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Dec 23, 2023 · Engineered with gel pods, Casper’s Wave Hybrid lifts your waist and lower back to align the spine and offers support where you need it. Another perk of having a gel mattress is that it’s ideal for hot sleepers because the gel offers “less heat retention throughout the night,” Dr. Agarwal says.
- Overview
- A quick look at the best mattresses for sciatica
- How we chose the best mattresses for sciatica
- What causes sciatica?
- How sciatica affects sleep
- How should I sleep to improve sciatica?
- Choosing a mattress for sciatica
- When to talk with a doctor about sciatica
- Frequently asked questions about mattresses for sciatica
- Takeaway
•Our picks
•Comparison table
•How we chose
•Sciatica causes
•How it affects sleep
•Sciatica sleeping tips
•Best mattress for side sleepers: DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress | Skip to review
•Best organic mattress: Avocado Green Mattress | Skip to review
•Best hybrid mattress: Saatva Classic Mattress | Skip to review
•Best mattress for lower back pain and sciatica: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress | Skip to review
•Best memory foam mattress: Amerisleep AS3 Mattress | Skip to review
•Best adjustable mattress: Saatva Solaire Mattress | Skip to review
Here’s what we considered when picking the best mattresses for sciatica:
•Customer reviews: We looked for mattresses rated well by people who have actually bought (and slept on!) them. We also checked reviews specifically for mentions of sciatica or pressure relief.
•Claims: Though each of these mattresses is rated well by people with pain and offers good comfort and support, we avoid brands that claim their mattresses can prevent, cure, or mitigate any illness or condition.
•Company policies: We make sure the companies offer warranties, in-home trials, and shipping and return policies that give you a chance to try out the mattress before officially deciding to keep it.
•Transparency: We value companies that are transparent and let consumers know where their products are made and what they’re made from.
•Safety: All mattresses on our list comply with the Federal Flammability Standard, 16 CFR part 1633, and 16 CFR part 1632.
Sciatica can result from spine-related conditions that affect nerves in your back. The sciatic nerve may become compressed or irritated from a bulging or ruptured disc in the spine. Thickened ligaments around the spine may also impinge on the nerve. “The sciatic nerve can also be compressed by the piriformis muscle in the hip if it’s either in spasm or extremely tight,” Herman adds.
Injury or tumors in the spine or sciatic nerve can be causes of sciatica as well.
You may be at a greater risk of developing sciatic pain if you have poor posture or sit for prolonged periods of time in a rounded position. “Individuals with specific anatomical variations or those who are prone to muscle spasms might also be more susceptible,” says Herman.
To minimize your risk of sciatica, Herman advises maintaining proper posture, especially while sitting for a long time. “Engage in regular physical activity to keep the spine and hip muscles strong and flexible,” he says. “Avoid excessive lifting, and when you do lift, use the correct technique.” That means lifting with your legs, not your back.
It’s hard to sleep when you’re in pain, so it’s no surprise that sciatica impairs sleep quality. According to a 2015 study, up to 55% of people with chronic low back pain report sleep disturbances.
“Sleeping position can significantly impact sciatic pain,” says Herman. Some sleeping positions may put pressure on the irritated nerve, which triggers symptoms to flare. That can lead to disrupted sleep if you happen to change positions through the night or difficulty getting comfortable enough to fall asleep in the first place.
Besides shopping for the right mattress, there are other things you can do to ease the discomfort of sciatica. Using hot or cold packs and taking pain relievers can offer temporary relief.
Dr. Sara Mikulsky, PT, DPT, FNS, CEAS, owner of Wellness Physical Therapy PLLC, says your sleeping position can make a difference as well. Avoid sleeping on your stomach when you’re experiencing sciatica flare-ups to prevent further compressed stress and pressure on the area. “Try to maintain a neutral spine position no matter what position you sleep in, either on your back or side,” she says.
If you need more support at night, Mikulsky suggests placing a pillow between your legs to help maintain a more neutral pelvis and spinal alignment. This neutral position can take pressure off the nerves, helping decrease pain.
Other ways to relieve sciatica include stretching before going to bed and getting out of bed in the morning.
Sciatica can put a damper on your sleep patterns if not treated or handled properly. While getting care from your doctor is important, sleeping on a comfortable and supportive mattress may also be helpful.
Mikulsky tells Healthline that choosing a mattress that promotes good spinal alignment is key.
“By placing the spine in normal alignment and additionally opening up the spinal segments, pressure can be taken off the nerves, reducing sciatic pain,” she says, adding that you should avoid choosing a soft mattress because the spine won’t be as supported.
There is evidence from a 2015 research review that medium-firm mattresses and those that are adjustable might be better for spinal alignment, pain reduction, and sleep quality.
If pain persists beyond a few days or interferes with your ability to get a good night’s sleep, Herman recommends seeing a doctor. Also, be sure to speak with your doctor or another healthcare professional if your pain is severe or you’re experiencing symptoms such as numbness.
“Stick to over-the-counter pain relievers if the pain is mild or moderate,” says Herman. If that isn’t helping, a doctor may be able to prescribe a muscle relaxant, depending on the diagnosis and severity of pain.
How does sciatica affect sleep?
Sciatica can have a significant impact on sleep quality. One study found up to 55% of people with chronic low back pain also experience sleep disturbances. Sciatica can have a significant impact on sleep quality. One study found up to 55% of people with chronic low back pain also experience sleep disturbances.
Can a bad mattress cause sciatica?
There are many causes of low back pain and sciatica. An unsupportive mattress can be one of them, but so can sleeping position and body weight. “A poor sleeping posture can put additional pressure on the sciatic nerve,” says Herman. He recommends lying on the back with a pillow beneath the knees to help maintain a neutral curve of the spine and reduce tension on the sciatic nerve. “If you prefer to sleep on your side, a pillow between your knees can help maintain hip alignment and reduce compression,” notes Herman. If possible, avoid sleeping on your stomach. “This can strain the spine and exacerbate symptoms,” says Herman. If you suspect you’re dealing with sciatica, contact your doctor for more ways to reduce symptoms. There are many causes of low back pain and sciatica. An unsupportive mattress can be one of them, but so can sleeping position and body weight. “A poor sleeping posture can put additional pressure on the sciatic nerve,” says Herman. He recommends lying on the back with a pillow beneath the knees to help maintain a neutral curve of the spine and reduce tension on the sciatic nerve. “If you prefer to sleep on your side, a pillow between your knees can help maintain hip alignment and reduce compression,” notes Herman. If possible, avoid sleeping on your stomach. “This can strain the spine and exacerbate symptoms,” says Herman. If you suspect you’re dealing with sciatica, contact your doctor for more ways to reduce symptoms.
What type of firmness is best for sciatica?
Medium-firm mattresses may be the best choice for people with sciatica because they offer enough support to keep the spine and pelvis properly aligned. Mattresses that are too soft will not be supportive enough. Overly firm mattresses may be too uncomfortable for restful sleep. “Memory foam or latex mattresses can be particularly beneficial, as they conform to the shape of your body, evenly distributing weight and alleviating pressure points,” says Herman. Medium-firm mattresses may be the best choice for people with sciatica because they offer enough support to keep the spine and pelvis properly aligned. Mattresses that are too soft will not be supportive enough. Overly firm mattresses may be too uncomfortable for restful sleep. “Memory foam or latex mattresses can be particularly beneficial, as they conform to the shape of your body, evenly distributing weight and alleviating pressure points,” says Herman.
Choosing the right mattress is one step you can take to reduce pain caused by sciatica. Make sure the mattress you choose offers the proper support to help you maintain a neutral spine.
If you plan on trying several brands, look into their trial period and warranty policies to avoid paying extra fees.
Giselle Castro is a freelance writer who lives in New York. She’s been published in Shape, Fitness, Women’s Health, and Hip Latina, among other sites. She is an avid runner and ran the New York City Marathon in 2019. She is passionate about wellness and fitness, and hopes to influence others through her writing.
Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.
Sep 29, 2023 · How we vet brands and products. Sciatica occurs when a person has a herniated disk or bone overgrowth, which puts extra pressure on the nerve. Medium-firm mattresses may help reduce sciatica...
- Can a bad mattress cause sciatica?Many factors can affect how suitable a mattress is for someone. For example, a person's weight and sleeping position may require a certain level of...
- What type of mattress is best for sciatica?Those with sciatica may benefit from using a medium-firm mattress. A 2021 review notes that a medium-firm mattress may promote better spinal alignm...
- What is the best sleep position for someone with sciatica?People with sciatica should try to avoid putting pressure on the sciatic nerve in their lower back. Some people may find that avoiding sleeping on...
- How can I get relief from sciatica on a budget?Individuals who are on a budget may consider buying a mattress topper. This helps make the mattress softer or firmer, depending on the individual's...
- Is a firm or soft mattress better for sciatica?Individuals with sciatica may use a medium-firm mattress, according to a 2021 study, as it helps align the spine. It also helps reduce back pain.
Dec 5, 2023 · Four layers of different proprietary foams rest on a pocketed, foam-encased coil core for extra bounce, breathability, and edge support. We’ll discuss the Casper Wave Hybrid in-depth, detailing its construction, pricing, performance, reviews, and more.
- 9 min
Jul 14, 2023 · Testing the Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress in Different Sleeping Positions. People’s sleep needs vary depending on their body weight and preferred sleeping position. Take a look below to see which sleepers the Wave could work for. Is the Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress Good for Light Sleepers (Under 130 pounds)?
- 12 min
Mar 19, 2024 · JD Christison. March 19, 2024 7:00 a.m. PT. 11 min read. 8.0. Casper Wave Hybrid. Score Breakdown. Performance 8.7 Support 6 Return Policy 6 Pressure Relief 6 Features 10. Read more on How we...
Sep 14, 2023 · The Casper Wave Hybrid strikes a balance with a middle-of-the-road firmness level and features that make it appropriate for sleepers of all shapes and sizes. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy the Original Casper’s balance of conforming support but want more bounce. Nerd Score 4.5/5. Read Full Review. CHECK PRICE.
