Tired of waking up with aches and pains in your back? Upgrading your mattress can be just what you need to relieve back pain and improve your sleep quality.

If you’re on a tight budget, you might be worried that pain-free, restful sleep on a quality mattress is out of reach. The good news is that you can find affordable and supportive mattresses for back problems here at Mattress Firm.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of the top features you’ll find in the best mattresses for back pain, plus our Sleep Expert-recommended models that are also budget-friendly.

Why Back Pain Requires a Supportive Mattress

You may not know it, but poor spinal alignment during sleep can cause or worsen existing back pain.

So, if you’re sleeping on a mattress that lacks sufficient support, is too hard or soft for your liking or isn’t suitable for your sleep position, you may be exacerbating your back pain night after night. The remedy is to sleep on a quality mattress that offers proper support and pressure relief, which helps maintain posture, reduce stiffness and promote healing overnight.

A good mattress helps you avoid unnecessary strain on your back and prevents pressure points that only add to your discomfort.

Key Mattress Features To Look for on a Budget

As we’ll cover in more detail below, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a mattress if you have a bad back.

However, you do need to look for certain budget-friendly features and qualities that still deliver comfort and back support within your price range.

Medium Firmness

People may have varying preferences when it comes to mattress firmness. However, a medium-firm mattress is generally a good choice for those with back pain.

It offers just enough sturdy support to keep the spine and body in proper alignment. But it also provides ample cushioning to avoid creating painful pressure points. Medium firm mattresses are highly versatile and widely available, so it’s generally easy to find an option that fits within your budget.

Targeted Lumbar Support

Finding a mattress with zoned comfort and dedicated lumbar support features can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a model that will help alleviate back pain.

This is an especially great feature if you’re a back or side sleeper, as it will help maintain the natural curve of the spine, reduce lower back strain and support your overall nighttime comfort. It’s possible to find this feature in a cheaper mattress, though it may be a premium component that adds to the total sale price.

Quality Materials

Finding a mattress that’s made with quality materials is extremely important when you have a bad back. Quality materials tend to be more long-lasting and durable, meaning you’ll continue to get the comfort and support you felt when you first bought the mattress.

Some budget-friendly mattresses offer decent quality materials. It’s best to look for models that have popular customer ratings and are expert-recommended to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Motion Isolation

A mattress that reduces motion transfer is a great choice for couples who share a bed. If one partner is prone to tossing and turning at night with frequent back pain, it can disturb the other person and keep them from getting a good night’s rest as well. Instead, a bed with good motion isolation helps to keep the other person sleeping peacefully, even if the partner with back pain needs to readjust throughout the night for comfort.

What Type of Budget Mattress Is Best for Back Problems?

So, what type of mattress is best for back problems? It largely depends on your preferred sleep position and personal preferences.

Let’s review the following budget-friendly mattress types and why they might be a good choice for someone looking for back pain relief (or not).

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are favored for the custom support they offer, contouring perfectly to each individual sleeper. These mattresses also offer a slightly sunken feel, which some people prefer for a cozy and comfortable sensation.

Pros

• Offers good pressure point relief to ease pain and discomfort
• Helps align the spine and keep it in a neutral position 
• Reduces motion transfer to keep individuals from being disturbed by their partners

Cons

• 100% memory foam construction is known to trap heat
• Some don’t like the sinking feeling that it creates

Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses are popular options for people with back pain because they offer a good blend of comfort and support features.

The specifics vary between manufacturers; however, they generally include memory foam layers to create a comfortable and cushioning sleep surface, with sturdy coils as the base to provide a good and supportive foundation.

Pros

• Layered construction helps to offer pressure point relief
• Coil layer delivers targeted lumbar support to relieve strain 
• Typically better for airflow, helping to keep the sleep environment feeling cool

Cons

• Tend to be on the more expensive side
• May not offer the same motion isolation as a memory foam mattress

Innerspring Mattress

Some may prefer traditional innerspring mattresses if they have a bad back, as the coil foundation is highly responsive and supportive, keeping the body from sinking too deeply and becoming misaligned.

Pros

• Offers a highly supportive sleep surface to keep the body in a neutral position
• Provides even weight distribution to avoid pressure points
• More breathable than memory foam, helping to keep sleepers cool

Cons

• May lack the cushioning support layer that some are looking for 
• Doesn’t reduce motion transfer as well as a memory foam mattress

Mattress Firm’s Best Budget Mattresses for Back Pain

You don’t need a thousand-dollar budget to find a quality mattress for a bad back. At Mattress Firm, we have top-rated mattresses for back pain at affordable prices. Here are some of our top picks:

Sleepy’s By Sealy Medium Euro Top Mattress

What We Like

No matter your preferred sleep position, the Sleepy’s By Sealy Medium Euro Top Mattress is a great mattress for sore backs.Available at an affordable price point, our Sleep Experts paired up with Sealy to create a mattress that offers the same cooling technology, comfort and support that you’ll find in expensive models.

It’s a hybrid mattress made with a 5-zoned coil support system for all-over pressure point relief and responsiveness as you move throughout the night. It also features a luxurious-feeling pillow top that cradles your body for a comfortable sleep experience.

Starting Price

$449.99

Features

• Medium comfort
• 10.5” mattress height
• 1” soft response gel foam
• 1.25” medium comfort foam
• 8” 5-zoned 770 coil density
• 1” extra firm base foam
• Sleepy’s Firm Edge foam encasement
• Super Soft stretch-knit rayon cover

What Customers Are Saying

96% of customers were happy with their purchase.

“Very comfortable! Love it! Great price, too! Would definitely recommend!” – Noreen T.

“I pulled my back about a year ago and have been having back issues since. Since I got this mattress about a month ago, my back pain has been relieved!” This mattress is so, so comfy …” – Ana

“Super comfortable. My husband has back problems, and the bed has been such a relief for him.” – Jena R.

Beautyrest BR800 13.5” Medium Pillow Top Mattress

What We Like

The Beautyrest BR800 13.5” Medium Pillow Top Mattress gives you the best of both worlds. It has a strong, supportive base thanks to its trademarked Pocketed Coil Technology, plus a cloud-like foam pillowtop for extra cushion.

This means you get custom support for your natural spine curvature and exceptional comfort from several layers of pressure-relieving memory foam.

Couples will find the mattress offers top-notch motion isolation, helping partners rest peacefully. Not to mention, it includes DualCool Technology to keep the sleep surface feeling fresh and inviting.

Starting Price

$579.99 (Limited time deal)

Features

• Medium comfort
• 13.5” mattress height
• 1.25” AirFeel Foam
• 0.5” firm comfort foam
• 2.5” GelTouch
• 800 Series Firm Pocketed Coil
• Gel memory foam lumbar support
• DualCool Technology

What Customers Are Saying

94% of customers were happy with their purchase.

“I’m so happy with this mattress! I have a lot of back pain, GERD (acid reflux) and allergies. This mattress is my favorite I have slept on …” – Eileen

“Love, love, love my new mattress!!! My back thanks you!” – Marc B.

“This mattress is so comfy and supportive and a great price!” – Natalie K.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Charlotte 2.0 Medium Euro Top Mattress

What We Like

If you have a bit more flexibility in your budget, the Serta Perfect Sleeper Charlotte 2.0 Medium Euro Top Mattress is a solid choice to splurge on.

The mattress’s 825-coil density system provides the sturdy foundation that helps keep the spine in proper alignment, while the 3-zoned comfort layer offers cushion where you need it most. This is why it’s one of the best beds for lower back pain, as its gel foam lumbar support band contours to the natural curves of your body and reduces strain.

It’s only available at Mattress Firm, and is made for all sleep positions—thanks to its versatile hybrid construction and medium comfort. It also offers excellent motion isolation, helping to keep you fast asleep, even if your sleep partner is known to toss and turn.

Starting Price

$999.99

Features

• Medium comfort
• 10.5” mattress height
• 1” PillowSoft Aire
• 0.5” Serta Support Foam
• 0.375” Gel Band
• 8” 825 Edition custom support individually wrapped coils
• Best Edge foam encasement
• 1” Serta Base Support Foam
• Antimicrobial mattress protection

What Customers Are Saying

95% of customers were happy with their purchase.

“Great support for my back.” – Jim K.

“Comfy mattress with medium firmness. Feels great on my back.” – Ilse A.

“This mattress was a game changer! … No more back pain or neck pain! We bought ours on a fantastic sale! Wish we would have bought it sooner! …” – Anonymous

Tulo Bamboo 12” Medium Plush Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

What We Like

The Tulo Bamboo 12” Medium Plush Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a favorite among our customers and our Sleep Experts alike. It’s the cheapest option on this list, and is still recognized as a supportive, durable mattress at a great value.

This medium plush mattress is a good option for side sleepers, helping to relieve pressure points and keep the spine in proper alignment all night long.

Part of the reason why customers love this mattress is that it’s made with clean materials, including a breathable stretch-knit cover made with hollow-celled bamboo threads and green tea oil in the memory foam for germ-fighting properties. Plus, the mattress arrives in a box, making delivery and setup a breeze.

Starting Price

$268.99 (Limited time deal)

Features

• Medium-plush comfort
• 12” mattress height
• 4” green tea-infused memory foam
• 8” base support foam
• Bamboo soft-knit cover

What Customers Are Saying

96% of customers were happy with their purchase.

“Firm mattress for a great price! Very happy with the purchase and price could not be beat.” – Anna M.

“Best sleep I’ve had in years – having a bad back, this was needed.” – Anonymous

“This mattress is everything it claims to be… I have rheumatoid, plus back surgeries, so I can tell you with confidence it is perfect.” – Linda B.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Elkins III 10” Firm Mattress

What We Like

If you’re a back or stomach sleeper looking for a firm mattress for back pain, check out the Serta Perfect Sleeper Elkins III 10” Firm Mattress. Our Sleep Experts love this mattress for its firmness, motion isolation and excellent price.

As a traditional innerspring mattress, this model features a contouring coil system that offers head-to-toe pressure point relief and excellent back support for pain-free, restful sleep.

An added bonus is the Cool Twist gel foam comfort layer, which helps dissipate body heat and create a comfortable, refreshing sleep environment.

Starting Price

$322.99 (Limited time deal)

Features

• Firm comfort
• 10” mattress height
• Cool twist gel foam
• 825 individually wrapped coil system
• BestEdge foam encasement
• Antimicrobial fiber layer

What Customers Are Saying

95% of customers were happy with their purchase.

“Exactly what I was looking for in a less-expensive firm mattress … Back pain that had started to arise has completely diminished.” – Hani

“Very comfortable and great support for my back – no more back pain.” – Elizabeth Ann

“Awesome mattress at an acceptable price. Recommend for everyone,” – Minh L.

Zinus Green Tea 12” Cushioned Firm Memory Foam Mattress

What We Like

The Zinus Green Tea 12” Cushioned Firm Memory Foam Mattress is excellent for back and stomach sleepers concerned about back pain. It’s conveniently delivered in a box for easy setup.

As one of the cheapest mattresses on this list, it’s still a solid choice that offers excellent support and all-night pressure relief. Made with high-density support foam as the base and comfort foam at the sleep surface, this mattress effortlessly cradles your every curve and helps to alleviate back aches, stiffness and pain.

Starting Price

$303.99

Features

• Firm comfort
• 12” mattress height
• 3” memory foam
• 2” high-density support foam
• Knitted poly jacquard cover

What Customers Are Saying

96% of customers were happy with their purchase.

“Amazing mattress for the money! … It has been super comfortable and highly recommend this mattress if you’re looking for an economical memory foam mattress.” – Jeff D.

“It’s the best mattress ever! Legit feels like I’m sleeping on clouds! Helps take all my aches and pains away.” – Carly Elizabeth

“The mattress is of excellent quality! It’s a great value for the price and features a comfortable memory foam layer! Highly recommend.” – Ashley Emma

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