AARP testers praised the Midnight Luxe's ErgoAlign Layer as "a great addition if you are looking for an orthopedic mattress." Testers pointed to the mattress's solid pressure relief, while noting that Midnight Luxe is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers in addition to being great for back pain. Testers also highlighted the zoned lumbar support found in the Midnight Luxe, which can relieve pressure in the lower back.
Glendale, AZ - May 22, 2026 - The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress, widely considered one of the best mattresses on the internet, was named Best Mattress For Back Pain Overall by AARP in a recent review of the 8 Best Mattresses for Back Pain. In its review, AARP cited the Midnight Luxe's ErgoAlign upgrade, which assists with spinal alignment, as a key feature that separates it from the rest of the competition.
Prior to compiling its results, the AARP surveyed 300 adults ages 50 and older who recently bought a new mattress. AARP found that 92 percent of those with back pain reported that their new bed helped relieve their symptoms. In a separate focus group, according to AARP, adults over age 65 who recently upgraded from an old mattress, all reported improved sleep and comfort.
To determine the best mattress for back pain, AARP's lab team tested 26 of the best mattresses on the market. The team also relied on input from medical experts and survey respondents, giving particular focus to features like pressure relief, spinal alignment, firmness and overall price of the mattress.
AARP tester highlight: "Lying on my side, this feels great. My back feels comfortable and well supported.”
Why The Midnight Luxe Was Named The Best Mattress For Back Pain
In its review of Best Mattresses for Back Pain, AARP testers awarded the Midnight Luxe a score of 8.9 out of 10. Testers pointed to three primary benefits of the Midnight Luxe in their test:
Firm support along the center of the bed
Conforms to side sleepers' curves
Zoned lumbar support helps relieve pressure
AARP's key takeaways:
Helps keep your spine neutral. Allison, who sleeps on her side, liked the Helix Midnight Luxe because it aligned her spine well in every position. While side sleeping, she noticed how well-balanced her body felt and did not experience pressure buildup from the mattress's materials. Our lab team attributed this to the optional ErgoAlign Layer, a dense foam add-on that makes the center of the bed firmer under the midsection than the rest of the surface. The ErgoAlign Layer is a great addition if you are looking for an orthopedic mattress. Thanks to its solid pressure relief, this also is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers. Another perk of this bed is its zoned lumbar support, which can relieve pressure in the lower back.
Side Sleeper Support
AARP testers also praised the Helix Midnight Luxe as a sound design for side sleepers and those who switch sides throughout the night. According to the review, "The Helix Midnight Luxe offered enough bounce (3 out of 5) and strong edge support while lying down (4 out of 5) to make repositioning easier." AARP highlighted one tester named Dana, a 67 year old sleeper who identified as having lower back pain as a result of a fall. Dana felt that edges of the Midnight Luxe provided support in a number of different sleep positions.
Methodology
In its review of mattresses to find the best mattress for back pain, AARP relied on lab data and a rigorous testing process. The AARP analysis focused on older sleepers who might consider factors like pressure relief, spinal alignment, and mattress firmness in their buying process.
To get an understanding of the marketplace, AARP researched many of the features that are offered in mattresses across the internet, including back pain specific features like Helix's ErgoAlign support layer. AARP testers also considered online reviews, and consulted with medical experts to finalize their list of 26 mattresses for testing. AARP testers maintained a controlled lab to assess mattress features like edge support, mattress bounce, and temperature regulation. Across the 15 testers chosen for this analysis, each was 50 years or older and each was asked to provide their unbiased feedback throughout testing.
What is ErgoAlign and how does it help with back pain?
The ErgoAlign Layer was recognized throughout AARP's analysis of Best Mattresses for Back Pain. Because it is so common for sleepers to wake feeling tightness and discomfort in their lower backs, the ErgoAlign offers targeted support that can reduce how much your hips sag into the surface of the mattress.
This innovative design is a zoned top layer which features a segment of ultra-dense foam beneath your midsection to provide additional support and pressure relief where you need it, while the bottom and top sections follow the natural contours of your body. The result is an alignment structure ideal for reducing stress points and helping to provide a better night's sleep.
The ErgoAlign Layer is available as an optional upgrade to all mattresses in the Luxe Collection and available at no additional cost in every Helix Elite mattress. When you add the ErgoAlign Layer to your new mattress, you’ll enjoy increased support where you need it most and additional pressure relief in all sleeping positions. And don’t forget! Every Helix Luxe mattress includes a premium pillow top, 3 layers of high-density foam, and up to 1,000 individually wrapped steel coils with our advanced zoned lumbar support. Simply add the ErgoAlign Layer to your Luxe mattress for targeted support and deeper, more restorative sleep.
About Helix Sleep
Founded in 2015, Helix has developed a lineup of mattresses designed by top sleep scientists using cutting-edge ergonomic research for longer, deeper sleep. These award-winning mattresses are tailored to your exact sleep style, from firmness to sleep position, and are certified clean and assembled in America, so you can rest easily - and comfortably.
Learn more about Helix: helixsleep.com
Source: AARP 8 Best Mattresses for Back Pain of 2026 | Tested and Approved