Choosing the Best Mattress for Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can occur from lifting a heavy object, having a physical job, or could be inherited. This painful condition can be chronic and persistent, making it almost impossible to find a comfortable sleep position and restorative rest. Choosing the best mattress for herniated disc is easy when you know what to look for, let’s find out what you need to find sleep comfort with back pain.

About Herniated Discs

A herniated disc (otherwise known as bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc) is the cushion between the vertebrae (individual spinal bones) that slips out of place. This can occur from lifting a heavy object, a physically demanding job, or a genetic disposition. A slipped disc aggravates its neighboring nerves and causes intense pain. Secondary symptoms can include weakness and numbness in the arms or legs.

Sleeping With a Herniated Disc

Unfortunately, the following herniated disc symptoms can make it difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep.

• Arm and Leg Pain: A herniated disc in the lower back can radiate pain down to buttocks, thighs, and calves. If the disc is located in the neck, a sharp or burning pain may be felt in the arms when sneezing, coughing, or moving.
• Tingling and Numbness: A herniated disc can cause tingling or numbness in the limbs affected by the associated nerves.
• Feeling Weak: It may be difficult to hold an item or walk when muscles served by the affected muscles become weak.

How to Ease the Pain of a Herniated Disc

If you suspect you have a herniated disc, see your doctor as soon as possible. They may recommend one of the following treatments or pain management strategies.

• Medications or muscle relaxers
• Cortisone injections
• Physical therapy
• Hot and cold treatment
• Exercise

How Should You Sleep With a Herniated Disc?

If you have a herniated disc, you may find relief with one of the following modifications to your sleep position:

• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to aid hip, pelvis, and spine alignment
• Find comfort on your side in the fetal position to allow some space between the vertebrae
• For stomach sleepers, put a thin pillow under your abdomen to relieve stress on the discs
• Back sleepers put a pillow under your knees for better spine alignment
• Put a wedge pillow behind your head and back to sleep elevated to reduce spinal pressure

What Makes a Mattress Good for Herniated Discs?

It is a myth that people with back pain must sleep on a hard mattress to find comfort. A pressure-relieving, medium-firm option is often the best mattress for those with herniated discs—though it depends on your body type and comfort preferences. You want to feel supported without feeling as if you’re sleeping on the floor! A pressure relieving mattress allows just the right amount of sinkage in all the right places as pressure points are gently supported.

A pressure-relieving, medium-firm option is often the best mattress for those with herniated discs—though it depends on your body type and comfort preferences. 

Durability

A durable mattress provides the best bed for herniated disc because it will provide years of comfort. Investing in a quality mattress from a reputable online retailer ensures a quality sleep space and excellent customer care. Durability and affordability are major concerns for everyone when mattress shopping. Choose a brand you trust.

Back Support

Back support is crucial in a mattress for herniated disc, a too-soft mattress will sink you down, putting pressure on your sensitive spine. A too-firm mattress pushes back on the delicate and painful nerves, causing more discomfort. A pressure-relieving mattress like AirFoam™ provides the perfect balance of soft and firm comfort. Click here to learn more about the Nolah Signature with AirFoam™ technology.

Cooling

Ever open a window in your home and feel that the first refreshing breeze flow through the room? It feels invigorating. The best mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain will give the same revitalizing and cooling relief.

In-Home Trial

The best mattress for disc problems can be tested for at least 100-nights form a reputable online retailer. Buying a mattress from a physical store can be more expensive and time consuming. Reputable online brands are happy to give lengthy trials as this allows you to truly experience the comfort. Buying a new mattress can be stressful and expensive but with a trial, you’ll feel confident in your choice.

Mattress Thickness

Many think that sleeping with herniated disc can be eased on a super thick mattress. But, that’s down to personal preference. A quality 10-inch mattress of pressure relieving and cooling quality, can be just as comfortable as a 12-inch or 14-inch mattress. However, be mindful of a mattress that is too tall, as you’re managing back pain, it could be difficult to climb in and out of bed if it’s too high.

What bed height is right for you? Find out, here.

What Mattress Firmness Is Best for Herniated Discs?

A too-firm mattress may not be the best mattress for herniated disc in neck or lower back. If the bed is too firm you may experience unpleasant pushback that could cause further discomfort in your already sensitive nerves. If the bed is too soft, sinking could cause spine misalignment and more aggravation. A pressure relieving mattress that is medium-firm could be just right when battling back pain.

Conclusion

The pain of a herniated disc can be relieved with some natural methods, massage, gentle exercise, and hot and cold packs. The best position for herniated disc is to sleep with a pillow under your knees or to sleep in an elevated position with the help of a wedge pillow. A pressure relieving mattress allows you to enjoy quality restorative sleep to aid your recovery from a herniated disc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mattress Is Best for Herniated Discs?

A pressure relieving mattress is essential to aid herniated disc recovery. If the mattress is too soft it will sink the body down causing further back pain. A mattress that is too firm will push back into the sensitive nerves. Just the right amount of sinkage from a pressure relieving mattress will keep the spine aligned.

Are Hybrid Mattresses Good for Back Pain?

Modern hybrid mattresses have a base layer of individually wrapped coils that offer extra support and allow for gentle contouring. Hybrids made with AirFoam™ or natural latex are well-suited for sleepers with a herniated disc. Click here to learn more about the Nolah Natural latex hybrid.

How Should I Sleep with a Herniated Disc?

Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to aid hip, pelvis, and spine alignment. If you’re a side sleeper, curl up in the fetal position to allow some space between your vertebrae. Stomach sleepers could put a pillow under the abdomen to relieve some stress on the discs. Or pillow under the knees as a back sleeper.

Disclaimer: Nolah does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Nolah blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.