Best Mattresses for Herniated Disc (2026)

Why It’s the Best Mattress for a Herniated Disc

• This luxury hybrid was designed to offer medium-firm support and softness for side sleepers, but its versatility can suit a range of sleepers with herniated discs.
• The Midnight Luxe mattress earned an overall pressure relief score of 4.2 out of 5, thanks to its comfort for both back and side sleeping.
• We also awarded the bed a performance score of 4 or above in each category, including high marks for edge support (4.8 out of 5).

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 4/5

Our partner test showed that the Helix Midnight Luxe has solid motion isolation.

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Cooling: 4/5

A 7-degree temperature increase after 5 minutes spent on the bed marks a good cooling mattress.

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Response: 4/5

It was pretty easy to move around on this bed, despite some pushback from the softer top.

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Edge Support: 4.8/5

The edges were exceptionally strong, earning a near-perfect score from our tester.

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Pressure Relief: 4.2/5

Our pressure map test showed negligible pressure buildup in all sleeping positions.

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Firmness: 6.5/10

This bed’s hybrid construction yields a true medium-firm feel.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a step up from the brand’s most popular mattress, the Midnight. It boasts a true medium-firm feel (6.5 out of 10), a pressure-relieving and cool-feeling pillow top, and a zoned support layer of coils. All of this will help sleepers with herniated discs or spinal pain rest comfortably.

This mattress is incredibly well-rounded, scoring 4 or higher in all performance categories, but we think side and back sleepers will have the most luck with it. You can also rely on the perimeter for extra support, as the Midnight Luxe has close to perfect edge support (4.8). However, some folks may be looking for a hybrid with an even bouncier, innerspring feel. 

Choose the Helix Midnight Luxe if …

• Edge support is a priority. We found it was easy to sit and lie down directly on the perimeter of the Midnight Luxe. Older adults and those with mobility concerns should appreciate this added stability when getting in and out of bed.
• You sleep hot. Our tester thought this mattress boasted a cool-to-the-touch feel. She never noticed the mattress heating up beneath her, nor could she feel any hotspots on the cover where her body had been.  

Keep looking if …

• You like a bouncier bed. The pillow top could cause some sleepers difficulty when moving around. Our tester likened it to “puffy cheese bread” and had to navigate the surface’s contours into certain positions. 
• Your budget is tight. As the moniker “Luxe” implies, this is a higher-end mattress that comes with a higher price. A queen-size Midnight Luxe will run you almost $2,000, and the price increases if you choose add-ons like the cooling pillow top. For a cheaper bed, check out the Nectar mattress.

For more information about this bed, read our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review.

Why It’s the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with a Herniated Disc

• The Nectar Classic is a medium-firm foam mattress with a cushy feel, easily filling in that pesky gap and keeping your body aligned and comfortably aloft.
• It earned an admirable 4 out of 5 for back-sleeping pressure relief, alongside high scores in motion isolation (4.7) and cooling (4.5).
• To sweeten the deal, this bed comes with a sub-$1,000 price point and generous policies, like a lifetime warranty and 365-night trial. 

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5

The memory foam version of the Nectar does a great job of dampening motion.

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Cooling: 4.5/5

After lying on it for 5 minutes, the temperature of the Nectar only increased by 5.4 degrees.

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Response: 4/5

Despite being an all-foam bed, the Nectar is surprisingly easy to change positions on.

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Edge Support: 4/5

There was more sinkage along the edge while sitting on it, but one could lie on it without falling off.

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Pressure Relief: 3.8/5

The Nectar Classic felt great on our testers’ backs, but they noticed some pressure buildup on their sides.

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Firmness: 6.5/10

The Nectar Classic is a medium-firm memory foam mattress.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

The Nectar Classic is an all-foam mattress that checks every box for herniated discs. It has a true medium-firm feel (6.5 out of 10 on our scale) that’s boosted by strong support foams to keep sleepers’ spines aligned. Our testers most enjoyed this mattress for back sleeping, hence why it earned this spot. 

Like many foam beds, the Nectar excels in motion isolation, but unlike many of its counterparts, it’s also surprisingly cool-feeling. However, we noticed its seated edge support wasn’t the strongest (as to be expected for all-foam options), and it may be too firm for some side sleepers.

Choose the Nectar if …

• A good deal and reasonable price is a must. This mattress is extremely well-priced for its quality and performance. You can buy a queen-size for just about $700 — often less.
• You share the bed. The Nectar earned high marks for many categories that appeal to co-sleepers, including motion isolation, cooling, and responsiveness. Its balanced, medium-firm feel can also accommodate multiple sleeping styles and body types. 

Keep looking if …

• You frequently sit on the edge of your mattress. When we sat on the edge of the Nectar, the foams compressed under our weight. This led to some instability, which could cause some sleepers with limited mobility to slip off as they try to stand. Check out the Saatva Classic for top-notch edge support.
• You also rest on your side. Our testers noticed more pressure buildup in this position, particularly around the hips and shoulders. If you have a larger frame, you’ll have better luck sinking into the mattress and getting more contouring. 

For more information about this bed, read our full Nectar Classic mattress review.

Why It’s the Best Mattress for Sciatica and Herniated Discs

• The bed’s priority is support, thanks to its sturdy coil unit, but it also features a pillow top to relieve pressure at the surface, which should benefit sleepers with spinal conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc.
• The Luxury Firm model of the WinkBed came in at a comfortable medium-firm, a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale.
• The WinkBed is also a star when it comes to edge support (4.4 out of 5) and motion isolation (4.3 out of 5)

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5

Our tester didn’t notice much movement during our ripple test.

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Cooling: 3.5/5

Our cooling test found that the WinkBed did not excel at temperature regulation.

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Response: 3/5

It was a little difficult to move around on the WinkBed, despite its hybrid construction.

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Edge Support: 4.4/5

We found the WinkBed’s edges to be very strong.

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Pressure Relief: 3.8/5

While pressure mapping the WinkBed, our testers found some pressure buildup on their side.

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Firmness: 6.5/10

The Luxury Firm WinkBed has a medium-firm feel.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

Sciatica is a condition that involves compression of the sciatic nerve, which can lead to pain and numbness throughout the body. When further combined with symptoms of a herniated disc, it can be a troublesome issue for finding the right mattress for your needs. Thankfully, the WinkBed comes highly recommended by Dr. Tedesco for both. 

This hybrid has a hotel-bed feel that excels in motion isolation and edge support. It’s also available in multiple firmness options, all of which should provide the best blend of softness and support for spinal conditions. But for a mattress with coils, we found it wasn’t the most responsive. 

Choose the WinkBed if …

• You want to spread out on your mattress. We can lay down and sit on the edge of this mattress without feeling unstable. The upper layers of the bed may compress a bit, but you won’t feel liable to slip off.
• You sleep beside a partner. The thick pillow top ensures little to no movement can travel across the surface of the WinkBed. Light sleepers should sleep soundly on this mattress.

Keep looking if …

• You like a bed with bounce. Despite its hybrid construction, our testers found it difficult to move on this bed’s surface, likely due to the pillow top’s thickness. If you’re looking for more seamless movement from a coil mattress, you might want to try out the Saatva Classic.
• Cooling is a priority. Our tester found that the WinkBed’s surface heated up significantly during the 5-minute temperature test. While it shouldn’t get sweltering, some hot sleepers may want to look at a bed with more cooling features. 

For more information about this bed, read our full WinkBed mattress review.

Why It’s the Best Memory Foam Mattress for a Herniated Disc

• The Bear Original balances the best of memory foam’s soft, soothing feel with a supportive base.
• It’s an affordably priced all-foam mattress with a slightly firmer feel that will have you feeling lifted on its surface, rather than sinking too far in.  
• The mattress also excels in a number of unexpected areas: It kept pretty cool (scoring 4.5 out of 5), had solid edge support (4.2), and even a bit of response (4).

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5

Like many other memory foam models, the Bear Original has excellent motion isolation.

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Cooling: 4.5/5

Our testers found that the surface of the Bear Original stayed cool and comfortable.

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Response: 4/5

The Bear Original is surprisingly easy to move around on despite not having any springs in it.

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Edge Support: 4.2/5

Sleepers should be able to lie along the perimeter of the mattress without feeling unsteady or falling off.

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Pressure Relief: 3.2/5

The Bear Original excels at relieving pressure for back sleepers but might be too firm for some side sleepers.

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Firmness: 7/10

The Bear Original is a touch firmer than the industry standard of medium-firm (6.5 out of 10).

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

Foam beds are often described as cushy, with that deep “hug” that swallows up your body. While great for pressure relief, those with herniated discs need added support — that’s what you get with the firmer-feeling Bear Original. This mattress came in at 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, providing the necessary lift for the spine with a smidge of contouring up top.

Back and stomach sleepers will enjoy the Bear’s feel the most, as well as couples who share the bed and want more responsiveness for sex. Unfortunately, heavyweight sleepers in this category may want to opt for something firmer or with coils, as they’ll probably end up sinking into misalignment.

Choose the Bear Original if …

• You like a foam feel but need cooling. Most foam mattresses trap heat, but this isn’t the case for the Bear Original. As our tester lay down on the mattress, she noticed an initial cool-to-the-touch sensation. The mattress warmed up a bit, though our tester said she still felt cool and comfortable. 
• Motion isolation is a must. The Bear Original earned its highest rating in this category. Despite its firm feel, it’s thick and dense enough up top to absorb motion before it travels across the surface. 

Keep looking if …

• You weigh more than 230 pounds. The Bear Original’s firm feel can provide extra support, but we think its thinner, all-foam profile poses a problem for heavyweight sleepers. These folks will sink too far into the mattress and “bottom out” on the uncomfortable base layer. In this case, I recommend the Plank Firm. 
• You’re a side sleeper under 130 pounds. Lightweight side sleepers will have the opposite problem. They’ll struggle to sink deeply into this mattress and get the pressure relief they need.

For more information about this bed, read our full Bear Original mattress review.

Why It’s the Best Hybrid Mattress for a Herniated Disc

• Hybrid mattresses like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature offer the ideal mix of contouring and support for a herniated disc, thanks to their use of soft comfort layers and bouncy coils.
• This mattress earned a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5 for overall pressure relief, with our testers enjoying it for both back and side sleeping. 
• Its hybrid construction also provides both responsiveness and motion isolation for a balanced feel. 

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5

This hybrid offers some excellent motion absorption despite the springs in its construction.

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Cooling: 3.5/5

The Signature Hybrid felt just okay during our temperature regulation test, but some hot sleepers may prefer a more actively cooling bed.

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Response: 4/5

The Signature Hybrid’s soft cover layer might make it challenging for some combination sleepers to move around, but you should still get some bounce from the coils.

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Edge Support: 3.4/5

We noticed quite a bit of sinkage during our weighted edge support test, but the perimeter does help you “bounce” to your feet.

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Pressure Relief: 4.8/5

The soft cushioning of the Signature Hybrid makes it a good option for back and side sleepers.

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Firmness: 6.5/10

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid falls right at the industry standard of medium-firm.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is available in multiple firmness levels to choose from, and we tested the mid-range Medium model. It came in at 6.5 out of 10 on our scale —a true medium-firm, perfect for accommodating a variety of sleeper types. Back and side sleepers with herniated discs will enjoy this bed’s harmonious mix of foam and coils. 

The Signature Hybrid earned average and above-average ratings across the board, including a 4.7 for motion isolation while still maintaining good bounce. The sole exception was edge support. Our testers noticed the edges of the mattress collapsed significantly when you sat directly on them. 

Choose the Signature Hybrid if …

• You share the mattress with a partner. The Signature Hybrid’s thick pillow top does a good job of absorbing motion before it can travel across the surface, while the springs keep you from feeling “stuck” as you move around. This makes it a great option for both light sleepers and sex.
• Back sleeping is your preferred position. Our pressure relief testers gave this bed multiple 5-out-of-5 ratings for comfort when they rested on their backs.

Keep looking if …

• You want a bed that feels super cool. While the Signature Hybrid didn’t overheat during our temperature evaluation, it didn’t feel particularly cool to the touch or icy-cold. Most sleepers should do fine, but hot sleepers who want active cooling should check out the Bear Original mattress.
• Sitting on the edge of your bed is commonplace. Lying along the edges of the Signature Hybrid shouldn’t cause too much instability, but we can’t say the same for seated edge support. I wouldn’t recommend using this bed as a second chair. 

For more information about this bed, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review.

Why It’s the Best Luxury Mattress for a Herniated Disc

• The Saatva Classic is what we call a “luxury innerspring,” featuring two coil units for double the support, plus a pillow top for plush contouring.
• Folks with a herniated disc will appreciate this bed’s multiple spine-aligning features, like zoned support and an “active spinal wire” to coax the back into a comfortable position. 
• It earned perfect scores for response and customer service, along with impressive showings for edge support (4.8 out of 5) and back-sleeping pressure relief (4.3 out of 5).

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 2.7/5

Our tester could feel a lot of his partner’s movement on the Saatva.

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Cooling: 4/5

This bed has a temperature-neutral feel.

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Response: 5/5

The Saatva’s innerspring feel makes it super bouncy and easy to move around on.

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Edge Support: 4.8/5

The perimeter of the Saatva Classic is rock-solid.

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Pressure Relief: 4/5

Pressure relief is better for back sleepers than side sleepers on this bed.

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Firmness: 7.5/10

The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic has a firmer feel.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

The Saatva Classic comes in three different firmness options(and two heights), but we tested the Luxury Firm model. We rated it at a 7.5 on our firmness scale, skewing slightly firm, which should benefit folks with slipped discs who need added support. But all our testers, including me, found enough pressure relief from the pillow top, especially on our backs. 

This bed excels in several areas, particularly in edge support and responsiveness, with each earning perfect or near-perfect ratings. However, its super-bouncy feel means lackluster motion isolation, which won’t work for light sleepers who share the bed with a rowdy partner or pet.

Choose the Saatva Classic if …

• Bounce is essential in a mattress. The Saatva is one of the bounciest beds we’ve tried, earning a 5-out-of-5 responsiveness rating. Combination sleepers and sexually active folks 
• You need rock-solid edge support. You also rely on the Saatva Classic for a sturdy perimeter, whether it’s sitting or lying down at the edge of the mattress. I’m able to sleep with one leg slung over the side of the mattress if I so wish. This should also help seniors and folks with mobility concerns transfer out of bed. 

Keep looking if …

• You sleep light. I’m a notoriously light sleeper, and I always have to banish my guests to the air mattress when they stay over, even though I have ample space in my queen-size Saatva. The bed’s super-bouncy nature amplifies even the slightest movement on the surface, making it impossible to sleep without being disturbed. Check out the Nolah Evolution for disturbance-free sleep.
• You want luxury for less. As a luxury mattress, a queen-size Saatva Classic often costs upwards of $2,000. While frequent sales make this number more affordable, it’s still a hard bargain for shoppers who don’t have the extra cash to spare.

For more information about this bed, read our full Saatva Classic mattress review.

Why It’s the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers and Herniated Discs

• A side-sleeper mattress that we love is the Nolah Evolution, a luxury hybrid with soft top layers for plenty of contouring and supportive coils — perfect for maintaining alignment and reducing herniated disc pain. 
• The mid-range Luxury Firm model of this mattress earned a 4.3 out of 5 for side sleepers’ pressure relief.
• It never scored below a 4 in our tests, including a rare 5-star rating for motion isolation and a 4.6 out of 5 for edge support. 

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 5/5

Our tester noticed no movement during our ripple test, resulting in a perfect score for motion isolation.

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Cooling: 4.5/5

The Nolah Evolution showed above-average cooling capabilities.

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Response: 4/5

Our tester found it fairly easy to roll around on the Nolah Evolution.

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Edge Support: 4.6/5

The Nolah Evolution had a strong perimeter, earning a high edge support test.

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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5

The bed was good at relieving pressure, though some of our testers wanted more sinkage.

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Firmness: 7/10

The springs in the construction made for a slightly firmer feel.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

The Nolah Evolution comes in three different models, and we tested the mid-range Luxury Firm version. It has a medium-firm feel, a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, but a plush pillow top that gives it a bit more sinkage than you’d expect. This means that side sleepers with a herniated disc can rest easily on this mattress. 

With multiple scores of 4 out of 5 and above, it’s difficult to find something to dislike about the Nolah Evolution. Its price may be the main deterrent for those on a tighter budget. 

Choose the Nolah Evolution if …

• Your partner’s movements wake you up. The contouring, doughy feel up top also earned the Nolah Evolution a rare perfect score for motion isolation.
• Overheating is a problem for you. The Nolah Evolution also earned a 4.5 out of 5 for its cooling capability. The mattress felt cool during testing and didn’t noticeably heat up in our surface temperature evaluation. 

Keep looking if …

• Price is a priority. With its stellar performance across every performance category, it’s hard to find a negative about Evolution. However, it’s not the cheapest mattress. Expect to pay around $1,500 for a queen.
• You want a premium-feeling setup. I will note that this mattress arrived in our studio in less-than-stellar shape. Though it’s a luxury bed, it’s also a bed-in-a-box, and said box had seen better days. It made the unboxing process less than glamorous and a bit more tedious. If you want to eliminate the hassle, check out a bed with free white-glove delivery, like the Saatva Classic.

For more information about this bed, read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review.

Why It’s the Best Mattress for a Herniated Disc

• The Plank Firm lives up to its name as a flippable all-foam mattress offering two firmnesses in one: a traditional firm side and an extra-firm side for shoppers unsatisfied with so-called firm mattresses.
• This firmness is beneficial for folks with a herniated disc, especially if their current mattress is too soft and compromises their spinal alignment. 
• Its firmer feel lends an edge over traditional foam beds, particularly in the response (where it scored 5 out of 5) and edge support (4.2 out of 5) categories.

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5

The extra-firm side of the mattress performed well in both our motion isolation tests.

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Cooling: 4.5/5

Our testers thought the Plank Firm felt temperature-neutral overall.

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Response: 5/5

Our testers found it was relatively seamless to move around on the bed’s firm, springy surface.

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Edge Support: 4.4/5

The edges of the Plank only sagged when we put our full weight on the edge of the mattress in our seated test.

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Pressure Relief: 3/5

The firmness of this bed doesn’t offer much in the way of pressure relief, whether you choose the firm or extra-firm side.

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Firmness: 7-9/10

The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress that features both a firm side and an extra-firm side.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

The Plank Firm is two mattresses in one. One side is a more approachable, “traditional” firm side, which we rated at about 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale. The extra-firm side came in at 9 out of 10, which is among the firmest we’ve tested. For the average sleeper, we’d recommend sticking to the traditional side, especially for a herniated disc — but if you’re game, both sides should offer alignment for back and stomach sleepers.

However, this firmness isn’t for everyone. Side sleepers and those under 130 pounds will get less pressure relief from the Plank Firm, which may sway them toward a softer bed.

Choose the Plank Firm if …

• Edge support is a priority. With how firm the mattress feels, it’s no surprise that the edges also held their shape. Though our testers noticed more sinkage when seated directly on the perimeter of the bed, they found lying down at the edge held no issues.
• You switch between multiple positions. Because it’s so firm, you won’t feel “stuck” in this mattress. Its responsive, flat surface ensures seamless ease of movement. 

Keep looking if …

• You’re a side sleeper with sensitive joints. The Plank Firm is too firm for side sleepers dealing with hip or shoulder pain, who’ll want more cushioning and sinkage around the hips and shoulders to remain comfortable. 
• You weigh less than 130 pounds. In a similar vein, those under 130 pounds will need more pressure relief from their mattress. The Helix Midnight Luxe should suit them better.

For more information about this bed, read our full Plank Firm mattress review.

Key Testing Categories for a Herniated Disc

Spinal Alignment and Support

The spine has three main curves: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. These curves must be supported and properly aligned during sleep to maintain correct posture and a healthy spine. Whether you have a herniated disc in your neck or lower back, spinal alignment is crucial. Your mattress has to evenly support your whole body to keep your spine, hips, and back aligned. 

Though there’s no score for support, we make sure to get a full picture of how aligned we feel. Our testers, including physical therapist Dr. Tedesco, note if any mattress is better suited to one sleeping position over another. We also note whether we think different body types will find better support.

We also take a look at edge support, which can determine the overall durability of the mattress and how likely it is to sag. After sitting and lying down on the perimeter of the bed, we rate its edge support out of five. The average edge support rating for all beds we’ve tested is 4 out of 5. 

You can see how the beds we chose scored below, but know that edge support doesn’t correlate to overall support. We’d never recommend a mattress that doesn’t support at least one sleeping position or body type, especially where herniated discs are considered.

How the Best Mattresses for Herniated Discs Scored in Edge Support

Pressure Relief

To test a mattress for pressure relief, we first roll a specialized mat across the mattress surface, then lie down on it in different sleeping positions. The mat then senses the pressure on our body and transmits the data to a computer, which creates a color-coded map.

Blue means no pressure, green means little pressure, yellow means moderate pressure, orange means high pressure, and red means very high pressure. A mattress that displays blue (and maybe a little bit of green) is going to excel at pressure relief.

The pressure relief scores you see are the ratings given by each tester, influenced by their experience and the results of the pressure map test. They’re averaged for a final rating for side-sleeping pressure relief and back-sleeping pressure relief. Some mattresses will excel in one position over another, and some may be better suited to specific weight categories. 

The average pressure relief rating overall comes out to 3.8, with a 3.5 for side-sleeping pressure relief and a 4 out of 5 for back sleeping. While we tried to include beds that scored at or above this number, some may have performed exceptionally in one area and poorly in another — skewing the overall rating. The main exception is the Plank Firm, which we find just too firm to provide above-average pressure relief. 

How the Best Mattresses for Herniated Discs Scored in Pressure Relief

Firmness

Firmness refers to how hard or plush a mattress feels. Our firmness scale goes from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. What firmness level feels comfortable will differ from sleeper to sleeper — and what feels firm or soft will also vary from sleeper to sleeper. It’s a subjective metric. 

So that’s why we have multiple testers lie on a mattress and concur before assigning it a number on our scale. Most mattresses fall at a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. It’s a mid-range option that provides the support and pressure relief we mentioned above — a combination crucial for a herniated disc. 

When we look at the hundreds of beds we’ve collected, the average firmness rating is 6.7 out of 10. The majority of the mattresses we recommend for herniated discs are at or around this number.

I’ll also note that the WinkBed, Signature Hybrid, Saatva Classic, and Nolah Evolution all come in multiple firmness levels, but we tested the mid-range (Medium, Medium-Firm, or Luxury Firm) model. The Plank Firm is a dual-sided mattress, so it features two firmness options. 

How Firm the Best Mattresses for Herniated Disc Feel

Other Tests

Aside from the areas above, a lot more goes into what makes a good mattress — for a herniated disc or otherwise. There are some other factors that could influence your final decision if you’re still struggling to make a purchase.

First, consider your needs and preferences — and that of anyone who shares the bed. Different body types and sleeping positions are better suited to certain materials or firmness levels. 

You might also want a breathable, cool-feeling mattress if you run hot. These beds scored highly in our cooling test, showing a small increase in surface temperature after our tester took a short nap on them. Combination sleepers or folks who want a mattress for sex may want to look at responsiveness, which refers to how quickly a bed snaps into place. Finally, couples could be interested in a high motion isolation score; this means you won’t feel your partner’s movements from the other side of the bed.

Rather than scour customer reviews and advertising jargon to figure out if a bed checks all your boxes, you can rely on our experts’ evaluation. We rate everything about a bed’s performance, everything from its construction to the customer experience that comes along with it.

What is the Best Mattress for Someone with a Bulging Disc?

The best mattress for a bulging or herniated disc isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. Choose a bed that’s conducive to your body type and sleeping position, as this will ensure your spine is properly supported. You’ll also want good pressure relief, so consider beds with contouring comfort layers of memory foam or softer latex.

If you want a good place to start, our top pick is the Helix Midnight Luxe. This luxury hybrid balances both support and softness effortlessly, and its medium-firm feel can accommodate multiple sleeper types while ensuring alignment. 

Can a Bad Mattress Cause a Bulging Disc?

While a bad mattress cannot cause disc herniation, it can worsen the symptoms and prolong the recovery process. This is especially true if your mattress is too old, as it can start to sag and lose support, which is beneficial for addressing back pain.

What is the Best Way to Sleep if I Have a Herniated Disc?

Most doctors recommend back or side sleeping if you have a herniated disc, as it’s difficult to maintain spinal support while resting on your stomach. Stomach sleeping also can strain or twist the neck.

Ensure your mattress is suitable for your body type and sleeping position, helping to keep your spine in a comfortable, neutral position. You may want to put a pillow underneath your knees to alleviate pressure, or one to boost underneath your lower back. 

Do I Need a Firmer or Softer Mattress for A Slipped Disc?

What firmness feels best to you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re at a loss for where to start, consider a medium-firm mattress. Medium-firm mattresses are highly recommended for their versatility, but they also have a balanced feel that offers support and pressure relief. This can promote proper spinal alignment and alleviate discomfort from a herniated disc. 

What Type of Mattress is Best for Spinal Problems?

We generally recommend hybrid mattresses for spinal problems like a herniated disc, sciatica, or spinal stenosis. Their construction allows for both softness and support, which can help relieve pressure and align the spine. Some all-foam mattresses, so long as they are supportive enough, can also work for these conditions. Latex is also a great option, as some studies report it to be more pressure-relieving than foam. 

The only mattress type I’d recommend steering clear from are innerspring mattresses; the comfort layers on these beds are too thin to provide the pressure relief some sleepers may need.

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