Did you know that we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping? That’s a lot of time, especially if you have scoliosis—a condition where your spine curves more than it should. Picking the right mattress becomes super important to make sure you’re comfy and your back is supported. Welcome to your go-to guide on finding the best mattress for scoliosis!
We’re going to explore all the mattress options that are just right for people with curved spines. Whether you’re a kid or a grown-up, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s jump in and make sure that one-third of your life is as dreamy as possible!
In a Hurry?
For individuals with scoliosis, choosing the right mattress is very important. It should offer a delicate balance between providing cushioning for sensitive areas along the spine and strong support to promote proper spinal alignment. The Saatva Rx mattress excels in both these aspects. Its plush foam comfort system alleviates pressure points, while its responsive coils offer the robust support needed for spinal alignment. This combination ensures that many people with scoliosis can experience both comfort and support throughout the night.
Best Mattress For Scoliosis Options
Here are our picks for those who suffer from scoliosis. No mattress is one size fits all, so they each have a little something different to offer.
Saatva Rx – Best Overall
The Saatva Rx is a specialized hybrid mattress featuring a coil-on-coil construction, designed to cater to individuals who suffer from persistent back and joint issues. Its thoughtful blend of cushioning and responsive coils creates a balanced sleep surface that alleviates pressure while maintaining essential support.
The mattress has a high profile, measuring 15 inches in thickness, which sets it apart from many other options in the market. Its top layer is made of organic cotton that has been quilted with foam, providing a plush surface for sleepers. Underneath this layer, a slim pad of memory foam is strategically placed to offer enhanced support to the lumbar region. This is followed by a layer of microcoils that are encased in high-density foam.
The core of the mattress consists of 8 inches of pocketed coils for foundational support. Positioned above these coils is a layer of Rx Foam Modules, individual pieces of polyfoam that sit atop each coil. These foam modules are 2 inches thick and are designed to minimize motion transfer across the mattress. Also, the Rx Foam is infused with phase change materials and graphite to aid in temperature regulation.
How Did it Perform?
The Saatva Rx presents a medium-soft (4) feel, which is softer than many other hybrid models we’ve evaluated. The foam layers excel in contouring, making it an ideal choice for those in need of significant pressure point relief. The combination of mini-coils in the core and pocketed coils in the base ensures that the body doesn’t sink excessively into the mattress, aiding in the maintenance of proper spinal alignment—a crucial aspect for individuals with scoliosis. Our evaluation found the mattress to be well-suited for side sleepers of all body types and back sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.
One notable strength of the Saatva Rx is its ease of movement. Despite its plush surface, our testers experienced little difficulty moving across the mattress, a significant advantage for those with scoliosis-related discomfort. The mattress also scored high in motion isolation, reducing the likelihood of sleep disturbances when a partner moves during the night.
Saatva provides complimentary White Glove delivery service within the contiguous U.S., which includes the setup of the mattress in your chosen room and the optional removal of your old mattress. The company offers a generous one-year sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Learn about their return policy here.
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Nectar Mattress – Best Value
Individuals with scoliosis often require a mattress that provides both spinal cushioning and sufficient support to avoid too much sinking. The Nectar Mattress delivers on both fronts, thanks to its all-foam structure and a true medium-firm (6) feel. The mattress is also budget-friendly, featuring an attractive price point and an extended sleep trial.
The mattress is composed of a top layer of gel-infused memory foam, followed by transition and support layers made from high-density polyfoam. The memory foam layer reacts slowly and contours uniformly, offering the hugging sensation many sleepers seek from this material. However, the support layers add a firmer feel to the mattress, ensuring that sleepers don’t sink excessively. The mattress is wrapped in a breathable cover made of a polyester, nylon, and polyethylene blend.
How Did it Perform?
In our evaluations, the Nectar Mattress received the highest scores from side and back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds, as well as from stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. The mattress’s firm feel is particularly suitable for individuals weighing between 130 and 230 pounds, who often find all-foam mattresses too soft. Additionally, the foam layers effectively dampen motion, making this mattress a suitable choice for those who are easily disturbed by their partner’s movements during sleep.
Nectar provides complimentary shipping to all customers residing in the contiguous U.S. The brand offers a 365-night sleep trial, which is notably longer than most of its online competitors. Moreover, customers who decide to keep their Nectar mattress are covered by a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
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Helix Midnight – Best for Side Sleepers
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress designed to offer both pressure relief and spinal alignment, qualities highly valued by individuals with back issues. With a medium-firm (6) rating on the firmness scale, this mattress is particularly well-suited for side and back sleepers, especially those weighing up to 230 pounds. For stomach sleepers and those weighing over 230 pounds, a firmer mattress might be more comfortable.
The top layer of the Midnight Luxe features a quilted pillow-top covered in Tencel, adding extra cushioning and aiding in temperature regulation. The mattress is engineered for pressure relief, boasting two layers of memory foam in its comfort system. A transitional layer of polyfoam serves as a buffer between the comfort and core layers. The core is made up of zoned, pocketed coils that offer targeted support. These coils are softer under the shoulder area and firmer beneath the hips, aiding in maintaining spinal alignment during sleep. The base layer of the Midnight Luxe is constructed from durable polyfoam.
How Did it Perform?
The Helix Midnight Luxe shines in motion isolation due to its foam comfort layers. Rather than allowing movement to travel across the mattress, the memory foam layers absorb it. This feature is often appreciated by sleepers who move a lot during sleep or have partners with different sleep schedules. Additionally, those who tend to sleep hot may find the breathable cover and airflow from the coil support core beneficial. For those who experience pressure points, the foam comfort layers are particularly advantageous, as they are designed to contour closely to the body and relieve discomfort.
Helix offers free shipping to all 50 states, although additional fees may apply for Canadian customers. The mattress comes with a 15-year limited warranty and a 100-night sleep trial is included with your purchase.
Read our full Helix review here.
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Luxury Firm Winkbed – Best for Back Pain
The Luxury Firm WinkBed is engineered to offer precise spinal support for individuals with scoliosis, utilizing a blend of foam comfort layers and zoned pocketed coils. The mattress also features a breathable cover, a gel-infused comfort layer, and a coil support core, all contributing to effective airflow and a cooler sleep experience.
The mattress starts with a plush Euro-top cover that offers initial pressure relief. This cover is quilted with gel-infused polyfoam for an added touch of luxury. The gel is specifically designed to pull heat away from the body. Below this layer is a specialized SupportCell polyfoam, which is denser to minimize sinkage and distribute weight evenly, thereby encouraging a healthy sleeping posture. The mattress’s support core is made up of pocketed coils that are zoned for targeted support and also reinforce the mattress’s edges.
How Did it Perform?
With its medium-firm (6) rating, the Luxury Firm WinkBed received high marks from our testers who are back and stomach sleepers, especially those weighing up to 230 pounds. Side sleepers in the 130 to 230-pound range also found the mattress’s balanced feel to be comfortable. One of the standout features of this model is its excellent edge support, thanks to the reinforced coils along the mattress’s perimeter. Combination sleepers will find the mattress’s responsive surface beneficial, as it makes moving around easier and is also advantageous for sexual activities.
The Luxury Firm WinkBed is constructed with long-lasting materials and comes with a lifetime warranty covering craftsmanship and manufacturing flaws. WinkBeds also provides a 120-night sleep trial, with the stipulation that customers must sleep on the mattress for a minimum of 30 nights before initiating a return.
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Puffy Lux – Best for Hip Pain
Soft mattresses can be a boon for people with scoliosis, but the downside is that they often trap body heat. The Puffy Lux addresses this issue with cooling elements in both its cover and comfort layers, allowing you to enjoy the mattress’s deep cushioning without getting too hot.
The Lux Hybrid features a three-layer comfort system that starts with a proprietary Cooling Cloud memory foam, followed by two layers of adaptive polyfoam. These materials offer close and even contouring, giving many of our testers the sensation of floating on a cloud. Gel infusion in these layers further reduces heat retention, helping you stay cool throughout the night.
The mattress’s support core is made up of pocketed coils and a high-density foam base. The coils are designed to move independently, minimizing bounce when you get into bed or change positions. These coils also facilitate airflow, helping to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature. The mattress is encased in a stain-resistant fabric cover that can be removed and machine-washed as needed.
How Did it Perform?
In our hands-on evaluations, the Puffy Lux Hybrid received excellent scores from side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Back and stomach sleepers also reported feeling comfortable and well-supported. Given its medium (5) firmness, those who are back and stomach sleepers and weigh more might prefer a firmer, more supportive option.
Our motion isolation tests showed that the Lux Hybrid is highly effective at absorbing movement and minimizing motion transfer, making it a good choice for those who are often disturbed by their partner’s movements during sleep. The mattress also scored highly for pressure relief, with our testers reporting minimal to no pressure buildup.
Puffy provides free ground shipping to all 50 states. The Lux Hybrid comes with a 101-night sleep trial, and if you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll also get a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
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Nolah Natural – Best for Spine Alignment
The Nolah Natural 11 is a hybrid mattress featuring latex layers that gently hug your body without making you feel like you’re sinking too much. This light cushioning, combined with a robust coil support core, provides the ideal spinal alignment, a must-have for anyone dealing with scoliosis.
The mattress starts off with a breathable cotton cover and a slim layer of organic wool, which not only wicks away moisture but also acts as a natural fire barrier. Below that, you’ll find a layer of perforated latex that contours to your body while still maintaining a bouncy feel. This is followed by a thinner, firmer layer of latex. The mattress also features zoned pocketed coils that offer extra support around your midsection, helping to alleviate shoulder and lower back discomfort. Both the cotton and wool are GOTS-certified, ensuring they are sourced organically.
How Did it Perform?
The Nolah Natural 11 has a medium-firm (6) feel, offering a balanced mix of cushioning and support. In our testing, the mattress was particularly favored by side sleepers weighing over 130 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also found the bed to be comfortable, although those weighing more might require a firmer model.
Given that the mattress is made from naturally breathable materials like latex, wool, and cotton, it performed exceptionally well in our temperature control tests. The coil layer and the perforated latex also allow for good airflow, keeping the mattress well-ventilated. Our testers found it easy to move on the mattress, making it a good fit for those who dislike feeling stuck in their bed.
Nolah provides free shipping within the contiguous U.S. The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial, and you have the option to reduce your initial cost by up to $150 if you choose to skip the trial. The mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
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Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best for Lightweight Sleepers
If you’re a side sleeper dealing with scoliosis, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for you. This mattress comes in three different firmness options, but our testing showed that the medium-soft (4) version is particularly well-suited for side sleepers. However, you can also choose a medium-firm (6) or firm (8) model if you need more support.
The medium-soft version of the Signature Hybrid starts with a memory foam comfort layer that contours to your body, promoting spinal alignment and reducing pressure. A transitional layer of polyfoam adds extra cushioning while resisting your body weight to keep you level. The mattress’s support core is made up of pocketed coils, situated above a layer of high-density base foam.
The standard version of this mattress comes with a cotton cover quilted with soft foam. For an additional cost, you can upgrade to a GlacioTex cover, which uses phase change material to regulate body heat. With a thickness of 11.75 inches, this mattress falls into the medium-profile category.
How Did it Perform?
In our testing of the medium-soft Signature Hybrid, we found that this mattress is ideal for side and back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds also found it comfortable. If you’re looking for a firmer sleeping surface, the medium-firm and firm options are available.
Our temperature tests showed that the Signature Hybrid excels at heat regulation. While the optional GlacioTex cover offers enhanced cooling, the standard cotton cover is also breathable and should help dissipate heat. The mattress also scored well in motion isolation due to its plush foam layers, making it better than most hybrids in this aspect.
Brooklyn Bedding offers the Signature Hybrid in 14 different sizes, including standard dimensions, a split California king for adjustable beds, and some RV-friendly options. With budget-friendly pricing and free shipping in the contiguous U.S., this mattress is a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Your purchase comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty should you decide to keep the mattress.
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Plank Firm Luxe – Best Firm Mattress
For those in search of a mattress that offers unwavering support, the Plank Luxe Hybrid is a strong contender. This flippable mattress offers two levels of firmness—firm (7) and extra firm (9)—and features a pocketed coil support core for added responsiveness and better temperature regulation. Moreover, it’s competitively priced compared to other high-end hybrid mattresses.
The core of this mattress is made up of pocketed coils that move independently, reducing motion transfer. Both sides of the mattress include a layer of high-density polyfoam that adds to the support while offering minimal contouring. The extra firm side has less quilting to maintain its rigid feel, while the firm side incorporates an additional layer of proprietary TitanFlex polyfoam and extra quilting to give it a more traditional firm feel.
How Did it Perform?
The Plank Luxe Hybrid is ideal for sleepers who value firm support over pressure relief. It performs exceptionally well for back and stomach sleepers, particularly those who weigh over 130 pounds. For those who sleep hot, the mattress already has good temperature control, but you can enhance this feature by adding an optional cooling panel made from phase change material (PCM) fabric.
Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S., and each purchase comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
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Molecule 1 – Best Cooling Mattress
While many all-foam mattresses tend to trap heat, the Molecule 1 addresses this issue with a specially engineered cover that disperses heat upon contact, ensuring a consistently cool sleeping surface. In our temperature control evaluations, the Molecule 1 outperformed most other foam mattresses we’ve assessed.
The mattress is composed of three distinct layers. The top layer features 2 inches of responsive memory foam that contours to the body without excessive sinking, given its medium-firm (6) rating. The middle layer of polyfoam is zoned with varying firmness levels to provide targeted support for heavier body parts while offering softer cushioning for lighter areas. This layer also has a convoluted design to facilitate airflow.
The support core is made of high-density polyfoam and is encased in MOLECULEshield fabric. This fabric not only dissipates heat but is also treated with an antimicrobial agent to inhibit bacterial growth. With a height of 12.25 inches, the Molecule 1 is relatively tall for an all-foam mattress.
How Did it Perform?
The Molecule 1 received high marks from our testers, particularly from side sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. The adaptive foam layers offer a comforting “hug” sensation, while the zoned transitional layer provides targeted support, especially for those who carry more weight in their midsection.
The mattress excelled in temperature control, thanks to its specialized cover and aerated middle layer. Motion isolation was another strong point; most testers reported minimal disturbance when sharing the bed.
Priced affordably for a memory foam mattress, the Molecule 1 ships free within the contiguous U.S. and comes with an industry-leading 365-night sleep trial. A lifetime warranty against structural defects is also included if you decide to keep the mattress.
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How Does Scoliosis Affect Sleep
Scoliosis can negatively impact sleep in a few key ways:
- Discomfort and pain – The curvature of the spine caused by scoliosis can make it difficult to get comfortable in certain positions, leading to disrupted sleep. Lying on the concave side of the curve often causes pain.
- Restricted breathing – In severe scoliosis, the curvature can restrict breathing by limiting lung expansion. This can cause interrupted breathing during sleep, reducing sleep quality.
- Sleep apnea – People with scoliosis have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. The airway can become obstructed due to the position of the spine. This leads to impaired breathing during sleep.
- Insomnia – Discomfort, pain, and interrupted breathing can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night. Insomnia is common in people with scoliosis.
- Daytime drowsiness – The constant interruptions to sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and impaired concentration.
- Reduced REM sleep – With less continuous sleep, people with scoliosis often have less time in restorative REM sleep stages. This affects mood, memory, and learning.
Getting a comfortable mattress and pillows designed for scoliosis can help. Sleep aids may also improve sleep quality. Addressing the root cause through bracing or surgery may be needed in severe cases.
How to Choose a Mattress for Scoliosis
First things first, always talk to your doctor about your scoliosis. They’re the experts! But we can give you some tips on picking a mattress that helps your back feel better and makes sleeping easier. We’ll explain how mattresses work, how scoliosis can mess with your sleep, and how to get the best sleep if you have a curvy spine.
What to Look for in a Mattress Choosing a mattress can feel like a big puzzle, especially when you have scoliosis. Some mattress companies use fancy words to make you pay more. But don’t worry, we’ll tell you what really matters.
Price: Mattresses can cost a lot or a little, depending on what they’re made of. Good news! Memory foam mattresses, which are great for people with scoliosis, usually cost less. Some fancier ones with cooling stuff might cost more.
Quality Materials: Mattresses get old and saggy over time. If you pick one made of strong stuff like dense foam or lots of coils, it’ll last longer. So, if you plan to keep your mattress for a long time, it’s smart to get a good one.
Firmness Level: Some people like soft beds, and some like hard beds. The best firmness for you depends on how you sleep and what feels comfy. A too-hard mattress can make you sore, and a too-soft one won’t support your back well.
Pressure Relief: Sometimes, parts of your body might press into the mattress and hurt. Materials like memory foam can help make those spots feel better. Also, if your hips sink too much, that can cause pressure too.
Edge Support: If you sit on the edge of your bed a lot, or share your bed, you’ll want strong edges. Some mattresses, like hybrids and innersprings, are better at this.
Contouring: Some mattresses shape themselves to your body, which can make your back feel better. But these can also make it hard to move around, so they’re not for everyone.
Temperature Regulation: Some mattresses let air flow through and keep you cool. Others, like memory foam, can make you feel hot. If you get warm easily, look for a mattress with cooling features.
Ease of Movement: If you move a lot in your sleep or need to switch positions easily, go for a bouncy mattress like latex or hybrid. But remember, these can also make the bed shake if you’re sharing it.
Mattress Type: Different mattresses have different features. Knowing what you like can help you pick the right type of mattress for you.
What Mattress Types Are Best For Scoliosis?
There are lots of different kinds of mattresses out there: hybrid, innerspring, latex, airbed, and all-foam. They might look or feel a bit similar if they’re the same type, but they can also be different based on what they’re made of. The best mattress for scoliosis really depends on what you need.
Hybrid What It Is: Hybrid mattresses have springy coils inside and a comfy layer on top. The comfy layer can be made of different stuff like foam, latex, or even cotton. Why It’s Good: Hybrid mattresses are like the best of both worlds. They’re comfy and bouncy, and they keep you cool. They’re great if you need a mattress that’s both soft and supportive.
Innerspring What It Is: Innerspring mattresses are mostly made of metal coils. They’ve been around for a long time but are getting less popular. Why It’s Good: They’re usually cheaper and have good support. But they might not be soft enough if you have scoliosis. You can add a soft topper if you need to.
Latex What It Is: Latex mattresses are made from the sap of rubber trees. They can also be made from man-made materials. Why It’s Good: Latex is bouncy and gives good support without making you feel stuck. It’s easy to move around on a latex mattress.
Airbed What It Is: Airbeds have air chambers inside that you can fill up or let out to make the bed softer or harder. Why It’s Good: You can change how firm the mattress is whenever you want. This is super helpful if your back feels different from day to day.
Foam What It Is: Foam mattresses are made entirely of foam layers. No coils here! Why It’s Good: Foam is the champion of shaping itself to your body. It’s especially good at making pressure points feel better and keeping your spine straight.
Scoliosis and Sleep Positions
When you’re picking how firm your mattress should be, think about how you sleep. Different sleep positions can make different parts of your body feel sore, especially if you have scoliosis and your hips or shoulders aren’t lined up right.
Doctors usually say people with scoliosis should sleep on their back or side. These positions are easier on your back and won’t make you feel sore when you wake up.
Back Sleepers What to Know: Sleeping on your back is really good for your spine. It helps spread out your body weight and keeps your back straight. What to Do: Pick a mattress that’s not too hard and not too soft. A medium-firm mattress is usually just right. You can also put a pillow under your lower back or shoulders to feel even better.
Side Sleepers What to Know: Sleeping on your side can be good or bad, depending on your scoliosis. If your hips and shoulders are uneven, side sleeping might feel weird. What to Do: Your mattress should let your hips and shoulders sink in just a bit but not too much. You can also put a pillow between your knees and another one under your ribcage to help your spine.
Expert Tip: Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., says side sleepers should use a high pillow to keep their head and neck at about a 30-degree angle. This helps you breathe better while you sleep.
Stomach Sleepers What to Know: Doctors usually say don’t sleep on your stomach if you have scoliosis. It can make your hips sink and bend your neck in a bad way. What to Do: If you really have to sleep on your stomach, use a flat pillow and a firm mattress to keep your body straight.
Combination Sleepers What to Know: If you move around a lot when you sleep, you need a mattress that lets you do that easily. What to Do: A bouncy mattress like latex or hybrid is good for this. It helps if you get sore from staying in one position too long.
Body Type Matters What to Know: If you’re heavier, you’ll need a firmer mattress to keep your body from sinking too much. If you’re lighter, a softer mattress is better. What to Do: Heavier people should go for a firmer mattress, while lighter people will feel better on a softer one.