If you struggle with aches and pains, an orthopedic mattress might help you get a night of restful sleep. The best orthopedic mattresses are great at keeping your spine aligned and can also relieve pressure and pain. So, which of these beds is right for you? Well, we’ve got our eight top picks right here. Read on to find the best orthopedic mattress for your sleep style and position.
The 8 Best Orthopedic Mattresses
- Helix Midnight – Best Overall
- Nectar – Best Cooling Orthopedic Mattress
- WinkBed – Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Sleepers
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Luxury Orthopedic Mattress
- Nolah Signature – Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Orthopedic Mattress
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Orthopedic Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite – Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Best Orthopedic Mattress 2024: Our Video Roundup
Compare the Best Orthopedic Mattresses of 2024
Helix Midnight Mattress | Nectar Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | DreamCloud Premier Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress | |
Rating | ||||||||
Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid |
Cooling | — | — | — | |||||
Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Back Sleepers
|
Side Sleepers
|
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Couples |
How We Chose Our Top Products
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed hundreds of mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
We’ll get into this toward the end of the article, but when it comes to choosing the best orthopedic mattress, comfort is paramount. But it’s also important that a mattress balances it out with support so it can help keep your spine in a neutral alignment. That’s why all beds in this roundup scored an above-average 3 out of 5 or higher on support. Five of these beds scored above a 4 out of 5 in support.
Best Overall- Helix Midnight
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand’s most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand’s most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Helix Midnight
- Helps alleviate pressure on shoulders and hips
- Available in a Luxe and Elite model
- Great for most back and side sleepers
Cons of the Helix Midnight
- Not good for stomach sleepers
- Not good for heavier people
- Lacks a slow-moving memory foam feel
Best Cooling Orthopedic Mattress- Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Nectar
- Has many cooling features, such as gel memory foam and phase change material
- Helps sleepers maintain a neutral spine alignment
- Work well for most back and side sleepers
Cons of the Nectar
- Not great for stomach sleepers
- Lacks a responsive feel
- Doesn’t offer enough lumbar support for heavy people
Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Sleepers- WinkBed
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the WinkBed
- The Luxury Firm model works for many combination sleepers.
- Has zoned support, which helps keep the back in the proper alignment.
- Has a luxurious pillow top
Cons of the WinkBed
- Lacks a slow-moving memory foam feel
- Doesn’t isolate motion well
- Not the cheapest mattress on the market
Best Luxury Orthopedic Mattress – DreamCloud Premier
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Pros of the DreamCloud Premier
- Great pressure relief for side and back sleepers
- Eco-friendly
- Quality temperature regulation
Cons of the DreamCloud Premier
- May not support heavier sleepers
- May be too soft for stomach sleepers
Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain – Nolah Signature
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
The Nolah Signature is a fantastic medium-firm mattress that offers plenty of foam comfort and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
The Nolah Signature is a fantastic medium-firm mattress that offers plenty of foam comfort and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Pros of the Nolah Signature
- Eco-friendly
- Great for most side and back sleepers
- Excellent for all lightweight sleepers types
Cons of the Nolah Signature
- Stomach sleepers may find it not firm enough.
- Fans of innerspring beds may not enjoy Nolah’s feel.
Best Innerspring Orthopedic Mattress- Saatva
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Saatva
- Offers both comfort and support
- Offers extra support for the lower back
- Doesn’t trap heat
Cons of the Saatva
- Lacks a slow-moving memory foam feel
- Doesn’t isolate motion well
- Costs more than other beds
Best Hybrid Orthopedic Mattress- Bear Elite Hybrid
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid
- Has a cover designed specifically for muscle recovery and blood circulation
- Has many luxurious features
- Sleeps cool at night
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid
- Doesn’t isolate motion well
- Not great for stomach sleepers
Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers- Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for hot sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for hot sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
- Has a responsive feel
- Offers both comfort and support
- An affordable luxury mattress
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
- Lacks a slow-moving feel
- Doesn’t isolate motion well
- Not great for stomach sleepers
What Is an Orthopedic Mattress?
An orthopedic mattress is a type of mattress that’s meant to offer extra spinal support and a touch of pressure relief for the back and joints, thereby reducing aches and pains. The term “orthopedic mattress” was coined in the 1950s after studies examining joint and bone function suggested that specially designed mattresses might help prevent morning back pain. The earliest orthopedic mattresses were indeed designed to adhere to orthopedic principles that could be therapeutic for achy backs.
But then the mattresses started selling well, and the term “orthopedic” was co-opted by mattress manufacturers and marketers looking to cash in on the popularity of orthopedic mattresses — regardless of whether their beds were expressly designed to soothe back pain. Because there are no government regulations regarding the language that mattress manufacturers use to describe their products, the term “orthopedic mattress” has been diluted over the years.
None of this is to say that the concept of orthopedic mattresses is worthless. It just means that you need to do your research carefully. While some mattresses wrongly claim to be orthopedic in nature, there are others that will live up to the “orthopedic” claim. In fact, you’ve just read about nine of them in this roundup.
Why Use an Orthopedic Mattress?
Now that you know how orthopedic mattresses originated, you can probably guess why someone might use one of these beds.
Orthopedic mattresses are most commonly used by people who suffer from back and/or joint pain and are looking for a bed that will ease those aches to help them obtain better-quality sleep. This includes sleepers who suffer from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, as well as people recovering from injuries or accidents, seniors, folks who have undergone surgery, and active people who need extra support for recovering properly post-exertion.
Make sure to also check out our best mattresses for fibromyalgia, best mattresses for arthritis, and best mattresses for hip pain.
What Are the Benefits of an Orthopedic Mattress?
As noted above, not all so-called “orthopedic mattresses” are created equal. But when you find a mattress that’s truly designed with orthopedic principles in mind that suits your personal sleep position(s) and needs, then you’re likely to enjoy several benefits. For instance, an orthopedic mattress can:
- Provide great support
- Promote proper spinal alignment
- Help you feel more comfortable in bed, which can facilitate quality sleep
- Relieve pressure around joints, thereby minimizing pain
- Facilitate recovery from injuries, surgery, and physical exertion
- Provide lasting support (for approximately 7 to 10 years), thanks to the use of durable and high-quality materials
What Are the Cons of an Orthopedic Mattress?
Even though there are several benefits to using an orthopedic mattress, these beds aren’t without their downsides. For example:
- Because of lax regulations, it can be difficult to determine whether a mattress that claims to be orthopedic will actually live up to its claims.
- Orthopedic mattresses are sometimes more expensive than mattresses that don’t claim to have an orthopedic design.
- Because orthopedic mattresses are often on the firmer side, they might not always feel comfortable to side sleepers, who need extra pressure relief around the shoulder and hip.
How to Choose the Best Orthopedic Mattress
When it comes to the best orthopedic mattress, there’s no such thing as one size fits all. Instead, the best mattress for you will come down to a number of personalized factors. Above all? Comfort reigns supreme. If you’re not comfortable on a bed, then it’s highly unlikely it will help you sleep well.
While we can’t tell you which mattress to buy, we can equip you with some guidelines that will significantly up your chances of landing on a mattress that helps relieve pain and promote restful sleep:
- Spinal support and firmness: A bed that promotes proper spinal alignment will go a long way in relieving back pain, because it will support the natural curve of the spine and reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and bones. As a general rule, most people find the proper balance of support and comfort on a medium-firm mattress (though again, there’s some variation here; for instance, heavier-weight folks might prefer the added support of a firmer mattress). A bed that’s too soft can allow the spine to sag, while a bed that’s too firm might not provide enough pressure relief alongside spinal support.
- Pressure relief: While spinal support is a crucial component of any orthopedic mattress worth its salt, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. That support needs to be balanced with pressure relief so pressure doesn’t build up around the joints during the night. The bed should have some give so as to minimize the risk of provoking joint pain. This is especially true for side sleepers.
- Edge support: If your pain issues make it challenging to climb in and out of bed, then it’s a good idea to look for a mattress with strong edge support. This will ensure the edge of the mattress doesn’t collapse underneath you when you’re using it for support while sitting, standing, or lying down.
- Certifications: Since the mattress industry is rather unregulated, you might want to look for certifications or other marks of approval from medical experts or organizations, such as the American Chiropractic Association.
- Medical input: It can be helpful to consult a doctor, physical therapist, or other medical expert about the best sleeping position(s) and mattress for your condition. They might be able to advise an ideal mattress firmness or the use of props that could further minimize pain (such as placing a pillow between your legs while side sleeping).
- Company policies: Finding a comfortable mattress is important for everyone, but it’s especially necessary for anyone who suffers from back or joint pain. For this reason, it can be helpful to look for mattresses with generous sleep trials and return policies, so you can test the mattress out in the comfort of your home and easily return it if it’s not a good fit.
- Budget: No matter what kind of mattress you’re looking for, it’s always important to keep your budget in mind. Determining a comfortable budget at the start of your mattress search will allow you to eliminate some options right off the bat.
The Best Mattress Type for Orthopedic Mattresses
Orthopedic mattresses can take many forms, and no mattress type is inherently better than another. As always, the best orthopedic mattress type varies by person and comes down to your body, sleep position(s), and preferences. That said, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Memory foam mattresses tends to offer exceptional pressure relief, but it doesn’t always support spinal alignment. If you’re interested in a memory foam bed, look for options that balance pressure relief with spinal support, perhaps with the use of firmer foams underneath the comfort layer.
- Innerspring mattresses are generally quite supportive, but they don’t always offer a ton of pressure relief. If you like the feel of innerspring beds, consider looking for an option with a plush pillow-top or other pressure-relieving comfort layer.
- Hybrid mattresses often offer the best of both spinal support and pressure relief, thanks to the use of supportive coils in the support layer and pressure-relieving foams in the top layers. Note that each hybrid mattress is different, so review materials and design features closely.
- Latex mattresses are very durable and generally offer a supportive and responsive sleeping surface, along with a touch (though not a ton) of pressure relief.
How Do Back and Joint Pain Affect Sleep?
Why is an orthopedic mattress useful for people who are dealing with pain? Because there’s a strong link between pain and sleep deprivation.
One study of 1,941 patients found that people suffering from lower back pain commonly reported sleep disturbances. More generally, chronic pain is known to prevent sound sleep. For instance, chronic pain might shorten the amount of time spent asleep, disrupt crucial REM sleep cycles, or provoke stress or anxiety that makes it harder to drift off.
The relationship between pain and sleep quality is a two-way street. In a nasty cycle, poor sleep can exacerbate pain during the day. This could be because low sleep quality is linked to higher levels of inflammation, which can cause pain flare-ups. This intensified pain can then make it harder to fall and stay asleep at night.
How to Sleep Better with Back or Joint Pain
Once you’ve secured a comfortable and supportive mattress, there are several other steps you can take to increase your chances of sleeping better in spite of back or joint pain.
- Pick your pillow carefully: While the mattress you sleep on will have the biggest impact on your comfort, don’t overlook the importance of pillows. The best pillow for you will ensure that your head and neck stay aligned with your spine in your chosen sleep position. Consider a feather or memory foam pillow to enjoy some contouring and pressure relief around your head and neck.
- Manage pain outside of the bedroom: Taking steps to manage pain during the day will decrease the chances of pain keeping you up at night. Effective pain management strategies include regular exercise, stretching, physical therapy, and over-the-counter or prescription medications. Work with a medical professional to determine the best pain management plan for your condition.
- Get a move on: Regular exercise has been shown to ease pain and stiffness, relieve the stress and anxiety that can accompany chronic pain conditions, and make it easier to fall asleep at night. Consider gentle, low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, swimming, aqua aerobics, and so on. Pay special attention to developing core strength, as this can help relieve back pain.
- Practice relaxation techniques: As noted above, painful conditions often provoke anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. It’s just as important to treat these conditions as it is to address physical pain. To that end, consider incorporating soothing activities into your daily routines, such as journaling, breath work, listening to music, meditating, and talking with a therapist.
- Adopt sound sleep hygiene habits: This is important for everyone — not just folks who are managing pain. Sound sleep hygiene includes a variety of behaviors such as falling asleep and waking up at the same time every day, keeping electronics out of the bedroom, avoiding electronics for the hour before bed, restricting bedroom activities to sleep and sex, avoiding caffeine in the evening, and making your bedroom environment cool, dark, and quiet.
What’s the Best Sleeping Position for Back or Joint Pain?
Although there’s no one-size-fits-all sleeping position to prevent back and joint pain, many people derive pain relief from back-sleeping. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this position is actually optimal for most sleepers. That’s because back-sleeping evenly distributes your weight across the entire body, which helps support proper alignment and minimizes pressure that can lead to pain. If you’re not already a back sleeper, consider giving this position a try.
If back-sleeping isn’t an option for you, there are steps you can take to optimize side or stomach sleeping. For instance, per the Cleveland Clinic, side sleepers can make this position easier on the spine by switching from side to side (either during each night or from night to night). This way, they don’t create uneven pressure and strain on their body. If you’re a side sleeper, you can also try placing a pillow between your knees to help promote straight alignment between the hips, pelvis, and spine.
Meanwhile, stomach sleepers will benefit from paying careful attention to their pillow. Look for a thinner option that allows your head to remain aligned with your spine in this position. If your hips tend to sag, it might also be helpful to tuck a small pillow under them so they stay elevated and aligned with the spine.
Summary
Here’s a summary of the best orthopedic mattresses on the market:
Mattress | Best For |
Helix Midnight | Best Overall |
Nectar | Best Cooling Mattress |
WinkBed | Best Mattress for Back Sleepers |
DreamCloud Premier | Best Luxury Orthopedic Mattress |
Nolah Signature | Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain |
Saatva | Best Innerspring Mattress |
Bear Elite Hybrid | Best Hybrid Orthopedic Mattress |
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite | Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers |
Best Orthopedic Mattress FAQs
What is the best orthopedic mattress?
We have listed out the best orthopedic mattresses on the market. There really is no one best mattress orthopedic mattress but, if we had to choose, we would choose the Saatva mattress. The Luxury Firm model offers the balance of comfort and support you should find in an orthopedic mattress. It offers the pressure relief of a plush pillow top and the support of two sets of coils.
Why should I choose an orthopedic mattress?
You should choose an orthopedic mattress if you deal with joint pain or back pain. Also, if you are recovering from an injury, an orthopedic mattress can be a great choice.
How do I choose the right orthopedic mattress for me?
If you are looking for the best orthopedic mattress, there are a few things you should consider. First off, you want to find a mattress that is right for your sleeping position. Second, you want to consider your weight and feel preferences.
What is an orthopedic mattress made of?
Orthopedic mattresses promote the proper spine alignment, create excellent pressure relief, and feel quite supportive. They’re made from many different materials, including coils, memory foam, and latex foam.