Best Mattress For People Who Sleep On Their Back – Reviews And Awards 2021 UK


Best Mattress For People Who Sleep On Their Back

Are you a back kipper? Then this article is for you. Most people who snooze on their spine know that back sleepers need a few luxuries. Comfort, pressure relief, and cosy temperatures – to name but a few. The good news is that the best mattresses for back sleepers come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you love memory foam or pocket coils (or a comfy blend of the two), there is something out there for you.

We handpicked the top beds for their sumptuousness, free home trials, and ability to give back sleepers the best Zzz’s ever. Before we ogle the best mattresses, let’s get the fine print out of the way. In each case, we showcase the “double” size without a bed frame. The prices were also correct at the time of writing. With that settled, here are the top slices of heaven for back sleepers!


1. The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress By Nectar – A Medium-Firm Bed (£549)

The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress by Nectar is great for back sleepers for several reasons. This type of mattress (memory foam) is also suitable for people with back pain, arthritis, and sensitive pressure points due to their body weight.

Let’s see why the Nectar Mattress could be the best for back sleepers.

Memory Foam Mattress By Nectar Sleep

The Benefits Of This Mattress

The firmness scale of the bed’s memory foam is “medium-firm.” This is the comfort level that most people prefer, regardless of their favourite sleeping position. That being said, it offers special care and comfort to back sleepers. How so? A medium-firm comfort level cradles the entire body to give tailor-made support to different areas. The resulting pressure relief is so excellent that many medium-firm mattresses give sleepers a weightless sensation. This sensation is crucial when you suffer from pressure-related lower back pain or spine problems.

Get all the best beds for bad backs and the comfiest mattresses for arthritis.

The Nectar Mattress has more benefits. Back sleepers can snuggle against a top layer that draws heat away from their bodies, keeping them cool during summer and toasty in winter. A comfort layer within the mattress also provides comfort and support, spinal alignment, and better sleep.

How Long Is The Home Trial And Warranty?

Nectar Sleep is one of two mattress brands that offer something very special. Indeed, nobody can match their spectacular home trials and guarantees. But enough suspense. Should you decide to try this memory foam mattress, what can you expect? Nectar Sleep is so convinced that their mattress will provide customers with heavenly support and comfort, that few (if any) people will return the bed. For this reason, they offer a 365-night home trial and a lifetime warranty.

  1. The terms and conditions of the home trial.
  2. The terms and conditions of the guarantee.

Awards And Reviews

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is the proud recipient of several awards. Some of the most recent, all given in 2020, were also among the best accolades that were given to this best mattress for back sleepers. The Sleep Foundation announced the Nectar Mattress as The Best Overall Mattress. The well-respected The Good Housekeeping Institute also placed its stamp of approval on the mattress while The Independent also listed it as one of the best medium-firm mattresses of the year.

Are you interested in the brand? You can read our complete Nectar mattress review for more information.


2. The Lux Mattress By Brook and Wilde – Various Comfort Levels: Soft, Medium, Firm (£749)

Are you more of a hybrid mattress fan? Then Brook and Wilde might be a better choice. The brand makes two hybrid mattresses. You will meet both. The mattresses are among the best for back sleepers, especially those who need comfort and support for back issues, their body weight, spinal alignment, and pressure points.

Let’s see how the Lux Mattress is the best for back sleepers and their favourite sleeping position.

Lux Mattress By Brook And Wilde

The Benefits Of This Mattress

Sleeping on your back has never been more comfortable than this. Sleepers can choose their favourite comfort level, which ranges from soft to firm. If you are considering to make the Lux bed your new mattress, then here are some of the top benefits that you can expect. Layer by layer. Did we mention that the mattress has 6 wonderful layers?

  1. Back sleeping can cause sleepers to become too hot. The surface level of this hybrid mattress is not only soft and comfortable, it also draws heat away from the body. If cleanliness is important, there is an added perk. The sheet wraps around the entire mattress, protecting it from dust and impurities.
  2. This comfort layer is made of memory foam. The job of a comfort layer is to support spinal alignment, bring comfort and support as well as pressure relief. The comfort layer also circulates air and that helps to keep back sleepers cool and fresh.
  3. Another feature that makes the Lux a good mattress for back sleepers is the number of pocket springs baked into its design. There are two layers with coils and this is the first. The spring count? Roughly 2,000 pocket springs tackle the pressure points of the body. The coils also adjust to your weight, making back sleeping a thing of comfort.
  4. The fourth layer is something that every spine needs. The designers of the Lux mattress added a specialist foam sheet shaped like a wave (this bulge is located under the shoulder area). It helps with the natural alignment of the spine and also gives extra support to the shoulders and back.
  5. Meet the second sheet of coils. They are bigger than the first batch and number 1,000 springs. They add more support for back sleepers, as well as comfort and pressure relief.
  6. The best mattresses have a thick and sturdy support base that keeps the other layers in good working order. The Lux mattress has a base that will add years to the life of your new mattress and support your spine.

If you love the bounce and weightlessness of coils, here are the best pocket sprung mattresses and also the top hybrid mattresses.

How Long Is The Home Trial And Warranty?

You can test this hybrid mattress at home for 100 nights. At any time during the home trial, if you feel that this is not the right type of mattress for your, then Brook and Wilde will exchange the bed for another one. Since they only make two mattresses, you are kind of obliged to take the Elite Mattress (coming up next) but as you will see, it has extra layers of support for back sleepers.

However, should you feel that the Lux is the best mattress for sleeping on your back, then the brand will cover it with a 10-year warranty. Here are the terms and conditions of the guarantee.

Awards And Reviews

Brook and Wilde’s mattresses have won awards on their own and as a team. On its own, the Lux mattress earned a Which? Best Buy award in 2019. Together with the Elite Mattress, it was also named by Real Homes as being among the top bed-in-a-box mattresses that are available on the market today. The beds also share a rating at Trustpilot. At the time of writing, they had an excellent score of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Are you interested in the brand? You can read our complete Brook and Wilde mattress review to learn more.


3. The Elite Mattress By Brook And Wilde – Various Comfort Levels: Soft, Medium, Firm And Extra Firm (£1099)

The Lux mattress might already be an amazing bed but why stop there? The Elite Mattress has 2 extra layers – that’s right, you can sprawl on your back on a mattress with 8 layers. That is not something you see every day in the bed industry. This hybrid mattress has plenty to offer back sleeping individuals. Let’s see why this could also be the best mattress for you.

We also handpicked and reviewed the best mattresses from top brands that are available today.

Elite Mattress By Brook And Wilde

The Benefits Of This Mattress

  1. The top layer of the Elite is something the Lux lacks (unfortunately). This cover shares things with the Lux’s top sheet and those include softness, breathability, and style. But only the Elite mattress has a cover that is both removable and washable. (Get our top tips on how to clean a mattress and keep it lemony fresh).
  2. The best mattresses for back sleepers also take care of themselves. In this case, the designers added a memory foam protector. This sheet ensures that the top cover does not snag on the memory foam in the third layer, prolonging the lifespan of both layers.
  3. This layer of memory foam is perfect for any sleeping position. But to back sleepers, it offers cooling properties, pressure relief, comfort, and spinal alignment.
  4. People who are back sleepers, suffer from lower back pain or pressure points also need the support of pocket springs. This comfort layer cradles the body in any sleeping position, bring natural alignment to the spine and makes back sleeping more comfortable overall.
  5. The Elite mattress also contains the memory foam shaped like a wave. Together with the other layers of foam and coils, the support given by this sheet makes the Elite one of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
  6. The sixth layer is home to an extra 1,000 pocket springs. So say hello to more pressure relief, comfort, and support for your favourite sleeping position.
  7. The support base not only keeps the entire mattress in great shape but it specifically gives support to the 1,000-coil comfort layer so that it remains in pristine condition. The firm support the mattress also draws from the base makes the mattress a good choice for back sleepers with lower back pain and spine problems.
  8. The best mattresses for back sleepers must also stay put on the bed frame. This layer consists of a non-slide material that keeps the mattress on the frame and prevents it from damage that might occur should it dip over the edge.

Find the best beds for stomach sleepers and the best beds for side sleepers.

How Long Is The Home Trial And Guarantee?

Brook and Wilde offer the same deals for both of its mattresses. This means that, should you prefer the Elite Mattress, then you can sleep on the bed for 100 nights. This is a decent period to see if the Elite Mattress suits your needs and provides quality sleep, support, and spinal alignment for back sleeping positions. You also get a 10-year warranty upon purchase. Here are the terms and conditions of the guarantee. Keep in mind that if you do not like the Elite, then you can exchange it for the Lux mattress and continue the home trial.

Awards And Reviews

The Elite Mattress is the superstar of the family. In 2020, it won two noteworthy accolades. First, the Good Housekeeping Institute gave the mattress its seal of approval. Good Homes Magazine also had their reviewers sleep on the bed and they had this to say, claiming that it was “One of the best mattresses we have ever tested.”

Are you interested in the brand? You can read our complete Brook and Wilde mattress review.


4. The S Plus Memory Foam Mattress By Dormeo – A Split Tension Comfort Level: Soft And Medium-Firm (£399)

No two back sleepers are alike – and Dormeo came up with a nifty idea to make this bed comfortable for most people. Its S Plus Memory Foam Mattress has a dual firmness scale. On the one side (literally), this is the best mattress for back sleepers who prefer a medium-firm comfort level. Do you prefer a softer touch? Then simply turn the mattress over. The other side is a plush patch for back sleepers who feel better when they sleep on this type of mattress (soft with not too much tension). But let’s see what else makes the S Plus Memory Foam bed the best mattress for back sleeping.

The Benefits Of This Mattress

  • The memory foam mattress is also one of the best mattresses for couples. Each person gets his or her own level of comfort and support when they sleep.
  • The mattress is a good choice for those who hate to sleep on pocket coils – you get to snooze on the best memory foam and award-winning technology.
  • The best mattress for back sleepers must also offer a good depth and comfort levels. The mattress is 20 cm deep and Dormeo also claims that it has 30+ comfort combinations.
  • The mattress supports healthy spinal alignment.
  • The medium-firm feel also works with pressure points for better sleep.
  • It offers support for most body types and weight.
  • The memory foam always returns to its original shape. This means that back sleepers can look forward to a mattress that will rarely lose its shape.
  • Its ability to absorb moisture also makes this the best mattress for back sleepers who tend to get hot and sweaty when they sleep.
  • The prize-winning Octaspring foam springs are also 8 times more breathable than other types of foam. A lovely bonus for hot back sleepers.
  • A comfort layer with several support zones gives extra support to the shoulders, hips, legs, lower back, and head.
  • This is also the best mattress for back sleepers with allergies. The bed is treated to evict allergens such as dust mites. The mattress is also anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.
  • While the mattress has plenty of benefits for back sleepers, it is suitable for any sleeping position. This makes it a good choice for couples who have different sleep poses.
  • Great spinal alignment and support.

How Long Is The Home Trial And Guarantee?

This is not the best mattress sleep trial that we have ever seen. How long is it? Just 60 days. But to be fair, that is roughly two months. This period of time is sufficient for anyone who wants to test a mattress for quality sleep, back support, pressure relief, and body comfort. Should you test the bed at home and feel that this is the best mattress for back sleepers, Dormeo will offer you a pretty decent warranty – your S Plus Memory Foam Mattress carries a guarantee of 15 years. Interested in the home trial? Here are the rules and regulations.

You can also look at the longest free home trials offered by the best brands.

Awards And Reviews

The S Plus Memory Foam Mattress received a pretty good rating and review from Real Homes. The latter specifically commented on the benefits for partners, saying “The idea is absolute genius. If you and your partner have been locked in battle over the perfect mattress, I would definitely recommend that you give it a go.”

The genius idea, of course, is the option to order the mattress in split tensions that suit sleepers individually. The left side could be medium-firm and the right side could be firm. What makes the mattress “genius” is that it can be taken apart and the sides switched, in case partners feel like changing places for some reason (perhaps your significant other likes the other side of the room more or wants to be closer to the bathroom).

Are you interested in the brand? Read our complete Dormeo mattress review.


5. The Royal Backcare 2000 By Sleepeezee – An Extra-Firm Mattress (£919)

Most back sleepers do well on a medium-firm mattress. However, some individuals need extra support during sleep and find that extra-firm mattresses are better suited to their needs.

For those who need more support, we picked the Royal Backcare 2000 by Sleepeezee. As the name suggests, it also provides comfort to those with back pain.

Royal Backcare 2000 By Sleepeezee

The Benefits Of This Mattress

  • The firmness is suitable for those with more body weight.
  • The mattress provides correct support and alignment of the body during sleep.
  • The mattress materials are also ethically sourced and planet-friendly.
  • The cover is designed to be a comfort layer. You can sleep on a surface that is soft, comforting, and stylish.
  • The mattress is a good alternative for back sleepers who want natural fillings in their mattress instead of memory foam.
  • Only the best natural fillings are used and they include cashmere and British wool. Both give the mattress and your favourite sleeping position more support, comfort, and breathability. They also make the mattress more hygienic.
  • Back sleepers with allergies can also experience better sleep. The mattress contains a special ingredient (a type of fibre) that makes the bed ultra-hypoallergenic.
  • This is also a hybrid mattress. It includes a generous helping of 2,000 pocket springs to support back sleepers when they move, get into bed, and even when they turn over in their sleep. The coils also offer the best support for individuals with conditions like back pain and arthritis.
  • The pocket coils also limit motion transfer, ensuring that partners enjoy a good night’s sleep even when their significant other tosses and turns.
  • The mattress is also one of the best choices to lessen tossing and turning. The support and comfort it provides, especially with pressure points, allow back sleepers to experience fewer moments of discomfort (which leads to tossing and turning).
  • The mattress was also specifically designed to support back sleepers or those who sleep on their stomach.

How Long Is The Home Trial And Guarantee?

Sleepeezee mattresses are sold through different retailers. When this happens, home trials and guarantees can differ, depending on each store’s policies. In this case, Sleepeezee, as a brand, does not offer a specific length of time to test their mattresses. Indeed, back sleepers who are interested must visit a retailer that sells Sleepeezee mattresses and see what the store offers. Just some of the stores that offer Sleepeezee mattresses include Dreams, Furniture Village, and Land of Beds. You can also use the brand’s Find A Retailer feature to find a store near you.

The warranty is a simpler affair. It does not matter which retailer you prefer, Sleepeezee offers a 5-year guarantee for all their mattresses. Here are the terms and conditions.

Awards And Reviews

At the time of writing, the Royal Backcare 2000 is yet to scoop an award. But perhaps the brand’s own accolades deserve a mention. On several occasions, Sleepeezee has been awarded a Royal Warrant and in 2018, the brand also won the Harvey Norman Bedding Product of the Year award.

Are you interested in the brand? You can find out more about its awards, other mattresses and best options for your sleeping position. Read our complete Sleepeezee mattress review.


6. The 5G Mattress By Ergoflex – A Medium-Firm To Firm Mattress (£444)

The 5G Mattress By Ergoflex is another excellent choice for back sleepers who need extra support for body alignment and weight.

This ability to make sleepers feel weightless is a welcome relief for conditions that are aggravated by weight and pressure, including arthritis, pressure points, back problems, and fibromyalgia.

Ergoflex 5G Mattress By Ergoflex

The Benefits Of This Mattress

  • This mattress is one of the best choices for foam lovers. It consists of three layers of memory foam and two wraps. The outer cover is a sumptuous and soft surface – something every person deserves to sleep on. The second wrap encloses the three foam layers, keeping them intact and clean from dust.
  • The upper layer of foam is 9cm thick. The visco-elastic memory foam offers several benefits that can make back sleepers sleep more peacefully. The best features include no motion transfer, a comfort layer against pressure points and weight, while also offering support for the back and spinal alignment.
  • The middle sheet can also be considered as a comfort layer for back sleepers who struggle with too much heat at night. Maybe its summer, you have a fever, or you just tend to get too warm when you sleep. The 5 cm thick cooling foam is designed to promote airflow. This already cools the mattress down but what makes the design so amazing is that it pushes older, warmer air from the mattress every time you move.
  • The mattress also has a sturdy foam base. It keeps the mattress in working order for years and also offer extra comfort for back sleepers, especially those who need to sleep with the best body alignment to reduce their weight and pain issues.

How Long Is The Home Trial And Guarantee?

Ergoflex offers one of the shortest home trials. But to be fair, there are mattress brands that offer no home tests to customers. Additionally, while a 30-night deal sounds short, a month is ample time to test mattresses for body support, comfort, quality sleep, and suitability for the needs of back sleepers. Let’s say that you had amazing dreams on this mattress and you decide to keep it. Ergoflex will then cover the mattress with a 10-year guarantee.

  1. The terms and conditions of the home trial.
  2. The terms and conditions of the mattress guarantee.

Awards And Reviews

The Ergoflex 5G Mattress earned a Which? Best Buy award in 2020. Only the top mattresses win this award after a thorough review for quality and value for money, so that’s good news if you are interested in testing this lovely bed.

The brand also has amazing awards. You can learn all about these and more by reading our complete Ergoflex mattress review.


7. The Emma Original Mattress By Emma – A Medium-Firm Support Mattress (£529)

The Original Mattress by Emma is a special star. This is the UK’s best-selling mattress. It is also the UK’s most-awarded bed.

The mattress is also made with the best memory foam layers, each chosen for their support and other features that can support back sleepers. Let’s see why this bestseller could be the right mattress for you.

Original Emma Mattresses

The Benefits Of This Mattress

  • An excellent choice for those who prefer memory foam mattresses.
  • Three layers of body comfort and support.
  • The top layer gives back sleepers three benefits. It removes stale and warm air, wicks away moisture, and provides luxurious support.
  • The middle layer consists of visco-elastic memory foam. Back sleepers with sensitive pressure areas, back problems, or joint pain will experience support and relief.
  • HRX foam creates a durable base. This type of foam is ultra-firm and as you’ve probably already guessed, yes, it keeps a mattress in great shape for years and can also give extra support to back sleepers or those with back issues.
  • The mattress is designed to give anyone (not just back sleepers) better rest and more energy in the morning.

How Long Is The Home Trial And Guarantee?

Emma not only has the UK’s best-selling bed but the brand also offers one of the longest home trials. You can test their mattresses for 200 nights. Long before this time is over, one should have a good idea of whether the Emma Original gives the best support and comfort for your body. If that is the case, then Emma will protect your new bed with a 10-year guarantee.

  1. The terms and conditions of the home trial.
  2. The terms and conditions of the guarantee.

Awards And Reviews

If we discuss all the awards given to the Emma Original, we’d be here all day. But some of the best that were recently given to this mattress include a Which? Best Buy award in 2020. When The Mattress Guide tested the bed, it received a near-perfect score in all TMG’s nine categories. Small wonder it won the Best Mattress Reviewed award during the 2020 TMG Awards. The same year, during the BMUK Awards, it was also named as the Best Mattress.

Are you interested in the brand? You can read our complete Emma mattress review for more information about brand awards, beds, and special offers.


Two Free Guides To Find The Best Mattresses For Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need a special kind of support for their body. The back, spine, shoulders, and feet must feel comfortable and any painful or sensitive areas must also receive support. The best beds for back sleepers are usually medium-firm to firm and can be any type of mattress (memory foam, pocket sprung, or hybrid). While the variety is always welcome, it also makes choosing the right bed so much harder. How do you buy a mattress without regretting it a few months down the line?

We wrote a universal guide that helps customers to choose the perfect bed for them. It is not specific to back sleepers but it will help you identify the things your new bed must do – like provide the perfect mix of support and comfort, for instance. The guide is full of practical tips to find your dream mattress, so feel free to grab your copy. If you are also uncertain about what size your next bed should be, then have a look at our guide that explains all the different mattress sizes.

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About the Author Tom

My journey into the world of sleep came about through living in several properties over my lifetime and always seeming to have the worst luck with neighbors. All but one have been extremely noisy and very inconsiderate. What this made me realize early on, was that the little sleep my neighbors allowed me to get needed to be of great quality. So I started to learn all about sleep, and what helps people get the best quality sleep possible.