Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Mattress Nerd consulted Dr. Ravi Pandey, MD to ensure that this article met our editorial standards.
Written by Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester
Combination (restless) 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.
Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers?
After testing hundreds of beds, our team picked the Saatva Classic as the best mattress for combination sleepers. Its responsive construction and three available firmness levels make it a great fit for most sleepers who change positions at night.
Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers 2024
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Medium-Firm Mattress
- Saatva Classic – Nerd’s Pick
- Nectar Memory Foam – Best Value Mattress
- WinkBeds Ecocloud – Best Latex Mattress
- Nolah Evolution – Best Luxury Mattress
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Combo Sleepers
- Bear Original – Best Mattress for Active Combo Sleepers
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Mattress for Couples
Video: Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
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.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Combo Sleepers: Brooklyn Signature Hybrid
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
When we think of a great hybrid mattress, our first response is the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. Its combination of foam and coils helps combo sleepers stay on their mattress. We find this gives minimal cradling but maximum comfort, which is ideal for combination sleepers as they change sleeping positions throughout the night.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in multiple firmness options: firm, medium, and soft. The combination sleepers who are primarily back sleepers should appreciate that the lower back and hips don’t sink into the mattress, especially with the firm version. If you’re a combination side sleeper, it’s likely that you’ll love the soft version, because it has excellent contouring and pressure-relieving properties.
What our testers say: “The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid has a balanced feel; in other words, it’s cushioning at first contact, but transitions into a more supportive ‘on the mattress’ feel.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Brooklyn Signature
- Couples—With above-average motion isolation, the Brooklyn Signature is a good option for restless couples who don’t want to feel each other moving throughout the night.
- Hot sleepers—The mattress’ hybrid construction with a coil layer allows for airflow, making this a breathable, temperature-neutral option for hot sleepers.
Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Signature
- Heavier stomach sleepers—Lightweight stomach sleepers may find the Brooklyn Signature firm and supportive enough for their needs, but average and heavier sleepers should stay away and seek out something that will cushion their hips.
- Side sleepers with sensitive joints—If you have sensitive joints, try the soft option of the Brooklyn Signature or seek out a softer mattress that fits your needs.
Other User Reviews
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has 4.7 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews mention the bed feels too soft for them or mention an unpleasant smell upon unboxing the bed. Positive reviews say the bed is comfortable and many say it has relieved troublesome pain.
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.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Combo Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
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 should 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.
What our testers say: “The Helix Midnight Luxe offers tons of airflow, lumbar support, and great pressure relief, which works for all sleep positions, but heavier stomach sleepers should search for a firmer bed.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Luxe
- Those with pain—The Helix Midnight Luxe provides great pressure relief for the hips, shoulders, and lower back, meaning there’s opportunity for great pain prevention.
- Hot sleepers—With many breathable layers, this mattress has great airflow and will contribute to a cool night’s sleep.
Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Luxe
- Budget shoppers—As the name “Luxe” implies, the Helix Midnight Luxe is a pricier option than its regular Helix Midnight counterpart.
- Heavyweight sleepers—This mattress may be too soft and unsupportive for heavier folks, who may want to look for firmer options.
Other User Reviews
On Helix’s website, the mattress scores 4.5 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews come mostly from side sleepers who found the mattress too firm and therefore uncomfortable for their tastes. Positive reviews cite pain relief, easy set-up, and overall comfort.
Read our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review to learn more.
Nerd’s Pick: Saatva Classic
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
As one of the most well-known online mattress brands, the Saatva Classic provides the feature that’s absolutely paramount for combination sleepers: lots and lots of responsiveness. The innerspring-style construction, which includes coils in the transition layer and support layer, makes this bed super bouncy. This is great for combination-sleepers because it keeps folks on top of the mattress surface, allowing them to switch sleeping positions with ease.
An affordable luxury, one of the Saatva’s firmness options (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm) should provide enough support and contour for all sleeping positions. 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 should provide lumbar support and keep the sleeper on top of the mattress, instead of feeling stuck in the layers.
What our testers say: “I love Saatva for their high-quality materials, durable designs, commitment to manufacturing in the U.S., generous trial periods and warranties, and free white glove delivery.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Saatva Classic
- Those with back pain—The Saatva Classic is a great option for those with back pain as its construction and firmness allows for proper spinal alignment and support on the lumbar region of your body.
- Hot sleepers—Unlike all-foam beds which can run hot, Saatva’s coil layers facilitate airflow, making for a cool night’s sleep.
Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic
- Restless couples—With sub-par motion isolation, the Saatva Classic may not be the best choice for couples who don’t want to feel each other moving during the night.
- Memory foam lovers—As a hybrid mattress with innerspring coils, this mattress is going to have a different, more responsive feel than memory foam which “hugs” the body.
Other User Reviews
According to Saatva’s website, the Classic comes in at a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviews are generally positive praising the bed’s high-quality construction and comfort. Some customers complained about issues with delivery or felt the bed didn’t hold up as long as they would’ve liked.
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 more great options.
Best Value Mattress for Combo Sleepers: Nectar
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
The Nectar is a medium-firm, all-foam mattress that provides a nice balance of conforming comfort and pressure relief. This bed embodies qualities that are ideal for combination sleepers because of its built-in responsive layer and “perfect” 6 out of 10 firmness level, which feels comfortable in a variety of sleeping positions. Despite its affordable price tag, the Nectar comes with luxury features like a comfort layer of cooling gel-infused memory foam, a high-density polyfoam support core, and a moisture-wicking quilted cover. As for who would benefit most from this value purchase, after testing this bed for ourselves, we found it to provide optimal spinal alignment for most average and heavyweight sleepers in any sleeping position.
When you go to buy, the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress comes with free shipping, white glove delivery, a 365-night sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty.
What our testers say: “Nectar added stabilizing measures in its construction to balance the hugging feel of memory foam without feeling stuck in the mattress. Still, some of the softer upper layers may cause heavier side sleepers and heavier stomach sleepers to sink into the mattress.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Nectar
- Couples—With great motion isolation, the Nectar is a great choice for couples because you won’t feel your partner moving on the other side of the bed.
- Budget shoppers—This mattress is more affordable than its competitors and a great option if you’re considering your budget.
Who Might Not Like the Nectar
- Heavyweight sleepers—The uppermost layers of the Nectar may be too soft to prevent heavyweight sleepers from sinking into the mattress, especially if they sleep on their side or stomach.
Other User Reviews
With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. The majority of negative reviews found the bed too firm, too soft, or thought it started to sink too quickly. But positive reviews praise its comfort and cushioning ability.
Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. Not interested in the Nectar Mattress? Check out our other best mattress for the money page for other great options.
Best Latex Mattress for Combo Sleepers: The WinkBed EcoCloud
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
The WinkBed EcoCloud features a mix of natural, breathable Talalay Latex and zoned supported coils. Latex is known for being a bouncy and hot sleeper friendly material. It’s perfect for combination sleepers who tend to switch positions throughout the night since the responsive surface will make transitioning from one position to another seamless— unlike memory foam which can have you feeling engulfed and sunken into the bed.
After testing the EcoCloud out for ourselves, we placed the firmness at our “medium-soft” level of a 5 out of 10 on our scale. But don’t let its soft surface fool you, this bed is also very durable. The hybrid construction of latex and supportive coils help to elevate your body so you can maintain spinal alignment, and it also comes with reinforced edges so you can sleep right up against the edge of the bed without feeling like you’re slipping off. We think this bed will feel best for combination sleepers of all body types.
Although this model is one of the pricier options on our list, WinkBed frequently offers discounts and promotions, which can cut a few hundred dollars off of the final cost. Plus, the EcoCloud also comes with great policies to ensure the value of your purchase like free shipping and returns, a 120-night trial period, and an impressive lifetime warranty.
What our testers say: “The WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress has responsive and soft Talalay latex and steel coils in its support layers, which give the bed a good bounce. It’s soft, but still has plenty of lift and durability for combination sleepers who want to change positions throughout the night.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the WinkBed EcoCloud
- Eco-minded shoppers—Talalay Latex and an organic cotton cover make the EcoCloud a great option for those wanting a green mattress.
- Hot sleepers—The same materials above are also great for temperature regulation, making this mattress cooling enough for hot sleepers!
Who Might Not Like the WinkBed EcoCloud
- Those who need edge support—Reinforced edges mean you won’t sink as you sit on the edge of the bed and prepare to get up.
- Those who need pressure relief—Depending on your weight, you might not get the best pressure relief out of the EcoCloud. Heavyweight sleepers may have the best results as they can more easily sink into the mattress.
Other User Reviews
At 4.8 out of 5 stars on WinkBed’s site, the EcoCloud has an overwhelmingly positive response. The few negative reviews cite preferences that the bed is either too soft or too firm for their specific needs. The majority of positive reviews praise the organic, hypo-allergenic materials and comfort the bed provides, some even saying they found pain relief.
Read our full WinkBed EcoCloud mattress review to learn more. For other latex mattress options, check out our best latex mattress page.
Best Luxury Mattress for Combo Sleepers: Nolah Evolution
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
The Nolah Evolution is a hotel-quality mattress made with a plush pillow top, cooling foam layers, and a base of bouncy coils. We gave it a near-perfect score for ease of movement, so it’s an excellent choice for combination sleepers. We especially recommend it to side and back sleepers under 230 lbs.
It’s an expensive option, but we think it’s worthwhile for combination sleepers who want a mattress that’s responsive, pressure-relieving, durable, and temperature-regulating. Plus, the Nolah Evolution comes with high-end touches like a Cashmere cover.
What our testers say: “In my view, the Nolah Evolution lives up to the brand’s claims that it sleeps exceptionally cool.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Nolah Evolution
- Lightweight sleepers—At a 5.5 on the firmness scale, the Nolah Evolution works great for lightweight sleepers looking for a medium-firm mattress.
- Hot sleepers—Graphite-infused foam and breathable coils make this bed a cool option for hot sleepers.
Who Might Not Like the Nolah Evolution
- Budget shoppers—As a luxury mattress, the price point for the Nolah Evolution is quite high, so budget-conscious shoppers might want to look elsewhere.
- Heavyweight sleepers—The same reason that makes Nolah great for lightweight sleepers makes it not the best option for heavyweight folks, who may find it too soft for their support needs.
Other User Reviews
Earning a 4.9 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution seems to be a hit. Negative reviews tend to focus on personal preference or regrets about ordering the wrong firmness. Overall, customers are satisfied with the feel and comfort. Many reported their aches and pains disappearing after making the switch to Nolah Evolution.
Check out our Nolah Evolution mattress review to learn more.
Best Mattress for Heavy Combo Sleepers: Titan Plus
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
The Titan Plus was designed specifically with plus-size sleepers in mind. It comes with top-of-the-line support, while still offering a plush, medium feel. The hybrid construction offers pressure relief, cooling gel to keep hot sleepers cool, responsiveness, and an 8” core of over 1,000 individually wrapped coils for ultimate durability.
Obviously, this bed is made for heavyweight folks, but the responsive comfort foam layer and encased coils make this bed a great choice for combination sleepers who need to be able to easily switch between sleeping positions, as well as couples who need exceptional motion isolation.
As for policies, the Titan Plus comes with free shipping and returns, a 120-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.
What our testers say: “The Titan is made with tons of cooling and breathable materials, including gel memory foam and a breathable pocketed coil system. Its construction doesn’t have reinforced edges with high-density foam, though, so they may not hold up over time.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Titan Plus
- Hot sleepers—With cooling gel memory foam and pocketed coils, the Titan Plus is a great option for hot sleepers. They even offer accompanying cooling accessories for an extra purchase.
- Heavy sleepers—As we said above, the Titan Plus is designed with heavyweight people in mind, meaning it should be firm enough that you don’t sink into the bed.
Who Might Not Like the Titan Plus
- Those who need edge support—Without a reinforced edge, the Titan Plus sags when you sit on the edge, so be mindful if you have trouble getting out of bed or tend to gravitate toward the edge.
- Couples—The motion isolation for this mattress is average, so you might feel your partner moving around.
Other User Reviews
Users on Titan by Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers say that overall, the bed’s firmness holds up. A few complained about the lack of edge support and that their sheets sometimes slide off. Many negative reviews suggest not buying the bedframe that comes with, but the mattress itself works great for them.
To learn more, see our Titan Plus Mattress review! For more mattress models that’ll work for heavyweight individuals, check out our best mattresses for heavy people page.
Best Mattress for Active Combo Sleepers: Bear Original
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
The Bear Original Mattress is an affordable, all-foam bed that caters to the needs of combination sleepers with an active lifestyle. Unlike most standard foam beds, the three different levels of foam on this model give it a dynamic feel that’s supportive, bouncy, and cooling, yet pressure-relieving at the same time. I can’t stress enough how uncommon that is. The last big feature to point out is the biggest benefit for athletes— the Celliant cover! This converts body heat into infrared energy to prompt muscle recovery. So your sleep can go further than just getting good quality rest, but rather simultaneously help your body recover.
After testing out this bed for ourselves, we gave the Bear Mattress an overall score of 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which means it’s medium-firm. Once again, this option works great for those who switch between different sleeping positions throughout the night, so it’s comfortable any way you choose to sleep.
When you go to buy, the Bear Mattress ships for free, comes with a 120-night sleep trial, as well as a lifetime warranty.
What our testers say: “The memory foam layers offer pressure relief and balanced support and create a stable and even surface. It felt like I stayed on top of the mattress without the traditional hugging feeling of memory foam. ” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Bear Original
- Athletes—The Bear’s contouring ability and pressure relief is great for resting tired and sore muscles after an active day.
- Light- and average-weight back sleepers—This mattress is the perfect firmness for light- and average-weight back sleepers, promoting proper alignment for their spine.
Who Might Not Like the Bear Original
- Hot sleepers—Because the Bear is an all-foam bed, even with its cooling tech, it still might be too hot for some sleepers who tend to wake up sweating.
- Couples—The same responsiveness that makes the Bear good for combination sleepers might not provide enough motion isolation for couples, meaning you might feel each other moving throughout the night.
Other User Reviews
According to Bear’s website, the Bear Original scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. The majority of reviewers praise the bed’s comfortable construction and comfort after upgrading from an old mattress. Negative reviews tend to fluctuate between saying the bed was too firm or too soft, indicative of personal preference issues.
For more information on this mattress, read our full review on the Bear Original mattress. To see more mattress models that’ll work for athletes, check out our best mattress for athletes roundup.
Best Organic Mattress for Combo Sleepers: Birch Natural
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
We love the Birch Natural not just because it’s made using organic materials or it provides a comforting sleep experience for combination sleepers, but because it’s simply a high-quality, well-constructed mattress. Made with cotton, wool, and latex, the Birch Natural provides the responsive, supportive feel that combination sleepers need to move around and switch sleeping positions with ease.
Because the Birch is so well constructed, it also earned a perfect durability score. While it isn’t a guarantee, it’s a good indication that this mattress will maintain its structural integrity for many years, so you can feel good about your investment.
What our testers say: “The Birch Natural provides a responsive, breathable, and firm surface with a bouncy feel. However, for couples sleeping together, the Birch Natural and its coils lack in motion isolation.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Birch Natural
- Eco-conscious—If you’re looking for a mattress that’s good for the planet, the Birch Natural is made sustainably with natural materials.
- Those who need edge support—If you find it hard to get out of bed, the firm edges of this mattress keep their shape as you sit on the edge.
Who Might Not Like the Birch Natural
- Side sleepers—Though great for combination and stomach sleepers, side sleepers may consider the Birch Natural uncomfortable for certain pressure points.
- Couples—With only average motion isolation and squeaky coils, you might be easily woken up by your partner’s movements in this mattress.
Other User Reviews
According to Birch’s website, the Birch Natural scores a 4.6 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews seem to focus on the possible lingering odor, some shipping woes, and the occasional complaint of back pain. Otherwise, customers praise the combination of sustainable and comfortable materials.
Read our full Birch Natural mattress review to learn more. Not interested in the Birch? Check out other great options on our best organic mattresses guide.
Best Mattress for Combo-Sleeping Couples: Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress provides a surprising amount of pressure relief for such a firm feel. It has a good level of bounciness and breathability, too.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress provides a surprising amount of pressure relief for such a firm feel. It has a good level of bounciness and breathability, too.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress provides a surprising amount of pressure relief for such a firm feel. It has a good level of bounciness and breathability, too.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
The Emma Hybrid has several features that make it a good choice for couples who are combination sleepers. First, the mattress’s excellent responsiveness means it’s bouncy enough to make it easy to move around on. That’s beneficial for tossing and turning at night, as well as other nighttime activities. This mattress’s coil help keep you from feeling stuck in the materials.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort also has a breathable hybrid design that promotes cooling; this is great for couples because they have to deal with more body heat than just one sleeper. One thing to note, though, is that its motion isolation wasn’t overly impressive, so if you find yourself waking up easily from your partner’s movements, you may want a bed with lower motion transfer.
What our testers say: “While this bed doesn’t have a cushioning feel, it still relieves pressure well.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Emma Hybrid Comfort
- Combination sleepers—The Emma Hybrid Comfort’s responsiveness means it’s easy to move around on this bed throughout the night without getting “caught” in the mattress.
- Hot sleepers—The bed’s coils and moisture-wicking technology ensure you stay cool throughout the night.
Who Might Not Like the Emma Hybrid Comfort
- Those who specifically need hip support—Some people, such as heavier stomach sleepers, may need an even firmer mattress to specifically target their hip area.
Other User Reviews
This is a new mattress, so Emma’s site doesn’t have many reviews yet, but early customers already rate it an impressive 5 out of 5 stars. So far, users rave about the mattress’ cooling abilities.
Not interested in the Hybrid Comfort? Check out other great options on our best mattresses for couples 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 multiple sleeping types. This guide will share the most important considerations for combination sleepers and tips for finding the right mattress.
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 healthier for the body and improve the 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. For more information, check out our article: What Is the Best Sleep Position?
- 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. However, those who carry weight in their mid-section, including heavyweight individuals and pregnant women, can experience lower back pain in this position. Also, 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.
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 cause pain at high pressure points, such as your shoulders or hips. 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 might 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 may 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 often 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. Alternatively, hybrid, innerspring, and latex mattresses 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 Restless 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, while others are more breathable and have better airflow for hot sleepers.
Below we will outline a few key characteristics of each mattress type and provide 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 in order to change 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 any budget.
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 more than one 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 Restless Sleepers
Now that you understand why certain aspects of mattress construction and performance are more essential for combination sleepers, here’s a list of factors 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 do 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 determine 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 mattress that’s virtually silent when pressure is applied will 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 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. 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.
FAQ about the Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
What is the best pillow for restless sleepers?
Like with mattresses, combination sleepers need a pillow that will work somewhat well for all sleeping positions. This means that the loft can not be too high or too low, but instead somewhere in the middle. To learn about some of our favorite options, check out the best pillows for combination sleepers.
Is memory foam good for combination sleepers?
Memory foam can sometimes have a doughy feel that allows sleepers to sink below the mattress surface. Many people enjoy this quality, however, it can make it difficult to change from one sleeping position to another. If you do have interest in memory foam, make sure the mattress you are looking at has a good score in responsiveness, as this will make it much easier for you to toss and turn.
What is the best mattress that doesn’t move when your partner does?
Worried about waking your partner up as you switch from one sleeping position to another? Invest in a mattress with good motion isolation. To see some of the best options out there, head over to our best mattresses for couples.
Recap of the Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
| Mattress | Award |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Best Hybrid Mattress |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Best Medium-Firm Mattress |
| Saatva | Nerd’s Pick |
| Nectar | Best Value Mattress |
| WinkBeds EcoCloud | Best Latex Mattress |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Luxury Mattress |
| Titan Plus | Best Mattress for Heavy Combo Sleepers |
| Bear Original | Best Mattress for Active Combo Sleepers |
| Birch | Best Organic Mattress |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Best for Couples |
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.
Loren Bullock
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
