Struggle With Chronic Pain? Sleep Doctors Recommend This Type of Mattress

When chronic pain becomes a constant companion, even the simple act of getting a good night's sleep can feel like a distant dream. In fact, studies have shown a correlation between poor sleep and chronic pain1.

The good news: The right mattress can make a world of difference, offering not just comfort but crucial support to alleviate pain and promote restful slumber.

If you’re navigating the often overwhelming world of mattress shopping with chronic pain in mind, you're not alone.

Here, we tapped sleep doctors and experts to provide you with tips and recommendations to help you find the best mattress for chronic pain that's tailored to your needs, 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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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 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.

It's 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).

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.

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.

Per our experts, the best mattress for chronic sciatica pain is one that is firm—especially in the lower back region.

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.

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. 

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. 

Comparing the best mattresses for chronic pain

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.

How we picked

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.