The Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers: A Complete Guide
By Endy Admin
Most of us move around while we’re sleeping. But ask us how we sleep and we all generally have a clear answer and identify one preferred sleep position. This is usually the position we lie in when we fall asleep at night and the one we wake up in each morning.Knowing your dominant position can provide all kinds of useful insights into your sleep habits and preferences. It can also help you understand what to look for in your ideal sleeping set-up. In this article, we’ll help you find the best mattresses for back sleepers.Let’s dive in under the covers!
What Is Back Sleeping?
If you’re a back sleeper, you’re not alone! Back sleeping is one of the three main sleeping positions, along with side sleeping and stomach sleeping.Back sleeping (also known as supine sleeping) is the second most common sleeping position. As the name implies, being a back sleeper refers to a sleeping position where you sleep on your back (with your face and chest facing upward.)Good news: When you sleep on your back, your head, neck, and spine are aligned, which is generally great for your overall health and well-being.
5 Things to Look For in the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
When it comes to choosing a mattress for a back sleeper, there are a few things to consider. Most of us really care most about comfort: We want that perfect Goldilocks bed! But the ideal mattress should also provide adequate support and promote proper spinal alignment. Here are some key features to look for:
1. Medium-Firm to Firm Support
The general rule of thumb for back sleepers is to choose a mattress that provides medium-firm to firm support. A medium-firm feel will help keep the spine aligned (and prevent it from sinking too deeply into the mattress.) A mattress that is too soft may cause the spine to curve unnaturally, leading to potential discomfort or pain.
2. Contouring Comfort
While support is essential, comfort is key—how much do you crave that lovely sinking feeling that accompanies a good night’s sleep?! For this, you’ll want a mattress that offers contouring capabilities, adapting to the natural curves of your body and relieving those pressure points. You’ll get the best of both worlds: Comfort and support.
3. Spinal Alignment
Your perfect mattress should promote proper spinal alignment by maintaining a “neutral” position for your back. It should support the natural curvature of your spine, particularly in the lumbar region. Proper alignment helps prevent back pain and supports overall spinal health.
4. Material Preference
Different mattress materials feel and perform differently. At Endy, we’re obsessed with getting mattress materials just right. Endy’s open-cell foam mattress is designed to provide better airflow and comfort than traditional memory foam, while our Hybrid Mattress combines the benefits of our acclaimed Endy foam with durable pocket springs. The Canadian-made steel coils bring extra support to the areas that need it most, balanced by a plush, quilted top layer.
5. Motion Isolation
If you share your bed with a partner, consider a supportive mattress with good motion isolation. This feature reduces the transfer of movement across the bed, ensuring minimal disruption when one person moves or gets out of bed.Foam is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for motion isolation. All three layers of the Endy Mattress (including our transition foam layer) work to provide a gradual transfer of energy. Individual air cells across the mattress only absorb pressure applied directly to them, so tossing and turning won’t affect the other side of the bed.
Not One, But Two Amazing Mattress Options for Back Sleepers!
At Endy, we understand just how personal sleep is. So we have two mattress options:
1. The Endy Hybrid Mattress
Discover sleeping bliss with zoned lumbar support and superior breathability! Back sleepers love the Endy Hybrid Mattress. It combines the benefits of our acclaimed Endy Comfort foam with durable pocket springs (aka an innerspring mattress.) The Canadian-made steel coils bring extra support to the areas that need it most, balanced by a plush, quilted top layer.You can rest assured: The Endy Hybrid Mattress is proudly made in Canada. Our latex-free mattresses are made of medium-firm foam poured locally at facilities in Ontario and Quebec for quality you can trust.
2. The Endy Mattress
Another great option for back sleepers (at a lower price point) is the Endy Mattress.While our Hybrid Mattress is fantastic for those who need additional support, most sleepers benefit from a foam mattress like the Endy Mattress. It offers the perfect balance of comfort and support, boasting optimal firmness and pressure-point relief.Plus, you can stay cool and comfortable all night long with Endy’s breathable open-cell foam layers. It’s designed to provide better airflow and comfort than traditional memory foam.
Don’t Forget Pillows! The Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
It's not just about finding the right mattress! As a back sleeper, finding the right pillow is crucial for maintaining proper spinal alignment and ensuring a comfortable sleep. It's worth noting that individual preferences can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Best Bet: Our Memory Foam Pillow
Endy’s Memory Foam Pillow provides optimal cushioning for all sleep positions. By comfortably cradling your neck and supporting your head, your body will thank you each morning. Our quick-response, memory foam pillow is super breathable, allowing for a cooler sleep all night long.
But Why Not Try A Pillow Made Just For You?!
Endy’s Customizable Pillow is tailored just for you, and a perfect choice for all sleepers. With the combined breathability, comfort, and support needed for sound sleep, you’ll truly find everything you need in this pillow. The height and firmness of your pillow can be personalized for your unique sleeping needs.Here are some factors for back sleepers to consider when choosing a pillow:
Height and Loft
Back sleepers generally benefit from a pillow with medium to low loft, meaning the height of the pillow. A pillow with medium loft provides adequate support for the neck and maintains a neutral spine position. It should be high enough to fill the gap between your neck and the mattress without pushing your head too far forward. Avoid pillows that are excessively thick or overstuffed, as they can strain your neck and lead to discomfort.
Pillow Support and Firmness
Look for a pillow that offers firm support to keep your head, neck, and spine properly aligned. It should provide enough resistance to prevent your head from sinking too deeply into the pillow, which could result in an unnatural curvature of the spine.
Contouring and Pressure Relief
Back sleepers may benefit from a pillow that contours to the natural curves of the head and neck, providing pressure relief and comfort.
Breathability and Temperature Regulation
Choosing a pillow with good breathability is important to prevent overheating at night.Ultimately, the best pillow for a back sleeper boils down to personal preference. Consider factors such as your body size, weight, and any specific neck or shoulder issues you may have. Some prefer a softer or firmer pillow, so we recommend trying different options to see what feels most comfortable and supportive for you.
Pros and Cons of Being a Back Sleeper
Sleeping on your back is generally considered a healthy sleeping position. And if you get a great night’s sleep in this position, that’s the real health benefit you want! But like any sleeping position, sleeping on your back has both advantages and disadvantages. Some potential benefits of back sleeping include:
Pro: Spinal Alignment
Sleeping on your back helps maintain the natural curve of your spine, which can promote good posture and alleviate potential back and neck pain.
Pro: Reducing Facial Wrinkles
Sleeping on your back can help prevent facial wrinkles and skin breakouts since your face is not pressed against a pillow.
Pro: Minimizing Acid Reflux
Back sleeping can reduce the likelihood of acid reflux, as gravity helps keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. However, back sleeping is not ideal for everyone, and it can have some drawbacks:
Possible Con: Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Sleeping on your back may worsen snoring and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, as the tongue and soft tissues in the throat can obstruct the airway more easily in this position.
Possible Con: Discomfort for Certain Conditions
People with certain health conditions may find sleeping on their backs uncomfortable or aggravating.
Possible Con: Increased Risk of Sleep Paralysis
Some individuals who sleep on their backs may be more prone to experiencing sleep paralysis, a temporary inability to move or speak while transitioning between sleep stages.
Back Sleepers’ Frequently Asked Questions
What mattress firmness is best for back sleepers?
For back sleepers, a medium-firm mattress is generally recommended. This firmness level provides adequate support for proper spinal alignment and helps prevent your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress. A medium-firm mattress offers a balance of support and comfort, promoting a restful sleep experience for back sleepers. Mattresses that incorporate innerspring like the Endy Hybrid Mattress are excellent options for back sleepers.
Do back sleepers need a soft or firm mattress?
Neither! Most average-weight back sleepers benefit from something in between — medium-firm mattresses. This firmness level provides the necessary support for proper spinal alignment, especially in the lumbar region, while also offering some contouring and pressure relief for comfort.
What's the best memory foam mattress for back sleepers?
Memory foam may be a good option for back sleepers, as it offers several benefits that align with their needs. However, it's important to note that memory foam mattresses or mattresses with a memory foam layer can vary in terms of firmness and quality.Plus, memory foam tends to retain body heat. This can result in a warmer sleeping surface in an all-foam mattress, which may be uncomfortable for hot sleepers or those who sleep hot. Instead, stay cool all night with Endy’s breathable open-cell foam mattress, a cooling mattress designed to provide better airflow and comfort than traditional memory foam.Because Endy foam is temperature insensitive, your mattress maintains a consistent feel through every Canadian season, no matter the temperature. Plus, our foam's open-cell technology enhances breathability and cooling throughout the night.
What is the best mattress thickness for back sleepers?
The best mattress thickness for back sleepers can vary depending on individual preferences and body types. However, a mattress thickness ranging from 10 to 12 inches is generally suitable for most back sleepers. Both the Endy Mattress and the Endy Hybrid Mattress are excellent options for back sleepers.
Is an organic mattress better for back sleepers?
While organic mattresses have many benefits, they also come with a few potential disadvantages, especially for back sleepers. Organic mattresses sometimes have limited firmness options compared to conventional mattresses. While some brands offer a range of firmness levels, the selection might be more limited. This can make it challenging to find the exact firmness that suits your preferences and needs. Endy mattresses come with a materials certifications for those concerned about harmful materials:
CertiPUR-US® ✓
Our foam is CertiPUR-US® Certified, meaning it’s safe from VOCs, formaldehyde, and phthalates.
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