Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Signs of spinal stenosis can vary but often include back pain, numbness or weakness in the limbs, or pain that stretches downward into the legs or feet. These symptoms stem from a narrowing in the spaces inside your spine, which can pressurize the many nerves that run along this crucial structure.
Although there is no cure, spinal stenosis is treatable—if you suspect you have this condition, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Additionally, a well-chosen mattress may help to alleviate symptoms of spinal stenosis and clear the way to a good night's rest. We've selected a lineup of the best mattresses for spinal stenosis below.
Best Mattresses for Spinal Stenosis
- Helix Midnight – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis
- Nolah Signature– Best Mattress for Pressure Relief with Spinal Stenosis
- The WinkBed – Best Mattress for Heavy People with Spinal Stenosis
- Saatva Zenhaven – Best Latex Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
- Bear Original – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis
- Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
- DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
- Layla Memory Foam – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis
- TEMPUR-ProAdapt – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Compare Beds for Spinal Stenosis
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Zenhaven Mattress | Bear Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Layla Mattress | TEMPUR-ProAdapt Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 4/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Latex | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — |
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| Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year limited warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 90 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Couples | Back Pain, Joint Pain, Hip Pain | Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Top Beds for Spinal Stenosis Reviews
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix's core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that's particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
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Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix's core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that's particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
Part of Helix's core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that's particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Helix Midnight Earned the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis
People with spinal stenosis who prefer side sleeping need a delicate balance of support and pressure relief to help ease the symptoms. Thankfully, the Helix Midnight was literally designed for side sleepers.
The Midnight features memory foam and poly foam layers that deliver a mix of cushioning, support, and contouring, all of which are crucial for this sleeping position. Individuals who toss and turn at night should also appreciate the responsive middle layers of the mattress.
What’s the Helix Midnight Made Of?
The Helix Midnight has five layers and is 11.5 inches thick. All foams used in the construction of this bed are also CertiPUR-US® Certified.
The standard cover that comes with the bed is soft and stretchy, but for an extra fee you can upgrade to a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover. The first layer of the bed is made up of a memory foam blend that cradles pressure points.
Next up are two layers of responsive foam to provide contouring and support. The second of these layers also helps to transition into the coil unit, which consists of up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils that aid in isolating motion. These coils also reinforce the longer edges of the mattress to combat sagging edges. Finally, the dense foam bottom layer of the mattress stabilizes the bed.
Our Take: “I like how my hips and shoulders have a little cushion around them… the foams feel soft, but not too soft, like I’m sinking in and getting stuck.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Isolates motion well — The bed’s foam layers are good at isolating motion, which should benefit partners with different sleeping habits. This is also an impressive trait considering the Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress.
- Affordable option – Emma claimed this bed has “killer value for the money.” The Helix Midnight is well-constructed and comes with plenty of features for its modest price point.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not traditional memory foam – After trying out the Helix Midnight, Emma concluded that “if you want that old-school memory foam feel, this bed may not be for you.” This bed isn’t going to contour or “hug” you as well as traditional all-foam beds.
- Too soft for stomach sleepers – Side sleepers should feel sinkage in all the right places on the Helix Midnight, but this is bad news for stomach sleepers, who need more support. It’s something to keep in mind if you switch positions in your sleep from side to stomach.
Interested in more details? See our Helix Midnight mattress review here or check out our best mattresses for side sleepers.
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 4/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Nolah Signature Earned Best Mattress for Pressure Relief with Spinal Stenosis
People with spinal stenosis may benefit from a softer bed that alleviates pressure build-up around problem areas. The all-foam construction of the Nolah Signature has pressure-relieving properties and contouring foams that do just that.
In particular, this bed features Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam™ in two layers, which work together to relieve pressure throughout the back.
What’s the Nolah Signature Made Of?
The Nolah Signature is 12 inches thick with five layers. The cover is designed to wick away moisture for cooler sleep.
The first layer of AirFoam™ seeks to provide cushioning. Then comes another layer of foam dubbed “Active Response Foam,” designed to be breathable and, you got it: responsive. A subsequent layer of AirFoam™ adds even more pressure relief. Finally, a 7-inch slab of high-density foam acts as the stable foundation for the bed.
Our Take: “The Nolah Signature is a softer mattress, so it’s going to excel for side sleepers who want pressure relief in their shoulders and hips.” – Emma, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Cooling despite foam construction – Foam beds are known for running hot because of their density, but the Nolah Signature is different thanks to its breathability and added cooling technology. As Emma put it, “It’s like memory foam but it has a much cooler feel.”
- Stellar motion isolation – All-foam beds tend to isolate motion very well, and the Nolah Signature is “no exception,” according to Emma. You shouldn’t feel your partner’s movements during the night, so light sleepers can rest easily.
Potential Drawbacks
- Too soft for some – Lightweight sleepers and those who sleep on their side should appreciate the Nolah Signature’s softness. However, heavyweight people and sleepers who prefer to sleep on their stomachs may prefer a firmer bed for better support.
- Not the best edge support – Our testers noticed that the edges didn’t perform as well as they’d liked. If you often sit or sleep on the edge of the bed, it’s something to keep in mind.
Want to see more? Visit our in-depth Nolah Signature mattress review or our picks for the best mattress for pressure relief.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the WinkBed Earned Best Mattress for Heavy People with Spinal Stenosis
Individuals who carry more weight may find that certain areas of their body sink too deeply into a bed without enough support. This sinkage creates poor spinal alignment, which can worsen already-existent back pain from spinal stenosis.
The WinkBed, with its multiple firmness options, should offer an excellent solution for heavy sleepers seeking a better mattress. The WinkBed comes in Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm variants. Plus-sized people will likely prefer the Firm model for its sturdier support layers that foster optimal body alignment.
What’s the WinkBed Made Of?
The WinkBed stands 13.5 inches tall. It has a Tencel™ cover that’s breathable, eco-friendly, and OEKO-TEX® certified for safety.
The Euro top of this bed provides a comfortable but supportive sleep surface, outfitted with gel-infused foam for added cooling. Underneath are additional foam layers, including the LumbarLayer™ that targets and lifts the lower back.
The coil layer is made up of individually pocketed steel coils and surrounded by an Extra-Edge™ supportive perimeter.
Our Take: “Overall, I think this is going to work out really, really well for most people. It’s a quality mattress that I think most people are really going to enjoy.” – Mark Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Zoned pressure relief – Our plus-sized tester Sean found that there was “plenty of pressure relief for my shoulders and hips,” thanks to the zoned coil unit.
- Strong edges – Winkbed’s Extra-Edge™ support system reinforces the perimeter of the bed. You should be able to sleep or sit on the edges without experiencing too much sinking.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not too much sinkage – If you want to lay “in” your mattress, maybe steer clear of the WinkBed. Our testers felt like they were “floating” on top of the mattress.
- Hard to move – Since this bed is sturdy, it’s heavy. Be aware that you’ll probably need help moving this mattress into and out of your space.
Want more info? Check out our WinkBed mattress review or see other options on our best mattresses for heavy sleepers page.
Zenhaven Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Zenhaven Mattress
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Zenhaven Mattress
Material
Latex
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Saatva Zenhaven Earned Best Latex Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Optimal spine alignment requires just the right mixture of pressure relief and back support that also suits your body shape and preferred sleeping position. A dual-sided mattress like the all-natural latex Zenhaven allows you to experiment with two different feels and find the best one for your back pain.
Not only does Saatva process their latex to be highly consistent and buoyant, but they’ve also added airflow channels to the foam for additional comfort.
What’s the Saatva Zenhaven Made Of?
The Saatva Zenhaven is 10 inches thick and has two distinct sides: a Luxury Plush side and Gentle Firm side.
The organic cotton cover has special quilting in the center to ensure lumbar support. Beneath that, the first layer on each side is made up of organic wool to wick away moisture and add fire protection.
Then comes a sheet of natural latex divided into five zones to provide specialized support and pressure relief. It also has vented channels to promote airflow. Finally, a thicker latex foam makes up the two support cores of the mattress, which lay on top of each other in the center.
Our Take: Saatva is one of our go-to brands, and the Zenhaven shouldn’t disappoint. Its versatility and planet-considerate design make it a great fit for folks who like to shop green and are looking for pressure relief.
What We Liked
- Great for hot sleepers – Latex is naturally breathable, so the Zenhaven should lower your risk of feeling overheated at night..
- Eco-conscious – Saatva made this bed with the planet in mind. The Zenhaven is made with GOLS-certified organic latex, natural cotton, and organic wool. It’s also hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not supportive enough for heavy folks – Though the Zenhaven is on the firmer side because of its latex composition, it likely won’t be firm enough to keep heavyweight sleepers aloft. This is especially true if you also sleep on your stomach, as you may find your hips sinking too far into the mattress.
- Heavy – For a dual-sided bed, the Zenhaven is pretty hefty. You may need someone to help you whenever you’re ready to flip sides.
Looking to learn more? Check out our Zenhaven mattress review
Bear Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Bear Original Earned the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis
People with spinal stenosis who prefer to sleep on their backs could find a great match in the Bear Original mattress, an all-foam model that’s firm enough to keep spines aligned.
This bed should deliver relief to back sleepers with its cooling gel memory foam and responsive transition foam. These two foams foster a healthy balance of pressure relief and support for the back and other sensitive areas, including the hips, shoulders, and knees. The last layer features a high-density foam that keeps everything together, giving the upper layers structure and durability.
What’s the Bear Original Made Of?
The Bear Original has three layers and a 10-inch thickness.
The cover that comes with the bed is made with Tencel™, a breathable textile that helps the bed keep cool. But for an extra fee, you can upgrade to their Celliant®-infused cover. Celliant® is a material that allegedly converts body heat into infrared light, thereby aiding in muscle recovery.
The bed's three layers are made of three different kinds of foam. The first is memory foam infused with cooling gel, meant to cool you down and keep your spine properly aligned. The second is what Bear calls dynamic foam, which targets pressure points in need of lift with its supportive capability. Finally, a layer of high-density foam gives the bed its reliable durability.
Our Take: “I did really like this bed when I laid on my back, and when I laid on my stomach. It was firm enough for those two positions.” – Mark, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Motion-dampening – If you sleep with a partner, you’ll appreciate the Bear Original’s amazing capability to reduce motion transfer. As Stuart said, “It’s not likely you’ll disturb one another’s sleep.”
- Firm for foam – All-foam mattresses are usually on the softer side, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that the Bear Original is closer to a medium-firm feel. This should work for folks who want cushioning but don’t want to sink in too far, such as heavier sleepers.
Potential Drawbacks
- Hard for side sleepers – Back sleepers should feel supported, but if you sometimes switch to your side, you may find this mattress doesn’t have enough give to cushion your shoulders and hips.
- Not the bounciest – While the bed has some responsiveness thanks to its firmer feel, it’s still foam, so restless sleepers may end up feeling “stuck” in the mattress as they try to move around.
Want to read more? Check out our Bear Original mattress review or explore our picks for the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Earned Best Cooling Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
People with spinal stenosis who want to stay cool through the night might consider the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, a hybrid model. Brooklyn Bedding has included GlacioTex™ fibers in this bed that ensure the best temperature regulation for a good night’s sleep.
The Aurora Luxe’s layers include proprietary CopperFlex™ foam with TitanCool™ phase change material, proprietary TitanFlex™ foam, gel memory foam, and pocketed Ascension® coils, all of which contribute to a breathable construction.
What’s the Aurora Luxe Made Of?
Composed of six different layers, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is 13 inches thick. It comes in three firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. The GlacioTex™ cover of the mattress aims to redirect excess heat away from you. Underneath is a 1.5-inch layer of CopperFlex™ foam, a foam treated with a phase change material that contours to your curves and relieves pressure while also regulating temperature.
Next is a layer of Supreme Response Comfort Foam that ensures buoyancy. The thickness and feel of this layer is determined by the firmness you choose. The third layer of foam in the Soft and Medium options is Brooklyn’s Gel Swirl Memory Foam, adding an extra layer of cooling. In the Firm model, a VariFlex™ transition foam layer lends more support to the bed.
Zoned Ascension® coils make up the spring unit of the bed, each intended to target a specific part of the body for the appropriate amount of lift or pressure relief. Finally, the bed sits atop a high-density foam base to maintain its stability.
My Take: During testing, the cover of this bed felt cool to the touch. I also tested the mattress’s cooling ability with a temperature gun: after laying down on it, it took a little more than five minutes for the bed to not only regulate its surface temperature, but to lower it.
What I Liked
- Bouncy – Whenever I pushed on the mattress, it seemed to spring back almost instantaneously. I’d predict amazing responsiveness when you move around in bed.
- Fair choice for all positions – I think that this bed provides enough support regardless of what position you prefer to sleep in (side, back, or stomach). That being said, it may feel different based on your weight or personal preferences.
Potential Drawbacks
- Can get too cold – When I say it’s cold, I mean cold. Some of my fellow testers even thought the mattress’s cooling capabilities were strong enough to warrant snuggling up for body heat. If you only get hot occasionally, you might be piling on the blankets with this bed.
- Firmer feel – If you’re a lightweight sleeper, I think this bed’s firmer surface will make it harder for you to sink into the layers.
Want to read more? Check out our Aurora Luxe mattress review or check out our best cooling mattress picks.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the DreamCloud Earned Best Hybrid Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
A hybrid mattress combines the two aspects that are likely most important to sleepers with spinal stenosis: a cozy, comfortable feel on top of a solid, supportive foundation. The DreamCloud has both of these features in an impressive seven-layer package.
What’s the DreamCloud Made Of?
The DreamCloud has seven layers (including a top and bottom cover) and stands 14 inches tall. The top of the mattress sports a soft, cashmere-blend cover decorated with cloud designs. It’s stitched with a plush foam that adds to the bed’s initially cushioned feel.
Then come three different layers of foam: 1.5 inches of plush foam (for even more cushioning), 1 inch of gel-infused memory foam (for pressure relief), and 2 inches of dynamic transitional foam (for spinal alignment).
These all sit above a coil unit with 8.5-inch individually wrapped coils, giving the bed a robust support unit and improving its motion isolation. The bottom layer is a one-inch foam base, and the lower cover has handles for easy transfer.
My Take: I’ve dubbed the DreamCloud a true “jack of all trades.” It supports all sleep positions, while also encouraging spinal alignment and absorbing motion.
What I Liked
- Support for all positions – I tried every sleeping position (back, side, and stomach), and I didn’t feel worrisome sinkage anywhere. The DreamCloud should be supportive enough regardless of how you sleep.
- Bang for your buck – I’m admittedly surprised by the cost of this bed. Considering the various features it offers and how versatile it is for many sleepers, I’d expect it to be more expensive.
Potential Drawbacks
- Weak edge support – Despite DreamCloud advertising the edges as reinforced, my fellow testers found them lacking. Stuart said that “the edges are a little weaker than we’d expect from a hybrid.”
- Not super contouring – I felt boosted by this bed, rather than deeply cradled as you would in a traditional memory foam mattress. Look elsewhere if you’re seeking that super-cushiony feeling.
Curious about this bed? Visit our comprehensive DreamCloud mattress review or check out our best hybrid mattress picks.
Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the Layla Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Finding the best position may require some experimentation, which is made easier when you have two firmness options in one mattress. Layla’s memory foam bed offers a deeper hug on one side and a lighter cradle on the other, and both sides possess terrific cooling technology.
Memory foam is a great option if you want to cushion your joints and prefer a softer feel, which may also help to ease the symptoms of spinal stenosis (provided you have enough underlying support).. If you like sleeping “in” a bed rather than on top of it, the Layla Memory Foam should also work for you.
What’s the Layla Mattress Made Of?
The Layla is 10.5 inches thick and has six layers when you include the top and bottom covers.
The top layer on both sides is made from high-quality memory foam designed to both alleviate pressure and support your back. When paired with the proprietary cooling gel in both covers, this copper-infused foam helps keep heat from building up around your body.
In between these two foam layers are two more: a Max Airflow support foam with zoned support (softer side) and a denser core foam to minimize motion transfer (firmer side).
Our Take: “I really like sleeping on my back, and I noticed that I definitely felt cradled by this mattress on both sides.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Flippable – Can’t choose how plush you want your bed to be? No problem! Both sides of the Layla offer different levels of softness so you can decide how much cradling is the right amount for you.
- Copper infusion technology – The copper-infused memory foam also adds to the bed’s versatility. Per the brand, the foam firms up a bit more under areas of the body that exert deeper pressure, a response they call “variable support.” This makes the foam feel a bit more responsive than typical memory foam.
Potential Drawbacks
- Lacking edge support – Stuart thought the edges of this mattress buckled under his weight. This is a common issue in most memory foam mattresses.
- Not great for stomach sleepers – As a very soft mattress, the Layla won’t provide the support necessary for those who sleep on their stomach. This is true even for the firmer side of the bed.
Want to read more? Visit our Layla mattress review or check out some more options on our best memory foam mattresses page.
TEMPUR-ProAdapt Mattress
Tempur-Pedic's TEMPUR-ProAdapt® mattress is a step up for those who need additional pressure relief.
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
90 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
TEMPUR-ProAdapt Mattress
Tempur-Pedic's TEMPUR-ProAdapt® mattress is a step up for those who need additional pressure relief.
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
90 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
TEMPUR-ProAdapt Mattress
Tempur-Pedic's TEMPUR-ProAdapt® mattress is a step up for those who need additional pressure relief.
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
90 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Why the TEMPUR-ProAdapt Earned Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis
If you’re someone who changes positions throughout the night, you might worry that repositioning could set off back pain from spinal stenosis. To combat this, you’ll need a mattress that makes it easy to move around by incorporating highly responsive layers.
Tempur-Pedic’s ProAdapt mattress can adapt and respond to the sleeper’s weight and applied pressure. The brand uses proprietary materials and multiple firmness options to create a customized sleep experience that should work well for combination sleepers, as well as for people of different body weights.
What’s the TEMPUR-ProAdapt Made Of?
The TEMPUR-ProAdapt is very customizable. You can choose from three different firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. There’s even a hybrid option available in medium firmness.
All TEMPUR-ProAdapt variations are composed of two main layers, though their materials depend on the firmness and type of mattress you choose. TEMPUR-ES® material is found in the soft and hybrid models and helps create a cozy, cradling feel. The Original TEMPUR® material is found in the medium and firm models and responsively adapts to your body shape. The hybrid option, meanwhile, has a spring unit with up to 1,000 coils and reinforced edges.
TEMPUR-APR® material is found in all four variants, but it’s unique to the ProAdapt series, offering more advanced pressure relief than the original Adapt model.
Our Take: Tempur-Pedic is a trusted brand that offers a classic cushioning feel via proprietary foams. The ProAdapt should deliver on that front and more, providing exceptional pressure relief to help take the load off every night in bed.
What We Liked
- Iconic materials – Tempur-Pedic’s layers have remained prominent in the mattress world for good reason. They were developed to compress in a customized way underneath each person that lies on top of them, molding to your silhouette and relieving strain from your most sensitive pressure points.
- Great motion isolation – This mattress’s soft, cushiony surface should reduce motion transfer even on the firmer options. If you sleep with a partner and are easily woken, you should feel less disturbance on this bed.
Potential Drawbacks
- Still not the most responsive – The iconic TEMPUR material that cradles and hugs you has some responsiveness, but not the most. If you’re an especially restless sleeper looking for maximum bounce-back, try out the hybrid option.
- Pricey – Tempur-Pedic is a well-known name in the luxury mattress game, and their price tags reflect it. A queen ProAdapt will run you more than $3,000.
Want to read more? Check out our best mattresses for combination sleeper picks.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Plank Firm Earned Best Firm Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Sometimes, an extra-soft surface isn’t the best prescription for comfort. People with spinal stenosis who enjoy a more supportive bed may find their match in the Plank Firm, a particularly buoying mattress that guards against troublesome sinkage.
The Plank Firm was designed to mimic mat-like sleeping surfaces while preserving the height and comfort of a traditional bed. It’s a flippable mattress with a firm side and an ultra-firm side. The ultra-firm side has an even flatter cover than the firm side, whereas the firm side has a loftier cover as well as a layer of comfort foam leading into the bed’s high-density foam core.
What’s the Plank Firm Made Of?
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with four layers and an overall height of 9.5 inches.
The ultra-firm side has a quilted top with continuous stitching, meaning there will be absolutely no loft for a truly firm experience. The regular firm side, on the other hand, has tack-and-jump stitching and a 2-inch layer of high-density TitanFlex™ foam to provide some loft and bounce-back.
The core of this mattress is 6 inches thick and also made of high-density foam. For an extra fee, you can have a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover added to both sides of the mattress.
My Take: Little compares to the Plank when it comes to firmness. It’s one of the firmest in the online market.
What We Liked
- Support for heavier folks – The Plank is firm enough to accommodate both heavy people and stomach sleepers who may otherwise struggle to find a mattress that gives them enough lift.
- Promotes spinal alignment – This bed’s firmness lends it plenty of support for those who sleep on their back and stomach. Even the American Chiropractic Association endorsed it for reducing spinal stress.
Potential Drawbacks
- Really firm – This bed is aptly named—some might feel like they’re sleeping on a plank of wood. If you’re looking for something firm that still has some give, steer clear of the Plank and consider a medium-firm mattress instead.
- Low profile – This bed is only 9.5 inches tall, which is on the thinner side. Consider adding a platform base if you don’t want your bed low to the floor.
Curious about this bed? Read our full Plank Firm mattress review or peruse our list of the best firm mattresses.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis can put pressure on the spinal cord. Therefore, when looking for a mattress to help ease the discomfort this can cause when you’re sleeping, there are certain factors that you should consider, including the type of bed you get and performance-based features.
What Type of Mattress is Best for Spinal Stenosis?
Memory Foam
This type of bed is popular among most people, particularly those that experience conditions associated with a bad back. Memory foam is a softer sleeping surface that responds to body weight and conforms to its curves.
When you lie down, your body distributes its weight unevenly. The part of the mattress that supports your shoulders and hips will bear more weight than the area supporting your head, waist, and feet. The responsive material of memory foam helps absorb that weight, allowing your heavier parts to sink in comfortably.
The result is that your spine stays in neutral alignment, which is critical for those with spinal stenosis. The only real disadvantage of memory foam is that it tends to get hot easily. What this means is that when you lie down and the mattress hugs your body, there’s not much airflow, so the bed can trap much of your body heat; however, some brands account for this by implementing cooling gel into their memory foam.
Check Out Our Guide: Best Memory Foam Mattresses
Hybrid
A hybrid bed simply means that two types of beds were merged into one. Usually, a hybrid mattress has a coil or innerspring base with soft layers of latex or memory foam on the top. Hybrids are popular because you get the springy feeling that comes from a coil mattress but also the comfortable support that’s characteristic of latex and memory foam.
Some hybrid bed companies allow you to build a more custom bed based on your specific preferences. You’ll answer a series of questions before you buy, and the company will design and ship a bed built just for you. They’ll adjust the firmness and material settings based on your age, weight, gender, sleeping position, etc.
Innerspring
Also called innerspring, coil mattresses feature a layer of springs that make up the foundation of the bed. This type of mattress is ideal for jumping, but these beds tend to wear out faster because the springs, which bear most of your body weight, lose their integrity and make the surface sag.
When this happens, it can become an unsuitable mattress for anyone, but especially those with spinal stenosis.
If you like the feel of an innerspring mattress, some brands have individually-pocketed coils that can offer enhanced support.
Latex
There are two types of latex: natural and synthetic. The natural variety is made from the sap of a rubber tree, so it’s a greener and more durable material. Natural latex is also bouncy since it is technically a form of rubber. Synthetic latex, on the other hand, is made from a petroleum base, so even though you get the feel of latex, it’s not natural.
Pure latex beds tend to be expensive, so if you’re on a budget, you might want to get a bed with a blend of natural and synthetic latex.
For people with spinal stenosis, these beds can be a great choice, though some people find them to be too firm. If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll probably prefer a memory foam mattress, but if you tend to sleep on your back or stomach, latex could be a perfect match for your needs.
Find Out More: Best Latex Mattresses
Other Considerations When Buying a Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Back Support and Spinal Alignment
Mattresses with exemplary back support and spinal alignment capabilities may help the pain from the pressure that spinal stenosis can cause. Good back support allows the spine to remain in a neutral alignment, which should reduce your risk of exacerbating back discomfort. For those who carry more weight, the coils in hybrid mattresses can offer more advanced support than all-foam models.
Adjustable Base Compatibility
Elevating your head and/or feet with an adjustable bed could help eliminate some of the pain associated with spinal stenosis by minimizing spinal pressure through the zero-gravity position. A variety of beds, including memory foam and hybrids, are compatible with adjustable bases.
Need more info? Browse our picks for the best adjustable bed frames.
Sleeping Position
Although your preferred sleeping position may feel the most natural and comfortable to you, some postures may be doing more harm than good when dealing with spinal stenosis. Sleeping on your back2 can put the least amount of pressure on your spine, so this position is worth trying if you’re not already a back sleeper. Side sleeping3 could also help, but stomach sleeping should be avoided since you’re more susceptible to the lower back curving uncomfortably.
For back sleeping, we recommend supportive mattresses with a medium-firm feel that balances both pressure relief and support.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
Your weight can be a major factor when it comes to shopping for a mattress for spinal stenosis. Lightweight sleepers with this condition are likely going to find more relief on a softer, plusher mattress as these should allow them to relieve pressure on their spine while still providing amble spinal support. However, a heavier person would need a firmer, more supportive mattress to keep them from pushing through the comfort layers too quickly and compromising their body alignment.
Explore our best mattresses for heavy people.
Firmness
You’ll want to get a bed with the ideal mattress firmness level for your weight and sleeping position for optimal comfort since a bed that’s too soft or too firm could wind up worsening your pain. Check out our mattress firmness guide to find the firmness that will support you the most and help you get the best night’s sleep.
Cooling
Being hot and sweaty can make your back trouble worse for many reasons, one of which is dehydration. When you’re not properly hydrated, you lose fluid in your joints4, which could exacerbate your existing symptoms.
Since memory foam tends to sleep hot, if you choose this type of bed, make sure you get one that has a top layer designed to keep you cool. Look for gel or copper infusions, both of which keep the surface of the mattress cooler and help draw heat away from your body.
You should also look for something called an open-cell structure. This means that the mattress was designed for adequate airflow to help cool down its surface.
If you’re concerned about the bed still being too hot, you can get a mattress topper with cooling properties as well.
Want to know more? Explore our top picks for the best cooling mattresses.
Motion Isolation
When experiencing back pain caused from conditions such as spinal stenosis, you may be especially tuned into your partner’s movements. If their twisting and turning is traveling to your side of the bed, it could cause you to move which may aggravate the pain and pressure on your spine.
Therefore, if you co-sleep, finding a mattress that prevents motion from traveling from one area of the bed to the other. Memory foam mattresses can not only provide contouring comfort and spinal alignment that may help ease the pain associated with spinal stenosis, it is often a good choice for motion isolation.
Sex
Those with spinal stenosis can still enjoy full and active sex lives. However, finding a bed that is good for your back pain and your sex life may be a little tricky. This is because those with spinal stenosis often benefit from memory foam beds that offer pressure-relieving contouring. However, the slow-moving nature of this type of bed is not necessarily conducive to sex.
Beds that are responsive and springy, such as latex and latex hybrids, tend to facilitate sex the best. Therefore, a memory foam or latex hybrid may be a consideration as the top foam layer(s) can provide contouring and support while the coils provide a little more bounce for intimacy.
Browse the Best Mattresses for Sex.
Pressure Relief
Finding a mattress that offers excellent pressure relief is likely near the top of your list when shopping for a bed for spinal stenosis. Considering that spinal stenosis puts pressure on the back and is often concentrated in the lower back5, finding a mattress that provides pressure relief and spinal support will probably be a high priority.
Many sleepers with this condition should find comfort in slow-moving and contouring beds made from memory foam. However, softer latex mattresses can also do a good job of relieving pressure but with more responsiveness to foster easier repositioning, which could also be helpful for those with limited mobility due to spinal stenosis.
Explore our picks for the Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief.
Edge Support
Although support that extends to the perimeter of the bed is important for couples and those who enjoy utilizing the whole bed when sleeping, those with spinal stenosis could benefit from strong edges that make it easier to get in and out of bed. If the edge of your mattress sags down instead of providing a solid base, it can make it difficult and even painful to lower yourself into bed or push yourself up.
Traditional innerspring mattresses and hybrid beds tend to have the best edge support. However, some foam beds with reinforced edges could also do the job.
Budget
When it comes time to buy your bed, make sure you’re looking for quality materials and seeking out brands that demonstrate that they understand this concept. A cheap memory foam bed, for example, will usually have poorer-quality foam that feels cozy at first but lacks durability.
Tell-tale signs of a cheap mattress are low-density foam, a lack of certifications, or integrated coils systems that do not offer tailored support.
We've compiled a list of high-quality cheap mattresses if you're looking for a good deal.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis6 can occur when the spinal canal narrows, creating pressure on the spinal cord and nearby nerve roots. Multiple factors can cause spinal stenosis, such as age, arthritis, spine tumors, injuries, and Paget’s disease.
Spinal stenosis commonly affects two areas: the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck).
- Lumbar (lower back) stenosis: This forms of stenosis is when the narrowing of the spinal canal occurs in the lower back region, and according to Johns Hopkins Medicine7, spinal stenosis is most common in the lower back.
- Cervical (neck) stenosis: This condition happens when the spinal canal narrows in the neck. According to the University of Virginia School of Medicine8, along with pain, people with cervical stenosis may experience pain in one or both of their arms as well as an “electrical sensation” that shoots down their back when their head moves.
Spinal stenosis symptoms5 vary, and some patients don’t even know they have it. For the majority of people with this condition, they’ll experience one or more of the following:
- Pain or cramping in the legs
- Back pain
- Numbness
- Tingling or weakness in the hands, legs, feet, or arms
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Neck pain
- Bladder or bowel problems
What is The Best Sleeping Position for Spinal Stenosis?
Did you know that some sleeping positions can contribute to back pain? If you have spinal stenosis, you should be careful which position you choose to sleep in.
Back Sleeping
As mentioned, back sleeping puts the least pressure on your spine2.
To reduce pressure further, try to keep your upper body elevated. You can do this with either a wedge pillow or an adjustable mattress. You can also try maintaining a bend in your knees. Putting a pillow underneath them can help retain that bend, even when you’re asleep.
Browse the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Side sleeping, particularly the fetal position, is also recommended for spinal stenosis3. By drawing your knees up toward the chest, you relieve pressure on the nerve root.
Get more information on the Best Beds for Side Sleepers.
Combination Sleeping
For combination sleepers with spinal stenosis, you should stick to just rotating between your back and side. If you’re a combination sleeper and one of your go-to postures is stomach sleeping, try to avoid this posture so you don’t put added pressure on your lower back.
Discover the Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs may exacerbate the pain from spinal stenosis. This is because sleeping on your stomach may cause your hips to sag too far into the bed, which can cause the lower back to curve and places the spine in poor alignment. Hours of strain on an already problematic area may prevent you with from getting adequate rest and it may cause additional pain.
Check Out the Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers.
Can a Mattress Help If You Have Spinal Stenosis?
Having the right mattress is a huge step in the right direction for someone with spinal stenosis as it could help mitigate discomfort by relieving pain in the neck and back while also promoting better spine alignment.
With that in mind, you’ll want to get a bed with the ideal mattress firmness level for your weight and sleeping position for optimal comfort since a bed that’s too soft or too firm could wind up worsening your pain. Check out our mattress firmness guide to find the firmness that will support you the most and help you get the best nights sleep.
Read More: Best Mattresses for 2023
Tips for Better Sleeping With Spinal Stenosis
Along with getting a great mattress, you may also want to try some home treatments for spinal stenosis. Some doctors may recommend these remedies for pain relief since they’re safe and easy to do for most people1.
- Weight Loss – Losing some weight can reduce added pressure and stress on your lower back.
- Working Out – Doing light stretches and strength training will help build up strength and flexibility in your back. However, it’s always best to consult your doctor about safe workouts because doing too much could be more harmful than helpful.
- Pain Relievers – Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with spinal stenosis.
- Walking Aids – Mobility aids, like canes and walkers, may give you more stability and relief as it helps to take some pressure off the back.
Best Mattresses for Spinal Stenosis FAQs
How can I be comfortable with spinal stenosis?
Although there is no cure for spinal stenosis, there are steps you can implement to help relieve the pain. It is important that you discuss options such as physical therapy or other medical solutions with your healthcare provider. Additionally, investing in a quality, pressure-relieving mattress and sleeping on your back or side in the fetal in position may also bring some comfort.
Can a bad mattress cause spinal stenosis?
No, mattresses don’t cause spinal stenosis. It is a degenerative disease that is typically associated with age6. Although mattresses don’t cause spinal stenosis, a supportive, pressure-relieving bed may help ease some of the pain associated with it.
What mattress firmness is best for spinal stenosis?
People with spinal stenosis should benefit from a medium-firm mattress as research suggests9 this level of firmness is better for back pain issues. This firmness should offer good support for the spine, preventing the body from sinking into the bed and throwing the spine off alignment. In addition, medium-firm beds offer a bit of contouring to prevent pressure buildup in the lumbar area.
What kind of mattress do I need for spinal stenosis?
Memory foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses should work well for people with spinal stenosis. These beds can offer great pressure relief, responsiveness, and support for your back pain. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages that you’ll also have to consider as well. For example, natural latex mattresses are eco-friendly, while memory foam excels at pressure relief and motion isolation.
What’s the best way to sleep if you have spinal stenosis?
Most people with spinal stenosis should find relief by sleeping in the fetal position, which is when you lie on your side and have your knees up near your abdomen. If this is uncomfortable for you, you can try sleeping on your back with your head and knees elevated2
What activities should I avoid with spinal stenosis?
Although some exercises and stretches can provide relief, you should avoid certain physical activities like running, taking long walks, contact sports, jumping, climbing, deep back stretches, and biking on hilly or uneven terrain.
Is spinal stenosis a degenerative disc disease?
Spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the canal that houses the spinal nerves, can occur as a result of degenerative disc disease11. Degenerative disc disease, or DDD, is when the discs in your spine wear and tear, and this condition is often a result of aging.
How can I prevent spinal stenosis from getting worse?
To prevent spinal stenosis from getting worse, you should exercise regularly, practice good posture, avoid smoking, and follow guidance from your doctor8. For exercise, you may have difficulty getting started if you’re already in pain. Therefore, you can try low or no-impact exercises like walking and swimming. Practicing yoga and lifting weights are also excellent activities to keep your body strong.
To promote good posture, make sure you sit and stand without slouching, lift heavy objects carefully and with your legs (not your back), and sleep on a mattress that keeps your spine in proper alignment.
Quitting smoking is also helpful because nicotine inhibits blood flow11, which means fewer nutrients and less oxygen can reach your back for it to heal sooner.
Of course, following recommendations from your doctor is also vital because they will know your personal circumstances and limitations.
Can you recommend some good spinal stenosis exercises?
A 2018 study12 found that core stability exercises were more helpful for participants with lumbar spinal stenosis than regular exercise. There are a variety of exercises you can do that could help open up the narrow passageways and encourage the spinal discs to fill back up with fluid.
Additionally, there are other exercises13 that could help with spinal stenosis, including riding a bicycle, swimming, and taking Tai Chi classes that involve light and slow movements. When it comes to riding a bicycle, it may be better to opt for a stationary bike to avoid accidentally falling. Water therapy, light stretches, and some core strengthening workouts may also help.
We do recommend that anyone attempting any sort of new stretch or exercise consult with their doctor to ensure that the activities are safe and helpful for their body.
Final Word Advice
Along with investing in a great bed that provides you with sufficient support and pressure relief to help mitigate spinal stenosis symptoms, we encourage you to consult with your primary care doctor, who can help guide you toward a more personalized treatment plan.
Sources:
- Gordon, Ian L., Casden, Seth., et. al. “Effect of Shirts with 42% Celliant™ Fiber on tcPO2 Levels and Grip Strength in Healthy Subjects: A Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial”. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8351537/. 2019.
- “Best Sleeping Positions for Pain”. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-sleeping-positions-for-pain/. 2023.
- Staehler MD, Richard. “Mattresses and Sleep Positions for Each Back Pain Diagnosis”. Spine Health. Last modified October 25, 2017. https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/sleep/mattresses-and-sleep-positions-each-back-pain-diagnosis.
- “Dehydration and Joint Pain: How Your Hydration is Affecting Joint Health”. Orthopedic Associates. Webpage accessed July 31, 2023. https://orthopedicassociates.org/dehydration-and-joint-pain-how-your-hydration-is-affecting-joint-health/#:~:text=Dehydration%20can%20cause%20joint%20pain,don't%20come%20in%20contact.
- “Spinal stenosis”. Mayo Clinic. Last modified March 28, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352961.
- “Spinal Stenosis”. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Last modified January 2020. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/spinal-stenosis.
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