Best Mattresses For Back Sleepers – September 2023
Sleeping on your back is the best sleeping position since it doesn’t put a lot of pressure on your spine, internal organs, face, or neck. However, sleeping in that position, creates a pronounced curve to your spine. That is why it is essential to provide your lower back with excellent support. So, you need to avoid having a stiff mattress since that will push up against your spine and will not provide you with the right support that you need. It is also important not to select a mattress that is too soft since that won’t provide the right amount of support for your body and back. It is recommended that you find a good medium-firm mattress. People who sleep on their backs might be at risk if their mattress is too soft; the part of your body that tend to make a deeper compression are your hips. If your mattress allows them to go deep into the core of the mattress, there could be pressure placed on your lower back.
In this overview and guide, we will be focusing on the mattresses that are top rated for back sleepers. We will also be looking at the essential features like the materials the mattresses are made out of, along with durability and warranty. We also will be looking at the pros and cons of sleeping on your back.
Best Mattresses For Back Sleepers Reviews – September 2023
Saatva
Back sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds will normally prefer to have a firmer mattress. A bed that conforms closely and feels soft lead to the sleeping surface having indentations and sagging, which can compromise support and result in sleepers suffering a lot of aches and pains. Saatva is the best option for heavy individuals who sleep on their backs since it has a sophisticated coil-on-coil design that provides outstanding support. Its comfort system is comprised of layers of polyfoam and memory foam, as well as pocketed coils that provide additional reinforcement. The support core is made out of bonnell steel-tempered coils that work to prevent sagging and also minimize the amount of sinking along the bed’s edges. Those components are what provide the complex design to the Saatva so that it stands out from a majority of other innerspring mattresses. There are three different firmness level that the Saatva mattress is available in: Firm, Medium Firm, and Medium Soft. Customers also get to choose between 14.5-inch and 11.5-inch thick foam. The thickness and firmness range should be able to accommodate sleepers who are from all weight groups. For people who are heavier, the two firmest options provide a good balance between structural support and pressure relief. Both of these profiles are thicker than the average mattress; high-profile beds are often preferred by heavier people since they are easier to get off and on them comfortably. Free White Glove delivery comes with the Saatva mattresses across the contiguous U.S. as well as Canada. The products are backed with a 15-year warranty and come with a 120-night sleep trial.
Novosbed
This is a bed-in-a-box style of memory mattress. It is available in Soft, Medium, and Medium Firm. Those three firmness levels are provided for back sleepers at various weight levels, particularly for lightweight individuals who prefer sleeping on a mattress that is not too firm. The cover’s top part is made out of a soft stretch-knit Tencel. This breathable material is made from wood pulp and offers excellent moisture wicking. The cover can be removed and washed in the washing machine. However, it is recommended by the manufacturer that the cover be hung up to dry. The cover’s base part is made out of an upholstery-grade textile that goes along with a non-slip bottom. Using it with a base that is adjustable is very convenient. Including the cover, here are four levels to this mattress that are made out of high-quality materials. The total height of the mattress is 11 inches. It comes with a 15-year warranty and 120-night risk-free trial.
Dreamcloud
Dreamcloud is a hotel-style of mattress that provides the ultimate support and comfort. It comes with a tufted soft pillow top, which makes you feel like you are on a luxurious vacation. This is a hybrid mattress that has been carefully built to provide you with all of the support and comfort you need. The many parts of the mattress have been designed to help you achieve the ultimate sleeping experience. Also, it is a luxury mattress with a fair price that is affordable for the average person. It is 15 inches tall and comprised of gel infused memory foam, natural hypoallergenic latex, patented memory foam, and pocketed micro-coils that are encased with high-density memory foam and foam. All the components are combined to make the best hybrid mattress. Although sleeper siders will like this mattress, back sleepers really like sleep on it due to all of the support that it provides. It offers a lifetime warranty and 365-night risk-free trial.
Nectar
Nectar is a moderately firm mattress with a surface that is well-suited for all sleeping positions. Back sleepers will get a peaceful sleep on it. There is just a minimum amount of sinkage and the spine is provided with enough support. The memory foam layers will not place too much pressure on your body, particularly the lower part of your spine. The foam responds slowly to your frame and takes your specific shape, allowing you to easily adjust. It comes with nice breathable fabric and the mattress feels fresh the whole time you are lying down on it. The mattress has a top layer that is infused with gel and also provides a very fresh and cool feeling. Its layers are wrapped inside of a quilted cover that provides additional comfort and is breathable as well. Nectar is a very durable mattress that has a suitable thickness to provide good support and contouring. In terms of edge support, it helps to prevent you from sinking (there is a small amount of sinking added by the comfort layer but not too deep) as well as fall down. It has a lifetime warranty and a 365-day sleep trial.
Winkbed Plus
This mattress has been designed specifically for heavy individuals, especially those who weigh more than 300 pounds. Lighter weight individuals usually find the mattress to be a bit too firm, but can choose a softer model. The mattress comes in 3 different firmness levels: softer, firm and luxury firm. This hybrid mattress is made out of a combination of inner springs and latex foam and is 14.5 inches tall. This mattress from top to bottom is made of up these layers: high-density for the foundation on the bottom; pocketed triple-zone coil system, 2.5-inch latex foam, ad 1-inch proprietary gel foam. For a luxury mattress like this, it is fairly priced compared to similar mattresses. This mattress is ideal for back sleepers due to all of the support and comfort it provides. It comes with a lifetime warranty and 120-day risk-free trial.
Mattress Buyer’s Guide For Back Sleepers
Let’s discuss some of the most important factors that need to be considered when selecting the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Sinkage
When you sink into your mattress it makes you feel comfortable and also helps you relax and get to sleep faster. Despite this great feeling, that isn’t the best feature to have, especially if you are someone who sleeps on your back. When your mattress allows you to sink into much and your favorite sleeping position is lying on your back, you are at risk for developing acute pain.
Whenever you lie on your back, there is a tendency for your hips to sink in deeper compared to the rest of your spine. It can create a misalignment in your spine, even when it is just a few inches, which can place pressure on your lower back and cause pain. That is the curvature of your spine. It is hollow and must be supported and filled at all times in order to keep your spine in its natural position.
When your hips sink, and pressure is placed on the lower part of the back, that means your muscles are not resting. They have to work all night long which is the reason why you feel some tension in that area when you wake up in the morning.
Back sleepers need to have a mattress that is firm enough so they stay on the surface without sinking too deep into the layers.
Materials
In terms of materials, we recommend mattresses that are made out of latex, innerspring, or hybrids. However, memory foam is good as well, especially it provides a suitable firmness and low sinking.
Keep in mind that sleepers who sleep in that position need to avoid a soft mattress; choose a firm or moderately firm mattress with low sinking.
Now, let’s discuss the main types of mattresses for back sleepers.
Innersprings
This is the top-rated option since they provide solid support and contouring. On an innerspring mattress, your weight is evenly distributed, and none of your body sinks in deeper than other parts.
Latex
Latex is firmer than foam is, but also responsive enough that it provides comfort and support to the sleeper. When sleeping on a latex mattress you will not sink in drastically, and your spine will stay in alignment.
Foam
Foam is also great for this type of sleeper since it is a very responsive material. It adjusts to all parts of your body (particularly the neck and lumbar part) and you are given the necessary support to stay in alignment.
Hybrid
There are many reasons why hybrids are outstanding. It is mainly due to their comfort and contouring layers that adds responsiveness and softness to their hybrid design along with their innerspring for support.
Durability
Durability mains depends on the quality level of the materials, the actual material itself, its prices, and how well it is taken care of. Cheaper options will not last very long. Usually, mattresses have an average lifespan of about eight years. However, there are some models that can last for one to two decades.
If you choose a mattress that has innerspring, they can last for as long as ten years. The more quality materials that the mattress is made out of, the longer it will last. This material has a higher risk of making noise, rust, and condensation. It might sag as well, especially if its sprigs are not suited for heavier individuals. Memory foam is able to last for a long time (10 to 15 years) and can serve you very well without issues. It has to be protected against liquids. Otherwise, it could lose its firmness and shape.
The most durable is perhaps latex. There are some models that may last as long as 25 years.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sleeping on Your Back
Advantages
This is the best-rated position for your spine. It provides decent support and stays in a natural position. The way that is most recommended for sleeping on your back is without using any pillows since that way your spine will be unburdened (your neck is not elevated so there is no pressure in the upper area of your vertebrae). However, if you sleep on a pillow, that position can provide you with many benefits. There will not be any pressure placed on your internal organs (stomach, heart) and it helps to prevent your skin from getting wrinkles. You face will not be puffy in the morning when you wake up since all of the liquids will have drained from your face. Also, you can breathe properly and without any blockages
Disadvantages
For sleepers who snore, the position is not ideal. When you are lying on your back your tongue will fall into the back area of your mouth and will block the way for air to get in. That can stop you breathing for a bit and create the annoying snoring sound.
If you have any problems with sleep apnea or snoring, then it might not be the best position for you. The reason is not due to the fact that snoring is annoying but due to the fact that it leaves your body without the right dose of oxygen like you have when you are awake.
This is probably the biggest drawback for this position, but it isn’t less serious than lower back pain, pressure on your neck and hips, or a misaligned spine.
If you don’t want to change your sleeping position, then the most important thing that you need to do is add a couple of pillows or buy an adjustable bed that elevates your legs and head.
Mattresses Accessories For Back Sleepers
The following are some of the accessories that can help to extend the lifespan of your mattress and improve the quality of your sleep.
Pads and Mattress Toppers
Pads and toppers are a great substitute for sleepers who have a mattress that does not provide the comfort and support they need to sleep well. A pad is the most effective way to add firmness and prevents you from sinking or experiencing discomfort that a softer mattress may cause.
There are toppers that are made out of natural and breathable materials that are normally within the moderate firmness range. They are perfect for a cool, relaxed, and comfortable sleep. The pads provide your lower spine with support and help it stay aligned. You won’t feel like you have to adjust it constantly.
Be sure to have a good combination of your topper and mattress. For example, if you have a super firm mattress, go for a softer topper to provide you with comfort and reduce the pressure.
If you have a soft mattress, then a medium firm pad can provide the right balance and help to prevent you from sinking too much. So be sure that you select a high-quality topper.
Pillows
Your pillow is just as important as the mattress, whatever position you sleep in. Back sleepers need to have a pillow that supports their neck. The highest quality models provide orthopedic curvature to the neck. As we previously mentioned, your neck, like your lumbar area makes space when you are lying on your back that has to be filled to provide better support.
Your pillow needs to be high enough so that it elevates your head (which will prevent you from snoring so that your breathing is normal and is not interrupted) Aos, the divot (if you choose that type of pillow) will provide your neck with a nice balance and help keep your spine in a natural position.
Choose pillows that are made from easily adjustable and quality memory foam. Be sure it doesn’t make you hot. There are many kinds of gel-infused foam models are ones made out of other organic materials like organic cotton and bamboo.
Adjustable Bed
If you make the decision to buy an adjustable bed, there will be more options available to you other than a flat surface. The mattress will elevate to four different positions at least. Your legs and head will receive suitable elevation, which is ideal for providing the natural position for your spine, without placing any pressure on your lower back.
Whenever your feet and head are even just slightly lifted, it provides your back with added support in needed areas (shoulders, neck, lumbar area) which makes the pressure disappear. You will be able to sleep in a relaxed position and your bloodstream will not be interrupted. Once you wake up, your body won’t have any stiff places, or any swelling or pain.
Most adjustable beds offer the sleeper the Zero Gravity position. It provides the best back support. If you have any pain in that area, this position will be miraculous for your healing by just placing your body in a natural position.
Adjustable beds all offer a number of other benefits like massages that help you eliminate persistent pain and help you relax.