Last updated on August 17th, 2019
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Sleepyhood.com is a team of consumer advocates committed to bringing you accurate, non-biased reviews on all sleep products. We have done plenty of research on scoliosis and its effects on sleep. We’ve also spent countless hours reading thousands of reviews on dozens of mattresses and analyzed customer satisfaction insights of verified buyers.
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In a Hurry? Check out the editor’s choice for Best Mattresses for Scoliosis: Purple Queen Mattress
Introduction
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can lead to pain, numbness, inflammation, and other problems that may be worsened by the wrong mattress. Scoliosis usually appears during childhood and worsens during adolescence (10-15 years of age), but the effects of scoliosis may be felt for a lifetime.
While there is no cure for scoliosis, there are things you can do and steps you can take to reduce its severity and lead your life with a minimum of pain. One thing that can have a huge impact on your pain levels and overall quality of life is your mattress. After all, you spend about a third of your life in bed.
Poor sleep quality can affect your health in a variety of ways, so a good mattress is crucial. If you’re in the market for a new mattress and you have scoliosis we want to help you find the best mattress for your condition. Here are our recommendations for the top five best mattresses for scoliosis.
The Best Mattresses for Scoliosis
Purple Queen Mattress
The Original Purple Queen Mattress is a unique break from traditional foam mattresses. It uses a unique cushioning system (they call it the Purple Smart Comfort Grid) with a flexible structure that either supports or folds depending on the amount of pressure delivered, which means each person has a unique experience on this bed. It also has free-flow air channels that prevent the mattress from retaining heat like foam mattresses can do.
The cover on the Original Purple Queen Mattress is flexible, which eliminates the drum-like effect of of taught mattress covers. This mattress provides plenty of support while also being soft enough to cradle your pressure points, although some people can feel (and are bothered by) the Purple Smart Comfort Grid.
Pros
- Mattress stays cool
- Isolates movement so your partner isn’t affected when you move
- Relieves many types of back pain
- Soft, yet supportive
- Naturally antimicrobial
Cons
- Too firm for some
- Tends to develop dips after a few months
- Not ideal for side sleepers
- Anyone needing a supportive mattress
- Sleepers who tend to overheat
- Those wanting an alternative to spring or foam mattresses
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt 12-Inch Firm Cooling Mattress
This Tempur-Pedic model (the TEMPUR-ProAdapt 12-Inch Firm Cooling Foam Mattress) has several different layers to offer you the best in support, comfort, and cooling. The cooling cover is removable and washable, so there’s no need for a mattress pad. The comfort layer allows the bed to mold to your body, while the support layer gives you the firmness you need to support your body without sinking into the mattress.
While the Tempur-Pedic is the most expensive mattress on the list, it should also last the longest. With a 10-year warranty, the Tempur-Pedic should last much longer than other mattresses on this list which are reported to develop divots within one to three years. The higher upfront cost should be worth it if you don’t need to replace it as often as a cheaper mattress.
Pros
- Keeps you cool when you sleep
- Adjusts to your body shape
- Very firm and supportive
- Works with an adjustable base
- Reduces pressure points
Cons
- Higher price point
- Too firm for some people
- Fans of firm mattresses
- Those who tend to overheat at night
- People who are willing to pay for higher quality
Layla Sleep Memory Foam Full Mattress
The Layla Sleep Memory Foam Full Mattress has a proprietary copper infused cooling system to help prevent the overheating that is common with other memory foam mattresses. It’s firm on one side and medium soft on the other so you get the level of firmness you need. This bed also includes a thermogel-infused cover to help keep you cool when you sleep.
The memory foam molds comfortably to your body and limits motion so you aren’t affected by the movement of your partner. A layer of polyfoam under the memory foam means you’ll get great support from this mattress. Since this mattress is less firm than others, it’s best for people who are of light to average body weight.
Pros
- Very soft, great for lighter people
- Cooler than some other memory foam mattresses
- Can be flipped for two different softness levels
- Many people experience reduced pain
- 120-night sleep trial
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some people find even the firm side to be too soft
- The mattress may be difficult to flip by yourself
- Fans of soft or medium firmness
- Light to average weight individuals
- Those who like memory foam mattresses
- Warm or hot sleepers
Nectar Queen Mattress
The Nectar Queen Mattress is a gel memory foam mattress that molds to your body, providing you with cooling comfort. It includes two free pillows and a 180-night trial period so you have plenty of time to decide whether or not the mattress is right for you. It also includes a warranty that’s good for “forever.”
There are some reported problems with the mattress not expanding to the correct thickness and a lingering chemical smell.
Pros
- Firm but comfortable
- 180-night trial period
- Includes two pillows
- “Forever warranty”
Cons
- Too firm for many people
- Some report a lingering chemical odor
- May not expand to the promised size
- Included free pillows are low quality
- Those who like a firm mattress
- People who prefer memory foam
LUCID 10-Inch Latex Foam Mattress
The LUCID 10 Inch Latex Foam Mattress is a cooler option than a traditional memory foam mattress thanks to the latex which is ventilated. It conforms to your body shape while still providing plenty of support. This mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, which means the foam has been independently tested for safety of materials used, physical performance, and environmental stewardship.
It does tend to sag with time, so at this price point, it may be a better option for a guest room than as an everyday mattress unless you just need something to tide you over until you can afford something better.
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive
- Cool thanks to breathable latex instead of foam
- Great for people who like a firm mattress
Cons
- Too firm for many people
- Sags/indents with time
- Doesn’t last more than a couple of years
- People who like a firm mattress
- Those who want a more affordable option
- Hot sleepers
Scoliosis Info & Facts
What Causes Scoliosis?
The human spine has a natural backward and forward curve, but it should be straight when viewed from the front or back. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that may be shaped like either the letter C or the letter S. Slight curvature of the spine is of minimal concern, but a curvature of 10 degrees or more results in a scoliosis diagnosis. Doctors often don’t know what causes scoliosis in patients. When they can determine the cause, it’s often one of the following conditions:
- Birth defects that affect how the spine develops
- Neuromuscular issues like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy
- Family history
- Tumors
- Infections
- Genetic conditions like Marfan syndrome or Down syndrome
Scoliosis Symptoms
Sometimes, a curvature of the spine isn’t noticeable. Things you might notice that could indicate scoliosis include:
- One shoulder blade protruding farther than the other
- Uneven shoulders
- One leg is longer than the other
- Hips are uneven
- Back pain
- Limited range of motion in shoulders or hips
Risk Factors for Scoliosis
Scoliosis can affect anybody, but it may be more common in:
- Children, especially those ages 10-15
- Females are 10 times more likely to suffer deformities from uncorrected severe scoliosis
- Those with a family history
Scoliosis Diagnosis and Treatment
Scoliosis can often be indicated with just a physical exam where the doctor will ask questions, feel the spine, and ask the patient to bend over to see if they tilt to one side or another. Additional imaging tests like x-rays can confirm a scoliosis diagnosis and indicate the degree of curvature. Mild scoliosis often doesn’t require treatment, and many treatment options are geared toward ensuring the degree of curvature doesn’t get worse as a child grows. Scoliosis treatments may include:
- Using a brace to prevent further curvature as the child grows. A brace is made of hard plastic and must be worn all the time (apart from showering or bathing), even while sleeping, for the best benefit.
- Surgery may be necessary in extreme cases. Spinal fusion is the most common type of scoliosis surgery and involves connecting two or more vertebrae with rods or screws to prevent them from moving independently.
How Scoliosis Affects Sleep
Scoliosis itself can cause pain in the back, neck, shoulders, or hips that affects sleep, and it can cause unusual pressure points along your body that need to be cradled and supported by your mattress. A brace that’s meant to help prevent scoliosis from worsening can make sleeping even more uncomfortable than scoliosis itself.
Mattress Materials for Scoliosis Comparison
This table compares various types of mattresses to help assess some of the factors relevant for scoliosis.
| Relevant Factors | Airbed | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Latex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Good to excellent | Fair to good | Good to excellent | Good to excellent | Good to excellent |
| Support | Good to excellent | Fair to good | Fair to good | Good to excellent | Good to excellent |
| Durability | Poor to fair | Poor to fair | Fair to good | Fair to good | Fair to good |
| Conforming | Fair to good | Poor to fair | Good to excellent | Fair to good | Fair to good |
| Noise | Poor to fair | Poor to fair | Good to excellent | Fair to good | Good to excellent |
| Motion Isolation | Fair to good | Poor to fair | Good to excellent | Fair to good | Good to excellent |
| Ease of movement | Good to excellent | Good to excellent | Poor to fair | Fair to good | Fair to good |
| Construction | Adjustable air chambers on each side of the bed with or without foam comfort layers | Steel coils for support | Support core of polyfoam with polyfoam or memory foam in the comfort system | Pocketed coils | Latex or polyfoam support |
| Construction | Foam comfort layer | At least 2'' of memory foam or latex. | Foam comfort layer | ||
| Light sleeper (under 130 pounds) rating | Fair to good | Fair to good | Fair to good | Poor to fair | Good to excellent |
| Heavy sleeper (over 230 pounds) rating | Poor to fair | Poor to fair | Good to excellent | Fair to excellent | Good to excellent |
| Scoliosis sleeper rating | Fair to good | Poor to fair | Good to excellent | Fair to good | Good to excellent |
| Explanation of ratings | Very supportive | Cheap | Good pressure relief | Very little pain or pressure relief | Somewhat difficult to move on |
| Explanation of ratings | Customizable firmness (great for couples with different firmness needs) | Easy to move on | Very conforming | Several different support options | Great durability and support |
| Explanation of ratings | Likely to sag after time | Limited support | Multiple firmness options to choose from | Motion isolation isn't very good | Conforms wells with most body types |
| Explanation of ratings | Very noisy | Usually sags with time | Average durability | High noise potential | Nearly silent |
| Explanation of ratings | Can often feel your partner move | Doesn't conform well | Excellent motion isolation | Hard to move around | Good motion isolation |
| Explanation of ratings | High noise potential | Very quiet. | |||
| Explanation of ratings | Difficult to move on |
Mattress for Scoliosis FAQs
What Mattresses Do Chiropractors Recommend for Scoliosis?
According to Dr. Matthew D. Lowry at Southside Chiropractic & Car Injury Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, “Chiropractors recommend a mattress that will adapt to the natural curves of the spine. It is important to find a mattress (memory foam mattresses with great support work well) that will support the spine while sleeping. Most pain experienced during sleeping is compression of the spinal joints due to lack of support, creating muscle tightness and pain.”
What Is the Best Mattress for Scoliosis S Curve?
What Is the Best Mattress for Lower Back Scoliosis?
Scoliosis Mattress Buying Guide
Generally, a firm or medium-firm mattress is the best bet for people dealing with scoliosis. It’s important to find a mattress that won’t develop dips because in time these dips can disturb the alignment of the spine and lead to increased levels of pain due. If you want to add a mattress topper, make sure to stick with one that is 3” or less thick. Thicker mattress toppers don’t provide enough support. Here are some other things to consider when looking for a mattress for scoliosis:
- Conforming ability. A mattress that conforms to your unique shape will be more comfortable and a better mattress for scoliosis than a bed that doesn’t conform to you.
- Durability. A mattress is a big investment, and you shouldn’t have to replace your mattress more often than every six to ten years. Some mattresses tend to break down after just a year or two and develop dips and sagging that can lead to back pain.
- Support. This may be the most important factor to consider if you’re dealing with scoliosis. Support refers to the evenness and flatness of the mattress. A mattress that dips in the middle can’t provide as much support as a flat one.
- Motion isolation. Everybody hates being woken up when their partner shuffles or gets out of bed, but it can cause painful jolting for somebody with scoliosis. Look for a mattress that isolates motion to one side of the bed so you can avoid being impacted by your partner’s movements.
- Ease of movement. If you toss and turn a lot trying to get comfortable, a squishy mattress that you sink into can make it more difficult to change positions.
- Noise. Nighttime is your chance to escape the noise of the world and sleep without being disturbed. Springs that squeak every time your partner moves or a loud motor that adjusts settings can be an extra stressor at night that you just don’t need.
- Warranty and sleep trial. The warranty spells out what conditions must be met for the company to replace the mattress. Many warranties require a dip to be at least 1 ½” deep before they will replace the mattress, but a dip of only an inch can cause back pain. The sleep trial period refers to how long you have to return the mattress for a full refund. The longer the sleep trial, the better, since a mattress may seem great at first, but may deteriorate and become uncomfortable within only a few months.
- Firmness. Firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels to somebody laying on it. The ideal firmness for a person depends largely on their weight. Soft mattresses are best for people who weigh less than 130 pounds and won’t sink too far into the mattress. Medium mattresses are best for people of average weight. Firm mattresses tend to offer the best support for people who weight more than 230 pounds.
Other Ways to Sleep Better With Scoliosis
Pillows
If you have scoliosis, you may need more than just a pillow under your head to maintain a good spine alignment while you sleep. It’s also important to make sure that you are using a thin pillow under your head since a thick pillow will push your head out of alignment, along with the rest of your spine. The placement of additional pillows will vary depending on where your spine curves.
- Thoracic (upper back) curve. If you have a curve in your upper back, then a pillow placed under your shoulder blades can relieve pressure on your back. For sleeping on your side, try tucking a pillow under your upper rib cage and placing one between your knees for the best spine position.
- Lumbar (lower back) curve. For a curve in your lower back, you may benefit from placing a pillow under your lower or mid back. An additional pillow or rolled up towel under your neck can help, too.
Sleep Position
Your sleep position can greatly affect how much pain you experience due to your scoliosis. The goal is to keep your spine in a neutral position when you sleep. Sleeping on your stomach can cause unnatural arches in your spine, and doctors don’t recommend that sleep position for those with scoliosis.
- Back sleeping is often recommended for scoliosis because it distributes your weight across an even surface and can maintain straightness of your spine, especially when paired with a firm mattress.
- Side sleeping may be considered the most comfortable sleep position by many people with scoliosis. With a properly supportive mattress, it can help keep the spine straight, improve sleep quality, and prevent sleep apnea.
Which Mattress Should You Buy?
With scoliosis, you need a mattress that gives your spine plenty of support. This usually involves choosing a firm or medium-firm mattress to keep your back in a neutral position while you sleep. While a plush mattress may feel nice at first, it won’t give your spine enough support and will lead to more pain down the road.
–> See Editor’s Choice For Best Mattresses for Scoliosis
Jennifer Nelson is a freelance writer in the Midwest. She loves to sleep and enjoys helping others get great sleep, too. Apart from sleep, Jennifer also enjoys writing about medical and pet topics. She lives with her dog and loves to travel.