Best Mattress for Sciatica

The WinkBed is a well-rounded hybrid mattress available in an array of firmness levels, but the Luxury Firm WinkBed stands out for its balanced feel that caters to sleepers with back pain. The foam layers contour to the body to relieve pressure buildup, while zoned pocketed coils offer ample pushback to the midsection.

What It’s Made of

With a medium firm (6) feel, the Luxury Firm WinkBed has a Euro-top quilted with gel-infused polyfoam. Beneath is a transitional layer of SupportCell polyfoam that promotes contouring but has a higher-density composition to make it feel a bit firmer. This layer also serves as a buffer between the comfort system and the support core. The core is composed of pocketed coils that provide substantial support, with a zoned design that delivers extra support to the lumbar region and extra coil reinforcement around the edges. A breathable and moisture-wicking Tencel cover encases the mattress.

How It Performed

Our testing found the mid-range feel and supportive construction benefit back sleepers and stomach sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. These sleepers should feel a good amount of cushioning without sinking too deeply into the mattress. Side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds should also appreciate the cradling from the foam layers.

If you tend to run hot during sleep, the coil system enables plenty of air circulation to help keep the bed cool. We also recommend the mattress for couples, who should be able to move across the mattress easily and lay near the edges without sinking. The coils also provide responsiveness that many couples prefer for sex.

WinkBed backs this mattress with a 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.

If you’re planning to overhaul your bed from top to bottom, the Nectar Adjustable Bundle includes many of the components you’ll need at a very reasonable price-point. The package comes with your choice of an all-foam or hybrid Nectar model, plus an adjustable bed frame and a six-piece bedding set. Buying the bundle will cost significantly less than purchasing each product individually, so we recommend it for shoppers on a budget.

What It’s Made of

Each Nectar mattress model features thick memory foam layers that cushion the body on the surface. Hybrid models contain coils in the support core, while the all-foam models have support cores composed of high-density foam. The adjustable bed offers head and foot elevation controls, multiple presets including zero gravity and anti-snore positions, a zoned massage function with three levels of intensity, and adjustable height options.

The bedding bundle includes one to two cooling pillows, depending on which size you purchase. You’ll also receive a mattress protector and a sheet set that includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases. The sheets are composed of bamboo-derived rayon fabric that feels soft and cool to the touch.

How It Performed

Although the Nectar models vary in design and performance, we’ve found all mattresses tend to perform well in pressure relief and motion isolation. This is due in large part to the generous foam comfort layers. Generally speaking, the hybrid models will generate sturdier support than the all-foam models. The adjustable bed offers an array of customizable features to meet your sleep needs, and the pillows and sheets are engineered for coolness.

Nectar provides a generous 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty for each item in the bundle. Shipping is also free throughout the contiguous U.S.

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid’s foam-over-coil design ensures plenty of cushioning for your sensitive areas affected by sciatica pain. The thick comfort system contours evenly to distribute your weight, while the support core provides great overall stability to prevent excessive sinkage beneath your torso and hips. Cooling components also help reduce heat buildup to maintain a comfortable sleep temperature.

What It’s Made of

The Sapira Hybrid’s top layer is composed of adaptive polyfoam with airflow channels to promote circulation on the sleep surface. Additional memory foam and transitional polyfoam layers add to the cradling effect. Each layer is progressively denser, so you’ll notice some pushback as you settle into the mattress. This prevents you from sinking into the support core.

Pocketed coils and dense base foam give the mattress a robust, responsive feel, but the foam layers absorb movement to prevent disruptive noise and motion transfer. A breathable knit cover encases the mattress. Our team has rated the Sapira Hybrid as medium firm (6). Since the mattress measures 11 inches thick, you won’t need to invest in a fitted sheet with deep pockets.

How It Performed

During hands-on tests, the Sapira Hybrid earned excellent ratings from side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. We also found that the mattress is a solid choice for couples thanks to the strong edge support, above-average motion isolation, and bouncy surface.

Temperature control proved to be another major strength. Steady airflow through the coil system and the aerated top layer effectively minimize bothersome heat retention — a common issue with foam hybrids. We recommend this mattress to hot sleepers who have had bad experiences with foam in the past.

The Sapira Hybrid is competitively priced and standard shipping is free to all 50 states. You’ll also receive two complimentary pillows with your order. Leesa’s sleep trial spans 100 nights in length, during which you may return the mattress for a full refund. If you decide to keep it, your purchase is further backed by a 10-year warranty against structural and material defects,

If you’re a side sleeper living with sciatica pain, a mattress that cushions your lower back and hips can alleviate your discomfort. The Helix Midnight is a medium firm (6) memory foam hybrid designed specifically for side sleepers between 130 to 230 pounds. An adaptive comfort layer contours evenly to your body, but dense foam and pocketed coils provide robust support to prevent you from sinking excessively. While lying on the Midnight, the side sleepers on our testing team felt little to no pressure buildup in areas normally affected by sciatica. The mattress was also popular among our back sleepers in this weight range.

What It’s Made of

The Midnight begins with a memory foam comfort layer, followed by a transitional layer of dense polyfoam. These materials conform to your body’s unique curves to distribute your weight, promote even alignment, and alleviate pressure in the shoulders, back, and hips. Both layers are composed of open-cell foam, so uncomfortable heat retention shouldn’t be an issue for most people.

The support core consists of pocketed coils and a high-density foam base layer. Extra reinforcement for the perimeter coils helps make the mattress feel more stable when you lie near the edges or get in and out of bed. Standard Midnight models include polyester covers. You can upgrade to a cover made of GlacioTex phase change material, engineered to capture and release body heat from your sleep surface. We recommend the GlacioTex for anyone who sleeps exceptionally hot.

How It Performed

During our hands-on tests, the Midnight earned its most favorable reviews from side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds were particularly impressed. Helix offers various hybrid models geared toward certain weight groups and sleep positions. If the Midnight sounds too soft or firm, we suggest you check out one of the brand’s other models.

Our thermal sensors detected minimal heat buildup when we tested the mattress for temperature control. The open-cell foams and pocketed coils promote steady interior airflow, and the GlacioTex adds extra cooling for those who need it. Thanks to the reinforced perimeter coils, we also found the Midnight offers decent edge support.

The Midnight’s sticker price falls well below average for a hybrid model, and shipping is free of charge to customers in all 50 states. Your order comes with two complimentary pillows. Helix includes a 100-night sleep trial with all mattress purchases. If you decide to keep your Midnight after the trial period ends, you’ll also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.

The Rx is Saatva’s first mattress model created specifically for people with sciatica and other types of back pain. A dense foam pad in the comfort system cushions and reduces pressure in the lumbar region, while two coil layers reinforce your body and help keep you on an even plane. After testing the Rx, our team determined its firmness level is medium soft (4). This makes it much softer and more adaptive than the average hybrid model.

What It’s Made of

The Rx’s comfort system begins with the “lumbar crown,” a strip of memory foam located directly beneath your lower back. The next layer consists of microcoils encased in dense foam, which help keep your body on an even plane. The coils are somewhat responsive, so they’ll cradle your sore spots without the deep hug people often experience on memory foam.

Unlike traditional pocketed coils, the Rx’s are topped with foam to provide extra cushioning. The foam also muffles noise and reduces motion transfer, making the mattress a decent option for co-sleepers. Thicker coils line the perimeter to push back against your weight when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed. At 15 inches, the Rx is exceptionally tall compared to the average mattress.

How It Performed

As a softer-than-average hybrid mattress, the Rx performed well in some areas where other hybrids tend to fall short. Despite the coil-on-coil construction, we found the Rx was soft and adaptive enough to significantly isolate motion. The lumbar pad also helps the mattress alleviate pressure well. Another strength of this mattress is temperature control. Both coil layers promote internal airflow, and a breathable organic cotton cover encases the mattress to help the surface stay cool.

During our tests, the Rx was most popular among side sleepers on our team. Those weighing up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed. Although our back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds enjoyed the Rx, heavier individuals in these position categories found the mattress too soft — and some sank to an excessive degree.

As is the case with other Saatva models, the Rx is fairly expensive, but your order comes with free White Glove delivery that includes full assembly in a room of your choice and removal of your old mattress and box spring at no extra charge. You’ll also receive a generous 365-night sleep trial. If you choose to keep the mattress, it’s further backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

The Nolah Evolution 15 is a quintessential hybrid because it contours to the body and alleviates pressure for side sleepers without sacrificing the support of a coil system. This construction also facilitates airflow and creates a supportive perimeter for those who have trouble getting in and out of bed.

What It’s Made of

A Euro-top cover padded with soft foam creates a plush surface, while two additional foam layers provide additional cushioning for sensitive areas along the spine. The support core is divided into zones based on gauge, or coil thickness. This provides extra reinforcement for the lower back and hips – two areas of the body greatly affected by sciatica pain. Sturdier coils also line the perimeter to prevent deep sinkage when you get in and out of bed.

How It Performed

The mattress is available in three firmness levels – medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) – so virtually anyone can choose a feel that suits their body type, sleep position, and pressure relief needs. Edge support is particularly robust for the two firmer models. The coils promote consistent air circulation throughout the interior and the cover is quilted using proprietary ArcticTex fibers, so overheating won’t be an issue for most people.

Six standard sizes are available, as well as a split king size for adjustable beds. Nolah offers free ground delivery to anyone in the contiguous U.S. The company’s sleep trial runs 120 nights in length, but you can opt out of the trial to knock some money off of the asking price. All Evolution 15 mattresses are covered by lifetime warranties against structural defects.

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has a balanced design that delivers strong pressure relief without falling short on support. Available in three firmness options, the bed earned high ratings across many performance categories when we tested it in our sleep lab.

What It’s Made of

The mattress is designed in three firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8). All models feature a cover quilted with polyfoam, followed by a layer of Supreme Response Comfort Foam that cushions your body gently and has a moderately responsive feel. Beneath is a VariFlex polyfoam layer that conforms to the body but is dense enough to prevent sinkage.

All firmness options feature the same sequence of foam layers, but the thickness of the layers differs in the firm model. Each mattress contains a support core made of pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter for strong edge support.

How It Performed

During testing, the medium soft model earned the highest marks from side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. The medium firm model felt most comfortable to side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, while the firm option performed well with back and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds.

The foam comfort system adapts to your body and helps prevent uncomfortable pressure buildup. That said, we never found the surface excessively soft, due in large part to the coils and the responsive feel of the polyfoam. Our testers also reported minimal heat retention, since air circulates through the coils. If overheating is a concern, you may purchase a GlacioTex Cooling Cover to help keep the surface cool.

Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night sleep trial to try the mattress at home, and the bed is backed by a 10-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

Bear offers a lineup of mattresses that cater to different budgets and needs. The Bear Elite Hybrid is a luxury option with a thick comfort system and supportive coils, creating a well-rounded design that makes this bed an optimal choice if you have persistent hip pain.

What It’s Made of

The Elite Hybrid is available in three firmness levels: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8). All three designs begin with a memory foam comfort layer infused with copper, a material with natural cooling properties. The polyfoam transitional layer is divided into five firmness zones to reinforce the midsection while gently cushioning the head, shoulders, and legs.

Pocketed coils and dense base foam make up the support core. Thicker coils line the perimeter to push back against your weight and prevent deep sinkage when you lie close to the edges or get in and out of bed. The cover is a blended fabric containing Celliant, an innovative material that absorbs and releases heat to maintain a cool surface at all times.

How It Performed

We tested all three of the Elite Hybrid’s firmness levels. Our side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds felt most comfortable on the medium design. These models contoured closely to cradle our spines and alleviate pressure in our hips, lower back, and other areas affected by sciatica pain. The medium firm feel earned favorable ratings across the board, though the highest marks came from our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Lastly, we recommend the firm feel to side sleepers over 230 pounds, back sleepers of at least 130 pounds, and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. Our testers who fall into these groups received adequate support and light, even conforming from the firm design.

We were impressed by the Elite Hybrid’s cooling abilities during our temperature control tests. Our thermal sensors detected minimal heat buildup, and our testers felt comfortable lying on the mattress. We attributed this to the breathable cover and coils, which generate airflow throughout the interior and help the mattress sleep comfortably any time of year – even on hot and humid nights. The thick foam layers also allowed the Elite Hybrid to excel when we tested it for motion isolation, as our testers didn’t notice any movement on their side of the mattress. We also found the Elite Hybrid easy to move across and didn’t sink excessively along the edges.

Bear offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. You can receive two free pillows with your Elite Hybrid purchase or upgrade to a sleep accessories bundle that includes two pillows, a sheet set, and a mattress protector at a discounted price. The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and is further backed by a lifetime warranty if you decide to keep it.

The Birch Luxe builds on the latex hybrid design of Birch’s flagship mattress with a Euro-top surface, additional padding layers, and a zoned support system. The adaptive, medium firm (6) feel is particularly well suited to people with sciatica and other conditions that cause lower back or hip pain.

What It’s Made of

The Luxe features a Euro-top containing four individual batting layers. Rayon, organic wool, and organic cashmere create a cloud-like surface with deep cushioning for your body. These materials also excel at breathability and moisture control, allowing you to stay cool and dry while you sleep. A layer of proprietary Pulse latex, which feels both adaptive and gently responsive, rounds out the comfort system.

The Luxe’s support core contains pocketed coils over a wool and rayon batting base layer. Thicker coils rest beneath your lumbar region, ensuring extra reinforcement for the lower back and hips to target sciatica-related aches and pains. The perimeter is also reinforced, providing pushback when you lie near the edges or get in and out of bed. An organic cotton cover encases the mattress. The cotton, wool, and cashmere components have all earned certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, a leading authority for sustainably sourced materials.

How It Performed

Compared to other latex hybrids we’ve tested, the Birch Luxe feels remarkably plush — our testers attributed this quality to the deep batting layers cushioning the Euro-top. At the same time, we noticed extra support from the zoned coil system. Most of our testers experienced minimal sinkage around the lower back and hips. Testers weighing 130 to 230 pounds were particularly impressed with the Luxe, as side, back, and stomach sleepers in this weight range all awarded the mattress stellar ratings.

Temperature control was one of the Luxe’s major highlights during our hands-on tests. The batting layers wicked moisture away to keep us dry, the latex retained little heat, and the coils circulated air throughout the interior. As a result, our thermal sensors didn’t detect much heat build up. We also awarded high marks to the Luxe for edge support and ease of movement, common strengths of latex hybrid models.

The Luxe’s price-point is reasonable given the high-end design, and shipping is free to customers in all 50 states. You’ll also receive two complimentary pillows with your purchase. Each mattress order is backed by a 100-night trial and a 25-year warranty.