People who suffer from degenerative disc disease experience lower back and neck pain because of their deteriorated spinal discs. In addition to pain, this condition can result in other unpleasant symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, and muscle spasms.
As a result of these symptoms, sleep is often disrupted. The best mattress for degenerative disc disease will keep the back supported and aligned, reduce pain by preventing motion isolation from partners, keep the sleeper climate-controlled, and provide relief on pressure points.
1. Puffy Mattress (Best Overall)
Anyone dealing with chronic aches and pains due to degenerative disc disease will love the amount of pressure relief the Puffy mattress provides. The motion isolation of the Puffy mattress is excellent, making it a great choice for those that tend to experience increased back pain when their partner moves around.
Structure
The Puffy mattress is 10 inches in thickness and scores a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Sleepers struggling with degenerative disc disease looking for a mattress will find that the Puffy mattress provides adequate pressure relief where they need it most.
The first layer of this mattress consists of cooling, gel-infused memory foam, resulting in a temperature-neutral sleeping experience.
The second layer of the Puffy mattress consists of 2 inches of polyfoam. This layer is responsible for supporting the sleeper while also providing some cushioning for comfort.
The base layer is made of 6 inches of high-density foam. The purpose of this layer is to provide adequate support while contouring the sleeper’s body.
Usage
The Puffy mattress is geared toward sleepers between 130 – 235 pounds. Heavier sleepers with degenerative disc disease will find that a firmer mattress might offer better support.
Customer Satisfaction Rating
This mattress has a customer satisfaction rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Prices
$699 – $1,249
2. Saatva Classic Mattress (Best Firm Mattress)
The Saatva classic mattress is the best firm mattress for back pain. Sleepers who enjoy the feeling of an innerspring mattress will enjoy the support this one provides. Because of its construction, it is easy to switch positions on this mattress. Sleepers looking for a firm bed for back pain will like that this mattress is available in 3 different firmness options.
The best mattress for lower back pain sufferers needs to consider the body weight of a sleeper. The Saatva classic mattress is designed to be sturdy and durable for sleepers of all weight classes.
Structure
The cover of the Saatva mattress consists of breathable organic cotton material that feels great on the skin. It has an antimicrobial coating, making it perfect for allergy sufferers.
After the cover layer, you progress to the 3-inch comfort layer that gives cushioning and contouring for sleepers.
The support layer consists of individually wrapped coils. The goal of this layer is to keep the sleeper’s temperature regulated and provide support simultaneously.
There is also a zoned support layer underneath the primary support layer. This layer is responsible for providing support around the hips while also helping to relieve pressure in the lower back region.
The final layer of the Saatva classic mattress is constructed with foam-enwrapped steel coils. Sleepers will find that they can sleep near the edge of the mattress while still feeling supported due to this layer.
Usage
Is a firm mattress good for back pain? This question is common for individuals suffering from degenerative disc disease. The Saatva classic mattress is a firm mattress that is great for back pain, especially for heavier-weighted sleepers.
Customer Satisfaction Rating
The Saatva classic mattress scores a customer satisfaction rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Prices
$887 – $2,296
3. Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (Most Comfortable)
The Nectar mattress simultaneously delivers pressure relief and a high degree of support. In addition to providing sleepers with relief from back pain, hip and joint pain will also be relieved while sleeping on it.
Sleepers that like the feeling of contouring typical of many memory foam mattresses, will appreciate the feel of the Nectar mattress. This mattress is also budget-friendly for many customers.
Structure
The Nectar mattress scores a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The thickness of the mattress spans 12 inches and comprises three layers of foam.
The first layer is the cover, and it’s manufactured from nylon and polyester, making it hypoallergenic, breathable, easy to wash, and soft on the skin.
The comfort layer consists of 3 inches of gel-infused memory foam. It contours the body and assists in keeping pressure points supported.
After the comfort layer, you reach 2 inches of adjusting foam. This responsive layer ensures sleepers won’t sink too far into the mattress.
The base of the mattress includes high-density foam that spans 7 inches in thickness, which provides support and prevents the sleeper from sinking too far into the mattress.
Usage
This mattress is suitable for sleepers who enjoy the feel of memory foam. It does a great job of providing the hugging sensation that many memory foam mattresses provide.
The Nectar mattress has a strong reputation for offering great pressure relief for sleepers. This popular mattress is perfect for individuals seeking an affordable and pain-relieving mattress.
Customer Satisfaction Rating
The Nectar mattress scores a customer satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Prices
$400 – $1,138
4. Ghostbed Luxe
Another excellent mattress choice for back sleepers suffering from degenerative disc disease is the GhostBed Luxe.
Sleepers that try out this mattress will find that it not only keeps them cool but also provides a great deal of pressure relief. It’s a responsive mattress that makes moving around and adjusting sleeping positions very easy.
Structure
The thickness of the GhostBed Luxe is 13 inches thick made up of different layers. The first layer is the cover layer, which consists of Ghost Ice Fabric. This layer cools the skin and allows air to flow to the sleeper. The cover is also gel-infused so that sleepers experience pressure relief on painful areas of the body.
Ghost memory foam makes up part of the comfort layer of this mattress. It’s a slow-moving foam layer that sleepers will find to be soft on the joints.
Usage
Because of the temperature-regulating capabilities of the GhostBed Luxe mattress, sleepers that tend to get warm at night will find this mattress to feel cooler. This mattress is excellent at isolating motion on the bed. If your partner frequently switches positions at night, the movement won’t interrupt your sleep or raise your pain levels.
Customer Satisfaction
This mattress scores a customer satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Prices
$1,895 – $4,090
5. The Winkbed
The WinkBed hybrid mattress spans 14 inches in thickness and is available in multiple firmness options.
The cover on the WinkBed mattress is breathable, helping it to remain at a comfortable temperature at night.
The Euro-style pillow-top comfort layer consists of gel-infused foam, allowing the sleeper’s body temperature to be regulated.
Individually-wrapped coils make up the support layer of the mattress. These coils are zoned in certain areas to provide the sleeper with the proper pressure relief.
Usage
The WinkBed mattress is perfect for sleepers who like a responsive mattress that’s easy to move around on.
While this responsive mattress might be ideal for some, other sleepers that sleep with their partner might require a little more motion isolation.
Sufferers of degenerative disc disease will find that this mattress provides sufficient relief from back pain.
Customer Satisfaction
This mattress scores a customer satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Prices
$1,149 – $2,050
6. Copper Dreams Hybrid Mattress
The Copper Dreams Hybrid mattress utilizes copper graphite infused memory foam to keep sleepers feeling cool and comfortable all night. There are two different firmness options are available.
Structure
For the medium-firm mattress, you’re getting 13 inches of thickness, while the firm option is 12 inches in thickness. Both are covered in the premium smooth top weave cover.
The copper graphite infused memory foam cushion layer has the primary goal of keeping the sleep cool and comfortable.
Underneath the copper graphite memory foam, there is an additional 2 inches of standard memory foam that adds additional contouring to the body. Followed by that, you get 2 inches of transition foam.
The last layer of the mattress consists of 6 inches of individually wrapped pocketed coils, which provides ample support and reduced motion transfer.
Usage
The Copper Dreams hybrid mattress is great for those budget seekers dealing with chronic back pain due to degenerative disc disease will find that this mattress offers many characteristics of highly-priced mattresses.
Customer Satisfaction
This mattress scores a customer satisfaction rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars
Prices
$599 – $1,125
7. As3 By Amerisleep
The AS3 by Amerisleep is a foam mattress enjoyed by most sleepers looking for pressure relief ,support, and reduced motion transfer.
Structure
This mattress scores a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale and spans 12 inches in thickness.
The cover layer of the mattress combines spandex, polyester, and Celliant material that is very responsive to movement.
Three inches of Bio-Pur foam make up the comfort layer of the mattress. Sleepers will find themselves sinking into this layer while enjoying the contouring feel of the memory foam. This foam consists of an open-cell structure that provide airflow to sleepers.
Underneath the comfort layer is the transition layer that consists of 2 inches of foam. Sleepers will find this layer responsive and bouncy enough to assist in adjusting positions.
The 7-inch base layer of Bio-Core foam is what adds a lot of support for those suffering from lower back pain. Sleepers will find this layer to be highly supportive and pain-relieving.
Usage
The AS3 mattress by Amerisleep can be used by couples who require motion isolation. Sleepers will find themselves sinking while laying on this mattress, but not to the point where it will lead to pain or discomfort in the back.
Some sleepers that prefer very firm or soft mattresses might not enjoy this one because it’s right in the middle of the firmness scale.
Customer Satisfaction
This mattress scores a customer satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Prices
$1,150 – $2090
What Are The Factors To Consider In Choosing The Best Mattress For Degenerative Disc Disease?
There are several important factors to consider in choosing the best mattress for degenerative disc disease.
The Firmness
The bed should be firm enough to provide adequate support but not so firm that it leads to any additional pressure point pain. Sleepers with degenerative disc disease should choose a mattress with a trial period to ensure it is the right fit for them.
Heavier-weighted sleepers will want a mattress with pocketed coils, which have a higher weight limit over foam.
Your Sleeping Position
Not all mattresses provide the most comfort for all sleeping positions. Side sleepers will want to look at mattresses that let the hips and shoulder sink in, while having proper alignment of the spine. Back or stomach sleepers will want a mattress on the firmer side of the scale.
Relief From Pressure
Degenerative disc disease can lead to painful pressure in the back. Finding a mattress that can reduce that pressure will lead to a night of better sleep. The mattress needs to contour and conform to areas of the body where tension tends to build.
Durability
Sleepers suffering from degenerative disc disease adjust sleeping positions frequently, which can lead to premature wear and tear of a mattress. The more durable a mattress is, the longer it will last.
What Type Of Mattress Is The Best For Degenerative Disc Disease?
The impact of degenerative disc disease on mattresses ranges from one person to the next, but many people report that having the wrong mattress will exacerbate their symptoms.
The wrong mattress can lead to
- Increased pain when adjusting positions
- Numbness in specific parts of the body
- Tingling of the extremities
- Weakness
Over 50% of people with degenerative disc disease report that they have back problems while sleeping, and this pain affects not only physical health but also mental wellbeing.
What Is The Impact Of Degenerative Disc Disease On Mattresses?
Latex and foam mattresses tend to be the best types of mattresses for degenerative disc disease.
Latex mattresses offer contouring for the body while keeping the spine aligned to reduce the pain experienced by the sleeper.
Memory foam mattresses are soft, supportive, and effectively contour the body. Heavier-set sleepers might find themselves sinking too far into memory foam mattresses, while lighter sleepers with degenerative disc disease will find them to be pressure-relieving and supportive.
Some sleepers will find innerspring mattresses on the bouncier side while they sleep. Bouncy, highly-responsive mattresses tend to have reduced motion isolation, which can lead to pain for sleepers with a partner beside them that changes position throughout the night.
Is Medium-Firm Mattress Good For Degenerative Disc Disease?
Most people find that medium-firm mattresses provide the most pressure and pain relief caused by degenerative disc disease. Weight plays a factor in the amount of support that sleepers will experience on a specific mattress.
Heavier-weighted sleepers might find themselves sinking too far into medium-firm mattresses. Overall, medium-firm mattresses are often an excellent choice to help a sleeper with degenerative disc disease.
