Mattresses for Sciatica

Sciatica is a common form of radiating pain that affects the lower back, hips, thighs, and legs. It can make it a bit difficult to have a good sleep at night. Mattress for sciatica can however help to relieve these pain points.

It is formally known as the inflammation of the nerves that run across the sacral region to the lower spine, down to the pelvis, and passing through the legs down to the feet. This nerve is called the sciatic nerve. Sciatica affects people differently. For some, it's short-term, and for others, it takes a long time to wear off. Severe cases might also require surgery. However, it is recommended to have a mattress for sciatica as it helps to wear off pressure on the lower back and cushion sore spots. Without it, it might be somewhat hard to find sound sleep. The known main reasons for sciatic nerve irritation are:

• A back injury.
• A herniated disk.
• A degenerated disk.
• Spinal stenosis (this is when the spaces between the spine are narrowed, causing the nerve that travels through it to be strained).
• Spondylolisthesis (when a vertebra slips out of position onto the one below).

Finding the best mattress for sciatica should not be so hard, except that this is an important purchase decision, and you need to understand the peculiarities of mattresses before you make a decision. This is a common problem, and there are several options to pick from— several types of mattresses and several makers. This article will serve as a guide to evaluate your decision. Here will be our top picks for the best mattress for sciatica pain.

What Should People with Sciatica Consider When Looking for Mattress?

If you have sciatica, you should consider many things, but understanding the factors way beyond their terminologies will help you pick the best mattress for sciatica nerve pain.

Firmness

A firm mattress is one that does not sink too much when you lie on it. And the level of firmness you will require is subjective to your preference and sleeping position. Generally, a firm mattress provides sufficient for your lumbar area and relieves pressure on your shoulder and hips. The perfect mattress for sciatica is firm and can provide enough support to the pressured part of your body.

Quality Material

Even if you do not need a mattress for sciatica, you certainly don't want to buy anything of poor quality. Low-quality materials cannot provide the support you need for your sciatica pain over time. They begin to sag prematurely after a while. In addition, the indentations will hinder its ability to relieve pressure points and provide support.

Sleeping Position

It's essential to consider your sleeping position before you go for any mattress. It helps to know your important pressure points and the fitting mattress material to choose. Some bed materials are soft and can mold into the shape of the person lying on them. These kinds of mattresses are appropriate for side sleepers. Sleeping positions help determine mattresses that ensure spinal alignment and provide pressure relief, both of which are necessary if you experience sciatica pain.

Edge Support

Mattresses with good edge support can provide enough firmness when you are lying close to the edge of the bed. Lying on soft edges can strain your lower back and the sciatic nerves, in turn. It should even provide enough support for getting in and out of the mattress, especially if your sciatica causes you pain when you move.

Mattress Type

Mattresses are generally different in their form, softness, firmness, materials, and size. Individual preference plays a role in which one you'll go for, but when you have an idea of their various features, your choices become refined. It's easier to make a decision when you have a guide like this to enlighten you about mattresses.

Price

The price probably has nothing directly to do with your sciatica, but you don't want to end up with a lousy mattress because you chose it for its low price. Consider your options and weigh in other factors you may have learned from this article to make your choice. Remember that the cheap one should not always be what you should go for without proper examination.

Which Mattress Features Are Important for Sciatica?

The best mattresses for sciatica nerve pain have specific features you may always want to examine. To list them:

• Pressure Relief: Mattresses with pressure relief are great because you spend a great deal of time on them and certain points on your body like the knees, shoulders, and hips can get pressured from lying for several hours. The pressure relief feature helps you to relieve these pressure points.
• Contouring: This is referred to as the shape of a mattress to take the shape of your body while sleeping on it. This feature is common with memory foam mattresses and it usually takes a few moments after sleeping. Innerspring mattress also exhibit this feature but it’s not as great.
• Temperature Regulation: Temperature regulation refers to how cold or warm a mattress is when you lie on it. Some mattresses conserve heat from your body to keep you warm while some don’t and stay cold. It’s a matter of preference, especially with people of varying body weights.
• Ease of Movement: Ease of movement refers to how easy a mattress allows you to reposition yourself during your sleep. If a mattress does not allow that ease, you’ll find yourself having often interrupted sleep when you try to change positions.

What Type of Mattress is the Best?

There are various types of mattresses, and you may be wondering which of them best complements your sleeping position or which one is best for your sciatica. There are plenty of mattresses, some of them similar in their features while some are very different. Understanding the disparities between various mattresses can narrow down your decision to become more accurate.

• Foam: Foam mattresses generally refer to mattresses that may fall under memory foam, polyurethane foam, or latex foam. Foam mattresses are known for providing advanced pressure relief and can conform to fill in the pressure points. Memory foam can retain the person's shape lying on it even after some minutes of standing up. Latex foam offers similar pressure relief as memory foam, but the body-conforming cannot be compared. Latex foam uses dense latex materials at the center, and then uses less dense latex at the surface to provide the plushness felt when you lie on it.
• Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses use springs of different forms to provide an unmatched level of firmness. The springs are made with metal coils and are usually padded with a layer of comforting material. They are not the perfect pressure reliever for people with sciatica, but you can bring your sleeping experience to another level when you add a mattress topper.
• Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses have innerspring at the core and mostly foam mattresses on the surface. They provide an upgraded version of innerspring mattresses for those who feel their preference is divided between both. Hybrid mattresses have great edge support and pressure relief in addition to firmness. Hybrid mattresses are one of the best mattresses for sciatic nerve pain.
• Airbed: This mattress has air chambers that can be filled and deflated to adjust the firmness of the bed. Airbed mattresses usually have separate chambers for two people. So, if your partner wants, they can deflate their side of the bed to their desired level. They are soft mattresses and provide enough support and pressure relief. It allows ease of movement, and it may be the perfect mattress for people who experience sciatica pain when they move while sleeping.

FAQ

What is the best mattress for Sciatica?

All mattresses are great, but it depends on your preference and sleeping position. Soft mattresses like foam mattresses may be perfect for side sleepers and if you sleep on your back, go for an innerspring mattress. The point is to make sure your spine aligns, and there's less compression on your sciatic nerve.

What mattress firmness is best for Sciatica?

If a mattress is firm enough to help your spine align while you're asleep and help relieve pressure points. That's the perfect firmness you require.

What sleeping position is best for Sciatica?

Sciatica is different with people. But a lot of people find lying on the back painful. Sleeping on your side is the best sleeping position for sciatica. However, as a side sleeper, you should try placing a pillow between your knees.

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