The Best Mattress for Scoliosis

Mattresses that provide adequate support for various sleeping positions such as side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers are essential for scoliosis sufferers to sleep well.

For this reason, selecting the best mattress for scoliosis is crucial to sleeping comfortably.

Individuals can try sleeping on several different types of mattresses to see which sleeping surface and sleep positions provide optimal support and comfort.

Whether it's memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, or innerspring mattresses, the best mattress for sleeping issues is one that aligns your spine to a neutral sleeping position.

As your certified sleep science coach, we’ve outlined the key features to look for in the best mattress for reducing scoliosis pain.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition that affects the spine. This means that someone with scoliosis has an abnormal sideways curve to their spine, creating an S or C shape.

The cause of scoliosis isn't known but genetics may play more of a role than environmental factors.

Types of Scoliosis

• Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis - This is a disorder of the spine characterized by a lateral curvature in most cases, but it can also include a rotation or an abnormal height of the vertebrae. 
• Congenital Scoliosis - Congenital scoliosis results from a congenital disorder such as spina bifida, spinal cord tumor or trauma, neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy, or a tethered spinal cord.
• Infantile Scoliosis - Infantile scoliosis is much rarer than adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and results from a specific condition that affects the shape of the spine in infancy.
• Juvenile Scoliosis - This is a lateral curvature of the spine in children. It is most commonly caused by neuromuscular conditions such as juvenile idiopathic scoliosis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

• Back pain
• Chest pain and/or shortness of breath
• Headache
• Neck pain
• A rotated spine
• Raised shoulder blade
• Hips that are uneven
• Difficulties standing up straight
• A noticeable bump in the back
• Scoliosis affect sleep

Benefits of a Good Mattress for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a complex medical condition that can affect people in many ways, both mentally and physically. Luckily it is treatable.

If you are diagnosed with scoliosis, there are plenty of things you can do to stay healthy while living with the condition.

As far as treatment options for this disorder go, one way that helps alleviate pain is by providing a mattress surface that provides proper lumbar, thoracic, and cervical support.

Choosing the best mattresses for scoliosis can help reduce shoulder pain and back pain, ease tension in the shoulder blades, promote spinal alignment, relieve pressure points, and discomfort that would otherwise be present.

With a medium-firm yet supportive mattress and adjusting your sleep position, sleepers with scoliosis will be able to develop good sleep habits and get a good night’s sleep.

Features of a Best Mattress for Scoliosis

Mattress Type

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all mattress type. There are mattresses out there that might work better than others for scoliosis sufferers.

The best mattress type depends on the individual, but those with scoliosis may want to opt for an air mattress or memory foam mattress. We've outlined the best mattresses for you to consider:

Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress is a combination of two or more types of mattress, resulting in the best reliability and comfort.

For instance, some hybrid mattresses have an innerspring pocketed coil support core with memory foam on top and are excellent mattresses for back pain.

Most hybrid mattresses fall into this category due to their unique features and benefits.

Innerspring Mattress

Innerspring mattresses are the most common type of mattress. They consist of a core spring unit with layers of cushioning materials, including padding or fiber batting.

The number of pocketed coils inside an innerspring mattress is one indicator of its quality. The more coils there are, the firmer and more durable the mattress will be.

Innerspring mattresses come in a standard coil style, which is divided into different grades based on their height.

Latex Mattress

A latex mattress is one of the most durable types of mattress. They are naturally anti-allergenic, resistant to mildew and dust mites, and provide great support for those who sleep on their sides or use a firm or medium-firm mattress.

They also tend to be cooler than other types of mattresses due to their contouring properties, making them ideal for hot sleepers.

Airbed Mattress

Those suffering from back pain caused by scoliosis typically find relief with an air mattress, because the air coils distribute weight equally for proper posture.

Air mattresses are also adjustable to ensure optimal comfort and support, allowing users to adjust the firmness or softness depending on what they need at that moment. They can be deflated and rolled up for easy transport and storage.

Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses change their shape and size based on the heat and weight of the individual's body, ensuring that no pressure is applied in any one place.

A memory foam mattress is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from back pain because they provide proper spinal alignment and pressure relief.

For these reasons, people with scoliosis should find the best memory foam mattress that will keep them comfortable and pain-free regardless of their sleeping position, or how they sit throughout the day.

Best Sleeping Position Scoliosis Sufferers

The scoliosis curve that causes someone's spine to become misaligned can be exacerbated by sleeping in the wrong sleeping positions. Are you side sleepers? Stomach sleepers? Back sleepers?

The best sleep position for someone with back curvature is sleeping on your side, in the fetal position. Commonly referred to as side sleepers. This prevents any unnecessary stress on the spine and helps keep it straight.

It also has the added benefit of reducing lower back pain by helping cut down pressure points that leads to nerve pain.

If you are stomach sleepers or back sleepers you may want to consider switching your sleep position.

Back Sleepers

Sleeping on your back can be even worse for scoliosis sufferers because it gives you no support and actually encourages curving outwards.

Side Sleepers

Sleeping on your side while curving towards the midline of your body can put unnecessary stress on the spine and worsen the pain. This is because this puts pressure on the spine, which is already misaligned.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping involves sleeping flat on your stomach. Stomach sleeping puts pressure on your lower back and pushes the curve in your spine.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers are people who tend to switch between sleeping on their side or stomach sleeping throughout the night.

This combination of positions places unique stresses on the body, which may cause combination sleepers back pain if they do not have the right mattress.

At the same time, combination sleepers who suffer from scoliosis may be more likely to feel back pain and stiffness if they sleep on a poor mattress.

Those combination sleepers that only shift between sleeping on their side or stomach should look for medium-firm mattresses that are adequate for both positions.

Combination sleepers who tend to flip from their back to their stomach or side throughout the night should look for a new mattress that is medium soft and a medium-firm feel mattress on the other.

Mattress Firmness

People who have scoliosis may find that their back curves more on one side than the other. Therefore you should consider which direction you tend to lean when lying down in bed by taking a quick test before shopping.

If you are leaning on your back, then on a firmness scale you are likely to need a softer mattress or medium-soft with less support or firmness.

If you are leaning more towards one hip, then you should consider a medium-firm mattress a firmer all-foam mattress, or a hybrid mattress with maximum support.

For the best mattress for scoliosis, look for a mattress that offers high levels of support in your lower lumbar area, to minimize lower back pain, due to the curvature of the spine.

Pressure Relief

The pressure-relieving properties of memory foam are what make it an ideal choice for people who suffer from scoliosis because its viscoelasticity allows pressure to be distributed evenly across its surface, eliminating pressure points and pressure relief problems.

Pressure points form where your pressure is concentrated, such as pressure relief lines along the spine or heavy pressure concentrations on hips and shoulders.

Memory foam helps relieve pressure points by retaining its rigidity under pressure rather than requiring support from other high-density support foam like traditional mattresses.

This prevents pressure points from forming, allowing you to get pressure point relief.

Contouring

A contoured mattress will help ease pressure points, offering welcomed pressure relief. This also helps enhance blood flow, keeping the spine healthy and nourished throughout the night. 

Contoured beds mold to the curves of the back with a comfort layer or zoned support system, thus reducing the risk of developing muscle stiffness, making them an ideal scoliosis mattress.

Edge Support

Having edge support is especially important for those with scoliosis as they need to have a mattress that provides edge support and proper spinal alignment, which can help with the pain of the disorder.

There are many mattresses on the market that provide edge support and relief for those who suffer from scoliosis.

Temperature Regulation

Some mattresses can trap or retain body heat, which can irritate your skin and affect the overall comfort of hot sleepers.

If you find that you begin to sweat during the night, then you definitely need a mattress with temperature neutrality.

To determine the level of temperature neutrality, put your hand between yourself and the mattress. If it is very hot, then you need a new mattress that dissipates heat more effectively.

One of the top benefits gel memory foam has over other mattress types is that it can offer a cooler sleeping surface during the night.

You should also consider gel memory foam if you have any allergies, as they are hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria, mold, and dust mites.

This type of mattress is ideal for sufferers of scoliosis because of its ability to relieve pain throughout your body while reducing snoring.

However, gel memory foam can be pricier than other types of memory foam mattresses, so you should shop around to find the best deal. 

Ease of Movement

The main thing to avoid is overly supporting one side of your body without taking into consideration the other.

Memory foam mattresses are one of the best mattress options for scoliosis pain relief, making them ideal for people with physical disabilities and back injuries, as well as people suffering from arthritis or sciatica.

The best memory foam mattress can also ease the frustration of getting up in the morning due to stiffness caused by sitting or lying down too long.

A memory foam mattress eases these problems by making sleep comfortable and less difficult to start your day.

The Right Pillow

A good pillow is essential to compliment the right mattress for scoliosis. The wrong pillow can lead the spine into an incorrect position, causing discomfort during the night and worsening scoliosis.

The combination of the right mattress and the correct sleep position is the best way to ensure the condition is not worsened during sleep.

Some mattresses throw in free pillows to compliment the mattress for scoliosis.

Shipping and Delivery

Keep in mind where the mattress will be delivered and how long it will take. Some firms offer free delivery within the United States; others charge a fee for delivery. Make sure you understand what is included in the delivery price before making a purchase.

Only a few mattress firms will come to your home, deliver the mattress, or set it up in your bedroom and assemble it.

Trials, Returns, and Warranty

Since you are purchasing a mattress without ever having tested it, it's crucial to go with a trustworthy brand that gives a lengthy sleep trial.

The length of time for a sleep trial varies greatly, ranging from 90 days to 365 days. It's typical that you can't begin the return or refund procedure until 90 days have passed since purchasing a mattress.

Mattresses are covered by a guarantee, which is usually good for ten years. While this varies from product to product, the average warranty period is about 10 years, with some lasting less time.

Price

While an $800 mattress may be accessible, it will not be of high quality. If you have scoliosis or other back problems, it's worth paying a little extra for the best mattress that provides good support and pressure relief.

A mid-range high-quality queen-size memory foam mattress costs between $1,000 and $1,500. A premium memory foam or hybrid mattress will set you back anything from $2,000 to $4,500.