The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included.
The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included. NCOA does not receive a commission for purchases. If you find these resources useful, consider donating to NCOA.
As we age, it’s important to maintain healthy sleep patterns to support our physical and mental function. Yet only about half of older adults get enough sleep throughout the night. [1] Miner B and Kryger MH. Sleep in the Aging Population. Sleep Medicine Clinics. March 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5300306 While multiple factors can contribute to a poor night’s sleep, many are within our control, including our bedroom environment. So, if you’re having trouble sleeping comfortably, it may be time to look for the best mattress for your unique needs. For example, some research links a medium-firm mattress to lower levels of musculoskeletal pain in older adults, as well as less time spent falling asleep.
To understand which bed characteristics can make you feel more comfortable, our team consulted experts, tested mattresses, and surveyed recent mattress shoppers age 65 and older.
Our top pick is the Saatva Classic, since it combines a supportive, comfortable innerspring base with excellent edge support. We hope our comprehensive list of the best mattresses for older adults helps you make an informed decision as you shop for your next bed. But of course, consult your doctor to see what else you can do to improve your sleep.
We found several important factors when testing mattresses specifically for older adults, including:
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need an extra firm mattress if you suffer from body aches or back pain. Medium-firm mattresses are the sweet spot.
Find a mattress designed to relieve pressure when your body and joints are pressed against the surface material.
You want a mattress that supports a neutral spine in its most natural position.
A mattress with reinforced edges may help you get in and out of bed easier and keep you from rolling off.
The Saatva Classic is our best overall pick because of its firmⓘ Brands rate firmness on a scale from one to 10. One is the softest, and 10 is the firmest. It’s generally accepted that 6.5 is considered medium on this scale. and bouncy feel, which provides support and easier mobility for many older adults.
This mattress is made almost entirely of innerspring, so it feels bouncy when you reposition or leave the bed. It also has a wall of dense foam around the perimeter to reinforce its edge support. When our testers rolled near the bed’s edge, this foam wall almost felt protective, nudging us back to the center. When we sat on the edge, it only lost an inch of height, which is relatively good compared to other mattresses. Together, the bouncy feel and solid edge support bolster the Saatva Classic’s top-rated functional support scoreⓘ We developed this score to determine how well the mattress supports bed mobility, like changing positions or getting out of bed. The higher the score, the more assistance the mattress provides. .
The Saatva Classic also offers stronger springs and a targeted foam layer along the center of the mattress, providing extra reinforcement under the lower back. If you find a highly supportive mattress comfortable, this mattress is a good choice.
Most mattresses have a trade-off, and the luxury firm Saatva Classic is no different. Its firmer feel might be too dense for lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) side sleepers who need a softer surface under the shoulder and hip to reduce pressure. If you’re a lighter-weight side sleeper, we recommend choosing the plush soft version of this mattress instead for added pressure relief. Although our team likes bouncy mattresses for easier mobility in bed, your partner may feel you move during the night due to the Classic’s poor motion isolationⓘ The ability of a mattress to keep movement on one side of the bed from affecting the other side. .
Another reason our team ranks Saatva so highly is its white-glove delivery, also known as in-home setup. Saatva is one of the only mattress brands that provides this service, which means you don’t have to lift a finger when your mattress is delivered. The brand also offers a generous one-year trial period, so you have plenty of time to test the mattress to see if it’s right.
“The mattress feels very responsive to movement, and it’s very easy to switch positions.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
On Saatva’s website, the Saatva Classic has a 4.8 star rating out of 3,458 total reviews. In general, reviewers find the mattress comfortable and appreciate the free white glove delivery.
“I am a stomach sleeper and hubby is a side sleeper – it works wonderfully for both of us. We are seniors with the normal amount of aches and pains, and this mattress has eased those. Edge support is also very good, so we don’t struggle to get up.” – Robin U., verified buyer.
“The Classic I choose is a wonderful mattress. Best sleep I’ve had in a long time… What really made the experience wonderful was the ‘White Glove’ delivery, setup, and removal of old mattress and box spring. The delivery service makes it truly a painless experience with professional, polite and efficient workmen. I highly recommending Saatva to others. .” – John S., verified buyer.
On Google, the Saatva Classic has a 4.4 star rating our of 4,328 total reviews. 5-star reviewers enjoy how the mattress feels and appreciated the brand’s customer service. Although, some 1-star reviewers found the mattress too firm for their liking and some didn’t think it was worth the price.
Visit our Saatva mattress review to learn more.
Saatva earns another spot on our list because it makes a mattress specifically for back pain. the Saatva Rx. This mattress’s unique build is adaptable to your body’s natural shape, supporting whichever position offers you the most relief. Our team found it highly supportive and pressure-relieving, which are two characteristics people with lower back pain prioritize, according to our survey of 600 recent mattress customers. It’s also a true medium-firm mattress, which, according to research, is more likely to relieve back pain and improve sleep quality than other firmness levels.
Talk to your doctor before purchasing a mattress for back pain. It’s important to receive a full evaluation and treatment plan, which may or may not involve purchasing a new mattress.
The Saatva Rx is a hybrid mattress with mostly innerspring layers, but it offers more pressure-relieving properties than the Saatva Classic. Older adults with back pain may appreciate this mattress’s balanced feel, which seems to adapt to your body and its movements. Each spring in its primary coil layer is capped with foam, allowing each component to mold and support your body as you sleep. Saatva also added a layer of micro-coils similarly designed to hug your curves and a foam layer along the center for extra reinforcement under the lower back.
Our team was impressed by the functional support in the Saatva Rx. Despite having more forgiving layers than the Saatva Classic, it has similar mobility-boosting properties, like excellent edge support and bounce. It’s also one of the taller mattresses in our review at 15 inches, making it easier to stand from the edge of the bed. Those who are careful with their movement may appreciate how the Saatva Rx feels, but an occupational or physical therapist should address painful bed mobility.
For more information, check out our review of the best mattresses for back pain.
“This mattress is so supportive and responsive. It has great middle-of-the-road firmness and allows for support and comfort.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Saatva Classic has a 4.9 out of 5 star rating on Saatva’s website with 74 total reviews. Many reviewers report fewer aches and pains after sleeping on it and appreciate the white glover delivery. Although, some reviewers mentioned that the edge wasn’t as supportive as expected.
“This mattress is very comfortable and seems to have helped back pain. Purchased split king with adjustable plus base. A lot of money but we’ll worth it.” – Jeff W., verified buyer on 03/31/24.
“My back and hips are extremely happy! The soreness and stiffness in the morning is a thing of the past! Thanks for designing such a great mattress for those of us with aching bodies and thanks to customer service for the correct recommendation!.” – Nancy, verified buyer on 01/30/24.
If you’re shopping on a strict budget, DreamCloud should be one of your top contenders. The DreamCloud Memory Foam is a medium-firm mattress with excellent surface support, plenty of pressure relief, and high-scoring motion isolation. Most importantly, it’s available for under $1,000 during the brand’s frequent promotions.
All-foam mattresses have a reputation for being hot, soft, and unsupportive. But our testing results revealed that DreamCloud is an exception. Although this mattress offers conforming and pressure-relieving foam, it makes enough contact with our body’s curves to support our spines. “I wasn’t expecting this mattress to feel so supportive. I’ve tried some soft memory foam mattresses that make too much contact with my body and envelop me throughout the night, but this mattress doesn’t do that,” said one tester. “Those mattresses also feel hot. Since DreamCloud Memory Foam doesn’t sink so much, it’s not noticeably hot. When my testing partner [lie] beside me, it still felt relatively cool.”
Testers also noticed how well the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress isolates motion. Testing partners barely felt each other move when repositioning, which makes it a perfect option for couples. This is because foam material does a great job of damping motion. But its trade-off is less bounce, which means movement can take more effort. This mattress scored above average for functional support with a 3.6 out of 5—not a bad score, but not as helpful as the springier beds in this review.
DreamCloud offers white-glove delivery but not for memory foam beds. Be sure to recruit help to move this mattress, which comes in a box, into your home, as it can be too bulky and heavy for one person to do on their own. Hiring a local moving company might be a good idea. You can find one by Googling “furniture moving companies near me.”
“My weight is evenly distributed and I feel it mildly contouring my lower back.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
On DreamCloud’s website, the mattress has a 4.6 out of 5 star rating with 8,909 total reviews. Many reviewers find the mattress comfortable and supportive and report fewer aches and pains and less tossing and turning.
“You have no idea what this has done to improve my sleep quality. The bed has just the right amount of firmness. Honestly cannot complain and tell everyone who mentions they need a new bed to consider DreamCloud.” – Jennifer M., verified buyer.
“Since getting this mattress, I have had the best sleep without tossing and turning, and no back pain. It’s supportive and comfortable.” – Sheila A., verified buyer.
On Google, the DreamCloud Original Memory Foam mattress has a 4.2 out of 5-star rating with 21,820 reviews. While most reviewers gave the mattress a five star rating, some found the mattress difficult to set up.
Visit our DreamCloud mattress review to learn more.
Arthritis can be painful, especially in the morning when joints feel stiffest. If you have arthritis in your knee or hip joint, consider a pressure-relieving mattress with enough functional support to help you move more easily. According to our testing results, The WinkBed is a great choice.
The WinkBed has four firmness options: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus (designed for higher-weight people weighing more than 250 pounds). We tested the luxury firm, the medium-firm version of The WinkBed. One of our first impressions of the mattress was how soft and responsiveⓘ 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. the mattress felt due to the 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. top. “I can feel it contouring my body well. I definitely sit on top of the material with some cradling, which is comfortable and distributes my body weight evenly across the mattress,” said our tester. Our pressure map testing confirmed this—The WinkBed diverts pressure away from our joints when lying on our backs and sides.
If you look at the lower back area of the person depicted above, you’ll notice how well The WinkBed makes contact with the tester’s lower back. The WinkBed offers zoned support, a stiffer area across the center of the mattress designed to reinforce your lower back’s natural position throughout the night and prevent sag. According to research, zoned support can promote spinal alignment and improve sleep quality, especially in side sleepers with general back pain .
We appreciated how The WinkBed offers bouncy springs for easier bed mobility without sacrificing motion isolation, which many hybrid mattresses often do. Testers found it relatively easy to move around on this mattress since it has a bouncy coil layer, good edge support, and a 13-inch-tall profile. Those with knee or hip arthritis should find it easier to navigate this mattress compared to shorter, less responsive options.
When you purchase The WinkBed, you can take advantage of a unique exchange program for $49, where you can try a mattress with a different firmness level if you’re unhappy with your original purchase. You get 60 days to try both versions in your home before returning one. But WinkBeds doesn’t offer white-glove delivery, so be sure to arrange help on your own.
“It’s easy to switch positions on this mattress: Not too difficult to roll over.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The WinkBed has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on its website with 8,686 total reviews. Many reviewers find the bed supportive and enjoy the brand’s customer service. Some reviewers who decided to return the mattress found it easy to do so.
“I love this bed! It is just the right balance of firmness and soft comfort. The company has been fantastic about communicating and offering support. Can’t recommend highly enough.” – Sarah S., verified buyer on 02/14/24
“This bed helps me so much with my arthritic joints.” – Shannon G., verified buyer on 02/04/24.
Visit our WinkBed mattress review to learn more.
The luxury firm version of the Nolah Evolution 15″ is a tall hybrid mattress with zoned support in its coil and foam design—offering support and pressure relief in the right places. In fact, it earned a perfect score in pressure relief during our testing, making it a great option for sleepers with soreness in different areas around the body. For similar reasons, you’ll also find it on our list of mattresses for those with fibromyalgia and sciatica.
Nolah offers a unique type of foam called AirFoam, which is more dense along the center and less dense above and below. This offers reinforcement under the lower back while offloading pressure around the hips and shoulders. Nolah also incorporates stiffer coils along the center for added support, which helps you maintain spinal alignment throughout the night. A supportive mattress helps prevent sag and encourages even weight distribution throughout the bed for a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Some mattresses with high levels of pressure relief are also forgiving, which creates a sinking feel as you settle into the bed. Testers liked how Nolah gently hugs the body without feeling like you’re fighting the material while repositioning. Since the luxury firm Nolah Evolution 15″ is slightly firmer (seven out of 10 on the firmness scale), offers excellent edge support, has above-average bounce, and provides plenty of surface support, it scored well in its functional support score. But if you have a tall bed frame, this 15-inch mattress can make it difficult to climb into bed.
When you buy the Nolah Evolution 15″, you can add white-glove delivery through a company called LoadUp for $150–$300, depending on whether you need old mattress removal. We recommend investing in white-glove delivery for this mattress because it’s thicker and bulkier than many other mattresses we’ve tested.
“It’s easy to push up and move around on this mattress: Didn’t take much effort.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nolah Evolution 15” has a 4.9 out of 5 star rating on Nolah’s website with nearly 900 total reviews. Many reviewers report sleeping more comfortably on the mattress and enjoy the brand’s white glove delivery.
“The Nolah mattress blew me away. It is seriously so comfortable. I cannot get over the quality for the price! Its amazing. Would highly recommend..” – Shelby S., verified buyer on 12/30/2020
“The top layer is soft feeling but not too plush. And there’s still a bit of spring in it when moving around so I don’t get that stuck feeling.” – Teressa N., verified buyer on 1/16/2021
On Google, the Nolah Evolution 15” mattress has a 4.7 out of 5 star rating with 755 total reviews. The majority of reviews are 5 star and mention better sleep, although one 2-star reviewer found the luxury firm version too soft for their preferences.
Visit our Nolah mattress review to learn more.
Higher-weight sleepers need a firm, responsive mattress to feel comfortable and prevent sagging over time. The Titan Plus was designed by its parent company, Brooklyn Bedding, to support higher-weight people looking for the right balance of comfort and durability.
The Titan Plus offers good pressure relief for back sleepers with contouring and supportive material. But this isn’t the case for those who weigh less than 250 pounds, as they may perceive this dense mattress as less conforming. Most side sleepers, regardless of weight, may want to consider upgrading to the Luxe version of this mattress for its added pressure-relieving memory foam layer. According to test results, a lighter-weight partner may feel more comfortable on the Luxe for the same reason.
But if you upgrade, you’ll sacrifice firmness. The Titan Plus is a better fit for people with mobility issues because firm surfaces are more responsive, which makes movement easier.
Our team appreciates how the Titan Plus offers relatively affordable king-size options. You can get a California king for $1,499 at regular price, which is the same cost as some queen-size mattresses at a discount (like The WinkBed). So if you like to spread out on a larger sleep surface, this is a great choice.
Unfortunately, the Titan Plus doesn’t come with white-glove delivery, so you’ll need to arrange help moving and unboxing the mattress when it’s delivered.
“The coils respond quickly to handle sleepers that are a higher weight.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
On Titan’s website, the Titan Plus has a 4.7 star rating out of 5 star rating with over 2,600 total reviews. Some reviewers enjoy the firmer feel and report less pain.
“My husband has back pain and broken hip to recover from. He is tall and heavy. Our regular mattress is keep him up at night and lot of pain during the day. After this mattress in place, he slept like a baby and he told me that is the best mattress he ever slept on. The shipping is fast and very easy to unpack.” – Shu S., verified buyer on 06/20/24
“It is the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on. I am 5″4 and 330lbs, and I don’t wake up with back aches and found that I can sleep with a lot less pillows than before.” – Ruth M., verified buyer on 05/09/24
On Google, the Titan Plus has a 4.1 out of 5 star rating with 299 total reviews. While some users praise the mattress for offering comfort and plenty of support, others find the edges too soft for their liking.
Visit our Titan Plus mattress review to learn more.
Our team was impressed by this mattress’s functional support, which offers strong edges that are safe and easy to navigate. The Birch Natural is one of the best options for older adults with mobility issues who benefit from a responsive bed.
Birch differs from other mattresses in this review because it’s made with latex, a natural alternative to foam. Latex is similar to foam because it offloads pressure well, but it’s more responsive, making it a better choice for people who don’t want to feel stuck in their mattress material.
Since this material holds its shape well, the edges don’t budge under weight. “I can roll all the way to the edge and then some,” said one tester. “I can put my limb over the edge and feel completely safe.” When we sat on the edge, it only dipped 1.5 inches, which is relatively good compared to other mattresses. Unfortunately, the Birch Natural is only 11 inches tall, so you may want to pair it with a tall bed frame if you find it difficult to stand from lower surfaces.
Our team likes how Birch offers white-glove delivery, although it costs extra and depends on your ZIP code. The service starts at $129 and can increase depending on the additional service you may need, like old mattress removal. Latex tends to feel heavier than foam and spring materials, so our team recommends white-glove delivery.
“It’s pretty easy to roll around, while still offering a net of protection on the outer edge.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Birch Natural has a 4.5 star rating out of 5 with over 4,500 reviews on Birch’s website. Many reviewers find it comfortable and appreciate the natural construction.
“Love love love my Birch! I’m sleeping so much better and [have] peace of mind knowing it’s all natural. Thank you so much for great customer service and a great product.” – Brenden C., verified buyer.
“We love our new Birch mattress, the perfect combination of firmness and softness. It’s so comfortable, and I appreciate that it’s made with natural materials.” – Mary H., verified buyer.
On Google, the Birch Natural has a 4.6 star rating out of 5 with 2,070 total reviews. While some reviewers find it supportive and comfortable, negative reviews report that the mattress lost support over time.
Some older adults prefer sleeping on a dense, firm mattress. If this sounds like you, the all-foam Plank Firm is a good option. Its flippable design has firm and extra-firm sides, so you can choose what’s most comfortable.
The biggest benefit of a firm mattress is its solid shape, which is easy to move around on. The Plank Firm doesn’t sink at all under body weight, so testers didn’t fight the material when rolling or pushing up to sit on the edge. “There’s no give or sinkage at all. It keeps up with my movement well, so it’s very easy to switch positions,” said one tester.
Those with mobility issues should find the Plank Firm easy to navigate, but if you have a short bed frame and leg weakness, you might find it hard to stand from this mattress. It’s one of the shortest and most compact mattresses we’ve tested, so plan ahead to make sure you’re comfortable with its height.
Unfortunately, white-glove delivery isn’t available. The Plank Firm might be short and compact, but it still weighs between 60–105 pounds depending on the size you order. Make sure you arrange for help when it arrives to set it up and flip it to your preferred firm side.
“It’s really easy to switch positions; I’m not fighting the material to move.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Plank Firm has a 4.7 star rating out of 5 with 3,191 reviews on it’s website. Positive reviewers generally report that the mattress feels firm, as advertised, and comfortable for their preferences.
“So far this is the most comfortable mattress I’ve ever had. Very good for stomach sleepers and those who like a firm mattress.” – Sophia M., verified buyer.
“If you want firm, this mattress is for you! This is by far THE most comfortable mattress we have ever owned! The firmness is perfection. It’s got slight give to it but no sagging whatsoever! My husband or I can get on and off the bed and not disturb each other too..” – Shelly M., verified buyer.
Looking to save money on a new mattress? Check out our roundup of the best Labor Day mattress deals of 2024!
We spent more than 2,000 hours researching the best mattresses and other sleep products to find the best choices for older adults. To make our selections, we surveyed more than 2,200 people, including older adults to understand what criteria they prioritize in a mattress. We also personally tested every mattress model in-house to get hands-on experience and ranked them on our internal scoring system. Here’s how we tested and scored the following criteria.
Firmness
We use a 1 to 10 scoring method to rank firmness, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. As a team, testers assign a firmness level after trying each mattress, then compare it to the brand’s claimed firmness to see how closely it matches.
Edge Support
We score edge support on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most supportive. Our team tested edge support by rolling a ball near the edge of the bed to gauge safety. We also measured how many inches it sank under our weight while sitting on the edge of the bed.
Functional support
Good functional support makes it easier to move around on the surface of your bed. We developed this term to help us understand how well a mattress supports or boosts mobility in bed.
We score functional support by combining our scores for firmness (30%), support (30%), bounce (10%), and edge support (30%).
Pressure relief
We score pressure relief on a 1 to 5 scale with 5 being offering the best pressure relief. We test pressure relief using a sensor-based mapping system to detect heat buildup in areas with high pressure. Then, the system creates a map of our body where pressure is located.
To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.
We continuously test new mattresses each month and make sure we give you the most up-to-date information possible.
A one-size-fits-all mattress doesn’t exist for all older adults, since the right choice often depends on your personal preferences. But consider the following criteria when shopping for the ideal mattress for you.
The most important and unique mattress characteristic we evaluated was functional support. We developed this term to help us understand how well a mattress supports or boosts mobility in bed. Mattresses with good functional support are firmer and offer good edge support, surface support, and bounce for easier repositioning. Let’s break down each component of functional support:
You may have noticed references to sleep position and body type throughout the roundup. This is because your sleep preferences and weight play a large role in mattress choice.
Higher-weight adults may perceive a mattress to be softer than it is, and lighter-weight adults may perceive a mattress to be firmer than it is. Also, side sleepers may need more pressure relief at the shoulder and hip than back or stomach sleepers.
If you’re unsure where to start, it may be a good idea to test a few mattresses at a store to discover which materials, sizes, and heights you like or dislike. Then, you’ll feel better informed as you continue your search, whether online or in person.
Use pillows to prop your body in comfortable positions. Back sleepers can place pillows under their knees to remove tension in front of the hips and around the lower back. Side sleepers can place a pillow between their knees to achieve a more neutral spine, pelvis, and hip position.
Mattresses have evolved with technology. Memory foam now rivals innerspring in popularity, and some brands and models pride themselves on having the right mix of both. Recently, alternatives like natural latex options or adjustable air chamber beds have entered the market. With so many options, it’s hard to know what’s best. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options.
Innerspring mattresses tend to be firmer and bouncier, which is great for mobility in bed. But compared to memory foam or hybrid mattresses, innerspring mattresses don’t always relieve pressure or isolate motion well.
Read more in our innerspring mattress review.
All-foam mattresses offer excellent pressure relief, especially for side sleepers. But softer foams are susceptible to sagging over time, which can feel uncomfortable. Unlike innerspring mattresses, foam surfaces aren’t bouncy or responsive, which makes it hard to move. This is why we didn’t include many all-foam mattresses in this roundup.
Read more in our memory foam mattress review.
Hybrid mattresses combine the bounce and support of innerspring with the pressure relief of memory foam. Most of the mattresses in this roundup are hybrids because they offer the right mix of comfort and functional support for older adults.
Read more in our hybrid mattress review.
Latex is a natural alternative to pressure-relieving foam but is more responsive and durable. Many latex mattresses offer good functional support for older adults, similar to innerspring options. Hot sleepers often favor latex over foam because it promotes more airflow. But latex is heavy, so if you need to set up your mattress, always recruit help.
Read more in our best latex mattress review.
Some brands, like Saatva or Sleep Number, design beds that allow you to adjust your mattress’s firmness with the push of a remote control button. Air chambers inflate or deflate, depending on the setting you choose.
You can also purchase an adjustable base, as long as your mattress is compatible. A simple adjustable base allows you to elevate your feet or head to help you get into a more comfortable position. But more complex bases have head tilt features, massage capabilities, added lumbar support, and more.
Read more in our review of the best adjustable beds on the market.
Chronic pain is a common issue among older adults and can negatively affect sleep and overall quality of life [7] Reid M, et al. Management of Chronic Pain in Older Adults. The BMJ. Feb. 13, 2015 . Talk to your doctor about your condition and work together to find the best treatment plan for you. This may involve evaluating your bedroom environment and making changes for a more comfortable sleep.
Upgrading an old, worn mattress may be a step in the right direction. Here are some considerations for common conditions.
While hip and back pain symptoms vary, most people benefit from a mattress that encourages a neutral body position and is easy to move around on.
According to research, medium-firm mattresses with zoned support are best for generalized lower back pain [3] 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 [4] Bolton R, et al. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science and Practice. May 10, 2022. . Most medium-firm mattresses in our testing were hybrids that balanced support and pressure relief well to maintain better spinal alignment throughout the night. While this research is specific to lower back pain, medium-firm mattresses with zoned support can also direct pressure away from the hips for a more comfortable sleep experience.
Check out our guides for the best mattress for back pain and the best mattress for hip pain for more information.
Survey participants over age 65 with arthritis prioritized comfort and support as they shopped for a new mattress, and about 58% of these respondents were side sleepers [2] NCOA Adviser Mattresses Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024 . As we tested different mattresses, The WinkBed stood out as the best option for our respondents because it offers exactly what older adults with arthritis need: medium firmness, adequate pressure relief for comfort, zoned lumbar reinforcement for support (especially for side sleepers), and a tall bouncy design to get out of bed in the morning easily.
While we love The WinkBed, there are other similar options that check the same boxes. Take a look at our guide on the best mattress for arthritis pain for more information.
Although our sleep patterns change as we age, the amount of sleep you get each night should not. “Older adults rely more heavily on good sleep to help them function their best due to age-related bodily changes and/or health conditions,” said Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist based in Rochester, New York. “A normal night of sleep for someone over the age of 65 is between six and seven hours. It’s typical for older adults to have more difficulty falling asleep and to sleep more lightly than they used to. Due to changing circadian rhythms, older adults may feel more inclined to [go to] sleep around 7 or 8 p.m.. and [wake] between 4 and 5 a.m..”
If you’re having trouble sleeping, you should discuss it with your doctor. But you don’t have to wait to make positive changes. With the help of Michelle Feng, chief clinical officer at Executive Mental Health, based in Los Angeles, here are a few tips to set the stage for a good night’s sleep:
To read more, check out our article on aging and sleep.
| Mattress type | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex Hybrid | Foam |
| Mattress height (inches) | 11.5 or 14.5 | 15 | 12 | 13.5 | 15 | 11 | 11 | 10.25 |
| Firmness | Firm | Medium | Medium | Medium | Firm | Firm | Medium | Firm and Extra-Firm (Flippable) |
| Edge support score | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Back pressure relief score | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Side pressure relief score | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Functional support score | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.6/5 | 3.7/5 | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 | 4.2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | Back, stomach, combination | Any | Back, stomach, combination | Back, side, combination | Any | Any* | Black | Any** |
| Flow type | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
*Any sleep position for higher-weight people
**Any sleeper seeking the firmest mattress possible.
There isn’t a single best mattress for older adults. But, in general, mattresses that provide provide a stable surface for easier movement are an excellent place to start.
The Saatva Classic is at the top of our list for its comfort options and excellent functional support. If you have pain, consider the Saatva Rx or The WinkBed. And if you’re on a strict budget, the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress is a great option.
Although a new mattress or adjustable bed could improve your comfort throughout the night, be sure to consult your doctor or a rehabilitation specialist if you have a medical condition that affects your sleep quality.
Firmer mattresses are easier to move around on, but medium-firm mattresses tend to offer the best mix of support and pressure relief to improve sleep quality. But this isn’t always the case, as some older adults prefer sleeping in softer beds. The best firmness level is the one that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
The best mattress height depends on your height. Taller older adults may need a taller bed, while shorter older adults may find it difficult to climb into tall beds. A good rule of thumb is to plan for your bed frame and mattress to be at or above knee height.
The best mattress for older adults less than $1,000 is the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress. Frequent website promotions drop its price to about $700–$800. We like this option because it offers medium firmness, accommodates various body types and sleep positions, and supports movement well.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
