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Age-related changes, like arthritis, are common among older adults and can often lead to chronic pain or weakness. One of the most common is low back pain, often attributed to age-related changes in the spine, like lumbar spinal stenosis. This condition affects up to 38% of Americans, and its symptoms can feel limiting but can be treatable with conservative care [1] Katz J, et al. Diagnosis and Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. JAMA Network. May 3, 2022. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2791689 [2] Jensen R, et al. Prevalence of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in General and Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. European Spine Journal. Sept. 29, 2020. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32095908/ .
Although people with spinal stenosis symptoms usually feel better when sitting or lying down, relief isn’t immediate for everyone. If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to lower back or associated leg pain, it’s important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to get a physical therapy referral. It may also be worth discussing ways to improve your sleep hygiene, and for some, this involves improving your bedroom environment to encourage better sleep. Upgrading an old, worn bed could help.
Our team tested more than 120 mattresses and consulted medical professionals to develop our review of the best mattresses for spinal stenosis. While there is no best option for everyone, we set criteria to choose the best lineup possible: medium to firm feelⓘ Brands rate firmness on a scale from one to 10. One is the softest, and 10 is the firmest. It’s generally accepted that 6.5 is considered medium on this scale , good support, great pressure relief, and high functional supportⓘ We developed this score to determine how well the mattress supports bed mobility, like repositioning or getting out of bed. The higher the score, the more assistance the mattress provides. . We hope our review gives you food for thought as you shop for your next mattress.
We found several important factors when testing mattresses specifically for spinal stenosis:
Medium to firm mattresses are recommended for those with spinal stenosis.
Those with spinal stenosis benefit from pressure-relieving surfaces to distribute force away from sore areas, leading to more restful sleep.
We choose mattresses with adequate support to maintain a neutral spine and prevent sagging over time, which can lead to increased discomfort.
We prioritized mattresses with high functional support, which allows people to move with less effort (and potentially less pain) in bed.
The Saatva Rx is our top pick for people with spinal stenosis because it’s designed to adapt to your body’s natural position and promotes easier movement in bed. Testers appreciated the cloud-like feel while maintaining plenty of bounce and support, making it comfortable for sleep and moving around in bed.
This mattress has a true medium feel, which is a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, per industry standards. Medium hybridⓘ Hybrid mattresses combine the features of both innerspring and foam mattresses, with springs surrounded by a thick comfort layer of foam or latex. mattresses often offer the best balance between support and pressure relief, and the Saatva Rx is no different. Those with spinal stenosis will appreciate how this bed uses a flexible layer of micro coils and larger foam-capped springs to contour their curves and evenly distribute weight. You may find it easier to get into a comfortable sleep position because the Saatva Rx is designed to adapt to you.
This design also isolates motionⓘ Motion isolation is the ability of a mattress to keep movement on one side of the bed from affecting the other side. exceedingly well for a hybrid mattress, so couples won’t feel each other move throughout the night. Getting quality, undisrupted sleep is a key part of symptom management, especially if you’re experiencing pain.
When lying on the Saatva Rx, our team noticed how supportive it felt under our lower backs. We credit this to its zoned support, a targeted area along the center of the mattress with stronger reinforcement to contour the body’s spine and resist sag over time. Saatva incorporates a strip of memory foam along the center to further reinforce the center, and our testers found it obvious but comfortable. Side sleepers with spinal stenosis who like to feel supported under their torso may enjoy this feature most.
We also noted how functionally supportive the Saatva Rx felt, allowing us to change positions and get out of bed without fighting the plush materials. “This mattress feels springy and responsiveⓘ Responsiveness describes how much surface bounce a mattress has and how it responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and change sleeping positions. . It keeps up with my position changes and responds well to my movement. It also has strong edge support, so it feels safe moving along the edge of the bed,” said our tester. Those with spinal stenosis may find it easier to move on this bed, especially if you adjust your position with pillows to get comfortable or have lower body weakness affecting your mobility.
Saatva offers free in-home delivery and setup (known as white-glove delivery) when you purchase a mattress, which is rare in the industry. This means you won’t need to worry about setting up this bulky mattress when it arrives. You also get a limited lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial period—a generous amount of time to test your bed at home before fully committing.
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The Saatva Rx has a 4.9 star rating out of five with more than 70 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention the mattress’s positive effects on their back conditions.
“This is the second Saatva mattress I have purchased. This time I ordered the Rx due to back issues, and so far, I am absolutely loving it! Delivery was very professional and quick.”
—Laraine, verified buyer on 5/01/2024
“I waited a couple of months to review this Rx mattress to make a qualified review. Let me tell you I am so happy I made this purchase, I don’t sleep with pain anymore. I may wake up a little stiff from being in the same position all night because I don’t toss and turn with pressure pain anymore.”
—Lori, verified buyer on 4/19/2024
On Google, Saatva has a 4.4 star rating with 4,298 reviews. Most users are pleased with Saatva, but some reviewers complained about the mattresses running firm or how their choice wasn’t worth the price.
For more information on the brand, see our Saatva review. For more information on this model, see our Saatva Rx review.
If you find relief from a soft mattress but but have trouble finding one with sag-resistant support, consider the Helix Midnight Luxe. Our team gives this hybrid mattress a 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, one point below the true medium firmness level of 6.5. Although not truly soft, this pillow top provides a cushioned feel without losing reinforcement from the coils underneath. In fact, it’s one of the best hybrid mattresses for its ability to balance pressure relief and support and accommodate a variety of sleep positions.
Our team likes how the Helix Midnight Luxe incorporates zoned support. Testers noted how it felt strong but not as obvious as the Saatva Rx. Instead, it only reinforces the coils along the center of the mattress, which testers found to feel gentler.
Helix also reinforces the coils along the perimeter of this mattress, contributing to its above-average functional support score. “I was impressed by the edge support of this mattress. I can roll close to the edge and feel I won’t fall off. I can stand easily from the edge, too,” said our tester. “It takes a little effort to move around in the bed, though. You sink into the soft pillow top surface as you settle.” If your spinal stenosis affects your strength, you may want to choose a mattress with more mobility-boosting properties. Otherwise, our team feels it’s a good option.
The Helix Midnight Luxe comes with a 100-night trial period and a 15-year warranty. But like many bed-in-a-box companies, they don’t offer white-glove delivery. It’s up to you to arrange help setting up the mattress when it arrives at your doorstep.
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Who may want to avoid it
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a 4.4-star rating out of five and more than 6,100 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention the mattress’s positive effects on their discomfort—one specifically mentioning spinal stenosis.
“This is the greatest mattress I have ever owned or slept on in my life. I have spinal stenosis . . . and shoulder issues, and after sleeping on this mattress for just a few days completely eliminated my muscle pains.”
—Alice R., verified buyer on 1/12/2024
“I recently purchased the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress, and it has truly transformed my sleep experience. From the first night, I could feel a significant difference in both comfort and support.”
— Codie M., verified buyer on 6/13/2024
But the Helix Midnight Luxe also has a few negative reviews. Some customers said it errs softer than advertised, consistent with our testing results. Like a few customers, you might find it uncomfortable if you’re not used to plusher mattresses.
For more information, see our Helix Midnight Luxe review.
Foam mattresses are a popular option. About 45.5% of respondents in our survey of 600 recent mattress shoppers looked for a foam mattress [4] NCOA Adviser Mattresses Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024. . Unfortunately, our testing data show many foam mattresses with the traditional contouring feel are too forgiving to provide adequate support for those with spinal stenosis. The DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress earns a spot in our review because it’s one of the few all-foam mattresses we’ve tested with the right mix of cushion and support.
This mattress has five memory foam layers, each designed to provide additional reinforcement, responsiveness, or pressure relief. “The brand’s firmness rating of medium is accurate. This truly feels like the middle of the road. There’s give to the surface, but it’s still firm enough to feel supported,” said our tester. “I feel some pressure on my shoulder when I lay on my side, so lighter-weight sleepers (less than 130 pounds) may want to opt for a softer option. Being average-weight (130–250 pounds), I felt comfortable.”
Testers also noted how easy it felt to move on the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress. “Rolling to my side, pushing up to sit, sitting at the edge of the bed, and standing from the edge were all easier than some softer foams,” said a tester. Although this mattress offers better functional support and less effort to change positions, it has a short 11-inch profile and lacks bouncy coils to add momentum to movement. So if you have lower body weakness, you may want to pair this mattress with a higher bed frame to make standing from the edge easier.
Finally, the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress is an affordable mattress option. With frequent promotions, you can get a queen-size mattress for around $800. Your purchase comes with a one-year trial period and a limited lifetime warranty. But like many bed-in-a-box companies, DreamCloud doesn’t offer white-glove delivery with this mattress. You’ll need to arrange help on your own.
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Who may want to avoid it
The DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress has a 4.6 star rating out of five with about 9,000 reviews on the website. Most reviewers had positive experiences, including a few with back conditions and recent back surgery.
“I had back surgery six months ago and have spent a lot of time looking for a good mattress. This one has been great for my back. It feels very firm at first, but after a bit, it conforms to your body, so it offers you support but is also very comfortable.”
— Grace E., verified buyer on 5/13/2024
“I’ve enjoyed the first month in the bed. My back discomfort is much better than before and I think, as a result, I’m getting better deeper sleep. At least, that’s what my Fitbit says. I also got a thumbs-up from the girlfriend. Price was great, and I’m hopeful it will hold up well over the years.”
— Juan A., verified buyer on 3/27/2024
But no mattress fits all, so we saw some negative reviews. Many people thought this mattress was firmer than expected since most memory foam mattresses have the reputation of being softer. Keep this in mind as you browse.
For more information, see our DreamCloud review.
The WinkBed can be a great option for back sleepers with spinal stenosis because it offers plenty of pressure relief from the pillow top at the hips, but the zoned coil support prevents sagging and provides adequate reinforcement to the lower back. We tested the luxury firm version (medium), but the WinkBed also offers options for softer or firmer preferences or plus for higher-weight sleepers (more than 250 pounds).
When our volunteer tester from the Northern Wake Senior Center in North Carolina tried the WinkBed, her body felt evenly distributed with a neutral spine. She mentioned how she likes sleeping on her back with a pillow under her knees to reduce pressure around her lower back and hips, much like those with spinal stenosis prefer. So, we tested this sleeping position with the pressure pad to see if the WinkBed still distributed weight evenly with the position adjustment.
As you can see above, our volunteer tester’s pressure mapⓘ A mat with sensors that detects pressure buildup when someone lies across it. results showed no major areas of pressure buildup aside from a small area at her hips, likely due to a wrinkle in her jeans. We can also see how the WinkBed is making solid contact with her lower back, indicating a good amount of support.
Testers also found it relatively easy to roll from their back to their side while getting out of bed, an important consideration for back sleepers with spinal stenosis and associated mobility issues. Plus, this bouncy hybrid has surprisingly good motion isolation, so partners are less likely to feel you roll and push up as you get out of bed.
The WinkBed comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a 120-night trial period. It also offers a unique exchange program for those unsure which of the four firmness levels is right for them. If you don’t like the level you bought, the company will send you a different firmness level for $49. You can keep your original purchase and the potential replacement for up to 60 days before returning one.
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Who may want to avoid it
The WinkBed has a 4.8 star rating out of five with more than 8,600 reviews on the website. Most reviewers enjoy The WinkBed because it accommodates back issues well. We also noticed that many customers liked the exchange process.
“Feels great. Firm, but not too firm and comfortable. I was having back issues with our 11-year-old memory mattress. I did my research, and this bed was recommended for older people with back issues. Definitely mixed feelings on purchasing a bed with not trying it out first, but your warranty on guaranteed satisfaction or return it with no hassles.”
— Michael O., verified buyer on 5/22/2024
“We bought our WinkBed and slept on it for 30 days. It was a solid choice and was a quality bed. We did decide it wasn’t a good fit for me and my husband. So we initiated a return. They were so quick to get back to us, and the return was really hassle-free. Highly recommend giving this mattress a try, and if it’s not a good fit, the return policy is top-notch.”
— Sarah G., verified buyer on 5/20/2024
We also noticed a few negative reviews. Many customers mentioned how the mattress didn’t solve painful conditions or chronic back issues. Although a mattress can influence pain and sleep, it shouldn’t be purchased as a fix. Always discuss ongoing symptoms with a health care professional for long-term treatment options.
Learn more in our in-depth WinkBed review.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is our top choice for side sleepers because it earned our maximum score for pressure relief at the hip and shoulder to avoid tossing and turning from force buildup. This is due to its thick layers of memory foam and softer coils under the joints, which allow the body to sink into the mattress enough to redistribute weight and ease pressure.
Our team also attributes this mattress’s motion isolation to the thick foam layers and individually encased coils. One tester laid on one side while a testing partner rolled and switched positions. “I felt some movement, but very minimal,” said the primary tester. If you’re asleep, you’re less likely to feel your partner shift at night, but you may feel them get in or out of bed.
We also like how it has gentle zoned coil support to encourage spinal alignment (or a more “neutral” spine position) throughout the night. Zoned support can prevent uncomfortable sagging while side sleeping. Sagging can cause the body to bend and potentially provoke symptoms in those with spinal stenosis, depending on where your condition is located.
While the Bear Elite Hybrid has more functional support than the average mattress, it’s not the most mobility-boosting option. The pressure-relieving foam makes the mattress feel more plush on top, which is harder to move around on than sturdier material. But this 14-inch high mattress is higher than most, which can feel helpful when getting out of bed. This mattress is best for those with mild symptoms who can switch positions without extra assistance from the bed’s materials.
When you purchase this mattress, you get a 120-night trial period and a limited lifetime warranty. Bear does offer white-glove delivery for $175, but it’s hidden in the website’s footer. You need to click on White Glove Service under Support.
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The Bear Elite Hybrid has a 4.6 star rating out of five and more than 3,700 reviews on its website. Many customers with back conditions perceived this mattress as medium-firm to firm, which is consistent with our testing results.
“Mattress shopping seems harder than it should be! My husband and I tried two prior to this one with no luck. This one is perfect! We’ve only had it for about two months but no complaints as of now! Very cozy yet firm.”
—Juliana J., verified buyer on 6/12/2024
“I was looking for a new mattress because my previous mattress (foam) just became too firm over time. My husband and I both experienced back pain and decided to switch to a hybrid instead of foam. We came across the Bear mattress, and it just has exceeded our expectations.”
—Jada, verified buyer on 6/04/2024
We found a few negative reviews stating the mattress sleeps hot and has a strong off-gassing smell during setup. If you’re concerned about staying cool through the night, try purchasing breathable bedding made with TENCELⓘ A brand of lyocell fiber made from wood pulp that’s known for being soft, breathable, and absorbent. or bamboo, which we’ve found most effective. We also recommend giving your mattress a few days to off-gas and decompress before sleeping on it, so plan to sleep in a guest room or keep your old mattress around for a few days before switching.
For more information, see our Bear mattress review.
According to our survey, 76.6% of respondents (age 54 and above) with lower back pain shop for a new mattress to replace a worn and old bed, achieve pain relief from targeted support, or improve overall comfort. If you can relate, the Nolah Evolution 15″ is a great choice.
We tested the luxury firm version, which is slightly firmer than medium at seven out of 10 on the firmness scale. But you can choose the softer (plush) or firmer options instead. The company also offers a Comfort+ version for higher-weight sleepers.
While a new mattress could help you feel more comfortable and sleep better throughout the night, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Those with spinal stenosis and lower back pain benefit most from discussing symptoms with their doctors or physical therapists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
This mattress offers zoned support from its coils and trademarked AirFoam. Nolah designed this foam to relieve pressure away from sensitive areas, mold to the body’s natural shape, redistribute weight across the surface of the mattress, and promote spinal alignment.
“When we put this mattress’s support to the test in each sleeping position, we could tell it did a good job. Our hips and shoulders gently sunk into the top layer, but it pushed back into our curves to provide contouring support,” said our average weight tester (130–250 pounds). “I also felt no pressure buildup in any position.”
Our team loves how the foam complements (rather than counteracts) the mobility-boosting properties of the underlying coil layers. This is because it’s also designed to respond faster than traditional foam. Testers noted how the material reshapes quickly after applying pressure. Other mattresses with traditional memory foam, like the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress or Helix Midnight Luxe, take a moment to reshape. Quicker response time will make switching positions or getting out of bed easier—and potentially less painful.
Nolah offers white-glove delivery through a third-party company called Load Up, which costs $150–$300, depending on whether you need your old mattress removed. Testers found this mattress heavy and bulky, so we highly recommend buying the white-glove delivery service, especially if you have pain.
For more options, check out our Nolah mattress review.
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Who may want to avoid it
The Nolah Evolution 15″ has a 4.9 star rating out of five on its website. Customers, including a few people with back conditions, are most impressed with its comfort.
“I appreciate this company directed what bed for different weight people. I bought the recommended luxury firm. No more back pain. It cradles while at the same time is supportively firm.”
—Rainbow T., verified buyer on 11/14/2023
“A huge improvement over my last bed. Shopping was easy, I would have liked to see it and lay on it before spending the money. But I would have bought it at that point.”
— Carol W., verified buyer on 10/4/2023
We also encountered some negative reviews. The most common theme was that higher-weight sleepers (some reporting they weigh about 280 pounds) initially thought it was perfect but started sagging over time. If you have this concern, we recommend going slightly firmer or choosing the Comfort+ option designed to support higher-weight sleepers.
Higher-weight older adults benefit most from a highly durable, supportive mattress. And if you have spinal stenosis, it’s even more important to shop with your body type in mind to avoid uncomfortable sagging over time and promote restful sleep. We like the Titan Plus as one of the best mattresses for heavy people.
The Titan Plus has a firmer feel, or about eight out of 10 on the firmness scale. It offers great pressure relief from its two layers of foam and individually encased coils, which flex independently to help contour the body and distribute force (and better isolate motion). Most positions should feel comfortable, but this highly firm feel isn’t for everyone. Those with partners who weigh less than 250 pounds may prefer a softer option. The Luxe version of this mattress is still designed to support higher-weight sleepers but feels medium (six out of 10) to accommodate other body types.
Because this mattress is firm, supportive, and bouncy, it offers great functional support. Although the edge support scored above average, some testers felt it supported body weight less than it should for a mattress designed to accommodate higher-weight body types.
When you purchase this mattress, you get a 120-night trial period and a 10-year warranty. Unfortunately, Titan doesn’t offer white-glove delivery, so you’re responsible for arranging help.
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The Titan Plus has a 4.7 star rating out of five and more than 2,500 reviews on its website. According to the reviews, most higher-weight people find this mattress comfortable.
“Love this bed! Gives the support we need and I’m not tossing and turning all night anymore. Has made a big difference in the amount of sleep we are getting.”
—Lori D., verified buyer on 5/25/2024
“I ordered the Titan Plus Luxe first, and it was too soft. I couldn’t get used to it. Customer service worked with me to make the exchange simple and straightforward, and the firmer Titan Plus is fantastic. I wake up much less stiff in the mornings.”
—Kristen K., verified buyer on 5/14/2024
Some reviewers reported the mattress feeling different than expected. Many stated it felt firmer, while others said it felt softer. Mattress shopping is highly individual, so what feels firm to you may not feel firm to someone else, even if you’re both higher-weight sleepers. Luckily, we read reviews where customers had a positive experience interacting with customer support, similar to our team’s experience. Make sure you read the return policy before you buy in case you take advantage of the trial period.
For more information, see our Titan Plus review.
Rojeh Melikian, a spine surgeon in Los Angeles, often recommends firmer mattresses for those with spinal stenosis. He also likes side sleeping, as many people can find a relieving position using a pillow between the knees and curling the body slightly. Plus, firmer surfaces tend to be easier to move on. But finding a firm mattress with enough pressure relief at the shoulder and hip can be difficult.
The hybrid Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is our best firm mattress for spinal stenosis because it offers a dense memory foam feel but relieves pressure exceedingly well. We tested the medium firmness level, which skews firm to us (7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale). But Melikian warns how mattresses soften over time, and according to our research, this is especially true for memory foam material. If this is a concern, consider the firmer version of this mattress.
The Aurora Luxe also offers a gentle amount of zoned support from the thick coil layer along the center of the mattress, contributing to its impressive ability to distribute weight evenly across the surface. Whether you sleep on your back or side, you should feel like your spine is neutral with no force buildup under your joints.
You get a 120-night trial period and a 10-year warranty when you purchase this mattress. But you don’t get white-glove delivery, so recruit help to set it up when it arrives.
Check out our review of the best firm mattresses for more options.
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The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has a 4.7 star rating out of five with more than 3,300 reviews on the website. Most customers were satisfied with their pick, some reporting a better night’s sleep.
“Working good for my wife so far. She is able to sleep without pain.”
—Mark H., verified buyer on 4/16/2024
“I just love this bed. It has to be the most comfortable mattress I’ve ever slept on. It took quite a bit of research before making a decision, but I chose well. Firm, but not too firm, it’s just perfect. I highly recommend this mattress.”
—William M., verified buyer on 5/23/2024
We also noticed a few negative reviews. We didn’t see a consistent theme, but like most mattresses, some people perceive the surface to be softer or firmer than expected. A few people mentioned that the mattress didn’t feel cool overnight. Bed sheets influence temperature regulation, so pick breathable sheets like TENCEL or bamboo if you’re a hot sleeper.
For more information, see our Brooklyn Bedding review.
The Birch Natural is one of the best mattresses for those with spinal stenosis and mobility issues because it uses latex, a natural, cooler, and more durable alternative to memory foam.
Latex has a similar feel to dense foam, offering pressure relief and support through its responsive yet cushioning material.
“The material conforms to me, but I still feel more on top of the mattress. I’m not sinking through soft upper layers like I did with the Bear Elite Hybrid because it’s not as plush, so I feel some pressure on my shoulder when I’m on my side. But overall, I feel neutral,” said our tester. “The lack of plush material also makes it easy to roll. I can move around relatively easily on this mattress.”
According to our team, the Birch Natural mostly stood out because of its excellent edge support. Testers could roll close to the edge and reach their arms or legs off the side without feeling like they would roll off. While the Birch Natural isn’t a high mattress, it does offer solid edges with minimal sinkage.
We recommend pairing this mattress with a higher bed frame so the height of the frame and mattress meet your thigh just above your knees (or slightly higher to make it easier). You can also consider an adjustable bed to help you sit up and stand more easily.
This mattress comes with a 25-year warranty and 100-night trial period. White-glove delivery is available based on your ZIP code, which you can check on the brand’s site. This service ranges between $129–$398, depending on what furniture you need to be removed or assembled.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Birch Natural has a 4.6 star rating out of five with more than 4,500 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention how satisfied they are with their comfortable, natural mattresses. Some even reference pain relief.
“Bought a Birch mattress a couple of weeks ago and wanted to test it out before leaving a review. Honestly, I’m very happy with this mattress. I haven’t been consistently waking up with my allergies going off or my back hurting like I did with my old mattress.”
—Dallin Y., verified buyer on 1/18/2024
“We love our new Birch mattress, the perfect combination of firmness and softness. It’s so comfortable, and I appreciate that it’s made with natural materials. I took my time buying a new mattress and compared several before buying Birch.”
— Mary H., verified buyer on 5/7/2024
A few negative reviews mentioned that the mattress arrived later than planned with defects, and a few others mentioned difficulty returning their purchase. We only spotted two negative reviews regarding the quality of the mattress, referencing sag after a few years or bad stitching.
Learn more in our Birch mattress review.
Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting at least 10 health care professionals and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed eight older adults who recently purchased a mattress and surveyed more than 3,200 recent mattress customers to understand their experiences shopping for a new bed.
Each mattress undergoes a rigorous 36-page testing procedure to score its different characteristics, including firmness, support, and other aspects most shoppers consider. We choose the best mattresses for spinal stenosis based on the scores of the relevant criteria. See how we tested the most important considerations for this review below.
Like most mattress brands in the industry, we use a one-to-10 scoring method when testing firmness, with 6.5 being the true medium firm. Our testers rate this by lying on the surface and comparing the feel to other mattresses we’ve tested. Material density and coil strength influence firmness the most. When it comes to spinal stenosis, our testing revealed how hybrids tend to offer the right feel.
We rate pressure relief on a scale of one to five, with five being the most pressure-relieving. We consider how it feels and use a pressure map with sensors to visualize pressure points around the body accurately. Blue and green pressure map results show great pressure relief, while yellows, oranges, and reds indicate pressure buildup.
Those with spinal stenosis may have sore areas along the hips, which may benefit from higher pressure relief. This is why we included a few high-scoring options.
We score support on a scale of one to five, with five being the most supportive. Mattresses with strong support contour and push into the curves of your body, particularly the lower back or midsection. Not only do we feel support during testing, but we can also visualize it through pressure map results. Maps with mostly white space at the lower back show how the mattress isn’t making contact with the area, which means the mattress isn’t supportive.
Depending on your spinal stenosis symptoms, you may prefer some support or extra support, which is why we included a range in this review. But none of our picks are below average.
Our team developed this unique score to understand how well a mattress accommodates mobility issues, like difficulty moving around or getting up from the bed. We combined firmness (30%), support (30%), bounce (10%), and edge support (30%) to create a score between one and five, with five being the most helpful for movement in bed.
Some people with spinal stenosis often have pain or weakness, so we made sure our picks offered above-average functional support (more than three out of five).
To learn more about our testing and scoring methods, review our sleep methodology.
We continuously test new mattresses each month and make sure we give you the most up-to-date information possible. Please provide 2-3 sentences on this here in a call-out box.
Those with spinal stenosis should look for the right firmness, surface support, pressure relief, and functional support for a better night’s sleep.
The best firmness level for spinal stenosis allows you to sleep soundly through the night. Medium to firm mattresses are widely recommended for back conditions by research and experts, like Melikian, a spine surgeon in Los Angeles [5] Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of The Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.c .
Body types influence how a mattress feels. Higher-weight sleepers may perceive mattresses to feel softer than they are while lighter-weight sleepers may perceive mattresses as firmer. Keep this in mind as you choose your mattress.
Supportive mattresses fill and reinforce the natural curves of your body, allowing you to maintain a neutral position throughout the night. Although obtaining perfect “spinal alignment” isn’t necessarily the goal, a neutral spine is a safe position less likely to provoke pain.
Some mattresses offer stronger support than others with extra material along the center of the mattress to better contour the lower back, like some Saatva beds. And some reinforce the central coils for added reinforcement along the bed’s center. But some people may not like extra support and prefer mild reinforcement. This is why our review offers different strengths of support, so you can choose what’s best.
If you’re not sure what to choose, try placing thinner or thicker pillows below your back to mimic subtle and obvious targeted support. This will help you determine how much reinforcement you prefer.
Mattresses with high pressure relief are often great choices for those with spinal stenosis and accompanying sore areas, particularly at the hips. But high pressure relief can also feel comfortable to side sleepers or those with joint pain to disperse pressure away from bony areas. If you can relate, then a highly pressure-relieving mattress is a good choice.
Mattresses with high pressure relief aren’t necessarily the softest, so don’t make this mistake when buying. Many of the firmer mattresses we’ve tested offer dense memory foam as a top layer or provide zoned support, which help relieve pressure at the shoulder and hip.
Our team developed the functional support score to determine how well a mattress supports movement in bed, like changing positions or getting up in the morning. Some people with spinal stenosis may have pain, stiffness, or weakness with movement, especially in the morning. If this is your case, you may want to opt for a functionally supportive bed to make movement easier.
Those with spinal stenosis should consult a physical therapist about painful or weak movement. Physical therapists can provide tailored strategies to make movement feel better, so you can be more independent and confident during your daily activities.
Adjustable beds give you more control over the position you sleep in, which can be beneficial if you have spinal stenosis. Elevating the feet in the zero-gravity position can help take pressure off the spine, which may relieve back pain and discomfort. Plus, many modern mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases.
According to Melikian, “Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition in the spine that develops over time. You get a little bit of wear and tear. The ligament that connects the bone can thicken, and bone spurs might develop. As these tissues change, nerve outlets narrow, irritating the nerve.”
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include pain in the lower back. People may also experience neurogenic claudication, which is when the legs feel heavy and uncomfortable after standing or walking. Bending the spine forward usually helps, like sitting or lying down, but symptoms vary depending on where your narrowing is located [1] Katz J, et al. Diagnosis and Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. JAMA Network. May 3, 2022. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2791689 .
While many people feel relief sitting or lying down, a busy day of standing and walking can make symptoms last longer into the evening. For some, it’s difficult to find the most comfortable position throughout the night. Below are some general tips, but talk to your physical therapist for more specific positioning advice.
While pain and discomfort are side effects of spinal stenosis, some strategies can help you feel more comfortable at night.
Some may prefer soft mattresses because they allow you to sink throughout the night, which bends your lower back into a relieving position. But you can achieve the same position better without risking long-term sag. Opt for a firmer, more supportive mattress and consider the positioning tips above.
Mattresses are made from various materials with different properties, and some are better suited for pressure relief, surface support, or functional support than others. Here’s a breakdown of each material and how certain properties are more helpful than others.
Adjustable beds could be a great option for those with spinal stenosis because they offer convenient ways to adjust your position for relief. “The more options you have available to get comfortable, the better. Adjustable beds are certainly helpful,” said Melikian. But try not to depend on your bed for long-term relief—your doctor or physical therapist can help you find more sustainable methods.
| Mattress type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Firm | Firm | Medium |
| Ideal sleep positions | Any | Back, side, stomach | Back, stomach, combination | Back, side, combination | Back, side, combination | Any | Any | Any | Back |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 15 years | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | Limited Lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | 25 years |
| White-glove delivery* | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
*Shipping and setup of new mattress and removal of old mattress
Although we carefully handpicked each mattress in our lineup, we acknowledge there is no one best mattress for spinal stenosis. The best choice is the one that meets your specific needs and feels comfortable for a better night’s sleep. Our top pick is the Saatva Rx because it’s uniquely designed to adapt to your body’s natural position and promotes easier mobility in bed.
But we also like the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe for those seeking a firm bed, or the Birch Natural for people who want more mobility assistance. If you didn’t find the best mattress today, we hope our insights helped you narrow your search.
A new mattress is not the first line of treatment for any chronic disease. That said, if you have an old and worn mattress contributing to restless nights, it could be worth upgrading for better—and more restorative—sleep. It’s important to prioritize comfortable sleep because it helps with pain management.
It’s best to talk to a physical therapist about the right exercises to help strengthen your body if you’re having pain. You can also ask your physical therapist about exercises you can do at home or at the gym to continue strengthening on your own.
Many people with spinal stenosis find it painful to bend backward. Sometimes bending to the side or rotating can also be painful, but it depends on where the condition is located and how irritated the surrounding tissues are. Most people with spinal stenosis are fine to move and position as tolerated unless you’re experiencing symptoms or are otherwise directed by a clinician.
Have questions about this article? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
