Two types of edge reinforcement extend the usable surface
Zoned for enhanced lumbar support
Incorporates ventilated materials designed to dissipate heat
365-night trial policy with optional mattress customization
Cons
Generous comfort system may slightly impede movement
Higher-than-average price-point
May be too firm for stomach sleepers under 130 pounds and too soft for some over 230 pounds
Back Science is a sleep product company that aims to relieve back pain by promoting good overnight posture. Its product line includes pillows, bedding, bases, and three mattress models. The Back Science Series 2 Mattress is a firm (7) hybrid option that falls toward the middle of the pack in terms of firmness, depth, and price.
The company’s firmest model, the Series 1, is a 10-inch all-foam model intended primarily for back sleepers. Because it uses the least material, it is the most affordable option in the line. The Series 3, Back Science’s plushest model, is a 14-inch hybrid designed for side sleepers. Because of its high profile, it carries the steepest price tag. At 12 inches thick with a firm (7) feel, the Series 2 is a balanced option built with combination sleepers in mind.
We’ll break down how the Back Science Series 2 Mattress performed during our in-house testing. Additionally, we’ll share its construction, pricing, and policies to help you decide if it’s right for you.
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Testing Team Takeaways
To test the Back Science Series 2 Mattress, we had three people on our testing team each take the bed home with them for one week. Here are their initial observations.
Brad Nehring
Senior Product Analyst
Side sleeper
215 pounds
Always sleeps with a weighted blanket
As someone who experiences back pain from time to time, I am a big fan of the Series 2. That extra padding for my lower back and hips really helps this mattress go the extra mile.
Jeremy Klein
Senior Product Testing Manager
Side sleeper
160 pounds
Nightly melatonin user
Normally I prefer a softer mattress, but the Series 2 pulls off that tricky feat of providing heavy-duty support without feeling too stiff or rigid on the surface. I can see this bed being a major asset for anyone who deals with frequent aches and pains.
Logan Foley
Editorial Director
Side sleeper
140 pounds
Has too many dogs in the bed
The Back Science Series 2 feels tailor-made for people with back pain. There’s plenty of support beneath the lumbar region and hips, and great reinforcement from the coils.
Sleeping Style and Body Weight
Back Science Series 2 Mattress
Sleeper Type
Under 130 lbs
130-230 lbs
Above 230 lbs
Side Sleepers
7/10
8.5/10
7/10
Back Sleepers
7/10
8.5/10
7/10
Stomach Sleepers
5.5/10
7/10
5.5/10
Side Sleepers
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress’ combination of cradling and support is a great match for side sleeping. It incorporates two polyfoam comfort layers totaling 3 inches thick to conform to and cushion a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders. These are the regions most prone to pressure-related discomfort. Next, two polyfoam transition layers add another 3 inches of contouring to redistribute the sleeper’s weight. A polyfoam lumbar pad sandwiched between the transition layers also helps lift the hips to keep a side sleeper’s spine in a more neutral position.
Our testers noted that the Back Science Series 2 Mattress had a balanced feel. It earned the highest marks from team members between 130 and 230 pounds, who appreciated the contouring and support of the firm (7) surface. Lighter and heavier testers also reported resting comfortably on their sides. However, some team members under 130 pounds would have preferred a plusher feel to sink in more deeply, and a few testers over 230 pounds felt they’d benefit from firmer support.
Back Sleepers
With its firm (7) feel and reinforced lumbar region, the Back Science Series 2 Mattress is a good match for most back sleepers. The two polyfoam comfort layers and two polyfoam transition layers mold to the back to ease pressure and promote good posture. Meanwhile, the lumbar reinforcement helps prevent the hips from sagging, which could otherwise drag a back sleeper’s spine out of alignment.
Regardless of their body type, our testers reported that the Back Science Series 2 Mattress was comfortable for back sleeping. It was the biggest hit with our back sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. Some team members under 130 pounds thought it would be better if it were slightly softer, whereas those over 230 pounds would have preferred if the surface were a bit firmer.
Stomach Sleepers
While the Back Science Series 2 Mattress accommodates stomach sleeping, it may not be optimal for those who sleep exclusively in the position. Its lumbar reinforcement helps limit midsection sinkage that could strain the lower back of a stomach sleeper, but some individuals may find the firm (7) feel too firm or too soft depending on their body type.
Our team members between 130 pounds and 230 pounds felt reasonably well supported when lying on their stomachs, making the Back Science Series 2 Mattress a strong option for combination sleepers in this weight group. However, some testers under 130 pounds reported that the surface felt too hard against the front of their bodies, and most over 230 pounds thought the mattress didn’t keep their spines on an even plane.
Mattress Performance
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Motion Isolation
8
/ 10
Motion isolation is above-average for the Back Science Series 2. There’s some motion transfer, but the foam layers should isolate movement enough to prevent couples from waking each other up. – Brad
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress isolates motion quite well, which is common among similar hybrid models. Four layers of polyfoam totaling 6 inches top the mattress, absorbing many surface vibrations before they reach the coil core. Movement that reaches the spring system also doesn’t spread too much since the coils are pocketed and move independently of each other.
When we dropped a kettlebell on one side of the bed, our vibration sensor detected minimal motion on the opposite side. Our team members also reported that they felt only some movement when a testing partner moved around on the surface.
Pressure Relief
7
/ 10
Pressure relief is one of the Series 2’s defining strengths as a mattress. Deep cushioning from the foam layers, zoned lumbar support, and robust coil reinforcement all help ensure you’ll experience minimal pain and pressure buildup. – Jeremy
For a firm (7) mattress, the Back Science Series 2 Mattress relieves pressure well. This is largely thanks to the generous polyfoam layers, which add 6 inches of cradling and conforming to the surface. Since the coils can also compress independently of each other, the core further lends to the notable contouring.
We mapped pressure when our testers lay on the mattress and noticed that the surface spread out their body weight fairly well, particularly for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. Team members also did not report noticing any sharp pressure points.
Temperature Control
7.5
/ 10
One thing that really impressed me about the Series 2 is its ability to stay cool. A lot of foam hybrids we’ve tested retain at least some heat, but I never felt any warmth lying on the mattress — this is the best of both worlds if you’re looking for a bed that cushions your body and maintains a comfortable temperature. – Logan
Like many of the best cooling mattresses, the Back Science Series 2 incorporates technology designed for temperature regulation. This includes a breathable cover, vented polyfoam to allow airflow, and gel infusions designed to limit heat retention. Air circulation through the coil core also adds to the temperature control.
Our temperature readings showed that the Back Science Series 2 Mattress maintains a relatively neutral temperature. While some warmth lingered on the surface once we removed a heat source, it dissipated quickly. Team members, including those who sleep hot, also said they stayed at a comfortable temperature on the mattress.
Edge Support
8.5
/ 10
The Series 2’s reinforced perimeter delivers strong edge support. Most of our testers felt little to no sinkage when getting on and off the mattress. – Logan
Hybrids often have exceptional edge support, and the Back Science Series 2 Mattress follows suit. Many hybrid designs use either reinforced coils or a foam edge encasement to fortify the perimeter, but the Back Science Series 2 Mattress incorporates both.
In our tests, team members comfortably used the full mattress surface, including sitting and sleeping along the perimeter. This not only made the bed feel bigger to them, but it also simplified getting into and out of bed.
Ease of Movement
6.5
/ 10
The Series 2’s foam layers do hamper movement a bit, especially when you change sleep positions, but there’s enough pushback from the coils to prevent excessive sink. Most people who weigh 230 pounds or less should be able to move across the mattress with relative ease. – Brad
While the Back Science Series 2 Mattress is fairly easy to change positions on, it doesn’t facilitate motion to the same extent as many firm (7) hybrid models. This is largely due to the four layers of polyfoam on the surface of the mattress. These layers don’t hold a lasting body impression or significantly restrict movement, but they do dampen the responsiveness of the coil core.
None of our testers struggled to move across the surface, but they noted that it took a bit more effort than they’d usually expect from this type of mattress. We don’t anticipate most sleepers will experience any difficulty, but some with mobility issues may find position changes slightly more challenging.
Off-Gassing
7.5
/ 10
The Series 2 is a typical foam hybrid in terms of off-gassing. There’s some noticeable odor when the mattress is unpacked, but the smells clear out pretty quickly. – Jeremy
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress has some off-gassing odors, which is standard for models that contain synthetic foam.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from foam manufacturing stick around when a mattress is packed for shipping. They then release when a mattress is unpacked, emitting the familiar new-mattress smell. Experts generally don’t consider the odor unsafe, but some sleepers find it unappealing and prefer to air out their mattress before use.
When we unpacked the Back Science Series 2 Mattress in our sleep lab, our testers reported a slight initial odor. After 24 hours, they could barely detect it.
Additionally, the Back Science Series 2 Mattress holds GREENGUARD Gold certification, which verifies that the model meets strict emission standards.
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress Coupon
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Back Science mattresses
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress is a firm (7) hybrid model that measures 12 inches thick.
A bamboo-derived knit cover wraps around the exterior. The cover is designed for breathability so that heat can escape the sleep surface. Handles on the sides make it easier to move the mattress. The cover uses a modular design, which allows it to be unzipped for alterations to the mattress’ overall feel and lumbar support.
The comfort system starts out with a 1-inch layer of polyfoam followed by a 2-inch layer. This material adds cradling and cushioning, while its ventilated design allows hot air to escape. Both layers are also infused with gel, which is engineered to increase the buoyancy and contouring while limiting heat buildup.
Next, the mattress contains several transition layers. The top polyfoam transition layer measures 1 inch thick and is ventilated to promote airflow. A zoned layer underneath reinforces the lumbar region of the bed to support good sleep posture, and mattress owners can reposition this component based on their needs. Another 2-inch layer of polyfoam softens the transition between the comfort system and the core, while built-in channels allow additional airflow.
Finally, the mattress core consists of 6 inches of pocketed coils. These coils move separately from each other for greater motion isolation and contouring. The coils around the outer edges are reinforced to give the perimeter a sturdy feel and allow sleepers to use the full mattress surface area. Additionally, a 3-inch foam edge encasement wraps around the coil system to further fortify the mattress’ edges.
As is common with the best hybrid mattresses, the Back Science Series 2 Mattress carries a higher-than-average price tag. It also has a steeper cost than many hybrid models on the market. That said, the best mattress for you may be a worthwhile investment.
In addition to the six standard mattress sizes, the Back Science Series 2 Mattress also comes in split king, split California king, split-top king, and split-top California king. Note that while Back Science uses the term Eastern king, this is the same size as a standard king.
Sizes
Dimensions
Height
Weight
Twin
38″ x 75″
12″
N/A
Twin XL
38″ x 80″
12″
N/A
Full
54″ x 75″
12″
N/A
Queen
60″ x 80″
12″
N/A
King
76″ x 80″
12″
N/A
California King
72″ x 84″
12″
N/A
Split King
38″ x 80″ (2 pc.)
12″
N/A
Split California King
36″ x 84″ (2 pc.)
12″
N/A
Split-Top King
76″ x 80″
12″
N/A
Split-Top California King
72″ x 84″
12″
N/A
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Back Science mattresses
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress is available through the official Back Science website. Orders through the website ship within the contiguous United States. Back Science also ships to select locations outside of the contiguous U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, which customers can learn more about by phone.
In addition, Back Science mattresses are available in person at the Ultrabed showroom in Agoura Hills, California.
Shipping
Back Science ships the Series 2 Mattress for free within the contiguous U.S. Shipping may be available to other destinations for a fee.
While many online mattress retailers compress and roll their mattresses, Back Science ships its models flat. Each mattress is wrapped in plastic, placed in a sturdy box, and delivered via special carrier or freight. The mattress arrives via curbside delivery, so the customer is responsible for moving it in and setting it up.
Most mattresses are produced after the order is placed, which usually takes two to three weeks. One or two days later, the mattress generally leaves the manufacturing facility, arriving at the customer’s home around one week after its departure.
Additional Services
White Glove delivery is available for a $99 fee. This fee includes mattress delivery and setup.
Sleep Trial
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial. Back Science asks that you try the mattress for at least 21 nights to adjust. If during the remainder of the trial period you decide to return the mattress in its original condition, you can receive a refund of the purchase price minus shipping costs. Returns require a return merchandise authorization and must be received before the end of the trial period.
Alternatively, Back Science offers free modifications to adjust the firmness or lumbar support. This can often be accomplished at home by unzipping the cover and adjusting the layering. If necessary, the company may send a complimentary replacement layer.
Warranty
The Back Science Series 2 Mattress comes with a partially prorated 30-year limited warranty.
During the first 10 years, Back Science offers to repair or replace a defective mattress at no cost beyond shipping and handling. After that, customers will incur a prorated charge in addition to shipping and handling expenses.
Eligible defects include visible indentations over .75 inches deep. Damage sustained after delivery is not covered.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
