Best Mattress for Arthritis (2020): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Over 54 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis, experiencing swelling, stiffness, and restricted range of motion in their joints. Causes for arthritic pain may differ, from autoimmune disease to aging.

Those with arthritis may struggle with sleep because of the discomfort caused by inflamed joints. A supportive mattress with a cushioned sleeping surface may be the solution for better sleep. In our article, we share our favorite mattresses and provide information on what to look for in the best mattress for arthritis.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

View on AmerisleepRead AS3 customer reviews

AS3 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 Arthritis

1. Amerisleep AS3

The excellent contouring abilities of the Amerisleep AS3 mattress makes it our favorite choice for arthritis patients. Eco-friendly foams plus a 5-zone support system ensure even body weight distribution without risk of overheating.

Beginning with the mattress cover, Amerisleep uses a soft, breathable fabric to keep air flowing throughout the mattress, which helps you sleep cool and comfortable. Beneath the cover is 3 inches of body-contouring Bio-Pur® relieves pressure points without the sleep feeling “stuck” inside the mattress.

The second layer consists of 2 inches of Affinity with HIVE® technology, a 5-zone support system made from hexagonal-shaped segments to form softer support in the shoulders and hips, and firmer support for the head, back, and legs. 7 inches of Bio-Core® reinforces the top layers and adds durability to the mattress with little to no risk of sagging.

The Amerisleep AS3 comes with a 100-night sleep trial, so customers can try the AS3 within the comfort of their own home. If the customer isn’t happy with the mattress, Amerisleep will work with the customer to have the mattress donated to charity. The mattress also includes a 20-year warranty, protecting against sagging greater than 0.75 inches.

2. Zoma

The Zoma mattress is another excellent choice for individuals with arthritis, because of the medium feel of foam and 5-zone support system in the Triangulex™ layer.

The Zoma mattress starts with 2 inches of Triangulex™ foam. This layer contains hundreds of triangular segments, designed to provide firmer support to the head, back, and legs, and softer support for the shoulders and hips. Triangulex™ is also topped with gel for optimal cooling.

The next layer contains 2 inches of Reactiv™, a latex-like foam that promotes healthy spinal alignment and makes it easier to switch sleeping positions. A 7-inch base layer of Support+ foam evenly distributes body weight and reinforces the top layers.

The Zoma mattress includes a 100-night trial and a standard 10-year warranty, protecting against sagging greater than 0.75 inches.

3. Bear

The Bear mattress provides a comfortable, body-contouring experience with its layers of quality foams. At a medium-firm feel, the Bear mattress keeps joints aligned and supported.

The Bear mattress cover incorporates FDA-determined Celliant® technology— thermoreactive yarns transform body heat into infrared energy, which is then absorbed by the body for a rejuvenating rest and a cooler sleep. Celliant® technology also helps muscle and joint pain, making it a great option for people with arthritis.

Inside the mattress cover are three layers of CertiPUR-US® foam. The first is 2-inch graphite-gel memory foam. By drawing heat further away from the body, the graphite-gel memory foam keeps the body cool during sleep by absorbing and dispersing body heat.

A 3-inch responsive transitional foam relieves pressure points and aligns the spine, reducing pain in inflamed joints. A 5-inch layer of high-density foam follows to provide consistent support to the body with little risk of sagging.

The Bear mattress comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty. The fine print states the 10-year warranty covers manufacturer’s defects and sagging greater than 1 inch.

4. My Green Mattress Natural Escape

The My Green Mattress Natural Escape is a medium-firm mattress with latex foam and innerspring coil elements. The combination of these features creates a supportive contour to those with arthritis, keeping the spine straight and the body cool.

The 0.75-inch topper uses American-sourced organic wool to wick away moisture and regulate temperature. Underneath is a 3-inch comfort layer of Dunlop latex. Latex conforms to the body, relieving pressure points and regulating temperature thanks to its natural material. The responsive bounce of latex also makes movement easier.

An 8-inch layer of individually-wrapped pocket coils provides enhanced support to the body. The coils are set up with thicker gauge coils (14.5 millimeters) in the middle for better lumbar support, and thinner coils (15.5 millimeters) for softer support to the head and legs. These coils move separately from one another improving motion isolation and include a 13.5 millimeter gauge coil perimeter for good edge support.

The My Green Mattress Natural Escape is encased in an organic cotton cover and tufted with buttons to hold the layers together without the use of adhesives. This mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

5. Avocado

The Avocado mattress has a medium-firm feel with the option to add a Euro-style pillow top for an additional charge. The pillow top contains 2-inches of Dunlop latex, which acts as great cushioning for those with arthritis and alters the sleep surface to a medium feel.

The cover of the Avocado mattress is made from 100% organic cotton with tufted buttons to hold the layers together. This soft and breathable material wicks moisture away and keeps the sleeper cool.

The top layer contains 2 inches of Dunlop latex— latex is naturally cool and hugs the body’s curves, relieving pressure points to ease swollen joints due to arthritis and chronic pain.

The 8-inch support layer of the mattress is made from individually-wrapped, tempered steel coils. These pocketed coils are arranged to form a 5-zone support system— softer support for head, back, and legs, and firmer support for the shoulders and hips. Pocketed coils also reduce motion transfer and noise potential. A 1-inch Dunlop latex layer serves as the base foam.

The Avocado mattress has a 100-night sleep trial and includes a 25-year warranty— the first 10 years provide non-prorated coverage, with the last 15 years at a prorated charge.

6. Nolah Original 10

The Nolah Original 10 mattress is specifically designed for side sleepers, with its plush, medium feel and special AirFoam™ to reduce body heat. This foam also provides four times more pressure relief than traditional memory foam, an ideal feature for individuals with arthritis.

The top layer contains 2 inches of AirFoam™ to keep sleepers cool throughout the night without making them feel trapped inside the mattress. A 1 inch high-resilience support foam feels similar to latex— it conforms to align the spine and responds quickly for easier movement.

The 7-inch high-density base foam layer reinforces the top foam layers, while evenly supporting the body with little risk of sagging.

The Nolah Original 10 mattress comes with a 120-night, risk-free trial; all Nolah requires is that the customer keeps the mattress for at least 30 days before they’ll accept any returns. This mattress also includes a 15-year warranty, protecting against defects and sagging greater than 1 inch.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to over 100 conditions tied to inflamed joints and chronic pain. Arthritis can occur through aging, injury, or from a medical condition like psoriasis. While there are many types of arthritis, here is a general list:

• Osteoarthritis : Inflammation of the joints from worn cartilage between the bones.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints from deteriorating synovium (joint lining), usually due to an autoimmune disease.

• Infectious Arthritis: Joint inflammation due to bacterial infection.

• Psoriatic Arthritis: Joint inflammation caused by miscommunication of the immune system due to psoriasis, a skin disease.

• Gout: Joint pain from uric acid buildup in the bloodstream.

What to Look for in a Mattress for Arthritis

Potential buyers, especially those with arthritis, should look at cooling features, mattress type, sleep accessories, favorite sleep position, and possible sleep trials, warranties, and return policies when searching for their best mattress.

Cooling Features

When looking for the best mattress for arthritis keep a lookout for cooling features in the mattress, including:

• Plant-based or open-cell technology foam
• Open structure of coils
• Natural cooling properties from natural materials like latex, cotton, and bamboo
• Infusions of gel, copper, and graphite

Mattress Type

Different types of mattresses each come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks; for example, while an innerspring mattress offers excellent cooling through its open coil structure, it lacks the ability to relieve pressure points. The type of mattress you choose depends on your personal preferences.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are popular because they contour to the body and relieve pressure points, making them an excellent choice for arthritis. Memory foam may run the risk of retaining heat, but plant-based memory foam and gel memory foam draw heat away from the body for better cooling.

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

Innerspring

Many people grew up sleeping on an innerspring mattress, the traditional bed of many households. Innerspring mattresses have  firmer support and better air circulation thanks to their coiled structure. Innerspring mattresses are not the best option for those with arthritis because they lack a comfort layer and pressure relief.

An innerspring mattress has a thin pillow top as a comfort layer and a coiled support layer.

Latex

There are two types of latex— synthetic and natural. Synthetic latex is created through a chemical process, while natural latex is made from rubber tree sap. Latex shares similar body-contouring pressure relief as memory foam, except latex sleeps cooler and has a responsive bounce, making movement easier. Like memory foam, latex is another great mattress choice for arthritis patients.

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

Hybrid

By combining the pressure relief of memory foam with the responsive support of innersprings, manufacturers created the perfect mattress— the hybrid. A true hybrid mattress must contain a comfort layer at least 2 inches thick and a coiled support layer. Hybrid mattresses conform to the body for pressure point relief and receive cooling through better air circulation from open coil structure, making them a good mattress option for those with arthritis.

However, hybrids also provide similar drawbacks, including heat retention and less pressure relief. Memory foam or latex mattresses might be better choices.

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

Sleep Accessories

Additional bedding accessories may improve the comfort and support of your current mattress if a new bed is not within your means at this time. Mattress toppers, wedge pillows, and an adjustable base are excellent options to add. Please note: if your current mattress has a noticeable sag, we highly recommend a new mattress, especially if suffering from painful arthritis effects.

Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper alters the feel of the sleep surface by adding more cushion or support. Mattress toppers are perfect for those with a good mattress looking to make it more comfortable. Mattress toppers also serve as a barrier between the body and the mattress, possibly helping the mattress last longer.

Wedge Pillows

Wedge pillows are a budget-friendly way of elevating the upper and lower body. Elevation can reduce inflammation by encouraging blood flow in the joints, especially for those with poor circulation.

Adjustable Base

An adjustable base is a great option for those looking for luxury elevation with the press of a button. Adjustable bases are expensive, but if you suffer from arthritis or have limited mobility, the high price point could be worth it. Some models include programmable presets set to your personal preferences.

Sleeping Position

People sleep in different positions depending on personal preference. If you have arthritis, you may need to reconsider your sleeping position, since certain poses may put more strain on specific joints.

For example, those with arthritis in the knees may find sleeping on their side with a pillow between their legs is the most comfortable. Consider how a different sleep position could reduce your arthritis-related discomfort. These changes may make your sleep more restful.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is one of the most common sleep positions. Heavier sections of the body, like the shoulders and hips, press more deeply into the sleep surface, causing pain and stiffness if the mattress lacks pressure relief properties. This can be especially detrimental for those suffering from arthritis, since the hips and shoulders may already be inflamed.

People with arthritis pain who sleep on their side need a mattress to reduce pressure points and cater to the natural curvature of their spine— meaning a softer mattress might be the best fit. Side sleepers should look for a soft to medium-firm mattress. Avoid overly soft mattresses which could sink too deeply and misalign the spine.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping is another beneficial sleep position for those with arthritis because this position doesn’t place pressure on the knees, hips, or shoulders, areas commonly affected by inflammation. Further, back sleepers can place a pillow under their knees to reduce strain on the hips and knees while lessening inflammation.

If you’re a back sleeper with arthritis, you’ll need to look for a medium to firm mattress to properly support the spine with the right amount of cushion to cradle the hips. It’s also important to keep in mind back sleepers may suffer from sleep apnea or snoring, so elevating the upper body can minimize symptoms.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least common sleep position because of its health risks from high pressure placed on the spine leading to lower back pain and neck strain. This sleep position may also worsen arthritis symptoms.

Stomach sleepers with arthritis should find a medium-firm to firm mattress to keep the body on top of the sleep surface while relieving pressure points with a slight sinking of the hips to better align the spine. Cooling features are especially ideal for stomach sleepers since almost their entire body  is pressed against the mattress. Heat can worsen joint inflammation, increasing pain and swelling in certain types of arthritis.

Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Return Policies

Perks like sleep trials, warranties, and return policies serve to reassure customers of a quality mattress purchase. Always read the fine print of each before committing to a mattress.

Sleep Trial

A sleep trial allows customers to try out a new mattress in the comfort of their own home. This trial period lasts from 90 to 120 nights. If the customer isn’t satisfied with the mattress, most companies will arrange to have the mattress picked up and donated before issuing a full refund.

Warranty

A warranty protects the investment of the customer. Most mattresses come with a standard 10-year warranty, protecting against manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1 inch (this measurement varies depending on the brand). Other warranties may extend to 20 years or more, with some brands even offering lifetime warranties.

Return Policy

If a new mattress doesn’t include a sleep trial, look for a return policy. Return policies last about 30 days, the same time it takes for the body to adjust to a new mattress. If the customer doesn’t like the mattress, they can return it for a full refund.

Other Things to Consider

Are memory foam mattresses good for arthritis?

Memory foam mattresses are an excellent choice for arthritis. While traditional memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat and may worsen arthritis pain, choosing a memory foam bed with cooling features can help significantly reduce pain and inflammation. These cooling features include open-cell technology or plant-based foam, and gel, copper, and graphite infusions.

What is the best mattress for chronic pain?

The best mattress for chronic pain will have a medium-firm feel. A medium-firm mattress will allow the spine to rest in a neutral position, which can offer pain relief throughout the body.

Are firm or soft mattresses better for arthritis?

Neither—usually, the best mattresses to ease aches and pains are medium and medium-firm in firmness. Ultra-soft mattresses don’t always offer enough support to facilitate healthy sleeping postures, while too-firm mattresses cause painful pressure points. Finding a bed that offers a good blend of support to keep you lifted and cushioning to ease pressure is ideal for keeping discomfort at bay.

How can you tell if your mattress is too firm or too soft?

If you wake up in the morning with numb or tingly arms, a stiff back, or general discomfort that goes away about 30 minutes after getting out of bed, you can assume your mattress is causing the discomfort you experience immediately upon waking. You can also tell if your bed is too soft if you struggle to get comfortable and toss and turn throughout the night. A good mattress will help you sleep peacefully and wake up pain-free.

Can my mattress cause joint pain?

Mattresses can cause joint pain if they’re too firm and don’t allow for adequate compression and pressure relief. Mattresses that have a little more give can alleviate tension and prevent aches and pains.

Conclusion

Arthritis can make it uncomfortable to sleep in any position— pain, inflammation, swelling, and chronic stiffness can be a constant challenge, but a new mattress can help. When you’re seeking a mattress for arthritis, a supportive foundation with a pressure-relieving comfort layer can reduce pain. The best mattress for arthritis will relieve pressure points while keeping your body cool to lower inflammation.