Best Mattress for a Herniated Disc 2024
By Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach 
Trust Zoma for expert insights on sleep wellness. Our dedicated team, including sleep science coaches, engineers, and product evaluators, meticulously investigates mattresses using our athlete-informed product methodology. We provide precise and trustworthy articles, continually updating content with the latest scientific breakthroughs. Count on us for top-rated, personally reviewed mattresses that prioritize comfort and performance, elevating your rest to its highest potential.
Buying Guide For Best Mattress for Herniated Disc
Herniated disc pain is often at its worst in the morning because your body has been inactive for hours as you slept. And morning pain often worsens if you’re sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress.
The best mattresses for a herniated disc should provide the back support and pressure point relief needed for a pain-free night of sleep. We cover what a herniated disc is and its symptoms, what to look for in a mattress, and other sleep accessories to consider.
Best Mattress Overall
1. Zoma Boost
- Price Range: $1349 - $2748
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
- Athletes or active individuals
- Sleepers needing pressure relief
- Features Triangulex™ technology for targeted support.
- Excellent motion isolation for undisturbed sleep.
- Breathable materials for temperature regulation.
Our team has extensively researched and tested the Zoma Boost, and we’re thrilled to name it our top pick. This mattress features a tri-layer construction, including a cooling gel-infused memory foam top layer, a responsive transition layer, and a durable support core. These layers provide you exceptional pressure relief and optimal spinal alignment, crucial for all sleep positions.
Our testers praised its cooling properties and supportive design, which promote better sleep and faster muscle recovery, making it ideal for active individuals. In short, the Zoma Boost excels in comfort, support, and durability, enhancing overall sleep quality.
Exceptional Pressure Relief: The Zoma Boost’s tri-layer construction excels at relieving pressure points, crucial for those with herniated discs.
Optimal Spinal Alignment: Its supportive design ensures proper spinal alignment, reducing strain and promoting better back health.
- Cover: Stretch-knit fabric for breathability and cooling.
- Comfort Layer: Reactiv™ foam, which is responsive and supportive, offering pressure relief.
- Transition Layer: Reactiv™ foam for added support and to prevent sinking.
- Support Core: Pocketed coils for targeted support and minimal motion transfer.
- Base Layer: High-density foam for durability and stability.
The Zoma Boost offers a medium-firm feel that expertly balances comfort and support. Its adaptive memory foam layer contours to your body, providing excellent pressure relief for side and back sleepers alike. The responsive surface ensures you never feel stuck, making it easy to change positions throughout the night.
One reviewer noted, “The Zoma Boost provides the perfect balance of softness and support. My back pain has significantly reduced since I started using it.”
Best Mattress for Back and Stomach Sleepers
2. Amerisleep AS2
- Price Range: $1299 - $2248
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Those with back pain
- Sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress.
- Bio-Pur® material for a cool, responsive feel
- HIVE® technology for zoned support and comfort
- Eco-friendly and durable construction
After extensive research and thorough testing, our team is excited to present the Amerisleep AS2 as a standout mattress for back and stomach sleepers. Our testers were particularly impressed by its medium-firm feel, which provides optimal support and alignment for these sleep positions.
The Bio-Pur foam top layer offers a plush yet responsive surface that conforms to the body, ensuring pressure relief without the sinking sensation. Beneath this, the Affinity layer with HIVE technology provides targeted support and promotes healthy spinal alignment, a crucial feature for both back and stomach sleepers.
One of our reviewers noted, “I woke up feeling refreshed and without the usual back pain.” Additionally, the AS2’s open-cell structure enhances breathability, keeping sleepers cool throughout the night.
- Optimal Firmness: We analyzed the Amerisleep AS2 and found its medium-firm feel ideal for back and stomach sleepers, providing the necessary support to maintain spinal alignment.
- Advanced Cooling Technology: Our team of testers appreciated the Bio-Pur® foam’s breathability, which helps to dissipate heat and keep the sleep surface cool throughout the night.
- Zoned Support: We researched the HIVE® technology, which offers targeted support and pressure relief in five key zones, ensuring a comfortable sleeping experience.
- Cover: Celliant® fabric, which is breathable and designed to promote recovery.
- Comfort Layer: Bio-Pur® foam, which is plant-based and offers cooling and pressure relief.
- Transition Layer: Affinity with HIVE® technology, providing zoned support for enhanced comfort.
- Support Core: Bio-Core® foam for long-lasting durability and support.
The Amerisleep AS2 has a firm feel perfect for back and stomach sleepers. Its targeted support zones keep your spine aligned, reducing pressure on your lower back. The Bio-Pur® foam layer cradles your body without sinking, ensuring a restful and supportive night’s sleep.
One reviewer noted, “I woke up feeling refreshed and without the usual back pain,” highlighting its effectiveness in reducing discomfort for those with a herniated disc.
Best Value Mattress
3. Vaya Mattress
- Price Range: $849 - $1598
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Combination sleepers
- People seeking a simple, no-frills mattress.
- Offers excellent value for the price.
- All-foam construction with adaptive support
- Good motion isolation and pressure relief.
The Vaya Mattress impressed our team with its exceptional features and performance. We found that the mattress’s unique construction combines comfort and support, making it an excellent choice for various sleep styles. The Vaya Mattress features a breathable, open-cell foam design that promotes airflow, ensuring a cool and comfortable night’s sleep. The foam layers offer balanced support, contouring the body while alleviating pressure points, making it particularly beneficial for those with back pain.
Additionally, the mattress’s durability and high-quality materials ensure long-lasting comfort, providing great value for the price.
- Affordable Quality: We analyzed the Vaya Mattress and found it offers exceptional comfort and support at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent value for money.
- Versatile Comfort: Our team of testers noted the mattress’s adaptability to various sleeping positions, providing a balanced feel that caters to a wide range of sleepers.
- Cover: Soft, breathable fabric to enhance cooling.
- Comfort Layer: Vaya Comfort Foam, which is breathable and provides pressure relief.
- Support Core: High-density Vaya Base Foam for durable support and stability.
The Vaya Mattress offers a medium comfort level that suits a variety of sleeping positions. Its simple yet effective two-layer foam design provides excellent pressure relief and support. The open-cell foam ensures breathability, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
One of our users stated, “The Vaya Mattress cradled my body without feeling too firm or too soft, helping to alleviate my back pain significantly.”
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
4. Winkbed Luxury Mattress
- Price Range: $1,149 - $2,049
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Side sleepers
- Those seeking a luxury innerspring feel.
- Sleepers who want multiple firmness options.
- Euro-pillow top for plush comfort
- Zoned support for pressure relief and alignment
- Hybrid design with a sturdy innerspring core
The WinkBed Luxury Mattress has garnered praise from our team for its outstanding comfort and support. Our testers were particularly impressed with its hybrid design, combining the best of both worlds with a layer of pocketed coils and multiple foam layers. This construction provides excellent contouring, making it an ideal choice for side sleepers who need pressure relief on their shoulders and hips.
The mattress features a breathable Tencel cover that promotes airflow, ensuring a cool sleep environment.
Sleep expert Dr. Jordan Burns supports these findings, stating, “The WinkBed’s hybrid construction offers the perfect blend of support and pressure relief. For side sleepers, this balance is crucial in maintaining proper spinal alignment and preventing discomfort in pressure-sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips.”
- Plush Euro-Pillow Top: We analyzed the WinkBed and found its plush Euro-pillow top provides excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips, making it ideal for side sleepers.
- Targeted Lumbar Support: Our team of testers appreciated the extra lumbar support that helps maintain spinal alignment, reducing pain and discomfort for side sleepers.
- Cover: Tencel fabric, which is eco-friendly and breathable.
- Euro-Pillow Top: Gel-infused foam for cooling and comfort.
- Comfort Layer: Individually wrapped coils in multiple zones for targeted support and reduced motion transfer.
- Support Core: Pocketed coils for enhanced support and durability.
The Winkbed Luxury Mattress features a plush Euro-pillow top that offers a soft, cloud-like feel. Its hybrid design combines foam and innerspring coils to provide targeted support and pressure relief, making it ideal for side sleepers who need extra cushioning for their hips and shoulders.
One of our reviewers noted, “This mattress cradles my body beautifully, making side sleeping incredibly comfortable and helping to alleviate my back pain.”
Best Innerspring Mattress
5. Saatva Classic
- Price Range: $1395 - $2595
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
- People with back pain seeking lumbar support
- Shoppers looking for eco-friendly options
- Dual-coil system for durability and support
- Organic cotton cover for a soft, breathable surface.
- Available in three firmness levels for personalized comfort.
During our testing, we found that the Saatva Classic’s dual coil system provides robust support and durability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional innerspring feel with modern enhancements. The plush Euro pillow top adds a layer of luxury, while the individually wrapped coils ensure precise contouring and motion isolation.
Whether you value durability, luxurious comfort, or precise support, the Saatva Classic offers a well-rounded package that excels in all these areas. Its design effectively balances firmness and comfort, catering to various sleep preferences and ensuring long-term satisfaction.
- Dual Coil System: We analyzed the Saatva Classic and found its dual coil system offers exceptional support and durability, providing a traditional innerspring feel with modern comfort.
- Customizable Firmness: Our team of testers appreciated the three firmness options, allowing sleepers to choose the level of support that suits their preferences.
- Cover: Organic cotton for breathability and softness.
- Euro Pillow Top: Plush comfort layers for added cushioning.
- Comfort Layer: Memory foam layer for pressure relief.
- Support Core: Dual coil system, including individually wrapped coils for contouring support and a base of tempered steel coils for durability.
- Edge Support: High-density foam encasement for edge support.
The Saatva Classic offers a traditional innerspring feel with modern enhancements. Its dual-coil system provides robust support and responsiveness, while the Euro-pillow top adds a layer of luxurious comfort. The mattress excels in keeping your spine aligned and minimizing motion transfer.
One of our users noted, “The Saatva Classic offers consistent support and luxurious comfort, significantly improving my sleep quality.”
Most Comfortable Mattress
6. Amerisleep AS5
- Price Range: $1395 - $2595
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
- People with back pain seeking lumbar support
- Shoppers looking for eco-friendly options
- Dual-coil system for durability and support
- Organic cotton cover for a soft, breathable surface.
- Available in three firmness levels for personalized comfort.
The Amerisleep AS5 is celebrated as the most comfortable mattress on our list, and for good reason. It’s engineered with a perfect blend of support and plush comfort, making it ideal for those who crave a luxurious sleep experience.
One of the standout features of the AS5 is its advanced Bio-Pur® memory foam. This unique material adapts to your body, providing pressure relief in key areas like the hips and shoulders. Side sleepers, in particular, will appreciate the soft yet supportive feel that helps to alleviate discomfort and promote better spinal alignment.
The AS5 also incorporates Amerisleep’s proprietary Active Flex layer, which enhances responsiveness and prevents the sinking sensation often associated with traditional memory foam.
Additionally, the mattress is designed with a high-performance Celliant® cover. This innovative fabric is not only soft and breathable but also helps to regulate temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable.
With a risk-free 100-night trial and a 20-year warranty, Amerisleep ensures you can rest easy knowing you’ve made a smart investment in your sleep health.
1. Ultra-Plush Feel: We analyzed the Amerisleep AS5 and found its ultra-plush feel provides a cloud-like sleeping experience, ideal for those who prefer a softer mattress.
2. Motion Isolation: We researched its motion isolation capabilities and found it excels at minimizing movement transfer, perfect for couples with different sleep patterns.
- Cover: Soft and breathable Celliant® fabric.
- Comfort Layer: Bio-Pur® memory foam for pressure relief and cooling.
- Transition Layer: Active Flex layer, which is responsive and adds support.
- Support Core: Bio-Core® foam for lasting durability.
The Amerisleep AS5 delivers a plush, luxurious feel with its ultra-soft Bio-Pur® foam. It cradles your body, providing exceptional pressure relief and contouring. Ideal for side sleepers and those who enjoy a softer mattress, it offers a sensation of sleeping on a cloud.
One of our reviewers mentioned, “Sleeping on the Amerisleep AS5 is like being on a cloud; it provides the perfect blend of comfort and support, which has significantly alleviated my back pain.”
Best Mattress in a Box
7. Zoma Hybrid
- Price Range: $749 - $1698
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- People seeking the convenience of a mattress in a box
- Athletes needing a balance of support and comfort
- Those who prefer a medium-firm feel
- Hybrid design combines foam and coils for support
- Edge support for a more expansive sleep surface
- Breathable cover and materials for cooling
The Zoma Hybrid stands out as an excellent mattress in a box, offering a perfect blend of comfort and support. Designed with athletes in mind, it features a unique combination of gel-infused memory foam and responsive pocketed coils, providing optimal pressure relief and enhanced breathability. Our team of testers appreciated how the Zoma Hybrid adapts to various sleep positions, particularly benefiting side sleepers by alleviating pressure on the hips and shoulders.
The mattress’s durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it a reliable investment for quality sleep. Additionally, its edge support and motion isolation properties were notable highlights, ensuring a disturbance-free rest.
1. Pressure Relief and Support: We analyzed the Zoma Hybrid and found its combination of memory foam and pocketed coils offers excellent pressure relief and support, catering to various sleep positions.
2. Cooling Technology: Our team of testers appreciated the gel-infused memory foam, which helps regulate temperature and prevent overheating during the night.
- Cover: Airy, stretch-knit fabric for breathability.
- Comfort Layer: Reactiv™ foam for pressure relief and responsiveness.
- Transition Layer: Additional layer of Reactiv™ foam to provide a smooth transition to the support core.
- Support Core: Individually wrapped coils for targeted support and reduced motion transfer.
- Base Layer: High-density foam for stability and durability.
The Zoma Hybrid combines the contouring comfort of memory foam with the support and bounce of pocketed coils. Its medium feel adapts to various sleeping positions, making it versatile for different sleepers. The mattress also promotes cooling and breathability for a comfortable night’s sleep.
One of our reviewers noted, “The Zoma Hybrid offers exceptional support and pressure relief, significantly alleviating my back pain while providing a comfortable sleep experience.”
Best Mattress for Couples
8. Bear Elite Hybrid
- Price Range: $1893 - $3920
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Short Queen, RV King
- Couples seeking motion isolation
- Active individuals needing muscle recovery
- Hot sleepers needing a cooling mattress
- Celliant® cover promotes recovery and cooling
- Zoned coils for targeted support and reduced motion transfer
- Multiple comfort layers for a balanced feel.
We tested the Bear Elite Hybrid, and it’s clear why this mattress is a top choice for couples. With its unique construction, the Bear Elite Hybrid offers a balanced blend of support and comfort, featuring a combination of memory foam and individually wrapped coils. Our reviewers appreciated the excellent motion isolation, ensuring minimal disturbance from a partner’s movements.
The cooling technology, incorporating phase change material, kept the mattress comfortably cool throughout the night. We also found the zoned support design to be particularly effective in providing targeted pressure relief, which is ideal for side sleepers.
- Motion Isolation: We analyzed the Bear Elite Hybrid and found its excellent motion isolation, making it ideal for couples who don’t want to be disturbed by each other’s movements.
- Cooling Properties: Our team of testers appreciated the advanced cooling technology, including Celliant® fabric and copper-infused foam, which helps maintain a cool and comfortable sleep environment.
- Zoned Support: We researched the zoned support system that provides targeted pressure relief and support, catering to different body areas and sleeping positions.
- Cover: Hand-quilted Celliant® fabric cover, designed for breathability and recovery benefits.
- Comfort Layer: Copper-infused memory foam for cooling and pressure relief.
- Transition Layer: Responsive transition foam for smooth support.
- Support Core: Individually encased coils for targeted support and minimal motion transfer.
- Base Layer: High-density foam for added durability.
The Bear Elite Hybrid offers a balanced feel with excellent motion isolation, making it perfect for couples. Its combination of memory foam and pocketed coils provides support and pressure relief while minimizing disturbances from your partner’s movements.
One reviewer shared, “I woke up without the usual back pain I used to experience, thanks to the Bear Elite Hybrid. It’s the perfect mix of firmness and comfort.”
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
9. Tempurpedic Cloud
- Price Range: $1,699 - $2,399
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Combination sleepers changing positions frequently
- People seeking pressure relief and contouring
- Those preferring a mattress with a medium feel
- TEMPUR® material adapts to body shape for comfort.
- Excellent motion isolation for couples
- Easy shipping and setup with mattress-in-a-box convenience
After extensive research and analysis, we found the Tempurpedic Cloud to be an outstanding choice for combination sleepers. This mattress stands out due to its high-density TEMPUR material, which provides adaptive support and exceptional pressure relief. The Tempurpedic Cloud conforms to the body’s shape, ensuring a seamless transition between different sleep positions, which is particularly beneficial for those who shift throughout the night.
Our team of testers was especially impressed with its ability to reduce pressure points, enhancing overall comfort and sleep quality. Whether you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper, the Tempurpedic Cloud adapts to your needs, offering a balanced blend of support and softness.
- Adaptive Comfort: We analyzed the Tempurpedic Cloud and found its adaptive TEMPUR® material provides excellent support and comfort for various sleeping positions, making it ideal for combination sleepers.
- Pressure Relief: Our team of testers appreciated the mattress’s ability to relieve pressure points, ensuring a comfortable sleep no matter how you move throughout the night.
- Motion Isolation: We researched its motion isolation properties and noted its effectiveness in minimizing disturbances from movement, perfect for light sleepers.
- Cover: Stretch-knit fabric for breathability and comfort.
- Comfort Layer: TEMPUR® material, which adapts to your body for personalized comfort.
- Support Core: Dense TEMPUR® foam layers for support and pressure relief.
The Tempurpedic Cloud delivers a unique blend of softness and support, making it suitable for those with a herniated disc. The high-density TEMPUR material conforms to your body, providing targeted pressure relief and maintaining spinal alignment.
It adapts to your body’s shape with its high-density memory foam, offering a medium feel that supports multiple sleep positions. It provides excellent pressure relief ensuring a comfortable and uninterrupted night’s rest.
Best Luxury Mattress
10. Puffy Lux Hybrid
- Price Range: $899 - $1,799
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Luxury shoppers
- Side sleepers
- Couples seeking motion isolation
- Plush, cloud-like feel with pressure-relieving foams.
- Hybrid design for balanced support and comfort.
- Stain-resistant and hypoallergenic cover.
This mattress combines premium memory foam with a durable coil system, offering a perfect blend of plush comfort and robust support. Our research highlights its advanced cooling technology, which effectively dissipates heat for a cooler sleeping experience. The adaptive contouring of the Puffy Lux Hybrid provides excellent pressure relief, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive joints or back issues.
Our team confirms that this luxurious mattress excels in delivering both comfort and performance, making it an outstanding option for those seeking a high-end sleep experience. If you’re looking for a mattress that adapts to your needs and provides a balanced mix of softness and support, the Puffy Lux Hybrid is an exceptional choice.
- Luxurious Comfort: We analyzed the Puffy Lux Hybrid and found its plush, luxurious feel provides an indulgent sleep experience with exceptional comfort.
- Advanced Cooling: Our team of testers appreciated the cooling CloudComfort+ foam that helps regulate temperature, keeping you cool throughout the night.
- Supportive Core: We researched its hybrid design and noted the combination of foam layers and pocketed coils offer excellent support and pressure relief.
- Cover: Hypoallergenic and stain-resistant cover.
- Comfort Layer: Cooling Cloud™ foam for temperature regulation and pressure relief.
- Transition Layer: Plush Dual Cloud foam for added contouring and support.
- Support Core: Firm Core Support foam with a Contour-Adapt Coil system for enhanced support and minimal motion transfer.
- Base Layer: High-density foam for durability and stability.
The Puffy Lux Hybrid offers a luxurious sleep experience, combining softness and support to cater to those with a herniated disc.
The memory foam contours to your body, while the coil system provides the necessary support to keep your spine aligned.
One reviewer shared, “The Puffy Lux Hybrid feels like sleeping on a cloud, with perfect support for my back. It has significantly reduced my discomfort from a herniated disc.”
What is a Herniated Disc?
Your spine contains bones called vertebrae, with soft, jelly-filled discs in between each vertebra as cushioning. These discs break down and compress with age, providing less cushion for the spinal column.
A herniated disc, also known as ruptured or slipped disc, is when part or all of the disc breaks, letting the jelly inside leak onto nerves. This can cause back pain, neck pain, arm or leg pain, and numbness in the affected area.
A herniated disc isn’t just the result of aging; severe injury can also cause a disc to rupture.
Treatment for a Herniated Disc
Herniated discs often heal on their own within a few weeks or months. Most patients just need a couple of days of bed rest, some physical therapy, regular heat treatments, and over-the-counter medication.
Surgery can resolve symptoms more quickly, but it’s only considered if there’s nerve damage or if the pain is so severe it interferes with everyday life and non-surgical measures have proved ineffective.
Related Medical Conditions
A herniated disc is the most common cause for sciatica, as the slipped disc irritates or pinches the sciatic nerve that runs down your spinal cord to your legs. Typically sciatica only affects one side of the body.
Disc herniation can also cause spinal stenosis, a condition where the backbone narrows and places more pressure on your nerves and spinal cord. Arthritis and scoliosis are other causes of spinal stenosis.
Who’s At Risk for Herniated Discs?
Middle-aged to elderly: Herniated discs typically show up in people 35 to 55 years old. As you age, the disc’s protective coating breaks down.
Genetics: If your family has a history of herniated discs, you may be at risk of developing it, sometimes even at a young age.
Lifestyle factors: If you do a lot of heavy lifting, bending, or twisting, either at a job or through a sport, you may face an increased risk of a herniated disc.
Heavy people: The more you weigh, the more pressure you place on your lower back’s discs.
How to Prevent a Herniated Disc
You cannot entirely protect yourself against a herniated disc, as there are risk factors such as genetic factors and age. You can decrease your chances, however, if you:
- Avoid heavy lifting or repetitive bending
- Maintain good posture
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Strengthen back muscles to improve flexibility
Speak to Your Doctor
If you develop severe or chronic back pain, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor at your earliest convenience. Other symptoms to keep an eye out for include fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, a rash, loss of bladder or bowel control, and numbness or pain in your limbs.
Mattress Types
Not every type of mattress can provide the support and pain relief you need for a good night’s rest. People with herniated discs need a bed that molds to their body’s curves and maintains spinal alignment.
Memory Foam
Manufacturers design memory foam to react to pressure and heat, which is why it fits so well to the curves of the body. Basic memory foam mattresses have a top layer of memory foam and a base layer of stiff support foam. Transition layers add support and responsiveness to the mattress, creating a more durable and adaptable bed.
Traditional memory foam can trap body heat. Many companies solve this issue by infusing the foam with cooling gels, charcoal, graphite, or copper—these materials absorb and wick away heat.
Latex
Latex contours to the body like memory foam, but it’s a firmer and springer material. Latex is inherently cool and relieves pressure, which can soothe chronic back pain.
There are natural latex mattresses and synthetic latex mattresses. Manufacturers produce natural latex from rubber tree sap and synthetic latex from chemical compounds. Natural latex is the more durable and expensive option, but synthetic latex is a good choice if you have a latex allergy.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses have a responsive bounce due to their inner coils. While they remain a popular choice, we strongly advise against an innerspring mattress if you have back pain. The coils inside the mattress will press against you when you lie atop them, worsening any pain.
Innersprings are also the type of mattress most prone to sagging, which negates its support for your back and spine. The average innerspring mattress lasts five to six years, although lower quality beds can sag in as little as three years.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses have the bounce of an innerspring with the malleability of a foam bed. A hybrid should have at least 2 inches of foam resting on top of a coil layer.
Hybrids can soothe back pain, especially a memory foam hybrid. The coils reduce the pressure relief the mattress offers, however—if you want a truly conforming bed, a memory foam or latex mattress might be the better option.
Sleeping Positions
Your sleeping position not only determines what mattress firmness is right for you, but can also influence if you wake up in pain. The best sleeping positions for a herniated disc are on your side or back, while sleeping on your stomach can increase your pain.
Side Sleeping
Side sleeping can ease back pain, although you may want to keep a knee pillow tucked between your legs to maintain spinal alignment.
The best mattresses for side sleepers have a soft to medium feel to let you sink in and ease pressure points in your sides.
Back Sleeping
Sleeping on your back brings it into direct contact with your mattress, letting the bed mold to and cushion your spine while your body weight is evenly distributed. If you snore or have acid reflux, however, you might want to consider side sleeping or use a wedge pillow.
Back sleepers sleep best on a medium-firm to firm mattress.
Stomach Sleeping
If you’re a stomach sleeper with a herniated disc, we strongly advise changing your sleep position. When you’re lying on your stomach, gravity pushes it into the mattress, stretching your spine out of its natural curves—which worsens any pre-existing back pain.
For those who aren’t comfortable in any other position, we recommend a firm mattress with a thin pillow kept under the stomach to best prevent the body from sinking.
Mattress Firmness
Your perfect firmness level depends on your sleeping position and your body weight. Choosing the wrong firmness option can exacerbate back pain by misaligning the spine.
Body weight influences how much support your mattress needs to provide—the more body weight pressed against the bed, the more support you need.
Petite sleepers need a softer mattress, as they place less pressure on the bed. Conversely, a mattress for a heavy person needs a firm feel to fully support their body weight.
We also recommend large-statured sleepers look for a mattress at least 12 inches thick. A thinner mattress may wear out or sag prematurely.
Firmness labels can be subjective and depend on the brand and the mattress’s materials. You can skim through customer feedback before you buy to see if a customer received a bed that felt different than they expected.
Sleep Trial, Warranty, Return Policy
Sleep trials, warranty, and return policies are all a mark of a mattress’s quality. We always recommend buying a mattress with a sleep trial and warranty to ensure you’re getting a durable bed right for you.
Sleep Trial
Sleep trials let you test out a mattress after buying it. Most trial periods last between 90 to 120 days—some companies request you wait at least 30 days to let your body adjust before returning or exchanging a mattress.
Warranty
Warranties prevent a customer from having to repair or replace a defective mattress. Defects commonly covered include sagging, ripped seams, damage to the mattress’s cover, and burst coils.
Some warranties require you to pay for transportation or handling fees when you’re filing for a repair or replacement—we recommend avoiding those. Warranties are rendered null and void if the mattress isn’t correctly taken care of, so keep it on a sturdy foundation and invest in a mattress protector to prevent damage from spills and other accidents.
Return Policy
A 30-day or more return policy can substitute for a sleep trial by giving you the time needed to adapt to your new mattress. Usually, the mattress must still be in good condition to be eligible for a return, and some companies add on restocking or shipping fees.
When reading through return policies, we suggest looking for ones with no hidden fees and at-home pickup for mattresses.
Other Bed Accessories
A quality mattress isn’t all you need for a pain-free sleep. Your bedding, pillows, and bed frame can all impact how your bed feels, influencing its pressure and pain relief.
Bedding
Cool, breathable bedding can prevent you from overheating. Choosing fabrics such as polyester or flannel may risk further irritation and sleep disturbances.
Toppers
Toppers are a few extra inches of foam to be placed atop your mattress to alter its feel. You can choose plush foams for additional pressure relief or stiff foams for added support. If you’re shopping on a tight budget, toppers can help you extend the use of your mattress until you’re ready to replace it.
Pillows
Although herniated discs often occur in the lower back area, you can rupture a disc in the cervical spine inside your neck. The best pillow closes the gap between your neck and the mattress. The exact thickness needed depends on your sleeping position—side sleepers need a high-loft pillow, back sleepers a mid-loft pillow, and stomach sleepers a low-loft pillow.
Adjustable Bed Frames
Adjustable bed frames let you raise or lower parts of the mattress. Presets such as zero gravity, which raises your knees and head, can decrease the pressure you put on your lower back.
All-foam mattresses work best with adjustable bases, as they can stretch and bend with the base’s movements. The coils in a hybrid or an innerspring mattress limit its flexibility, so they don’t always pair well with an adjustable base.
An adjustable bed frame is expensive, often costing more than $1000. You can save significantly with an adjustable bed and mattress combo. Adjustable bed frames are typically final sale items, so you might want to try one out before you buy it. Memory foam is one of the best mattresses for back pain—the material molds to you for full-body pressure relief. Just make sure the memory foam bed you choose isn't too soft or too firm. Otherwise, it could worsen back pain instead of relieving it. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks for a herniated disc to heal. You can make the wait more bearable by applying heat to the affected area. Your doctor may also have suggestions for potential treatments and can prescribe you short-term pain medications. Yes, it should be. Keeping active and doing your best to live your normal life can help with recovery—you may just need to be a bit more careful with your movements. If you’re unable to walk, talk to your doctor for possible causes and solutions. It's unlikely that your mattress could cause a slipped disc, but a bad bed can worsen back pain. Make sure you're sleeping on a mattress that suits your sleeping style. Side sleepers should choose a softer mattress, while back and stomach sleepers should lie on a firmer bed. If you're not already a side sleeper, you might want to try the position. When you sleep on your side with your back slightly curled, the position can open up the spaces between your vertebrae. You may find that one side feels more comfortable than the other.Frequently Asked Questions
Is memory foam good for back pain?
How long does it take a herniated disc to reabsorb?
Is it OK to walk with a herniated disc?
Can a bad mattress cause a herniated disc?
How should you sleep with a herniated disc?
Did We Help?
If you have a herniated disc, your mattress should keep your spine in a neutral position and avoid pressing up against your body, as that increases pain. Your disc should be reabsorbed within a couple of months, but the right mattress can provide you with a comfortable night’s rest for many years. To find the best bed for you, consider your body type, sleeping position, and comfort preferences.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Sarah Anderson is a sleep, health, and wellness writer and product reviewer. She has written articles on changing and improving your sleep schedule, choosing the right mattress for chronic pain conditions, and finding the best pillow for you. Sarah Anderson has her Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University in Journalism and Mass Communications. Prior to working for Zoma, she wrote for a variety of news publications. Sarah's work has been featured on Bustle, PureWow, and other publications.
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