Dealing With Sciatica? Experts Say These Mattresses Can Help With Pain Relief

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Sciatica is no joke. Though it's not one medical condition, but rather a series symptoms that include pain around the sciatic nerve, which starts from the lower back down through your legs and feet. “When the nerve gets irritated or hurt, it can produce any number of symptoms,” Keith Overland, a chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association, previously told WH. “Those symptoms are what’s called sciatica. So when you have pain radiating down your leg from your back, it’s caused by something else. It’s not an inherent injury all by itself.”

Experts have told us that if you're dealing with sciatica for more than three days, or if the symptoms are so painful that it's messing with your day-to-day activities, then it might be time to meet with a musculoskeletal specialist like a chiropractor or physical therapist. And while sciatica relief treatments can including ice packs and physical therapy, finding the right mattress can support proper spine alignment to provide pain relief, according to chiropractor Matthew J. Cavanaugh, DC, owner of Cavanaugh Chiropractic.

Best mattresses for sciatica

"When a person sleeps on a mattress that is not right for them, they risk increasing the pressure on these nerve roots which will result in symptoms of sciatica," Cavanaugh says. "The right mattress can provide the proper support to achieve a neutral spinal alignment throughout the night, which is an important part of providing pain relief from sciatica."

What to look for

Firmness

The key to finding the best mattress for sciatica is to look for models with good support and pressure relief. A medium-firm mattress that cradles your body's natural curves without "sinkage" is critical (more on that below). Keep an eye for memory foam mattresses or hybrid (a combination of innerspring coils and foam) construction and "zoned support." These target the body's pressure points, especially in the lower back. Avoid anything too plush or soft, as this can compromise proper alignment.

"A mattress that's too soft will allow your body to sink too deeply and not give the support that joints need to maintain alignment," says physical therapist Shannon Leggett, PT, owner of Shannon Leggett Physical Therapy, PLLC. "But something too firm will also not cushion pressure points and not help with alignment."

That's why she recommends mattresses for back pain with a medium firmness as a "best of both worlds" blend of cushioning and support. Leggett notes that most of the sleep science research available is for lower back pain, in general, but not sciatica specifically. Still, "the principles of support in a mattress would be the same," she says. Leggett points to a 2015 study from Science Direct, which confirmed that "medium-firm mattresses are beneficial for individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain and were rated as more comfortable than soft bedding systems." It goes on to cite other studies that have shown that medium-firm mattresses can improve sleep quality by over 50% and decrease back pain by almost 50% in patients with chronic lower back pain.

How we selected

With the help of these two experts, our staff of sleep enthusiasts is here to help! Over the last six months, we researched dozens of well-reviewed, best-selling mattresses designed for sciatica sufferers. We paid close attention to everything from comfort to durability to pressure-relieving features to, of course, price. Here are our picks for the very best mattresses for sciatica, all of which have been reviewed and approved by Cavanaugh.

The WinkBed Mattress

Finding a good mattress for sciatica is all about good support, cushioning, and relieving pressure in the right places. "One of the top layers of this hybrid mattress is a Euro-pillow top with gel-infused foam that ensures your body gets superior cushioning in sensitive areas like your hips and shoulders," says Cavanaugh. "This mattress also boasts a proprietary LumbarLayer which adds extra support where you need it most."

With a roughly $1,800 retail (closer to $1,500 on sale) price tag, it's on the higher side of mattresses we've tested. But, in addition to all of the above features, we love that WinkBeds adds a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty—better than most mattress brands on the market.

How It Performed

Our testers found the medium firmness of the Luxury Firm option (WinkBeds' most popular) was just right. It's supportive and cushioning, thanks to the Euro-pillow top without that "sunken-in" feeling that you definitely do not want in a sciatica-supportive mattress. We also found it to be a good fit for couples as it offers good edge support, and the innerspring coils are responsive.

Read more: Best Mattresses For Sex

Classic Adjustable Bundle

The best memory foam is like a miracle material for mattresses, and it can do wonders for alleviating sciatica pain and sleep-related issues for sciatica sufferers. This bundle pairs Nectar's popular Classic memory foam mattress with an adjustable bed frame that's perfect for sciatica.

It gets Cavanaugh's stamp of approval too. "This is a true memory foam mattress that will contour to your spine’s unique curves and help alleviate sciatica," he says. "It's a great quality that can hold its own against its more expensive counterparts." He also loves the adjustable base, which is great for anyone suffering from any back issues.

How It Performed

The biggest thing Nectar and this bundle, in particular, have going for them is value. At this price point, we've found the the brand's line-up of mattresses is a solid buy, and this bundle with the Nectar Classic matters is no exception. It's not our top performer in this year's roundup, but our team found that it combines comfort and support well—both important things for sciatica sufferers. And, with the Classic mattress, it does this for around $1,400, delivered with a lifetime warranty.

Read More: Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Midnight Mattress

Side sleepers know that shopping for a good mattress with the right support is no easy feat. Helix's Midnight Mattress is a hybrid mattress with a Goldilocks "'medium" firmness. It offers great support (important for sciatica sufferers) for all of your body's touch points while reducing pressure points. The solid coil layer also does a great job of making sure you don't sink in too deep. Plus, we love that it's priced right at just under $1,000 with free delivery and a 100-night sleep trial.

"This is a medium firm hybrid mattress that is tailored for side sleepers," says Cavanaugh. "The Helix Midnight uses multiple layers to reduce pressure on your hips and shoulders without being too soft or too firm." He also likes that Helix offers upgrades like a cooling cover and pillow top for an extra layer of comfort.

How It Performed

Our team was a little skeptical, as this mattress is slightly on the softer side than others in our roundup. Still, our back and stomach sleeper panelists slept well on it. But it was particularly loved by the side sleepers in our group, thanks to a good blend of comfort and support. If you tend to run hot, we highly recommend the optional GlacioTex Cooling Cover, too, which we found did a great job of regulating our body temperature throughout the night.

Read more: Best Mattresses Toppers For Side Sleepers

Sapira Hybrid Mattress

Leesa's Sapira Hybrid targets sciatica sufferers with its zoned support, combining cooling memory foam for pressure relief and individually wrapped springs for lower back support. The design is extra cushy (though not quite soft), making this our pick for the comfiest mattress for sciatica.

Cavanaugh likes the multi-layer design that provides maximum comfort and support. "It has over a thousand individually wrapped springs for the comfort of sleepers who move around while also minimizing motion transfer so you won’t disturb your partner," says Cavanaugh. "This is a great value at this price point."

How It Performed

Our only real gripe with this model is that we noticed significant off-gassing (i.e., funky memory foam smells) at first, but this went away after about a day and a half. Otherwise, this is a great all-around choice for couples, as our team found it delivers good motion isolation. We also found it to be very supportive and just plain comfy, thanks to extra-thick foam layers positioned atop responsive pocketed coils.

Elite Hybrid Mattress

Bear's Elite Hybrid is a luxurious hybrid mattress designed for all types of sleepers. Its long list of features—including a combination of premium, pressure-relieving memory foam, and supportive innerspring coils—offers a balance of comfort and support, especially for sciatica sufferers.

Physical therapist Leggett likes this as a great hybrid option with medium firmness that should help with lower back issues, including sciatica. She also approves of the individual coils, which should provide great support.

How It Performed

"My girlfriend and I have been sleeping on this mattress for over a year, and we absolutely love it!" wrote on tester. "She prefers soft, and I like something on the firmer side. This has been a great compromise, and it's helped my chronic lower back pain too!"

Evolution 15" Mattress

Nolah's Evolution is another premium mattress option with solid pressure relief and cooling properties. The tall 15-inch profile features multiple layers, including a top layer of graphite-infused memory foam to wick away heat while you sleep, and a layer of individually wrapped coils divided into three zones that target back support, spinal alignment, and pain relief.

How It Performed

Although it's priced at nearly $2,500, our team regularly sees this mattress available on sale for closer to $1,600 (for a queen). It outperforms most midrange options at that price point, making it a steal. We found this model—with the Luxury Firm firmness, in particular—to be extremely supportive and great for all types of sleepers, including back, stomach, side, and combo (those who like to change up their sleep position throughout the night). It was also a hit among the testers in our group with partners who prefer a different firmness than they do. Though some testers who weigh under 150 pounds note that the mattress is not as responsive as other beds they've tried.

Read more: Best Mattress Toppers

Rx Mattress

There's a lot to love about Saatva, and we're huge fans of everything in its catalog. But if you're a sciatica sufferer, the Saatva Rx is a serious step above every mattress in this year's roundup. It's the company's only mattress "specially designed for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions," according to its website.

Leggett highlights that this is a pricey option, and that may be the deciding factor for some. But she adds that the warranty and trial period are solid for this mattress, and that's worth considering at any price point.

How It Performed

Saatva lists the Saatva Rx as a "supportive plush" mattress, and our team was a bit skeptical as to just how well that would work for chronic pain (like sciatica) sufferers. We were surprised to find that it strikes a perfect balance of comfort and support. The top foam layers feel plush and comfy, but combined with a more supportive layer of microcoils, ensured that we never felt the dreaded "sunken-in" feeling of the mattress pulling us in.

Bonus: The breathable cover and premium temperature-regulating materials make this one of the best cooling mattresses we've tested as well. At nearly $3,300 (retail for a queen), it's pricey. But, "if only the best will do..."

Read more: Saatva Mattress Review

Tian Plus Mattress

The Titan Plus from Brooklyn Bedding is purpose-built for big, tall, and plus-size sleepers over 300 pounds. With its reinforced design and pressure-relieving features, it's a near-perfect mattress for sciatica sufferers. The hybrid construction combines encased coils and multiple high-density foams for maximum support, comfort, and durability. Plus, it's backed by BB (a favorite of ours here at WH) with a 120-night in-home sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, so it's truly a risk-free buy.

How It Performed

There's no getting around that this is a firm mattress (9 out of 10 in firmness, according to the brand's own website). While that's not ideal for average or lightweight sciatica sufferers, it's perfect for heavier, plus-sized sleepers who need the extra support without sinking in. The plus-sized panelists in our group agreed that this mattress was the real deal and that it felt much sturdier and more durable than most others, especially at this price point (around $1,000 for a queen).

Restore Hybrid Mattress

You can't go wrong with anything Purple. But sciatica sufferers should definitely consider the brand's Restore Hybrid Mattress. As with all of the brand's mattresses, this model includes a unique grid-like foam that's designed to be perfectly "squishy," providing a perfect balance of comfort, response, and support. That same material also does a great job of cooling, making this a great choice for sciatica sufferers who also tend to run hot in the night. The only downside? Price. At $2,000 for a queen, it's an investment.

How It Performed

We've been long-time fans of Purple, and the Restore Hybrid doesn't disappoint. Our team found the two-inch GelFlex grid performed better than almost any other foam or hybrid design we've tested. It's a winning combo that seriously helps alleviate chronic pain, whether back, hip, or sciatica-related. However, the feel of the material isn't for everyone. One of our panelists noted that it felt odd, not really something they'd consider putting in a mattress. Our best advice? Try it in-store first before you buy.

Signature Hybrid Mattress

With two types of foam over a traditional innerspring coil design, this is a great choice for sciatica sufferers. The twin foams—including memory foam and latex foam—add comfort and a just-right bounciness, while the eight-inch innerspring foundation ensures you don't sink in too much with solid pressure relief. At around $1,000 delivered, this is a solid value. The unique design also makes it easy to move around and provides reliable motion isolation, making it a great option for couples and combo sleepers who change positions frequently in the night. Plus, the 120-night trial is better than most other brands, and we like that all of Brooklyn Bedding's mattresses are made in the US.

How It Performed

Our test panel loved this mattress in the Medium firmness (it's available in Soft and Firm firmnesses as well), which we think is ideal for sciatica sufferers. One chronic back pain sufferer on our panel noted that she felt noticeably better after just a week of sleeping on the Signature Hybrid. Our only gripe is that the Medium firmness might be slightly too firm for side sleepers yet too soft for stomach sleepers.

Meet the experts

• Matthew J. Cavanaugh, DC, is a chiropractor and owner of Cavanaugh Chiropractic.

• Shannon Leggett, PT, is a physical therapist and owner of Shannon Leggett Physical Therapy, PLLC.

What is sciatica?

In simple terms, sciatica is a pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the human body. It runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and into the legs and feet. Sciatica pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation and be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg. It’s a serious condition, but it can usually be self-diagnosed and treated effectively, according to Cavanaugh.

How does sciatica affect sleep?

Sciatica can affect every aspect of your life, but your sleep health most of all. The symptoms of sciatica can range from mild to severe and will affect sleep by causing pain and discomfort.

More specifically, Cavanaugh says, “They will limit your sleeping positions and contribute to waking up frequently throughout the night.” But, he goes on to say, “The real problem of sleeping with sciatica is the effects of poor sleep on your everyday activities." Cavanaugh says that the reduced sleep quality can lead to mood changes, irritability, and an overall increase in stress and anxiety because of a lack of restorative sleep.

Can a bad mattress trigger sciatica?

The short answer, according to Cavanaugh, is: Absolutely! In his opinion, a bad mattress can both trigger and exacerbate sciatica.

The reasons why might be obvious: "A bad mattress may have poor support, contributing to improper spinal alignment during sleep," he says. Plus the poor support may be from overuse or lack of quality materials. Either way, that lack of support will cause your hips to sink too deeply into the mattress, causing a misalignment of your spine and increasing the strain on your sciatic nerve.

What type of mattress is best for someone with sciatica?

Leggett confirms that there is no one best mattress, because mattresses are highly personal. Everyone has their own preference on what they think is comfortable. "This needs to be taken into consideration as much as the construction of the mattress itself," she says. "If a mattress is labeled to be 'great' for sciatica, but someone finds it uncomfortable, they are not going to get great sleep!"

When asked about finding the best mattress for sciatica, Cavanaugh offers a few general suggestions. "Look for a mattress that is medium to medium-firm in feel to provide enough support for your spine while also offering enough cushion to deal with painful pressure points," he says. "I would also highly recommend an adjustable base to anyone suffering from sciatica, [as this] will increase the likelihood of being able to find a comfortable position in bed."

What else to consider

Shopping for mattresses that specifically target sciatica pain is similar in many ways to shopping for any other mattress. You’ll want to consider things like bed size, bed height, firmness, and construction (e.g., whether to go with innerspring, foam, or a hybrid), to name a few. But good support and pressure relief are the two most important things when looking for the best mattress to help alleviate sciatica pain. Beyond that, you’ll also want to pay attention to these things:

Firmness and Support

Bedding products—including the best mattresses for sciatica—are often marketed with all kinds of confusing sleep jargon. Every mattress that's designed to help alleviate pain will mention "firmness" and "support." But it's worth noting that these are two different things. According to Leggett, "Firmness is the feeling you get when you first lie down on a mattress. It's very subjective and depends on size, body weight, and body shape." On the other hand, "Support is how well the mattress keeps your spine in alignment."

Testing and Trial Period

Trying out mattresses in person is always the best way to shop. Many of the best online mattress stores these days offer at least a few brick-and-mortar locations to sample their mattresses before you buy. But if that’s not an option or you’d prefer to handle the entire process online, understand each retailer’s trial period. Most offer at least a 90-night in-home trial, so you can test your new mattress for a full three months before committing. Many also offer free delivery and free return shipping, making the buying process risk-free.

If you can't or just don't want to try mattresses in person at a retail store, Shannon Leggett cleverly recommends checking out mattresses during your next hotel stay. "Take notes on what feels good when you travel. Do you feel better on a certain type of mattress? Knowing this might be helpful since it is hard to determine if you 'like' a mattress if you only lie down for a few minutes in a store!"

Warranty

As with all mattress shopping, we always recommend buying from a company or retailer that backs its products with a strong warranty. At a minimum, look for a 10-year warranty, although the best mattress brands offer 25-year and even lifetime warranties.

Price

The good news is there are good sciatica mattresses available in almost every price range. We’ve found decent models for around $1,000 that we’re happy to recommend. But if money is no object or you’re willing to splurge a bit, you can also shop more premium options for $1,500 to $2,000. These often include additional features like advanced cooling materials, organic fabrics, and extra-thick constructions with multiple comfort layers.

But keep in mind that, according to Leggett, "There is no significant research on what is the best construction of mattresses for lower back issues." That's why we recommend trying out new mattresses in-person whenever possible.

Shop more of our favorite mattresses and matress accessories

Best Mattresses On Amazon | Most Comfortable Mattresses | Best Mattress Toppers For Back Pain | Best Mattress Toppers For Side Sleepers | Best Cooling Sheets

You Might Also Like

• Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream

• These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals