20 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers With Lower Back Pain (July 2024)

A guide to mattresses that alleviate lower back pain for side sleepers.

Sleeping on your side is a popular position, but it can be tricky for people with lower back pain. A good mattress can make all the difference in your sleep quality and how you feel when you wake up. A mattress that is too firm can put pressure on your spine, while a mattress that is too soft can cause your hips to sink in, leading to misalignment.

Finding the right mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain can be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort. The best mattresses for side sleepers with lower back pain are those that provide good support for your spine and hips, while also being comfortable enough to prevent you from tossing and turning all night.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the best mattresses for side sleepers with lower back pain. We’ll look at different mattress types, firmness levels, and features that can help to alleviate lower back pain. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right mattress for your needs.

Whether you prefer memory foam, latex, or innerspring, there’s a mattress out there that can help you get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best mattresses for side sleepers with lower back pain, based on our research and expert recommendations.

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
Memory Foam Pillow		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Adjustable Bed Frame		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Back Support Pillow		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Body Pillow		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Chiropractic Care		$17.99 at Amazon	4.2 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Yoga		$9.98 at Amazon	4.6 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Stretching Exercises		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Physical Therapy		$6.95 at Amazon	4.7 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Massage Therapy		$109.99 at Amazon	4.7 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Heat Therapy		$29.99 at Amazon	4.5 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Cold Therapy		$159.99 at Amazon	4.3 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Acupuncture		$29.99 at Amazon	4.3 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Sleep Positioner		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Lower Back Brace		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Weighted Blanket		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Proper Mattress		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Ergonomic Office Chair		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Healthy Weight Management		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Stress Reduction Techniques		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Load More

Memory Foam Pillow

N/A at Amazon

A memory foam pillow can help to support your neck and head in a neutral position, which can reduce pressure on your lower back.

Explore further with 22 Best Lower Back Pain Mattress Recommendations from Reddit

Specifications :

• Material: Memory foam
• Height: Varies depending on the pillow
• Firmness: Varies depending on the pillow

Reasons to buy :

• Provides good support for the neck and head
• Can help to reduce pressure on the lower back
• May be helpful for people who sleep on their side

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be too warm for some people
• May not be suitable for people who have allergies to memory foam

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience neck pain or lower back pain when sleeping on your side.
• You prefer a soft and supportive pillow.

Don't buy it if:

• You are allergic to memory foam.
• You sleep hot.

Bottom Line:

A memory foam pillow can be a great option for side sleepers with lower back pain, as it can help to keep your spine aligned and reduce pressure on your lower back. However, it's important to choose a pillow that is the right height and firmness for you, as a pillow that is too high or too firm can actually make your pain worse. If you are considering buying a memory foam pillow, be sure to read reviews and compare different models before making a purchase.

Adjustable Bed Frame

N/A at Amazon

An adjustable bed frame can help to relieve lower back pain by allowing you to adjust the angle of your bed to find the most comfortable position for your spine.

Specifications :

• Adjustability: Can be adjusted to different angles
• Material: Wood, metal, or a combination of both
• Features: May include features such as a headboard, footboard, and storage drawers

Reasons to buy :

• Can help to relieve lower back pain
• Can improve sleep quality
• Can be helpful for people who have difficulty getting in and out of bed

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be expensive
• May take up more space than a traditional bed frame

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain and are willing to invest in a bed frame that can help to relieve it.

Don't buy it if:

• You have a limited budget.
• You are short on space.

Bottom Line:

An adjustable bed frame can be a great investment for people who suffer from lower back pain, as it can help to find a comfortable position for their spine and improve sleep quality. However, it is important to note that not all adjustable bed frames are created equal. Some are more adjustable than others, and some offer more features. It is important to do your research and compare different models before making a purchase.

Back Support Pillow

N/A at Amazon

A back support pillow can help to support your lower back and reduce pressure on your spine.

Specifications :

• Material: Memory foam, latex, or fiberfill
• Shape: Varies depending on the pillow
• Firmness: Varies depending on the pillow

Reasons to buy :

• Provides good support for the lower back
• Can help to reduce pressure on the spine
• May be helpful for people who have lower back pain

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be bulky and uncomfortable for some people
• May not be suitable for people who have allergies to the materials used in the pillow

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain when sleeping on your side.
• You want a pillow that can help to support your spine and reduce pressure on your lower back.

Don't buy it if:

• You find back support pillows to be uncomfortable.
• You are allergic to the materials used in the pillow.

Bottom Line:

A back support pillow can be a good option for side sleepers with lower back pain, as it can help to keep your spine aligned and reduce pressure on your lower back. However, it is important to choose a pillow that is the right size and shape for your body, as a pillow that is too big or too small can actually make your pain worse. If you are considering buying a back support pillow, be sure to read reviews and compare different models before making a purchase.

Body Pillow

N/A at Amazon

A body pillow can help to support your body in a neutral position, which can reduce pressure on your lower back.

Specifications :

• Material: Cotton, polyester, or a combination of both
• Length: Varies depending on the pillow
• Firmness: Varies depending on the pillow

Reasons to buy :

• Provides good support for the body
• Can help to reduce pressure on the lower back
• May be helpful for people who have lower back pain

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be bulky and uncomfortable for some people
• May not be suitable for people who have allergies to the materials used in the pillow

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain when sleeping on your side.
• You want a pillow that can help to support your body and reduce pressure on your lower back.

Don't buy it if:

• You find body pillows to be uncomfortable.
• You are allergic to the materials used in the pillow.

Bottom Line:

A body pillow can be a great option for side sleepers with lower back pain, as it can help to keep your spine aligned and reduce pressure on your lower back. However, it is important to choose a pillow that is the right length and firmness for your body, as a pillow that is too long or too firm can actually make your pain worse. If you are considering buying a body pillow, be sure to read reviews and compare different models before making a purchase.

Chiropractic Care

$17.99 at Amazon

Chiropractic care can help to align your spine and reduce pressure on your lower back.

Specifications :

• Type of care: Chiropractic adjustments
• Frequency: Varies depending on the individual
• Cost: Varies depending on the chiropractor

Reasons to buy :

• Can help to relieve lower back pain
• Can improve range of motion
• Can help to reduce muscle tension

Reasons to avoid :

• Not everyone is a good candidate for chiropractic care
• Can be expensive
• May not be covered by insurance

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain and are willing to try a holistic approach to treatment.

Don't buy it if:

• You have a serious medical condition.
• You are not comfortable with manual adjustments.

Bottom Line:

Chiropractic care can be a helpful treatment option for people with lower back pain, as it can help to align your spine and reduce pressure on your lower back. However, it is important to note that chiropractic care is not a cure-all, and it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are considering chiropractic care, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it is the right treatment option for you.

Yoga

$9.98 at Amazon

Yoga can help to stretch and strengthen your back muscles, which can help to relieve lower back pain.

Specifications :

• Type of exercise: Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Frequency: Varies depending on the individual
• Cost: Varies depending on the yoga studio or instructor

Reasons to buy :

• Can help to relieve lower back pain
• Can improve flexibility
• Can help to reduce stress

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions
• Can be difficult to learn
• Can be expensive

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain and are looking for a gentle way to exercise.

Don't buy it if:

• You have a serious medical condition.
• You are not comfortable with physical activity.

Bottom Line:

Yoga can be a great way to relieve lower back pain, as it can help to stretch and strengthen your back muscles. However, it is important to note that yoga is not a cure-all, and it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are considering yoga, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it is the right treatment option for you.

Stretching Exercises

N/A at Amazon

Stretching exercises can help to loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility, which can help to reduce lower back pain.

Specifications :

• Type of exercise: Stretching exercises
• Frequency: Varies depending on the individual
• Cost: Free

Reasons to buy :

• Can help to relieve lower back pain
• Can improve flexibility
• Can help to reduce muscle tension

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions
• May not be enough to relieve severe lower back pain

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain and are looking for a gentle way to exercise.

Don't buy it if:

• You have a serious medical condition.
• You are not comfortable with physical activity.

Bottom Line:

Stretching exercises can be a helpful way to relieve lower back pain, as they can help to loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility. However, it is important to note that stretching exercises may not be enough to relieve severe lower back pain. If you are considering stretching exercises, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure they are safe for you.

Physical Therapy

$6.95 at Amazon

Physical therapy can help to strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture, which can help to reduce lower back pain.

Specifications :

• Type of therapy: Physical therapy
• Frequency: Varies depending on the individual
• Cost: Varies depending on the therapist and insurance coverage

Reasons to buy :

• Can help to relieve lower back pain
• Can improve range of motion
• Can help to reduce muscle tension

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be covered by insurance
• Can be expensive
• May not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain and are looking for a professional to help you with exercises and stretches.

Don't buy it if:

• You have a serious medical condition.
• You are not comfortable with physical therapy.

Bottom Line:

Physical therapy can be a good option for people with lower back pain, as it can help to strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture. However, it is important to note that physical therapy is not a cure-all, and it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are considering physical therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it is the right treatment option for you.

Massage Therapy

$109.99 at Amazon

Massage therapy can help to relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation, which can help to reduce lower back pain.

Check this blog on 33 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers with Lower Back Pain

Specifications :

• Type of therapy: Massage therapy
• Frequency: Varies depending on the individual
• Cost: Varies depending on the therapist and type of massage

Reasons to buy :

• Can help to relieve lower back pain
• Can improve blood circulation
• Can help to reduce muscle tension

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be covered by insurance
• Can be expensive
• May not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain and are looking for a relaxing and therapeutic way to relieve it.

Don't buy it if:

• You have a serious medical condition.
• You are not comfortable with massage therapy.

Bottom Line:

Massage therapy can be a good option for people with lower back pain, as it can help to relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation. However, it is important to note that massage therapy is not a cure-all, and it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are considering massage therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it is the right treatment option for you.

Heat Therapy

$29.99 at Amazon

Heat therapy can help to relax muscles and reduce pain, which can be helpful for lower back pain.

Specifications :

• Type of therapy: Heat therapy
• Frequency: Varies depending on the individual
• Cost: Varies depending on the type of heat therapy used

Reasons to buy :

• Can help to relieve lower back pain
• Can relax muscles
• Can improve blood circulation

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions
• Can cause burns if used improperly
• May not be enough to relieve severe lower back pain

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain and are looking for a simple and inexpensive way to relieve it.

Don't buy it if:

• You have a serious medical condition.
• You are not comfortable with heat therapy.

Bottom Line:

Heat therapy can be a helpful way to relieve lower back pain, as it can help to relax muscles and reduce pain. However, it is important to use heat therapy safely and to avoid using it for prolonged periods of time. If you are considering heat therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you.

Cold Therapy

$159.99 at Amazon

Applying cold packs or ice packs to the lower back can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Specifications :

• Type: Cold therapy
• Application: Apply to lower back
• Duration: 15-20 minutes at a time
• Frequency: Several times a day

Reasons to buy :

• Effective for reducing pain and inflammation
• Easy to use at home
• Can be combined with other pain relief methods

Reasons to avoid :

• Can cause skin irritation or numbness if used for too long
• May not be effective for all types of lower back pain

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain that is caused by inflammation
• You are looking for a non-invasive way to reduce pain

Don't buy it if:

• You have any underlying medical conditions that could be aggravated by cold therapy
• You are allergic to cold

Bottom Line:

Cold therapy is a safe and effective way to reduce lower back pain, especially when it's caused by inflammation. It's easy to use and can be combined with other pain relief methods. However, it's important to use it properly and avoid prolonged exposure to avoid skin irritation or numbness.

Acupuncture

$29.99 at Amazon

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and relieve pain.

Specifications :

• Type: Traditional Chinese medicine
• Application: Insertion of needles into specific points on the body
• Duration: 30-60 minutes per session
• Frequency: 1-2 times per week

Reasons to buy :

• Can help reduce pain and inflammation
• May improve sleep quality
• May help reduce stress and anxiety

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be effective for all types of lower back pain
• Can be expensive
• May cause discomfort or bruising

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You are open to trying alternative therapies
• You are looking for a long-term solution for lower back pain
• You are willing to invest in several sessions

Don't buy it if:

• You have a fear of needles
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have a bleeding disorder

Bottom Line:

Acupuncture can be an effective way to relieve lower back pain, but it's not a quick fix. It may require multiple sessions and can be expensive. It's important to find a qualified and experienced acupuncturist to ensure that you are receiving safe and effective treatment.

Read more about this on 14 Best Lower Back Pain Mattress Recommendations from Reddit

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

N/A at Amazon

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen, can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Specifications :

• Type: Medication
• Application: Oral
• Duration: As directed on the label
• Frequency: As needed

Reasons to buy :

• Affordable and widely available
• Can provide fast pain relief
• Safe for most people when used as directed

Reasons to avoid :

• May cause side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, or dizziness
• Not effective for all types of lower back pain
• May mask underlying medical conditions

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You are experiencing mild to moderate lower back pain
• You are looking for a quick and easy way to reduce pain

Don't buy it if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have kidney or liver problems
• You are taking other medications that may interact with pain relievers

Bottom Line:

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be a helpful option for managing lower back pain, but they should be used with caution. They may not be effective for all types of pain and can cause side effects if used improperly. It's important to follow the directions on the label and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Sleep Positioner

N/A at Amazon

Dive deeper into 22 Best Mattress Solutions for Upper Back Pain

A sleep positioner can help you maintain a neutral spine alignment while you sleep, which can reduce lower back pain.

Specifications :

• Type: Sleep aid
• Application: Place between legs or under knees
• Duration: All night
• Frequency: Every night

Reasons to buy :

• Can improve spinal alignment
• Can reduce pressure on lower back
• Can help improve sleep quality

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be comfortable for everyone
• May not be effective for all types of lower back pain
• Can be expensive

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You sleep on your side and experience lower back pain
• You are looking for a non-invasive way to improve spinal alignment

Don't buy it if:

• You are a back sleeper
• You have any underlying medical conditions that could be aggravated by a sleep positioner

Bottom Line:

A sleep positioner can be a helpful tool for managing lower back pain, especially for side sleepers. It can help improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure on the lower back, leading to better sleep and reduced pain. However, it may not be comfortable for everyone and may not be effective for all types of lower back pain.

Lower Back Brace

N/A at Amazon

A lower back brace can provide support and stability to the lower back, which can reduce pain and prevent further injury.

Specifications :

• Type: Support device
• Application: Worn around the waist
• Duration: During activity or while sleeping
• Frequency: As needed

Reasons to buy :

• Can provide support and stability to the lower back
• Can reduce pain and inflammation
• Can help prevent further injury

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be comfortable for everyone
• Can restrict movement
• May not be effective for all types of lower back pain

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You have a history of lower back injuries
• You experience pain during physical activity
• You are looking for additional support and stability

Don't buy it if:

• You are pregnant
• You have a history of skin problems
• You have a history of circulatory problems

Bottom Line:

A lower back brace can be a helpful option for managing lower back pain, especially if it's caused by injury or instability. It can provide support and stability, reducing pain and preventing further injury. However, it may not be comfortable for everyone and can restrict movement. It's important to choose the right size and type of brace and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Weighted Blanket

N/A at Amazon

A weighted blanket can provide a sense of calm and security, which can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Specifications :

• Type: Blanket
• Application: Used while sleeping
• Duration: All night
• Frequency: Every night

Reasons to buy :

• Can help reduce stress and anxiety
• Can improve sleep quality
• Can provide a sense of comfort and security

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable for some people
• Can be expensive
• May not be effective for all types of lower back pain

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience stress or anxiety that contributes to lower back pain
• You have difficulty sleeping
• You are looking for a way to feel more relaxed and secure

Don't buy it if:

• You are claustrophobic
• You have respiratory problems
• You have any underlying medical conditions that could be aggravated by a weighted blanket

Bottom Line:

A weighted blanket can be a helpful tool for managing lower back pain by reducing stress and improving sleep quality. It can provide a sense of comfort and security, which can help relax muscles and reduce tension. However, it may not be comfortable for everyone and may not be effective for all types of lower back pain.

Proper Mattress

N/A at Amazon

You can find more information on 18 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers with Back Pain

A proper mattress can provide support and comfort for your spine, reducing pressure on your lower back and improving sleep quality.

Specifications :

• Type: Sleep surface
• Application: Used while sleeping
• Duration: All night
• Frequency: Every night

Reasons to buy :

• Can provide support and comfort for your spine
• Can reduce pressure on your lower back
• Can improve sleep quality

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be expensive
• May not be comfortable for everyone
• May not be effective for all types of lower back pain

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience lower back pain that is aggravated by your current mattress
• You are looking for a way to improve your sleep quality
• You are willing to invest in a quality mattress

Don't buy it if:

• You have a limited budget
• You are not sure what type of mattress is right for you

Bottom Line:

A proper mattress is essential for managing lower back pain. It can provide support and comfort for your spine, reducing pressure on your lower back and improving sleep quality. However, it can be expensive and may not be comfortable for everyone. It's important to choose a mattress that is right for your individual needs and preferences.

Ergonomic Office Chair

N/A at Amazon

An ergonomic office chair can provide proper support for your spine and posture, reducing stress on your lower back.

Specifications :

• Type: Seating
• Application: Used while sitting
• Duration: During the workday
• Frequency: Every day

Reasons to buy :

• Can provide proper support for your spine and posture
• Can reduce stress on your lower back
• Can improve comfort and productivity

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be expensive
• May not be comfortable for everyone
• May not be effective for all types of lower back pain

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You spend a lot of time sitting at a desk
• You experience lower back pain that is aggravated by sitting
• You are looking for a way to improve your posture and comfort

Don't buy it if:

• You have a limited budget
• You are not sure what features are important in an ergonomic chair

Bottom Line:

An ergonomic office chair can be a helpful tool for managing lower back pain. It can provide proper support for your spine and posture, reducing stress on your lower back and improving comfort and productivity. However, it can be expensive and may not be comfortable for everyone. It's important to choose a chair that is right for your individual needs and preferences.

Healthy Weight Management

N/A at Amazon

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on your lower back and prevent further injury.

Specifications :

• Type: Lifestyle modification
• Application: Diet and exercise
• Duration: Ongoing
• Frequency: Daily

Reasons to buy :

• Can reduce stress on your lower back
• Can improve mobility and flexibility
• Can reduce the risk of other health problems

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be challenging to maintain
• May require significant lifestyle changes
• May not be effective for all types of lower back pain

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You are overweight or obese
• You are looking for a long-term solution for lower back pain
• You are willing to make lifestyle changes

Don't buy it if:

• You are not motivated to make lifestyle changes
• You have any underlying medical conditions that could affect your ability to exercise

Bottom Line:

Healthy weight management is essential for managing lower back pain. Excess weight puts extra stress on your spine, making pain worse and increasing the risk of further injury. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce stress on your lower back, improve mobility and flexibility, and reduce the risk of other health problems.

Stress Reduction Techniques

N/A at Amazon

Stress can contribute to lower back pain by tightening muscles and increasing inflammation.

Specifications :

• Type: Lifestyle modification
• Application: Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises
• Duration: Ongoing
• Frequency: Daily

Reasons to buy :

• Can help reduce stress and anxiety
• Can relax muscles and reduce tension
• Can improve sleep quality

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be effective for everyone
• May require practice and effort
• May not be effective for all types of lower back pain

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You experience stress or anxiety that contributes to lower back pain
• You are looking for a natural way to reduce pain and improve well-being
• You are willing to commit to regular practice

Don't buy it if:

• You are not motivated to learn and practice stress reduction techniques
• You have any underlying medical conditions that could be aggravated by stress

Bottom Line:

Stress reduction techniques can be a helpful way to manage lower back pain. Stress can tighten muscles and increase inflammation, making pain worse. By practicing mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, you can reduce stress and tension, relax muscles, and improve sleep quality. These techniques can also be beneficial for overall well-being.

Choosing the right mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. By considering factors like firmness, pressure relief, and support, you can find a mattress that aligns your spine properly and minimizes discomfort.

Ultimately, the best mattress for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It's important to prioritize comfort and support, and to choose a mattress that allows you to sleep soundly throughout the night.

We encourage you to try out different mattresses before making a purchase. Many retailers offer sleep trials, allowing you to test out a mattress in your own home for a period of time. Don't hesitate to reach out to a sleep specialist or physical therapist for personalized recommendations.

Remember, investing in a quality mattress is an investment in your health and happiness. By choosing a mattress that caters to your unique needs, you can enjoy better sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized every morning.