Best Mattress for Sciatica – Top 10 Picks for the UK Sleepers
Our top picks
We have selected some of the best mattresses on the market for sciatica pain. They will all reflect the key features we have previously discussed. Each product comes from a reputable brand that has been tried and tested. There is something to suit everyone, depending on sleeping style, firmness preference, along with any additional factors.
Mattresses
1
Best Overall
Mattresses
2
Best Memory Faom
Mattresses
3
Best for Hip Pain
Mattresses
4
Best for Couples
Mattresses
5
Simba Hybrid
Mattresses
6
Best Spring
Mattresses
7
Best Cooling
Mattresses
8
Best Soft
Mattresses
9
Best Hypoallergenic
Mattresses
10
Best Support
Best Overall: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
For our number one pick, we had to go with the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, as it could potentially be the last mattress you'll ever need!
Best Overall
What makes the Nectar Memory Foam mattress so great is that you get all the benefits of high-quality memory foam. The pressure-relief, the comfort, and the motion isolation! However, thanks to the smart design, you don't get all the downfalls of memory foam.
For one, the quilted cover is both nice to your skin and provides some much-needed breathability. Both of these facts should be music to your ears if you have sciatica. And the zoned support base offers a touch of firmness around your joints and hip.
Plus, this is a mattress that's going to stick around! Not only is it made from high-quality materials but Nectar also offers a lifetime warranty! This is why we have crowned the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress as the very best for sleepers with sciatica.
Click here to read our full review of the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Firmness: 6.5/10
- Pressure relief: 8/10
- Material: Polypropylene
- Cover: Polyester
- Fill: Memory foam
- Depth: 25 cm
- Trial: 365 nights
- Warranty: Forever
Advantages
Minimised motion transfer
The high-quality foam prevents motion transfer.
Good for pain treatment
Memory foam is loved for its pressure relief abilities.
Forever warranty
This could potentially be your forever mattress.
Disadvantages
No side handles
Rotating the mattress is a bit more difficult.
Slight off-gassing
Some off-gassing is likely to occur the first night.
Best Memory Faom: Emma Original Mattress
If you love memory foam and the pressure relief it offers more than anything, the Emma Original Mattress is perfect for you!
Best Memory Faom
The Emma Original Mattress is relatively simple in design but an absolute winner in terms of results. In fact, it has won multiple awards over the years, including our own award for the best memory foam mattress!
And that's because it offers top-tier value. It contains three foam layers: one for temperature regulation, one for support, and one for zoned comfort. This three piece combination results in an incredibly comfortable sleeping surface as well as all the pressure relief and motion isolation you could ever need.
The mattress also features an easy-to-remove, washable cover as well as some nice extra perks, like a 200-night trial. So, beyond just being an incredibly well-made memory foam mattress, the Emma Original Mattress is also a bargain all around!
To learn more, read our full review of the Emma Original Mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Firmness: 6/10
- Pressure relief: 7/10
- Material: Polyester
- Cover: Polyester
- Fill: Memory foam
- Depth: 25 cm
- Trial: 200-night trial
- Warranty: 10 years
Advantages
Excellent motion isolation
A must-have feature for couples sharing a bed.
Surprisingly supportive
The mattress offers a high level of zoned support.
Removable cover
The cover is removable and machine-washable.
Disadvantages
Not for heavy sleepers
Heavy sleepers can find it too soft to sleep on.
Slight off-gassing
Since this is an all-foam mattress, some off-gassing is bound to happen.
Best for Hip Pain: OTTY Original Hybrid Mattress
If you sleep on your side and have aching hips more often than you'd care to admit, the OTTY Original Hybrid Mattress might just change your life!
Best for Hip Pain
The OTTY Original Hybrid Mattress is our favourite mattress for hip pain as it perfectly balances support and comfort. The top layer of the mattress features high-quality memory foam that will allow your hip to sink, thus keeping your spine alignment healthy.
Plus, the memory foam has been treated to make it cooling. So, even hot sleepers can rest easy.
And underneath the memory foam layer, we can find both support foam and a dedicated pocket spring layer. It's also worth noting that these pocket springs are on the larger side. So, they can provide a lot better tailored support than many other spring mattresses.
And with this balance of firmer support and softer, pressure-relieving memory foam, people with sciatica that also suffer from hip pain have quite a lot to gain!
To learn more, read our full review of the OTTY Original Hybrid Mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: (UK) Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, (EU) Single, Double, King, Emperor
- Firmness: 7/10
- Pressure relief: 7/10
- Material: Memory foam
- Cover: Knitted polyester
- Fill: Blue Gel memory foam
- Depth: 25 cm
- Trial: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Advantages
Supportive
The mattress has supportive foam and extra-tall pocket springs.
Breathable
The memory foam is treated to be more breathable.
Removable cover
The cover is removable and machine-washable.
Disadvantages
Potential durability issues
Some customers have complained about the durability.
Best for Couples: Tempur Original Mattress
Sharing a bed with someone can cause a night of disrupted sleep, but not with this Tempur mattress.
Best for Couples
The Tempur Original mattress and all other Tempur mattresses have been certified by The Space Foundation – hence why it is out of this world – to give you developed technology for a good night's sleep.
This mattress takes into consideration your body temperature, weight and shape. Evenly distributing your weight no matter what position you are in. The mattress will mould to the way you lay without disturbing the other side of the mattress.
This is what makes it so good for couples – especially if one or both parties have sciatica.
It's also a medium firmness mattress, meaning that it will suit most people. And with the cover being completely removable and machine washable, keeping your sleeping surface clean is also made rather simple.
So, if you want to sleep like an astronaut, this is the mattress for you!
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Single, Long Single, Double, King, Super King
- Firmness: 6.5/10
- Pressure relief: 9/10
- Material: Tempur
- Cover: Polyester
- Fill: Tempur foam
- Depth: 21 – 30 cm
- Trial: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Advantages
One sided
No need to flip or turn the mattress.
Durable
The mattress uses high-end materials for better durability.
No motion transfer
The mattress boasts impressive motion isolation.
Disadvantages
Too soft for heavy sleepers
Some heaver sleepers might need a firmer mattress.
Best Hybrid: Simba Hybrid Mattress
If you want both the pressure relief of memory foam and the support of pocket springs, a good hybrid mattress is where you need to look!
Simba Hybrid
Made up of five layers to give you the best night's sleep. From a breathable surface for hot sleepers to a spring comfort layer for support, this mattress combines the best of both worlds.
The base of the Simba Hybrid is high-density and has five different zones to create supportiveness across the whole mattress. And this is something you're going to love if you have sciatica!
The layers of the product all work together to treat you to a comfy sleep, whilst giving you edge-to-edge support. The springs in the mattress may not be full-sized but there are 2500 springs nestled inside. This is the layer that does the work to help with sciatica. It personalises the support depending on your position, by compressing and extending to follow your movement.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: (UK) Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, (EU) Single, Double, Queen
- Firmness: 6.5/10
- Pressure relief: 7.5/10
- Material: Polyester
- Cover: Hard-knitted
- Fill: Aerocoil springs and memory foam
- Depth: 25 cm
- Trial: 200 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Advantages
Carbon Neutral delivery
A big plus for environmentally-conscious sleepers.
Highly supportive
The spring system offers very high support.
Great value
This is one of Simba's cheaper premium mattresses.
Disadvantages
Slight off-gassing
Slight off gassing is possible due to the foam.
A bit of overheating
Not as good at temperature regulation as more expensive models.
Best Spring: Silentnight Eco Comfort Miracoil Luxury Mattress
Spring back to life after getting your hands on this luxury firm mattress!
Best Spring
Possibly the firmest mattress on the list, the Silentnight Eco Comfort offers unparalleled support. And this is especially true if you sleep on your stomach and/or are a larger individual. This is because a firmer mattress will be a lot more effective at keeping your spine straight and joints healthy!
But don't think that you're giving up on comfort, as the eco comfort filling still offers a blissful sleeping experience. Plus, as the name would suggest, it's eco-friendly!
If the structure of this mattress sounds good to you, but it seems too firm, there is always the option of adding a softer mattress topper. The two-month trial period is more than enough time to try the mattress out and see whether it works for you.
If you would like to know more, we suggest you read our full review of the Silentnight Eco Comfort Miracoil Luxury Mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Firmness: 7.5/10
- Pressure relief: 7/10
- Material: Sustainable fibres
- Cover: No
- Fill: Mirapocket springs
- Depth: 24 cm
- Trial: 60 nights
- Warranty: 5 years
Advantages
Hypoallergenic
100% safe for people with allergies.
Eco-friendly
The eco-fibres are sustainable.
Good for back pain
Tailored support makes it a suitable mattress for back pain.
Disadvantages
Quite firm
Lighter side sleepers might need a softer mattress.
Shorter warranty
Most high-end mattresses offer a 10 or 15-year warranty.
Best Cooling: Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress
If you want to ensure that you never wake up covered in sweat again, the Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress is here to help!
Best Cooling
The Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress is like the Simba Hybrid that we've already featured but with a few extra features. For one, it's our all-time favourite mattress when it comes to edge support as the extra spring layer makes the entire sleep surface stable and firm!
And if you share the bed or just like to sleep near the edge of the mattress, this is a huge plus!
But probably an even bigger bonus of the Pro series is that it does away with the original's main downfall- overheating. By using treated Simbatex foam and a natural wool layer, the Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress can keep you cool all night long.
And let's not forget that the extra spring layer, aside from offering edge support, will also do wonders for your hips and joints!
To learn more, read our full review of the Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Double, EU Queen
- Firmness: 7.5/10
- Pressure relief: 8/10
- Material: Simbatex
- Cover: Polyester
- Fill: Memory foam and pocket springs
- Depth: 28cm
- Trial: 200-night
- Warranty: 10-years
Advantages
Breathable
Allows for optimum circulation due to the breathable cover and treated foam.
Extra pocket springs
With up to 5000 pocket springs, this mattress is noticeably more supportive.
Edge support
The mattress doesn't sag along the sides.
Disadvantages
Pricey
More expensive than the base model.
Best Soft: Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress
If you're on the smaller side and/or like to sleep on your side, you deserve a high-quality, soft mattress!
Best Soft
If sleeping on your side tends to trigger your sciatica, the mattress might be too firm for your build. In this case, the Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress should be your go-to option!
It's an all-foam mattress with a surprising level of bounce. This means that it can quickly adapt to your movements without causing any motion transfer. So, if you sleep with a fidgety partner, this is a big plus.
The mattress also features high-end memory foam for added pressure relief. Plus, there is graphite infused into the foam for top-notch cooling!
Lastly, if you're worried about getting your money's worth, this is a very solid option. After all, with a 15-year warranty, it's bound to outlast most other models. Well, except the Nectar memory foam mattress.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hypnia Supreme Memory Mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Firmness: 5.5/10
- Pressure relief: 7/10
- Material: Foam
- Cover: Polyester
- Fill: Memory foam
- Depth: 25cm
- Trial: 200-night
- Warranty: 15-years
Advantages
Breathable
Graphite draws away heat and keeps you cool.
Zero motion transfer
The mattress quickly adapts to your movements.
Durable
This mattress is likely going to stick around for longer than other models.
Disadvantages
Too soft for some
Stomach sleepers will need a firmer mattress or a topper.
Best Hypoallergenic: Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro
Don‘t let allergies get in the way of your dreaming!
Best Hypoallergenic
This isn't just another hybrid mattress, it is a bamboo-infused memory foam mattress with 7-zone pocket springs support. The Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro also has an easy zip-off bamboo cover that can be removed for washing.
So, keeping your mattress clean and fresh is quite easy. Plus, the cover is super soft to the touch. So, it's not like you're giving up on comfort just so that you can have an eco-friendly product – it's just a nice bonus!
This product has a medium firmness, largely due to it being a hybrid mattress. That being said, it still has a bounce to it and some may find themselves sinking into the memory foam mattress too much. Take advantage of the long trial period to find out if it is too soft for you to sleep on.
Check our full review of the Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress for a more in-depth review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: (UK) Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, (EU) Single, Double, King, Emperor
- Firmness: 7/10
- Pressure relief: 8/10
- Material: Bamboo
- Cover: Bamboo yarn
- Fill: Bamboo memory foam, pocket springs
- Depth: 27 cm
- Trial: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Advantages
Breathable
The properties of bamboo make the mattress more breathable.
Hypoallergenic
Bamboo is a hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial and moisture wicking material.
Disadvantages
It might be too firm for some
Smaller individuals might prefer a softer mattress.
Tricky cover
The cover is a bit difficult to put on by yourself.
Best Support: HiGRID Premium Hybrid Mattress
Proper support and pressure relief are essential for dealing with sciatica. And if you want the best support, you should look at the HiGRID Premium Hybrid Mattress.
Best Support
The HiGRID Premium Hybrid Mattress stands out quite a bit due to its unique support system.
Instead of just having memory foam or springs, it utilises a grid-based system that buckles under centralised pressure but remains firm under widespread pressure.
What does this mean in practice? It means that your hips, shoulders and joints get pressure relief while your back and limbs get support! In other words, the best of both worlds.
The grid system also helps crack down on motion transfer and boosts breathability. So, it's quite useful all around. Although said grid also weighs down the mattress, making it quite difficult to move around.
If you want to learn more, read our full review of the HiGRID Premium Hybrid Mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Firmness: 8/10
- Pressure relief: 7/10
- Material: SmartGRID
- Cover: Cotton viscose
- Fill: Memory foam, pocket springs and Japanese-patented SmartGRID technology
- Depth: 25cm
- Trial: 200-night
- Warranty: 10-year
Advantages
Innovative design
The mattress is designed to balance support and pressure relief.
Back support
The mattress helps keep your spine straight and healthy.
Cool
The mattress doesn't cause any overheating.
Disadvantages
Not for everyone
Some side sleepers might find the mattress too firm.
Quite heavy
The mattress is very dense and heavy, making it difficult to move it around.
What is sciatica?
Having this condition means you will experience pain along the sciatic nerve. This is a pain that travels from the lower back, through the hips and down your leg to your toes. It can occur when a herniated disc puts pressure on the nerve and causes irritation, for example, if you are in an awkward position when sleeping.
There are varying types of pain with sciatica, some of which can happen suddenly and can make you extremely uncomfortable at night. It could be a mild ache, tingling, numbness or sharp pain. A good night's sleep is a must, do not let sciatica affect sleep by following pain relief techniques.
What is an ideal sleep position for sciatica?
In most cases, sciatica will go away but if you are needing a quick fix for a comfortable sleep you can put different sleeping positions into practice. Start by focusing on spine alignment so there is not any unnecessary pressure on the lower back.
For side sleepers, you can continue in this position and ensure the affected side is on the top. If this still causes pain, try putting a small pillow between your waist and the mattress so the spine remains straight if there is a gap. It also helps to slightly bend your knees and place a pillow between them, to avoid rotation and to keep in a neutral position. Lastly, when sleeping on your back you should keep your knees elevated and avoid sleeping on your front because it can strain the back.
Before you buy a mattress for sciatica
As a reminder, not everyone is susceptible to sciatica so these products may not be suitable for everyone. Not only do you need to ensure you buy the best mattress for back pain, but you also need to pick the most comfortable one for you. A mattress that is perfect for one person, might be the wrong mattress for someone else. There is a choice of hybrid mattresses, memory foam mattresses to latex mattresses. You can find the best mattresses for bad back pain or hip pain if it is something you want to target without it being a specific health condition.
It is worth noting that the selection of mattresses for sciatica should be purchased with the intention to assist with the pain rather than curing it. If it is a condition that persists, you should seek medical advice.
What to look for when buying the best mattress for sciatica
When choosing the right mattress you will need to consider the type, how firm it is, whether it needs to be hypoallergenic, the maintenance of it and what makes it eco-friendly. These are some of the key mattress features that decipher the best mattresses. Many of these will play a large part in the decision you make as they will have an affect on your sleep, if you suffer from sciatica.
Type of a mattress
Mattresses can be grouped into five main categories: foam, hybrid, innerspring, latex, and airbed.
A memory foam mattress is the type of mattress to look for if you have sciatica, it is high-density and works to mould the mattress to your body throughout the night to give you the support to align your centre. Hybrid mattresses combine springs with layers of foam to provide support whilst contouring your body. A latex mattress works well for easing back pain because this type can adjust to your weight and different sleeping positions.
An innerspring mattress is great for those who are wanting it to support their body weight, however, it is not the best aid for back pain. Airbeds are ideal for occasional use, but they are a softer mattress type, meaning they are not the most supportive choice to use every night.
However, these three mattress types do differ quite a bit. For example, let's compare a memory foam, hybrid, and latex mattress. We can see that the memory foam mattress is the cheapest and has a pretty simple design. For the hybrid, we picked a lower-end model, the Simba Essentials, but we can still see it's a bit more expensive but also has some added features, like extra cooling.
And our latex model, the Dormeo Elite, is far more expensive than the other two models but also features a perfect score in both usability and comfort. So, weigh out your options!
Firmness & pressure relieving
Firmness and pressure relief are very important when it comes to choosing your mattress. You will find one of medium firmness is best. Ideally, the mattress should be firm enough to give you support for your back but not too firm that it restricts any movement.
Look for a mattress that has good pressure relief, reducing tension and strain in the body. The mattress should mould to your body shape, while still holding your weight, to keep your spine aligned. A mattress for back pain should not sink where there are pressure points, rather it should alleviate pressure points.
Hypoallergenic & anti-bacterial
It is always worth checking if the mattress is hypoallergenic, especially if you suffer from any allergies, to avoid reacting to the product you purchase.
Some mattresses can be anti-bacterial due to their material or whether they have been treated beforehand. This is key for the cleanliness of the mattress.
Maintenance
The maintenance of a mattress is a personal preference and depends on how simple you want it to be. Many mattresses come with a removable cover that can easily be put in the wash and cleaned – making it low maintenance to keep it feeling like new. However, other mattresses will have a cover but it cannot be removed, meaning it is harder to clean. It is always recommended to use a mattress protector to keep the product fresh without leaving wear and tear on the mattress. You can simply take off the protector and put it in the washing machine.
Another method of cleaning mattresses is wiping them down with a damp cloth, this is material-dependent. In most cases, the product will specify the maintenance for you.
Eco-friendly
A bonus to any product is knowing it is eco-friendly or how eco-friendly a brand is. This could be through the materials used to form the product, for example, latex or cotton. Another factor to look at is what the brand is doing to stay environmentally friendly. They could be planting trees with every purchase, using recycled materials, becoming carbon neutral, or reducing waste.
Tips for buying and using the best mattress for sciatica
When buying a mattress to help with sciatica, you should consider the key features above. Think about your most common sleeping positions as this can affect the back pain from sciatica. It is not recommended to sleep on your front as this can cause a rotation of the spine. Side sleepers and back sleepers will able to keep their spine aligned, taking pressure off of the lower back. The best sleeping position with sciatica is either on your back or side, depending on whether or not you have the correct supportive mattress.
The most beneficial point would be the firmness of the product which links in with the type of mattress you choose. There are already some types that can be ruled out from the start. Take your sleeping position and work out which mattress type will support and mould around your body the best.
Lastly, think about the maintenance of the mattress, if you are affected by sciatica then you will want a product that is low maintenance. It is best to get one with a cover that can easily be removed so there is no reason to strain your body trying to clean it.
- Are you a front sleeper, back sleeper, or side sleeper?
- Choose between memory foam (high-density, supportive), hybrid (multiple layers), or latex (adaptable to shape and weight).
- Look at the suggested maintenance of the mattress.
The advantages of owning the best mattress for sciatica
The obvious advantage to owning one of the mattresses is that there is the ability to relieve pressure, meaning it will take the strain off of your body. The choices tend to be a slightly firmer mattress which helps provide support, while still remaining comfortable. Not only will they help with sciatica, but they will also help to reduce the chance of suffering from any other back pain or aches in the future. If you are a side sleeper and tend to wake up with any discomfort, a mattress for sciatica is ideal for you because it improves the alignment of your spine and gives you a restful night's sleep.
- Supports any pressure points and disperses your weight
- Reduce the chance of aches, pains and strain in the morning
- Ideal for side and back sleepers
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FAQs about your best mattress for sciatica
What level of a mattress' firmness is best for sciatica?
A medium-firm feel mattress is the best level of firmness. Softer mattresses may not provide enough support and a firmer mattress may not contour to your sleeping position. If you find firm mattresses too dense, there is always the option of adding a mattress topper to make it more comfortable.
Do all types of mattresses work for sciatica pain?
Not all mattresses are suitable. The best type of mattress for sciatica is a hybrid mattress because it will give you comfort and support, as well as some latex and memory foam mattresses. Of course, orthopaedic mattresses help with back pain. More specifically, orthopaedic mattresses are the best mattress for herniated discs.
Are there any mattresses you should avoid if you are suffering from sciatica?
Innerspring mattresses are not recommended to aid sciatica, due to their design not being adaptable to your body shape and weight.
How to cure sciatica?
A new mattress will not cure sciatica but it will assist you with your sleeping position, keeping your spine aligned, to give you long-term relief.
What is the worst sleep position for sleepers with sciatica?
The worst position to sleep in would be on your stomach, this can in fact make the pain worse and put additional strain on your joints.
How to sleep with sciatic nerve pain?
With the right mattress type and an improved way of sleeping, it will relieve your back pain. Invest in a good mattress, take a bath before bed, sleep on your back and seek medical advice if it continues for too long.
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