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The Best Mattress for Sciatica
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall Mattress
WinkBed -
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight -
Best Value Mattress
DreamCloud Classic Hybrid -
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid -
Best Luxury Mattress
Zenhaven
Best Overall Mattress
The WinkBed provides a range of firmness options to accommodate different body types and position preferences. Our testing showed that each option performed well for different sleepers, offering good pressure relief, edge support, and temperature neutrality. This bed’s high-end materials also give it a luxury feel.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Four firmness options to suit all body types and sleep positions
- Reinforced edges make it easier to get in and out of bed
- Zoned coils evenly distribute weight and promote good sleep posture
Cons
- Firmer models may provide insufficient pressure relief for some sleepers with sciatica
- Softer models may inhibit movement
- Coils provoke a certain level of motion transfer
Ratings
Our Take
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Helix Midnight strikes a nice balance between plush cushioning for your sore spots and sturdy support, resulting in a true medium feel many side and back sleepers will enjoy. You won’t find many hybrids of this quality at such an approachable sticker price, and Helix further sweetens the deal with free shipping and complimentary pillows.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Adaptive foam layers contour evenly to alleviate pain
- Reinforced perimeter coils push back to support getting in and out of bed
- Coils provide airflow to combat heat retention of memory foam
Cons
- Too soft for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- Close-contouring memory foam may inhibit movement
- Extra charge for optional cooling cover upgrade
Ratings
Our Take
Best Value Mattress
The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want the benefits of a hybrid design. The bed’s construction and medium firm (6) feel provide a high level of support for the back and hips, which could benefit those with sciatica-related pain.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Gel memory foam layer engineered to relieve pressure points
- Reinforced perimeter coils bolster edge support
- Hybrid design with a budget-friendly price-point
Cons
- Stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer sleep surface
- Excessive sink restricts movement when changing sleep positions
- Coils allow for some motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other
Ratings
Our Take
Best Mattress for Back Pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses multi-zone foam and coil layers to push back against your midsection and cradle lighter areas of the body. This ensures an even sleep surface from head to toe, and you can choose from three firmness levels to further optimize your comfort level while you sleep.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Memory foam distributes body weight and reduces pressure buildup
- Zoned coils provide targeted support for the lumbar area
- Three firmness levels to accommodate different types of sleepers
Cons
- Firmer models transfer motion and may disrupt sleep for couples
- None of the models performed particularly well for the stomach sleepers on our team
- Not as responsive as some other hybrid mattresses
Ratings
Our Take
Best Luxury Mattress
Our testers found that the Zenhaven Mattress provided targeted lower back support, enhanced temperature regulation, and exceptional ease of movement. This dual-sided mattress offers both a medium soft (4) and a firm (7) side, making it ideal for those whose sleep needs change. Organic and natural materials provide a high-end feel well-suited to those seeking luxury.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Zoned latex provides enhanced lumbar support and pressure relief for the hips and shoulders
- Reversible design provides two firmness options
- Made with certified organic cotton, wool, and latex
Cons
- Heavy enough that it may take two people to flip
- Firmer side may transfer more motion and disturb a sleeping partner
- Natural materials come with a high sticker price
Ratings
Our Take
Compare Our Top Picks
| Mattress | Mattress Type | Ideal For | Value | Sleep Trial |
| WinkBed | Innerspring | Side Sleepers | Good Value | 120 nights (30 night requirement) |
| Helix Midnight | Hybrid | Combination Sleepers | Good Value | 100 nights (30-night requirement) |
| DreamCloud Classic Hybrid | Hybrid | Combination Sleepers | Great Value | 365 nights (30-night requirement) |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Hybrid | People With Back Pain | Good Value | 120 nights (30-night break-in period) |
| Zenhaven | Latex | Hot Sleepers | Good Value | 365 Nights ($99 Return Fee) |
Can a Mattress Help With Sciatica?
Sciatica occurs due to pressure on the sciatic nerves, which run down your back and along each of your legs. A well-chosen mattress may help with sciatica by supporting good posture while you sleep to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Poor posture causes the spine to shift out of alignment, which strains muscles and increases the risk of sciatica and back pain.
To keep your spine in alignment, a mattress should have the optimal firmness level for your body weight and sleep position. Good mattresses for sciatica may feature targeted or zoned support under the lower back and enough cushion to avoid aggravating pressure points.
What Is the Best Mattress Firmness for Sciatica?
To avoid triggering sciatica symptoms, your mattress should be soft enough to cushion your hips and shoulders, yet firm enough to support your lower back.
To choose the right mattress firmness for you,consider your body weight and most frequent sleeping position. If you’re a side sleeper or weigh under 130 pounds, look for a softer mattress that can conform to the contours of your body. If you’re over 230 pounds or sleep on your stomach or back, a firmer mattress offers more support to prevent your midsection from sinking.
Video: How to Find Your Best Sleeping Position
Watch our video as our sleep expert explains the best sleep position for you in order to optimize your sleep and improve your overall health.
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress for Sciatica
When shopping for a mattress to ease sciatica pain, we suggest focusing on several key features that affect spinal alignment and associated strain.
Mattress Type
Whether it’s foam, latex, airbed, or hybrid, the type of mattress you choose influences how it responds to your body. For sciatica relief, we’ve found that materials that offer a balance of support and pressure relief are often beneficial, as they support the spine while cushioning sensitive areas.
Hybrid mattresses are a popular choice, as the coils provide support and the comfort system supplies the needed pressure relief. Foam models offer close-contouring pressure relief but may not provide support for individuals over 230 pounds, while latex contours less closely and may cause pressure points. Airbeds offer customizable firmness and may be useful if your symptoms change from night to night.
Zoned Support
Some mattresses are designed with zoned support, which means that the feel varies under different areas of the body. If you have sciatica, extra support under the lumbar region and more contouring at the shoulders and hips reduces pressure on your sciatic nerve by keeping the spine on an even plane.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to a mattress’ ability to alleviate stress where the body comes into contact with the mattress, like the shoulders and hips. A pressure-relieving mattress can minimize pain along your sciatic nerve in the lower back and legs.
Mobility Factors
Ease of movement is important if you live with sciatica, as you may change positions frequently to avoid pressure buildup and find a comfortable position. Edge support is also important, as it helps in making getting in and out of bed easier.
Shipping, Delivery, and Setup
Buying a mattress online streamlines the selection process and eliminates the need to load a heavy mattress into your car, as mattresses are generally delivered to your door. Consider enlisting a friend or neighbor when it’s time to unbox and move your mattress, or opt for White Glove delivery if it’s available. White Glove delivery includes free setup of your new mattress and removal of your old one, which can be a life-saver if you have limited mobility due to sciatic pain.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Finding a mattress that doesn’t aggravate pain from sciatica is crucial, so don’t be afraid to return a new mattress that doesn’t meet your needs. A lengthy sleep trial lets you test the mattress at home to see if your body can adjust to it over several months. A warranty protects your purchase against defects that could worsen sciatic pain, like early sagging or indentations.
How to Relieve Sciatica Pain at Night
Finding the right mattress is a big step towards easing sciatica pain, but don’t stop there. We provide some handy tips to lessen pain and improve your night’s rest.
- Add a mattress topper: A mattress topper can change the performance of your mattress by making it softer or by adding zoned pressure relief.
- Use extra pillows for support: Get creative with pillows to improve your spinal alignment while you sleep. Experts recommend that side sleepers with sciatica place a pillow between their knees, while back sleepers may find relief with a pillow under their knees.
- Practice light stretching: It’s usually best to avoid exercise for a few days or weeks after developing sciatica, but some people find that gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help ease symptoms. Focus on stretches that target the hamstrings and core muscles, but avoid any movements that twist the back or increase pain.
- Talk to your doctor: Sciatica is always a symptom of an underlying condition, so it’s important to consult your doctor. They can recommend treatments tailored to your specific needs, like physical therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgery.
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How We Test
Why trust our mattress reviews? Our testers, who have different sleep needs and bring a wealth of experience in the industry, meticulously test each mattress using both hands-on and scientific testing methods. We applied our rigorous testing methodology to more than 1,000 mattresses to find the best picks for people with sciatica, bringing you the models that have the best chances of reducing nighttime discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
A mattress that offers a balance of support and pressure relief is best for sciatica. Hybrid, memory foam, or latex mattresses are often recommended because they conform well to the body’s curves to cushion pressure points while supporting the spine’s natural alignment.
The best firmness for sciatica depends on your sleep position and body weight. Medium firm mattresses often work well, providing enough support to keep the spine aligned without exacerbating pressure points. Sleepers over 230 pounds may prefer a firmer model, while sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds may sleep better on a plusher surface.
The best sleeping position for sciatica depends on individual comfort and where you feel the least pain. If you sleep on your side or back, try using pillows to enhance your sleep posture. Back sleepers might place a pillow under the knees to relieve pressure, while side sleepers can put a pillow between the knees. Stomach sleepers can stay in that position if it’s comfortable.
