Best Mattress for Spinal Stenosis

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Back pain is one of the most widespread issues people experience while sleeping, regardless of gender or age. In fact, eight out of 10 people may experience back pain at least once at some point during their lives. One possible cause is spinal stenosis, a condition that involves the narrowing of the spaces in your spine, which can lead to the nerves in these spaces becoming compressed or pinched. We’ll go over more specifics about this condition later, but for now, we want to help you by recommending the best mattresses for spinal stenosis.

For this roundup, we intentionally chose beds that performed well on our pressure-map test. This involves rolling a mat across each mattress, then having one of our testers lie down on it. The mat then uses thermal imaging to detect how much pressure a mattress puts on our body in different sleeping positions. On the 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’s good for back pain is going to show little to no pressure on the back in all three sleeping positions. Let’s see which beds made the cut!

Best Mattresses for Spinal Stenosis of 2024

  • WinkBed – Best Overall Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
  • Saatva – Runner Up
  • Plank Firm – Best Mattress for Heavier People with Spinal Stenosis
  • Helix Midnight – Best Value Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
  • Nolah Signature – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis
  • Puffy Cloud – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Spinal Stenosis

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.

Our Top Pick for Spinal Stenosis

We chose the WinkBed as the best mattress for spinal stenosis due to its high level of support. Its innerspring coils should give you a lift when you lie down and help keep the spine neutrally aligned.

Compare the Best Mattress for Spinal Stenosis

WinkBed Mattress Saatva Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress Nolah Signature 12" Mattress Puffy Cloud Mattress
WinkBed Mattress Saatva Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress Nolah Signature 12" Mattress Puffy Cloud Mattress
Rating
Firmness Multiple firmness options Multiple firmness options Multiple firmness options Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Soft: 5.5/10 Medium-soft: 6/10
Material Hybrid Innerspring Foam Hybrid Foam Foam
Cooling -- -- -- --
Sleep Position Combination Back & Stomach Back & Stomach Back & Side Back & Side Back & Side

WinkBed – Best Overall Mattress for Spinal Stenosis

Highly Durable Innerspring Bed with Different Firmness Levels

WinkBed Mattress

P1065455

The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.

Sleepopolis Score 4.7/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Absolutely the greatest mattress I've ever slept on. It is soft yet firm in the right spots. Quality is on another level. You get what you pay for.

Sobhana P., WinkBeds customer
Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Highly Durable Innerspring Bed with Different Firmness Levels

WinkBed Mattress

P1065455

The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.

Sleepopolis Score 4.7/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Absolutely the greatest mattress I've ever slept on. It is soft yet firm in the right spots. Quality is on another level. You get what you pay for.

Sobhana P., WinkBeds customer
Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
P1065455
Highly Durable Innerspring Bed with Different Firmness Levels

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.

Sleepopolis Score 4.7/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Absolutely the greatest mattress I've ever slept on. It is soft yet firm in the right spots. Quality is on another level. You get what you pay for.

Sobhana P., WinkBeds customer
Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

Expert Opinion

A luxury hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel, the WinkBed is outfitted with a layer of extra-tall coils. These coils are also zoned, meaning that they’re firmer in certain spots of the bed and softer in others, depending on how much support is needed. This helps create an optimal spinal position during sleep — a crucial trait for anyone dealing with tension from spinal stenosis. That’s why we’ve chosen the WinkBed as our best overall pick. The WinkBed also has a reinforced edge that makes the mattress incredibly durable and stable. When testing it out, we were able to effortlessly get in and out of bed, thanks to the coils’ strength and responsiveness. Additionally, we were able to easily change positions.

One of the most crucial tests we perform when recommending the best mattress for spinal stenosis is our pressure-map test. It involves spreading a specialized mat across the mattress, which then uses thermal imaging to show how much pressure we’re putting on a bed when we lie down on it. Blue equates to no pressure, green is little pressure, yellow is moderate pressure, and orange and red are high pressure. On the WinkBed, the back area lit up bright-blue, indicating little to no pressure, and once again telling us that this is a good mattress for anyone with spinal stenosis.

Note: the WinkBed comes in several different firmness levels. We tested out the Luxury Firm.

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.” – Bidget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

On WinkBeds’ website, you can filter out the comments based on specific performance categories. If you have spinal stenosis, we recommend looking at what other sleepers have to say about pain relief. Many of them praise the WinkBed for how much it helped with their back pain.

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

  • The different firmness levels mean that there’s a WinkBed for every sleeping position. We recommend the Softer for side sleepers, the Luxury Firm for back sleepers, and the Firmer for stomach sleepers. There’s also the WinkBed Plus, an extra-durable bed built for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds. However, it does cost more.
  • Because of its extra-tall coils, the WinkBed has a lot of bounce and should make it easy for combination sleepers to switch sleeping positions.
  • The WinkBed is made with a number of luxury materials, including a soft and breathable Tencel cover and a Euro top infused with gel for added cooling. This gives it the feel of a high-end hotel mattress.

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

  • If you’re a fan of the slow-sinking feel of memory foam, you should steer clear of the WinkBed. Even the Softer model is going to be bouncy and responsive, as opposed to contouring.

Read our full WinkBed mattress review for more information.

Saatva – Runner Up

Luxury Hybrid Mattress with a Traditional Innerspring Feel

Saatva Mattress

P1051102

The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It's a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.

Sleepopolis Score 4.8/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.

Patty, Saatva customer
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Luxury Hybrid Mattress with a Traditional Innerspring Feel

Saatva Mattress

P1051102

The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It's a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.

Sleepopolis Score 4.8/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.

Patty, Saatva customer
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
P1051102
Luxury Hybrid Mattress with a Traditional Innerspring Feel

Saatva Mattress

The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It's a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.

Sleepopolis Score 4.8/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.

Patty, Saatva customer
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Expert Opinion

When looking for the best mattress for spinal stenosis, you should definitely consider the Saatva. It’s a luxury hybrid with a traditional innerspring feel, thanks to its coil-on-coil construction (it essentially has two layers of springs). These coils deliver a ton of support and help distribute weight across the entire surface of the bed. This can help fight tension build-up in the spine. Another perk of the springs is that they don’t make sleepers feel stuck. So if your spinal stenosis is making it hard to get out of bed due to pain, it will be a bit easier with the Saatva.

The Saatva comes in three different firmness levels, and we tested out the Luxury Firm. We felt ourselves sinking into the bed’s euro top enough to feel pressure relief that may help with spinal stenosis. The coils underneath, especially around the hips, felt sturdy, and our back and neck stayed aligned. We also put the mattress through our pressure-map test, during which it showed almost no pressure around the back while back-sleeping. There was a little bit of pressure in this area while side-sleeping and stomach-sleeping, but this likely won’t be the case on the other models (side sleepers should opt for the Plush Soft and stomach sleepers should go with the Firm).

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, it was even named Sleepopolis’ Best Mattress for Back Pain in 2024.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

There are almost 3,000 reviews on Saatva’s website, with consistent praise about the brand’s customer service. Many shoppers rave about the friendliness of Saatva’s employees and love that their mattress included free white glove delivery. Saatva will actually send someone to your house to deliver your bed and set it up at no extra charge.

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

  • Because it’s so easy to move around on the Saatva, it could be an excellent fit for combination sleepers who need to switch positions at night.
  • The Saatva has exceptionally strong edge support, so you should be able to spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress.
  • The mix of cushioning memory foam, exquisite euro pillow top, and lumbar technology makes the Saatva a good choice if you want the look and feel of a luxury mattress.

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

  • The Saatva comes with a higher price tag than other beds. So it may not be the best choice for budget shoppers.

Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information.

Plank Firm – Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis

Flippable Design with Two Different Firm Sides

Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress

P1064244

The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.

Sleepopolis Score 4.3/5
Read Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.

Ray, Brooklyn Bedding customer
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Flippable Design with Two Different Firm Sides

Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress

P1064244

The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.

Sleepopolis Score 4.3/5
Read Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.

Ray, Brooklyn Bedding customer
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
P1064244
Flippable Design with Two Different Firm Sides

Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress

The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.

Sleepopolis Score 4.3/5
Read Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.

Ray, Brooklyn Bedding customer
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Expert Opinion

The Plank is a flippable all-foam mattress from Brooklyn Bedding with both a Firm and an Extra-Firm side. We think the latter is a sensible choice for heavier people with spinal stenosis. It should keep their hips lifted and in line with the shoulders, which can help promote a neutral spinal alignment. The core is also made of highly dense foam, allowing it to handle more weight for a longer period of time.

During our tests, the Plank felt incredibly resilient and firm — one of the firmest mattresses we’ve tested to date, in fact. We felt our spine aligned and our hips supported, which eased muscle tension. This may help you if you have spinal stenosis. On our pressure-map test, we didn’t see much pressure near the back in any of our sleeping positions, although we don’t recommend a mattress this firm for side sleepers.

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.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Across the 2,700-plus reviews on the Plank website, shoppers love the firmness and support, with many of them calling out how they’ve experienced no back pain on the mattress.

Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress

  • For an extra charge, you can get a GlacioTex cover made of Phase Change Material, which can absorb more heat than traditional cotton. This might be a good option for hot sleepers who need extra help sleeping cool.
  • Average weight stomach sleepers and back sleepers should also be comfortable on the Plank Firm.
  • The firmness of the Plank gives it a lot of responsiveness and makes it easy to move around on, despite it being made entirely of foam. So if you’re a combo sleeper, you should have no trouble switching positions at night.

Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress:

  • The firmness of the Plank probably isn’t going to work for side sleepers. They’ll need a softer mattress that offers deep pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.

Read our full Plank Firm mattress review for more information.

Helix Midnight – Best Value Mattress for Spinal Stenosis

Affordable Foam Bed with a Medium Firmness

Helix Midnight Mattress

P1037886

The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.

Sleepopolis Score 4.1/5
Read Helix Midnight Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type couples
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review
Affordable Foam Bed with a Medium Firmness

Helix Midnight Mattress

P1037886

The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.

Sleepopolis Score 4.1/5
Read Helix Midnight Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type couples
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review
P1037886
Affordable Foam Bed with a Medium Firmness

Helix Midnight Mattress

The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.

Sleepopolis Score 4.1/5
Read Helix Midnight Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type couples
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review

Expert Opinion

If you’re looking for the best mattress for spinal stenosis, but are on a strict budget, you might want to consider the Helix Midnight. After discounts, this model is usually available for close to or under $1,000 for a queen size. It has a comfort layer of Memory Plus foam (a more responsive alternative to memory foam) for both ease of movement and pressure relief. At the bottom of the mattress, a layer of coils uses a zoned support system that’s meant to give you proper weight distribution, and can help prevent the back pain that comes with spinal stenosis.

When testing out the Helix Midnight, we rolled out our pressure map and were pleased to see that there was little to no pressure on the back. That being said, we think the bed’s medium-soft to medium-firm feel (it scored a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale) is a better fit for back sleepers and side sleepers than it is for stomach sleepers.

What our tester says: “I like the Helix Midnight for back and side sleepers. Both of these beds feature a medium-soft to medium-firm feel that back and side sleepers should be happy with.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Across more than 6,000 reviews on the Helix website, the Midnight has an average customer rating of 4.5 stars. Several dozen reviews comment on how the mattress has given them proper spinal support.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress

  • For an extra charge, you can upgrade to the Helix Midnight Luxe, which has the same level of firmness, but with a cushy pillow top (this can assist with lumbar pain) and a breathable Tencel cover.
  • If you struggle with hip pain, you should find some relief in the top foams of the Helix Midnight.
  • The springs at the bottom of the Helix Midnight help air flow through the mattress, which assists with cooling.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress

  • It probably isn’t going to be supportive enough for stomach sleepers heavy people.

Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more information.

Nolah Signature – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Spinal Stenosis

Pressure-Relieving AirFoam

Nolah Signature 12" Mattress

nolah signature mattress

The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.

Sleepopolis Score 4.1/5
Read Nolah Signature 12" Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Soft: 5.5/10

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Pressure-Relieving AirFoam

Nolah Signature 12" Mattress

nolah signature mattress

The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.

Sleepopolis Score 4.1/5
Read Nolah Signature 12" Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Soft: 5.5/10

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
nolah signature mattress
Pressure-Relieving AirFoam

Nolah Signature 12" Mattress

The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.

Sleepopolis Score 4.1/5
Read Nolah Signature 12" Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Soft: 5.5/10

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Expert Opinion

If you’re a back sleeper who struggles with spinal stenosis, it can be beneficial to seek out a mattress with a mixture of comfort and support — pressure-relieving enough to relieve any pain, yet sturdy enough to keep you lifted and stop you from sinking too far into a mattress’s layers. You might find just that in the Nolah Signature, which uses ultra-soft AirFoam in the comfort layer for added contouring. When we laid down on the bed, we could feel the foam relieving pressure at our lower back (for context, we ranked the Signature at a 5.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale). At the same time, we still got enough of a lift for a neutral spinal alignment. When we ran the bed through our pressure-map test, the graphic was mostly blue on the back, indicating low pressure while back sleeping.

Interestingly, the Signature is available in two different models: all-foam and what they’re calling a foam hybrid. While this hybrid doesn’t have any springs, there’s a support layer of “micro-cut wave” foam designed to respond like springs. We think back sleepers should be comfortable on either option.

What our tester says: “I think the Nolah Signature is a great choice for a lot of back and side sleepers. The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for these sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

On the Nolah website, the Signature has a customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, all gathered from verified buyers. Several folks specifically note the relief that the mattress provides at their pressure points.

Pros of the Nolah Signature Mattress

  • Side sleepers should get the contouring they need at the shoulders and hips, where they put the most pressure.
  • AirFoam is meant to be a more breathable alternative to traditional memory foam, and we found the Signature to sleep quite cool for an all-foam bed.
  • The Nolah Signature excels at isolating motion and has strong edge support, both of which should appeal to couples.

Cons of the Nolah Signature Mattress

  • This mattress probably isn’t going to be supportive enough for stomach sleepers. They’ll want to seek out a firmer mattress.

Read our full Nolah Signature mattress review for more information.

Puffy Cloud – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Spinal Stenosis

All-Foam Construction with Deep Pressure Relief

Puffy Cloud Mattress

P1017960

The Puffy Cloud is an all-foam bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that is great for a wide range of sleepers. It also does a good job of reducing aches and pains, thanks to its balance of support and pressure relief.

Sleepopolis Score 4.2/5
Read Puffy Cloud Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

101 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-soft: 6/10

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type kids
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

I love this mattress. I wake up rested and with energy. Before I was sleeping on a traditional mattress and I would wake up 3 to 4 times at night trying to find the right spot. I don't weak up in middle of the night. It was worth every penny!!!

Claudia Guzman, Puffy customer
Average Customer Rating
5.0/5
Watch Our Video Review
All-Foam Construction with Deep Pressure Relief

Puffy Cloud Mattress

P1017960

The Puffy Cloud is an all-foam bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that is great for a wide range of sleepers. It also does a good job of reducing aches and pains, thanks to its balance of support and pressure relief.

Sleepopolis Score 4.2/5
Read Puffy Cloud Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-soft: 6/10

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

101 nights

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type kids
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

I love this mattress. I wake up rested and with energy. Before I was sleeping on a traditional mattress and I would wake up 3 to 4 times at night trying to find the right spot. I don't weak up in middle of the night. It was worth every penny!!!

Claudia Guzman, Puffy customer
Average Customer Rating
5.0/5
Watch Our Video Review
P1017960
All-Foam Construction with Deep Pressure Relief

Puffy Cloud Mattress

The Puffy Cloud is an all-foam bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that is great for a wide range of sleepers. It also does a good job of reducing aches and pains, thanks to its balance of support and pressure relief.

Sleepopolis Score 4.2/5
Read Puffy Cloud Mattress Review
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-soft: 6/10

SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

101 nights

SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SO sleeper type kids
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

I love this mattress. I wake up rested and with energy. Before I was sleeping on a traditional mattress and I would wake up 3 to 4 times at night trying to find the right spot. I don't weak up in middle of the night. It was worth every penny!!!

Claudia Guzman, Puffy customer
Average Customer Rating
5.0/5
Watch Our Video Review

Expert Opinion

What makes the all-foam Puffy Cloud one of the best mattresses for spinal stenosis is the pressure-relieving abilities of its memory foam. When lying down on this bed, we can feel its foams — which start off ultra-soft and get firmer toward the bottom of the construction — conforming closely to our body, adapting to the curves and filling in the gaps. Less tension often means less pain, promising long-awaited relief for spinal stenosis patients. We also didn’t sink too deeply into the layers, which can assist greatly with a neutral spinal alignment.

When looking at our pressure-map results, the Puffy Cloud showed little to no pressure on our back while side-sleeping and back-sleeping. This tells us that it’s going to be a good fit for folks who struggle with spinal stenosis, as it’s unlikely to exacerbate their pain, and may even help prevent it.

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

On many of the reviews on Puffy’s website, shoppers praise the bed’s ability to be both pressure-relieving and supportive. Reviewers also share their specific sleeping info, such as their sleeping position, if they share their mattress with a partner, and what size bed they purchased. This allows you to find a review from someone similar to you.

Pros of the Puffy Cloud Mattress

  • The Puffy Cloud should be a good fit for side sleepers with spinal stenosis, as it offers a high amount of cradling and deep sinkage for pressure relief.
  • Its removable cover is easy to take off in seconds. This allows you to wash it and keep allergens and dust to a minimum in the bedroom. This is good news for sensitive sleepers with allergies.
  • We tested the Puffy Cloud’s motion transfer by dropping several steel balls of different weights onto the bed, then measuring their vibrations with a seismometer. The Puffy showed very low vibrations, which tells us that it excels at isolating motion, and should be a good option for anyone who sleeps with a restless partner.

Cons of the Puffy Cloud Mattress

  • The Puffy Cloud is probably too soft for average weight and heavier stomach sleepers. The pressure map also displayed some moderate pressure on the back while we were stomach-sleeping, so stomach sleepers with stenosis may want to avoid it.

Read our full Puffy Cloud mattress review for more information.

What Exactly Is Spinal Stenosis?

To pick the best mattresses for spinal stenosis, it’s important to understand what you’re dealing with first.

Simply put, spinal stenosis is a condition that involves the narrowing of the spaces in your spine. The narrower they get, the more likely it is for the nerves to become compressed or pinched. According to Dr. Debra Sullivan, this occurs either in the cervical part of your spine (neck) or in the lumbar part of your spine (lower back). Therefore, there are two types of spinal stenosis, cervical stenosis, and lumbar stenosis. As a result of the nerve compression that occurs in spinal stenosis, you may start experiencing numbness, weakness, and pain in your legs and feet, plus back pain if you are experiencing lumbar stenosis or neck pain if you are experiencing cervical stenosis.  

Spinal stenosis cases are growing in number these days. It can be either congenital (from birth) or acquired. Congenital cases are usually caused by a small spinal canal. In acquired cases, it can be caused by either age-related spinal changes or by other conditions such as injuries or previous spinal surgery, bone wear and tear, excess calcium or fluoride, scoliosis, or other illnesses.

“If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and think you may have spinal stenosis, but have not had a diagnosis, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider, as it could be caused by a more serious issue,” says Dr. Sullivan. One of the risk factors is age-related degenerative change, which explains why spinal stenosis is more common among people over 65.

Since spinal stenosis can cause  neck, back and limb pain, this condition might make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep. Additionally, you may even start experiencing more pain due to the lack of movement and staying in one position for a long time during the night. The lack of motion during sleep puts more pressure on the joints and your spine. As a result, your stenosis symptoms can worsen.

And that’s why it’s so important to get yourself a proper mattress for spinal stenosis. While it can’t treat the condition, a suitable bed has a chance of making you feel more comfortable and relaxed, and thus improve your sleep quality. Plus, a proper mattress may even help relieve the pain.

What Is the Best Type of Mattress for Spinal Stenosis?

A good mattress is supposed to distribute your weight evenly and keep your spine properly aligned during the night. While this is the main rule when finding the best mattress for spinal stenosis, some extra characteristics may vary depending on the materials used.

Let’s look at the most common ones and see which material can make the most suitable mattress for spinal stenosis.

Foam

Whether it’s memory or polyurethane foam, this material offers close conforming and adapts its surface to the curves of your body. It effectively distributes your weight, which aids spinal alignment. This makes foam mattresses a good option for lumbar spinal stenosis, which is often accompanied by kyphosis that requires a correct sleeping posture. The cradling properties of foam also help with pressure relief. This, consequently, can help reduce the pain levels.

The main drawback sleepers usually have to deal with is sleeping hot. Foam tends to trap body heat while giving you a generous hug. All of that can make you wake up sweaty in the morning. Now, if you don’t want to sacrifice the superb pressure relief that these mattresses offer, you may want to consider models that use gel infusion or an open-cell technology for a cooling effect. 

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine pocketed coils for base support and foam (or sometimes latex) for comfort layers. This type offers the best of both materials: sturdy support and good air circulation (coils) with pressure relief (foam or latex).

Hybrid beds are a good option for sleepers with spinal stenosis due to their balanced feel. Such a mattress would be supportive enough to aid proper spinal alignment while gently cradling your body and reducing pressure points.

However, keep in mind that hybrid models are usually quite expensive. They also tend to be very heavy and hard to move. And because of the multiple layers used, many hybrid mattresses are quite thick. If your spinal stenosis pain causes mobility issues, an overly tall mattress can make it hard for you to get in and out of bed every day. Check out our best hybrid mattress picks. 

Latex

Latex mattresses have a fast response, so they aren’t supposed to make you feel stuck. At the same time, the material does a great job of relieving pressure and tension, helping your muscles relax, and reducing stress on the joints. This can help alleviate the pain caused by spinal stenosis.

Another benefit of latex mattresses is that they don’t sleep hot. And while this factor is not directly linked to spinal stenosis pain, it can help you feel much more comfortable and relaxed, which may improve your sleep quality.

Innerspring

Using coils for support, innerspring beds are quite bouncy and responsive. Such mattresses often use a thin layer of foam for improved comfort, but it’s not usually enough for decent pressure relief. That’s why this type is more suitable for back and stomach sleepers rather than side sleepers.

At the same time, innerspring beds allow for consistent support across their surface. They also have strong edges, which can make them a good option for a mattress for cervical spinal stenosis. Because this condition often causes weakness in the arms and hands, patients may rely on their mattress and its bounce to help them get in and out of bed. So, if you press against the edges of the mattress to help yourself stand up, an innerspring model would be strong enough to hold up under the pressure.

Additionally, innerspring mattresses don’t sleep hot. This can help you relax faster during the night.

Things to Look For in a Good Mattress for Spinal Stenosis

On your quest to find the most comfortable mattress, spinal stenosis may seem like a scary complication. But if you keep the below factors in mind, it should be easy to narrow down your choices.

  • Back support and proper alignment: As we mentioned, proper posture during sleep is important, especially if you have back issues. A good mattress has to distribute your body weight evenly and keep your spine in a neutral position. An overly thin or soft bed probably won’t be able to do that.
  • Suitable firmness for your weight: Heavier individuals put more pressure on the mattress’s surface, which may result in unwanted sinkage and unhealthy curves in the spine. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, you may need a firm bed that offers solid support. At the same time, if you are a petite sleeper, be careful with medium-firm and firm mattresses. When the bed surface feels too stiff, it will put more pressure on your joints, which can lead to increased pain levels. 
  • Pressure relief: Reducing tension may come in handy when suffering from spinal stenosis. Since this condition often causes too much stress and pressure on spinal nerves, a pressure-relieving mattress can help relieve the pain. Memory foam and latex models would be the most optimal options to consider.
  • Compatibility with your sleeping position. Side sleepers need softer mattresses that would allow enough sinkage for the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers usually benefit the most from medium firmness, which doesn’t offer that much cushioning but still allows for the hips and buttocks to sink a bit deeper. If you sleep on your stomach, make sure that your mattress is firm enough and offers sturdy support. Also, keep in mind that spinal stenosis sufferers are recommended to sleep in a fetal position (on their side with the knees curled up a bit).
  • Breathability and cooling. No one likes sleeping hot, especially when you also have to deal with back pain. Therefore, a cooling mattress would be the best choice for spinal stenosis. Look at hybrid, latex, innerspring, or gel-infused foam mattresses.
  • Adjustable frame compatibility. Some people find it more comfortable to sleep in a reclined position when dealing with spinal stenosis pain, as this can help relieve nerve pressure. If you are one of them, make sure that your new mattress would work with an adjustable frame. Usually, manufacturers provide that information on the product’s page.

Mattresses for Spinal Stenosis – Our Tests

When we tested our mattresses to see if they would help with spinal stenosis, we looked at these three key factors: pressure relief, support, and edge support. Pressure relief helps reduce pain associated with the condition, proper support helps keep the spine from falling out of alignment, and edge support allows for ease of motion and makes it easier to get in and out of bed.

While support is largely subjective and is going to vary from person to person, we have a series of tests that we apply to measure a mattress’ pressure-relieving abilities and edge support.

Pressure Relief

As you saw in our mini reviews above, we use a device called a pressure map to test how well a mattress relieves pressure, and as a result, pain. We simply spread a mat out over the bed, then lie down in all of the different sleeping positions (back, side, and stomach). The mat then sends thermal imaging to a computer screen to create a visual map of how much pressure a mattress puts on different areas of the body.

The map is color-coded. Blue means no pressure, green means a little bit of pressure, yellow means moderate pressure, orange means high pressure, and red means very high pressure. When selecting the best mattress for spinal stenosis, we want to see mostly blue all along the back (a little bit of green is okay, too). Take a look below at the Puffy to see why it’s a good bed for spinal stenosis sufferers.

PuffyMattressPressureMap

As you can see, there’s some moderate to high pressure along the shoulders while side-sleeping, but almost no pressure on the back in both sleeping positions. This tells us that it should be a comfortable mattress for anyone who deals with spinal stenosis.

Edge Support

Our test for edge support is a bit less involved. We simply sit on the edge of the mattress to see how supported we feel. If we don’t see or feel the sides of the bed collapsing under our weight, then we know it has strong edge support. Take a look below at the Saatva mattress — which has a perimeter reinforced with coils — to see what we mean.

Saatva Mattress Edge Support Sitting

FAQs

Can a good mattress help spinal stenosis?

While a mattress can’t treat the condition, a suitable bed can help alleviate the symptoms.

Can spinal stenosis get worse because of the wrong mattress?

An unsuitable mattress can put too much pressure on your spine or create unnatural curves, which can lead to increased discomfort and higher pain levels.

Can memory foam worsen your spinal stenosis?

On the contrary, memory foam is very pressure-relieving and can help alleviate pain associated with spinal stenosis. However, it’s a softer material, and you’ll want to make sure the bed also has enough support to keep your spine neutrally aligned.

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.

Because sleepers with spinal stenosis are dealing with pain, we made sure to choose mattresses that excelled in the area of pressure relief. At the same time, we focused on beds that still offered enough support to keep the spine aligned. Click here to learn more about our methodology. And if you’re still not sure of the right mattress, you can take our mattress quiz to be shown a selection of mattresses curated to your sleep preferences.

Best Mattresses for Spinal Stenosis 2024

MattressBest ForPrice (Queen Size)CouponReview
WinkBedOverall$1,799WinkBed CouponRead Our Review
SaatvaRunner Up$1,995Saatva CouponRead Our Review
Plank Firm (by Brooklyn Bedding)Heavy People$1,332Brooklyn Bedding CouponRead Our Review
Helix MidnightValue$1,374Helix CouponRead Our Review
Nolah SignatureBack Sleepers$1,799Nolah CouponRead Our Review
Puffy CloudOverall$2,399Puffy CouponRead Our Review
Sources
  • MedlinePlus (n.d.). Back Pain. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/backpain.html

  • C. Lillis (2019, July 22). Spinal stenosis: Everything you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325817#symptoms

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

  • R. Kalff, C. Ewald, A. Waschke, L. Gobisch, and C. Hopf (2013, September 13). Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Older People. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3784039/

  • A. Truszczyńska, J. Drzał-Grabiec, M. Płszewski, K. Rąpała, A. Tarnowski (2015). Posture of Patients With Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24968797/

  • University of Virginia (n.d.). Cervical Stenosis. Retrieved from https://med.virginia.edu/neurosurgery/services/spine-surgery/cervical-stenosis/

  • A. A. Sama, F. P. Girardi, F. P. Cammisa Jr. (2011, July 26). Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.hss.edu/conditions_lumbar-spinal-stenosis.asp

  • R. 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

Dan Caffrey

Dan Caffrey

Senior Performance Editor

About Author

Dan is a Performance Editor and Certified Sleep Coach at Sleepopolis, where he writes and edits mattress roundups to give readers the most up-to-date information on sleep products. In 2020, Dan earned his MFA In Playwriting from UT Austin, and his plays have been seen around the country in Chicago, Austin, Washington D.C., and elsewhere. He’s also a pop-culture fanatic, having written for publications such as The A.V. Club, Consequence, Pitchfork, and Vox. He co-hosts two popular horror podcasts on the Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network — The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast and Halloweenies: A Horror Franchise Podcast. When he’s not catching up on the latest King novel, you can find Dan in and around Brooklyn walking his dog Hank, seeing a play with his wife, and going to way too many concerts.

Combination Sleeper