Mattress advice for Sciatica

Hi Christina,

Thanks for your comment asking about the John Lewis Natural collection Egyptian Cotton 5900 mattress.

The first thing to note is that the 'medium' tag on the John Lewis mattress relates to the spring tension and not the comfort fillings in it. This is where most people get confused about choosing a new mattress. This mattress actually has a softer feel in the upholstery layer rather than a true medium. This is probably why it felt suitable for your sciatica.

A firmer feel mattress is a real no no for back problems and sciatica. In our experience people suffering from sciatica need a softer more forgiving feel in the mattress upholstery layers. It allows a soft sink and don't put undue pressure on your side or backs like a firmer mattress does. It's hard to recommend an identical mattress to the John Lewis one if that's the right one for you then you should certainly buy it.

However, bear in mind that most new mattresses take a good few weeks to get used to, so a 3 min bounce in a shop is not always the best test as to whether that mattress is perfect for you. Ideally, you should compare the fillings and construction method against your needs.

A sprung slatted base vs a platform base will have very little difference in terms of feeling. Both will firm up a mattress compared to a sprung edge divan which is more forgiving again. I wouldn't worry too much about the base providing its n a good condition. Place your efforts on making sure you get the right upholstery for your needs.

The other issue with the John Lewis mattress is it is one sided. For the price point, you should be looking at a two side model which will allow you to turn it and even out natural settlement. Which in turn means the mattress lasts far longer. We also don't use micro springs as we find them totally unsuitable for quality mattresses, given they take up the place of upholstery usually and compress almost entirely once you get into bed!

Beds for Sciatica
Based on the John Lewis model we would recommend you have a look at our Artisan Naturals mattress. Our most popular, unbeatable model with 85% natural fibres. Containing a huge GSM of fillings, including wool and mohair, on a Calico Pocket spring unit. It has a similar medium feel to the John Lewis but is 85% natural fibre so more breathable. It also has a forgiving top comfort layer. We would recommend you look at the medium 1.4 gauge calico spring for your bodyweight.


Artisan Naturals Mattress

1: 1200GSM BLENDED BRITISH FLEECE WOOL AND COTTON

2: HAIRPROOF CAMBRIC COVER

3: 1250GSM REBOUND POLY COTTON

4: 1500GSM 100% PURE MOHAIR

5: 1600 CALICO ENCASED POCKET SPRINGS [49MM ] [1.28MM ]

TOTAL: 3950GSM

DEPTH:: 27-30CM

CHEMICAL FREE COVER

We hope that helps and gives you further mattress buying guidance. If you have any more mattress related questions please get back in touch on info@localhost or 0161 437 4419.

Sleep well
John & Ryan