Written by Dan Caffrey, Senior Performance Editor
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend that adults get at least seven hours of sleep every night to support optimal health. But it can be hard to reach that number, especially when sleeping with a herniated disc. Luckily, a properly chosen mattress may help relieve discomfort and painful sensations so that you could enjoy restful slumber. So, let’s try to understand what makes the best mattress for herniated discs and how to pick something that works for your individual needs.
Our Top Pick for Herniated Disc Sufferers
The Helix Midnight has everything a herniated disc sufferer might want: optimal support, tension alleviation, and quality materials. In terms of sleeping position, we think it’s best for back sleepers and side sleepers.
Best Mattresses for Herniated Discs of 2024
- Helix Midnight – Best Overall
- Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Back and Joint Pain
- WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress
- Nolah Signature – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress
- Saatva – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Plank Firm – Best Mattress for Heavier People
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress
Disclaimer: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative, but shouldn’t replace advice or treatment from a medical professional. If you experience chronic pain or discomfort while sleeping, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
Compare the Best Mattress for Herniated Discs
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Soft: 5.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Pain, Hip Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Side Sleepers,
Back Pain |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
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What We Look For in the Best Mattress for a Herniated Disc
Firmness
When testing the best mattresses for a herniated disk, we considered a lot of things, one of the first of which was firmness. While firmness and support are directly related, firmer mattresses are generally more supportive, and softer mattresses are a bit more contouring. Depending on what you need, you may want to consider more support or more contouring, and therefore will want to pick a respective firmness.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is very important to consider for sleepers with a herniated disc. Pressure relief can help alleviate pain and keep a sleeper comfortable when sleeping with a herniated disc. We tested all of the mattresses on this list for their pressure-relieving capabilities to help you find the right mattress for your needs.
Adjustable Base Compatibility
Sleepers who have a herniated disc may enjoy an adjustable base, which can provide the necessary pressure relief, pain relief, and comfort for them. We considered this when testing these mattresses so you can know your options when buying a new mattress.
Helix Midnight – Best Overall
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Choosing the absolute best mattress for herniated discs is a challenging task, especially since mattresses aren’t one-size-fits-all. That said, after all of our testing, we had to give the Helix Midnight the number-one spot. Its medium support level creates a balance of comfort and support that’s excellent for alleviating back pain (and herniated disc pain, of course).
The same balance that makes this a good mattress for alleviating pain also makes it a solid option for back and side sleepers. The soft cover and dual foam layers allow for cushioning and ease tension off the joints, while individually wrapped coils and high-density poly foam work to keep the sleeper’s body in alignment. This was further confirmed by our pressure map test, where we spread a specialized mat across the mattress surface to track areas of high, moderate, and low pressure. The graphic that utilizes thermal imaging to present this information showed primarily blue and green in these sleeping positions, which indicates low pressure buildup.
Is the Helix Midnight Compatible With an Adjustable Bed Frame?
All Helix beds are made to be compatible with adjustable bed frame bases, so the Helix Midnight is compatible with an adjustable bed frame.
What our tester says: “The Midnight Luxe has an extra pillow top layer and zoned support in its construction. It feels more cushioning than the standard Midnight, but, in the end, I also gave it a 6 out of 10 rating on our firmness scale. I’d especially recommend this mattress to sleepers who suffer from back pain, since zoned support helps promote a healthy, straight spinal alignment.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many Helix Midnight shoppers say they decided on their mattress from Helix’s 30-second Sleep Quiz. We recommend trying it if you’re uncertain about the best Helix model for you.
Highlights of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Our pressure map test showed us that the Helix Midnight is going to be a solid option for folks with shoulder and hip pain.
- This should be a fantastic bed for couples, as it scored well in all four categories relevant to couples: motion isolation, responsiveness, cooling, and edges support.
- If you’re looking for added cooling and pressure relief, the Helix Midnight has a luxury version appropriately named the Helix Midnight Luxe.
What to Keep In Mind About the Helix Midnight Mattress
- This mattress is a bit too soft for strict stomach sleepers over 130 pounds, so we recommend these folks opt for a firmer mattress like the Helix Dawn.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more information.
Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Back and Joint Pain
Designed specifically for sleepers with back pain and joint pain, the Saatva Rx features several layers that combine both foam and coils. This creates a blend of comfort and support throughout the entire mattress that’s cushioning enough for any aches and pains while still being sturdy enough for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our Saatva Rx video review.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
Saatva describes its Rx model as “the first luxury mattress specifically designed for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions.” To achieve this, the brand built it with a unique construction that consists of an organic cotton cover, gel-infused memory foam that’s zoned for support, and foam modules sandwiched between two layers of coils. When we tested it out, we experienced immediate pressure relief and found that it has a medium-firm feel.
This mattress promises pain relief, and our pressure relief test confirmed this. There is very little pressure buildup when side and back sleeping, which is likely due to the cushioning built into every layer. Based on these results, we think people suffering from back and joint pain should be very comfortable on this mattress. It’s plush, but its coil layers keep the bed super-sturdy and supportive, so you shouldn’t sink too far into the layers.
Is the Saatva Rx Compatible With an Adjustable Bed Frame?
According to the Saatva website, the Saatva Rx mattress is compatible with an adjustable bed frame.
What our tester says: “The mattress offers a pleasant mix of comfort and support to create that balanced, medium-firm feel. While lying on the bed, I experienced plushness and cushioning from the quilted cover and upper foam layers, but felt firmly supported by the coils below. I think the unique design of this bed, with features like microcoils and the foam caps on the pocketed coils, contributes to this very balanced feel.” – Amelia Jerden, former senior staff writer
What Customers Say
Customers praise this mattress for its comfortable feel and ability to soothe stiffness and pain. Some sleepers suffering from chronic pain found better sleep on the Saatva Rx and were able to wake up without any soreness. Customers were very satisfied with Saatva’s customer service, especially their free white glove delivery.
Highlights of the Saatva Rx Mattress
- Heavy Sleepers (those weighing over 250 pounds) should feel quite supported on this mattress. We don’t foresee these sleepers sinking too far into the layers.
- We really like this mattress for couples due to its cooling, edge support, motion isolation, and responsiveness.
- We think combination sleepers will enjoy the responsiveness of this mattress, as it helps sleepers easily switch between sleeping positions without feeling trapped in the layers.
What to Keep In Mind About the Saatva Rx Mattress
- This mattress is pretty pricy and may not be the best choice for budget shoppers.
Want to learn more? Head over to our full Saatva Rx mattress review.
WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress for Herniated Disc
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re like us and appreciate reliable support, then you might find a lot to love in the WinkBed, a luxury hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel. It uses an extra-tall layer of individually wrapped coils for its support system. These springs immediately respond to applied pressure and can properly accommodate each body part. This means optimal weight distribution and reduced strain on your herniated disc. And the best part is, our back felt 100 percent comfortable in any sleeping position when using the WinkBed.
We can actually see how much pressure is being put on the back using our pressure map test. This involves us lying down on a specialized mat in various sleeping positions. The mat detects the pressure, then displays the results on a computer using a color-coded “map” of our body. For the WinkBed, our back was almost entirely blue in every sleeping position, indicating little to no pressure. That means it’s unlikely to activate any back pain.
Is the WinkBed Compatible With an Adjustable Bed Frame?
According to the WinkBed website, all of their mattresses are compatible with adjustable bed frames.
What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the WinkBed is its durability. This is a high-quality mattress that should really stand the test of time. This is great news for any sleeper, but especially nice for heavy people and couples. I also really like the bouncy support this mattress offers. It should be a hit with combination sleepers who need some mobility to change positions at night.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Throughout nearly 8,500 customer reviews on the WinkBed website (the average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars), sleepers rave about how the mattress is supportive without being too firm. Many of these folks have also struggled with pain conditions such as arthritis, and say that the WinkBed has helped them find relief.
Highlights of the WinkBed Mattress
- The WinkBed is available in several different firmness levels, so there’s something for every sleeping position. We recommend the Softer for side sleepers, Luxury Firm for back sleepers, and Firmer for stomach sleepers. There’s also the WinkBed Plus, which is extra-durable and designed for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds, but it does cost a bit extra.
- The WinkBed’s tall layer of coils leave plenty of room for airflow. The mattress also has a breathable Tencel cover. Both of these factors help the WinkBed sleep cool.
- It has a springy, responsive feel, so combo sleepers shouldn’t have any issue switching positions between their side, back, and stomach.
What to Keep In Mind About the WinkBed Mattress
- If you want a soft and contouring mattress, the WinkBed probably isn’t for you. You’d be better off looking at our list of the best soft mattresses and best memory foam mattresses.
Read our full WinkBed mattress review for more information.
Nolah Signature – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
If you’re looking for a soft yet supportive foam option, the Nolah Signature should be a good fit. It’s supportive enough for back sleepers, while also providing enough contouring for side sleepers, especially at the shoulders and hips where the put the most pressure while sleeping. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Nolah Signature is a great choice for a lot of back and side sleepers. The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for these sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
There’s one thing that side sleepers and folks with herniated discs have in common, and that’s the need for adequate pressure relief. Side sleepers naturally put more weight on the shoulder and hip, and an overly firm mattress can cause too much pressure buildup and result in pain problems. Similarly, those suffering from joint pain need a plusher mattress to alleviate pressure buildup at sensitive areas.
The first mattress that comes to mind for side sleepers with herniated discs is the Nolah Signature, Nolah’s flagship foam mattress with a soft feel (5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale) and lots of pressure relief. The foam feel allows for lots of contouring and sinkage, which should help either alleviate or relieve pain and promote a more restful sleep. Our pressure map test also showed good results for side sleepers under 250 pounds. However, all of this softness doesn’t mean the Signature sacrifices support; there’s a layer of high-density poly foam at the bottom of the mattress for sturdiness and durability.
Is the Nolah Signature Compatible With an Adjustable Bed Frame?
According to the Nolah website, all of their beds are compatible with an adjustable bed frame. In fact, they say their beds are compatible with any kind of bed frame, base, or foundation.
What our tester says: “The Nolah Signature really impressed me on both the motion transfer test and with its edge support. I think couples are unlikely to feel their partner moving at night and they can use the whole surface of the bed. ” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The Nolah Signature has 4.9 out of 5 stars on the company site, with many back and side sleepers complimenting how the mattress cradles them yet still provides stability.
Highlights of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- The Nolah Signature scored well on our motion transfer and edge support tests. With this in mind, we think it should be suitable for many couples out there.
- Foam mattresses get a bad rep for trapping heat, but during testing, we found that Nolah’s proprietary foam and breathable cover make it one of the more cooling all-foam options on the market.
- The level of pressure relief isn’t just good for herniated discs; our test showed that sleepers with hip pain should feel adequate relief as well.
What to Keep In Mind About the Nolah Signature Mattress
- This mattress is going to be far too soft for stomach sleepers, who tend to need a lot more support than back sleepers and side sleepers.
Read our full Nolah Signature mattress review for more information.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
Poor sleep and pain issues can turn into a vicious cycle, and if you’re overheating on your mattress as well, it leads to even further discomfort. If you struggle with staying cool throughout the night, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a fantastic option. When we tested out this hybrid mattress, we found cooling features in multiple layers. Up top, its cover includes Phase Change Material (PCM), which helps regulate body temperature. Beneath, you’ll find copper-infused memory foam for further cooling. And because of its coiled hybrid construction, and the support layer provides lots of room for airflow as well.
And it doesn’t end there. The Elite Hybrid has multiple firmness options, allowing most sleeping positions and body types optimal comfort. We recommend the Soft and Medium version for the best tension relief. Folks should feel cushioned by the hand-quilted cover and double foam layers. Additionally, the transition layer is zoned, so it delivers optimal support levels for different body sections, contributing to pressure alleviation. As a result, this mattress can help people with herniated discs feel more relaxed and experience less pain.
Is the Bear Elite Hybrid Compatible With an Adjustable Bed Frame?
The Bear Elite Hybrid is compatible with an adjustable bed frame, and Bear even makes a line of adjustable bed frames, which could be very useful for sleepers who experience pain from their herniated disk.
What our tester says: “The Bear Elite has a nice cushiony feel but is also easy to move around on, so it’s a nice fit for back and side combination sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are around 300 reviews on Bear’s website, and lots of them say that the mattress is soft enough to alleviate pain without sacrificing support and stability.
Highlights of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- Back sleepers should be comfortable on the Soft or Medium models depending on their weight. Our pressure map showed almost entirely blue, indicating little to no pressure buildup.
- The mattress’s softness should also appeal to side sleepers, who should get plenty of contouring at their shoulders and hips — the areas of their body where they put the most pressure.
- When we put the Elite Hybrid through our motion transfer test, it proved to be good at isolating motion. That makes it a great choice for couples. Partners are unlikely to feel each other tossing and turning at night.
What to Keep In Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- Because this luxury mattress has lots of special features, it may not be the most suitable option for budget shoppers.
Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review for more information.
Saatva – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The best mattresses for herniated discs combine support with lots of pressure relief. One of the most unique things about the Saatva — a luxury innerspring mattress with an elevated feel — is its smart construction, as it uses proprietary Spinal Zone technology. The mattress combines an extra layer of foam in the lumbar region with an active wire to ensure proper spinal alignment. And when the spine remains neutral, it experiences less pressure and strain, relieving pain and making the Saatva our favorite mattress for herniated disc patients. We also appreciate the Saatva’s uniform feel. It has sturdy edges and offers reliable support all across the perimeter. We think all of these traits make the mattress an excellent choice for back sleepers, who need just the right amount support to maintain a proper alignment.
To test out the Saatva’s edge support, we sat on the end of the mattress to see if it collapsed under our weight. It didn’t, which tells us that it has exceptionally strong edges. This should provide a little boost for the arms when getting up, which may really come in handy for herniated disc patients with somewhat limited mobility.
Is the Saatva Compatible With an Adjustable Bed Frame?
The Saatva mattress is compatible with adjustable bases, and Saatva has a line of adjustable bed frames which may be a good option for sleepers with a herniated disc.
What our tester says: “The Saatva Classic is a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. I think it’s a nice option for back sleepers and combination sleepers. The Saatva Classic is also a great choice for sleepers with back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are over 3,000 reviews of the Saatva Classic on the brand’s website, and the mattress has an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Almost 30 of these reviews are from customers who have herniated discs. Most of these folks found the Saatva to be incredibly supportive, pain-relieving, and a good mattress choice for their condition.
Highlights of the Saatva Mattress
- The Saatva comes in three different firmness levels, helping it appeal to a wide variety of sleepers. For back sleepers, we recommend the Luxury Firm (this is the model we tested). Side sleepers should choose the Plush Soft, which offers the most contouring, and stomach sleepers should go for the Firm, which provides the most firmness and support.
- There are two layers of individually pocked coils in the Saatva, giving it a bouncy and responsive feel. This should make it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions while sleeping.
- The brand offers free white glove delivery on all of its mattresses. Saatva will send someone to your home to deliver your mattress and set it up in your bedroom, free of charge. And unlike many other products we review, Saatva’s mattresses never come compressed in a box.
What to Keep In Mind About the Saatva Mattress
- Even the Plush Soft model is going to be fairly springy. So if you want that traditional slow-moving feel associated with memory foam, you should look at other mattresses.
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information.
Plank Firm – Best for Heavy Sleepers with Herniated Discs
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Plank Firm is our best mattress for heavier people who may experience a herniated disc due to its firmness. It has both a Firm and an Extra-Firm side, both of which should provide enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned. At the same time, it’s made entirely of foam, so it can still provide a bit of pressure relief. In addition, the edge support is exceptionally strong, meaning you will have a stable surface to sit and stand from when getting out of bed.
The Plank Firm also has an optional cooling cover, which we think is a handy feature, as it’s infused with Phase Change Material and can absorb more heat, helping keep you cool and comfortable. That being said, it does come at an additional charge.
Is the Plank Firm Compatible With an Adjustable Bed Frame?
The Plank website says that all of their mattresses are compatible with multiple bases and frames, including adjustable bed frames.
What our tester says: “I really like that the Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness options. This makes it feel like you’re getting two beds for the price of one. I also think that the Plank Firm is a great choice for anyone who loves a firm feel — if you’re looking for the firmest mattress out there, the ultra-firm side of the Plank is the way to go.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The Plank Firm is created by Brooklyn Bedding, and on the company’s website, there are 2,735 customer reviews, with an average star rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Several reviewers have struggled with herniated discs, but praise the Plank Firm for being supportive enough to alleviate their pain.
Highlights of the Plank Firm Mattress
- Both sides of the mattress should be comfortable and supportive enough for stomach sleepers.
- Back sleepers should be comfortable on the Firm side of the mattress.
- Although it’s made entirely of foam, the Plank Firm is responsive enough for combination sleepers to be able to easily switch positions.
What to Keep In Mind About the Plank Firm Mattress
- Due to its firmness, the Plank isn’t going to be a good fit for side sleepers. They’ll need a much softer mattress that gives them plenty of contouring at the shoulders and hips, where they put the most pressure while sleeping.
Read our full Plank Firm mattress review for more information.
Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Expert Opinion
Everyone prioritizes different things when searching for their ideal mattress. If your priority is quality of materials, then the Birch Natural is for you. Each layer is made with extreme care, starting with an organic cotton cover, then transitioning to a layer of organic wool, Talalay latex, and finally individually wrapped coils. This thoughtful construction earned the Birch Natural a Global Organic Textile Standard and GREENGUARD Gold certification.
Of course, this mattress wouldn’t be on our roundup if it wasn’t also good for herniated discs. Like many mattresses on this roundup, the Birch Natural boasts a feel that contains the best of both worlds: plenty of cushioning and sufficient support. What makes the Birch different (besides its organic materials) is the use of Talalay latex. This material helps keep sleepers lifted on top of the mattress, furthering the level of support. Additionally this material is naturally cooling, and this combined with a breathable organic cotton cover makes things extra cool and comfortable.
Is the Birch Natural Compatible With an Adjustable Bed Frame?
The Birch Natural is compatible with an adjustable base.
What our tester says: “Its organic layers have a taut, springy feel and really offer great lift and support. If you’re a back and stomach combination sleeper I’d highly recommend the Birch.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer
What Customers Say
Not surprisingly, a great number of reviews appreciate that they feel not only comfortable but safe on the materials they’re sleeping on.
Highlights of the Birch Natural Mattress
- The firmer nature of the Birch makes it a good option for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
- The Talalay latex and individually wrapped coils provide a bouncy feel that’s especially useful for changing sleeping positions throughout the night.
- The Birch did incredibly well at our cooling test, so we highly recommend this bed to hot sleepers.
What to Keep In Mind About the Birch Natural Mattress
- Side sleepers might find this mattress is a bit too firm, so we suggest searching for a mattress that offers a bit more plushness.
Read our full Birch Natural mattress review for more information.
What is a Herniated Disc and What are the Causes
All of the bones in our spine are cushioned by discs, which help absorb the shock from moving, twisting, and lifting. Each disc contains a soft inner part and a firmer outer section. A disc becomes herniated when the inner part starts protruding through the outer section.
Now, you may expect this condition to be mostly among the elderly, but the statistics show that herniated discs are most common among people between 30–50 years, and it is twice as common in males than females. While being commonly associated with age-related conditions, disc herniation is usually caused by straining or trauma, or weak muscles due to a sedentary lifestyle. It can occur in any part of the spine or neck, which leads to pain or numbness (or both). Naturally, this can influence your sleep quality.
Common causes of a herniated disc include:
- Spinal trauma or back injury
- Lifting heavy objects with poor form can cause a strain on the spine and result in a herniated disc
- Repetitive bending and twisting of the spine
- Aging and spinal aging
It’s important to note that only your doctor can choose the right treatment for you. In the meantime, in order to sleep better, you may want to look for a suitable mattress for a herniated disc. After all, sleeping comfortably and getting enough rest can help speed up your recovery, as well as minimize pain and other symptoms.
Are There Different Types of Herniated Discs?
According to the Miami Neuroscience Center, there are a few different types of herniated discs, including:
- Cervical disc herniation: This is when a disc herniates in the neck. It is one of the most common causes of neck pain.
- Thoracic disc herniation: This is when a disc herniates in the upper or mid-back.
- Lumbar disc herniation: This is when a disc herniates in the lower back
What Is the Best Mattress Type for a Herniated Disc?
When it comes to picking the best mattress for a herniated disc, opinions differ. The main rule here is simple: your mattress should make you feel comfortable. However, each mattress type has certain peculiarities and characteristics, which may work for some sleepers and make others feel uncomfortable. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Memory Foam
Famous for its adaptiveness, memory foam offers close conforming. This material adjusts to your body curves and minimizes pressure points, which can help with pain relief in those with a herniated disc. However, keep in mind that memory foam can trap your body heat. This can affect your sleep greatly, especially if you are prone to night sweats. A good solution would be a mattress that has gel-infused layers or uses open-cell foam technology for improved air circulation.
Polyfoam
Poly foam is a bit denser and more responsive than memory foam, which makes it a great option for sleepers who don’t want to feel stuck in their mattress. At the same time, poly foam provides soothing pressure relief and precise body contouring, so it may work for those with herniated discs quite well.
Latex
Since disc herniation can cause muscle weakness, it may be challenging for some people to switch positions during the night. And that’s when the bounciness of latex would come in handy. Latex is very responsive and springy, which makes it a good choice for a suitable mattress for a herniated disc. Latex also does a good job of reducing pressure points without enveloping your body too much.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses usually combine a coil base and foam or latex comfort layers. Many sleepers appreciate their balanced feel. Hybrid mattresses successfully pair solid support with pressure relief. Many hybrid models feature zoned spinal support, which puts them among the best mattresses for a lumbar herniated disc. The main drawback of this bed type is its price tag, which isn’t ideal for shoppers on a budget. Check out our best hybrid mattresses.
Innerspring
Coil mattresses offer consistent support and bouncy response. They typically don’t sleep hot and don’t restrict your movements during the night. However, innerspring mattresses are typically unimpressive when it comes to pressure relief, which can be an issue when dealing with a herniated disc. Some sleepers combine them with a memory foam topper to enjoy a more balanced feel.
Can A Mattress Help a Herniated Disc?
Simply put, it can. A mattress that offers enough support and pressure relief across the spine can help sleepers who experience pain or discomfort as a result of a herniated disc. Having proper spinal alignment and contouring around the back can help you sleep more comfortably with a herniated disc and may aid in pain alleviation throughout the day. For other ways to improve pain from a herniated disc, we recommend consulting a doctor.
Sleeping With an Adjustable Base
Adjustable bases, as the name implies, are bed frames or bases that are moveable. They often resemble hospital beds, where half of the bed can be moved up or down. These bases can be helpful for people with herniated discs because they can promote proper spinal alignment and relieve some of the pressure felt around the herniated disc. These can be expensive, however, so if they are not an option for you, you can still find a mattress that will help with your herniated disc.
Are Adjustable Beds Beneficial for a Herniated Disc?
Sleeping in a reclined position helps some people feel more comfortable when struggling with back pain caused by a disc herniation. Therefore, you may try an adjustable bed frame. Make sure that your mattress is flexible enough to be used with it. Foam and latex mattresses are generally thought to work best with adjustable bases. You can also rent an adjustable base or a recliner from a medical supply retainer in your area if your pain is just temporary, for example if you’re coming out of a surgery.
Check out our Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds for more specific picks.
What to Look for & How We Test the Best Mattress for a Herniated Disc
The truth is, there’s no universal recipe for the best mattress for a herniated disc. After all, different sleepers have various requirements in terms of comfort levels. Here’s the thing, though: When it comes to dealing with disc herniation, some mattress characteristics are crucial.
Support & Spinal Alignment
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. So, it doesn’t matter whether you want a mattress for a herniated disc in your neck or lower back, for instance. It just has to support your whole body evenly in order to keep the spine, hips, and back aligned.
Firmness
You should pick your bed firmness according to your sleeping position. When testing mattresses, we place each mattress on our firmness scale that ranges from 1-10, 1 being the softest mattress and 10 being the firmest mattress we have ever tested. We consider a true medium-firm mattress a 6.5.
For average side sleepers, a soft to medium-firm mattress would be a good option. Back sleepers require firmer support and may want to look at medium to medium-firm mattresses. As for stomach sleepers, a firm bed would be the most suitable. Your weight matters as well, and if you have a larger body type (over 230 pounds), you might need something extra supportive and a bit firmer. As a rule of thumb, the less you weigh, the firmer a mattress usually feels.
Pressure Relief
Extra pressure on your spine or muscles can cause extreme back pain, and this may worsen the pain from your herniated disc. Your mattress should be able to help reduce that pressure. In this case, you need something that would allow for enough cushioning for the protruding parts of your body.
We’re able to measure a mattress’s pressure-relieving abilities with a test called the pressure map. We roll a specialized mat across the surface of the mattress and then lie down on it in different sleeping positions. The mat then rsense how much pressure is being put on our body and transmits the data to a computer using 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.
As an example, see the above pressure-map results for the Puffy Cloud, our top pick on this mattress roundup. As you can see, the Puffy Cloud puts little pressure on the body, with slightly more pressure while side sleeping than back sleeping. However, these are still solid results, and we think it’s a good mattress for both of these sleeping positions.
Quality Materials
When dealing with a herniated disc, you don’t want your mattress to lose its properties too soon. Look for well-known brands and a good warranty, as it would give you peace of mind for years to come. When choosing a foam model, it’s better to stick to denser foam, as it’s more durable. In a hybrid model, the coil gauge should be low, as lower numbers signify thicker and sturdier coils. As for latex mattresses, they are known for their increased lifespan and tend to be among the most long-lasting models on the market.
How Much Should I Spend on a Herniated Disc Mattress?
Investing a good quality mattress is crucial if you’re dealing with a herniated disc or any type of chronic pain. Although there are mattresses on the market that will fit into any budget, you might be sacrificing the quality of the materials, the durability, and the warranty length. We suggest looking to spend between $1,600 and $2,100. We have suggested a few more affordable options however if you have a smaller budget.
Cooling
While not directly related to disc herniation, sleeping hot can make you feel uncomfortable during the night and affect your sleep quality. When dealing with a herniated disc, the last thing you want is to be tossing and turning from over-heating. When testing for colling features in mattresses, we first look at mattresses that use cooling components like coils, gel memory foam, phase-changing materials, and cooling covers. Coils in hybrid and innerspring mattresses help with air flow, and latex naturally dissipates body heat. We also use a thermal gun to measure how fast a mattress cools down after our testers lay on it for several minutes. We consider anything under an 8 degree difference good cooling and anything under 5 degrees great cooling.
Motion Isolation
It can be challenging for people with a herniated disc to find a comfortable sleeping position. This often makes them toss and turn in bed. And if the mattress is bouncy, it’s more likely for their motion to ripple throughout the bed, which can be an issue if they share their mattress with a partner and one of them is a light sleeper. That’s why memory foam mattresses are often a good choice for cosleeping, especially if one of the partners suffers from chronic pain. A hybrid model may also suffice if it has extra-thick comfort layers (and if the weight difference between the partners isn’t significant).
To test a mattress’s motion isolation, we drop several steel balls of different weights onto its surface and measure the vibrations with a seismometer. The higher the vibration, the higher the motion transfer, and the more likely partners are to wake each other up with their movements. Look to the right at the motion-transfer results for the Plank Firm, one of the mattresses on this roundup.
These are very low motion-transfer results, which tells us that the Plank Firm is excellent at isolating motion. Couples are unlikely to feel each other tossing and turning. This is a common trait among many all-foam mattresses, as the material is better at isolating motion than springs.
Edge Support
Edge support relates to the amount of support that a mattress has along its perimeter. Edge support is especially important for couples, seniors, heavy people, and anyone with chronic pain or a herniated disc. We pay special attention to edge support for sleepers with a herniated disc by using a yardstick to measure the sinkage our testers feel when laying or sitting on the edge of the bed. Those with a herniated disc should stay away from super soft mattresses with zero edge support, especially if the pain is in your back and you need extra help getting out of bed.
Mattress Company Policies
Mattress Warranties
When spending the money to invest in a good quality mattress, making sure it offers a great warranty is crucial. A warranty refers to the time period of company will replace your mattress for free if the mattress doesn’t perform as promised. A warranty can also give you an idea of how long your mattress should be durable for.
We recommend looking for warranties of 8+ years to guarantee you are buying quality materials that will support your herniate disc.
Sleep Trials
A sleep trial is essential for sleepers with a herniated disc as it allows you test the mattress for a long period of time within the comfort of your home. Most companies offer 60-100 day trials which allows you to break in your mattress and see if it relives the pressure your herniated disc naturally causes you.
Shipping
When looking for pain relief in your mattress, the last thing you want is to pay for shipping. Fortunately, every brand we have selected in this roundup offers free shipping on mattress purchases. If you don’t think you are capable of lifting the mattress or shipping box to the necessary room, many companies offer a service called “white glove delivery.” This is a hand delivery service that delivers the mattress, lifts it to the room you want it in, sets it up, and removes your old mattress for an added fee. This is something to consider if you struggle with a herniated disc.
Shipping can also be very expensive if you are purchasing internationally, so we also looked into some of the best Canadian mattresses to help you navigate international mattress shopping.
Sleeping Position
A correct sleeping position is one of the potential treatment options that can help you with pain relief when dealing with a herniated disc. But which one is considered to be the healthiest option? Let’s take a look and see how each position works.
Back Sleepers
Back Sleeping is considered to be the healthiest for most people, as it can help you maintain proper spinal alignment. Back sleepers usually require medium firm mattresses and a fair amount of cushioning around the hips and buttocks. If you have a herniated disc in your neck, you may want to invest in an orthopedic pillow with a special dent in the center for proper neck support.
Side Sleepers
Sleeping on your side is another good option when dealing with a herniated disc. It might be especially beneficial if you are dealing with a foraminal herniated disc. For these sleepers, the mattress should be soft enough to cradle your protruding shoulders and hips. You can try to put a pillow between the knees or even use a full-body pillow to contribute to spinal alignment.
Stomach Sleepers
This sleeping position may work if you have lumbar paracentral disc herniation. But in other cases, it is not recommended for disc herniation. Sleeping on your stomach can cause your hips to sink while elevating the chest and creating an unhealthy arch in the spine. However, if you can’t sleep in any other position, make sure that your mattress is firm and supportive enough to keep the hips lifted and in line with the shoulders.
What is the Best Sleeping Position for a Herniated Disc
Back and side sleeping are both good options for sleeping with herniated discs and can offer the necessary support and spinal alignment to sleep comfortably. We advise against stomach sleeping with a herniated disc as it may put too much pressure on the spine.
Sleep Accessories that Can Help a Herniated Disc
Pillows
Pillows are crucial for keeping your body aligned throughout the night if you struggle with a herniated disc. Memory foam or wedge pillows are great ways to help with spinal alignment and can give a similar feel to an adjustable base by keeping your chest a little higher and your shoulders supported throughout the night. Check out our Best Mattresses for Neck Support for more options.
Mattress Toppers
Sleepers who need extra support but don’t want to invest in a new mattress would benefit greatly from a mattress topper. If you struggle with a herniated disc, we suggest getting a mattress topper that is medium-firm and has a pillow top. With the extra firmness, your hips can stay aligned and reduce pressure around your discs. The softness of the pillow top can allow for a more hugging feel around your pain points, which will help with pressure relief.
Tips for Sleeping with a Herniated Disc
While sleeping on the right mattress cannot fix a herniated disc, there are a few things you can do to feel more comfortable.
- Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees: A pillow under your knees can help relieve some of the pressure around your lumbar region, and improve the pain you experience on your back.
- Try an adjustable base: Adjustable bases can be helpful for back sleepers with herniated discs, as they can relieve some of the pressure across the spine and help you get more comfortable when falling asleep.
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees: A pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side may help the spine and hips stay properly aligned, which may help alleviate some pressure on the back.
- Sleeping with a thinner pillow under your neck to reduce spinal strain: If you have a herniated disc in your neck, a thinner pillow under your head at night may improve your pain from the herniated disc by alleviating pressure and strain on the neck.
- Sleeping with a body pillow: U shaped body pillows, sometimes called pregnancy pillows, may also help with alignment and alleviate some of the pain you are experiencing.
FAQs
Can a bad mattress cause a herniated disc?
While a bad mattress cannot cause disc herniation, it can worsen the symptoms and prolong the recovery process.
Is a memory foam mattress good for a herniated disc?
It depends on your personal preferences. Generally, memory foam mattresses are considered to be a good option for sleepers with a herniated disc due to the material’s pressure-relieving properties.
What’s the best sleeping position for people with herniated discs?
Sleeping on your back or side is considered suitable for a herniated disc. When lying on your side, you can also put a pillow between the knees to aid spinal alignment.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, motion isolation, support, and more. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
When selecting the best mattresses for herniated discs, we chose products that offer a mixture of pressure relief (which can help relieve pain from a herniated disc) and strong support (which can help keep the spine neutrally aligned and prevent further pain).
A Look Into the Sleepopolis Testing Lab
In order to ensure that we’re recommending the best mattresses to sleepers everywhere, we test each one individually in our mattress lab in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 beds, putting each one through a rigorous testing process that includes measuring a mattress’s motion transfer with a seismometer, tracking its cooling capabilities with a thermal gun, and visualizing its ability to relieve pain with a pressure map.
From there, we give every bed an overall score based on its materials, comfort, support, cooling, edge support, and more. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
We know that sleep is an integral part of your health, which is why we’ve developed such a detailed methodology when testing mattresses and writing our reviews. We also know that every sleeper is different when it comes to body type, sleeping position, and mattress preference. With so many factors at play, we want to give you an informed opinion so you can make an informed purchase.
Best Mattresses for Herniated Discs 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| Helix Midnight | Overall | $1,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Rx | Back and Joint Pain | $3,295 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Hybrid | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Signature | Side Sleepers | $1,799 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Cooling | $2,305 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Back Sleepers | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm | Heavy People | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch Natural (by Helix) | Organic | $2,124 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
Dan Caffrey
Editor
About Author
Dan is a Performance Editor and Certified Sleep Coach at Sleepopolis, where he writes and edits mattress roundups to give readers the most up-to-date information on sleep products. In 2020, Dan earned his MFA In Playwriting from UT Austin, and his plays have been seen around the country in Chicago, Austin, Washington D.C., and elsewhere. He’s also a pop-culture fanatic, having written for publications such as The A.V. Club, Consequence, Pitchfork, and Vox. He co-hosts two popular horror podcasts on the Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network — The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast and Halloweenies: A Horror Franchise Podcast. When he’s not catching up on the latest King novel, you can find Dan in and around Brooklyn walking his dog Hank, seeing a play with his wife, and going to way too many concerts.
Back Sleeper
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- The Difference between Bulging Disc and Herniated Disc. miamineurosciencecenter.com. Published November 6, 2019. https://miamineurosciencecenter.com/en/conditions/herniated-disc/