Best Mattress for Athletes to Buy in 2023

Athletes need more sleep than the average person. An average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night, while athletes need at least 10 hours of sleep when training or competing in a major sporting event. Without proper sleep, athletes may face slower reaction times and poor motor skills— setbacks that hinder training and could result in injury.

In this article we provide a list of our favorite mattresses for athletes and offer a guide on what athletes should look for in their ideal mattress.

The Zoma Hybrid is 11 inches thick with 2 inches of Triangulex™, 2 inches of Reactiv™, and 7 inches of Support+. The cover is made of a polyester blend that wicks away moisture and heat.

The Zoma Hybrid Mattress provides excellent pressure relief while maintaining healthy spinal alignment. On top of being an excellent mattress for athletes, it’s one of the best mattresses for back pain, too. This mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

As a medium mattress, the Zoma Hybrid is excellent for side and combo sleepers looking to alleviate pain. Customer reviews agree that whether you’re an athlete or not, the Zoma Hybrid mattress will cradle your body’s curves, support your back, and improve your sleep.

Most athletes love the Zoma. Here is what some have to say:

Klemens: I like how this is designed for athletes and recovery. I’ve slept great on the ZOMA start so far! Thank you Zoma and keep up the great work.

Jon D: I’ve been sleeping great every night on my new Zoma Hybrid. As advertised it’s a bed for those active in sports. I surf every morning (I’m in my early 60’s) and have zero sleep issues, and the best part, I get up every morning without any soreness.

Dawn:This was our first night using the mattress and we were both sore. So lets see if this the mattress “for athletes” for recovery we said, and off to sleep we went. It is 100% TRUE that this helps recovery. I woke up feeling like a million bucks. Shoulders, hips and knees all felt great.

Inside the Mattress

The Zoma Hybrid Mattress was specifically designed for athletes and those who lead an active lifestyle. The Triangulex™ special foam comfort layer has a 5 zone support system topped with cooling gel. Triangulex™ provides deeper compression to heavier sections of the body, like the shoulders and hips and softer support to the head, back, and legs. Cooling gel pulls heat away from the body to improve muscle recovery and reduce inflammation after a hard workout.

Reactiv™ has a latex-like feel, enabling easier movement at night and preventing heavy sinkage. Reactiv™ is the transitional layer between the Triangulex™ comfort layer and the Support+ layer. The sturdy Support+ reinforces the top layers and prevents sagging.

Next on our list are the Amerisleep AS3 memory foam mattresses with medium firmness. We like the AS3 for athletes because it’s equipped with HIVE® technology to promote healthy sleep positions and eliminate pain and soreness.

The Amerisleep AS3 comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a lengthy 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Customer reviews note how much cooler they sleep on the AS3 Hybrid mattress compared to all-foam mattresses or other hybrid mattresses. The cushioning and support improved sleeper’s pains, helping them wake up feeling refreshed in the mornings as opposed to grumpy and fatigued.

Athletes and others who are active are mostly happy with this mattress. Here is what others had to say:

Rawl: Great mattress so far! Only had it for about a month, but love it so far! Both my husband and I were long time athletes and we wake up feeling fresh every morning. But time will tell. Hopefully the warranty is as good as it seems.

Angus: As a former athlete and paratrooper, I routinely wake up stiff and hurting. I feel like I now wake up more rested and without pain. I have yet to really find big difference with the celliant covers but I’m willing to assume it has a benefit. Very satisfied with our purchase.

Norm: The one I bought was suppose to be good for people with shoulder and sports injuries. I do think it’s a little hard for those but it maybe just my specific shoulder problem and keep in mind it is hard to please everyone all the time. In summary this is a very good quality mattress with a good warranty and not much off gassing which would have been a big no no for my wife.

Inside the Mattress

The AS3, like all Amerisleep mattresses, has a soft, breathable cover that increases airflow around the mattress. This circulation prevents you from overheating and allows you to get undisturbed rest. The cover is also removable and machine washable for easy cleaning.

The first layer of the AS3 is 3 inches of pressure-relieving Bio-Pur®, a plant-based memory foam. Bio-Pur® is more breathable than traditional foam, so it works in tandem with the breathable cover to keep you sleeping comfortably. When you lay on the AS3, this layer contours to your body to alleviate pain and offer instant comfort.

Next is the 2-inch Affinity layer with HIVE® technology. HIVE® is a surface modification technology designed to offer dynamic support. Underneath your torso, head, and feet, HIVE® feels firmer and prevents uncomfortable sinkage; whereas HIVE® is softer under your shoulders and hips to allow for deeper compression and pressure relief. Not only is this mattress great for athletes, but it’s also an excellent choice for side sleepers.

The last layer of the AS3 is 7 inches of sturdy Bio-Core® serving as the base. Bio-Core® reinforces the two layers above and prevents sagging and wear and tear.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Review

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS3 Mattress

The Vaya is another go-to mattress for athletes looking to improve their sleep because it contains contouring yet breathable layers, so it promotes a cooler, more comfortable night’s rest. Plus, at $595 for a queen, the Vaya is a budget-friendly option, as well.

Vaya Sleep sells their affordable mattress online-only, so they offer free shipping and a 100-night sleep trial with every purchase. If you don’t totally love the Vaya after a couple of months, they even offer free returns, too.

How Lying Down Feels

We like the Vaya Mattress because its foams are both contouring and adaptable like memory foam but lifting and responsive like latex.  If you share the mattress with a partner, you won’t have to worry about motion transfer since these layers isolate movement; and if you’re a hot sleeper, you can goodbye to night sweats as these are airy and cooling mattress layers.

Customers who chose the Vaya have overall been very happy. Here is what some had to say:

Karen P: Very well made mattress, and I liked the idea of the hybrid. But unfortunately, it was much to firm for me. I tried to get used to it, but my hips are just too painful.

Steven M: Mattress came right on time and is very comfortable

Heather B: Excellent quality for such a price. Definitely buying it again!

Inside the Mattress

The first layer of this mattress is 3 inches of Vaya Comfort Foam to offer cushiony pressure relief. This layer contours to your body and adapts to your every movement to keep you sleeping comfortably all night long. And you’ll never overheat on this top comfort layer, either!

Next, the core of the mattress is made with sturdy poly-foam to reinforce the layers and sleeper above. The sturdy core foam of the Vaya Mattress effectively resists sagging to remain lump-free for years. Plus, Vaya backs their bed with a 10-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Vaya Mattress Review

Athletic people who want a medium-firm innerspring mattress should consider the Saatva Classic’s Luxury Firm option. The Saatva Classic doesn’t just offer medium-firm support. It also fixes a lot of the problems inherent to regular innerspring mattresses. This is because the Classic is not a true innerspring mattress. It’s an innerspring hybrid!

How Lying Down Feels

The Saatva Classic provides all the comforts you’d expect out of an innerspring mattress. It bounces just like an innerspring mattress. And it’s highly breathable all the way through, just like an innerspring mattress. So those who have gotten used to the innerspring feel don’t have to worry about losing it if they purchase the Classic.

On the other hand, you also don’t have to worry about all the problems inherent to innerspring beds when you sleep on the Classic. The adaptable pocketed coil support layer makes the Classic much more contouring than a regular innerspring mattress. It also increases the motion isolating capabilities of the bed.

Athletes who bought the Saatva looking for an innerspring mattress love it. See some reviews for yourself:

Carol: I bought a Memory Foam mattress from raymour and and I started to feel back pain after a few weeks of sinking into the mattress, (I’m Read more about review stating Man! What a bed!athletic and 38). I woke up a few time a night from the pain to switch positions. That went on for a year. It really was torture. The pain lasted all day and then at night I had to hit that terrible bed again. Finally I did my research and found Saatva. This mattress looks SUPER well-made and luxurious beyond anything I expected.

Patrik B: As someone who has led an active athletic life-style, I have had 5 knee surgeries, serious spinal/neck injuries, and most recently I was recovering from shoulder surgery. I was so excited the day our Saatva mattress arrived. The quality of this mattress and the entire buying experience couldn’t have been any better.

Jim M: I am an athletic person in my 50’s and for my particular body type, the memory foam wasn’t working. At one point my back went into such a serious muscle spasm that I ended up in the emergency room… I went from knowing literally nothing about Saatva to being one of their fans and advocates.

Mattress Construction

The Saatva Classic starts out with a three-inch contouring Euro top. This layer offers pressure relief and comfort to tired joints. It’s also wrapped in a hypoallergenic organic cotton cover treated with GuardinTM botanical antimicrobial treatment that prevents bacteria, mold, and other icky things from flourishing in your mattress. This is a boon for allergy sufferers everywhere.

Below the Euro-style pillow top, you’ll find the high-density memory foam layer. This layer increases pressure relief above and also helps the mattress transition from foam and fibers to steel coils.

The first support layer of the Classic sits right underneath the transition foam layer. These adaptable pocket coils add contoured support to the Classic to help keep your spine in optimal alignment. This is also the coil layer that helps neutralize motion transfer.

The coil layer that provides innerspring bounce and breathability is the open coil support core right below the pocketed coils. These ultra-strong coils are 13-gauge tempered steel, so you won’t have to worry about sagging for a long time.

These networked coils are also surrounded by a perimeter railing system made of high-density foam. That means the Classic mattress boasts superior edge support to go along with its dual support cores.

Another one of the most comfortable mattresses for athletes around is the Nolah Evolution 15. This ultra-thick mattress offers multiple layers of contouring foam for an incredibly luxurious feel that can relieve pressure and leave you feeling like you’re floating on a cooling mattress cloud. This excellent mattress can offer everyone from side sleepers to those who sleep hot an amazing night.

How Lying Down Feels

Lying down on the Evolution, the first thing you’ll notice is its superior contouring. The Evolution combines multiple layers of adaptable memory foam with an equally adaptable pocketed coil support core. That means this mattress can perfectly contour to your body to keep your spine in healthy alignment and cradle your pressure points.

This is also an incredibly cool mattress. It combines multiple cooling features that work together to both pull heat away from you and keep cool air flowing through the mattress. So no worries about overheating memory foam. This mattress can regulate its temperature!

Overall people love the Nolah Evolution 15 when choosing a firm bed. However, it should be noted, you really need to select the right firmness when ordering:

Hannah M: An amazing mattress! Constructed with luxuriously well made materials that are breathable and incredibly comfortable. After almost one year of sleeping on this mattress, my husband and I are still talking about how much we love it. We both are combo sleepers and feel it’s the perfect balance between soft and firm.

Anonymous: We purchased the Nolah Evolution Hybrid 15 in Plush . We originally ordered the luxury firm version but switched to plush. Excellent customer service, quality Mattress and very comfortable for side sleeping.

Joel C: Random thoughts: 1) I love my mattress. 2) It is firmer than I thought it would be, but it turns out, this is the firmness I really wanted. 3) Dealing with the Nolah call center was excellent.

Inside the Mattress

The Evolution starts off with the ArcticTexTM cooling mattress cover and quilted cooling Euro top. These two features keep the surface of your bed cool to the touch and offer an amazingly plush feel no matter which firmness level you choose.

Next, comes the AirBreathTM heat escape gusset. This gusset ensures there is nothing impeding airflow underneath your body. That allows the mattress to wick away moisture and body heat from the time you go to sleep to the time you wake up.

The comfort layer of this mattress is cooling Nolah AirFoamICETM. This graphite-infused memory foam helps conduct heat down into the mattress. The graphite infusions also create a hostile environment for microbes that could infest your bed.

Between the coils and comfort layer, you’ll find two layers of high-resilience and high-density foam. These layers create buoyancy to keep you on top of the sleep surface.

Finally, the HDMaxTM pocketed coils provide 25 percent more support than traditional coils. They’re also arranged into three zones to ensure each zone of your body gets its ideal mix of support and comfort.

Spindle takes a unique approach to mattress design by shipping the mattress in layers that are then assembled at home by the customer for their specific athletic needs. On the one hand, it’s more work for the customer. On the other, you get a custom-built mattress based on your comfort preferences.

Besides, many customers say that with the help of customer services and the how-to videos on Spindle’s website, it’s easy to assemble the layers to suit your preferences.

Spindle offers a 365-day comfort adjustment, which is their sleep trial period. They recommend a 60-day break-in period—if you don’t like the mattress, it can be returned. However, Spindle may also suggest changing the order of the layers to adjust the firmness level.

Spindle’s mattresses also come with a 10-year warranty that covers indentations over 0.75 inches, but it also has a 25-year comfort renewal program—you can contact Spindle and they’ll replace layers that have lost their comfort. However, the replacement layers come with a fee.

How Lying Down Feels

Because of the adjustable design to the Spindle Organic Latex Mattress, there’s no one way for the bed to feel. It can be soft or firm, depending on how you arrange the three latex layers. Regardless of firmness, the breathable latex and airy cotton and wool coverings ensure you’ll stay cool all night long.

Spindle is a medium firm mattress that has had great reviews so far as well:

Jenna H: There was no adjustment period. It was instant relief. I kept waking up, actually, because I was so comfortable.

Bassel: I am glad I have invested in this mattress. Now my back feels well supported sleeping on it after switching from a memory foam mattress. I got the medium firm mattress.

Deborah T: I love this bed. I was so worried because I couldn’t test it, but was not disappointed in anything. Lots of support with a soft top layer. Awesome.

Inside the Mattress

Spindle uses Dunlop latex that’s OEKO-TEX, GOLS, and Rainforest Alliance Certified:

• The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means that the entire mattress has been tested and found free of harmful levels of chemicals and emissions.
• The GOLS certification means the latex foam is at least 95 percent organic.
• The Rainforest Alliance certification has to do with the sustainability of the rubber trees where the sap for the latex is harvested.

The mattress contains three individual foam layers, with firm, medium, and soft feels. The order in which the layers are assembled affects the final firmness and feel of the mattress. In its standard order, the bed is a medium-firm mattress, but it can be firmer or softer as needed. Spindle even lets you order the layers in a certain arrangement, so the mattress arrives with your desired firmness.

Wrapped around the mattress is a zippable cotton cover with GOTS-certified fibers, with wool padding underneath that’s also certified organic. These materials work to maintain a cool, cozy temperature by pulling away heat and sweat. The wool also serves as a natural flame-resistant barrier.

The Bear mattress is 10 inches tall and contains 2 inches of graphite-gel memory foam, 3 inches of responsive poly-foam, and 5 inches of high-density foam. The polyester blend cover includes FDA-determined Celliant® technology.

The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Side sleepers may find the Bear Mattress too firm, but back and stomach sleepers will find this mattress greatly rejuvenating. For a softer bed, consider Bear’s Hybrid or Pro models.

The Bear Mattress’s cover is woven from with FDA-determined Celliant® technology, which turns your body heat into infrared energy to help your body recover.

While Bear Mattress does not have as much of a long of a track record of reviews as some of our other mattresses, we found plenty with something to say, here are a few:

Cynthia S: Great for growing athletic teenage. Great for growing athletic teenageMy growing son loves and he’s sleeping much better.

Rachel S: We love our mattress. As a general manager to a luxury fitness club, married to an athlete, this bed does wonders to alleviate the physical stressors of the day. We enjoy the comfort, support, and clean make of the product. This is my second mattress from Bear and I love it.

Janice M: Super hard mattress. Makes my hips and back hurt worse, very disappointing as I spent 700$ on it snow have to find a topper to make it comfortable.

Inside the Mattress

By infusing graphite into gel memory foam, Bear offers a layer with above-average cooling. Graphite is normally used to cool down high-powered machines like PCs, but when infused with gel, it effectively pulls heat away from the body and regulates temperature all night.

Further cooling is provided through the Celliant®-infused cover. Celliant® pulls heat from the body, transforms it into infrared energy, which is then reabsorbed back into the body. Celliant® technology may even improve blood flow and muscle recovery— a major plus for hard-working athletes.

The Bear mattress has excellent motion isolation because of its pure foam design (foam isolates motion, preventing it from traveling across the sleep surface) and is a great option for side and back sleepers.

The Zoma Boost mattress is the best luxury mattress for athletes. Its innovative design combines graphite-infused memory foam with a cooling quilted foam top for superior comfort and pressure relief.

Its unique combination of features makes it one of the most sought-after mattresses on the market today. The Zoma Boost is perfect for anyone looking for an upgrade from their current gel memory foam topper. Enjoy restful sleep without worrying about overheating with this cutting-edge cool technology.

Like other Zoma mattresses, the Zoma Boost comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

The Zoma Boost mattress is designed to offer a medium to medium-soft feel, which is typically preferred by side sleepers. The mattress has a comfortable and supportive feel, providing a good balance between firmness and softness.

Sleepers can expect to sink slightly into the mattress’s top layer of quilted foam, which conforms to their body’s shape, providing pressure relief and reducing motion transfer.

The infused memory foam in the Zoma Boost ensures that heat is drawn away from your body while you sleep, allowing you to remain cool and comfortable all night long. It also provides superior pressure relief, helping to reduce any aching or soreness associated with poor posture or sleeping on an uneven surface.

While limited on reviews, those who have responded are big fans. Here are some responses:

Michael T: My wife and I received our Zoma boost over the weekend. It provides us with a level of support and comfort our previous mattress didn’t. It is so stable that I didn’t feel when my wife climbed out of bed for work.

Shane Z: Very satisfied with the overall quality of the Zoma Boost mattress. Mattress stays cool all night and hardly notice partners movement

Santiago G: I love how soft this mattress is. My sleep has really improved and I feel rested and ready to start my days every morning.

Inside the Mattress

The mattress’s advanced cooling cover is made of a breathable, stretchy fabric that promotes airflow and helps to keep sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night. It’s swift to greet sleepers with a pleasantly icy feel, like a gentle cloud embracing the body. Quilted into this cover fabric is hypersoft foam for a pillowy feel.

The mattress’s primary comfort layer is made of graphite-infused memory foam, which provides pressure relief and reduces motion transfer. The gel infusion helps to regulate temperature and prevent heat buildup, making it ideal for sleepers who tend to sleep hot.

The next layer of the mattress is made of Reactiv™, a latex-like foam that provides support and bounce. This transition layer helps to prevent sinkage and promotes proper spinal alignment.

The mattress’s bottom layer is made of pocketed coils, providing a stable foundation for the mattress and helping to prevent sagging.

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Boost Mattress

The Purple® Hybrid mattress is 10.5 inches thick and contains 2 inches of Hyper-Elastic Polymer™, 1 inch of poly-foam, and 7.5 inches of pocketed coils. The mattress cover is made from a special blend of Lycra®, viscose, and polyester.

Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ is a unique material available only through Purple®. This gel-like substance easily adapts to any body type and sleep position, offering consistent comfort and support. The Purple Hybrid is a great option for couples, especially with differing sleep preferences. The Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ is formed into their GelFlex Grid™ system allowing for better airflow and reducing the risk of overheating.

The Purple® Hybrid mattress minimizes motion transfer while relieving pressure points. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feel

The SoftFlex mattress cover and the grid-like comfort layer creates a responsive surface with a medium feel. This gives the surface a bouncy feel, as the material is quick to flex under the body and snap back into shape.

We surveyed several athletes on what they thought about the Purple Mattress, here is what some had to say:

Casey D: This is a great mattress all around and I only have one bit of constructive criticism. I wish there was an option for heavier (260lbs+), but athletic/muscular, individuals where it was tad firmer with the same comfy top. It’s darn near perfect though.

Stephanie J: I’m athletic and need my spine in alignment no matter how I position myself. This mattress relieves my stress. Thank you.

Tory E: I’m a small female/athletic build. We took the leap and exchanged for a Purple 3 (and also upgraded to a King from Queen). We LOVE the mattress; it is both supportive and plush for a range of sleeping positions, and the extra space is a plus!

Inside the Mattress

Every Purple bed contains a top layer of Purple Grid™, a responsive material that is both soft and supportive to minimize pressure build-up. The Purple Grid™’s design has more than 1,800 air channels, guaranteeing a cool night’s rest.

When you lie down on the Purple Mattress, the grid yields to your hips and shoulders, cradling them for maximum pressure relief. The grid flexes less under your back to maintain support, ensuring a healthy spinal alignment. Two layers of poly-foam support the Purple Grid™, promoting a longer-lasting mattress.

The Sleepenvie Hunter mattress eases sore muscles from hard workouts and promotes more restorative sleep by regulating body temperature. The mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Designed with athletes in mind, Hunter is a 14-inch advanced memory foam and pocket coil hybrid mattress that promotes restorative sleep and eases sore muscles through the use of cooling technology.

Reviewers of the Sleepnvie love this mattress. While no reviewers mention being athletic, this mattess is designed with athletes in mind. Here is what some had to say:

Richard G: Very plush, as advertised, and it’s exactly what I wanted. If you don’t want a firm mattress, then I don’t see why there is any other option but this one!

Joy L: Honestly I love my Hunter mattress. I never slept better and the service I got from the Sleepenvie team was unbelievable!

Gloria J: Very happy with it! It’s comfortable. I like the fact that it’s slightly dense for a foam mattress. I sleep with my husband and I can feel slight movements when he moves but it’s not that much.

Inside the Mattress

The Sleepenvie Hunter mattress is 14 inches tall and consists of 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam, 2.95 inches of foam, 0.55 inches of foam, 7.5 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of base foam. The cover is made from polyester knit and includes an inner rayon barrier as a fire retardant.

Gel-infused memory foam mattresses absorb and disperses body heat for even temperature regulation with less risk of overheating. Each foam layer is designed to conform to the body’s natural curves to relieve pressure and reduce aches and pains. The Sleepenvie Hunter mattress also includes thick, high-density foam edging to promote excellent edge support and prevent sleepers from rolling off the bed.

Best Mattresses for Athletes Highlights and Comparison

The Importance of Sleep for Athletes

Athletes need up to 10 hours of sleep a night, especially after hard workouts or training sessions. Steady sleep schedules with adequate time spent in nREM and REM sleep cycles ensures athletes optimize their performance.

nREM and REM Sleep Cycles

Non-rapid eye movement, or nREM is the sleep phase responsible for cell division and regeneration, a vital part of muscle recovery. 80% of sleep is spent in this cycle. REM, or deep sleep, accounts for important mental processing. During REM, the brain stores information learned during the day, like muscle memory. We spend about 90 minutes each night in REM sleep cycle.

Effects of Poor Sleep

Poor sleep impacts athletic performance and could increase the risk of injury. These effects include:

• Increased Cortisol Levels Less sleep produces high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which slows down production of glycogen and carbohydrates, key components for creating energy and improving endurance.
• Poor Motor Skills Since the brain hasn’t had time to store information from the day’s activities, athletes have a slower reaction time, with less focus and impaired judgment.
• Less Energy Energy production occurs during REM sleep cycle. The less time spent in REM, the less energy is produced for the following day.
• Weight Gain Increased levels of cortisol mess with the production of both leptin and ghrelin, two chemicals responsible for storing and burning energy. Leptin tells the brain when the body is full, while ghrelin tells the brain when to eat. High levels of cortisol decrease the production of leptin and increase ghrelin levels— the body is more likely to feel hungry longer, with a delayed time to tell the brain when the body is full, resulting in weight gain.

What Athletes Should Look For in a Mattress

To find the best mattress, athletes need a bed that reduces recovery time and provides rejuvenating rest. Practicing healthy sleep hygiene won’t have an effect if athletes don’t have the right mattress to promote better sleep.

Pressure Relief

A good mattress should provide excellent pressure relief. Pressure points can build up and become inflamed from sleeping on a too hard or too soft mattress. The amount of pressure buildup varies depending on your preferred sleep position.

The conforming abilities of foam and latex give excellent pressure relief and provide deeper sleep— little to no pressure points help athletes feel more relaxed at night, improving muscle recovery with less risk of sleep disruptions.

Cooling Features

Mattresses with some type of cooling technologies, like gel foam or innerspring coils, not only regulate temperature and prevent overheating, but they also help the body get quality sleep, improve muscle recovery, and reduce inflammation.

Consider cooling bedding made from organic textiles such as bamboo, cotton or Tencel.

Support

Support refers to the resistance and recovery time of a sleep surface when pressure is applied to it. Even, balanced support should align the spine and prevent sagging. Uneven or poor support causes more pressure points and pain, less sleep, and back problems.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation is a nice feature to look for in a mattress, especially for couples and restless sleepers. Little to no motion transfer prevents sleep disruptions from movement, ensuring a good night’s rest.

Mattresses with the best motion isolation include memory foam and latex. Hybrids may have adequate motion isolation depending if the comfort layer is foam. Innersprings have the least amount of motion isolation because of its pure coil structure.

Mattress Type

The type of mattress an athlete chooses depends on personal preference. Each type of mattress has its own set of pros and cons.

Memory Foam

Memory foam reacts to body temperature— softening when heat and pressure is applied to it and bouncing back to its original shape when cool. Memory foam allows the body to slightly sink into the mattress, conforming and cushioning to relieve pressure points.

Basic memory foam mattresses almost always contains a foam comfort layer and a high-density poly-foam support layer. High-density foam provides an even sleep surface and prevents sagging.

Innerspring

Also known as the “traditional bed,” innerspring mattresses have excellent air circulation due to the open structure of their coiled support systems. Innersprings also have a responsive bounce, making movement easier, but may reduce motion isolation which could lead to more sleep disruptions.

An innerspring mattress contains a thin comfort layer made from foam or cotton and steel coil support. Some innerspring mattresses might include a pillow top for added comfort or the pillow top could stand as the only comfort layer.

Latex

Latex mattresses usually come in two forms: synthetic and natural. Synthetic latex is created through a chemical process, while natural latex is extracted from rubber trees and whipped into a foam. There are two types of natural latex— Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is denser and more durable, while Talalay latex is softer with a zoned support through strategically-placed holes.

A latex mattress contains a comfort layer of latex followed by either high-density foam or latex as the support layer.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress combines the best of foam and innersprings into one perfect mattress. Hybrid mattresses offer the benefits of both, but they also present the same drawbacks.

A basic hybrid mattress contains a 2-inch comfort layer of foam or latex and a coiled support system, usually made of pocketed coils.

Sleeping Position

Your favorite sleeping position plays a major role in the type of mattress you decide to buy. Athletes need a mattress to keep their spine in neutral alignment, but each sleep position requires a specific firmness level to achieve this. For example, a stomach sleeper needs a medium-firm to firm mattress, depending on their body weight— the firmer sleep surface prevents heavy sinking and keeps the body on top of the mattress with some contouring for pressure relief.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the most common and healthiest sleep position— athletes who sleep this way breathe easier and have a lower risk of developing sleep apnea. Sleeping on the right side, in particular, lowers the risk of acid reflux and removes pressure on vital organs like the heart and liver. Depending on body weight, athletes who sleep on their side need a soft to medium-firm mattress for extra cushioning to target pressure build-up in the shoulders and hips.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping enables athletes to naturally align the spine since the back has direct contact with the mattress sleep surface. Back sleepers need a medium to firm mattress, depending on body weight to keep the body on the surface; however, they also need a mattress that allows slight sinking of the hips to cushion the lower back and align the spine. There are some risks to back sleeping, including snoring and developing sleep apnea.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is one of the least common sleep positions. Athletes who sleep on their stomachs face more health risks, like back pain and neck strain. More weight is held in the midsection, and when athletes lie on their stomachs, gravity pulls that weight down, straightening the natural “S” curve of the spine resulting in back pain. Also, stomach sleepers twist their head to the side to breathe better, but holding this unnatural position for hours at a time puts a lot of pressure on the spine, causing neck strain.

Athletes need a medium-firm to firm bed (depending on their body weight) to prevent the hips from sinking and throwing off spinal alignment.

Body Weight

Like sleeping position, body weight plays a large role in choosing the right mattress. Bodyweight is divided into three categories— light, average, and heavy. Lightweights (less than 130 pounds) need a mattress with a soft to medium firmness; a surface soft enough to allow the body to sink into the mattress to relieve pressure.

Average weights (between 130 to 230 pounds) require a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress to prevent heavy sinking but allow for body-contouring. Heavyweights (230 pounds or more) need a medium to firm mattress to maintain consistent support without sagging.

Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Return Policies

Features to help reassure customers of a sound purchase include sleep trials, warranties, and return policies. Read the details of each to know what to expect from a mattress company, especially mattress-in-a-box brands. Online mattresses usually provide extended sleep trials with longer warranties because customers don’t get the chance to try out their bed before buying.

Sleep Trial

Sleep trials are a period of time mattress companies give customers to try out their new bed within the comfort of their own home. This trial period usually lasts between 90 to 120 nights. Sleep trials are a great way to test out a new mattress, especially since it takes about 30 days for the body to adjust to a new sleep surface.

If the customer is not happy with their new mattress during their sleep trial, the company will usually issue a full refund.

Warranty

Warranties protect against manufacturing defects, like sagging greater than 1 inch (although the depth specifications vary across brands). Before buying a new bed, check to see if a warranty is included and what sections are non prorated versus prorated. Non prorated means customers won’t have to pay shipping and handling costs for a repair or mattress replacement. Prorated refers to the percentage of the original price tag customers will need to pay for a repair or replacement.

Return Policy

If a sleep trial isn’t offered, a return policy is the next best option. Return policies last about 30 days— about the time it takes for the body to adjust to a new mattress. Return policies are shorter than sleep trials but can be just as effective. If the customer isn’t satisfied with the bed, companies will typically issue a full refund.

Choosing the Right Mattress Size

Other Things to Consider

What mattress do pro athletes use?

Many pro athletes find comfort on memory foam mattresses because they contour to the body to ease sore muscles and eliminate aches and pains. These beds are often built with cooling technologies and zoned support layers to offer a unique sleep experience and truly deliver better rest. Apart from foam beds, many athletes also love hybrids for their combination of cushioning comfort and responsive bounce.

What is the best mattress for back pain?

We recommend medium-firm and medium mattresses for sleepers with back pain. We also suggest those with back pain look for a memory foam or hybrid mattress to enjoy the benefits of pressure-relieving foam layers. What’s even more beneficial for sleepers with back pain, though, is zoned support. Look for mattresses designed to facilitate healthy alignment while also preventing pressure buildup.

What if my mattress is too firm?

Adding a mattress topper will alter the feel of the sleep surface, softening firmer mattresses or lending support to softer beds.

How do you cool down a hot mattress?

Using low thread count cotton bed sheets and switching pajamas to a lighter, breathable fabric can improve cooling at night. Keeping a window open or turning on a fan at night can also help sleepers stay cool by circulating air.

Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?

When searching for a mattress or even a budget mattress, the choice depends on your body weight and preferred sleep position. For instance, a lightweight side sleeper would typically find greater comfort on a soft mattress, whereas a heavyweight stomach sleeper would likely prefer a firm mattress.

Conclusion

Athletes require specific features in their mattresses to aid in recovery. Like everyone else, they also need a bed to keep the spine in neutral alignment while relieving pressure points, no matter the sleep position.

Pressure point relief combined with cooling features can not only provide a restful sleep, but it can accelerate blood flow and improve muscle recovery, key features for optimal performance. Some athletes may find even more pressure relief from pairing a quality mattress with an adjustable bed, setting up custom positions for comfortable sleep.