Best Mattress for Restless Leg Syndrome: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Roughly 7 to 10 percent of the U.S. population suffers from restless leg syndrome. While this condition is not life-threatening, it can wreak havoc on your ability to get a good night’s sleep. RLS, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological disorder that causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, leading to the irresistible urge to move them.

RLS symptoms occur during periods of inactivity, such as lying in bed. Moving the legs provides temporary relief; however, the discomfort typically returns once the movement stops. These symptoms can make it impossible to fall asleep and rest soundly throughout the night—leading to daytime sleepiness and the inability to focus. Over time, sleep deprivation can result in depression, anxiety, chronic inflammation, and poor immune function, says Dr. Bhavik Sheth, Physical Therapist.

If you have RLS, a new mattress may help. Although it won’t cure RLS, a supportive and comfortable sleep space can help alleviate symptoms, so you can get the rest you need. To help you shop, we outline the best mattresses for restless leg syndrome. We also offer advice on the right firmness level and mattress type for those with RLS.

Best Mattresses for Restless Leg Syndrome

1. Amerisleep AS3

If you have RLS, your mattress should be soft enough to cushion and protect the joints from pressure points. However, it should also have a slight firmness to prevent deep sinking and spinal misalignment. A medium mattress offers sleepers a perfect balance of comfort and support. When the body is cradled and the spine is neutral, muscles are more likely to relax, allowing you to slip into a deeper, more restful sleep.

Amerisleep AS3 is a high-quality medium mattress made with plant-based memory foam. Their proprietary foam, Bio-Pur®, is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and retains less heat and moisture than traditional mattress foams. The breathability of this material allows those with RLS to sleep cool and undisturbed.

In the middle of the mattress, Amerisleep’s Adaptive foam with HIVE® technology provides pressure relief and support. This responsive material is embedded with hexagonal cutouts that cushion the hips and shoulders to reduce tension. However, near the lumbar spine, cutouts are closer together and firmer to prevent sinkage that could force the spine to bow. This combination helps sleepers fall asleep quickly and wake with less pain.

The base of the AS3 is made with Bio-Core®, a durable support foam that provides further protection against misalignment and reduces the risk of sagging and indentations. A CertiPUR-US® certification backs all three layers of the AS3. Plus, these layers are resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, making it one of the best mattresses for allergy sufferers.

Amerisleep supports the quality of each of the mattresses with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

Back, side, and combination sleepers with RLS will find this comfortable and durable mattress perfect for their needs.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Review

2. Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid

When resting on one’s side, the hips and shoulders bear most of the body weight. So, it is common for tension and pressure to build up in these areas. Therefore, side sleepers with RLS may prefer a softer mattress.

Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid is a soft mattress with a foam top layer and pocketed spring coil base. Like all Amerisleep mattresses, the comfort layer is made of Bio-Pur® foam. This material is made with plant-based oils to create a safer, more responsive sleep space. Plus, Bio-Pur® is naturally breathable, allowing sleepers to rest cool and comfortable. In the AS5 Hybrid, the Bio-Pur® comfort layer is ultra-soft and conforms to the body to ease tension.

Although the AS5 Hybrid is soft, the Active Flex transition layer prevents excess sinking. This feature is great for heavier sleepers because it keeps the body lifted and aligned to reduce pressure build-up. This layer also prevents the feeling of being “stuck” in the mattress, making it easier to change positions throughout the night, and get out of bed in the morning.

The base of the AS5 Hybrid is made with pocketed spring coils. Each of these coils is individually wrapped for added comfort and accurate contouring. Coils move independently of each other, so they respond to different levels of pressure, ensuring the entire body is supported correctly. This base also has minimal motion transfer, so those with RLS are less likely to wake in the night if their spouse moves or gets out of bed.

The AS3 Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial, so you can sleep on the mattress for up to 3 months and make sure it’s right for you. It also comes with a generous 20-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects and indentations greater than .75 inches.

3. Zoma Mattress

The Zoma Mattress is a medium mattress with a gel-infused comfort layer. Like Amerisleep AS3, this bed works well for back and side sleepers and most body types. The gel microbead infusion is ideal for sleepers who tend to sleep hot. If you have RLS, overheating can make falling or staying asleep difficult. The cooling features of the Zoma Mattress keep you comfortable throughout the night, so you experience a better quality of sleep.

The Zoma’s cover features AirCloth, a stretch-knit fabric ventilated to help body heat escape the mattress. This soft, airy cover makes the mattress cool and inviting.

The comfort layer of the Zoma has 3-inches of their gel memory foam with Triangulex™ technology. This unique foam contours to the body and keeps the hips and shoulders safely aligned to alleviate pressure. The cutouts along the surface promote airflow, so the mattress is less likely to retain heat and moisture.

In the middle of the Zoma Mattress, a latex-like response foam, called Reactiv™, reduces sinking and pressure build-up, allowing muscles to fully relax and recover. This material also reduces motion transfer and potential sleep disruptions.

A sturdy foam called Support+ sits in the base of the Zoma. This material is strong enough to prevent sagging and soft enough to reduce pressure points.

You can take advantage of Zoma’s 100-night sleep trial to test out the mattress for yourself. If it’s not right for you after you break it in, they offer a full refund. The 10-year warranty also protects against structural defects such as sagging and indentations.

4. Zoma Hybrid

Like Zoma’s memory foam mattress, their hybrid also has a medium comfort level. However, this hybrid has a slight bounce many sleepers prefer. Since the Zoma Hybrid Mattress has pocketed spring coils, it offers more accurate contouring and pressure relief than traditional innerspring mattresses. If you have RLS and prefer a bed with a coil base, the Zoma Hybrid is a great option.

The 3-inch comfort layer features Zoma’s proprietary gel memory foam. The plush feel of this material immediately puts you at ease and promotes deep relaxation. The gel-infusion reduces heat retention, while the soft material cushions and protects the joints from pressure points. Beneath the top layer, Reactiv™ foam promotes a safe, neutral spine to ease muscle tension and morning aches and pains.

Supporting both these foam layers is a pocketed spring coil base. These coils evenly distribute body weight, so sleepers are never forced into uncomfortable sleep positions that put pressure on the spine. Reinforced edge support makes getting in and out of bed more comfortable and improves motion isolation.

Like their memory foam model, the Zoma Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

5. Vaya Mattress

For a high-quality bed that won’t hurt your budget, we recommend the Vaya Mattress. This bed has two hypoallergenic foam layers that work together to create a balance of pressure relief and support. Plus, both layers are backed by a CertiPUR-US® certification, ensuring the mattress is non-toxic and has minimal off-gassing when brought indoors.

The comfort layer of this mattress features Vaya foam, which has a luxurious feel and responds immediately to pressure. This material also has a natural elasticity to prevent sinkage and aligned issues. The close contouring and buoyancy of the Vaya Mattress allows those with RLS to rest comfortably and fall asleep quickly.

The durable foam in the base of the Vaya supports body weight and prevents sagging. With this sturdy base, you can place the Vaya on a slatted, solid, or adjustable bed frame.

The Vaya Mattress comes with free shipping and a 100-night sleep trial. Vaya’s 10-year warranty also covers sagging and indentations greater than .75 inches.

6. Vaya Hybrid

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the fast-acting bounce and cushioning of a hybrid bed. The Vaya Hybrid uses a combination of adaptive Vaya Foam with durable pocketed coils for optimal comfort and responsiveness. This breathable mattress makes it easier for sleepers with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) to get comfortable in bed and fall asleep.

Rather than a foam base, the Vaya Hybrid features a coil support system. The steel coils are encased in fabric to keep them quiet and prevent them from poking through the mattress. Pocketed coils add a nice bounce to your bed, ensuring you don’t sink or develop pain during sleep.

Underneath the support layer is a thin but durable base foam. This foam reinforces the coils and gives them a surface to bounce off of.

Just like with the all-foam model, Vaya offers a 100-night sleep trial for the Vaya Hybrid. They also back the Vaya Hybrid with a 10-year warranty.

How to Find the Best Mattress for Restless Leg Syndrome

If you live with restless leg syndrome, the right mattress can mean the difference between tossing and turning all night and getting a good night’s rest. If your mattress is too soft, it can cause uncomfortable sinkage, leaving you tense and unable to sleep. If your bed is too firm, pressure points can build up near the joints.

The perfect balance of cushioning and support eases tension and promotes relaxation. However, the best mattress firmness for you depends on your body type and preferred sleep position.

Below, we offer how to select the correct firmness and mattress type for your individual needs. If you have RLS, it is more important to rest on the right mattress.

Mattress Firmness

Although there is no standard firmness scale, most mattress brands rate each model from 1 to 10—1 is typically the softest, and 10 is the firmest. We highlight each firmness rating and explain the body type and sleep style they work best for.

• 1 to 2 – Soft: Lightweight sleepers (130 pounds or less) tend to sink very little. Therefore, they need a softer mattress to experience contouring and pressure relief. This comfort level is also suitable for side sleepers since it prevents tension near the hips and shoulders.
• 3 to 4 – Medium-Soft: The best mattresses for side sleeping are medium to medium-soft because they are cushioning enough to cradle the joints but firm enough to keep the hips and shoulders from sinking too far into the mattress.
• 5 – Medium: Medium mattresses are popular because they have a universal comfort level. These beds work well for average-weight individuals, between 130 and 230 pounds. They also provide a balance of cushioning and support suitable for most sleep styles, including back, side, and combination sleeping. We recommend medium mattresses for couples with different sleep styles since they’re so versatile.
• 6 to 7 – Medium-Firm: The best beds for back sleeping are medium-firm because they offer more support to the lumbar region while still protecting the joints from pressure points.
• 8 to 10 – Firm: Firm mattresses work best for heavier individuals and those who prefer stomach sleeping. This firmness offers minimal sinking, so the spine is less likely to bow and cause tension build-up.

Mattress Types

Mattresses for pressure points are made with different materials and layers that change the level of support and comfort they provide. For those with RLS, we suggest a foam mattress, either memory foam or latex; a hybrid mattress with a 2 to 3-inch foam comfort layer is also suitable.

Below, we share more about the four most common mattress styles and the comfort level they provide.

• Memory foam mattresses: Memory foam is a responsive material that molds to the body for pressure-free support. This material is great for those with chronic pain because it contours closely to the body, allowing muscles to relax and heal. Depending on the manufacturer process, memory foam can be made to feel soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-firm, or firm.
• Latex mattresses: Latex foam is made with the sap of the rubber tree, so it has a natural elasticity to reduce sinkage. Heavier people and back sleepers may prefer the slight lift they find on a latex mattress. Latex foam is available in several different firmness levels, so it is easy to find a mattress that fits your needs.
• Hybrid mattresses: A hybrid mattress with a 2 to 3-inch foam comfort layer should be suitable for those with RLS. The type of foam used in the top layer determines the feel of the bed. Hybrids made with latex foam tend to be medium to medium-firm, while hybrids made with memory foam may range from soft to ultra-firm. Pocketed spring coils in the base offer contouring and a slight bounce ideal for back sleepers and heavier individuals.
• Innerspring mattress: We suggest those with RLS avoid innerspring mattresses altogether. These beds have a coil base and a thin comfort layer made of cotton or wool. This combination creates a firmer feel that may not be comfortable for most sleep positions and body types.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you sleep with restless legs?

In most cases, back sleeping is the best position for those with restless leg syndrome. When resting on your back, bodyweight stays evenly distributed so back muscles can fully relax. However, those with sleep apnea may want to avoid back sleeping, since this position can cause the tongue to fall back and obstruct breathing.

If you have RLS, elevating the legs, either with a pillow or an adjustable base, can also improve circulation and reduce symptoms.

Does elevating the legs help restless leg syndrome?

Yes. Some experts believe that elevating the legs to a 45-degree angle can increase blood flow and improve restless leg symptoms. An adjustable base allows sleepers to lift the head and legs during sleep. For those with RLS, this is particularly helpful because it makes elevating the legs easy and reduces symptoms so they can fall asleep quickly.

Can magnesium help with restless leg syndrome?

Many experts believe that restless leg syndrome is due to a vitamin deficiency, particularly vitamins D, C, E, and magnesium. Research does show that those with RLS found relief by taking one or several of these supplements. However, if you believe your restless leg syndrome is due to a vitamin deficiency, we suggest speaking with your doctor before taking any supplements.

What foods help restless leg syndrome?

Magnesium and iron deficiency have both been linked to restless leg syndrome. Foods rich in these vitamins and minerals, such as dark leafy greens, beans, and bananas, may be able to provide relief.

Does restless leg syndrome ever go away?

If a specific medical condition brought on your RLS, symptoms may decrease as the condition improves. However, most cases of RLS get worse over time and rarely disappear on their own.

Conclusion

If you believe you have restless leg syndrome, be sure to talk to your doctor. “Together, you and your doctor can develop an effective treatment plan to reduce symptoms and keep them from worsening. In some cases, prescription medications and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, may provide relief,” says Dr. Bhavik Sheth, Physical Therapist.