Spinal Stenosis is a serious health challenge common to persons above 60 years of age. It is a gradual narrowing of the discs along the spine. This mounts extra stress on the spinal cord and nerve endings, causing pain on the neck and lower back.
Sleep time can be difficult for people with Spinal Stenosis due to nerve-wracking pains from their back. However, certain things can be put in place to alleviate, if not reduce the pain for a more peaceful night of rest.
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Individuals with Spinal Stenosis require a sleeping surface that will relieve the pressure exerted on their back. They need a comfortable mattress that will cushion them and make sleeping easier, which is why you need this article on the five (5) top mattresses for people with Spinal Stenosis plus some necessary considerations for identifying a suitable one.
Most Popular: Bear Mattress
One of the main sleep requirements for persons with spinal stenosis is a mattress that can be used on an adjustable frame. Raising or lowering your mattress at the right angles can ease pain and provide comfort. The fact that it can assume bent positions better than most models from other brands makes Bear a great choice for you.
| Features | Available Sizes |
| 100-night trial | Twin |
| 10-year warranty | Twin XL |
| Gel-infused memory foam, Celliant cover and HD base foam | Full |
| Medium firmness level | Queen |
| Combination, back, and stomach sleepers | King and California King |
Bear features a Celliant fabric non-removable cover that is said to improve the total wellbeing of the sleeper and promote a refreshing sleep time. The mattress is thick and its high-density base foam provides the support needed for better weight distribution.
Its second and third layers are bouncy, aiding the user to get on and off the bed easily. They ensure that the sleeper enjoys comfort while relieving pressure points on the neck and keeping the spine in its natural alignment. Bear has a top memory foam layer that is infused with graphite gel. These gels transfer heat from the body and allow the sleeper to enjoy a cool sleep.
Pros:
- Effective motion isolation.
- Compatible with flat or adjustable bed bases.
- Provides lumbar support.
- Gels maintain a cooling surface.
- Minimal edge compression.
- It is bouncy and responds well to pressure.
Cons:
- Not very suitable for heavier persons.
- Only has one firmness option.
Budget Option: Layla Mattress
This is a comfortable haven for people with spinal stenosis. Layla is a 2-in-1 adjustable mattress that gives you a choice in deciding the surface you get to sleep on. You only need to flip the mattress for your desired comfort.
| Features | Available Sizes |
| 120-night trial | Twin |
| Lifetime warranty | Twin XL |
| Copper-infused memory foam, polyester cover | Full |
| Two firmness options | Queen |
| Side, back and stomach sleepers. | King and California King |
This all-foam mattress comes with a soft polyester cover that is infused with gel to regulate temperature. The soft side of the bed features copper-infused memory foam with cooling and antimicrobial properties. It molds to the user’s body and relieves pressure points on their back muscles and spine.
The transition and support layers are of high-density foam that provides support to the back and stomach sleepers as well as those that are overweight. It has a base layer (which is the firm surface) that also feature memory foam infused with copper. It is more responsive than the soft side, provides pressure relief, and helps keep the spine aligned properly.
Pros:
- Ideal for different sleeping positions.
- Enjoy pressure relief.
- Affordable price point.
- The soft side has a plush cushioning feel.
- Evenly distributes body weight.
- Good motion isolation.
Cons:
- Compresses at the sides.
- May be quite soft for some overweight sleepers.
Best Luxury: Puffy Lux
This is a fluffy and responsive mattress that is great for people with spinal stenosis. This is because they require a mattress that makes it easy to switch or change positions during sleep. Its thickness provides the support they need so that there is no pressure build-up on the spine. It also has a soft feel and prevents them from waking up with pains.
| Features | Available Sizes |
| 101-night sleep trial | Twin |
| Lifetime warranty | Twin XL |
| Polyester cover and memory foam | Full |
| Medium firmness level | Queen |
| Side and combination sleepers. | King and California King |
The top layer is a body contouring foam that relieves pressure points of the body. Below this is a comfort layer infused with gel to dissipate heat and ensure a cooling sleep. The transition foam which comes between the comfort layer and a dense supporting base polyfoam ensures that the mattress remains responsive for easy repositioning.
The covering of the mattress is a plush stain-resistant fabric with a luxurious feel, ensuring that users experience a good balance between comfort and support on Puffy Lux. The lower back and hips are strongly supported and the mattress spreads body weight evenly across its surface. There is very little motion transfer and it has good fortifications for additional support around the perimeter.
Pros:
- Great edge support.
- Temperature neutral and breathable surface.
- Gentle cushioning effect.
- Bouncy and responsive.
- The cover is removable and stain-resistant.
- Eliminates pressure points and aligns the spine.
- No toxic chemicals used in foam production.
Cons:
- Not very affordable price.
- May not be used with some bed foundations.
Best for Side Sleepers: Nectar Mattress
This exceptional mattress relieves pressure on the body and is designed to regulate the heat with its gel-infused memory foam. It is soft and ideal for the side sleeper. Memory foam is often great for those with spinal stenosis because it absorbs movement which could aggravate the pain if felt.
| Features | Available Sizes |
| 365 days trial period | Twin |
| Lifetime warranty | Twin XL |
| Tencel cover, gel-infused memory foam | Full |
| Medium-firm | Queen |
| Back, side, and stomach sleepers | King and California King |
Nectar can be used with different bed frames, whether adjustable or flat, to improve its support. It is quite responsive and permits the sleeper to reposition conveniently. The bottom layer provides pressure relief and keeps the mattress sturdy while being supportive.
Its cover is made of breathable Tencel and cotton with a thin gel memory foam quilted into it. It is capable of absorbing moisture to ensure that users sleep comfortably without odors that may arise from dampness.
Pros:
- Suitable for combination sleepers.
- Provides pressure relief to the spine and spinal nerves.
- Prevents heat retention.
- Good edge support.
- Good motion isolation.
- Great value.
Cons:
- Comes with a new mattress smell.
- May not be flipped.
Best for Stomach Sleepers: Amerisleep AS2
Amerisleep is a brand which produces quality memory foam mattresses that have good bounce and regulates heat efficiently. The AS2 model is one of the most sought after mattresses and is ideal for the stomach sleeper. It provides support for the hips and stomach thereby keeping the back well aligned.
| Features | Available Sizes |
| 100-night sleep trial | Twin |
| 20-year warranty | Twin XL |
| Celliant cover, Bio-Pur foam, and HD polyfoam | Full |
| Firm | Queen |
| Stomach and back sleepers | King and California King |
There is general support on the whole mattress surface, both at the middle and towards the edges. AS2 has a memory foam layer with an open-cell design that provides comfort and contours to the body curves while regulating the heat on the surface of the mattress. The base foam is dense enough to support the structure of the mattress and make it last longer.
The affinity layer which contains a transition foam has spaces to allow free airflow for cooling. Its cover is a plush combination of Celliant and polyester that is stretchy. It keeps the user cool and responds well to changes in position.
Pros:
- The edges hold well against compression.
- Very responsive.
- Sleeps cool.
- Spreads bodyweight evenly.
- Designed using quality materials.
Cons:
- Might be too firm for lightweight and side sleepers.
- Pricey.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Mattress for Spinal Stenosis
Construction & Material
Someone suffering from back pains needs a mattress that is compatible with adjustable beds. This is because the mattress may need to be raised to a certain extent for comfort and good support. Memory foam mattresses cushion the body and provide pressure relief. Hybrid mattresses with memory foam top layers may be suitable too. You can also consider natural latex mattresses which are bouncy with great pressure relief.
Firmness
There is no particular firmness level for people with back pain; it is dependent on a couple of factors which ensure that they get the desired relief. A model that offers good quality sleep and cushions the body snugly should be considered.
Support
The correct model should be bouncy to allow users to reposition during sleep. It should provide good lumbar support and reduce stress on the back, hips, and neck. If the mattress keeps the spine in a good posture, it is capable of providing pain relief to a high degree.
Heat Regulation
Proper air circulation is known to relax and relieve pains on joints. A good mattress has to support sufficient airflow while regulating heat to keep the sleeper cool on a hot night and warm on cold nights. Many brand employ technologies that promote this.
Motion Isolation
A good mattress model should do an excellent job at dulling movement and disturbances on the bed. This is needed most especially for light sleepers and people who share a bed. Also, people with spinal stenosis require mattress models that absorb motion to prevent its propagation which would further cause them discomfort.
Edge Support
People that tend to roll from side to side while sleeping need a mattress with strong edge support. This keeps the sleeper comfortable and maintains the longevity of the mattress. A model with poor edge support has deep compressions when you sit on or lie very close to the edges. It gives you an undesirable ‘falling off’ feeling.
Price Point
You need a mattress that suits your need. Most models great for those with spinal stenosis are averagely priced. So you know that finding the best mattress for yourself or a loved one is possible without having to overly exceed your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I sleep with spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis occurs anywhere on the spine. The occurrence at the lower back is more common while that of the neck is the most severe. It, therefore, affects your choice of sleeping position. Side sleeping is most preferable for the individual, as it provides pressure relief to the spine and its nerves. If you find it difficult to adjust, a medium-firm mattress on an adjustable frame can keep the body raised to relieve pressure. Placing a pillow between the knees can also help take the pressure off the spine and support it.
What is the best mattress for spinal stenosis?
A person with spinal stenosis experiences pain and stress on his back and neck. Staying in one position during sleep can add extra stress to those body parts. It is important that while sleeping, the mattress is responsive to allow for a change of position. it should also be comfortable enough to cushion the pressure felt by the user in different parts of his/her body.
What activities should be avoided for people with spinal stenosis?
Avoid strenuous exercises like jogging or long walks which may worsen the condition. Get adequate sleep on the right mattress which will help you to maintain a good posture, since proper spinal alignment can alleviate the aches and pains. The mattress should keep motion transfer at a minimum. An adjustable bed base can also offer better support.
Can physical therapy help spinal stenosis?
Physical therapy can help prevent spinal stenosis or forestall it. However, such requires medical consultation before it can be started. The right mattress is still needed to soothe the pain and improve the quality of sleep.
Is memory foam good for the spine?
Those suffering from spinal stenosis or serious back and neck pain must consider the firmness and construction of their mattress. Memory foam is known for relieving pressure points and distributing body weight evenly. This reduces the pressure that is felt by the spine and body joints. Unlike innerspring models, it is durable and does not sag easily.
Final Thoughts
People with spinal stenosis are often confronted with the pain while standing and walking. They, therefore, need a good surface to sleep on; a mattress that relieves pressure points and aligns the spine properly. This can help provide comfort and keep their spines in better condition while they live pain-free lives.