Best Mattress for Seniors to Buy in 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.

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.

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.

How Lying Down Feels

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 senior customers rave about the Amerisleep AS3, here is what some had to say:

Gary: It is our primary bed. I’m 6’4″ and 239, my wife is 5’5″ and 120. The bed however adjusts fine for both of us and has helped lower back pain. It is slightly difficult for me to roll over as you sink a bit into the bed. Not so for my wife. We are both seniors. I would recommend the bed to anyone who has been waking up with back or hip pain.

Gma and Gpa H: Since my husband and I are very senior citizens, we had to have a mattress that would give our old bones enough support and at the same time, not be too hard. We are so pleased with the Amerisleep AS3 mattress, since it has proven to provide these requirements for us.

Bill: Of course it doesn’t help all of our back issues we are older but my husband can sleep a full night without having to toss and turn due to pain hot spots and that is a blessing!

Inside the Mattress

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 mattresses.

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.

See Also: Best Split King Size Mattress

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS3 Mattress

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.

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.

How Lying Down Feels

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.

Seniors love the Zoma. Here are some reviews:

Gabriel R: Both of my parents have really enjoyed the bed sofar and feel that it’s a great improvement.

Claudia H: I expected to take 5-7 days to adjust to a new mattress. This was not true with my new Zoma hybrid. I slept good the first night. I’m happy with my mattress.

Miriam B: I am the proud and happy owner of my new Zoma hybrid memory foam Queen mattress. As a 75 year old woman who has been active all her life this is the bed I have always dreamed of and now sleep so well upon.

Inside the Mattress

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.

See Also: 8 Reasons to Get the TV Out of Your Bedroom

If you’re on the hunt for a comfortable and durable mattress for seniors that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Vaya Hybrid. This mattress offers an excellent balance of cushioning and support, making it ideal for those who like to switch up their sleep positions. It’s also perfect for side sleepers who want a bit more lift thanks to its ultra-contouring foam that provides exceptional pressure relief.

How Lying Down Feels

The Vaya may be one of the cloudiest cloud mattresses on this list because it offers buoyant softness and breathability. This is all thanks to its construction that promotes air circulation throughout every layer to wick away heat and moisture all at once.

The medium feel of the Vaya Hybrid also makes it one of the firmer cloud mattresses on this list. This means it’s perfect for heavier side sleepers and combination sleepers who need a little bit more versatility in the firmness department.

We read through several reviews of this Vaya Mattress and found several to be very helpful:

Misty A: We’ve had our hybrid Vaya for 3 years. It’s fantastic. I sleep hot and I am very comfortable. Soft and supportive at the same time. It’s like the Goldilocks of mattresses. It’s just right. Perfection.

Gail H: I’m still getting used to my new mattress, but I think it will be perfect once I get a body pillow to cushion my knees when I sleep on my side.

Cooper: NO back pain for the first time in DECADES!

Inside the Mattress

Despite its affordability, the Vaya Hybrid is built to last. With only four internal layers, it’s able to provide quality sleep without compromising on price. All four layers are encased in a lightweight, cooling cover that promotes air circulation to keep you cool and dry throughout the night. Underneath the cover, you’ll find a thick cotton cushion that adds to the plush feel.

The next layer is made of ultra-porous memory foam, which offers contouring and pressure relief without causing overheating. This layer sits on top of the pocketed coil layer, which provides both support and bounce to prevent sinkage and promote proper spinal alignment. These coils also feature edge support that can make it easier for an older individual to slide out of bed in the morning.

Finally, a durable base foam layer adds stability and support to the pocketed coils, ensuring that this mattress will last for at least a decade.

See Also: Best Adjustable Beds in 2023

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”.

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.

How Lying Down Feels

Nolah’s special AirFoam™ has a cushioning, responsive feel—similar to traditional memory foam mattresses, AirFoam™ conforms to the body, relieving pressure points without trapping heat or making the sleeper feel stuck inside the mattress. The mattress is also encased in soft, natural viscose material to wick away moisture.

Based on customer feedback, the Original 10” helped relieve their bodily pain and made it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Here is some other feedback:

Kim J: The bed is great. It cradles me. I have MS and it is hard for me to turn over in the bed but it doesn’t have pressure spots so it doesn’t hurt my hips.

Anna G: At first I loved it but now I think it’s a little too hard and not as soft as I was hoping it would be

Anonymous: Very comfortable right off the first night. Good for my aches and pains. This bed is a beauty. I totally recommend for a soft comfy bed. I am very happy with this bed and I am so picky.

Inside the Mattress

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.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Hip Pain

If you’re looking for an innerspring mattress with excellent support, look no further than the Saatva Classic. With two coil units and multiple firmness options, the Saatva Classic is sure to meet your comfort standards. The Saatva Classic comes in soft plush, luxury firm, and firm variations. We love the luxury firm for its versatility and how well it suits different people.

The Saatva Classic includes free white glove delivery, a 180-night sleep trial, and a 15-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

The Saatva Classic is a luxury mattress that prioritizes responsiveness with its dual-coil design, although its surface also focuses on maintaining clean cushion and providing targeted back support. Despite the pillow top, sleepers will experience little unwanted sinkage as they stretch out on the luxury firm option.

While there is little feedback on the company website for the Saatva Classic, here are some reviews:

Kristen A: Really comfy so far! Unrolling it and watching/hearing it puff back up to full size was a hoot. My back feels much better after a week or two with it.

Tamir A: Amazing bed, I prefer medium firmness beds and this fits exactly what I was looking for. (Along with all the health benefits!) Highly recommend to anyone

Rodney G: My Organic Hybrid Mattress is very comfortable after a month of use. I am sleeping longer and better than with my old coil spring mattress with box spring.

Inside the Mattress

As Saatva’s best-selling mattress, the Saatva Classic has an incomparable design. The top layer of the bed is a 3-inch Euro pillow-top filled with organic cotton. It’s also treated with Saatva’s Guardin™ botanical formula, which prevents bacteria and microbes from growing on the bed.

Next is a layer containing hundreds of pocketed micro-coils. These miniature steel coils are designed to isolate motion and contour under your body to keep you comfortable. With that, the coils allow for more airflow throughout the mattress. On either side of the micro-coil layer is memory foam built to maximize pressure relief and support.

At the base of the mattress are more coils made from tempered steel. The coils support your spine while also being an excellent foundation for the bed, preventing wear over time.

See Also: 9 Benefits of a Zero Gravity Bed

Spindle takes a unique approach to mattress design by shipping the mattress in layers that are then assembled at home by the customer. 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 memory foam mattresses. 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.

See Also: Best Mattress for Herniated Disc

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.

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.

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:

Doug D: I’ve slept on BEAR’S Original — Hybrid for a month. I’ve got my aches and pains, but some are now less. I don’t toss & turn nearly as much. I’ll never looking back on my number bed – ugh! This bear gets more rest in my new “den.” I’m very glad I didn’t get a mattress thicker than the 10″ this comes in.

Libertine L: The Bed firm but at the same time is comfortable to sleep in. I got it together with the free pillows (which were fluffy) and a bedsheet set. Overall, I had a relaxing sleep in this mattress.

Kelly A: Bed was of good quality, but more firm than medium-firm for my partner and I (back/side sleeper; side/stomach sleeper). Return process went pretty smoothly. Would recommend for those looking for a nice firm mattress!

Inside the Mattress

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 mattress 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.

See Also: Best Adjustable Beds for Back Pain

Pillow tops are a common feature to give a mattress deeper cushion. While traditionally they’re associated with standard innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses and even some all-foam mattresses can have a pillow top for added comfort. The Helix Midnight Luxe is one such hybrid mattress and is an updated version of the brand’s original Midnight model.

The Helix Midnight Luxe comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty. As a side note, the original Midnight mattress only has a 10-year warranty, so shoppers benefit not only from greater comfort but increased coverage with the upgraded model.

How Lying Down Feels

The Helix Midnight Luxe has a medium feel, although Helix gives it a relatively wide range on the firmness scale for a medium bed. How it feels to you will depend on the pressure you exert on the mattress, though the majority of sleepers should find its surface pleasantly balanced between support and cushion.

Shoppers who bought the Helix Midnight Luxe are overall happy, but some feel it is too much of a firm mattress:

Kim J: Wonderful bed that allows me to sleep better right on my back. Do wish it was a bit softer.

Daniela J: He is a stomach sleeper and I have a herniated disc. A medium feel mattress sounded reasonable. This mattress sinks so much! My husband has experimented pain because of this mattress, pain that he didn’t have before.

Dana D: No regrets at all. This mattress is comfy and cool. I have a lot less neck and back pain since I started sleeping on it. The 100 night return policy was the selling feature and says a lot about customer satisfaction across the board.

Inside the Mattress

Shoppers can choose what cooling fabric cover their Helix mattress has. The default is Tencel fabric, made with partly natural fibers for cool, dry comfort. However, they can upgrade to the GlacioTex Cooling Cover for an added charge,

The Helix Midnight Luxe has a straightforward design typical of a hybrid mattress. The main comfort layers are the top layer of MemoryPlus Foam and the underlying layer of gel visco foam. These foam layers establish the bed’s compressive cushion for pressure relief.

The transition foam is engineered to provide responsive body support, while also increasing comfort by limiting sinkage. The base is pocketed coils, arranged for softer support for the shoulders and firmer hip support to maintain spine alignment. These coils rest on a sturdy based foam named DuraDense for its dense durability.

SEE ALSO: Best Pillow Top Mattresses

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.

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.

How Lying Down Feels

The Avocado Green mattress is a hybrid mattress made with latex foam and innerspring coils—so you get the contouring of foam but a slight bounce from the spring coils. For a more luxury firm feel, you can opt to add a European-style topper to the Avocado Green mattress, giving the comfort layer a full 5 inches of plush latex foam.

While Seniors mostly are happy with the Avocado Green, some report the mattress is hard to flip as recommended:

Carol O: We are senior citizens. 77 and 84. Just love these mattresses. We don’t wake up with neck or back pain and feel so good knowing there are no toxic materials.

Linda M: Very comfortable mattress. As seniors, it is very heavy so we are unable to turn it as recommended. We now have a small “hill” between us.

Susan H: As a senior citizen female who lives alone, I find this challenging. Because there are no synthetic fabrics used, the mattress doesn’t slide when rotating.

Inside the Mattress

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 a memory foam mattress, 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.

See Also: Best Mattress for Spinal Stenosis

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 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.

How Lying Down Feels

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 hundreds of people on what they thought about the Purple Mattress, here is what some had to say:

Michael J: We’ve had our original Purple mattress for over a month but knew the first night we made the right decision.

Marilyn J: The mattress, sheets and mattress cover have been just okay. I was hoping for better – my sleep has not improved and I still have muscle soreness when I wake up.

Thomas P: I have had the best sleep do my life on this mattress, I am sure every other review says the same but it is true. There are some issues with the mattress, but it is just the both gritty, but other than the minuscule problems it is a great mattress.

Inside the Mattress

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™.

See Also: Ten Best Mattresses for Osteoporosis

Best Mattresses for Seniors Highlights And Comparisons

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.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Insomnia

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 (Learn more about the best mattresses for snoring). 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:

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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.