Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain: Is DreamCloud or Helix Right for…

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Lower back pain can negatively affect your sleep, and finding the right mattress is important. Here, we provide an in-depth comparison of two popular mattresses that claim to help back pain: the DreamCloud Hybrid and Helix Midnight Luxe.
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About the DreamCloud and Helix mattresses
DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress

Type: hybrid
Firmness: medium firm
Cooling technology: yes
Sleeping position: side, combination
Warranty: lifetime
Trial period: 365 nights
Materials: memory foam, individually wrapped coils
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 40% off.
$665.00 AT DREAMCLOUD
*Price may vary.
The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress consists of eight layers, comprising a breathable cashmere cover, a range of different memory foams, and steel coils. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it has undergone laboratory testing to ensure it is free from harmful substances, such as ozone depleters, formaldehyde, and heavy metals, and low in volatile organic compounds.
CertiPUR-US certified
The gel-infused foam offers pressure relief for the neck, shoulders, back, and hips, and the layer below this aims to support spinal alignment.
The steel coils respond to movement and contour to a person’s body position. Stronger coils run around the edge of the mattress to enhance the support in this area. This may make it easier for people with lower back pain to get in and out of bed, as it is less likely to sag under pressure.
The base of the mattress features handles to make setting up and moving the mattress easier, an important feature for people with back pain.
aims to reduce pressure across the whole body
steel coils offer reinforced edge support
4 out of 5 users found it beneficial for back pain
does not specify a specific sleeping position most suited for
does not offer dedicated cooling features
aims to reduce pressure across the whole body
steel coils offer reinforced edge support
4 out of 5 users found it beneficial for back pain
does not specify a specific sleeping position most suited for
does not offer dedicated cooling features
Height: 12 in
Weight: twin: 62.99 lb, twin XL: 66.3 lb, full: 83.6 lb, queen: 97.4 lb, king: 120.3 lb, California king: 118.5 lb
Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Compatible with adjustable base: yes
Financing: available through Affirm
Returns: free returns
Shipping: free shipping
Height: 12 in
Weight: twin: 62.99 lb, twin XL: 66.3 lb, full: 83.6 lb, queen: 97.4 lb, king: 120.3 lb, California king: 118.5 lb
Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Compatible with adjustable base: yes
Financing: available through Affirm
Returns: free returns
Shipping: free shipping
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

Type: hybrid
Firmness: medium firm
Cooling technology: yes
Sleeping position: side
Warranty: 15 years
Trial period: 100 nights
Materials: cooling pillow top, memory foam, individually wrapped coils
Use code “SLUMBER150” for $150 off.
$2,373.80 AT HELIX
*Price may vary.
The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is specifically for people who like to sleep on their side.
The mattress holds several certifications recognizing its safety, including CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold. The GREENGUARD certification means the mattress has low chemical emissions.
GREENGUARD Gold
The mattress comprises six layers, including several layers of foam and a layer of steel coils. The foam layers conform to a person’s body and provide a medium-firm support feel. There are reinforced coils in the lumbar region of the mattress, meaning there is extra support for a person’s lower back and hips. This is important if you have lower back pain, as it will help keep your spine in a neutral position as you sleep.
People can choose between a Tencel cover or a cooling GlacioTex cover, which costs extra. Tencel is a cellulose fiber that typically comes from wood and is popular for its soft texture. GlacioTex is a cool-to-the-touch fabric that may appeal if you live in a warm climate or tend to sleep hot.
extra lumbar support may help those with lower back pain
holds two safety certifications
specifically for people who sleep on their side, a position that may be appropriate for lower back pain
cooling cover costs extra
a more expensive option
extra lumbar support may help those with lower back pain
holds two safety certifications
specifically for people who sleep on their side, a position that may be appropriate for lower back pain
cooling cover costs extra
a more expensive option
Height: 13.5 in
Weight: twin/twin XL: 80 lb, full: 105 lb, queen: 115 lb, king/California king: 145 lb
Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Compatible with adjustable base: yes
Financing: available through Affirm
Returns: free returns
Shipping: free shipping
AAPI-Founded
Height: 13.5 in
Weight: twin/twin XL: 80 lb, full: 105 lb, queen: 115 lb, king/California king: 145 lb
Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Compatible with adjustable base: yes
Financing: available through Affirm
Returns: free returns
Shipping: free shipping
AAPI-Founded
Why are DreamCloud and Helix good for lower back pain?
Good quality sleep is essential for recovery and can help the muscles and skeleton heal. Additionally, older research shows that changing to a suitable mattress can significantly improve back pain. Below, we break down the main features of the DreamCloud Hybrid and the Helix Midnight Luxe mattresses, explaining why we think they are suitable for those with lower back pain.
essential
skeleton
older research
back pain
lower back pain
The DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress is reportedly suitable for all sleep positions. This makes it apt for those who toss and turn while they sleep, and research shows that most people change position frequently overnight. If you find staying in one position painful because of lower back pain or prefer to change your position frequently while you sleep, a mattress that supports all positions could be suitable.
However, the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is specially designed for side sleepers. One study in people without sleeping disorders found that those who slept on their side reported the best quality sleep compared to those who slept on their back.
side sleepers
One study
sleeping disorders
If you have lower back pain, sleeping on your side may also be the best option, as it can promote more neutral spinal alignment. Additionally, if your back pain comes from a herniated disk, sleeping on your side in the fetal position can open up the space between the vertebrae.
herniated disk
Both DreamCloud and Helix mattresses are medium firm, which a 2021 literature review suggests is the best firmness choice for people with back pain.
best firmness choice
DreamCloud writes that its Hybrid mattress is best for those with back pain because it has a tighter top layer than its other mattresses, which offers a balance of firmness for support and softness for comfort.
Helix states that it offers comfort for pressure points such as the hips and shoulders, two areas at higher risk of pain if a person sleeps on their side.
Research from 2021 found that lower back pain was more common in those using foam and firm mattresses. The researchers go on to quote another study, which concluded that cotton mattresses provided comfort to those with lower back pain.
Research from 2021
firm mattresses
Both mattresses from DreamCloud and Helix are hybrid mattresses, which offer layers of supportive and comfortable foam on top of a base layer of steel coils. Hybrid mattresses may offer a suitable balance of support, comfort, and responsiveness.
If you find moving in bed difficult because of lower back pain, a mattress featuring only memory foam layers may be more challenging to move in than a hybrid model. The springs in a hybrid mattress offer some bounce that could help people move more easily.
memory foam
hybrid mattress
Both mattresses are medium firm and can suit side sleeping, which research has shown to be beneficial for sleep quality and may be helpful if you have lower back pain. Plus, both of these mattresses are hybrid models. We chose these because research suggests that all-foam mattresses may be associated with back pain.
Quick comparisons of DreamCloud and Helix for lower back pain
The table below features the main comparison points for the DreamCloud Hybrid and Helix Midnight Luxe mattresses. All prices in this article refer to the queen mattress models.
Dream
Cloud
Hybrid
Helix Midnight
Luxe
The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress has the support of buyers regarding its benefits for back pain, but it is less clear which sleep positions it suits best. It also has the longest warranty and sleep trial between the two brands.
The Helix Midnight Luxe has side sleepers in mind and offers targeted lumbar support. This may be beneficial if you have lower back pain and seek proper spinal alignment during sleep. However, it has less favorable reviews, a shorter trial and warranty period, and its higher price point may dissuade some buyers from trying it.
Comparing customer reviews
The DreamCloud website states that 4 out of 5 respondents to a 2021 survey claimed their DreamCloud mattress helped improve back pain. Customers frequently leave reviews on the mattress’s webpage, stating it helped their back pain, supporting the claims the brand makes about its suitability for those experiencing back pain.
On the Helix Midnight Luxe webpage, reviews are a little more mixed. While some buyers found the mattress improved their back pain, others found it worsened their pain and encountered difficulties returning the mattress. It can take time to get used to a new mattress, and it is unclear how long each buyer tested their mattress before leaving a negative review.
Overall, the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress has more favorable reviews, specifically regarding back pain.
How to choose between DreamCloud and Helix
Below are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing between DreamCloud and Helix for lower back pain:
Comfort: Both DreamCloud and Helix rate their mattresses as medium firm. However, the construction of the mattresses may mean that this firmness feels different. It may be useful to read customer reviews to understand buyers’ real-world experiences before deciding on which mattress to try. Otherwise, the best way to find out which mattress provides the comfort you need is to use the brands’ sleep trials.
Sleeping position: DreamCloud Hybrid does not recommend its mattress for a single sleeping position, meaning there is less certainty that it will suit your preferences. If you know you are most comfortable sleeping on your side, Helix has made its Midnight Luxe mattress with this position in mind.
Price: The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress is significantly more affordable than the Helix Midnight Luxe and has a longer sleep trial than Helix offers. If you have a smaller budget, you may wish to try the DreamCloud Hybrid for these reasons.
How can lower back pain impact sleep?
People with lower back pain are less likely to have restful sleep and more likely to experience sleep difficulties, such as insomnia and sleep disturbances.
less likely
insomnia
Sleeping with lower back pain can be difficult. You can try changing your sleep position and using supports to keep the body aligned, reducing strain or pressure on the muscles and joints in and around the lower back. Some research notes that side sleeping may protect against back pain. One study found that it was the position participants spent the most time in, with older people and those with a higher body mass index (BMI) favoring side sleeping in particular.
may protect against
One study
body mass index (BMI)
You can also try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees. This keeps the hips aligned with the spine and pelvis. You can also use pillows under your knees for support when you sleep on your back.
Learn more about how to sleep with lower back pain.
how to sleep with lower back pain
Lower back pain quiz
Along with assessing your sleeping setup, you should also consider working with a doctor to ensure you are treating and managing your lower back pain appropriately. These methods may include exercises, lifestyle changes, or pain management.
pain management
The quiz below can help you understand when to consult a doctor about your symptoms.
Frequently asked questions about mattresses for lower back pain
The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress has many favorable customer reviews who said it improved their back pain. Plus, the brand ran a survey that concluded that 4 out of 5 buyers found this mattress improved their back pain.
However, sleep position, firmness preferences, and the type of mattress will all influence how appropriate it is for improving or managing lower back pain.
The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress has many favorable customer reviews who said it improved their back pain. Plus, the brand ran a survey that concluded that 4 out of 5 buyers found this mattress improved their back pain.
However, sleep position, firmness preferences, and the type of mattress will all influence how appropriate it is for improving or managing lower back pain.
Research suggests that a medium-firm mattress may be best for back pain.
medium-firm mattress
Research suggests that a medium-firm mattress may be best for back pain.
medium-firm mattress
Foam mattresses may have associations with back pain, so trying a hybrid mattress may offer a suitable balance of comfort and support for those with lower back pain.
associations with
Foam mattresses may have associations with back pain, so trying a hybrid mattress may offer a suitable balance of comfort and support for those with lower back pain.
associations with
An old, sagging, or poorly constructed mattress may contribute to a person’s lower back pain. However, injuries, age, wear and tear, and other health conditions may yield similar issues. People need to work with a doctor to find out the cause of their back pain and find the most appropriate treatment or management techniques.
An old, sagging, or poorly constructed mattress may contribute to a person’s lower back pain. However, injuries, age, wear and tear, and other health conditions may yield similar issues. People need to work with a doctor to find out the cause of their back pain and find the most appropriate treatment or management techniques.
There is no one mattress doctors have recommended for back pain. People need to work with a doctor to determine the cause of their back pain, and when buying a new mattress, they need to consider their sleep position, firmness preferences, and budget.
There is no one mattress doctors have recommended for back pain. People need to work with a doctor to determine the cause of their back pain, and when buying a new mattress, they need to consider their sleep position, firmness preferences, and budget.
Sleeping on the side or back can help with lower back pain, as this may provide better spinal alignment.
Changing pillows may also help, as if people sleep with pillows too low or too high, it may increase pressure on the spine.
Changing mattress, or using a mattress topper, may also help. Hybrid mattresses may provide better support. If a mattress is too firm or too soft, and people cannot afford a new mattress, toppers may increase comfort and reduce pain.
Sleeping on the side or back can help with lower back pain, as this may provide better spinal alignment.
Changing pillows may also help, as if people sleep with pillows too low or too high, it may increase pressure on the spine.
Changing mattress, or using a mattress topper, may also help. Hybrid mattresses may provide better support. If a mattress is too firm or too soft, and people cannot afford a new mattress, toppers may increase comfort and reduce pain.
Summary
Although lower back pain can come from having problems with your mattress, finding the best mattress for lower back pain can be difficult. The DreamCloud Hybrid and the Helix Midnight Luxe mattresses both claim to be suitable for those with low back pain. While the DreamCloud mattress has more favorable reviews from customers, the Helix mattress has a dedicated lumbar support zone, which may help with spinal alignment during sleep.
You need to consider your sleep position, the mattress construction and materials, and your budget as you shop for a new mattress. You can also work with a doctor to ensure you manage your back pain safely and appropriately.