Best Mattress for Sciatica Pain (2023)

Why the Helix Dusk Luxe Earned Best Luxury Mattress for Sciatica

Helix’s Dusk models are built for back and stomach sleepers, with a middle-of-the-road firmness that straddles the line between soft and solid. That feel should be a good fit for sleepers with sciatica—it keeps the spine lifted while alleviating pressure.

The Dusk Luxe is an upgraded version of the core Dusk bed, and retains that medium-firm feel while boasting luxurious add-ons: 2 more inches of height, a pillow top cover, and zoned lumbar support. The extra pushback under the lumbar zone should be an especially good defense against the lower back pain that sciatica can cause.

What’s the Helix Dusk Luxe Made Of?

The Helix Dusk Luxe has six layers and stands 13.5 inches tall. It starts with a cozy pillow top, which cushions the body and also strives to keep you cool with its breathable TENCEL™ cover. (For an additional fee, you can replace this cover with a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover for even greater temperature regulation.)

Three layers of comfort foam follow. First, a layer of Helix Responsive Foam that molds to your silhouette. Second, a layer of Helix Dynamic Foam that’s more responsive and supportive than the layer above, discouraging a feeling of “stuckness.” Finally, a layer of Memory Plus Foam stabilizes the other comfort layers and provides further support.

Under the comfort foams is the mattress’s coil unit. It’s zoned so that the springs beneath your lower back and hips have less give, whereas the ones beneath your shoulders compress more easily. The coils are also reinforced along the full perimeter of the mattress to fortify its edges.

The last layer of the bed consists of DuraDense foam, which steadies the entire construction.

My Take: “Not discounting the other lines by any means, but I always love it when I test out one of these Helix Luxe mattresses.”

What We Liked

• Zoned coils – Thicker coils in the lumbar region mean that your lower back should feel comfortably buoyed rather than strained.
• Good motion isolation for a hybrid – Thanks to its three layers of proprietary comfort foams, the Helix Dusk Luxe can absorb motion quite well for a mattress with a spring unit.
• All-around edge support – The Helix mattresses in the Core collection only have reinforced springs along the long edges. The Luxe mattresses up their game by outlining the entire perimeter with stronger coils.

Potential Drawbacks

• Not firm enough for heavier sleepers – Although this bed is advertised as medium-firm, plus-sized people may experience it as overly soft.
• More expensive than Core models – The upgrades in the Dusk Luxe increase its price point relative to the Dusk. If you’re shopping on a budget, this luxury bed may stretch it more than you’d like.

Customer Reviews of the Helix Dusk Luxe

The Helix Dusk rates 4.5 out of 5 on Helix’s website. Customers appreciate the Helix Dusk mattress for its customizable features, but some have found that the edge support could be better, affecting those who use the entire mattress surface.

Want to see more? Check out our full Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review or explore our picks for the best luxury mattresses.

Why the WinkBed Earned Best Hybrid Mattress for Sciatica

The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that immediately impressed our reviewers with its combination of sturdiness and comfort features. While its Euro-style pillow top feels cloud-like beneath sensitive pressure points, its zoned coil unit gives extra attention and support to the lower back.

“[The] coils … provide airflow and solid support that helps keep the spine aligned when I roll onto my back,” said one reviewer, Sean. A neutral spinal alignment is crucial for sleepers with sciatica, and we think they’ll be fond of this bed’s robust, handcrafted construction.

What’s the WinkBed Made Of?

The WinkBed is 13.5 inches high and available in four firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus (a version designed for plus-sized sleepers).

The WinkBed’s coil unit follows. It’s zoned to provide varying levels of resistance to different parts of the body—so you’ll likely feel more pushback around your lumbar spine, and less beneath your shoulders. The springs are also reinforced around the edges of the bed.

Our Take: “I can roll right up to the edge of the bed without losing that supportive feel.” – Sean, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• It’s versatile and customizable – “This cradles my body but it’s also supportive,” said our reviewer Mark, who’s an exclusive side sleeper. He and Sean both thought that this bed would work well for all sleeping positions, however, and were glad to see that the WinkBed is available in multiple firmnesses.
• Targeted support from the springs – The thicker coils in the center of the unit should give some lift to your midsection, while others provide more cushioning. “The coils are zoned so there’s … plenty of pressure relief for my shoulders and hips, which I really appreciate,” said Sean.
• Recommended for couples – “WinkBed should be a good option for couples,” said Sean. He credited its “sturdy construction and reinforced edge coils,” and remarked that sleeping partners can really spread out across the whole bed.

Potential Drawbacks

• Less motion isolation than foam models – According to Sean, “this mattress might not provide the same level of motion absorption as an all-foam bed, but the coils respond individually, which does help to prevent too much movement.”
• More responsive than soft – “People who like to feel like they are sleeping in the bed may feel more like they are floating on top of this mattress,” said Sean. An all-foam model should give those folks the “hug” sensation they’re after.

Customer Reviews of the WinkBed mattress

On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. One drawback of the WinkBed mattress is that it might be too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers, but overall it offers excellent durability and customizable firmness options.

Need more details? Check out our in-depth Winkbed mattress review or check out our picks for the best hybrid mattresses.

Why the DreamCloud Earned Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Sciatica

The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress with a medium-firm feel that’s ideal for back sleepers. Its upper comfort layers give a light amount of cushioning, but the star of the show is the supportive coil unit that keeps you reliably on top of (rather than sinking into) the bed.

For people with sciatica, this feeling of lift is crucial. When it comes to spine alignment, you best believe it’s going to keep you from sinking into weird angles and enter[ing] the danger zone of back pain.

What’s the DreamCloud Made Of?

The DreamCloud is a lofty 14 inches tall and has six layers, including its top cover. The cover is made with a soft, welcoming cashmere blend, and leads into 1.5-inches of soft foam.

They also derive stability from a 1-inch base layer of dense foam beneath them.
For convenient transport, the lower cover of the bed sports handles on the sides.

My Take: “No matter what sleep position I chose—side, stomach, back—I felt supported in each one.”

What We Liked

• Medium-firm feel with broad appeal – A medium-firm bed accommodates the widest range of comfort preferences. Pair a cozy top with a strong, supportive base, and you have the makings of a versatile mattress. The even-keeled medium-firmness of the topmost memory foam layers is the ideal blend of soft pressure relief with a supportive feel.
• Responsive, but not too responsive – We had no problems adjusting positions and never felt stuck in the bed. But this responsiveness doesn’t mean that the DreamCloud transfers motion willy-nilly. Per Stuart, “it has pretty decent motion isolation, especially for a hybrid.”
• Affordable price – Both reviewers were fans of the DreamCloud’s affordability factor. “DreamCloud feels really well-made and luxurious, from the cashmere cover to the high-quality construction. It’s a budget mattress that doesn’t feel budget,” Stuart said.

Potential Drawbacks

• Lackluster edge support – The DreamCloud’s edges aren’t exceptionally sturdy. “People who want to take advantage of the entire surface of the bed won’t be super excited about this one,” said Stuart.
• You’ll float rather than sink – “Memory foam lovers should look elsewhere,” Stuart cautioned. “This bed definitely has an innerspring feel … If you like a deep contour, DreamCloud probably won’t be for you.”

The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. One potential downside of the DreamCloud Original mattress is its weight, making it challenging to move or rotate, but it offers excellent support and comfort for those who prefer a medium-firm feel.

Curious about this bed? Read our full DreamCloud mattress review or peruse our lineup of the best mattresses for back sleepers.

Why the Titan Plus Earned Best Mattress for Heavy People with Sciatica

Plus-sized sleepers with sciatica will need more support and durability from a mattress than petite folks. Their bed should simultaneously resist sagging and provide enough pushback to keep them feeling pleasantly lifted. The Titan Plus was designed to meet these qualifications, and our plus-size reviewer Patrick rated it highly.

“I definitely sink in a little bit, but this mattress feels supportive enough that I don’t feel stuck at all,” he said. “Unlike many mattresses that I have tried, my weight is evenly distributed over this surface and I feel extremely comfortable.”

What’s the Titan Plus Made Of?

The Titan Plus has five total layers and an 11-inch profile. It begins with a 1-inch layer of quilted gel memory foam that relieves pressure without sinking too deep or retaining indentations made by your body.

Our Take:” Those coils are extra strong” – Patrick, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Firm but not rock-solid – The Titan Plus is firm enough to make heavier sleepers feel secure, but that doesn’t mean it’s uncomfortable. Patrick was a fan of the initial comfort foams for their pressure-relieving powers: “There is little to no pressure build-up, and I would actually say that this mattress relieves pressure while [I’m lying on my side].”
• Motion isolation – “For as much bounce as this bed has, it contains motion pretty well,” said Patrick. “Restless sleepers probably won’t wake up their sleeping partners.”
• Sturdy edges – After testing them out, Patrick praised the strength of the edges on the Titan Plus. “If you like to spread out, strong edges are going to be a really nice advantage,” he remarked.

Potential Drawbacks

• Not very comfortable for lightweight sleepers – If you’re a lightweight person, the firmness of the Titan Plus may feel too uncompromising to you.
• Extra cost for cooling – You can have a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover applied to the surface of this bed, but doing so will incur an extra fee.

Customer Reviews of the Titan Plus

Users on Titan by Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers find the Titan Plus mattress to offer exceptional durability and support, but some mention that it might be too firm for those who prefer a softer feel.

Curious to know more? See our full Titan Plus review or check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.

Why the Nolah Signature Earned Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Sciatica

The Nolah Signature is an all-foam bed that mixes soothing softness with a supportive core. As one of the plushest beds in this roundup, it’s geared toward side sleepers, who need lots of cradling around their sharper joints.

“It’s going to excel for side sleepers who want pressure relief in their shoulders and hips,” said our tester, Emma. But that doesn’t mean it won’t give sleepers with sciatica the reliable foundation that they need. Another of our reviewers, Liz, found it to be “completely supportive as well as plush.”

What’s the Nolah Signature Made Of?

The Nolah Signature has five layers that add up to 12 inches of height.

At the top is an organic cotton cover. It protects the first 2.5-inch layer of plush AirFoam™, a proprietary material that Nolah markets as far superior to traditional memory foams.

According to the brand, it beats out memory foam at pressure relief, durability, and cooling.
Under the AirFoam™ is a 1.5-inch layer of Active Response Foam, which is more responsive than the soft layer above. It’s also engineered to permit airflow and thereby keep the bed cool.

Next is another 1-inch layer of AirFoam™, this time with a firmer feel for added support. It’s bolstered by the 7-inch high-density foundation, made of breathable and long-lasting foam.

Our Take: “When sleeping on my slide, I love this bed. It’s like a dream.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• The AirFoam™ feels magical – Us testers were very taken with the layers of AirFoam™ in this bed, referencing its softness and temperature regulation, specifically. “It’s like memory foam but it has a much cooler feel,” said Emma.
• Very soft but with a supportive core – The initial layers of this mattress are toe-curlingly plush, but its base and responsive layers add lift to the equation. “While it’s quite soft, it does have a great deal of support in the lower layers,” Emma commented.
• Excellent motion isolation – According to Emma, “there’s virtually no motion transfer on this bed.” The Signature’s all-foam design absorbs motion more handily than the hybrids on this list.

Potential Drawbacks

• Too soft for some – “Overall, this bed is probably going to be best for side sleepers and people who are lighter weight,” said Emma. Larger sleepers and people who love to sleep on their stomachs may not love how plush it feels. “I found that I sunk in a bit more when I was sleeping on my back and my side,” said Sean, our plus-sized tester.
• The edge support doesn’t stand out – Per our reviewer Mark, “The edge support wasn’t as strong as I would like it to be, as someone who sleeps with a partner.”

Customer Reviews of the Nolah Signature

The Nolah Signature gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website. One potential drawback of the Nolah Signature mattress is its limited firmness options, but it excels in providing exceptional pressure relief and a cooling sleep experience.

Want to find out more details? Check out our in-depth Nolah Signature mattress review or browse the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Why the Saatva Classic Earned Best Mattress for Back Pain and Sciatica

At Sleep Advisor, the Saatva Classic almost always remains top of mind when we’re discussing back pain. This luxury innerspring bed has several features that focus on the lumbar region alone, and our testers tend to love it. “I [have] to shout out the tons of lumbar support,” said Stuart. “If you need a mattress that’s got your back, you need the Saatva Classic.”

Our lead reviewer Julia was likewise convinced. Her midsection felt “perfectly lifted” on this bed, a hopeful endorsement for sleepers who are dealing with back pain and other sciatica symptoms.

What’s the Saatva Classic Made Of?

The Saatva Classic is available in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. It also comes in two heights: 11.5 or 14.5 inches.

It leads into the first of the bed’s two coil units: a thinner layer of “comfort coils” that react to pressure individually, as they’re enclosed in separate fabric pockets. These coils are also thicker under the lumbar region.

Beneath them is the second coil unit, consisting of durable interconnected coils and a “Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire” that fortifies the same middle-third of the bed.
The entire mattress is encircled by a perimeter of high-density foam for edge support.

My Take: “It does a great job of supporting your lower back thanks to the dual coils.”

What We Liked

• High degree of customization – With three firmness options and two heights to choose from, the Saatva Classic can be made to accommodate most preferences. For my money, I enjoyed the “Goldilocks-esque blend” of softness and support in the Luxury Firm version.
• Dense foam edges – Often if a mattress has springs inside it, it’ll reinforce the coils along the perimeter for its edge support. But the Saatva uses high-density foam instead, to good effect. Both lying and sitting at the edge, I was completely secure.
• Durability you can feel – Having two spring units is a reliable way to prevent sagging, and Saatva’s lifetime warranty is also geared toward longevity. According to Stuart, “This is a mattress that feels high-end, and it’ll last you for a long time.”

Potential Drawbacks

• Not much motion isolation – “You can definitely feel big movements [on this bed],” Julia commented. Switching from her side to her back, she was pretty sure that a partner would have noticed the jostling.
• Not a lot of cozy sinkage – “If you need … more of a cradling feel, this might not be the bed for you,” Stuart said. Although the pillow top is plush, the dual spring units ensure that the Classic has a responsive, springy feel overall.

Customer Reviews Saatva Classic

The Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. One negative aspect customers found with the Saatva Classic mattress is that it may feel too firm for some users, while a notable advantage is its high-quality materials, providing durability and support.

Want more info? Read our full Saatva Classic mattress review or check out our best mattresses for back pain.

Why the Bear Star Hybrid Earned Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Sciatica

If you’re a combination sleeper with sciatica, you’ll need a medium-firm mattress that can offer a balanced ratio of support to cradling. This kind of bed is versatile enough to accommodate multiple sleeping positions comfortably, rather than privileging just one of them with a targeted feel.

The Bear Star Hybrid is a great bet—and its use of Celliant®, a textile that can reportedly help with both sleep and tissue recovery, is a desirable bonus.

What’s the Bear Star Hybrid Made Of?

The Bear Star Hybrid has five total layers and stands 13 inches high. Its cover incorporates HydroCool® technology that should help to prevent overheating, as well as the performance textile Celliant®.

It leads into the hybrid’s coil unit, which features pocketed coils that have been reinforced along the perimeter.
At the very bottom, a base of high-density foam keeps the mattress stable.

Our Take: “The Bear Star mattress has a unique five-layer design that provides exceptional pressure relief and support for all sleeping positions.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Versatile feel – The Bear Star Hybrid’s medium-firm feel is likely to please the average sleeper. This neutral firmness is also one of the safest bets for couples with slightly mismatched comfort preferences, as it represents a cozy compromise.
• High marks for cooling – Our tester Stuart found the Bear Star Hybrid’s cover to be “cool to the touch,” and felt refreshed when lying on it. The HydroCool® technology in the cover’s fabric works alongside the gel-infused foam beneath to maintain a cozy temperature.
• It meets high safety standards – The Bear Star Hybrid holds UL GREEENGUARD Gold certification, which means that it’s been tested for potentially harmful substances and met high standards for its construction and emissions.

Potential Drawbacks

• Too firm for lightweight sleepers – According to Stuart, the Bear Star Hybrid “might be too firm for some.” Lightweight side sleepers in particular may think it’s a bit too hard.
• Edge support isn’t stellar – Stuart thought the edge support on this bed could have been better. If you tend to roll to the side of your mattress or need a lot of space to stretch out, a different model might satisfy you more.

Customer Reviews of the Bear Star Hybrid

Coming in at approximately 4.5 out of 5 stars on Bear’s site, a potential downside customers noted of the Bear Star Hybrid mattress is that some users may find it too firm, but it is praised for its strong support and cooling properties, promoting a comfortable sleep environment.

Want more details? Read our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review or browse our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Why the Plank Firm Earned Best Firm Mattress for Sciatica

Inspired by the firmer sleeping mats commonly found in Asia, the Plank Firm very clearly prioritizes rock-solid support. Its dual-sided model should provide a reliable, secure-feeling surface for sleepers with sciatica, who should benefit from a bed that so steadfastly refuses to sink.

What’s the Plank Firm Mattress Made Of?

The Plank Firm has four major layers and stands 9.5 inches tall. It has a flippable design, so you can sleep on either of its two sides.

The other side has a standard Firm feel. Its 0.75-inch quilted top has a slight amount of loft for just a tad more cushion, and leads into a 2-inch layer of TitanFlex™ comfort foam. This foam relieves pressure, but also emulates the responsiveness and bounce of latex to make shifting positions easy.

Between the two sides is the mattress’s 6-inch core of durable, high-density foam.

My Take: “If you’re coping with sciatica symptoms and already know that you prefer a firmer mattress, the Plank Firm is a strong contender. It’s a bit of a niche product—it really is quite firm, and many people would prefer a softer feel to their bed—but we like that the brand is unafraid to market it as such.”

What I Liked

• Flippable design – Two usable sides double your firmness options at bedtime. I like that the Extra Firm side caters to the most extreme firmness enthusiasts, whereas the Firm side offers just a bit more give.
• Flatter, all-foam model – At 9.5 inches tall, this bed will be easier to move than most of the models on this list. Its all-foam construction also guarantees a decent amount of motion isolation, whereas the springs inside hybrid mattresses transfer more movement.
• Budget-friendly price – The Plank is simply and effectively designed, with an affordable price to match.

Potential Drawbacks

• For firm-mattress-lovers only – This brand isn’t kidding when they say the Plank is extra-firm. If you value a plush welcome when you get into bed, this mattress will likely feel uncomfortable to you.
• Cooling costs extra – You can add a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover to both sides of the Plank Firm, but it will tack a fee onto your order.

Customer Reviews of the Plank Firm

On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm mattress for its exceptional firmness, but some have found it to be too rigid for their comfort preferences.

Intrigued? Read our full Plank Firm mattress review or browse our list of the best firm mattresses.

Why the Signature Hybrid Earned Best Mattress for Couples with Sciatica

If you or your partner has sciatica, your shared bed will have to be appropriately supportive while also meeting both of your needs in terms of comfort. The Signature Hybrid is a model we often recommend for couples—it’s a hybrid (obviously) that pairs responsiveness with surprisingly good motion isolation, and it’s available in three firmness levels.

Both the Medium and Firm versions are decently firm, which is a boon for those with sciatica. “I like how firm this bed feels,” said our tester Emma. “It’s very supportive, which is great for back and stomach sleepers. It almost feels like the bed is lifting me up.”

What’s the Signature Hybrid Made Of?

The Signature Hybrid has five layers that comprise its 11.5-inch profile. The thickness of these layers varies depending on which firmness you select (Soft, Medium, or Firm).
At the top of the bed is a breathable quilted top. If you’re in the market for even more cooling and plushness, you can pay extra to add a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover and pillow top of soft foam.

The springs sit on top of a high-density foam base.

Our Take: “Couples should love this bed.” – Emma, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Response and bounce – “It’s really bouncy and responsive, which makes it easy for me to flip from my stomach to my side,” said Emma. “Adjusting positions is super easy.”
• Impressive motion isolation – “We were surprised at how well [the] Signature Hybrid isolated motion, especially for how responsive it is,” Emma commented. “Couples shouldn’t be bothered by movements across the bed unless they were really sensitive and super-light sleepers.”
• Relatively low price – Our tester Mark was fond of both this mattress and its cost, which is easier on the wallet than the price of many hybrids. “The Signature Hybrid mattress is where affordability meets quality,” he said.

Potential Drawbacks

• Simple design – The Signature Hybrid’s construction doesn’t have a lot of fancy cooling features or abundant layers, so if you want a luxury bed, this one might feel a bit basic. “This bed doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but it’s a pretty solid bed for the price that you’re paying,” said Emma.
• It might run hot – “Some sleepers may find [the Signature Hybrid] to be just a little bit hot,” said Mark. If you want additional cooling, consider paying extra for the GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover and pillow top.

Customer Reviews of the Signature Hybrid

On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has 4.7 out of 5 stars. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress receives praise from customers for its versatility with different firmness options, but some have mentioned that it may produce slight noise when bearing weight.

Looking to learn more? Check out our complete Signature Hybrid mattress review or discover our picks for the best mattresses for couples.

What to Look for in a Mattress for Sciatica 

Many people treat sciatica with physical therapy and medication, but having a quality bed may also help alleviate the symptoms. Although many factors affect how a bed feels, some types are more responsive, comfortable, and long-lasting than others.

Type of Mattress 

Innerspring Mattresses 

Innerspring mattresses have coils much like hybrids, but they don’t have as many comfort layers. In most cases, they have only one foam layer above the coils, which is why they’re also thinner than hybrids.

Some people with sciatica may find these beds comfortable, but this also depends on their body weight. Innerspring models are typically not the best for heavier people because they don’t have a tall profile, so you may sink too deeply into the construction, which can throw your spine out of alignment.

Hybrid Mattresses 

Hybrid mattresses are highly versatile thanks to their many comfort layers and sturdy support systems. The support comes from coils that are usually individually wrapped for additional motion isolation.

These beds are breathable and cooling because the coils allow plenty of airflow, making these a good option for hot sleepers. In addition, hybrids can be responsive, which may help people with sciatica move around the bed. Hybrids are also highly comfortable as they have multiple comfort layers and at least one transition layer before the coils.

Memory Foam Mattresses 

Memory foam beds are another good choice for people struggling with sciatica. Most foam mattresses are supportive and comfortable, so they’re easier to get in and out of, depending on their firmness level.

These are also very versatile, meaning that you can find many different models to accommodate your specific needs in terms of firmness, motion isolation, and edge support. Buyers should also keep an eye out on foam density because higher-density foam is longer-lasting.

Latex Mattresses 

Other Considerations When Shopping for a Mattress for Sciatica 

Support and Spine Alignment

People with sciatica benefit from a bed that keeps the curve of their spine in a natural position. One of the best ways to ensure this alignment is through a zoned mattress.

Zoning means that different sections of the mattress will have varying firmness and support levels. For example, when we lie down, most of our weight gets concentrated in our hip and shoulder areas. Therefore, having a mattress that offers additional support in these areas can be ideal for comfort. 

You should also note that there are a variety of brands that don’t include specific zoning that have the potential to be very helpful as well.

Learn how to make a firm mattress softer.

Sleeping Position 

Side sleepers often find pressure-relieving comfort on softer memory foam or latex mattresses, and this position can also be a good choice if you have sciatica issues because it can take pressure off the sciatic nerve².

Back sleepers with sciatica should look for a mattress with a medium firmness. Beds that offer balanced support and even distribution of weight across the surface can also be beneficial as these characteristics can prevent a concentration of pressure in any one area. 

Stomach sleepers with sciatica may first want to try a different sleep position. Sleeping on your stomach can often allow your hips to dip too far into the mattress. This can cause your spine to be out of alignment, which can lead to increased back pain. However, if you are unable to find a new sleeping position, we recommend that you settle on a firm mattress that can help keep your hips elevated to relieve any back pain. 

For combination sleepers, a bouncy bed that quickly responds to shifts in your weight, such as those made from latex, should make it easier to change positions. 

Weight/Body Type of Sleepers 

How much you weigh can affect how soft or hard a mattress feels, as well as how likely you are to experience sciatica. Overweight people³ are more likely to have sciatica because added weight can increase stress on your spine. 

A firmer mattress may help heavyweight people because this can help keep their spine aligned.  Conversely, lightweight people should seek a softer bed as this will allow them to sink into the mattress a bit more, which can discourage pressure from building up around their sciatic nerve. Average-weight sleepers with sciatica typically find that a mid-range firmness will provide them with the most comfort. 

Firmness 

When you’re in pain, it can be tempting to seek out something soft to provide immediate relief. However, this would be a mistake because a bed that is too soft can cause you to sink too deeply into the surface, throwing off your alignment.

On the other hand, you may have heard that sleeping on a firm bed is good for you. The problem with a too-hard bed is that your hips and shoulders don’t get adequate pressure relief. Instead of dropping into a natural position with a cradling support system, they’ll stay flat, which puts your pelvic bone in a raised position. The result is pressure on your lower back, and you guessed it, more sciatic pain.

Learn more about it in our mattress firmness guide.

Cooling 

Regulating your body temperature when you sleep probably won’t directly help your sciatica. However, by choosing a mattress with cooling technologies, you may be able to improve your overall quality of sleep. 

Mattresses with coils, such as innerspring or hybrids, tend to sleep cool because the springs allow air to flow freely throughout the bed. Latex can also be an excellent choice to accomplish the goal of staying cool. Although memory foam mattresses have a reputation for being hot, more and more all-foam beds now have a variety of cooling features. There are many types of cooling mattresses, but when you are dealing with sciatica, you will still want to make sure you select one that is a good fit for your body type and sleep position. 

Motion Isolation 

Beds that prevent motion from transferring from one side of the bed to the other can be especially beneficial if you sleep with a restless pet or partner. Motion isolation may be particularly pertinent if you are dealing with pain from sciatica as it may keep your back from being jostled or jolted during the night. Memory foam mattresses often have excellent motion isolation capabilities, and the slow-moving nature of these beds may also be a great fit for those with sciatica. 

Responsiveness

Sciatica can sometimes make it difficult to move, more so after lying in one position for several hours. This is where a responsive mattress can come in handy, helping you change positions or get out of bed without as much effort.

Responsive beds are mattresses that are quick to respond to movement or pressure. This is usually provided by buoyant materials. In most cases, hybrid, innerspring, and latex mattresses are more responsive than memory foam beds.

Sex 

Most people with sciatica can still engage in sex, but it may make it a little harder or more painful to move and reposition. A responsive bed, one that quickly bounces back to shape from movement or weight, makes it much easier to move about. 

Latex is often considered great for repositioning. Innerspring and hybrids also tend to be very responsive, while memory foam beds may leave people feeling as if they are stuck down in the mattress when they are trying to reposition.

Pressure Relief 

When we lie down, especially on our sides, the heavier and denser parts of our bodies sink into the mattress. This is typically our shoulders and hips. A mattress should allow for these parts of our bodies to settle in comfortably and keep our spine in a straight line.

A mattress with inadequate pressure relief may cause our bodies to sink in at inappropriate angles, misaligning our spine and further exacerbating nerve pain. The types of beds that perform best in this category tend to be either pure memory or a hybrid with memory foam layers. Latex also works well. 

Read more: Best Mattress for Hip and Shoulders and Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief

Edge Support 

Edge support is important for couples and single individuals who prefer spreading out on their beds. Without proper edge support, you’re likely to feel as though you’re rolling off the bed when sitting or lying near the edge. On the other hand, good edge support will keep the perimeter sturdy.

Hybrid and innerspring mattresses usually have reliable edge support, some of which even have reinforced perimeters with thicker-gauge coils along the edges. However, memory foam and latex models can also have higher-density foam in the border, helping to keep the edges from collapsing.

Durability

One of the most important things to seek out when buying a new mattress to help manage your nerve pain is durability. Remember, if your spine is out of alignment, it can make your sciatica worse and even trigger episodes.

If your mattress loses support, sags, or develops indentations prematurely, you may have to invest in a new bed or topper sooner than you anticipated. However, it can be a challenge to know in advance which beds will be the most durable. After all, most beds feel fantastic for the first several months. The challenge is finding one that will last for years.

Budget 

Mattresses are available at a range of prices, so you can easily find one that suits your budget. The price difference is usually due to a series of factors like materials, mattress height, size, and features like cooling, edge support, and motion isolation.

People with sciatica should focus on a durable and comfortable bed, but this doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to get one. In fact, some of the best mattresses for sciatica are on the more affordable side, but make sure to consider other factors before making a decision.

If you are interested in more affordable options, check out our best budget mattresses.

What Causes Sciatica? 

Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying condition or injury. It’s most commonly caused⁴ by a herniated or bulging disc but can be caused by anything that places pressure on the sciatic nerve, including the misalignment of the spine, muscle spasms, and other issues.

How Can a Mattress Help with Sciatica? 

People struggling with sciatica might have trouble sleeping because they find most sleep positions very uncomfortable. This can go on for a long time, causing sleep deprivation due to uncomfortable sleep. In some cases, the sciatica symptoms may even worsen over time if your bed doesn’t have the proper support to help maintain spine alignment. 

One way to help may include getting a new mattress that fits your needs.

What Is the Best Sleeping Position for Sciatica?

Back Sleeping 

Sleeping on your back can be helpful, but it’s going to depend on a few factors. Remember, sleeping flat on your back can flex the lower portion of your spine, which can cause pain in the lower back.

If you do sleep on your back, consider putting a cushion under your knees to provide ample support and encourage your spine to stay in the right position. This can be a pillow (the same one you use for side sleeping), or you can roll a towel and place it under your knees. That way you can customize it each night depending on how you feel.

Read More: Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers

Side Sleeping

If you experience regular nerve pain, sleeping on your side is often the best position.² That being said, side sleepers are still susceptible to a twisting of the lower back if they sleep with one leg in front of the other.

So, if you do lie on your side, you can try putting a pillow between your knees to coax your spine back into alignment. Side sleeping is also comfortable for a lot of people, regardless of whether you have nerve pain or not.

Combination Sleeping 

If you prefer to sleep in two or more positions throughout the night, you will want a mattress that supports your spine and offers pressure relief. Beds that provide a universally-appealing medium firmness should provide that balance to most sleepers. You’ll also want to look at more responsive beds that will facilitate easier repositioning.

Stomach Sleeping 

Sleeping on your stomach is generally not recommended for most people, and those with nerve pain should take extra caution when considering this position. The reason is that it can extend your back unnaturally, increasing pain in both the immediate and long term. If you have another condition or compelling reason that only allows you to sleep on your stomach, you can place a pillow in your tummy region or just below to help create a more natural curve.

Read More: Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

Tips for Better Sleeping with Sciatica

• Invest in a great mattress – Whether your nerve pain is minimal or severe, sleeping on a poor-quality mattress may make your symptoms worse. If your bed is too hard, too soft, or provides inadequate support, you might be more likely to have nerve pain.

Also, we already know that getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things we can do for our overall health. If we’re not sleeping well during the night because of a terrible mattress, that’s also going to affect how we feel and how well our bodies can adapt to conditions ranging from the flu to sciatica.

For more information, check out our top-rated mattresses of 2023.

• Elevate your knees – Elevating your knees can take pressure off of your lower back, helping reduce sciatic pain. One of the best ways to get your knees raised is to follow these easy steps:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent slightly toward the ceiling. Your heels and rear end should still be flat on the bed.
2. Slide a pillow under your knees. It should close the gap between your knees and the bed. Add more if needed.
3. Keep experimenting until you find the setup that is just right for you.

• Hot tub or bath before bed – There is nothing like a warm bath or a soak in a hot tub to relax you right before bed. Not only does it serve as a nighttime ritual that can signal your body to produce the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, but it can also help relax the muscles around the nerves. Bonus points for adding aromatherapy or essential oils like lavender to inspire tranquility.

• Consider a body pillow – Sometimes you may need that extra support or just the right angle to put us in the right position to get comfortable and help relieve nerve pressure. Putting an additional pillow between or under your knees could yield excellent results. Further, a full-body pillow can provide the exact amount of contouring and support you need if you sleep on your side, particularly if you’re pregnant.

• Develop a nightly routine – When you’re dealing with something like sciatic nerve pain, you need all the help you can get when it comes to falling asleep and staying asleep. We’ve found that having a bedtime routine signals your body that it’s time for bed and can help make you sleepy.

Whether it’s a warm bath like we mentioned earlier, a cup of herbal tea, or a few minutes with your favorite book, having a routine you follow each night can help you sleep better.

• Stretch before bed – There are multiple stretches you can do before bed that could help prevent sciatic pain from waking you at night or bothering you in the morning. Most of them involve opening up your hips, which relieves pressure and encourages blood flow.
  

Pigeon pose⁵ can be a highly effective stretch for sciatica. This is because it pigeon pose can stretch the piriformis muscle⁶, which can otherwise become inflamed and put pressure on your sciatic nerve.  Other recommended stretches include the Figure-4 stretch, the Standing Hamstring stretch, and the Seated Spinal Twist.⁵

Interested in exploring further? Read our guide to Stretching Before Bed.

Pigeon Pose

1. Start on your hands and knees in a crawling position
2. Take your right leg and angle it so your knee is just behind the wrist on the same side
3. Straighten your left leg out behind you
4. Slowly lower flat to the ground with your forehead either touching or coming close to the floor
5. Hold for 30-60 seconds
6. Repeat these steps on the other side

Supine Pigeon

1. Lie flat on your back
2. Raise your legs and bend your knees so that they’re at a 90-degree angle
3. Cross your right leg loosely over your left knee; your right knee should be pointing out toward the side of the room
4. Wrap your arms around the left leg; clasp your fingers if you can
5. Gently pull your left leg toward your chest. You’ll feel a stretch in the back of your right leg
6. Hold for 30-60 seconds
7. Repeat these steps on the other side

Doing these stretches before bed and even again first thing in the morning might dramatically help your symptoms.