Get $300 off all mattresses
Written by
Austin Meadows, Sleep Product Tester
Medically Reviewed by
Jenny Iyo, Physical Therapist
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guide to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn More
Following some recent tests, we've updated this page to include the DreamCloud Mattress as our best value pick and the WinkBeds EcoCloud as our best for ease of movement pick. The WinkBed remains our best overall pick for this product category.
Sleepfoundation.org is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Arthritis is a common medical condition that affects the joints in your body. There are many forms of arthritis but they all share some similar symptoms, including joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. These symptoms can make it more difficult for a person to get the quality sleep they need. The right mattress can help ease arthritis pain, while the wrong mattress may worsen these symptoms.
Our sleep expert team has personally tested hundreds of mattresses for performance areas that can affect people with arthritis, such as durability, support, pressure relief, and ease of movement. In addition to hands-on testing, we’ve consulted with medical professionals to ensure our recommendations are accurate and beneficial to the people who need them most. The picks listed below reflect our latest findings.
To learn more about these mattresses, please visit the detailed product profiles below. We’ve awarded each one a unique accolade based on areas where that model performed particularly well. Scroll down further for our buyer’s guide aimed at mattress buyers with arthritis-related considerations. We’ll discuss mattress qualities that can improve – or, in some cases, worsen – arthritis symptoms, price expectations for different mattress types, and mattress qualities you should take into account if you or your partner live with arthritis pain.
Best Overall
Many people with arthritis and joint pain also experience discomfort in the lower back and hips. A mattress that cushions the spine and provides strong overall support is essential to waking up without aches and pains. The WinkBed is designed to keep your body on an even plane while providing a comfortable, well-cushioned surface.
What It’s Made of
The WinkBed is available in four different firmness levels – medium soft (4), medium firm (6), firm (7), and firm (8). All options feature a Euro-top quilted with adaptive polyfoam encased in a breathable Tencel fabric cover. Beneath is a layer of proprietary SupportCell polyfoam with a higher-density composition than conventional polyfoam. The medium soft option includes an additional layer of polyfoam to enhance cushioning.
The support core is composed of a pocketed coil system zoned to offer enhanced support in the lumbar region and less support to lighter parts of the body. The coil system is reinforced with thicker coils around the perimeter to bolster edge support.
How It Performed
The WinkBed caters to sleepers across all weight ranges and sleep positions, thanks to its four firmness options. We found that side sleepers prefer the cushioned surface of the medium soft and medium firm models while back sleepers gravitate toward the medium firm and firm (7). Stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds received the most support from the luxury firm and firm (7), while those over 230 pounds fared well on the firm (8). In general, those who weigh over 230 pounds will probably receive inadequate support from the softer options and may prefer the firm (7) or firm (8).
WinkBeds provides free ground shipping for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a sleep trial that allows you to test out the WinkBed for up to 120 nights, along with a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects for as long as you own the mattress.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The WinkBed is a standout pick thanks to its balanced feel. Our testing found the mattress offers significant pressure relief without sacrificing support and responsiveness.”
Best Value
The DreamCloud Mattress offers luxurious construction at an approachable price. Thick foam layers over a pocketed coil system create a balanced feel with even body-contouring and stable support. The deep cushioning of this mattress is particularly well suited to people who experience arthritis-related pain and other conditions that cause frequent discomfort.
What It’s Made of
The mattress begins with a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover, followed by a memory foam comfort layer and a polyfoam transitional layer. These layers conform to your body without sinking or buckling beneath your weight, creating a luxuriously plush feel as you settle into the surface. The support core contains a pocketed coil system over a base layer of high-density polyfoam.
The entire mattress is encased in a cover woven with cashmere, a material that has natural cooling and moisture-wicking properties. Measuring 14 inches thick, the DreamCloud is considered a high-profile mattress. Its feel is medium firm (6).
How It Performed
The side and back sleepers on our team awarded favorable ratings to the DreamCloud during our hands-on tests. Those who weigh up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed with the mattress. The foam layers contour closely enough to improve spinal alignment and alleviate pressure for side sleepers, while the coils provide the support needed for back sleepers to lie comfortably without sinking too much around the midsection.
Temperature regulation is another major strength of the DreamCloud. The cashmere-blend cover helps the mattress maintain a comfortable surface even on hot or humid nights, and the coil layer promotes steady airflow to keep the interior cool. We also found that the DreamCloud isolates motion very well compared to other hybrid models. This can be attributed to the thick comfort system and pocketed coils that generate little to no transfer.
In addition to its affordable price-point, the DreamCloud Mattress qualifies for free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. DreamCloud’s 365-night sleep trial is among the longest in the online mattress industry. Those who keep their DreamCloud also receive a lifetime warranty, which covers structural defects for as long as you retain original ownership of the mattress.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“It’s rare to find a mattress as comfortable and luxurious as the DreamCloud that’s also suitable for shoppers on a budget. The foam layers cushion and contour to the body, but I never felt trapped or stuck in the mattress.”
Most Comfortable
Helix offers a wide selection of hybrid mattresses to suit different types of sleepers, including the Luxe line of pillow-top models aimed at high-end shoppers. The Midnight Luxe is one of the most comfortable and balanced mattresses in this collection thanks to a medium firm (6) feel.
What It’s Made of
The Midnight Luxe begins with two memory foam layers that cushion the body without sinking or squeezing too tightly. The pocketed coil support core is reinforced around the midsection to create added stability for the lower back and hips – two areas where people with arthritis tend to feel sharp pains.
How It Performed
The pillow-top provides a plush surface that doesn’t interfere with its overall firmer feel. Extra coil support along the perimeter also reduces sinkage when weight is applied, so most people weighing up to 230 pounds will feel secure lying near the edges or getting in and out of bed. Air circulates freely through the coil system and the entire mattress is encased in a breathable Tencel cover, so people who run hot in bed should remain fairly cool throughout the night.
Despite its name, the Midnight Luxe has a price-point that is lower than average for a hybrid model. Helix also provides free ground shipping to all 50 states. The company’s sleep trial spans 100 nights in length, and the mattress is backed by a 15-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Our testers weighing up to 230 pounds in all sleeping positions appreciated the Helix Midnight Luxe. The pillow-top gives the surface a plush feel while the pocketed coils and reinforced perimeter prevent excessive sinkage.”
Best Luxury
The Saatva Classic is a luxury hybrid model with the thoughtful construction to match. The mattress has strong pressure relief and three firmness options, which may make it a good choice for people with arthritis from all weight groups.
What It’s Made of
Three firmness options and two height options are available for the Saatva Mattress. Sleepers can select between Plush Soft (3), Luxury Firm (6), and Firm (8). They can also select between an 11.5-inch thick mattress and a 14.5-inch thick option.
The Saatva Classic’s hybrid design combines a Euro-top and two layers of coils. The Euro-top contains polyfoam, fiber fill, and Dacron. To adjust the feel of each mattress, the thickness and firmness of the polyfoam vary between models. The Plush Soft and Luxury Firm options use softer foam in their Euro-tops, and the Firm model uses firmer foam.
A layer of polyfoam rests under the Euro-top. The lumbar region is supported by a layer of memory foam. This layer adds to the pressure relief while promoting proper spinal alignment. A layer of wrapped coils adds bounce, breathability, and support.
The base layer consists of hourglass coils, which add durability and cooling airflow. This layer is thinner in the 11.5-inch version of the Saatva and thicker in the 14.5-inch version. Final base pads support the core. A layer of foam wraps around the edge of the mattress to reduce sagging.
How It Performed
Compared to other hybrid models, the Saatva Classic is quite affordable. It also excels in temperature neutrality, pressure relief, and ease of movement. Its three firmness options can accommodate most sleep positions and weight groups, but not all firmness options will be ideal for all individuals. Sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds may favor the Plush Soft version, while sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds might prefer the Firm version. Most sleepers from all weight groups are likely to find the Luxury Firm version comfortable.
The Saatva Classic comes with free White Glove delivery. Customers can try the mattress at home during the 365-night trial. A lifetime warranty protects against defects in materials and workmanship.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I really appreciated the Saatva Classic’s wide selection of firmness levels and profiles. The thoughtful coil-on-coil design was super supportive, while the Euro-top and lumbar pad provided needed relief to my pressure points.”
Best for Back Pain
The Leesa Legend is a coil-on-coil hybrid engineered for enhanced sleeper support. A medium firm (6) feel and thick foam layers ensure ample cushioning, while both coil layers help maintain an even sleep surface with minimal sinkage beneath the heaviest areas of the body. This design with an emphasis on midsection support is particularly well suited to people with persistent upper or lower back pain.
What It’s Made of
The Legend’s comfort system includes a top layer of aerated polyfoam and a secondary layer of solid memory foam. This mixed-foam combination produces a noticeable surface bounce when you get into bed, followed by deep cushioning as your body settles. Despite the medium firm feel, the Legend feels quite plush on the surface. The third layer is designed with a panel of dense foam beneath the midsection and microcoils to gently cushion the head and legs.
Dense polyfoam makes up the transitional layer, which provides extra padding between your body and the pocketed coil support core. The coils are reinforced along the perimeter to reduce sinkage when you sleep close to the edges or get in and out of bed. A foam base layer rounds out the luxury hybrid design. The cover is made from a proprietary stretch blend that integrates six fabrics, including organic cotton, Merino wool, and recycled PES fibers from plastic bottles.
How It Performed
The Legend has a balanced design that allows the mattress to excel in several key areas. The foam layers are thick enough to absorb movement and decrease disruptive transfer for couples. These layers – along with the microcoils – also cradle the spine to improve alignment and alleviate pressure.
At the same time, the coil layers make the surface responsive and easy to move across, especially near the edges. Steady airflow through the coils and the aerated foam help the mattress sleep cool, as does the cover made with moisture-wicking wool and breathable cotton. During our tests, the Legend proved most popular with side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds. Back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds also found the mattress comfortable.
Leesa offers free ground shipping to customers in all 50 states. Each purchase is backed by a 100-night sleep trial with free returns after 30 nights of testing out the mattress. Those who keep their Legend are also entitled to a 10-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Sleepers with back pain should love the balanced support and cushion from the Leesa Legend. People who carry extra weight in their midsection may also notice less sinkage thanks to the coil-on-coil design.”
Best Pressure Relief
The Bear Hybrid is an excellent match for sleepers who seek relief from painful pressure points at night. The foam layers and responsive coils cradle joints where pressure tends to build up while also delivering enough support to ensure healthy sleep posture.
What It’s Made of
The bed’s cover is quilted with polyfoam, followed by a memory foam layer that closely contours to the body. A transitional polyfoam layer enhances the top layers’ contouring and has a firmer feel that supports the body and helps keep it from sinking into the bed. The support core is composed of pocketed coils that excel in support but also have a responsive feel. The slight give of the coils helps relieve pressure in areas like the hips, shoulders, and spine.
How It Performed
The medium firm (6) feel makes the Bear Hybrid a good fit for most types of sleepers, but it’s especially ideal for back and stomach sleepers below 130 pounds and side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. The balance of cushioning and support is perfect for these sleepers, who need the best of both worlds to keep the head, neck, and spine in healthy alignment. Hot sleepers will appreciate the cooling properties of the Celliant fabric in the cover, as well as the ample air circulating through the coils.
Bear offers a 120-night sleep trial with the Hybrid. If you choose to keep the bed, you also receive a lifetime warranty. The mattress ships free to the contiguous U.S.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“People with persistent joint pain on our team loved the Bear Hybrid’s thick foam comfort system. These polyfoam and memory foam layers closely contour to the hips, shoulders, and lower back to alleviate pressure buildup and reduce aches and pains.”
Best for Side Sleepers
Get an additional $30 off the Nolah Evolution Mattress for total savings of $730 with code: SF730OFF
The Nolah Evolution is a Euro-top hybrid available in three firmness levels: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8). This selection, which ranges from deep contouring to sturdy support, should accommodate most people with arthritis regardless of their weight or which sleep position they primarily use.
What It’s Made of
The Evolution 15’s Euro-top is cushioned with a layer of open-cell polyfoam. A border gusset around this layer is intended to capture and dissipate body heat near the surface. Three additional foam layers make up the comfort system, including a comfort layer of proprietary AirFoamICE designed to promote additional cooling.
The support core contains pocketed coils divided into three zones, resulting in more reinforcement for the midsection and softer cradling for the head, shoulders, and legs. The dense base layer is composed of plant-based material, and the entire mattress is encased in a cooling ArcticTex fabric cover.
How It Performed
Each firmness level offers distinct benefits for sleepers. The medium feel conforms very closely to cushion the body and improve spinal alignment, making this option best suited to side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. Firm models are quite supportive and barely contour at all, so back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds will probably prefer these models. Anyone who falls in the middle of these weight ranges should consider the medium firm Evolution 15, the most balanced of the three.
Breathable foams, a cooling cover, and excellent air circulation allow the mattress to excel at temperature control. The foams used in the comfort system are more responsive than memory foam, and the coils generate a fair amount of bounce, so the surface should also be easy to move across for most people. This is especially true of firm models.
Nolah offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. All Evolution 15 purchases are backed by a 120-night sleep trial, but customers may opt out of the trial period and reduce their up-front costs. The mattress is also protected with a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Our testing found the Nolah Evolution 15 best suited side sleepers thanks to the pressure-relieving pillow top and supportive coils. Three firmness levels ensure comfort across different weight categories.”
Best for Hip Pain
For many sleepers with arthritis, a combination of body contouring and even support is key to managing nightly aches and pains. The Birch Mattress is a medium firm (6) latex hybrid that delivers a balanced feel. The mattress’ components are also quite breathable and the coils distribute air evenly throughout the interior, so it should sleep cool for most people regardless of where they live.
What It’s Made of
A comfort layer of Talalay latex conforms to the body without hugging too tightly while pocketed coils stabilize the entire mattress without making the surface too stiff. A base layer of wool and rayon acts as a second fire barrier while providing reinforcement for the coils.
Extra-strength outer coils create strong perimeter support. This ensures added stability when you sleep near the edges of your mattress or get in and out of bed. Since the Birch Mattress is a latex hybrid, sleepers can expect more responsiveness on the surface.
How It Performed
The mid-range firmness and moderate contouring of this mattress is particularly well suited to people in the range of 130 to 230 pounds, regardless of which sleep position they prefer.
Eco-conscious shoppers should be drawn to the Birch Mattress due to its environmentally friendly composition. The latex has earned certification from the Rainforest Alliance, indicating the rubber trees that produce the latex have been sustainably grown. The cotton cover is certified as organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard, while the fire barrier is made of natural wool.
Birch is one of the only online mattress brands to offer free ground shipping to customers in all 50 states. Each purchase is backed by a sleep trial that runs 100 nights in length, as well as a manufacturer’s warranty covering structural defects in the mattress for up to 25 years after you purchase it.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Like most other latex hybrids, the Birch Mattress excelled in our temperature regulation tests. Latex’s natural breathability and airflow through the coil support core help maintain a cool internal and surface temperature.”
Best for Ease of Movement
The EcoCloud from WinkBeds is a hybrid model constructed with a latex comfort layer. Latex is a highly responsive material, so the mattress feels more supportive than many competing hybrids with foam layers. This allows you to move across the mattress without feeling trapped or sinking excessively. A robust support core also creates strong pushback along the perimeter when you get in and out of bed.
What It’s Made of
The EcoCloud’s Talalay latex comfort layer measures 4 inches thick. Talalay latex is light and springy compared to Dunlop latex, so you can expect gentle cushioning and a noticeable bounce when you get on and off the mattress. The latex is divided into different zones based on firmness. This helps ensure extra support for the torso and hips – two areas where people tend to carry extra weight – and a softer feel for lighter areas of the body.
The pocketed coils in the support core are also zoned for extra reinforcement in these areas. The coils are thicker around the perimeter, allowing you to lie near the edges without sinking too much. A cover made of organic cotton and New Zealand wool encases the entire mattress. The EcoCloud is considered medium (5) in terms of feel, and measures 12.5 inches thick.
How It Performed
The EcoCloud was popular among the testers on our team weighing 130 to 230 pounds across all three sleep positions. The zoned latex provides enough pushback around the midsection to maintain an even surface for back and stomach sleepers, but the comfort layer is also soft enough to cushion the shoulders and hips – two common areas of pressure buildup for side sleepers.
Temperature regulation was another area where the EcoCloud excelled. The cover is both breathable and moisture-wicking, the latex retains very little heat, and the coils promote steady air circulation to cool off the interior of the mattress. The sturdy coil system also helped the EcoCloud earn favorable ratings in the edge support and ease of movement categories.
The mattress is competitively priced for a latex hybrid and WinkBeds offers free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. Each order includes a 120-night sleep trial with free return shipping, and those who choose to keep their mattress also receive a lifetime warranty against structural and material defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The EcoCloud finds the right balance between contouring and responsiveness. A lot of latex hybrids we’ve tested are firmer and less capable of alleviating pressure, but the EcoCloud’s softer feel and zoned design should make it more appealing for sleepers who need close conforming to feel comfortable.”
Best for Spinal Alignment
Shoppers in the market for a hybrid bed often seek a mattress that provides as much support as it does cushioning. The Puffy Lux Hybrid is an excellent option for hybrid beds, as it carefully balances contouring and support for people who seek the best of both worlds. This balance is especially well suited for people who prioritize healthy spinal alignment at night.
What It’s Made of
The Puffy Lux Hybrid has a medium (5) firmness, making it a softer bed compared to some competing hybrid models. The mattress begins with a layer of memory foam and two polyfoam layers. This thick comfort system conforms closely to the body and excels in pressure relief. Beneath is a pocketed coil system that provides support and bounce, followed by a firm polyfoam base that stabilizes the bed. These layers prevent sleepers from sinking too deep into the mattress, as they might do in an all-foam bed.
How It Performed
The mattress is a strong option for side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. This position requires a bed that will cradle sensitive pressure points, including the hips and shoulders, but also needs sufficient pushback to keep the spine supported and properly aligned. Back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more may sink deeper into the bed and receive less support.
The memory foam is infused with cooling gel, and the coils enable air to circulate through the bed, which means this model should be fairly comfortable for hot sleepers. The thick foam layers also allow the Lux Hybrid to provide above-average motion isolation.
Puffy offers a generous lifetime warranty and also a 101-night sleep trial. Mattresses ship free to the contiguous U.S.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Puffy Luxe Hybrid couples a pocketed coil system with foam layers that cushion along the spine, helping sleepers maintain a healthy sleep posture. Our testing found side sleepers particularly enjoy the extra support for the hips and shoulders.”
We’ve tested hundreds of mattresses firsthand. Drawing on our expertise, we’ve picked the models that can help prevent the kind of aches and pressure points that exacerbate arthritis. Our team includes testers with different body types and position preferences, ensuring our ratings are inclusive of all sleepers.
Our mattress evaluations focused on pressure buildup, ease of movement, durability, and motion isolation, all of which can affect how comfortable people with arthritis feel in bed. We also use thermal imaging technology to determine how well a mattress regulates temperature and measure sinkage when testers sit or lie along the edges of the mattress.
To learn more about our testing process, check out our product research methodology below:
While comfort preferences may vary between individuals, some factors tend to come into play in determining a mattress’s overall performance. It may help to consider these categories when selecting the best mattress for you.
As with any condition that causes pain or discomfort, arthritis could make it harder to get restful, quality sleep. Aches and pains may make it harder to fall asleep or could lead to tossing and turning during the night. The position someone sleeps could either reduce or contribute to pain. Depending on an individual’s pains, they may prefer any sleep position. However, most experts usually recommend back or side sleeping. If you continue to suffer from arthritis and/or joint pain that interrupts your sleep, we recommend talking to your doctor.
According to Johns Hopkins, back sleeping can have both pros and cons for pain sufferers. Neck pain could be aggravated by sleeping face up. However, some people find sleeping on their backs alleviates their lower-back pain. Others may experience more back pain in this position, but the Cleveland Clinic suggests that placing a pillow under the knees could help.
The right mattress can help support a back sleeper’s natural spinal alignment. If the mattress sags excessively near the midsection, the sleeper could experience strain in their lower backs. If the mattress is too firm, they might have some pressure buildup around their hips. Since sagging tends to be the most common problem for back sleepers, many people who prefer this sleep position select a firmer-than-average mattress to get the support they need.
People tend to be wider near their shoulders and hips, so these body parts usually put more force on the mattress when a person sleeps on their side. This can contribute to pressure points.
Without the right mattress, a side sleeper’s spinal alignment could also suffer. Too soft of a mattress may allow the shoulders and hips to sink in excessively, while too firm of a mattress may not allow them to sink in enough. Either of these options could put a strain on a side sleeper’s lower back.
Side sleepers could also experience knee and hip pain from their legs resting on each other. Some side sleepers place a pillow between their knees for added relief for their hips and knees.
Most experts do not recommend stomach sleeping, but some people prefer it.
People tend to carry extra weight near their midsections, which could pull their hips too far into the mattress and put a strain on their lower backs. Since stomach sleepers often turn their heads to the side, they may also strain the neck. Some stomach sleepers prefer to use a thin pillow or no pillow to keep their neck in a more neutral position. Thicker pillows may force the neck to extend backward, contributing to additional strain.
If you want to transition away from sleeping on your stomach, using a body pillow may help.
Combination sleeping can bring together the potential benefits and drawbacks of multiple sleep positions. Switching positions during the night can shift the location of strain and/or pressure. Depending on which sleep positions the person prefers, they may still experience pressure buildup in their hips and shoulders, lower back strain, and/or neck strain. However, switching positions may make these aches and pains less pronounced.
Hybrid, innerspring, latex, airbed, and foam mattresses are the major types of mattresses currently sold. Each mattress model may have some variations from other mattresses that use similar constructions due to differences in materials, quality, and construction techniques. However, there are some common similarities between mattresses in each category.
Definition: Hybrid models pair comfort layers of memory foam, polyfoam, latex, wool, microcoils, and/or other materials with a coil support system. This combination usually gives some of the benefits of innerspring and foam or latex mattresses with fewer drawbacks.
Highlight: Balanced Support and Contouring. Joint pain sufferers may enjoy cushioning, contouring, and pressure relief from a hybrid mattress’s comfort system. The coil core tends to give more even support, which could be beneficial for spinal alignment.
Definition: Innerspring models are generally seen as the most traditional type of mattress. They consist primarily of springs. While they may have a comfort layer for cushioning, this layer is usually thin.
Highlight: Stable Support. High-quality innerspring mattresses do not permit much sinkage and usually have a relatively even plane. Joint pain sufferers who want support without a lot of contouring may like innerspring models.
Definition: Natural latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. Latex mattresses may include natural latex, synthetic latex, or a blend. Dunlop latex is generally denser, while Talalay latex has a bouncier feel.
Highlight: Pressure Relief Without Hug. Latex has low point elasticity, which means that rather than compressing exclusively directly under the sleeper’s weight, it spreads the compression over a wider area. This lends to pressure relief without the hug often associated with memory foam, so joint pain sufferers with mobility issues may find a latex mattress easier to move on.
Definition: The support system of an airbed consists of fillable air chambers. These chambers can usually be filled or emptied using either a crank, a remote control, or an app. Airbeds may also contain comfort layers for added cushioning, though these comfort layers are usually relatively thin.
Highlight: Adjustable Firmness. The firmness of an airbed can be adjusted by filling or emptying the air chambers. Arthritis and joint pain sufferers may appreciate the flexibility of being able to change the firmness of their mattress to adjust their current preferences. Additionally, many airbeds have separate air chambers on each side of the bed, allowing partners to select different firmness settings.
Definition: Foam mattresses are constructed of multiple layers of foam. These may include memory foam, polyfoam, or a combination of both. Most foam mattresses use softer, closer conforming foam in their comfort layers and firm polyfoam in their support cores.
Highlight: Close Conforming. All-foam models often conform more closely than other types of mattresses. Joint pain sufferers looking for a pressure-relieving hug may enjoy this close conforming.
Purchasing a mattress is a big decision, and you may still have some lingering questions or concerns. We’ll answer some of the top questions customers have when buying a new mattress.
While there are budget-friendly mattresses on the market that could be good options for arthritis sufferers, pillows and mattress toppers may also prove effective. A good pillow can help support your natural spinal alignment. Some arthritis sufferers may also like a wedge pillow to support their knees or upper bodies. If your existing mattress is in good condition but you’re looking for more pressure relief, a quality mattress topper can add plushness and contouring without the expense of replacing the whole mattress.
Budget-friendly mattresses may cost just a few hundred dollars. These models often offer strong pressure relief and good support, but some may be more prone to forming impressions over time. Higher-priced models may seem like a big investment, but quality materials and construction can help the mattress last longer, which may make it a better value in the long run. Direct-to-consumer mattresses sold online are often less expensive, since the manufacturer isn’t paying for showrooms and additional staff. These “mattress in a box” models are comparable to those sold in brick-and-mortar stores in terms of construction and performance.
A company’s policies may play a role in your purchasing decision. The shipping, trial period, and warranty may be particularly important to consider.
Customers who suffer from joint pain may find it more challenging to set up their mattresses. If you need assistance, you may want to consider whether the company offers White Glove delivery. Most online mattress companies offer trial periods that give customers a chance to try the mattress at home. Arthritis sufferers may use this window to determine whether the mattress provides any relief. Finally, the mattress’s warranty can provide customers with additional protection for their purchase.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes joint problems such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. RA is most common in the wrists and fingers, but can affect other joints. The condition may also spread to the eyes, mouth, lungs, and other areas of the body.
People with RA usually feel comfortable on mattresses that cradle the spine and cushion other areas of the body. This can take pressure off of the affected joints. At the same time, the mattress should feel firm and supportive enough to keep your body upright without sinking too much beneath heavier areas like the midsection and hips. Memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, and hybrids often meet this criteria. The adjustable firmness of an airbed may also appeal to people with RA, especially if their ideal firmness level varies with the degree of pain they experience on a given night.
Sleepers with RA who weigh less than 130 pounds may find a soft or medium soft mattress most comfortable. Those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds will probably prefer a medium to medium firm feel instead, since people with heavier weights generally require the support of firmer beds. People with RA who weigh more than 230 pounds may need a firm or extra firm mattress to feel comfortable while they sleep.
The best mattress firmness for anyone with arthritis comes down to that person’s body type and primary sleep position. A firm mattress – which corresponds to 7 or 8 on the 1-10 firmness scale – offers stronger support than softer models, but also won’t conform as closely to the body. People with arthritis who weigh more than 230 pounds and those who sleep on their backs and/or stomachs will probably feel most comfortable on a firm mattress.
However, everyone has different preferences regardless of their weight or sleep position. We recommend testing out mattresses with different firmness levels to determine which best meets your needs and reduces your arthritis pain.
Memory foam becomes softer when exposed to body heat, allowing it to conform closely around the unique contours of your body. This cradling effect results in even weight distribution, optimal spinal alignment, and – for many people – fewer pressure points in sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips. If you feel less arthritis pain on softer surfaces with more cushioning, then a memory foam mattress may be right for you.
If you prefer less contouring and a more even, supportive surface, then you may want to consider a latex mattress over a memory foam model. Latex conforms to the body without hugging or sinking and keeps the body upright. It also sleeps cooler than foam, so a latex mattress may be a good alternative if you sleep hot.
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Sleep Product Tester
Austin is a professional writer and researcher who has covered sleep science and sleep products for over a decade.
Physical Therapist
DPT
Dr. Iyo is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at an orthopedic clinic in Seattle. She specializes in hands-on therapy and tailored exercise programs.
Not sure which split king mattress to choose? We’ve tested hundreds of models to help you pick the best option…
Searching for an American-made mattress? We’ll share our picks for the best mattresses made in the USA, as well as…
The right mattress can play a key role in preventing and reducing acid reflux symptoms. Keep reading for tips on…
