Written by Natalie Grigson, Fortune Recommends Writer
If you experience chronic pain that seems to follow a path from the lower back to the buttock and back of the thigh and calf—often only on one side of the body—you might be experiencing sciatica. Sciatica can feel like a sharp, burning pain, or an electric shock or jolt. It follows along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the buttocks down each leg. Frequently, sciatica is caused by a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone putting pressure on the lumbar spine’s nerve roots. (1) The pain may also be caused by piriformis syndrome, which is caused by the tightening of the piriformis muscle, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
This may sound serious, but according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, sciatica will usually heal on its own with rest and time. (2) While it’s healing, doctors may recommend hot and cold therapy applied to the muscles, gentle movements like walking, massage and chiropractic therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)–though there is some new evidence that anti-inflammatory medicines may increase lower back pain in the long term. (11)
Additionally, the type of mattress you choose may help or hurt your sciatica. Research shows that a medium-firm mattress promotes comfort and better sleep quality for those with low back pain. (3)
However, “medium-firm” is not very specific, so we’ve done the legwork of narrowing it down for you. Our expert reviewers tested over 60 of the best mattresses for performance, comfort, and support. After rigorous hands-on testing and research, we’ve landed on these six best mattresses for sciatica.
Best mattress for sciatica overall
After testing dozens of mattresses, one stood out: The Saatva Rx. This luxury bed is designed explicitly for sleepers with chronic back pain. It features a unique Therapeutic Support Core™, which automatically adjusts to your body’s curves and movements, and its patented Lumbar Zone® Quilting and gel-infused memory foam to relieve pain.
Our picks for the best mattresses for sciatica
- Best overall: Saatva Rx
- Best for low back pain and sciatica: Helix Dusk Luxe
- Best for side sleepers with sciatica: WinkBeds The WinkBed
- Best budget: Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress
- Best for hip pain and sciatica: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
- Best for herniated disc and sciatica: Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid
Compare mattresses for sciatica
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| Saatva Rx | Helix Dusk Luxe | WinkBeds The WinkBed | Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Best for | Overall | Low back pain and sciatica | Side sleepers with sciatica | Budget | Hip pain and sciatica | Herniated disc and sciatica |
| Price | $3,295 | $2,373.80 | $1,799 | $1,387 | $1,865 ($2,265 with pillow top) | $2,305 |
| Material | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
Best overall mattress for sciatica: Saatva Rx
Key product features
What you should know
We chose the Saatva Rx as the best overall mattress for sciatica because this bed is specifically designed for those with back and joint pain. It includes unique Therapeutic Support Core™ and Lumbar Zone® Quilting to provide spinal support and comfort.
- Our mattress testers found this bed to be comfortable in all sleep positions.
- It’s a durable, supportive, and luxury-quality mattress—and the high price tag reflects this, at $3,295 for a Queen.
- However, it does come with free white glove delivery, a lifetime warranty, and a year-long trial.
- The Therapeutic Support Core™ automatically adjusts to your body’s curves and movements to eliminate pressure on the spine.
- Lumbar Zone® Quilting and gel-infused memory foam help keep the spine aligned.
Why we like Saatva Rx as best overall mattress for sciatica
The Saatva Rx is specifically designed “to give maximum support and pressure relief that can help alleviate discomfort associated with serious and chronic back and joint conditions like sciatica, arthritis, herniated disc, and scoliosis,” according to Saatva. (5)
This bed includes eight-inch pocketed coils, which are firmer around the perimeter for edge support, topped with five layers of pressure-relieving foam. The layer on top of the coils is made from Saatva’s Therapeutic Support Core™, an individual two-inch foam module placed above each steel coil. These graphite-infused, open-structure foam pieces are cooling and will move with your body’s movements and curves.
On top of this, a layer of unique micro coils encased in high-density foam for even more spinal support and body contouring. These coils are stronger and thicker beneath the lumbar spine. The top layer is gel-infused memory foam, also zoned to be more supportive beneath the lumbar spine. Finally, all the mattress’s layers are encased in a hypoallergenic, organic cotton cover that should feel breathable and cooling.
As you can see, this mattress has features for back pain. As such, Saatva recommends this bed only for those with serious or chronic pain. The Saatva Classic would likely be a better choice for sleepers with everyday aches and pains.
Our reviewers found this bed to feel comfortable in all sleep positions, providing excellent pain relief and spinal support. It also has excellent motion isolation, making it ideal for couples, and it sleeps cool, so it’s a good choice for hot sleepers.
The Saatva Rx is expensive at $3,295 for a Queen; however, you can find a good deal during a holiday sale. Also, remember it comes with free white glove delivery, a lifetime warranty, and a year-long trial. So, if you genuinely have chronic back pain, this chiropractor-recommended bed may be worth the price tag. (6)
To learn more about what this brand has to offer, check out our full Saatva Rx mattress review.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $3,295 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best mattress for low back pain and sciatica: Helix Dusk Luxe
Key product features
What you should know
The Helix Dusk Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid bed, ideal for sleepers with back pain and sciatica. It’s made from high-quality materials and includes zoned lumbar support and cooling technology, a combination that may feel soothing and relieve back pain.
- Our testers noted this bed’s excellent motion isolation—a rare find for a hybrid bed.
- Even though a Queen is priced at $2,373, we feel it’s still an excellent overall value because of the quality materials used in this mattress.
- It best suits back and stomach sleepers who prefer a medium-firm mattress.
- The cooling features may help reduce inflammation in the body, a good thing for chronic pain. (7)
- The coils are zoned to support heavier body areas, keeping the spine properly aligned.
Why we like Helix Dusk Luxe as best mattress for low back pain and sciatica
Helix is known for offering a variety of mattress models, styles, and firmness levels. The Helix Dusk Luxe is one of seven luxe mattresses from Helix, and the company recommends this medium-firm bed specifically for back and stomach sleepers and those who need extra lumbar support.
After lying on this bed in various positions, our mattress testers agree, saying it’s best for back and stomach sleepers and may be slightly firm for side sleepers.
They also noted that the bed’s zoned lumbar coils and premium quilted pillow top will feel the most effective in these positions, gently lifting the hips and keeping the spine in proper alignment.
Even though this bed is a hybrid and has some bounce, it also has sound motion isolation, meaning your partner is less likely to feel you move at night. This is one reason we also chose this bed as one of the best mattresses for couples. But even if you don’t share the bed, good motion isolation can benefit those with back pain as it should keep your spine stable and supported.
The Helix Dusk Luxe is not exactly a budget mattress, as it costs $2,374 for a Queen, and that’s before any upgrades. Hot sleepers may want to add on the GlacioTex ™ Cooling Cover for an additional $249, and those with more severe sciatic pain may want to add on the ErgoAlign layer, also an extra $249. The ErgoAlign layer is an additional ultra-dense body contouring zoned foam top layer. Helix recommends this add-on for those with frequent lower back pain.
Though the price tag may add up, we still feel it’s worth the cost for those with intense lower back pain. Plus, you can try it out for 100 nights, and if it doesn’t help your back, you can return it.
If this isn’t the right pick for you, see more of the best mattresses for back pain for additional options. Or, check out our full Helix mattress review for more insights.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $2,374 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 15 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
Best mattress for side sleepers with sciatica: WinkBeds The WinkBed
Key product features
What you should know
Side sleepers with sciatica need a soft mattress that cradles against the shoulder but is supportive of the spine. The original WinkBed does this with a soft, gel-infused Euro-pillow top and coils zoned to support the spine.
- Strict side sleepers will likely feel more comfortable using the Softer option, while back and stomach sleepers should opt for the Luxury Firm version.
- The WinkBed provides hotel mattress quality for $1,799 (for a Queen)—an excellent overall value.
- Through testing, we discovered that the motion isolation on this bed is average.
- The WinkBed tends to sleep firm, so Softer will be a good option for most light to average-weight sleepers.
Why we like The WinkBed as best mattress for side sleepers with sciatica
If you’re a side sleeper struggling with sciatica pain, the WinkBed mattress could be an ideal solution. This mattress has four comfort levels—Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus—ensuring a tailored fit for your needs.
Our mattress testers found the Luxury Firm to be a bit firm, so we’d recommend the Softer model for side sleepers. The WinkBed’s cushioning Euro-pillow top should gently cradle the shoulder, alleviating pressure, and its zoned support system should push up on heavier areas like the hips. All of this makes for a bed that’s both comfortable and supportive of proper spinal alignment.
While the Softer version is ideal for most light- and average-weight side sleepers, those who sleep on their backs or stomachs or who need extra support might consider the Luxury Firm option.
In terms of motion isolation, the WinkBed’s bounce is average. If you share your bed with a restless partner, this might be a consideration, but it shouldn’t affect solo sleepers or those who sleep soundly. On the plus side, this bounce makes it a good option for combination sleepers and sexually active couples.
Our testers also rated the WinkBed high in the categories of edge support, noting, “I feel a lot of sturdy support when sitting on the edge of the bed,” and cooling, saying, “The cover is breathable, and coils help provide airflow throughout the mattress.” They do note that if you sleep especially hot, you may want to opt for a specifically cooling mattress.
Although the WinkBed is priced higher than some other options at $1,799 for a Queen—but still far less than others—it offers substantial value with its pressure relief, zoned support, and cooling capabilities, all backed by a lifetime warranty. Remember, the trial period is 120 nights, shorter than the 365-night trials offered by some competitors, but it’s still generous enough to determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
For more mattresses that will support your sleep habits, check out the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $1,799 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Four options |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best budget mattress for sciatica: Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
Finding a memory foam mattress that’s pressure relieving but still provides a good amount of support can be challenging—but The Nectar does just that. You’ll gently sink into this all-foam bed, which should suit those with sciatica.
- This bed provides excellent pressure relief, especially when side sleeping.
- A Queen costs $1,387, making The Nectar the most budget-friendly on this list.
- Light- to average-weight sleepers will be the best fit for this mattress.
- Its excellent motion isolation makes it a good option for sensitive sleepers who share the bed.
- Even with its gel memory foam, this mattress likely won’t be cool enough for those who sleep especially hot.
Why we like Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress as best budget mattress for sciatica
NASA researchers originally developed memory foam, looking for ways to keep test pilots cushioned and safe during flights. (8) That’s why it has that classic “sinking” feeling and easily molds to the shape of your body.
You’ll probably love the Nectar if you love this “sink down into the bed” feeling of a memory foam mattress. It is made from three layers of foam: seven inches of active support base foam for stability, three inches of transition foam to minimize motion isolation, and two inches of therapeutic gel memory foam for pressure relief and cooling. All foams in this bed are CertiPUR-USⓇ Certified.
Our sleep experts love the Nectar for those with sciatica because it’s both “plush, cushiony, soft to the touch, and offers subtle body contouring,” and it’s also supportive. “No bells or whistles, but my body felt supported on this bed. The foam offers a nice cushion for my joints,” one of our mattress testers reports. It should be a perfect fit for side sleepers with lower back pain or for sensitive sleepers who share a bed.
Of course, it’s not perfect. Our testers found that the Nectar’s edge support was lacking and may not be cool enough for those who sleep hot.
Still, the Nectar Classic is a good overall value. At $1,387 for a Queen, you’ll get free shipping, a 365-night trial, and a lifetime warranty. Nectar also tends to offer frequent sales, so you may be able to snag this mattress for under $1,000.
To learn more, see our full Nectar mattress review or the complete best affordable mattresses list.
What customers are saying
On Amazon, reviews of the original Nectar are primarily positive. However, getting an overall rating is impossible because reviews for all Nectar models are mixed together on Amazon.
Here’s what people are saying in reviews that mention the Nectar Memory Foam:
“Probably the best purchase of my life! Truly, I’ve been sleeping so much better… This mattress has held up perfectly, and I’m not a skinny dude. I paired it with an adjustable frame and it’s flexible enough to sit up, exactly what I needed. [My] back feels better, [my] brain feels sharper…”
Tim, Amazon
Verified Amazon Purchaser Cori Hicks started by saying that it was not at all what she hoped for. “We’ve had this mattress out for almost 72 hours with two nights of sleep. Was not impressed.” But they later added an update and changed their rating to five stars, saying, “Update! We decided to keep it a little longer and allow it to shape/form correctly… Super comfortable, and the mattress shaped itself out in a few days after my initial review.”
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $1,387 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best mattress for hip pain and sciatica: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
Key product features
What you should know
Our sleep experts found Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe Cooling the best for hip pain and sciatica because of its zoned support coils, multiple firmness options, and advanced cooling features. Staying cool may be key to reducing chronic inflammation in the body, which is often linked to body or joint pain. (7) (9)
- When testing the Medium option, our reviewers found it plush, cool, and high quality.
- Though it costs $1,865 for a Queen, it feels luxurious and high quality enough to warrant the price.
- Side sleepers may prefer the Soft option, whereas back and stomach sleepers can go for the Medium or Firm.
- You can add the Cloud Pillow Top for an additional $400.
- The warranty and trial period could be more impressive at 10 years for the warranty (compared to the lifetime at other brands) and 120 nights for the trial.
Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling as best mattress for hip pain and sciatica
Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe Cooling is one of the best hybrid mattresses, and we think those with hip pain and sciatica will especially appreciate it.
This hybrid bed sports open-cell technology in foam layers and inner coils to promote airflow and breathability. The coils are also zoned to support the hips and lower back. It also features top layers of foam infused with cooling fibers, which absorb body heat. To top it all off, it comes with a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover, which should further help keep you cool.
This bed is incredibly cooling, which could help those with joint or back pain. Research shows that heat can increase inflammation in the body, and chronic inflammation has been tied to joint and body pain. (7, 9) A cooling mattress like this could help relieve inflammation.
We also appreciate that the Aurora Luxe Cooling comes in three firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm, and it also comes with the option to add on a cloud pillow top. This makes this bed very customizable, depending on your body and individual needs. For example, if you’re lightweight or a side sleeper, you might want to opt for the Soft option. If you have intense hip pain, you can even add on the cloud pillow top for extra-plush cushioning.
However, this bed is not cheap with the pillowtop add-on, costing $2,265 for a Queen. Its warranty is just 10 years—compared to the lifetime offer of Saatva, WinkBeds, Nectar, and Bear. The sleep trial is only 120 nights, compared to some similar beds offering a year-long trial.
Visit our guide on the best mattresses for hip pain for more options that will fit your needs.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $1,865 ($2,265 with pillow top) |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best mattress for herniated discs and sciatica: Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid
Key product features
What you should know
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a high-end mattress with luxurious cushioning and zoned support. It comes in three firmness options, and our reviewers tested the Medium, rating it well in nearly every category.
- This bed offers an excellent balance between pressure relief and spinal support.
- It feels luxurious and is priced as such, costing $2,305 for a Queen.
- The Medium firm should be an excellent option for all sleep positions, though some lightweight side sleepers should opt for Soft.
- It’s a great option for couples since it’s bouncy and isolates motion well.
- You can upgrade to a CELLIANT ®-infused cover for an additional $200.
Why we like Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid as best mattress for herniated disc and sciatica
The Bear Mattress Elite Hybrid has three firmness options– Soft, Medium, and Firm. Here, our reviewers tested the Medium.
They found that this bed was about a six out of 10 in terms of firmness and offered an outstanding balance across the board. This means it struck a good balance between spinal support and pressure relief, it provided a combination of great bounce and motion isolation, and it even felt cooling, but not too cold. This bed’s ability to cover all of these bases simultaneously is rare.
Our sleep expert noted, “[It felt] plush like it provided body contouring, but I still felt on top of the mattress thanks to the coils… I felt supported the entire time I was lying on this mattress.” She added, “Most body types and sleeping positions should feel comfortable on this mattress.”
For those with a herniated disc and sciatica, this bed’s ability to both support the spine and relieve pressure will be essential. It does this with a zoned support system, which elevates and supports heavier areas like the hips, plus several layers of plush, cushioning memory foam. If your back pain makes getting in and out of bed or changing sleep positions difficult, you’ll also appreciate its excellent edge support and bouncy surface.
The only real drawbacks to this bed are its price ($2,305 for a queen), its short trial period of 120 nights, and the fact that it doesn’t come with free white glove delivery. Remember, this bed weighs 110 pounds and is 14 inches tall, and you’ll have to set it up yourself. Be sure you have someone to help you.
Specs
| Price (Queen) | $2,305 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
How we test mattresses
Our mattress testing approach combines research with practical experience. Our team is made up of certified sleep experts, industry professionals, and consumers who have tested over 60 mattresses in order to come up with this list. We looked at each bed’s performance, comfort, support, value, customer experience, and health and safety. After a thorough evaluation, we narrowed it down to these six best mattresses for sciatica.
Read our full mattress testing methodology for more information.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A mattress’s performance is even more important when factoring in health issues like sciatica. A good mattress should not only provide a great night’s rest, but also perform well on various sleep-affecting tests. We evaluate mattresses on the following factors:
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
A mattress’s firmness level, ability to relieve pressure, and additional features like cooling make all the difference when shopping for a mattress for sciatica. We test each mattress for these features:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Value isn’t just price but is a holistic analysis of a mattress’s materials, construction, additional features, and other considerations. We examine each of those factors to arrive at a big-picture assessment of how worthy a mattress is of its price tag.
Customer experience—10%
A bad customer experience can turn an otherwise excellent mattress into a disappointing one. We gauge customer satisfaction by considering these factors:
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
Especially when health issues like sciatica are at hand, a mattress’s overall safety is an even more important consideration than usual. We take a look at these factors to keep health top-of-mind:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
What to consider when buying a mattress for sciatica
Chronic pain and sleep have a reciprocal relationship. Pain makes getting good, restorative sleep more difficult, which is vital for reducing pain levels. (10)
This is why choosing a mattress that supports and comforts the spine may help stop this cycle in its tracks—it can improve your sleep while reducing your pain levels at the same time.
There are many different mattress types, but research shows that a medium-firm mattress is best for somebody with chronic lower back or sciatic pain. (3) We also love a bed with additional support beneath the hips, which should help align the spine. These “zoned” mattresses usually include coils and/or foam thicker beneath heavy areas of the body.
Whether you have sciatic pain or not, always consider your weight and preferred sleeping position when choosing a new mattress. The lighter you are, the softer your mattress can be, and the heavier, the firmer and more supportive it will need to be. Side sleepers tend to be more comfortable on a softer bed, back sleepers on a medium, and stomach sleepers on a firm mattress.
FAQs
What kind of mattress is best for sciatica?
If you have sciatic pain, you’ll want to look for a medium-firm mattress that is supportive and pressure-relieving. Beds that include zoned support will also help keep your spine in healthy and comfortable alignment, ultimately reducing low back pain. We prefer the Saatva Rx for serious pressure relief and comfort.
Is a hard or soft bed better for sciatica?
Research shows that people dealing with low back pain, like sciatica, do best with neither a soft nor hard bed but a medium-firm mattress. (3) Medium-firm mattresses also tend to work well for most body types and sleep positions.
What is the best sleep support for sciatica?
A mattress that supports your back, hips, shoulders, and knees and keeps your spine comfortably aligned will be the best sleep support for sciatica. If you can buy a new mattress, look for a medium-firm bed with zoned support. If you’re not able to buy a new mattress, you may be able to find a mattress topper that is zoned for support.
Can a bad mattress trigger sciatica?
While a bad mattress can’t directly cause sciatica, it may worsen symptoms. Flimsy, too-soft beds will not be supportive enough for the spine, and unyielding, too-firm beds will not allow your spine’s natural curvature and can be hard on the joints.
Our experts
Soma Mandal
Dr. Mandal is a board-certified internist and one of the top physicians in midlife women’s health. She has helped thousands of women navigate aging and reinvent themselves. Her peers have selected her for Castle Connolly Top Docs, New York Top Doctors, Inside Jersey Top Doctors, and Millburn- Short Hills Super Doctors. Dr. Mandal completed an internship and residency at NYU Langone Medical Center and a prestigious research fellowship in evidence-based medicine at the University of Oxford, England. She practices at a thriving practice in Summit Health, New Jersey.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Natalie Grigson
Fortune Recommends Sleep Writer
About Author
Natalie is a writer for Fortune Recommends with a deep passion for all things health and a fascination with the mysterious activity that is sleep. Outside of writing about sleep, she is a bestselling author, improviser, and creative writing teacher based out of Austin.