Consumer Reports: Best Mattresses for Sciatica Relief – Side Sleepers (July 2024)

If you’re a side sleeper battling sciatica, finding the right mattress can be a game-changer. A mattress that’s too firm can put pressure on your sciatic nerve, while one that’s too soft won’t provide enough support. The good news is, there are plenty of excellent mattresses out there that can help alleviate sciatica pain.

Consumer Reports, a trusted source for product reviews, has analyzed a range of mattresses and identified the best choices for side sleepers with sciatica. Their testing considers key factors like pressure relief, spinal alignment, and overall comfort.

This article will delve into the top-rated mattresses from Consumer Reports, highlighting their unique features and how they address the specific needs of side sleepers with sciatica. We’ll also provide insights into mattress types, firmness levels, and other important considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you prefer memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses, we’ll guide you through the best options for a restful night’s sleep, free from sciatica pain.

QUICKLIST TOP 3
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
Saatva Classic		$799.00 at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Purple 4		$6.97 at Amazon	4.4 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Amerisleep AS5		$340.00 at Amazon	4.8 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Nolah Evolution 15		$649.00 at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt		$2,675.00 at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed		$1,899.99 at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
GhostBed Luxe		$1,449.99 at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
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Saatva Classic

$799.00 at Amazon

A premium innerspring mattress that provides a balanced feel and good support.

Specifications :

• Construction: Innerspring with individually wrapped coils and a Euro-top
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
• Price: Starts at $1,199 for a queen size

Reasons to buy :

• Great for back sleepers: Provides excellent support for the spine.
• Durable and long-lasting: Made with high-quality materials.
• Comfortable for side sleepers: The Euro-top adds a layer of plushness.
• Offers a good balance of support and comfort: A good option for those who prefer a firm mattress without sacrificing comfort.

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be too firm for some side sleepers: Those who prefer a very soft mattress may find it too firm.
• Expensive: It is a premium mattress, so it comes with a premium price tag.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You are a back sleeper who wants a supportive mattress.
• You are a side sleeper who prefers a medium-firm mattress.
• You are willing to invest in a high-quality, durable mattress.

Don't buy it if:

• You prefer a very soft mattress.
• You are on a tight budget.

Bottom Line:

The Saatva Classic is a great option for side sleepers who want a supportive and comfortable mattress. It provides excellent back support and a balanced feel. While it is a bit pricey, the high-quality construction and long-lasting durability make it a worthwhile investment. If you are looking for a mattress that can help alleviate sciatica pain, the Saatva Classic is worth considering, especially if you prefer a firmer feel.

Purple 4

$6.97 at Amazon

A unique mattress that features a Purple Grid layer for pressure relief and support.

Specifications :

• Construction: Hybrid with a Purple Grid layer and a supportive base
• Firmness: Medium (4/10)
• Price: Starts at $1,499 for a queen size

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent pressure relief: The Purple Grid conforms to your body and reduces pressure points.
• Good for side sleepers: Provides support for the hips and shoulders.
• Breathable and cool: The open-cell design of the Purple Grid allows for airflow.
• Offers a unique sleep experience: The Purple Grid provides a bouncy and responsive feel.

Reasons to avoid :

• May be too soft for some: The medium firmness may be too soft for those who prefer a firmer mattress.
• Can be noisy: The Purple Grid can create some noise when you move around on the mattress.
• Expensive: It is a premium mattress, so it comes with a premium price tag.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You are a side sleeper who wants a mattress with excellent pressure relief.
• You prefer a medium firmness and a unique sleep experience.
• You sleep hot and want a breathable mattress.

Don't buy it if:

• You prefer a firmer mattress.
• You are on a tight budget.
• You are sensitive to noise.

Bottom Line:

The Purple 4 is a great option for side sleepers who want a mattress with excellent pressure relief. Its unique Purple Grid provides a supportive and responsive feel, while also being breathable and cool. However, it is important to note that the medium firmness may be too soft for some and the Purple Grid can create some noise. If you are looking for a mattress that can help alleviate sciatica pain, the Purple 4 is worth considering, but it may be more suitable for those who prefer a softer feel.

Amerisleep AS5

$340.00 at Amazon

A memory foam mattress that provides pressure relief and a comfortable sleep surface.

Read more on 16 Best Mattress for Sciatica and Back Pain Relief

Specifications :

• Construction: Memory foam with a supportive base layer
• Firmness: Medium (5/10)
• Price: Starts at $1,099 for a queen size

Reasons to buy :

• Great pressure relief: The memory foam conforms to your body and reduces pressure points.
• Comfortable for side sleepers: Provides good support for the hips and shoulders.
• Sleeps cool: The breathable cover and open-cell memory foam help to regulate temperature.
• Affordable: It is a more affordable option compared to some other premium mattresses.

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be too soft for some: The medium firmness may be too soft for those who prefer a firmer mattress.
• Can trap heat: While it is designed to sleep cool, some people may find that it still traps some heat.
• May not be as durable as some other mattresses: Memory foam can sometimes sag over time.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You are a side sleeper who wants a mattress with good pressure relief.
• You prefer a medium firmness and a comfortable sleep surface.
• You want an affordable option with good features.

Don't buy it if:

• You prefer a firmer mattress.
• You are sensitive to heat.
• You are looking for a mattress that will last for a very long time.

Bottom Line:

The Amerisleep AS5 is a good option for side sleepers who want a comfortable and supportive mattress. It offers excellent pressure relief and is designed to sleep cool. While it is not as durable as some other mattresses, it is a great value for the price. If you are looking for a mattress that can help alleviate sciatica pain, the Amerisleep AS5 is worth considering, especially if you prefer a softer feel.

Nolah Evolution 15

$649.00 at Amazon

A hybrid mattress that combines memory foam with a supportive innerspring system.

Specifications :

• Construction: Hybrid with a memory foam comfort layer and a pocketed coil support system
• Firmness: Medium-firm (7/10)
• Price: Starts at $1,299 for a queen size

Reasons to buy :

• Good pressure relief: The memory foam conforms to your body and reduces pressure points.
• Supportive and responsive: The pocketed coil support system provides a bounce and responsiveness.
• Sleeps cool: The breathable cover and airflow channels help to regulate temperature.
• Good for all sleep positions: A versatile mattress that can work for back, side, and stomach sleepers.

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be too firm for some: The medium-firm feel may be too firm for those who prefer a softer mattress.
• May not be as durable as some other mattresses: The memory foam can sometimes sag over time.
• More expensive than some other hybrid mattresses: It is a premium hybrid mattress, so it comes with a higher price tag.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You are a side sleeper who wants a mattress with good pressure relief and support.
• You prefer a medium-firm feel and a breathable mattress.
• You want a versatile mattress that can work for different sleep positions.

Don't buy it if:

• You prefer a softer mattress.
• You are on a tight budget.
• You are looking for a mattress with the longest possible lifespan.

Bottom Line:

The Nolah Evolution 15 is a good option for side sleepers who want a supportive and comfortable mattress. It provides good pressure relief, a responsive feel, and a breathable sleep surface. While it is a bit pricey, the high-quality materials and construction make it a worthwhile investment. If you are looking for a mattress that can help alleviate sciatica pain, the Nolah Evolution 15 is worth considering, especially if you prefer a firmer feel.

Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt

$2,675.00 at Amazon

A memory foam mattress that provides pressure relief and body contouring.

Find more on 22 Best Mattresses for Sciatica Nerve Pain

Specifications :

• Construction: Memory foam with a supportive base layer
• Firmness: Medium (5/10)
• Price: Starts at $2,999 for a queen size

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent pressure relief: The Tempur-Pedic memory foam conforms to your body and reduces pressure points.
• Provides excellent support and comfort: A good option for those who want a mattress that feels like it is hugging them.
• Sleeps cool: The breathable cover and open-cell memory foam help to regulate temperature.
• Durable and long-lasting: Made with high-quality materials.

Reasons to avoid :

• Expensive: It is a premium mattress, so it comes with a premium price tag.
• Can be too soft for some: The medium firmness may be too soft for those who prefer a firmer mattress.
• Can trap heat: While it is designed to sleep cool, some people may find that it still traps some heat.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You are a side sleeper who wants a mattress with excellent pressure relief and body contouring.
• You prefer a medium firmness and a comfortable sleep surface.
• You are willing to invest in a high-quality, durable mattress.

Don't buy it if:

• You prefer a firmer mattress.
• You are on a tight budget.
• You are sensitive to heat.

Bottom Line:

The Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt is a great option for side sleepers who want a mattress with excellent pressure relief and body contouring. It provides a luxurious and comfortable sleep experience, with a good balance of support and softness. While it is a bit pricey, the high-quality construction and long-lasting durability make it a worthwhile investment. If you are looking for a mattress that can help alleviate sciatica pain, the Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt is worth considering, especially if you prefer a softer feel.

Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed

$1,899.99 at Amazon

An adjustable bed that allows you to customize the firmness and support of your sleep surface.

Specifications :

• Construction: Adjustable air chamber system with a foam comfort layer
• Firmness: Adjustable (0-100)
• Price: Starts at $3,999 for a queen size

Reasons to buy :

• Highly customizable: You can adjust the firmness of each side of the bed independently.
• Provides excellent support: The air chamber system allows you to find the perfect level of support for your body.
• Sleeps cool: The breathable cover and air chambers help to regulate temperature.
• Comes with smart features: The Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed has a built-in app that allows you to monitor your sleep and adjust your settings.

Reasons to avoid :

• Expensive: It is a premium adjustable bed, so it comes with a premium price tag.
• Can be noisy: The air chambers can create some noise when you adjust the firmness.
• May not be as comfortable as some other mattresses: Some people find that the air chamber system can feel a bit stiff or bouncy.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You are a side sleeper who wants a mattress that can be customized to your exact needs.
• You want a mattress with excellent support and comfort.
• You are willing to invest in a high-tech adjustable bed.

Don't buy it if:

• You prefer a traditional mattress.
• You are on a tight budget.
• You are sensitive to noise.

Bottom Line:

The Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed is a great option for side sleepers who want a highly customizable mattress. It allows you to adjust the firmness of each side of the bed independently, so you can find the perfect level of support. While it is expensive, the smart features and customizable options make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize a personalized sleep experience. If you are looking for a mattress that can help alleviate sciatica pain, the Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed is worth considering, but it may be more suitable for those who prefer a firmer feel.

GhostBed Luxe

$1,449.99 at Amazon

A memory foam mattress that provides pressure relief, a comfortable sleep surface, and cooling features.

Specifications :

• Construction: Memory foam with a supportive base layer
• Firmness: Medium (5/10)
• Price: Starts at $1,199 for a queen size

Reasons to buy :

• Great pressure relief: The memory foam conforms to your body and reduces pressure points.
• Comfortable for side sleepers: Provides good support for the hips and shoulders.
• Sleeps cool: The breathable cover and gel-infused memory foam help to regulate temperature.
• Affordable: It is a more affordable option compared to some other premium mattresses.

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be too soft for some: The medium firmness may be too soft for those who prefer a firmer mattress.
• Can trap heat: While it is designed to sleep cool, some people may find that it still traps some heat.
• May not be as durable as some other mattresses: Memory foam can sometimes sag over time.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You are a side sleeper who wants a mattress with good pressure relief and a comfortable sleep surface.
• You prefer a medium firmness and a breathable mattress.
• You want an affordable option with good features.

Don't buy it if:

• You prefer a firmer mattress.
• You are on a tight budget.
• You are looking for a mattress that will last for a very long time.

Bottom Line:

The GhostBed Luxe is a good option for side sleepers who want a comfortable and supportive mattress. It offers excellent pressure relief and is designed to sleep cool. While it is not as durable as some other mattresses, it is a great value for the price. If you are looking for a mattress that can help alleviate sciatica pain, the GhostBed Luxe is worth considering, especially if you prefer a softer feel.

Dive deeper into 28 Best Mattress for Sciatica Back and Leg Pain

Finding the right mattress for sciatica pain can be a game-changer for side sleepers. By carefully considering factors like firmness, support, and pressure relief, you can significantly improve your sleep quality and reduce discomfort. The mattresses we've highlighted in this article offer a blend of these features, designed to alleviate pressure on your lower back and hips while promoting proper spinal alignment.

Dive deeper into Consumer Reports: 15 Best Mattresses for Sciatica Relief

Remember, every body is unique, so finding the perfect mattress may require some trial and error. Consider the specific needs of your sciatica and your preferred sleeping position. Don't hesitate to utilize trial periods offered by many mattress companies to ensure you make the best choice for your individual comfort and pain relief.

Learn more about 25 Best Mattress for Sciatica: Firm or Soft?

Investing in a quality mattress can be a significant investment in your overall health and well-being. A good night's sleep is crucial for managing pain, improving mood, and boosting your energy levels. By choosing a mattress designed for sciatica relief, you can take a proactive step towards a more comfortable and fulfilling life.

Ultimately, the best mattress for sciatica relief is the one that provides you with the most support and comfort. By following the tips and recommendations in this article, you can find a mattress that helps you sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed, free from sciatic pain.