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Tips For Buying A Mattress With Chronic Pain + The 6 Best Options For Relief
- Best for side sleepers: Birch Natural Mattress
- Best organic: Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress
- Best for back pain: Saatva Classic Mattress
- Best affordable: Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
- Best for sciatica pain: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
- Best for chronic hip pain: Purple New Day Mattress
After a long day, there's no better feeling than climbing into bed for a deep, restful sleep. Unfortunately, especially for those with chronic pain, sleep can be a hassle if the right mattress isn't used. Studies have shown a correlation between poor sleep and chronic pain1, and while the best mattress for chronic pain may not solve all your problems, it will certainly put you in a better position (literally) for a more comfortable and restorative sleep.
"Chronic pain is common and typically lasts for an extended period of time," says Peter Polos, M.D., Ph.D., FCCP, FAASM, sleep medicine specialist. "It can occur in any part of your body as a result of an illness or injury. In addition to disturbing sleep, chronic pain can interfere with other aspects of a person's life, which in turn can make their pain worse."
With that in mind, the best mattress for chronic pain varies based on the type of pain, sleep position, price point, and a few other considerations. To find the best mattresses for chronic pain, we spoke with sleep doctors and experts about what to look for and how you'll want to go about finding a mattress whether you suffer from back, neck, hip pain, or sciatica.
What type of mattress is best for back pain?
As with all mattress purchase decisions, the best mattress for back pain is a very personal choice. Back pain varies depending on the person, cause, and location (upper, lower, etc.), but Polos says there are a few basic rules of thumb depending on the specific region. "If you're specifically experiencing pain in your lower back, a bed that supports the small of your back—one that's not too firm or too soft, can help," he says. "The important thing to remember is that there is no one-size-fits-all bed. The key is to determine which bed is best suited for you and your bed partner if you have one."
Polos adds that any pain (chronic, back, hip, shoulder) should be evaluated by a physician. "In addition to the all-important role proper bedding plays in relieving pain, there may be a need for medical, surgical, or physical therapy in the management of one's pain," he says. The right mattress can help promote better sleep, but you'll still want to work with your doctor to get to the root of the problem.
One of the best hybrid mattresses for side sleepers, this pick offers great support for those with lower back pain, specifically. Those who sleep on their side need a supportive mattress that contours the body and keeps the spine aligned. The Talalay latex does just that, contouring to the body and aiding in pressure relief.
The details
The details
If you’re keen on having an eco-friendly mattress, you’ll be pleased with this brand’s use of organic, natural materials. It has various eco-friendly certifications including GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS, so you can sleep soundly knowing your mattress is free from harmful and hazardous chemicals. And, even though side sleepers may benefit most from this mattress, it’s slightly firmer than your standard hybrid, so still a solid option for stomach and back sleepers, too.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
Pros
- Contours body for pressure relief
- Non-toxic and made from eco-friendly materials
Cons
- Too firm for some folks
Image by Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress
This natural latex mattress combines four inches of Dunlop latex with an organic cotton Euro top and individually wrapped coils, creating a comfortable and supportive surface.
The details
The details
When looking for a mattress for chronic pain you’ll want one that promotes spinal alignment and is firm enough to provide optimal pressure relief for the shoulders, hips, and legs. This one does just that, thanks to its adaptive latex foam layer. We’ve included it in a number of our mattress round-ups, including best mattresses for neck and back pain and best mattress for couples.
With a medium firmness, this mattress is a great pick for all sleeping positions. Just keep in mind, there is only one firmness option available, and some people do find it too soft. The brand has a slew of eco-friendly certifications, such as Rainforest Alliance, The Standard 100 by OEKO-Tex, UL GREENGUARD Gold, Wools of New Zealand, and Forest Stewardship Council.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
Pros
- Minimal motion transfer
- Made entirely from natural and organic materials
Cons
- Too firm for some
- Delivery does not include installation
According to our experts, firm mattresses are a great choice for people with chronic back pain. This hybrid pick includes a three-inch Euro pillow top, high-density memory foam for a firmer feel, steel coils for pressure relief and to prevent unwanted sagging, and firm rails for edge support.
The details
The details
The brand's patented Lumbar Zone® Technology has been awarded by the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations, and sleepers alike can attest to its pain- and pressure-relieving properties. Additionally, while synthetic foam mattresses are not the most eco-friendly, this one does have a few green perks, such as a flame-retardant barrier made from natural thistle pulp and a nontoxic botanical antimicrobial treatment. The mattress is available in three firmness levels: plush, luxury firm, and firm. Side sleepers will enjoy the plush model, while the firm model is a great option for back or stomach sleepers and even people with scoliosis. We’ve also recommended this model as one of the best full size mattresses and the best luxury mattress for side sleepers.
Worth noting: Unlike other modern mattresses, this isn’t a bed-in-a-box. The brand provides white glove delivery and setup and even removal of your previous mattress (all included in the cost).
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
Pros
- Ideal for all sleep positions (back, side, and stomach)
- Sturdy edge support
- Great motion isolation
Cons
- Too firm for some
- Memory foam
Image by Tuft & Needle
This breathable mattress is made from the brand’s signature adaptive foam technology, which has an open cell design that helps it contour to the body and provide support and comfort where needed.
The details
The details
Hot sleepers will enjoy the cooling gel and heat-wicking graphite which helps regulate your temperature while you sleep.
While synthetic foam is never the most sustainable choice, the brand does have non-toxic certifications, such as GREENGUARD Gold Certified and Certi-PUR US Certified.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
Pros
- Can be used within 2 to 3 hours of unboxing
- Great edge support
Cons
- Too firm for some
Image by Casper
Image by Casper
Per our experts, the best mattress for chronic sciatica pain is one that is firm—especially in the lower back region.
The details
The details
Featuring five layers of plush memory foam, this mattress conforms to the body and alleviates pressure. The first three layers are a breathable foam, followed by a layer of gel pods with zoned support to promote spinal alignment and minimize aches and pains. At the base layer, springs which add a bit of lift and give the mattress durability.
One major qualm is that this mattress is made with synthetic foams and contains no natural materials. Additionally, the packaging contains a lot of plastic.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
Pros
- Great for pressure relief
- Cooling
Cons
- Too soft for some
- Synthetic materials
Image by Purple
Made in the United States, this pick is one of the best mattresses for chronic back and hip pain. The grid-like design contours to the hips and shoulders, making it a great mattress for pressure points, and for those with shoulder pain, too. It’s highly breathable and promotes a cool temperature throughout the entire body for a comfortable night’s sleep.
The details
The details
All that in mind, this mattress does not provide great motion control, and is not a very sustainable choice. If you’re looking for something more eco-friendly, check out our best organic mattresses.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
Pros
- Pressure relieving
- Temperature regulating
Cons
- Off-gassing smell upon opening
Comparing the best mattresses for chronic pain:
| Mattress | Starting price | Sizes available | Trial period | Warranty | Sustainable materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birch Natural Mattress | $1000 | Twin / Twin XL / Full / Queen / King / CA King | 100 nights | 25 years | Yes |
| Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress | $1099 | Twin / Twin XL / Full / Queen / King / CA King | 365 nights | Lifetime | Yes |
| Saatva Classic Mattress | $995 | Twin / Full / Queen / King / Split King / CA King / Split CA King | 365 nights | Lifetime | Yes |
| Tuft & Needle Original Mattress | $745 | Twin / Twin XL / Full / Queen / King / CA King | 100 nights | 10 year | No |
| Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress | $1795 | Twin XL / Full / Queen / King / CA King | 100 nights | 10 year | No |
| Purple New Day Mattress | $995 | Full / Queen / King | 100 nights | 10 year | No |
How to choose the best mattress for chronic pain.
Mattress type:
When it comes to finding a mattress for chronic pain, there is never a one-size-fits-all solution. However, many people do find relief with a more firm mattress. In this case, you should direct your search toward hybrid mattresses, which provide a combination of support and comfort. For a softer place to land at night, consider a memory foam option that contours the body to provide support and proper spinal alignment.
Budget:
While restorative sleep is priceless, you don't need to break the bank in the process. That's not to say you shouldn't invest in a luxury mattress if that's on your radar, but you'll want to consider the different price points before purchasing as they range from the upper hundreds to a couple of thousand dollars depending on size and brand.
Trial Period:
It takes a few weeks to break in and test out a new mattress, so you'll want to make sure you have enough time to get acquainted before you make your final decision. The trial period varies based on the brand. Make note of this when selecting the best mattress for you.
- Expert recommendation: We used input from our experts to help select our list of the best mattresses for chronic pain, paying close attention to firmness, support, and materials.
- Reviews: We read through hundreds of positive and negative reviews to ensure each mattress lives up to the brand's claims, especially those pertaining to chronic pain and back pain.
- Firmness & support: When it comes to finding the best mattress for chronic pain, it's important to have the appropriate firmness and support. We took the brand's firmness rating into account, along with reviews from customers (knowing everyone's preferences are different).
- Price: Mattress prices vary widely, so we included a variety of choices, including luxury mattresses and more affordable options.
FAQ:
What is the best mattress for chronic back pain?
As mentioned, the best mattress for chronic back pain varies. Some people with back pain prefer a firmer mattress, whereas others find that causes more discomfort. At the end of the day, Polos says the important thing to remember is that there is no one-size-fits-all. It may take a bit of testing and learning to find a mattress that works for you, but that's why most brands offer trials.
What is the best mattress for side sleepers with lower-back pain?
Sleeping on your side can create pressure on your hips and shoulders, which our experts say can worsen your overall pain if you have sciatica.
"Getting a bed that contours to the curves of your body and comforts these pressure points can help to alleviate some of the pain," says Polos. "For example, a memory foam mattress with sufficient firmness can help with the pressure points while aligning the spine, allowing for a more comfortable night's rest."
If a new mattress isn't feasible, sleeping with a pillow in between your legs can help to promote spinal alignment while sleeping.
Is a firm mattress good for sciatica pain?
"The firmness of a mattress is subjective to each sleeper, but since sciatica typically affects the lower back, hips, and legs, having a firm bed is important to relieve pain," says Polos. "A firm bed will support the lumbar area of the sleeper, without shifting unwanted pressure to their hips and shoulders. It is best for people with sciatica to get a bed that provides cushioning around the sciatic nerve."
The takeaway.
A good night's sleep is the foundation of great health. Although you'll want to determine the underlying cause of any chronic pain, having a supportive mattress can help offer relief and promote a more restful recovery. When shopping for the best mattress for chronic pain, be sure to consider firmness level, warranty, price, reviews, and expert input. To make your sleep environment even more inviting, check out these best pillows for neck pain.
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