These mattresses offer the right amount of support and comfort you need for a sound sleep. Our testers tried 5 of our top picks and share details here.
Your scoliosis, that nagging curvature of the spine, might be anywhere within the progressive range of the condition, from mild to very severe. The pain or achiness that makes it hard to sleep, not to mention the pain and stiffness upon waking, can be exacerbated if you sleep on a nonsupportive mattress.
A mattress won’t cure scoliosis, but the right blend of support and comfort may offer relief for pressure points along the spine, shoulders, and hips. Additionally, a sound mattress can help reduce motion and heat among other factors that affect sleep.
We kept all of these attributes, as well as budget, in mind while searching for the best mattress for scoliosis. Here are our top choices.
- Pain relief: The mattresses on this list were chosen specifically for their ability to reduce or alleviate back pain and stiffness upon waking. We looked for mattresses made from materials that provide pressure point relief and enhance spinal alignment.
- Transparent manufacturing: Each mattress comes from a manufacturer that provides information about material sourcing and doesn’t make unsubstantiated claims about disease prevention or cures.
- Consumer protection policy: Every mattress comes with a warranty and has a risk-free sleep trial period of at least 90 nights. Many offer free returns.
- Materials used: These mattresses are made from materials that are not flammable nor have they been treated for flammability. Some materials used have received awards or certifications that ensure consumers of their quality, such as CertiPUR-US certified foam.
- Reviews: Content integrity is important to us. We use our own testers’ feedback, and read dozens of user reviews and when appropriate, medical recommendations, to make our recommendations.
- Cost: We kept a wide range of budgets in mind.
Learn more about how we rate mattresses.
Mattress matters
The following mattress types and features offer key support for scoliosis.
- Memory foam: conforms to your body to provide maximum “hug”
- Innerspring: provides bounce as well as support
- Hybrid: combines the benefits of foam and innerspring mattresses
You might also consider mattresses that are constructed for pressure point relief. This refers to the mattresses’ ability to provide support for different “zones,” or areas, of the body including the neck, shoulders, hips, and buttocks.
In addition to zonal support, your mattress should not sag in any part, in order to keep your spine in proper alignment.
You might consider mattress firmness of medium or medium-firm. Several
Mattress shopping today is mostly done online. However, trying a mattress out in person may be the best way to find the most comfortable and supportive one for you.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy a mattress from a website; most online retailers offer an at-home trial period for just this reason.
But shopping in person has its advantages: Floor model mattresses have been “broken in” by repeated testing from customers, and they reflect the comfort level a mattress can achieve after some use. Also, most retailers have knowledgeable staff to help people try out mattresses. Whichever shopping method you choose, consider the following tips:
Lay on it
Whether you try out your mattress in a store or at home, make sure to check it out in a laying down and sitting position. Take note of the edge support, and the bounciness it provides. If you’re a couple, doing this together can be beneficial.
Try it at home
Make sure your mattress comes with a full money-back guarantee and a risk-free trial period, so you give yourself time to get used to the new feel of your mattress.
Know the policy
Your mattress’s warranty, sleep trial, and return policy may be determined by the seller, not the manufacturer. Make sure you know your options for return and refund, before you buy. Find out how they want their mattresses returned, and what your responsibility is for transport. Remember, mattresses are heavy, and can be expensive to ship.
Look for mattress sales and discounts
Mattresses often go on sale throughout the year. If you have your heart set on a very expensive type, it may make sense to wait a few months. Mattresses often go on sale during holidays, such as Memorial Day, Presidents’ Day, and Independence Day.
Some manufacturers and stores offer payment plans or financing that can help you spread out payments over the course of many months.
Some brands, such as Tempur-Pedic, may only offer discounts and sales directly, through their own shopping sites.
Still not sure where to start?
Here are some articles to help guide your search for a new mattress.
In general, healthcare professionals and sleep experts recommend medium-firm mattresses to their patients with scoliosis. However your weight, favorite sleep position, and personal preferences will all play a role in this decision.
Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are both solid choices, provided they offer enough support and cushioning to maintain pressure point relief.
Medium firm is better than either too soft or too firm. Look for a mattress that cushions your body without letting it sag.
Some are. Tempur-Pedic is a trusted brand name, and all of its mattresses are designed to support spinal alignment and back pain relief.
We’ve selected the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud as our top choice in a mattress for scoliosis that also limits movement.
Some Tempur-Pedic mattresses are also geared for cool sleeping.
Sleeping on your back is considered to be the best position for maintaining neutral alignment. Back sleeping keeps your spine elongated, reduces nerve compression, and in some instances, alleviates pain.
How long should you keep your current mattress?
Keep in mind that if you’re having pain with your current mattress, its age could be a factor. Over time, older mattresses of all kinds may start to sag and lose their ability to fully support the spine. This can cause back, hip, and shoulder pain.
Mattresses can be a significant expense but should last for 10 to 15 years.
Mattress preferences are highly personal. Typically, medium-firm mattresses will be best for people with scoliosis. Medium-firm mattresses are also helpful for alleviating back pain that’s not associated with scoliosis.
Foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses may provide the most cushioning, pressure point relief, and support.