7 Best Mattresses for Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that occurs when the intervertebral discs in the spine begin to break down due to wear and tear, aging, or injury. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, providing shock absorption and flexibility. As the discs degenerate, they lose their ability to cushion and support the spine, which can result in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Quick Picks (7 Best Mattresses for Degenerative Disc Disease)
- BEST OVERALL (EDITOR’S PICK) – Bear Elite Hybrid
- BEST PRESSURE RELIEF – Dusk LUXE
- BEST VALUE – Brooklyn Signature
- BEST FIRM OPTION – Plank LUXE
- BEST MEMORY FOAM OPTION – Puffy LUX
- BEST NATURAL OPTION – Birch Natural
- BEST FOR SIDE SLEEPERS – Midnight LUXE
All of the mattresses below have been hand picked by our team as mattresses that we believe are best for people who are sleeping with degenerative disc disease. Each of these mattresses provides industry leading pressure relief and have the support to ensure proper spinal alignment. When making the decision for which mattress is right for you, especially when it comes to sleeping with degenerative disc disease we recommend spending the money if possible and getting something that is well made and will support your body. A low end mattress will only cause further problems, issues and more money down the road. Proper support and alignment while sleeping is one of the best things you can do.
7 Best Mattresses for Degenerative Disc Disease
1. Bear Elite Hybrid
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a luxury hybrid mattress with a supportive wrapped coil innerspring unit and pressure relieving comfort layers. This mattress is available in a variety of firmness levels from luxury-plush to Extra-Firm. Bear is known for their memory foam mattresses and this mattress combines their memory foam design with the support of a traditional mattress. The mattress sleeps very cool and is built to last for years.
- Luxury materials and build
- Choose firmness level: Luxury-Plush to Extra-Firm
- Made in the USA
- Sleeps Cool
- Supportive Wrapped Coils System
What our testers are saying:
Bear has taken their original memory foam mattress to the next level and provided a luxury Hybrid mattress that incorporates heavy duty pocketed coils for a traditional mattress feel with extra support. Their extra-firm option is the most luxurious and high end extra-firm mattress in the industry. If you want a well made luxury mattress feel then you can’t go wrong with the Bear Elite Hybrid.
WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE: Luxury firm feel and heavy duty support.
2. The Helix Dusk LUXE
The Helix Dusk is a quality hybrid mattress with a medium-firm comfort level that is great for the vast majority of sleep preferences and styles. The Dusk utilizes zoned support within its pocketed coil system to adapt to pressure points and offer spinal alignment for combination sleepers. This mattress was awarded best mattress for sciatica by Medical News and is a great all around option for pressure and pain relief. Helix is a trusted brand within the mattress industry and makes all of their mattresses 100% in the USA.
- Spinal alignment with zoned support system
- Pressure Relief
- Made in the USA
- Sleeps Cool
- Great for combination sleepers or couples
- Pain relief benefits
What our testers are saying:
The Helix Dusk is a great all around mattress if you are suffering from degenerative disc disease. It offers quality comfort and support with a medium feel that allows for the natural curvature of your spine whether you sleep on your back or stomach. The pocketed coil support system has zoned layers that support the hips and shoulders differently than the legs, head and torso in order to keep your spine aligned properly. This mattress is also compatible with an adjustable base.
High quality pressure relief and support
Luxurious tufted cover with quality stitching
Great all-around hybrid design
3. Brooklyn Signature Hybrid
GREAT ALL AROUND VALUE
TRADITIONAL INNERSPRING FEEL
An all around hybrid mattress that combines the benefits of a traditional innerspring mattress with Brooklyn Bedding's patented “Titan foam” comfort layers (combining the best properties of latex and memory foam to appeal to all sleeping and comfort preferences). Brooklyn Bedding has been in the mattress industry for years and makes each mattress at their own factory, meaning they can cut out the middle man and provide a great price. This mattress has thousands of 5-star reviews from customers who rave about its value and universal comfort.
- Unbeatable comfort for the price
- Luxury hybrid innerspring design
- High quality support and pressure relief
- Choose soft, medium or firm
- Over 2,000 5-star reviews.
- Made in the USA
What our testers are saying:
The Signature Mattress is Brooklyn’s most popular mattress. It utilizes a pocketed coil innerspring support system with Titan foam comfort layers on top (combines the best properties of latex and memory foam into one foam). This mattress is great for anyone with a degenerative disc who is looking for a quality mattress at a value friendly price point. The Signature has thousands of 5 star reviews from customers who love the quality. This mattress is available in a soft, medium or firm option. For anyone with back pain we recommend a firm level of comfort for this specific mattress.
High quality pressure relief and support
Luxurious tufted cover with quality stitching
Great all-around hybrid design
4. The Plank LUXE Hybrid
The flippable Plank Luxe Hybrid is designed to be the firmest mattress on the market—pairing all of the benefits of the original Plank with the additional responsiveness and pressure point relief of individually encased coils. Inspired by the minimalist approach to sleep in the Far East, the firmer, flatter, flippable surface of the Plank mattress creates a neutral spine position that’s better for your back and posture overall. The 2-sided design allows for multiple comfort preferences - The top side of the mattress feels like a traditional firm; the bottom side of the mattress is ultra-firm.
- Built specifically for people who like a firm mattress
- 2-sided (firm and extra-firm)
- Heavy duty individually encased coil support system
What our testers are saying:
The Plank Hybrid mattress is made specifically for those sleepers who prefer an extra firm sleeping surface, which is great for anyone with back pain or degenerative disc disease. It is by far the best mattress on the market for people who love a firm mattress. If you buy mattresses and constantly are wanting them firmer then this mattress was made for you. The Plank hybrid mattress takes firm to the next level and offers a 2 sided design with a standard firm and extra firm surface. They also offer an option “cooling layer” that you can add on top to help keep you sleeping cooler during hot months. At just over 1000 for a queen size, the price point is very competitive.
5. The Puffy LUX Hybrid
LUXURY HYBRID MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS
The Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress measures 12″ in thickness and is a great all around hybrid mattress for any sleeper. The combination of wrapped coils and memory foam offer superior adaptability and pressure relief for side, back and stomach sleepers. If you are looking for a quality mattress at a great price that will be your every-night mattress, the Puffy Lux is hard to beat.
- Unbeatable value
- Heavy duty support from wrapped coil system
- Luxury pressure relief
- Removable and washable cover
- Made in the USA
What our testers are saying:
The Puffy Lux mattress is a hybrid memory foam mattress that incorporates the use of a very supportive pocketed coil innerspring unit with luxury memory foam top layers. The pocketed coil innerspring base in the LUX offers heavy duty support that doesn’t give or sag under pressure and leaves you feeling very supported even on the edge of the mattress. The memory foam top layers allow for pressure relief when sleeping on your side and hug the hips and shoulders. The medium-firm feel is a great comfort level for the vast majority of sleepers and is a comfortable mix for side sleepers who want support and some give.
What Customers love: Luxury memory foam mattress. Fits majority of sleep preferences. Over 6000 5-star reviews.
6. The Birch Mattress
The Birch Natural mattress is a high quality natural mattress at a highly competitive price point. The wrapped coils provide a luxuriously supportive base that offers industry leading spinal alignment and cradles the natural curves of the body. Birch has built this mattress around optimizing pressure relief with the use of natural latex and wool comfort layers. Latex is one of the best foams on the market for providing pressure relief while still being supportive. The wool adds comfort while naturally wicking moisture and sleeping cool. Birch then has topped the mattress off with an organic cotton cover, making is naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. This mattress is a great all-around natural option for anyone looking for a medium-firm hybrid mattress that is chemical free.
- 100% Made in the USA
- Non-Toxic
- Supportive, hybrid wrapped coil design
- Luxury pressure relief
- Natural and Organic Materials (Latex, Organic Wool & Cotton)
- Universal "Medium-Firm" Feel
What our testers are saying:
Birch is a well built, medium-firm natural latex mattress that has the perfect level of support and pressure relief for back pain. Birch is known throughout the industry for their high quality natural latex mattress options. The Birch is their most budget friendly latex mattress and provides all the healthy benefits of a latex with the benefits of a pocketed coil innerspring unit. The Birch comes in a medium-firm comfort level to suit the vast majority of comfort levels and preferences and is perfect for a side sleeper. This mattress also has an organic cotton cove for any individuals with allergies or who are sensitive to non-organic fabrics.
What Customers love: Medium-firm, natural latex mattress at an affordable price.
7. The Midnight LUXE
The Helix Midnight LUXE is their most awarded mattress and is a great all around mattress in our opinion. This mattress is going to have a medium-firm feel which is perfect for most sleep preferences and styles. The individually wrapped coil support system provides the support and bounce of a traditional innerspring unit but has the bonus of "zoned" support which means it perfectly supports and gives to the natural curvature of your body, allowing for industry leading spinal alignment and pressure relief. Helix also offers a softer and firmer option in their LUXE lineup if you prefer something on one of the other ends of the firmness spectrum. Overall, our team loves this mattress and many of our employees choose this exact mattress in their own homes at night.
- Medium-firm feel
- Made in the USA
- Cooling/Breathable cover
- Highly awarded and reviewed
- "Zoned" lumbar support coils for luxury support and pressure relief
- Premium quilted pillow top
- Hypoallergenic cover
What our testers are saying:
The Midnight LUXE is our testers favorite all around mattress for side sleepers and is the one many of our team choose to sleep on every night. This is one of the most universally liked and recommended mattresses in the industry. It is supportive while still being comfortable and has a mix of pocketed coils and a memory foam pillow top, to give support and pressure relief. This mattress was made specifically for side sleepers who prefer a medium firmness, giving them the best of both worlds in terms of support and pressure relief. The zoned pocketed coil system works to add extra support under the hips and shoulders to keep a flat and straight spine.
What Customers love: Luxury pillow-top comfort. Great for all sleeping types
QUICK BUYING TIPS:
Assessing your current mattress:
- Is it a quality mattress? If it was cheap it likely was not quality. This is one area where spending money on a quality product will benefit your life greatly
- Is the mattress firm or soft? A mattress that is too soft is not good for spinal alignment. You generally want something on the firmer end of the spectrum.
- Is your mattress over 5 years old? Some mattresses last closer to 8-10 years. But after 5 years it is important to check how the structure of your mattress is holding up. Do you see dips or sags? Are there “soft spots” that you can feel?
- Is your support system supportive and solid? Did you put it together properly? Are you using the correct support system? Make sure your bed frame is flat and supporting your mattress properly. Check your box spring to make sure it is not broken and is sitting properly on the bed frame. If your bed frame is a queen or larger does it have a center support on the frame that is in tact? If you have a platform bed or bed slats make sure none are broken and that they are spaced appropriately apart.
Buying a New Mattress: 6 things to look for when shopping for the best mattress for degenerative disc disease
While there is never the perfect mattress that works for everyone there are certainly mattresses that are better for helping with degenerative disc disease than others. Below we have listed a few features to look for when purchasing your mattress.
1) Choose the Right Firmness
The firmness of your mattress is very important for a herniated disc. Firmness level will vary depending on your sleeping style (stomach, back or side sleeper) but in general you DO NOT want a soft mattress with back pain. A soft mattress will throw off your alignment and will not offer enough support for your spine. The best mattresses for back pain in general are ones that are medium-firm to firm.
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers (not recommended for back pain)
2) Choosing the Right Size Pillow:
You want to make sure your pillow is the right firmness and thickness so that it allows your head to lay perfectly flat in line with your shoulders, keeping your spine straight. A pillow that is too thin or too thick will throw off your neck and cause pain throughout your neck, back and shoulders as your body compensates. The material you choose for your pillow does not matter as long as it is the right height. There are pillows you can choose that allow you to adjust the amount of filling to make the perfect height for your needs.
3) Which Material is Best?
As long as the mattress you choose is firm and supportive you can generally go with whatever material you like best as long as it is a quality product with materials that won’t break down. In general we prefer a mattress with a coil system rather than a foam base. A quality coil system tends to be more supportive and creates for better spinal alignment.
4) Type of support system:
The most important thing when it comes to choosing a base for your mattress, especially if you have any sort of back pain, is to ensure that the base is solid and supportive. Make sure the base is not broken or missing and support pieces. You can opt to go with a platform bed, a frame with a box spring or an adjustable base and all will give the support you need as long as they are well made and from a reputable company.
Important note: If it is within your budget we highly recommend an adjustable base with a “zero gravity” feature. This feature takes pressure off the back and allows for muscle relaxation.
The Puffy Adjustable Base comes with a variety of features that take your sleeping experience to the next level. Puffy products are all made in the USA and come at a great value.
- Adjustable height options
- UBS ports
- LED lighting
- "Zero Gravity" position for back pain relief
- Vibrating massage feature
- Much More
5) Price:
While price doesn’t always mean quality, you can use it as a general gauge for what type of mattress you are getting. I can tell you right now, the $200 mattress on Amazon is not going to give you the proper night sleep that you need to help heal. If you want your mattress to help rather than hurt you will need to spend some money to get a quality product. You don’t need to get the most expensive mattress on the market but do not buy something cheap that you will end up needing to replace in a year or 2.
6) Mattress Age:
Is your mattress over 5 years old? Some mattresses last closer to 8-10 years. But after 5 years it is important to check how the structure of your mattress is holding up. Do you see dips or sags? Are there “soft spots” that you can feel?
How degenerative disc disease affects sleep:
- Pain: DDD can cause chronic pain, which can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position and may lead to disrupted sleep.
- Limited mobility: Stiffness and discomfort due to DDD can make it challenging to change positions while sleeping, which may result in poor sleep quality.
- Muscle tension: Pain and discomfort can cause the surrounding muscles to tense up, which can further disrupt sleep.
Best ways to sleep with degenerative disc disease:
- Sleep on your back: Sleeping on your back helps to distribute your weight evenly, reducing pressure on the spine and discs. Place a pillow under your knees to maintain the natural curve of your spine and reduce stress on the lower back.
- Sleep on your side: Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help to maintain spinal alignment and minimize pressure on the affected discs. Choose a side that feels comfortable and doesn’t exacerbate your pain.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach can place unnecessary strain on your neck and spine, worsening symptoms of DDD.
- Use supportive pillows: Using supportive pillows can help maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce pain. Experiment with different pillow types and placements to find the combination that works best for you.
What to look for in a mattress for degenerative disc disease:
- Firmness: A medium-firm to firm mattress is generally recommended for those with degenerative disc disease, as it provides a balance of support and comfort. A mattress that is too soft may not provide adequate spinal support, while one that is too firm may cause pressure points and exacerbate pain.
- Pressure relief: Look for a mattress that conforms to your body and offers pressure relief, such as memory foam or latex. These materials can help to distribute your weight evenly and reduce pressure on your spine and joints.
- Support: A supportive mattress is essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing stress on the affected discs. Look for a mattress with a robust support core, such as pocketed coils or high-density foam.
- Temperature regulation: Some people with DDD may experience increased pain and discomfort in cold temperatures. Choosing a mattress with temperature-regulating features, such as gel-infused memory foam or breathable covers, can help maintain a comfortable sleeping environment.
- Motion isolation: If you share your bed with a partner, look for a mattress with good motion isolation to minimize sleep disruptions caused by your partner’s movements.
Before making any significant changes to your sleep habits or purchasing a new mattress, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific condition and needs.
What type of mattress material is best for degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease can cause chronic pain and discomfort, so finding the right mattress material is crucial for individuals with this condition. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as personal preferences and needs will vary. However, some materials tend to provide better support and pressure relief for people with degenerative disc disease:
- Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are known for their exceptional pressure relief and body-contouring properties. They can help distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on the spine and promoting proper spinal alignment. Memory foam is an excellent choice for those experiencing pain due to degenerative disc disease, especially for side and back sleepers.
- Latex: Latex mattresses are another good option, as they offer a combination of support and pressure relief. Natural latex is more responsive than memory foam, providing gentle pushback to keep the spine aligned without creating pressure points. Latex mattresses are suitable for all sleep positions and can be customized in terms of firmness to suit individual preferences.
- Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine the support of innerspring coils with the pressure relief of memory foam or latex layers. This combination can offer the best of both worlds: adequate support to keep the spine aligned and sufficient cushioning to relieve pressure points. When choosing a hybrid mattress, look for one with a thicker comfort layer for better pressure relief.
- Adjustable air beds: Adjustable air beds allow you to customize the firmness level by adjusting the air pressure inside the mattress. This feature can be beneficial for people with degenerative disc disease, as it enables them to find the perfect balance of support and comfort. Additionally, adjustable air beds often have separate air chambers for each side, so partners with different sleep needs can each find their ideal firmness level.
When selecting a mattress material for degenerative disc disease, prioritize pressure relief, support, and proper spinal alignment. It’s essential to test different materials and firmness levels to find the mattress that best suits your needs and preferences. If possible, opt for a mattress with a trial period, so you can ensure it’s the right fit for you before making a long-term commitment.
FAQs:
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about sleeping with degenerative disc disease:
Q: What is the best sleep position for someone with degenerative disc disease?
A: The best sleep position for degenerative disc disease may vary depending on the individual’s preferences and needs. However, sleeping on your back with a pillow to support the natural curve of your neck and a pillow under your knees can help maintain spinal alignment and reduce pressure on the discs. Side sleeping with a pillow between your knees can also help maintain proper spinal alignment and alleviate pressure.
Q: How important is the right mattress for people with degenerative disc disease?
A: Choosing the right mattress is crucial for individuals with degenerative disc disease, as it can significantly impact sleep quality, pain levels, and overall comfort. A suitable mattress should provide adequate support to maintain spinal alignment and offer sufficient pressure relief to minimize discomfort.
Q: Can sleeping on a bad mattress worsen degenerative disc disease symptoms?
A: Yes, sleeping on a bad or unsupportive mattress can exacerbate symptoms of degenerative disc disease by causing poor spinal alignment and increasing pressure on the affected discs. It’s essential to invest in a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and pressure relief.
Q: Are there any specific pillows recommended for people with degenerative disc disease?
A: The ideal pillow for someone with degenerative disc disease should support the natural curve of the neck, promoting proper spinal alignment. Memory foam or cervical contour pillows can be a good choice, as they conform to the shape of your neck and head, providing optimal support. The pillow’s height should be appropriate for your sleep position and body proportions.
Q: Can a regular exercise routine help with degenerative disc disease symptoms and sleep quality?
A: Yes, engaging in regular exercise, such as low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or yoga, can help strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Exercise can also help promote better sleep quality. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your condition.
Q: How can I improve my sleep environment for better sleep with degenerative disc disease?
A: Creating a comfortable and supportive sleep environment can help improve sleep quality. Consider investing in a high-quality mattress, pillows, and bedding that provide proper support and pressure relief. Maintain a cool and dark bedroom, minimize noise, and establish a regular sleep routine to help create a conducive environment for restful sleep.
Q: What type of mattress is best for individuals with DDD or Spondylolisthesis?
A: A medium-firm mattress is often recommended for individuals with these conditions, as it provides a balance of support and cushioning for the spine. However, personal preference and comfort should also be considered when choosing a mattress.
