There's nothing better than a restful night's sleep. But pain in your back or neck can make it more difficult to drift off to dreamland — and stay there through the night.
While upgrading your mattress may not resolve the root cause of your pain, it can provide the support you need to feel more comfortable in bed, so you can get better shut-eye.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
The key word here is "support," says Marleen Caldwell, PT, a physical therapist with the Cleveland Clinic.
"When we lie down, our bodies feel best if joints can be supported in their neutral positions," Caldwell says. "This means supporting the natural curves of the spine. If the spine is out of its neutral position for a prolonged period of time, say, by sleeping on a mattress that is too firm or too soft, this can create pain even in healthy tissue."
Sleep expert Michael J. Breus, PhD, says you should look for "a mattress that supports your body without sinking at the hips, allows relief at pressure points including the knees, hips, shoulders and head and lets your muscles relax throughout the body, especially at the back."
With that in mind, we've rounded up the best mattresses to try when you have neck and back pain.
Looking to upgrade your pillow, too? Check out the best pillows for neck pain.
The Best Mattresses for Back and Neck Pain
- Best Overall: The WinkBed (From $849, WinkBeds)
- Best on a Budget: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (From $349, Nectar Sleep)
- Best Splurge: TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress (From $2,699, TempurPedic)
- Best for Side Sleepers: Avocado Green Mattress (From $1,189, Avocado Green Mattress)
- Best for Back Sleepers: Saatva Classic Mattress (From $1,195, Saatva)
- Best Pillow Top: Nolah Evolution 15 (From $974, Nolah Mattress)
- Best Foam: Leesa Original Mattress (From $609, Leesa)
- Best Cooling: Cocoon by Sealy Chill Hybrid Mattress (From $539, Cocoon by Sealy)
How We Chose
We spoke with Caldwell and Breus to get their takes on the most important attributes for a mattress for people who have back or neck pain. Our top picks are based on their criteria, including:
- Support
- Price
- Trial time
Learn more about how we choose and cover products.
1. The WinkBed
The WinkBed
Test out this mattress for 120 nights, and choose your preferred firmness.
Pros
- Choose your preferred firmness
- Supportive topper
- Option for heavier adults
Cons
- Must use bed for 30 days before returning
- $49 fee to exchange
Mattress details at a glance: Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm, Plus | Height: 13.5 inches | Trial Period: 120-night warranty | Warranty: Lifetime | Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King
The WinkBed sits atop many a "best mattress" list, and with good reason. Not only does it offer support and breathability, it has a unique topper that combines foam and micro-coils, which support your body and protect the mattress from sagging.
You can choose from three levels of firmness (soft, luxury firm, firm), and there's a Plus option designed specifically for people who weigh 250 pounds or more. The latter is designed to offer maximum back support and durability.
Bonus: This mattress comes with a 120-night trial period, giving you ample time to figure out if it's the right fit for you. Caldwell notes that this is an advantage over mattresses you try once in a store. "Trying the mattress in the store is good, but limiting," Caldwell says. "You only have a limited amount of time, and the store mattress may feel different than the one they deliver to your house."
2. Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Nectar Mattress
Save money and sleep comfortably with this mattress.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- One-year return policy
Cons
- Some people say it sleeps hot
- Some reviewers find it too soft
Mattress details at a glance: Type: Foam | Firmness: Medium-Firm (a 6.5 out of 10, per Nectar) | Height: 12 inches | Trial Period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime warranty | Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Nectar earns points not only for its budget-friendly price tag but for its generous return policy — you can hold onto one of its mattresses for a full year.
Made with adaptive memory foam, it's designed to help neutralize the spine and promote alignment, which both Caldwell and Breus say is key to alleviating sleep-induced pain.
3. TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress
Sleep soundly on this luxurious memory foam mattress.
Pros
- Adaptive design
- Ideal for sleeping with a partner
Cons
- Pricier
Mattress details at a glance: Type: Memory Foam | Firmness: Soft, Medium, or Firm | Height: 11, 12 or 13 inches | Trial Period: 90 nights | Warranty: 10 years | Available sizes: Twin, Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, CA King, Split King, Split CA King
Tempur-Pedic mattresses are the pinnacle of luxury, and the Adapt line is no exception. Its mattress technology is "precision-engineered to adapt and respond to your weight, shape and temperature while you sleep" as well as being made from pressure-relieving materials.
It also boasts motion-control technology, perfect for those sleeping with another person in bed.
4. Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado Green Mattress
This pick has 1,000 coils and ergonomic zones to support your spine.
Pros
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Does not include polyester, polyurethane foams or toxic fire retardants
Cons
- Some people find it too firm
Mattress details at a glance: Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-Firm (7 out of 10, per Avocado) | Height: 11 inches | Trial Period: 1 year | Warranty: 25 years | Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Both Breus and Caldwell call prolonged side sleeping a potential cause of neck and back pain. The Avocado Green Mattress, which happens to also be made with organic materials, can help alleviate those issues.
Made with more than 1,000 coils and five different ergonomic zones, this mattress encourages alignment even when the body is turned to the side.
5. Saatva Classic Mattress
Saatva Classic Mattress
This mattress is the perfect combo of soft and supportive for back sleepers.
Pros
- White-glove service available
- Choose your desired firmness
Cons
- $99 fee for returns or exchanges
Mattress details at a glance: Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Choose between plush, medium and firm | Height: 11.5 inches | Trial Period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime warranty | Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King, Split Cal King
Back sleepers have a leg up on the rest of us for already sleeping in the ideal position. But you can still experience back pain even if you sleep the "right" way.
This Saatva mattress combines support and comfort, and it comes in a range of options, from plushy soft to more firm — the ideal feel for back sleepers.
6. Nolah Evolution 15
Nolah Evolution Mattress
Get that luxury hotel feel with this Nolah mattress.
Pros
- Has a cooling topper
Cons
- Must use for 30 nights before a return or exchange
- $99 fee for returns and exchanges
Mattress details at a glance: Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Choose between plush, firm and luxury firm | Height: 15 inches | Trial Period: 120 nights (for $100) | Warranty: Lifetime Warranty | Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Memory foam seems to have a monopoly on the mattress industry, but a solid pillow top is still the answer for many people who suffer from sleep-induced back and neck pain.
The Nolah Evolution 15's top offers cooling as well as support, alongside a pillow top that gives it a "luxury hotel" feeling. Softness and support? Yes, please.
7. Leesa Original Mattress
Leesa Original Mattress
Try out this mattress's plush foam during a 100-night trial period.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Free returns
Cons
- Must use for 30 nights before a return
Mattress details at a glance: Type: Memory Foam | Firmness: Not specified | Height: 10 inches | Trial Period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10-Year Limited Warranty | Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
The Leesa Original Mattress is fully foam and financially frugal, clocking in under $1,000 for some sizes. Customers love its many layers of foam that stack up to create a truly pleasant sleep experience.
It's also designed to suit any type of sleeper, and it offers a 100-night trial period.
8. Cocoon by Sealy Chill Hybrid Mattress
Cocoon By Sealy Chill Mattress
Stay sweat-free all night with this cooling mattress.
Pros
- Ideal for hot sleepers
Cons
- Firmness level won't work for everyone
Mattress details at a glance: Type: Hybrid | Firmness: A 6 out of 10, per Sealy | Height: 12 inches | Trial Period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10-Year Warranty | Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
The Sealy Chill Hybrid Mattress just sounds cool — and it lives up to its name, thanks to a cooling cover and multiple cooling foam layers underneath.
It's kept in place by a steel perimeter, perfect for cocooning you into a better night's sleep. And because it's made with memory foam, it also conforms to your body, no matter which position you sleep in.
What to Look for in a Mattress When You Have Back or Neck Pain
Keep these things in mind when shopping for a new mattress:
1. Price
No matter which mattress you go with, purchasing one is an investment. While it's never a bad idea to have a new and supportive mattress, it's important to rule out other causes of back pain or neck pain before going all in on a mattress and hoping it solves your pain problems.
2. Trial Time
Lying on a mattress for a few minutes in a store doesn't offer you the same insight as being able to sleep on it at home for a period of time, Caldwell says. Look for a mattress with at least a 90-day trial, so you can get your money back if it doesn't work for you.
3. Buzzwords
Firm versus soft is a matter of preference. Regardless of what you like more, what matters most is how supportive the mattress is and how well it promotes a neutral spine.
4. Lifespan
If you're considering whether it's time for a new mattress, Caldwell says you should first figure out how long you've been using your current one.
"The life of a mattress is up to 20 years, but your needs may change sooner than this, so be aware that you may need different support 10 years down the road," she says. "A pillow topper feels wonderful for the first year, but these tend to lose their support and comfort much sooner than the mattress."
What to Know Before You Buy a New Mattress
Buying a new mattress is an investment. Caldwell recommends a few things before taking the plunge:
- Rotate or flip your current mattress if possible (check the manufacturer recommendations for your mattress model).
- Try sleeping in another bed in your house (if you have that option) to see if your pain improves.
- Avoid lying on your stomach if you have neck pain.
- If you have neck pain, try swapping your pillow: Use just one pillow under your neck and head that supports your natural neck curves.
- For people who side sleep with back pain, avoid curling up into a fetal position and place a pillow between your knees.
You can also try relieving the pain by:
- Stretching (try these neck stretches and back stretches)
- Getting regular massages
- Fitting in regular, gentle exercise during the day, such as walking and yoga
Why Back and Neck Pain Disrupt Sleep
Even if you're between the sheets for the recommended amount of time, pain affects the quality of your sleep.
"Pain receptors don't sleep," Caldwell says. "If your body is in an uncomfortable position for too long, those pain receptors send a signal to your brain to move. Sometimes this signal is so 'loud' it can wake you. Or sometimes the act of rolling in bed causes pain and can wake you."
Investing in a supportive mattress can help, but you also need to be proactive about your back and neck health during the day.
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.