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Brands like Saatva, Casper, and DreamCloud lead the way in providing the best mattress options for side sleepers who have pain. See what these and others offer for better sleep.
- Best cooling mattress for side sleepers with back pain: Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress | Skip to review
A new mattress isn’t a cure-all for back pain. But if your current mattress is sagging and exacerbating your aches and pains, an upgrade may provide some relief.
We’re looking at 11 of the best mattress options for people with back pain who primarily sleep on their side. These include mattresses with a medium-firm feel that may help provide pressure relief and help properly align the spine.
*Prices based on queen-size mattresses; all prices are accurate at time of publishing
When making our mattress selections, here are the main factors we take into consideration:
- Company policies: We look for companies with extended in-home trial periods and dependable shipping and return policies. Because who wants to bet on a mattress being comfortable without trying it first?
- Company reputation and transparency: The brands included in this article have a positive reputation and no shady business practices. This also means they haven’t had recent lawsuits regarding their products or customer service.
- Customer reviews: Obviously, this is a biggie. Each mattress has rave reviews from customers. We also focused on mattresses with positive reviews, specifically from side sleepers with back pain.
- Safety: All mattresses meet federal flammability requirements.
Back pain is a common issue among U.S. adults. Trying to sleep with back pain is no joke. It can keep you up at night and reduce the overall quality of your shut-eye.
While you should avoid companies that make wild claims about their products — including promises to end your back pain altogether — there are some things to look out for if you want to alleviate pain while you sleep.
Consider firmness level
You may assume that a harder mattress is more supportive and, therefore, a better choice for back pain. But that’s not necessarily true.
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Your preferences also come into play. Some people may like the feel of a softer mattress, while others may prefer something firmer.
If you’re not sure where you fit, opt for something that’s rated medium firm. It’s a good middle ground. And, according to a
A medium-firm mattress is also a solid choice if you’re primarily a side sleeper. A too-firm mattress can create unwanted pressure points when sleeping on your side. Some softness allows your body to sink a little into the mattress, helping correctly align your spine.
Keep type in mind
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Many mattresses nowadays combine the pressure-relieving properties of foam with the supportive feel of coils. If you’re looking for extra support, consider opting for a hybrid mattress.
Try before you buy
How can you tell whether a mattress will feel comfortable for your unique body? The only way to know for sure is to try it out.
Always pick a company that offers a trial period. The company should also offer easy, no-hassle returns, so you can exchange or return the mattress without a fuss if you dislike it.
If you live with back pain, the wrong mattress can exacerbate your discomfort. Likewise, the wrong mattress can cause back pain. When a mattress is unsupportive or not supportive enough, it can strain muscles, reinforce misaligned sleeping posture, and cause spinal misalignment.
Choosing the right mattress for your needs can help minimize back pain, which may help increase sleep quality. A comfortable, supportive mattress can help keep your spine aligned, which can help you rest throughout the night and help alleviate back pain the next day.
Although every mattress will feel different for each person, the Helix Midnight Mattress is a great option for side sleepers.
Consumer reviewers note that the Helix Midnight Mattress and the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress have helped side sleepers relieve shoulder pain.
Since every mattress will provide a different sleep experience for different people, there is no one mattress preference for lower back pain. However, reportedly, the Saatva Solaire, Saatva Loom & Leaf, DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid, and Birch Natural mattresses have been shown to reduce or eliminate lower back pain.
If your back is aching because of your mattress, it won’t just ruin your morning. It can interrupt your sleep and take a toll on your overall health.
Replacing your old, sagging mattress can help relieve back discomfort. If you sleep on your side, look for a quality mattress with medium-firm support from a company that includes a generous in-home trial period.