7 Best Mattresses for People with Scoliosis
Updated: Jun. 04, 2021
The best mattress for scoliosis provides back pain relief, support, and promotes better spinal alignment. Here's how to choose the best one for you.
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a common spine condition, affecting an estimated six to nine million people in the United States, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
This condition, which is marked by an abnormal curvature of the spine, can be congenital, meaning it is present at birth, or develop over the course of one’s life as the spine ages, according to Robert Savala, MD, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist, The Stone Clinic, San Francisco.
Scoliosis can create regions of the spine that are overly compressed, leading to accelerated arthritis at specific points causing pain and causing uneven heights of the shoulders and hips, leading to altered posture,” says Dr. Savala, who treats patients with spine disorders including scoliosis.
Scoliosis-associated back pain can make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep, especially if your mattress doesn’t provide enough back support.
(These are the 7 best mattresses for back pain.)
Symptoms of scoliosis
Though symptoms can vary depending on the severity, common symptoms of scoliosis can include:
- raised shoulder blade
- back pain
- uneven hips
- a rotating spine
- trouble standing up straight
- a noticeable bump in the back
“As the curvature of the spine increases in magnitude, the magnitude of the physical characteristics will increase and make standing up straighter more difficult,” says Rahul Shah, MD, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, fellowship-trained spine surgery, Premier Orthopaedic Spine Associates, Vineland, New Jersey..
One of the best ways to mitigate the symptoms of scoliosis, especially the pain and stiffness in the lower back region, is to select the right mattress for your condition.
“Mattresses that support ideal spine alignment are essential for anyone, but can be especially important for those with scoliosis,” notes Dr. Shah.
“With that said, a mattress that offers pressure relief can be helpful for those with scoliosis.”
(Check out these scoliosis treatments.)
What to look for in a mattress for scoliosis
If you have scoliosis, consider these important features when shopping for a mattress to alleviate the symptoms of your condition.
Firmness: Finding the right firmness level can be helpful in easing the pressure on your spine, notes Dr. Shah.
“While individuals respond differently to mattress firmness in relation to back stiffness and pain, there is a tendency for folks with chronic backache to prefer stiffer mattresses,” he says.
“Therefore, I would suggest beginning with a stiffer mattress to see if this improves back stiffness.”
Spring mattress: While foam versus spring mattress is a personal preference, Dr. Shah notes his experience is that some individuals find more improvement with firm spring mattresses as opposed to memory foam.
“With such variability in individual experiences with mattresses, my advice would be to try different mattresses to see which alleviates better and individual pressure points.”
(Here are 23 things people with scoliosis wish you knew.)
Medium bed height: Mattress height can make a difference.
“Particularly if one has bad hips, lower mattress heights can make it challenging to get out of bed, while mattress heights that are too high may make it very difficult to get into bed,” says Dr. Shah.
“Once in bed, however, the height of the mattress is not as important as the amount of support it gives folks and how it works with their individual constitution.”
The best mattresses for people with scoliosis
Ready to shop for mattresses that can help ease the stiffness and pain associated with scoliosis? Here are the best picks.
(Also, this is the best sleeping position for lower back pain.)
Tempur-Cloud
Comprising memory foam and three varying layers that ease up the pressure placed on your back and spine, this Tempur-Pedic mattress is an excellent choice for both those suffering from scoliosis as well as general back pain.
The first layer is a comfort layer designed to be responsive to every move you make, the second is a firmer support layer that conforms to your body and relieves pressure, the final base layer helps ensure durability while you sleep.
These layers all work together to ensure that your spine stays in proper alignment throughout the night.
Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
If you’re looking to splurge on your mattress, this Casper Wave Hybrid mattress fits the bill.
It’s a mix of foam and spring. The spring base gives it a bounce and a gel foam that helps circulate air and prevent overheating while you sleep.
The manufacturer considers this their most supportive mattress for back pain with its gel pods that align the spine to cradle the waist and lower back. In other words, it provides support in areas of the body most prone to aches and pains.
It also received the American Chiropractor Association’s seal of approval, according to Casper.
(Here’s how to deal with morning back pain.)
Leesa Original Bed-in-a-Box Mattress
With a medium-firm feel, this mattress is ideal for those suffering from back, hip, and even shoulder pain.
It provides support in all of the right areas, and for all the varying sleep positions, thanks to three supportive layers, including a supportive base, memory foam core, and a plush, pillow-like top.
As an added bonus, the company offers a 100-night sleep trial.
Helix Midnight Luxe
This hybrid, memory foam mattress is especially ideal for those suffering from scoliosis, or any spinal alignment issues.
It has a medium-firm level, is made from polyfoam, and features 8 inches of pocketed coils that provide ample support for the back area and help your spine remain aligned while you sleep.
At the very top of the mattress is a premium quilted pillow top for maximum comfort.
(These are the best sleeping positions for various health conditions.)
Amerisleep AS2
This foam mattress consists of a plant-based top layer that is designed to reduce pressure points, especially in the back area, and allows for a more breathable night’s sleep.
The layer underneath is foam zoned using a HIVE technology that prevents the mattress from sinking.
The cotton-blend cover of the Amerisleep AS2 is ideal for those who run hot while they sleep because it is sweat-wicking and allows for maximum breathability.
Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
This memory foam mattress has gotten recent acclaim not only for its high quality and durability but also for the company’s offer of a 180-night home trial, as well as free in-room delivery and set up.
While it’s ideal for sleepers of all shapes, sizes, and sleep preferences, it is specifically appealing to back sleepers suffering from mild to moderate back pain.
It has a spinal cooling gel that eases the pressure and pain placed on the back caused by day-to-day wear and tear.
Here are 9 surprising reasons for back pain.)
Layla Hybrid Mattress
If you’re not sure whether you want a firm mattress or a soft one, you can have both with this flippable, copper-infused mattress.
One side is firm and supportive, which is ideal for scoliosis sufferers, while the other has a soft, plush feel that provides a little less support.
Both sides are copper-infused, which is antimicrobial, odor-resistant, and also leaves you feeling cool throughout the night.
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons: "Scoliosis"
- Robert Savala, MD, anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist, The Stone Clinic, San Francisco
- Rahul Shah, MD, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, fellowship-trained spine surgery, Premier Orthopaedic Spine Associates, Vineland, New Jersey
Originally Published: June 07, 2021
