The 6 Best Mattresses for Sciatica

Dr. Agarwal selected Saatva’s Classic Mattress as the best overall pick, and for good reason: It’s made with the brand’s signature lumbar support technology, which helps keep the spine in healthy alignment and prevent irritation of the sciatic nerve.

The high-density memory foam also offers pressure-point relief, relieving “pressure on areas such as your hips and pelvis,” Dr. Agarwal says.

While Agarwal recommends a mattress on the firmer side for people with sciatica, you can choose a firmness that meets your sleep needs. Luckily, the Saatva Classic has three levels of firmness: plush soft, luxury firm and firm.

For the value, Nectar’s Memory Foam Mattress is comfortable, supportive and cooling.

Each mattress is crafted with five layers. The first layer is made of a breathable cover to wick away moisture at night, and the second and third layers are made of premium memory foam, which conforms to the natural shape of your spine. The last two layers act as sturdy bases to prevent the mattress from slipping and sliding.

We appreciate that the memory foam is infused with gel, which contours to your body’s folds and reduces motion transfer.

What’s more, you can take advantage of a 365-day home trial. “This allows you to test the kit out and see if it impacts your sciatica,” Dr. Agarwal says.

The Loom & Leaf is another Saatva mattress that promises not to disappoint. The layers are made of memory foam to relieve pressure and offer maximum back support. This also makes it a great mattress for side sleepers.

According to Dr. Agarwal, memory foam is a great option for people with sciatica because it relieves back pain and cushions the hips. It’s also made of breathable gel infusions, keeping you cool throughout the night.

You can choose between relaxed-firm and firm, which is ideal for all sleepers, including back and stomach sleepers.

Beyond being comfy and cooling, the brand is eco-friendly. Each mattress is handmade in the U.S. with organic cotton and hypoallergenic materials. The foam is even CertiPUR-US certified, which means the materials have been externally reviewed and found free of harmful chemicals.

Made of four layers, this hybrid mattress combines memory foam and springs to support your lower back. The memory foam is infused with gel to reduce motion, making it perfect for couples.

If you sleep hot, you’ll appreciate the Tencel outer layer, which allows airflow thanks to its breathable and lightweight composition.

You and your partner can test the waters for 120 days, and if you decide you’re not satisfied, the brand will refund you 100 percent of your money.

“Try WinkBed for an adjustable mattress that allows both you and your partner to get a great night’s sleep,” Dr. Agarwal says.

If you find your spine is sore when you wake up in the morning, you may need a mattress that's a little more supportive. That is where a mattress made with memory foam and coils, like this pick from Nolah, comes in.

The coils, with various thickness and strengths, are placed in certain zones in the mattresses to help provide the ultimate support for your back and hips — i.e., where you need it most with sciatica pain.

Plus, this mattress has a breathable topper and is made with the brand's graphite-infused AirFoamICE, to keep you cool all night long. It also comes with free shipping and a lifetime warranty.

Bear comes highly recommended by Dr. Agarwal for its breathable and cooling mattresses, and the Hybrid Mattress reigns supreme. The top layer is engineered with ice and celliant fibers, wicking away moisture and keeping you dry and cool. The second and third layers are constructed with memory foam that adapts to your unique body shape and various sleeping positions.

The foam received a seal of approval from CertiPUR-US, meaning it's free of harsh chemicals and additives.

Want to test before you try? Bear offers a 120-night risk-free trial, so you can see if it meets your sleeping needs.