Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
While there’s no substitute for professional medical care when it comes to assessing and treating pain, one thing you may want to consider is buying the best mattress for scoliosis. The curvature of the spine produced by scoliosis can often exert uncomfortable pressure on the joints, nerves, and lower back. This can make it hard to catch the Zzz’s you need to live a happy and healthy life.
That’s why we put together this list — to help you get the rest you need. While the mattresses below differ in terms of style, design, and price, they’re all built to alleviate tension across your body and cushion sensitive spots. To learn more about sleeping with scoliosis, take a look at our buying guide at the bottom of this article.
Our Top Pick for Addressing Scoliosis
We chose the Nectar as the top pick because of how soothing its soft memory foam feels on the back. At the same time, the supportive foam below should help keep the spine in a neutral alignment.
Best Mattresses for Scoliosis 2024 – Top Nine Picks
- Best Overall Mattress for Scoliosis – Nectar
- Best Hybrid Mattress for Scoliosis – WinkBeds
- Best Value Mattress for Scoliosis – DreamCloud
- Best Mattress for Joint Pain – Saatva Rx
- Best Mattress for Back Sleepers With Scoliosis – Helix Midnight
- Best Firm Mattress for Scoliosis – Plank Firm
- Best Cooling Mattress for Scoliosis – Bear
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Scoliosis – Nolah Evolution
- Best Mattress for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Best Mattress for Scoliosis – Our Video Review
Note: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative in nature, so it should not be taken as medical advice, nor should it ever take the place of medical supervision from a trained professional. If you feel you may be suffering from a sleep disorder as caused by scoliosis pain, please see your healthcare provider immediately.
What We Look For In The Best Mattresses For Scoliosis
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is the first thing we tested for in our best mattresses for scoliosis because we know how important it is to alleviate any unwanted pressure from your back, neck, and hips. We used a pressure map on each of the mattresses on this list to be sure you are getting the most pressure relief and sleeping comfortably.
Firmness
Being comfortable is your top priority when you are sleeping, and we know this, so we were sure to pay special attention to the firmness of each of the mattresses we tested in this list to give you the option to choose what firmness is best for you. To do this we tested all of these mattresses against our firmness scale, a 1-10 scale with 10 being the most firm, to show you exactly how firm your mattress is. For people with scoliosis we recommend a mattress around a 6.5 firmness
Contouring
We made sure all of the mattresses we tested for this review would contour the body in a way that helped to alleviate pain for sleepers with scoliosis while still being comfortable.
Best Overall Mattress for Scoliosis – Nectar
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
When trying to sleep well with scoliosis pain, one of the most important things to consider is support. Sound support is important for all folks, but those who have scoliosis need to be extra attentive to this. At the same time, they can benefit from a bed that contours their body and provides pressure relief. That’s why we’ve decided to kick off this list with the Nectar mattress. We found that this all-foam bed offers good pressure relief and body contouring for side sleepers. The shoulders and hips get a good amount of sinkage, but the high-density foam at the base can help the spine stay neutrally aligned, and prevent you from sinking too far into the mattress’s layers.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Scoliosis – WinkBeds
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 like a firmer hybrid mattress, look no further than the WinkBed, a luxury hybrid with a supportive innerspring feel. Regardless of your body type and sleeping position, you should be able to find a WinkBed that provides adequate support. This means those with scoliosis should find a match, too.
Best Value Mattress for Scoliosis – DreamCloud
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Expert Opinion
The DreamCloud is a luxury hybrid mattress built with a tall layer of coils and responsive foams. If you struggle with scoliosis, you should get enough support from the bed’s springs to maintain a neutral spinal alignment. You should also be able to easily move around on the bed without worsening your pain. When looking at our pressure map results, we think the mattress is an especially good fit for back sleepers. The image lit up almost entirely blue while we tried out the bed in the back-sleeping position.
Best Mattress for Joint Pain – Saatva Rx
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
If you struggle with scoliosis (or just chronic pain in general), you might want to check out the Saatva Rx. The brand specifically designed this hybrid mattress to treat back pain and joint issues. As such, it has a unique construction of memory foam at the top and a layer of pocketed coils at the bottom, with a core of microcoils wrapped in memory foam. So the bed essentially goes foam, coils, foam, coils. The result is a dynamic blend of comfort and support that should give you enough cushioning for pain relief while also ensuring that you have enough support to prevent further pain.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Scoliosis – Helix Midnight
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
Helix has a lineup of six different hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness. The Helix Midnight is their most popular bed, most likely because of its medium firmness that suits a wide variety of sleepers.
Best Firm Mattress for Scoliosis – Plank Firm
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
If you suffer from scoliosis, a firm mattress can help you maintain a neutral spinal alignment and prevent further pain. And when it comes to firm mattresses, you’d be hard-pressed to find a firmer option than the Plank Firm. Created by Brooklyn Bedding, it’s unique in that it’s made entirely of foam, yet still provides a ton of firmness and support. But its most notable feature is that it’s flippable, with both a “firm” and an “ultra-firm” side.
Best Cooling Mattress for Scoliosis – Bear
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
Bear’s goal is to improve quality of sleep and help people recover from their daily lives more quickly. With this goal in mind, the all-foam, firm-feeling Bear mattress has three layers of foam and top-notch responsiveness, support, and pressure relief, making it a prime option for those with scoliosis. The all-foam mattress held up against our pressure map test, which shows that the mattress could do a great job of relieving tension from the lower back.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Scoliosis – Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
Side sleepers with scoliosis should find a mattress that hits the sweet spot between comfort and support. On one hand, they’ll need something that gives them plenty of contouring at the shoulders and hips, where they put the most pressure. On the other hand, they’ll want a bed that also gives them enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned. They should find both characteristics in the Nolah Evolution, a hybrid mattress built with a blend of sturdy support coils and a soft proprietary foam called AirFoam ICE. It comes in three different firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tried the Luxury Firm.
Best Mattress for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
We included the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid on this list because it has a medium firmness, as well as a blend of comfort and support that’s ideal for sleepers suffering from scoliosis. They should get the cushioning they need at the lumbar region from the bed’s top layer of memory foam, while also getting the proper spinal support from its bottom layer of individually wrapped coils.
What to Look For In A Mattress If You Have Scoliosis
If you’re looking for a mattress that can adequately address scoliosis, we recommend considering these factors while shopping.
Support
While sound support is important for all sleepers, it could be especially important for those who deal with regular scoliosis pain. That’s because support refers to how well a bed aligns the spine all the way from the shoulders to the hips. This helps reduce pain and relieve pressure across the back.
Good support comes from a balanced design of gentle comfort layers and sturdy foundational cores. Beds built with pocketed coils typically have fantastic support and mobility, working to lift the sleeper more “on top” of the bed than “in” it. If you like sinking into a structure, you could find some nice support in a bed that utilizes a base layer of high-density polyfoam.
To test for support, we have our expert testers lay on each mattress in various positions to see where and how they feel supported. When laying on their back, they look for spinal alignment and lumbar support that keeps their hips, spine, and shoulders in a neutral alignment. On their stomachs, they look for support through the knees, hips, and backs. When they lay on their sides, they pay attention to support through the hips, back, and shoulders. Most people need support in the same areas when sleeping, but these factors are especially important if you are dealing with scoliosis and any pain that may be associated with it.
Hear from the Experts:
How Does Scoliosis Affect Sleep?
“Scoliosis can affect sleep by causing extreme discomfort and pain due to the curvature of your spine. Scoliosis makes it extremely difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position as you may feel stiffness, pressure, or muscle tension that can lead to poor sleep quality. “
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Pressure Relief
High-quality support elevates one’s comfort at night, but it’s nothing without deep and effective pressure relief. Folks with scoliosis need to relieve pressure at sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips. So, any bed they buy needs to cushion these spots throughout the night. A dense foam layer could do wonders for those with scoliosis. We recommend memory foam, as its slow response to pressure provides deep sinkage. Latex foam can also be effective, though it doesn’t have the same “hug” that memory foam does.
Another option is to consider a pillow-top mattress. These models are made mostly of coils but feature a plush, quilted top layer sewed onto the structure itself. Though not as contouring as memory foam, pillow tops can provide some nice comfort to the sleeper. Pressure relief that is offered in these types of mattresses is exceptionally important for sleepers with scoliosis, as it can help to alleviate pain and reduce pressure buildup, which may further inflame already sensitive parts of the body.
To test for pressure relief on the mattresses in this list, we use a pressure mat, which we roll across the mattress and lay on in various positions. The mat then gives us a thermal reading called a pressure map. This map tells us where pressure is relieved and where it is built up depending on the sleeping position. The map showing a lot of blue and green indicates good pressure relief, while orange and red spots are a sign of poor pressure relief.
Mobility
A bed’s mobility refers to how easy it is to move around and change positions. In particular, pain sufferers can benefit from ease of motion. If one position isn’t quite cutting it, they can quickly roll into another. To ensure that you’ve landed on a mobile structure, keep an eye out for pocketed coils and latex foam. These are two of the bounciest mattress materials on the market. They work to lift the sleeper up and out of the bed so that they can easily and comfortably move throughout the evening.
The mobility of a mattress also concerns its motion isolation and responsiveness. Motion isolation refers to how much movement can be felt across the bed, and responsiveness is the degree to which the materials of the mattress respond to your movement. Materials like memory foam are slow to respond, as they “remember” your position even after you have left it. Motion isolation can be important for couples or people who sleep with animals, as their movements may wake the other people in the bed. When shopping for a mattress for scoliosis, we recommend looking for one that is responsive and mobile but with lower motion transfer, so that you can move comfortably without waking other people in the bed.
To test our mattresses for motion isolation, we drop a ball from various heights to mimic different movements in a bed. We then measure the amount of movement that ripples across the bed during these drops using a seismograph machine. This gives us a reading that shows how good the bed is at motion isolation. The smaller the waves, the better the motion isolation.
Contouring
Contouring is an important factor to consider in any bed, but it is especially important if you are dealing with pain in a certain part of your body, or as a result of scoliosis. Contouring refers to the ability of a mattress to contour your body, and it is generally related to pressure relief and the firmness of your mattress. The softer the mattress, the more contouring it is likely to be. Materials like memory foam are generally very contouring, and will cradle your body in a way that can be very pain relieving.
We test the contouring by laying on each of the mattresses and examining how cradled and hugged we feel. A firmer mattress generally offers less contouring, and a softer mattress where you sink into the bed a bit more is generally a better option for those who prefer to be contoured. While every sleeper has a different preference, we have found that beds that offer more contouring are better for alleviating pain when sleeping, and may be a better option for sleepers with scoliosis.
Firmness
Speaking of contouring and soft mattresses, firmness is something you should consider when looking for a mattress for scoliosis. Firmness is relevant for a few reasons. The first is that everyone has different preferences when it comes to the firmness of their mattress. Some people like a firmer feel, and do not like to feel as though they are sinking into the mattress. Others really enjoy a hugging feeling. The second reason that this is important is that firmness can affect the level of deep pressure relief and contouring a mattress has. For this reason, a softer to medium-firm mattress may be a good pick for someone with scoliosis. However, if you prefer a firmer mattress, then you might find one with more support and spinal alignment, which can be beneficial for scoliosis.
We test all of the mattresses we review for their level of firmness by laying on them in various positions and assigning an expert score. We use our Sleepopolis firmness scale to rank each mattress empirically on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the most soft and 10 being the most firm. 6.5 is generally considered medium firm. We recommend that stomach sleepers opt for a firmer mattress, back sleepers for a medium firm mattress, and side sleepers for a softer one. When shopping for a mattress for scoliosis, considering your sleeping position may also be important, so do not just go for the softest option.
Is a Firm or Soft Mattress Better for Scoliosis?
The answer is, it depends. In general terms, we suggest a softer mattress for scoliosis, as softer mattresses can provide deeper and more comforting pressure relief and contouring, which are helpful for people sleeping with pain. However, firmer mattresses generally offer a bit more support than soft mattresses, which can also be important for sleepers with scoliosis. We recommend considering your personal preferences when it comes to comfort and whether you want more contouring and relief, or more support and spinal alignment. However, there are certainly soft mattresses that offer excellent support, so it is helpful to do some research into the exact capabilities of the mattress you want to buy.
Sleeping Position
Sleeping position, as we mentioned, is important to consider when looking for the best mattress for scoliosis. While we generally recommend opting for a mattress that is softer so you can have deep pressure relief and contouring across the body, this may not be the best option for you if you are a back or side sleeper. These sleepers need a bit more support than other sleepers, so softer mattresses may not offer enough support.
When picking the right mattress for you, we recommend starting with what feels the most comfortable. If you are a back sleeper but love the feel of a soft, hugging, contouring mattress, and feel that this helps alleviate pain from scoliosis when you are sleeping, then that is the right mattress for you. These guidelines are to help you navigate the world of mattress shopping, but they are not a one size fits rule. If you are struggling with choosing the right option, it may help to try some mattresses out in person.
- Back sleeping is widely considered as the best sleeping position for alleviating back pain and promoting a neutral spinal alignment (4).
- Side sleeping can be healthy for scoliosis, especially if you use the help of a pillow. Place a pillow on the curvier side of your lower back to promote maximum comfort and a healthy alignment.
- Stomach sleeping is the riskiest sleeping position for scoliosis. It can put the neck in an unfavorable position that may cause misalignment and stress down the rest of the spine.
For more information on sleeping positions, see our Guide to Better Sleep Posture.
Hear from the Experts:
What is the Doctor Recommended Sleeping Position for Scoliosis?
“For patients with scoliosis, I recommend sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees to alleviate any tension in the hips or lower back. You could also sleep on your side with a pillow between the knees to help keep your spine as aligned as possible. Both of these sleeping positions with help of the pillows will reduce pressure points and help support you through the night.”
Edge Support and Durability
Edge support refers to the strength of the edges of your mattress. This can affect how much of the mattresses you can lay on, as well as the durability of the mattress. If you struggle with getting comfortable due to scoliosis pain when sleeping, then strong edge support will be important, as you can move around and use all of the bed space. Further, strong edges can help keep your mattress from prematurely sagging, which is important for any consumer. The durability of your mattress also depends on the quality and type of materials, which will affect the price of the mattress, but also how well the mattress will hold up.
We test for edge support by applying pressure to the edges of the mattress and seeing how easily we can push them down. We also sit on the edge of the mattress and measure the amount of sinkage we get. The easier it is to push the edges down, and the more they sink, the worse the edge support is.
Mattress Materials
Speaking of materials, let’s break down what mattresses are made of. These materials affect the way your mattress feels, its responsiveness and mobility, pressure relief, firmness, and more, so it is important to understand what they are made of. To examine what each mattress we review is made of, we look inside each one. This allows us to understand how durable the mattress is, and what it will feel like to sleep on.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a distinct type of foam that is slow-moving, and contouring, and many sleepers find it very comfortable. As the name implies, memory foam “remembers” your shape or the shape of something lying on the bed and maintains that shape even after moving away from it. Memory foam is a great option for sleepers who like to feel like they are sinking into their mattress or hugged by their bed. It is also great at contouring the body which helps provide excellent pressure relief. One thing to consider with memory foam is that you will need a certain level of firmness depending on how you sleep. For example, we recommend stomach sleepers to opt for a firm to extra firm memory foam mattress so they are able to get the support they need.
Memory foam may a good option for sleepers with scoliosis, as it can provide contouring and pressure relief that is imperative for pain relief, without being overly soft and lack support. Memory foam comes in various levels of firmness, and is a great material for people who experience pain when they sleep. However, it is not very responsive, which may make it difficult to move around when trying to get comfortable.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are mattresses constructed out of two layers of coils, or springs, that are topped by a thinner layer of foam. However, this does not mean they are not comfortable. Innerspring mattresses are incredibly cooling as their coils provide a lot of breathability and air movement throughout the evening, and they are usually supportive. Innerspring mattresses are also very durable, with strong edge support and long lives, they are a good choice for people who seek out durable and supportive mattresses that are less hugging than all foam or memory mattresses.
Latex
Latex is a natural material meaning that a lot of latex mattresses are naturally better at repelling allergens such as dust, and better for the environment than some other materials, as natural latex is made from tree sap. Latex is also very comfortable and bouncy but still offers the necessary support. It is also a naturally cooling material, as it is very porous and breathable.
Latex can also be very bouncy and does not provide very good motion isolation, so if you are prone to waking up to movements, latex may not be for you. However, it is a great choice for scoliosis sleepers who move a lot, as it is very responsiveness and you can move easily and comfortably.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are made of one layer of coils and one layer of foam, so they are a hybrid between all foam mattresses and innerspring. These mattresses combine the breathability of an innerspring mattress with the comfort and pressure relief of a foam mattress. For many sleepers, hybrid beds are the ideal combination of these factors and are very appealing because of their comfort, support, and cooling. These mattresses are great for almost every type of sleeper and can provide the necessary support and comfort for many people. However, one downside of these mattresses is that can cost a pretty penny. Due to their popularity and construction, hybrid mattresses are almost always upwards of $1,000.
What Type of Mattress is Best For Scoliosis?
There is no one size fits all mattress, so the best mattress for you and your scoliosis will depend on several factors. This includes your personal preferences, needs, budget, and wants. In general, a foam mattress is a good place to start, as it can be supportive but still contouring and pressure relieving. Hybrid mattresses offer excellent responsiveness but also have all of the great elements of all foam mattresses. Innerspring and latex can be good options because they are so responsive, but generally not contouring enough for sleepers with pain.
Scoliosis and Sleep
Scoliosis does more than contribute to discomfort. It can also help lead to the development of sleep disorders like sleep apnea, which can make it harder to fall or stay asleep (3). A comfortable mattress is imperative for maintaining spinal alignment and creating a comfortable atmosphere for a restful sleep.
What Is Scoliosis?
The Mayo Clinic defines scoliosis as “a sideways curvature of the spine” that can result in respiratory issues, orthopedic issues, and/or an apparent asymmetry in areas like the ribs, hips, or shoulders (1). It’s a relatively common condition that deserves its own roundup for mattresses we believe to be specifically helpful for scoliosis. The Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that 2–3 percent of the U.S. population has some form of scoliosis, with many cases arising during puberty (2).
Symptoms and Signs of Scoliosis
Symptoms of scoliosis, or a curvature in the spine, can include an abnormal bend through the back, uneven hips or shoulders, prominent shoulder blades, and pain throughout these areas. Parts of the neck and jaw may also be affected by scoliosis and may require chiropractic or surgical adjustment. Difficulty walking, opening the jaw, turning the head all the way, and bending over may also be associated with some cases of scoliosis. The best way to determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are related to scoliosis is to consult a doctor.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Scoliosis is generally diagnosed using an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan of the spine, shoulder, and hip areas to determine if there is a curvature. Early signs of scoliosis may also be observed when you go to your general physician. While these tests can seem overwhelming, they are designed only to help find the cause, and once it is determined, you can move forward with treatment.
Treatment can look like a lot of different things. It may involve chiropractic, physical therapy, or sometimes surgical intervention. Some people also wear back braces to help naturally change the curve of their spine. Treatment and diagnosis are best handled when you consult a medical professional, so we recommend speaking to your doctor or a scoliosis specialist.
Can You Still Sleep comfortably with Scoliosis?
Yes! You certainly can still sleep comfortably and well even with scoliosis. Finding the right mattress is a good first step, but consulting your doctor on other treatment options may help improve your comfort level when sleeping and living with scoliosis.
Our Five Tips for Sleeping With Scoliosis
We’ve got a whole page on our Tips for Sleeping with Scoliosis, and we’re wanted to feature five of our favorite tips that we included in the full guide.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach
- Try sleeping on your back or side
- Find a balance of comfort and support (preferably somewhere around medium-firm)
- Use pillows to promote proper alignment
- You can place a pillow under your hips or spinal curve to help promote spinal and hip alignment during the night
- It may also help to place a pillow between your knees to aid in spinal alignment
- Find the right brace and take good care of it
FAQs
What mattress firmness is best for scoliosis?
While every sleeper is different, a medium-firm mattress is usually going to be best for scoliosis. These beds often have enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned, while also offering enough cushioning for any soreness.
What sleeping position is best for scoliosis?
Sleeping on your back is usually the healthiest position if you have scoliosis. You can also place a pillow between your back and the mattress’ surface to fill in any gaps and keep your spine straight.
Is memory foam a good material for socliosis?
Memory foam can definitely help provide pressure relief and cushion any sore areas of the back. However, you also want to make sure the mattress is supportive enough to keep your spine neutrally aligned.
Can a mattress make my scoliosis worse?
There are limited studies to suggest that your mattress can worsen your scoliosis symptoms. However, putting pressure on the spine or not promoting a neutral alignment when you sleep may contribute to pain felt as a result of scoliosis.
What sleeping position is best for scoliosis?
Back sleeping is generally considered to be the best position for scoliosis, as it can promote a neutral spinal alignment and help alleviate pressure buildup in key areas where you might feel pain when sleeping with scoliosis.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Here at Sleepopolis, 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 mattress an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
If you suffer from scoliosis, you want to make sure your mattress has a lot of pressure relief. When we test out our products, pressure relief falls under comfort, so we only picked beds that scored at least a 4 out of 5 in this category.
But as we’ve said, support is also an important trait for addressing scoliosis. As an added bonus, all of these mattresses scored above average on support.
Best Mattresses for Scoliosis 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar | Overall | $999 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBeds | Hybrid | $1,799 | WinkBeds Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud | Value | $1,332 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Rx | Joint Pain | $3,295 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Midnight | Back Sleepers | $1,373 | Helix Coupon | Read our Review |
| Plank Firm | Firm | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear | Cooling | $998 | Bear Coupon | Read our Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Side Sleepers | $2,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Couples | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
Bridget Chapman
SENIOR PRODUCT EDITOR
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper