The 9 Best Mattresses for Scoliosis – Buyers Guide and Reviews for 2023

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If your scoliosis is affecting the quality of your sleep, a new mattress may be in order. Today’s beds have a host of features that can address discomfort caused by scoliosis, from advanced pressure-relieving foams to supportive yet responsive foundations.

Not everyone with scoliosis experiences symptoms or pain, and managing the condition is typically an ongoing process with input from your doctor. Whether you’re urgently in need of a bed upgrade or you’re just curious about the best mattresses for scoliosis, read on.

9 Best Mattresses for Scoliosis

Our Top 9 Scoliosis Mattress Picks

Best Pillow-Top Mattress for Scoliosis

WinkBed

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • CertiPUR-US® Certified
  • OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Class 1 Certified
  • 120-Night Trial
  • “Any Reason” Guarantee
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Made in the USA

WinkBeds builds all their beds to order in their own factories located in Wisconsin and Orlando, and the bed is delivered to your door rolled up into a portable box.

This hybrid should provide exceptional support with its 8-inch base of pocketed coils that also include multiple support zones. This enhanced spine alignment system is topped with a Euro-style pillow top that uses a gel foam to gently cradle your body, along with a SupportCell foam layer below the EuroTop for added comfort.

What makes it unique?

  • WinkBeds uses a third-party testing system for durability, giving you the peace of mind that you’re making a smart long-term investment.
  • This model is available in four different firmnesses, but the Luxury Firm will probably be the preferred feel for most individuals, especially those looking for a comfortable mix of pressure relief and support that could help relieve back pain. However, those who are substantially heavier may be better served by the Firmer option or the Plus, which has a support system built for sleepers 300 pounds and up.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Scoliosis

Helix Midnight Luxe

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Tencel Cover
  • Gel-Infused Foam
  • 14 Inches Tall
  • CertiPUR-US® Certified

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress, an upgraded version of the Helix Midnight. Helix is one of the most popular companies, established in 2015. The Midnight Luxe is two inches thicker than the Helix Midnight, offering more support for people with scoliosis. The bed has an additional layer of gel Visco foam and coils with zoned support.

This hybrid is an excellent option for couples and single individuals looking for comfort and support. The bed has good edge support, thanks to the thicker-gauge coils in the perimeter, preventing the edges from collapsing. The use of memory foam is beneficial for people with scoliosis as it reduces pressure build-up. The foams conform to your body and provide a good transition before the coils.

Why we picked it

  • The Helix Midnight Luxe is rated 6-7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, so it should provide enough support for the spine, hips, and lower back.

Best Luxury Mattress for Scoliosis

DreamCloud

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Free Shipping and Returns
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Cooling Effect
  • Hybrid Design

This 14-inch tall hybrid mattress is rated 6.5 out of 10 by DreamCloud, so it should be good for most sleeping positions. Dedicated side and back sleepers should like pressure relief and gentle contouring, while stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer bed. 

The DreamCloud has a soft-to-the-touch cover that stays cool and cozy. Next comes the pressure-relief comfort layer made from gel memory foam for additional cooling. This is followed by another layer of foam that allows a bit of sinkage that should help ease the symptoms of scoliosis. Next is the base layer, followed by the bed’s coil unit, which features individually-wrapped coils that adapt to the sleeper’s body.

What makes it unique?

  • The DreamCloud has five layers, including a cashmere blend cover that gives it a luxurious feel. 
  • The bed has a heavy-duty gauge edge shield around the perimeter, enhancing edge support and preventing the edges from collapsing. 

Best Value Mattress for Scoliosis

Nectar Premier Copper

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Advanced Cooling
  • Firmness Level: 6/10
  • 365-Night Trial
  • Lifetime Warranty

The Nectar Premier Copper is a bed-in-a-box mattress made from premium materials. The brand sells this mattress at a competitive price, offering also a full year for you to test the bed, making it a good value option.

This memory foam mattress should fit all sleepers looking for pressure relief and spine alignment. The mid-range firmness is good for scoliosis because it supports the body without letting the hips sink in. Back sleepers should appreciate the gentle hugging and support, while stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer bed. This Nectar has advanced cooling features, including a cooling cover, gel-infused foam, and Phase Change material that helps dissipate heat and prevent overheating.

What stands out?

  • This Nectar mattress does a good job of minimizing motion transfer, so it’s a good option for couples. The bed features multiple foam layers that isolate motion so that partners don’t disturb one another when tossing and turning.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Scoliosis

Signature Hybrid

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Proprietary Materials
  • Three Firmness Levels
  • 120-Night Trial
  • 10-Year Warranty
  • CertiPUR-US® Certified

The Signature Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. Side sleepers with scoliosis may like the soft and medium models better than the firm Signature Hybrid. The softer beds offer more pressure relief for side sleepers who need to be careful with pressure build-up when sleeping in this position.

People with scoliosis who need more support may like the firm model, but only if they change positions throughout the night. The first foam layer is TitanFlex™, which is a proprietary latex alternative foam. TitanFlex™ is highly responsive and contouring, but the thickness of this layer depends on the model you choose. The soft and medium versions have 1.5 inches of TitanFlex™ foam, while the firm Signature has an inch of this latex alternative.

Why we picked it

  • The Signature Hybrid is 11 inches thick but highly supportive thanks to the foams surrounding the coils. The bed features individually-pocketed Ascension® coils that give it bounce while reducing motion transfer.

Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Scoliosis

Bear Star Hybrid

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • GREENGUARD Gold Certified
  • CertiPUR-US® Certified
  • Made in the USA
  • 120-Night Trial
  • Lifetime Warranty

The Bear Star Hybrid has a medium-firm feel that should provide sufficient comfort in multiple sleep positions. Additionally, the coils in this hybrid mattress will give some bounce, making it easier for these sleepers to reposition.

The Bear Star Hybrid’s construction includes five layers. Below the cover is a layer of copper-infused memory foam, which should deliver a nice cushion for those experiencing discomfort from scoliosis. Under the memory foam is a unit of comfort foam that also promotes airflow and pressure relief.

Further down, you will find the coil unit, and at the base is a final support foam that gives the Bear Star Hybrid durability.

Why should you consider it?

  • This bed’s mix of pressure-relieving foams and supportive coils should help those with scoliosis have a more comfortable sleep space.
  • The Bear Star Hybrid’s versatile feel makes it a good product for folks who rest in various postures.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Scoliosis

Layla Memory Foam

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Dual-Sided Design
  • Copper-Infused Memory Foam
  • 120-Night Trial
  • Lifetime Warranty

Memory foam is a good option for people struggling with scoliosis as it can provide relief and support in the most critical areas. Layla is a dual-sided memory foam mattress with copper infusions to promote temperature regulation and prevent pressure build-up. This is a flippable mattress with one soft and one firm side.

With the soft side up, the Layla mattress has 3-inch copper-infused memory foam. Copper is antimicrobial and germ-free while also providing comfort and contouring that people with scoliosis will appreciate. Next is a 2-inch layer of AirFlow support foam for additional breathability. Deeper is a 4-inch foam that acts as the foundation, supporting the upper layers. The base is an inch of the same copper-infused foam that provides comfort if you flip the mattress.

What stands out?

  • The Layla is a classic memory foam bed with copper infusion to provide cooling and pressure relief. People with scoliosis will like the support and spine alignment regardless of the side they use.

Best Mattress for Pressure Relief with Scoliosis

Nolah Signature

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • AirFoam™
  • Six-Layer Construction
  • Handcrafted in the USA
  • CertiPUR-US® Certification

People struggling with scoliosis should benefit from the Nolah Signature as the mattress is designed to provide pressure relief and cooling. The Signature has 75 percent more AirFoam™ than the Nolah Original, enhancing pressure relief by 40 percent.

AirFoam™ is the brand’s proprietary foam designed to deliver cooling when in contact with body heat. This should help hot sleepers sleep through the night. In addition, the bed has six layers, combining memory foam, organic cotton, knitted poly-yarn, and high-resilience foam. The Nolah is rated 4/10, so it’s on the softer side and should work well for dedicated side sleepers.

Why should you consider it?

  • The top layer of the Nolah Signature offers a deep cradle effect, which should help relieve pressure on the shoulders, hips, and knees. Plus, the brand’s AirFoam™ is plush, giving even more relief to heavier areas of the body.

Most Versatile Mattress for Scoliosis

Saatva Classic

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Certified Organic Cotton
  • CertiPUR-US® Certified
  • 365-Night Trial
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Made in the USA

Saatva’s first mattress was a classic innerspring mattress, and since its launch in 2010, it has undergone strategic updates that make it a truly modern twist on a classic mattress feel. Three different feels are available, but the Luxury Firm is their most versatile and popular version. It’s also most likely the optimum feel for individuals looking to accommodate symptoms of scoliosis.

What is its best feature?

  • Saatva’s support system uses a coil-on-coil design with a pocketed micro coil unit followed by an interconnected Bonnell coil system. The more modern pocketed approach helps reduce motion transfer and should offer more body conformance, while the Bonnell system helps increase long-term durability and reduce potential sag.
  • For pressure relief, the coil systems are topped with a Euro-style pillow top that blends responsive foam with contouring memory foam that should cradle your body more gently on top of the bed rather than in it. This model is available in two different heights, depending on your preference, at either 14.5 inches or 11.5 inches.

What Is Scoliosis?

The term scoliosis describes a spinal curve of at least 10 degrees regardless of the point at which it’s located. This condition usually happens in one of four curve patterns, causing a bent spine, an S-shaped spine, or a curvy spine. Scoliosis usually occurs in late childhood or early teen years, which means between the years 9 and 14, and is known to affect females up to seven times more than males. Though it isn’t life-threatening if the child is older than five, treating it is advised. 

Scoliosis can be idiopathic, congenital, or neuromuscular. The most common is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which is diagnosed during puberty, but doctors don’t know what causes it. However, researchers2 think several factors such as genes, hormones, and changes in cell structure could lead to scoliosis. Most children don’t show any symptoms of scoliosis, so doctors usually see this during routine checkups. Depending on how severe the curve is, doctors may suggest scoliosis treatment3 that includes bracing, surgery, physical therapy, or simply monitoring your child’s posture.

Scoliosis Symptoms

Most people don’t show any signs of scoliosis, especially if it’s a mild case. However, symptoms do exist, and if the scoliosis is more severe, these will show early on. 

  • One shoulder blade is more prominent
  • The shoulders are uneven
  • The waist is uneven
  • One side of the back is more prominent when bending
  • One hip is higher than the other
  • One side of the rib cage is jutting forward

Scoliosis and Sleeping Position

People with scoliosis should be careful with how they sleep because some positions can worsen the pain and pressure.

Back Sleeping with Scoliosis

Back sleepers struggling with scoliosis should look for a mattress with a bit of contouring. Back sleeping can be tricky because you don’t want to put too much pressure on your spine. The best way to avoid this is to use pillows under your shoulders at the base of your spine. You can also use rolled-up towels, but make sure this isn’t too high or low because the spine has to stay neutral, flat, and parallel to the mattress.

Side Sleeping with Scoliosis

Side sleeping is healthy for spinal alignment, so it’s also good for people with scoliosis. However, those with a more pronounced curve should be careful when it comes to the side they’re sleeping on. If the biggest curve is on the left side, you should sleep on your right side, and vice versa. On top of that, you should also think about mattress firmness and contouring to prevent pressure build-up when sleeping on your side.

Stomach Sleeping with Scoliosis

stomach sleeper using pillow for comfortable sleep

Individuals with scoliosis may find stomach sleeping uncomfortable, waking up with pain, and numbness in sensitive areas. For this reason, most physicians advise against sleeping on your stomach. In this position, your neck and head twist at angles that may be comfortable at first, but could cause the spine to fall out of alignment. 

Learn More: Sleeping With Scoliosis

What’s the Best Type of Mattress for Scoliosis?

all types of mattresses illustration

Scoliosis can often cause numbness, tingling, and even pain, so one of the best ways to alleviate these symptoms is to ensure you sleep on a comfortable mattress. Some beds are better than others due to their construction, responsiveness, and support level, so let’s see how they differ.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses have a traditional style with a coil unit and one comfort layer on top. These are good for people with scoliosis because they’re responsive and usually easy to get in and out of. However, innerspring mattresses unusually lack pressure relief compared to other mattress types, particularly if you’re a side sleeper or very lightweight. So, while an innerspring bed could be a good choice for scoliosis, make sure to consider other crucial factors like your sleeping position and weight.

Foam

Foam beds are made from multiple foam layers working together to deliver variable support and pressure-relieving levels. Foam beds hug the body, and you can also choose between several firmness options to find the most comfortable feel. However, foam beds can be too hot for some people, especially if they contain traditional memory foam, so make sure to look for one with cooling features if you’re a hot sleeper. Another consideration is that memory and polyfoam beds aren’t as responsive, so if ease of movement is important to you, you might want to consider another option.

Latex

Latex is a good option if you’re looking for an eco-friendly bed. Latex comes from natural sources and is naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s good if you’re prone to allergies. Latex beds are more responsive than memory foam because latex is naturally bouncier. On top of that, the material is breathable and more cooling, so it’s suitable for hot sleepers. Latex beds are known for their durability and good edge support, although they’re pricier than other all-foam models. However, these beds should last you a long time.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses have coils and multiple comfort layers that set them apart from classic innerspring beds. The coils are usually individually wrapped to enhance motion isolation and support. Hybrids are a good option for people with scoliosis because they come in many styles, and you can choose among multiple firmness options, materials, and heights. These beds are usually breathable, but some have added cooling features like gel-infused foam or a breathable cover. Hybrids often offer an ideal blend of responsive support and plush pressure relief that could be great for some with scoliosis.

What to Consider in a Mattress for Scoliosis

Firmness

According to Scoliosis Association UK1, most people struggling with scoliosis should benefit from a medium mattress firmness. Your bed shouldn’t be too hard or soft, as both types could worsen the symptoms. People with scoliosis need solid support in the hips and shoulders, so soft beds aren’t a good choice. However, a bed that’s too hard wouldn’t allow any contouring, which may result in pressure buildup, especially around the hip and shoulder areas.

Height

Those living with scoliosis should focus on beds between 18 and 22 inches1. This is considered the best height that would allow sleepers with this condition to get in and out of bed easily. Luckily, some of the best mattress brands offer multiple heights, so there are plenty of options available.

Pressure Relief

Pressure buildup is something many people struggle with. For this reason, it’s important to have a bed that contours the body, allowing a bit of cushioning to relieve pressure in areas like the hips, knees, and shoulders. People with scoliosis need a mattress that has comfort layers made from contouring materials that help relieve pressure while still supporting the body and preventing sinkage.

Edge Support

Edge support is valuable for people who like spreading out when they sleep. Couples typically benefit from it the most, although edge support is also important to some single individuals too. Many mattresses have good edge support thanks to reinforced edges. In hybrids, this usually includes thicker-gauge coils around the perimeter, while memory foam beds have higher-density foam in this area. If you have scoliosis, lying or sitting on the edge of the bed can be easier with a mattress that has reinforced sides.

Responsiveness

People living with scoliosis should like responsive beds because they foster easier movement. A mattress made from responsive materials is also more convenient for getting in and out of bed. This is helpful for people with scoliosis because they often wake up with pain and numbness. Responsiveness refers to how quickly a bed can respond to your movement, adjusting to the shape of your body in different positions. Hybrid, latex, and innerspring mattresses tend to be the most responsive.

Mattress for Scoliosis FAQs

Should you get a firm or soft mattress for scoliosis?

Firm mattresses are usually too firm for people struggling with scoliosis. These allow minimal contouring and may not be as comfortable, especially for those sleeping on their side due to pressure buildup. Instead, focus more on medium and medium-firm beds that offer some contouring without taking away from support.

What’s the best pillow to use for scoliosis?

The best pillow to use for scoliosis has a medium loft, so it’s not too high or too low. Medium pillows keep your head well-supported, which also helps keep the spine straight. Cervical pillows are also a good option because they promote healthy neck posture.

What type of mattress is best for someone with scoliosis?

People with scoliosis should focus on having a bed that’s between 18 and 22 inches high with a medium-firm mattress. Hybrid, latex, and foam mattresses can be great for many sleepers with scoliosis as they offer great support and pressure relief, but it’s important to consider additional factors about the mattress type, such as cooling, and responsiveness. Innerspring beds are great for support, breathability, and responsiveness, but they may not have enough cushioning for some sleepers.

What's the best sleeping position for scoliosis?

The best way to sleep with scoliosis is flat on your back because this allows a healthy spine alignment. However, many people can’t sleep this way, so they choose side sleeping. Side sleeping is also fine, but you should make sure that the bed allows a bit of contouring so that your spine is straight and no pressure can build up in sensitive areas. Most experts will advise against sleeping on your stomach, which can put extra pressure on the lower back.

Can a mattress cause scoliosis?

A mattress is unlikely to cause scoliosis, but it can worsen the symptoms. In other words, a bed that doesn’t fit your needs may cause you to wake up with pain and numbness instead of helping you alleviate these symptoms. Furthermore, a mattress that’s not supportive enough can throw your spine out of alignment. Over time, this can lead to severe pain and bad posture. 

Conclusion

You spend many hours of your life in bed, so you want the mattress that’s ideal for your body. Many people strive to find a bed that helps give them a proper night’s rest and supports the entire length of the spine, from the head down to the pelvis. The curvature of the spine greatly determines how comfortable you’ll feel sleeping at night.

Taking the time to pick the most comfortable mattress for scoliosis is really important. The right mattress could mean the difference between waking up to a more painful morning and awaking to a healthier morning.

Sources:

Melanie Kassel
Sleep Advisor