Best Mattresses for Scoliosis

Living with scoliosis in the UK can be a real pain in the back (quite literally).  With this condition affecting around 2% of the UK population, it’s not as rare as you may think, so finding a mattress that offers the right support is essential for a good night’s sleep.

Now, a mattress sadly can’t work miracles and won’t cure scoliosis, (despite the mattress manufacturers promising the world!). But the right mattress can provide some much-needed relief, align your spine, and ease those pesky pressure points. I and my team of snooze experts at WhatMattress have all rolled up our sleeves and put numerous beds to the test to bring you our top picks for the best mattresses for scoliosis in the UK today.

So, let’s dive in and discover the dreamy beds that’ll have you snoozing in comfort!

1. DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid – Best Overall

This mattress is my top choice because combines memory foam and Reinforced Edge pocket springs to offer a comfortable and supportive sleep surface, whether you prefer sleeping on your front, back, or side.

What makes the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid special is its ability to strike a balance between comfort and support, which is crucial for individuals with scoliosis. Its medium firm feel ensures proper spinal alignment and helps alleviate the aches and pains associated with the condition.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid a reliable choice:

• Luxury Quilted Top: The mattress cover provides breathability and a soft, luxurious feel, enhancing your overall sleep experience.
• “Dream Plush” Breathable Supporting Memory Foam: This layer of memory foam offers contouring support, adjusting to your body throughout the night to ensure a comfortable and pressure-relieving sleep.
• Support Foam: The support foam layer is designed to cater to various sleep positions, providing the necessary support and ensuring your body is properly cradled during the night.
• Reinforced Edge Spring Unit: The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid features premium pocket springs with reinforced edge support. This ensures consistent support across the entire mattress, minimises motion transfer, and provides edge-to-edge support.
• Support Foam Base: The base layer of foam absorbs motion and offers additional support, contributing to a stable and undisturbed sleep experience.

DreamCloud’s individually wrapped coils provide targeted support and contouring, allowing the mattress to adapt to your body’s unique shape; the reinforced edge support enhances stability and prevents sagging, while also providing ample space to move around comfortably.

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid has received positive feedback from customers for its value for money and ability to relieve back pain associated with scoliosis. The 365-night trial period allows you to thoroughly test the mattress and determine if it meets your specific needs. With a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service, DreamCloud prioritizes your satisfaction and ensures a hassle-free experience.

If you’re seeking a mattress that offers the right blend of support and comfort for your scoliosis, the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid is definitely worth considering. Its combination of quality materials, thoughtful design, and competitive pricing makes it a reliable option for a good night’s sleep. It may seem expensive but there’s nearly always a large discount available here in the UK.

What mattress firmness is best for scoliosis sufferers?

When selecting the firmness of your mattress, it’s really key to consider the impact of different sleeping positions, particularly for those with scoliosis (who can sometimes have asymmetrical hips, shoulders, or ribcages).

The NHS and other medical professionals/medical bodies generally recommend that people with scoliosis opt for sleeping on their back or side, as these positions put less strain on the spine and reduce the likelihood of back pain and pressure points.

Back sleeping

Back sleeping is widely considered the healthiest position since it promotes natural spinal alignment and helps distribute body weight evenly, avoiding excessive pressure on certain areas such as the hips and shoulders.

Back sleepers with scoliosis should choose a mattress that strikes a balance between firmness and softness. It should be firm enough to maintain a level spine but soft enough to prevent pressure buildup. For most individuals, a medium firm mattress is suitable, although the ideal firmness may vary depending on individual body types.

Stomach Sleepers

Now, listen up, because this one’s important. Many specialists/doctors strongly advise against sleeping on your stomach if you’re dealing with scoliosis – why? Well, this position makes your hips sink in and forces your neck to twist at an unnatural angle, putting unnecessary stress on your spine.

That’s not a good recipe for a restful slumber, in all honesty, but, if you’re a die-hard stomach sleeper, a firm mattress is your best bet. It’ll keep your hips aligned with the rest of your body and minimise any contortions in your neck. Pair that with a nice flat pillow, and you’re on your way to a more spine-friendly snooze.

Combination Sleepers

Now, if you’re the type of sleeper who tosses and turns like a fidgety dolphin, finding the right mattress is key. You need something that’s more responsive, like a latex or hybrid mattress. These mattresses have a bit of extra “bounce,” making it easier for you to switch positions throughout the night. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to feel stuck like a beached whale on their mattress.

This added responsiveness is doubly beneficial for those who tend to experience pressure points when they stay in one position for too long. So, keep an eye out for a mattress that keeps up with your acrobatics.

Why is my scoliosis affecting my sleep?

Scoliosis occurs when the spine undergoes an abnormal sideways curvature of at least 10 degrees, in other words: resulting in a C-shaped or S-shaped curve when viewed from behind.

The exact cause of scoliosis is often unknown, although certain cases have been associated with conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or issues with foetal bone development. Genetic factors also seem to play a role, with scoliosis being more common and severe in females…

While signs of scoliosis typically emerge just before puberty, it can occasionally be present in infants and also some adults may develop scoliosis later in life due to age-related wear-and-tear on the spine.

The manifestation of scoliosis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common signs include uneven shoulders or hips, an unbalanced gait, poor posture, clothing that hangs unevenly, or protruding ribs or shoulder blades on one side. In some cases, a visible curvature of the spine may be apparent.

During adolescence, wearing a back brace can help slow the progression of the spinal curve until growth is complete. In more severe cases, surgery may be considered to correct the curvature.

Approximately 30% of adolescents with scoliosis experience chronic back pain, which can lead to insomnia and daytime sleepiness. Even when scoliosis is not painful, the unnatural spinal curves can make it challenging to find a comfortable position on a mattress, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Children or adolescents wearing a brace may experience additional pressure points, further complicating their ability to find a comfortable sleeping position.

What can I do about it?

I’m not a medical professional, so always seek medical advice if in doubt: either from your GP or a specialist.

Research suggests that sleeping on the convex side of a thoracic curve may cause respiratory difficulties, leading to frequent awakenings during the night. Pain medication can also interfere with sleep, and studies have shown that impaired sleep can persist for up to six months after scoliosis surgery.

People with scoliosis often struggle to return to sleep after night time awakenings too: the anxiety and depression resulting from the condition itself can exacerbate this cycle, as you probably know only too well. Practicing good sleep hygiene and using a mattress that provides minimal motion transfer and a quiet sleep environment can help reduce such disruptions.

Due to the structural changes caused by scoliosis, it is crucial to choose a mattress that offers strong spinal support and minimises pressure points in the shoulders, hips, or other affected areas. Many individuals with scoliosis find that a medium firm mattress strikes the right balance between support and pressure relief.

Others swear by zoned mattresses that provide targeted support and pressure relief for specific areas of the body.

What about mattress warranties?

Here in the UK, when it comes to purchasing a mattress, most companies offer a sleep trial period of several months. This allows your body to adjust to the mattress and gives you the freedom to return it if you find it unsuitable.

If you choose to order your mattress online (like most o fus do!) and reside within the mainland UK, chances are the retailer will offer free standard delivery delivering your mattress conveniently to your doorstep. However, if you reside in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, or other non-mainland UK locations, additional delivery fees may apply, so check with the vicar first.

It’s crucial to select a mattress that comes with a warranty against workmanship and manufacturing defects. This warranty often covers issues such as permanent indentations in the foam that may compromise the mattress’s ability to provide proper pressure relief and support. As premature sagging can worsen scoliosis-related pain, it is advisable to look for a warranty period of at least 10 years.

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What about pillow types for scoliosis?

I know that this is a website for mattress reviews, but I do also touch on pillows too.

So briefly let’s dive into the world of pillows, as they play a crucial role in supporting your spinal alignment. It’s essential to find the right pillow that keeps your head, neck, and spine in proper alignment. Let’s  explore the ideal pillow choices for different sleeping positions.

For side sleepers, aim for a pillow that matches the height between your ears and the tip of your shoulders – this helps maintain proper alignment and supports your head and neck reasonalby comfortably. Back sleepers, on the other hand, should look for a slightly thinner pillow (i.e. less loft) that provides neck support without excessively curving it upward. The goal is to strike a balance and ensure your neck is well-supported without straining it.

As for stomach sleepers, it’s best to choose a flatter pillow, or in some cases, no pillow at all… yes, really. Don’t knock it – since sleeping on your stomach isn’t the most spine-friendly position, we want to minimise any unnecessary bending of the neck and keep it as flat as possible.

For those with scoliosis seeking additional pressure relief, here’s a helpful tip, btw. If you’re a side sleeper, try placing an extra pillow between your knees to alleviate pressure on the spine. Back sleepers can benefit from placing a pillow under the lumbar area or shoulder blades to provide added support. And if you find yourself on your stomach, consider using a pillow under your hips to help maintain better alignment.

So what should I look for?

Believe me I know that finding the perfect mattress can feel like an impossible task, especially when you have scoliosis and need to consider additional factors. And let’s face it, some mattress companies love using fancy words to hike up the prices of their products.

But fret not, my friend! I’ve got you covered with the most important things to keep in mind to narrow down your search.

1. Price: Mattress prices can vary greatly depending on the materials and construction. The good news is that, on average, memory foam mattresses – which are well-suited for people with scoliosis – tend to be more affordable than other options. Of course, if you want fancy cooling technology or other features, you might have to pay a bit extra.
2. Firmness Level: The right level of firmness mostly depends on your body type, preferred sleeping position, and personal preference. If a mattress is too hard, it can create uncomfortable pressure points, while one that’s too soft won’t adequately support your back. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.
3. Pressure Relief: Depending on your sleeping position and the type of scoliosis you have, you might experience uncomfortable pressure points where certain body parts jut into the mattress. Materials like memory foam or latex can cushion those pressure points and help alleviate pain. And let’s not forget about the pressure build-up caused by sagging hips – we want to avoid that too.
4. Edge Support: Good edge support is important if you struggle to get in and out of bed or enjoy sitting on the edge; you don’t want a mattress that squishes down too much around the edges, stealing away usable space when sharing the bed with a partner. Hybrid mattresses and innersprings tend to offer the best edge support.
5. Contouring: Some materials contour closely to the curves of your body, allowing heavier areas like the shoulders and hips to sink in more. This helps relieve pressure in those areas and might improve spinal alignment for some sleepers. But keep in mind that mattresses with close contouring can restrict movement, so they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. 🙂
6. Temperature Regulation: Hybrid and latex mattresses allow for better airflow, preventing heat build-up during sleep. On the other hand, memory foam and polyfoam mattresses tend to absorb heat, leading to an uncomfortably warm sleep surface. If you’re prone to sleeping hot at night, look for mattresses made with naturally breathable materials or those equipped with cooling features like phase change material.
7. Durability: It’s important to select a mattress that can withstand regular use over time. Look for mattresses with strong construction and materials that are known for their durability. Reading customer reviews and checking for warranties can also provide insights into the mattress’s longevity.
8. Allergies: If you have allergies or sensitivities, consider mattresses that are hypoallergenic or made with materials that are resistant to common allergens such as dust mites, mould, and mildew.

Conclusion

Choosing the best mattress for scoliosis is a crucial step towards improving your sleep quality and overall comfort. By prioritisng factors such as support, pressure relief, and alignment, you will hopefully be able to find a mattress that caters specifically to your needs.

Remember, scoliosis affects everyone differently, so it’s essential to consult with your GP or medical professional first and consider your individual needs and preferences when selecting a mattress. With the right mattress and proper support, you can create an optimal sleep environment that promotes comfort, alleviates pain, and helps you wake up feeling rejuvenated.

Don’t let scoliosis hinder your sleep any longer. Take charge of your sleep health and embark on a journey to discover the perfect mattress for your unique needs: so sleep well, wake up refreshed, and embrace the comfort that a tailored mattress can provide. 🙂

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