7 Best Mattress for Back Pain (2023) - Tested & Reviewed

Finding the best mattress for back pain becomes crucial if you're one of the millions of people waking up with stiffness and soreness. A mattress that does not support your spine or even relieve pain at pressure points can worsen pain and discomfort. The market offers many purported "Orthopedic" and "back support" mattress options. But not all live up to their claims. So, how do you find the best mattress for back pain?

Our team did hands-on testing to determine the top mattresses for back pain relief. We narrowed down the options to find the best. This article also shares tips for choosing a bed if you have back pain or sciatica. You'll know how to pick the perfect mattress to relieve your back pain by the end.

Best Mattresses for Back Pain in India - Our Top Picks

Best Mattress for Back Pain - Sunday Latex Plus Mattress

A supportive and luxury mattress that offers 5-star hotel quality comfort. The Sunday Latex Plus mattress has 7 ergonomic zones to relieve pressure. It is made of 100% natural latex for cushioned contouring. This provides superior alignment and pain relief.

Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain - Sunday Ortho Latex Mattress

A popular and budget-friendly mattress with memory foam (also known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam) for body adaptation. Its 5-zone design helps to reduce back pain by maintaining proper spinal alignment and pressure relief, making it a great choice for back pain sufferers.

Cheapest Mattress for Back Pain - Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress

An orthopaedic mattress that provides firm support at an affordable price point. The combination of high-density foam and memory foam cushions pressure points and align the spine.

Best Spring Mattress for Back Pain - Sleepwell Ortho Pro Spring Mattress

A hybrid mattress that offers the best of both worlds: memory foam and springs. Memory foam adapts to the body shape and provides pressure relief. A layer of pocket springs offers extra support and bounce.

Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain - Peps Spring Koil Mattress

Another hybrid mattress that offers comfort and support. PU foam provides soft cushioning and durability. Bonnell springs provide firm support and alignment to your spine.

Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Back Pain - The Sleep Company Smart Ortho Pro Mattress

An innovative and technologically advanced mattress with patented SmartGrid technology. This mattress provides double the mattress firmness and back support of regular Orthopedic mattresses. It also has premium cushioning.

Best Mattress for Back Pain on a Budget - Flo Ortho™ Mattress

An Orthopedic mattress that offers firm support and comfort on a budget. The high-density, firm foam offers back support and pain relief. The high-density base foam layers provide stability and maintain proper spinal alignment.

Topics Covered

• Our Mattress Testing Procedure
• Best Mattress for Back Pain
• Best Mattress for Back Pain - Buyer’s Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions

Our Mattress Testing Procedure

Our Mattress Testing Experts

Sridevi Hegde leads our mattress reviews. She is a certified sleep specialist with over 15 years of experience. Sridevi and her team use rigorous testing methods. They evaluate factors like spinal alignment, pressure relief, firmness level, edge support, temperature regulation, and durability. With over 200 hours of hands-on testing, they provide honest, research-backed recommendations.

Our Mattress Testing Methodology

We adopt a rigorous 3-stage testing process to evaluate mattresses for back pain relief:

Stage 1: Lab Testing - In controlled lab conditions, we utilise pressure mapping, firmness scales, and environmental chambers to analyse spinal alignment, firmness level, and VOC off-gassing.

Stage 2: Expert Testing - Our team of experts’ hands-on tests for targeted pressure point relief, edge support sinkage, motion isolation, temperature regulation and recovery time.

Stage 3: Verified User Testing - We examine customer experiences, reviews and surveys to assess real-world durability, sleep trial policies and warranty claim processes.

How We Picked Our Top Choices?

Our experts have tested over 50 mattresses from 15+ brands to pick the ten best mattresses for back pain in India. We have rated each mattress on a scale of 1 to 10 for each of the following categories:

1. Support - We assess how well the mattress keeps the spine aligned and supported.
2. Pressure Relief - We evaluate the cushioning at shoulders, hips and other pressure points.
3. Durability - We examine materials and construction for longevity and performance over time.
4. Temperature Regulation - We test if the mattress retains heat or allows airflow to sleep cool.
5. Motion Isolation - We analyse how well motion transfers are absorbed, preventing disturbance.

Best Mattresses for Back Pain in India – A Detailed Analysis

Sunday Latex Plus Mattress

The Sunday Latex Plus is the best mattress for back pain. This mattress has 100% natural latex, making it hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, and dust-mite resistant. The 7-zone design of this mattress contours your body shape, providing optimal spine support and relieve pressure points. It’s medium-firm and strikes the right balance between comfort and support to align your spine correctly.

Mattress Specification

• 8" thickness
• 2" 75D latex foam + 6" resilient 80D 7-zone natural latex
• Medium-firm (5/10 firmness)
• Zippered 100% organic cotton cover
• Excellent motion isolation
• Not compressed
• 10-year warranty
• 100-night trial
• 12-14 year lifespan
• Priced at INR. 40,000 for an 8” Queen size bed (60"x78")

Pros

• Natural latex provides lumbar support and spinal alignment
• Medium-firm feel balances softness and support
• 7 zones relieve pressure on shoulders, hips, back
• Responsive latex aligns the spine and prevents sagging
• The cooling effect reduces heat retention
• Bouncy latex facilitates movement
• Excellent motion isolation for couples
• Who is it suitable for? Back pain sufferers, hot sleepers, couples, eco-conscious buyers.

Cons

• Heavy and difficult to move/flip
• Expensive but a worthwhile long-term investment
• Only available on the Sunday website
• Who is it not suitable for? Those seeking plush surfaces, latex allergy sufferers, and budget buyers.

Expert Ratings

• Support - 9/10
• Pressure Relief - 9/10
• Durability - 9/10
• Temperature Regulation - 9/10
• Motion Isolation - 8/10

Expert Opinion

Our tests found excellent conformability, lumbar support and minimal counterforces for superior spinal alignment. Zoned transitions reduce shear stress and tossing/turning. Thermal imaging showed that the mattress sleeps up to 3°C cooler than synthetic foams. Deflection measurements indicate it strikes a balance between softness and support.

Our experts recommend the Sunday Latex Plus for recurring issues like sciatica or spondylosis, as the targeted support properly cradles heavy-pressure areas for long-term relief.

Sunday Ortho Latex Mattress

The Sunday Ortho Latex is the best Orthopedic mattress for back pain, explicitly designed for people with back and neck pain. This is a high-quality mattress made of natural latex and high-density foam, providing firm support and pressure relief for your spine. It also has a 5-zone design that distributes your body weight evenly and reduces motion transfer.

Mattress Specification

• 8" thickness
• 2" 75-density latex foam + 1" memory foam + 5" HR foam
• Medium-firm (6/10 firmness)
• Removable 100% organic cotton cover
• Excellent motion isolation
• Not compressed
• 10-year warranty
• 100-night trial with free returns
• 10-12 year lifespan
• Priced at INR 23,000 for an 8” Queen size bed (60"x78")

Pros

• 2” latex cushions pressure points and provides resilience
• 1” memory foam contours for personalised comfort
• 5” HR foam base gives stability and minimises sagging to align the spine
• Budget-friendly price versus similar latex/memory foam
• Who is it suitable for? Budget shoppers with back pain who need pressure relief or spine support for sciatica/arthritis/herniated discs.

Cons

• Heavy weight makes rotating or flipping challenging
• Only sold on Sunday’s website
• Who is it not suitable for? Lightweight people who want a sinking, soft mattress.

Expert Ratings

• Support - 9/10
• Pressure Relief - 9/10
• Durability - 9/10
• Temperature Regulation - 8/10
• Motion Isolation - 8/10

Expert Opinion

The 5-zoned latex and memory foam layers provide excellent localised support and contouring in our sleep lab pressure mapping tests. Our thermal imaging confirmed improved breathability over non-ventilated foams. In motion transfer assessments, the memory foam layer provided excellent isolation of movement between sleep partners. The latex responsiveness and memory foam contouring relieve the pressure with less tossing/turning.

We recommend Sunday Ortho Latex for chronic back pain sufferers or those recovering from injuries or with nagging back pain and seeking improved sleep quality.

Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress

The Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam mattress is the cheapest mattress for back pain. The HR and memory foam combined have a medium-firm feel that adapts to your body shape. This is an ideal mattress for lightweight people, offering optimal support, pressure relief, comfort, and affordability.

Mattress Specification

• 5”, 6”, 8”, 10” thickness
• 1” memory foam + 1” responsive foam + 4” HR foam
• Medium-firm (5/10 firmness)
• GSM spun knitted fabric zippered cover
• Average motion isolation
• Compressed and roll packed in a black bag
• 10-year warranty
• 100-night trial
• 8-10 year lifespan
• Priced at INR 12,099 for an 8” Queen size bed (72"x60")

Pros

• Budget-friendly pricing
• Alleviates pressure points and aligns the spine for lightweight
• Responsive foam provides a subtle bounce
• Average motion isolation adequate for lightweights
• Removable, washable cover for easy maintenance
• Various mattress thickness and sizes available
• Who is it suitable for? Lightweight back/stomach sleepers or those who want a traditional memory foam mattress for guest/kid rooms.

Cons

• Lacks strong edge support
• Moderate off-gassing odour when first unboxed
• Sleeps warm due to heat retaining memory foam
• Slow to regain shape after delivery
• Who is it not suitable for? Those with severe back pain or memory foam allergies.

Expert Ratings

• Support - 8/10
• Pressure Relief - 8/10
• Durability - 8/10
• Temperature Regulation - 7/10
• Motion Isolation - 7/10

Expert Opinion

In our sleep lab evaluations, the memory foam layer provided minimal contouring and pressure relief for average-weight back sleepers. However, Heavier body types experienced inadequate support in the lumbar and pelvic areas. Our thermal imaging showed that the mattress retained heat. Motion transfer measurements showed moderate isolation suitable for lightweight people but potentially disruptive for couples.

We recommend the Wakefit Orthopaedic mattress for those recovering from minor back injuries, as it may provide sufficient comfort. Still, individuals over 80 kg or with chronic back pain should consider options with zoned foams.

Sleepwell Ortho Pro Spring Mattress

The Sleepwell Ortho Pro Spring is the best spring mattress for back pain. It is made of pocket springs and foam and has a bouncy feel that provides support and spine alignment for average-weight sleepers. Its 3-zone design distributes body weight evenly and reduces motion transfer.

Mattress Specification

• 6”, 8”, 10” thickness
• 0.75” air vent impression layer + 0.75” PU foam + 5” 3-zone pocket spring
• Medium-firm (5/10 firmness)
• Removable zipped cover with Airvent technology
• Average motion isolation
• Compressed and roll packed in a box
• 5-year warranty
• 100-night trial with free returns
• 5-7 year lifespan
• Priced at INR 22,660 for an 8” Queen size bed (72"x60")

Pros

• 0.75” air vent layer allows airflow for cool sleep
• 0.75” PU foam provides initial soft comfort
• 5” 3-zone pocket springs contour to the body
• More affordable than many innerspring mattresses
• A wide range of mattress thickness and sizes are available.
• Who is it suitable for? Average weight back and stomach sleepers wanting bounce with support.

Cons

• Only a 5-year warranty, shorter than other brands
• Average motion isolation may disrupt the partner
• The initial off-gassing smell when opened
• Edge support is not very strong
• Break-in period as springs adjust to your body
• Who is it not suitable for? Heavier individuals, couples, or those who prefer foam mattresses.

Expert Ratings

• Support - 8/10
• Pressure Relief - 7/10
• Durability - 7/10
• Temperature Regulation - 9/10
• Motion Isolation - 6/10

Expert Opinion

In our sleep lab evaluations, the 3-zone pocket spring system provided customised support during pressure mapping tests, contouring the spines of average-weight back and side sleepers. However, compression depth measurements showed heavier body types bottoming out the springs, requiring additional support layers. The Airvent cover fabric enhanced breathability compared to standard spring mattresses, as confirmed by our thermal imaging.

We recommend this Sleepwell Ortho Pro Spring for budget-minded individuals recovering from acute back strains or minor disc issues, as this mattress provides an affordable blend of support, breathability, and ease of movement.

Peps Spring Koil Mattress

The Peps Spring Koil is the best mattress for lower back and joint pain ever. The Bonnell spring and high-density foam structure offer an ultra-firm yet supportive mattress feel that suits those suffering from hip and lower back pain. The unique reversible design offers dual mattress firmness to adapt to individual requirements.

Mattress Specification

• 5“, 6”, 8”, 10” thickness
• 0.1” Rebonded foam + 5.9” of Bonnell Spring unit
• Medium-firm (6/10 firmness)
• PE/PP Iron Resistant Woven Fabric cover
• Not compressed
• Up to 5-year warranty
• 5-7 year lifespan
• Priced at INR 24,141 for an 8” Queen size bed (72"x60")

Pros

• 0.1” rebonded foam provides cushioning
• 5.9” Bonnell springs offer bounce and support
• The firm feel enhances spinal support.
• PE/PP woven fabric is durable and tear-resistant
• Not compressed for instant use and durability
• Better airflow keeps sleepers cool
• Who is it suitable for? Stomach/back sleepers under 120kg who want a firm, supportive feel.

Cons

• Minimal cushioning from the thin foam layer
• Average motion isolation and responsiveness
• Lacks zones and conforming for spinal gaps
• No trial period offered
• Short 5-year warranty
• Who is it not suitable for? Side sleepers, heavy individuals, couples, or those needing zoned, conforming support.

Expert Ratings

• Support - 8/10
• Pressure Relief - 8/10
• Durability - 7/10
• Temperature Regulation - 8/10
• Motion Isolation - 6/10

Expert Opinion

In our lab evaluations, this firm mattress only provided minimal cushioning and pressure relief during weight mapping tests. Peak force measurements exceeded 15% compression in the hip and shoulder regions for side sleepers. Spinal alignment analysis showed average lateral and lumbar support from the firm Bonnell coils.

Our experts recommend the Peps Spring Koil mattress as a suitable option for average-weight sleepers wanting softer mattress without essential support for occasional or temporary use. Individuals weighing over 100 kg or with chronic back pain should look for opportunities with pressure-relieving foams and reinforced support systems.

The Sleep Company Smart Ortho Pro Mattress

The Sleep Company Smart Ortho Pro is the best mattress for heavy sleepers with back pain. This unique mattress uses patented smart grid technology with a firm feel, providing support and pressure relief for your hips and upper back pain. Its zoned design also adapts to your body shape and provides customised comfort.

Mattress Specification

• 6”, 8”, 10” thickness
• 1” SmartGRID + 5” Ortho Relief foam + 2” 5-zone Orthopedic support layer
• Firm (7/10 firmness)
• Knitted Melange fabric cover
• Compressed and roll packed in a box
• 10-year warranty
• 100-night trial
• 10-12 year lifespan
• Priced at INR 29,691 for an 8” Queen size bed (72"x60")

Pros

• The 5-zone design provides targeted Orthopedic support
• 2500+ air channels ensure adequate air circulation
• Extra-firm feel enhances alignment for heavyweights
• Good motion isolation and improved blood circulation
• Who is it suitable for? Hot sleepers, couples, or back and stomach sleepers with severe back pain.

Cons

• Very firm, not suited for strict side sleepers
• It may feel too hard for lightweight people
• Expensive, especially for a single mattress
• Just moderate edge support
• Who is it not suitable for? Lightweight side sleepers wanting plush, deep contouring.

Expert Ratings

• Support - 9/10
• Pressure Relief - 7/10
• Durability - 7/10
• Temperature Regulation - 9/10
• Motion Isolation - 7/10

Expert Opinion

In our lab assessments, pressure mapping revealed even weight distribution and minimal shear strains in side and back sleeping positions. The firm ortho relief foam prevented hammocking. Compared to convoluted foam models, the knitted Melange cover and +2500 air channels aid breathability, with a 2°C cooler sleep surface measured by thermal imaging.

Our experts recommend The Sleep Company Smart Ortho Pro mattress for those suffering from chronic back conditions like spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease who require extra firm support with precise pressure relief.

Flo Ortho Mattress

The Flo Ortho is the best mattress for back pain on a budget. This is a flippable mattress with dual firmness. The PU foam layer and proprietary Flo Responsive™ foam combined provide Orthopedic firmness for pressure relief and neutral spinal alignment. It also has a gel-infused layer that enhances air circulation and breathability.

Mattress Specification

• 4”, 6”, 8”, 10” thickness
• High resilience PU foam + Flo responsive foam
• Top: Firm (8/10 firmness), Bottom: Extra firm (9/10 firmness)
• Aloe vera gel-infused removable cover
• Compressed and roll packed in a box
• 10-year warranty
• 100-night trial
• 8-10 year lifespan
• Priced at INR 12,274 for an 8” Queen size bed (72"x60")

Pros

• Dual-firmness with firm top and extra firm bottom
• PainRelease™ tech adapts to shape for optimal support and pressure relief
• The aloe vera gel cover is cool, soothing and protects from bed bugs
• Very budget-friendly pricing
• Who is it suitable for? Back and stomach sleepers who need enhanced support or those looking for a secondary mattress for Guest rooms.

Cons

• Very firm, may not suit side sleepers
• Minimal conforming and cushioning
• Some initial off-gassing odour
• Compression affects durability and recovery
• Who is it not suitable for? Side sleepers or lightweights wanting plush, body-cradling comfort.

Expert Ratings

• Support - 8/10
• Pressure Relief - 8/10
• Durability - 7/10
• Temperature Regulation - 7/10
• Motion Isolation - 7/10

Expert Opinion

In our lab evaluations, the dual-firmness design exhibited excellent support in the lumbar area but minimal pressure relief in the shoulder and hip regions during mapping tests. Spinal alignment assessments showed that the extra firm high-resilience foam provided rigidity but minimal contouring to fill lateral and lumbar gaps. Edge support remained consistent during repeated compression. However, the rigid foam was slow to respond to changes in applied weight.

Our experts recommend Flo Ortho™ mattress for back sleepers strictly needing spinal reinforcement.

Best Mattress for Back Pain - Buyer’s Guide

Impact of Back Pain on Sleep

Back pain is a top reason for sleep problems. A Harvard study found that 4 out of 5 people experience back pain at some point. This pain makes it hard to fall asleep all night. Tossing and turning leads to frequent awakenings. Lack of deep, restorative sleep leaves people feeling unrefreshed in the morning. Over time, poor sleep quality worsens back pain, creating a vicious cycle. Managing back pain through treatment, proper sleep posture, and mattress support is critical to better sleep quality.

Which Mattress Type is Best for Back Pain?

1. Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses contour to your shape, relieving pressure points. Memory foam provide cushioning and support to help back pain but may retain heat, have odours and restrict movement. They are best for side or back sleepers with moderate to severe back pain or needing pressure point relief.

2. Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses provide resilient support, pressure relief, durability and breathability. They resist dust mites and mold but can be expensive, heavy, firm and cause allergies. Latex foam mattresses are best for eco-friendly side or back sleepers with moderate to severe back pain or allergies needing support and pressure relief.

3. Innerspring Mattress

The innerspring mattress provides firmness and bounce from supportive pocketed coils. It has good airflow and edge support but may sag over time and may not be very good at “zero partner disturbance”. It is best for back or stomach sleepers with mild to moderate back pain who prefer a traditional feel or live in a hot climate.

4. Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress combines coils and foam/latex to balance support and pressure relief. It adapts to different sleep position and body shapes but can be expensive, heavy, and noisy. It is best for those with moderate to severe back pain who have varying sleep positions or have a partner with different preferences and want a mix of bounce and contouring.

How Do You Choose a Good Mattress for Back Pain?

Research shows that back pain is more prevalent among Indians than among global populations. So, how to identify the best mattress brands in India? Key factors include:

1. Identify your back pain condition

Consult a doctor to understand your specific back pain cause, diagnosis and severity and any treatments. This will determine the needed support and pressure relief.

2. Determine your sleeping position

Identify if you are a side, back, stomach or combo sleeper to find a mattress that aligns your spine. Side sleepers can consider a softer mattress, while back/stomach sleepers can consider a firmer mattress.

3. Consider your body weight

Heavier people over 80kg should opt for firm to medium firm mattress to prevent sagging and spinal misalignment. Lighter people under 80kg should opt for soft to medium-soft mattress that conform and distribute weight evenly.

4. Test for comfort

Test different mattress types to determine your personal preference and find a supportive mattress without pain/stiffness. Look for one with a trial period, warranty and return policy.

Tips on Finding the Best Mattress for Back Pain

Here are some concise tips for finding a good mattress for back pain:

• Choose a medium mattress that provides support while still contouring the body.
• Look for mattresses with lumbar region support to maintain the natural curve of the spine.
• If sleeping on the side, pick a thick mattress that allows shoulders and hips to sink in while keeping the spine aligned.
• For back sleepers, choose a uniformly firm mattress that won't dip or sag around the hips.
• Avoid mattresses that are old or saggy and need frequent flipping or rotating.
• Check return policies in case the mattress aggravates back pain. Many online mattress brands offer 100-night trials.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it better to have a soft or firm mattress for back pain?

A softer bed is better for side sleepers, as it conforms to the body curves and relieves muscle tension and pressure on the hips, shoulders. A soft or firm mattress is better for stomach sleepers, as it prevents sagging or sinking in the lower back.

2. Which mattress is best for back pain in India?

For back pain relief in India, pocketed spring or latex mattresses are often best as they conform to the body's natural curves and provide lift to maintain proper spinal alignment and promoting a restful sleep.

3. Is a hard foam mattress good for back pain?

A hard foam mattress lacks contouring and pressure relief, which can worsen back pain by misaligning and inadequately cushioning the spine and joints. Medium-firm foam mattresses are a better option. They provide adequate support without being too hard or soft.

4. How do I know if my mattress is causing my back pain?

Some signs that your mattress may be causing your back pain are:

• Waking up with back stiffness/soreness
• More comfortable on the couch/hotel bed
• Noticeable sagging, lumps or unevenness
• The mattress is over 10 years old

5. Is memory foam good for back pain?

Memory foam's conforming support cushions joints and maintains proper spinal alignment, making it effective for back pain, especially for side sleepers needing good night's sleep.

6. Which foam is good for the back?

The best foam mattress for back pain is the one that supports your spine and relieves your pressure points. Memory foam and latex mattresses are good options, as they can conform to your body shape and adapt to your sleeping position.

7. Is it better to sleep on firm or medium firm mattress?

Firm mattresses provide more support, while medium-firm balances support and comfort. Side sleepers often prefer a medium firm mattress for pressure and back pain relief while back sleepers tend to benefit from a firmer mattress feel.

(Note - This article is written by Brand Desk.)