Mattresses for Back Sleepers

Why choose a mattress for back sleepers?

Sleeping on your back spreads your body weight across a relatively wide area, but your lower back and hips still need the right level of support.

Mattresses suited to back sleepers are designed to provide a balance of cushioning and stability. Features like pocket springs and reinforced lumbar zones can help support the natural shape of your spine, while comfortable upper layers ease pressure around your shoulders and hips.

Choosing a mattress that suits your build and preferred firmness may also help you avoid the discomfort of lying on a bed that feels too hard or allows excessive sinking.

How to choose the right mattress for back sleepers

The best place to start is with your preferred firmness and how the mattress supports your body when you're lying on your back.

What firmness should you choose?

Medium firm is often a good starting point for back sleepers. It provides some cushioning while helping to stop your hips from sinking too far into the mattress.

If you're lighter, you might find a medium mattress more comfortable. Heavier sleepers may prefer a firm mattress, depending on how it responds to their weight.

Choose the feel you prefer

Memory foam gently moulds around your body, while a pocket sprung mattress will give you a more responsive feel. A hybrid mattress combines these features, making it worth considering if you want cushioning alongside spring support.

If you tend to get warm at night, compare breathable fillings, cooling features and ventilation.

Finally, check that your chosen mattress is compatible with your bed frame and available in the right size. You can use our mattress firmness guide for more help deciding.

Why shop at MattressNextDay?

Next day delivery - Available on eligible in-stock mattresses across the UK mainland.

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Old mattress removal - Add old mattress collection at checkout and we'll take your old mattress away when your new one arrives.

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Need help choosing your next mattress?

Tell us how you sleep, the firmness you prefer and what you'd like to spend. MattressFinder™ will quickly narrow the range to options that suit you. Find your perfect mattress.

Buying guidance for back sleeper mattresses

You don't need one particular mattress material to get comfortable support when sleeping on your back. Different constructions can work well, depending on their firmness and how they respond to your body weight.

The importance of body alignment and lumbar support

When you lie on your back, your spine naturally has a slight inward curve around your lower back. Your mattress should help maintain that shape without allowing your pelvis to drop noticeably below the rest of your body.

Zoned support systems are worth considering here. Some use firmer springs or reinforced materials beneath the lumbar region and hips, while allowing other areas of the mattress to respond more gently.

You don't necessarily need an extra firm mattress to get good support. A mattress that's too hard may feel uncomfortable around your pressure points, particularly if you're lighter.

The aim is to find a level of support that feels comfortable for your body, rather than choosing the firmest mattress available.

Delivery, recycling, and guarantees

Free next-day delivery to most locations - Get your new mattress quickly, with free next-day delivery available across the UK mainland on in-stock mattresses.

Free weekend delivery - Choose a weekend delivery slot, if available, so your mattress arrives at a time that works for you.

Choose a delivery date - Pick your preferred delivery date at checkout to make it easier to plan around work, moving day, or replacing an old mattress.

Learn more about our delivery and returns policies.

We make old mattress disposal easy for you

Just £39 to responsibly dispose of your old mattress - Add old mattress removal at checkout, and MattressNextDay will take care of your old mattress when your new one arrives.

100% of your mattress is reused and recycled - Every mattress is broken down into its core components and the raw materials are repurposed. Instead of ending up in a landfill, 100% of your old mattress is transformed into new products.

A greener way to get rid of your old mattress - Avoid the hassle of arranging disposal yourself and choose a recycling service that is designed to be convenient and work around your needs.

Find a great value mattress for back sleepers

Looking for the right balance of comfort, support and price? Explore the latest MattressNextDay sale and compare offers across trusted brands, mattress types and firmness levels. Shop mattress sale.

Ask the expert about mattresses for back sleepers

Choosing a mattress for back sleeping can raise a few questions, particularly around firmness, lower back support and finding the right balance of comfort and cushioning.

Martin Seeley, Product Expert at MattressNextDay, answers common questions about choosing a mattress for back sleepers, including different body weights, mattress materials and what to consider if you experience back discomfort.

What is the best mattress firmness for back sleepers?

A medium firm mattress is a good starting point for many back sleepers. On a typical 1–10 firmness scale, that's around 6–7, with 6.5 often used as a reference point.

This level of firmness generally provides enough cushioning around your shoulders and hips while limiting how deeply your pelvis sinks into the mattress.

However, firmness ratings aren't standardised across mattress manufacturers, so a 6.5/10 from one brand might feel different from another. Your weight, build and personal comfort preferences will also affect your choice.

If you're unsure, compare medium and medium firm mattresses first, then move towards firmer options if you feel you need more support.

What is the best mattress for back sleepers with lower back pain?

If you experience lower back discomfort, start by looking for a mattress that supports the natural shape of your spine without feeling excessively hard.

A medium firm pocket sprung or hybrid mattress may be worth considering, particularly if it has targeted support around the lumbar region. Memory foam can also be comfortable, provided the underlying support is sufficient to stop your hips from sinking too far.

However, there's no single best mattress for lower back pain, as the cause of discomfort varies from person to person.

A mattress may improve your comfort at night, but it won't necessarily resolve an underlying medical condition. If you have persistent, worsening or recurring back pain, speak to your GP or an appropriate healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Is memory foam or a hybrid mattress better for back sleepers?

Both can be suitable, depending on how you like your mattress to feel.

Memory foam gently conforms to your body shape, which some back sleepers find comfortable around the lower back and shoulders. A hybrid mattress combines a responsive spring system with comfort layers, which may appeal if you prefer a little more bounce and easier movement.

Pay attention to the firmness and support system rather than choosing based on the material alone.

What if I sleep on my back and side?

If you change between your back and side during the night, a medium or medium-firm mattress is often a practical choice.

You'll want enough support for your hips and lower back when lying on your back, with sufficient cushioning around your shoulders and hips when you turn onto your side.

A hybrid or pocket sprung mattress with adaptable comfort layers could suit both positions. Very firm mattresses may feel uncomfortable when you're lying on your side, especially if you're lighter.

Are zoned mattresses good for back sleepers?

They can be. Zoned mattresses use different levels of support across the mattress, often with firmer reinforcement beneath heavier areas such as the hips.

For back sleepers, this can help maintain a comfortable position by reducing excessive sinking around the pelvis while allowing other parts of the body to settle naturally.

However, zoned support isn't essential for everyone. A well-constructed mattress with an even support system can also provide comfortable support.

Can back sleepers use an adjustable bed?

Yes, provided the mattress is compatible with an adjustable bed base.

Adjustable beds allow you to raise your head or legs independently, which some people find more comfortable for resting, reading or changing their sleeping position.

Certain memory foam, latex and specially designed pocket sprung mattresses can work with adjustable bases, but not every mattress is suitable for bending.

Always check the manufacturer's compatibility guidance before purchasing. If you're considering an adjustable bed to manage back pain or another medical condition, seek advice from a healthcare professional about suitable positioning.

How can I tell if my mattress isn't supporting my back properly?

Signs that your mattress may no longer suit you include visible sagging, an uneven feel or frequently waking up uncomfortable.

If your hips sink noticeably lower than the rest of your body, the mattress could be too soft or may have lost some of its original support. Equally, a mattress that feels excessively hard around your shoulders and hips might not provide enough cushioning.

Check your bed base too, as damaged slats or an unsuitable frame can affect the way your mattress feels.

If discomfort persists even after changing your sleep setup, speak to a healthcare professional rather than assuming your mattress is the only cause.