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

As a senior, you may have different considerations when mattress shopping. Aching joints and potential medical conditions means you need a bed with pressure-relieving support. If your old mattress is sagging, it could be contributing to chronic pain issues and sleep disruptions. The right mattress aligns the spine with body-contouring properties for excellent pressure relief.

We list our favorite mattress options to help alleviate these issues seniors may face regarding sleep.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

View on Amerisleep
Read 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 Zoma
Read 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

6 Best Mattresses for Seniors

The Amerisleep AS3 is a 12-inch, memory foam mattress and currently Amerisleep’s top-selling bed. It’s loved by seniors who change positions frequently throughout the night or who sleep on their sides.

Compared to other Amerisleep mattresses, the AS3 has the best balance of cushioning and support to suit all types of sleepers. Other Amerisleep beds with a medium firmness include the AS3 Hybrid and Organica.

The cover of the AS3 is made with a lightweight, breathable fabric designed to keep air flowing throughout the bed. It is also removable and washable to help preserve the life of the mattress.

The Amerisleep AS3 contains three, open-cell foam layers. The first is 3 inches of Bio-Pur® memory foam. Castor oil partially replaces some of the petroleum during the manufacturing process, resulting in little to no off-gassing and foam that is more breathable than traditional memory foam.

The second layer, the Affinity layer, features 2 inches of cloud-like memory foam with HIVE® technology. HIVE® uses groupings of foam hexagons to relieve pressure points in five zones of the body. HIVE® keeps your spine aligned while providing targeted comfort and support no matter your sleep position.

Bio-Core® is the third and final layer of the Amerisleep AS3 mattress. 7 inches of high-density foam evenly support the body without the risk of sagging.

Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial. Give yourself a minimum of 30 nights to test your new mattress. If it doesn’t work for you, they’ll help you donate your mattress to a local charity and refund your money.

All Amerisleep mattresses come with a 20-year warranty. The first 10 years is a full replacement warranty in the event of a defect. The last 10 years are prorated, which means you’ll pay a portion of the cost of repair or replacement.

The Zoma Mattress is an 11-inch, memory foam mattress specifically designed for athletes. We included the Zoma Mattress because while it helps improve muscle recovery in adults with active lifestyles, its optimal cooling features can reduce inflammation from sore, aging joints for a better night’s sleep.

Lots of elderly Zoma Mattress owners note how they never realized how uncomfortable and pain-inducing their old mattresses were until they switched beds. Now, they commend the Zoma Mattress for soothing their chronic joint and muscle pain and finally helping them get to sleep.

The top layer of 2-inch Triangulex™ features hundreds of triangular segments, constructed to form a 3-zone support system—firmer support to the back with softer support to the shoulders and hips.

The transitional layer contains 2 inches of Reactiv™ foam, a latex-like material to align the spine and make it easier to switch sleep positions at night. The 7-inch Support+ base foam reinforces the top layers and prevents sagging.

While the Zoma Mattress was Zoma’s flagship product, they now offer the Zoma Start and Zoma Hybrid. The Zoma Start has a firmer feel than the Zoma Mattress, while the Zoma Hybrid is softer and bouncier.

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

The Nolah Original 10” mattress contains three layers of foam. This mattress, designed for side sleepers, will be a great option for the majority of seniors. The mattress’s medium feel causes less pressure on the hips, back, and shoulders. Lots of customers note reduce neck and shoulder pain once they switched to the Nolah Original 10”.

The Nolah Original 10” has a soft, breathable cover made from viscose to keep you cool and dry. 2 inches of temperature-neutral AirFoam™ offers contouring support that won’t leave you feeling trapped in the mattress. The middle layer is a 1-inch, supportive, high-resilience foam that provides some bounce. The bottom layer of this mattress is 7 inches of breathable high-density foam— it increases durability and boosts the support and contouring of the upper layers.

If you prefer a softer or thicker bed, Nolah also offers the Nolah Signature 12” and Nolah Evolution 15”. Even then, the Nolah Original 10” is Nolah’s most popular bed.

Nolah offers a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime limited warranty. Sleep on it for a minimum of 30 nights, and if you don’t love it, they’ll send a driver to pick it up for free. The warranty has limits and conditions, so as always, it’s a good idea to go over it before purchasing.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

The Bear Mattress is 10 inches thick, all foam, and medium-firm. While the mattress is designed for athletes, seniors can benefit from the recovery features of this mattress as well. Plenty of elderly individuals who own the Bear Mattress talk about how sleeping on this bed has helped with their chronic pain and that they wake up feeling refreshed every morning.

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.

The Bear mattress contains three layers of CertiPUR-US® certified foam. The 2-inch top layer of graphite-gel memory foam removes excess body heat while conforming to the body to relieve pressure points. The 3-inch responsive transitional foam balances support and make it easier to move at night. The 5-inch foam base layer provides durability for long-lasting performance.

Bear mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial. Try it for a minimum of 30 nights, and if it’s not the right mattress for you, you’ll get a full refund. There’s no need to ship it back since Bear will work with you to donate your mattress to a local charity.

The company offers a 10-year warranty on this mattress and will repair or replace it in case of a defect. Be sure to read the fine print for more details before you buy.

The Avocado Green Mattress uses both natural Dunlop latex and recycled steel coils for an eco-luxurious hybrid mattress experience. The mattress features 2 inches of Dunlop latex, 8 inches of individually-wrapped tempered steel coils, and 1 inch of Dunlop latex as a base foam.

The cover is GOTS organic-certified cotton, which keeps the surface cool and fresh-feeling. The underlying GOTS organic certified wool adds breathability and temperature control. It acts as an effective fire barrier as well.

Natural Dunlop latex is similar in feel to memory foam— latex foam conforms to the body, relieving pressure points and aligning the spine. Unlike memory foam, latex sleeps cooler, reducing the risk of overheating. Latex is also responsive so it is easy to roll over, as backed by seniors in customer reviewers.

Pocketed coils provide pressure point relief, reduced motion transfer, and great edge support. This coiled support layer includes a 5-zone system for even body support and spinal alignment.

The Avocado Green Mattress has a medium-firm feel, but for those looking for something softer can add a 2-inch Dunlop latex pillow top for an extra fee ($400 for a queen-size). All the layers are bound together with needle-tufted rosettes to give the mattress a look of quality and eliminate the need for adhesives. Not only that, but the Avocado Green Mattress comes in a vegan variation for plant-based shoppers or people with wool allergies.

Avocado offers a 365-night sleep trial— if you’re not in love with the mattress, Avocado will work with you to donate the bed to a local charity, and you’ll get a full refund. The mattress also comes with a 25-year limited warranty. There are conditions and limitations, so you’ll want to read through the warranty carefully before purchasing.

The Purple Mattress is 9.5 inches tall and many seniors with chronic pain issues may find a lot of relief from the bed’s Purple Grid™. The Purple Grid™ gives you a floating sensation while ensuring proper spinal alignment. If you need a lot of pressure relief, the Purple Mattress could be just what you’re looking for.

The Purple Mattress has three layers— 2 inches of the Purple Grid™, 3.5 inches of poly-foam, and 4 inches of high-density base foam. The Soft-Flex™ cover is a polyester blend, which provides a non-toxic knit fire barrier since Purple uses no chemical fire retardants. The cover is stretchy to allow the grid system to flex.

Next to the Purple Mattress, Purple also offers the Hybrid and Hybrid Premier. Unlike their flagship model, the Hybrid and Hybrid Premier contains a coil support layer. Regardless, they still include the popular Purple Grid™.

The Purple Mattress comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty. Purple asks that you give yourself at least 21 days to adjust to your new mattress before initiating a return. As with any warranty, there are terms and conditions, so it’s a good idea to read them over before you buy.

Most Common Sleeping Problems for Seniors

As we age, our bodies start to break down and become more fragile; this make us more susceptible to medical conditions and sleep disorders. Seniors need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, but because of circumstances, adults over the age of 55 struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Medical conditions

Medical conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain are common among seniors. Loss of sleep may also be a symptom from prescribed medication and treatment.

Even asthma and allergies can cause you to lose sleep, necessitating a hypoallergenic mattress.

• Arthritis

Occurs when joints become inflamed from overuse. Arthritis can occur in any area of the body.

• Fibromyalgia

Medical condition involving widespread musculoskeletal pain. Fibromyalgia amplifies pain sensations due to signals from the brain.

• Chronic Pain

Chronic pain refers to pain lasting more than three months. Chronic pain is caused by nerves that continue to fire pain signals even after an injury is healed.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders can occur naturally from stress or anxiety, or as a side effect of medication.

Insomnia

Insomnia occurs when an individual struggles to fall asleep, keeps waking up at night, and has trouble falling back asleep.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when gravity causes soft tissue at the back of the throat to collapse. Sleep apnea most often occurs in men over the age of 45 and individuals who prefer to sleep on their backs.

What Should Seniors Look For in a Mattress?

Seniors should look for a mattress with excellent support, pressure relief, and cooling features. An adjustable bed for seniors is another feature well-worth looking into.

Spinal Support

A mattress that keeps the spine aligned at night is a feature that should be sought after by all types of sleepers, not just seniors. Proper spinal alignment reduces the risk of back and neck pain, and may even alleviate some medical conditions.

Edge Support

A mattress with excellent edge support reduces the risk of sleepers rolling off the bed at night, especially for those who share their bed with a sleep partner or for sleepers who like to sleep on the edge of the mattress. Edge support also makes it easier for seniors to get in and out of bed.

Pressure Relief

No matter your preferred sleep position, pressure builds up in heavier sections of the body, causing pain and discomfort. Pressure buildup could worsen existing pain or aggravate medical conditions. Memory foam and latex are the best types of beds to relieve pressure. Pressure relief may improve sleep quality.

Cooling Features

For hot sleepers or those with inflamed joints, a mattress with built-in cooling features are a great way to achieve excellent comfort and better sleep. Cooling features include natural materials like latex, open-cell technology and infusions of gel, copper, and graphite in memory foam, or the open coil structure in innersprings and hybrids.

Adjustable Base

Sleepers can customize the angle of their adjustable bed by elevating the head and/or feet with the convenient click of a button. Adjustable bases are an excellent choice for seniors who struggle with mobility— the base makes it much easier to get in and out of bed, and can even improve sleep and alleviate symptoms of certain medical conditions.

All of our favorite mattress options we share in this article are compatible with an adjustable base.

Best and Worst Mattress Type for Seniors

There are four main types of mattresses on the market today— memory foam, innerspring, latex, and hybrids. Each mattress type comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For seniors, we recommend memory foam or latex as the best choice because of their contouring pressure relief properties.

Memory Foam Mattresses

One of the best mattress options for seniors are memory foam mattresses. Memory foam contours to the body’s natural curves, relieving pressure points and reducing pain. While memory foam runs the risk of heat retention, memory foam beds with open-cell technology and cooling features like gel, copper, or graphite easily solves this problem.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses, while excellent in support, may not be the best choice for seniors. Innerspring mattresses contain a thin comfort layer of foam or fiber padding that rests on top of a coiled support layer— the thin comfort layer may not be enough to relieve pressure points, and could actually cause pressure to build resulting in increased levels of pain.

Latex Mattresses

Another great option for seniors is latex mattresses. Latex shares similar properties with memory foam— its ability to conform to the body and relieve pressure points. However, unlike memory foam, latex naturally sleeps cooler and has a responsive bounce, making movement easier for seniors who struggle to get out of bed in the morning.

Hybrid Mattresses

The comforting feel of memory foam with the responsive support of pocketed coils combine to form the perfect mattress— the hybrid. A true hybrid must have a comfort layer at least 2 inches thick and a coiled support layer. Hybrid mattresses could be a good choice for seniors, but be aware that hybrid mattresses run the risk of overheating with less pressure relieve compared to memory foam and latex beds.

Best Sleeping Position for Seniors

Medical conditions like joint pain, back pain, and other chronic pain issues can force you to change your sleep position. No matter which sleeping position you prefer, the best mattress for your needs will increase your comfort level and allow you to get a good night’s sleep.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the most common sleeping position. Side sleepers breathe better and place less pressure on their vital organs lying on the right side. The best mattress for side sleepers is a soft to medium-firm mattress, depending on your body weight.

Back Sleeping

Back sleepers breathe better and are able to easily align the spine because the spine is in direct contact with the sleep surface. Back sleepers have a higher risk of snoring and developing sleep apnea— soft tissue may collapse at the back of the throat due to weakened muscles and gravity. This sleeping position is usually more comfortable with a medium to firm mattress for back sleeping.

Stomach Sleeping

Sleeping on your stomach isn’t recommended because this sleep position can cause lower back pain and neck problems. It can also cause you to wake with tingling and numbness in your arms if you sleep with your arms overhead. The proper mattress for stomach sleeping can ease these concerns, but many sleep experts still advocate against the position.

Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to keep the hips from sinking and throwing off spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers are the most likely to wake up with lower back pain. The best for seniors who sleep on their stomachs is a medium-firm to extra firm mattress.

Saving on Mattresses for Seniors

Older shoppers can save significantly by shopping the best mattress sales of the year:

• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Best Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Best Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Best Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

Other Things to Consider

What type of mattress is best for the elderly?

Sleep position will dictate what kind of mattress is best for each elderly individual. The mattress also needs to accommodate any joint problems or medical issues you have. A memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattress will give you the additional comfort your aching joints need.

As for firmness, most will be more comfortable on a medium or medium-soft mattress unless you’re a dedicated back sleeper. In which case, the recommendation is a medium to medium-firm mattress.

How high should a bed be for an elderly person?

If a bed is too low or too high, it can contribute to falls. Low beds can be too difficult to get out of without help or side-rails. When a bed is too high, it can cause you to slip.

According to the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, an appropriate height for an elderly person’s bed is between 20-23 inches when measured from the floor to the top of the mattress. Of course, there can be exceptions, depending on your height and leg length. Once you think you have the right height, you can confirm by sitting on the mattress with your feet on the floor. If your hips are lower or higher than your knees, it means further adjustment is required.

Do you need a softer mattress as you get older?

It all depends on your specific sleep needs. As we age, we tend to lose weight and “shrink” so to speak, and more petite sleepers do need softer mattresses. However, this isn’t the case for everybody—some seniors feel just as comfortable on medium and medium-firm mattresses now as they did years ago. If you’re a senior with back pain, you’ll also probably want to stick with a medium mattress for adequate back support.

You can find the best mattress firmness by considering your sleeping style, body type, and frequency and severity of existing aches and pains.

What’s the best mattress for arthritis and chronic pain?

The best mattresses for arthritis and chronic pain are ones that can nurture a healthy spine and ease pressure in the joints. A lot of times, chronic back pain stems from sleeping in wonky positions. If your mattress cannot support you in a healthy position as you rest for 7 to 9 hours, you’re likely to feel stiff and sore in the morning, and over time, this can lead to frequent back pain.

Pain in the joints can stem from a too-firm mattress. Mattresses that offer adequate pressure relief can prevent arthritis pain and help you wake up in the morning feeling refreshed (rather than achy). When comparing potential new mattresses, look for one with zoned support technology, as well. These technologies allow for deeper pressure relief under the joints, which is a major bonus for those with joint pain. Even better? Zoned technologies naturally contribute to healthy spinal alignment while sleeping, too.

Are foam mattresses safe for elderly sleepers?

Yes, many elderly sleepers love foam mattresses for their pressure-relieving qualities. Foam beds can ease aches and pains, distribute weight evenly, and allow for weightless, comfortable rest. We should mention, foam beds are not one-in-the-same when it comes to quality. When looking for high-quality foam beds, you should check to ensure it contains both high-density and low-density foam layers and is CertiPUR-US® certified. This certification ensures a product is free from harmful chemicals and low in VOCs.

Conclusion

Everyone needs a good night’s sleep, but this can be more elusive for seniors due to problems brought on by aging, such as painful joints and medical conditions. The best mattress will be dictated by your body type as well as any issues you need to address.

Don’t forget to look through the mattress reviews when you find one you like. Users leave valuable information that can help you make the most informed mattress choice possible.

Moreover, make sure to check the mattress warranties before making a final purchase, as different brands offer different warranty periods and coverage. Taking the time to research and understand your warranty can help you make a more informed decision and ensure that your investment in a new mattress is protected.