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Anyone with nerve pain knows it can significantly impact their day-to-day lives, including sleep quality. Sciatica, or irritation of the sciatic nerve, is no different.
Sciatica is a prevalent health issue, with research estimating that five in 1,000 people in Western countries, like the United States experience sciatica. When someone has symptoms of sciatica, they may experience pain, burning, numbness, or weakness along the lower back, hip, leg, or foot. Sometimes sciatic pain is aggravated when moving, sitting, or lying in certain positions. No matter the underlying condition causing your nerve pain, research says adequate sleep is important to reduce discomfort and for overall recovery. If your current mattress is worn and isn’t providing the support and relief you need to sleep well, it may be time to replace it.
We reviewed a variety of mattresses that may help you find relief. While there is no one-size-fits-all option, we consulted with experts to understand what defines the best mattress for sciatica: a medium-firm bed with balanced cushion and support. Plus, each mattress meets or exceeds the industry standards for a trial period (100 nights), so you can try it out at home for more than three months before fully committing to the best mattress for you.
Be sure to talk to a health professional before you purchase a mattress to help manage any medical condition (like one that causes sciatica). A new mattress is likely not the first (or only) treatment approach, so get the proper guidance to treat the root cause of your symptoms. It’s also important to rule out more serious conditions that can cause sciatica-like symptoms.
We found several important factors when testing mattresses specifically for sciatica, including:
Medium-firm mattresses are often recommended for conditions that can cause sciatica, so most beds in this review hover around this firmness rating.
Some people experience nerve pain associated with certain movements, so this review lists mattresses that allow easier position changes.
A mattress with balanced cushion and support encourages spinal alignment and relieves pressure from sensitive areas.
What works for one person with sciatica may not work for another. Longer trial periods (100 nights or more) offer peace of mind when ordering a new bed.
In this video, physical therapist and mattress reviewer Nicole Hernandez, DPT, discusses the importance of consulting your doctor if you are experiencing lower back pain or sciatica while highlighting the reasons the Saatva Rx mattress might be a good fit for you.
See the video to learn how we tested mattresses to determine their usefulness in easing back pain and sciatica, along with what you’ll want to look for when choosing a mattress for your needs.
The Saatva Rx is our top mattress for people with sciatica because it’s supportive, pressure-relieving, and adaptable to most body types and sleep positions. Our team also loves how Saatva offers free in-home delivery (known as white-glove delivery) with your purchase, so you don’t have to worry about exacerbating symptoms by carrying and unboxing the mattress.
This 15-inch-thick medium-firmⓘ mattress has multiple layers designed to contour your unique body shape, support the lower back, and relieve pressure from sensitive areas. Its primary coil layer, with reinforced coils along the center of the mattress, provides targeted support to the lower back, which helps maintain the natural curve of the spine throughout the night. You also get a layer of memory foam specifically targeting the same area for added support.
“For individuals suffering from nerve pain, a medium-firm mattress is often recommended, as it provides a balance of support and comfort, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.”
— Chelsie Rohrscheib, PhD, head sleep expert and neuroscientist at Wesper
Despite the supportive nature of the Saatva Rx, our testers were impressed by the level of pressure relief it provides. This is due to the foam caps on each spring and the additional micro-coil layer designed to adapt to movement and hug the body’s curves, regardless of your preferred position.
It also offers excellent functional support, which is our team’s measure of how easy it is to move around or get out of bed. The Saatva Rx is springy and responsive, making it easier to roll to the side and push up to sitting. We also noticed how safe the edge support feels, as pictured below.
Although the Rx mattress is an investment, our team believes it’s a solid pick because it’s adaptable and caters to most body types. If you’re unsure, you can try it for up to one year before fully committing to your purchase. And if you keep it, you receive a limited lifetime warranty.
The Saatva Rx is also a top pick for those with herniated discs, making it the best mattress for herniated discs and sciatica—two conditions often associated with each other.
“Flipping to my side, pushing up to sitting, and standing from the edge of the bed felt easy. But I noticed how the mattress’s edge compresses after sitting for a longer period of time (about a minute). It still offers great edge support due to the reinforced material along the perimeter, but I lost about 3 inches due to body weight on the plush material. Since this bed is about 15 inches, which is quite tall, it was still easy to get out of.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Saatva Rx has a 4.9-star rating out of five, with more than 75 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers mentioned improved sciatic nerve pain after purchasing this mattress.
“I have a long history of orthopedic issues and have had 12 surgeries, four pelvic, four lumbar, nerve entrapment release, and hip buttock soft tissue repairs. I have had many mattresses over the years, but nothing compares to this […]”
— Deb R., verified reviewer on 1/13/2024
“Sciatica, lower back pain, and neck pain—I feel none of it with this Saatva Rx mattress. I can’t believe it. It’s like a miracle mattress.”
— Kellie L., verified reviewer on 11/26/2023
We didn’t find many negative reviews, but a few reported delayed delivery or faulty mattresses and adjustable bed setups. We also saw that some people liked the mattress overall but disliked how the plush top sank under body weight at the edges (as noted by our tester above).
Although many reviews mentioned the mattress’s positive impact on their back or nerve pain, one mattress does not accommodate each person’s unique circumstances or needs. Most people also benefit from clinical guidance in the long-term treatment of their condition.
Visit our Saatva mattress review to learn more about this brand or our Saatva Rx review to learn more about this model.
The Helix Dusk Luxe is our top choice if you want a comfortable, plush mattress without a sinking, unsupportive feel. Although relatively soft mattresses can feel luxurious and cloud-like, they risk losing support over time. Sagging mattresses develop uncomfortable lumps and divots, which may provoke symptoms depending on your condition.
Although this mattress feels slightly firmer than a true medium (seven out of 10 on the firmness scale), our testers loved how the quilted cover and top three foam layers offer cradling pressure relief without sacrificing support or the ability to easily change positions.
“Even though this mattress has a plush top, it’s very responsive. You can feel the springs assist my movement. I don’t fight the material at all. Softer mattresses make me feel more ‘in’ than ‘on’ the mattress, but this one feels the opposite.”
Our testers also appreciated the zoned coil support, which is comfortable in most positions but is most comfortable when sleeping on the side. The same tester (quoted above) added, “I’m a little curvier around the hips, so I can feel how my bum sits higher when lying on my back. I feel the cover and memory foam sitting underneath my back, but it’s not as supportive as it could be. It’s much better for me to lie on my side, but it probably depends on your body type. Less curvy people likely won’t feel what I felt.”
If you’re unhappy with your mattress, you can return it after the initial 30-day break-in period. Like most online mattress brands, white-glove delivery isn’t an option, so be sure to recruit help when setting up your bed.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Helix Dusk Luxe has a 4.5-star rating out of five, with more than 1,200 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mentioned the positive impact the mattress had on their back pain.
“Love it! First time for bed in a box and it was so quick and easy to set up. Mattress is so supportive but comfortable and cool. Highly recommend this product.”
— Michelle M., verified buyer on 4/18/2024
“As someone who has long struggled with back issues, finding the right mattress has been crucial for my comfort and health. I’m thrilled to say that has been an absolute game-changer. This mattress has transformed my sleep experience. I wake up feeling refreshed and free of the usual morning stiffness and soreness. Beyond comfort, the quality is exceptional.”
— Jose P., verified buyer on 3/18/2024
The Helix Dusk Luxe mattress has a 4.4-star rating with more than 1,300 reviews on Google. While most users liked the mattress, some negative reviewers thought it was softer or firmer than advertised. One reason could be body type. Lower-weight (less than 130 pounds) people perceive a mattress to be firmer, while higher-weight people perceive it to be softer. Consider your body type when shopping for mattresses because it influences how the mattress will feel.
If you want to learn more about this model, read our Helix Dusk Luxe review. We’ve also tested other Helix mattresses. Check out the Helix Midnight Luxe review to learn more about other Helix models.
When our team tested the luxury firm version of The WinkBed, we were impressed by how well it limits motion transfer from one side of the mattress to the other. Despite having a bouncy innerspring layer, its coils are individually wrapped to prevent movement from rippling across the surface. Because of its impressive motion isolation, we think it’s a great choice if you’re sensitive to your partner’s movements throughout the night. Getting quality, undisturbed sleep is an important part of recovery.
“Inadequate or poor sleep can heighten the perception of pain and lower pain thresholds, making individuals more sensitive to discomfort or neuropathic pain.”
— Chelsie Rohrscheib, head sleep expert and neuroscientist at New York City-based Wesper
Unlike some softer all-foam mattresses, this bed’s hybrid build is responsive to movement and quickly adapts to your sleeping position. Our testers felt most comfortable lying on their backs and sides due to the mattress’s zoned coil support, which reinforced their spines’ neutral position.
Although the first layer of The WinkBed is a contouring Euro pillow top for pressure relief, testers thought this mattress was relatively easy to move around on. They didn’t fight the material as they rolled and switched positions. In fact, its springy feel, high-scoring surface support, and great edge support bolstered its above-average functional support score. This mattress should provide some boost when you move in bed.
We tested the luxury firm version, which is a true medium firm (6.5 out of 10, according to industry standards). But you can also opt for a softer or firmer version if you prefer. The WinkBed also comes in a plus version, which is specifically designed for higher-weight people (more than 250 pounds).
If you’re unsure which version to choose, you have 120 nights to try your original choice. If you regret your pick, WinkBeds offers a unique exchange program for $49. The company will send you a different firmness option of your choice, and you can keep both for up to 60 days until you decide which option is best (or return them both).
Like many bed-in-a-box companies, WinkBeds doesn’t offer white-glove delivery. Be sure to arrange help carrying your mattress into your home and setting it up on your bed frame. Contact someone you know who can assist you, or speak to a local moving service for assistance.
Check out our best mattresses for back pain review, where The WinkBed is also featured.
“It’s overall easy to move on this bed. Getting up from bed isn’t a problem, and standing up is easy because the mattress is taller. And when I move around, it doesn’t disturb the other side at all. This mattress’s motion isolation is impressive for being bouncy and responsive.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The WinkBed has a 4.8-star rating out of five, with more than 8,700 reviews on the brand’s website. Many customers were happy with their mattress and reported decreased pain after transitioning away from a bed that didn’t work for them.
“[…] This bed is so comfortable, it’s really allowed me for the first time to get great sleep before and after waking up in the middle of the night. It’s very quiet when either of us move around. Couldn’t be happier with our purchase.”
— David T., verified buyer on 6/24/2024
“I was sleeping on a five-year-old well-known brand name foam mattress, and every night I’d wake up at least once with the pain of a charlie horse in my left leg. I had a back injury many years back, causing sciatic nerve issues. I thought I’d have to live with this forever or get an operation to relieve the pressure on my sciatic nerve. I replaced the old mattress with The Winkbed in Medium firmness. Since then, I have not had one charlie horse. My back and leg spasms have completely gone away.”
— Curt H., verified buyer on 4/25/2024
We also saw a few negative reviews mentioning that The WinkBed wasn’t for them. Some people perceived it as too soft or too firm. Others were expecting pain improvements but were disappointed. Although a mattress can influence pain or sleep, it shouldn’t be the only approach to managing back or nerve pain like sciatica. Luckily, many reviews praised the brand’s customer service. If you don’t like your bed, you can exchange it or return it.
Visit our WinkBeds mattress review to learn more.
The Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress earned a spot on our lineup for its foam-and-coil-zoned support, which helps maintain the spine’s natural position throughout the night. If you find relief by placing a pillow between your knees while lying on your side to keep your hips and spine neutralⓘ A position that allows for the spine to maintain its natural curves at the neck (cervical), middle (thoracic), and lower (lumbar) regions. , this is a good mattress to consider.
Unlike the Helix Dusk Luxe and The WinkBed, which only offer zoned support in the coil layer, the Nolah Evolution 15″ provides targeted lower back support with foam and coil layers. Nolah builds its mattresses with a unique foam called AirFoam. This proprietary foam is denser at the lower back to provide more reinforcement and less dense at the shoulder and hip to conform to sharp pressure points. Plus, the mattress has stronger coils along the center for added lower back support.
While we tested the luxury firm version of the Evolution 15″, we thought it was slightly on the firmer side with a seven out of 10 firmness level, similar to the Helix Dusk Luxe. But it’s not as plush, which helped bolster its great functional support score. The mattress’s denser surface also provided better edge support. When testers sat on the edge of the mattress, they sank only 2.5 inches, which is relatively short considering the mattress’s 15-inch-tall profile. We felt secure sitting or lying close to the edge, meaning you’re less likely to slide when rising or putting on your shoes in the morning.
Nolah offers optional white-glove delivery through a company called LoadUp, which costs another $150–$300, depending on whether you need old mattress removal. According to one of our testers, moving this mattress is a hefty two-person job, so we highly recommend employing LoadUp.
“I like how this mattress offers a comfortable amount of targeted support. I was nervous it would feel like a speed bump across the center with its reinforced layers. The support is strong but comfortable, and my spine feels neutral in pretty much every position (especially on my back and side).”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nolah Evolution 15″ has a 4.9-star rating out of five. Many customers reported being happy and sleeping better on their new mattress.
“This mattress is very comfortable and of high quality. I’m sleeping much better since I bought it. Thank you, Nolah people!”
— Andrew C., verified buyer on 2/19/2024
On Google, the Nolah Evolution 15″ has a 4.7-star rating, with more than 750 reviews. We noticed a few customers reporting improved sciatic nerve pain after purchasing their new bed.
“I checked for weeks to find a great mattress and found Nolah’s reviews the best. It was so unbelievably easy to order! Mattress came so fast. When we unboxed it, the mattress puffed almost instantly with hardly any odor. Its been a dream to look forward to bed time. I have chronic sciatica and fibromyalgia. The Evolution is the perfect combination of plush support.”
— David V., verified buyer about one year ago
Like most mattresses, some customers felt it wasn’t for them. We ran into a few reviews from higher-weight customers who felt the mattress wasn’t supportive enough, allowing too much sinkage. If you’re a higher-weight sleeper, choose a mattress designed to support you. Check out our review of the best mattresses for higher-weight people for more options.
Visit our Nolah mattress review to learn more about the brand.
This model’s medium-firm option is our top pick for pressure relief because it offloaded tension in prominent joints, like the hips and shoulders. Those with symptoms associated with pressure in certain areas, like around the backside, may appreciate how this mattress distributes weight across the surface to avoid uncomfortable pressure build-up.
Our pressure mapⓘ A mat with sensors that detects pressure buildup when someone lies across it. testing, detailed below, shows how well the Aurora Luxe redistributes weight across the mattress’s surface. Ideally, our testers want to see blue and green across the body, which indicates low pressure buildup and good weight distribution. Yellow, orange, and red hues represent areas with pressure buildup.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has excellent pressure relief for two reasons. The first is its thick layers of memory foam, which initially feels dense (7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale) but contours the body well as you settle in. The second is its zoned support, which places softer coils at the shoulder and hip to offload pressure. Testers noticed above-average support at the lower back due to the stiffer coils along the center.
This mattress also offers good functional support for easier in-bed movement. At about 13 inches tall, it should be relatively easy to stand from the reinforced edge.
“I really like how easily I can stand from the mattress’s height, but there’s not much grip from the material because it’s slick. And there isn’t much momentum from coils because of the thick memory foam layers. It’s something to consider if you’re concerned about your ability to get in and out of bed easily.”
When you purchase this mattress, you can choose between a softer and a firmer option. If you’re unsure what to get, you can try out one firmness level for up to 120 nights before returning or exchanging it. Be sure to recruit help to move and set up this mattress.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with more than 3,300 reviews on the brand’s website. Many customers agreed with how well the mattress relieves pressure points, which can lead to a better night’s sleep.
“As a hybrid it definitely sleeps cooler than my old memory foam. It feels supportive without being too firm. Relieves my hip pressure points and I wake with less lower back pain. Edge support is bit lacking. Overall very pleased with this mattress!”
— Renee M., verified buyer on 6/22/2024
“I’ve been sleeping on the bed for a week now and all is good. Pressure points don’t hurt, back doesn’t ache, and I want to stay in bed instead of getting up. I’m so glad I chose this mattress! The cooling aspect has helped with nightly hot flashes too.”
— Melanie F., verified buyer on 3/16/2024
We also saw some negative reviews. Some customers felt it was too firm or too soft rather than medium. When you purchase the mattress, it automatically comes with a thick pillow top, but you can opt out of this feature if you prefer, though doing so may change the pressure-relieving properties of the bed. Our team tested the non-pillow top model and perceived this mattress as firm. A few others thought it slept hot or felt lumpy.
Visit our Brooklyn Bedding mattress review to learn more.
Some sleepers feel most comfortable lying on firmer surfaces. If you can relate, the Plank Firm is your best choice because you get two different firmness levels in one mattress. According to our testers, this mattress is a 7.5 out of 10 on the less-firm side. And when you flip it over to the extra-firm side, it feels like a nine out of 10, which is the firmest surface we’ve tested so far.
You can test both sides in the comfort of your home for up to 120 nights, which should be plenty of time to decide whether to keep or return the mattress. Since the mattress weighs between 60–105 pounds, depending on its size, you may want to recruit another person to help you flip it.
The Plank Firm is a dense mattress with excellent edge support, earning it a high functional support score. Because you don’t have to fight plush material, testers noted how easy it felt to switch positions, although the lack of contour isn’t ideal for side sleepers.
This all-foam mattress doesn’t have as much bounce as a hybrid, so you won’t get as much boost when you stand from the edge. In this case, the lack of springs and contour also limits surface support. You’ll likely feel supported while on your back and stomach, but it’s not as strong as other mattresses with zoned support, like the Saatva Rx or Helix Dusk Luxe. Testers noted that curvier back sleepers may not get enough lower back support, which can become uncomfortable.
“Don’t expect too much contour or pressure relief from an extra firm bed. This is designed to be flat and hard, which a lot of people find comfortable, especially stomach sleepers.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Plank Firm has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with more than 3,200 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers have gotten relief from their sciatic nerve pain using this mattress.
“I got sciatica and my PT recommended this mattress to me when I mentioned that I was planning to sleep on my floor. I love the firmest side, it provides the right amount of support that I need. The interesting part is, when you sit on it you don’t feel the firmness, it’s just like a how other mattresses are, nice and soft, but when you lay on it you can feel how much support you are getting. I love this mattress and it helps me through my recovering process. […]”
— Alma H., verified buyer on 2/22/2024
“Nicely firm. Not a pillow top, thank goodness. So far so good. I’ve not had it very long yet. I’ve only used the firm side and haven’t tried the extra firm side. Seems pretty friendly to my low back (nerve impingement and nerve root irritation problems as well as arthritis). Softer mattresses have not proven to be my friend.”
— Jack H., verified buyer on 3/15/2024
On Google, the Plank Firm mattress has a 4.4-star rating, with more than 500 reviews. A handful of reviews complained that this mattress was softer than expected. Some other reviewers reported negative experiences trying to return their mattress under warranty after noticing some sag.
Brands commonly set requirements to exchange a mattress under warranty. For example, Plank will replace a sagging mattress “if your mattress has been continuously supported by a foundation that provides minimal to no flex and features ample support.” Sagging as a result of a broken foundation or an adjustable bed would not be covered. Be sure to read and agree with the warranty terms and conditions before purchasing any bed.
To learn more, read our Plank Firm mattress review.
The medium version of the Bear Elite Hybrid is our top pick for people with hip pain from sciatica who are sensitive to certain positions or pressure points. This mattress offers maximum pressure relief at the hip during back and side sleeping. It also provides a gentle amount of zoned support to keep your spine aligned, encouraging a more neutral hip and leg to prevent irritation from certain positions.
Talk to a health care provider before purchasing a mattress for hip pain. Every case is different, and you may need an individual approach. “Common hip conditions seen in older adults include arthritis, referred pain from the spine or other structures, tears, inflammation, tendinopathy, circulatory disorders, sciatica, or fractures,” said Lindy Royer, PT, a physical therapist and Balanced Body educator based in Centennial, Colorado. Find the root cause of your pain to determine the best treatment.
The Bear Elite Hybrid scored above average for functional support. It’s not mobility boosting, but it shouldn’t hinder you from changing positions during the night. Our testers said getting out of bed felt slightly harder than expected due to the plush top’s forgiving feel. But the mattress’s 14-inch-tall profile provides a helpful boost that’s good if you’re experiencing lower body weakness.
This mattress comes in three firmness options: soft, medium, or firm. White-glove delivery is available but costs an extra $175 and is difficult to find on the website. Scroll to the footer of the product page and click on White Glove Service under “Support” to add it to your cart.
“Since this mattress has balanced support and pressure relief at a medium-firm firmness level, I think it’s ideal for most average- or lighter-weight people. Higher-weight people may also like this mattress, but its support may feel too subtle, especially for stomach sleepers or those who need more of a mobility boost.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Bear Elite Hybrid has a 4.6-star rating out of five, with more than 3,800 reviews on the brand’s website. Most reviewers agreed that this mattress has a medium-firm feel, and some people with pain found relief after adjusting to their new mattress.
“Sleeping much better on this than the older bed. Less aches and pains in the morning, too.”
— Jeff O., verified buyer on 5/6/2024
“I researched a lot of mattresses before purchasing the Bear Elite Hybrid. I also have lower back pain on my right side. I found the bed alleviated my back pain after a couple nights of sleeping on it. Previously I was sleeping on a pillow top bed and thought the bear mattress would take a while to get used to since it was firmer than my old bed. However that has not been the case. I sleep much better now than I did before. I am very happy with my purchase.”
— Michele K., verified buyer on 1/24/2024
Our team also saw negative reviews. One customer mentioned that it was difficult to coordinate old mattress removal with the white-glove delivery option, and a few mentioned how the bed didn’t decompress correctly or felt lumpy after setup. Your mattress may not expand well if you keep it in the box for too long (in this mattress’s case, more than three weeks). To avoid any issues during setup, follow the instructions and read the bed’s terms and conditions carefully.
Visit our Bear mattress review to learn more.
The Titan Plus is a firm mattress (eight out of 10 on the firmness scale) with plenty of surface support and responsiveness. This is exactly what a higher-weight person needs to feel comfortable throughout the night, especially if a sagging mattress may affect your sciatica.
Since the Titan Plus is on the firmer and bouncier side with above-average edge and surface support, it earned a high functional support score. Testers mostly agreed they did not sink into the mattress. “The quilted cover makes it a little harder to adjust from my back to side because it adds some give and friction,” said one tester. But the same quilted cover and underlying memory foam are likely responsible for this mattress’s good pressure relief despite being firmer.
If you have a lighter-weight partner, consider upgrading to the Titan Plus Luxe. It adds an extra layer of memory foam, making the mattress about 2 inches taller and slightly more pressure-relieving. This may also be a good upgrade if you’re an avid side sleeper looking for as much pressure relief as possible.
Unfortunately, there is no white-glove delivery option, so you’ll need to arrange help unboxing the mattress and setting it up when it arrives.
“Some mattresses have handles on the side of the bed to help you move it during setup or shift it around. The Titan Plus doesn’t have any handles, and it’s pretty hefty. I’d want help to move this mattress into my home, especially if I’m recovering from a lifting injury like a herniated disc with sciatica.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Titan Plus has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with more than 2,600 reviews on the brand’s website. A few reviews were from people with aches and pains who stated that the bed was firm, supportive, and comfortable for their body type.
“If you are a bigger person and need a supportive bed that keeps you cool, I highly recommend the Titan Plus. We bought this bed due to our aches, pains and wanted a supportive bed. I did more research than I ever had to find an affordable bed that works for the hubby and myself. This bed checked many boxes for us. It’s supportive, keeps us cool, and it’s so comfortable. We picked the medium firm Titan Plus and we love it.”
— Lorita M., verified buyer on 6/16/2024
“I have had my Titan mattress for three years now, and I can’t recommend it enough. I’m a side/stomach sleeper weighing around 290 lbs. With other mattresses after a couple years there’s a noticeable sag that starts to cause back pains, but three years in and this mattress is as firm as the day I got it. I will buy another one when I upgrade to a king size bed.”
— Scott G., verified buyer on 3/29/2024
We also saw a few negative reviews from people who didn’t adjust well to the bed. Others felt it was too firm for their body type (for example, a stomach sleeper thought the bed was too firm and hurt her midsection when she switched positions). If you’re unsure how a firm bed might feel for your unique body shape and curves, it’s best to try a few in person before committing.
Visit our Titan Plus mattress review to learn more.
If your main priority is finding a comfortable mattress with a mobility-boosting surface, the Birch Natural is a great pick. This mattress is made with natural latex material instead of foam, which is more responsive for easier movement in bed. You might also appreciate how Birch mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold certified and Global Organic Textile Standard certified, which means they are free of potentially toxic chemicals and are instead made with organic, responsibly sourced materials.
Although this mattress is a great choice for those careful with their movements, it’s best to talk to a physical therapist or occupational therapist for tips on moving around or changing positions easier in bed. They’ll also be able to help with other symptomatic activities and offer exercise and positioning recommendations that can alleviate pain.
The Birch Natural is among our highest-scoring options for functional support just behind the Saatva Rx. But it gets our top pick for mobility because of its materials—not only is latex a more natural choice over foam, but it’s also more resilient and durable while still providing good pressure relief. Our testers also like how protective the edge support felt, like it was pushing us back to the center if we got too close to the edge.
White-glove delivery is available based on your ZIP code, which you can check on the product page. This service ranges between $129–$398, depending on whether you need in-home setup, old mattress removal, adjustable base setup, or all of the above.
“Moving on the Birch Natural is a breeze. I don’t fight material at all. The edges are so reinforced that the center feels softer in comparison, so the firmness doesn’t actually feel uniform across the whole surface. But this might be great for those who want to prevent falls off the bed, and you don’t feel the difference unless you’re sleeping very close to the edge.”
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 1,983 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers mentioned the mattress’s positive effects on their back pain.
“Bought a Birch mattress a couple 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
“I love that it is organic and non-toxic (so hard to find), I love that it is reasonably priced, I love how easy it is to order online, how quickly it is delivered and that it comes in a box! Most of all I love that it is a perfect balance between softness and firmness. Both my husband and I wake up with no aches and pains. It may be helpful to know my husband weighs 225, I weigh 125. The mattress supports us both very well, I do not sink into him at all.”
— Michele L., verified buyer on 3/17/2024
On Google, the Birch Natural also has a 4.6-star rating, with more than 2,000 reviews. Most people gave the mattress a positive rating, but some customers said they didn’t find the material comfortable, and a few had trouble reaching customer service during work hours.
Visit our Birch mattress review for more information.
Our Reviews Team has dedicated over 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting at least ten health care professionals, and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed 16 older adults who recently purchased a mattress and surveyed more than 3,200 recent mattress buyers 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 sciatica based on the scores of the relevant criteria. See how we tested the most important considerations for this review below.
Firmness
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.
Rohrscheib recommended a medium-firm mattress for sciatica. For more options, we included beds with this firmness level or close to it.
Pressure relief
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 build-up.
The best mattress for sciatica pain distributes weight evenly across the mattress, taking pressure away from sensitive areas. All mattresses in this review score highly in pressure relief (at least a four out of five rating).
Support
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.
When narrowing down the best mattresses for sciatica, we only selected beds with gentle support or stronger (at least a rating of 3.5 out of five).
Functional support
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.
Switching positions or getting out of bed shouldn’t feel painful or require a lot of effort, but movement can be difficult for those with sensitive sciatica. To help you move more easily, we only included beds with above-average functional support (no less than a rating of three out of five). Memory foam mattresses don’t always make the cut, so our review has more hybrid options.
To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.
Our research and testing are ongoing, so our reviews evolve over time. We test new mattresses monthly to give you the most up-to-date information possible. Check back regularly for updates.
Choosing the best mattress for sciatica is similar to shopping for a mattress for back pain. Sciatica is often caused by a lower back condition, so encouraging spinal alignment with the right firmness, support, and pressure relief can be important. Also consider which brands offer helpful perks, like a long trial period or white-glove delivery.
According to our research and discussions with medical experts in this review, a medium-firm mattress is often the best type of mattress for sciatica or similar painful conditions.
When we surveyed 500 recent mattress buyers, 46.8% of those with sciatica (older than age 54) opted for a firmer bed with at least a seven out of 10 firmness rating. Of these people, 80.4% were happy with their choice. Most of the options in our roundup are medium-firm or firmer for this reason. When shopping for a mattress to help manage your sciatica, you may want to narrow down your search to the same firmness range. Our survey results show that soft beds (less than six out of 10 on the firmness scale) have lower satisfaction among older adults with sciatica, although some still prefer them.
A good mattress for sciatica balances support and pressure relief to encourage spinal alignment, or a more neutral spine position. People move throughout the night, so achieving perfect spinal alignment all the time isn’t realistic. But a good mattress can support the spine and contour your joints and curves, placing your body in a more neutral position, which can feel less painful.
Some research suggests that zoned support can help with general pain management and sleep quality, so we often consider these mattresses in our reviews (like the Saatva Rx or The WinkBed). But zoned support isn’t always necessary to balance cushion and spine reinforcement. According to Rohrscheib, the right firmness level (medium-firm) will often provide that balance.
“There’d be places on the mattress where there just wasn’t the same sort of support. So that would exacerbate some of my kind of preexisting issues. I had sciatica through my tailbone, I had pulled muscles in my back, under my shoulder blades. So just not having the right support, or too soft a mattress, my lower back would completely go out.”
— Focus group participant with sciatica, age 61
The survey of recent mattress customers also showed us that more than 90% of older adults with sciatica have pain or difficulty getting in and out of bed, changing positions, or both.
Our team was surprised by this result, so we made it a priority to find mattresses with mobility-boosting properties. All of the mattresses in our review have bouncy coils to help people gain momentum as they switch positions and get out of bed. Many hybrid beds offer plenty of mobility assistance without sacrificing comfort. You can also check out our review of innerspring mattresses for more mobility-boosting options.
One of the most common reasons for sciatica is a herniated disc, which can be a lifting-related injury. Mattresses are heavy, and setting them up by yourself or with a partner is a chore. Although not many brands offer white-glove delivery (free shipping and setup of new mattress and removal of old mattress), consider one that does unless you can recruit help or find an affordable alternative.
Sciatica varies widely. People experience nerve pain differently depending on its cause and sensitivity. What works for one person may not work for another, so it adds peace of mind when a mattress has a good return policy and trial period. The industry standard for a trial period is 100 nights, so look for mattresses that meet or exceed this length.
Sciatica is a term used to describe discomfort along the sciatic nerve. It can involve the lower back, leg, or foot and appear as pain, burning, weakness, or numbness.
Typically, sciatic pain is a result of a back condition, like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. Most people benefit from conservative care, like physical therapy, but those with pain affecting daily life may need surgery instead.
People with sciatica may need to adjust their sleep position to find relief. Here are some tips for each position:
While replacing an old mattress could contribute to improved sleep and discomfort, it’s not the only thing you can do. If you haven’t already spoken to a doctor about your symptoms, schedule a visit. But don’t wait to make positive changes. Below are some more ways to sleep better with sciatica.
“I feel like a pillow was just too much elevation. I figured out that pillows don’t work for me and my symptoms.”
— Focus group participant with sciatica, age 61
Sometimes, nerve pain can be provoked by moving or bending in specific ways. While you shouldn’t be afraid of movement and activity with sciatica, you may feel nervous getting in and out of bed when symptoms flare easily.
You can try to navigate your bed by doing the log roll method. Perform these movements in the order below to get out of bed:
To get back into bed, you’ll sit at the edge of your bed and retrace your steps. Use your arms to help control your body as you lie down.
If the log roll method is uncomfortable, consider discussing your mobility with a physical therapist to discover a different method that works.
| Mattress type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium | Firm | Medium | Firm | Firm | Flippable (firm and extra-firm sides) | Medium | Firm | Medium |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 15 years | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | Limited lifetime | 10 years | 25 years |
| White-glove delivery* | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
When it’s time to get some quality rest, the best mattress for you is the one you find most comfortable. Knowing which mattress will deliver the most comfortable sleep, especially when you have sciatica, is difficult—even when you visit a mattress store. Always opt for brands that meet or exceed the industry standard for trial periods and warranties (100 nights and 10 years, respectively), so you can return your choice before committing. This is especially true when you’re shopping for a mattress to accommodate a health condition like sciatica.
Our top pick is the Saatva Rx for catering to most sleepers, but we’ve tested and approved each mattress in this lineup as a great option for those with sciatica. If you prefer a firmer mattress, try the Plank Firm. But if you need as much pressure relief as possible, consider the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe or Bear Elite Hybrid.
As always, talk to your health care provider before purchasing any mattress to ensure it fits your treatment plan. And use our sleep tips to help you get a restful night’s sleep.
Sciatica affects everyone differently, so there is no one-size-fits-all mattress. In fact, few clinicians would recommend changing your mattress as part of the first line of treatment unless it’s old and worn (more than seven to 15 years is considered old, depending on the quality). It’s best to talk to a health care provider to determine the root cause of your sciatica before purchasing a mattress. A good temporary solution could be using pillows under or between the knees (depending on your preferred sleep position) to improve comfort.
Sciatica is the irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg. It can cause pain, numbness, or burning down one or both sides of the body from the hips down to the foot. Each person’s symptom presentation and intensity are unique, so every case requires a tailored approach from a skilled rehabilitation clinician.
Some people may experience sleep-disturbing sciatica symptoms that leave you tossing and turning as you seek relief. Depending on your symptoms, you may find certain positions more comfortable than others.
The best position is the one that provides the most relief, so you can get a good night’s sleep. Some people feel more comfortable in positions than others, so there is no best position across the board. If you’re having difficulty finding relief, talk to a physical therapist, who can provide recommendations based on your condition.
A bad mattress could influence your comfort, impacting how you sleep and recover. For example, an old mattress can sag and create pressure points in sensitive areas, potentially leading to increased sciatica symptoms.
The best kind of mattress for sciatica pain is soft enough to divert pressure away from sensitive areas but firm enough to support the body and its movement in bed. Experts in our review recommend medium-firm beds, and our testers have found that hybrid mattresses balance cushion and support well for those with sciatica.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
