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If your scoliosis is preventing you from getting quality sleep, a new mattress may help provide some relief. While a bed isn’t a substitute for professional medical care, it can help reduce symptoms by promoting proper spinal alignment and preventing pressure from building on the joints and nerves.
According to our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, the S-curvature of the spine caused by scoliosis can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, as you may experience stiffness, pressure, or muscle tension. He recommends finding a supportive mattress that contours to the body’s curves and has a medium-firm feel, providing balanced support and pressure relief.
To combat these symptoms, I’ve rounded up the best eight mattresses to help sleepers with scoliosis. I’m a certified sleep science coach and have been testing mattresses for three years using our medically-approved testing methodology, so I know a thing or two about what makes a good mattress. In total, my fellow testers and I have evaluated over 330 mattresses for key factors, such as pressure relief, edge support, cooling, and more.
But don’t just take it from me — every mattress on this roundup has been tested by our Chief Medical Product Tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, who approved these beds for patients with scoliosis. He gave each one a rating of 4 stars or higher for scoliosis, providing insight into which sleeping positions are most compatible with each bed.
Our Top Mattress for Scoliosis
We chose the Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress as the best bed for scoliosis because it strikes a great balance between support, which lifts the spine into a neutral alignment, and contouring that eases tension at the joints. The mattress was also approved by our chief medical advisor, Dr. Tedesco, who thinks scoliosis patients can find the necessary spinal support.
Best Mattresses for Scoliosis
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam – Best Overall Mattress for Scoliosis
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress for Scoliosis
- Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Value Mattress for Scoliosis
- WinkBeds – Best Hybrid Mattress for Scoliosis
- Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Couples with Scoliosis
- Bear Original – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Scoliosis
- Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Scoliosis
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Scoliosis
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What I Looked For in the Best Mattress for Scoliosis
When evaluating mattresses, our team of expert testers and certified sleep science coaches follows a rigorous testing methodology, which enables us to provide highly specific recommendations to sleepers based on their body type, preferred sleeping position, and personal preferences. When choosing the best mattresses for scoliosis, I honed in on the following categories.
- Spinal Alignment: For those with scoliosis, the positioning of your spine on a mattress is crucial for relieving pain. We looked for beds that are supportive enough to promote proper spinal alignment, keeping the spine as straight as possible. This helps prevent preexisting pain from becoming aggravated and worsening.
- Pressure Relief: To enhance comfort, I looked for mattresses that help cushion the joints to prevent unwanted pressure from building at the back, neck, and hips. We had sleepers of various body types test these beds for pressure relief, which helped us determine the type of sleeper each bed is best suited for.
- Firmness: When choosing these beds, I looked for medium-firm to firm beds that fall between 6.5 and 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This ensures that people with scoliosis can find enough sinkage to be comfortable without sacrificing spinal support.
- Responsiveness: If you have scoliosis, a responsive mattress can help you easily switch from one sleeping position to another without exerting too much effort. I kept an eye out for materials, such as pocketed coils, that help aid mobility.
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| Nectar Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Saatva Classic | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | |||||
| Best For |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Best Mattress for Scoliosis Video Review
Nectar Classic Memory Foam – Best Overall Mattress for Scoliosis
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 are going to love the Nectar Classic. These sleepers will 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. Similarly, lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers should find that they get enough support around their hips to sleep comfortably on this mattress. The Nectar Classic is firm enough to keep these sleepers’ spines in a healthy position.” – Kenny Timper, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
To prevent exacerbating scoliosis pain, it’s essential to find a mattress that maintains the spine’s natural alignment while providing adequate cushioning for the lower back and joints. Proper spinal alignment starts with a strong support system, such as the high-density foam base in the Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress.
This mattress ranks number one on this list because the combination of sturdy support and plush layers helped keep our testers comfortable when sleeping on their back and side, with the bed earning an average of 4 stars for pressure relief in each position. We were also impressed by the 4-star responsiveness score, as well as Dr. Joe Tedesco’s 4-star evaluation for sleepers with scoliosis.
According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, those with scoliosis can find some of the best relief from mattresses with a classic medium-firm feel. This ensures that the hips and shoulders are in line, while the sensitive pressure points are contoured. A score of 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale marks a true medium-firm feel, which is exactly what the Nectar earned during testing. While the top layers wrap around the joints, the firmer base layer keeps the sleeper propped up, preventing too much sinkage.
When we evaluated this medium-firm mattress’s ability to relieve pressure, our testers felt comfortable in the back-sleeping position, regardless of their body type. In this position, certified sleep science coach Sosha Lewis said, “I don’t feel a ton of pressure building anywhere, and there’s a good lift at my hips that keeps them in line with my shoulders.” While every tester rated this position 4 stars, there was more discourse in the side-sleeping position.
On their sides, our average-weight tester, Sosha, and heavy tester, Caine Wilkes, experienced enough cushioning to relieve tension at the joints, so they rated the position 4 stars and 5 stars, respectively. However, our lightweight tester Asha Birjah didn’t find quite enough sinkage in this position, which led to some pressure building at her shoulders, so she rated it 3 stars. When we average these scores, the Nectar still earns 4 stars overall for pressure relief when side sleeping.
Next, we asked our chief medical advisor to evaluate the bed for sleepers with scoliosis. Dr. Tedesco said, “This would be a good mattress for those with scoliosis. You’ll be in a neutral position on your back and your side.” He went on to explain that once you get into a good position, the bed should keep you stable and aligned. Since he considers it a good mattress for scoliosis, he awarded it 4 stars.
However, while our testers found this bed is easy to move around on, the lack of an innerspring coil layer means it provides minimal bounce. Therefore, if you’re hoping to spring from one position to the next, you may prefer a hybrid mattress. Likewise, although this bed is great for supporting those with scoliosis, individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds will likely find it firmer than average. This means they won’t experience as much sinkage, and may feel more pressure at the joints, especially when sleeping on their side.
If you’re interested in learning more about this bed, head over to our full Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress review. For a bouncier hybrid alternative, consider the Nectar Classic Hybrid mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress for Scoliosis
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It has a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate a variety of sleeping positions and body types. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Back sleepers should find enough support to promote proper spinal alignment while also getting a bit of cushioning at the lumbar region. And the cooling, motion isolation, edge support, and responsiveness scores indicate the Aurora Luxe is a great match for couples.” – Riley Otis, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
When recommending a mattress for sleepers with scoliosis, my primary goal is to help you experience more comfortable and improved sleep quality. However, this can seem like an impossible feat if you’re also battling the dreaded night sweats. For staying cool while simultaneously getting excellent spinal support, I recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress.
This bed knocked it out of the park during our cooling test, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Additionally, this mattress is extremely supportive for individuals with scoliosis, particularly when sleeping on their back, which earned the mattress an overall rating of 4.2 stars for pressure relief. In fact, Dr. Tedesco rated this bed 4.5 stars for scoliosis, the highest score he has ever given in this category.
Since the Aurora Luxe was designed specially for hot sleepers, we weren’t surprised by its stellar performance in cooling. Its cover is made from a proprietary phase-change material, which feels cool to the touch and helps promote airflow while drawing away body heat.
While this surface cooling sensation sometimes only lasts a few minutes, our tester, Sosha Lewis, thought it remained cool the entire time she was on the bed. We used a thermal gun to measure the temperature increase of the mattress after she had lain on it for 5 minutes and found a temperature increase of just a little over 5 degrees. This indicates excellent cooling abilities, earning the bed 5 stars in this category.
In addition to great cooling, this mattress feels extremely supportive due to its tall layer of individually wrapped coils, which is great news for people with scoliosis. While you can pick between Soft, Medium, and Firm levels, we recommend the Medium model for back sleepers with this type of pain.
This model falls at a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, making it one of the firmer beds on this roundup, but this doesn’t mean it lacks pressure relief. Our other testers agreed that the bed helped promote spinal alignment in the back position, so they rated it an average of 4.7 stars for pressure relief.
Although our product experts expressed a desire for more plushness during side sleeping, Dr. Tedesco thought the Medium model was perfectly suitable in the side sleeping position, saying, “Side sleepers with scoliosis should feel supported enough that the spine shouldn’t want to shift back and forth, and there’s enough contouring here.”
He was also impressed with the spinal alignment when he lay on his back, and told us, “I’m not experiencing any flexion or extension in my lumbar or thoracic spine. Regardless of which position you sleep in, Dr. Tedesco thinks your scoliosis symptoms won’t exacerbate.
Before you race to buy this bed, keep in mind that it may be too expensive for shoppers on a budget. As a luxury bed, it’s priced higher than average, costing $2,265 at full price for a queen mattress. You may also be unimpressed with the 120-night trial period, as some sleepers may prefer a full year to test the bed in order to determine if it helps with their scoliosis.
For a closer look at this bed, read my full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. For a cheaper hybrid option, check out the Silk & Snow Hybrid mattress.
Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Value Mattress for Scoliosis
As an affordable option with a medium-firm feel, we think that the Silk & Snow Hybrid should appeal to a wide variety of sleepers, including back sleepers, side sleepers, hot sleepers, and budget shoppers. Learn more in our full video review, where we compare the Silk & Snow Hybrid to the original Silk & Snow, which doesn’t have coils.
What our tester says:
“I got a nice lift for my upper body from the bed’s springs while the foam and soft pillow top filled in my lumbar region. This makes the mattress a great choice for back sleepers. Also, I don’t think you’re likely to feel your partner tossing and turning unless you’re an especially light sleeper.” – Dan Caffrey, managing editor and certified sleep science coach
When we talk about “value,” we simply mean whether the quality of the materials and the bed’s overall performance justify the price. If a bed is made from high-quality materials, exhibits stellar testing performance, and offers a fair price, we consider it to be of excellent value.
For a high-value mattress at a low price, I recommend the Silk & Snow Hybrid mattress. Not only can you find a queen-size for less than $1,000, but Dr. Tedesco also rated it 4 stars for sleepers with scoliosis, finding it especially great for back sleepers. Our expert testers agreed with this assessment, awarding the bed 4 stars for pressure relief when back sleeping.
Silk & Snow offers different prices for its various firmness levels, with the Firm model being the most affordable, priced at $850 for a queen. The Medium-Firm model costs an additional $100, and the Plush model costs an additional $300.
Although it’s one of the cheaper beds on this roundup, it’s still very durable.
The layer of steel coils not only makes this bed sturdy, but they also help keep the spine aligned when back sleeping, especially for sleepers with scoliosis. On her back, Sosha Lewis said, “It’s the perfect balance of support and contouring, and it feels really good on my lower back. Since Sosha struggles with lower back pain, a glowing review from her is always a good sign. Across all weight classes — lightweight, average-weight, and heavy — every tester rated the mattress 4 stars for back sleeping.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid also earned the stamp of approval from Dr. Tedesco for scoliosis, particularly when back sleeping. He said, “If you’re on your back, it’s a solid 4 out of 5. This is a supportive mattress, but not too firm, meaning you’ll find good contouring and pressure relief, alongside great spinal alignment.”
When we asked about side sleeping, his tune slightly changed, saying it’s hit or miss depending on how you orient yourself. “If you have a scoliosis curve, you could potentially balance it out on this bed by sleeping on the opposite side of the curve,” he said. “You’ll have to talk to your physical therapist about that specifically to make sure it’s recommended for you.”
Although this bed has an excellent support system, it doesn’t extend all the way up to the edge. During testing, the bed only earned 3.6 stars for edge support. Folks with mobility concerns may have a harder time getting in and out of bed. Additionally, I don’t recommend the Medium-Firm model to lightweight side sleepers with severe joint pain. These sleepers will likely find more contouring on the Plush Soft model.
For more information, read our full Silk & Snow Hybrid mattress review. For stronger edge support, try the Saatva Classic mattress.
WinkBeds – Best Hybrid Mattress for Scoliosis
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
Dr. Dasgupta describes hybrid mattresses as “the superhero of sleep comfort”. These beds combine the foam layers from memory foam beds with the coil layers found in innerspring mattresses to provide pressure relief and balanced support.
When it comes to relieving scoliosis pain, I think the WinkBed is one of the best hybrids on the market. Our testers especially appreciated the excellent spinal alignment they experienced in the back-sleeping position, rating it 4.3 stars for pressure relief. Dr. Tedesco was also impressed when he tried this mattress, awarding it 4.5 stars for sleepers with scoliosis.
Like many hybrid mattresses, the WinkBed is offered in three firmness options — Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. When our testers tried the Luxury Firm model, we thought it had a true medium-firm feel, falling at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. I personally tried out this mattress, and I thought the plush pillow-top layer did a great job of cushioning my hips, shoulders, and lower back in both the side- and back-sleeping positions.
Dr. Tedesco agreed that this bed provides a great mix of comfort and spinal alignment in both sleeping positions. When he tested this bed, he said, “This mattress provides enough support to alleviate pressure for those with scoliosis. The soft pillow top is comfortable enough that you should feel good in any sleeping position without worrying that you’re sinking in too much, which would exacerbate a spinal curvature.” Overall, he rated the WinkBed Luxury Firm 4.5 stars for scoliosis.
While Dr. Tedesco and I enjoyed the Luxury Firm model on our sides, our lightweight tester, Asha Birjah, felt an uneven weight distribution in this position. In contrast to the 4-star side sleeping rating from our average-weight and heavy tester, Asha rated this position only 2 stars for pressure relief.
She said, “I feel some pressure building at my hips, but not necessarily pain. I feel like my weight could be distributed more evenly.” For those concerned about hip and shoulder pain, I recommend opting for the Softer model.
In addition to people with severe joint pain, I think hot sleepers may need a mattress with better cooling. While the WinkBed wasn’t noticeably warm, it wasn’t cool to the touch either. It earned 3.5 stars during our cooling test, indicating that its temperature-regulating abilities were only so-so.
For a deep dive into this bed, read my full WinkBed mattress review. For a hybrid option with more cooling technology, consider the Leesa Sapira Chill mattress.
Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Couples with Scoliosis
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, 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:
“There’s enough cushioning for side sleepers to prevent pressure from building at the hips and shoulders. The mattress also scored highly in motion isolation, edge support, cooling, and responsiveness, all of which are important to couples.” – Riley Otis, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
If you’re sleeping beside another person, there are four key categories to consider — motion isolation, cooling, edge support, and responsiveness. Not only do these elements allow you to spread out and sleep undisturbed, but they’re also crucial for sexually active couples.
If you or your partner has scoliosis, we think the Nolah Evolution could be the perfect fit. With a score of 4 stars or higher in each of these four categories, an overall pressure relief score of 4.3 stars, and Dr. Tedesco’s seal of approval for scoliosis, this bed is chock-full of things to love.
For couples, we recommend mattresses that score highly on our motion isolation test, which evaluates how likely you are to feel your partner tossing and turning throughout the night. A partner’s restlessness is a non-issue on the Nolah Evolution, as we could barely detect any motion coming from the other side of the bed, earning it a perfect score in this category.
Cooling, edge support, and responsiveness are three more categories relevant to couples, especially those who are sexually active.
To prevent couples from overheating, the Nolah Evolution sports a cool-to-the-touch cover and layers of breathable foams, which helped it earn 4.5 stars on our cooling test. The strong edge support, which earned 4.6 stars, also allows couples to use the entire surface of the bed during sex and then fully spread out when it’s time to go to sleep. Finally, a bit of bounce increases mobility, helping couples easily transition between positions. On the Nolah, we found it easy to move around despite its plush pillow top, so we rated it 4 stars for responsiveness.
In addition to being a great bed for couples, this mattress is supportive and pressure-relieving enough for sleepers with scoliosis. Our larger body tester, Caine Wilkes, who typically finds pillow-top mattresses less supportive, rated this bed 5 stars in both sleeping positions.
He said, “I feel great contouring in my lower back, and I’m very equally supported.” When we combine the ratings from all three testers, the Nolah Evolution earns 4.3 stars for pressure relief in both the back and side sleeping positions.
When we consulted Dr. Tedesco, he agreed with our testers, rating the Nolah Evolution 4 stars for sleepers with scoliosis. He said, “Someone with scoliosis who sleeps on their back could find a lot of relief. You’ll feel weightless throughout your entire core.” He went on to say, “If you’re a side sleeper with scoliosis, I think you’ll still feel some great weightlessness in your spine just as I did.”
Keep in mind, this bed is slightly firmer than average, so you won’t experience the deep hugging sensation provided by softer all-foam beds. Additionally, I want to note that this luxury hybrid is pricier than some of the other beds on this roundup, costing $2,127 for a queen-size size before discounts.
For more information, read my full Nolah Evolution mattress review. If you’re seeking a cheaper luxury mattress, try the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid.
Bear Original – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Scoliosis
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:
“While the Bear offers a bit of cushioning from the memory foam comfort layer, we felt a lot of lift from deep within the mattress. This firmer-than-average feel and construction provided the best spinal alignment, pressure relief, and comfort in the back- and stomach-sleeping positions.” – Riley Otis, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
If you’re a back sleeper, finding the right balance between support and pressure relief is crucial for maintaining a neutral spine alignment while remaining comfortable. This is especially important for sleepers with scoliosis, as it helps prevent the spine from bending further out of alignment, which can exacerbate existing pain.
For these folks, I recommend the Bear Original– a firmer mattress that keeps the spine straight without being too firm..
Dr. Tedesco thinks the Bear is an excellent option for back sleepers with scoliosis, rating it 4.5 stars for these folks. When it comes to this condition, keeping the spine completely straight is of the utmost importance. The Bear’s 7 out of 10 firmness rating means it still has a universally appealing firmness, but is just a touch firmer than average, helping it keep the spine in a supported neutral alignment. “I’d recommend this mattress for back sleepers with scoliosis, mainly because of the support it provides from the ribs all the way to the pelvis,” he said.
I personally tried this mattress in the back sleeping position, and I was wowed by how lifted and supported I felt. I was definitely more “on” the bed than “in” the bed, which helped prop my spine into the correct position.
Although there’s not a ton of cushioning, I didn’t feel pressure building up anywhere on my body. Although my fellow testers and I ultimately gave the Bear an average score of 3.5 stars for pressure relief when sleeping on our backs, don’t let this deter you. It’s supportive enough for lightweight and average-weight sleepers, but it lost a star because it’s not the best choice for sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds.
Even if you don’t spend the entire night on your back, we think you can still appreciate the Bear mattress. The bed doesn’t have a pillow top, so it provides a smooth transition from one position to the next. Although there are no coils to spring you along, we don’t think people with scoliosis will struggle to move around, so we rated the responsiveness 4 stars.
In addition to heavy sleepers, I don’t think this bed is a top match for strict side sleepers. While the Bear scored the same 3.5-star rating for side sleeping as it did back sleeping, pressure relief at the hips and shoulders is much more crucial when lying on your side. These folks may experience better cushioning on a slightly softer mattress, or one that has a pillow-top layer.
For all the details on this mattress, read our full Bear Original mattress review. For a better choice for side sleepers, I recommend checking out the Leesa Original mattress.
Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Scoliosis
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:
“The Saatva Classic’s springy surface is perfect for combination sleepers looking for ease of movement as they toss and turn throughout the night. Also, back sleepers are perhaps best suited to the bed’s lifted support and balanced cushioning from the pillow top.” – Livvi DiCicco, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Side sleeping is by far the most popular sleeping position, with 54 percent of American adults favoring this position. For those with scoliosis who prefer to sleep on their sides, it is important that they don’t sink into thier mattress too much, as this can misalign the spine and potentially worsen symptoms.
For these sleepers, I recommend the Saatva Classic, specifically in the Plush Soft level. While we gave the Luxury Firm level 3.7 stars for pressure relief when side sleeping, the softer model will better cushion the sensitive joints. Additionally, Dr. Tedesco thinks the Saatva can help with scoliosis, rating it 4 stars for the condition. Additionally, this bed stood out to us due to its unique dual-coil construction, which helped it earn 5 stars for responsiveness and 4.8 stars for edge support.
Dr. Tedesco notes that the overall construction of the bed is beneficial for scoliosis pain, rating it 4 stars. “The springs on this bed make it very orthopedically customizable; wherever pressure is applied, the springs absorb just enough of the pressure to make you feel weightless,” he said. “The springs are placed appropriately to allow for good spinal alignment. No matter if you have rotational scoliosis or anterior/posterior pelvic tilt, you should be able to feel comfortable on this mattress.”
Not only do the coils make this bed great for spinal alignment, but they also add a bit of bounce. Although this bed has a plush top layer, the two coil layers practically spring you from one sleeping position to the next, so you won’t be fighting against the mattress when trying to move around. When he tested the Saatva for mobility, our expert Kenny Timper said, “I think this is pretty much the gold standard for responsiveness.” He rated it 5 stars in this category.
Since the Saatva has an innerspring construction, it may not appeal to memory-foam lovers seeking deep sinkage and contouring around the entire body. Additionally, the two coil layers allow for motion to travel across the bed easily, so it only earned 2.8 stars for motion isolation. If you sleep with a partner, you’ll likely feel them toss and turn beside you.
Ready to learn more about this bed? Head over to our full Saatva Classic mattress review. For a bed with better motion isolation, I recommend the Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress.
Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Scoliosis
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the support and durability they need.” – Sosha Lewis, staff writer and certified sleep science coach.
Sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds, which we classify as “heavy sleepers,” typically require more support than average to prevent them from “bottoming out.” If the mattress isn’t supportive enough, these sleepers can sink right through the layers, causing the spine to bend unnaturally.
This support is essential for those dealing with scoliosis, as an unaligned spine can lead to worsening pain. If you’re a heavy sleeper with scoliosis, allow me to introduce the Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus, a mattress specifically designed for larger body types. Tested by an expert who falls in the heavyweight category, this bed earned 4 stars for pressure relief when back sleeping.
We also had Dr. Tedesco evaluate it for sleepers with scoliosis, and he rated it 4 stars, as well. Additionally, this bed has excellent 5-star responsiveness, making it easy to move around without feeling trapped.
To evaluate a mattress for heavy sleepers, we thought it was only right that we bring in a heavyweight tester. We asked mattress expert Marten Carlson to step in and evaluate this bed in both sleeping positions. He favored this bed in the back-sleeping position, rating it 5 stars and stating, “I’m getting great spinal alignment, and the overall support is fantastic. This is great for back sleeping, especially for a bigger guy like me.” When he switched to his side, he still felt good spinal alignment, but it was a bit too firm to relieve pressure in his hips and shoulders.
Although the Titan Plus was made with heavy sleepers in mind, lightweight and average-weight sleepers can also appreciate this bed if they’re seeking a firm bed. Falling at a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, this bed is solidly firm, which our testers appreciated when back sleeping due to the great spinal alignment.
While we don’t think the Titan Plus is best suited for side sleepers, Dr. Tedesco suggests that individuals with scoliosis pain should find sufficient support to relieve tension in the spine, regardless of their sleeping position. He rated the bed 4 stars overall for scoliosis; however, he warns against stomach sleeping on this bed, saying, “It may lead to discomfort, because a lot of scoliosis happens in the thoracic spine. If your ribs aren’t supported properly, it could create unnecessary pressure.”
Since this bed was designed for heavier sleepers, those who weigh less than 230 pounds may find it a bit too firm. It’s ultra-supportive, which is great for those with scoliosis, but some sleepers may desire a bit more cushioning along the body. Likewise, I don’t recommend this bed to anyone seeking deep sinkage and contouring, as you’ll most likely feel more “on” the mattress than “in” it.
For more information, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus mattress review. If you’re seeking a bit more plushness, I recommend trying the Titan Plus Luxe.
Other Mattresses I Considered
Many mattresses on the market may help relieve scoliosis symptoms. While I couldn’t include dozens of beds on this roundup, I’ll leave you with two honorable mentions that just didn’t crack my top eight.
Plank Firm
The Plank Firm mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is one of the firmest mattresses I’ve ever tested, and I’ve lain on 75+ beds in the past three years. For sleepers seeking a super flat surface that offers minimal sinkage, this is a great choice. Since it’s flippable, offering both a firm side and an extra-firm side, you’re essentially getting two beds for the price of one. The firmness makes it super easy to move around on, so it earned 5 stars for responsiveness. However, I think sleepers with scoliosis will likely find this bed too firm. While the Plank keeps the sleeper lifted, there’s not enough plush cushioning to contour the hips, shoulders, and spinal curve, as it only earned 2.7 stars overall for pressure relief.
Nectar Luxe Hybrid
If you’re seeking a super soft bed with doughy layers and a hugging sensation, the Nectar Luxe Hybrid is a good match. Falling at a 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, this bed allows for tons of deep sinkage and contouring. But for people with scoliosis, I think some firmer support is required. While the bed does cushion the sensitive areas, we found a lack of proper spinal alignment. The extreme level of softness actually prevents pressure from being properly alleviated, earning just 3.5 stars overall for pressure relief. This is crucial for preventing pain in these sleepers, so we recommend a slightly firmer model.
How We Picked and Tested These Mattresses for Scoliosis
Our team of Sleepopolis expert testers has tested hundreds of the most popular mattresses on the market, allowing us to analyze our testing data and curate this list specifically for individuals with scoliosis. When rounding up these beds, I focused on four key categories — spinal alignment, pressure relief, firmness, and responsiveness.
Spinal Alignment
Since people with scoliosis experience an unnatural curvature of the spine, finding a mattress that helps prop it in the correct position is crucial to relieving pain. This is largely determined by the support system inside the mattress, which is typically made from individually wrapped coils or high-density foam.
Regardless of whether you choose an all-foam, hybrid, or innerspring mattress, it should be supportive enough to lift your hips in line with your shoulders, thus keeping your spine in a straight, neutral line. If one part of the body sinks too far, the spine can become misaligned, leading to pain or stiffness upon waking in the morning.
Each mattress on this list was evaluated by testers of different weight classes — lightweight, average-weight, and heavy — to give us a better understanding of how the bed performs. For example, heavy sleepers typically require more support than average, as they sink further into a mattress and need stronger support to keep the spine straight. In contrast, lightweight sleepers can get away with softer, less supportive mattresses because they typically don’t sink in far enough to misalign the spine.
We asked these testers to lie on the mattresses in the back, side, and stomach-sleeping positions. They observed which parts of their body were being supported, and where they felt themselves sinking out of alignment. Additionally, Dr. Joe Tedesco assessed these mattresses for support from a physical therapist’s perspective. If the bed is on this roundup, it’s been approved by Dr. Tedesco as a good match for scoliosis patients.
Pressure Relief
While spinal alignment is important, so is your overall comfort, and that is why it is important to look for a mattress that prevents pressure from building up while you sleepAccording to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, the best mattresses for pressure relief typically include contouring materials, such as memory foam or latex foam layers.
This is especially crucial for sleepers with scoliosis, as they’re more prone to chronic back pain. When a mattress has good pressure-relieving abilities, it’s able to cradle the sensitive joints and help evenly distribute your body weight.
We tested for pressure relief by rolling a specialized mat across the mattress and inviting three testers of different body types to lie on it in the side and back-sleeping positions. These experts observe where their body is being lifted, cushioned, and supported, as well as noting any areas where pressure is being built up. Since each tester falls into a different weight class, this test provides a better understanding of how the mattress will feel for various sleepers.
For sleepers with scoliosis, I sought mattresses that could provide lumbar support and fill in any gaps along the body. Although some of these beds lean firmer than average, this doesn’t necessarily mean they provide poor pressure relief. While soft beds do provide more cushioning, there’s a risk for too much sinkage, which can lead to a rise in pressure. These beds should hit the sweet spot between support and comfort; however, many are offered in multiple firmness options, so you can opt for a softer or firmer model if you prefer.
Firmness
According to Dr. Dasgupta, the ideal mattress for scoliosis has a medium-firm feel that strikes a balance between spinal alignment and pressure relief. We rate mattresses on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. Typically, the mattresses we recommend fall between a 5 and 8.5 on the firmness scale. Anything lower than a 5 will likely provide inadequate support, while anything higher than an 8.5 will be too firm to provide pressure relief.
A rating of 6.5 out of 10 marks a true medium-firm feel that lifts the hips in line with the shoulders, regardless of your preferred sleeping position, while simultaneously cushioning the back, hips, and shoulders to prevent pain. There’s a bit of wiggle room when it comes to this firmness level. If you prefer a bit more softness to your mattress, a score of 6 out of 10 will allow for a bit more sinkage while still aligning the spine. For firm lovers, a score of 7 out of 10 will be just a touch firmer, while a score of 7.5 will feel solidly firm yet still pressure-relieving.
Each mattress has been evaluated for firmness by multiple certified sleep science coaches of different body types. Each tester provides their individual firmness rating, and then we find the average to create our final firmness score.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness refers to how quickly a mattress returns to its original shape after pressure has been applied. While slow-moving foams can feel cozy, they sometimes create a quick-sand effect, causing the sleeper to feel stuck in the bed when trying to switch between sleeping positions. On the other hand, a bouncy mattress made with buoyant materials can help spring the sleeper from one position to the next.
For those with scoliosis, you may find yourself tossing and turning between sleeping positions in an attempt to get comfortable. While we hope you’ll find supreme comfort on one of the mattresses on this list, we understand that some sleepers naturally switch between multiple positions. If this sounds like you, you’ll want to pay close attention to how these beds performed in this category, as some beds are more responsive than others.
We test responsiveness using four distinct tests — one subjective test and three objective tests. These tests allow us to get a large scope of how easy it is to move around, how quickly the bed rises after pressure is applied, how much sinkage it provides, and how bouncy it is. Keep in mind, a low responsiveness score doesn’t mean the mattress is bad. It simply means that combination sleepers and people with mobility issues may have a harder time switching sleeping positions.
What to Consider in a Mattress for Scoliosis
When selecting a mattress, you may feel overwhelmed by all the options. To make your decision easier, I’ve broken down some of the most important factors that can determine how a bed feels for you.
Mattress Type
The materials inside a mattress can significantly impact its feel, responsiveness, pressure relief, firmness, and other characteristics, so it’s essential to understand the various types of mattresses available. We evaluate construction by cutting into the side of every bed we test and examining its layers.
- 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. This material 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.
Memory foam may be 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 lacking 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 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 usually offer good support. 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 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’s also a naturally cooling material, as it is very porous and breathable.
Latex can also be very bouncy and does not provide good motion isolation, so if you are prone to waking up to movements, latex may not be the best choice for you. However, it is a great choice for scoliosis sleepers who move a lot, as it is very responsive and you can move easily and comfortably. - 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 they can cost a pretty penny. Due to their popularity and construction, hybrid mattresses are almost always upwards of $1,000.
Sleeping Position
Sleeping position, as we mentioned, is an important consideration when searching for the best mattress for scoliosis. While we generally recommend opting for a mattress that is softer to provide deep pressure relief and body contouring, this may not be the best option for you if you are a back or side sleeper. These sleepers require a bit more support than others, so softer mattresses may not provide sufficient support.
When picking the right mattress for you, we recommend starting with what feels the most comfortable. If you are a back sleeper who craves soft cushioning but needs relief from scoliosis pain, choose a bed that’s still supportive but offers good pressure relief. These guidelines are to help you navigate the world of mattress shopping, but they are not a one-size-fits-all rule. If you are struggling to choose the right option, it may help to try out some mattresses in person.
When we asked Dr. Dasgupta what the best sleeping position for scoliosis and back pain is, he said, “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 the help of pillows, can reduce pressure points and help support you throughout the night.”
- Back sleeping is widely considered the best sleeping position for alleviating back pain and promoting a neutral spinal alignment
- 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 on the rest of the spine.
For more information on sleeping positions, see our Guide to Better Sleep Posture.
Edge Support
Throughout this review, you’ve heard me discuss edge support several times. While a strong support system is crucial for promoting proper spinal alignment, it’s only helpful if the entire mattress is equally supportive. Edge support refers to the strength of the edges of your mattress. This can affect how much of the mattress you can lie on, as well as the durability of the mattress.
If you struggle to get comfortable due to scoliosis pain while sleeping, then strong edge support will be necessary, as it allows you to move around and utilize the entire bed space. Furthermore, strong edges can help prevent your mattress from prematurely sagging, which is crucial for any consumer. The durability of your mattress also depends on the quality and type of materials, which will affect both the price of the mattress and how well it holds up.
We test for edge support by sitting and lying directly on the edge of the mattress and observing our stability. Ideally, the edges should be just as supportive as the very center of the bed. If they lack support, our testers can feel themselves sloping off the bed, and sometimes even falling off. We also assess the edges by stacking weighted plates on them and measuring how many inches the layers compressed. While a tall mattress can get away with more inches of sinkage, you’ll really feel the lack of support if the bed is shorter.
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. 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 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.
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.
Tips for Sleeping with Scoliosis
We’ve got a whole page of tips for sleeping with scoliosis, but I wanted to leave you with five quick callouts from the article that you can implement into your nighttime routine.
- 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. Or 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 type of mattress is best for scoliosis?
There is no one-size-fits-all 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.
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.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for scoliosis?
The answer is, it depends. In general terms, we suggest a softer mattress for individuals with scoliosis, as softer mattresses can provide deeper and more comfortable pressure relief and contouring, which can be helpful for those experiencing pain while sleeping. 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.
Sources:
- 8 facts to know about scoliosis. Columbia University Irving Medical Center. (2021, July 12). https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/8-facts-know-about-scoliosis
- Janicki, J. A., & Alman, B. (2007, November). Scoliosis: Review of diagnosis and treatment. Paediatrics & child health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2532872/
- Li, X. (2018, July 21). Does scoliosis affect sleep breathing?. World Neurosurgery. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878875018315845?via%3Dihub
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2025, April 25). Scoliosis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scoliosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350716
- The best – and worst – sleep positions for back pain. Keck Medicine of USC. (2025, June 28). https://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/the-best-and-worst-sleep-positions-for-back-pain/
- Public Broadcasting Service. (2013, September 10). Melting to keep cool. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/melting-to-keep-cool/
- Skarpsno, E. S., Mork, P. J., Nilsen, T. I. L., & Holtermann, A. (2017, November 1). Sleep positions and nocturnal body movements based on free-living acce: NSS. Nature and Science of Sleep. https://www.dovepress.com/sleep-positions-and-nocturnal-body-movements-based-on-free-living-acce-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NSS