- Price: $1,395–$2,990
- Material: Hybrid
- Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm, firm
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Shipping: Free white glove delivery
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, California split king
- Mattress height: 11.5 or 14.5 inches
Best Mattress for Arthritis in 2024: A Complete Guide
A good night’s sleep can help slow down inflammation in people with certain types of arthritis. [1] Irwin M, et al. Heat of the Night: Sleep Disturbance Activates Inflammatory Mechanisms and Induces Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology. July 24, 2023. Yet according to the Arthritis Foundation, up to 80% of people with arthritis experience sleep disturbances, which could worsen joint pain. [2] Arthritis Foundation. Sleep and pain. March 15, 2022.
For some people, the right mattress may make it easier to get much-needed rest. We rounded up nine of our favorite mattress models for different arthritis and pain locations. Discover if any of these supportive models may be right for you.
Best Mattress for Arthritis Overall
Our top mattress pick for arthritis is the Saatva Classic. It offers a good combination of firmness and pressure control at a mid-range price point, and our Reviews Team liked that you can choose between three firmness levels.
Best mattresses for arthritis in 2024
- Saatva Classic: Best Overall
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best for Older Adults with Arthritis
- Nectar: Best for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
- Nolah Evolution: Best for Hip Arthritis
- Emma Comfort Hybrid: Best for Arthritis of the Spine
- The WinkBed Original: Best for Back Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best for Arthritis and Osteoporosis
- Titan Plus Luxe: Best for Arthritis in Shoulders
- Plank Firm: Best for Arthritis and Joint Pain
Compare the best mattresses for arthritis as of March 2024
Provider | Cost of queen* | Mattress type | Firmness | Trial period | White glove delivery** | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$2,095 | Hybrid | Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | 365 nights | Yes | Check price | |
$2,373.80 | Hybrid | Medium-firm | 100 nights | No | Check price | |
$2,499 | Hybrid | Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus | 120 nights | Yes, through a third party | Check price | |
$2,499 | Hybrid | Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus | 120 nights | Yes, through a third party | Check price | |
$1,319 | Hybrid | Medium-firm | 365 nights | Yes | Check price | |
$1,799 | Hybrid | Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus | 120 nights | No | Check price | |
$2,305 | Hybrid | Soft, medium, firm | 120 nights | Yes | Check price | |
$1,599 | Hybrid | Firm | 120 nights | No | Check price | |
$1,332 | Memory foam | Medium-firm, firm | 120 nights | No | Check price |
*Excluding sales and promotions
**White glove delivery includes the delivery, unpacking, assembly, and placement of your new mattress or bed inside your home and the removal of your old mattress.
Best mattresses for arthritis of 2024, reviewed by experts
Best Mattress for Arthritis Overall: Saatva Classic
Our expert take on the Saatva Classic mattress
Our top mattress pick for people with arthritis is the Saatva Classic, a hybrid innerspring mattress available in different sizes, firmness levels, and mattress heights.
Our testers gave the Saatva Classic mattress a seven out of 10 on our firmness scale, with 10 being the most firm. It features a base made from steel coils, a lumbar support layer made from memory foam, and a pillow top to provide gentle comfort. This combination of firmness and cushioning helped it score high in joint pressure relief and functional support during our testing.
According to Nicole Hernandez, DPT, a physical therapist and health writer, a good functional support score makes it easier to maneuver on the bed. So you don’t need to worry about feeling “stuck” inside the mattress if your joints are achy. What’s more, the mattress also has foam rails around the edges. Our testers found that this helped provide a “seat” that made it easier to get in and out of bed.
The Saatva Classic is a hybrid mattress with good pressure relief to support achy joints. It works well for all sleeping positions.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Couples with different sleeping positions
- People who have trouble getting in or out of bed
Who may want to avoid it
- Those who prefer more plush mattresses
Best for Older Adults with Arthritis: Helix Midnight Luxe
Our expert take on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress
For older adults who enjoy a plush sleeping experience, the Helix Midnight Luxe combines a cushion top and memory foam layer with a supporting coiled base.
The mattress features four layers of memory foam, hundreds of steel coils, and a breathable, plush pillow top. Our Reviews Team found the mattress slightly firmer than advertised, giving it a seven out of 10. The mattress features different firmness zones, providing support for the lumbar region while giving the shoulder and hip regions more cushioning, which can be helpful for people with joint pain.
The memory foam and cushion top cradle your body while you sleep, while the springs help you avoid the “sinking” feeling. Our testers found that it took a bit of effort to shift around on the mattress, likely due to the memory foam. But we also found that it was easy to get in and out of bed, since the mattress has good edge support.
The company doesn’t offer in-home delivery or setup; the mattress arrives compressed in a box and expands in under an hour.
For older adults who need lumbar support and pressure relief, the Helix Midnight Luxe provides a plush top layer with a firm base for joint support. We found that it worked best for stomach and combination sleepers.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- People who enjoy feeling “hugged” by their mattress
- Side sleepers, or people who need extra back or lumbar support
Who may want to avoid it
- Combination sleepers who often change positions
- Hot sleepers, since the mattress felt somewhat warm during testing
Best for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia: Nectar
Our expert take on the Nectar mattress
People with Fibromyalgia can experience pain and tenderness all over the body. So Hernandez suggests choosing a mattress with medium firmness for pressure relief and a softer surface level for maximum comfort. [3] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Fibromyalgia.
The Nectar mattress fits the bill; it offers three layers of memory foam, which our Reviews Team found fairly firm, ranking it 6.5 out of 10. It also scored high in functional support, which should help with joint pain relief. Since the mattress lacks springs or coils, it doesn’t provide a lot of bounciness. But the foam also minimizes motion transfer, meaning tossing and turning shouldn’t disturb a sleeping partner.
We found that this mattress worked best for side and back sleepers because stomach sleepers might need more spine support than a pure memory foam mattress can provide.
The Nectar is the most affordable mattress on our list. Its memory foam could provide a comforting cushion for people struggling with fibromyalgia pain. The foam also has low motion transfer, making it ideal for anyone sharing the bed with a restless partner.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Back or side sleepers
- People sticking to a budget
Who may want to avoid it
- People who prefer a bouncier mattress
- Stomach sleepers
Best Mattress for Hip Arthritis: Nolah Evolution
Our expert take on the Nolah Evolution mattress
People who have arthritis-related hip pain might prefer a mattress designed to support the lumbar regions. So our top mattress pick for people with hip pain is the Nolah Evolution.
The Nolah Evolution has a medium-high firmness level with “tri-zone” coils that offer lumbar support. Instead of memory foam, Nolah uses a unique “air foam” layer, which they claim offers pressure relief and greater responsiveness. Our Reviews Team verified that it was easy to roll around and move positions on this mattress. We also liked that it had a good bounce and provided pressure relief. It’s also a good option for back and side sleepers.
Nolah also offers free shipping and in-home setup via a third-party logistics provider for an additional fee.
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress with a combination of reinforced coils, air foam, and a quilted top. The layers provide a firm, supportive sleeping experience ideal for those who prefer to sleep on their sides or back.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Back and side sleepers who need extra support
- People who appreciate a springy “bounce”
Who may want to avoid it
- People who want a more traditional memory foam feel
- Those who want a more affordable option
Best Mattress for Spine Arthritis: Emma Comfort Hybrid
Our expert take on the Emma Comfort Hybrid mattress
Medium-firm mattresses tend to offer the best balance between firmness and cushioning for people with spine arthritis. [4] Wells B. Spondyloarthritis Association of America. Tips for sleeping better with spondyloarthritis We found that the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress had a medium-high firmness and ranked 7.5 out of 10.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress also contains seven different “support zones” designed to distribute pressure evenly and support the spine. Our Reviews Team noted that laying flat on the mattress slightly elevates your tailbone and found it most comfortable while stomach sleeping.
Thanks to the inner coils, we found it easy to shift positions on the mattress. While we didn’t think the Emma Hybrid Comfort’s edge support was particularly strong, the bounciness made it easy to get out of bed. However, our Reviews Team found some quality issues, like sloppy stitching. So we aren’t sure that it will remain durable long-term. But Emma backs the mattress up with a 10-year warranty.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress’s medium-firm feel may support the spine. The company provides free shipping, a 10-year warranty, and a lengthy free trial period.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- People who want a firmer mattress
- Stomach sleepers
Who may want to avoid it
- People who need strong edge support
- People who want a more durable mattress
Best Mattress for Back Pain: WinkBeds
Our expert take on the WinkBed mattress
Research has found that sleeping on a medium-firm mattress may help lower back pain. [5] Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Coming in at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the WinkBeds mattress provides that medium-firm sleep experience. It combines innerspring, foam, and pillow layers, offering a good combination of support and plush comfort.
Our Reviews Team found the WinkBed mattress highly supportive and comfortable for back and side sleeping. The mattress provides good motion isolation, making it ideal for couples or restless sleepers. We also found that it stayed cool during testing—even when multiple people lay down.
The WinkBed mattress provides a medium-firm feel and good support that people with back arthritis may find comfortable. It also features a cooling gel layer, ideal for hot sleepers.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- People who want a firm, supportive mattress for back pain
- Couples who want a mattress that isolates motion
- Hot sleepers who need cooling materials
Who may want to avoid it
- Anyone who needs white glove delivery to haul the mattress into the bedroom
Best Mattress for Osteoporosis: Bear Elite Hybrid
Our expert take on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress
Research has found that a lack of sleep is associated with lower bone mineral density. [6] Ochs-Balcom HM, et al. Short Sleep Is Associated With Low Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis in the Women’s Health Initiative. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Nov. 6, 2019 So people with osteoporosis should choose a comfortable mattress that can support them throughout the night.
The Bear Elite Hybrid’s medium version ranks 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. It features a combination of springs, memory foam, and a pillow top for a classic hybrid experience.
For people with osteoporosis, it’s also a good idea to choose a mattress that supports the spine for proper alignment. [7] Osteoporosis Canada. Buying a mattress when you have osteoporosis. [PDF]. Sept. 9, 2015 The Bear Elite Hybrid’s zoned coils provide lumbar support. Our Reviews Team gives it top marks for pressure relief. We also found it easy to move on the mattress and ideal for different sleeping positions, though we especially liked it for back and side sleeping.
The mattress also features a cool-to-the-touch cover for hot sleepers. We found that it stayed cool even with multiple people in bed.
The Bear Elite Hybrid can support multiple sleeping positions and has minimal motion transfer. It’s also cool to the touch, a potentially helpful mattress feature for hot sleepers.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Back, side, or combination sleepers
- People who want a good balance between firm and plush mattresses
Who may want to avoid it
- People who want a more affordable mattress
- People who like more “bounce”
Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Shoulders: Titan Plus Luxe
Our expert take on the Titan Plus Luxe mattress
If you have arthritis in your shoulder, it’s best to keep the shoulder elevated when lying on your back or side. [8] Dunkin MA. Arthritis Foundation. Position yourself for a good night’s sleep. May 7, 2021
With a high firmness level and good pressure relief, we found the Titan Plus Luxe mattress nice for multiple sleeping positions. The mattress features over 900 coils that help contour the shoulders and resist sagging. We gave it a 5 out of 5 rank for back sleeping and a 4 out of 5 for side sleeping. The brand also sells an adjustable base, helpful for anyone who would like extra shoulder elevation while sleeping.
The Titan Plus Luxe is bouncy and highly responsive, a good feature for anyone who dislikes “sinking in” to a mattress. However, couples may prefer an option with more motion isolation.
The Titan Plus luxe features good support for back sleepers and is ideal for those who enjoy a bouncy mattress.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- People who like a bouncy mattress
- Higher-weight individuals who need a firmer and more supportive mattress for comfort
- People who want to pair a mattress with an adjustable base
Who may want to avoid it
- Sleepers looking for a softer mattress
- Light sleepers who are easily disturbed by their partner’s movements
Best Mattress for Arthritis and Joint Pain: Plank Firm
Our expert take on the Plank Firm mattress
If you have tried sleeping on the floor to find relief from arthritis or joint pain, you might enjoy the Plank’s high firmness level.
The mattress is flippable and has two firmness layers: medium-firm and extra firm. It features box springs, a pillow top, and multiple layers of foam to support the hips and shoulders. The American Chiropractic Association gives the Plank its stamp of approval.
The Plank also features an optional cooling top cover for hot sleepers and is free from heavy metals or other potentially harmful materials, like mercury. At only 10.5 inches tall, the mattress is on the shorter side, which may not be ideal for anyone who has a hard time squatting or bending.
The Plank Firm is an extra firm mattress experience with a durable, flippable design that supports the hips and shoulders.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Those who want a super firm mattress
- People who want a flippable mattress
Who may want to avoid it
- Sleepers looking for a softer, plusher mattress
- Those who need a taller mattress to comfortably get in and out of bed
Bottom line
When choosing a mattress for arthritis, it’s important to consider your particular type of pain and its location. For instance, people with back arthritis may appreciate a medium-firm mattress like the WinkBeds mattress, while others may prefer a plusher mattress to cushion their joints like the Nectar.
Beyond getting a good night’s sleep, you can also manage arthritis symptoms through other lifestyle changes, such as gentle exercise and weight management. Talk to your health care provider about your symptoms to come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Not much research currently investigates specific mattresses for arthritis relief. However, one study found that medium-firm mattresses may promote relief from back pain and improve sleep quality. [5] Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021.
Yes and no. A softer mattress can help your joints align during sleep. However, a mattress with a “sinking” quality may also cause the joints to twist. So, a good combination of cushion and support may provide a better option. [9] Harvard Health. What type of mattress is best for people with low back pain? Feb. 12, 2021
People who sleep less may face a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis. At the same time, arthritis pain may also make it difficult to fall and stay asleep, creating a cyclical effect. [10] Gao RC, et al. Association Between Sleep Traits and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Frontiers in Public Health. June 29, 2022
Sources
- Irwin M, et al. Heat of the Night: Sleep Disturbance Activates Inflammatory Mechanisms and Induces Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology. July 24, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-023-00997-3
- Arthritis Foundation. Sleep and pain. March 15, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/fatigue-sleep/sleep-and-pain
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Fibromyalgia. Found on the internet at https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia
- Wells B. Spondyloarthritis Association of America. Tips for sleeping better with spondyloarthritis. Found on the internet at https://spondylitis.org/lifecafe/tips-for-sleeping-better-with-spondyloarthritis/
- Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5
- Ochs-Balcom HM, et al. Short Sleep Is Associated With Low Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis in the Women’s Health Initiative. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Nov. 6, 2019. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31692127/
- Osteoporosis Canada. Buying a mattress when you have osteoporosis. Sept. 9, 2015. Found on the internet at https://osteoporosis.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015-09-09-COPING-FINAL.pdf
- Dunkin MA. Arthritis Foundation. Position yourself for a good night’s sleep. May 7, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/fatigue-sleep/arthritis-pain-at-night-tips-to-position-yourself
- Harvard Health. What type of mattress is best for people with low back pain? Feb. 12, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/what-type-of-mattress-is-best-for-people-with-low-back-pain
- Gao RC, et al. Association Between Sleep Traits and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Frontiers in Public Health. June 29, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.940161/full