Best Mattress for Sciatica 2024

Written by Marten Carlson, Lead Mattress and Sleep Product Reviewer

Methodology

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.

Learn more.

In This Roundup

I’ll go into detail on my top picks for the best mattresses for lower back pain and sciatica. All of the beds on this roundup have the unique support and cushioning that sleepers with this type of pain need.

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Anyone who deals with sciatica knows that it can be a pain (literally) to fall asleep and stay asleep. The throbbing pain in the lumbar area, the shooting pain down the leg — none of it makes for a restful night. That’s why we’ve put together this roundup of the best mattresses for sciatica. And if you just have general upper or lower back pain, our list of the best mattresses for back pain may be more helpful to you.

Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Sciatica?

Our expert reviewers chose the Helix Dusk Luxe as the best mattress for sciatica since it’s designed to keep the spine in neutral alignment and is made with zoned support, meaning the areas such as the hips and shoulders will get the additional support they need. 

[Editor’s Note: The information provided should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a medical professional or another medical expert if there are any health-related questions.]

The Best Mattresses for Sciatica: Our Top 10 Picks

• Helix Dusk Luxe – Best Firm Mattress for Sciatica
• Nectar – Best Mattress For Side Sleepers with Sciatica
• DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Mattress for Sciatica
• WinkBeds – Best Pillow-Top Mattress for Sciatica
• Nolah Evolution – Best Luxury Mattress for Sciatica
• Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Sciatica
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Value Mattress for Sciatica
• Bear Star Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress for Sciatica
• Plank Firm – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Sciatica
• Titan Plus – Best for Heavy People with Sciatica

Best Mattresses for Sciatica 2024: Video Roundup

Compare the Best Mattresses for Sciatica

	Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress	Nectar Mattress	DreamCloud Original Mattress	WinkBed Mattress	Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress	Saatva Mattress	Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress	Bear Star Hybrid Mattress	Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress	Titan Plus
Rating	4.6	4.3	4.0	4.6	4.5	4.3	4.0	4.1	4.2	4.2
Firmness	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Medium-firm: 7/10	Firm: 7.5/10	Multiple firmness options	Multiple firmness options	Multiple firmness options	Multiple firmness options	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Firm: 8/10	Firm: 9/10
Material	Hybrid	Foam	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid	Innerspring	Hybrid	Hybrid	Foam	Hybrid
Cooling		—			—		—		—	—
Best For	Stomach Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain	Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain	Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain	Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers	Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

How We Chose Our Top Picks

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.

When it comes to the best mattresses for sciatica, there are many important factors. But to keep the spine in a neutral alignment (an absolute must for helping to prevent this type of pain), a bed is going to need to have a good amount of support. Nine of these beds scored a 4 out of 5 in both durability and support, ensuring long-lasting sturdiness. The mattresses that didn’t still scored above-average in each category.

Best Firm Mattress for Sciatica- Helix Dusk Luxe

Pros of the Helix Dusk Luxe

Soft, quilted pillow-top for added pressure relief

It’s a solid choice for hot sleepers

A touch firmer than medium-firm

Cons of the Helix Dusk Luxe

Sleepers over 230 lbs may need a more supportive mattress

Our Expert’s Take

A firmer mattress can do wonders for sciatica, depending on the type of sleeper. If you’re a back sleeper, stomach sleeper, or switch between these two positions, then you should opt for a firm mattress. That’s because firm beds promote a neutral spinal alignment for these sleepers, and keeping the spine straight is the key to preventing and soothing any type of back pain. The Helix Dusk Luxe has that nice, firm feel that’s going to offer these sleepers the neutral spinal alignment they’re looking for. In addition, it’s made with zoned support, which is designed to be firmer in areas where you need extra support, like the hips, and softer at sensitive areas like the head and shoulders.

What the testers say: “The Helix Dusk Luxe is particularly great for back pain thanks to its zoned support. This means it felt softer at the shoulders and firmer at the midsection, which helped keep my spine in a healthy, neutral alignment.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Helix Dusk Luxe

• Hot sleepers will love the breathable construction of this mattress. Between the innerspring coils and an optional cooling cover, it should help keep you avoid overheating.
• The zoned support can help promote proper spinal alignment by using softer foam in areas where your shoulders and hips may need to sink in and firmer foam in other areas.
• This mattress offers a luxurious feel and impressive durability.

What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Dusk Luxe

• If you’re a side sleeper, you may not get enough contouring from this bed. Instead, check out the Helix Sunset Luxe model.
• This might not be the best fit for folks looking for a budget-friendly option. Check out our list of the best cheap mattresses for more affordable beds.

Other User Reviews

On the Helix site, the Helix Dusk Luxe mattress is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. Many users love the cooling cover and say the bed is comfortable. Some reviewers say that theirs feels too soft for their preferences while others noted some sagging.

Read our full Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Firm Mattresses for more great options.

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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Sciatica – Nectar

Pros of the Nectar

Slow-moving memory foam feel

Particularly comfortable for side sleepers

Comes at a great value

Cons of the Nectar

Not supportive enough for heavy sleepers

Too soft for stomach sleepers

Our Expert’s Take

Anyone who reads this list might notice a common theme — neutral spinal alignment. With that in mind, side sleepers with sciatica should strongly consider the Nectar. It’s one of our favorite mattresses for relieving pain, since the thick layer of gel-infused memory foam provides outstanding pressure relief. But at the bottom of the bed, an even thicker layer of base support form keeps you lifted, allowing your spine to stay straight. You shouldn’t feel too much pressure on those shoulders and hips, and with the Nectar’s strong foam foundation, you should get good lumbar support as well.

What the testers say: “While side sleeping on the Nectar, I felt its foam contour around my body’s curves. This helped relieve pressure along my joints and kept me feeling nicely supported.” — Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Nectar

• The Nectar is a great value mattress. It’s not the cheapest mattress on the market, but it does offer high-quality materials at a budget-friendly price.
• This model provides good contouring for most sleepers. Side sleepers, in particular, will likely appreciate how it cradles their hips and shoulders.
• Thanks to its excellent contouring, this bed is a good option for relieving pressure. This could help ease aches and pains from sleeping on a too-firm mattress.

What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar

• Sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs probably won’t find this bed supportive enough. A bed designed for these sleepers, like the Titan Plus, is likely a better option.
• Stomach sleepers also aren’t likely to receive enough support from the Nectar. Instead, check out our top picks for the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Other User Reviews

On Nectar’s website, the Nectar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. Sleepers with back pain say this bed helps ease some of their symptoms and sleep well at night. Some users, though, noted that they felt the bed was too firm.

Read our full Nectar mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers for more great options.

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Best Hybrid Mattress for Sciatica – DreamCloud

Pros of the DreamCloud

High-quality luxury hybrid for a great value

Great option for hot sleepers

Impressive 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty

Cons of the DreamCloud

It’s a heavy mattress and will require two people to set up

Our Expert’s Take

When selecting a mattress that combats sciatica, it’s important that the bed promotes spinal alignment and allows for pressure and pain relief. A hybrid mattress is a great option for this, since its combination of coils and foam should satisfy both of these needs. And one of our favorite hybrid mattresses is the DreamCloud. It has a medium-firm hybrid construction that’s ideal for both back and side sleepers, offering an “on-top-of-the-bed” feel.

What the testers say: “I really enjoyed the balance of comfort and support that I got on the DreamCloud. The coils kept me nicely held up, while the soft foams contoured around my pressure points.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the DreamCloud

• This may be a great choice for back sleepers. The DreamCloud’s medium-firm firmness and balanced feel will likely work well to keep their spine in a healthy alignment.
• The DreamCloud’s coils provide room for air to flow, promoting temperature regulation. It also features a breathable cashmere-blend cover and gel-infused memory foam to help keep you cool.
• Even though it’s made with high-quality materials, the DreamCloud is available at a budget-friendly price point.

What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud

• This is another option that probably isn’t the best fit for people who weigh more than 230 lbs. Instead, check out our list of the best firm mattresses.
• You won’t get a traditional “hugged” memory foam feel from this bed. The Emma is a good alternative because it’s a memory foam bed that still sleeps cool.

Other User Reviews

On the DreamCloud site, the DreamCloud mattress earned 4.6 out of 5 stars. Users praise the feel of this mattress, saying they feel cushioned and supported. Some reviewers say they were disappointed with the bed’s motion transfer and edge support, though.

Read our full DreamCloud mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Hybrid Mattresses for more great options.

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Best Pillow-Top Mattress for Sciatica – WinkBed

Pros of the WinkBed

Great for back and side sleeping

Has a luxury look and feel similar to a high-end hotel bed

It’s designed to be breathable

Cons of the WinkBed

May be too responsive and bouncy for some sleepers

Our Expert’s Take

The WinkBed is a luxury innerspring mattress available in four firmnesses: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus (made just for larger people). All four versions feature two sets of coils, similar to the Saatva mattress. Also, each model boasts a pillow top, but its plushness will depend on which firmness you select. Whether you opt for their softer or firmer models, you will still get some of that cloud-like pillow top feel. It would give you the experience you might have at a luxury hotel.

What the testers say: “The moment I lay down on the WinkBed, I could feel that it was a luxury mattress. Its cover is made from Tencel, a naturally soft textile, and its Euro pillow top is plush and infused with gel.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the WinkBed

• This is a bouncy, responsive mattress, so it’s likely a good fit for combination sleepers who will benefit from moving positions easily throughout the night.
• The WinkBed is a cool mattress thanks to its coil construction and breathable cover.
• This is another mattress with zoned support, which makes it a good fit for folks looking for a bed that will promote healthy spinal alignment.

What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed

• While this bed offers lots of responsiveness, that means it doesn’t have that “sink-in” feeling like a traditional memory foam bed would. If that’s what you’re looking for, check out the Layla.
• This is an expensive option, so it may not be the right fit for all shoppers.

Other User Reviews

On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earned 4.8 out of 5 stars. Many customers love that the bed is made in the U.S. and enjoy the medium-firm feel of the Luxury Firm option. Some do mention that it’s a heavy bed to move, so they recommend having someone else to help you set it up.

Read our full WinkBed mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Pillow-Top Mattresses for more great options.

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Best Luxury Mattress for Sciatica- Nolah Evolution

Pros of the Nolah Evolution

Three firmness options

One of our favorite mattresses for side sleepers

Several luxury cooling features

Cons of the Nolah Evolution

Expensive

Our Expert’s Take

If you’re looking for a mattress that’s going to help with sciatica symptoms but also make you feel like royalty, try the Nolah Evolution hybrid. It has a zoned construction, meaning it’s firmer towards the center. This, along with strong coils, creates extra lumbar support. Other luxurious touches include a plush Euro-top and a memory foam comfort layer that cushions pressure points. While the bed has a softer feel, you shouldn’t get stuck in the material, as a 2” transition layer helps sleepers with ease of movement.

What the testers say: “The Nolah Evolution has all the bells and whistles I’d expect in a luxury mattress: zoned support, a cooling cover, and plush Euro top, to name a few. Keep in mind that these extras come with a higher price tag.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Nolah Evolution

• The excellent lumbar support this bed offers makes it a good option for sleepers with back pain.
• This mattress is made with high-quality materials. From the support coils and edge support foam to the ArcticTex cover, this bed should last for a long time.
• We found that this bed has great motion isolation, which means it’ll be harder to feel your partner’s movements throughout the night.

What to Keep In Mind About the Nolah Evolution

• This bed isn’t likely to be a good fit for stomach sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs. People in this category should opt for something more supportive, like one of our top picks for the best mattresses for heavy people.
• If you’re looking to stick to a tight budget, you may want to consider the original Nolah instead.

Other User Reviews

On Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution earned 4.9 out of 5 stars. Reviewers rave about the easy buying and shipping process as well as the Nolah’s balance between cushion and support. Some users did note that the bed feels too firm for their liking.

Read our full Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Luxury Mattresses for more great options.

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Best Innerspring Mattress for Sciatica – Saatva

 

Pros of the Saatva

Very supportive

Traditional innerspring feel

Breathable cover and airflow-promoting coils

Cons of the Saatva

Lightweight sleepers won’t compress the top layers enough

Our Expert’s Take

The Saatva is a luxury innerspring mattress that features two sets of coils (micro-coils and support coils), along with a plush pillow-top. It’s also available in two heights (11.5″ and 14.5″) and three firmnesses (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm). We personally slept on their most popular model, the Luxury Firm, and found it to be a great mattress for dealing with sciatica. The pillow-top offers some plush comfort while the two sets of coils provide an excellent amount of support. This helps keep the spine in alignment. The Saatva is also zoned so that the lumbar area will receive extra support.

What the testers say: “If you like a traditional feel and are not a fan of the sinking feeling of memory foam, then the Saatva is right up your alley. In my experience, it has a very supportive feel and will keep your back nice and straight, and it offers some good bounce to make switching positions easy.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Saatva Mattress

• Moving positions is easy to do on this responsive bed. This is typically a positive feature for combination sleepers and couples.
• There is a good balance between plush foam and supportive coils in the Saatva. This provides a comfortable mattress for many different types of sleepers.
• Its Luxury Firm feel is a great option for back sleepers.

What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Mattress

• Sleepers who weigh less than 130 lbs likely won’t be comfortable on this bed. Instead, check out our list of the best soft mattresses.
• This is another bed that won’t offer the traditional memory foam feel.

Other User Reviews

On Saatva’s site, the Saatva Classic earns 4.8 out of 5 stars. Users praise the white glove delivery and comfort of the mattress. Some do complain that it sleeps too hot or too firm for their preference.

Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Innerspring Mattresses for more great options.

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Best Value Mattress for Sciatica –Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Great for back sleepers of most body types

Does a good job of dissipating heat

Allows sleepers ease of movement

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Fairly minimalist bed without any extra features

Our Expert’s Take

Good news: you don’t have to empty your entire wallet if you want a great mattress for sciatica. Brooklyn Bedding owns their own factory, so they can cut out the middleman and offer an excellent value for a high-quality mattress, such as the Signature Hybrid. During sales, a Queen can go for under $1,000. The Signature Hybrid model has three firmnesses: Soft, Medium, and Firm, so you can choose the amount of comfort and support that’s best-suited for your sciatica symptoms. We like the Medium version, since it offers a balanced feel ideal for pain relief.

What the testers say: “If you suffer from lower back pain and are on a budget, you can’t do much better than the Brooklyn Signature. It’s particularly good for back sleepers, as its firmness and support level will help keep your spine in a neutral alignment.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

• This is an affordable mattress. Brooklyn Bedding manufactures its own mattresses, so it’s able to offer some of the best prices.
• You’ll experience a responsive surface on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature. This can be helpful for combination sleepers who switch positions at night.

What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

• While this bed has plenty of responsiveness, it doesn’t absorb motion very well. This could be an issue if you or your partner wake up easily from movement at night.

Other User Reviews

On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Signature receives 4.7 out of 5 stars. Users praise the quality and comfort of the bed, but many also love its range of sizes available, including for RV beds. Some customers say the medium feel was not firm enough, and would have opted for the firm option instead.

Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for the Money for more great options.

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Best Cooling Mattress for Sciatica- Bear Star Hybrid

Pros of the Bear Star Hybrid

Classic medium-firm feel works for most sleepers

Cover fabric may aid in muscle recovery

Particularly durable

Cons of the Bear Star Hybrid

Not firm enough for stomach sleepers

Our Expert’s Take

Bear designs their mattresses for athletes, and one of the most notable features of their beds is a cover made of Celliant. As a fabric, it’s believed by some to aid in muscle recovery, which can soothe the pain of folks with back pain and sciatica. But another bonus of the fabric is that it’s soft, breathable, and helps keep the mattress cool. Underneath the Celliant cover, you’ll find a layer of gel-infused memory foam, which helps pull heat away from the body. And to make things even better, this mattress contains strong coils which allows plenty of room for airflow.

What the testers say: “When I rested on the Bear Star Hybrid, I found it to be a really good match for back sleeping, with just the right ratio of support to pressure relief. However, it wasn’t as great for side sleeping. I’d recommend heavy side sleepers look elsewhere.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Bear Star Hybrid

• This is a good option for most combination sleepers thanks to its responsive materials and balanced feel.
• Back sleepers are also a good fit for this bed thanks to its impressive pressure relief.
• It’s also a good option for a value mattress. It’s not a cheap mattress, but it’s a durable, quality bed at an affordable price.

What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Star Hybrid

• Stomach sleepers probably won’t find this bed supportive enough.
• The Bear Star Hybrid won’t provide a traditional memory foam feel.

Other User Reviews

On the Bear site, the Bear Star Hybrid receives 4.4 out of 5 stars. Many customers appreciate the high-quality materials in this mattress and say it’s a good balance of soft cushioning and firm support. Some users, though, said it felt too soft to them.

Read our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Cooling Mattresses for more great options.

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Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers- Plank Firm

Pros of the Plank Firm

Can add a cooling panel

Flippable design for multiple firmnesses

Made of foam, but you won’t feel trapped

Cons of the Plank Firm

Not great for side sleepers

Our Expert’s Take

Are you a stomach sleeper looking for a mattress that supports the lumbar area and helps with back pain by keeping the hips in line with the spine? If so, the flippable Plank Firm from Brooklyn Bedding is an excellent choice, as our mattress testers can attest. Since it’s an all-foam mattress, testers said they got just enough give-and-take in the top layers to cradle the hips, despite the bed’s true firmness — a 9/10 on the firm side, and 8/10 on the softer side, by our firmness measure. Hot sleepers also have the option of adding a cooling panel to both sides of the Plank, so it won’t trap heat and should help you sleep cool through the night.

What the testers say: “Even as a heavier guy who weighs more than 250 lbs, lying on my stomach I felt like my hips were perfectly in line with my spine on each side of the Plank Firm.  Just bear in mind that this is a true firm mattress lover’s bed. Even the softer side is for someone with a more firm preference.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Plank Firm Mattress

• The Plank Firm is flippable, adding overall durability and a degree of customizability for those who like to switch it up.
• Brooklyn Bedding, the manufacturer of the Plank, owns its own factory, allowing the brand to cut out middle-man costs and pass savings onto the customer, as reflected by Plank’s affordable price ($749 for a queen without any sales).
• The Plank has excellent edge support, rated 5 out of 5 by mattress testers, so you can get comfortable on every inch of the flippable bed.

What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm Mattress

• Side sleepers may find that the bed digs into their hips and shoulders too much, and doesn’t offer enough pressure relief.
• The Plank’s motion isolation is a bit disappointing. The firmer foams mean the Plank has more of a bouncy give-and-take rather than the slow-moving memory foam feel that offers better motion isolation.

Other User Reviews

On the Plank product page, the mattress earns 4.8 out of 5 stars among 3,000-plus reviews. Users say it’s a genuinely firm mattress — not just a claim, like with some brands. One verified buyer wrote that Plank helped with her back pain: “As a stomach sleeper, I love my new mattress!! It does not hurt my back like my previous softer mattress did. I cannot wait to go to sleep, whether it’s at night or during the day, after a night shift!!” Some buyers bemoaned though that the bed is comfortable exclusively for stomach sleepers, and not other positions.

Read our full Plank Firm mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Plank Firm mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers for more great options.

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Best Mattress for Heavy People with Sciatica- Titan Plus

Pros of the Titan Plus

Very supportive and firm

Made for heavy people

High-quality and durable

Cons of the Titan Plus

Not great for pressure relief

Not great for sleepers under 130 lbs

Our Expert’s Take

The Titan Plus makes this roundup as the best mattress for heavy people since it’s designed specifically for heavy people. Heavier bodies tend to need more support and firmness, and this mattress comes in at a 9/10 on our firmness scale, making it one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested. It’s supportive but still gives you an innerspring feel with a slight foam feel on top.

What our testers say: The Titan Plus felt very supportive whenever I rested on my back. In fact, some sleepers might find that this mattress feels too supportive in this position if they’re lighter than me. However, my spine felt very supported.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Titan Plus

• This is a great option for most sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs. It should offer enough support even for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
• The Titan Plus is made with durable materials, so it should hold up for a long time.
• For a mattress that’s made for heavyweight sleepers, it’s available at a relatively affordable price point.

What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus

• While this is a good option for heavyweight sleepers, if you weigh less than 230 lbs, you’ll likely find it too firm.
• Looking for a bed that works well for heavyweight side sleepers? The Titan Plus Luxe offers a slightly softer feel that could be a better fit.

Other User Reviews

On the Titan website, the Titan Plus earns 4.7 out of 5 stars. Users love the firm feel and recommend the bed for sleepers over 200 lbs. The bed’s only one-star review on the site actually had nothing negative to say about it.

Read our full Titan Plus mattress review for more information, or check out our list of the best mattresses for heavy people.

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Jump To:

What Is Sciatica? | Sciatica Causes | How Sciatica Impacts Sleep | How Sleep Position Impacts Sciatica | What To Look for In a Mattress | Sleeping Tips

What Is Sciatica?

A lot of people think sciatica is a health condition in its own right, but it’s actually a symptom that could result from a variety of health issues or other causes.

Per the Mayo Clinic, the word “sciatica” describes pain that occurs along the sciatic nerve. This long nerve extends from the lower back, through the hips and rear end, and down both legs. People can experience sciatica pain anywhere along this nerve. Most commonly, sciatica pains radiate from the base of the nerve (in the lower back) into the buttocks and perhaps down one of the legs into the thigh and/or calf.

Sciatica pain is a very common complaint. The Cleveland Clinic estimates that approximately 40% of people in the U.S. will experience sciatica at some point in their life.

Because sciatica is a symptom, it can manifest in a lot of ways. Think of it like the common cold: A runny nose is a symptom, but it can mean different things for different people. Some people constantly blow their noses to contain all the mucus, while others just sniffle more than usual.

With sciatica, the pain can range from mild to excruciating. It could feel dull or like a burning sensation or electric shock. Sometimes it manifests as numbness, muscle weakness, or a tingly sensation. The pain could be constant, or it might come and go. Some people find that sciatica is exacerbated by coughing, sneezing, or sitting for an extended period.

Are sciatica and lower back pain the same thing?

Though they’re closely related, lower back pain can refer to any pain in the lower back region, while sciatica is specifically pain that occurs along the sciatic nerve.

When to See a Doctor for Sciatica

In most cases, sciatica symptoms go away over time. However, people experiencing sciatica should seek medical treatment if:

• The pain results from an injury.
• The pain is sudden and severe.
• The pain lasts longer than a week.
• The pain gets progressively worse.
• Their leg stays numb for a prolonged period.
• They have trouble controlling their bowels or bladder.

In severe cases, a doctor might advise a variety of treatment options including spinal injections or surgery.

Dr. Babenko adds: “Most states allow for direct access to physical therapists. They are generally best equipped to be your primary source of assessment for any musculoskeletal condition. If you are experiencing any sciatica-related issues, a physical therapist will save you time and money in overall treatment and refer you to an MD or DO when appropriate. Most primary care physicians (PCPs) should refer you to a rehab program to best handle your sciatica condition. This will likely include a series of manual therapy and exercises to also identify the root cause so symptoms do not return.”

What Causes Sciatica?

Several issues can cause sciatica, with some being more serious than others. As a general rule, sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched, compressed, irritated, or inflamed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, known causes include:

• A herniated or slipped disc, which could place pressure on the root of the sciatic nerve.
• Degenerative disk disease, which wears down the disks between the spine’s vertebrae. This shrinks the space between vertebrae, narrowing nerve passageways and possibly pinching the sciatic nerve.
• Injury to the lumbar spine or the sciatic nerve itself (such as a car accident).
• Osteoarthritis, which can create bone spurs that compress the nerves in the lower back.
• Piriformis syndrome, a neuromuscular disorder marked by spasms of the piriformis muscle. This muscle sits deep in the buttocks, and when it spasms it can irritate the sciatic nerve.
• A slipped vertebra (dubbed spondylolisthesis) — another condition that can narrow the space between vertebrae and pinch the sciatic nerve.
• Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal. Like degenerative disk disease, this shrinks the space available for the sciatic nerve and can cause pinching.
• Tumors in the lumbar spinal canal, which can compress the sciatic nerve.
• Cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition that impacts the bundle of nerves at the end of the spinal cord.

Risk Factors for Sciatica

Per the Mayo Clinic, several factors may increase a person’s risk of developing the conditions that can lead to sciatica. These include:

• Age (older people are more prone to herniated disks and osteoarthritis)
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Occupations or hobbies that involve carrying heavy loads or twisting the back
• Osteoarthritis (make sure to check out our best mattresses for arthritis)
• Prolonged sitting
• Poor posture (while sitting, standing, and/or working out)
• Faulty movement patterns and strength imbalances (this can be screened by a physiotherapist)

RELATED: Best Mattress For Fibromyalgia

Can Sciatica Be Caused by a Bad Mattress?

A bad mattress doesn’t typically show up on lists of sciatica causes, but it’s certainly not going to help. That’s true for several reasons.

For starters, mattresses can play a big role in supporting healthy spinal alignment — or not. A bad mattress that doesn’t help the sleeper’s spine stay properly aligned could contribute to misalignment issues. Long-term misalignment of the spine (especially in the lower back) could place undue pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Additionally, according to an article published by Harvard Health, many people find their sciatica gets worse during prolonged periods of lying down. This is the case even in the best of conditions, so imagine how much worse someone might feel if they’re lying on an unsupportive or uncomfortable mattress.

If someone notices that their sciatica pain tends to feel worse when they wake up in the morning, this could indicate that their mattress is exacerbating their condition.

How Does Sciatica Impact Sleep?

Sciatica, along with other types of pain-related conditions, can have a negative impact on sleep quality. That’s because sciatica causes pain and discomfort that might make it hard to get comfortable enough to fall and stay asleep.

Per the Harvard Health article cited above, many people find their sciatica pain gets worse when they lie down for extended periods. This means people might experience a pain flareup right when they’re trying to obtain restful sleep.

This is a double-edged sword. Sciatica can make it harder to obtain quality sleep, and failing to sleep well might exacerbate sciatica pain. A review published in The Journal of Pain found that poor sleep quality can worsen people’s experience of pain.

Additionally, suffering from pain can take a toll on a person’s mental health. The anxiety, depression, or stress caused by pain might make it more difficult to obtain quality sleep. Here’s another double-edged sword: Not sleeping well can exacerbate anxiety, stress, and depression.

How Do Sleeping Positions Impact Sciatica?

A person’s preferred sleeping position will always have an impact on their sleep quality and spinal health. This is true even for people without sciatica, and it’s certainly true for people who are dealing with sciatica pain.

Back-Sleeping

Provided someone is sleeping on a supportive mattress, back-sleeping is often the best sleeping position when it comes to spinal health. A supportive mattress keeps a back sleeper’s hips elevated and in line with the spine, which reduces strain on the lumbar region.

This is especially important for sciatica sufferers, because the lumbar region contains the sciatic nerve. That said, a mattress that is too firm or too soft won’t provide the same support when it comes to sustaining spinal health.

If you’re a back sleeper, you can also check out our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers.

Side-Sleeping

Side sleepers often put a lot of pressure on the joints, which can especially cause hip, neck, and shoulder pain. If someone with sciatica feels pain in their hip and tries to side sleep on a mattress that puts pressure on the hip, this can exacerbate pain. That said, a mattress that relieves pressure around the hip could be ideal for a side sleeper with sciatica.

Spinal support is also an important consideration when side sleeping. While pressure relief around the hip is important, a mattress that’s too soft in this area can allow the hips to sink too far into the mattress and throw the lumbar spine out of alignment. This could exacerbate compression of the sciatic nerve.

One other note about side sleeping and sciatica: Because sciatica tends to occur only on one side, some people may find that side-sleeping on the opposite side helps them sleep more comfortably. If your hip is a major pressure area for you while you sleep, you may want to also check out our list of the best mattresses for hip pain.

Stomach-Sleeping

On all but the most supportive mattresses, sleeping on the stomach can cause the hips to sink too far into the mattress, which throws the spine out of alignment and can strain the lower back. For this reason, stomach-sleeping is often not ideal for people with sciatica. Make sure to take a look at our best mattresses for stomach sleepers as well.

What to Look for In a Mattress for Sciatica

Contemporary research suggests the ideal mattress for back pain sufferers is one that feels medium-firm (and comfortable) to the person who sleeps on it. Also, as we’ve discussed, spinal alignment is key for all sleepers and especially for people who suffer from sciatica. Make sure any mattress you purchase is designed to support spinal alignment in your preferred sleeping position(s).

Beyond that, here are some other factors to consider when searching for the best mattress for sciatica:

• Pressure Relief: In addition to providing support for the spine, the best mattress for sciatica will offer some pressure relief for added comfort. This is extra important for side sleepers; pressure relief around the hip is key.
• Durability: Research consistently finds that older mattresses often contribute to back pain because they no longer provide adequate spinal support. Take a look at our list of the best mattresses that won’t sag for more durable beds.
• Motion Isolation: Sciatica sufferers may shift around during the night in an effort to regulate pain. This means they might keep their partner up with their tossing and turning. A mattress that minimizes motion transfer can help the partner get better sleep. See: our best mattresses for couples.
• Trial Periods: A mattress might look good online or feel great in the store, but things can change after sleeping on it for several nights. Look for a mattress that offers a decent trial period so there’s time to determine whether the mattress is a good long-term fit and will help with your sciatica-related pain.
• Sleeper’s Size And Weight: A person’s size and body weight can impact how they experience the feel and firmness of a mattress. Heavyweight sleepers will need a supportive mattress and a thicker comfort layer in order to feel both comfortable and supported, while lighter-weight sleepers will probably get adequate pressure relief from a thinner comfort layer.

Tips for Sleeping Better With Sciatica

No matter a person’s preferred sleep position, using pillows as props and following a few simple guidelines can promote more comfortable sleep. In all cases, the key is to strive for healthy spinal alignment:

• Back sleepers can experiment with placing a pillow under their knees. This can help support the natural curve in the lumbar spine.
• Back sleepers who notice a gap between their lower back and the mattress can place a small, rolled-up towel into the gap to ensure the lumbar region is properly supported.
• Side sleepers can try placing a pillow between their knees and a pillow at their arms to hug. This helps keep the hips, pelvis, and spine in alignment.
• Side sleepers who notice a gap between their waist and the mattress can tuck a small pillow or rolled-up towel into the gap to support healthier lumbar alignment.
• Stomach sleepers can try placing a pillow under their abdomen. This helps support the lumbar spine and relieves strain in this area.

Dr. Babenko also has a tip for sleeping better with sciatica: 

Perform some self-administered myofascial release (i.e. foam-rolling right before bed) to prime the body for the task of sleeping. This program should be developed on an individual basis. Along with the foam-rolling to areas like the legs, a breathing practice before bed can help affect the nervous system to better prepare for sleep.

Summary

Here’s a recap of the best mattresses for sciatica:

Mattress	Best For
Helix Dusk Luxe	Best Firm Mattress
Nectar	Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
DreamCloud	Best Hybrid Mattress
WinkBeds	Best Pillow-Top Mattress
Nolah Evolution	Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva	Best Innerspring Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid	Best Value Mattress
Bear Star Hybrid	Best Cooling Mattress
Plank Firm	Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Titan Plus	Best for Heavy People

FAQs

What kind of mattress is best for lower back pain?

A mattress with a good balance of comfort and support is going to be best for back pain. Hybrid mattresses, for example, have soft foam materials on top and more supportive coils on the bottom. A mattress that strikes this balance well will help keep the spine in neutral alignment while people are sleeping. Shoppers might also want to consider a mattress with a zoned construction because it will provide additional lumbar support.

What kind of mattress is best for sciatica pain?

Those who deal with sciatica pain should find a mattress that balances comfort with support. This will help keep the spine neutrally aligned while sleeping. If the spine is out of alignment, this can compress the sciatic nerve. All types of mattresses can help with this condition, but they need to be comfortable, supportive, and also provide good lumbar support.

How should I sleep with lower back pain?

There are a few ways a person can sleep to deal with lower back pain. Back sleepers can place a pillow under their knees, and side sleepers can place a pillow between their knees. Stomach sleeping is not a good position for lower back pain. However, if someone must sleep in this position, they can place a pillow under the stomach near the pelvis.

Can sciatica be caused by a bad mattress?

It is unlikely that a bad mattress will be the main reason for sciatica. However, a mattress that does not keep the spine in neutral alignment can surely exacerbate sciatica symptoms.

What’s the best pillow for back pain?

It’s going to vary from person to person, but we have several options for addressing pain in our roundup of best orthopedic pillows. The Saatva Latex is an especially good choice for those who suffer from back pain.