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Best Mattress for Scoliosis in 2026
Roughly 2% to 3% of the U.S. population has scoliosis, a condition characterized by an unnatural curvature of the spine. Scoliosis can cause pressure and sore spots in areas along the spine, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. While a mattress can’t cure scoliosis, some beds can provide the right amount of support to improve spinal alignment and alleviate pressure where it’s needed. This can ensure people with scoliosis get the high-quality sleep they need.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Mattress
:Luxury Firm WinkBed
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Best Value Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
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Most Comfortable Mattress
:Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
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Best Mattress for Back Pain
:Saatva Rx
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
:Helix Midnight Luxe
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Best Soft Mattress
:Ziwi ZiPP Contour
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Best Mattress for Hip Pain
:Bear Elite Hybrid
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Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
:Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
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Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
:Nolah Natural 11
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Best Firm Mattress
:Plank Firm Luxe
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Best Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $771 — Luxury Firm WinkBed
$1,799(List Price $2,570) - Save $150 — Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
$449(List Price $599) - Save $748 — Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
$1,719(List Price $2,467) - Save $300 — Saatva Rx
$3,099(List Price $3,399) - Save $652 — Helix Midnight Luxe
$1,847(List Price $2,499)
How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Scoliosis
Testing Criteria
Scoliosis can change how the body distributes weight while you sleep, making mattress performance especially important. For this category, we focused on beds that promote healthy spinal alignment, ease pressure points, and accommodate different types of spine curvature. The following criteria informed our evaluation of the best mattresses for scoliosis.
Spinal support and pressure relief: Maintaining neutral spinal alignment is essential for managing discomfort associated with scoliosis. We looked for mattresses that provide targeted support to the lumbar region while relieving pressure at the shoulders and hips. This combination can help reduce strain caused by uneven weight distribution, a common issue for those who have scoliosis.
Contouring comfort: A mattress for sleepers with scoliosis should adapt to the body’s natural curves while maintaining spinal alignment. We evaluated how well each mattress cradles pressure points with enough support to prevent excessive sinkage.
Edge support: Strong edge support contributes to overall stability and ease of movement, which can be especially important for sleepers who experience stiffness or discomfort when changing positions. It can also help sleepers who have mobility challenges, since a strong perimeter can make it easier to get in and out of bed. We narrowed the pool to mattresses with reinforced edges that maintain support across the full sleep surface.
How We Evaluated
To assess mattresses for scoliosis, we combined performance data from our mattress database with hands-on testing conducted in our Seattle Test Lab.
Our team analyzed sleeper ratings and test results across core performance categories, including:
- Spinal alignment and pressure relief
- Responsiveness and contouring
- Variety of mattress types
- Ease of movement
- Durability
Next, we identified mattresses that demonstrated reliable performance for spinal support while accommodating a range of sleep positions and body types. Each finalist underwent in-depth testing to evaluate firmness balance, adaptability, and overall stability.
Multiple testers assessed each mattress to understand how different builds and sleep styles interact with mattress design. We also compared results across mattress types to ensure a diverse selection of options.
Based on these findings, we selected the following mattresses for sleepers who have scoliosis.
Our Testing Team

Logan Foley
Editorial Director
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Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
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Jeremy Klein
Senior Product Testing Manager
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Brad Nehring
Senior Product Analyst
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Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
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Best Overall Mattress: Winkbed
Best Overall Mattress
9.4/10Test Lab Score
WinkBed
High end hybrid bed providing ample support, cushion, and cool sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Sleepers who use any position with persistent pain in their shoulders, back, or hips
- Feel: Available in adaptive medium soft (4), balanced medium firm (6), and supportive firm (7) designs. A fourth option, the WinkBed Plus (8), is intended for people over 230 pounds.
- What It’s Made Of: Standard Winkbed models contain adaptive polyfoam comfort layers and zoned coil support cores. The WinkBed Plus features latex instead of comfort foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Initial off-gassing can persist for several nights after uboxing.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance


The Luxury Firm WinkBed delivers targeted spinal support for people with scoliosis, using a combination of foam comfort layers and zoned pocketed coils. A breathable cover, gel-infused comfort layer, and a coil support core also allow for a healthy amount of airflow to keep the mattress cool.
How It Performs
Best Value Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Best Value Mattress
8.6/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Hugs and soothes pressure points for restful sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds, as well as couples and hot sleepers.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) foam mattress that feels fairly plush on the surface and contours to a noticeable extent. Offers pushback and has extra support for your midsection. Comfortable surface temperature, as well.
- What It’s Made Of: Adaptive polyfoam sewn to the bottom of the cover. Two memory foam layers and a zoned transitional foam layer with a support core of two high-density polyfoam layers. Cover is made of proprietary GlacioTex cooling fabric.
- What We Don’t Like: Some strong (but temporary) off-gassing odor after unboxing. Too soft for most stomach sleepers and not supportive enough for back sleepers over 230 pounds.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
A high-quality mattress that helps alleviate your scoliosis-related pain doesn’t need to break the bank. Case in point: the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam, a six-layer mattress with a plush, adaptive surface and a supportive base.
Zoned transitional foam delivers targeted pushback to your torso and hips, so these areas shouldn’t sink too much, while a copper fiber infusion reduces heat buildup to help you stay cool.
How It Performs
Most Comfortable Mattress: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Most Comfortable Mattress
9.0/10Test Lab Score
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
A foam hybrid that cushions your body without trapping heat.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers across most weight groups and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds.
- Feel: Sold in medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) designs.
- What It’s Made Of: A four-layer comfort system with gel-infused foam, memory foam, and adaptive polyfoam over zoned pocketed coils with perimeter reinforcement and high-density base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: The 14-inch profile requires a fitted sheet with deep pockets, and initial off-gassing odor can be overwhelming for the first few nights.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Comfort is subjective – a mattress that meets all of your needs might be inadequate for someone else – but some mattresses come closer to being universally comfortable than others. Take the Leesa Sapira Chill, a foam-over-coil hybrid available in medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) designs to accommodate a wide range of sleeper types. Thick comfort layers deliver plush cushioning, while the zoned support system helps ensure extra pushback for your torso and hips.
How It Performs
Best Mattress for Back Pain: Saatva Rx
Best Mattress for Back Pain
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Saatva Rx
The Saatva RX is a luxury model specifically designed for individuals with chronic pain conditions
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers.
- Feel: Medium soft (4) with a gentle cradling sensation that relieves pressure while supporting the spine. Surface stays a relatively neutral temperature.
- What It’s Made Of: A comfort system of polyfoam, memory foam, and microcoils. The support core has 8 inches of pocketed coils, topped with 2-inch polyfoam modules.
- What We Don’t Like: Above-average price tag.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Saatva Rx is a hybrid model with a unique coil-on-coil design specifically aimed at sleepers who experience chronic joint and back pain. Generous cushioning and responsive coils produce a balanced mattress that relieves pressure buildup without sacrificing too much support.
How It Performs
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
9.7/10Test Lab Score
Helix Midnight Luxe
A premium quality, hybrid mattress created with side sleepers in mind.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers, particularly those between 130 and 230 pounds, and back sleepers.
- Feel: Balanced: relieves pressure by adapting to the body’s shape and enough pushback to maintain an even sleep surface without major sinkage.
- What It’s Made Of: Three layers in the comfort system, two made from memory foam and one from polyfoam. The pocketed coil support core has several different support zones, as well as a reinforced perimeter. High-density polyfoam forms the base.
- What We Don’t Like: Not quite right for stomach sleepers under 130 pounds and over 230 pounds.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance



The Midnight Luxe from Helix is a hybrid mattress that successfully balances pressure relief and spinal alignment, a combination that’s sought after by many people with back pain.
As a medium firm (6) on the firmness scale, this mattress is best suited to side and back sleepers, particularly those who weigh up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers and people who weigh above 230 pounds may find a firmer mattress more comfortable.
How It Performs
Best Soft Mattress: Ziwi ZiPP Contour
Best Soft Mattress
8.1/10Test Lab Score
Ziwi ZiPP Contour
A plush foam mattress with a patented interlocking pillar support system.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds, co-sleepers, and people with frequent or chronic back pain.
- Feel: Plush and adaptive with a comfort layer that contours closely and supportive pillars that deliver gentle pushback from head to toe.
- What It’s Made Of: The two-layer design consists of a memory foam comfort layer over the ZiPP Support Core, a proprietary system of interlocking soft and firm foam pillars intended to distribute your weight evenly across the mattress.
- What We Don’t Like: Off-gassing odors are strong for the first few nights, and most stomach sleepers will find the design too soft.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
If you’re looking for a softer mattress that conforms closely to your body but won’t hug too closely, then you’re a solid candidate for the Ziwi ZiPP Contour. This new all-foam mattress feels quite plush on the surface, but its patented interlocking pillar support system delivers extra pushback to keep your body on an even plane. This ensures you get all the benefits of a soft mattress without the uncomfortable sinkage.
How It Performs
Best Mattress for Hip Pain: Bear Elite Hybrid
Best Mattress for Hip Pain
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Bear Elite Hybrid
A close-conforming memory foam hybrid offering great pressure relief.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Back and side sleepers, depending on firmness level.
- Feel: Cushiony yet evenly supported, particularly beneath the hips. No excess sinking and feels quite cool.
- What It’s Made Of: Depends slightly on firmness levels, but there’s a comfort system with copper-infused memory foam and zoned polyfoam. The pocketed coil support core rests on top of a high-density polyfoam base. Cover is made of proprietary, quilted, cooling fabric.
- What We Don’t Like: May be tough for stomach sleepers, especially those over 230 pounds.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance




If you wake up with sore muscles, stiff joints, and pressure buildup along the spine, we recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid. It features a deep comfort system with foam layers that contour closely to the body, resulting in even weight distribution and extra cushioning for your shoulders, lower back, and hips.
Another key component is the cover woven with phase change material (PCM) and Celliant, a material engineered to convert your body heat into infrared energy. This restorative process is intended to help you feel more refreshed in the morning.
How It Performs
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
A high-quality, affordable hybrid with multiple firmness options.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Those who want both pressure relief and support.
- Feel: Balanced: foam adapts to sleepers’ bodies but prevents excess sinking.
- What It’s Made Of: Topped by a gel-infused polyfoam layer made from proprietary foam, a transitional layer of polyfoam, pocketed coil support core, and a thick high-density polyfoam base.
- What We Don’t Like: Not great for stomach sleepers.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid offers exceptional quality at an approachable price. Adaptive foam layers cushion and contour to your body without the deep hug of memory foam, while sturdy pocketed coils keep you on a flat, even plane. For added comfort, you can choose from medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8) designs based on your needs and preferences.
How It Performs
Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment: Nolah Natural 11
Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
8.9/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Natural 11
A durable latex hybrid that offers strong support and great temperature control.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers, as stomach sleepers between 130 pounds and 230 pounds. Couples and hot sleepers, too.
- Feel: Medium firm (6). Feels quite buoyant and responsive. Sleep surface is even and doesn’t compress too deeply or sag at the edges.
- What It’s Made Of: A breathable organic cotton and wool cover atop two layers of Talalay latex that measure 3 inches in total. The pocketed coil support core is 8 inches thick and has three separate zones.
- What We Don’t Like: Responsive surface allows motion to transfer from one side to the other.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Nolah Natural 11 is a hybrid model with latex layers that gently conform to your body without sinking excessively beneath your weight. The light cushioning paired with a sturdy coil support core offers optimal spinal alignment, which is crucial for anyone with scoliosis.
How It Performs
Best Firm Mattress: Plank Firm Luxe
Best Firm Mattress
8.2/10Test Lab Score
Plank Firm Luxe
High-end flippable bed that’s firm on one side, and even firmer on the other.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Those who like a firm or extra-firm bed. Sleepers over 130 pounds, especially those over 230 pounds.
- Feel: Even surface with subtle cushioning that can help prevent pressure points (firm side). The extra-firm side feels sturdy and responsive.
- What It’s Made Of: Firm side has a foam comfort system separated into two distinct layers, while the extra firm side has just one. The two surfaces share a 6-inch pocketed coil support core.
- What We Don’t Like: Very little pressure relief and doesn’t isolate motion very well.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance





Sleepers who want a mattress with uncompromising support should consider the Plank Luxe Hybrid. Much like the all-foam version of the Plank, this model is flippable with dual firmness levels of firm (7) and extra firm (9).
However, this mattress has a pocketed coil support core rather than foam, giving it enhanced responsiveness and temperature control. The Plank Luxe Hybrid also has an affordable price-point when compared to other premium hybrid mattresses.
How It Performs
Watch Video: We Tested the Best Mattresses for Scoliosis – Here Are Our Favorites
Watch the video below to learn more about our lab’s top mattress picks for people with scoliosis.
What Is Scoliosis and How Does It Affect Sleep?
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, sometimes forming a visible “S” or “C” shape when viewed from the back. “It usually develops in childhood or adolescence, though adult-onset scoliosis is also possible,” says Dr. Audrey Wells, MD. “The exact cause is often unknown, but it can be related to genetic factors, birth defects, or other conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.”
According to Dr. Wells, symptoms of scoliosis vary depending on the severity of the curve. Common signs include uneven shoulders, one hip appearing higher than the other, or intermittent pain related to muscular compensation for altered posture against gravity. As the condition progresses, it can lead to chronic pain, muscle fatigue, and in more severe cases, breathing difficulties.
“The discomfort associated with scoliosis can interfere with sleep,” notes Dr. Wells, “as individuals may struggle to find a comfortable position. For some, lying flat on their back or side may exacerbate pain, while others might experience muscle stiffness or spasms during the night. Proper sleep posture, the use of supportive mattresses, and sometimes medical interventions are key in managing the impact of scoliosis on sleep quality.”
What Is the Best Sleeping Position for Scoliosis?
Back sleeping is typically considered the best sleeping position for scoliosis, as it keeps the spine in the most neutral position. You’ll probably also find back sleeping more practical if you wear a brace.
Stomach sleeping twists the head to one side, which may exacerbate back and neck pain. Similarly, side sleeping can put sideways pressure on the spine, and it may lead to breathing trouble for people with certain types of scoliosis. However, the best sleeping position can vary from person to person depending on their unique body and situation.
What Is the Best Mattress Type for Scoliosis?
The best mattress type for scoliosis depends on several factors, including your body type, sleeping style, individual symptoms, and whether or not you sleep with a brace. Among the broad mattress categories, each type offers distinct benefits and drawbacks.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses include a coil support core beneath significant comfort layers, which are often made of memory foam, latex, or similarly pressure-reducing materials. Innerspring mattresses are similar and also contain a coil support core but have little to no comfort layers.
Most hybrids are made with pocketed coils, which move independently of one another to evenly distribute body weight. As a result, hybrids typically offer above-average spinal support. Also, contouring materials in the comfort layers can help reduce pressure points, making hybrids ideal for many people with scoliosis.
Foam
Foam mattresses contain a high-density polyfoam support core beneath comfort layers that are most often made of polyfoam or memory foam.
The primary advantage of foam mattresses is their above-average pressure relief. Memory foam, in particular, molds to the shape of your body to prevent pressure buildup. While the polyfoam support core isn’t quite as supportive as innerspring coils, foam mattresses can still be a solid option for people with scoliosis who weigh less than 230 pounds.
Latex
Latex is a good option for people who want pressure relief, without feeling like they are being “hugged” by the bed. Synthetic latex offers similar properties but may not perform on par with natural latex. It’s a durable, responsive material, so it offers great support and is easy to move around on if you need to switch positions.
Airbed
The support core of an airbed mattress is formed by an air chamber that can be inflated for a firmer feel and more support, or deflated for a softer feel. Most airbeds also include several inches of comfort layers for additional pressure relief.
What Should Someone With Scoliosis Look for in a Mattress?
Certain factors are particularly important in a mattress if you have scoliosis. These mostly center on the mattress’ ability to provide pressure relief and spinal support.
Sleeping Position and Firmness
The right mattress firmness level for each sleeper largely depends on your body weight and usual sleeping position. Side sleepers and those under 130 pounds typically prefer softer mattresses to relieve pressure points. Stomach sleepers and people over 230 pounds tend toward firmer mattresses, which prevent them from sinking too far into the bed.
The right firmness for someone with scoliosis can vary depending on their individual profile. Many experts agree that medium firm is a good starting point, as this firmness provides sufficient support and decent pressure relief for most sleepers.
A mattress that’s too soft may fail to support the spine, which is an important consideration for someone with scoliosis. However, a mattress that’s too firm may put pressure on already-painful areas like the hips or shoulders.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is one of the most important attributes in a mattress if you have scoliosis, because scoliosis can cause pain points that may be exacerbated where your body puts weight on the mattress. Softer mattresses tend to offer better pressure relief than firmer mattresses.
“A mattress with a thick comfort layer can make a significant difference by cushioning pressure points,” says Dr. Wells. “Balanced with internal support features, the combination helps alleviate discomfort and pain in sensitive areas.”
Contouring
Materials like memory foam excel at contouring, or shaping themselves to fit the curves of your body. Contouring is closely related to pressure relief, as the more a material contours, the less chance there is of pressure forming where it contacts your body or brace. That said, some people may find it restrictive when a mattress contours too closely.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness is a material’s ability to quickly regain its original shape. The more responsive a mattress, the easier it is to change sleeping positions. If scoliosis limits your movement, you may value a more responsive mattress.
Edge Support
A mattress with strong edge support holds up well when weight is placed along the perimeter, preventing feelings of roll-off when you sleep near the edge of the bed. Strong edge support also provides a sturdy place to sit or lean on when getting in and out of bed.
Durability
All mattresses break down over time, eventually sagging and developing permanent body indentations. Once a mattress is no longer able to contour properly or support the spine on an even plane, it may start to aggravate back pain or other scoliosis-related symptoms. Choosing a mattress made with durable materials can help you get a longer lifespan out of your mattress.
Delivery and Setup
Mattresses sold online are usually compressed, rolled up, and placed in a box for shipping. To set up the mattress when it arrives at your house, you need to open the box, remove the plastic, lay the compressed mattress out on the bed frame, and let it expand.
Mattresses can be heavy and difficult to maneuver, especially for someone with back pain. If you anticipate trouble setting up the mattress, look for a company that offers White Glove delivery. With this option, often charged at a nominal fee, the delivery people set up the mattress for you and remove the packing materials.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
A sleep trial is a period during which a mattress company allows buyers to sleep on the mattress in their own home and return the mattress for a refund if they aren’t satisfied. Sleep trials typically last between 30 and 365 nights.
Because many mattresses soften over time, a sleep trial gives a more accurate impression of a mattress as opposed to simply lying on it in a store. If you have scoliosis, the trial allows you to better test the mattress’ pressure relief and spinal support.
Mattresses also typically come with a warranty of at least several years. During the warranty period, if the mattress displays any manufacturing flaws, you can request that the company replace or repair the mattress per the warranty conditions.
Tips for Sleeping More Comfortably With Scoliosis
While scoliosis has an undeniable effect on sleep quality for many people, there are steps you can take to sleep more comfortably if you have the condition.
Talk to Your Doctor
Because scoliosis varies from person to person, your doctor is the best person to recommend a mattress and sleeping position for your symptoms.
It’s important to seek help from a medical professional if you have symptoms of scoliosis. When symptoms are present, Dr. Wells notes that determining the presence and the severity of scoliosis begins with x-rays of the spine. If left untreated, some people with scoliosis progress to having more serious long-term health complications, including chronic pain, reduced mobility, and in severe cases, respiratory or cardiovascular issues.
Use Pillows Strategically
You can use pillows to support different body parts, depending on your sleeping position and the type of scoliosis you have. Examples of supportive pillow placement for scoliosis include:
- Under the knees: Back sleepers may experience pressure buildup in the lumbar area. Placing a thin pillow beneath the knees can take strain off the lower back.
- Between the knees: When sleeping on your side, placing a thin pillow between the knees helps keep the legs aligned and reduces pressure on the spine.
- Under the hips: While stomach sleeping is not usually recommended if you have scoliosis, placing a flat pillow under your hips can help keep them in line with the rest of the body.
- Under the spinal curvature: If you have a pronounced curve in part of your spine, you may find it helpful to support this area with a pillow.
- Body pillow: A body pillow is a long pillow that helps support multiple parts of your body while sleeping.
Sleep on a Mattress Topper
If your current mattress provides good support for your spine but causes pressure points, then a mattress topper might be a good solution. Typically measuring two to three inches thick, toppers made of contouring materials such as memory foam are an easy and cost-effective way to improve pressure relief. However, they can’t revive a sagging mattress.
How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science
Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.
In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.
Construction analysis:We begin testing each mattress by analyzing its design and making note firmness, height, individual layer composition, and sticker price. This allows us to evaluate qualities like support, durability, and value.
Product testing:Firsthand testing is crucial to our evaluation and ratings system. We use a wide range of tools and technology to test mattresses in six performance categories: motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and odor potential.
Field testing: In addition to lab-based tests, we base our ratings on feedback from field testers who use the mattresses in their own homes. They spend several weeks collecting data — this gives us insights into how the mattress performs night after night for an extended period.
User testing:We curate feedback verified owners have provided in surveys, sleep stories, and product reviews. This helps us evaluate our initial findings and, if needed, tweak our ratings to reflect real-world experiences.
How We Determine Our Overall Scores

To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily.
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This criteria alludes to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate motion isolation, who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.
Temperature Control
To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.
Pressure Relief
A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.
Ease of Movement
This criteria reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.
Edge Support
We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.
Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Purpose
If you’re still having trouble deciding which mattress is right for you, check out our shopping recommendations categorized by mattresses for your particular requirements.
Best Mattress for Specific Purpose
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