Best Mattress for Seniors: Reviews Based on Real Testing

As we age, natural changes in our sleep cycle and the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions can make getting a restful night of sleep more difficult. Your mattress matters. The right bed can mean the difference between a full 8 to 9 hours of sleep or a restless night of uncomfortable tossing and turning.

We’ve picked our top mattresses for seniors and outlined what makes these beds the best choice for adults over the age of 65. Looking for more information about our top mattress picks? Head over to our guide covering our favorite mattresses of 2024 for a full list of our strongest performers.

Data-Driven Results You Can Trust

At Sleep Foundation, we are dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and up-to-date information about mattresses and other sleep products on the market. Our team personally tests every mattress that appears in our reviews and commercial guides. Each team member brings years of experience and expertise to these hands-on evaluations. We rely on feedback from testers across different sleep positions and body types to ensure our performance ratings are inclusive of all sleepers.

To determine the best mattresses for seniors, we considered factors that matter most to older people. These include pressure relief, ease of movement, edge support, and temperature control. Cost also came into play since many seniors live on fixed incomes, and we gave extra points to models available in split sizes that are compatible with adjustable beds many older people use to alleviate back pain.

To learn more about how we evaluate mattresses, take a look at our product research methodology.

Buying a New Mattress as an Aging Adult

With so many mattresses available on the market, choosing a model that meets your needs as a senior can be challenging. We’ll cover all of the important considerations to take into account when searching for a new mattress.

What Do You Need From Your Bed?

Your mattress may not solve age-related sleep problems, but a comfortable sleep surface is key to getting enough sleep and feeling well-rested the next day. If you live with achy joints or chronic back or hip pain, a mattress that cushions your sore spots is also important. Strong edge support is helpful if your mobility is limited, you use your bed for sitting and dressing, or you struggle getting in and out of bed. You should also consider a split-size mattress if you share an adjustable bed with your partner.

When to Say Goodbye to Your Mattress

There are different ways to tell your mattress needs to be replaced, including these signs.

• Your mattress has reached its limits: The average mattress needs to be retired after seven years of continuous use. All-foam and innerspring mattresses may need to be replaced sooner if you notice heavy wear and tear. 
• You’re not sleeping as well: A well-used mattress with an uneven sleep surface can make it harder to fall and stay asleep, especially if you frequently need to change positions in order to be comfortable. 
• You can see damage: Indentations of 1 inch or deeper, creaky or protruding springs, and “trenching” down the middle of the mattress are all signs of significant wear and tear. You should replace your mattress if you notice any of these issues.
• You wake up with stiffness or soreness: If you frequently wake up feeling sore or stiff, your mattress may be partially to blame. Comfort layers beneath the surface develop impressions over time that can make the mattress feel uneven and create pressure buildup.
• Your allergies or asthma are getting worse: Dust builds up in your mattress over time. If you’ve been sleeping on your mattress for several years and notice worsening asthma or allergy symptoms, you should consider replacing it.

Shopping for a New Mattress as a Senior

Prior to the 2010s, most people purchased mattresses in brick-and-mortar stores. The recent online mattress boom now means you can order a new bed with a few mouse clicks. There are advantages and drawbacks to buying a mattress online or at a store.

	Shopping Online	Shopping In Stores
Pros	Convenient option that doesn’t require leaving the house Many online models cost less than their in-store counterparts	Salespeople can assist you with your purchase and answer questions You can lie down on floor models to see how they feel prior to buying
Cons	No opportunity to test out the mattress before buying Few online brands offer free White Glove delivery	Stores are limited to regular business hours In-store models often cost more due to increased overhead

Navigating Sleep Trials and Warranties

Many people dislike the idea of buying a mattress before trying it out, so many online brands offer sleep trials. These trials typically run for at least 90 nights, and some last up to a year. If you aren’t satisfied with the mattress after a few months, you may return it to the brand and receive a full refund — though some companies do charge return fees.

The vast majority of mattresses sold today are covered under warranties for at least 10 years after the purchase date. Warranties guarantee the brand will cover repair or replacement costs if your mattress has a structural defect that leads to early wear and tear. Most warranties don’t cover stains or physical damage, but some companies offer accident protection plans for an extra fee.

What to Look for in a Mattress As You Get Older

Sleep needs change with age, so it stands to reason your mattress needs and preferences evolve too. Many seniors benefit from a mattress that alleviates aches and pains, sleeps cool, and doesn’t sink too much along the perimeter when they get in and out of bed. Beyond these needs for some older sleepers, your mattress should also align with your personal preferences, body type, and primary sleep position. 

Must-Haves: Prioritizing Your Health

The following mattress elements are crucial for your physical comfort and health as a senior. These considerations should take top priority during your mattress search.

Spinal Alignment

If your mattress feels too soft or too firm, the surface may not promote proper spinal alignment in your neck, shoulders, and lower back. Pain and pressure buildup in these areas can commonly occur as a result. If you carry extra weight in your torso and hips, a zoned mattress with a firmer midsection may be worth considering.

Support and Comfort

In mattress terminology, “comfort” means how closely a mattress contours to your body and alleviates pressure. “Support” refers to the mattress’ ability to withstand your weight and resist sinkage around the midsection. A balance of comfort and support is important for any senior, especially those with conditions that cause frequent or chronic pain such as arthritis. 

Sleeping Position

Side sleepers typically need a softer, more adaptive mattress to promote even alignment and cushion their shoulders and hips. If you’re a back sleeper, you may need a firmer mattress to keep your body on an even plane. Stomach sleepers often need firm to extra firm mattresses that prevent their bodies from sinking beneath the surface, though this position is largely discouraged because, on average, it leads to more aches and pains than side or back sleeping. 

Mattress Firmness

At SleepFoundation.org, we classify mattress firmness using a 10-point scale with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest. Most mattresses made today fall between a 3 (soft) and 8 (extra firm). Choosing a mattress firmness that’s compatible with your sleep position and body type is key to a good night’s sleep. Softer mattresses contour closely, and may be the best option for people with chronic pain or stiff joints. The same is true for those prone to uneven spinal alignment. People who weigh less than 130 pounds usually feel comfortable on softer mattresses that provide deep cushioning. If you have limited mobility or weigh more than 230 pounds, a firmer, more responsive mattress prevents uncomfortable sinkage.

Edge Support

A mattress with sturdy edge support is less likely to sink and feel unstable when you lie or sit close to the perimeter or get in and out of bed. Our testing team has found innersprings and hybrids offer the strongest edge support due to their steel coil support cores. All-latex mattresses may also feel secure along the perimeter because latex is bouncier and more responsive to movement than foam.

Up-to-Yous: Tailoring to Your Taste

You should also take personal preferences into account when choosing a new mattress. While these considerations may not be as crucial as those listed above, a mattress that aligns with your tastes can help ensure a comfortable night’s rest.

Mattress Material

The materials in a mattress impacts not only how it feels, but also how long it will last and how well it performs in areas like pressure relief, edge support, and ease of movement. Material composition takes on extra importance if you need a mattress that alleviates pain or provides orthopedic support. You should also opt for a mattress with foam layers if you’re allergic to latex.

Mattress Height

If your mobility is limited, a mattress with a lower profile that lies close to the ground may allow you to get in and out of bed without causing too much strain. We recommend a mattress measuring 10 inches or shorter in these instances. Also make sure to factor in the height of your bed frame when choosing a mattress.

Temperature Regulation

Many people run hot in bed, and a mattress that absorbs and traps heat can add to this discomfort — especially for those who reside in exceptionally warm or humid locations. Breathable cover fabrics, ventilated comfort layers, and coil support cores that promote air circulation can all help a mattress sleep cool when temperatures are high without sacrificing insulation for chillier times of the year.

Budget

A new mattress can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars, but most queen size models fall within the range of $1,000 to $2,000. Many mattress brands offer discounts for seniors, as well as retired teachers, first responders, and military personnel. If you can’t or don’t want to pay the entire cost of a new mattress, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the seller.

Delivery and Setup

Most online mattress brands offer free ground shipping to deliver to your doorstep. This may be less than ideal for seniors who live alone and cannot easily carry or set up a mattress on their own. White Glove delivery may be an enticing alternative because couriers bring the mattress into your residence, set it up, and remove your old mattress upon request. Many brands provide White Glove delivery for an extra fee, and some even waive these charges.

What Type of Mattress Should Seniors Consider?

Every mattress is uniquely designed, but most fall into one of five general construction categories based on their comfort and support materials. Each type has its own pros and cons to consider.

Hybrid

Hybrids combine the cushion of foam or latex with the steel coils of traditional innersprings, resulting in a nice balance of close contouring to promote even alignment, strong support to minimize sinkage when you move on the surface, and temperature control to keep you cool. Softer hybrids tend to perform better when it comes to pressure relief and motion isolation, whereas firmer hybrids usually feel sturdier along the perimeter. In terms of pricing, most hybrids are above average cost.

Foam

Foam mattresses are usually constructed with one or two top layers of memory foam or adaptive polyfoam and support cores of high-density base foam. These mattresses contour evenly to promote proper alignment and alleviate discomfort for people with achy joints, chronic back or hip pain, and other conditions that can negatively affect sleep quality. The foam layers also isolate motion well. However, all-foam mattresses tend to sleep hot, and edge support is often minimal.

Latex

Latex is derived from a liquid extract found in rubber trees. This material is naturally resilient, making it more responsive to movement than memory foam, and also won’t retain as much heat as foam. People who dislike the hug of adaptive foam may prefer the springiness and gentle contour of latex. The same is true of people with limited mobility who need extra bounce on their mattress surface when getting in and out of bed. All-latex mattresses are somewhat expensive compared to other mattress types, and people with latex allergies should avoid these models.

Innerspring

Traditional innersprings are constructed with thin comfort layers and thick coil systems. Unlike hybrids, innersprings offer little to no contouring and feel exceptionally bouncy. They also sleep quite cool thanks to consistent airflow throughout their coil layers, and are the cheapest mattress type on average. Durability is questionable, as many innerspring owners report deep indentations after only a few years of use, and those who frequently experience aches and pains may need a mattress with more cushioning. Innersprings are also highly responsive and may cause sleep disruptions for couples.

Airbed

Airbeds feature support cores with adjustable air chambers. By adding or removing air from these chambers, you can adjust how soft or firm the mattress feels in different areas of the sleep surface. Most airbeds offer dual firmness, allowing you and your partner to customize the feel of your respective sides of the bed. Luxury airbeds are also constructed with memory foam or latex comfort layers. Airbeds are by far the most expensive mattress type — expect to pay at least $2,000, and possibly much higher, for a queen size model.

Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides

In addition to age, the best mattresses for seniors also depend on sleep position, body type, and physical conditions associated with pain and discomfort such as arthritis and sciatica. The guides below offer additional assistance for older people seeking their ideal mattress.