There’s no one best mattress type for back pain, but generally mattresses that provide a combination of pressure relief and support are ideal. This makes hybrids and latex hybrids good, since these beds tend to offer a close conforming comfort layer that relieves pressure, while at the same time having a study coil support core underneath. I would avoid soft all-foam beds or overly firm innerspring beds.

This really depends on you. Since back pain relief is all about proper support and spinal alignment, your sleeping position and weight will determine whether a firm or soft mattress is right for you. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier you are, the firmer a mattress you need. Back and stomach sleepers also tend to prefer firm mattresses, whereas side sleepers like something a little more plush. Refer to the “Sleep Ratings” section in the above product cards to see whether a bed fits your needs.

In some ways, a mattress topper can help with back pain, particularly by adding pressure relief to the surface of the bed. A close conforming foam or latex mattress topper can relieve pressure on your body, easing pain. That being said, most pain caused by mattresses result in poor support and spinal alignment, which a topper isn’t going to fix.