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Best Mattress for Menopause in 2026
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
The symptoms of menopause — especially hot flashes, night sweats, and aches and pains — can make getting quality sleep more difficult. And while a mattress can’t completely eliminate menopause symptoms, the right mattress could help promote a better night’s sleep by allowing cooling airflow and relieving aches and pains. Don’t forget to consult your doctor for advice and guidance on navigating menopause.
Our #1 Pick: Luxury Firm WinkBed
The Luxury Firm WinkBed met all our criteria for the best mattress for menopause. It resists heat buildup, cushions achy joints, and provides targeted support to the lower back and hips.
Read on to see our full list of best mattresses for menopause of 2026 based on performance ratings from our in-house testing team, in-depth product inspections, and verified reviews from real mattress owners.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
:Luxury Firm WinkBed
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Most Comfortable
:Helix Midnight Luxe
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Best Cooling
:Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
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Best Value
:Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
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Best for Side Sleepers
:Nolah Evolution 15
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Best Luxury
:Saatva Classic
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Best for Back Pain
:Bear Elite Hybrid
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Best Pressure Relief
:Layla Memory Foam Mattress
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Best Organic
:Birch Luxe
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Best Mattress Accessory for Hot Flashes
:Eight Sleep Pod 5
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Best Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $771 — Luxury Firm WinkBed
$1,799(List Price $2,570) - Save $652 — Helix Midnight Luxe
$1,847(List Price $2,499) - Save $748 — Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
$1,719(List Price $2,467) - Save $150 — Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
$449(List Price $599) - Save $797 — Nolah Evolution 15
$1,480(List Price $2,277)
How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Menopause
Testing Criteria
When choosing the best mattresses for menopause, we focused on common symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, insomnia, and joint pain. From there, we identified mattress qualities that can directly support comfort during this stage. Here’s what we narrowed in on:
- Temperature regulation: Since hot flashes are a typical symptom of menopause, many people may prefer a mattress that limits heat retention, whether that’s due to a breathable design or materials engineered for cooling, such as gel-infused foams.
- Pressure relief: People going through menopause may experience aches and pains, which may make mattress-related pressure points feel sharper. A pressure-relieving mattress that redistributes the sleeper’s body weight can help prevent these hot spots.
- Ease of movement: Some people going through menopause may do a lot of tossing and turning throughout the night. A mattress with exceptional ease of movement can help sleepers shift positions without feeling stuck. It can also be helpful for limiting sleep interruptions with a co-sleeper.
How We Evaluated
When considering the best mattresses for menopause, we looked through our database of over 2,000 models for options with the following standout traits:
- Different types of mattresses, including foam, hybrid, and innerspring
- Variety of firmness levels
- Above-average pressure relief
- Cooling materials and construction
We brought the models that stood out most in these areas to our Seattle Test Lab so our team could take a closer look, further analyzing key performance categories like motion isolation, durability, and edge support. Throughout the trial process, we kept menopausal sleepers and common symptoms at the top of mind, before assigning accolades to each model and narrowing down on our favorite picks.
The mattresses on this list represent a broad range of needs, preferences, and priorities common in sleepers with menopause, offering options for many different types of sleepers.
Our Testing Team
Logan Foley
Editorial Director
Full Bio
Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
Full Bio
Jeremy Klein
Senior Product Testing Manager
Full Bio
Brad Nehring
Senior Product Analyst
Full Bio
Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
Full Bio
Best Overall: Luxury Firm WinkBed
Best Overall
9.5/10Test Lab Score
Luxury Firm WinkBed
High end hybrid bed providing ample support, cushion, and cool sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers of all weight groups.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) with cushioning from the Euro-top and noticeable support from the coils.
- What It’s Made Of: Euro-top quilted with two layers of gel-infused polyfoam, followed by another layer of gel polyfoam, and finally, a zoned coil support core with perimeter reinforcement. The cover is Tencel.
- What We Don’t Like: Taller than average and may require deep-pocket fitted sheets. Some motion transfer.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Most Comfortable: Helix Midnight Luxe
Most Comfortable
9.7/10Test Lab Score
Helix Midnight Luxe
A premium quality, hybrid mattress created with side sleepers in mind.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers of most body types.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) with cushioning pressure relief without excess sinkage.
- What It’s Made Of: Two layers of memory foam over transitional polyfoam. In the support core, there are zoned pocketed coils with reinforced sides and a layer of base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Feels a little soft when sleeping on your stomach.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Cooling: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Best Cooling
9.0/10Test Lab Score
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
A foam hybrid that cushions your body without trapping heat.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers, couples, hot sleepers, and people with chronic back or hip pain.
- Feel: You can choose from medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) designs.
- What It’s Made Of: A comfort system with gel-infused polyfoam, memory foam, adaptive polyfoam, and transitional foam over a support core of three-zone pocketed coils with perimeter reinforcement and high-density base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Initial off-gassing odor can be strong for up to 72 hours after unboxing, plus the 14-inch profile requires a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Value: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Best Value
8.6/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Hugs and soothes pressure points for restful sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers who primarily sleep on their side and/or back and weigh up to 230 pounds.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) with a balance of surface-level cushioning and sturdy, multi-zone support.
- What It’s Made Of: Comfort layers of polyfoam and copper-infused memory foam encased in a Euro-top, followed by zoned transitional foam and high-density base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Off-gassing odor is fairly strong for the first few nights, and people over 230 pounds may sink too deeply into the mattress.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best for Side Sleepers: Nolah Evolution 15
Best for Side Sleepers
8.7/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Evolution 15
A cloud-like experience with a plush euro-top in multiple firmnes options.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers (medium soft and medium firm), back sleepers under 130 pounds (medium firm), heavier back sleepers and stomach sleepers (firm).
- Feel: Medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8). Cover provides a cool-to-the-touch sensation when you first lie down.
- What It’s Made Of: An organic cotton cover with cooling ArcticTex fibers. A 2-inch quilted Euro-top over a layer of polyfoam with targeted pressure relief around the shoulders. Another 2 inches of resilient polyfoam and 1 inch of transitional polyfoam round out the comfort section. The support core is an 8-inch pocketed coil layer with lumbar and perimeter reinforcement.
- What We Don’t Like: Requires deep pocket sheets. Return fee of $99.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Luxury: Saatva Classic
Best Luxury
9.5/10Test Lab Score
Saatva Classic
Traditional innerspring with a plush euro-top and excellent breathability.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Most sleepers, depending on firmness level.
- Feel: Soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8).
- What It’s Made Of: Organic cotton cover and a natural thistle flame barrier over a 3-inch Euro-top. Extra pad of memory foam and active spinal wire. The body has a dual-coil design, with a layer of pocketed microcoils over a layer of innerspring coils with foam perimeter reinforcement.
- What We Don’t Like: Doesn’t provide a “hug” feeling or motion isolation. Return fee of $99.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best for Back Pain: Bear Elite Hybrid
Best for Back Pain
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Bear Elite Hybrid
A close-conforming memory foam hybrid offering great pressure relief.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers under 230 pounds (medium model) and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds (medium firm).
- Feel: Medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) options. Generous cushioning, with the softer models conforming more closely and the firmer models providing more pushback.
- What It’s Made Of: Quilted cover over a comfort system of copper-infused memory foam. A final layer of polyfoam supports the transition to the pocketed coil core, which includes targeted lumbar support and reinforced edges.
- What We Don’t Like: Isn’t ideal for stomach sleepers. Will likely require deep-pocket sheets.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Pressure Relief: Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Best Pressure Relief
8.4/10Test Lab Score
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
The gold standard of dual-sided mattresses with a pleasant memory foam feel.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers under 130 pounds (soft side). Stomach and back sleepers over 130 pounds (firm side).
- Feel: One side is medium soft (4), while the other side is firm (7). Both offer initial cushioning from the memory foam, though it’s thinner on the firm side.
- What It’s Made Of: Both sides have a top layer of copper gel memory foam. Soft side has an additional layer of polyfoam with cutout patterns. There’s a shared foam core.
- What We Don’t Like: May restricts movement, buckle at the edges, or exacerbate night sweats. Not ideal for side sleepers over 130 pounds or back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Organic: Birch Luxe
Best Organic
9.3/10Test Lab Score
Birch Luxe
Luxury latex hybrid with a medium firm feel.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds.
- Feel: Ultra-responsive sleep surface with a medium firm (6) feel. While the wool batting adds some plushness, this mattress keeps sleepers “on” rather than “in” the bed.
- What It’s Made Of: Organic cotton Euro-top, lined with an organic wool fire barrier and three layers of organic wool padding. The rest of the comfort system includes two layers of natural latex with perforations. A sturdy coil support core with reinforced sides and an organic wool base.
- What We Don’t Like: On the costlier side and may be too heavy to move by yourself. May transfer motion and likely too firm for people under 130 pounds.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Best Mattress Accessory for Hot Flashes: Eight Sleep Pod 5
Best Mattress Accessory for Hot Flashes
9.0/10Test Lab Score
Eight Sleep Pod 5
An advanced mattress cover with customizable temperature settings.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Anyone who wants to fully customize how hot or cool their sleep surface feels, and couples with different temperature preferences.
- Feel: You can set the temperature of the pad anywhere between 55 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Dual-zone settings are available for couples. The cover itself is fairly thin and won’t affect your sleep surface’s firmness. It is compatible with any mattress 10 to 16 inches thick in full, queen, king, and California king sizes.
- What It’s Made Of: Tiny water tubes inside the cover connect to an external reservoir called “The Hub,” which supplies water that’s been heated or cooled to a specific temperature. Water flowing through the tubes helps adjust the pad’s overall temperature. The Pod 5 also contains built-in sensors to track your nighttime movements and physiological data, which you can view on the Eight Sleep app. An outer shell made of stretchy knit fabric encases the tubes and sensors.
- What We Don’t Like: The Pod 5 carries a sticker price that will be too expensive for a lot of shoppers, and monthly service charges add to the overall cost. You’ll also need to protect the cover from pets, as sharp claws can permanently damage the water tubes.
How to Choose the Best Mattress for Menopause
For women going through menopause, the right mattress could make a major difference in the overall comfort and quality of a night’s sleep.
What to Look for in a Mattress
Each individual may prioritize different features in a mattress, but the symptoms associated with menopause may make some features more important than others. Considering the following factors may help you find the best mattress for you.
- Price: Mattress prices vary a great deal. Budget-friendly options start around a few hundred dollars, while luxury models may be several thousand dollars. High-end options may have more advanced materials and durable constructions, but affordable models can also be comfortable. Women going through menopause may also wish to leave room in their budgets for additional sleep accessories, like a cooling pillow and breathable sheets.
- Quality Materials: The materials used in a mattress affect its durability and performance. High-quality materials tend to last longer, which can extend the usable lifespan of the mattress. Some materials are also specially engineered to improve the mattress’s performance. Menopause sufferers may be particularly interested in mattresses that use components designed for temperature regulation and/or pressure relief.
- Firmness Level: Firmness preferences tend to vary based on a person’s weight and favored sleep position. Heavier individuals, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers frequently prefer a firmer model, while lighter-weight individuals and side sleepers often like a plusher surface. Firmer models tend to retain less heat, so they may be a good option for women suffering from hot flashes. Softer models frequently provide more pressure relief and motion isolation, so they might appeal to women who experience aches and pains during the night or who wake up easily when their partner moves.
- Pressure Relief: Some parts of the body naturally put more force on the mattress, which can lead to pressure points. Because a person’s hips and shoulders are usually wider and heavier than the rest of their bodies, these regions are particularly prone to pressure buildup. To relieve pressure, some mattresses redistribute the sleeper’s weight more evenly across the mattress surface. Women experiencing menopause-related aches and pains may appreciate a mattress with strong pressure relief.
- Edge Support: Some mattresses have reinforced edges to make the perimeter of the bed feel more secure. This can make it easier to sit or sleep near the perimeter of the bed, expanding the usable mattress surface. This extra surface area could give menopause sufferers the space they need to cool off during a hot flash and/or reposition to accommodate aches and pains.
- Contouring: Contouring occurs when a mattress shapes to the sleeper’s body. This can help promote better spinal alignment and relieve pressure buildup. Women suffering from aches and pains associated with menopause may appreciate mattresses that contour to their bodies. However, it is important to note that some close-conforming mattresses could trap heat if the materials aren’t breathable enough.
- Temperature Regulation: For women going through menopause, temperature regulation may be one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a mattress. The right mattress can allow the sleeper’s body heat to dissipate rather than trapping it against their body. Some mattresses can also help wick away moisture to keep the sleeper cool, dry, and comfortable. Mattresses that use coils and/or latex tend to sleep cool. Foam models are often more associated with heat retention, but many now have special features to allow more air circulation.
- Ease of Movement: Some mattresses are easier to move on than others, which can affect the sleeper’s ability to change positions. Mattresses that are soft, close-conforming, and/or slow to respond to changes in pressure could restrict movement since sleepers may feel like they have to escape their own body impressions. Women who tend to change positions during the night due to menopause symptoms may prefer a mattress that doesn’t limit their movement.
- Mattress Type: A mattress’s construction and materials influence its overall performance. Each type of mattress has certain common characteristics that may make it appropriate for women going through menopause. Below, we’ll discuss each common type of mattress in more detail.
How Does Menopause Affect Sleep?
Poor sleep is a frequent issue for those experiencing menopause, and its root cause is actually the combination of several menopause symptoms.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: During menopause, many people experience hot flashes and/or night sweats. Overheating during the night may lead to discomfort and sleep disruptions. Some mattresses trap heat near the sleeper’s body, which could exacerbate this problem. More breathable mattress models can help you stay cooler and drier throughout the night.
Aches and Pains: Menopause can also trigger aches and pains, including muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches. While a mattress may not relieve these symptoms, the right mattress is less likely to exacerbate them. Mattresses can relieve pressure points and promote proper spinal alignment, so while people going through menopause may experience discomfort, the right mattress shouldn’t contribute to it.
Sleep Apnea: People in menopause may also be more likely to snore or develop sleep apnea as they age, which interrupts sleep. Many people snore less when sleeping on their sides, so a mattress that is comfortable for side sleeping may be a good option for people during menopause. Sleeping on the back may lead to more snoring, so some back sleepers choose to use a wedge pillow to prop up their upper bodies.
Weight Gain: Weight gain is common during menopause, and you may find you sink into your mattresses more deeply than you used to. This extra sinkage can contribute to pressure points and/or make it more difficult to maintain proper spinal alignment, so a new mattress may be in order to better support your body.
Mental Health: Anxiety and depression are also associated with menopause, and they’re both linked to sleep issues. What’s more, lack of sleep can worsen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Finding the right mattress may be paramount to finding relief on several fronts.
According to Dr. Audrey Wells, M.D., the emergence of anxiety and depression during menopause can occur due to different hormonal, physiological, psychological, and social factors. “Estrogen and progesterone, which influence mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, are declining or variable,” Dr. Wells says. “This can lead to mood swings and irritability. Sleep disruptions caused by hot flashes, night sweats, or insomnia further contribute to fatigue and emotional distress.”
Dr. Wells adds menopause often coincides with major life changes that can add psychosocial stress, such as the effects of aging, shifting family dynamics, and career transitions. “These combined effects make women in midlife more vulnerable to symptoms of anxiety and depression,” she says.”
How to Choose the Best Mattress for Menopause
For people going through menopause, the right mattress could make a major difference when it comes to overall comfort and quality sleep. We all prioritize different features in a mattress, but menopause symptoms may make some features more important than others. Consider the following factors to find the best mattress for you.
Temperature Regulation
For those going through menopause, temperature regulation may be one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a mattress. The right mattress can allow the sleeper’s body heat to dissipate, rather than trapping it against their body. Some mattresses can also help wick away moisture to keep the sleeper cool, dry, and comfortable.
Mattresses that use coils and/or latex tend to sleep cool. Foam models are often more associated with heat retention, but many now have special features, like gel-infused foam, pocket springs, and breathable fabrics, to help counteract heat buildup.
Firmness Level
Firmness preferences tend to vary based on a person’s weight and favored sleep position. Individuals over 230 pounds, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers frequently prefer a firmer model, while lighter-weight individuals and side sleepers often like a plusher surface.
Firmer models also tend to retain less heat, so they may be a good option for people who experience hot flashes. Softer models frequently provide more pressure relief and motion isolation, so they might appeal to people who experience aches and pains during the night or who wake up easily when their partner moves.
Pressure Relief and Contouring
Some parts of the body naturally put more force on your mattress, which can lead to pressure points. Because a person’s hips and shoulders are usually wider and heavier than the rest of their bodies, these regions are particularly prone to pressure buildup.
To relieve pressure, some mattresses redistribute the sleeper’s weight more evenly across the mattress surface, specifically those with thick foam or latex layers. Look for a mattress that offers close contouring, but note that a very plush surface can also retain heat. You may want to opt for a foam or latex mattress that’s medium-firm to get the right mix of contouring, support and temperature regulation.
Price
Mattress prices vary a great deal. Budget-friendly options start around a few hundred dollars, while luxury models may be several thousand dollars. High-end options may have more advanced materials and durable constructions, but affordable models can also be comfortable. People going through menopause may also wish to leave room in their budgets for additional sleep accessories, like a cooling pillow and breathable sheets.
Quality Materials
The materials used in a mattress affect its durability and performance. High-quality materials tend to last longer, which can extend the usable lifespan of the mattress. Some materials are also specially engineered to improve the mattress’s performance. People in menopause may be particularly interested in mattresses that use components designed for temperature regulation and/or pressure relief.
Edge Support
Some mattresses have reinforced edges to make the perimeter of the bed feel more secure. This can make it easier to sit or sleep near the perimeter of the bed, expanding the usable mattress surface. This extra surface area could give people in menopause the space they need to cool off during a hot flash and/or reposition to accommodate aches and pains.
Ease of Movement
Some mattresses are easier to move on than others, which can affect the sleeper’s ability to change positions. Mattresses that are soft, close-conforming, and/or slow to respond to changes in pressure could restrict movement since sleepers may feel like they have to escape their own body impressions. People who tend to change positions during the night due to menopause symptoms may prefer a mattress that doesn’t limit their movement.
Mattress Warranty and Other Policies
While many customers don’t look closely at company policies, they may be important to consider as you purchase your mattress. Many direct-to-consumer mattress companies ship the compressed mattress in a box, though some offer white glove delivery for a fee.
Additionally, the length and conditions of a company’s in-home trial may be influential, particularly if you’re unsure whether the mattress will meet your needs. Similarly, you may want to consider a company’s warranty policy. Warranty policies vary a great deal in length, terms, and conditions, so looking at the warranty ahead of time can give you a better idea of what defects are covered.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Menopause?
Mattresses can use a wide array of materials, but most models can be classified as one of the five main types. Individual mattress models may have some variations, but most mattresses in the same category share some similar traits.
Hybrid
Definition: Hybrid mattresses use a mixture of materials. While the core is made up of coils, the comfort system may contain memory foam, polyfoam, latex, microcoils, wool, or a combination of materials. This design aims to fuse the benefits of multiple types of mattresses without as many potential drawbacks.
Highlight: Hybrid models usually have significant comfort layers that provide contouring and pressure relief that could help relieve aches and pains associated with menopause. Their coil cores tend to allow enough airflow to regulate the temperature of the sleep surface, which may be beneficial for people experiencing hot flashes or night sweats.
Foam
Definition: Memory foam and polyfoam are the most common materials used in all-foam models. Models can be constructed entirely of polyfoam, though many use memory foam in their comfort systems for closer conforming.
Highlight: Foam mattresses, especially those that use memory foam, tend to have more hug than most types of mattresses. This close contouring can help redistribute the sleeper’s weight to ward off pressure buildup, so a foam mattress may appeal to menopausal people with a lot of aches and pains. Some sleepers also find the hug of foam comforting.
Innerspring
Definition: Innerspring models are made up primarily of springs. They may also contain thin comfort layers, but the bulk of an innerspring mattress is its coil core. Innerspring mattresses are usually considered more traditional than other designs. Since they have been on the market for a long time, they also tend to be more affordable.
Highlight: Air flows through coil systems, so innerspring models tend to be quite breathable, and menopausal people might be able to enjoy a cooler night’s sleep. Additionally, innerspring models usually have thin comfort layers that are unlikely to conform closely enough to trap much heat or create a “trapped in the bed” feel.
Latex
Definition: Latex foam is generally made using the sap of rubber trees, but there are also synthetic and blended versions. Talalay latex has a bouncier feel and is generally more breathable, making it a popular choice for comfort layers. Dunlop latex is usually denser and more durable. It may be used in a comfort layer or support core.
Highlight: Latex has low-point elasticity, which means it tends to compress over a wider area when weight is applied. It usually contours enough for good pressure relief, but the way it compresses limits the sinking sensation sometimes associated with all-foam models. Many sleepers liken this to a floating sensation.
Airbed
Definition: Airbeds get their name from the air chambers that serve as their support system. Depending on the model, a crank, app, or remote may be used to fill and empty the chambers. Some airbeds also contain thin comfort layers for extra cushioning on the surface of the bed.
Highlight: The chambers of an airbed are usually easy to fill or empty, and doing so adjusts the firmness of the bed. People who are going through physical changes that could affect their firmness preferences may appreciate this flexibility. Since many airbeds use separate air chambers on either side of the bed, they might also accommodate partners with different firmness preferences.
How to Get Better Sleep With Menopause
While the right mattress can certainly help with menopause symptoms, there are other steps you can take to get a better night’s sleep.
Try Cooling Sheets
If you experience hot flashes and night sweats, then breathable bedding is key. Look for cooling sheets made from natural materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo in a percale weave. These materials also excel at wicking moisture away from your body, so you don’t wake up sweaty.
Find the Right Pillow
If you sleep hot, consider a cooling pillow made from wool, cotton, or bamboo or one that incorporates gel or another technology that helps dissipate heat. When aches and pains are your challenge, you can place pillows strategically — like under your knees or lower back — to help find relief.
Eliminate Triggers
While there’s only so much you can do to limit menopause symptoms, there are some known hot flash triggers that you can try to limit:
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Spicy food
- Caffeine
- Smoking and nicotine
- Warm weather and environments
Dr. Wells also adds that certain medications can contribute to hot flashes. These include some antidepressants, opioids, and hormone treatments.
How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science
Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.
In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.
Construction analysis: Mattress construction plays a major role in our ratings system. We begin our testing with a top-to-bottom analysis of each mattress, making note of its materials, firmness, thickness, and other physical attributes. Price-point is another major factor as we assess quality of materials and overall value.
Quantitative product testing: For hands-on testing, our team members take turns lying and moving on each mattress. This immersive process helps us evaluate beds for performance categories like motion isolation, pressure relief, ease of movement, and temperature control.
Field testing: Once we’re finished testing a mattress in our lab, one of our team members takes it home and sleeps on it in their own bedroom for two to three weeks. Field testing helps us understand how each mattress performs in the long term.
User feedback: In addition to our team’s testing data, we draw from customer surveys and product reviews to calculate our final ratings. This helps us ensure our findings are consistent with real-world experiences.
How We Determine Our Overall Scores
To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily.
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This criteria alludes to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate motion isolation, who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.
Temperature Control
To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.
Pressure Relief
A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.
Ease of Movement
This criteria reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.
Edge Support
We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.
Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Purpose
If you’re still unsure which mattress is right for you, check out our guides broken down by mattresses that relieve specific pain points.
Best Mattress by Specific Purpose
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Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.
Audrey Wells, MD attended University of Michigan Medical School and went on to train at Washington University School of Medicine in pediatrics and pediatric pulmonary medicine. It was during this time that she developed a specific interest in adult and pediatric sleep medicine. She returned to her home state of New Mexico to complete a sleep medicine fellowship.
Learn more about our medical advisory board