Best Mattresses for Seniors

Mattress Nerd consulted Dr. Ravi Pandey, MD to ensure that this article met our editorial standards.

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Purchasing a mattress that will support you, aid in relief, and promote restorative sleep is on everyone’s wish list. However, finding the perfect mattress is particularly crucial for seniors aged 65 and older. As we age, we have different needs when it comes to sleep. Finding the right mattress can make all the difference in how you sleep and how you feel when you wake up.

According to the 2017 census, approximately 47 million seniors (those aged 65 and above) live in the U.S. In a recent study, it was discovered that 40–70 percent of these seniors experience chronic sleep problems. Likely related is the fact that this same population experiences chronic pain in their neck, shoulders, back, and hip areas.

For seniors with medical conditions, an old, low-quality mattress can worsen their chronic symptoms. It’s also estimated that as many as 50 percent of cases of sleep disturbances go undiagnosed, meaning some seniors may not even realize that their mattress could be contributing to their ailments.

In this article, we’ll review the best mattresses for seniors—those proven to show pain relief and improved sleep. We’ll also discuss the features seniors should look for in a mattress, as well as the best mattress types for aging adults.

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The Best Mattresses for Seniors

• Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers – DreamCloud Original 
• Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors – Nectar Original 
• Best Mattress for Senior Couples – Helix Midnight Luxe
• Best Firm Mattress for Seniors – The WinkBed
• Best Hybrid Mattress for Seniors – Nolah Evolution
• Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors – Saatva Original
• Best Mattress for Active Seniors – Brooklyn Bedding Spartan Hybrid 
• Best for Durability – Bear Hybrid
• Best Cooling Mattress for Seniors – Birch Natural
• Best Mattress for Seniors with Arthritis – Puffy Lux Hybrid

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

Our team of mattress testers and certified sleep science coaches takes all kinds of shoppers into account when reviewing mattresses. For seniors, we know that some performance factors are more important than others; namely, good pressure relief, edge support, and responsiveness. 

Pressure relief helps mitigate or prevent achiness in sensitive areas, edge support measures the strength of a bed’s perimeter to ensure that it won’t buckle under weight, and good responsiveness makes moving around on and getting in and out of bed a breeze. We measure these factors in order to determine whether or not a mattress will provide seniors with a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. For more information, check out our review process.

Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: DreamCloud Original

Switching positions on a doughy, sagging mattress can be very challenging, especially if you have hip or joint pain. The DreamCloud Original received a perfect score on our Ease of Movement test, which makes shifting from one sleeping position to another a breeze.

Plus, the DreamCloud also scored highly on our Edge Support test (4/ 5). This, in combination with the high Ease of Movement score, means that getting in and out of bed will likely be much easier for you.

Read our full DreamCloud mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the DreamCloud Mattress, Check out our Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers for more great options.

Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors: Nectar Original

The Nectar is a medium-firm, all-foam mattress that is an excellent choice for seniors on a budget. At a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale, the Nectar’s thick foam layers provide support and prevent sinkage. It’s also important to note the Nectar has good edge support, especially for an all-foam mattress, which should make it much easier to get up and out of bed. Its softer upper layers offer a plush feel, and this is ideal for both pressure and pain relief.

Budget-savvy shoppers will also appreciate the affordability of the Nectar. It’s a quality mattress that comes at full price of $1,298, but this is before any sales and discounts. With coupons and special sales, the Nectar often totals under $1,000.

Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nectar mattress, check out our list of the best affordable mattresses for more great options.

Best Mattress for Senior Couples: Helix Midnight Luxe

The Helix Midnight Luxe is considered to be a luxury mattress with a medium-firm feel. Because of the firmer construction, the Midnight Luxe provides quality edge support for seniors who sit on the edges of their mattress or have a difficult time getting in and out of their bed.

The comfort layers of the Midnight Luxe consist of pressure-relieving foam and responsive coils that work together to provide pressure relief and contour around the body. At the same time, they’re still bouncy and responsive enough for sleepers to change positions. The supportive coils and sturdy construction are great for seniors who may share their bed with a partner.

Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Helix Midnight mattress, check out our list of the best luxury mattresses for more great options.

Best Firm Mattress for Seniors: The WinkBed

The WinkBed is a hefty, sturdy mattress made with an 8” layer of coils and multiple layers of foam. This bed-in-a-box mattress is built to last, and is backed by a Lifetime warranty and a 120-day sleep trial, making it great for consumers who value customer-centric policies.

The WinkBed also delivers exceptional edge support thanks to its “Extra-Edge” coils. Seniors with mobility issues will appreciate the WinkBed’s advanced edge support and 13.5” high profile.

Read our full WinkBed mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the WinkBed mattress, check out our list of the best firm mattresses for more great options.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Seniors: Nolah Evolution

Here at Mattress Nerd we love a great hybrid mattress. The Nolah Evolution scored a four out of five or higher on all of our performance tests, so we’d say it definitely qualifies as a great hybrid mattress.

Do you suffer from hip or shoulder pain? The Nolah Evolution’s pressure relieving abilities can help with that. Do you overheat in your sleep? With its high temperature regulation score, the Nolah Evolution can mitigate this problem. Have trouble getting in and out of bed? The sturdy perimeter of the Nolah Evolution allows you to sit comfortably on the edge of the bed with less fear of slipping. This mattress has something for everyone, especially seniors.

Read our full Nolah mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nolah Mattress, Check out our best hybrid mattresses for more great options.

Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors: Saatva Classic

The Saatva Classic is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Mattress firmness can be an important consideration for seniors, particularly those concerned about comfort related to chronic pain. The Saatva is also offered in two heights—11.5″ and 14.5″—which is another important consideration for older adults who frequently climb in and out of bed.

The Saatva is constructed with a top layer of quilted organic cotton foam for pressure relief on the joints, as well as a layer of gel memory foam to regulate body heat. A layer of individually wrapped coils creates the supportive base of the Saatva. These coils circulate air, reduce motion transfer, and support the spine, making the bed a great option for all sleeping positions.

Additionally, Saatva mattresses come with complimentary white glove delivery and free old mattress removal, so you don’t need to worry about transporting or setting up your new bed. If your chosen Saatva mattress is not the right fit, Saatva gives their customers a 180-night trial period and easy returns/exchanges.

Read our full Saatva mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses of 2023 for more great options.

Best Mattress for Active Seniors: Brooklyn Bedding Spartan

The Brooklyn Bedding Spartan is a hybrid mattress made with 4”–5” of performance-optimized comfort foams and a thick support layer of steel coils. It features copper, gel, and Phase Change Material infusions to keep you cool during recovery sleep.

The Brooklyn Spartan is offered in four firmness levels—Luxe Soft, Luxe Medium, Luxe Firm, and Essential Medium. Each of the models offers pressure relief, responsiveness, and breathability, so choose the firmness that best aligns with your primary sleeping position. When you buy a Spartan mattress, it includes a 120-night trial period and a 10-year warranty.

Read our full Brooklyn Spartan mattress review to learn more.

Best for Durability: Bear Hybrid

If you hope to have your next mattress last for many, many years then you’ll want to look for one with high durability. Generally, you find this quality in hybrid mattresses; like, for example, the Bear Hybrid.

Constructed with high-density support foam, an edge coil system, a layer of transition foam and two layers of comfort foam, the Bear Hybrid is one sturdy mattress. These layers make for a product that is at once comfortable, supportive, and durable. You can rest easy on your Bear Hybrid knowing that it will be there for you for years to come.

Read our full Bear Hybrid mattress review to learn more. 

Best Cooling Mattress for Seniors: Birch Natural

The Birch natural mattress is an all-natural, organic medium-firm hybrid mattress. Featuring a cushioning layer of organic New Zealand wool on top, the mattress cradles your pressure points, and wicks away moisture to keep heat out. Seniors who tend to sleep hot will find this mattress combines everything they are looking for as far as comfort and support.

The Talalay latex furthers the pressure-relieving qualities, cradling your hips, shoulders, and other pressure points so that you don’t wake up feeling sore. Latex inherently holds less heat than memory foam, and Birch has perforated the latex to keep air moving even more, meaning you can rest well and recover without waking up hot and tossing and turning.

To learn more about Birch, check out the Birch Natural mattress review. For more cooling mattress options, check out our best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers page.

Best Mattress for Seniors With Arthritis: Puffy Lux Hybrid

The Puffy Lux is a hybrid mattress that combines 5” of comfort foam with 6” of springy, breathable support coils. The top layers of foam are particularly soft and doughy. Combined with the firmer coil system below, the mattress has a medium firmness that’s ideally suited to side sleepers of all body types and back sleepers under 230 lbs.

The pressure-relieving foam layers and responsive coils strike a therapeutic balance of cushioning and targeted support. Seniors with arthritis won’t notice much pressure building up near their major curves (i.e. shoulders and hips), and the coils improve ease of mobility across the mattress surface.

Read our full Puffy Lux mattress review to learn more. For more pain-relieving options, check out our best mattresses for arthritis roundup.

Considerations for Seniors Shopping For A Mattress

• Pressure Relief: Areas of the body become more sensitive as we age. It’s no surprise that seniors may need special support from a mattress so these areas do not become pinched or feel inflamed. A mattress with lots of pressure relief will do the best job of keeping stress off your joints and pressure points.
• Proper Spine Support: Whether you currently experience back pain, or simply want to avoid it at all costs, how you sleep and what you sleep on can make a big difference. Good sleeping posture—sometimes called spinal alignment—is key to having sufficient spinal support. Choose a mattress that keeps your back in a neutral position. For back and stomach sleepers, this looks like a gentle “S” curve when viewed from the side. For side sleepers, it looks like a straight line from head to tailbone when viewed from the side.
• Exceptional Edge Support: Inadequate edge support is just plain irritating, and it can also be a hazard. When you’re buying a mattress, make sure you look for one that enables you to feel secure across the whole mattress surface, whether sitting or lying down.
• Mattress Height: This consideration is less about pain and more about accessibility, particularly if you have difficulty getting in and out of bed. If you struggle with mobility, make sure you buy a mattress with a shorter profile—ideally no taller than 12″—to ensure that you’re able to get in and out of bed without risk.
• Cost: No matter what your age, you can find a good mattress at just about any price point these days. You’ll need to decide how much you want to spend, how important extra features are to you, and how long you want the mattress to last. We have included mattresses at several price points in this roundup, so you’re sure to find one that works for you. Or, take a look at our lists of best mattresses under $500 and best mattresses under $1,000.
• Breathability: A breathable, cooling mattress is key for anyone who runs hot, experiences hot flashes or night sweats. Many mattresses are now constructed with temperature regulating technologies that improve breathability and absorb or evenly distribute excess body heat.

How Firm Should a Mattress for Seniors Be? 

Finding the right mattress firmness can go a long way toward eliminating or alleviating pain associated with aging. Choosing the right firmness level depends on your body type, health, and sleeping position.

Body Type

Generally, heavyweight sleepers (those over 230 lbs) need a firmer mattress with a higher profile, since they sink deeper into the mattress layers. Lightweight sleepers (those under 130 lbs) need a slightly softer mattress to get enough pressure relief.

Health

If you have joint pain, then you need a mattress with adequate pressure relief. Look for mattresses categorized as medium-soft to medium-firm. Those with back pain—especially lower back pain—need a firmer mattress to keep their spine in a healthy, neutral position. If you have allergies, make sure to look at the materials used in the mattress. Many companies use hypoallergenic materials and earn certifications for non-toxic production practices.

Sleeping Position

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers put the most pressure on their joints, so they need a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress, depending on their body type. If you sleep on your side and would like more information on what to look for, check out our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers need a decidedly firm mattress to keep their hips from sinking too far into the mattress and arching the lower back out of alignment. The heavier you are, the firmer your mattress should be as a stomach sleeper. Head over to our best mattresses for stomach sleepers page to learn more.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers can manage on most mattresses, but are typically the most comfortable on those with medium to firm feels. Also, back sleeping is generally considered the best position for mitigating aches and pains. If you’re interested in switching to this position, read our article on how to sleep on your back. And, once you’re used to it, consider one of our top mattresses for back sleepers.

For more info, take a look at out mattress firmness guide.

What Type of Mattress is Best for Seniors?

Hybrid Mattresses for Seniors

Hybrid mattresses are know for providing the pressure relief, comfort, and support that seniors need. They’re made by placing a foam layer on top of a bed of coils. This pairing is superb for seniors because its combines the body-conforming properties of foam with the lower back support of a coil base.

Latex Mattresses for Seniors

Latex mattresses have more elasticity than traditional foam mattresses, and are better able to hug and absorb the body without causing you to “sink” into the bed. They also circulate air better than traditional foam. This means added pressure point relief and increased cooling.

Memory Foam Mattresses for Seniors

Memory foam mattresses have become some of the most popular mattresses thanks to their characteristic cradling feel. For elderly people, memory foam can provide exceptional pressure relief and motion isolation. However, memory foam closely contours to the body, which can make mobility a little more difficult.

Innerspring Mattresses for Seniors

Innerspring mattresses are known for providing great support, and these days, the addition of soft pillow tops improves their overall comfort. They’re also very breathable, since the coil base promotes excellent airflow throughout the mattress. Head over to our best innerspring mattress roundup for some of our favorites.

Conditions That Can Make Sleep Difficult For Seniors

Arthritis

One of the most common issues for seniors is arthritis. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation in the joints that can cause chronic pain in the limbs. Arthritis sufferers should look for a mattress that prioritizes pressure point. For our top picks, take a look at our list of best mattresses for arthritis.

Fibromyalgia

Similar to arthritis, fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder marked by overactive nerves that cause chronic, widespread pain. Again, for this condition it’s important to find a mattress that provides pressure relief to prevent further aggravation. For a deeper dive on the subject, read our guide on sleeping well with fibromyalgia and check out our Best Mattresses for Fibromyalgia page.

Back Pain

Another common complaint of seniors is back pain. Whether it’s caused by arthritis, scoliosis, or osteoporosis, make sure to choose a mattress that provides spinal alignment and firm support for the lower back.

Dementia

Dementia is a challenging condition that comes in many forms, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. While it’s more of a mental than physical ailment, it’s been linked to chronic sleep disturbances such as insomnia. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, look for a high-quality mattress that promotes the relaxation needed to induce sleep.

Prostate and Bladder Issues

Frequent nighttime urination is a common symptom among seniors. For that reason, look for a mattress that’s easy to get in and out of in the event of a sudden urge to use the restroom. We also recommend using a mattress protector to prevent damage from spills and accidents.

Sleep Apnea 

As we age, we’re more likely to experience sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing randomly starts and stops throughout the night. It can be difficult to get a restful night’s sleep, since the change in your breathing often startles you awake. For more information on how this condition affects sleep, check out our Understanding Sleep Apnea article.

Hip Pain

Hip pain in seniors can have a variety of sources—arthritis, fractures from accidents, tendinitis, or even just an active lifestyle. It’s important that seniors suffering from hip pain find a mattress that relieves pressure. Mattresses with full body contouring are a great place to start. Also, consider looking through our best mattresses for hip pain.

Sleep Tips for Seniors

• A nightly goal of 7–9 hours of sleep is ideal for seniors.
• Maintain a routine. Go to sleep at the same time every night to help train the body toward regular sleep cycles.
• Take a warm bath or shower prior to sleep. When you get out of the bath or shower, the drop in body temperature is likely to induce tiredness.
• Schedule unwind time before bed. When you are about an hour away from your desired bedtime, consider turning off the TV and other electronic devices. Reading or listening to soothing music are good ways to relax.
• Keep the bedroom for sleep only. When you avoid using your bedroom for other daytime activities, it will train the mind to think of it as a “sleep zone,” which may make it easier to fall asleep when the time comes.
• Avoid daytime naps. Napping during the day will disturb your evening sleep routine.
• Drink fewer fluids in the evening. This will reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom and the possibility that you may not be able to get back to sleep. Speaking of fluids, be sure to avoid stimulants or alcohol before bed, which can also disturb your sleep cycle.

Sleep Accessories for Seniors 

• Nightlight: This will help you avoid injuries or falls should you need to get up in the middle of the night.
• Invest in an adjustable base: An adjustable base allows you to change the posture of your mattress with the click of a button. Not only does this improve mobility on your mattress, it can also improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Common adjustments include inclining the upper body, inclining the upper and lower body, and settings designed to reduce snoring. Read our guide on the best adjustable beds for our top recommendations.
• Find a knee pillow: For added support, a knee wedge pillow can help keep your spine aligned, which minimizes back pain.

FAQ

Recap: Top Rated Mattresses for Seniors

Mattress	Award
DreamCloud Original	Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Nectar Original	Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors
Helix Midnight Luxe	Best Mattress for Senior Couples
The WinkBed	Best Firm Mattress for Seniors
Nolah Evolution	Best Hybrid Mattress for Seniors
Saatva Original	Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors
Brooklyn Bedding Spartan Hybrid	Best Mattress for Active Seniors
Bear Hybrid	Best for Durability
Birch Natural	Best Cooling Mattress for Seniors
Puffy Lux Hybrid	Best Mattress for Seniors with Arthritis