I’ve been having severe back pain when waking up on my old mattress. I realized the pain might be caused by sleeping on a mattress that was too soft and purchased a much firmer mattress. Since then I have no more back pain, so is it bullshit that a firmer mattress is better for your back?

I’ve been trying to upgrade my mattress to help with back pain, but honestly, it’s been tough to figure out which one is actually worth it.

Have any of you found a mattress that actually helped with back pain? I’m looking for something that offers good support, keeps my spine aligned, and doesn’t cost a fortune.

I’ve seen brands like:

• Tempur-Pedic

• Saatva

• Casper

• Purple

Please help me choose the better one.

I got a new mattress from Comfort Option (C-18-35 model) a month ago and the mattress is really good quality, but the one I got has been giving me bad low back/hip pain every night. My shoulders are also feeling kind of stiff some days when I wake up. (I’m 130 pounds, female, fall asleep on side, wake up on back).

How can I know if it’s because the mattress is too soft or too firm? At first I thought it was too firm because I felt like my back was arching too much on my back and on my side, my hip was pushing up on my side. But most people say that low back is caused by a too soft mattress and as it’s broken in, it’s felt softer but the pain hasn’t gone away.

Comfort Option will help adjust the mattress by sending new layers to make it better for me but I’m not sure if I should tell them it’s too firm or too soft.

For background, I used to sleep on a Loom and Leaf relaxed form with no pain issues until it started caving in the middle so I needed a new mattress. This is my third new mattress this year after doing two trials and I went with Comfort Option for their high quality and adjustability.

I have back pain caused by spine issues including scoliosis and I need something mega supportive. But it's awkward because I'm also a side sleeper so I can't just use like a japanese futon because it puts too much pressure on my hip and shoulder. Memory foam seems to break in too much and get too soft. I was looking into latex mattresses but I've seen too many posts of people with back pain saying it doesn't help or even makes their pain worse. Anyone in a similar situation??

Ok, I realize the title makes no sense. Bottom line: I'm relatively healthy with no back issues. I sleep on my side. Wondering how to resolve back pain issues.

Detail: I started feeling upper and middle back pain (hit my 40s, it's reasonable to have this start, I guess), realized my old mattress was no good (firm but old and not great), and have recently tried two different 'medium firm' 'good for side sleeper' beds (one from Leesa, one from Costco). These were my first tries with foam or part foam mattresses. Both felt a little better at first, then my back got worse. In the mean time, I went to physical therapy, therapist found nothing wrong, started me on some exercises and foam rolling for my back. Feels good, but I still wake up with back pain every night.

Also I had a work trip, slept 4 days on a firm mattress at Embassy Suites, and my back was great the whole time. I realize 4 days may not be a long enough time, but it sure felt good. I can't seem to tell when I lie down if a bed will be good, it's only after sleeping for a few hours my back hurts or doesn't.

So I took that last bit of info, and went to a local mattress store. I found a Beautyrest firm mattress I'm thinking of trying. But then I discovered this subreddit and thought I'd ask for some wisdom. Does what I'm doing seem reasonable? What worries me is that everything I read about side sleepers suggests a firm bed might give me MORE problems, but that's not (yet) my experience. I know I maybe just have to try it, but looking for some wisdom, I really hate doing the return thing and don't want to have to again.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

What's a mattress for back pain that'll actually last?

It seems like most start sagging or develop other issues after the first year or so.

Anyone have a favorite mattress they'd recommend?

I’m torn here :((( I’m stuck between being a minimalist and having OCD. So I’ve been sleeping on this spring mattress for like 6 years and now my back's screaming murder every damn morning.

I’m after something firm, but not like sleeping on a brick. This Plank Firm Luxe gets me curious since it looks clean and sturdy… but yeah, I overthink a lot. What if it’s way too stiff? What if I end up hating it? Returns freak me out big time.

Anyone out there found a firm mattress that actually eased their back pain? Just wanna crash without waking up in agony. Send help!!!

Hi all,

Looking for mattress recommendations for my boyfriend who is 6 ft and around 135 pounds. He prefers firm-extra firm mattresses to help with lumbar support. I have a BB Signature Hybrid in soft and he ends up having lower back pain sleeping on it. It's also too "bouncy" and doesn't provide enough support during sex.
We recently tried a few mattresses at Mattress Firm and the ones he liked were the Serta Perfect Sleeper Appling Extra Firm and Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid. However, I have read too many negative reviews about the S-brands for us to go ahead with them. While I see a lot of brands to avoid on this forum, I'm hard pressed to find recommended brands, especially for non-memory foam mattresses. Our budget is preferably within $1500.
Any suggestions will be very helpful! Thank you!

Just curious if anyone with lower back pain actually prefer a NEW plush mattress vs a firm mattress? At the store, the firm hurt my back but the plush was much more comfortable. I’m just worried that it’s a big mistake that is both costly and potentially could cause more pain. I’ve read that firm was once recommended for those with back pain but now medium-firm is advised. This mattress I’m considering is Plush. Thanks!

Hi, mates,

Need your advice, as the title says, which type of mattress would you suggest for men with lower back pain (hernias L4-L5) ?

I went through 5 doctors, read hundreds of articles saying controversial info and am still confused..

Last year I bought the most expensive mattress in my life for 1000$,

It is not soft, not hard, it’s promoted as balanced, but after 10 months on it my back has become significantly worse…

Doctors also say controversial info - go for soft options, go for hard mattresses,

Of course, I do PT, massages and other useful stuff,

Now I want to hear redditors practical opinions, for those who suffered from lower back pain:

Where do you feel more relief - sleeping on a soft or hard type of mattress ?

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who chimed in for advice. I ended up going with a Boring Hybrid. I will update once I get some nights in, but it seems like I will really like it!

I’m a 32 year old side sleeper dealing with lower back pain for the past year and a half and i’ve tried everything to figure out why. Turns out, it’s my 8 year old memory foam mattress.

Although I don’t use reddit as much, my friends always say that to get the best most honest truth about anything, reddit is the way to go. So here I am.

I’ve tried SEVEN mattresses over the last year, none of them work. if it wasn’t for the trial periods I think I’d have to get a second mortgage loan out or something.

It feels like I’ve tested all brands out there and now i found myself checking out Boring Mattress. I saw a few reddit posts from other communities that had the same problem I have and how the hybrid one fixed their back pain.

I just need something that will give me real pressure relief and solid support. They say it’s medium-firm, ships in a box, work with platform beds and very bare bones with their layers. I’m tempted but wanted to check with y’all first. Has anyone actually tried the boring brand?

Please sure any experience you have, i’m open to anything at this point.

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This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

Hi ladies 👋

About 7 years ago we splurged on a boxspring bed, and pretty soon I realized that this (very expensive!) bed wasn’t doing my back any favors. Back then I was still flexible, and didn’t really feel it. But now, 35+ and two kids later, I wake up every morning with back pain, stiff muscles, and all sorts of aches. From the moment I lie down, I can’t seem to find a comfortable position, and my lower back always hurts until I’ve been up for a while. ( I have gone to an osteopath, take vitamin d supplements, stretch etc. But I really think it's the bed).

So now I’m wondering… what mattresses or beds are we buying that actually help with back pain?

I've been suffering from lower back pain for years. I had an old mattress that was sagging and figured I'd try replacing my mattress to see if that would help. My first time buying a mattress online. I first tried a full latex. My back pain seemed to improve on this, but I found the bed way too squishy, not very supportive, and uncomfortable to sleep in so I returned it. Then I tried a latex hybrid, thinking it may provide a more traditional mattress feel but with the pressure relief of latex. That turned out to be even more uncomfortable and didn't provide any pain relief, just felt like a really soft and unsupportive spring mattress. Then I thought I'd try a highly rated plush mattress with a gel foam top that was recommended for back pain. This one was by far the worst and has made my back pain even worse than before and I'm going to have to return this one too. I need a mattress that is supportive for my weight (210) but also reduces pressure points and has a plush feel without sagging. Any recommendations?

Not all mattresses are created equal, nor do they feel the same, which is important when looking for a mattress to get rid of that bad back. One of the main reasons people experience back pain is due to their choice of mattresses.

Thank God my back doesn't hurt... But, that's just me. There are thousands of people out there who are still struggling with back pain.

I'm a combination sleeper, but I usually sleep on my side.

I've spent more time than I'd like to admit researching (and, let's be real, experiencing) back issues in the past, and there's a lot to consider when looking for the best mattress for back pain. That said, I wanted to start a discussion to help people know how to look and find the best mattress for back pain.

This post should help you make an informed decision if you're in the market for a new mattress that helps alleviate your back pain. I guess this should end up being somewhat like a guide?... made for anyone who has an aching back due to their mattress?

First of all, the best mattress for back pain isn't just about going firm or soft; it's about finding the right balance that supports your spine while cradling your pressure points.

The sink DOWN.

For example, a lot of people experience lower back pain... This is like the most common type of back pain. Again, poor support. The best mattress for lower back pain should offer enough support to keep the spine aligned and reduce stress on the lumbar area.

This often means a medium to medium-firm mattress, but, we're all unique, right?

The firmness of a mattress isn't as relevant as the support of a mattress is when considering a mattress to fix your back problems. So, the answer is no: a firm mattress for back pain, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.

You'll see a lot of BS, including people looking for the best firm mattress for back pain and so on. But, the truth is that the firmness of the mattress doesn't play as important a role as support does in actually helping you get rid of the back pain.

Others may swear that a soft mattress would help you alleviate back pain. So, there's like a debate on which one to go for: a soft or firm mattress for lower back pain? While it really comes down to personal preference and body type, support is what matters the most.

So, what's the best mattress for back pain? I'll go first.

When we discuss what the best mattress for back pain is, we obviously need to consider the mattress' comfort layers, of course, but most importantly its support, and how these contribute to accommodating the natural curves of your body to prevent strain.

We have to look at their PROFILE, FIRMNESS, and ZONED SUPPORT SYSTEM. For me, the best mattress for back pain is one that checks all of these boxes, and I'll explain to you why this is important to me in detail.

I'll review the Bear Elite Hybrid.

What makes a mattress great for back pain? As I already mentioned, it's all about support and alignment. Your mattress needs to be your spine's best friend, keeping it aligned while supporting all the right places, like your hips and shoulders, without letting them sink past that PAIN threshold.

The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14 inches tall, which I think is the right profile for a good mattress to fight back pain. There's enough room for a progressive construction mattress set up to take place, which is a good middle ground for good comfort and support.

If you're a side sleeper or you have wide hips, you know the struggle of pressure points; high-profile mattresses help with that.

So, the Bear Elite Hybrid isn't just any mattress; IMO, it's like the Swiss Army knife of mattresses. It's packed with dozens of features that'll literally have your back.

Starting from the outside of the mattress, the Bear Elite Hybrid is covered by a Celliant Fiber Phase Changing Material or PCM hand-quilted cushion cover, which converts body heat into infrared energy, promoting better circulation and oxygenation, which can aid in recovery and overall sleep health. PCM helps regulate temperature, ensuring the sleeper remains comfortable throughout the night by absorbing and releasing heat as needed.

That's it. In case you were wondering how that actually worked.

We all know the struggle of trying to sleep when you're literally melting. Well, this mattress brings cooling technology to the next level.

The Bear Elite Hybrid comfort layer features a highly responsive and plush copper-infused memory foam layer. It comes in three different comfort levels: Soft (5 out of 10), Medium (6 out of 10), and Firm (7 out of 10).

Copper isn't just for wiring and pennies; it's in this mattress, too. Copper has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. Sleeping on this mattress might just make you feel like you're getting a gentle, healing hug all night.

Then, there's the Dynamic Transition Foam, which provides ergonomic support and contour. The transition layer allows for seamless progression of your body weight into the mattress.

What the heck is PROGRESSION???

When a middle layer, or transition layer, helps more with pressure relief, that's defined as a progressive mattress. However, when a middle layer or transition layer is either absent or not necessary for pressure relief and comfort, instead contributing more to spinal alignment and support, that's defined as a differential mattress.

This mattress has a progressive construction, which uses thinner comfort layers that work together with the mattress core for pressure relief and zoned support.

This is a hybrid mattress. The hybrid part means it's not just foam; it's not just springs. It combines the comfort of memory foam with the support of coils; targeted support in this instance.

It's clear that this mattress is designed with back pain relief in mind. The key characteristics essential for alleviating back pain, as mentioned, include proper support, alignment, and zoning. These features ensure that the mattress can accommodate the natural curves of the spine, thus preventing strain.

The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress integrates these principles through its advanced cooling technology, five-zone support coil system, and use of memory foam infused with copper.

The zoning system provides targeted support where it's needed most, such as extra lumbar support for the lower back. The cooling technology and copper-infused memory foam offer a comfortable sleep environment.

The Bear Elite Hybrid's five-zone support coil system provides more support for your lower back and a gentle cradle for your shoulders, aligning your spine like the stars in the sky. LOL.

With a zoned support system, you'll get the right amount of support you need to prevent getting out of alignment, regardless of your sleeping position.

Most companies build their mattresses with lower gauge edge coils for superior edge support and a higher gauge for the support system. The coil gauge count is the term used to refer to the thickness of the coils used in a mattress and most mattresses have a gauge count of somewhere between 12 and 15.

Just, imagine a mattress that knows you better than you know yourself, providing extra support where your body needs it most.

That's it.

So, why do I consider the Bear Elite Hybrid one of the best mattresses for back pain?

Simple. It addresses the key factors that can make or break a good night's sleep. The zoned support system respects the body's natural curves, ensuring you're not just sleeping, but also healing. The cooling technology means you can say goodbye to those hot sleepless nights, and the copper-infused memory foam works its magic on your aching body.

For me, the Bear Elite Hybrid isn't just any mattress; it's designed with back pain in mind, combining technology and comfort to offer a better sleeping experience.

How about you guys, what's your best mattress for back pain? Share your insights!

I wish more mattress companies would tell you this.. but I bought a Dreamcloud 14” hybrid mattress and it has given me the worst back pain. When you read the disclaimers on their website (which I did after the fact), it says 130 pounds and up is recommended. I am hovering around that weight and have a herniated disc that occasionally flares up as well. I never knew weight was equated to firmness until recently. Luckily, they reimbursed me for the mattress, so I have just been living with the “Free” back muscle pain. Anyone have any suggestions for a “not too firm” mattress brand from Amazon or elsewhere under $1k (king around $500-$800?). I refuse to spend that kind of $ on a mattress..Seems like a lot of marketing honestly, and I’m tired of going down the rabbit hole.

I recently bought a mattress and it has made my pain worse 😞

Looking for recommendations. I am mostly a side sleeper

Looking to get a new mattress after my move to Utah and would love suggestions!