Best Mattress For Sciatica

Best Mattress For Sciatica

Key Takeaway: What Most People With Sciatica Need in a Mattress

Short answer: The best mattress for sciatica is usually a medium firm orthopaedic mattress.

Why it works: Sciatica sufferers need a balance of pressure relief and spinal support. Pressure relief helps stop the mattress pressing against the sciatic nerve. Support keeps the lower back from twisting out of alignment.

Best material: A hybrid mattress that combines pocket springs with a memory foam comfort layer is often the best option. The springs provide push back support. The foam contours to the hips and reduces nerve pressure.

Ideal sleeping position: Side sleeping with a pillow between your knees. This keeps the hips aligned and takes strain off the lower back.

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What to Avoid

Very soft mattresses that cause hammocking, where the hips sink too far, and very hard mattresses that increase pressure on the hips and shoulders.

The Detailed Answer

Enduring pain throughout the day can be trying, whether you're engaged in work, looking after the kids, or just going about your daily routine.

However, experiencing pain at night is an added discomfort, and individuals dealing with Sciatica know this better than most, therefore finding the best mattress for sciatica is of the utmost importance. If you're considering upgrading your entire sleep setup, feel free to explore our range of beds to ensure complete comfort and support.

We all know that quality sleep is critical to ensure mood and energy levels. Yet, for those living with the distress of sciatica, achieving restful sleep can be a huge problem — that is why finding the best mattress for sciatica sufferers is important.


Understanding Sciatica

Sciatica is described as an "irritated or compressed sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet". Your bottom, back of your leg, feet or leg can be painful, have a tingling feeling, or you can even be left feeling weak or numb in those areas.

In most cases, these pains will ease eventually. But for some, it may last longer and it can be recurring.

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Did You Know?

The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in your body — running from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg.

Who is at Risk of Sciatica?

Sciatica can happen for many reasons, but the risks are increased if:

You have been previously injured in your lower back or spine
You have a job which requires heavy lifting, or a job involving long periods of sitting and physical inactivity
You have poor posture and form when doing weight and strength training
You suffer from diabetes — diabetes affects the way the body uses blood sugar which increases the risk of nerve damage
Age, obesity and normal wear and tear can also increase your likelihood

You can also develop sciatica during pregnancy as your belly grows and expands. It is most likely to happen in the later stages when your little one can rest their head directly on the nerve to get in position for being born.


Alleviating Sciatic Pain

There are several things you can do to help manage sciatica symptoms:

Keep moving: Go about your normal daily activities! As painful as it can be, it is not harmful to move around as much as you can cope with.
Avoid prolonged sitting: Sitting for long periods can make the effects of sciatica worse.
Exercise regularly: Engage in regular exercises and stretching for sciatica — gentle exercises which get your whole body moving.
Apply heat: Use a heat pack for relief, but avoid hot water bottles as if you have numbness from sciatica, you may burn yourself.
Check your mattress: Ensure you have a supportive and comfortable mattress designed for sciatica sufferers.

Choosing The Best Mattress For Sciatica

As mentioned previously, sciatica can be a recurring ailment, which is the case for a lot of people. In this situation, it is important to have a mattress which relieves that pressure and pain in order for you to have a relaxing and well needed night's sleep!

Those simple things like a comfortable mattress will surely make life that little bit easier. A key consideration is mattress firmness.

Optimal Mattress Firmness for Sciatica

Medium-firm mattresses are recommended for individuals with sciatica. They provide ample spinal support while cushioning pressure points.

The DFI Sanctuary, Hotel Platinum, and Gelflex mattresses have earned a "Medium" firmness rating from our Sleep Experts, rendering them excellent choices for those battling sciatica.


Sanctuary 1200 Orthopaedic Mattress

Top Pick

Balancing orthopaedic support and comfort, the Sanctuary mattress is an ideal match for sciatica sufferers. Hand-tufted for enhanced durability, its 1200 pocket springs individually nest to offer targeted support.

Price Range
€169 - €359
Type
Pocket Sprung Orthopaedic
Sizes
Single to Super King
Firmness
Medium
Firmness Rating
Soft Firm

Why It's Great for Sciatica

  • 1200 pocket springs provide targeted, individual support
  • Orthopaedic design keeps spine aligned and pressure off sciatic nerve
  • Hand-tufted for enhanced durability
  • Soft-touch knitted fabric adds comfort without sacrificing support

Hotel Platinum 1400 Pocket Sprung

Best Value

The award-winning Hotel Platinum Mattress combines a premium spring system with HD Reflex memory foam comfort. Perfect for those with sciatica, it ensures consistent airflow for an optimal sleep environment and delivers a rejuvenating "hotel feel" upon waking.

Price Range
€259 - €479
Type
Pocket Sprung + Memory Foam
Sizes
Single to Super King
Firmness
Medium
Firmness Rating
Soft Firm

Why It's Great for Sciatica

  • 1400 pocket springs for superior weight distribution
  • HD Reflex memory foam cushions pressure points on hips and shoulders
  • Excellent airflow prevents overheating during sleep
  • Award-winning comfort trusted by hotels

Gelflex 3000 Hybrid Pocket Sprung

Premium Choice

For the ultimate comfort and luxury, the Gelflex mattress reigns supreme. Catering to various sleepers and body types, including those grappling with sciatica and other aches, this top-tier mattress features a 3000 Pocket Sprung system with ActiMax and Zero G micro pocket springs.

Price Range
€589 - €729
Type
Hybrid Gel Memory Foam
Sizes
Small Double to Super King
Firmness
Medium
Firmness Rating
Soft Firm

Why It's Great for Sciatica

  • 3000 pocket springs with ActiMax and Zero G micro springs for precision support
  • G5 Comfort Gel technology offers personalised pressure relief
  • Ideal for all body types and sleeping positions
  • Premium materials designed for long-term sciatic pain management

Sciatica & Mattress FAQs

What type of mattress is best for sciatica?

A medium-firm mattress is generally best for sciatica. It provides enough support to keep your spine aligned while cushioning pressure points on your hips and shoulders — reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Should I choose a soft or firm mattress for sciatica?

Neither extreme is ideal. Very soft mattresses cause "hammocking" where your hips sink too deep, twisting your spine. Very firm mattresses create pressure points. A medium-firm mattress offers the best balance of support and pressure relief.

What is the best sleeping position for sciatica?

Side sleeping with a pillow between your knees is often best. This keeps your hips level and reduces strain on the lower back. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to maintain the natural curve of your spine.

Can a mattress cause sciatica?

A mattress cannot directly cause sciatica, but an unsupportive mattress can aggravate symptoms. If your mattress allows your spine to fall out of alignment during sleep, it can increase pressure on the sciatic nerve and worsen pain.

Is memory foam or pocket sprung better for sciatica?

A hybrid mattress combining both is often the best choice. Pocket springs provide structured support and lift, while memory foam contours to your body and relieves pressure on sensitive areas like hips and lower back.

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Brian McCann

Our Managing Director Brian's expertise in crafting comfortable sleep experiences makes him a reliable voice for all things bedding-related. Brian publishes advice and tips on mattresses, beds and the overall sleep experience based on extensive industry experience.

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