Best Mattress for a Herniated Disc

Written by Dan Caffrey, Senior Performance Editor

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 300 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.

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Just Updated

We’ve recently re-evaluated our picks for the best mattresses for herniated discs and added extra information from our testers in the lab. You can rest assured we’ve personally tested every bed on this list and found each one to be supportive and comfortable.

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The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend that adults get at least seven hours of sleep every night to support optimal health. But it can be hard to reach that number, especially when sleeping with a herniated disc. Luckily, a properly chosen mattress may help relieve discomfort and painful sensations so that you could enjoy restful slumber. So, let’s try to understand what makes the best mattress for herniated discs and how to pick something that works for your individual needs.

Our Top Pick for Herniated Disc Sufferers

The Helix Midnight has everything a herniated disc sufferer might want: optimal support, tension alleviation, and quality materials. In terms of sleeping position, we think it’s best for back sleepers and side sleepers.

Best Mattresses for Herniated Discs of 2024

• Helix Midnight – Best Overall
• WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress
• Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress
• Nolah Signature – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Puffy Cloud – Best Memory Foam Mattress
• Saatva – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Plank Firm – Best Mattress for Heavier People
• Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress

Disclaimer: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative, but shouldn’t replace advice or treatment from a medical professional. If you experience chronic pain or discomfort while sleeping, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

Compare the Best Mattress for Herniated Discs

Helix Midnight – Best Overall

Expert Opinion

Choosing the absolute best mattress for herniated discs is a challenging task, especially since mattresses aren’t one-size-fits-all. That said, after all of our testing, we had to give the Helix Midnight the number-one spot. Its medium support level creates a balance of comfort and support that’s excellent for alleviating back pain (and herniated disc pain, of course).

The same balance that makes this a good mattress for alleviating pain also makes it a solid option for back and side sleepers. The soft cover and dual foam layers allow for cushioning and ease tension off the joints, while individually wrapped coils and high-density poly foam work to keep the sleeper’s body in alignment. This was further confirmed by our pressure map test, where we spread a specialized mat across the mattress surface to track areas of high, moderate, and low pressure. The graphic that utilizes thermal imaging to present this information showed primarily blue and green in these sleeping positions, which indicates low pressure buildup.

What our tester says: “The Midnight Luxe has an extra pillow top layer and zoned support in its construction. It feels more cushioning than the standard Midnight, but, in the end, I also gave it a 6 out of 10 rating on our firmness scale. I’d especially recommend this mattress to sleepers who suffer from back pain, since zoned support helps promote a healthy, straight spinal alignment.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Many Helix Midnight shoppers say they decided on their mattress from Helix’s 30-second Sleep Quiz. We recommend trying it if you’re uncertain about the best Helix model for you.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• Our pressure map test showed us that the Helix Midnight is going to be a solid option for folks with shoulder and hip pain.
• This should be a fantastic bed for couples, as it scored well in all four categories relevant to couples: motion isolation, responsiveness, cooling, and edges support.
• If you’re looking for added cooling and pressure relief, the Helix Midnight has a luxury version appropriately named the Helix Midnight Luxe.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• This mattress is a bit too soft for strict stomach sleepers over 130 pounds, so we recommend these folks opt for a firmer mattress like the Helix Dawn.

Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more information.

WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress for Herniated Discs

Expert Opinion

If you’re like us and appreciate reliable support, then you might find a lot to love in the WinkBed, a luxury hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel. It uses an extra-tall layer of individually wrapped coils for its support system. These springs immediately respond to applied pressure and can properly accommodate each body part. This means optimal weight distribution and reduced strain on your herniated disc. And the best part is, our back felt 100 percent comfortable in any sleeping position when using the WinkBed.

We can actually see how much pressure is being put on the back using our pressure map test. This involves us lying down on a specialized mat in various sleeping positions. The mat detects the pressure, then displays the results on a computer using a color-coded “map” of our body. For the WinkBed, our back was almost entirely blue in every sleeping position, indicating little to no pressure. That means it’s unlikely to activate any back pain.

What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the WinkBed is its durability. This is a high-quality mattress that should really stand the test of time. This is great news for any sleeper, but especially nice for heavy people and couples. I also really like the bouncy support this mattress offers. It should be a hit with combination sleepers who need some mobility to change positions at night.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Throughout nearly 8,500 customer reviews on the WinkBed website (the average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars), sleepers rave about how the mattress is supportive without being too firm. Many of these folks have also struggled with pain conditions such as arthritis, and say that the WinkBed has helped them find relief.

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

• The WinkBed is available in several different firmness levels, so there’s something for every sleeping position. We recommend the Softer for side sleepers, Luxury Firm for back sleepers, and Firmer for stomach sleepers. There’s also the WinkBed Plus, which is extra-durable and designed for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds, but it does cost a bit extra.
• The WinkBed’s tall layer of coils leave plenty of room for airflow. The mattress also has a breathable Tencel cover. Both of these factors help the WinkBed sleep cool.
• It has a springy, responsive feel, so combo sleepers shouldn’t have any issue switching positions between their side, back, and stomach.

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

• If you want a soft and contouring mattress, the WinkBed probably isn’t for you. You’d be better off looking at our list of the best soft mattresses and best memory foam mattresses.

Read our full WinkBed mattress review for more information.

Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress

Expert Opinion

Looking for the best mattress for herniated disc pain that can offer fast relief without making you sleep hot? Then the Bear Elite Hybrid might be the right choice. When we tested out this hybrid mattress, we found cooling features in multiple layers of the mattress. The cover uses Bear’s Celliant fiber to cool down hot sleepers. Each foam layer is designed for airflow (with one including copper infusion), and the coil layer provides breathability as well.

And it doesn’t end there. The Elite Hybrid has multiple firmness options, allowing most sleeping positions and body types optimal comfort. We recommend the Soft and Medium version for the best tension relief. Folks should feel cushioned by the hand-quilted cover and double foam layers. Additionally, the transition layer is zoned, so it delivers optimal support levels for different body sections, contributing to pressure alleviation. As a result, this mattress can help people with herniated discs feel more relaxed and experience less pain.

What our tester says: “The Bear Elite has a nice cushiony feel but is also easy to move around on, so it’s a nice fit for back and side combination sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

There are around 300 reviews on Bear’s website, and lots of them say that the mattress is soft enough to alleviate pain without sacrificing support and stability.

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

• Back sleepers should be comfortable on the Soft or Medium models depending on their weight. Our pressure map showed almost entirely blue, indicating little to no pressure buildup.
• The mattress’s softness should also appeal to side sleepers, who should get plenty of contouring at their shoulders and hips — the areas of their body where they put the most pressure.
• When we put the Elite Hybrid through our motion transfer test, it proved to be good at isolating motion. That makes it a great choice for couples. Partners are unlikely to feel each other tossing and turning at night.

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

• Because this luxury mattress has lots of special features, it may not be the most suitable option for budget shoppers.

Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review for more information.

Nolah Signature – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Expert Opinion

There’s one thing that side sleepers and folks with herniated discs have in common, and that’s the need for adequate pressure relief. Side sleepers naturally put more weight on the shoulder and hip, and an overly firm mattress can cause too much pressure buildup and result in pain problems. Similarly, those suffering from joint pain need a plusher mattress to alleviate pressure buildup at sensitive areas.

The first mattress that comes to mind for side sleepers with herniated discs is the Nolah Signature, Nolah’s flagship foam mattress with a soft feel (5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale) and lots of pressure relief. The foam feel allows for lots of contouring and sinkage, which should help either alleviate or relieve pain and promote a more restful sleep. Our pressure map test also showed good results for side sleepers under 250 pounds. However, all of this softness doesn’t mean the Signature sacrifices support; there’s a layer of high-density poly foam at the bottom of the mattress for sturdiness and durability.

What our tester says: “The Nolah Signature really impressed me on both the motion transfer test and with its edge support. I think couples are unlikely to feel their partner moving at night and they can use the whole surface of the bed. ” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The Nolah Signature has 4.9 out of 5 stars on the company site, with many back and side sleepers complimenting how the mattress cradles them yet still provides stability.

Pros of the Nolah Signature Mattress

• The Nolah Signature scored well on our motion transfer and edge support tests. With this in mind, we think it should be suitable for many couples out there.
• Foam mattresses get a bad rep for trapping heat, but during testing, we found that Nolah’s proprietary foam and breathable cover make it one of the more cooling all-foam options on the market.
• The level of pressure relief isn’t just good for herniated discs; our test showed that sleepers with hip pain should feel adequate relief as well.

Cons of the Nolah Signature Mattress

• This mattress is going to be far too soft for stomach sleepers, who tend to need a lot more support than back sleepers and side sleepers.

Read our full Nolah Signature mattress review for more information.

Puffy Cloud – Best Memory Foam Mattress Mattress for Herniated Discs

Expert Opinion

The best mattress for herniated disc sufferers has to deliver instant pressure relief. Luckily, the Puffy Cloud can do that (and a bit more). When we tested out this memory foam mattress, we felt it adjusting to our shape to deliver optimal support. As a result, our weight was distributed evenly, which tells us that sleepers shouldn’t experience tension build-up. This can promote a healthier sleep posture and less pressure on the spine. And less pressure often means less pain.

Another notable feature about the Puffy Cloud mattress is how cradling it is. The foam moves slowly and effectively absorbs shock from movement. This may come in handy for people with a herniated disc who share their bed with a significant other. Often, back pain makes them toss and turn as the try to find a less painful position. We actually tested out the mattress’s ability to isolate motion with something we call the motion transfer test. This is when we drop a steel ball onto the mattress and measure its vibrations with a seismometer. The Puffy Cloud’s vibrations were very low, indicating that you and your partner are unlikely to feel each other’s movement at night.

What our tester says: “I really enjoyed the combination of pressure relief and support the Puffy Cloud offers. I think it will do a good job of reducing aches and pains that some people experience when sleeping on a mattress that isn’t the right firmness level for their sleep style.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Across the 12,248 reviews on the brand’s website, many of the reviewers are restless sleepers who, for the first time in their lives, are consistently getting a good night’s rest on the Puffy Cloud’s contouring foams.

Pros of the Puffy Cloud Mattress

• We think the Puffy Cloud could be comfortable for both back sleepers and side sleepers.
• This mattress comes with a generous lifetime warranty and 101-night sleep trial, both of which allow you to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
• It has a removable, washable cover that makes for effortless cleaning.

Cons of the Puffy Cloud Mattress

• Like many foam mattresses, the Puffy Cloud probably isn’t going to be firm or supportive enough for stomach sleepers. These folks usually need a mattress that will keep their hips elevated and aligned with their shoulders to prevent back pain.

Read our full Puffy Cloud mattress review for more information.

Saatva – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Expert Opinion

The best mattresses for herniated discs combine support with lots of pressure relief. One of the most unique things about the Saatva — a luxury innerspring mattress with an elevated feel — is its smart construction, as it uses proprietary Spinal Zone technology. The mattress combines an extra layer of foam in the lumbar region with an active wire to ensure proper spinal alignment. And when the spine remains neutral, it experiences less pressure and strain, relieving pain and making the Saatva our favorite mattress for herniated disc patients. We also appreciate the Saatva’s uniform feel. It has sturdy edges and offers reliable support all across the perimeter. We think all of these traits make the mattress an excellent choice for back sleepers, who need just the right amount support to maintain a proper alignment.

To test out the Saatva’s edge support, we sat on the end of the mattress to see if it collapsed under our weight. It didn’t, which tells us that it has exceptionally strong edges. This should provide a little boost for the arms when getting up, which may really come in handy for herniated disc patients with somewhat limited mobility.

What our tester says: “The Saatva Classic is a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. I think it’s a nice option for back sleepers and combination sleepers. The Saatva Classic is also a great choice for sleepers with back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

There are over 3,000 reviews of the Saatva Classic on the brand’s website, and the mattress has an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Almost 30 of these reviews are from customers who have herniated discs. Most of these folks found the Saatva to be incredibly supportive, pain-relieving, and a good mattress choice for their condition.

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

• The Saatva comes in three different firmness levels, helping it appeal to a wide variety of sleepers. For back sleepers, we recommend the Luxury Firm (this is the model we tested). Side sleepers should choose the Plush Soft, which offers the most contouring, and stomach sleepers should go for the Firm, which provides the most firmness and support.
• There are two layers of individually pocked coils in the Saatva, giving it a bouncy and responsive feel. This should make it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions while sleeping.
• The brand offers free white glove delivery on all of its mattresses. Saatva will send someone to your home to deliver your mattress and set it up in your bedroom, free of charge. And unlike many other products we review, Saatva’s mattresses never come compressed in a box.

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

• Even the Plush Soft model is going to be fairly springy. So if you want that traditional slow-moving feel associated with memory foam, you should look at other mattresses.

Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information.

Plank Firm – Best for Heavy Sleepers with Herniated Discs

Expert Opinion

The Plank Firm is our best mattress for heavier people who may experience a herniated disc due to its firmness. It has both a Firm and an Extra-Firm side, both of which should provide enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned. At the same time, it’s made entirely of foam, so it can still provide a bit of pressure relief. In addition, the edge support is exceptionally strong, meaning you will have a stable surface to sit and stand from when getting out of bed.

The Plank Firm also has an optional cooling cover, which we think is a handy feature, as it’s infused with Phase Change Material and can absorb more heat, helping keep you cool and comfortable. That being said, it does come at an additional charge.

What our tester says: “I really like that the Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness options. This makes it feel like you’re getting two beds for the price of one. I also think that the Plank Firm is a great choice for anyone who loves a firm feel — if you’re looking for the firmest mattress out there, the ultra-firm side of the Plank is the way to go.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The Plank Firm is created by Brooklyn Bedding, and on the company’s website, there are 2,735 customer reviews, with an average star rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Several reviewers have struggled with herniated discs, but praise the Plank Firm for being supportive enough to alleviate their pain.

Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress

• Both sides of the mattress should be comfortable and supportive enough for stomach sleepers.
• Back sleepers should be comfortable on the Firm side of the mattress.
• Although it’s made entirely of foam, the Plank Firm is responsive enough for combination sleepers to be able to easily switch positions.

Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress

• Due to its firmness, the Plank isn’t going to be a good fit for side sleepers. They’ll need a much softer mattress that gives them plenty of contouring at the shoulders and hips, where they put the most pressure while sleeping.

Read our full Plank Firm mattress review for more information.

Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress

Expert Opinion

Everyone prioritizes different things when searching for their ideal mattress. If your priority is quality of materials, then the Birch Natural is for you. Each layer is made with extreme care, starting with an organic cotton cover, then transitioning to a layer of organic wool, Talalay latex, and finally individually wrapped coils. This thoughtful construction earned the Birch Natural a Global Organic Textile Standard and GREENGUARD Gold certification.

Of course, this mattress wouldn’t be on our roundup if it wasn’t also good for herniated discs. Like many mattresses on this roundup, the Birch Natural boasts a feel that contains the best of both worlds: plenty of cushioning and sufficient support. What makes the Birch different (besides its organic materials) is the use of Talalay latex. This material helps keep sleepers lifted on top of the mattress, furthering the level of support. Additionally this material is naturally cooling, and this combined with a breathable organic cotton cover makes things extra cool and comfortable.

What our tester says: “Its organic layers have a taut, springy feel and really offer great lift and support. If you’re a back and stomach combination sleeper I’d highly recommend the Birch.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer

What Customers Say

Not surprisingly, a great number of reviews appreciate that they feel not only comfortable but safe on the materials they’re sleeping on.

Pros of the Birch Natural Mattress

• The firmer nature of the Birch makes it a good option for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
• The Talalay latex and individually wrapped coils provide a bouncy feel that’s especially useful for changing sleeping positions throughout the night.
• The Birch did incredibly well at our cooling test, so we highly recommend this bed to hot sleepers.

Cons of the Birch Natural Mattress

• Side sleepers might find this mattress is a bit too firm, so we suggest searching for a mattress that offers a bit more plushness.

Read our full Birch Natural mattress review for more information.

Dealing with a Herniated Disc

All of the bones in our spine are cushioned by discs, which help absorb the shock from moving, twisting, and lifting. Each disc contains a soft inner part and a firmer outer section. A disc becomes herniated when the inner part starts protruding through the outer section.

Now, you may expect this condition to be mostly among the elderly, but the statistics show that herniated discs are most common among people between 30–50 years, and it is twice as common in males than females. 

While being commonly associated with age-related conditions, disc herniation is usually caused by straining or trauma, or weak muscles due to a sedentary lifestyle. It can occur in any part of the spine or neck, which leads to pain or numbness (or both). Naturally, this can influence your sleep quality.

It’s important to note that only your doctor can choose the right treatment for you. In the meantime, in order to sleep better, you may want to look for a suitable mattress for a herniated disc. After all, sleeping comfortably and getting enough rest can help speed up your recovery, as well as minimize pain and other symptoms.

What Is the Best Mattress Type for a Herniated Disc?

When it comes to picking the best mattress for a herniated disc, opinions differ. The main rule here is simple: your mattress should make you feel comfortable. But each mattress type has certain peculiarities and characteristics, which may work for some sleepers and make others feel uncomfortable. Let’s take a closer look at them.

• Memory foam: Famous for its adaptiveness, memory foam offers close conforming. This material adjusts to your body curves and minimizes pressure points, which can help with pain relief in those with a herniated disc. However, keep in mind that memory foam can trap your body heat. This can affect your sleep greatly, especially if you are prone to night sweats. A good solution would be a mattress that has gel-infused layers or uses open-cell foam technology for improved air circulation.
• Polyurethane foam (or poly foam): Poly foam is a bit denser and more responsive than memory foam, which makes it a great option for sleepers who don’t want to feel stuck in their mattress. At the same time, poly foam provides soothing pressure relief and precise body contouring, so it may work for those with herniated discs quite well.
• Latex: Since disc herniation can cause muscle weakness, it may be challenging for some people to switch positions during the night. And that’s when the bounciness of latex would come in handy. This material is very responsive and springy, which makes it a good choice for a suitable mattress for a herniated disc. Latex also does a good job of reducing pressure points without enveloping your body too much.
• Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses usually combine a coil base and foam or latex comfort layers. Many sleepers appreciate their balanced feel. Hybrid mattresses successfully pair solid support with pressure relief. Many hybrid models feature zoned spinal support, which puts them among the best mattresses for a lumbar herniated disc. The main drawback of this bed type is its price tag, which isn’t ideal for shoppers on a budget. Check out our best hybrid mattresses.
• Innerspring: Coil mattresses offer consistent support and bouncy response. They typically don’t sleep hot and don’t restrict your movements during the night. However, innerspring mattresses aren’t that impressive when it comes to pressure relief, which can be an issue when dealing with a herniated disc. Some sleepers combine them with a memory foam topper to enjoy a more balanced feel.

Things to Look For in a Good Mattress for a Herniated Disc

The truth is, there’s no universal recipe for the best mattress for a herniated disc. After all, different sleepers have various requirements in terms of comfort levels. Here’s the thing, though: When it comes to dealing with disc herniation, some mattress characteristics are crucial. And that’s what you need to pay your attention to.

Support

The spine has three main curves: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. These curves have to be supported and properly aligned during sleep to maintain correct posture and a healthy spine. So, it doesn’t matter whether you want a mattress for a herniated disc in your neck or lower back, for instance. It just has to support your whole body evenly in order to keep the spine aligned. 

Firmness

You should pick your bed firmness according to your sleeping position. For average side sleepers, a soft to medium-firm mattress would be a good option. Back sleepers require firmer support and may want to look at medium to medium-firm mattresses. As for stomach sleepers, a firm bed would be the most suitable. Your weight matters as well, and if you have a larger body type (over 230 pounds), you might need something extra supportive and a bit firmer. As a rule of thumb, the less you weigh, the firmer a mattress usually feels.

Pressure Relief

Extra pressure on your spine or muscles can cause back pain. And this may worsen the pain from your herniated disc. Your mattress should be able to help reduce that pressure. In this case, you need something that would allow for enough cushioning for the protruding parts of your body. 

We’re able to measure a mattress’s pressure-relieving abilities with a test called the pressure map. We spread out a specialized mat across the surface of the mattress, then lie down on it in different sleeping positions. The mat then reads how much pressure is being put on our body and transmits the data to a computer using a color-coded “map”. Blue means no pressure, green means little pressure, yellow means moderate pressure, orange means high pressure, and red means very high pressure. A mattress that displays blue (and maybe a little bit of green) is going to excel at pressure relief. As an example, see the below pressure-map results for the Puffy Cloud, our top pick on this mattress roundup.

As you can see, the Puffy Cloud puts little pressure on the body, with slightly more pressure while side sleeping than back sleeping. However, these are still solid results, and we think it’s a good mattress for both of these sleeping positions.

Quality Materials

When dealing with a herniated disc, you don’t want your mattress to lose its properties too soon. Look for well-known brands and a good warranty, as it would give you peace of mind for years to come. When choosing a foam model, it’s better to stick to denser foam, as it’s more durable. In a hybrid model, the coil gauge has to be low, as lower numbers signify thicker and sturdier coils. As for latex mattresses, they are famous for their increased lifespan and tend to be among the most long-lasting models on the market.

Cooling

While not being directly related to disc herniation, sleeping hot can make you feel uncomfortable during the night and affect your sleep quality. If you are prone to overheating during the night, look at mattresses that use cooling components (gel memory foam), allow for air circulation (hybrid and innerspring), or naturally don’t trap body heat (latex).

Motion Isolation

It can be challenging for people with a herniated disc to find a comfortable sleeping position. This often makes them toss and turn in bed. And if the mattress is bouncy, it’s more likely for their motion to ripple throughout the bed, which can be issue if they share their mattress with a partner and one of them is a light sleeper. That’s why memory foam mattresses are often a good choice for partnered sleep, especially if one of the partners suffers from chronic pain. A hybrid model may also suffice if it has extra-thick comfort layers (and if the weight difference between the partners isn’t that significant).

To test a mattress’s motion isolation, we drop several steel balls of different weights onto its surface, then measure the vibrations with a seismometer. The higher the vibration, the higher the motion transfer, and the more likely partners are to wake each other up with their movements. Take a look below at the motion-transfer results for the Plank Firm, one of the other mattresses on this roundup.

These are very low motion-transfer results, which tells us that the Plank Firm is excellent at isolating motion. Couples aren’t likely to feel each other tossing and turning. This is a common trait among many all-foam mattresses, as the material is better at isolating motion than springs.

Which Sleeping Position Is the Best for a Herniated Disc?

A correct sleeping position is one of the potential treatment options that can help you with pain relief when dealing with a herniated disc. But which one is considered to be the healthiest option? Let’s take a look and see how each position works.

• On your back: This sleeping position is considered to be the healthiest one for most people, as it can help you maintain proper spinal alignment. Back sleepers usually require medium firmness and a good amount of cushioning for their hips and buttocks. If you have a herniated disc in your neck, you may want to invest in an orthopedic pillow with a special dent in the center for proper neck support.
• On your side: Sleeping on your side is another good option when dealing with a herniated disc. It might be especially beneficial if you are dealing with a foraminal herniated disc. A proper mattress, in this case, has to be soft enough to cradle your protruding shoulders and hips. You can try to put a pillow between the knees or even use a full-body pillow to contribute to spinal alignment. 
• On your stomach: This sleeping position may work if you have lumbar paracentral disc herniation. But in other cases, it is not recommended for disc herniation. The thing is, sleeping on your stomach can cause your hips to sink while elevating the chest and creating an unhealthy arch in the spine. However, if you can’t sleep in any other position, at least make sure that your mattress is firm and supportive enough. 

Quick tip: Sleeping in a reclined position helps some people feel more comfortable when struggling with back pain caused by a disc herniation. Therefore, you may try an adjustable bed frame. Make sure that your mattress is flexible enough to be used with it. Foam and latex mattresses are generally thought to work best with adjustable bases. 

FAQs

Can a bad mattress cause a herniated disc?

While a bad mattress cannot cause disc herniation, it can worsen the symptoms and prolong the recovery process.

Is a memory foam mattress good for a herniated disc?

It depends on your personal preferences. Generally, memory foam mattresses are considered to be a good option for sleepers with a herniated disc due to the material’s pressure-relieving properties.

What’s the best sleeping position for people with herniated discs?

Sleeping on your back or side is considered suitable for a herniated disc. When lying on your side, you can also put a pillow between the knees to aid spinal alignment.

How We Chose These Mattresses

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, motion isolation, support, and more. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

When selecting the best mattresses for herniated discs, we chose products that offer a mixture of pressure relief (which can help relieve pain from a herniated disc) and strong support (which can help keep the spine neutrally aligned and prevent further pain).

Best Mattresses for Herniated Discs 2024

Mattress	Best For	Price (Queen)	Coupon	Review
Helix Midnight	Overall	$1,373	Helix Coupon	Read Our Review
WinkBed	Hybrid	$1,799	WinkBed Coupon	Read Our Review
Bear Elite Hybrid	Cooling	$2,305	Bear Coupon	Read Our Review
Nolah Signature	Side Sleepers	$1,799	Nolah Coupon	Read Our Review
Puffy Cloud	Memory Foam	$2,399	Puffy Coupon	Read Our Review
Saatva	Back Sleepers	$1,995	Saatva Coupon	Read Our Review
Plank Firm	Heavy People	$1,332	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Birch Natural (by Helix)	Organic	$2,124	Helix Coupon	Read Our Review

Sources

• Watson NF, Badr MS, Belenky G, et al.; Consensus Conference Panel (2015, August). Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society on the Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: Methodology and Discussion. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/38/8/1161/2417936

• Rachel Nall (2019, March 07). Slipped (Herniated) Disc. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/herniated-disk

• Jo Jordon, Kika Konstantinou, John O’Dowd (2009, March 26). Herniated lumbar disc. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2907819/

• Tim Newman (2018, August 21). Causes and treatment of a herniated disk. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/191979

• Mayo Clinic Staff (2018, March 08). Spinal stenosis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352961

• Daniel K. Park, MD (2020, June). Spine Basics. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/spine-basics/

• Adapted from a pamphlet originally prepared for the Arthritis Foundation by John W. Frymoyer (n.d.). Back pain. Retrieved from https://orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/arthritis/back-pain.html

• National Sleep Foundation (n.d.). The Best Sleep Position for Your Body. Retrieved from https://www.sleep.org/articles/best-sleep-position/

• Richard Staehler (2017, October 25). Mattresses and Sleep Positions for Each Back Pain Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/sleep/mattresses-and-sleep-positions-each-back-pain-diagnosis