- Price: $1,995–$4,390
- Material: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Shipping: Free shipping and white-glove delivery
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king
- Mattress height: 15 inches (″)
7 Best Mattresses for Fibromyalgia of 2024, Tested by Experts
Key Takeaways
- The best mattress for fibromyalgia in our roundup is the Saatva Rx because it’s adaptable to different sleepers, has great pressure relief and support, and offers free white-glove delivery.
- Excellent pressure relief is important to the comfort of sleepers with fibromyalgia, but they still need a level of firmness to promote spinal alignment. Cooling capabilities can relieve those with temperature sensitivity, and responsiveness makes it easier to switch positions throughout the night.
- The mattresses in this review range from $1,149–$4,390.
- Between 5 and 8 million people in the United States experience pain associated with fibromyalgia.
- Consult with your doctor about finding better ways to sleep and manage your pain, which may involve lifestyle changes or seeing a specialist.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition affecting between 5 million and 8 million people in the United States, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA). “There are often other accompanying symptoms including sleep disruption, daytime fatigue, anxiety or depression, and jaw pain,” said Catherine Darley, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor and founder of The Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine in Seattle.
Poor sleep quality is common in those with fibromyalgia, yet sleep is one of the most important aspects of pain management and recovery. “When we are sleeping poorly, it increases our sensitivity to pain, and in turn, disrupts sleep,” said Darley. If you can relate, it’s best to work with your doctor or a specialist to find out how to sleep better, like improving your sleep hygiene or trying cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). “People with fibromyalgia should ensure they get the total sleep they do best with. That’s somewhere between seven and nine hours nightly for most adults,” she added.
For some, it may be worth trying a new mattress if your current one is old and worn. Since the main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain, including tenderness to touch and joint stiffness, we’ve found the best mattress for fibromyalgia offers pressure relief while still maintaining a neutral spine with medium-form support. Even the best mattresses may not work for those with fibromyalgia, as they can need pressure relief and support in specific areas to feel comfortable. When choosing a mattress to support your fibromyalgia, talk to a physical or occupational therapist about positioning with pillows and wedges to find an ideal sleeping position, and discuss ways to help you feel more comfortable at night.
Best mattress for fibromyalgia in 2024
- Saatva Rx: Best Mattress for Fibromyalgia Overall
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Fibromyalgia
- The WinkBed: Most Comfortable Mattress for Fibromyalgia
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best Mattress for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
- Nolah Evolution 15″: Best Mattress for Fibromyalgia and Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe: Best Firm Mattress for Fibromyalgia
- Birch Natural: Best Natural Mattress for Fibromyalgia
What we look for in a mattress for fibromyalgia
We found several important factors when testing mattresses specifically for fibromyalgia, including:
Mattress firmness
A medium-firm mattress balances pressure relief and support, a combination that often works well for those with pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Responsiveness
A responsive mattress facilitates ease of movement, allowing for position change throughout the night.
Spinal support
Choose a mattress that supports a neutral spine in your preferred sleeping position.
Cooling Capabilities
Temperature sensitivity is a common symptom of fibromyalgia. A breathable mattress with a cooling pillow top can help with temperature regulation.
Video: The best stretches to do before bed
In this video, Vicki Tilley, a physical therapist and certified geriatric clinical specialist, provides in-depth instruction on the best stretches to do before bed to relieve tension, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Learn more about stretching before bed in the video below.
Saatva Rx: Best mattress for fibromyalgia overall
Our expert take on the Saatva Rx Mattress
The Saatva Rx is our top mattress for those with fibromyalgia because the true medium-firmness level and unique hybridⓘ Hybrid mattresses combine the features of both innerspring and foam mattresses, with springs surrounded by a thick comfort layer of foam or latex. design adapts to most body types and sleep preferences. Testers noted how well this mattress supports and relieves pressure in any position, contouring your body’s natural curves to offload tender areas and help you sleep better. But it does so without sacrificing responsivenessⓘ Responsiveness describes how much surface bounce a mattress has and how it responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and change sleeping positions. , a necessary feature for people who want to move easily in bed.
Our team also likes how the Saatva Rx is compatible with adjustable beds for those interested in a completely new bed setup for improved comfort with less mobility. Based on our testing experience, the 15-inch-thick profile may not conform well to every adjusted position.
We like the Saatva Rx for its distinct build designed to adapt to more body types and comfort needs than many other mattresses we’ve tested. It offers a micro coil layer and a foam-capped innerspring layer made to hug your body, which testers felt did a good job redistributing weight across the surface of the mattress in every position. Testers also noted strong lumbar support from the memory foam layer along the center of the mattress to prevent uncomfortable sagging and support a neutral, comfortable spine position.
And for many people, white-glove delivery is a must. We surveyed 600 older adults who recently purchased a mattress to understand what was most important to them during their search. Of the respondents who reported buying a mattress with specific aches and pains in mind, about 42% reported white-glove delivery to be very or extremely important. Our team appreciates how Saatva offers free white-glove delivery for its mattresses and adjustable bases, which includes old mattress removal.
Our tester on the Saatva Rx mattress:
“I loved how easy it was to roll over in the Saatva Rx mattress. The mattress pushes up against my body, and it is very responsive making changing positions easy.”
What our mattress expert says
Who may love it
- Those who are most comfortable with as much support as possible
- Sleepers in any position who benefit from pressure relief at tender spots throughout the night for better sleep
- People who appreciate a mobility boost for easier repositioning
Who may want to avoid it
- Those sticking to a budget
- Anyone with a tall bed frame may find it difficult to get on and off this 15-inch-high mattress
Customer reviews
The Saatva Rx has a 4.9 star rating out of 5 with 73 reviews on its websites. Many of the reviews point out the pain relief they experienced after switching to this mattress.
“I had given up on the possibility of finding a mattress that is not just tolerable, but actually comfortable. I cannot say enough good things about this mattress. It really is like sleeping on a cloud.”
– Donna, verified reviewer on 2/16/24
“The best part is my back and hips are extremely happy! The soreness and stiffness in the morning is a thing of the past!”
– Nancy, verified reviewer on 1/30/24
Visit our Saatva Rx mattress review to learn more.
Helix Midnight Luxe: Best mattress for side sleepers with fibromyalgia
Our expert take on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress
The Helix Midnight Luxe stands out as one of the best for side sleepers with fibromyalgia. It has a reinforced coil center designed to provide targeted support at the midsection for a neutral spine position.
Our testers perceived this mattress to be softer than the true medium feel, clocking in at 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale (with 6.5 out of 10 being the true industry-standard medium). Side sleepers who weigh less than 250 pounds may find this mattress conforming and comfortable. Unfortunately, it may feel too unsupportive if you weigh more than 250 pounds unless you find relief from borderline-soft surfaces. Higher-weight sleepers may benefit more from a true medium-firm mattress or one that leans slightly firmer, like the Saatva Rx or a Titan mattress.
If you’re unsure whether the Helix Midnight Luxe model is right for you, consider taking the brand’s quiz to see if there’s another good option based on your sleep positions and other preferences. Once you’ve purchased a mattress, you get an industry-standard 100-night trial period (being mindful of the 30-day adjustment periodⓘ Most mattress companies want you to give their mattress a fair try before initiating a return. It can take a while to “break in” your mattress, so most brands recommend keeping it for 30 days before making a decision. ) to test it out at home before returning it for a different model. Helix allows you to swap out your purchase up to three times, which is generous compared to other brands in this review. But the third will be the final sale.
If you commit to the Helix Midnight Luxe, it comes with a 15-year warranty, but in-home setup and removal of your old mattress require an additional fee.
Our tester on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress:
“This mattress has a very soft pillow top and a responsive surface underneath. I thought the pillowtop offers a great amount of pressure relief for side sleeper.”
What our mattress expert says
Who may love it
- Side sleepers who weigh less than 250 pounds
- People looking for adequate support in the midsection to prevent sag
- Those who appreciate a mobility boost for easier repositioning
Who may want to avoid it
- Side sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds may not receive enough support
- Light sleepers who are easily disturbed by a partner’s movement
Customer reviews
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a 4.4-star rating out of 5 and over 6,100 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention the mattress’s positive effects on their back pain.
“I am sleeping so good … perfect mattress if you side sleep 💤”
– Siobhan D., verified buyer on 6/13/24
“My sleep has improved so much and I finally feel rested when I wake up. Before I just couldn’t get comfortable, tossing and turning, I fall asleep so fast now.”
– Tony V., verified buyer on 5/31/24
On Google, the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress has a 4.3-star rating and 8,270 reviews. While most users gave the mattress a positive rating, some reviewers complained about it being too soft or losing support over time.
Visit our Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review to learn more.
The WinkBed: Most comfortable mattress for fibromyalgia
Our expert take on The WinkBed mattress
We know saying “comfortable” is subjective, especially among those with medical conditions like fibromyalgia. What works for you may not work for others, and vice versa. But if you prefer a cushioned cloud-like bed without feeling “stuck” in the material—as is the case with some soft all-foam mattresses—The WinkBed is a good contender with plenty of options to try. Plus, the brand offers a generous exchange program to help you find the right mattress that fits your comfort needs.
This hybrid mattress offers a good mix of pressure relief and support to accommodate most body types and sleep positions. You get a Euro pillow topⓘ A style of pillow top that provides an added layer of plush. The extra layer of padding is stitched beneath the mattress cover so it’s flush with the edges of the mattress without adding extra height. with individually encased springs designed to contour the body, promote airflow, and limit motion transfer from side to side. Not only did our testers find this comfortable in most positions (especially side sleeping), but they were also impressed by how well The WinkBed dampens movement for a hybrid with bouncy motion-boosting springs. According to our testing, a bed with high functional support like this one will sacrifice motion isolation for bounce, but The WinkBed seems to strike a comfortable balance for couples.
We tested the luxury firm version of this mattress, which is the medium-firmness level offered by WinkBeds. But you can opt for the softer, firmer, or plus (designed for higher-weight people) versions instead. If you’re unsure what to order, WinkBeds offers a 120-night trial period, so you have plenty of time to try it out at home before returning the mattress or taking advantage of their exchange program. You can ask WinkBeds to exchange your mattress for a different firmness level for $49, then keep both for up to 60 days while you decide which accommodates your needs best.
Once you commit to your mattress, you get a limited lifetime warranty. But WinkBeds doesn’t offer white-glove delivery, so you’ll need to arrange help to set up this mattress in a box.
Our tester on the The WinkBed mattress:
“I love how the WinkBed provides a gentle cradle, but I feel I’m met with firmness as I sink in slightly.”
What our mattress expert says
Who may love it
- Side sleepers who weigh less than 250 pounds
- People looking for adequate support in the midsection to prevent sag
- Those who appreciate a mobility boost for easier repositioning
Who may want to avoid it
- Side sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds may not receive enough support
- Light sleepers who are easily disturbed by a partner’s movement
- People who can’t find help to set up the mattress in their bedroom
Customer reviews
The WinkBed Luxury Firm has a 4.8-star rating out of 5 and over 8,600 reviews on its website. Many reviewers commented on how comfortable this mattress was.
“Most comfortable mattress I have ever slept on. Sleeping better than ever! Incredible product.”
– Seth E., verified buyer on 6/11/2024
“I’m sleeping much better than on my previous mattress. My only regret is that I didn’t switch sooner.”
– April C., verified buyer on 1/22/24
Visit our WinkBed mattress review to learn more.
Bear Elite Hybrid: Best mattress for fibromyalgia and arthritis
Our expert take on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress
Those with fibromyalgia and arthritis may feel pain around certain muscular parts of the body, along with joint pain. If this is you, your top priority is a pressure-relieving mattress to disperse force away from achy spots. The Bear Hybrid Elite should be one of your top contenders.
This mattress has only a gentle amount of zoned support under the lower back. This means the reinforcement is present, but it’s not obvious and doesn’t create a seemingly firmer area along the center of the mattress. People who shift throughout the night may appreciate gentle support to prevent migrating toward a strongly reinforced area of the mattress, which can create pressure buildup at the bum, hip, or shoulder. In fact, this mattress showed zero pressure buildup during our pressure map testing.
Unfortunately, this mattress’s gentle surface support knocks the functional support score to just above average. But our testers thought its 14-inch height was helpful to stand from the edge. Those with hip and knee arthritis may appreciate a higher bed to avoid standing from a low surface. But it’s not as tall as the Nolah Evolution 15″, which could be hard to climb into at night, depending on your height, mobility level, and bed frame height.
Your Bear Elite Hybrid has a 120-night trial period and a limited lifetime warranty. You also have a white-glove delivery option for $175, but you must add it to your cart on a different page. You’ll need to click on “White Glove Service” located at the website’s footer under “Support.”
Our tester on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress:
“I like the Bear Elite Hybrid because the internal mattress is firm, but the cushy layer provides some added comfort.”
What our mattress expert says
Who may love it
- People who need as much pressure relief as possible away from tender areas and sore joints
- Any sleeper seeking a gentle amount of zoned support rather than strong lumbar reinforcement
- Most people of any body type who sleep in nearly any position
Who may want to avoid it
- Those shopping on a budget
- Those who need stronger support to avoid uncomfortable sag over time, like higher-weight stomach sleepers
Customer reviews
The Bear Elite Hybrid has a 4.6-star rating out of 5 and over 3,700 reviews on its website. Many of the reviews focus on the comfort of this mattress and how users have experienced decreased pain since purchasing this model.
“Best mattress ever used. I was having back and shoulder pain sleeping on my previous foam mattress. After changing to elite hybrid mattress I no longer have pain. I simply feel the best when I wake up now. It was totally worth the investment.” – Kevin L., verified buyer on 5/18/24
“Best mattress ever used. I was having back and shoulder pain sleeping on my previous foam mattress. After changing to elite hybrid mattress I no longer have pain. I simply feel the best when I wake up now. It was totally worth the investment.”
– Kevin L., verified buyer on 5/18/24
“Has only been a bit over a month but currently loving the Elite Hybrid. Great night’s sleep, the back pain I was dealing with from my last mattress is gone. Will see how it holds up, but nothing but positive things to say for now!”
– David D., verified buyer on 5/10/24
Read our Bear mattress review to learn more.
Nolah Evolution 15”: Best mattress for fibromyalgia and back pain
Our expert take on the Nolah Evolution 15” mattress
The luxury firm Nolah Evolution 15″ is a great option for those with fibromyalgia and lower back pain because of its unique mixture of foam and zoned coil support at the lumbar area, great functional support to reduce effort while moving in bed, and near-maximum pressure relief throughout the body.
Nolah offers a different type of foam material called AirFoam. It’s designed to be dense along the center of the mattress, working with the zoned support in the coils to reinforce the lower back. Zoned support is a popular feature in this review as it prevents sag and reinforces the lower back and midsection, but it could be especially important for those with lower back pain, according to research. Testers felt the coil and foam duo provided just the right amount of support in every position for their body types (average weight, between 130–250 pounds).
Testers also noted how easy it felt to move on this bed. Rolling to their side, pushing up to sit, and standing from the edge was relatively easy compared to softer mattresses. Although this mattress felt sturdy, pressure map testing revealed plenty of pressure relief throughout the body to offload tender areas around the body.
Studies show that medium-firm mattresses are helpful for those with lower back pain. The luxury firm version of the Nolah Evolution 15″ is close at 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, which is slightly firmer than the true industry-standard medium of 6.5. But if you prefer to go softer or firmer, Nolah offers these options.
Nolah also provides a white-glove delivery option through a third party called Load Up. It costs an extra $150–$300 depending on the services you need, like setup and old mattress removal. Still, we highly recommend purchasing or recruiting help to avoid aggravating symptoms while moving this bulky mattress. Once it’s delivered, you receive a 120-night trial period and a limited lifetime warranty.
Our tester on the Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress:
“When lying on my back, this mattress contours to my lower back but I still feel I am mostly sleeping on top of the mattress and my spine is remaining neutral.”
What our mattress expert says
Who may love it
- Those who find pain relief from a highly supportive mattress
- Sleepers who prioritize pressure relief away from tender areas to avoid tossing and turning
- People who appreciate a mobility boost for easier repositioning
Who may want to avoid it
- Those shopping on a budget
- People who don’t want to pay the extra fee for white-glove delivery, which is recommended due to its bulkiness
Customer reviews
The Nolah Evolution has a 4.9-star rating out of 5 and over 850 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mentioned the back pain relief they experienced after switching to this mattress.
“From the first night the Nolah arrived my wife and I both noticed a huge increase in our quality of sleep. It’s more comfortable and inhibits motion transfer really well. It’s hard to get up every morning!”
– Shyam V., verified buyer on 9/26/23
“We have tried a few different mattresses over the past year and this is by far the best one! All others CAUSED back pain and we are so comfy and pain-free!!”
– Nicole D., verified buyer on 9/25/23
On Google, the Nolah Evolution has a 4.7-star rating and 755 reviews. Reviewers consistently noted how supportive this mattress is and how switching to it helped manage back pain.
Visit our Nolah mattress review to learn more.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe: Best firm mattress for fibromyalgia
Our expert take on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress
A firm mattress with enough pressure relief to offload achy, tender areas can be difficult to find. But our team came across the medium-firmness version of Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe during our testing, which felt sturdy to us (7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale) without skimping on pressure relief. In fact, it’s one of the few mattresses with a maximum pressure relief score.
“My first impression was how the cover was textured and cool to the touch, but not super soft. It responds altogether quickly, and when you [lie] on it, you feel more on the surface,” said one tester. “But as you settle, the memory foam layers on top gently cradle the body, which I wasn’t expecting.” Testers were surprised to learn how well the Aurora Luxe distributes pressure away from prominent joints, showing an all-blue pressure mapⓘ A mat with sensors that detects pressure buildup when someone lies across it. result while lying on the back and side.
We noticed a nearly all-blue map during pressure map testing. Gradual pressure buildup will show yellow, orange, and red, but those colors were nowhere to be seen in our results.
We credit this mattress’s three memory foam layers and zoned support for its pressure relief. The memory foam is responsive and dense for a firmer feel but does its job of contouring to the body’s curves. Like other mattresses in this review, the gentle amount of zoned support only reinforces coils along your lower back, allowing other areas to compress under curvier body areas (like the hip and shoulder).
The medium version of this mattress already felt firm to us, but if you anticipate needing an even firmer surface (or if you decide to go softer), the option is available. You get 120 nights to try your mattress at home and a 10-year warranty if you keep it. Unfortunately, like many mattress-in-a-box companies, white-glove delivery isn’t available. Be sure to arrange help when it arrives.
Our tester on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress:
“I like that it is pretty easy to switch positions, and I was not fighting the material to move. It doesn’t conform as quickly when moving around, but feels very comfortable once settled into position.”
What our mattress expert says
Who may love it
- Those who love firm surfaces but need to offload tender areas as much as possible for a better night’s sleep
- Any sleeper seeking a gentle amount of zoned support rather than strong lumbar reinforcement
- People who appreciate a mobility boost for easier repositioning
Who may want to avoid it
- Those shopping on a budget
- People who can’t find help to set up the mattress in their bedroom
Customer reviews
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has a 4.7-star rating out of 5 and 3,351 reviews on its website. Several reviews mention the bed’s true firm support.
“We got one of the best weekends of sleep due to the new mattress. We like firm and it is exactly what they described it to be. My wife and I couldn’t be happier.”
– Sean K., verified buyer on 6/7/24
“I just love this bed. It has to be the most comfortable mattress I’ve ever slept on. It took quite a bit of research before making a decision, but I chose well. Firm, but not too firm, it’s just perfect. I highly recommend this mattress.”
– William M., verified buyer on 5/23/34
Visit our Brooklyn Bedding mattress review to learn more.
Birch Natural: Best natural mattress for fibromyalgia
Our expert take on the Birch Natural mattress
People with fibromyalgia often have sensitivities to certain stimuli, like certain chemicals found in everyday items. For some, this is a separate (but related) diagnosis called multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).
“Fibromyalgia and MCS share some common features in terms of brain hypersensitivity to stimuli, and are often found in the same person,” said Darley. “Multiple chemical sensitivity can worsen over time, with an increase in triggers, and an increase in the number of symptoms. Fibromyalgia can be made worse by MCS, which also affects sleep quality.” Darley recommends her patients with MCS be cautious of scents in the bedroom, like using unscented laundry products in bedding or running an air purifier during the day.
If you and your doctor have discussed removing irritants from your home to improve symptoms, a mattress with eco-friendly materials may be a good choice. We like the Birch because its mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold certified and Global Organic Textile Standard certified. But we specifically like the Birch Natural because it’s easy to move around on and supports the body well.
The Birch Natural is made with latex, a natural and more durable alternative to foam. Latex is also more responsive, so it still feels relatively soft while supporting better than most foams can. But some people, like our testers, may perceive latex as denser than foam. We recommend upgrading to the Luxe version of this mattress (about $300 more) for added pressure relief if you sleep on your side, especially if your shoulders, upper back, or neck area are affected by your fibromyalgia.
When you buy the Birch Natural, you’ll receive a 25-year warranty and a 100-night trial period. White-glove delivery is available depending on your location. You’ll have to check availability and price on the product page by entering your ZIP code, but it can range between $129–$398.
Our tester on the Birch Natural mattress:
“I feel the Birch Natural is ideal for combination sleepers. The material is responding well to movement, the mattress is very springy and helps guide you to switch positions.”
What our mattress expert says
Who may love it
- Those who prioritize environmentally friendly materials in their bedroom
- Back sleepers of any body type
- People who appreciate a mobility boost for easier repositioning
Who may want to avoid it
- Side sleepers will want to upgrade to the Luxe version for more pressure relief
- Stomach sleepers will find this mattress too forgiving
Customer reviews
The Birch Natural Mattress has a 4.6-star rating out of 5 and over 4,500 reviews on its website. Multiple reviewers mentioned how they appreciated knowing their mattress was made from natural materials.
“Since sleeping on my new Birch, my neck and back pain have subsided and I’m taking less trips to the chiropractor! Love it! Highly recommend!”
Shawn R., verified buyer on 6/12/24
“This mattress is the best hybrid of soft and firm imaginable. Pressure points are able to sink in while at the same time your body as a whole is supported.”
-Skip B., verified buyer on 5/9/24
On Google, the Birch Natural Mattress has a 4.6 star rating with over 2,000 ratings. Most of the reviewers had positive things to say about the mattress, but some did criticize the durability of the mattress, expressing concerns that it could hold up to daily use for the long term.
How we test mattresses for fibromyalgia
Our Reviews Team spent over 2,000 hours researching and testing 230 mattresses, adjustable beds, and pillows. During testing, we focus on each bed independently, providing scores across ten categories, and then look at how these scores stack up against other models. In doing this, we hope to get the most accurate understanding of how these mattresses stand alone as well as how they compare to each other.
Our testing categories cover what we feel is most important in a mattress being used by someone with fibromyalgia. For example, when it comes to chronic pain, we have found that there is a sweet spot between comfort and support. A medium-firm mattress that keeps the spine aligned while still providing pressure relief for tender-to-the-touch places is often most comfortable for these sleepers. Because we know that individuals with fibromyalgia can be more sensitive to temperature, we also look at the cooling capabilities of each model using a thermal gun and rate the results on a five-point scale.
At NCOA, we’ve created our own testing category called functional support. Functional support is a composite score combining firmness, bounce, and edge support with a focus on ease of movement. We feel these factors are important for comfortable repositioning when an individual has chronic pain.
We also surveyed 2,200 people about their experiences with new mattresses. Through those surveys, we get a better understanding of how people feel about their mattresses, taking into account their experiences, and reviews collected by third-party websites, for a well-rounded perspective of how these mattresses perform in day-to-day life.
To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.
We know the mattress industry and the science behind chronic pain management and comfort are always changing. Because of this, we continuously test new mattresses each month and make sure we give you the most up-to-date information possible.
How to choose a mattress when you have fibromyalgia
During testing, we found the Saatva Rx to be the best mattress for fibromyalgia overall, but we also know this mattress might not be the best fit for everyone with fibromyalgia. Keeping your own unique symptoms and comfort needs in mind, we suggest you consider firmness, pressure relief, responsiveness, and cooling capabilities while looking for your next mattress.
Firmness
We have found the right firmness level for someone with fibromyalgia is whatever allows them to maintain a neutral spine without being too firm and uncomfortable for tenderness and pain. Firmness is a subjective experience for many, but it is common for a medium to medium-firm mattress to check these boxes for most people.
Different interpretations of firmness are especially true for different body types. A person who weighs less than 130 pounds will perceive mattresses to be firmer than someone who weighs more than 250 pounds. It is also true that back and stomach sleepers may find a slightly firmer mattress more comfortable, while side sleepers need a mattress soft enough to contour their body.
Pressure Relief
In order to avoid pressure build-up in the hips, shoulders, and lower back, mattresses should relieve pressure by redistributing weight. During testing, we use a pressure mat to measure how much pressure is being placed on specific parts of the body in back, stomach, and side sleeping positions.
As you’re shopping for a mattress, consider how a minimum trial of 100 nights could help you find a mattress that provides the pressure relief you need. Take note of increased discomfort in certain areas of your body overtime and continue to try out different models until you find one that provides enough cushion to avoid pain and stiffness.
Responsiveness
Because individuals with fibromyalgia often have trouble getting comfortable and staying comfortable in bed, they may reposition throughout the night. A responsive mattress is one that bounces back, instead of sinking under the pressure of the sleeper. This allows for ease of movement, preventing the feeling of being stuck in a mattress and needing to make extra effort to move.
Cooling Capabilities
There is a lot we don’t know about fibromyalgia, but we do understand there exists a pattern of sensitivity to certain sensory stimuli associated with this condition. Individuals with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to temperature. If this is true for you, a mattress with cooling capabilities may be most comfortable for you.
Both innerspring and hybrid mattresses with an innerspring core tend to encourage airflow, making them naturally cool mattresses. Additionally, a cooling pillow top with gel-infused foam or phase change material can create a “cool-to-the-touch” experience for the sleeper.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is characterized by abnormal sensitivity to pain. The most common symptom is widespread pain, which may be accompanied by localized pain or tender spots throughout the body. In addition to pain, individuals with fibromyalgia may experience fatigue and difficulty sleeping, they may also notice they experience brain fog, depression, and anxiety.
There isn’t a known, singular cause of fibromyalgia. Instead, it is believed that this chronic pain condition can be triggered by a number of events, including traumatic injury, stress, emotional trauma, and infections.
Treatment of fibromyalgia is heavily focused on education and lifestyle, encouraging individuals to make choices that improve the symptoms of this chronic condition. Reducing stress, through lifestyle changes and treatment of depression and anxiety, can improve symptoms of this disorder.
Because individuals with chronic pain report worsening pain with poor sleep, healthy sleep habits and treatment of insomnia are essential aspects of fibromyalgia treatment.
Regular exercise can help reduce pain and improve mood. Additionally, there are medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Which sleep position is best for fibromyalgia?
Those with fibromyalgia may notice their paint is concentrated in certain places throughout the body, and certain spots are more tender to pressure than others. Other people may experience widespread pain throughout the body, or they may experience shifts in the location of their pain over time.
Side Sleepers
A slightly softer mattress is often necessary for side sleepers to maintain a neutral spine, and the best mattress for side sleepers gently hugs and contours the body without throwing off spinal alignment.
Back Sleepers
If you prefer to sleep on your back, the most important considerations are support and pressure relief. The best mattress for back sleepers is firm enough to maintain an aligned spine but also soft and cushioning enough to avoid pressure buildup that would worsen the pain.
Stomach Sleepers
Sleepers who are most comfortable on their stomachs will benefit from a mattress that is supportive enough to prevent their hips and midsection from sinking into it. When looking for the best mattress for stomach sleepers, we suggest choosing one that maintains a neutral spine.
Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers may need a very responsive medium-firm mattress that allows them to move easily throughout the night because they’re not “stuck in” their mattress. Learn more in our review of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
What type of mattress is best for fibromyalgia?
Sleepers with fibromyalgia may have difficulty sleeping because they experience pain, preventing them from getting comfortable and staying comfortable in bed. Any steps you can take to reduce discomfort could help you get better sleep at night, including finding the best type of mattress for fibromyalgia.
- Memory Foam: Since memory foam mattresses are typically responsive to body heat, they do an excellent job contouring the body. They tend to provide good pressure relief, preventing build-up and pain in one area of the body, making them a good choice for a sleeper with fibromyalgia. Memory foam mattresses often run hot, so if sensitivity to heat is a symptom of your fibromyalgia, look for an option with added cooling capabilities.
- Innerspring: An innerspring mattress is primarily made of steel coils surrounded by a quilted or pillowtop cover. These mattresses are incredibly supportive but don’t always offer the best pressure relief and cushioning. A sleeper with fibromyalgia may notice that there is too much pressure present at their pain spots when sleeping on this mattress.
- Hybrid: A hybrid mattress combines the cushion and responsiveness of memory foam with the durable support of an innerspring mattress. These mattresses can be an excellent choice for someone with fibromyalgia because they are supportive enough to maintain a neutral spine while still providing pressure relief to avoid pain buildup.
- Latex: Latex is a memory foam alternative naturally derived from rubber trees. Like memory foam, it provides good pressure relief and cushion but tends to allow for more airflow, making it a cooler option. For this reason, a latex mattress can be a great choice for someone with fibromyalgia.
How can I sleep better with fibromyalgia?
Sleeping with fibromyalgia can be difficult, but some strategies help. “Exercise can improve both sleep and fibromyalgia pain symptoms, so it’s a good idea to continue to exercise,” said Darley. You may want to do your exercise outside. Outdoor sun exposure for at least 20 minutes early in the day, then at least 10 minutes every couple of hours, can help promote a healthy circadian rhythm and encourage regular sleep patterns.
But if your sleep isn’t improving, it’s time to get help. “Treatments for insomnia, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can also be helpful. Check with your doctor if it’s right for you,” said Darley.
Does fibromyalgia get worse at night?
In general, those with chronic pain notice their symptoms intensify at night and that they wake up sore and stiff. Researchers believe this is associated with hormone changes, which cause the body’s anti-inflammatory response to be less active at night. Pain may also be affected by our circadian rhythm.
Unmanaged pain can become part of a recurring cycle. Pain symptoms often disrupt sleep because it is difficult to get comfortable, while a lack of sleep is associated with worsening chronic pain. Because of this, it is crucial that individuals with chronic pain take all possible steps to improve their comfort and their sleep at night.
Compare the best mattresses for fibromyalgia as of 2024
Saatva Rx
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Helix Midnight Luxe
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The WinkBed
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Bear Elite Hybrid
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Nolah Evolution 15″
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Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
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Birch Natural
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Mattress type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex hybrid |
Firmness | Medium | Medium | Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus | Soft, medium, firm | Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus | Soft, medium, firm | Medium |
Trial period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights |
Warranty | Limited lifetime | 15 years | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | 10 years | 25 years |
White-glove delivery | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Bottom line
It can be difficult to get quality sleep with fibromyalgia, but it’s important to work with your doctor to find solutions. Ask if seeing a rehabilitation or sleep specialist will help. If a new mattress is on your horizon, we hope our review of the best mattress for fibromyalgia helped narrow your search.
Overall, the Saatva Rx is our best pick for its adaptability to different types of sleepers. If you need something firmer, consider the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. If you prefer a natural option, look into Birch Natural. Choosing the right one is difficult, but know that every mattress in our roundup offers a trial period that meets or exceeds the 100-night industry standard. You’ll have plenty of time to test it before committing to it long-term.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Additional sleep resources for pain
Frequently asked questions
The best firmness level depends on your symptoms, sleep position, and personal preferences. What works for one person may not work for another. That said, according to industry standards, it’s safe to consider mattresses with a true medium-firmness level (6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale), as they tend to have the best balance between cushion and support. You can also try positioning yourself with pillows more comfortably before investing in a mattress.
If you find the most relief from a memory foam mattress and it helps you sleep better, that should indicate it’s good for you. Others may find memory foam unsupportive and prefer the responsive feel of coil support. We suggest going to a mattress store and trying a few different options to find out what works before you buy.
Adjustable beds could help you find a more comfortable position throughout the night and encourage better sleep. You can test whether an adjustable bed would help by propping your legs or torso with pillows. But a new bed is only a piece of the puzzle. Make sure you’re incorporating good sleep hygiene practices into your daily routine, like getting enough sunlight and exercise, to support better sleep patterns.
A bad mattress may worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The most common symptom of this condition is chronic pain that may be widespread, concentrated in specific spots, or present as being tender to the touch. A mattress without adequate support and pressure relief could worsen these symptoms.
Latex mattresses often manage to balance pressure relief and cushion with support, making them a good choice for someone experiencing chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia. These mattresses also tend to be breathable, making them naturally cooling, and they can be a good fit for someone who has sensitivity to temperature changes because of their fibromyalgia.
Sources
- National Fibromyalgia Association. All About Fibromyalgia. Found on the internet at https://www.fmaware.org/fibromyalgia
- Mitchell M, et al. Comparative Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: A Systematic Review. BMC Family Practice. May 25, 2012. Found on the internet at https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2296-13-40
- NCOA Adviser Mattresses Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024
- Bolton R, et al. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science and Practice. May 10, 2022. Found on the internet at https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-022-00073-x
- 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
- Molot J, et al. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: It’s Time to Catch Up to the Science. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. August 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763423001963?via%3Dihub
- National Library of Medicine. Fibromyalgia. Found on the internet: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540974/
- Harvard Health Publishing. Do we feel more pain at night? Found on the internet: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/do-we-feel-pain-more-at-night-202301182877
- Daguet I, et al. Circadian rhythmicity of pain sensitivity in humans. Brain. September 2022. Found on the internet at: https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/145/9/3225/6637506?guestAccessKey=e94c8f79-7fca-42ca-98e2-085eb26400c3&login=false