Best Mattress for Acid Reflux (2023): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Acid reflux is one of the most common medical issues affecting the digestive system. Individuals who have it  report an intense burning sensation in the chest, also known as heartburn, a symptom of acid reflux. Over 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn once a month, with 15 million experiencing heartburn symptoms every day.

For people who experience acid reflux, sleeping can pose many challenges. In our guide, we share our favorite mattress choices for acid reflux and provide information on how to find the best mattress for acid reflux.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

View on AmerisleepRead AS2 customer reviews

AS2 Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 20-Year Warranty
• Designed to reduce pain points
• Heat reducing mattress cover
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Our Runner-Up

View on ZomaRead Zoma customer reviews

Zoma Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 10-Year Warranty
• Designed for faster recovery
• Triangulex™ technology promotes healthy posture
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Best Mattresses for Acid Reflux

1. Amerisleep AS2

The Amerisleep AS2 mattress is built for long-term stability, with the medium-firm feel of its Bio-Pur® foam. Amerisleep’s AS2 has three unique layers of eco-friendly foam, each designed to provide cool airflow, luxurious comfort, and long-lasting support.

The comfort layer contains 2 inches of Bio-Pur®, a plant-based memory foam made with castor oil, which partially replaces some of the petroleum during the manufacturing process. Bio-Pur® conforms to the body’s natural curves, relieving pressure points without leaving sleepers feeling “stuck” in the mattress.

The transition layer is Affinity foam with HIVE® technology, creating five zones of support across the surface. With its hexagonal cutouts, the HIVE® extra flexibility under the shoulders and hips, while maintaining support for the head, back, and feet.

Seven inches of Bio-Core® makes up the support layer of the Amerisleep AS2. Bio-Core® is a high-density foam that supports the body without risk of sagging and reinforces the Bio-Pur® comfort layer.

The Amerisleep AS2 mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial— if after testing out the mattress, you realize it’s not right for you, Amerisleep will issue a full refund. The mattress also includes a prorated 20-year warranty— during the first 10 years, Amerisleep will repair or replace the mattress free of charge. Starting in the 11th year, Amerisleep will choose to repair or replace the mattress at a prorated charge.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses for Insomnia

2. Zoma

The Zoma mattress offers the comfort of memory foam without risk of overheating. This all-foam mattress is designed for ultimate comfort without sacrificing support.

At 12 inches thick, the Zoma mattress contains three layers of special foam— Triangulex™, Reactiv™, and Support+.

Triangulex™ foam is made up of hundreds of triangular-cut segments that form a 5-zone support system— softer support for the shoulders and hips, and firmer support for the head, back, and legs. 2 inches of Triangulex™ conform to the body’s natural curves and relieve pressure points while evenly supporting the body.

Reactiv™ is a latex-like foam with the conforming properties of memory foam and the responsive bounce of latex, making movement easier at night. 2 inches of Reactiv™ foam keep the body on top of the mattress while allowing for spinal alignment.

8 inches of Support+ is the final layer. This high-density foam supports the body without risk of sagging, and reinforces the top layers.

The Zoma Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial, allowing you to return the mattress if you’re not satisfied. The bed also includes a 10-year warranty, protecting against manufacturing defects and sagging greater than an inch. The affordability and high valueof the Zoma Mattress makes it one of the best mattresses under $1000.

3. Purple®️ Hybrid

Finding comfort and relaxation during sleep when navigating around a condition like acid reflux can pose a significant challenge to many people. With the Purple®️ Hybrid mattress, comfort is the first item covered on the checklist. This mattress is made with three layers, each designed to address a different aspect of your sleep needs.

The first layer consists of 2 inches of the Purple Grid™, a patented, gel-like material that automatically adjusts to any sleep position without losing pressure relief and support. A 1-inch transitional poly-foam layer keeps the spine in neutral alignment.

7.5 inches of individually-wrapped coils form the support layer in the Purple® Hybrid mattress. Pocketed coils enhance support while isolating motion transfer and reducing noise potential.

The Purple® Hybrid mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial. Purple® asks its customers to hold onto the mattress for at least 21 days to allow the body to adjust to the new sleep surface before they’ll issue a refund. The mattress also includes a 10-year warranty, protecting against manufacturing flaws and defects, and sagging greater than 1 inch.

4. Avocado

One of the most impressive qualities of this mattress brand is the dedication to create a mattress that is eco-friendly. All materials in the Avocado mattress are all-natural and organic, from the latex foam layers to the GOTS certified cotton cover. The body is softly cradled yet kept resting on the sleep surface to help manage acid reflux.

The Avocado mattress stands at 11 inches tall, with the option to add a 2-inch Dunlop latex pillow top for an extra charge. The mattress starts with a 2-inch layer Dunlop latex for body-contouring comfort with less aches and pains in the morning. Dunlop latex also ensures sleepers stay cool at night because of its natural material.

The 8-inch support layer contains pocketed coils with varying gauges, and arranged in a 5-zone support system— firmer support for the head, back, and legs, with softer support to the shoulders and hips. Pocketed coils also isolate motion transfer and reduce noise potential. A 1-inch layer of Dunlop latex base foam completes the mattress.

The Avocado mattress includes a 365-night sleep trial, so if, for any reason, the customer is not happy with the mattress, they can return it for a full refund. The mattress also comes with a 25-year warranty— in case of a valid defect, Avocado will replace the mattress at a non prorated charge for the first 10 years. Starting in the 11th year and until the end of the warranty, Avocado may choose to repair or replace the mattress at a prorated charge.

5. Bear Pro

The Bear Pro mattress is another great option for those suffering with acid reflux. This all-foam mattress uses copper and gel infusions to provide optimal temperature regulation while offering pressure relief and even support.

The Bear Pro mattress stands at 12 inches high, and starts with a 1 inch layer of copper-infused foam. Copper acts as a natural heat conductor, and by infusing it into the foam, works great to pull heat away from the body. Plus, copper contains antibacterial properties and may improve blood circulation.

The second layer is 1.5 inches of gel memory foam— gel absorbs and disperses body heat for further cooling, while conforming to the body’s natural curves and relieving pressure points. The third layer of 2.5 inches of transitional foam provides balanced support and aligns the spine. The final layer contains 7 inches of high-density base foam for extended durability and overall support without risk of sagging.

The Bear Pro mattress has a medium-firm feel and a great option for any type of sleeper. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and includes a 10-year warranty.

6. Tuft & Needle Hybrid

The Tuft & Needle’s proprietary T&N Adaptive® foam acts as a better alternative to traditional memory foam— it has excellent conforming ability in relieving pressure points with a responsive bounce to prevent sleepers from feeling “stuck” in the mattress. Plus, because of the infused graphite and gel, T&N Adaptive® foam pulls heat away from the body for maximum cooling.

Standing at 12 inches high, the Tuft & Needle Hybrid mattress starts with a 1-inch pillow top layer containing carbon fiber-infused foam for a plush and durable sleep surface. 2 inches of T&N Adaptive® foam follows next, providing sleepers with excellent pressure relief without risk of overheating.

1 inch of microcoils and 1 inch of transitional polyfoam provides enhanced support and holds the spine in neutral alignment. The final layer contains 6 inches of pocketed coils for support with little risk of sagging. Pocketed coils also isolate motion and have little noise potential.

The Tuft & Needle Hybrid mattress is a good choice for any type of sleeper with its medium feel. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

What is Acid Reflux?

The strong stomach acid used to digest our food usually remains in our stomachs, thanks to a circular muscle called the esophageal sphincter. This muscle is meant to expand to allow food to enter the stomach and then retract to seal off the stomach from the esophagus while the food is digesting.

People experiencing acid reflux have a weakened esophageal sphincter, which means that it doesn’t retract properly and allows the stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Unlike the stomach, which has a special lining to protect the organ from the negative effects of the stomach acid, the esophagus doesn’t and can wear down over time.

Currently the only treatment for acid reflux is an over-the-counter medication. Additional symptoms and preventative measures are treated by avoiding certain foods (tomatoes, caffeine, mint, chocolate, citrus, vinegar, garlic, and onions) and making lifestyle changes, including adjusting sleeping positions.

What Acid Reflux Patients Should Look For in a Mattress

Before choosing your best mattress, look first at mattress types, your sleeping position, what type of sleep trial, warranty, and return policy are available, and if you want to invest in an adjustable bed or use a wedge pillow for elevation.

Mattress Type

Each mattress type offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For example, memory foam offers great pressure relief but comes with a higher risk of overheating. Know the differences between each type of mattress and decide which one is right for you.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is one of the most popular mattress types on the market today. Known for its ability to relieve pressure points by conforming to the body, memory foam isolates motion and sleeps silent. Memory foam mattresses do run the risk of retaining heat, but adding cooling features like plant-based foam and gel infusions allow for better airflow and absorb body heat for temperature regulation.

A memory foam mattress contains a comfort layer of memory foam and a support layer of high-density foam.

Innerspring Mattresses

Chances are, you grew up sleeping on an innerspring mattress. Innerspring mattresses have been the traditional go-to mattress for decades. Innersprings have a responsive bounce and excellent cooling thanks to the open structure of coils.

An innerspring mattress contains a thin comfort layer of foam or fiber, usually acting as a pillow top and a support layer of steel coils.

Latex Mattresses

Latex comes in two forms— synthetic and natural. Synthetic latex is created through a chemical process, while natural latex is extracted from rubber trees then whipped into a foam. Latex is similar to memory foam, except it sleeps cooler and is more responsive. Latex is also more expensive because of its natural material.

A latex mattress contains a comfort layer of latex and a support layer of either high-density foam or latex.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress is a combination of the best of both worlds— pressure-relieving memory foam and responsive innerspring coils. A true hybrid must contain a 2-inch comfort layer and a coiled support layer. While hybrid offer the benefits of both memory foam and innersprings, they also come with drawbacks, like less pressure relief and overheating.

A hybrid mattress contains a comfort layer of memory foam or latex and a support layer of pocketed steel coils.

Sleeping Position

Sleeping position has a major impact on the mattress you choose— each sleep position requires a specific level of comfort and firmness to keep the spine in neutral alignment. Your preferred sleep position may also increase or reduce acid reflux.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is one of the most common and most healthy sleep positions, improving breathing. For those who suffer from acid reflux, sleeping on the side in particular prevents acids from traveling to the esophagus. The best mattress for side sleepers is usually medium in firmness, as side sleepers need cushion to prevent pressure points but support to maintain healthy spinal alignment.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping is another healthy sleep position, but not for those with acid reflux. Lying flat on the back can exacerbate heartburn and indigestion, worsening acid reflux. Back sleeping can also cause development of sleep apnea from the collapse of soft tissue at the back of the throat from gravity.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least common sleep position and the least healthy. Stomach sleepers have a greater risk of neck strain and lower back pain because of the amount of pressure placed on the spine. For those with acid reflux, sleeping on the stomach can worsen symptoms because of the pressure placed on the stomach, forcing acid into the esophagus.

Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Return Policies

Sleep trials, warranties, and return policies act as assurances to the customer. Always read the fine print of each and know the details before committing to a potential buy.

Sleep Trial

A sleep trial allows the customer to try a new mattress within the comfort of their own home. It takes about 30 days for the body to adjust to a new mattress, so most sleep trials last between 90 to 120 nights. If the customer isn’t happy with the mattress, they can contact the company and arrange to have it donated or recycled before issuing a full refund.

Warranty

A warranty protects the mattress from manufacturing flaws and defects, and sagging greater than 1 inch, depending on the brand. Most mattresses come with a standard 10-year warranty. Be wary of mattresses with no warranty— it could be a warning sign of a cheaply-made product.

Return Policy

If a new mattress doesn’t come with a sleep trial, check out the return policy. Most return policies last 30 days— the same time it takes the body to adjust to a new mattress. If the customer isn’t satisfied with the mattress, they can return it for a full refund.

Adjustable Base

An adjustable bed base might be the solution for you if you suffer from acid reflux or GERD. Mattresses with an adjustable base have mechanisms with multiple hinges to allow the user to mechanically elevate the head or foot of the bed based on their personal preference. Elevating your head during sleep can reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

If an adjustable bed base isn’t an option for you, consider trying a wedge pillow. These triangular-shaped pillows are often made of soft foam and help keep the upper body elevated. As an added bonus, these pillows are easier to transport and often cheaper than an adjustable base.

Other Things to Consider

Does elevation help acid reflux?

Many people with acid reflux or GERD find that keeping the top part of the body elevated helps reduce acid reflux during sleep. When adjusting your sleep position in this way, it allows gravity to work in your favor, keeping the acidic stomach contents from leaking into the esophagus, which is the cause of the burning pain of heartburn and indigestion. It’s important to note that while this method works for many people, it might not be the right option for everyone. Consult with your doctor for advice.

How much should I elevate my bed for acid reflux?

Many people suggest elevating the head of your bed at least 30 degrees, or 4-6 inches. However, depending on the severity of an individual’s acid reflux you may need to increase or decrease that level for personal comfort. If you’re unsure of the ideal elevation for your needs, consider consulting with your doctor or a sleep expert.

How can I improve my mattress to ease acid reflux?

If you don’t have an adjustable bed, you can use a wedge pillow to elevate your head and keep acid reflux at bay. Wedge pillows take the place of your normal pillow and keep you propped up while you sleep. These are an inexpensive way to modify your current mattress to better ease acid reflux discomfort.

Does GERD ever go away?

It can! Not everybody’s GERD will entirely go away, but if you have mild acid reflux, it can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Your doctor is the best person to speak with about treating your GERD, so it’s best to talk with them and hear their suggestions. Plus, your doctor will be able to tell you if these suggested treatments can completely eliminate GERD.

What type of mattress is best for GERD?

The materials inside of a mattress can’t necessarily help GERD, so really, the best mattresses for acid reflux are ones that pair well with an adjustable bed. Memory foam, latex foam, and hybrid mattresses all work well with adjustable bed frames. These beds are flexible enough to adapt with the base’s changing movements.

Conclusion

If you’re facing struggles with acid reflux or GERD, it’s important to know the sleep technology available to help you rest comfortably. For some, that may mean upgrading your mattress to one that’s better suited for side sleepers or back sleepers. For others, it may require investing in an adjustable base bed or a wedge pillow to help maintain an elevated state during sleep.

No matter what option you choose, it’s important to consult with your doctor to make sure you’re making the safest and healthiest choices, especially if you have acid reflux. If you do invest in a new mattress, be sure to take advantage of the trial period to allow your body to adjust to the new bed. Better sleep with acid reflux is possible.