Best Mattress for Scoliosis in 2024

Sep 16, 2024
Fact Checked
Our team tested mattresses and consulted spine specialists to develop a list of the best mattresses for scoliosis.
Medically reviewed by: Vicki Tilley, PT, GCS

Key Takeaways

Some adults have scoliosis from childhood, but age-related changes (like osteoporosis) can also influence your spine’s curvature. Up to 60% of adults may develop scoliosis with age [1] Kelly A, et al. Adult Degenerative Scoliosis—A Literature Review. Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery. June 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214751919303846 . While many cases can be treated conservatively, it can still cause discomfort during daily activities or rest. If your scoliosis is disturbing your sleep, it’s time to talk to your doctor to make positive changes, including modifying sleep positions and improving sleep hygiene. In some cases, swapping a worn mattress for a new one might help.

After researching multiple mattresses and consulting medical professionals, we developed this review of the best mattresses for scoliosis. Although there is no one-size-fits-all option, our Reviews Team vetted each mattress to ensure they provide the following necessary features: a medium-to-firm feel, adequate surface support, great pressure relief, and the right materials to make it easy to change positions for those with mobility issues. Our best overall pick checks all these boxes, but ultimately, the best mattress is up to you. We hope our review helps.

Best overall mattress for scoliosis

According to our mattress testing and expert consultation, the Saatva Solaire is the best mattress for scoliosis because it offers the right support, pressure relief, and mobility-boosting features to accommodate a variety of sleepers.

9.7
Exceptional
Saatva Solaire
Saatva Solaire
Excellent pressure relief for pain management
Responsive surface for changing positions
Good motion isolation to avoid disturbing your partner

Best mattresses for scoliosis in 2024

Table 1 Compare the best mattresses for scoliosis in 2024

Mattress type Hybrid Hybrid Foam Innerspring Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid
Firmness Adjustable Firm Medium Firm Medium Firm Medium Medium
White-glove delivery Yes No Yes, bundle only Yes No Yes Yes No
Trial period (nights) 365 100 365 365 120 120 120 120
Warranty (years) Limited lifetime 15 Limited lifetime Limited lifetime Limited lifetime Limited lifetime Limited lifetime 10

Video: Best Mattress for Back Pain 2024

In this video, Nicole Hernandez, physical therapist and mattress reviewer at NCOA, reviews our top picks for the best mattresses for back pain. She also provides detailed explanations on which features sleepers with back pain will find most comfortable in a mattress, including what kind of support to look for and the role pressure relief plays in improving back pain. Learn everything you need to know about picking the right mattress for back pain in the video below.

Best Mattress for Scoliosis Overall: Saatva Solaire

Saatva Solaire

BEST MATTRESS FOR SCOLIOSIS OVERALL
9.7 Exceptional
An adjustable air mattress that offers a customizable sleep experience, making it great for those with specific spinal needs.
Provides excellent lumbar support, especially when back sleeping.
9.7 Exceptional

Key features

  • Price: $2,945 – $5,495
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: 5.5 – 7
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: Free white glove delivery and setup
  • Warranty: Lifetime warranty
  • Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Split California King
  • Mattress height: 13 inches (″)

Pros and cons of the Saatva Solaire

Pros Offers 50 firmness settings for precise adjustments Dual-zone technology allows both sides to be adjusted independently Features high-quality materials for added comfort 365-night trial provides ample testing time Cons Not the most affordable

Additional information

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by:

Payment options

Saatva accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Google Pay, and PayPal. Financing is available through Affirm.

Saatva offers a $225 discount off a purchase of $1,000 or more to adults age 65 and older, military members and their families, health care professionals, first responders, government employees, teachers, and college students.

Our top pick

Our expert take on the Saatva Solaire mattress

When it comes to finding a mattress for scoliosis, the Saatva Solaire stands out as the best overall. This adjustable air mattress provides a customizable sleep experience. 

According to our testers, the Saatva Solaire is adjustable between 5.5 and 7 firmness options. Our testing revealed that the mattress provides excellent lumbar support, especially in the back sleeping position. With a balanced feel, it contours to the body’s natural curves without sinking too deeply, which is crucial for maintaining a neutral spine—a must for anyone with scoliosis.

The pillow top layer delivers a plush feel that cradles the hips and shoulders, making it ideal for side sleepers. The mattress scored high in our pressure relief tests, especially at a firmness level of 20 mm. 

The Solaire’s ability to adapt to different body shapes and sizes ensures that side sleepers with scoliosis can enjoy a comfortable and supportive night’s rest.

In terms of motion transfer, the Solaire performed admirably, with minimal disturbance reported when sharing the bed. This makes it a great option for couples, particularly when one partner is more restless.

However, it’s worth noting that the mattress might not be the best choice for stomach sleepers, regardless of firmness level. While excellent for back and side sleepers, the cushioning may cause hips to dip too low, leading to spinal misalignment.

Learn more in our in-depth review of the Saatva Solaire.

Best Pillow Top for Scoliosis: Helix Dusk Luxe

Helix Dusk Luxe

Best Pillow Top for Scoliosis
9.4 Excellent
A slightly firm mattress with excellent pressure relief and good support to accommodate a wide variety of sleep positions and body types
Offers a bouncy surface to make it easier to change positions in bed
9.4 Excellent
Key features
  • Price: $1,373.80–$2,873.80
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping, in-home delivery for an additional fee.
  • Warranty: 15 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, short queen, RV king
  • Mattress height: 13.5 inches (″)
Pros and cons of the Helix Dusk Luxe mattress
Pros Targeted surface support and pressure relief Accommodates most sleep positions and body types Easier to change positions in bed 100-night trial period 15-year warranty Cons Relatively expensive before discounts
Additional information

Customer service

You can contact Helix Sleep customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 831-777-5976, available Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET
  • Text: Text “HELIX” to 67069, available Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET
  • Email: help@helixsleep.com
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
  • Website: Submit a contact form

Payment options

Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Other options include Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay. Helix offers financing through Affirm and Katapult.

Helix currently offers up to 30% off (the discount changes frequently) for military members, first responders, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Our expert take on Helix Dusk Luxe mattress

The Helix Dusk Luxe is a hybrid mattress with a plush quilted top, responsive yet pressure-relieving foam, and bouncy coils. Testers perceived it to be slightly firmer than medium, scoring 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale (6.5 being the true medium firmness, according to industry standards). A firm, springy feel can provide greater functional support We developed this term to describe how well the mattress supports bed mobility, like repositioning or getting out of bed. The better the functional support, the more assistance the mattress provides , which could be important for anyone needing a mobility boost as they change positions for comfort throughout the night using pillows or wedges. 

Tester sitting on the Helix Dusk Luxe mattress
 Helix Dusk Luxe has a tall 13.5-inch profile, so standing from the edge is relatively easy despite sinking slightly into the plush top.

We believe the Helix Dusk Luxe’s special features make it worth considering for those with chronic pain associated with their scoliosis. But, you should always discuss painful or difficult mobility with your occupational or physical therapist to incorporate strategies to make movement easier.

Although Helix claims this mattress is made for back and stomach sleepers, testers found it comfortable in every position, including most side sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds (lighter-weight sleepers may find it too firm). This is due to the mattress’s zoned support, which uses reinforced coils along the center of the mattress with softer coils above and below. Zoned support provides resistance at the spine with pressure relief at the shoulder and hip, encouraging a more neutral spine position in most people. Depending on your spine’s curvature and specific treatment plan, this extra support can also benefit those with scoliosis. But it’s important to discuss nighttime positioning with your rehabilitation professional.

Our recommendation

Who may love it

Who may want to avoid it

Learn more in our Helix Dusk Luxe review.

Best Mattress and Adjustable Bed Bundle: DreamCloud Memory Foam

DreamCloud Memory Foam

Best Mattress and Adjustable Bed Bundle
9.3 Excellent
Medium-firm foam mattress provides great pressure relief and support
Available in an affordable adjustable bed bundle for those who find relief by elevating the head or foot of the bed
9.3 Excellent
Key features
  • Price: $839–$2,578
  • Material: Foam
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial period: 365 days
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king
  • Mattress height: 12″
Pros and cons of the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress
Pros Relatively affordable on its own or in a bundle Excellent surface and functional support for a foam mattress Accommodates most sleep positions and body types Isolates motion well for partners 365-night trial period Limited lifetime warranty Cons No white-glove delivery options (free delivery and setup of new mattress and removal of old mattress) Lacks bounce to help those with mobility issues
Additional information

Customer service

You can reach DreamCloud customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 833-237-3269, available seven days a week
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available seven days a week
  • Email: support@dreamcloudsleep.com

Payment options

You can pay for your DreamCloud mattress using American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. DreamCloud has also partnered with Affirm to help you divide the total cost of your mattress into monthly payments over three, six or 12 months.

DreamCloud offers an extra 5% off the best onsite offer to military members and their dependents, health care professionals, and first responders. DreamCloud uses SheerID to verify your status.

Our expert take on DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress

If you’re looking for a mattress that can be used with an adjustable bed, the DreamCloud Memory Foam is a good option. Testers loved the DreamCloud Memory Foam for its denser foam, which provides more support and a true medium feel without sacrificing pressure relief. Softer foams allow you to sink far into the mattress, potentially reinforcing your spine’s abnormal curvature, depending on your sleep position. 

10-pound ball sits in the middle of the DreamCloud Memory Foam
We placed a 10-pound ball on the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress to depict how much weight sinks through the mattress’s material. Testing showed this mattress offers enough sinkage to offload pressure without sagging overnight, although it may feel dense to side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.

Our team also likes DreamCloud for its affordability. A queen-size DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress costs $1,532 at its regular price, but frequent promotions decrease the cost to about $800 making this an affordable mattress option. When you opt for the adjustable bed bundle, you can purchase a mattress and adjustable base for around $1,500, the same price as many mattresses or adjustable beds alone.

While most hybrid, latex, and foam mattresses are compatible with an adjustable bed, not all conform nicely to the bed’s adjustments. Thinner, more pliable mattresses worked best during our testing, molding to each adjustment with minimal gapping between the mattress and the base. The 12-inch DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress is a great fit for an adjustable bed because it’s thin enough to conform well, but still provides the firmness and support most people need for a comfortable night’s sleep on a flat surface.

An adjustable bed is useful for some people who feel comfortable (or relief) when elevating their head or feet. It’s similar to propping yourself with pillows but more convenient because you can control your position using a remote. While an adjustable bed can be a great tool, we recommend talking to your rehabilitation or orthopedic specialist about how and when to use its features. Depending on your treatment plan, you may only want to use adjustments as you wind down, then lie flat for the rest of the night.

DreamCloud offers a generous 365-night trial period and a limited lifetime warranty. Unfortunately, white-glove delivery is unavailable for the mattress alone. But if you opt for the adjustable bed bundle, it’s available for $199. 

Our recommendation

Who may love it

Who may want to avoid it

To learn more, read our DreamCloud mattress review.

Most Supportive: Saatva Classic

Saatva Classic

Most Supportive
9.7 Exceptional
A firm option with targeted lower back reinforcement for those who need extra support
Great choice for those with mobility issues or lower body weakness due to its bouncy surface
Free white-glove delivery (free delivery and setup of new mattress and removal of old mattress)
9.7 Exceptional
Key features
  • Price: $1,395–$2,990
  • Material: Innerspring
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: Free white-glove delivery
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, California split king
  • Mattress height: 11.5″ or 14.5″
Pros and cons of the Saatva Classic mattress
Pros Great surface support Easy to change positions 365-night trial period Limited lifetime warranty Free white-glove delivery Cons Doesn’t isolate motion well Relatively expensive before discounts
Additional information

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 877-672-2882, available 24/7
  • Email: info@saatva.com
  • Live chat: Available 24/7
  • Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options

Payment options include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Google Pay, and PayPal. Saatva offers financing options through Affirm.

Note that Saatva offers $225 off a purchase of $1,000 or more to adults 65 and older, military members and their families, health care professionals, government employees, and more. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers.

Our expert take on Saatva Classic mattress

Our team recommends the Saatva Classic if you prefer a supportive mattress with mobility-boosting features. We tested the luxury firm (medium firmness) model, which felt firm to our team. But this mattress has three firmness options, so you can go softer or firmer depending on what works best for you.

The Saatva Classic is one of the most supportive mattresses we’ve tested. While lying on this mattress, testers noted how strongly reinforced the center of the mattress felt. Saatva Classic offers zoned support along the lower back, similar to the Helix Dusk Luxe. But this mattress designed its support differently, reinforcing the central springs and adding an additional foam layer to its center. “The support is obvious when I [lie] on my back and side. The center of the mattress is notably stronger than the rest by design,” said one tester. “It meets and pushes into my body stronger than most other mattresses I’ve tried, yet my shoulder and hip don’t have too much pressure buildup.”
The same tester also noted how they needed to scoot down the mattress because of their short stature (5 feet and 3 inches tall) to ensure it supported them in the right places. For side sleepers with scoliosis, it’s worth asking a rehabilitation professional if a mattress with a reinforced center is appropriate and how to position yourself best.

Info icon

Some back sleepers with scoliosis may not tolerate mattresses with strong zoned support, which is OK. If you’re wondering whether zoned support is a good option, test it at home by placing a thin pillow beneath your lower back for added reinforcement. The Saatva Classic could be a good option if this feels good after several nights.

A 10-pound ball on the Saatva Classic
We compared the feel of the central part of the mattress and the areas above and below. The center (where the quilting pattern is more concentrated) felt slightly denser due to the added reinforcement. But the areas above and below were softer and allowed more sinkage, as seen with the 10-pound ball’s placement.

If you have pain or weakness associated with your back curve, you’ll appreciate this mattress’s bouncy innerspring build and top-rated functional support. “It’s much easier to roll, push up to sitting, and stand from the edge of the bed than less responsive Responsiveness describes how much surface bounce a mattress has and how it responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and change sleeping positions. mattresses,” said the tester. “I can roll up to the edge without feeling like I’ll fall.” 

Saatva offers free white-glove delivery for all its mattresses, so you don’t have to worry about setting it up yourself. You also get a limited lifetime warranty and a long 365-night trial period, which is plenty of time to try the mattress at home.

Our recommendation

Who may love it

Who may want to avoid it

To learn more about this brand, read out Saatva mattress review.

Most Comfortable: The WinkBed

The WinkBed

Most Comfortable
9.4 Excellent
Medium-feel mattress with a pressure-relieving Euro pillow top and a supportive innerspring layer
Isolates motion well despite having a bouncy surface, which is great for couples
9.4 Excellent
Key features
  • Price: $1,149–$2,199
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Mattress height: 13.5″
Pros and cons of The WinkBed mattress
Pros Euro pillow top for added pressure relief Mobility-boosting innerspring layer Great motion isolation for a hybrid mattress 120-night trial period Limited lifetime warranty Convenient exchange program available Cons No white-glove delivery options
Additional information

Customer service

You can reach WinkBeds customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 855-946-5233, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
  • Email: info@winkbeds.com
  • Chat: Live chat in the lower right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

Payment options

WinkBeds accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. The brand also offers financing through Bread Pay and Katapult.

The company currently offers an additional $50 off for military members and their families, first responders, law enforcement, and health care workers. Unlike other mattress brands, this discount can be combined with other offers.

Our expert take on The WinkBed mattress

If you’re looking for a cloud-like mattress without the sinking and unsupportive feel of a soft bed, the luxury firm (medium) version of The WinkBed is a great option. Soft beds can initially feel comfortable and pressure-relieving, but most experts we’ve consulted don’t recommend them because they run the risk of sagging. This is especially true for those with spine conditions where encouraging a neutral position is most beneficial.

Woman lying on a pressure map on a mattress and tester reading results on a laptop
Testers use a pressure mapping system—a mat with sensors—to determine how much pressure is concentrated across the body. When we analyzed the results of our volunteer tester from the Northern Wake Senior Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, The WinkBed showed great pressure relief for back and side sleepers.

Our testers’ first impression was how responsive yet plush the top layers felt. “The top cradles my body, but I’m met with firmer support as I gently sink into the surface,” said one tester. This is due to the Euro pillow top A style of pillow top that provides an added layer of plush. The extra layer of padding is stitched beneath the mattress cover, so it’s flush with the edges of the mattress without adding extra height. , which provides a forgiving foam layer to offload pressure and help distribute body weight evenly across the top. Underneath the pillow top is a thick layer of bouncy coils with zoned support similar to the Helix Dusk Luxe (but not as strong as the Saatva Classic). The WinkBed balances pressure relief and support well, accommodating most sleep positions.

While it’s important to feel comfortable throughout the night, it’s also important to sleep undisturbed. This is especially true if you have pain associated with scoliosis because a quality night’s sleep is a key component of pain management [2] Staffe A, et al. Total Sleep Deprivation Increases Pain Sensitivity, Impairs Conditioned Pain Modulation, and Facilitates Temporal Summation of Pain in Healthy Participants. PLOS ONE. Dec. 4, 2019. Found on the internet at https://journals.plos.org/p . Finding a hybrid mattress with good motion isolation The ability of a mattress to keep movement on one side of the bed from affecting the other side. between partners is rare because of the springy coils, but testers were impressed to see The WinkBed perform well. “When I was lying on the mattress, and the other tester climbed into bed, I could barely feel a thing,” said our tester. In fact, The WinkBed also earned a spot in our review of the best mattresses for couples.

Also, our team recommends The WinkBed for those unsure of which firmness feels best for their condition. WinkBeds is unique because it offers an exchange program for $49, where you can ask to try a softer or firmer mattress. The brand will ship the new mattress to your home, and you can try both options for up to 60 days before returning one (or both). Like other bed-in-a-box mattresses, you don’t get white-glove delivery, so you’re responsible for arranging help ahead of time.

Our recommendation

Who may love it

Who may want to avoid it

Our WinkBeds mattress review shares more, if you are interested in this mattress.

Best for Back Sleepers: Nolah Evolution 15″

Nolah Evolution 15″

Best for Back Sleepers:
9.4 Excellent
Dual-zoned support from coils and foam, which help support the spine’s natural curvature while lying on your back
Tall profile and great functional support to make it easier to change positions and get out of bed
9.4 Excellent
Key features
  • Price: $1,499–$3,198
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping; optional white-glove delivery ($150–$300)
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
  • Mattress height: 15″
Pros and cons of the Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress
Pros Zoned support from foam and coils Great functional support for easier bed mobility Top-scoring pressure relief 120-night trial period Limited lifetime warranty Optional white-glove delivery for $150–$300 (delivery and setup of new mattress and removal of old mattress) Cons Relatively expensive before promotions White-glove delivery is a must due to its thickness
Additional information

Customer service

You can reach Nolah customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 866-403-6615, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT
  • Email: support@nolahmattress.com
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Payment options

Nolah accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, and PayPal. Financing is available through Affirm.

The brand currently offers $50 off for military members and their families, as well as health care workers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Our expert take on Nolah Evolution 15″mattress

The Nolah Evolution 15″ is a great choice for back sleepers with scoliosis looking for targeted support under the lower back. While other mattresses in this review also offer zoned support, this option offers soft yet effective support using reinforced coils and a specific foam designed to encourage spinal alignment. We tested the luxury firm version, which felt slightly firm to our testers at seven out of 10 on the firmness scale. But you can opt for a softer or firmer version if you prefer.

Looking at a skeleton from the side, you’ll notice natural curves at the lower back and neck. Those with scoliosis have additional curves, rotating and swaying the spine to the side. Back sleepers can support their natural curvatures throughout the night and help promote the most neutral position possible, preventing awkward spine positions.

Nolah developed a unique type of foam called AirFoam, which is more dense along the center and less dense above and below. This allows the material to contour your spine, providing support under the lower back and distributing weight evenly across the mattress. “I sink into the softer first layer, then I’m met with a reinforced layer underneath. I can feel the material contour my lower back, but it’s not too much. It’s like a gentle hug,” said our tester.

Info icon

Testers noticed the Nolah Evolution 15″ had more gentle support compared to Saatva Classic; it met the spine without extra reinforcement. If you’re a back sleeper who feels most comfortable with a pillow beneath the legs (which bends the spine slightly forward for relief), this mattress allows you to do so comfortably without working around reinforced material.

When you purchase this mattress, you get a 120-night trial period to try it out at home and a limited lifetime warranty. You can add white-glove delivery for $150–$300 depending on whether you need old mattress removal or additional services.

Nolah Evolution 15″ on a wooden bed frame
Testers noted how bulky this 15-inch-thick mattress felt to move around, so it’s worth purchasing the white-glove delivery service.

Our recommendation

Who may love it

Who may want to avoid it

Learn more in our Nolah mattress review.

Best for Pressure Relief: Bear Elite Hybrid

Bear Elite Hybrid

Best for Pressure Relief:
9.4 Excellent
Offers maximum pressure relief, distributing force away from prominent joints (or a prescribed brace, if applicable to your condition)
Subtle support along the center of the mattress, which can encourage a neutral spine depending on your curve and positioning
9.4 Excellent
Key features
  • Price: $1,893–$3,920
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping, white-glove delivery available ($175) 
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
  • Mattress height: 14″
Pros and cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress
Pros Top-rated pressure relief Gentle zoned support White-glove delivery available for $175 120-night trial period Lifetime warranty Cons Relatively expensive before promotions Lacks functional support
Additional information

Customer service

You can reach Bear customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
  • Email: support@bearmattress.com
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

Payment options

Bear accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Google Pay, Meta Pay, and Venmo. Financing is available through Affirm and ShopPay.

The brand currently offers a 40% discount for military members, first responders, law enforcement, health care workers, and teachers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Our expert take on Bear Elite Hybrid mattress

The medium-firmness version of the Bear Hybrid Elite is among the few mattresses we’ve tested with maximum pressure relief, which prevents you from tossing and turning as you search for a better position. Those who spend time in bed while wearing a prescribed brace to manage scoliosis may also benefit from this mattress, as it distributes force away from uncomfortable edges and buckles. 

Info icon

Not every brace is appropriate for scoliosis. Your health care team may prescribe a custom brace to correct your unique curvature (although this treatment is rare for adult-onset scoliosis) or help recover from surgery if you’ve had one. Avoid using a generic brace until you discuss options with your orthopedist or physical therapist, as it may hinder your treatment.

Our testers used a pressure mapping system A mat with sensors that detects pressure buildup when someone lies across it. to determine whether the Bear Elite Hybrid offered excellent pressure relief. Sensors on the pressure map signaled areas with high and low pressure buildup, sending a picture of the results to our computer. Blue and green body maps are considered good results, while yellow, orange, and red areas indicate pressure buildup.

Pressure map images of a person lying on their back
These images show one of the best pressure map results in our testing so far. Although the tester in the image above does not have scoliosis, this map shows how the Bear Hybrid Elite is excellent at redistributing weight away from sharp pressure areas, like joints.

This mattress also offers subtle zoned support along the center enough to help distribute weight, but it’s not as reinforced as Saatva, Helix, or Nolah. If you like the idea of zoned support but are nervous about how you’ll tolerate it, the Bear Hybrid Elite is a good option.

The only downside to this mattress’s features is its functional support. It scored above average, which isn’t bad, but we don’t think it’s enough to assist those with painful mobility or weakness. Its thick layer of memory foam is comfortable but dampens bounce from the springs, and its edges aren’t as reinforced as we would like to see.

Like many other mattresses in this review, the Bear Elite Hybrid has a softer and firmer version available. You can opt for one or the other at checkout. Your purchase will come with a 120-night trial period, a limited lifetime warranty, and the option to add white-glove delivery for $175. But the white-glove delivery option is hidden under “Support” on the website’s footer as you scroll to the bottom of the page.

Our recommendation

Who may love it

Who may want to avoid it

Read our full Bear mattress review to learn more about this mattress.

Best Firm: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
9.3 Excellent
Provides the rare mix of a firm feel with excellent pressure relief
Subtle zoned support along the center of the mattress for even weight distribution
Great functional support for easier mobility in bed
9.3 Excellent
Key features
  • Price: $1,199–$2,930
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, split California king, RV king, RV bunk
  • Mattress height: 13.25″
Pros and cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress
Pros Firm yet pressure-relieving Gentle zoned support Notably cool feel 120-night trial period 10-year warranty Cons Lacks motion isolation for partners No white-glove delivery options
Additional information

Customer service

While mystery shopping, our team found Brooklyn Bedding to be inconsistent with its support hours. The website currently lists the following methods to reach customer service:

  • Phone: Call 623-624-1222, available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
  • Email: support@brooklynbedding.com
  • Website: Submit a contact form

Payment options

Brooklyn Bedding accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Amazon Pay, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Financing is available through Affirm.

The company currently offers 30–35% off for military members, first responders, medical providers, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Our expert take on Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress

Our team tested the medium version of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Although testers perceived this mattress as firm (7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale), we were impressed by its ability to relieve pressure.

Most firm mattresses we’ve tested accumulate pressure around the hips and shoulders during side sleeping. But this mattress’s sturdy build strikes the right balance using subtle zoned support and multiple layers of dense memory foam to redistribute weight. In fact, its pressure map image looked strikingly similar to the Bear Elite Hybrid. 

quote icon

“The mattress feels pretty firm when you [lie] on it. But I feel no pressure on my joints as I change positions. The material slightly contours my body over time, but my spine doesn’t dip due to the built-in support. I feel even.”

– Our tester

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a great option if you benefit from a firmer surface. Depending on your curvature, lying on your side on a firm mattress can assist your rehabilitation, but you’ll need to consult your physical therapist for specifics. Firmer surfaces are also easier to move on. This mattress earned a high functional support score, so you won’t fight the material as you roll or get out of bed.

Blue and white Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress with a blue knit blanket and gray pillows
Our team doesn’t always highlight cooling features since bedding often influences their performance, but the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has a surprisingly cool cover. It also has a thick layer of innerspring to promote airflow, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.

Testers felt the medium firmness version of this mattress erred firm, but you can go firmer at checkout. Your purchase has a 120-night trial period and a 10-year warranty, but white-glove delivery is unavailable. Be sure to arrange help to set it up when it arrives.

Check out more options in our review of the best firm mattresses.

Our recommendation

Who may love it

Who may want to avoid it

Read our Brooklyn Bedding mattress review to learn more.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves and rotates to the side. Every case is unique and can present with one curve (C-shaped) or two curves (S-shaped) to different degrees. Scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed among children around puberty as they grow. 

Adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS), a term for scoliosis due to age-related changes, is present in up to 60% of older adults. The scoliosis is due to age related conditions like osteoporosis or spinal degenerative changes. Many cases are mild, but if it causes discomfort, it can be treated conservatively through physical therapy. More involved cases may require surgery.

Ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist with experience in treating scoliosis. Some are certified in the Schroth method, a treatment strategy that uses exercises and stretches to help stabilize your unique curvature.

Scoliosis and sleep

We asked Meredith Warner, orthopedic surgeon and owner of Well Theory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, how scoliosis can affect sleep. “For some people, scoliosis can make it difficult to sleep comfortably,” she said. “For example, scoliosis can make the hips work harder during everyday movements. The hips can develop pain and irritation, making it hard to sleep due to direct pressure on the area. Scoliosis in the thoracic spine, or upper back, can similarly affect the shoulders.” The lower back, neck, and other body areas can also be affected.

If you suspect your scoliosis is causing pain or discomfort and negatively impacting your sleep, discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Lack of sleep can worsen symptoms, creating a vicious cycle [3] Staffe A, et al. Total Sleep Deprivation Increases Pain Sensitivity, Impairs Conditioned Pain Modulation, and Facilitates Temporal Summation of Pain in Healthy Participants. PLOS ONE. Dec. 4, 2019. Found on the internet at https://journals.plos.org/p . Your treatment plan may involve adjusting your sleep position or upgrading an old mattress. Check out our reviews of the best mattresses for back pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain for some of our recommendations, but make your choice aligns with the advice of your health care team.

Info icon

Warner urges people to talk candidly with their doctor and stay open to more holistic evaluations and treatments. Even if a prominent condition like scoliosis is present, it doesn’t mean it’s the root cause of other issues, like disturbed sleep. “For some patients, I may actually recommend a sleep study because many reasons that a person doesn’t sleep well have nothing to do with pain at all. Rather, the person is awakened for some reason and then notices some discomfort before they notice anything else,” she said.

How we test the best mattresses for scoliosis

Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting at least 10 health care professionals, and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed eight older adults who recently purchased a mattress and surveyed more than 3,200 recent mattress customers to understand their experiences shopping for a new bed. 

Each mattress undergoes a rigorous 36-page testing procedure to score its different characteristics, including firmness, support, and other aspects most shoppers consider. We choose the best mattresses for scoliosis based on the scores of the relevant criteria. See how we tested the most important considerations for this review below.

Firmness

Like most mattress brands in the industry, we use a one-to-10 scoring method when testing firmness, with 6.5 being the true medium firm. Our testers rate this by lying on the surface and comparing the feel to other mattresses we’ve tested. Material density and coil strength influence firmness the most. A medium to firm feel is best for those with back pain based on the conversations we’ve had with experts. Plus 71% of respondents to our survey of mattress buyers said they have a medium mattress or firmer, and a majority report being happy with their mattress choice.

Pressure relief

We rate pressure relief on a scale of one to five, with five being the most pressure-relieving. We consider how it feels and use a pressure map with sensors to visualize pressure points around the body accurately. Blue and green pressure map results show great pressure relief, while yellows, oranges, and reds indicate pressure build-up. Almost one-third (30.9%) of survey respondents with scoliosis sleep on their side, so we made sure to include mattresses with good pressure relief for side sleepers in this review. People with scoliosis may also have associated pain in their shoulders and hips, which can also potentially be eased with a pressure-relieving mattress.

Support

We score support on a scale of one to five, with five being the most supportive. Mattresses with strong support contour and push into the curves of your body, particularly the lower back or midsection. Not only do we feel support during testing, but we can also visualize it through pressure map results. Maps with mostly white space at the lower back show how the mattress isn’t making contact with the area, which means the mattress isn’t supportive. Adequate support helps keep the spine’s natural curves in a relatively neutral position, which is usually more comfortable. We were sure to include mattresses that provide enough support to cradle the spine’s natural curves.

Functional support

Our team developed this unique score to understand how well a mattress accommodates mobility issues, like difficulty moving around or getting up from the bed. We combined firmness (30%), support (30%), bounce (10%), and edge support (30%) to create a score between one and five, with five being the most helpful for movement in bed. This score was vital when researching the top mattresses with scoliosis. That’s because 89% of respondents to our survey with scoliosis reported having pain affects their mobility and makes it difficult to change positions and get in and out of bed.

For more information, see our sleep products review methodology.

How to choose a mattress if you have scoliosis 

You should always discuss scoliosis management with your doctor or consult a physical therapist, especially if it’s impacting your sleep and daily functioning. Our review only intends to explain options based on our testing methods and expert consultation, but ultimately, the best choice is up to you.

What to look for in a mattress for scoliosis relief

Since scoliosis can vary drastically from person to person, we provided various options in our review. While there are many choices to make as you shop, like choosing the right mattress size for you and a partner, the following considerations can help you find the best mattress for your scoliosis:

Pillows and scoliosis

Scoliosis can influence your neck, even if your curve sits lower on your spine. You can choose the right pillow for your preferred sleep position to encourage a more comfortable, neutral spine position. Read our review of the best pillows to browse some options, but if you have a curvature in your upper back or neck, it’s best to discuss options with your health care team first.

You can also use pillows as props. Back sleepers may find relief by placing a pillow under the lower back or legs, while side sleepers can place a pillow between the legs to encourage a more neutral spine position. Depending on your curve and treatment plan, rehabilitation specialists may advise placing pillows under specific body parts throughout the night to decrease your abnormal curves over time. 

What type of mattress is best for scoliosis?

Mattresses are made with different materials, each with their own characteristics. Below are some of the most common materials, their advantages, and their disadvantages:

Your sleeping position and scoliosis

According to Warner, your ideal position depends on the location and extent of your curve. Some people with scoliosis may benefit from a specific position using pillows and bolsters, while mild cases may not need specific positioning. Nighttime positioning for your curve is a great topic to discuss with your health care team. Below are some considerations for each position as you browse mattresses:

Bottom line 

Finding a good mattress for scoliosis can be intimidating. If you’re concerned about purchasing the best mattress for scoliosis, it’s best to consult your doctor and ask how sleeping surfaces will impact your specific curve. 

Based on our team’s research and testing, the Saatva Solaire is the best overall pick for scoliosis because its customizable firmness offers precise support, promoting spinal alignment and alleviating discomfort for those with scoliosis. But our review offers a variety of options. The DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress could be great if you’re considering an adjustable bed. And if you have sore hips or shoulders as a result of your scoliosis, consider the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe or Bear Elite Hybrid for excellent pressure relief.

Frequently asked questions

People with scoliosis have at least one abnormal curve in their spine. Unlike the typical curves in the lower back and neck that sway front and back, these abnormal curves sway to the side and cause the spine to rotate. A telltale sign of scoliosis is a “rib hump,” which appears when you bend forward and touch your toes and indicates rotation in your spine. People may also have asymmetrical hips and shoulders. And some might have pain, abnormal breathing, or nerve issues due to scoliosis. Symptoms vary greatly depending on the extent of the curvature, but mild to moderate cases are manageable without surgery.

Based on our testing, the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress could be a good budget option if the features align with what’s most beneficial for you and your curvature. During frequent promotions, you can get this mattress in a queen for about $800.

Unless your mattress is old and worn, we recommend using pillows and wedges to prop your body into a more comfortable position before investing in a new bed. Positional changes can make a big difference. Consult a rehabilitation specialist, like a physical therapist, to learn how to position your body and its curves for a better night’s sleep.

Most clinicians we’ve consulted recommend choosing a medium-to-firm mattress. Softer mattresses are more likely to sag overnight (and over time), which can worsen scoliosis symptoms.

Back and side sleepers should sleep with a pillow under the head to promote a neutral spine and prevent awkward positioning throughout the night. People with scoliosis can also use pillows to prop their lower back or legs comfortably. For some back sleepers, placing a pillow under the knees can take some pressure off the lower back and hips for a more comfortable sleep. And some side sleepers may benefit from placing pillows under their torso to encourage better spinal alignment.

Have questions about this article? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

1. Kelly A, et al. Adult Degenerative Scoliosis—A Literature Review. Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery. June 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214751919303846

2. Staffe A, et al. Total Sleep Deprivation Increases Pain Sensitivity, Impairs Conditioned Pain Modulation, and Facilitates Temporal Summation of Pain in Healthy Participants. PLOS ONE. Dec. 4, 2019. Found on the internet at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225849

3. Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of The Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5

Nicole Hernandez is a writer and physical therapist who empowers people to make informed decisions about their health as a writer and clinician. She has written for NCOA, AginginPlace.org, and physical therapy clinics to educate readers on fall and injury prevention, rehabilitation, home modifications, and other clinical themes including hearing aids and medical alert systems.
Vicki Tilley Headshot
Vicki Tilley Author
Was this helpful?
Thank you for your feedback!