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If you suffer from degenerative disc disease and your back hurts every time you wake up, then you should consider replacing your mattress with one that offers more pressure relief. To save you the time and effort, we’ve tried and tested all the leading brands and narrowed it down to the five best mattresses for degenerative disc disease. Our Editor’s Choice is the Bear Elite Hybrid.
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Top Five Picks for Best Mattress for Degenerative Disc Disease
- Bear Elite Hybrid – editor’s choice
- Saatva Modern Foam – best for back pain
- Tuft and Needle Original – best budget-friendly mattress
- Zoma – best hybrid mattress
- PlushBeds Natural Bliss – best eco-friendly mattress
#1 Bear Elite Hybrid
Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice | 25% Off Coupon: SLEEPLINE25 | Review
Pros:
- Three firmness options
- Suitable for all sleeper types
- Great for back pain relief
- Zoned support
- Cooling
- Low motion transfer
- Strong edge support
Cons:
- Above average price point
- Slight off-gassing
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The Bear Elite Hybrid is the company’s latest addition to its impressive mattress lineup. It’s a high-end luxury mattress that features a hybrid design for extra comfort and durable support. Another great thing about this mattress is that it comes in three firmness options: Luxury Plush, Luxury Firm, and Extra Firm.
Because of this the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress could be a great fit for most individuals regardless of body type and sleeping position. Moreover, it’s an excellent pressure relieving mattress for individuals who suffer from degenerative disc disease.
Save 25% with coupon code SLEEPLINE25
Who should buy the Bear Elite Hybrid?
- People with degenerative disc disease
- Couples
- All sleeper types
- Hot sleepers
- Memory foam fans
- Those who prefer hybrid mattresses
- Those who prefer innerspring mattresses
Firmness
Since it’s available in three different firmness levels, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a versatile mattress that’s suitable for all sleeper types. We gave it a rating of 5 (Medium-Soft) all the way to 8 (Firm) on the mattress firmness scale. This means individuals from both ends of the weight spectrum should be able to choose a model that suits their needs.
The Elite Hybrid provides a balanced foam feel that’s ideal for individuals who don’t want to feel stuck in their mattress. Although its top comfort layer is made of slow-moving memory foam, it has a firmer layer of polyfoam below which distributes weight evenly and relieves pressure points. With that said, we think that the Elite Hybrid medium-firm mattress (Luxury Firm) can accommodate a wider range of sleepers compared to the other two models.
Still, if you’re a strict side sleeper we would suggest that you go for the Luxury Plush version of the mattress for a softer and more cradling memory foam feel. On the other hand, we would steer back and stomach sleepers toward either the Luxury Firm or the Firm version of the mattress. Both of these versions provide great comfort and pressure relief but the Firm model is slightly more supportive especially for heavier individuals.
Unlike pure memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses tend to perform poorly in isolating motion due to its use of coils. But this isn’t the case with the Bear Elite Hybrid because it contains individually pocketed coils which transfer less motion that traditional interconnected coils. The mattress also features strong edge support which is great for those who like lying or sitting near the bed’s edges.
Construction
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is 14″ tall and is comprised of four layers including memory foam, polyfoam, and individually wrapped coils. Certified by both GreenGuard Gold and CertiPUR-US, this mattress checks all the boxes for safety, low VOC emissions, and zero heavy metals. Moreover, all of its foam layers are encased in a hand quilted cover that combines Phase Change material fabric with Celliant fiber for temperature regulation and enhanced recovery.
Directly beneath the cover is a layer of copper-infused memory foam which has a slow response to pressure and offers immediate body-contouring. Additionally, the copper infusion in this layer makes it antimicrobial and prevents it from retaining body heat like a traditional memory foam mattress would. This, along with its other cooling features, make the Elite Hybrid a good choice for hot sleepers.
Below this is a layer of zoned comfort foam that provides targeted pressure relief for different areas of your body. It also distributes weight evenly to maintain neutral spinal alignment and keep you pain-free. And to further aid in temperature regulation, this foam has an open cell structure to promote airflow within the mattress.
Next up is a support layer which is made up of individually pocketed coils to add responsiveness and durability to the mattress. These coils are wrapped to transfer less motion and eliminate disturbing noise while you move around your bed. Not to mention there are also edge-to-edge coils around the perimeter of the mattress for reinforced edge support.
The coil system and all the foam layers above it rest on a layer of high-density support foam. Aside from providing added durability and support to the mattress, this layer also maintains its overall shape by keeping everything in place.
Sizes
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in 7 sizes and is compatible with most foundations and bed frames including adjustable bed bases.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Durability
This mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and is backed by an incredible lifetime warranty. Bear offers free shipping for all their mattresses for orders within the contiguous United States.
Buy: Bear Elite Hybrid
#2. Saatva Modern Foam
Check Current Price | Best for Back Pain | Review
Pros:
- Ideal for individuals with back pain
- Suitable for all sleeper types
- Good motion isolation
- Cooling
- Decent edge support
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Not suitable for people over 250 lbs.
- Not for individuals who want a more conforming memory foam feel
Moving on, this next model is Saatva’s newest addition to its mattress lineup: the Saatva Modern Foam. This is an all-foam mattress that combines the benefits of memory foam, latex, and convoluted foam to give you lots of comfort and pressure relief while staying temperature-neutral. We highly recommend this mattress for people with degenerative disc disease or just back pain in general.
The Saatva Modern Foam is a medium-firm mattress that can cater to the needs of most individuals regardless of their sleep position. Scroll down to see our full review of this latest Saatva mattress.
Who should buy the Saatva Modern Foam?
- People with back pain
- Couples
- All sleeper types
- Hot sleepers
- People looking for a medium-firm mattress
- People looking for a soft mattress that provides a bit of bounce
Firmness
Although the Saatva Modern Foam contains a layer of memory foam, it has a more neutral foam feel and it does not inhibit movement around the mattress. We gave it a 6.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale which is the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress. It can accommodate most sleeping positions and provide adequate pressure relief and support.
The Saatva Modern Foam works best for back sleepers especially those who experience back pain due to arthritis or degenerative disc disease. It features several unique foam layers which work together to relieve pressure from sensitive areas such as the shoulders and lower back. However, if you weigh more than 250 lbs. we think you should opt for a more supportive model like the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress.
If you’re a strict side sleeper this mattress is also great at cradling your hips and shoulders. Also, we suggest placing a thin pillow between your legs to take some strain off your lower back. Additionally, I should mention that some individuals did find this mattress a bit too firm for side sleeping and they would probably feel better on a softer mattress like the Amerisleep AS5.
Stomach sleepers below 230 lbs. should feel comfortable and well-supported on this mattress. But if your weight exceeds this you should look for a mattress that has coils for enhanced support and durability. Check out our best mattresses for stomach sleepers list for some great options.
Construction
The Saatva Modern Foam is 11″ tall and is comprised of four layers including memory foam, latex, and convoluted foam. All the foams used in its construction are CertiPUR-US certified for low VOC levels and zero harmful chemicals. On top of that, the mattress also holds a seal of approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations, meaning it’s considered supportive for people with back pain.
Like the other Saatva mattresses this model is quilted in an organic cotton cover that promotes airflow and prevents the growth of bacteria and mold. Underneath the cover, is a thin layer of latex foam that adds a bit of responsiveness to the mattress. It also features patented lumbar zone quilting which makes the mattress feel slightly firmer toward the center to aid in proper spinal alignment.
Below that lies a of convoluted or egg-crate foam which relieves pressure points and further boosts airflow within the mattress. Next, the final comfort layer of the mattress is made of gel-infused memory foam which absorbs body heat and offers soft body-contouring. Lastly, the mattress has a high-density foam base layer which provides solid support and added durability.
Unlike most mattresses sold online the Saatva Modern Foam does not come compressed in a box which means it won’t be emitting any off-gassing odors.
Sizes
The Saatva Modern Foam comes in 7 sizes and is compatible with most bed frames and foundations including platform beds.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Durability
This mattress comes with a lengthy 365-night sleep trial as well as an industry-leading lifetime warranty. If you decide against keeping the mattress, just initiate a return within the 1-year trial period. Saatva does charge a $99 transportation fee for returns so please be advised.
The Saatva Modern Foam ships with free white glove delivery anywhere in the contiguous United States.
Buy: Saatva Modern Foam
#3. Tuft and Needle Original
Check Current Price | Best Budget-Friendly Mattress
Pros:
- Suitable for all sleeper types
- Great for pressure relief
- Excellent motion isolation
- Good edge support
- Cooling
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Not suitable for individuals over 250 lbs.
- Slight off-gassing
Our next pick for best mattress for degenerative disc disease is the T&N’s flagship mattress: the Tuft and Needle Original. It’s an all-foam bed that offers contouring and support to relieve back pain and it’s infused with graphite to help you stay fresh all night. Medium-firm in feel, this mattress is suitable for a wide array of sleeper types including combination sleepers.
Another great thing about this mattress is its affordable price point which is lower than most high-quality all-foam beds on the market. It’s an excellent choice for people looking for a mattress that provides lots of comfort and great value for the money.
Who should buy the Tuft and Needle Original?
- People looking for back pain relief
- Couples
- All sleeper types
- Hot sleepers
- Budget shoppers
- Those looking for a medium-firm mattress
Firmness
The Tuft and Needle Original contains proprietary adaptive foam which is more resilient than traditional memory foam. It adds responsiveness to the mattress so you’ll feel more “on top” of this bed rather than “in” it. Our team rated the mattress 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale which equates to a medium-firm feel.
We recommend this mattress for people who are experiencing back pain because it’s great at relieving pressure and keeping your spine in a neutral alignment. Moreover, it’s also a suitable choice for side sleepers who need soft cradling for their hips and shoulders. And another group of individuals that could benefit from the responsive feel of this mattress are combination sleepers who tend to switch positions throughout the night.
One of the things that make a mattress suitable for couples is motion isolation. The Tuft and Needle Original performs exceptionally on this area so you won’t be disturbed by your partner’s nighttime movements. Also, if you tend to overheat at night this mattress contains graphite-infused memory foam which absorbs body heat to keep you sleeping cool all night.
Construction
The Tuft and Needle Original is a 10-inch all foam mattress that’s comprised of two layers. While its construction may not be as durable as some thicker mattress models on the market, it does provide supportive comfort for an affordable price point. All the foams used in this mattress are CertiPUR-US certified which means they are free from toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
Encasing the mattress is a cover that’s made with a blend of micro polyamide and polyester. This material is soft to the touch and breathable enough to promote airflow. Below the cover lies a comfort layer that consists of the brand’s proprietary Adaptive Foam. This foam contours to your body shape and responds to pressure quicker than classic memory foam.
Lastly, the mattress has a base layer that’s made of high-density polyfoam. This section is responsible for providing firm support and it has an open-cell structure for additional airflow to keep the mattress temperature-neutral.
We noticed some slight off-gassing when we unboxed this mattress but that’s fairly common for compressed all-foam beds. To remedy this, we let the mattress air out in a well-ventilated room for 24 hours and the new chemical smell dissipated completely.
Sizes
The Tuft and Needle Original comes in 6 sizes and is compatible with most bed bases and bed frames.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Durability
Tuft and Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial for all their mattresses as well as full refunds. Moreover, the Tuft and Needle Original is backed by a 10-year warranty that covers workmanship defects and indentations greater than 0.75 inches.
Tuft and Needle mattresses ship for free in the contiguous United States.
#4. Zoma
Check Current Price | Best Hybrid Mattress | Review
Pros:
- Available in both all-foam and hybrid versions
- Suitable for all sleeper types
- Offers zoned support
- Great for pressure relief
- Low motion transfer
- Good edge support
- Reasonable price point
Cons:
- Slight off-gassing
Zoma Sleep is a fairly new bed-in-a-box company that specializes in designing mattresses for athletes and people who lead a more active lifestyle. Their flagship Zoma Mattress offers zoned support to help alleviate pressure and aid pain relief. It’s available in an all-foam version as well as a hybrid mattress version which gives you a chance to select what fits you best.
Like most of the mattresses on this list, the Zoma Mattress has a medium-firm feel to accommodate most individuals regardless of their sleeping position. As a great pressure relieving mattress it’s suitable for people with degenerative disc disease.
Who should buy the Zoma mattress?
- Back pain sufferers
- Athletes
- Couples
- All sleeper types
- Those looking for a medium-firm mattress
- Those looking for a supportive memory foam mattress
Firmness
Overall, the Zoma Mattress has a neutral foam feel despite containing a memory foam top layer. It does give you that soft cushioning and hugging feeling but you won’t sink in too deeply into its layers. Since the mattress is available in both an all-foam and hybrid version, most sleepers should be able to find a suitable fit depending on their body weight and sleeping position.
The Zoma Mattress features zoned support on its top layer which makes it great for supporting your spine and relieving pressure from sensitive areas. This is ideal for individuals who suffer from chronic back pain and stiffness. We also recommend this mattress, the all-foam version in particular, for side sleepers who need some sinking for their hips and shoulders.
Stomach and back sleepers on the other hand need a more supportive and durable sleep surface for their hips and spine. Hybrid mattresses are usually the best choice for this and the Zoma Hybrid mattress is one great example. However, if you weigh a over 300 lbs. we would stir you toward a hybrid model that’s a bit firmer such as the Winkbed mattress.
Great edge support and low motion transfer are the main things to consider when choosing a mattress for couples. Fortunately, the Zoma Mattress performs pretty well on both areas making it an excellent choice.
Construction
The Zoma Mattress is 11″ thick for the all-foam version and 12″ thick for the hybrid version. It’s comprised of several foam layers which include zoned memory foam, transition foam, and high-density support foam. All the foams used in both versions are CertiPUR-US certified and are made without ozone-depleting substances.
The mattress is encased in a breathable mesh fabric cover that’s perforated with tiny holes for breathability. Directly beneath the cover is a comfort layer that’s made of Triangulex zoned low-density memory foam. This material doesn’t conform as closely as classic memory foam but it has a quicker response to pressure and it also sleeps a bit cooler.
Next up is a transition layer that’s made of slightly firmer Reactiv foam. This section offers body-contouring and it eases you down onto the bed’s firm base. Lastly, the support layer of the mattress is made up of high-density polyfoam for durability and overall structure. The only difference between the all-foam and hybrid version is the inclusion of pocketed coils in the latter for more responsiveness and extra support.
Although we experienced some off-gassing odors from the mattress, it was no big deal and the smell dissipated within the same day.
Sizes
The Zoma Mattress comes in 7 sizes and is compatible with most foundations including slatted and platform bed frames.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Durability
Zoma Sleep offers a 100-night sleep trial for all their mattresses with a 30-day break-in period. In addition, the Zoma Mattress is backed by a 10-year non-prorated warranty that covers workmanship and structural defects.
Free shipping and returns are available within the contiguous United States.
Buy: Zoma
#5. PlushBeds Natural Bliss
Check Current Price | Best Eco-Friendly Mattress | $100 Off Coupon Code: SL100
Pros:
- Three thickness options
- Available in four firmness levels
- Suitable for all sleeper types
- Eco-friendly construction
- Responsive
- Cooling
- Offers great pressure relief
Cons:
- Below-average edge support
- Poor motion isolation
- High price point
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The final mattress on this list is the 100% organic PlushBeds Natural Bliss. This natural latex mattress is offered in three thickness options and two different firmness levels. Because of this, most individuals can find a suitable fit for their needs and preferences.
It’s also an excellent choice for eco-conscious sleepers who prefer a mattress that’s made with sustainable materials. Read our full review below to learn more about this bed’s feel and construction.
Who should buy the PlushBeds Natural Bliss?
- People with back pain
- All sleeper types
- Vegans
- Allergy sufferers
- Individuals who prefer latex mattresses
Firmness
Since it’s made completely out of latex, the Natural Bliss is more breathable and a lot bouncier than a traditional memory foam mattress. Still, latex does have a few similarities to memory foam such as providing pressure relief and body contouring. The Natural Bliss has three thickness options and two firmness levels which we rated 5.5 (Medium) and 7 (Medium-Firm) respectively.
We recommend the Medium version of the mattress for side sleepers and lighter back sleepers. This version can offer much needed pressure relief for sensitive joints so you can wake up pain-free in the morning. On the flip side, heavier individuals especially back and stomach sleepers should opt for the Medium-Firm version of the mattress for adequate hip and lumbar support.
Unlike memory foam, latex does not perform well in motion isolation due to its buoyant and responsive nature. This results in pretty high cross-mattress motion transfer which could be a deal breaker for some light sleepers who have restless partners. A better mattress for couples has great motion isolation, one good example is the Layla Hybrid.
Construction
The PlushBeds Natural Bliss is available in three thickness options: 6″, 8″, and 10″. Although there are slight differences in each version, all of the foams used are GreenGuard Gold and GOLS certified. The Natural Bliss mattress does not contain any toxic chemicals and high risk allergens making it an ideal choice for allergy sufferers.
Each variant of the Natural Bliss contains a 6-inch organic Dunlop latex support core. The 8-inch version has an additional 2-inch comfort layer that’s made of 100% natural Talalay latex. Whereas the 10-inch version features a 2-inch Dunlop latex transition layer between the comfort and support layers.
The Natural Bliss is encased in a GOTS certified organic cotton cover that promotes airflow and wicks away moisture from the bed’s surface. This, combined with the open-cell structure of latex, keeps you sleeping cool all night long. One great perk of this mattress is that you can unzip its cover and rearrange its latex layers to your liking.
If there’s one downside to the Natural Bliss it’s the bed’s below average edge support. This could be a problem if you like lying or sitting near the edge of the mattress. If this is important for you, then you should go for a mattress with stronger edge support such as the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid.
Sizes
The PlushBeds Natural Bliss comes in 9 sizes including split mattress options. Also, it’s compatible with most bed bases and foundations including adjustable bed frames.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- Split Queen
- King
- Split King
- California King
- Split California King
Durability
PlushBeds offers a 100-night sleep trial for the Natural Bliss mattress. Moreover, the mattress is backed by a 25-year warranty that covers both material and manufacturing defects. This mattress ships for free in the contiguous United States.
Quick view and comparison
| Brand | Bear Elite Hybrid | Saatva Modern Foam | Tuft & Needle Original | Zoma | PlushBeds Natural Bliss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 |
| Thickness (inches) | 14 | 11.5 | 10 | 11 | 6/8/10 |
| Feel | Medium Soft to Firm | Medium Firm | Medium Firm | Medium | Medium to Medium Firm |
| Motion Transfer | Minimal | Minimal to none | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
| Hybrid | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Adjustable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Edge Support | Very good | Very good | Excellent | Very good | Average |
| Sleeping Position | All sleeper types | Stomach and back sleepers | Stomach and back sleepers | All sleeper types | All sleeper types |
| Trial (nights) | 120 | 365 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 | 10 | 25 |
| Link to buy | Buy Bear Elite Hybrid | Buy Saatva Modern Foam | Buy Tuft & Needle Original | Buy Zoma mattress | Buy PlushBeds Natural Bliss |
Ideal mattress type for degenerative disc disease
In a nutshell, degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back and neck pain caused by wear and tear on a spinal disc. Most individuals experience low-level chronic pain with occasional episodes of severe pain and numbness. To help alleviate this, a mattress has to aid in reducing tension levels in the spine by gently cradling your back while keeping your spine in proper alignment.
With that being said, we believe that memory foam mattresses that have a medium-firm feel are considered ideal for degenerative disc disease because they are excellent at relieving pressure points and contouring to your body’s shape. Memory foam also evenly distributes your body weight to prevent pressure from building up in certain sensitive spots and causing pain later on.
Additionally, most memory foam mattresses are also compatible with adjustable bed bases. This is a great advantage because some individuals like to sleep with their backs or legs elevated to alleviate pain. Other mattress types such as innerspring mattresses don’t usually work with adjustable beds due to potential coil damage.
FAQs
It is recommended that you sleep on your stomach to relieve pressure from the disc space.
You should avoid movements that involve high impact on the lower back. Some examples are squats and leg presses and even lighter exercises like sit ups and yoga.
How We Rate Mattresses
We rate mattresses using the following criteria:
- Comfort
- Structural integrity and durability
- Firmness and support
Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.
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