Written by Natalie Grigson, Fortune Recommends Writer
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, and it’s often diagnosed in adolescence. (1) According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, about 2 to 3 percent of people in the U.S. are living with scoliosis, which means they may also be living with moderate to severe back pain if their scoliosis is left untreated. (2)
While sleeping on a doctor-recommended mattress isn’t exactly considered a treatment, the right mattress can certainly make sleeping with scoliosis more comfortable. This is why it’s so important to choose the best mattress for you. In order to narrow it down, our team of expert reviewers evaluated dozens of mattresses for performance, comfort, and support. With the input of our medical expert, we landed on these six best mattresses for scoliosis.
Best mattress for scoliosis overall
After testing dozens of mattresses, one stood out among the rest: The Helix Midnight. This medium-firm mattress features supportive steel coils and contouring memory foam designed specifically to relieve pressure along the body’s natural curves.
Our picks for the best mattresses for scoliosis
- Best overall: Helix Midnight
- Best affordable: Nectar Classic
- Best for side sleepers: Nolah Evolution
- Best for pressure relief: Saatva Classic
- Best firm: Plank Firm
- Best cooling: Bear Original
Compare mattresses for scoliosis
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| Helix Midnight | Nectar Classic | Nolah Evolution | Saatva Classic | Plank Firm | Bear Original | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Best for | Overall | Affordability | Side sleepers | Pressure relief | Firmness | Cooling |
| Price | $1,332 | $1,387 | $2,499 | $2,095 | $1,332 | $998 |
| Material | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Foam |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
Best overall mattress for scoliosis: Helix Midnight
Key product features
What you should know
Our sleep experts found that the Helix Midnight is the best overall mattress for scoliosis after testing its support, pressure relief, bounce, and more. This mattress should be supportive enough for most body types and pressure relieving for those with back or joint pain.
- This mattress is medium firm; if you want a softer version, you can upgrade to the “Luxe.”
- It has a good overall value at $1,332 for a queen, considering how durable it feels.
- This bed should work for all body types, though heavy-weight sleepers may feel it is too soft.
- The trial and warranty are both slightly shorter than some comparable mattresses.
- It has a good amount of bounce, which is good for those with mobility issues.
Why we like Helix Midnight as best overall
The Helix Midnight is no stranger to our “Best Of” lists; in fact, we also recently chose the Helix Midnight as our best mattress of 2024. There are lots of reasons to love this bed, especially for those with scoliosis.
It feels medium-firm, which is the recommended firmness level for those dealing with back pain. (3) If you’re a heavy-weight sleeper, our mattress testers noted that this durable bed should support you, but it may feel softer for you. For light and average-weight sleepers, this bed should feel like a 6.5 out of 10 in terms of firmness.
It combines excellent spinal support with its layer of innerspring coils and comfortable pressure relief with its top layers of foam. Our mattress tester described it as a “nice mix of softness and firmness while supporting the different joints.”
Her only complaint was that the motion isolation could be a bit better. This could be a drawback for sensitive sleepers sharing the bed. On the other hand, because of this bounciness, it is ideal for those with mobility issues, combination sleepers, and sexually active couples.
It has a good overall value, priced at $1,332 for a queen, with frequent sales available on the website. It doesn’t have as long of a trial period or warranty as some of the others on this list, but we think 100 nights should be plenty of time to fall in love with the Helix Midnight.
To learn more about this brand, visit our full Helix mattress review.
Specs
| Price | $1,332 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
Best affordable mattress for scoliosis: Nectar Classic
Key product features
What you should know
The Nectar Classic mattress is made from several layers of memory foam, creating a bed that is extremely pressure-relieving and isolates motion well. If this plush all-foam bed isn’t supportive enough for your body type, you can upgrade it to a Premier Hybrid for an additional $300.
- This mattress is pressure-relieving yet supportive—something you don’t always find in memory foam beds.
- The Nectar comes with a Forever Warranty™, a year-long trial, and is priced at $1,387, giving it a great value overall.
- This bed is best for light and average-weight side and back sleepers.
- Stomach and heavy-weight sleepers will need a more supportive bed.
- This bed isn’t ideal for those who sleep hot, as memory foam tends to trap heat.
Why we like Nectar Classic as best affordable
The Nectar Classic may be an affordable mattress, but that doesn’t mean it is lacking in quality. This bed is made of three high-quality layers of CertiPUR US® certified foam. The topmost layer is a gel-infused memory foam, which creates a gentle “hug” feeling as it contours to the body’s curves. This gentle sinking feeling should feel like a nice relief for people with scoliosis, where the spine’s curve may cause uneven shoulders, hips, waist, or ribcage.
The middle layer of foam helps to minimize motion transfer throughout the bed. This makes the Nectar a great option for couples who are sensitive to each other’s movements through the night. Finally, a thick, durable bottom layer stabilizes the entire mattress and gives it structure.
Even though the Nectar comes in just one firmness option, Medium-firm tends to work the best for most sleepers. In fact, one study says that a medium-firm mattress is ideal for promoting sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment for the majority of people. (4) As we mentioned earlier, this is especially true for those with back pain, which can be a side effect of scoliosis. (3)
Our mattress testers noted that this bed should work best for light to average-weight side sleepers and lightweight back sleepers, but it’s not a great option for stomach or heavy sleepers. That said, most experts recommend that sleepers with scoliosis avoid stomach sleeping anyway, as it can further misalign the spine. (5) For heavy-weight sleepers, you may want to upgrade to the hybrid model for $100 more for additional support.
As far as price goes, it’s hard to beat $1,387 for a high-quality bed featuring a lifetime warranty, year-long trial, and free shipping—but with Nectar’s frequent sales online, you likely can.
To learn more, visit our full Nectar mattress review or best affordable mattresses list.
What customers are saying
On Amazon, customers have rated the Nectar with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Those who love this mattress praise it for its price, comfort, and convenience of delivery. For example, verified purchaser Angela Rutledge had this to say:
“I LOVE this mattress! The first night I slept on it, I slept like a log! It doesn’t feel soft and squishy when you sit on it, but it’s supportive where it needs to be! Prevents a lot of joint and back pain when you get up.”
Those who rated it with three or fewer stars tend to mention its firmness (either too firm or too soft) and that it traps heat. As verified purchaser Tom Contos sums up, “Too stiff, too hot, not comfortable.”
Specs
| Price | $1,387 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best mattress for side sleepers with scoliosis: Nolah Evolution
Key product features
What you should know
The Nolah Evolution is a hotel-quality bed featuring a blend of supportive innerspring coils and plush comfort layers, perfect for anyone with back pain. Plus, it includes advanced cooling technology, which can help improve sleep quality. (6)
- This bed comes in three firmness options; our reviewers tested the “Luxury Firm.”
- This may be the most expensive on the list at $2,499, but it feels high-quality and luxurious.
- Uniquely, this bed works well for all body types and all sleep positions.
- Even though it is bouncy, it also has great motion isolation.
- The mattress features enhanced cooling capabilities courtesy of the hybrid design, a cooling topper, ArcticTex™ cover with AirFoam ™.
Why we like Nolah Evolution as best for side sleepers
When it comes to choosing the best mattress for side sleepers with scoliosis, Nolah Evolution is at the top. With its combination of individually wrapped steel coils and plush comfort layers, our mattress testers agree: “This bed slaps.”
Here’s why:
The Nolah Evolution features nine different layers to create a luxury, hotel-feeling bed. The top layer is made of organic cotton plus an ArcticTex™ Cooling Cover, which feels breathable and dissipates heat. Beneath is a plush, cooling Euro topper, and under that, another cooling layer—the AirBreath™ Heat Escape Gusset. These top layers keep this bed cool enough even for the hottest of sleepers. Plus, beds with advanced cooling technology have been shown to help improve overall sleep quality. (6)
Beneath these cooling layers are three layers of foam for pressure relief. For side sleepers with scoliosis, maintaining a neutral spine position is essential, and this foam plays a key role in achieving that. It adapts to the contours of the body while ensuring that the spine remains aligned, reducing the risk of exacerbating scoliosis-related pain. Our testers noted that these foams also seem to give this bed increased motion isolation, which is rare for a bed that’s also bouncy.
Finally, at the base of this bed are eight inches of individually wrapped steel coils. They’re zoned for support, meaning they’re thicker beneath heavier areas of the body, and they include enhanced edge support. Our mattress reviewers gave this bed a 5 out of 5 for its edge support and spinal alignment due to these sturdy and supportive coils.
Overall, the Nolah Evolution mattress offers an excellent blend of pressure relief, support, and temperature regulation, making it a superb choice for side sleepers with scoliosis. The only real downside to this luxury mattress is its price of over $2,400 for a queen, though it seems you can snag a good deal online if you shop during the best time to buy a mattress.
If this mattress isn’t the right pick for you, see our best mattresses for side sleepers for more great options.
Specs
| Price | $2,499 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best mattress for pressure relief: Saatva Classic
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva Classic combines zoned lumbar support with the enhanced comfort of a plush Euro pillow top. The result is a durable, luxurious mattress that absorbs joint pressure and gently supports the spine for a pain-free night of sleep.
- Our mattress tester noted an immediate reduction in back pain on this mattress.
- Considering its lifetime warranty, long trial period, and free white glove delivery, the Saatva’s price tag of $2,095 is well worth it.
- Because it comes in three firmness options, this bed should work for all body types and sleep positions.
- Saatva is one of the most acclaimed companies for its customer service. (7)
- The mattress isn’t cooling per se, but there is sufficient temperature regulation.
Why we like Saatva Classic as best for pressure relief
Saatva Classic is one of our favorite mattresses time and time again, for good reason. It’s a luxury-quality and well-made bed that is highly customizable, featuring three firmness options, two mattress heights, a plush Euro pillow top, and a sleep surface that works for every sleep position.
Starting from the base, the Saatva Classic includes a layer of 884 pocketed coils, 416 support coils, and high-density foam rails. These 1,300 coils plus the Lumbar Zone® Technology results in a mattress that provides superior spinal support and shouldn’t sag over time. On top, it features a layer of high-density memory foam. The amount of foam will vary depending on the firmness level you choose (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm). The topmost layer is a plush, breathable pillow top with an organic cotton cover.
According to one of our testers, this combination of supportive coils and foam creates “firmness where it mattered, but softness and plushness around the rest of the body.” She adds that when lying on her back, “[her] back pain literally disappeared on this mattress,” and she rated it a 5 out of 5 for back sleeping. This is good news, because when it comes to choosing a sleep position for scoliosis, most experts recommend sleeping on your back. (5)
The Saatva Classic is so great for back pain that it has the seal of approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations. (8) We’ve also named it the best mattress for lower back pain for back sleepers—but we’ll let you decide which is the greater accolade.
Aside from being highly customizable, the Saatva comes with free white glove delivery, a lifetime warranty, and a year-long trial. We think that all of this makes its price tag of $2,095 worth it. It’s a high-quality mattress, and it should last you a long time.
Check out our complete Saatva mattress review for more insights.
Specs
| Price | $2,095 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best firm mattress for scoliosis: Plank Firm
Key product features
What you should know
Our testing found that the Plank Firm mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is a great choice for those with scoliosis who prefer a very firm-feeling bed. This all-foam mattress is flippable, so you can choose between firm and extra firm.
- This bed is one of the firmer beds we’ve ever tested.
- Its typical price is $1,332 for a queen, but you can find frequent discounts on their website.
- This bed is recommended for back and stomach sleepers, but those with scoliosis are advised against stomach sleeping. (5)
- The “less firm” side is still quite firm but includes a layer of Brooklyn Bedding’s TitanFlex™ foam for a bit of cushioning.
- For an additional $150, you can upgrade to include the GlacioTex™ cooling cover.
Why we like Plank Firm as best firm mattress
Though most experts agree scoliosis patients will do best sticking with a medium-firm mattress, in the end, it comes down to what works best for you. If a very firm mattress helps you sleep comfortably, the Plank Firm is a great option.
Brooklyn Bedding describes this mattress as the “firmest all-foam mattress on the market,” and after trying it out, we can see why. This all-foam mattress is flippable, so it comes with two firmness options. We’ll call them “firm” and “extra firm.” (There is no soft option here.) On the firmest side, our testers rated this bed’s firmness an 8.5 out of 10, and on the other side, a 7.5 out of 10, noting, “This side is a tad more plush, [and I] enjoy sleeping on the cover.”
This durable, high-quality cover enhances breathability and adds a layer of comfort without compromising the mattress’s firmness. This cover is designed to wick away moisture and maintain a cool sleep surface—which is important as foam mattresses tend to trap heat. If you sleep especially hot, you can add on the GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover for an additional $150. It should help dissipate heat without changing the bed’s underlying firmness.
This bed is typically recommended for back and stomach sleepers due to its flat, firm surface. However, many experts urge people with scoliosis to avoid sleeping on their stomachs since it can be hard on the spine. (5) As such, we think this is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers with scoliosis who love a firm mattress. If you can’t sleep in any position other than your stomach, this bed is at least firm enough to prevent your hips from dipping down, but it may be too firm for comfort against the chest.
As far as side sleeping goes, our mattress tester noted that this bed is “incredibly way too firm for side sleepers,” causing joint pain in her shoulders. Likewise, lightweight sleepers may not sink into this mattress enough to feel comfortable.
If you think you’ll love a firm mattress but are unsure, you can try this one out for 120 nights and send it back within that time if it doesn’t work for you. You can either get a full refund or exchange it for a different mattress.
Check out our full Plank mattress review or the best firm mattresses for more options to give you extra support.
What customers are saying
Most of the reviews on Amazon for this mattress are positive, and overall, it has 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Verified purchaser “MPB” sums it up nicely when she says,
“This is one dang firm mattress! It might be too firm for some, but for me it is just right… The firm side wasn’t quite firm enough for me, but the ultra-firm side does the trick, and my back feels so much better now! I am really very grateful for this mattress!”
Verified purchaser “MPB,” Amazon
Another verified purchaser, Deborah Benton, keeps it short and sweet and says about the Plank Firm, “[This] is so much better for our backs!”
Negative reviews for this mattress tend to mention that it sags over time, feels either too firm or not firm enough, and is not the best quality. For example, Verified Purchaser Kartar Bajwa, says, “I bought this mattress as I needed a firm one. One side is very firm. The other side is firm. I found both sides perfect for me. It was the best mattress I’ve ever slept on. But after 2.5 years the mattress started to sink. I’m a side sleeper so I don’t like it. In my opinion, It is a great mattress but if you have to replace it every 2.5 years then it is not worth the price.”
Specs
| Price | $1,332 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best cooling mattress for scoliosis: Bear Original
Key product features
What you should know
The Bear Original Mattress is an all-foam, medium to firm mattress, ideal for those who want a simple, no-muss, no-fuss bed. It is constructed with gel memory foam and a breathable cover, making it one of the cooler memory foam beds available.
- This bed’s firmness is about a 7.5 out of 10, so it will feel pretty firm for the average sleeper.
- The price for this bed is nearly unbeatable at less than $1,000 for a queen.
- Even though it’s all foam, it may be too firm for side sleepers.
- The mattress may be too thin for heavy-weight sleepers who need more support.
- You can add on the CELLIANT®-infused cooling cover for an additional $200.
Why we like Bear Original as best cooling mattress
Designed with advanced cooling technology and superior support, the Bear Original effectively addresses the unique needs of those with scoliosis, particularly those who struggle with overheating during sleep.
The Bear Original mattress features a multi-layer foam construction designed for both support and pressure relief. The top layer is made of responsive, quick foam that offers contouring support without excessive sinkage. This ensures that the spine remains aligned while alleviating pressure points, which is essential for those with scoliosis. The mattress also includes a transition layer of gel-infused foam that further enhances cooling by drawing heat away from the body.
If you sleep especially hot, you can add on Bear’s CELLIANT® cover for an additional $200, though our testers found it to be comfortable without the added cover.
Since this bed is made entirely of foam, it has excellent motion isolation, which is a plus for people who share the bed with a fidgety partner or even a pet. Plus, due to its firmness, it’s easy enough to move around and get up from the bed, so it’s good for those with mobility issues.
The downsides are that this mattress feels relatively thin, so it’s not ideal for heavy-weight sleepers, and it may be too firm for side sleepers, who need more cushioning around the shoulder and hip. For a price of less than $1,000 for a queen, though, the Bear Original comes at a good overall value– especially if you grab it while it’s on sale.
Check out our full Bear mattress review to find out more about this brand. Or, visit our complete guide to learn more about the best cooling mattresses.
Specs
| Price | $998 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
How we test mattresses
Our mattress testing process combines extensive research with hands-on experience. Our team, which includes certified sleep science coaches, industry experts, and real-world consumers, manages every phase of testing, reviewing, and fact-checking. We evaluate each mattress based on performance, comfort, support, value, customer experience, and health and safety. From there, we narrow it down to our top choices– in this case, these six best mattresses for scoliosis.
Read our full mattress testing methodology for more information.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A mattress’s most important feature is its ability to provide a good night’s sleep. We test each mattress on the following factors to ensure a sweat- and disturbance-free rest.
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
Additional factors like how a mattress improves or worsens aches and pains are essential, too. We examine these factors to determine how supportive each mattress is.
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Combine sticker price with the quality of materials and innovative features used, and you’ve arrived at a mattress’s value. We determine whether each mattress is worth its price or whether it’s a higher or lower value than you’d expect for the price.
Customer experience—10%
Factors like shipping speed and helpful customer service can make the purchasing process much smoother and the consumer more confident.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
Considering how much of your life you spend sleeping, you should feel confident knowing you’re doing so on a safe, healthy mattress.
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a side-to-side curve of your spine, which is different from the spine’s natural front-to-back curve. Normally, the spine has a slight forward and back curve, but with scoliosis, the spine curves to the left or right, creating a C or S shape. Symptoms of scoliosis include uneven shoulders, shoulder blades that stick out, a head that doesn’t center above the pelvis, uneven waist, elevated hips, uneven leg length, or possibly skin changes along the spine.
Usually, scoliosis is diagnosed during adolescence, and most cases tend to be mild and don’t require treatment. However, if a case is severe enough, it can cause uneven posture and pain, and so treatment may be required. Typically, early treatment may involve wearing a corrective back brace or possibly surgery.
It’s estimated that scoliosis affects about 2 percent of the world’s population. (9)
How does scoliosis affect sleep?
If a case of scoliosis is severe enough to cause chronic back pain, this is enough to disturb sleep. Research shows that chronic pain and insomnia are comorbid conditions, where about 50 percent of people with chronic pain experience insomnia or sleep disturbances. The inverse is also true, where about 50 percent of people with sleep disturbances are also more likely to experience chronic pain. (10)
For people with chronic pain, this can create a difficult cycle of not getting enough sleep, which results in more pain, which results in less sleep, and on, and on.
This is why it’s important to diagnose and treat severe cases of scoliosis as early as possible.
What is the best mattress type for scoliosis?
Research shows that people living with back pain will do best on a medium-firm mattress. (3) That said, people of different body weights will feel a mattress’s firmness differently. For example, a person who weighs under 130 pounds might lie on a medium-firm bed and feel it as firm. A person who weighs over 200 pounds might lie on that same bed and feel that it’s soft. As a general rule, the lighter you are, the softer your mattress can be; the heavier you are, the firmer and more supportive it should be.
If you tend to sleep on your side, you’ll also want a softer bed to cushion your shoulder and hip. If you sleep on your back or stomach, something slightly firmer will help keep your spine aligned.
Do keep in mind most experts recommend sleeping on your back if you have scoliosis or on your side if back sleeping is uncomfortable. Stomach sleeping isn’t typically recommended for people with scoliosis or back pain. (5)
What to look for in a mattress if you have scoliosis
If you have scoliosis, look for a mattress with medium-firmness and a good balance of support and pressure relief. A hybrid bed is a great option here because it combines supportive, innerspring coils with top layers of comfort foam that should relieve pressure along the joints and spine.
To go one step further, a hybrid bed with zoned support may help relieve back pain. Beds with zoned support have coils and/or foam that is thicker and sturdier beneath heavy areas of the body, like the hips, to help keep the spine in comfortable, neutral alignment.
If you sleep hot, opt for a mattress that has advanced cooling features. Not only will this keep you comfortable through the night, but some research shows that cooling mattresses can improve sleep quality. (6)
How to sleep comfortably with scoliosis
According to Clear Scoliosis Institute, there is no “corrective” sleeping posture for those with scoliosis, but there are certain sleep positions that may be more comfortable. The best position for those with scoliosis is lying flat on the back. Be sure you’re using a supportive, medium-loft pillow that keeps your neck in alignment with the rest of your spine, rather than lifted up or sagging down.
If sleeping on your back is just not comfortable, side sleeping is your second-best option. It doesn’t matter which side you sleep on, no matter which direction your spine curves. Just find the most comfortable side.
Finally, you should avoid sleeping on your stomach with scoliosis. Stomach sleeping is not recommended for anyone, but those with back issues or pain should definitely avoid it, as it creates an unnatural curve in the neck and spine, which may worsen the condition. (5)
FAQs
Is a soft or firm mattress better for scoliosis?
A medium-firm mattress is recommended for those with scoliosis or any other type of back pain. Mattresses that are too soft may not provide adequate support, and those that are too firm may not have enough pressure relief.
What is the best sleeping position for scoliosis?
Experts recommend sleeping flat on your back if you have scoliosis. If this isn’t comfortable, side sleeping is your second-best option, but you should avoid sleeping on your stomach. (5)
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 Writer