According to Harvard University, sciatica is something 40 percent of Americans will suffer from during their lifetimes.
Unfortunately, I’m in that category and I can tell you from first-hand experience, sciatica can be excruciating.
Lifestyle changes can help alleviate sciatica, and a high-quality mattress can aid in lessening the painful symptoms of sciatica.
But before we explore our top picks for the best mattresses for sciatica, let’s learn a bit more about sciatica.
Best Mattresses for Sciatica
| Brand | Best For | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Editor’s Choice |
|
Overall | Shop Now |
| 2 |
|
Cooling | Shop Now |
| 3 |
|
Combination Sleepers | Shop Now |
| 4 |
|
Pressure Relief | Shop Now |
| 5 |
|
Couples | Shop Now |
| 6 |
|
Organic | Shop Now |
| 7 |
|
Back Sleepers | Shop Now |
| 8 |
|
Heavier Sleepers | Shop Now |
| 9 |
|
Luxury | Shop Now |
| 10 |
|
Budget | Shop Now |
| 1 |
|---|
|
Editor’s Choice
Best For:
Overall
|
| 2 |
|
Best For:
Cooling
|
| 3 |
|
Best For:
Combination Sleepers
|
| 4 |
|
Best For:
Pressure Relief
|
| 5 |
|
Best For:
Couples
|
| 6 |
|
Best For:
Organic
|
| 7 |
|
Best For:
Back Sleepers
|
| 8 |
|
Best For:
Heavier Sleepers
|
| 9 |
|
Best For:
Luxury
|
| 10 |
|
Best For:
Budget
|
What is Sciatica and What Causes Sciatica?
I scoured the Mayo Clinic’s website to understand sciatica. Here are the key takeaways.
The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and radiates down each leg. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, causing inflammation.
The cause of a pinched nerve is most often age- or activity-related. Sciatica typically occurs in people aged 30 years or older. Sciatica can flare up or stick around as chronic pain.
Sciatica often stems from a herniated disk in the spine, or an overgrowth of bone, known as a bone spur, that forms on the spinal bones. In rare cases, a tumor can put pressure on the nerve or diabetes can damage the nerve, causing sciatica.
Sciatica pain can be almost anywhere along the nerve pathway. It’s especially likely to follow a path from the low back to the buttocks and the back of the thighs and calves.
Sciatica symptoms vary.
Some people experience sciatica pain as a mild ache, while others describe sciatic pain as a sharp, burning or shooting pain. That’s closer to what I’ve felt when I’ve had episodes of sciatica. Some people feel numbness or tingling. And coughing, sneezing or sitting for long periods can make sciatica worse.
Mild sciatica usually goes away over time with minimal self-care measures such as over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, ice pack therapy and mild stretching.
Although the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, most cases clear up with treatment in a few weeks. Chronic or severe sciatica may require a doctor’s care.
No matter what the cause and whether your pain is short-term or persistent, sciatica can most definitely interfere with a good night’s sleep.
In addition to seeking medical advice and treatment for sciatica, the right type of mattress for sciatica can provide pain and pressure relief for your lower back, hips and legs.
If you experience sciatic nerve pain, you need a supportive mattress.
We put together this guide for those of you who are ready to replace your current mattress with one designed to help alleviate the pain of sciatica.
So let’s get into the specifics of what to look for when shopping for the best mattresses for sciatica in the market.
Shopping for the Best Mattress for Sciatica: Sleeping Positions and More
Not every mattress suits those who struggle with sciatica pain.
A mattress designed with pressure-relieving qualities can make a world of difference when it comes to getting restorative rest even with sciatica.
As with any mattress purchase, you’ll want to factor in personal preferences, sleeping positions and general comfort when selecting a mattress for sciatica.
These are the factors to keep in mind when you’re evaluating mattresses to help manage sciatic pain.
Medium-Firm to Firm Support
No matter what your sleeping position, you want to look for a medium-firm or firmer mattress to provide the proper neutral spine alignment from your shoulders to your hips. That will reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Softer mattresses or thinner mattresses just can’t do that. They are likely to cause misalignment or discomfort even if you don’t have sciatica.
Pressure Relief
Always choose a mattress that offers excellent pressure relief for sciatica pain. Materials like memory foam, latex or hybrid mattresses that combine the two materials are your best choice. Cushioning layers that conform to your body’s contours offer necessary relief to sensitive pressure points that are inflamed by sciatica.
Spinal Alignment
Prioritize mattresses that deliver support to the natural curves of your spine, especially the lower back. Proper spinal alignment helps alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain.
Motion Isolation
If you sleep with a partner or pet, consider a mattress with good motion isolation. Mattresses with this feature minimize motion transfer across the bed, reducing disturbances that may worsen sciatica symptoms while you’re sleeping.
Cooling Properties
Mattresses with cooling properties can help manage inflammation and heat associated with sciatica pain. Look for breathable materials like gel-infused layers or open-cell foam construction to maximize airflow, promote heat dissipation and keep you comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important if you are a heavier sleeper or partnered sleeper.
Latex mattresses are an excellent option for temperature regulation.
Trial Period and Return Policy
A high-quality mattress is an investment, so it’s always a good idea to choose a mattress with a generous trial period and a forgiving return policy. This allows you to test the mattress at home and ensure it effectively addresses your sciatica pain and sleep needs.
Consult With a Healthcare Professional
If your sciatica is severe or you have other specific requirements (such as scoliosis, for example) seek advice from a medical provider. They can make personalized recommendations based on your condition, and offer insights into mattress types, thickness and other beneficial features that could help improve your sleep.
Our Top Picks for the Best Mattresses for Sciatica
Now that we’ve covered the basics about sciatica and shared a checklist to help you evaluate different mattress types when shopping, let’s reveal our top picks for best mattresses for sciatica in 2024.
Best Overall: Helix Dusk Luxe
- Best For: All sleepers including combination sleepers, hot sleepers, back sleepers, heavier side sleepers and lightweight stomach sleepers
- Price Range: $1,373.80-2,373.80
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm 5-6/10 on firmness scale
- Sleep Trial Length: 100-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-15-Year Warranty
What I Loved
One of the best mattress brands of 2024 for combination sleepers, the Helix Dusk Luxe is not too firm, soft and ideal for couples with different sleep preferences and sleeping positions. It features a zoned lumbar support for enhanced contouring and three foam layers for support on pressure points. It also offers spinal alignment, back pressure-relieving, and structural stability with perimeter edge support, making it a delight to lay on after a hard day.
What I Didn’t Love
The sleep trial period is a bit shorter than some competitors and the non-sale price tag is a bit higher, but watch for frequent sales.
Best For Cooling: Brooklyn Aurora Luxe
- Best For: Side sleepers, hot sleepers
- Price Range: $1,199-2,665
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
What I Loved
And hot sleepers will appreciate that the proprietary open-cell hybrid airflow design in both the foam layers and the pocketed springs prevents heat retention, and allows for optimal airflow and breathability. It’s also a nice pick for side sleepers who struggle with hip or shoulder pain because the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe has a softer, more giving feel. Dreamcloud is another good choice for shoppers who prefer a softer mattress.
What I Didn’t Love
The edge support of the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe isn’t ideal for heavier sleepers or couples. It’s also not the best choice for stomach sleepers who need a firmer mattress structure to keep their hips aligned with their shoulders.
Best For Combination Sleepers: Leesa Sapira Hybrid
- Best For: Combination sleepers who like freedom of movement and minimal motion transfer, sleepers who like a medium-firm combination of cushioning and bounce
- Price Range: $1,349-2,299
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm, 6.5/10 on firmness scale
- Sleep Trial Length: 100-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
What I Loved
This is an extremely versatile and well-reviewed bedtime bestseller for many types of sleepers, especially those who fall asleep on their sides and awake on their backs or stomachs. The high-performance Leesa Sapira Hybrid provides a balance of bounce and pressure relief in a medium-firm feel that suits most sleepers. Premium memory foams—including a ventilated top layer—offer cooling and contouring, while 1,000 pocketed springs actively respond to your individual movement and sleep style. The breathable cover of ultra-fine viscose and plant-based rayon fibers helps hot sleepers stay cool. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid carries the CertiPUR-US® safety certification through independent accredited testing labs that ensure materials are low VOC and made without ozone depleters, phthalates, BPDE, formaldehyde or heavy metals. If you want to support a company with a dedication to social causes as part of its corporate mission, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid is a purchase you can feel good about.
What I Didn’t Love
If you prefer a plusher, cushier mattress, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid isn’t a good match. If you’re a partnered sleeper, you may be prone to feeling your mate’s movements during sleep.
Best For Pressure Relief: Nolah Evolution 15”
- Best For: Side sleepers, sleepers with hip, back or shoulder pain, combination sleepers
- Price Range: $1,499-3,198
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Available in plush, luxury firm and firm, ranging from 4-8/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
What I Loved
If you need enhanced spinal alignment for scoliosis, shoulder pain or sciatica, the Nolah Evolution 15” may be just what the doctor ordered. This high-tech, hybrid mattress—the company’s most advanced—has been singled out by the Sleep Foundation for its excellent features. Its targeted back support and responsive, whole-body pressure relief come courtesy of the HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ coils, while the breathable cover, heat-dissipating Euro topper and graphite-infused AirFoamICE™ (the company’s next-level memory foam) combine for luxurious cushioning and best-in-class cooling. The Nolah Evolution 15” mattress compares favorably to a Tempur-pedic.
What I Didn’t Love
The Nolah Evolution 15” may be a bit too cushy for sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress.
Best For Couples: Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best For: Coupled sleepers, hot sleepers, partnered sleepers, combination sleepers
- Price Range: $1,721-3,565
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Three firmness levels, ranging from 5-7/10 on firmness scale
- Sleep Trial: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
What I Loved
The Bear Elite Hybrid is the brand’s newest and most sophisticated mattress with loads of construction innovation. Individually-wrapped coils provide superior motion distribution compared to traditional innerspring designs, while memory foam and zoned support create a perfect mix of firmness and contouring. The Bear Elite Hybrid features five ergonomic zones offering varying pressure relief levels to support the spine and joints. This system employs higher-gauged coils in the mattress’s middle section for lumbar support, while the end zones are more gently cushioned. The Elite Hybrid also performs well in several areas where other mattresses struggle. Its edge support and motion distribution are incredible, letting one partner toss and turn without disturbing the other. Temperature regulation is the Bear Elite Hybrid’s superpower, thanks to copper-infused cooling gel that draws away and disperses body heat. Nectar’s cooling-gel memory foam mattresses are worth comparing in this category.
What I Didn’t Love
This is a premium mattress, so naturally it carries a higher price tag. Also, our reviewers felt that each of the firmness models tended to run a bit softer than the ratings suggest.
Best Organic: Birch Luxe Natural
- Best For: Shoppers seeking a sustainable mattress, back, side or combination sleepers, chemically sensitive shoppers((including those with eczema or other skin conditions)
- Price Range: $1,936.30-3,623.80
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm mattress, with a mattress topper, 4-5/10 on firmness scale, without a mattress topper, 6-7/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 100-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 25-Year Warranty
What I Loved
If you’re a finicky sleeper (I’m talking to you Princess and the Pea types!), you will be cradled, cool and comfortable on the ultra-plush Birch Luxe Natural pillow top mattress. Birch is committed to using organic, natural materials that pass rigorous testing and achieve the highest ratings and standards from third-party organizations. The materials—ultra-fine, organic cashmere, two organic comfort layers and non-toxic, natural Talalay latex—are breathable, moisture-wicking and cooling. The Birch Luxe Natural mattress is an upgrade to the company’s Birch Natural mattress with enhanced lumbar support, full perimeter support and a plush quilted, organic cotton Euro top. In addition, Birch’s production credentials are eco-responsible, and their partners adhere to ethical practices and materials sourcing. A latex mattress like the Birch Luxe Natural is an excellent choice for those with allergies, asthma or skin sensitivities. There will be no off-gassing with the Birch Luxe Natural. To me, this is like the Tesla of mattresses. And the durability and warranty are unbeatable.
What I Didn’t Love
Yes, the price is steep. But this premium mattress delivers safety and sustainability along with an incredibly dreamy, luxe sleep experience thanks to its natural components. To make the splurge more wallet-friendly, keep an eye out for frequent sales.
Best for Back Sleepers: Plank Firm Luxe
- Best for: Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, sleepers who prefer an extra-firm bed
- Price Range: $924-1,732
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm to firm, 6.5-9.5/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
What I Loved
If you’re interested in an extra-firm sleep experience, look no further than the Plank Luxe Hybrid. Inspired by the minimalist approach to sleep in many parts of Asia, the firmer, flatter, flippable surface of the Plank Firm Luxe mattress creates a neutral spine position that’s better for your back and overall posture. This hybrid mattress incorporates individually-encased coils under polyfoam for responsiveness and pressure point relief. The Plank Firm Luxe’s design offers two variations: the top side of the mattress feels like a traditional firm; the bottom side of the mattress is ultra-firm, allowing for highly customizable rest. Both the firm and extra-firm sides are offered with optional cooling panels for the ultimate sleep experience.
What I Didn’t Love
Extra-firm mattresses aren’t for everybody. Side sleepers, those who like the feel of memory foam and those who prefer softer mattresses won’t enjoy the firmness of the Plank Firm Luxe. Also, motion transfer is higher in the Plank Firm Luxe than other types of mattresses.
Best for Heavier Sleepers: Titan Plus Luxe
- Best For: Heavy or plus size sleepers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers and coupled sleepers
- Price Range: $899-1,799
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm mattress, 5-7/10 on firmness scale
- Sleep Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
What I Loved
Brooklyn Bedding’s market-leading Titan Plus Luxe is specifically designed with substantial support for heavier sleepers in a traditional medium-firmness that suits the majority of sleepers. And the price is right. The Titan Plus Luxe is a pillow top mattress that builds on the original Titan Plus, bumping up the contouring comfort and durability for plus size sleepers weighing 230 pounds or more. The gel-infused memory foam quilted cover and latex-like, high-density polyfoam layer results in excellent stability. The company’s optional GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover can be sewn into the surface of the mattress to deliver ultimate cooling on contact—a super upgrade for hot sleepers. An 8-inch core of up to 1,032 individually encased TitanCaliber™ coils deliver ample support and pressure point relief all the way across and to the edge of the Titan Plus Luxe, along with superior motion isolation and durability. Shoppers might want to compare the hybrid super sturdy WinkBed to the Titan Plus Luxe.
What I Didn’t Love
Side sleepers weighing 130 or less pounds are likely to find the Titan Plus Luxe too firm for comfortable sleep.
Best Luxury: Helix Midnight Elite
- Best For: Luxury mattress shoppers, sleepers who like a plush, cushiony bed, hot sleepers, back sleepers, side sleepers
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Price Range: $1,829-3,299
- Firmness: Softer mattress, 5-6/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 100-Night, No-Risk Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 15-Year Warranty
What I Loved
The Helix Midnight Elite Mattress is a top-of-the-line luxury hybrid mattress with nine layers and 16 inches of supportive comfort in a softer feel. The unique construction is designed for maximum contouring to counteract dreaded mattress sagging. Two layers of microcoils made up of thousands of small coils that are individually wrapped in fabric cradle your body and provide targeted pressure relief. This construction allows each coil to move independently, which helps to reduce motion transfer and provide a more customized level of support. By distributing your body weight evenly across the microcoil layers, the mattress can help to alleviate pressure points and reduce the risk of back, hip and shoulder pain. In addition, the Helix Midnight Elite also features a layer of high-density foam that contours to your body’s curves to help reduce motion transfer and provide a more comfortable sleeping experience. Finally, the GlacioTex cooling cover regulates temperature—a must for hot sleepers who toss and turn. The Saatva HD and the Birch Luxe Natural are other excellent options in the luxury mattress category.
What I Didn’t Love
The Helix Midnight Elite has excellent construction and a steeper price tag, so it’s not a good choice for budget shoppers. Because of the 16-inch profile of the Helix Midnight Elite, it’s also not a good choice for sleepers with mobility issues. And stomach sleepers will sink into this mattress too much, which could lead to aches and pains over time.
Best Budget: Dreamfoam Hybrid
- Best For: Budget shoppers, back and side combination sleepers, buyers seeking an inexpensive bed for a guest room or a kid’s room
- Price Range: $532-999
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm, 6.5/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
What I Loved
The Dreamfoam Hybrid packs a lot of punch at a lower price point. Because it has a balance of firmness and bounce, it’s a solid choice for combination sleepers who fall asleep in one position at night (maybe falling asleep on your side, but ending up on your back) and awaken in another. The cooling cover, foam and a layer of encased coils add airflow making the Dreamfoam Hybrid a solid choice for hot sleepers. This wallet-friendly bed is a great choice for growing kids and lighter-weight teens.
What I Didn’t Love
Heavier sleepers need more support and durability than the Dreamfoam Hybrid delivers. Likewise, stomach sleepers won’t find the firm sleeping surface they need. At this price point, also check out the Saatva Classic.
Better Sleep Starts With the Best Mattress for Sciatic Pain
Sciatica is super draining no matter how short-lived or chronic your condition.
If you, like me, have struggled to get a good night’s sleep with sciatic nerve pain, we see you.
One of the easiest and best things you can do to ease sciatica symptoms and boost your overall health is to buy a mattress that helps you get a great night of sleep so you can awaken refreshed with less pain.
Mattress manufacturers have responded to the needs of those with sciatica. There’s never been a better time to shop for a mattress that helps alleviate sciatic nerve pain and promotes better sleep and overall well-being.
We created this guide with step-by-step advice to help those who suffer from sciatica to find the right type of mattress that suits their unique needs, sleeping positions and sleep preferences. If you’re looking for more whole-body pain relief, you may need a softer mattress than you would for sciatica. The right mattress for fibromyalgia can be found in our roundup of Best Mattresses for Fibromyalgia in 2024.