushioning and support.

Most companies use the same 1 to 10 firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest. These are the mattress industry's recommendations for different sleep positions and don’t represent established medical recommendations:

• Side sleepers: Soft to medium-firm (between 4 and 6.5)
• Back sleepers: Medium to medium-firm (between 5 and 6.5)
• Stomach sleepers: Medium-firm to firm (between 6.5 and 9)
• Combination sleepers: Choose the firmness based on your main position

Firmness preference can also vary by body type. Higher-weight sleepers may prefer more contouring at the shoulders and hips, while lighter-weight sleepers may gravitate toward slightly softer options. 

Spinal support and alignment

Based on our conversations with experts, spinal alignment is an essential factor to consider when shopping for your next bed, especially if you experience back pain. Not every bed will offer you the spinal alignment, or neutral spine positioning, you need, so it’s important to consider how the firmness of the bed works with your usual sleeping position. For example, if a back sleeper chooses a bed that’s too soft, they may experience uneven sinking at the shoulders or hips, resulting in spinal misalignment, or over arching of the back that could make it harder to maintain a comfortable, neutral sleeping position. 

Some models, such as the Helix Midnight Luxe and the Saatva Classic, include zoned support coils or foams, which reinforce the middle-third of the mattress to provide extra support for the spine.All mattresses on our list scored at least a 3.5 out of 5 for spinal alignment.

Pressure relief

Pressure relief is another factor to keep in mind when looking for the best mattresses for back pain. It also will vary based on your sleeping position. For example, overly firm mattresses may create pressure buildup for side sleepers, while surfaces that are too soft may not provide enough support for back or stomach sleepers.

Every mattress we chose scores a 3.5 out of 5 or higher for pressure relief, and this scoring reflects our test results. We picked options that offer cushioning around your joints and allow gentle contouring around points where pressure could build without compromising support.

Temperature regulation

About 20 percent of survey respondents with back pain said that temperature regulation is a top consideration when shopping for a new mattress. Dr. Morgan Soffler, a sleep specialist and assistant professor of medicine at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York, says, "Poor, interrupted sleep may make your nervous system more sensitive the next day. That means the same back pain that might have felt mild after a good night's sleep can feel much sharper or more bothersome after a restless night."

Features that may help include breathable covers, TENCEL fabrics (the brand name of several types of sustainable fabrics made from wood pulp that help regulate temperature and wick moisture), cooling foams and coil systems that allow airflow. Some of the coolest mattresses on this list include the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid and Nolah Evolution.

Motion isolation

If you sleep with a partner, motion isolation can reduce nighttime disturbances. Memory foam beds typically perform best on this measure, and hybrids with pocketed coils can also limit motion transfer. Latex mattresses that are naturally bouncy and responsive tend to fall short in motion isolation, as their high bounce makes it easier to transfer more movement to other parts of the bed.

We perform two motion isolation assessments for each bed: the ripple test and the couples’ motion isolation test. Top performers in our tests include the Nectar Premier Memory Foam and the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid.

Compatibility with an adjustable base

If back pain makes it difficult for you to move in bed, an adjustable base may make position changes or transfers more comfortable. Raising the head of the bed can also help you sit up and pivot out of bed. One focus group participant found this especially helpful: "My adjustable bed has really helped my lower back. I can raise my legs to relieve some pain," she said.

Not all mattresses flex well with adjustments, even if a company claims compatibility. The Leesa Original is one of the most compatible mattresses on this list. If you’re interested in checking out one of these bed frames, see our list of the best adjustable beds.

Value

Cost is another important factor to consider when choosing the best mattress for back pain. The right bed for you should ideally support your body and come with a price tag you can afford. 

Our survey found that among respondents with back pain, cost was one of the top three most important factors. Several respondents said that if they could go back and change something about their buying experience, they would wait for a sale before making a purchase, though nearly 60 percent said they were satisfied with the money they spent.

How much do the best mattresses for back pain cost?

The beds on this best mattresses for back pain list range in price from $865 to $2,997, with the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam being the most affordable at $865 for a queen. Prices for mattresses will vary based on the size you choose, any add-on features you include and holiday offerings. For example, we tested the Helix Midnight Luxe with the ErgoAlign add-on layer. If you opted to skip that and the cooling cover, then you’d save approximately $500 on this bed. 

Nearly all mattress companies run regular discounts on their popular beds year-round, typically clustered around holidays or seasonal changes. If you keep an eye on pricing, you’ll likely be able to get one of these beds for less. And if you’re on a budget now, you may want to check out our picks for the best affordable mattresses. 

What causes back pain while you sleep?

Jeanne Ubalde, physical therapist and founder at U First Physical Therapy and Wellness in Longview, Texas, says several factors can contribute to back pain at night. Pre-existing issues can become more noticeable when lying down.

Sometimes the issue is an old or uneven mattress. In other cases, it's your spine's position on the bed. "Sleeping in a position that twists the spine or a mattress that doesn't support natural alignment can stress the lower back, which could make existing pain feel worse overnight," says Caravelli, the medical director and doctor of osteopathic medicine in Chicago.

In addition, inflammation tends to peak at night. "With less distraction and more pressure on irritated joints or discs, the pain can become more noticeable," Caravelli says. Tight or overworked muscles may compensate for underlying spine issues during the day. "At night, as those muscles relax, the underlying problem becomes more obvious and more painful," she says.

When to consult a doctor

While a new mattress may help ease back pain symptoms, it will not treat your pain. It’s important to consult a health care professional if your back pain is severe, worsening, persistent or interfering with sleep or daily activities.

"Back pain that lasts more than four to six weeks, is getting worse or interferes with the daily routine is something that should be addressed," says Soffler. Ubalde agrees, adding that if pain interferes with work or leisure, you should get it checked by a doctor.

Ubalde says back pain accompanied by weight loss, numbness, tingling or loss of bladder or bowel control is a health emergency and requires immediate medical attention. If your pain doesn’t involve these symptoms, your primary care doctor can help you figure out next steps, Ubalde says. "Sometimes referrals to a pain specialist, orthopedic doctor or rehab doctor are appropriate."

How to ease back pain before bed

If you have back pain, medical experts say there are a few remedies can help you feel more comfortable. The following information isn’t meant to be exhaustive medical advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, ask your health care provider.

Perform gentle stretches

The experts we interviewed all encourage movement, such as light stretching or mobility work, to relax the body. "I often give patients a five to 10-minute set of movements to do before bed," says Caravelli.

If you're new to stretching, start slow and avoid any movements that feel jarring. A physical therapist can recommend stretches that fit your activity level and pain patterns. Note: Stretching may aggravate some conditions, so onsult your health care provider first before trying anything at home.

Try temperature therapy

Experts often recommend ice or heat for pain. Ubalde suggests applying whichever feels best. To calm muscle tension in particular, Caravelli prefers heat, such as a warm shower or warm compress. If you use a hot or cold pack, make sure to protect your skin with a thick towel and stick to 10- to 20-minute intervals to avoid skin irritation.

What’s best for you will depend on what you learn from consulting with your health care provider. Do this before attempting to use temperature therapy.

Practice your breathing

Slow breathing or meditation may help reduce muscle tension, relax your nervous system and make discomfort feel more manageable, says Annie Miller, a psychotherapist in Maryland with a focus in sleep disorders and chronic pain who reviewed this article.

Adjust your sleeping position

Caravelli and Soffler sometimes tell patients to modify their sleep position to maintain spinal alignment. If you're a back sleeper, try placing a thick pillow under your knees. A specialized pillow may also help. Check out our list of the best pillows for each sleeping position. 

If you're a side sleeper, consider positioning a pillow between your knees. This can help ease pressure on your back and keep your spine neutral.

Ask your doctor about medication

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common pain medications that may help reduce back pain at night. Topical medications can also target specific areas of discomfort. Some over-the-counter medications may help certain types of back pain, but they are not safe or effective for everyone, Miller says. Check with your doctor before starting any medication, especially if you take other drugs or supplements.

FAQs

Can an old mattress contribute to back pain?

An old mattress may play a role in back pain, especially if the bed is sagging, uneven, lumpy or no longer supporting your spine in a neutral position. When a mattress loses support, your hips, shoulders or lower back may sink too far into the surface, which can strain the lower back and make existing pain feel worse overnight. However, back pain has multiple contributing factors, so a new mattress isn’t guaranteed to ease back pain.

What type of mattress do doctors recommend for back pain?

There is no scientific consensus on which mattress material is best for back pain, and individual preferences can vary. Doctors often recommend a mattress that supports the natural curve of the spine and feels comfortable. For many people with back pain, that could mean a medium to medium-firm mattress — one firm enough to prevent the hips and lower back from sinking too far, but cushioned enough to relieve pressure at the shoulders, hips and other sensitive areas. Most beds that earned a place on our list of the best beds for back pain are hybrids that combine cushioning foam with supportive coils. Hybrids tend to be bouncier than all-foam beds, which can make getting in and out of bed easier.

How do you know if your mattress is causing back pain?

Caravelli says that if your mattress is starting to sag, it may no longer be providing the support you need. Another sign that you may need a new bed is if you're feeling more comfortable sleeping on a different surface, such as a mattress topper, or if your pain is consistently worse after sleeping and improves after getting up.

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.