Best Mattress Guides
Best Queen Size Mattresses
Make your next mattress purchase count! Check out our top picks and buyers guide for everything you need to know before you buy your next Queen size mattress.
Mattress Nerd consulted Dr. Ravi Pandey, MD to ensure that this article met our editorial standards
Combination sleepers are individuals who tend to change their sleeping position throughout the night. Not committed to a single sleeping position, these sleepers may doze off in any of the three primary sleep positions—stomach, back, or side—and wake up in a different position. Just like sleepers who have a single preferred position at night, combination sleepers must consider their unique needs when selecting a new mattress. But if you decide you want to widen your scope, our best mattresses guide will surely help you out.
Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers 2021
- Best for Couples– Saatva
- Best Medium-Firm Mattress – Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattress – WinkBeds
- Best Cooling Mattress – GhostBed
- Best Value Mattress – Casper
- Best Hybrid Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Signature
- Best Soft Mattress – Nectar
- Best Mattress for Sex – DreamCloud Premier Rest
- Best Luxury Mattress – Layla
- Best Affordable Mattress for Combo Sleepers – Cocoon Chill Hybrid
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
The best mattresses for combination sleepers should excel in a few essential qualities; responsiveness for easy shifting, the provision of comfort in any sleeping position, and adequate spinal support in any sleeping position. Our team at Mattress Nerd runs every mattress through a series of tests, including pressure relief, spinal alignment, and responsiveness. High scores in one or more of these fields indicate a product that may work very well for combination sleepers, thus earning it a spot on this list.
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Saatva Classic: Best for Couples
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by delivery professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by delivery professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by delivery professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
Best for Couples
Saatva Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
180 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best for Couples
Saatva Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
180 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best for Couples
Saatva Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
180 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
As one of the most well known online mattress brands, the Saatva Classic provides motion isolation for couples and a wide array of other benefits. Considered to be affordable luxury, the Saatva provides enough support and contour for all sleeping positions without feeling stuck in the mattress.
With the ability to choose between Firm and Luxury Firm, the Saatva Classic can accommodate heavier combination sleepers or couples looking to satisfy both sleepers. Both versions will provide lumbar support and keep the sleeper on top of the mattress, instead of feeling stuck in the layers. The hybrid construction makes it a very responsive mattress, changing shape as you change positions, and cooler than an all foam model.
Read our full Saatva Classic mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva Classic mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for couples for more great options.
Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Medium- Firm Mattress
We rank the Helix Midnight Luxe among our best mattresses for side sleepers. Zoned support provides the hips, shoulders and neck with just the right amount of cushion to keep the spine aligned and ensure you wake up pain-free. Plus, it's 2 inches thicker than the standard Midnight.
We rank the Helix Midnight Luxe among our best mattresses for side sleepers. Zoned support provides the hips, shoulders and neck with just the right amount of cushion to keep the spine aligned and ensure you wake up pain-free. Plus, it's 2 inches thicker than the standard Midnight.
We rank the Helix Midnight Luxe among our best mattresses for side sleepers. Zoned support provides the hips, shoulders and neck with just the right amount of cushion to keep the spine aligned and ensure you wake up pain-free. Plus, it's 2 inches thicker than the standard Midnight.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Combo Sleepers
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Combo Sleepers
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Combo Sleepers
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Helix Midnight Luxe is made to keep your spine aligned in any sleeping position with the specialized zoned support and medium firm (6/10) firmness level. Because combination sleepers change positions throughout the night, the award winning Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress made for those who sleep on their back, stomach or side.
For combination sleepers that struggle to stay cool throughout the night, the Helix’s breathable construction will promote airflow through pocketed coils and while memory foam contours around the sleeper’s body. The zoned lumbar support coils can prevent back pain and keep the hips from sinking when sleeping on the stomach or back. While the Helix Midnight Luxe comes with a hefty price tag, we think it is well worth the investment.
Read our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review to learn more.
The WinkBed: Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattress
The WinkBed is available in four different firmness options. We particularly love it for hot sleepers because of its great temperature regulation, and it’s great for combination sleepers because of its responsiveness.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is available in four different firmness options. We particularly love it for hot sleepers because of its great temperature regulation, and it’s great for combination sleepers because of its responsiveness.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is available in four different firmness options. We particularly love it for hot sleepers because of its great temperature regulation, and it’s great for combination sleepers because of its responsiveness.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattress
WinkBed Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattress
WinkBed Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattress
WinkBed Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBeds is known for mattresses of organic and sustainable materials and the characteristic European pillow top addition cradles around the sleepers shoulders and hips. With multiple firmness options, the WinkBed can be tailored to suit your primary sleeping position or provide the right support for multiple positions.
The WinkBed is a heavy and durable mattress with seven dense layers of foam and coils, each designed to enhance your sleeping experience. The Tencel cover and gel foam layer work to keep the sleeper cooler, with additional memory foam designed to relieve pressure and remain responsive enough to easily move around. Two layers of coil make the mattress supportive enough for couples and larger combinations sleepers, especially with the lumbar support pad in between the two coil layers.
Check out our WinkBeds mattress review to learn more. Not interested in the WinkBeds Mattress? Check out our other best bed-in-a-box mattresses to begin getting your best nights sleep.
GhostBed: Best Cooling Mattress
GhostBed is a medium-firm, affordable latex mattress that suits most sleepers. Featuring cooling gels and excellent responsiveness, this mattress is a great catch-all option.
GhostBed is a medium-firm, affordable latex mattress that suits most sleepers. Featuring cooling gels and excellent responsiveness, this mattress is a great catch-all option.
GhostBed is a medium-firm, affordable latex mattress that suits most sleepers. Featuring cooling gels and excellent responsiveness, this mattress is a great catch-all option.
Best Cooling Mattress
GhostBed Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
20-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Cooling Mattress
GhostBed Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
20-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Cooling Mattress
GhostBed Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
20-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
The GhostBed mattress, attempts to mitigate hot sleeping issues by including a latex foam and gel foam in the bed. This material adapts to your body, pulling away extra heat. Latex foam keeps your body temperature naturally cooler and is also naturally responsive, which is good for combination sleepers.
Read our full GhostBed mattress review for more info! Not interested in the GhostBed Mattress? Check out our best cooling mattresses for more great options.
Casper: Best Value Mattress
The original mattress that made the brand famous, the Casper is known for its design that suits all sleep positions. Casper's Zoned Support feature is engineered to support the hips, shoulders and back to keep the spine aligned. At an affordable price point, too, this mattress is hard to beat.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
The original mattress that made the brand famous, the Casper is known for its design that suits all sleep positions. Casper's Zoned Support feature is engineered to support the hips, shoulders and back to keep the spine aligned. At an affordable price point, too, this mattress is hard to beat.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
The original mattress that made the brand famous, the Casper is known for its design that suits all sleep positions. Casper's Zoned Support feature is engineered to support the hips, shoulders and back to keep the spine aligned. At an affordable price point, too, this mattress is hard to beat.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
Best Value Mattress
Casper Original Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Financing Options
Best Value Mattress
Casper Original Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Financing Options
Best Value Mattress
Casper Original Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Financing Options
The Casper Original might just be the quintessential bed-in-a-box mattress. It’s well-known for convenience and quality, and its balance of firmness and softness makes it great for pretty much any sleeping position, so side sleepers, back sleepers, side sleepers and combination sleepers should feel right at home on this medium-firm bed. The Casper also accommodates a wide variety of body types and was named one of our best mattresses of 2021.
The memory foam construction of the Casper includes zoned support, which delivers extra cushioning for heavier parts of your body such as your shoulders and hips. Four layers of open-cell foam in the Casper mattress allow breathability and airflow to help keep you cool throughout the night. Despite its affordable price, this is still a product that we fully endorse for combination sleepers.
Check out our full Casper mattress review to learn more! Looking for other options besides the Casper Mattress? Check out our best affordable mattress guide for more options.
Brooklyn Signature: Best Hybrid Mattress
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding know their mattresses.
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding know their mattresses.
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding know their mattresses.
Best Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
When we think of a firm mattress, our first response is the Brooklyn Bedding Signature. The firm version of this mattress is designed for sleepers looking to stay on top of their mattress and with minimal cradling. Especially for those combination sleepers that may struggle from back pain, this firm mattress will evenly distribute your weight and reduce their stress on your muscles and spine.
The combination sleepers who are primarily stomach or back sleepers will especially appreciate the lower back support and hips that don’t sink into the mattress. Combination sleepers looking for a corrective mattress or one that has a little extra support, the Signature is sure to support your entire body- especially with three firmness options available.
See our Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress review to learn more. Not interested in the Brooklyn Bedding Mattress? Check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses for more great options.
Nectar: Best Soft Mattress
The Nectar is a value memory foam mattress that excels at providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for cradling pressure points. Plus, it comes with a yearlong trial period and Lifetime warranty.
The Nectar is a value memory foam mattress that excels at providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for cradling pressure points. Plus, it comes with a yearlong trial period and Lifetime warranty.
The Nectar is a value memory foam mattress that excels at providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for cradling pressure points. Plus, it comes with a yearlong trial period and Lifetime warranty.
Best Soft Mattress
Nectar Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Soft Mattress
Nectar Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Soft Mattress
Nectar Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Nectar is a medium-firm, all-foam mattress that provides a nice balance of close conforming and pressure relief. The Nectar embodies qualities that are ideal for combination sleepers, and it comes with generous policies. A 6/10 on the firmness scale, the Nectar features comfort layers of cooling gel memory foam and a high-density polyfoam support core. It’s known for providing enough conforming and spinal alignment for average and heavyweight sleepers in any sleeping position. As icing on the cake, the Nectar comes with free shipping, White Glove delivery, a 365-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.
Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more! Not interested in the Nectar Mattress? Check out our other best soft mattresses for other great options.
DreamCloud Premier Rest: Best Mattress for Sex
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a luxury hybrid mattress that aims to be comfortable but supportive. It features a quilted pillow top and has great motion isolation, responsiveness, and durability.
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a luxury hybrid mattress that aims to be comfortable but supportive. It features a quilted pillow top and has great motion isolation, responsiveness, and durability.
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a luxury hybrid mattress that aims to be comfortable but supportive. It features a quilted pillow top and has great motion isolation, responsiveness, and durability.
Best Mattress for Sex
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 4.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Mattress for Sex
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 4.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Mattress for Sex
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 4.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
When you and your bed partner are searching for a mattress, sex should also be a consideration. A good mattress for sex is quiet, responsive, and temperture regulating. The DreamCloud Premier Rest is super responsive thanks to the bouncy coils in the center, and those coils are virtually silent under the foam layers.
The coils add a bit of breathability to the mattress. And as another plus, it does a great job at isolating motion, so you won’t wake each other up when it’s time for bed.
Read our full DreamCloud Premier Rest mattress review to learn more. Not interested in the Leesa Mattress? Check out our best mattresses for sex for other great options.
Layla: Best Luxury Mattress
The original Layla memory foam mattress features two sides with different firmness options: one soft and one firm. Its copper-infused foam helps to cool the mattress and increase recovery times.
The original Layla memory foam mattress features two sides with different firmness options: one soft and one firm. Its copper-infused foam helps to cool the mattress and increase recovery times.
The original Layla memory foam mattress features two sides with different firmness options: one soft and one firm. Its copper-infused foam helps to cool the mattress and increase recovery times.
Best Luxury Mattress
Layla Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Luxury Mattress
Layla Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Luxury Mattress
Layla Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Layla comes in right over $1000 for a queen mattress, and we think it is the best $1000 you may ever spend! This mattress is flippable so it appeals to a wide variety of sleepers, so if you are looking to upgrade to a queen size mattress, or it is just time for a new one this is a great option that is not too geared towards a specific type of sleeper.
This mattress is soft on one side and firm on the other and you flip to find the best firmness for you. The soft side relieves pressure extremely well, making it great also for those with pain concerns. Queen mattresses are a popular option for couples, and this mattress provides motion isolation so you will not feel every movement from your partner throughout the night.
See our full Layla Mattress Review to learn more! Looking for other options other than the Layla Mattress? Check out our list of the best luxury mattresses for more great options.
Cocoon Chill Hybrid: Best Affordable Mattress Combo Sleepers
The Cocoon Chill Hybrid by Sealy marries the pressure relief and comfort of traditional memory foam with the cooling support of innerspring coils.
The Cocoon Chill Hybrid by Sealy marries the pressure relief and comfort of traditional memory foam with the cooling support of innerspring coils.
The Cocoon Chill Hybrid by Sealy marries the pressure relief and comfort of traditional memory foam with the cooling support of innerspring coils.
Best Affordable Mattress for Combo Sleepers
Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Affordable Mattress for Combo Sleepers
Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Affordable Mattress for Combo Sleepers
Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
You’ve probably heard of the Serta/Sealy mattress brand and their luxury mattress options. The Cocoon Chill Hybrid comes to your door in a box instead of you having to make the trip to the mattress store. Plus, it cuts out the middleman (the mattress warehouse), so it can be a more affordable option for you: just over $1,000 for a queen with our coupons—extremely good for a hybrid bed.
The Chill Hybrid is bouncy, breathable, and pressure relieving. Combination sleepers will enjoy the fact that it works for multiple sleeping positions, and you should feel stuck.
Read our full Cocoon Chill Hybrid mattress review to learn more. Not interested in the Bear Mattress? Check out other great options on our best affordable mattresses guide.
Mattress Buying Guide for Combination Sleepers
The majority of sleepers are technically combination sleepers, even if they prefer one sleeping position. Combination sleeping isn’t better or worse than singular sleeping positions, but finding a mattress that provides adequate support and comfort can be tricky. This is because combination sleeping allows for more variety by its very nature, making it more difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all mattress recommendation for this sleeping type. This guide will share the most important considerations for combination sleepers and tips for finding the right mattress for this sleeping position.
Pros and Cons of Each Sleeping Position
No matter your primary sleeping position, or even if you split your night evenly between the three main sleeping positions, spinal alignment is key. Of the three main sleeping positions, some positions are more healthy for the body and improve your chances of maintaining spinal alignment throughout the night. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each primary sleeping position for combination sleepers.
- Side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position, as it most closely mimics the fetal position that most people find comforting regardless of their age. This is also widely preferred among people with back pain and pregnant women. Side sleepers place the weight of their bodies on one shoulder and one hip, helping to alleviate pain in the back, stomach, and neck. People who experience snoring or acid reflux may also fare well on their sides. The downside of side sleeping is that it may cause premature facial aging on the sleeper’s preferred side, and can require additional pillows and sleep accessories to keep the spine in alignment. Our best mattresses for side sleepers roundup has more great information.
- Back sleeping is the number one recommended sleeping position by doctors and sleep specialists. This is because back sleeping naturally promotes spinal alignment. Those who carry weight in their mid-section, including heavyweight individuals and pregnant women, can experience lower back pain in this position. Back sleepers may experience more snoring and acid reflux. If you’re a combination sleeper but spend the majority of your nights on your back, you might consider one of our best mattresses for back sleepers.
- Stomach sleeping is not recommended by doctors, physical therapists, or chiropractors because it creates a high potential for pain, discomfort, and poor spinal alignment. This position can cause strain on the low back and neck and does not technically provide adequate support, regardless of the number of pillows or healthy sleeping techniques employed. Most stomach sleepers also sleep with their head to one side every night, which can cause neck pain during the day. However, we have a list of recommended mattresses for stomach sleepers to protect their spines and prevent pain buildup.
Related: What is the Best Sleeping Position?
What Mattress Firmness is Best for Combination Sleepers?
Spinal alignment is essential for all sleeping positions, but it’s especially key for combination sleepers. The spine should be aligned from the shoulders all the way down to the pelvis whether they’re sleeping on their side, back, or stomach. A misaligned spine can lead to pressure points throughout the body. A mattress’ support, which is its ability to provide a flat sleeping surface that conforms to certain areas to properly align the spine, is largely dictated by the mattress’ firmness level.
Firmness levels fall on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The right firmness for any sleeper is also determined by their weight and body type. Here’s an overview of the different firmness levels and which ones are ideal for combination sleepers by body type.
| Body Type/Weight | Ideal Firmness | Reasoning |
| Lightweight Sleepers | Soft to Medium Soft | Petite and lightweight combo sleepers have less body weight to impress upon any mattress surface, so even a medium mattress will feel very firm to them. Softer mattresses conform more closely to their bodies and allow for greater hugging and increased comfort. |
| Average Weight Sleepers | Medium to Medium Firm | Combination sleepers in this weight group almost always prefer mattress firmness levels that fall in the middle range, providing a balance of contouring and support. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | Firm to Very Firm | Heavyweight combination sleepers need firmer mattresses, as their body type will sink excessively in a soft or medium firm mattress, which can cause the spine to be thrown out of alignment. |
Why Responsiveness is Key
The responsiveness of a mattress can be measured visually by pressing one’s hand into the bed and seeing now how long it takes the mattress to “refill” the indentation. A responsive mattress is oftentimes preferred by combination sleepers, as this quality makes changing positions throughout the night much easier. Memory foam mattresses, for example, tend to have low responsiveness, causing combination sleepers to feel “stuck” in the mattress as they attempt to change sleeping positions. Hybrid, innerspring, and latex mattresses, alternatively, tend to have higher responsiveness levels, making it easy to switch from back sleeping to side sleeping to stomach sleeping seamlessly throughout the night.
The Best and Worst Type of Mattress for Combination Sleepers
There are four primary mattress types in the mattress industry, and each type is known for excelling in certain performance categories. For example, some mattress types conform closely and alleviate pain exceptionally well, and others are more breathable and have better airflow for hot sleepers.
Below we will outline a few key characteristics of each mattress type and provides notes on how they can benefit or detract from combination sleepers’ sleeping experience.
Foam Mattress
Pros for Combination Sleepers
- Motion isolation
- Excellent conforming and pressure relief
- Widely available
- Noiseless
- Average price point
Cons for Combination Sleepers
- May sleep hot
- Minimal edge support (sagging may occur)
- May be difficult to change positions on
Our Recommendation: Look for memory foam mattresses with a more responsive comfort layer for changing positions easily. Those with thinner comfort layers that still provide pressure relief may be ideal. Take a look at our best memory foam mattresses roundup.
Latex
Pros for Combination Sleepers
- Durable
- Close conforming and pressure relief
- Sleep slightly cooler than foam mattresses
- No noise
- Motion isolation
Cons for Combination Sleepers
- Higher price point
- Odor potential
- Limited availability
Our Recommendation: Look for latex mattresses with a mid-range price point. Some synthetic latex mattresses are priced lower than their natural alternatives. Our best latex mattresses article has some great options that fit the bill.
Innerspring
Pros for Combination Sleepers
- Affordable
- Widely available
- Responsive for changing positions
- Sleep cool
- Different firmness options
Cons for Combination Sleepers
- May be noisy
- Longevity
- Minimal cushioning (conforming)
Our Recommendation: Look for innerspring mattresses with a thicker-than-average foam layer for better conforming. Our list of best innerspring mattresses is sure to have something that appeals to you.
Hybrid
Pros for Combination Sleepers
- Conforming and supportive
- Long lifespan
- Responsive for changing positions
- Sleep cool
Cons for Combination Sleepers
- May be noise
- Higher price point
- Longevity
Our Recommendation: Look for hybrid mattresses that combine conforming and pressure relief while maintaining higher responsiveness than a memory foam bed for ease of changing positions. Head over to our list of best hybrid mattresses for more info.
Considerations for Combination Sleepers
Now that you understand why certain aspects of mattress construction and performance are more essential for combination sleepers, here’s a list of considerations to take into account as you decide on the best new mattress for you.
Body Type
Your body type and weight will directly influence the firmness that’s appropriate for you. As mentioned above, lightweight sleepers do best on softer mattresses, average weight sleepers do well on medium and medium-firm mattresses, and heavyweight sleepers sleep best on firmer mattresses that can support their weight. We recommend basing the firmness level you choose on both your body type and your dominant sleeping position.
Dominant Sleeping Position
Prior to shopping, we recommend taking note of what your preferred sleeping position is at night. It’s fairly rare for a sleeper to divide their time equally between each of the three primary sleeping positions. Even if you find that you split your time roughly 50/50 between two of the primary sleeping positions, this can help inform the mattress type and qualities that will be more likely to provide a healthy night’s sleep for your body.
Motion Transfer, Edge Support, and Co-Sleeping
If you sleep with a partner or a pet, motion transfer, noise reduction, and edge support should be mattress qualities on the top of your list. A mattress that minimizes motion transfer to a great extent will ensure that, as you or your partner (or pet) change positions throughout the night, you won’t wake one another, a very important factor for combination sleepers. A mattress that’s virtually silent when pressure is applied will also increase the chances that both partners achieve a good night’s sleep. For couples and individuals who are elderly, lightweight, or have disabilities, choosing a mattress that provides excellent edge support will help to make getting in and out of bed, or sitting on the edge of the bed, significantly easier. We compiled a list of the best mattresses for couples as a helpful resource.
Warranty and Sleep Trial Policies
Like we’ve mentioned, there’s no one-size-fits-all mattress for combination sleepers. This is due to the greater variety allowed by this sleeping style, which incorporates several sleeping positions in addition to the other primary factors, such as body weight, budget, and personal preferences. Most of the best online mattress companies have a 100-night sleep trial or longer. Further, a mattress that’s backed by a warranty will ensure that your investment is protected from defects and damages. A mattress is no small purchase, so a warranty (most mattress companies offer 10-year warranty policies or longer), will ensure you’re covered if the bed is delivered damaged or reveals a defect within the warranty period.
Conclusion
Once you’ve selected the mattress type that best suits your needs as a combination sleeper, we recommend comparing prices and taking note of any personal preferences you have with regard to style, characteristics, or brand. Also, double checking products’ sleep trial periods and warranties to make sure you’re comfortable with the coverage. Once you’ve narrowed down these factors, re-read our list of the top picks for combination sleepers above to see if there’s a mattress that suits your needs. We hope this article helps you make your new mattress purchase with confidence., and once it has, we hope you’ll check our our article on the best pillows for combination sleepers.
Recap of the Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
| Mattress | Award |
| Saatva | Best for Couples |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Best Medium-Firm Mattress |
| WinkBeds | Best Bed in a Box |
| GhostBed | Best Cooling Mattress |
| Casper | Best Value Mattress |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature | Best Hybrid Mattress |
| Nectar | Best Soft Mattress |
| DreamCloud Premier Rest | Best Mattress for Sex |
| Layla | Best Luxury Mattress |
| Cocoon Chill Hybrid | Best Affordable Mattress for Combo Sleepers |
Dr. Ravi Pandey is part of our panel of medical expert contributors on the subject of sleep health. They provide important perspectives on the topics we discuss to help make our content as accurate and dependable as possible. They do not personally endorse any products, nor are they associated with any brands featured in our review content.
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