The Best Mattresses for a Herniated Disc in 2025
Herniated discs can be painful. The right mattress may help. See which ones topped our list.
- The best mattress for a herniated disc is the Saatva Rx.
- The mattresses in this review ranged from $1,249—$3,295 for a queen-sized mattress.
- A medium-firm mattress is usually best to support the spine, while still cushioning your hips and shoulder joints, according to experts.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing mattresses to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best mattresses, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best mattress
- Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate mattresses and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new mattresses and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our mattress review methodology.
A herniated (or bulging) disc happens when the soft substance in the center of a spinal disc gets pushed out.1 This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your back, neck, or legs. About 35% of people in the United States have a herniated disc, according to the American Chiropractic Clinics.2
If you’re looking for the best mattress for herniated disc symptoms, you’re not alone.
“Herniated discs can cause pain, tingling or numbness especially in the lower back, buttocks or legs—which makes it harder to get comfortable at night,” said Ilyza Weiss, a doctor of physical therapy at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison, New Jersey. She added that older adults might already have conditions like arthritis and stiff joints, which can lead to poor sleep.
Our team of testers reviewed multiple mattresses that can help if you have a herniated disc. We chose the seven top mattresses for a herniated disc to bring you a variety of choices.
- Exceptional pain relief
- Relieves pressure in all positions
- Cradles joints to ease pain
- Excellent at relieving pressure on back
- Promotes spinal alignment
- Easy to move around on
- Relieves pressure on hips
- Keeps spine aligned
- Contours around body for extra-comfy support
Best mattresses for a herniated disc in 2025
- Saatva Rx: Best Overall
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best for Chronic Pain from a Herniated Disc
- Nectar Premier Memory Foam: Best for Side Sleepers with a Herniated Disc
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best Cooling Mattress for a Herniated Disc
- WinkBed Luxury Firm: Best for Arthritis and a Herniated Disc
- Titan Plus: Best for Higher Weight People with a Herniated Disc
- Birch Natural: Most Accessible Mattress for a Herniated Disc
Comparing the best mattresses for a herniated disc
| Comparison Features | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.5 |
9 |
9.2 |
7.9 |
9.2 |
9.1 |
9.1 |
| Best for | Best Overall |
Chronic Pain |
Side Sleepers |
Hot Sleepers |
People with Arthritis |
Higher-Weight People |
People with Accessibility Concerns |
| Type | Hybrid |
Hybrid |
Foam and Hybrid |
Hybrid |
Hybrid |
Hybrid |
Hybrid |
| Firmness | 6.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
8 |
6.5 |
| Trial period (nights) | 365 |
100 |
365 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
100 |
Understanding our scoring
Our mattress recommendations are based on our thorough research and testing. We created two scores:
- Accessibility score: A combined score reflecting factors that make it easier for older adults to move around and get in and out of bed.
- Pain relief score: A combined score reflecting factors that help relieve pain while in bed.
Video: Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain and Sciatica
A herniated disc can bring burning, numbness, or radiating pain that interferes with sleep. The video below walks through mattresses our team reviewed that may provide better alignment, pressure relief, and comfort for those with disc-related back pain.
Top features of the best mattresses for a herniated disc
We looked for the following features when choosing the best mattresses for a herniated disc in older adults:
Saatva Rx: Best Mattress Overall for a Herniated Disc
We chose the Saatva Rx as our Best Mattress Overall for people with a herniated disc because of its excellent pressure relief and support to help ease and protect against herniated disc pain. It scored high in support, pressure relief, and cooling features, all of which can work to help keep you as comfortable as possible for a quality night's sleep.
- Exceptional at pain relief
- Relieves pressure in all positions
- Eases pain by cradling joints
- Our pain relief score: 4.32/5
- Accessibility score: 4.04/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Cradles joints to soothe pain
- Promotes spinal alignment
- Relieves pressure in all positions
- 365-night trial period
Cons
- Edge support wasn’t as good as other mattresses we tested
- Couples may feel each other move
- $99 return fee
Helix Midnight Luxe: Best for Chronic Pain from a Herniated Disc
We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as our Best for Chronic Pain from a Herniated Disc because of its ability to relieve pressure on the back and neck in any sleeping position. Its balanced support and bounce, combined with its firmness, bring pressure relief where you need it most.
- High pain relief score
- Excellent cushion and support for herniated disc pain
- Balanced responsiveness and bounce
- Our pain relief score: 4.21/5
- Accessibility score: 4.06/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10
Pros
- Excellent pressure relief on back
- Responsive and easier to move around on
- Good support, especially for back and side sleeping with a herniated disc
- Keeps spine aligned and back neutral
Cons
- Edges could be stronger
- Couples may feel each other move
- Shorter trial period (100 days)
- White glove-delivery costs extra (starts at $119)
Nectar Premier Memory Foam: Best for Side Sleepers with a Herniated Disc
We chose the Nectar Premier Memory Foam as the Best for Side Sleepers with a Herniated Disc because it offers great pressure relief when lying on the side.
We recommend the Nectar Premier Hybrid if you’re looking for something firmer, and the Nectar Premier Memory Foam if you’re looking for something softer with a traditional memory foam feel and better motion isolation. The contouring memory foam in both mattresses helps keep the spine in a neutral position and has a good mix of comfort and support.
- Relieves pressure on hips
- Memory foam contours around body for support
- Excellent spinal alignment for protecting from herniated disc pain
- Our pain relief score: 4.2/5
- Accessibility score: 4.06/5
- Mattress type: Foam and hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Great pressure relief while side-sleeping
- Memory foam “hugs” your body
- 365-night trial period
- Infused with cooling fibers
Cons
- Edges could be more stable
- Dense memory foam could make it harder to change positions
- Softer mattress
Bear Elite Hybrid: Best Cooling Mattress for a Herniated Disc
We chose the Bear Elite Hybrid as our Best Cooling Mattress for a Herniated Disc because it prevented heat buildup better than every other mattress we tested. It uses a zoned coiling system to provide quality support for the hips and low back, which can help keep your spine neutral.
- Stayed cooler than any mattress we tested
- Good contouring for cradling painful joints
- Copper-infused memory foam
- Our pain relief score: 3.53/5
- Accessibility score: 3.54/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10
Pros
- Top cooling scores during testing
- Sleep cooler with copper-infused memory foam
- Good contouring promotes spinal alignment
Cons
- Some sleepers might find the mattress too soft
- Poorer motion isolation than other mattresses
- Edges could be stronger
The WinkBed Luxury Firm: Best for Arthritis and a Herniated Disc
We chose The WinkBed Luxury Firm as the Best for Arthritis and a Herniated Disc because of its excellent pain relief scores during testing. The WinkBed Luxury Firm cradles pressure points, which can help ease arthritic joints and a herniated disc. It also has a solid bounce, which can make it easier for those in pain to change positions at night.
- Supports joints to ease arthritis pain
- Excellent pressure relief in all positions
- Easier to move around and change positions
- Our pain relief score: 4.2/5
- Accessibility score: 3.99/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Firm and supportive for the low back
- Relieves pressure and cradles joints
- Good bounce to make moving around easier
Cons
- Lighter-weight sleepers might find it too firm
- Couples might wake each other up from movements
- No white-glove delivery
Titan Plus: Best for Higher Weight Sleepers with a Herniated Disc
We chose Titan Plus as the Best for Higher-Weight Sleepers with a Herniated Disc because it earned near-perfect scores for relieving pressure on your back, and it’s designed specifically for higher-weight people. It has the highest weight limit (1,000 pounds) on this list. The Titan Plus is a hybrid mattress that is designed to be more durable to prevent sagging, offers a strong edge support, and works for any sleeping position.
- Excellent at relieving back pressure
- Highest weight limit on this list (1,000 pounds)
- Made specifically for higher-weight people
- Strong edges
- Our pain relief score: 4.36/5
- Accessibility score: 4.55/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 8/10
Pros
- Made for higher-weight people
- Highest weight limit on this list (1,000 pounds)
- Durable construction prevents sagging
- Strong edges
- Dampens motion
- Above average cooling during testing
Cons
- May be too firm for lighter-weight sleepers
- Some people may prefer a softer mattress
Birch Natural: Most Accessible for a Herniated Disc
We chose the Birch Natural as our Most Accessible for a Herniated Disc because of its high accessibility scores, its excellent bounce, and ability to support your spine in a neutral position. The responsiveness of the mattress can make it easier to move around in bed and change position if you’re dealing with pain from a herniated disc.
- Strong edges and easier to move around on
- Excellent bounce
- Supportive to keep the spine aligned
- Our pain relief score: 4.55/5
- Accessibility score: 4.51/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Great support for back-sleeping
- Perfect scores for edge support for stability
- Good bounce for ease of movement
- Made with natural and organic materials
Cons
- Softer than other mattress options
- Couples might feel each other’s movements
- Shorter trial period (100 days)
Our process testing the best mattresses for people with a herniated disc
To find the best mattresses for people with a herniated disc, we paid attention to mattresses that ranked well in their firmness level, bounce, support, and pressure relief. We also used pressure-sensing devices during our testing, as well as heating equipment and a heat-detection gun. We also invited older adults, some of which were experiencing pain at night, to test out mattresses and share their experiences.
Pain relief
Our pain relief score measures how likely the mattress can help manage pain symptoms such as a herniated disc or arthritis. We looked at pressure relief, bounce, firmness, and edge support, and had our testers rate these features. We were especially interested if they felt any areas of pressure on joints or felt like their spine wasn’t in good alignment.
Pressure relief
Our pressure relief scores look at our testers’ experiences on each mattress and the results of our pressure map. This pressure map uses sensors that show how much pressure the body feels when lying on the mattress. Yellow, orange, and red indicate where pressure has built up, while blue and green show great pressure relief.
Spinal support
We tested spinal support by having testers lie on their back, side, and stomach and asked how they felt in each position. We wanted mattresses that were supportive throughout the spine and kept the natural curves but were still supportive enough to cushion joints and relieve pressure. A mattress that offers plenty of support for spinal alignment is important for people experiencing a herniated disc.
Firmness
We reviewed mattress firmness by having our testers lie in all positions to share how they felt about its comfort and support. Medium-firm mattresses are recommended for most sleepers for their cushioning on joints like the low back and neck.
Survey says: How common is herniated disc pain
In our survey of older adults who experience pain and bought a mattress in the last five years:
- Over 14% said they have herniated disc pain
- Out of all our surveyed participants, about 78% report their pain affects their ability to sleep well at night.
What to consider when buying a mattress to ease a herniated disc
There are a ton of mattresses out there, many of which promise to help you with your pain and sleeping better at night. It can be overwhelming trying to find the mattress that is going to help you get quality sleep. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to mattresses. And the pain of a herniated disc can feel different from person to person. In general, a medium-firm mattress is a good place to start, since it can help with pressure relief and comfort for joints, while still helping to keep your spine in good alignment.
Based on our testing and research, we think these are the most important factors to think about when buying a mattress to ease the pain of a herniated disc.
Mattress firmness
Medium-firm mattresses are generally preferable to mattresses that are softer or firmer. This is because they provide a balance between support and cushion for joints. But firmness is relative, meaning it can feel different for each person. Someone who is a higher-body weight might need a firmer mattress to provide enough support, but a lighter-weight sleeper may need a softer mattress in order to get pressure relief and support to press into the mattress.
Mattress type
The type of mattress you choose should be the one that’s most comfortable for you. Weiss said hybrid and memory foam mattresses can offer a lot of support and comfort when you have herniated disc pain.
Memory foam is famous for contouring to the body like a light hug, which can help distribute weight and relieve pressure. Innerspring mattresses aren’t really known for their pressure relief, which is important when it comes to herniated disc pain. But they are bouncier than memory foam and aren’t as heat-retaining. Hybrid mattresses bring more of a balanced feel with foam layers and a coil base. Some of them even have a zoned low back support, which can help with a herniated disc.
Mattress types and herniated disc relief
| Mattress type | Spinal support | Pressure relief | Can it help or hurt a herniated disc | Best for |
| Memory foam | Good | Very good | Cradles the spine and reduces pressure on the lower back. Can relieve nerve compression, especially for side sleepers | Side sleepers, sharp or radiating disc pain |
| Hybrid (foam and innerspring) | Very good | Good | Combines contouring comfort with added support from coils, helping maintain spinal alignment and reducing lower back pain | Combination sleepers, people needing both pressure relief and bounce |
| Latex | Good | Fair | Gently contours without deep cradling. Responsive and supportive, good for spinal alignment, but may be too firm for those experiencing sharp pain | Back or stomach sleepers, hot sleepers, and eco-conscious buyers |
| Traditional innerspring | Fair | Poor | Traditional coils offer firm support, but lack the contouring that can relieve pain. It can worsen disc pain if there’s no cushioning on top | People who prefer firm beds or sleep on their stomachs |
| Pillowtop | Fair | Good | Adds plushness that eases surface pressure, but may not offer enough lower back support | People with mobility issues (lower profile), or those wanting a plush look (high profile) |
Mattress features
There are different mattress features that can help ease the pain from a herniated disc, including:
- Zoned support systems for proper spinal alignment
- Pressure relief on joints without excessive sinking
- Motion isolation that can help with undisturbed sleep
- Edge support for safer movement in and out of the bed
- Temperature regulation for comfort
Pressure relief
Pressure relief is a big deal when it comes to herniated discs because having pressure spread out instead of concentrated in one spot can relieve joint stress and pain.
Spinal support
Having good spinal support and contouring on the back can help you sleep more comfortably with a herniated disc. You might have a herniated disc in your low back or neck, and either way, you need a mattress that supports your whole spine and its natural curves.
Sleeping position
Weiss explained that sleeping on your back or side can help get some relief from herniated disc pain. But she also advised using pillows for support.
If you prefer to sleep on your back, use a pillow under your knees to help tilt the pelvis and flatten your lower back against the mattress, which will ease the pressure on your discs.
Side sleepers want to remember to keep the spine in a neutral line and keep the lower curve of your back. To reduce pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, you can put a pillow between your knees to keep the hips and spine aligned.
Stomach-sleeping isn’t recommended because it puts too much pressure on the spine and its tissues, which can make spine problems worse.9
Older adults may already experience stiff joints and arthritis, and the added disc pressure can lead to waking up more frequently or struggling to fall asleep.”
—Ilyza Weiss, physical therapist
Tips for improving sleep with a herniated disc
Weiss shared her knowledge and expertise as a physical therapist for what can help you sleep better when you have a herniated disc.
- Use a good pillow and mattress support that will keep your spine in healthy alignment and your neck and low back in line with their natural curves.
- Try side sleeping with a pillow between the knees, or back sleeping with a pillow under your knees.
- Stick to a regular sleep routine to help your body relax.
- An adjustable base can be helpful. Raising the head slightly and elevating the legs takes pressure off the lower back and can reduce disc-related pain.
- Talk to a health care provider if pain is waking you up often. Medication and more specific therapy might be needed.
- If you have seen a physical therapist for your herniated disc pain, you can do the specific movements you were taught to reduce pain and improve flexibility. This can help ease some of the stiffness.
Herniated disc pain cannot really be relieved with a mattress, but the mattress is more comfortable with sleeping.”
—A member of our chronic pain and sleep focus group
How much do the best mattresses for older adults with a herniated disc cost?
The mattresses we included in our best mattresses for side sleepers range from $1,249–$3,295 for a queen-size mattress. Along with size, other factors that affect cost can include:
- Materials used in its construction
- Certifications
- Cooling layer or pillow top
- Free shipping
- White-glove delivery (where a mattress is delivered directly to your bedroom)
- Lifetime warranty or not
Comparing the best mattresses for a herniated disc costs
| Comparison Features | Saatva Rx |
Helix Midnight Luxe |
Nectar Premier |
Bear Elite Hybrid |
The WinkBed Luxury Firm |
Titan Plus |
Birch Natural |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for a queen* | $3,295 |
$2,373 |
$2,300 |
$2,305 |
$1,799 |
$1,249 |
$1,865 |
| Shipping costs | Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
| White-glove delivery available? | Yes |
Yes, at additional cost |
No |
Yes, at additional cost |
No |
No |
Yes, at additional cost |
| Warranty length | Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
10 years |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
10-15 years |
25 years |
| Return fees | $99 |
Free |
Free |
Free |
$49 |
$99 |
$99 |
*Mattress costs excluding promotions, discounts, or shipping charges
How to save money on mattresses
You want to make sure the mattress you buy is comfortable, pressure-relieving, and within your budget. There are a lot of ways you can save money on your next mattress. Here are some tips:
- Look for brands that offer financing plans to help spread out payments.
- Mattress brands typically offer sales, especially around big holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Black Friday.
- Look for coupons, sales codes, and discounts on the manufacturer website.
- Stores often have floor models that are discounted down.
- Certain groups of people can be eligible for deals such as current or former members of the military, students, teachers, and others.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best sleep position for a herniated disc?
There isn't a “right” sleeping position when you have a herniated disc, but some positions are better than others. While stomach-sleeping can put too much pressure on your spine, you may be comfortable sleeping on your side or back. Just make sure to use pillows under or between your knees, or under your lower back to keep your spine in its natural curve and the pressure off your joints.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for a herniated disc?
In general, a medium-firm mattress is best for people who have a herniated disc. This is because a too-firm mattress can cause too many pressure points that can irritate the spinal discs, and a mattress that’s too soft can make your spine dip down into the mattress too much, where it’s not supported.
Can the wrong mattress make a herniated disc worse?
Yes, the wrong mattress can make herniated disc pain worse and you can take longer to recover because your spine isn’t getting the support it needs.
Can I use an adjustable base with a herniated disc?
Yes, our expert said in many cases, you can. If you raise the head of the bed slightly, and elevate your legs, it can take the pressure off the low back and can reduce herniated disc pain. Adjustable bases can help you find a position that keeps the natural curve of your spine.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
