6 Best Mattresses for Herniated Disc: Relieve Your Pain at Night

In this article we have reviewed the best mattresses for herniated disc and ranked them according to their features, pros, cons, and price.
By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Medical Advisory Team
Medical Advisory Team
Includes well-known professionals, who together provide decades of sleep medicine experience that enables Talk About Sleep to fulfill its mission of creating access to high- read more
Last updated: August 14, 2023
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Living with a herniated disk is hard enough. Living with one and not being able to get a good night’s sleep is even worse. We reviewed the best mattresses for herniated discs, selected the top five, and ranked them by price and comfort.

According to the Mayo Clinic Trusted Source Herniated disk - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Many people have no symptoms from a herniated disk. Surgery is usually not necessary to relieve the problem. www.mayoclinic.org , herniated discs frequently occur in the lower back but can also occur in the neck. People with herniated discs often feel arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Due to the additional pain individuals feel with herniated discs, it makes sleeping difficult and painful. This is why it is essential to find a mattress best suited for your individual needs.

If you have an old mattress or one that isn’t supportive enough to keep your body in natural alignment, it may be causing more pain. You need to look for a bed that allows your body to curve naturally. If your bed is starting to sag, know that it will only worsen in time, so it’s good to get a new mattress now before it gets worse.

Quick Summary

  • Editors Choice: Amerisleep AS2
    "Cooling comfort plus the support your body all you need for a restful night’s sleep."
  • Best Hybrid Model: Avenco Dream Hybrid Mattress
    "This model features CertiPUR-US certification, breathable design, double adaptive foams, supportive coils, and motion isolation technology for maximum comfort."
  • Premium Pick:
    "It offers total pressure relief, and it supports all sleeper types."
  • Best for Pressure Relief: Nolah Signature 12”
    "This mattress offers firm pressure-relieving AirFoam with a reinforced high-density core foundation."
  • Best Medium-Firm Range: Awara Organix Luxury Hybrid
    "No matter how restless your partner is, you’ll still get a peaceful night’s sleep. You can also select which firmness level works best for you."
  • "This provides you with cool, breathable comfort with minimal motion transfer, plus supports your body just right to relieve pressure."

Top 5 Mattresses for Herniated Disc Reviewed in 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3047 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.8
1
Editors Choice

Amerisleep AS2

Features
  • Comfort Layer Material: memory foam
  • Firmness level: medium
  • Size: twin/queen/king
  • Warranty: 20-year

Other Features: 100-night free trial, free pillows, sheets, and comforter, eco-friendly, sleep cooler, alleviates pressure points.

This mattress uses Bio-Pur to help keep the bed cool while you are sleeping. This mattress has four layers that keep you from overheating; the second contours to your body while the following layer targets pressure areas, and the last layer is what gives the bed the support it needs for long-lasting comfort. It helps to relieve pain, prevents heat buildup, and reduces painful pressure points. It’s compatible with platform beds and beds with adjustable frames.

We chose this model over previous models because it has better airflow, and you can choose between different levels of firmness instead of just the one level of firmness the AS1 comes in. AS2 comes with the extra layer for pain relief, making it ideal for herniated disc pain relief. This is the best bed we reviewed that was the best mattress for a herniated disc in the back.

    What stands out?
  • We liked the responsive materials, and the plant-based open cell structure keeps you from overheating during the night. Because other mattresses are so supportive, it makes sure you don’t sink in throughout the night. This mattress is made of eco-friendly materials that minimize the use of non-renewable resources, prevent heat buildup plus, this company is building products that help support our planet. It’s all-around a healthier mattress. It’s CertiPUR-us certified and low in VOC’s, and it’s resistant to dust mites, mold, mildew, and harsh chemicals.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • What could use improvement: If you’re on a budget, this may not be the best choice for you because it is pricy. If you sleep near the edge of the bed, you may find yourself sinking and not having as much support as you’d like. This is not a soft mattress, so if that’s the kind you want, this is not the bed for you. When you take it out of the box, it gives off a slight gassy smell. This is normal for foam mattresses and will go away after it airs out.
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6608 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
2
Best Hybrid Model

Avenco Dream Hybrid Mattress

Features
  • Comfort layer material: double adaptive foam
  • Firmness level: plush
  • Size: twin/full/queen/king
  • Warranty: 10-year limited; 100-night sleep trial

Other features: comes in a box; multi-layer design; removable and washable cover

This hybrid model provides a cool comfortable surface to relieve your entire body and mind. With its motion isolation technology, its certipur-us foam, multiple layer design, variety of firmness and easy to clean cover, it’s an ideal hybrid mattress. With the added features that limit allergies, fire risks, and a 10-year guarantee, this is a mattress that ensures your safety and your comfort.

For the hybrid models, this Avenco mattress promises a peaceful night and an energetic morning. As our favorite hybrid model, this is a perfect middle ground mattress. Not too hard and not too soft, this mattress is perfect for a range of sleepers. Regardless of how you sleep, this mattress is ideal for all sleeping positions. Whether you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper, and stomach sleeper, it provides amazing support.

    Why did it make our list?
  • This model guarantees a quality night sleep and they’re willing to bet on it. This mattress in a box is not only affordable but comes with a 10-year limited warranty and free fast shipping. Your new mattress arrives within 4 to 7 business days. That returns are carefree. Buy with confidence knowing that you have a 100-night free sleep trial to test the mattress. If it’s not up to your standards, simply return it.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • When purchasing a mattress in a box, it arrives tightly rolled and compacted for optimum delivery. Ideally, it expands once it’s opened. Spreading it out on the bed and allowing for up to three days of expansion should work. However sometimes that’s not the case for those that are further away and have longer delivery time, or even transportation mistakes. Some reviewers have complained about finding this mattress a bit uncomfortable because it doesn’t unroll properly.

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8228 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
3
Premium Pick

Puffy Lux

Features
  • Comfort Layer Material: hybrid memory foam
  • Firmness level: medium
  • Size: twin/queen/king
  • Warranty: lifetime

Other Features: 101-night sleep trial, hypoallergenic cover, 6-layer sleep system, breathable and cooling, contour-adapt coil technology, contouring dual cloud foam, total pain pressure relief, stain-resistant cloud cover.

Founded in 2015, Puffy currently offers three different types of mattresses. This impressive company is ranked the number one mattress of 2021 for herniated disc and sciatica. It combines luxurious features at an affordable price.

We picked this model over the previous model because the original Puffy mattress was an all-foam mattress, while this one has coil-based support systems. This mattress is plusher than the previous model.  If you’re looking for a bed that gives excellent support for low back pain due to a herniated disc, this is the best mattress.

    Why is it special?
  • it focuses on people seeking relief on pressure points, plus those who don’t want to feel their partner tossing and turning. Plus, it supports both side and black sleepers up to 130 pounds. It’s nice and thinks provident a good amount of support. It consists of three layers of gel-infused cooling. The second layer is made of dual cloud foam which offers more support. The final layer is the comfort system is a climate comfort polyfoam. Another thing we love about this model is that the top layer can be removed and is machine washable.
    What are the flaws?
  • If you are a hot sleeper, it may be too warm for you. This is not ideal for anyone who is over 230 pounds. The mattress doesn’t transfer a lot of motion, but it doesn’t work well for sensitive sleepers. It doesn’t go back to its original form well and may start sagging on the edges. The cover feels loose against the mattress. If you like a tight feeling surface, you may not like this. Like most memory foam mattresses, it can smell a bit gassy when you take it out of the box, which will disappear once it airs out. Another thing to know is that it’s a bit awkward getting it into the house.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4815 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.5
4
Best for Pressure Relief

Nolah Signature 12”

Features
  • Comfort Layer material: air foam
  • Firmness Level: soft/medium
  • Size: twin/queen/king
  • Warranty: lifetime

Other Features: free 120-night trial, cooling luxury organic cotton cover, deep and supportive high-resilience foam, firm pressure-relieving, reinforced high-density core foundation, extra thick

Nolah is a premium AirFoam mattress that provides fantastic pressure relief with 75% more cooling foam than the previous model. This model of mattress is designed to last you a lifetime. You’ll find this bed more durable than any other mattress available on the market.

We chose this mattress over the earlier model, the Nolah 10, because this model contains six layers of comfort foam, while the Nolah 10 has only four layers. Nolah 12 also adds 2” to its previous version, so the mattress is higher, making getting up in the mornings easier. This mattress is easily the best bed for low back pain due to herniated disc.

    What are our favorite features?
  • We like the elevated foam layer to allow for airflow, so the mattress stays cooler. Another great feature of this bed is the pressure relief it provides. Waking up with less pain is a great feeling, and with this bed, you actually will. The bed is highly durable and has a lifetime warranty, plus it’s made in the United States. The mattress itself will work on various bed frames such as the platform, slatted, boxspring, or adjustable beds.
    What could be better?
  • It does not bounce back to its original shape as quickly as expected. If you sleep close to the edge or sit on the edge, you’ll soon notice that you don’t have as much support as you used to. Nolah did great in pressure relief tests. It didn’t show as many benefits in the spinal alignment test. Like other foam mattresses, when it first comes out of the box, you’ll notice a slight gassy odor that goes away once it’s aired out.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9232 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.4
5
Best Medium-Firm Range

Awara Organix Luxury Hybrid

Features
  • Comfort Layer Material: latex
  • Firmness Level: medium/firm
  • Size: twin/queen/king
  • Warranty: lifetime

Other features: plush euro top with New Zeland wool, breathable natural Dunlop latex, premium coil support core, easy-move base with four reinforced handles

This natural hybrid mattress is made with all-natural latex and organic New Zealand wool and cotton. This bed has 2” of Rainforest Alliance certified natural Dunlop latex. The premium coil supports are all individually wrapped, and it’s economically priced.

We chose Awara over the premier option because this one has very similar features, and the only basic difference is the other one has a bit more of a topper. Like the other mattresses on this list, sleep climate control enables individuals to sleep comfortably even if their partner is restless. The Awara Organix is the best mattress for individuals with a herniated disc in the neck.

    What are our favorite features?
  • We like the cooling properties, which are great for hot sleepers, and the all-natural materials it’s made of. It’s great for both back and stomach sleepers. It provides excellent sine alignment and keeps you from sinking throughout the night. Awara helps support social, economic, and environmental awareness by using all-natural fibers in their beds. It’s competitively priced with other mattresses made similarly. There is very little give in the mattress, which keeps your arms, elbows, and other pressure points from becoming painful throughout the night.
    What could be better?
  • It can create more motion transfer for restless people. There is only one firmness option. It is also a bit heavier than other options. Although it comes with a 365-night, risk-free trial and lifetime guarantee, many customers have reported challenging and getting frustrated when attempting to return their beds. The bed can be bulky and heavy to move even though it has been handled. A few reviews mentioned that they didn’t think there would be as much motion transfer.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9466 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.3
Features
  • Comfort Layer Material: gel memory foam
  • Firmness Level: medium
  • Size: twin/queen/king
  • Warranty: lifetime

Other features: cool quilted cover, dynamic support layer, stay-stable base layer, shift-resistant lower cover, free 365-night home trial.

This is a premium memory foam mattress that hugs your body and keeps you cool. There’s little question that nectar has changed the way the world looks at foam mattresses. Years ago, foam mattresses were considered to be mattress toppers now. They are one of the most popular beds to buy when you’re suffering from sciatica or herniated disc pain.

Nectar offers three different models to choose from, but we chose this one because it provides many features for a comfortable price. All three options offer five levels of comfort layers, with the two other models offering a bit more padding. They all have a minimal transfer of motion with a  cool, breathable night’s sleep. So the most significant difference between these three-bed types is the price if it offers plenty of support which helps lower pain associated with herniated discs in the back or neck.

    What are its best features?
  • 365 -night home trial is an excellent incentive to purchase the mattress, knowing that if you don’t like it, you can return it. It’s made from a high-quality material like cooling gel memory foam and CertiPUR-US certified foam. It’s hard to find a mattress that is good for both back and stomach sleepers, and this is one of the few that says it does offer support for these types of sleepers. It gives great relief to pressure point areas.
    What could be improved?
  • People 130 pounds or lighter may not be as comfortable on this mattress as others because it may be too firm. If you prefer not to sink into a bed at all, this is not the mattress for you. This body supports your body by allowing you to sink a bit, so the mattress hugs you. When it’s first taken out of the bed, you’ll notice an odor that lasts a bit longer than other foam mattresses do. It typically takes a few days to go away entirely. If you sit or sleep too close to the edge, you will notice that the mattress will become less supportive.
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

More than 80% of Americans suffer from back pain, mainly because the spine becomes less flexible and more prone to muscle strains, tears, and fractures. Another reason individuals may suffer back pain is those who suffered various accidents and didn’t heal properly. While some issues can recover over time, most of them will worsen significantly if you are not sleeping in a comfortable bed that supports your body correctly.

What is a herniated disc?

6 Best Mattresses for Herniated Disc: Relieve Your Pain at Night
A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks) that sit between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack to make your spine.

Discs have inner gel-like cushions between our vertebra that help us to move correctly. When there is a tear or bulge in the disc, it causes a rupture that will bulge out through the tear. It can also happen through degenerative disc disease. This occurs mainly in the lower back but can also occur in the neck area.

Sciatica

The Mayo Clinic Trusted Source Sciatica - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. www.mayoclinic.org describes sciatica as a type of pain that radiates from your lower back throughout your hip and down your leg. The most common sign you’re having sciatica issues is pain that starts at your lower back, travels down one side of your buttocks down your thigh and calf. This typically happens when a herniated disc is compressing against the spinal nerves. Most of the time, sciatica pain can be treated non surgically with physical therapy.

Spinal stenosis

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine Trusted Source Lumbar Spinal Stenosis | Johns Hopkins Medicine Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back that may cause pain or numbness in your legs. www.hopkinsmedicine.org , spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces in your spine start narrowing. The most common causes of spinal stenosis are spinal osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and ligament thickening or buckling. Some symptoms people may experience are pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. People who have this type of pain will feel it in their neck or back and frequently will not have any symptoms.

Scoliosis

The Mayo Clinic describes scoliosis as a sideways curvature of the spine most often diagnosed during adolescence. Common signs and symptoms of this are a visible curve in your back, one hip can be higher than the other, a shoulder blade may look larger, or ribs that stick out farther on one side of your body. Some physical symptoms of scoliosis are low back pain, stiffness, pain or numbness in your legs, and fatigue due to muscle strain.

How does a mattress affect a herniated disc?

If you sleep on a low-quality mattress with poor support or one that is either too soft or too firm, it’s going to throw your body out of its natural alignment. One of good quality will offer strong support to help keep your body in natural alignment and bring a natural relief to pressure points. In order to feel pressure point relief, there has to be a bit of softness along with the firmness that you need in order to support your body’s natural alignment.

Features to consider

Finding the right mattress can be difficult enough when trying to find a new bed, much less if you’re suffering from a herniated disc, and finding one with just the right features to ensure you have a good night’s rest. If you don’t choose the right type, you may find yourself waking up frequently during the night trying to find a way to get comfortable.  Below you’ll find a few different features you should look for when finding the best bed to fit your needs.

Material

The three types of mattresses listed below are excellent for those who suffer from herniated discs.

  1. Hybrid – these beds combine both an innerspring or coil base with memory or latex form the top layer. These tend to provide a good blend of pressure and support; however, they can be more expensive than other types.
  2. Memory foam – NASA scientists in the 1960s developed this type of mattress. In the last few years, the popularity of these mattresses has exploded. Not only does it conform to your body, but it also offers natural body alignment. This can be a good choice for those who have herniated discs only if it comes from a company with a good reputation.
  3. Latex – these beds are similar to memory foam other than it uses latex that is made from synthetic latex. These are excellent beds for people who have herniated discs on their lower back.

Firmness level

This depends on what your body needs. Many people think that if they have back pain, they need to sleep on very firm beds, and sometimes they’ll even insert a board between their mattress and base. When you have a herniated disc, you’ll need to find the level of firmness that best supports your body while allowing you to keep your natural alignment to relieve pressure points.

Size

This depends on your preference. You’ll want one to give you enough space to sleep comfortably whether you’re sleeping alone, with your partner, or if you have a dog or kid climbing in the bed with you.

Warranty

You only want to purchase a mattress that has a warranty. Most reliable mattress companies will offer some type of warranty, and many provide lifetime warranties.

Price

What you’re able to pay for a mattress depends on your budget. The cost of a bed can start at $200 and go well beyond $2,000. We recommend that you look at the manufacturer’s reputation and the quality of the bed and decide if it’s the right bed for you. You’re going to want to keep in mind that your mattress will significantly affect how you feel when you wake up.

Other features

Look for mattress companies that will allow you to have at least a 100-night free trial. Another feature you need is beds with natural cooling features, especially if you tend to be a hot sleeper. Most often, mattresses made up of multiple layers will have a breathable layer that helps keep the bed cooler.

Included components

Most beds are made up of at least four layers of different types of materials. When choosing the best mattresses, you want to look at the components that make them up. You may find something that makes up the bed that may not work for you. Some materials are better for lighter people, and other types are too firm for specific individuals.

What position to sleep with a herniated disc?

6 Best Mattresses for Herniated Disc: Relieve Your Pain at Night
Herniated discs are most commonly located in the lower back. The best herniated disc sleeping position is usually sleeping on your back.

Each of us has our preferred way of sleeping. You may be a back sleeper or a side sleeper, but what way is the best if you have a herniated disc?

Side

Side sleeping is a good sleep position for those with back issues. It helps to ease tension because the back isn’t resting right on the bed.

If you’re a side sleeper, you want a bed that has a medium firmness level like Nolah Signature 12.

Back

Surprisingly enough, sleeping on your back is the best position for herniated discs because your back is making direct contact with the mattress. Having your back right against the mattress, the bed gives your body optimum support.

The best mattresses type for back sleepers are ones that are medium or firm such as Nectar  Memory Foam and Awara Organix Luxury Hybrid.

Stomach

According to the Sleep Foundation Trusted Source What Are the Best Positions for Sleeping? | Sleep Foundation Are you waking up in pain? It could be your sleep position. Learn about the pros and cons of different positions, and find the best sleeping position for you. www.sleepfoundation.org , if you have back problems, you should not sleep on your back. There is no support for your back in this position, plus your head is facing one side, which twists your neck out of alignment with your back.

If you are going to sleep on your stomach, you should choose a medium to firm mattress like Puffy Lux or AS2.

FAQ

Can a bad-quality mattress cause a herniated disc?

No, a bad mattress won’t cause a disc to herniate, but it can prevent it from healing properly.

Is a memory foam mattress good for a herniated disc?

Yes, memory form and latex mattresses are the two best types you can use.

Our verdict

While each mattress on our review is top of the line and is the best mattress to use for herniated discs, we couldn’t pick them all for the editor’s choice. Hence, we researched each bed and weighted what we liked vs. what needed to be improved to come up with a list that won’t leave you overwhelmed with a ton of choices.

  • Editor’s choice went to AS2 Lux. It has memory foam comfort with medium support, which supports and cradles your body in comfort. It works for side sleepers, back sleepers, and even stomach sleepers when you add a pillow to support back.
  • Our premium pick Puffy Lux has a cooling layer that helps keep you cool all night, a lifetime warranty, and dual cloud foam. This medium/firm bed is one of has excellent features for a competitive price.
  • Pain shouldn’t keep you from having a good night’s sleep. Our Best Hybrid Model, the Avenco Dream Hybrid Mattress provides the best of both worlds. Its features make sure to provide a great night sleep without sacrificing quality, or affordability.
  • Awara is a wins for best medium-firm best because we like that it’s organic and uses natural materials to help support your body in comfort, and you don’t sink into the mattress.
  • Our final choice Nectar Memory Foam is economical plus features the quilted cover layer for extra support.

We hope this review of the best mattress for herniated discs has been educational and given you an idea of what to look for in choosing a comfortable and supportive mattress. You don’t have to wake up in more pain than when you went to bed. A few simple steps can ensure that you get a restful night’s sleep and feel better in the morning.

References

1.
Herniated disk - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Many people have no symptoms from a herniated disk. Surgery is usually not necessary to relieve the problem.
2.
Sciatica - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body.
3.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back that may cause pain or numbness in your legs.
4.
What Are the Best Positions for Sleeping? | Sleep Foundation
Are you waking up in pain? It could be your sleep position. Learn about the pros and cons of different positions, and find the best sleeping position for you.
9,8
Total Score
Amerisleep AS2 - Editors Choice
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