The Best Mattresses for People with Sciatica Pain in 2023

Quick look at the best mattresses for people with sciatica

• Best hybrid mattress for people with sciatica: Saatva Classic Mattress | Skip to Review
• Best adjustable mattress for sciatica: Saatva Solaire Mattress | Skip to Review
• Best mattress for lower back pain and sciatica: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress | Skip to Review
• Best mattress for side sleepers with sciatica: DreamCloud Mattress | Skip to Review
• Best memory foam mattress for people with sciatica: Amerisleep AS3 Mattress | Skip to Review
• Best mattress for sciatica for people with more weight: The Big Fig Mattress | Skip to Review
• Best latex mattress for sciatica: Spindle Natural Latex Mattress | Skip to Review
• Best organic mattress for sciatica: Avocado Green Mattress | Skip to Review
• Best temperature-neutral mattress for sciatica: Nolah Natural 11″ | Skip to Review
• Best pressure-relieving mattress for sciatica: Birch Luxe Mattress | Skip to Review

Sciatica is a common issue that typically affects one side of your body. It’s most commonly caused by nerve compression in the lower lumbar region of the spine and can make your leg feel numb or tingly, causing pain that travels through your butt and leg. For some people, the pain resolves quickly, while for others, it may be long lasting.

If you’re currently dealing with sciatic pain, you likely already know that it can affect your sleep. Choosing a comfortable mattress might be one thing you can do to help get you closer to pain-free sleep.

We’ve scoured the market to choose the best mattresses for sciatica to give you the ultimate support. Read on for our top picks.

How we chose the best mattresses for sciatica

Here’s what we considered when picking the best mattresses for sciatica:

• Customer reviews: We looked for mattresses rated well by people who’ve actually bought (and slept on!) them. We also checked reviews specifically for mentions of sciatica or pressure relief.
• Claims: Though each of these mattresses is rated well by people with pain and offers good comfort and support, we avoid brands that claim their mattresses can prevent, cure, or mitigate any illness or condition.
• Company policies: We make sure the companies offer warranties, in-home trials, and shipping and return policies that give you a chance to try out the mattress before officially deciding to keep it.
• Transparency: We value companies that are transparent and let consumers know where their products are made and what they’re made from.
• Safety: All mattresses on our list comply with the Federal Flammability Standard, 16 CFR part 1633, and 16 CFR part 1632.
• Company reputation: We avoid brands that have been found guilty in a recent lawsuit related to business practices. We also avoid companies that rank poorly on the Better Business Bureau.
• Materials certifications: We look for mattresses made of materials certified safe by a reputable third party.

Pricing guide

Prices are based on nonsales pricing for queen-size mattresses. Note that many of the brands on our list offer frequent sales, so you can often find a better deal on their websites.

• $ = under $1,400
• $$ = $1,400–$2,400
• $$$ = over $2,400

Healthline’s picks for the best mattresses for sciatica

Best hybrid mattress for sciatica

Saatva Classic Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness options: plush soft, luxury firm, firm
• Warranty: lifetime
• Trial: 365 nights
• Height: 11.5 or 14.5 inches

Key features: Designed for lumbar support and spinal alignment, this hybrid mattress has earned the approval of customers and chiropractors alike. The Congress of Chiropractic State Associations awarded Saatva its seal of approval. Customers rave that their back pain issues disappeared after sleeping on this mattress.

You can choose three different support levels ranging from soft, luxury firm, and firm based on your needs and preferences.

Considerations: If you’re not convinced that you want to keep this mattress for the long haul, the home trial return and exchange policy do not come cheap. Saatva charges a $99 transportation fee that covers the cost of labor and gas for the mattress pickup.

Buy the Saatva Classic Mattress online.

Best adjustable mattress for sciatica

Saatva Solaire Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: memory foam and latex
• Firmness options: 50 firmness options
• Warranty: lifetime
• Trial: 365 nights
• Height: 13 inches

Key features: Reviewers say this air adjustable mattress is a favorite for them and their partner. It allows you to adjust each side of the bed with a remote that has 50 different firmness settings. Research has found that an adjustable mattress can be beneficial for reducing pain and supporting spinal alignment.

The company says the mattress also absorbs any motion to help you not feel your partner moving throughout the night.

Some customer reviews state that the mattress helped relieve hip and back pain starting the first week they slept on it.

Considerations: If you prefer a traditional memory foam mattress without the frills, this may not be the mattress for you. It’s also pretty tall, so it may not work well for shorter sleepers.

Buy the Saatva Solaire Mattress online.

Best mattress for lower back pain and sciatica

Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness options: medium
• Warranty: 10 years limited
• Trial: 100 nights
• Height: 13 inches

Key features: This mattress has three layers of perforated, breathable polyurethane foam. It also has a layer with gel pods designed to relieve aches and pains, which may be a good choice for sciatic pain. People dealing with back issues state in their reviews that their pain dissipated after sleeping on the mattress.

Considerations: According to reviews, some customers found the mattress too hard for their liking. Some felt too warm throughout the night despite the cooling gel. Luckily, Casper offers a 100-night, risk-free trial, so you can try the bed and make sure it works for you before committing to it.

Purchase the Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress online.

Best mattress for side sleepers with sciatica

DreamCloud Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness options: luxury firm
• Warranty: lifetime
• Trial: 365 nights
• Height: 14 inches

Key features: The gel memory foam in this mattress is designed to cradle the hips and back to relieve pressure points, so it’s a good pick for side sleepers. Several customers who have sciatica claim the mattress got rid of their pain, and they’re able to sleep comfortably through the night.

Considerations: The mattress might be too tall for shorter sleepers.

Buy the DreamCloud Mattress online.

Best memory foam mattress for sciatica

Amerisleep AS3 Mattress

• Price: $
• Type: memory foam
• Firmness options: medium
• Warranty: 20 years
• Trial: 100 nights
• Height: 12 inches

Key features: The Amerisleep AS3 is designed to alleviate pressure points. Reviewers with sciatica say it offers the support they need, and it greatly relieves their pain. They say it’s great for side and combination sleepers.

Considerations: This mattress is made from memory foam, which tends to sleep warm. But Amerisleep says its foam is made from renewable oils and prevents heat buildup.

Buy the Amerisleep AS3 Mattress online.

Best mattress for sciatica for people with more weight

The Big Fig Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness options: medium firm
• Warranty: 20 years
• Trial: 120 nights
• Height: 13 inches

Key features: Big Fig prides itself on being strong and soft while also supporting up to 1,100 pounds. Due to its individually wrapped coil springs and high density foams, the company says it shouldn’t sag. Many customers say their body aches and pains ceased after sleeping on this mattress.

Considerations: According to some reviewers, the mattress is hard and can take some getting used to. If you don’t like a firm mattress or have a lower body weight, this mattress may not be your best choice.

Buy the Big Fig Mattress online.

Best latex mattress for sciatica

Spindle Natural Latex Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: natural latex
• Firmness options: medium, medium firm, firm
• Warranty: 10 years
• Trial: 365 nights
• Height: 10 inches

Key features: This mattress is eco-friendly and adjustable. It comes with three separate latex layers that allow you to customize it to be firmer or softer. If you have sciatica, this can be a good way to personalize support to help relieve pain in the affected area.

Considerations: If you want a mattress that doesn’t require extra steps to get comfy, this may not be the right one for you. It’s also firmer than a memory foam mattress. As one customer review says, “There’s no ‘loving hugs’ or cradling” like there would be with memory foam.

Buy the Spindle Natural Latex Mattress online.

Best organic mattress for sciatica

Avocado Green Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness options: medium-firm, gentle firm
• Warranty: 25 years
• Trial: 365 nights
• Height: 11 or 13 inches

Key features: The Avocado Green mattress is certified organic. It’s made with all-natural ingredients like organic latex, wool, and wool, plus a pocketed support coil system arranged in five zones for targeted support.

The mattress comes standard with a gentle but firm feel, making it a great option for people with sciatica. Customers with sciatica report that their sleep quality has significantly improved with Avocado.

Considerations: The Avocado Green mattress is available with an attached pillow top for a gentle-firm feel, but it’s a pricey upgrade. For a queen mattress, you’ll spend another $500.

Buy the Avocado Green Mattress online.

Best temperature-neutral mattress for sciatica

Nolah Natural 11″

• Price: $$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness options: luxury firm
• Warranty: lifetime
• Trial: 120 nights
• Height: 11″

Key features: The Nolah Natural mattress is an environmentally-friendly choice made with hypoallergenic Talalay latex. This responsive material offers full-body support and three times the pressure relief of synthetic and Dunlop latex. Plus, it’s temperature neutral — a key consideration if you’re dealing with sciatica in addition to sweaty sleep.

Considerations: The Nolah Natural has a medium firm feel, which is naturally responsive and contouring, and there are no firmness options available. Plus, latex adds a lot of weight to a mattress, which can make it hard to move around.

Buy the Nolah Natural 11″ mattress online.

Best pressure-relieving mattress for sciatica

Birch Luxe Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness options: medium firm
• Warranty: 25 years
• Trial: 100 nights
• Height: 11.5 inches

Key features: The Birch Luxe Natural mattress is another option with eco-friendly, nontoxic materials. But for sleepers with sciatica, it’s the combination of pressure-relieving materials (like latex) and zoned lumbar support from more than 1,000 steel coils that really matters.

This mattress is designed to be comfortable and supportive in all sleep positions, with a medium-firm feel and breathable materials for cooler, more comfortable sleep

Considerations: There are no reviews posted on the Birch website, so it’s hard to get an idea of what real customers think.

Buy the Birch Luxe Mattress online.

Comparison table of the best mattress for sciatica

What is sciatica?

“Sciatica” is a term for moderate to severe pain that can develop in the back, buttocks, and legs. It stems from the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. This is the nerve that directly affects your ability to feel and control your legs. Irritation to this nerve leads to sciatica.

Other symptoms of sciatica include sharp pains, numbness, burning, or weakness in the legs, back, or buttocks.

How sciatica affects sleep

It’s hard to sleep when you’re in pain, so it’s no surprise that sciatica has a negative effect on sleep quality. Up to 55% of people with chronic low back pain report sleep disturbances.

Some sleep positions may put pressure on the irritated nerve, which triggers symptoms to flare. That can lead to disrupted sleep if you happen to change positions through the night, or difficulty getting comfortable enough to fall asleep in the first place.

Choosing a mattress for sciatica

Sciatica can put a damper on your sleep patterns if it isn’t treated or handled properly. While it’s important to get care from your doctor, sleeping on a comfortable and supportive mattress may also be helpful.

Dr. Sara Mikulsky, PT, DPT, FNS, CEAS, owner of Wellness Physical Therapy PLLC, says that choosing a mattress with good spinal alignment is key.

“By placing the spine in normal alignment and additionally opening up the spinal segments, pressure can be taken off the nerves, reducing sciatic pain,” she explains, adding that you should avoid choosing a soft mattress because the spine won’t be as supported.

For example, Mikulsky recommends many of the new foam mattresses that have technology to prevent sagging in the middle when lying down on it. These mattresses help the body stay supported from the hips, back, and shoulders.

A mattress company’s policies are also important to look into before making a purchase. Mikulsky says, “I recommend going with a mattress company that allows a trial period to make sure it’s the right mattress for you.”

Other tips for sleeping well with sciatica

Besides shopping for the right mattress, there are other things you can do to ease the discomfort of sciatica. Typically, hot or cold packs and pain relievers can offer temporary relief.

Mikulsky explains that your sleeping position can make a difference as well. Avoid sleeping on your stomach when you’re experiencing sciatica flare-ups to prevent further compressed stress and pressure on the area.

“Try to maintain a neutral spine position no matter what position you sleep in, either on your back or side,” she says.

If you need more support at night, Mikulsky suggests placing a pillow between your legs to help maintain a more neutral pelvis and spinal alignment. This neutral position can take pressure off the nerves, helping decrease pain.

Other ways to relieve sciatica include stretching before going to bed and before getting out of bed in the morning.

Mikulsky says, “Try lying on your back and pulling your knees up to the chest. This position will open the spine, stretch the muscles, and can help reduce pain.”

What type of mattress is best for someone with sciatica back pain?

Like mattresses in general, there is no single best type specifically for sciatica. However, there is evidence from a 2015 research review that medium-firm mattresses and those that are adjustable might be better for spinal alignment, pain reduction, and sleep quality.

Additionally, it’s important to note that a higher foam density will be able to support a person with a higher weight better than a lower density mattress. If you carry more body weight, look for a thicker mattress that uses a higher density foam.

Firmness aside, it also helps to know a little more about the types of mattresses and the support they can offer:

• Memory foam mattresses can contour to the body for support and pressure relief. On the downside, they can retain heat more than other mattress types, so keep that in mind if you tend to sleep hot. They may also not offer enough support for those with more body weight.
• Hybrid mattresses combine materials like memory foam and innersprings for additional support in key spots.
• Latex mattresses offer pressure relief and are durable and responsive. They tend to be more temperature neutral than memory foam.
• Innerspring mattresses can offer extra support and tend to be less expensive options.

All in all, comfort is personal. But when sciatica is an issue, look for mattresses that offer zoned support. This means it’s reinforced in the areas where your body naturally applies more pressure as you’re lying on a mattress, with the goal of helping your spine stay aligned. And whatever your material preference, avoid mattresses that are too soft or too firm for your body weight.

How should I sleep to relieve sciatica?

You may find that getting comfortable for sleep during a sciatic flare takes a little trial and error. Still, the best option tends to be whatever keeps your spine comfortable and naturally aligned.

• Side sleeping can take pressure off the irritated nerve. Lie on the opposite side of the irritation and consider placing a pillow between your bent knees to keep both your pelvis and spine in a neutral position.
• Back sleeping distributes your weight more evenly across the back. A bolster, thick pillow, or even a rolled-up towel placed beneath the knees can relax your hip flexors, which will help your spine maintain its natural curve. You can also try adding a thin pillow or towel beneath your lower back. This will help your pelvis maintain a neutral position.

Stomach sleeping is not recommended if you have sciatica or any kind of lower back pain. This position doesn’t support the spine, which tends to curve down in this sleeping position and can stress the surrounding muscles or joints. That’s especially true if you’re sleeping on a soft mattress.

Positions in which you twist the spine or hips should also be avoided. They can put a lot of pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Frequently asked questions about mattresses for sciatica

How does sciatica affect sleep?

Sciatica can have a significant impact on sleep quality. Studies have found up to 55% of people with chronic low back pain also experience sleep disturbances.

Can a bad mattress cause sciatica?

There are many causes of low back pain and sciatica. An unsupportive mattress can be one of them but so can things like sleeping position and body weight.

Try sleeping on your side or back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. If you suspect you’re dealing with sciatica, contact your doctor for more ways to reduce symptoms.

What firmness is best for sciatica?

Medium-firm mattresses may be the best choice for people with sciatica because they offer enough support to keep your spine and pelvis properly aligned. Mattresses that are too soft will not be supportive enough, and overly firm mattresses may be too uncomfortable for restful sleep.

How does body type affect mattress selection?

Body weight plays a role in the level of support a mattress delivers. People with a higher body weight may want to consider getting a mattress with a greater depth and materials with higher density foams or latex layers. That will help ensure proper spinal support to minimize aches and pains.

Is a Tempur-Pedic mattress good for sciatica?

Many people find Tempur-Pedic mattresses effective for managing sciatica. That’s because the proprietary mattress material adapts to your body, helping relieve pressure and ensure alignment however you move.

How can I treat my sciatica at night before sleeping?

Using hot or cold packs and taking pain relievers can help ease discomfort from sciatica. Light stretching before bed may also help.

Specific yoga poses, like Child’s Pose and Downward-Facing Dog, can offer relief as well.

Takeaway

Choosing the right mattress is one step you can take to reduce pain caused by sciatica. Make sure that the mattress you choose offers the proper support to help you maintain a neutral spine.

If you’re planning on trying several brands, look into their trial period and warranty policies to avoid having to pay extra fees.

Giselle Castro is a freelance writer who lives in New York. She’s been published in Shape, Fitness, Women’s Health, and Hip Latina, among other sites. She is an avid runner and ran the New York City Marathon in 2019. She is passionate about wellness and fitness, and hopes to influence others through her writing.

Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.