Because sciatica causes pain from the lower back through the hips and legs, finding a mattress that reduces soreness and pressure is important. Many mattress models include components that specifically target pressure points, which may help reduce pain by redistributing the sleeper’s weight and keeping the spine aligned.
Our in-house testing team tried out some of the best mattresses available for sciatica-related pain. They rated these mattresses in several performance categories, focusing primarily on pressure relief and ease of movement, which are often high priorities for those with sciatica.
We’ll cover our picks for the best mattress for sciatica. We’ll also provide information and tips for finding the best mattress for you.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
WinkBed
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The WinkBed provides a range of firmness options to accommodate different body types and position preferences. Our testing showed that each option performed well for different sleepers, offering good pressure relief, edge support, and temperature neutrality. This bed’s high-end materials also give it a luxury feel.
Buy From Winkbeds
All Sleepers
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Excellent
Pros
- Four firmness options to suit a wide range of sleepers
- Reinforced edges make it easier to get in and out of bed
- Zoned coils promote good sleep posture
Cons
- Performance ratings vary across firmness levels
- Luxury materials increase the price
- Lacks the close contouring of memory foam
Why We Like It
The WinkBed is an innerspring mattress available in four firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), firm (7), and firm (8). Combining polyfoam and pocketed coils, this mattress relieves significant pressure with its sturdy and responsive sleep surface. Thanks to the wide range of firmness options, nearly all of our testers found a comfortable option.
Multiple firmness options make this mattress a good choice for those with sciatica. You can select your ideal firmness level based on how it performs for your body type and sleep position.
The construction of each model varies but generally includes a Tencel cover, a polyfoam comfort system, and a pocketed coil core. Each version is also zoned for extra pushback around the lumbar region, giving those with sciatica much-needed lower back support.
How Does It Feel?
The medium soft (4) model performed well for our testers under 230 who sleep on their side or back. The medium firm (6) version was comfortable for nearly all body types and sleep positions, making it a good option for couples with different preferences. The two firm options provided the right balance of support and pressure relief for our testers weighing over 230 pounds.
The WinkBed rated highly in every performance category. Most notably, our tests showed that it offered exceptional temperature control, edge support, and ease of movement due to its responsive and breathable coil core.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Helix Midnight strikes a nice balance between plush cushioning for your sore spots and sturdy support, resulting in a true medium feel many side and back sleepers will enjoy. You won’t find many hybrids of this quality at such an approachable sticker price, and Helix further sweetens the deal with free shipping and complimentary pillows.
Buy From Helix
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Close-Conforming Foam
Excellent
Pros
- Adaptive foam layers contour evenly to alleviate pain without hugging too much
- Reinforced perimeter coils push back against weight to prevent sinkage
- Below-average pricing compared to other hybrids
Cons
- May lack adequate support for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- High potential for initial off-gassing odor
- Mattress may sleep hot without cooling cover upgrade
Why We Like It
Our tests show the Midnight is a solid choice for side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers on our team weighing less than 130 pounds also enjoyed the mattress. Heavier individuals should consider one of Helix’s firmer hybrid models. Conversely, the company also offers softer mattresses if you need more plushness than the Midnight provides.
Edge support and ease of movement are two performance categories in which the Midnight excelled. Most of us were able to move across the surface with ease, and excessive sinkage wasn’t a major issue when we sat along the Midnight’s perimeter. The mattress also earned solid ratings for temperature control, but we recommend the GlacioTex cover upgrade if you’re an exceptionally hot sleeper.
How Does It Feel?
The Midnight’s top layer is composed of memory foam, a material that softens when it comes into contact with body heat and adapts to your figure’s unique contours. This creates a cradling effect many people liken to being “hugged” by their mattress, but a layer of dense transitional polyfoam prevents you from sinking too deeply into the surface.
Pocketed coils and high-density base foam form a sturdy support system for the mattress. The perimeter coils are reinforced to bolster the edges and prevent the mattress from sinking when you get in and out of bed. A breathable knit cover encases the Midnight. For an added fee, you can upgrade to a cover made of GlacioTex phase change material — this fabric is engineered to dissipate body heat on contact and feel cool at all times.
Best Value Mattress
DreamCloud Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The DreamCloud Mattress is an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want the benefits of a hybrid design. The bed’s construction and medium firm (6) feel provide a high level of support for the back and hips, which could benefit those with sciatica-related pain.
Buy From DreamCloud
Couples
Medium Firm (6)
Close-Conforming Foam
Excellent
Pros
- Hybrid design with a budget-friendly price-point
- Gel memory foam layer engineered to relieve pressure points
- Pocketed coils provide bounce and breathability
Cons
- Side sleepers under 130 pounds may prefer a softer sleep surface
- Edges may compress under body weight
- Does not provide the close hug often associated with memory foam
Why We Like It
The DreamCloud Mattress offers the support and comfort of a hybrid design with a below-average price tag. Its polyfoam and gel-infused memory foam comfort system contours to relieve pressure without allowing excessive sinkage. The pocketed coil core adds bounce and breathability.
Our testers appreciated the DreamCloud Mattress because of its construction and materials. The layers of polyfoam, memory foam, and pocketed coils provide balanced conforming and support. The cooling features are designed to regulate temperature and prevent overheating. Meanwhile, the cashmere-blend cover offers a plush, breathable sleep surface with a touch of luxury at a moderate price-point.
How Does It Feel?
We found the medium firm (6) DreamCloud Mattress provided good support and contouring for our testers over 130 pounds. The bed was too firm for side sleepers under 130 pounds, but back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and heavier side sleepers reported that the mattress had just enough give to ease pressure without letting the midsection sag.
The DreamCloud performed particularly well in our motion isolation, temperature control, pressure relief, and ease of movement tests. These results make it a good choice for couples, hot sleepers, and those with sciatica-related pain.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses multi-zone foam and coil layers to push back against your midsection and cradle lighter areas of the body. This ensures an even sleep surface from head to toe, and you can choose from three firmness levels to further optimize your comfort level while you sleep.
Buy From Bear
Hot Sleepers
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Multi-Zone Support
Excellent
Pros
- Adaptive memory foam contours evenly to distribute your weight and reduce pressure buildup
- Zoned transitional and coil layers provide targeted midsection support
- Three firmness levels to accommodate different types of sleepers
Cons
- Initial off-gassing odor can be quite strong
- Firmer designs are responsive and may disrupt sleep for couples
- Limited options for people seeking an exceptionally soft mattress
Why We Like It
Our team tested all three of the Elite Hybrid’s firmness levels. The softest model — which is considered medium (5) — was a big hit among our side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. This design conforms closely to cradle and cushion your sore spots. Testers weighing more than 230 pounds preferred the firm (8) model, which contours very little and feels very supportive. If you’re looking for something in the middle, the medium firm (6) is the most balanced option and earned stellar ratings from most of our testers between 130 and 230 pounds.
Temperature control is a major strength of this mattress. A cooling gel infusion in the top foam layer, steady air circulation through the coils, and a Celliant-blend cover that dissipates body heat all promote healthy thermoregulation while you sleep. The medium firm and firm models excelled at edge support and ease of movement during our tests, whereas the medium earned high marks for motion isolation and pressure relief.
How Does It Feel?
The Elite Hybrid begins with a comfort layer of plush, adaptive memory foam. This material softens when it comes into contact with body heat, forming a mold around your body’s unique curves for a cradling, cloud-like effect. The transitional foam layer is divided into five zones to provide extra support for your torso and hips. Likewise, thicker coils rest beneath these heavier areas of the body. A cooling Celliant-blend cover encases the mattress.
Each firmness level has a distinct feel. The medium conforms closely, the medium firm has a moderate contour with some pushback beneath the midsection, and the firm barely compresses when weight is applied. You may exchange the mattress for a softer or firmer model at no extra cost during the sleep trial if you aren’t satisfied with your initial selection.
Best Luxury Mattress
Zenhaven
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Our testers found that the Zenhaven Mattress provided targeted lower back support, enhanced temperature regulation, and exceptional ease of movement. This dual-sided mattress offers both a medium soft (4) and a firm (7) side, making it ideal for those whose sleep needs change. Organic and natural materials provide a high-end feel well-suited to those seeking luxury.
Buy From Saatva
Hot Sleepers
Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Responsive Latex
Excellent
Pros
- Reversible design provides two firmness options
- Made with certified organic materials
- Zoned Dunlop latex provides enhanced lumbar support
Cons
- Firmer side may transfer more motion
- Heavy enough that it may take two people to flip
- Above-average price-point
Why We Like It
The Zenhaven Mattress is designed for sleepers who need extra lumbar support. The zoned Dunlop latex comfort layer targets the lower back to limit sinkage that could lead to poor posture. This may be particularly helpful for those with sciatica pain. The mattress also uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool and GOLS-certified organic latex.
How Does It Feel?
Our testers found that the medium soft (4) side was well-suited to those under 130 pounds, especially side sleepers. The firm (7) side provided better support for side sleepers over 230 pounds, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers.
Both sides contour enough to relieve pressure and support the spine. At the same time, the latex is buoyant, making it easy to move on the bed. Latex is also naturally breathable, and air channels add to that effect. The cotton and wool cover lets air circulate to dissipate heat. This combination makes for a mattress that offers good pressure relief while also sleeping cool.
Why You Should Trust Us
We’ve spent years testing sleep products to determine which sleepers they benefit most. With every mattress we evaluate, our team focuses on critical qualities like temperature neutrality, edge support, and motion isolation. Our testers vary in their body types and position preferences, which gives us a more accurate idea of how a mattress performs for real sleepers. To determine our top mattress picks for sciatica-related pain, we reviewed our testing data on hundreds of models, paying particular attention to relevant areas like pressure relief and ease of movement.
More Mattress Options for Specific Needs
About The Author
Staff Writer, Sleep Products
Katie is a writer, editor, and researcher based in Englewood, Colorado. With a doctorate in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she has written and edited for Peterson’s and Innerbody Research as well as been a writing professor. Katie is passionate about helping consumers make more informed choices.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Dolphin
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