Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
The best mattresses for seniors are difficult to sort through because everyone has individual needs and preferences. One thing’s for sure, though: Your mattress is one of the most important investments you can make. As you age, you need a comfortable mattress, but also one that’s highly supportive, and for many older folks, pressure-relieving. It’s also not uncommon to experience mobility issues as you age, meaning that you might also want to look for a mattress that can lift you up and out of the bed with ease. It can be a tough order trying to find a mattress that checks all these boxes, but that’s where we come in.
Below, we’ve assembled the absolute best mattresses for seniors on the market today. The selection process for these mattresses involved running these models through tests in our mattress lab. We tested these beds in a variety of categories, but for seniors, we paid special attention to the balance of comfort and support. We wanted pressure-relieving models that alleviate pain, but are also supportive enough to keep the spine neutrally aligned and make it easy to get on and off the mattress.
These beds range from the soft and plush to bouncy and firm, and are particularly great for adults over the age of 65. We’ll go over all our picks and then round things out by providing some mattress-buying tips at the bottom of the article. If you’re still not sure of the right mattress at the end of this article, you can take our mattress quiz to find your perfect fit.
Our Top Pick For Seniors
We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as our top pick for seniors because of its balance of comfort and support, which helps combat aches and pains.
Best Mattresses for Seniors 2024
- Best Overall Mattress for Seniors – Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best Firm Mattress For Seniors – DreamCloud Original
- Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors – Saatva
- Best Hybrid Mattress for Seniors – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Pressure Relief for Seniors – Nolah Evolution
- Best Mattress for Senior Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Pillow Top Mattress for Seniors – WinkBed
- Best Mattress for Heavyweight Seniors – Titan Plus
Key Highlights
Plus: Fast Facts about Older Adults
- 50% of elders complain about not getting good quality sleep.
- The average mattress for seniors costs between $524-$1,874.
- The best mattress for seniors has plenty of support for good spinal alignment, has strong edge support and has great pressure relief for the shoulders, hips and lower back.
- The cost of a new mattress may be partially covered by Medicare, so make sure to do some research to get the best price.
- Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta says: “A mattress can either alleviate or worsen lower back pain based on its features. So be sure to invest in a high quality, durable mattress that promotes proper spinal alignment, medium-firm to firm support and great motion isolation from materials like memory foam, latex or zoned support”.
Best Mattress for Seniors Video Review
What We Look For In The Best Mattresses For Seniors
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the solidness of the edges of your mattress. This can be especially important for older sleepers because a saggy edge can make it more challenging to get in and out of bed and make a mattress less comfortable. For this reason, we paid special attention to how supportive the edges of each mattress we tested are.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature regulation is important in every mattress, but as we get older, our body struggles to regulate our temperature. Because of this, we were sure to test the cooling properties of all of the mattresses on this list with a thermal gun to make sure you can stay cool and temperature regulated throughout the night.
Support
The support of your mattress is incredibly important, especially if you are an older sleeper. Support can be helpful for pain relief, comfort, and more, so we were sure to test how supportive all of the mattresses on this list are by looking out for things like spinal alignment, pressure relief using a pressure map and lifting properties to ensure you are getting support in critical areas depending on how you sleep.
Compare the Best Mattresses for Seniors
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| Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Best Overall Mattress for Seniors – Helix Midnight Luxe
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness. The Midnight is one of their medium models. It has enough contouring for side sleepers, but should still be supportive enough for back sleepers, as long as they don’t mind a softer bed. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I like the Helix Midnight Luxe for back sleepers and side sleepers. The medium-soft to medium-firm feel should give these folks the right balance of comfort and support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
The Midnight Luxe, our top pick for seniors, is a hybrid bed similar to the standard Helix Midnight, but with an added cushiony pillow top and zoned support. It provides pressure relief in all the right places (shoulders, hips, and lower back), and it keeps us feeling cushioned and cool. This cozy pressure relief may be beneficial for older folks who experience joint or back pain, while the sturdy coils below provide tons of support.
Best Firm Mattress for Seniors – DreamCloud Original
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Expert Opinion
The DreamCloud Original is a firmer luxury hybrid mattress that’s supportive yet comfortable for seniors. They should feel lifted by the mattress’s layer of sturdy coils while lying down, which can assist with pain in the joints and in the lumbar region. If they sink too far into a bed, the aches they experience in these areas could worsen.
Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors – Saatva
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Built with a sturdy coil-on-coil construction, the Saatva Classic has a traditional innerspring feel that’s supportive, versatile, and full of quality materials. That’s why we picked it as our best luxury mattress for seniors; its construction contains features absent from many standard mattresses. If you’re an older person with back pain, you may especially enjoy this bed. Its firm nature helps set the spine in a healthy, neutral alignment. In turn, this keeps the hips lifted in line with the lower back and shoulders, which may help alleviate back pain. Plus, with two height options and three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm), you can pick the Saatva that’s just right for you.
Best Hybrid for Seniors – Bear Elite Hybrid
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
Hybrid mattresses make great options for seniors because the foams provide the pressure relief and contouring for joint pain, while the coils provide the support for back pain. The Bear Elite Hybrid does both of these things, and for many other reasons, it’s our favorite hybrid bed for seniors. During testing, we found this mattress has a more “on top of” feel and great edge support, making it easier to get up and off the bed.
Best Pressure Relief for Seniors – Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
While there are many great aspects of growing older, increased joint pain isn’t one of them. Luckily, the Nolah Evolution is a mattress we’ve found to offer exceptional pressure relief. Support layers of coils and foam provide a sturdy foundation for the top foam layers and luxurious pillow top cover. These top layers provide a cool-to-the-touch, soft-as-a-cloud, sinking-in feeling. This helps reduce pain, especially for side sleepers who experience pressure at the shoulder or hip. Available in a Plush, Luxury Firm, or Firm option, the Nolah Evolution mattress makes a versatile option for achieving pressure relief.
Best Mattress for Senior Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid offers pressure relief with its soft cotton cover and foam comfort layer, but it also provides support with its sturdy coil system and high-density base foam. The Signature Hybrid is available in a Soft, Medium, or Firm model, so you can choose the firmness level that works best for you. We tested the Medium model and felt its balanced construction helped promote proper spinal alignment for back sleepers.
Best Pillow Top Mattress for Seniors – WinkBed
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Pillow top mattresses can be great beds for seniors, but what sets the WinkBed apart is its super-sturdy construction. While the pillow top itself is pleasantly plush, the rest of the bed is anything but. After you sink through the top layers of foam, you’ll land on a layer of springy microcoils along with a tall system of pocketed coils, producing a ton of bouncy support, which works to lift the sleeper up. But this extra heft doesn’t cancel out the softness of the pillow top layer; in fact, it makes it all the more enjoyable. Plus, with three different firmness options (Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer), there’s a WinkBed for everyone.
Best Mattress for Heavyweight Seniors – Titan Plus
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re a senior sleeper who weighs more than 250 pounds, the Brooklyn Bedding’s Titan Plus mattress may be a perfect match for you. The mattress is made with plus-size sleepers in mind and offers excellent support, thanks to its hybrid build. With heavy duty coils providing firm support, and a two-inch layer of proprietary Titanflex foam providing some natural bounce and additional lift, the Titan mattress will prevent you from feeling like you’re sinking too far into its layers, providing more of an “on top” feel.
Hear From the Doctor: How Can Different Mattress Types Affect our Anatomy?
“Memory foam contours for personalized support, but may retain heat. Latex offers resilience and allergen resistance. Innerspring mattresses provide firmer support and motion transfer. Hybrid mattresses blend foam and coils for balanced comfort and cooling. Gel-infused mattresses regulate temperature. Pillow top mattresses offer extra cushioning, but may lose effectiveness over time. The impact varies mostly on factors like body weight and sleeping positions.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
What is the Best Type of Mattress for Seniors?
The honest answer here is it depends. You’ll want to make a list of your specific concerns, like whether or not you suffer from pain, what firmness you prefer, if you like a traditional or non-traditional feel, if you’re a hot sleeper, and whether or not you sleep with a partner. You can see more in-depth information about all of these factors below. If you’re new to your mattress buying journey, we recommend checking out our mattress buying guide, which will help you zero in on your needs and which beds are best for you.
How We Pick the Best Mattresses for Seniors
Now that we’ve gone over our picks, let’s take a second to chat about the methodology we used to select them. You can think of this section as a round-up of all the major factors you’ll want to consider when shopping for a mattress.
Mattress Support
First and foremost, you’ll want to think about support. While this is a vital factor for all sleepers to consider, it’s particularly important as you age – it’s not uncommon to develop aches and pains along your spine as you get older. When we talk about support, we’re really talking about finding a mattress that lifts the spine into a neutral line all the way from the shoulders to the hips. No matter the position you sleep in, you’ll want to achieve this line in order to prevent any uncomfortable sagging or “dipping” in the night.
What Is Spinal Alignment?
Here at Sleepopolis, we stress the importance of finding a mattress that promotes proper spinal alignment. But, what does that mean? Basically, it means finding a mattress that provides enough support everywhere to keep your spine straight throughout the night.
If your mattress doesn’t provide enough support, your spine can be thrown out of alignment and cause you pain in the morning. For example, stomach sleepers need extra support in their hips so their spine doesn’t dip into a U shape.
So, how do you find a supportive bed? We recommend focusing on the transition and base layers of a mattress. Elderly folks may want to keep an eye out for models with foundational support systems of pocketed coils, which bring a ton of support, bounce, and firmness to the structure. High-density poly foam bases can also provide some really nice support, especially to softer top foam layers.
In general, senior sleepers may want to feel more “on top” of their mattress than “in” it, so we’d suggest steering clear of materials like memory foam that could produce a little too much sinkage.
Firmness Levels
Tied into this conversation of support and neutral spine alignment is firmness, a measure that refers to how “soft” or “hard” a bed is (keep in mind that firmness is highly subjective). It’s important to note that soft mattresses can be just as supportive as firm ones, so don’t get support confused with firmness itself. Find the right firmness for you in our mattress firmness guide.
All that being said, we generally recommend that you look for a mattress that ranges from medium-firm (about a 6-6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale) to firm (around 7-7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale). Why is this level of firmness ideal for elderly folks? Well, it implies that the bed will have more of a traditional vibe wherein the sleeper is positioned squarely on top of the structure.
Firm mattresses are also great at setting the spine in a neutral alignment, which may help alleviate aches, pains, and discomfort at the joints. This, in turn, should set up you up for a good night’s sleep and bring optimized comfort to your hips, shoulders, and lower back.
Hear From the Doctor: How Does the Firmness Level of a Mattress Contribute to or Alleviate Back Pain?
“An overly soft mattress may lead to poor spinal alignment and lack of support, contributing to discomfort in your back. A medium-firm mattress is often best, as it maintains proper spine curvature, distributes weight evenly, and reduces pressure points.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Mattress Material Type
Though there is no single type of mattress that’s best for all older adults, it can be helpful to know the different types and their pros and cons. Take a look at the major mattress varieties and their potential benefits for seniors.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are typically made entirely of foam and have a thick top layer of memory foam. Memory foam is often popular with older adults because it offers gentle pressure relief and supportive contouring. If you suffer from hip, neck, or shoulder pain, research suggests that memory foam may be a particularly useful material, as it may help cradle sensitive joints.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional mattress type and are made from innerspring coils and a top layer of cushioning that can be made from foam, wool, or another soft material. These mattresses are typically popular with seniors, who may have grown up on these mattresses. Innerspring mattresses can be great for older adults with back pain — they usually have a firm feel, and as mentioned above, it’s possible that firmer mattresses better promote a neutral spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers compared to softer mattresses.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are made from a combination of pocketed coils and foam. They sort of have the best of both worlds — the bounce and support of an innerspring bed, and the gentle cushioning of a foam bed. We recommend them to sleepers looking for a balanced feel.
Latex
Latex mattresses are made of, you guessed it, latex. Latex is a natural material that comes from a rubber tree. It has a bouncy, buoyant feel, but still offers some nice pressure relief. Latex is known as the most eco-friendly mattress material and thus is great for green shoppers. However, latex does have a very unique feel, so we recommend trying a latex bed before ordering one, especially if you’re used to more traditional-feeling mattresses.
| Type of mattress | Construction | Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Innerspring |
Primarily uses coils, includes thin comfort layer |
Known for its bouncy feel, cooling abilities, and great deal of support |
Poor motion isolation, not as pressure-relieving, heavy to lift |
| Memory Foam |
Memory foam is made of viscoelastic polyurethane foam |
Known for its affordability, pressure-relieving capabilities, and hug-like feel |
Not as supportive, unique sinking feel |
| Latex |
Latex is derived from a rubber tree |
Known for its sustainability and durability |
Poor motion isolation, more expensive, some may not like its responsive feel |
| Hybrid |
Uses the comfort layer of a memory foam mattress and the coils of an innerspring |
Known for its versatility, often balanced feel, and cooling capabilities |
Often more expensive, heavy to lift |
Cooling
Another factor you’ll want to take into consideration is whether or not a mattress sleeps cool. Depending on your mattress’s materials and construction, it might feel nice and breathable, or it might overheat. Typically, innerspring and hybrid mattresses will sleep cooler than all-foam beds. That’s because the coils in their construction allow for added airflow, which helps regulate temperature. Temperature regulation features in mattresses help maintain a cool sleep surface, which is beneficial for seniors who struggle with temperature control.
It’s important to note that not all foams are created equal when it comes to breathability. Latex foams, for example, are naturally cooling. Memory foam, however, has the unfortunate reputation of trapping body heat. If you’re looking at a memory foam mattress, we recommend looking for the words “gel memory foam” or “aerated (or open-cell) memory foam.” These terms mean that the foam has been created with cooling in mind, and is less likely to trap body heat.
We test for cooling by using a thermal gun to measure the temperature difference after our testers lay on the bed for several minutes. One of our testers lay on the mattress for 10 minutes, and rotate between sleeping positions. Once the tester stands, we measure the temperature difference and see, using the thermal gun, where each mattress holds heat and how fast its cooling construction dissipates the heat. We consider anything under an 8 degree difference good cooling and anything under 5, great cooling.
Cooling Cheat Sheet
Will the mattress keep you cool? The materials should be able to give you an idea of its cooling abilities.
Mattresses that tend to promote airflow:
- Innerspring mattresses
- Hybrid mattresses
- Latex mattresses
Mattresses that tend to trap heat:
- Memory foam mattresses
- UNLESS made with cooling infusions (like gel, copper, or graphite) or aerated memory foam
Ease of Movement
And finally, you’ll want to think about mobility. Mobility is all about how easy it is to move around and change positions when you sleep. So, a highly mobile structure is one in which you can flip and flop to your heart’s content without straining your shoulders or lower back. High mobility also allows folks to get out of bed easier in the morning, which could be a big plus for older adults.
When assessing whether or not a bed has great mobility, there are a few different materials to look out for. In a comfort layer, you’ll want to see latex or latex-like foams, which are bouncy, supportive, and firm. In base layers, you’ll likely want to stick with pocketed coils or springs. When combined, these materials produce a super buoyant structure, which should work to lift the sleeper up and out of the structure.
Durability
A mattress’s durability refers to how well it maintains its support and comfort over time, typically lasting between 7 to 10 years depending on the type and quality. For seniors, a durable mattress is crucial as it ensures consistent support and comfort, which is vital for managing health issues and preventing discomfort. An old, worn-out mattress can negatively impact sleep quality and overall well-being, making timely replacements important for maintaining health and safety.
White Glove Delivery
White glove delivery is a service where the mattress is hand delivered, set up in your home, and some even remove your old mattress, this is either for an extra cost, or many brands also include this service. For seniors, this service is crucial as it ensures that large or heavy items are not only delivered safely but also installed and arranged without requiring physical effort from you. This reduces the risk of injury and provides peace of mind, making your living environment more comfortable and accessible. Some brands that offer this service for free are Saatva, Helix, DreamCloud, and Bear.
Edge Support
We put our mattresses through several different tests in our lab. One factor that we paid extra close attention to was edge support. A mattress with good edge support indicates a strong mattress perimeter. So, the edges of the mattress shouldn’t compress too far when you sit or lie down on it. For seniors, great edge support is crucial. It’s an indicator of durability; mattresses with good edge support should be able to promote a neutral spinal alignment for many nights to come. Additionally, good edge support helps seniors make better use of the mattress surface and makes it easier for them to get in and out of bed.
Here, you’ll see a picture of our lead reviewer, Nichole Mondshein, testing for edge support. In the picture, you can see that when she sits on the edge of the mattress, the edge compresses a bit underneath her hips. Still, it doesn’t collapse too far. We use a yard stick when testing for edge support to measure the amount of sink that the edge gives. So, the in terms of edge support, this would probably be a good and sturdy mattress for seniors
Hear From the Doctor: What Does a Durable Mattress Look Like?
“A durable mattress is characterized by high-quality materials, a strong support core, edge support, resilience, motion isolation, minimal sagging, a substantial warranty, positive brand reputation/reviews and regular maintenance. It offers long-lasting comfort and support, withstanding wear and maintaining its structural integrity over time.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Motion Isolation
Motion Isolation refers to the amount of movement that is felt across the mattress as you, your partner or kids move around the mattress. Motion isolation is important for seniors who share a bed with their partner and don’t want to be woken up in the middle of the night especially since seniors tend to be lighter sleeps.
We test for motion isolation by having our testers drop steel balls from various heights and use a seismograph to measure the amount of movement that ripples through the mattress to give us an accurate reading of how much movement the mattress absorbs. When reading the seismograph, the bigger the waves the worse it performed for motion isolation.
Pressure Relief
The pressure relief each mattress can give is crucial for seniors and especially important for anyone dealing with chronic pain. Pressure points can get worse as we get older, and looking at the mattress construction can be crucial. Looking for extra foam layers, gels and those type of materials help relieve a lot of pressure.
We also test for pressure relief by using a pressure map that uses thermal energy to read where, within each mattress the pressure points are. Blue and green indicate that you will feel great pressure relief and yellow and red show us you will not feel supported. These tend to normally be in your shoulders, hips, and back.
Company Policies
Warranties
A mattress warranty refers to the window of time where a company is willing to replace your mattress if it doesn’t live up to the standard you were promised. A mattress with a longer warranty is usually a sign of its durability and a good indicator of how long you should expect it to last. For seniors, it’s always smart to look at any new mattress (especially a pricier one) as a long-term investment that won’t put them through the trouble of purchasing a new one in the near future. Be sure to read the fine print so you can understand the warranty of your new mattress.
Sleep Trials
A sleep trial lets you test a new mattress in the comfort of your own home to see if it lives up to your expectations and is a good fit for your sleep preferences. Most companies offer trials anywhere between 30 and 100 days. We recommend choosing a bed that has at least a 60-day trial period. This is allow you to break in the mattress and determine if it’s a natural fit.
Shipping
While shipping costs can add up quickly on a large item like a mattress, all the beds we chose for this list offer free shipping. Some companies even offer a service call white glove delivery, where they send someone to deliver the bed, set it up in your room, and even remove your old mattress. This service can be worth it for any seniors who struggle with chronic pain or mobility.
Hear From the Doctor: How Can a Mattress Alleviate or Exacerbate Lower Back Pain? Which Features Can It Include?
“A mattress can either alleviate or worsen lower back pain based on its features. Alleviation is promoted by proper spinal alignment, medium-firm to firm support, pressure relief from materials like memory foam or latex, zoned support, and motion isolation. Exacerbation occurs with insufficient support, inadequate cushioning, mattress sagging and wrong firmness.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Adjustable Beds for Seniors
Once you’ve found the right mattress, you may want to consider purchasing an adjustable bed, which can be hugely beneficial for seniors. An adjustable bed is essentially a bed frame that can be moved into different angles using a remote. This is helpful for people with mobility issues who want to change their position without moving around too much. Some of them also come with advanced features such as a massage function, which can help ease chronic pain. Learn more in our roundup of the best adjustable beds.
What Certifications Should You Look For?
Many mattresses come with certifications that testify to the quality of the materials. While you can read more about them in our mattress and bedding certifications guide, here are some of the most common ones you might see while shopping for the best mattress for seniors.
- CertiPUR-US: This means the mattress was manufactured without using harmful materials such as ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. The certification also means that the manufacturing process had low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions for indoor air quality. In general, CertiPUR-US foams tend to be higher in quality.
- eco-INSTITUT: Mattress brands can only obtain this certification through the Eco Institute in Germany. It indicates that an indoor product is low-pollutant and low-emission, so it won’t have any hazardous chemicals and won’t damage your indoor air quality.
- GOLS: This label applies specifically to latex mattresses where at least 95 percent of the bed is made from completely natural materials. The latex itself also has to meet strict environmental guidelines.
- GOTS: This one is very similar to the GOLS certification, but refers to products with natural organic fibers, rather than just latex. The certification means that the materials were manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner from start to finish.
How Sleep is Different for Older Adults
Sleep changes as we age. Our amount and quality of sleep declines as we age, due to a few key factors:
Changes in Circadian Rhythm – As we age, our bodies produce less melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our circadian rhythm (also known as sleep-wake cycle). This makes it more difficult to fall asleep at night.
Less Time in the N3 Stage of Sleep – The third stage of non-REM sleep, also known as the N3 stage, is the deepest and one of the most restorative sleep stages. As we age, we spend less time in this stage, which may contribute to feeling more tired and fatigued when we wake up.
More Daytime Naps – As you age, you may be more likely to nap during the day, which can make it harder to fall asleep at night. It’s best to limit daytime naps to once a day for about 15 to 30 minutes.
Difficulty sleeping is also related to other conditions that become more common as we age, which include, but are not limited to:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – A sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts. It’s a potentially dangerous condition, and can leave sufferers feeling tired in the morning. Check out our sleep apnea guide to learn more.
Alzheimer’s – Both those who have Alzheimer’s and their caregivers can experience disrupted sleep. Those with the condition are more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances, and those who care for them are often awoken by them. If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, we recommend reading our caregiver’s guide to Alzheimer’s and sleep.
Arthritis – Those who suffer from arthritis know it can be hard to fall and stay asleep, as aches and pains can keep you awake. Check out our guide on how to sleep better with arthritis.
As we age it’s all the more important that we have the right mattress to support us and cushion our sensitive areas. Though finding the right bed for you can be a challenge, we hope this guide has helped you with your search. See below for a recap of each bed and which sleeper we think it’s best for.
Sleep Tips for Seniors from Our Experts
- Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: We recommend to try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Develop a calming pre-sleep routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. This might include reading, listening to soothing music, or practicing gentle stretching. Avoid stimulating activities like watching TV, watching sports or using electronic devices before bed.
- Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Make sure your bedroom is inviting for sleep. This means keeping it cool, dark, clean and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if needed. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows to support restful sleep.
- Be Mindful of Diet and Exercise: Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can interfere with sleep. Regular physical activity during the day can promote better sleep, but try to finish exercising at least a few hours before bed to avoid being too energized to fall asleep.
FAQs
What is the best mattress for seniors?
Choosing the best mattress as an older person or for a senior family member can be highly dependent on that person and their specific needs/preferences. However, we generally recommend a bed that is supportive, but also offers excellent pressure relief for seniors. Pillow top or hybrid mattresses can be a good option.
What is the best type of mattress for seniors?
There is no single best type of mattress for seniors, but we recommend an innerspring or hybrid mattress for adequate support. Many seniors will sleep most comfortably on a medium-firm to firm mattress, although seniors with pain concerns will want to ensure they get pressure relief as well (a hybrid or pillow top mattress can work well for this).
What type of mattress is best for seniors with arthritis?
Because sleepers with arthritis experience joint pain, it’s important they choose a bed that offer pressure relief to any of these sensitive areas.
What is the best bed height for seniors?
An ideal bed height for many seniors is 20 to 23 inches, which should provide enough room to easily get in and out of bed, without being too tall or too short. However, this may vary depending on an individual’s needs. Learn more in our bed heights guide.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for seniors?
We generally recommend a firmer mattress for seniors over a soft one.
Do seniors need less sleep?
Contrary to popular opinion, older individuals don’t need less sleep than the average person. In fact, adults require about the same amount of sleep from their 20s into old age, although the number of hours per night varies from person to person. Unfortunately, many older adults get much less sleep than they need, for a variety of reasons.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
The three most important criteria when it comes to a mattress for seniors are support, edge support, and cooling. Support assists with spinal alignment and back pain, good edge support creates better safety and mobility, and cooling helps create a more restful sleep for those with joint pain. Luckily, all of the mattresses featured in this article scored at least a 4 out of 5 in two or more of these categories. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Best Mattress for Senior Sleepers 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Overall | $2,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud Original | Firm | $1,332 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Luxury | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Hybrid | $2,111 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Pressure Relief | $2,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Back Sleepers | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Pillow-top | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavyweight Seniors | $1,249 | Titan Coupon | Read Our Review |
Sources
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McBeth John. Sleep disturbance and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis: Prospective mhealth study. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2022. https://www.jmir.org/2022/4/e32825
Radwan Ahmed. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials. Sleep Health. 2015. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352721815001400?via%3Dihub
Son Juhyun. A survey of Koreans on sleep habits and sleeping symptoms relating to pillow comfort and support. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/1/302
Zhang Ye. Sleep in Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of polysomnographic findings. Translational Psychiatry. 2021. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-022-01897-y