Back pain is one of the most widespread issues people experience while sleeping, regardless of gender or age. In fact, eight out of 10 people may experience back pain at least once at some point during their lives. One possible cause is spinal stenosis, a condition that involves the narrowing of the spaces in your spine, which can lead to the nerves in these spaces becoming compressed or pinched. We’ll go over more specifics about this condition later, but for now, we want to help you by recommending the best mattresses for spinal stenosis.
For this roundup, we intentionally chose beds that performed well on our pressure-map test. This involves rolling a mat across each mattress, then having one of our testers lie down on it. The mat then uses thermal imaging to detect how much pressure a mattress puts on our body in different sleeping positions. On the 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’s good for back pain is going to show little to no pressure on the back in all three sleeping positions. Let’s see which beds made the cut!
Best Mattresses for Spinal Stenosis of 2023
- Puffy Cloud – Best Overall Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
- Saatva – Runner Up
- Plank Firm – Best Mattress for Heavier People with Spinal Stenosis
- Amerisleep AS3 – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
- Zoma Hybrid – Best Value Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
- WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
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.
Our Top Pick for Spinal Stenosis
We chose the Puffy Cloud as the best mattress for spinal stenosis due to its pressure-relieving foams. The comfort layer should conform to your body when you lie down and cradle the spine.
Compare the Best Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Puffy Cloud Mattress
Saatva Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Amerisleep AS3 Mattress
Zoma Hybrid Mattress
WinkBed Mattress
Rating
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Multiple firmness options
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 5/10
Soft: 6/10
Multiple firmness options
Material
Foam
Innerspring
Foam
Foam
Hybrid
Hybrid
Cooling
--
✓
--
--
--
✓
Sleep Position
Back & Side
Back & Stomach
Back & Stomach
Combination
Back
Combination
Puffy Cloud – Best Overall Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Puffy Cloud Mattress

The Puffy Cloud is an all-foam bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that is great for a wide range of sleepers. It also does a good job of reducing aches and pains, thanks to its balance of support and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffy Cloud Mattress

The Puffy Cloud is an all-foam bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that is great for a wide range of sleepers. It also does a good job of reducing aches and pains, thanks to its balance of support and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.

Puffy Cloud Mattress
The Puffy Cloud is an all-foam bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that is great for a wide range of sleepers. It also does a good job of reducing aches and pains, thanks to its balance of support and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Expert Opinion
What makes the all-foam Puffy Cloud one of the best mattresses for spinal stenosis is its pressure-relieving abilities. When lying down on this bed, we can feel its foams — which start off ultra-soft and get firmer toward the bottom of the construction — conforming closely to our body, adapting to the curves and filling in the gaps. Less tension often means less pain, promising long-awaited relief for spinal stenosis patients. We also didn’t sink too deeply into the layers, which can assist greatly with a neutral spinal alignment.
When looking at our pressure-map results, the Puffy Cloud showed little to no pressure on our back while side-sleeping and back-sleeping. This tells us that it’s going to be a good fit for folks who struggle with spinal stenosis, as it’s unlikely to exacerbate their pain, and may even help prevent it.
What our tester says: “I really enjoyed the combination of pressure relief and support the Puffy Cloud offers. I think it will do a good job of reducing aches and pains that some people experience when sleeping on a mattress that isn’t the right firmness level for their sleep style.” — Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
On many of the reviews on Puffy’s website, shoppers praise the bed’s ability to be both pressure-relieving and supportive. Reviewers also share their specific sleeping info, such as their sleeping position, if they share their mattress with a partner, and what size bed they purchased. This allows you to find a review from someone similar to you.
Pros of the Puffy Cloud Mattress
- The Puffy Cloud should be a good fit for side sleepers with spinal stenosis, as it offers a high amount of cradling and deep sinkage for pressure relief.
- Its removable cover is easy to take off in seconds. This allows you to wash it and keep allergens and dust to a minimum in the bedroom. This is good news for sensitive sleepers with allergies.
- We tested the Puffy Cloud’s motion transfer by dropping several steel balls of different weights onto the bed, then measuring their vibrations with a seismometer. The Puffy showed very low vibrations, which tells us that it excels at isolating motion, and should be a good option for anyone who sleeps with a restless partner.
Cons of the Puffy Cloud Mattress
- The Puffy Cloud is probably too soft for average weight and heavier stomach sleepers. The pressure map also displayed some moderate pressure on the back while we were stomach-sleeping, so stomach sleepers with stenosis may want to avoid it.
Read our full Puffy Cloud mattress review for more information.
Saatva – Runner Up
Saatva Mattress

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.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress

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.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.

Saatva Mattress
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.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Expert Opinion
When looking for the best mattress for spinal stenosis, you should definitely consider the Saatva. It’s a luxury hybrid with a traditional innerspring feel, thanks to its coil-on-coil construction (it essentially has two layers of springs). These coils deliver a ton of support and help distribute weight across the entire surface of the bed. This can help fight tension build-up in the spine. Another perk of the springs is that they don’t make sleepers feel stuck. So if your spinal stenosis is making it hard to get out of bed due to pain, it will be a bit easier with the Saatva.
The Saatva comes in three different firmness levels, and we tested out the Luxury Firm. We felt ourselves sinking into the bed’s euro top enough to feel pressure relief that may help with spinal stenosis. The coils underneath, especially around the hips, felt sturdy, and our back and neck stayed aligned. We also put the mattress through our pressure-map test, during which it showed almost no pressure around the back while back-sleeping. There was a little bit of pressure in this area while side-sleeping and stomach-sleeping, but this likely won’t be the case on the other models (side sleepers should opt for the Plush Soft and stomach sleepers should go with the Firm).
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, it was even named Sleepopolis’ Best Mattress for Back Pain in 2023.” — Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are almost 3,000 reviews on Saatva’s website, with consistent praise about the brand’s customer service. Many shoppers rave about the friendliness of Saatva’s employees and love that their mattress included free white glove delivery. Saatva will actually send someone to your house to deliver your bed and set it up at no extra charge.
Pros of the Saatva Mattress
- Because it’s so easy to move around on the Saatva, it could be an excellent fit for combination sleepers who need to switch positions at night.
- The Saatva has exceptionally strong edge support, so you should be able to spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress.
- The mix of cushioning memory foam, exquisite euro pillow top, and lumbar technology makes the Saatva a good choice if you want the look and feel of a luxury mattress.
Cons of the Saatva Mattress
- The Saatva comes with a higher price tag than other beds. So it may not be the best choice for budget shoppers.
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information.
Plank Firm – Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress

The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress

The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$

Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
The Plank is a flippable all-foam mattress from Brooklyn Bedding with both a Firm and an Extra-Firm side. We think the latter is a sensible choice for heavier people with spinal stenosis. It should keep their hips lifted and in line with the shoulders, which can help promote a neutral spinal alignment. The core is also made of highly dense foam, allowing it to handle more weight for a longer period of time.
During our tests, the Plank felt incredibly resilient and firm — one of the firmest mattresses we’ve tested to date, in fact. We felt our spine aligned and our hips supported, which eased muscle tension. This may help you if you have spinal stenosis. On our pressure-map test, we didn’t see much pressure near the back in any of our sleeping positions, although we don’t recommend a mattress this firm for side sleepers.
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.” — Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Across the 2,700-plus reviews on the Plank website, shoppers love the firmness and support, with many of them calling out how they’ve experienced no back pain on the mattress.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
- For an extra charge, you can get a GlacioTex cover made of Phase Change Material, which can absorb more heat than traditional cotton. This might be a good option for hot sleepers who need extra help sleeping cool.
- Average weight stomach sleepers and back sleepers should also be comfortable on the Plank Firm.
- The firmness of the Plank gives it a lot of responsiveness and makes it easy to move around on, despite it being made entirely of foam. So if you’re a combo sleeper, you should have no trouble switching positions at night.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress:
- The firmness of the Plank probably isn’t going to work for side sleepers. They’ll need a softer mattress that offers deep pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
Read our full Plank Firm mattress review for more information.
Amerisleep AS3 – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Amerisleep AS3 Mattress

The AS3 is the middle firmness option in the Amerisleep line. This 12-inch mattress combines supportive design with pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
20-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Amerisleep AS3 Mattress

The AS3 is the middle firmness option in the Amerisleep line. This 12-inch mattress combines supportive design with pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Warranty
20-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$

Amerisleep AS3 Mattress
The AS3 is the middle firmness option in the Amerisleep line. This 12-inch mattress combines supportive design with pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
20-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
Amerisleep’s original mattress line has five different beds, each with a different level of firmness. The all-foam AS3 is medium soft, coming in at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. When we tried side-sleeping on its plush memory foam, we felt a contouring hug at our shoulders and hips, immediately resulting in pressure relief. This may be useful if you’re a side sleeper with spinal stenosis and are looking to alleviate your pain.
The AS3 also utilizes what the brand calls “HIVE” technology in the transition layer. The foam is essentially cut in a gridded pattern that provides ergonomic support — firmer under the hips and softer under the shoulders. This helps sleepers maintain a neutral spinal alignment and could also provide relief from spinal stenosis.
What our tester says: “I also really like how this bed has all the best features of memory foam, without the overheating and quicksand feeling that you’ll find in some memory foam mattresses.” — Logan Block, former content director
What Customers Say
There are nearly 7,000 reviews on the Amerisleep website, and many reviewers have singled out the AS3 as being very cushy, especially for older sleepers. Several folks have even bought the mattress for their parents.
Pros of the Amerisleep AS3 Mattress
- The AS3 is resistant to dust mites, mold growth, and bacteria build-up. This makes the it a good match for allergy-prone sleepers who are dealing with spinal stenosis.
- The foams used in its construction are plant-based and eco-friendly.
- The foam is also aerated, helping this bed sleep nice and cool. Additionally, it has a soft and breathable cover.
Cons of the Amerisleep AS3 Mattress
- Due to its softness, the AS3 isn’t going to be supportive enough for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds.
Read our full Amerisleep AS3 mattress review for more information.
Zoma Hybrid – Best Value Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Zoma Hybrid Mattress

This mattress will appeal to side sleepers and those with hip pain because it uses a zoned support system that works nicely to keep the spine aligned. The softness of the foam is going to alleviate pressure in sensitive areas to help reduce pain while you sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Zoma Hybrid Mattress

This mattress will appeal to side sleepers and those with hip pain because it uses a zoned support system that works nicely to keep the spine aligned. The softness of the foam is going to alleviate pressure in sensitive areas to help reduce pain while you sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$

Zoma Hybrid Mattress
This mattress will appeal to side sleepers and those with hip pain because it uses a zoned support system that works nicely to keep the spine aligned. The softness of the foam is going to alleviate pressure in sensitive areas to help reduce pain while you sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for the best mattress for spinal stenosis, but are on a strict budget, you might want to consider the Zoma Hybrid. This model is usually available for close to or under $1,000 for a queen size, and that’s before discounts. Its comfort layer of foam uses a zoned support system that’s meant to give you proper weight distribution, and can help prevent the back pain that comes with spinal stenosis. Each section of this top layer responds differently to applied pressure. At the bottom of the mattress, a layer of individually wrapped coils creates a sturdy foundation.
When testing out the Zoma Hybrid, we felt tension-free and almost weightless. We then rolled out our pressure map and were pleased to see that there was little to no pressure on the back in all three sleeping positions. That being said, we think the bed’s medium-soft to medium-firm feel (it scored a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale) is a better fit for back sleepers and side sleepers than it is for stomach sleepers.
What our tester says: “As a hybrid mattress, the Zoma Hybrid uses a mix of foam and coils that help create a feel that’s as pressure-relieving as it is supportive. If you sleep on your back, side, or alternate between the two positions, I think you’ll appreciate the even feel of this mattress.” — Logan Block, former content director
What Customers Say
There are about 1,100 customer reviews of the Zoma Hybrid on the band’s website, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers have commented that the mattress has just the right level of support.
Pros of the Zoma Hybrid Mattress
- The cover is stretchy and removable, and can be taken off in seconds for a quick wash, conveniently keeping your room clean and free of anything that triggers allergies.
- If you struggle with hip pain, you should find some relief in the top foams of the Zoma Hybrid.
- As a brand, Zoma caters to athletes. So if you’re someone with an active lifestyle, the Zoma Hybrid may prove to be a good fit.
Cons of the Zoma Hybrid Mattress
- It probably isn’t going to be supportive enough for stomach sleepers heavy people.
Read our full Zoma Hybrid mattress review for more information.
WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.

WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Expert Opinion
A luxury hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel, the WinkBed is outfitted with a layer of extra-tall coils. These coils are also zoned, which helps create an optimal spinal position during sleep — a crucial trait for anyone dealing with tension from spinal stenosis.
The WinkBed’s reinforced edge may also help with spinal stenosis, as it makes the mattress incredibly durable and stable. When testing it out, we were able to effortlessly get in and out of bed, thanks to the coils’ strength and responsiveness. Additionally, we were able to easily change positions. Note: the WinkBed comes in several different firmness levels. We tested out the Luxury Firm. During our pressure-map test, it showed little to no pressure on the back in all three sleeping positions.
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.” — Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
On WinkBeds’ website, you can filter out the comments based on specific performance categories. If you have spinal stenosis, we recommend looking at what other sleepers have to say about pain relief. Many of them praise the WinkBed for how much it helped with their back pain.
Pros of the WinkBed Mattress
- The different firmness levels mean that there’s a WinkBed for every sleeping position. We recommend the Softer for side sleepers, the Luxury Firm for back sleepers, and the Firmer for stomach sleepers. There’s also the WinkBed Plus, an extra-durable bed built for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds. However, it does cost more.
- Because of its extra-tall coils, the WinkBed has a lot of bounce and should make it easy for combination sleepers to switch sleeping positions.
- The WinkBed is made with a number of luxury materials, including a soft and breathable Tencel cover and a Euro top infused with gel for added cooling. This gives it the feel of a high-end hotel mattress.
Cons of the WinkBed Mattress
- If you’re a fan of the slow-sinking feel of memory foam, you should steer clear of the WinkBed. Even the Softer model is going to be bouncy and responsive, as opposed to contouring.
Read our full WinkBed mattress review for more information.
What Exactly Is Spinal Stenosis?
To pick the best mattresses for spinal stenosis, it’s important to understand what you’re dealing with first.
Simply put, spinal stenosis is a condition that involves the narrowing of the spaces in your spine. The narrower they get, the more likely it is for the nerves to become compressed or pinched. According to Dr. Debra Sullivan, this occurs either in the cervical part of your spine (neck) or in the lumbar part of your spine (lower back). Therefore, there are two types of spinal stenosis, cervical stenosis, and lumbar stenosis. As a result of the nerve compression that occurs in spinal stenosis, you may start experiencing numbness, weakness, and pain in your legs and feet, plus back pain if you are experiencing lumbar stenosis or neck pain if you are experiencing cervical stenosis.
Spinal stenosis cases are growing in number these days. It can be either congenital (from birth) or acquired. Congenital cases are usually caused by a small spinal canal. In acquired cases, it can be caused by either age-related spinal changes or by other conditions such as injuries or previous spinal surgery, bone wear and tear, excess calcium or fluoride, scoliosis, or other illnesses.
“If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and think you may have spinal stenosis, but have not had a diagnosis, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider, as it could be caused by a more serious issue,” says Dr. Sullivan. One of the risk factors is age-related degenerative change, which explains why spinal stenosis is more common among people over 65.
Since spinal stenosis can cause neck, back and limb pain, this condition might make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep. Additionally, you may even start experiencing more pain due to the lack of movement and staying in one position for a long time during the night. The lack of motion during sleep puts more pressure on the joints and your spine. As a result, your stenosis symptoms can worsen.
And that’s why it’s so important to get yourself a proper mattress for spinal stenosis. While it can’t treat the condition, a suitable bed has a chance of making you feel more comfortable and relaxed, and thus improve your sleep quality. Plus, a proper mattress may even help relieve the pain.
What Is the Best Type of Mattress for Spinal Stenosis?
A good mattress is supposed to distribute your weight evenly and keep your spine properly aligned during the night. While this is the main rule when finding the best mattress for spinal stenosis, some extra characteristics may vary depending on the materials used.
Let’s look at the most common ones and see which material can make the most suitable mattress for spinal stenosis.
Foam
Whether it’s memory or polyurethane foam, this material offers close conforming and adapts its surface to the curves of your body. It effectively distributes your weight, which aids spinal alignment. This makes foam mattresses a good option for lumbar spinal stenosis, which is often accompanied by kyphosis that requires a correct sleeping posture. The cradling properties of foam also help with pressure relief. This, consequently, can help reduce the pain levels.
The main drawback sleepers usually have to deal with is sleeping hot. Foam tends to trap body heat while giving you a generous hug. All of that can make you wake up sweaty in the morning. Now, if you don’t want to sacrifice the superb pressure relief that these mattresses offer, you may want to consider models that use gel infusion or an open-cell technology for a cooling effect.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine pocketed coils for base support and foam (or sometimes latex) for comfort layers. This type offers the best of both materials: sturdy support and good air circulation (coils) with pressure relief (foam or latex).
Hybrid beds are a good option for sleepers with spinal stenosis due to their balanced feel. Such a mattress would be supportive enough to aid proper spinal alignment while gently cradling your body and reducing pressure points.
However, keep in mind that hybrid models are usually quite expensive. They also tend to be very heavy and hard to move. And because of the multiple layers used, many hybrid mattresses are quite thick. If your spinal stenosis pain causes mobility issues, an overly tall mattress can make it hard for you to get in and out of bed every day. Check out our best hybrid mattress picks.
Latex
Latex mattresses have a fast response, so they aren’t supposed to make you feel stuck. At the same time, the material does a great job of relieving pressure and tension, helping your muscles relax, and reducing stress on the joints. This can help alleviate the pain caused by spinal stenosis.
Another benefit of latex mattresses is that they don’t sleep hot. And while this factor is not directly linked to spinal stenosis pain, it can help you feel much more comfortable and relaxed, which may improve your sleep quality.
Innerspring
Using coils for support, innerspring beds are quite bouncy and responsive. Such mattresses often use a thin layer of foam for improved comfort, but it’s not usually enough for decent pressure relief. That’s why this type is more suitable for back and stomach sleepers rather than side sleepers.
At the same time, innerspring beds allow for consistent support across their surface. They also have strong edges, which can make them a good option for a mattress for cervical spinal stenosis. Because this condition often causes weakness in the arms and hands, patients may rely on their mattress and its bounce to help them get in and out of bed. So, if you press against the edges of the mattress to help yourself stand up, an innerspring model would be strong enough to hold up under the pressure.
Additionally, innerspring mattresses don’t sleep hot. This can help you relax faster during the night.
Things to Look For in a Good Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
On your quest to find the most comfortable mattress, spinal stenosis may seem like a scary complication. But if you keep the below factors in mind, it should be easy to narrow down your choices.
- Back support and proper alignment: As we mentioned, proper posture during sleep is important, especially if you have back issues. A good mattress has to distribute your body weight evenly and keep your spine in a neutral position. An overly thin or soft bed probably won’t be able to do that.
- Suitable firmness for your weight: Heavier individuals put more pressure on the mattress’s surface, which may result in unwanted sinkage and unhealthy curves in the spine. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, you may need a firm bed that offers solid support. At the same time, if you are a petite sleeper, be careful with medium-firm and firm mattresses. When the bed surface feels too stiff, it will put more pressure on your joints, which can lead to increased pain levels.
- Pressure relief: Reducing tension may come in handy when suffering from spinal stenosis. Since this condition often causes too much stress and pressure on spinal nerves, a pressure-relieving mattress can help relieve the pain. Memory foam and latex models would be the most optimal options to consider.
- Compatibility with your sleeping position. Side sleepers need softer mattresses that would allow enough sinkage for the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers usually benefit the most from medium firmness, which doesn’t offer that much cushioning but still allows for the hips and buttocks to sink a bit deeper. If you sleep on your stomach, make sure that your mattress is firm enough and offers sturdy support. Also, keep in mind that spinal stenosis sufferers are recommended to sleep in a fetal position (on their side with the knees curled up a bit).
- Breathability and cooling. No one likes sleeping hot, especially when you also have to deal with back pain. Therefore, a cooling mattress would be the best choice for spinal stenosis. Look at hybrid, latex, innerspring, or gel-infused foam mattresses.
- Adjustable frame compatibility. Some people find it more comfortable to sleep in a reclined position when dealing with spinal stenosis pain, as this can help relieve nerve pressure. If you are one of them, make sure that your new mattress would work with an adjustable frame. Usually, manufacturers provide that information on the product’s page.
Mattresses for Spinal Stenosis – Our Tests
When we tested our mattresses to see if they would help with spinal stenosis, we looked at these three key factors: pressure relief, support, and edge support. Pressure relief helps reduce pain associated with the condition, proper support helps keep the spine from falling out of alignment, and edge support allows for ease of motion and makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
While support is largely subjective and is going to vary from person to person, we have a series of tests that we apply to measure a mattress’ pressure-relieving abilities and edge support.
Pressure Relief
As you saw in our mini reviews above, we use a device called a pressure map to test how well a mattress relieves pressure, and as a result, pain. We simply spread a mat out over the bed, then lie down in all of the different sleeping positions (back, side, and stomach). The mat then sends thermal imaging to a computer screen to create a visual map of how much pressure a mattress puts on different areas of the body.
The map is color-coded. Blue means no pressure, green means a little bit of pressure, yellow means moderate pressure, orange means high pressure, and red means very high pressure. When selecting the best mattress for spinal stenosis, we want to see mostly blue all along the back (a little bit of green is okay, too). Take a look below at the Puffy to see why it’s a good bed for spinal stenosis sufferers.

As you can see, there’s some moderate to high pressure along the shoulders while side-sleeping, but almost no pressure on the back in both sleeping positions. This tells us that it should be a comfortable mattress for anyone who deals with spinal stenosis.
Edge Support
Our test for edge support is a bit less involved. We simply sit on the edge of the mattress to see how supported we feel. If we don’t see or feel the sides of the bed collapsing under our weight, then we know it has strong edge support. Take a look below at the Saatva mattress — which has a perimeter reinforced with coils — to see what we mean.

FAQs
Can a good mattress help spinal stenosis?
While a mattress can’t treat the condition, a suitable bed can help alleviate the symptoms.
Can spinal stenosis get worse because of the wrong mattress?
An unsuitable mattress can put too much pressure on your spine or create unnatural curves, which can lead to increased discomfort and higher pain levels.
Can memory foam worsen your spinal stenosis?
On the contrary, memory foam is very pressure-relieving and can help alleviate pain associated with spinal stenosis. However, it’s a softer material, and you’ll want to make sure the bed also has enough support to keep your spine neutrally aligned.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 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.
Because sleepers with spinal stenosis are dealing with pain, we made sure to choose mattresses that excelled in the area of pressure relief. At the same time, we focused on beds that still offered enough support to keep the spine aligned. Click here to learn more about our methodology. And if you’re still not sure of the right mattress, you can take our mattress quiz to be shown a selection of mattresses curated to your sleep preferences.
Best Mattresses for Spinal Stenosis 2023
Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Coupon | Review |
Puffy Cloud | Overall | $2,399 | Puffy Coupon | Read Our Review |
Saatva | Runner Up | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
Plank Firm (by Brooklyn Bedding) | Heavy People | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
Amerisleep AS3 | Memory Foam | $1,749 | Amerisleep Coupon | Read Our Review |
Zoma Hybrid | Value | $1,149 | Check Coupons | Read Our Review |
WinkBed | Hybrid | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
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C. Lillis (2019, July 22). Spinal stenosis: Everything you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325817#symptoms
Mayo Clinic Staff (2018, March 08). Spinal stenosis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352961
R. Kalff, C. Ewald, A. Waschke, L. Gobisch, and C. Hopf (2013, September 13). Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Older People. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3784039/
A. Truszczyńska, J. Drzał-Grabiec, M. Płszewski, K. Rąpała, A. Tarnowski (2015). Posture of Patients With Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24968797/
University of Virginia (n.d.). Cervical Stenosis. Retrieved from https://med.virginia.edu/neurosurgery/services/spine-surgery/cervical-stenosis/
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R. Staehler (2017, October 25). Mattresses and Sleep Positions for Each Back Pain Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/sleep/mattresses-and-sleep-positions-each-back-pain-diagnosis