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Keeping good posture when sitting and sleeping is essential for people with sciatica.
A quick look at 10 of the best mattresses for sciatica
- Best for lower back pain: Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress
- Best for ergonomic support: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
- Best for minimizing motion transfer: Layla Hybrid Mattress
- Best for pressure points: Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress
- Best for an affordable mattress: Kescas Hybrid Mattress
- Best for side sleepers: Vesgantti Upgraded Comfort Hybrid Mattress
- Best for adjustable firmness: Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Bed
- Best warranty: The DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
- Best for hot sleepers: The Winkbed Luxury Firm
- Best hypoallergenic: Puffy Mattress
The average adult spends a long time on their mattress. Indeed, experts recommend that adults sleep for around
People with sciatica need a mattress that supports their back and does not irritate the sciatic nerve and cause more pain.
Sciatica is a symptom of an irritated or compressed sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve runs from the sacral region of the back in the lower spine, through the pelvis, and down the back of the legs to the feet.
Some of the areas the sciatic nerve runs through are very narrow. Therefore, if the nerve becomes inflamed or compressed, a person can experience pain in the lower back, buttocks, and anywhere down the leg to the foot.
The sciatic nerve can become irritated for a variety of reasons. Some causes of sciatica include:
- a herniated disk
- a degenerated disk
- a back injury
- spinal stenosis, which refers to the narrowing of the spaces within the spine
- spondylolisthesis, which refers to the vertebrae slipping out of position
MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep positions and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products that are available in a wide range of budgets.
- Firmness [only applicable to some products]: MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
- Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
- Shipping: MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies.
Below are nine options for purchasing a mattress for sciatica.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for lower back pain: Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress
- Price: from $1,374
- Firmness: medium
- Sizes: twin—Californian king
- Height: 14 inches (in)
The Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress offers zoned lumbar support. This means there is targeted support for the lower back, which is where sciatica symptoms tend to begin.
Its medium-firm feel offers support and keeps sleepers comfortable.
The foam offers support for both back and stomach sleepers, though back and stomach sleeping are not ideal for people with sciatica, as these positions both increase pressure on the lower portions of the spine.
People who sleep on their back can decrease this pressure by placing a pillow underneath their knees.
Pros and cons
Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping, and a 10—15 year warranty.
However, some reviewers on the Helix website state that this mattress made their back pain worse, and that the mattress was too firm or too soft to be comfortable.
Best for ergonomic support: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
- Price: from $1,795
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Sizes: twin—Californian king
- Height: 13 in
The Casper Wave Hybrid mattress uses gel pods to relieve pressure on painful areas, such as the back and hips.
These pods are situated where the waist and hips would typically be on the mattress, so there is minimal sinking and the spine is aligned. Gel can provide more support than foam, and it may be beneficial for those with sciatica.
The ergonomic support throughout the mattress means it is softer around the shoulders and aligns the body in every sleeping position.
Pros and cons
Casper offers a 100-night trial and free shipping and returns to the United States and Canada. Additionally, the company provides a 10-year limited warranty on its mattresses.
However, those who left negative reviews on Casper’s website state that customer service may unresponsive. Some reviewers also state that the mattress does not have adequate edge support.
Best for minimizing motion transfer: Layla Hybrid Mattress
- Price: from $1,299
- Firmness: soft and firm
- Sizes: twin—Californian king
- Height: 13 in
Hybrid mattresses use both foam and spring technologies to combine the bounce of springs with the comfort of foam.
The CertiPUR-US-certified Layla Hybrid Mattress uses copper-infused memory foam that transfers heat away from the body to keep sleepers cool. Copper is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it helps keep odor and bacteria at bay.
The internal support system comprises individually pocketed coils that help minimize motion transfer between sleepers.
Paired with the memory foam layers, these coils support pressure points such as the hips and shoulders, keeping the spine in alignment.
People can flip this mattress, with one side offering a plush feel and the other a firm feel. This firmer option offers greater support than the soft version and is suitable for all sleeping positions.
Pros and cons
Layla offers a 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty on its mattresses. The company also offers free shipping in 48 states.
However, some reviewers state that the mattress is heavy and difficult to rotate. Others report that the mattress may sleep hot.
Best for pressure points: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress
- Price: from $2,799
- Firmness: medium and medium-firm
- Sizes: twin—Californian king
- Height: 9, 10, or 12 in
This mattress is made with a range of materials certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard and Global Organic Latex Standard. These materials include organic cotton, wool, and organic latex. It also comes with recommendations from orthopedic specialists and chiropractors.
Two layers of Dunlop latex sit beneath a layer of Talalay latex. The two types of latex offer different levels of firmness, so the mattress blends softness and support.
This mattress also helps keep pressure points on the body free from pain due to the added buoyancy of the latex layers.
The 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of organic wool keep the mattress breathable and cool to sleep on while offering high levels of support to keep the body in alignment.
Pros and cons
PlushBeds offers a 100-night sleep trial, a 25-year warranty, and free shipping. Additionally, people can choose from three different heights and two firmness options.
However, some reviewers state that the 9 in mattress does not offer enough support, especially for those with heavier weights.
Best for an affordable mattress: Kescas Hybrid Mattress
- Price: from around $194
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Sizes: twin—queen
- Height: 8, 10, and 12 in
The Kescas Hybrid Mattress is an affordable option for those looking for a CertiPUR-US-certified mattress that offers a medium-firm feel and an orthopedic design.
Featuring individually wrapped pocket coils, this mattress keeps the head, shoulders, waist, hips, and legs in alignment and responds quickly to different positions.
Two high density foam layers keep the mattress soft and relieve pressure on potentially painful points. At the same time, it stops sleepers from sinking into the mattress and sleeping in positions that may make sciatica symptoms worse.
Pros and cons
Kescas offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty on this mattress.
However, this mattress is not suitable for people who have a king-sized or larger bed frame.
Best for side sleepers: Vesgantti Nova Future Hybrid Mattress
- Price: from $169.99
- Firmness: medium-soft
- Sizes: twin—queen
- Height: 10.6 in
The Vesgantti Upgraded Comfort Hybrid Mattress is another CertiPUR-US-certified option that offers buyers a 100-night trial. This can allow a person time to determine whether the mattress improves their sciatica symptoms.
It is also an affordable option.
This mattress is constructed with 11-inch (in) pocket springs that are individually wrapped, along with supportive memory foam that is great for people who like to sleep on their side.
The responsive nature of both the pocket springs and foam means the mattress conforms to the position of the body as it changes during the night, keeping pressure off of potentially painful areas, such as the hips.
Pros and cons
Vesgantti offers free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year limited warranty. Additionally, the company states that the firmness and responsiveness of this mattress may make it suitable for those who sleep on their side, or a mixture of all positions.
However, the company also states that this mattress is most suitable for single persons who weigh up to 200 lb, or two people who weigh up to 400 lbs. Those who weigh more than this may not receive adequate support.
Best for adjustable firmness: Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Bed
- Price: from $699
- Firmness: adjustable firmness
- Sizes: twin—Californian king
- Height: 8 in
Featuring a 2-in gel-infused layer, the Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Bed conforms to a person’s body shape to provide support in the right places.
A unique feature of this bed is that a person can adjust the firmness using an app. Therefore, a person can sleep with the firmness or softness they need depending on the pain that their sciatica is causing. They can also adjust the mattress firmness for each side of the bed.
The bed automatically adjusts to suit each sleeper and uses sleep analysis technology to inform users about their sleep quality each night.
Pros and cons
Sleep Number offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year limited warranty. The company also offers home delivery. Additionally, the adjustable firmness on each side of the bed may be beneficial for people who prefer a different firmness than their sleeping partner.
However, those who left more negative reviews on Sleep Number’s website state that the bed loses firmness during the night. Some reviewers report that the smart features did not always work, which one customer saying that they woke up to the under-mattress light turning itself on and off.
Best warranty: DreamCloud Hybrid
- Price: from $599.25
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Sizes: twin—Californian king
- Height: 14 in
The DreamCloud Hybrid features a cashmere top quilt, foam and gel memory foam for pressure relief, and innerspring coils.
The foam DreamCloud uses is CertiPUR-US certified.
DreamCloud claims the cashmere top is a breathable fabric, keeping customers cool during the night. Each of the coils is individually wrapped, which provides support and helps eliminates motion transfer.
Pros and cons
The company offers a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. This may appeal to people who wish to purchase a mattress that may last more than others.
DreamCloud also offers free shipping and returns. Each purchase contains a pillow, sheet set, and mattress protector at no extra cost.
However, there is only one firmness option so a person cannot customize their comfort experience.
Best for hot sleepers: The Winkbed Luxury Firm
- Price: from $1,149
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Sizes: twin—Californian king
- Height: 13.5 in
The Winkbed features a eucalyptus-derived Tencel cover. This cover is moisture-wicking, cooling, and absorbent. The company also states that this material is eco-friendly.
In addition to this, it has a pillow top with gel-infused foam for cushioning and support and individually wrapped pocketed coils for zoned support. It also has edge support.
The company also claims that the Winkbed contains a stabilizing gel foam to reduce motion transfer.
The gel-infused layers may help reduce overheating during sleep. This may make the mattress a good option for people who sleep hot and prefer a firmer feel.
Pros and cons
The Winkbed comes with a lifetime warranty and a 120-night risk-free trial. The company also offers free shipping and returns.
However, the Winkbed is more expensive than some other options. Additionally, some customers report the mattress is heavy, as the mattress weighs 75—145 lbs.
Best hypoallergenic: Puffy Mattress
- Price: from $1,449
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Sizes: twin—split king
- Height: 10 in
The Puffy Mattress contains a hypoallergenic cover which the company says reduces allergy triggers and prevents the build-up of dust mites and dust. This cover is also stain resistant.
The mattress contains CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam. The foam in the mattress may help cool and support the body. The bottom layer is a grip base cover to keep the mattress in place on the bed frame.
Pros and cons
The Puffy Mattress provides edge support and may reduce motion transfer.
The company states that the mattress is suitable for all types of sleepers.
However, this mattress is not suitable for people who prefer softer support.
The following table compares the mattresses in this article.
| Firmness | Height | Warranty | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix | medium | 14 in | 10—15 year warranty | from $1,374 |
| Casper | medium-firm | 13 in | 10-year limited warranty | from $1,795 |
| Layla | soft and firm | 13 in | 10-year warranty | from $1,299 |
| PlushBeds | medium-firm | 9 — 12 in | 25-year warranty | from $2,799 |
| Kescas | medium-firm | 8 — 12 in | 10-year warranty | from $259.99 |
| Vesgantti | medium-soft | 10.6 in | 10-year limited warranty | from $299.99 |
| Sleep Number | adjustable | 8 in | 15-year limited warranty | from $699 |
| DreamCloud | medium-firm | 14 in | lifetime warranty | from $599.25 |
| Winkbed | medium-firm | 13.5 in | lifetime warranty | from $1,149 |
| Puffy | medium-firm | 10 in | lifetime warranty | from $1,449 |
A good mattress for someone with sciatica should keep the spine in alignment throughout the night to help alleviate symptoms.
A person may want to consider their usual sleeping position when choosing a mattress for sciatica. Certain mattresses may be better suited to back sleepers, side sleepers, or front sleepers.
When choosing a mattress, a person with sciatica may want to consider the following:
- Price: Mattresses can vary in price. Although a high quality product may be more expensive, it may also last longer.
- Pressure relief: People with sciatica may prefer mattresses with higher levels of pressure relief. Types to look for include memory foam and hybrid mattresses.
- Warranty: Companies may offer warranties on their mattresses. The length of a warranty may differ depending on the company.
- Materials: Mattresses consist of different materials, such as memory foam, latex, and springs. Each material has its advantages. For example, memory foam can contour to the body and provide pressure relief, which may benefit those with sciatica.
- Sleep trial: Manufacturers may offer a sleep trial, but the lengths will vary. A sleep trial allows a person to try out their mattress to see if it relieves their back pain. If it does not, they can return the mattress for a refund.
- Firmness: Firmness is subjective, and a person should look for a mattress that provides a level of firmness that supports their needs.
- Motion transfer: Mattresses with high motion transfer will move more as a person moves. A mattress with low motion transfer will result in isolated movements. People who sleep next to others may prefer a mattress with low motion transfer.
- Edge support: Some mattresses provide high resistance around the edges. This may provide more support and stability.
There is no one best mattress for sciatica. A person should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of the different types of mattresses.
Some common types of mattresses include:
- Memory foam: This type of mattress contours to the body and may provide pressure relief for joints. However, memory foam mattresses are dense and may retain more heat.
- Latex: This type of mattress is similar to memory foam but provides more bounce and may not retain as much heat, leading to a cooler sleep.
- Innerspring: This type of mattress uses steel coils to support the body. While these mattresses are often less expensive, they may be less durable.
- Hybrid: This type of mattress uses memory foam and springs to provide extra support and comfort. In addition, the coils create air channels that can lead to a cooler sleep.
A 2021 review found that a medium-firm mattress may be better for spinal alignment, sleep quality, and comfort. However, firmness is subjective, and people should purchase a mattress that offers the support they require.
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back to the feet. When the nerve is compressed or irritated, it can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower spine and down the back of the leg.
The pain that sciatica causes can affect a person’s sleep. According to a 2018 study, sleep disturbances are common among those with chronic lower back pain.
Additionally, the lack of sleep can have negative effects on pain.
The following are some frequently asked questions about mattresses and sciatica:
Can a bad mattress cause sciatica?
Many factors can affect how suitable a mattress is for someone. For example, a person’s weight and sleeping position may require a certain level of firmness.
A mattress that is too soft or too firm may not be comfortable. A person may wake up with aches and pains if the mattress does not provide the correct level of support.
If a person is waking up with back pain, it may be a result of their mattress. However, back pain and sciatica can occur for many reasons. If a person believes they have sciatica, they should contact a doctor to discuss diagnosis and treatment. A healthcare professional may also recommend strategies to help relieve sciatica pain.
What type of mattress is best for sciatica?
Those with sciatica may benefit from using a medium-firm mattress.
A 2021 review notes that a medium-firm mattress may promote better spinal alignment, sleep quality, and comfort in people living with or without back pain. However, this is subjective.
Additionally, a 2018 study states that mattresses with a medium-firm firmness are better for reducing back pain than soft foam or very hard mattresses.
It is important to recognize that the firmness of a mattress is subjective, and people should look for the level of firmness that suits their needs.
What is the best sleep position for someone with sciatica?
People with sciatica should try to avoid putting pressure on the sciatic nerve in their lower back.
Some people may find that avoiding sleeping on their stomachs helps reduce sciatica pain, especially if they have a soft or unsupportive mattress. A person can sink into an unsupportive mattress, putting more pressure in the nerves on their back.
If a person’s sciatica symptoms do not improve after using a new mattress, it may be time to see a doctor.
Other treatments are available for sciatica, such as pain medications, physical therapy, or surgery.
A person should consider discussing the particular benefits and risks of each of these treatments with a healthcare professional.
Getting good quality sleep is essential when dealing with an injury or illness. Experiencing pain from sciatica can make sleeping difficult.
A person with sciatica should ensure their mattress is not causing their condition or making it worse.
They should also look for a firmer mattress that relieves pressure on the lower back, hips, and shoulders.
A good mattress will help keep the spine supported and aligned, so the sciatic nerve does not become irritated or compressed through poor sleep posture.