Most of us have experienced back pain caused by a herniated disc at some point in our lives. It becomes more frustrating when you turn and toss on the bed but can not find any comfortable position. Some people may suffer from bulged or slipped disc issues because of sleeping on the wrong bed. Fortunately, a perfectly chosen mattress with the right comfort and support can alleviate the pain. In this article, I will help you find the best mattress for herniated disc that will relieve your pressure and make you feel a lot better.
Table of Contents
Types of disc herniation
Contained herniation
If the unusual pressure between two vertebrae causes the disc to bulge outward, it causes herniation. We call it contained herniation, protrusion, or bulging disc. The pressure by the vertebrae will compress the disc. The resultant compressed disc will put pressure on nerves and will create discomfort. Usually, contained herniation will cause mild back pain. Thus we often overlook the pain caused by the building disc.
Non-contained herniation
A non-contained herniation is also called disc extrusion. In this situation, the disc nucleus breaks through the annulus because of the extreme pressure of the vertebrae. The nervous system is affected and compressed more, resulting in severe back pain. Sometimes the spinal cord and nerve roots are affected by disc extrusion. It may cause numbness and loss of sensation in the back.
Sequestered herniation
If the non-contained herniation remains untreated for a long time, it may be more difficult. Then we call it sequestered herniation. It can occur when the disc nucleus breaks and comes out through the disc’s exterior. The nucleus and disc material may migrate from their original position due to the continuous rapture and enter the spinal cord canal. This situation may cause reduced mobility of the spinal cord and unbearable pain.
Why do you need the best mattress for herniated disc?
Whether suffering from any medical issues or not, we all require a scientific mattress that suits our body perfectly and ensures enough comfort for a goodnight’s sleep. However, if you are a person with disc herniation or spinal problems, then sleeping on a special mattress can make you feel better and improve the condition of your spine. Similar to how you need the mattress for hypermobility you need a specialized mattress.
Disc herniation is caused by repeated stress on the vertebrae. If you want to heal the disc and want it to get back to its previous condition, you have to take enough rest so that your body and spine can heal naturally. A good quality soft mattress is neither too soft nor too firm. It is going to push your body so that the organs come back to their original position after you take a rest.
The best mattress for herniated disc can also cushion the pressure points. The amount of support of the mattress has to be well balanced. Thus, the softness and firmness of the mattress will balance one another. Therefore, when you lie down, you will neither feel the bed too firm nor too soft that you sink in the bed. A good mattress will give you a feel of something in between.
Top 7 best mattress for herniated disc
Sweetnight Gel-infused mattress
Specification
- Size: Queen
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Firmness: Medium firm
- Color: Grey
- Model: SN-M001-12-Q
- Weight: 82.23 lbs
- Construction: Gel-infused memory foam
Key features
The Sweetnight foam mattress is flippable. You can sleep on both sides of the mattress, which provides a different firmness. It is like enjoying two mattresses at the cost of one. The top layer is gel-infused foam to keep your body cool and balanced. The pressure points will relax and come to the natural position when sleeping on the top. The bottom is made of high-density foam to provide firmness and enhanced durability.
The mattress is constructed with 4 different layers and 3 different zones. Also, all these mechanisms ensure a perfect adaptation of the human body of any size. The ultimate result is a comfortable and relaxing sleep.
Because of the balanced support of the mattress, you will get rid of motion disturbance. Therefore, your shoulder, hip, chest, and feet will be relieved from pressure on this best mattress for herniated disc.
Advantages
- It is a gel-infused mattress. Therefore, it has better airflow and comfort added by an enhanced bouncing effect.
- You can flip it and enjoy sleeping on the other side with a different firmness.
- This mattress has 4 different layers and 3 zones to help persons with back pain.
- With motion isolation, you will better sleep even if your partner moves.
Serta Gel-infused Mattress
Specifications
- Color: blue
- Size: Queen
- Thickness: 9 inches
- Firmness: Medium firm
- Construction: Gel memory foam
- Model: Sheepless night
- Free trial: 100 nights
Features
The top of the mattress is made of 2 inches of gel-infused foam for increased comfort. Because of the specially designed comfort layer, you’ll feel cool throughout the night.
The support layer of this unit is made out of foam instead of a coil. Therefore, you’ll feel firm and stable while sleeping on it. Whatever the sleep position is, you’ll get consistent support throughout the night, which is important for relaxing your spine and muscle.
Moreover, it is a USA assembled mattress, provides a free trial for a sufficient time. Therefore, if you have any doubts, you can use it for up to 100 nights and check whether you are getting good results on this best mattress for herniated disc.
Advantages
- It comes with a 100-night free trial.
- You can use it and pay after making sure it works with your back pain.
- The gel memory foam is better for air circulation.
- The mattress core is made of foam that provides better support.
- It has better and more compact packaging.
Avenco King 10 Inches mattress
Specifications
- Size: King
- Thickness: 10 inches
- Color: Black and white
- Model: Silence10in
- Construction: Memory foam
- Weight: 76 lbs ( 10 inches, King)
- Firmness: Medium
- Free trial: 100 nights
Features
Avenco foam mattress is another great choice for persons with trouble with their spine. It has a unique design that will provide the sleepers with a perfect balance between softness and support. The foam quality of this best mattress for herniated disc is better than ordinary memory foam. Therefore, you will not sink due to enough support, and your body will get natural pressure relief.
The premium Avenco mattress is constructed with 4 different layers of foam. The comfort layer is made of gel-infused foam that enhances the breathability and airflow of the mattress. The other layers include pure memory foam for comfort and double-layer high-density foam for support enhancement and pressure relief.
Overall, the high-density foam and multi-layer structure are good for better resilience and stronger support for your back, spine, neck, and hip. You will enjoy a mattress that provides evenly support, relaxation, and comfort and absorbs your stress and fatigue.
Advantages
- It will allow your free trial for 100 nights.
- Avenco has four different layers of foams with different utility and benefits.
- The mattress is fireproof. It has Oeko-TEX approval as well.
- The high-density foam gives better resilience.
- It will fit the body curves and enhance relaxation.
Rivet Pressure Relief Mattress
Specifications
- Color: Gray
- Size: Queen
- Thickness: 10 inches
- Weight: 66 lbs
- Firmness: Medium
- Construction: Memory foam
Features
Rivet pressure relief foam mattress is specially designed for persons suffering from disc herniation problems. The Celliant technology is one of the key features of this best mattress for herniated disc. Because of this technology, the mattress will respond to your body shape as you lie on the bed. Responsiveness of the mattress is important for relaxation and pressure point relief.
The cover of this Rivet mattress is made of a patented fabric that has a mineral blend in it. You will enjoy an increased oxygen supply throughout your body cell when sleeping. Thus, your overnight recovery will be enhanced, and you will have a fresh and energetic day.
The upper conform layer of this unit is made of latex foam that creates an instant response for your spine. The inner support layer is made of cushioning foam. The support layer consists of durable foam that enhances the life of the mattress.
Advantages
- It is a USA-made CertiPUR US-certified mattress.
- Patented technology ensures better oxygen supply and temperature regulation.
- 3 different layers of foam work combinedly for better sleep quality and overnight recovery.
- It is compatible with bed frame, platform, and mattress foundation.
Zinus Green Tea Infused Mattress
Specification
- Color: White
- Size: Queen
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Construction: Memory Foam
- Weight: 62.5 lbs
- Firmness: Medium
Feature
Zinus green tea-infused foam mattress is a great choice for back pain relief. In addition to a relaxing sleep, green tea will absorb the bad odor and bacteria. Therefore, the mattress will be fresh for a longer time. The specialty of this Zinus mattress is the foam formulation recipe. The manufacturer calls it ActivCharcoal infusion. The result of the formulation allows the mattress to cradle the shape of our body. Thus, we wake up in the morning without aches and pains in the spine.
The mattress is constructed with 3 different layers: the upper layer of conforming foam. The mid-layer is a thin, soft comfort layer. The final layer is a high-density support layer. All these internal designs of the mattress make it a good choice for side sleepers.
The base foam, comfort foam, and tea-infused foam of the mattress will make you fresh, absorb the body’s curves, soothe the aches and give the mattress enough support to make it durable.
Advantages
- The green tea infusion technology is great for freshness and bad smell absorption.
- Zinus is one of the few mattresses in the market that can automatically kill the inside bacteria.
- The ActivCharcoal technology will hinder the moisture from making the mattress damp.
- CertiPUR US-certified foam makes the sink of your body just perfect.
Novilla Gel Infused Foam Mattress
Specification
- Color: Gray
- Size: Queen
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Firmness: Medium
- Model: NV0M801-12-Q
- Weight: 31.75 lbs
- Construction: Gel infused memory foam
Features
Novilla gel memory foam mattress is one of the top choices for persons with disc herniation. It has 4 different layers of foam to ensure comfort and body weight distribution. The mattress is designed so that it will adapt its shape according to your body. Thus, your body gets the right amount of support for the perfect alignment of the spine.
The upper layer of the mattress is made of gel infused foam which is good for providing you with enough comfort. A layer of comfort foam under the top layer ensures airflow. The other two layers are high-density foam for air circulation, support, and durability enhancement.
Apart from all these, this Novilla mattress is specially designed for better airflow to keep you cool while sleeping on it. The inside foam resembles an egg crate that passes air throughout the mattress. On top of that, the mattress’s cover is made of Bamboo fabric. This best mattress for herniated disc increases breathability by at least 30% more than usual.
Advantages
- Novilla comes with a 100-day free trial.
- It is one of the best low-budget options for persons with disc herniation problems.
- The airflow and breathability of the mattress are better.
- It has a lot of size options to choose from.
- It is flippable. Therefore, you can use both sides for varying firmness.
Sleep Innovations Marley Cooling Gel Mattress
Specifications
- Color: White
- Size: Queen
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Model: Marley Cooking Gel
- Construction: Memory foam
- Weight: 66.6 lbs
- Firmness: Medium firm
Features
Sleep Innovation Marley Cooling gel memory foam mattress is an excellent choice for sleepers who want to relieve their pressure points to get rid of the pain caused by the herniated disc. The mattress combines the top layer made of gel foam and center layers for support enhancement. The combined mechanism will help your pressure points relieve the stress and relax the muscle.
The mattress consists of three different layers. The surface layer is a gel memory foam covering that ensures a cooling effect all night and cradles your body. The mid-layer has air channels that boost ventilation and breathability by supplying coolness to the top layer. At the bottom, there is the support layer that ensures the sturdiness of the best mattress for herniated disc and enhances its durability.
This mattress is good for sleepers of any position. Side sleepers, back or stomach sleepers can get almost equal results from it because of the motion isolation and edge support quality.
Advantages
- It is a budget-friendly mattress.
- This Sleep innovation mattress is CertiPur USA certified.
- It is made in the USA and Mexico. You can expect that all the quality and safety standards are maintained.
- The foam, mattress cover, and pillows are healthy and hypoallergenic.
Best sleeping position on the best mattress for herniated disc
A slipped disc is a similar term for disc herniation. When the discs between the vertebrae are pushed out of place, we call it a slipped disc. Although discs never completely slip from their position. Disc herniation can happen anywhere on your vertebral column. Therefore, the best sleeping position can be different for different individuals. Whatever your preferred sleeping potion is, a rightly chosen best mattress for herniated disc can help you relieve your back or neck pain.
Sleeping on the back
If you want to keep your neck and spine straight, sleeping on the back is the best option. It is the position that the doctors suggest for patients suffering from herniated disc pain. Sleeping in this position will release the pressure on the vertebrae by equally distributing the body weight.
Sleeping on the back is the most comfortable position for persons with a herniated disc. Putting a pillow under the knee can enhance comfort. It will give you a natural curve in your body. Thus, you will feel relaxed, and your condition will get better.
Side sleeping
Side sleeping is a good way of sleeping for persons with herniated disc pain in the lumbar area. However, it may worsen your situation if the mattress is not rightly chosen. To keep your body untwisted at night, you may place a pillow between the knees. Using a cervical pillow while sleeping is also a good idea. It will keep your spine upright whether or not you have disc herniation near the neck area.
However, you should sleep on both sides alternately. Sleeping on any particular side for a long time may cause muscle imbalance.
Stomach sleeping
Stomach sleeping is not suitable for your health whether or not you are suffering from disc herniation. This sleep position forces our hips downward. Thus, your back will take the shape of an arc, worsening your pain. A stomach sleeper with pain in the lower back can feel comfortable placing a pillow under the pelvis. It will lower the pressure from the lower back and ultimately relieve the pain.
Considerations when buying the best mattress for herniated disc
Type of mattress
When best mattress for herniated disc choosing for a person with a slipped disc, the mattress type will be a vital consideration. We have several types of options in hand, such as memory foam, latex, innerspring or coil, latex, adjustable bed, and hybrid mattress.
A memory foam mattress is a better option for persons with bulged discs. The shape of the mattress is retained even after putting pressure on it. Therefore, we name this ‘memory’ foam mattress. They are soft enough to be comfortable and give enough support to the body. These mattresses are also reputed for their durability. However, you have to buy it from a known brand to ensure its quality.
Innerspring or coil mattresses are the oldest mattress type. Over time, we have seen improvement in this kind of mattress because of improved technology. They are suitable for persons who love more bounce and airflow. Innerspring mattresses have individually wrapped coils. However, an innerspring mattress is not good for maintaining proper spinal alignment as it can not hold your body in a neutral position. The durability is also not as good as the memory foam mattresses.
A hybrid mattress that has a top layer consisting of foam and an inner layer of innerspring can also be a good option for persons with herniated discs. They are more bouncy than a foam mattress and hence more comfortable for many of us.
The latex foam mattresses are not a good option for persons with back pain. These mattresses cannot conform to our body shape due to their firmness. They will produce more bounce which is not good for persons with back issues.
Free trial
If you are too confused, it is better to opt for a mattress with a free trial facility. A few mattress manufacturers offer free trials for as many as 365 days. They will deliver the mattress to the doorstep free of cost. After using the mattress for a while, you can only purchase it if you feel comfortable. However, check whether the return policy includes a pick-up person who will wrap the mattress carry by himself. Otherwise, it will be quite difficult for you to ship the heavy and bulky mattress.
Price
If you are hurting from a herniated disc or other back problems, you should spend more money than your budget. Mattresses that cost below $300 will not be suitable for you. If you are on a budget, spend around $400 to 500 and get a budget-friendly memory foam mattress. However, you will have to spend more than a thousand bucks for luxurious memory foam or hybrid mattresses. These best mattress for herniated disc will give you a proper combination of support and softness.
Comfort
Comfort is a common consideration when we choose any kind of mattress. The memory foam mattress is the most suitable mattress for bulged disc patients. These mattresses are soft and provide you with the right amount of support. But they will trap heat and warm you when you sleep for a couple of hours. It may not be a good experience for some of us. There are foam mattresses with the advanced technology with a coiling system inside the foam. They are better for heat circulation and will provide more comfort with an improved bouncing effect.
Mattress size and thickness
This is completely an individual preference. A King or California King mattress is preferable if you have a partner. Although a Queen mattress may also be sufficient for persons who are not sleeping alone. If you are single, then smaller mattresses can be the option for you. Still, I would recommend having at least a Queen mattress to have some space for occasional guests.
For proper comfort and support, the thickness of the mattress for herniated disc should be at least 9-10 inches. If the mattress you have shortlisted has a 12 inches variation, it will be a preferred option.
Support and pressure relief
Your best mattress for herniated disc should provide you with balanced support and pressure relief whether or not you are having an issue with your back. It can not be too soft, which will sink a part of the spine and worsen the problem. The bottom line is that our body’s pressure points need to be relaxed. Therefore, the mattress’s support should facilitate the pressure points to relieve stress and pressure to get rejuvenated.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What are the causes of disc herniation?
The most frequent cause of disc herniation is degeneration. It is a process of weakening the discs of the vertebral spine over time by wear and tear. The vertebral column absorbs the shock caused by our daily activities such as walking, running, bending, etc. Our natural daily activities will weaken the outer layer of the vertebral disc over time. When the jelly-like substances inside the disc are pushed outside due to repeated wear, it causes bulging.
A sudden injury or accident can also cause disc herniation. Too much strain on the disc due to an accident may also herniate the disc. Apart from an injury, your disc can get bulged if you repeatedly improperly lift heavy objects. As such you need the best mattress for herniated disc.
How to understand whether my mattress is making my slipped disc problem worse?
Sometimes it is difficult to identify the reason for the disc herniation issues. If you doubt that the mattress is causing the problem, then there is a trick. If the mattress is causing you a problem, you will feel soreness or stiffness in your spine when you wake up in the morning. The pain will start to subside as the day goes on, or you stretch a little bit. Apart from this, if you turn and toss a lot at night and have problems sleeping, it is also an indicator that your mattress is troubling you. As such you need the best mattress for herniated disc.
Can a bad mattress cause bulged disc issues?
Although disc degeneration, bulging, and herniation can be caused by many reasons, sleeping on the wrong mattress can also cause the problem. A mattress with more than 7-8 years usually tends to wear out. They will create sag and uneven surfaces that can cause our muscles and spinal alignment problems. On top of that, if the mattress is too soft or hard, the body will not be in proper shape when we are sleeping. Thus, the spine will get bent, and it will put pressure on the vertebra causing harm to the disc. Therefore, change the mattress if you feel the bed is eating you up or you’re sinking in the bed.
What are the symptoms of disc herniation?
There are a number of symptoms of a slipped disc. When the muscle and nerves are affected by the unusual pressure put by the disc, then any or all of the ensuing symptoms may arise. The symptoms include pain after standing or sitting for a long time, pain in the hand or leg, numbness to a particular part of the spine, muscle weakness, pain after walking, bad feeling, aching in the affected area, and feeling better after taking a good night’s sleep.
Do memory foam mattresses make the best mattress herniated disc?
A memory foam mattress is the best mattress for persons with slipped disc problems. This type of mattress has the most balance between softness and support. They are also good at conforming your body to give the pressure points a natural position. Thus, your muscle and spine can rest at night and get maximum relaxation.
However, foam can create heating issues. Therefore, modem foam mattresses have a comfort layer infused with gel or other materials that enhance the mattress’s breathability.
For the best fit, you might need to cut the memory foam mattress and build a memory foam mattress foundation.
Should the best mattress for herniated disc be firm
No, the firmness of the mattress is bad for back pain. A firm mattress will not allow the muscle and vertebral column to rest in their natural position. A hard and firm mattress will push the body upward. Thus, it will create a curve and worsen your disc herniation issues. On the other hand, if the mattress is too soft, you will feel sunk. It is also not good for your body and spine. A mattress that just cradles you with a balanced softness and firmness is the best for everyone.
Conclusion
Herniated disk problem is so prevalent worldwide that thousands of people are suffering from mild to acute back pain due to it. The mattress we have suggested will soothe the pain but will not completely heal if you do not take action for the root cause of the pain. Therefore, try to find out why you have bulging disc issues and then purchase the best mattress for herniated disc for pain alleviation. That’s the right way of taking care of the vertebral column and spine.
