And the Award for Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain Goes to…
PlushBeds Luxury Bliss
With two firmness options to choose from and a responsive, supportive feel, the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss checks many of the boxes that people with back pain need from a mattress. Its latex comfort system cushions the body without bottoming out, and the pocketed coil support core provides solid edge support and structure.
Hybrids are one of the most versatile mattress types available. Their multicomponent construction allows manufacturers to customize each model’s feel and support level. This blending of sturdy coils with comfort materials is especially helpful for people with back pain, since it allows a mattress to provide both strong support and comfortable cushioning.
We’ve evaluated hundreds of mattresses in our test lab and have learned firsthand what makes a model worthwhile. For this review, we focused on hybrid mattresses that provide a balance of spinal support, pressure relief, responsiveness, and structure, which are all important factors for people who experience back pain.
If you’re not positive that you want a hybrid mattress, you can read about our choices for the best mattresses for back pain, which include other mattress types that can offer relief. Our picks for the overall best mattresses also have models dedicated to alleviating pain.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following five options made our top picks list of 2024’s best hybrid mattresses for back pain relief.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
PlushBeds Luxury Bliss
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Luxury Bliss Mattress from PlushBeds is a well-rounded model that scored highly during many of our trials. It’s responsive with a buoyant feel thanks to its latex comfort system and pocketed coil support core. With two firmness levels to choose between, shoppers can easily find a model that supports their spine to promote good sleep posture.
Buy From PlushBedsPros
- Available in two firmness options
- Latex comfort system facilitates easy movement
- Pocketed coil support core has plenty of structure and edge support
Cons
- Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may find both versions too soft
- Latex and coils allow some motion transfer
The PlushBeds Luxury Bliss Mattress is a latex hybrid that’s available in medium (5) and firm (7) options. Our team gave this model high marks for its top-quality materials and durability. If you’re looking for a well-made mattress with enough structure to keep your spine aligned, the Luxury Bliss is a worthwhile choice.
Why We Like It
This mattress does many things well and it’s durable enough to justify its price tag. The latex provides pressure relief without compressing significantly, which makes it a comfortable alternative for people with back pain who don’t like the hug of memory foam.
Its pocketed coil support core, latex, wool, and cotton components work together to minimize heat retention, and it sleeps quite cool as a result. Eco-conscious shoppers will appreciate its many certifications and the company’s dedication to sustainability.
How Does It Feel?
This model’s latex comfort system and pocketed coil support core give it bounce and pushback that keep sleepers atop the mattress. We think people with back pain will appreciate this model’s structure and attention to spinal alignment.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Saatva Classic
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Classic has enjoyed enduring popularity for more than a decade, and this is largely due to its innovative coil-over-coil construction. Multiple firmness and profile options add to the hybrid’s versatility, and Saatva’s generous delivery and return policies further sweeten the deal for shoppers.
Buy From SaatvaPros
- Coil-on-coil design creates a supportive, springy feel without sacrificing pressure relief
- Steady airflow and a breathable cover help ensure excellent cooling
- Available in three firmness levels
Cons
- Couples may notice motion transfer and experience sleep disruptions
- Fairly expensive compared to traditional innersprings
The Saatva Classic is a coil-on-coil hybrid that offers an appealing balance of cushioning, support, bounce, and breathability. You can choose from three firmness levels based on which sleep position you prefer and how much you weigh, as well as profiles of 11.5 or 14.5 inches. All three offer excellent overall support with a dense memory foam pad that targets lower back pain.
Why We Like It
People with frequent back pain should consider either the soft (3) or medium firm (6) designs, as these provide the most cushioning. The former earned its highest ratings from our side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. Our testers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds across all three sleep positions enjoyed the moderate cushioning of the medium firm design.
If you’re a back or stomach sleeper who weighs more than 230 pounds, chances are you’ll prefer the sturdy support of the firm (8) design. All three Classic models excel at temperature control. The two firmest options provide robust edge support and shouldn’t hinder movement across the surface, while the soft model earned high marks during our tests for pressure relief.
How Does It Feel?
The Classic begins with a dense memory foam pad positioned beneath your lumbar region — this is intended to alleviate pain and pressure in your lower back. Pocketed microcoils add responsiveness to the surface while cradling your body. The support core contains strong hourglass coils composed of recycled steel. These coils are zoned to push back against the extra weight exerted by your torso and hips.
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery with all purchases. The company’s sleep trial allows you to test out the mattress in your own home for up to one year.
Best Value Mattress
Cocoon Chill Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Cocoon Chill Hybrid lives up to its name thanks to its cozy, supportive feel and cooling materials. This medium firm (6) mattress is affordably priced and has many characteristics appropriate for people with back pain, including top-notch edge support and pressure relief. Purchases include extra bedding accessories from Sealy.
Buy From CocoonPros
- Hybrid construction isolates motion without restricting too much movement
- Competitive price-point
- Foam comfort system successfully alleviates pressure point buildup
Cons
- Not firm enough for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- May have a below-average lifespan
Sealy offers the Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress as an alternative to the company’s popular all-foam Cocoon Chill Mattress. This hybrid version has the same pressure-relieving foam but also includes a pocketed coil support core to provide enhanced edge support and an even sleep surface. It’s competitively priced and is an excellent choice for those seeking to address back pain on a budget.
Why We Like It
It can be tough to find a budget-friendly mattress that does more than meet your basic needs, but the Cocoon Chill Hybrid proves that value mattresses with top-notch performance exist. This model has strong edge support, a sleep surface that’s easy to move on, plenty of pressure relief, and materials that work effectively to keep sleepers cool — all at a reasonable price-point.
How Does It Feel?
This mattress manages to address pressure point pain without excessively inhibiting movement like some memory foam models do. The Chill Hybrid’s memory foam comfort system cradles the body and adapts to each sleeper’s individual shape to absorb impact and evenly distribute weight. The memory foam layers also successfully isolate motion, so co-sleepers can move on their side of the bed without disturbing their partner.
During testing, this mattress received excellent scores from side sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds. It also provided enough support for side sleepers above and below that weight range, as well as back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds. It proved a bit too soft for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds.
Best Luxury Mattress
Naturepedic Concerto Organic Pillow Top Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Naturepedic Concerto Organic Pillow Top Mattress is a medium soft (4) model that uses latex and coils to its advantage. It has a soft, pressure-relieving feel, but enough structure and resilience to support sleepers across a variety of weights and sleeper types. It has high-quality, organic materials designed to keep sleepers cool and comfortable.
Buy From NaturepedicPros
- Sleeps cool enough to satisfy hot sleepers
- Microcoil and latex comfort system alleviates pressure without compressing too much
- Boasts eco-friendly materials and certifications
Cons
- Too soft for stomach sleepers over 130 pounds
- Limited edge support
The Naturepedic Concerto Organic Pillow Top Mattress caters to sleepers who like a plush mattress but don’t want to sacrifice support. It’s a luxe model that features numerous organic materials like latex, cotton, and wool. It carries an above-average price-point, but it boasts high-end components and excellent company policies to back up its cost.
Why We Like It
Many softer mattresses have layers that compress deeply and give sleepers the feeling of being hugged by their mattress. While some people like this sensation, this model from Naturepedic is a worthy option for those who prefer a mattress with a slightly more responsive feel. Its latex gives the mattress more buoyancy and the coils offer structure. If you’re looking for a luxe bed with eco-friendly materials that address back pain, this mattress is an excellent option.
How Does It Feel?
This mattress feels plush thanks to its latex and cotton pillow-top. While this model conforms to your body’s shape to relieve pressure, it doesn’t bottom out like some other medium soft models do. It has a layer of thin microcoils and perimeter-reinforced pocketed coils that lend structure and stability.
This combination of cushioning and support is especially well suited to side sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. The stomach sleepers on our team gave this model subpar scores, save for some testers under 130 pounds who gave it average marks.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Bear Elite Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Bear Elite Hybrid employs zoned support to combat pressure points and cushion the body without uncomfortable sinkage. It’s a great pick for people who need a mattress that’s specifically designed to prevent joint and back pain.
Buy From BearPros
- Zoned polyfoam relieves pressure
- Three firmness options work for side, back, and stomach sleepers
- Firmer options sleep cool
Cons
- Has an off-gassing odor when first unwrapped
- Plushest option inhibits movement
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in three firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm, which our testing team determined are medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) on our 10-point firmness scale. Each model features the same general materials and composition, with slight differences to give each one a distinct feel. Though each option offers adequate pressure relief, those looking for maximum contouring should opt for the softest model.
Why We Like It
This model has zoned support in both the comfort system and the support core, which is a unique feature that not many mattresses have. This construction provides strategic support that bolsters the lower back while cushioning the hips and shoulders to maintain spinal alignment and relieve pressure.
Overall, this mattress is a well-rounded option with the right components to address back pain and pressure point discomfort. Picking between the options may be a bit tricky, but Bear allows customers one free exchange within 120 days of delivery in case they want to switch to a softer or firmer model.
How Does It Feel?
During testing, our team members gave this mattress high scores in a few notable categories, including temperature control, edge support, and pressure relief.
Side sleepers typically experience the most pressure points because their hips and shoulders bear the brunt of their weight. The softest Bear Elite Hybrid option was a hit with the side sleepers on our team under 130 pounds, while those over that weight level as well as back and stomach sleepers preferred the firmer models.
Hybrids often have exceptionally balanced feels thanks to the combination of a thick comfort system and a sturdy coil support core. To find the best hybrid for you, I recommend looking at the comfort system’s materials to see if they suit your needs.
How Can a Hybrid Mattress Help With Back Pain?
Sleeping on a hybrid mattress can help with back pain because its combination of materials can offer both strong support and cushioning. Hybrids are incredibly versatile, and manufacturers can layer materials together in innovative ways to create unique feels and varying support levels.
Hybrids typically offer strong support and pressure relief without inhibiting movement to an excessive degree. To alleviate back pain, it’s helpful to have a mattress that keeps your spine evenly supported without allowing it to bend. Hybrids often sleep cool and have strong edge support, which are two factors that can make sleep more comfortable for people with back pain.
Is Your Mattress Making Your Back Pain Worse?
It’s possible that your mattress could be making your back pain worse, or it could even be the root cause. Keep an eye out for these signs that your mattress is the culprit:
- It’s the wrong support level: You should choose a mattress that’s designed to support your weight and sleeping position. One that’s too soft can allow your spine to bend, while one that’s too firm can create pressure points.
- It’s old: Mattress components break down over time and lose their integrity and support. A worn-out mattress may sag and allow your back to curve uncomfortably.
- It lacks edge support: People with pain or mobility limitations may benefit from a mattress with an even sleep surface. If there’s not enough support at the edges, it can make getting in and out of bed difficult and limit the usable sleeping area.
What Else Should You Consider in a Hybrid if You Have Back Pain?
There are a handful of factors that are important for anyone to consider when mattress shopping, but they are especially critical if you experience back pain.
Sleeping Position
Each sleeping position requires a certain support level and firmness to keep the spine properly aligned. Of the three sleeper types, side sleepers generally prefer the softest mattresses, back sleepers typically like mid-range models, and stomach sleepers often enjoy beds on the firmer side.
Sleeping on a mattress with the wrong firmness level for your favorite sleeping position can increase back pain. One that’s too soft allows your midsection to sink and your back to bend, while a bed that’s too firm can cause pressure points and sore spots.
Zoned Support
Zoned support systems divide a mattress into sections with different levels of compression and pushback. This allows the mattress to offer strategic support to keep the spine evenly aligned. Zoned support systems can also relieve pressure points by providing extra cushioning beneath pressure-prone areas. They are typically found in hybrids’ support cores but some models have them within their comfort systems.
Mattress Firmness
The Sleep Doctor team measures mattress firmness on a scale from 1 to 10. We assign lower numbers to softer mattresses and higher numbers to firmer models. Using the right firmness level for your sleeping position and body weight helps ensure even spinal alignment and comfort. There is no one-size-fits-all firmness level. To avoid back pain, make sure to choose a firmness option that corresponds with your weight and favorite sleeping position.
Material and Quality
Choosing a durable, well-made mattress can help extend your bed’s lifespan and keep your back properly supported. Low-quality materials break down quickly and affect your mattress’ structure. Top-notch components may cost a bit more initially but they can save you money over time. High-quality pocketed coils, latex, and high-density foam can all withstand repeated use.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Most mattresses sold online come with a sleep trial and warranty. Trial terms vary by seller, but many are between 90 and 365 nights and require an initial break-in period. Sleep trials with flexible policies can be invaluable for people with back pain, especially if you want to swap firmness levels or switch to a mattress with different characteristics than the one you initially purchased.
Warranties are also important for those with back pain, as policies with favorable terms can address premature material degradation and sagging.
Tips for Alleviating Back Pain During Sleep
There are a handful of easy interventions that can help alleviate back pain with minimal expense and effort.
- Sleep on a pillow with the right loft: Pillows come in a range of thicknesses, also referred to as loft. When choosing a pillow for back pain, look for one with a loft that’s appropriate for your sleeping position to support your neck and keep your cervical spine aligned with the rest of your back.
- Change up your sleeping position: If you’re currently experiencing back pain while you sleep, try switching your sleeping position. Changing how you sleep is a simple way to see if you can minimize pain.
- Add a mattress topper: Mattress toppers are usually made from foam or latex and measure between 1 and 4 inches thick. Adding a topper can change your mattress’ firmness and cushioning levels and may also extend the bed’s lifespan.
- Use pillows for extra support: You can use pillows strategically to help decrease impact on your joints and support your spine. If you’re a stomach sleeper, a thin pillow beneath the midsection can prevent it from sinking too far into the bed. Use one between your knees if you sleep on your side or under your knees if you’re a back sleeper. Both of these options can decrease hip and lower back pain.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
Back pain is one of the most common complaints of sleepers, but our testing team has also selected top-performing mattresses for several other conditions that impact sleep quality.
Best Mattresses for Specific Needs
How We Test
We’ve tested hundreds of mattresses at our Seattle-based test lab using our carefully considered product testing methodology. We put each one through the same series of trials and rate how well they perform. We also have members of our team from different weight groups and sleeping positions try each mattress and report on its comfort and support.
We measure each model’s performance during a handful of lab tests, including heat retention, edge support, pressure relief, motion isolation, and responsiveness. For this review, we focused on models that offered significant support, pressure relief, and responsiveness, because each of these qualities is important for people who experience back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
While back pain is typically caused by an underlying medical condition, a mattress that’s worn out or the wrong support level for your weight can lead to back pain or make existing pain worse. It’s important to sleep on a mattress that keeps your spine in alignment. If a mattress is too old, its components begin to break down and don’t provide enough support. A model that’s too soft to support your weight can also create discomfort because it doesn’t have the structure to keep your spine in its natural position.
You can get relief from back pain on both hybrid and memory foam mattresses, but hybrids typically have more structure and are easier to move around on than foam beds. If you have limited mobility, memory foam mattresses with significant compression can leave you feeling restricted. To combat back pain, choose one with enough support for your weight and sleeper type.
The best mattress firmness for back pain depends on your weight and favorite sleeping position. If you have back pain, make sure to choose a model that doesn’t sag beneath your weight yet isn’t so firm that it causes pressure points. If you’re unsure which firmness level is right for you, our mattress firmness scale can help you choose a mattress that’s appropriate for your individual needs.
Hybrid mattresses often outlive other mattress types and last up to 7 or 8 years on average before their components begin breaking down. Choosing a model with high-quality materials from a reliable brand may cost more initially, but it can save you money in the long run.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
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