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.
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.
Nectar Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | |
Rating | |||||||||
Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
Cooling | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | -- | ✓ | -- | -- |
Sleep Position | Combination | Combination | Back | Combination | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back |
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.
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.
At our Sleepopolis mattress lab, we put the Nectar through our pressure map test. This helps us determine areas of high, moderate, and low pressure buildup. So, we can determine which sleeping positions a mattress is best for, and whether or not it has a good chance of alleviating pain in certain areas. High pressure buildup is indicated on a graphic with red and orange, moderate buildup shows yellow, and lower pressure buildup presents green and blue. While resting in both the back-sleeping and side-sleeping position, we saw all-around low pressure buildup. We think sleepers with shoulder pain and/or hip pain should be comfortable as well.
What Customers Say
Many folks in the reviews have amazing things to say about the contouring nature of the Nectar, and how it helps relieve joint pain and arthritis.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
- The Nectar comes at a value price, and is a good choice for shoppers who want a high-quality mattress without breaking the bank.
- This bed has all the sinkage, pressure relief, and contouring of a classic memory foam mattress. This type of mattress is especially nice for those with hip pain.
- Its all-foam construction allows it to effectively absorb motion and keep it from rippling across the bed.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
- This mattress likely won’t be firm enough for stomach sleepers who need enough hip support to keep their spine in a straight line. The goal is to keep the hips in line with the shoulders, and a soft mattress allows the hips to sink in too far for this to be possible.
- The Nectar does have some cooling components, but hot sleepers may need a bed with more cooling materials.
For more on this bed, check out the full Nectar mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best mattress page for more options.
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.
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.
It comes in three firmnesses: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. A Plus version is offered for heavier sleepers as well. When testing these mattresses, we loved the Luxury Firm version for those with scoliosis because these sleepers require a more balanced feel. Our pressure map showed lower pressure buildup for the side-sleeping and back-sleeping positions. The Euro pillow top cradles the hips and shoulders of side sleepers, but we also felt an “on top” of the bed feel, which combination sleepers should appreciate. Selecting a firmer option of the WinkBed should promote stomach sleepers’ spinal alignment.
What Customers Say
Many folks applaud the WinkBed’s ability to help relieve or alleviate back pain.
Pros of the WinkBed Mattress
- This mattress is designed to keep sleepers from overheating and should keep a hot sleeper cool all night long.
- We found this bed to be incredibly bouncy, which makes it easy for combination sleepers to switch sleeping positions throughout the night.
- The WinkBed has the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, which should give sleepers with lower back pain the proper support they need.
Cons of the WinkBed Mattress
- The WinkBed is a high-quality mattress, but it may not be within the budget for some shoppers. However, the WinkBed does go on sale frequently and lasts a long time.
- If you’re specifically looking for a memory foam mattress, you won’t find that with the WinkBed. The WinkBed is made with layers of coils that provide more support than contouring or sinkage.
Learn more at our full WinkBeds mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best hybrid mattress page for more options.
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.
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.
Despite the DreamCloud being a luxury mattress similar to what you’d find in a high-end hotel, it comes at an affordable price, considering the quality of its materials. Before discounts, a queen size can usually be found for $1,332, and after discounts, you can often get it for under $1,000.
What Customers Say
There are more than 7,000 reviews for the original DreamCloud on the brand’s website. Overall, it has an average customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and when filtering out the reviews, 34 of them specifically call out what a good deal it is for the money. “The best sleep ever,” wrote one verified buyer. “If I only knew that I was going to have the best sleeping nights of my life, I would have invested my money on this a long time ago.”
Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress
- The DreamCloud’s luxury touches include a cashmere blend cover that gives the top of the bed a cozy feel.
- The responsiveness of the springs and foam also make the DreamCloud a good fit for combination sleepers, who should be able to move around easily on the mattress’s surface.
- The coils in the DreamCloud leave plenty of room for air to flow through the mattress, which helps it keep the sleeper cool.
Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress
- The DreamCloud comes in at a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which is probably too firm for side sleepers. They usually need more softness and contouring at the hips, where they put the most pressure while they sleep. They should check out our choices for the best mattresses for side sleepers instead.
- This bed had a wonderfully luxurious feel, but it does come at a luxury price tag, so if you are looking for a more affordable mattress, this may not be the best option. We recommend looking at our list of the best mattresses under $1,000 to find some more affordable options.
Read our full DreamCloud mattress review to learn more. You can click here for our best deal, or see our page of the best mattresses for the money for more options.
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.
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.
When we laid down on the Saatva Rx, we found it to have a true medium firmness of 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. And when we looked at our pressure map in both the back- and side-sleeping positions, it was entirely blue with just a little bit of green. This tells us that, regardless of your sleeping position, your joints should feel contoured and comforted.
What Customers Say
As one of the brand’s newer mattresses the Saatva Rx only has a little over 50 reviews on the company’s website, with an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. However, two verified shoppers actually say in their reviews that they have scoliosis, and that the Saatva Rx has effectively helped them get a good night’s sleep. They each gave the bed a rating of a perfect 5.
Pros of the Saatva Rx Mattress
- We found this mattress to be especially cooling, thanks to the airflow offered by all of the coils and a breathable organic cotton cover.
- Combination sleepers should find the Saatva Rx responsive enough to easily switch positions.
- For being such a responsive mattress, the Saatva Rx is surprisingly good at isolating motion. If you share your bed with a partner, you shouldn’t feel each other moving around at night.
Cons of the Saatva Rx Mattress
- The Saatva Rx is one of the more expensive mattresses on this list. A queen size is currently over $3,000 before discounts.
- This mattress is likely too firm for side sleepers, who generally need a softer mattress to contour their shoulders and hips. We recommend taking a look at our recommendations for the best soft mattresses, or best mattresses for side sleepers, to find a better option.
Read our full Saatva Rx mattress review to learn more. You can click here for our best deal, or see our page of the best mattresses for arthritis for more options.
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.
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.
We think back sleepers who struggle with scoliosis will be especially comfortable on the Helix Midnight. They should get the pressure relief they need from the upper layer of Memory Plus Foam — the brand’s proprietary alternative to memory foam. While you’ll feel a little bit of that memory foam hug, you’ll still get a slight lift, thus helping keep your spine in a proper alignment. Further spinal support comes from a layer of individually wrapped coils toward the bottom of the mattress. When we put the Helix Midnight through our pressure map test, the contouring nature of the comfort layer was further confirmed. We saw almost entirely blue while resting on our backs, with no pressure at the hips. This is what we love to see in a mattress for back sleepers, and a mattress for scoliosis.
What Customers Say
A lot of reviews comment on the overall value of the mattress, and how it’s impressive considering the quality of materials and construction.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- The low motion transfer of this mattress means that any movement one sleeper makes shouldn’t disrupt the sleep of their partner. There’s also strong edge support, so both sleepers can really spread out.
- This bed offers some bounce, so combination sleepers are likely to switch from position to position with ease.
- Like back sleepers, side sleepers should be happy with the medium-soft to medium-firm feel of this mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- This mattress is a bit too soft for stomach sleepers. They may find that they need a firmer mattress to keep their spine properly aligned throughout the night.
- The Helix Midnight might not be supportive enough for sleepers who weigh over 250 pounds.
Learn more in our full Helix Midnight mattress review. You can also click here for our best deal, or see our best mattresses for back sleepers page for more options.
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.
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.
When we tested the Plank Firm, we made sure to try out both sides. We scored the firm side a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale and the ultra-firm side an 8.5 out of 10. We should also say that, despite the all-around firmness, we still got a touch of pressure relief at our lumbar region, thanks to the bed’s all-foam construction.
What Customers Say
The Plank Firm has over 3,000 customer reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website, and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Unsurprisingly, many of these commenters are lovers of firm mattresses and say that the Plank Firm more than lives up to its name.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
- We think stomach sleepers could be especially comfortable on either side of the Plank Firm, as they tend to need more firmness and support than other sleeping positions.
- Back sleepers should also be comfortable here. We recommend they stick to the firm side, rather than the ultra-firm side.
- For being a foam bed, the Plank Firm is responsive enough for combo sleepers to be able to easily switch positions.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
- Side sleepers tend to need a lot more softness and pressure relief compared to other sleepers, so we don’t recommend the Plank Firm to them.
- Even though a firmer mattress may be helpful for sleepers with scoliosis, some people find it difficult to get comfortable on a firm mattress, so this option may not be good for them.
Read our full Plank Firm mattress review to learn more. You can click here for our best deal, or see our best firm mattress page for more options.
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.
For those who run warm when they sleep, the Bear offers Celliant technology and gel infusions in its cover layer to ensure a cool night’s sleep, especially for an all-foam mattress. This makes it a definite contender for sleepers who are looking for high-quality support and pressure relief, along with a cool night’s sleep. However, we do want to mention that this Celliant cover is an additional $130; it does not come built-in to this mattress.
What Customers Say
10,000+ reviews of the Bear are posted on the company site, and a large number of them compliment the Bear’s ability to sleep cool throughout the night.
Pros of the Bear Mattress
- This bed provides some sinkage and contouring, but it doesn’t prevent combination sleepers from easily switching between sleeping positions. You’ll feel more “on” the bed than “in” it.
- The Bear is designed for athletic recovery, making it a good option for those with active lifestyles.
- This mattress is both firm and supportive, which can be nice for people who sleep on their back. Our pressure map test confirmed that there’s a lot of contouring and relief and position (entirely blue).
Cons of the Bear Mattress
- Stomach sleepers will likely find this mattress to be too soft to keep their hips in line with their shoulders, which is necessary for proper spinal alignment. In contrast, side sleepers may find the Bear to be too firm to relieve pressure at their shoulders and hips.
- This is not a super-buoyant mattress, so sleepers looking for bounce and responsiveness may not find what they’re looking for here.
Learn more by reading our full Bear mattress review. You can also click here for our best deal, or see our best cooling mattress page for more options.
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.
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.
When we tested out the Nolah Evolution, we found it to be about a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. This is the industry standard for medium firm, and tells us that the bed should have an optimal mixture of comfort and support. Also, when we laid on our side during the pressure map test, the graphic was blue and green, indicating low pressure for side sleepers. And if they want an extra-soft mattress, they can opt for the Plush model, although we still recommend the Luxury Firm for side sleepers with scoliosis, as it will likely offer more support.
What Customers Say
While Nolah doesn’t list exactly how many customer reviews they have on their website, the Evolution currently has a customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. One reviewer who struggles with back pain and hip pain called the bed “life-changing”.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- We think back sleepers should also be comfortable on the Luxury Firm model of the Nolah Evolution.
- AirFoam ICE is designed to be more breathable than traditional memory foam. When paired with the bed’s airflow-promoting coils, we think the Nolah Evolution is a good mattress for hot sleepers.
- The springs give the Nolah Evolution some bounce, which makes it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- We don’t think the Plush or the Luxury Firm model of the Nolah Evolution is going to give stomach sleepers the firmness or support they need. However, they might be comfortable with the Firm model.
- This mattress may be a bit too expensive for budget shoppers, who may appreciate one of our best cheap mattresses more.
Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review to learn more. You can click here for our best deal, or see our page of the best mattresses for side sleepers for more options.
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.
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.
But we also think the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid is one of the best mattresses for couples because of a few different factors. First, it keeps a low temperature due to all the space between its coils, which allow for plenty of airflow. This should help it cool down two bodies at once. The springs also give it enough responsiveness for sex, but not so much that the bed has high motion transfer. We actually tested this by dropping a 10-pound steel ball onto the bed from three different heights and measuring its vibrations with a seismometer. The vibrations stayed fairly low, telling us that the Signature Hybrid has low motion transfer, and that partners aren’t likely to feel each other moving around at night.
What Customers Say
Brooklyn Bedding has almost 11,000 customer reviews of the Signature Hybrid on the brand’s website, with an average customer rating 4.7 out of 5 stars. 11 of the reviews come from sleepers with scoliosis, and they all rated the bed between 4 and 5 stars in regards to how it assisted with their condition.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- The mattress is available in three different firmness levels, so there’s something for every sleeping position. We recommend the Soft model for side sleepers, the Medium model for back sleepers, and the Firm model for stomach sleepers.
- There’s enough bounce and responsiveness on this mattress for combo sleepers to be able to easily switch positions.
- Brooklyn Bedding owns its own factory and makes all of its mattresses there, so it’s able to pass savings down to the customer. As a result, you can usually find a queen size Signature Hybrid for under $1,000 after discounts.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- The Signature Hybrid is a fairly simple mattress with few added features. If you’re looking for something more extravagant, we recommend checking out our roundup of the best luxury mattresses.
- A medium-firm mattress may not be a good option for side sleepers with hip and/or shoulder pain, and they may want to opt for something a bit softer and more contouring around sensitive joints.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review to learn more. You can click here for our best deal, or see our best mattress for couples page for more options.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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