As a lifelong runner and athlete, I suffer from severe SI joint pain. SI joint pain is caused when there is inflammation in the sacroiliac joint. It is estimated that the SI joint is responsible for about 15% to 30% of all lower back pain cases in America.
I have found that one of the best ways to care for my body and help relieve SI joint pain is to sleep on a high-quality, medium to firm mattress. My old mattress was too soft and worn so it didn’t provide adequate support for my joints. On the other end of the spectrum, a mattress that is too firm won’t provide enough cushioning to conform to my body shape and relieve my joint pressure.
The best mattress for SI joint pain will fall somewhere in the middle of soft, body-conforming cushioning and strong support. Keep reading to find out which three mattresses worked best for my SI joint pain.
- Saatva Classic Hybrid Mattress
- Amerisleep AS3 Mattress
- Leesa Hybrid Mattress
| Comfort | Pain Relief | Value | Quality | Customer Satisfaction | Overall Rating | |
| Saatva | 8/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Amerisleep | 7/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| Leesa | 6/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6.6/10 |
| At-Home Sleep Trial | Warranty | Made in the USA | CertiPUR-US certified foam | Coils or Foam | |
| Saatva | 180 Nights | 15 years | Yes | Yes | Both |
| Amerisleep | 100 Nights | 20 Years | Yes | Yes | Foam |
| Leesa | 100 Nights | 10 Years | Yes | No | Both |
Saatva Classic Hybrid Mattress
The Saatva Classic Hybrid is Saatva’s number one selling mattress. It blends the classic support of an innerspring mattress, with the comfort of a foam mattress all under a plush Euro pillow top. The Saatva Classic specifically caters to those who suffer from back and joint pain because it has contouring support that keeps your spine in alignment and relieves joint pressure while you sleep.
The Saatva Classic Hybrid comes in eight sizes, two different heights, and three firmness levels, allowing you to completely customize your mattress to suit your size and comfort needs. Saatva offers a 180-night-at-home sleep trial so you never feel pressured to commit until you are sure you’re happy with your mattress and after that, your mattress is covered by a 15-year non-prorated warranty.
Features of the Saatva Classic Hybrid Mattress
The Saatva Classic Hybrid Mattress is packed full of features to ensure you get the best, pain-free night’s sleep possible.
There are three layers to this mattress to provide optimal comfort. On the bottom, there is a tempered support coil base. Each of the 416, 13-gauge tempered steel support coils provides a durable foundation, so this mattress is built to last.
The next layer is made of 884 individually pocketed comfort coils made from 14.5-gauge recycled steel. This dual coil system allows the mattress to be comfortable, responsive, and promotes better airflow for breathability and keeping you cool at night.
The center of the mattress features an active wire and a CertiPur-US certified high-density memory foam layer that provides extra back support and pressure relief.
The mattress is topped with a three-inch plush Euro pillow top that is made of hypoallergenic, organic cotton and treated with a Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment.
The Saatva Classic Hybrid also has high-density foam rails around the perimeter of the mattress to provide unmatched edge support to prevent sagging and edge collapses.
Firmness Levels
Saatva allows you to choose which level of firmness is best for you to be sure you have the most comfortable mattress possible for your sleep style.
The softest, Plush soft has extra padding in the pillowtop and softer foam for a soft, cushiony feel. If you are a side sleeper, this softness can provide extra contouring. However, if you are suffering from SI joint pain, this level may be too soft and not provide enough support to keep you comfortable.
The firmest option is Firm 8. You will not sink into this mattress and it’s perfect if your doctor has recommended an extra firm mattress or if you have a heavier body type. For those suffering from SI joint pain, this option may be too hard and not provide enough pressure relief on your joints.
The most popular option is the Luxury Firm, and it is what I recommend for easing SI joint pain. The Luxury Firm provides a balance of support and comfort and is suitable for all sleep styles. This mattress is also great for couples who can’t agree on a firmness level.
2021 Awards from SleepFoundation.org
- Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers
- Best Firm Mattress
- Best Innerspring Mattress
- Best Mattress for Seniors
- Best Mattress for Allergies
- Best Mattress for Acid Reflux
- Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Best Online Mattress
- Best Mattress for Teenagers
Amerisleep AS3 Foam Mattress
The AS3 is Amerisleep’s number one selling mattress. It provides both comfort and medium support and is designed to relieve pain which makes it a great choice for those suffering from SI joint pain.
The Amerisleep AS3 Foam Mattress comes in seven different sizes and has a 12-inch profile. It is made of cooling plant-based Bio-Pur memory foam that is an open-cell design so there is more airflow than traditional foam. This is perfect for hot sleepers.
Bio-Pur is CertiPUR-US certified and resistant to dust mites, mold, mildew, and it is made without harsh chemicals. Amerisleep strives to minimize the use of non-renewable resources and manufactures Bio-Pur in America.
AMERISLEEP AS3 Memory Foam Mattress - Queen (Medium - Most Popular) Plant Based Material Made 100% in USA 20-Year Satisfaction
- Support Meets softness: The as3 offers the perfect blend of support and softness. That’s why it’s our most popular mattress for every type of Sleeper.
- Deeper sleep: the fda-determined celliant cover promotes more restful sleep and faster recovery. It works by reflecting heat back into your body as infrared light, which increases Local circulation.
Pain Relief Technology
The Bio-Pur foam layer will contour to your body to relieve pain by alleviating pressure around your joints. This is perfect if you are suffering from SI joint pain. The AS3 is made with HIVE technology that provides zoned comfort and support. Many customers describe this as a “weightless” feeling.
The Bio-Pur foam is more responsive than traditional foam, so even though it provides cushion and contour, it also bounces back fast and will never leave you feeling stuck or sunken in.
Foundation Compatibility
When searching for the perfect mattress, it is important to consider whether it will be compatible with your bed frame and foundation. Having the proper foundation is key in making your mattress last. Luckily, the Amerisleep AS3 is compatible with a variety of mattress foundations:
- Amerisleep mattress foundation
- Platform beds
- Adjustable bed frames
It is important to note that this mattress is NOT compatible with a box spring. Box springs do not provide adequate support for a foam mattress and are better suited for an innerspring mattress. Amerisleep also recommends that if you have a slatted base, the slats should be no more than three inches apart.
2021 Awards
- Best Mattress by USA Today
- Best Mattress by Sleep Foundation
- Best Mattress by Healthline
- Best Mattress by Mattress Clarity
The Leesa Hybrid Mattress
The Leesa Hybrid Mattress is Leesa’s most popular award-winning mattress. It is made of both foam and pocket springs, so it is supportive but still hugs and contours to your body to provide lower back pain and SI joint pain relief. This mattress is great for back and side sleepers. You can try this mattress risk-free at home for 100 days to make sure it is exactly what you like and Leesa offers a 10-year warranty on all mattresses.
Layers of the Leesa Hybrid
This mattress has four distinct layers that work together to provide you with comfort and pain relief all night long.
The base layer is made up of over 1,000 active response pocket springs providing maximum durability and stability. There is very little motion transfer which is great for couples who don’t want to disturb each other.
Leesa Luxury Hybrid 11 Inch Mattress, Innerspring and Premium Foam White & Gray, Queen
- Please allow 24 - 72 hours for your Mattress to regain its full shape. Any memory foam will expand faster in a warmer room. In cold temperature, at delivery, your mattress may take a bit longer to return to full sized from its compressed state.The expansion time of the mattress will vary as per the surrounding..Set Up: Simply take your mattress out of the box and enjoy watching it decompress. Jumping, walking, and sleeping on your mattress can speed up the process.
Above the base is a memory foam recovery layer. This provides enhanced body contouring and relieves pressure from your back, hips, and shoulders. This is especially important for people suffering from SI joint pain.
The next layer is a hole-punched foam comfort layer. The hole-punched design provides additional airflow, allowing you to sleep cool and comfortably.
The top layer is a soft breathable hybrid cover. This mattress is rated as medium firm so you will have plenty of bounce and responsiveness.
Final Thoughts
If you are suffering from SI joint pain, these three mattress options are great for pain relief, support, and comfort.
The Saatva Classic Hybrid mattress was my favorite– offering a high-quality mattress, customizable options, and boasting many awards. The Amerisleep AS3 is a great option if you prefer a strictly foam mattress and need something more budget-friendly. The Leesa Hybrid, although a little pricey, is the go-to option for the firmest feel. Any one of these mattresses will provide you with much-needed relief from SI joint paint and a peaceful night’s sleep.
