Sleeping on your side is a popular position, but it can also be a recipe for back pain if you don’t have the right mattress. A firm mattress can provide the support your spine needs to stay aligned, preventing pressure points and discomfort. For side sleepers, a firm mattress can also help to keep your hips and shoulders from sinking too deeply into the mattress, which can lead to pain and stiffness.
Explore further with 18 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain
You can find more information on Consumer Reports: 22 Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
There are a lot of different types of firm mattresses on the market, so it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 5 best firm mattresses for side sleepers with back pain. We’ve taken into account factors like support, pressure relief, and durability, so you can be sure to find a mattress that’s right for you.
Whether you prefer a traditional innerspring mattress, a memory foam mattress, or something in between, we have a recommendation for you. We’ve also included a brief overview of each mattress’s features and benefits, so you can get a better sense of what to expect.
Finding the right mattress can make a world of difference for your sleep and overall well-being. By investing in a firm mattress that supports your body and reduces pressure points, you can experience deeper, more restful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.
Dive deeper into 20 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Recommended by Chiropractors
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Purple Mattress
A unique mattress featuring a gel-infused, breathable Purple Grid that conforms to your body while providing support and pressure relief.
Specifications :
- Construction: Gel-infused Purple Grid, polyfoam layers, base foam
- Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent pressure relief: The Purple Grid effectively distributes weight and reduces pressure points, making it ideal for side sleepers with back pain.
- Breathability: The gel-infused grid and open-cell foam construction promotes airflow and helps regulate temperature.
- Unique feel: The Purple Grid offers a distinct, bouncy, and responsive feel that many find comfortable.
Reasons to avoid :
- Firmness: Some side sleepers might find the medium-firm feel too firm.
- Price: The Purple Mattress is a premium option that comes at a higher price point.
- Weight: The Purple Grid can feel a bit heavy, especially for those who prefer a lighter mattress.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're a side sleeper with back pain seeking pressure relief and good support.
- You want a mattress that sleeps cool and has a unique, responsive feel.
Don't buy it if:
- You prefer a softer mattress or a traditional innerspring feel.
- You're on a tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The Purple Mattress stands out for its innovative design and comfortable, pressure-relieving feel. The unique Purple Grid offers a distinct and bouncy feel that many find appealing, while its breathable construction and medium-firm feel make it a good option for side sleepers with back pain. However, it's not the most affordable choice, and its firmness level may not suit everyone. If you're looking for a unique and supportive mattress that prioritizes pressure relief and breathability, the Purple Mattress is definitely worth considering.
Saatva Classic Mattress
A luxurious innerspring mattress with a classic feel and a focus on comfort and support.
Specifications :
- Construction: Individually wrapped coils, Euro pillow top, foam layers
- Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
- Trial period: 180 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent support: The individually wrapped coils provide targeted support and conforming comfort.
- Luxury feel: The Euro pillow top and high-quality materials contribute to a luxurious sleeping experience.
- Durability: The Saatva Classic is known for its durability and long lifespan.
Reasons to avoid :
- Weight: The mattress is quite heavy, making it difficult to move or adjust.
- Price: The Saatva Classic is a premium option, and it can be expensive.
- Limited customization: The Saatva Classic is available in only one firmness level, so it might not be ideal for those who need a softer or firmer option.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a classic innerspring mattress with exceptional support and comfort.
- You're willing to invest in a high-quality mattress that will last for years.
- You value a luxurious sleeping experience.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You prefer a softer or firmer mattress than the medium-firm option.
- You have trouble moving heavy objects.
Bottom Line:
The Saatva Classic Mattress offers a classic innerspring feel with a luxurious touch. Its individually wrapped coils provide excellent support and conforming comfort, while the Euro pillow top adds a touch of plushness. This mattress is built for durability and longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality sleep experience. However, its weight and lack of firmness customization might be drawbacks for some, and it's not the most affordable option. If you prioritize comfort, support, and long-lasting quality, the Saatva Classic is a solid choice.
Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt Mattress
A pressure-relieving mattress featuring Tempur-Pedic's signature memory foam, designed for comfort and support.
Specifications :
- Construction: Tempur-Pedic memory foam, support layers, base foam
- Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Reasons to buy :
- Pressure relief: The Tempur-Pedic memory foam conforms to your body, providing exceptional pressure relief and reducing pain in pressure points.
- Conforming comfort: The mattress hugs your body, creating a feeling of weightlessness and reducing tossing and turning.
- Temperature regulation: Some Tempur-Pedic models are designed with cooling technologies to help regulate temperature.
Reasons to avoid :
- Off-gassing: New Tempur-Pedic mattresses may have an initial off-gassing odor.
- Motion transfer: Memory foam mattresses can transfer motion more readily than other types.
- Price: Tempur-Pedic mattresses are often more expensive than other mattress brands.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're a side sleeper with back pain and want exceptional pressure relief and conforming comfort.
- You value a quiet and undisturbed sleep.
Don't buy it if:
- You're sensitive to odors.
- You prefer a firmer mattress feel.
- You're on a tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt Mattress delivers a signature pressure-relieving experience with its unique memory foam technology. The conforming nature of the foam hugs your body, creating a feeling of weightlessness and reducing pressure points, making it a great option for side sleepers with back pain. The mattress is also known for its quiet sleep surface, ideal for couples who need to avoid motion transfer. However, it comes at a higher price point, and some users may be sensitive to the initial off-gassing odor. If you prioritize pressure relief, conforming comfort, and a quiet sleep environment, the Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt is a solid choice.
Nectar Mattress
An affordable memory foam mattress offering comfort, support, and pressure relief.
Specifications :
- Construction: Memory foam layers, support layers, base foam
- Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Warranty: Forever
Reasons to buy :
- Value for money: The Nectar Mattress offers a good balance of comfort, support, and pressure relief at a competitive price.
- Generous trial period: The 365-night trial period gives you ample time to try the mattress and ensure it's the right fit.
- Pressure relief: The memory foam layers conform to your body, providing pressure relief and reducing pain in pressure points.
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited customization: The Nectar Mattress is available in only one firmness level, so it may not suit everyone.
- Off-gassing: New Nectar mattresses may have an initial off-gassing odor.
- Limited warranty coverage: While the warranty is "Forever," it has certain limitations on wear and tear.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget and want a good quality memory foam mattress.
- You want a mattress with a generous trial period and good pressure relief.
Don't buy it if:
- You're sensitive to odors.
- You prefer a softer or firmer mattress feel.
- You're looking for a mattress with a highly durable construction.
Bottom Line:
The Nectar Mattress offers a compelling combination of comfort, support, and value for money. Its memory foam layers provide pressure relief and conforming comfort, while its medium-firm feel is a good option for many side sleepers with back pain. The mattress also comes with a generous 365-night trial period, giving you ample time to test it out. However, its limited firmness customization, off-gassing odor, and warranty limitations are factors to consider. If you're looking for an affordable memory foam mattress with good pressure relief and a generous trial period, the Nectar Mattress is a worthwhile option.
Casper Original Mattress
A popular all-foam mattress with a focus on comfort and support, designed for a wide range of sleepers.
Dive deeper into The 18 Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
Read more about this on 20 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Recommended by Chiropractors
Specifications :
- Construction: 3 layers of foam: support foam, transition foam, memory foam
- Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Reasons to buy :
- Versatile comfort: The Casper Original is designed for a wide range of sleeping positions and preferences.
- Good pressure relief: The memory foam layer provides pressure relief and conforming comfort.
- Easy setup: The Casper Original comes compressed in a box, making it easy to transport and set up.
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited breathability: The Casper Original is a mostly foam mattress, which can make it feel warm to some.
- Weight: The Casper Original can be heavy, making it difficult to move or adjust.
- Limited customization: It's available in only one firmness level.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a comfortable and supportive all-foam mattress that's easy to set up.
- You prefer a medium-firm feel and don't mind a slightly warmer sleep environment.
Don't buy it if:
- You have trouble moving heavy objects.
- You're looking for a mattress that sleeps cool.
- You prefer a softer or firmer mattress feel than the medium-firm option.
Bottom Line:
The Casper Original Mattress is a popular all-foam mattress known for its comfortable and supportive feel. Its three layers of foam provide a good balance of pressure relief, conforming comfort, and support. The Casper Original is easy to set up and is designed for a wide range of sleeping positions, making it a versatile option for many. However, its limited breathability, weight, and single firmness option may be drawbacks for some. If you're looking for a comfortable and supportive all-foam mattress at a reasonable price, the Casper Original is worth considering.
Choosing the right mattress for side sleepers with back pain can be a game changer. Finding a mattress that provides the right support and pressure relief is crucial for a comfortable and pain-free sleep. By considering factors like firmness, materials, and features, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect mattress to meet your specific needs. The five firm mattresses we reviewed offer a range of options for different preferences and budgets, but all prioritize spinal alignment and pressure distribution, ultimately contributing to a better night's sleep.
Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent back pain. They can help determine the underlying cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment options. Additionally, consider factors like your sleep position, weight, and personal preferences when selecting a mattress. Ultimately, the best mattress for you is the one that provides you with the most comfortable and supportive sleep.
While these mattresses are specifically tailored for side sleepers with back pain, they can also benefit other sleep positions. For instance, a firm mattress can provide excellent support for stomach sleepers, while a medium-firm option can suit back sleepers who want a bit more give.
By carefully considering your individual needs and preferences, you can confidently choose a firm mattress that promotes healthy sleep and helps alleviate back pain, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized every morning.
Amira 
Mohammed 
Reem