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Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.
We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best orthopedic mattresses with special considerations for pressure relief and comfort for those living with aches and pains.
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.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Orthopedic Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Helix Midnight as the best orthopedic mattress for its comforting and pressure-relieving memory foam layer and supportive coils to keep your spine aligned.
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.
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab
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.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Helix
Helix Midnight
Medium-Firm Feel
Breathability
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Presidents Day Sale
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The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and body contouring for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
This bed absorbs motion well for a hybrid mattress, so couples shouldn’t notice their partner’s movements.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight mattress is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers. It’s a perfect medium-firm mattress that offers a lot of comfort from the foam at the top with supportive coils at the bottom.
This mattress shouldn’t trap too much heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow. You also have the option to add a specialized cooling cover.
Hybrid mattresses can be bouncy and disturb others who are in bed, but the Helix Midnight absorbs motion very well for this type of mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
This mattress is too soft to support stomach sleepers. The hips will dip into this bed over time, which can cause strain on the lower back.
While this bed absorbs motion well, it’s still a hybrid. If you don’t want that bouncy, coil feeling to your mattress, you should look for an all-foam bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free returns during the trial period
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Our Expert’s Take
If you have no idea what kind of mattress you want, Helix could be a good option. Their mattress line boasts some of the best hybrid beds on the market, with a variety of firmnesses and feels. You can take a sleep quiz or select one of their individual models. If you want the best overall orthopedic mattress, they might recommend the Helix Midnight. It has a memory foam layer right on top that will help to relieve pressure on trouble areas. At the same time, the coils hold up your body, keeping you well-aligned.
What the testers say: “Even though Helix sells a variety of mattresses, I’m a big fan of the Midnight. Its medium-firm feel offers the comfort and support I need when I’m back and side sleeping. If you need a bit more luxury and comfort, opt for the Luxe or Elite models.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
It has a balanced foam feel with plenty of pressure relief, so you won’t “sink inside” the layers or have difficulty moving around on top of the bed. Testers rate the responsiveness 4/5 for the seamlessness of movement.
Its medium-firm feel helps support good spinal alignment for back sleepers.
The Midnight’s coil construction promotes airflow and helps dissipate body heat, which makes it a great cooling (rated 4.5/5) mattress. Our thermal gun test, where the bed’s surface temperature is recorded before and after a sleep tester rests on the mattress, measured a 3.4 degree F rise. That’s pretty good by our metrics, as we test a lot of hybrids that perform more poorly.
The edge support on Helix Midnight is solid. Testers measured a 2.25″ drop under the body of our heaviest tester (who weighs about 250 lbs), indicating fairly robust edge support worthy of above-average marks (4/5).
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
Stomach sleepers should check out the Helix Dawn instead of this mattress. They likely won’t get the support they need from the Midnight.
Fans of slow-moving memory foam mattresses won’t like the feel of this one.
Heavier side sleepers won’t get the pressure relief they need from this mattress.
Other User Reviews
Based on 6,522 reviews on the company website, the Helix Midnight has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Many customers liked its comfort and firmness level and felt that it did a good job of lessening back pain. Some, however, felt that it was too firm.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Nectar
Nectar Classic
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Presidents Day Deals – Extended
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The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, there’s a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldn’t feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because it’s an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. You’ll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Our Expert’s Take
For hot sleepers, the original Nectar foam mattress contains a Quilted Cool Cover. Made with heat-wicking technology, this outer layer will help you stay cool all night long. To further assist with temperature regulation, the comfort layer contains Nectar’s ActiveCool HD foam — a material infused with gel to help dissipate heat.
What the testers say: “The Nectar mattress doesn’t trap body heat like many all-foam mattresses do. When I slept on this bed, I didn’t feel hot or stuffy. This slow-moving foam may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re a side sleeper, this could be a good choice.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
It has a slow-moving feel due to its plush foam layers, which also provide lots of pressure relief.
Excellent contouring around the hips and shoulders makes it a top mattress for side sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
Heavier sleepers will likely find that it lacks the support they need.
Stomach sleepers will find that it’s not firm enough for good alignment and could exacerbate their hip and back pain.
Other User Reviews
Based on 52,676 reviews on the company website, the Nectar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. Many customers liked its cradling feel and felt that it did a good job of alleviating pressure and lessening neck and back pain. Some, however, felt that they sank too far into the mattress for optimal comfort.
Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Sleepers- WinkBed
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,149-$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It has a bouncy, responsive feel. This is great for combination sleepers who benefit from a bed that makes it easy to change positions at night.
The WinkBed features zoned support. With firmer foam at the top and bottom and more cushioning foam in the middle, this bed has excellent lumbar support.
This bed sleeps cool. Thanks to the breathable coils and gel-infused memory foam, hot sleepers can expect a cool night’s rest.
Cons
This isn’t the best option for motion isolation.
The WinkBed doesn’t have a traditional “sink-in” memory foam feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The WinkBed is another innerspring mattress with a high-end design. Like the Saatva, it features two sets of coils, memory foam, and a pillow-top. With this mattress, you have four firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus (designed for heavy people). If you want an orthopedic mattress that’s also one of the best mattresses for back sleepers, consider the Luxury Firm model. It offers that balance of comfort and support.
What the testers say: “The WinkBed mattress is great if you’re looking for a bed with a traditional innerspring feel. It also has a luxurious tufted pillow top, which makes me feel like I’m resting at a five-star hotel. I also like that the WinkBed is available in three firmness levels, so it works for a variety of people.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
It has a traditional, bouncy feel, which makes it easy for people to switch sleeping positions.
It has a cooling construction that works well for hot sleepers.
The mattress has zoned support, which helps sleepers maintain solid spinal alignment throughout the night.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
It doesn’t isolate motion as well as some other mattresses, which could be an issue for couples.
It’s a high-quality mattress with a price tag to match, so it might not fit every budget.
Other User Reviews
Based on 8,564 reviews on the company website, the WinkBed has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Many customers liked its versatile firmness options and felt that it provided a nice blend of comfort and support. Some, however, felt that it sagged in spots.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Premier
Medium-Firm Feel
Cooling
Plush Pillow Top
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Presidents Day Deals – Extended
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The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,169-$2,998 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the DreamCloud Premier
The DreamCloud Premier is an excellent cooling mattress. Its hybrid design and breathable materials ensure you won’t be overheating during the night.
Back sleepers will feel very comfortable on the DreamCloud Premier. It boasts a perfect balance of comfort and support, which is exactly what back sleepers need.
While it is closer to medium-firm, it is a good fit for side sleepers. Its plush top will help relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips.
It features a plush pillow top design. Those who like the feeling of a luxurious pillow top will love the DreamCloud Premier.
Cons of the DreamCloud Premier
Stomach sleepers won’t get enough support on this mattress.
If you prefer the feeling of a memory foam mattress, the DreamCloud will be too bouncy for you.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious hybrid that gives you the feeling of sleeping in a nice hotel. Its combination of foam, coils, and cooling materials make it an ideal pick for both back sleepers and hot sleepers as well. At the same time, it is plush enough for the majority of side sleepers. However, if you sleep on your stomach, take a look at the firmer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Plush pressure relief and therapeutic support are essential ingredients for a hotel-grade orthopedic mattress, and the DreamCloud Premier offers both of these benefits. The DreamCloud Premier is a luxury hybrid bed with a super soft cashmere-blend cover top, three additional foam-based comfort layers, and an innerspring base. The strategic hybrid design works to relieve pressure in your back, hips, shoulders, and knees while still holding your posture together to preserve healthy spinal alignment when you rest. Furthermore, the innerspring foundation and breathable cover top make it great for people who struggle to fall asleep feeling clammy, with our testers determining it had a 4/5 score in cooling. Furthermore, the Premier only uses CertiPUR-US® certified foam, meaning it’s produced with less toxic chemicals than cheaper-made beds that incorporate foam in their build.
The DreamCloud is excellent for back and side sleepers, with testers declaring it “one of the best mattresses for back sleepers.” However, its average firmness level of 6.5/10 may not be enough for stomach or heavier sleepers (230 lbs and up). Overall, the DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious and durable (4/5) hybrid made of eco-friendly foams and dense coils that should resemble the hotel-grade sleeping experience appropriately expected from a luxury-grade mattress.
What the testers say: “The DreamCloud Premier is a fantastic hybrid mattress that should excite back sleepers, side sleepers, and hot sleepers.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud Premier
People who struggle with chronic back or joint pain may find quality relief from the pain on the DreamCloud Premier due to its comfort-focused and pressure-relieving foam layers.
The bed’s responsive coiled and high-density foam layers provide excellent orthopedic support for back and side sleepers. More specifically, these layers help to keep their bodies from sinking too much into the foam layers and their spines aligned as they rest.
With its breathable cashmere-blended cover top and innerspring layer, the DreamCloud Premier is designed to keep you cool and comfortable. It efficiently dissipates heat, ensuring you fall asleep feeling refreshed and wake up ready to take on the day.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Premier
The DreamCloud Premier may be unable to support heavier sleepers (230 lb and up) to the degree they need.
Except for lightweight (130 lb and under) stomach sleepers, most stomach sleepers will likely find the DreamCloud to be too soft for them.
Other User Reviews
The DreamCloud Premier has 5,148 customer reviews, with an average score of 4.5/5. One verified buyer struggling with back pain left a simple review that said it all: “My mattress is amazing. I really like the support and finally can sleep without pain.”
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Nolah
Nolah Signature
Medium-Firm Feel
Pressure Relief
Breathable
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Presidents Day Deals – Extended
35% off all mattresses + 2 free pillows See Details
The Nolah Signature 12″ is an all-foam mattress. This means that the bed is entirely made out of foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with one being the softest, we rated the Nolah Signature 12″ mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for a medium firm mattress.
Price
$1,499 – $3,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for sleepers 230 lbs or less.
Back Sleepers
Medium-firm feel gives good comfort and support for sleepers 230 lbs or less
Hot Sleepers
Foam is designed to not trap heat
Pros of the Nolah Signature
This is Nolah’s specific side sleeper model. That means most side sleepers should get good pressure relief.
It’s a medium-firm bed that supports many back sleepers while still feeling very comfortable.
Nolah uses its AirFoam, which is designed to be more breathable than traditional foam. It shouldn’t trap heat.
Cons of the Nolah Signature
This is a medium-firm bed, so it won’t be supportive enough for stomach sleepers. Instead, check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
While this is an all-foam bed, it won’t have that classic slow-moving feeling some may look for in foam beds.
Shipping
Trial Period
Warranty
Returns
Our Expert’s Take
A mattress that ensures proper spinal support when you rest can be a critical tool in alleviating and preventing back pain. The Nolah Signature is an all-foam mattress with a layer of proprietary contouring Airfoam to help relieve pressure, provide zoned lumbar support, and keep you cool through the night. Our sleep specialists put the Nolah Signature to the test and determined that the mattress provided quality posture support for both side and back sleepers. More importantly, the Nolah offered quality posture support without compromising the cradling feel and soft relief best associated with memory foam. After trying out the Nolah, our testers concluded that the Nolah Signature is one of the “best mattresses for back pain” and one of the “best mattresses for side sleepers” due to its therapeutic and relieving balance of support (4/5) and comfort.
The Signature has four more layers beyond the breathable Airfoam layer, which is infused with copper to further dissipate body heat. Above the Airfoam layer is a 100% organic cotton cover top that one sleep specialist described as “a luxurious cooling exterior that you’ll love to lounge on.” Underneath the Airfoam layer is an additional 2″ layer of CertiPUR-US® certified comfort foam and responsive support foam to enhance spinal support to the upper layers. Finally, at the Signature’s base is a dense but airy foam foundation that helps improve the bed’s durability.
The Signature by Nolah offers the deep pressure-relieving benefits of foam beds for your back while keeping you cool and safely cradled through the night, making this a go-to mattress for people struggling with chronic back pain.
What the testers say: “Unlike other foam beds, the Nolah Signature has a balanced foam feel, and it is quite responsive. We still get to sink into the top, slow-moving memory foam layers of this mattress. However, it’s still easy to move around on top of it.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Signature
The Nolah Signature has zoned support, which means it provides firmer support in the center of the bed for areas such as your spine, and more flexible cushioning support around your shoulders. This helps to ensure that when you move around at night, the bed can more efficiently respond to you with the support you need (especially for side sleepers).
Testers deemed the Nolah one of the “best mattresses for lightweight people” (130 lb and under), as all sleeping positions by lightweight testers could experience the comfort and support they needed from a mattress when resting on it.
The Nolah Signature is designed and assembled in the USA and uses both organic and CertiPUR-US® certified components in the bed’s construction.
Heavier sleepers (230 lb and over) will likely sink too much into the Nolah, potentially leading to pain or joint inflammation.
Other User Reviews
Notably, Nolah’s official website doesn’t allow us to see negative reviews or the number of reviews, but from what we found, the Signature scored 4.8/5. With that said, one verified buyer did note their appreciation for the orthopedic benefits of the Nolah Signature by commenting, “I love my new mattress! It’s so comfortable, and I sleep so much better. I fall asleep faster and wake up less during the night to roll over. I’ve also been having much less back and hip pain. This was my first experience with buying a bed in a box/ordering a mattress online, and it was great! Ordering and setting up was very easy!”
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Saatva is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is a bit firmer than average.
Price
$1,295-$2,790 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive enough for stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 300 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
The Saatva mattress is a great option for combination sleepers. It is available in multiple firmness options, but the Luxury Firm model works well for multiple sleeping positions.
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva will work well for most back sleepers. Its balance of comfort and support and zoned construction ensure you’ll sleep in good neutral alignment.
Shoppers looking for a long-lasting mattress will love the Saatva. It feature high-density foam and durable coils that should ensure it lasts for over 10 years.
Cons
If you like the feel of a memory foam mattress, you’re not going to love the feel of the Saatva.
Lightweight side sleepers might not get the best pressure relief, even on the softest Saatva model.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Saatva is a luxurious hybrid innerspring mattress that should be a great long-term investment. It is available in multiple firmness options, so it should work for the majority of sleeping positions, and its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva is one of the best innerspring mattresses, with two sets of coils (micro coils and support coils) to help keep your spine neutrally aligned. Above that, the mattress boasts pressure-relieving memory foam, as well as a plush pillow-top. You also have a choice of how plush you want your pillow-top to be. You can choose from their Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm models. If you’re looking for an orthopedic mattress with a good balance of comfort and support, we recommend the Luxury Firm model.
What the testers say: “The Saatva mattress is perfect if you’re looking for an old-school innerspring bed. This high-quality mattress should last for years to come, and it has a responsive feel. I particularly like the Luxury Firm model because it cushions my joints and supports my lower back.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva
The mattress’s zoned construction helps it feel softer or firmer depending on your sleep position, which is ideal for combination sleepers.
Its high-quality materials are durable and long-lasting.
Saatva is an excellent option if you want one of the best orthopedic mattresses. Its high-density foams and dual set of coils provide just the right amount of comfort and support to keep your spine in neutral alignment while also relieving pressure on your joints.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva
Super-soft mattress fans will want to keep looking. Even the softest model of this mattress feels firmer than average.
Those who like the feel of slow-moving memory foam will likely find the Saatva to be too bouncy.
Other User Reviews
Based on 3,253 reviews on the company website, the Saatva has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Many customers liked its firmness level and felt that it did a good job of offsetting their back and neck pain. Some, however, complained about the brand’s customer service and shipping times.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid
Medium-Firm Feel
Lifetime Warranty
Sturdy Edges
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
December Deals
Use code DEAL30 for 30% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,893-$3,920 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Hot Sleepers
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid
This mattress offers great value. It’s made with high-quality materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, but available at a relatively affordable price point.
It comes with excellent edge support. The Bear Elite Hybrid’s sturdy perimeter is helpful if you need a stable surface to get in and out of bed.
The bed’s cover and foam layers contain cooling materials to help regulate your body temperature. Its coil layer also promotes plenty of airflow to keep you cool.
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid
Doesn’t do the best job of isolating motion.
Likely not supportive enough for sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, we’d recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you suffer from chronic pain, then you should look at the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress. It has been designed specifically to aid in muscle recovery. But it should help just about anyone reduce pain.
The Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress is a hybrid mattress that provides a perfect balance of comfort and support for back sleeping. The top comfort layers will contour to your body and let you sink in, but the pocketed coil layers beneath it keep you from feeling trapped.
On the outside, it has a Celliant cover. This is what Bear designed specifically for blood circulation and muscle recovery, which should help you feel relatively pain-free throughout the night.
What the testers say: “The Bear Elite mattress has a plush pillow top that alleviates pressure on my shoulder and hips. I love its responsive feel because it’s easy to move around on top of it. It doesn’t isolate motion too well, though, which isn’t great if you share a bed with a partner.” — Elisa, reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Elite Hybrid
It’s a great match for most back and side sleepers due to its classic medium-firm feel.
Thanks to its cooling cover and breathable coils, it’s a great one for hot sleepers.
The thick comfort layers of this mattress provide excellent pressure relief.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid
It’s a pricier mattress than most, so it might not suit every budget.
Heavy stomach sleepers might not get the support they need from the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Other User Reviews
Based on 338 reviews on the company website, the Bear Elite Hybrid has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Many customers liked its high comfort level and felt that it did a good job of alleviating back pain. Some, however, felt that it was too soft for their backs.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
Cooling Materials
Two Coil Units
Hybrid
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The Sedona Elite is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers, including a layer of micro-coils.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,249-$2,899 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, short queen, king, California king, split California king
Back Sleepers
It has the right amount of support for back sleepers of all body types.
Side Sleepers
Most side sleepers should also feel cushioned enough on this bed.
Hot Sleepers
It has multiple cooling features distributed throughout its construction.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
It’s medium-firm, which is a highly versatile feel that accommodates most back and side sleepers.
Its layer of micro-coils is a rare feature that adds both responsiveness and pressure relief.
It feels cool to the touch and should regulate its temperature well throughout the night.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
Stomach sleepers will need a firmer bed with even more support.
It’s the brand’s “fanciest” mattress, so it’s not a budget bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Sedona Elite is so-named because it’s the most luxurious mattress offering from Brooklyn Bedding. At almost 14 inches tall and with two coil units, it has a stately profile—and it also runs delightfully cool.
Our Expert’s Take
In order to be the best mattress for side sleepers, a mattress needs to relieve pressure on their hips and shoulders. With that in mind, the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite has everything a side sleeper should need. In addition, if you’re struggling with shoulder pain, the combination of memory foam and coils should provide excellent relief. There are four memory foam comfort layers that add up to 5”, giving you great pressure relief on those pressure points.
What the testers say: “As a heavier side sleeper, I need a mattress that has a lot of plush cushioning — just like the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite. This mattress helps alleviate pressure along my shoulders and hips.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite has an affordable price, given its luxury construction. Brooklyn Bedding owns its own factory, which means it can cut out middleman costs and pass the savings along.
The Sedona Elite has a cooling cover, gel-infused memory foam, and an innerspring coil system to keep hot sleepers cool.
Side and back sleepers of all sizes will find it provides good support, pressure relief, and spinal alignment.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
It’s not a good match for heavier stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers should look for a firmer mattress that can keep their hips better aligned.
The mattress doesn’t feel quite as supportive along its edges.
Other User Reviews
Based on 316 reviews on the company website, the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. Many customers liked its comfort and felt that it did a good job of supporting back, hip, and neck pain. Some, however, felt that it was too soft and lacked edge support.
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.
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 foammattresses 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:
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.
Does an orthopedic mattress have springs?
It could. Orthopedic mattresses like the Saatva have springs, while orthopedic mattresses like the Purple do not.
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Marten Carlson
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.
