While there’s no one-size-fits-all bed for older sleepers, a comfortable mattress for these folks should have plenty of support for a neutral spinal alignment, strong edge support to make it easier to get in and out of bed, and pressure relief for the shoulders, hips and lower back.
Below, we’ve assembled the absolute best mattresses for seniors on the market today, all of which we’ve put through an extensive battery of tests in mattress performance categories such as motion isolation, cooling, and more. These beds range from soft and plush to bouncy and firm, and are a particularly good fit for adults over the age of 65.
We also made sure to include a range of prices to accommodate a variety of budgets; the price tags of these beds span from $1,249 to $3,295 for a queen size before discounts. Sleepopolis has helped 12,544 people find a mattress in 2024 alone — and 60,108 since we’ve been in operation — so hopefully we can do the same for you here. We also consulted with our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, who’s a quadruple-board certified physician specializing in sleep science. If you’re an older person looking for better sleep or looking to surprise a family member with a new mattress, take a look at our top picks.
Our Top Pick For Seniors
We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as our top pick for older mattress shoppers because of its balance of comfort and support, which helps combat aches and pains. It’s a great hybrid mattress that offers pressure relief, cooling, and an overall luxurious sleep experience.
9 Best Mattresses for Older Adults
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall Mattress for Seniors
- Nolah Evolution – Best Pressure Relief for Seniors
- DreamCloud Original – Best Firm Mattress For Seniors
- WinkBed – Best Pillow-Top Mattress for Seniors
- Saatva Rx – Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Seniors
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Senior Back Sleepers
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavyweight Seniors
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Seniors
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What I Looked for in the Best Mattresses for Older Sleepers
Our testing methodology looks at a broad range of performance categories related to comfort and support, so we can find the ideal bed for every type of sleeper. However, to identify the best beds for older folks, we honed in on a few specific factors.
- Edge Support – Edge support refers to the solidness of the edges of your mattress. This can be especially important for older sleepers because a saggy edge can make it more challenging to get in and out of bed, and make the mattress seem less comfortable. For this reason, we paid special attention to how supportive the edges of each mattress we tested feel.
- Temperature Regulation – Good temperature regulation is always important in a mattress, but this is particularly true for older sleepers. Because of this, we were sure to test the cooling properties of all of the mattresses on this list with a thermal gun to make sure you can stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.
- Support – The support of your mattress is incredibly important, especially if you are an older sleeper. Support can be helpful for pain relief, sleep quality, comfort, and more. To test the support level of the mattresses on this list, we looked for good spinal alignment and lifting properties and then used a pressure mat to measure pressure relief in different sleep positions.
With these categories in mind, let’s get into our top picks for the best beds for older mattress shoppers.
Compare the Best Mattresses for Seniors
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| Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Titan Plus | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers,
Hip Pain, Couples |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
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Best Mattress Video Review
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall Mattress for Seniors
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness. The Midnight is one of their medium models. It has enough contouring for side sleepers, but should still be supportive enough for back sleepers, as long as they don’t mind a softer bed. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I like the Helix Midnight Luxe for back sleepers and side sleepers. The medium-soft to medium-firm feel should give these folks the right balance of comfort and support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
The Midnight Luxe, our top pick for older sleepers, is a hybrid bed similar to the standard Helix Midnight, but with an added cushiony pillow top and zoned support. It provides above-average pressure relief when back and side sleeping, earning 4 out of 5 scores in both categories. This cozy pressure relief may be beneficial for older folks who experience joint or back pain, while the sturdy innerspring coils below provide tons of support.
My fellow tester Sosha Lewis proudly proclaimed, “I am a fan of this mattress.” After testing it on her side, she said, “I would definitely like this bed at home. I didn’t feel any pressure and enjoyed the contouring around my hips.” She also liked the mattress on her back for its soft but supportive feel. Some stomach sleepers may want something a touch firmer, as we rated the bed at a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, a perfect medium-firm.
When it comes to meeting the needs of our older sleepers, the Midnight Luxe has fairly sturdy edges, especially when lying down at the edge of the mattress, so we gave it a 4 out of 5 in this category. The bed also fared well in our cooling test: We found that it had a somewhat cool-to-the-touch feel and kept the temperature low as we rested on the bed, which earned it a perfect 5-out-of-5 cooling score. It also has a nice blend of response without sacrificing motion isolation, which could be a plus if you sleep with a partner.
Unfortunately, the Midnight Luxe might not work for everyone. Heavy folks (those weighing over 230 pounds) may find the Helix Midnight Luxe to be supportive, but they’ll likely find the materials a bit too soft. As a luxury mattress, it also might not work great for budget shoppers, as a queen costs more than $2,000 before sales and coupons.
Looking for a bed that’s better for heavyweight sleepers? Check out the Titan Plus, also on this list. Otherwise, read more in our Helix Midnight Luxe review.
Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Pressure Relief for Older People
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
While there are many positive aspects of growing older, increased joint pain isn’t one of them. Luckily, the Nolah Evolution is a mattress we’ve found that can potentially address this concern by offering exceptional pressure relief. The mattress is stacked with support layers of innerspring coils and foam, which provide a sturdy foundation for the upper foam layers and luxurious pillow-top cover. These top layers provide a cool-to-the-touch, soft-as-a-cloud, sinking-in feeling. This can help reduce pain, especially for side sleepers who experience pressure at the shoulder or hip. As a reference, the Nolah Evolution earned 4.3-out-of-5 scores in pressure relief for both side and back sleeping.
The Evolution is available in a Plush, Luxury Firm, or Firm option, and all should be great options for pressure relief. We tested out the Luxury Firm and rated it a solid medium-firm, 6.5 out of 10 on our scale. My fellow tester Sosha Lewis loved this bed on her back and side. “The pillow top does an excellent job of contouring around the joints, while the support keeps the spine aligned,” she said. The pillow top is also the reason the bed excels in motion isolation, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 in this category. Even the most restless couples should sleep disturbance-free on this mattress.
Sosha has an older model of the Nolah Evolution and had the opportunity to test out the new version. She especially appreciated the temperature regulation, for which she gave the bed a 4.5 out of 5. She said, “The updated version of this bed excels in cooling. The organic cotton was cool to the touch. I had worked out right before we started testing and my temperature hadn’t regulated. I could feel the heat leaving my body as I was on the Nolah.” Older folks who tend to run hot should benefit from these results.
As for possible downsides to this bed, there aren’t many. The main one is that, despite its hybrid construction, the mattress didn’t have a responsive feel. Sosha said it was relatively easy to switch between positions, but she did notice some resistance that might make it more difficult for sleepers with limited mobility. This luxury bed is also priced higher than most mattresses (nearly $2,000 for a queen), so be sure to wait for a sale or choose something more budget-friendly.
Check out our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. Want a more affordable mattress? Check out Nolah’s Signature mattress for a cheaper, pressure-relieving mattress.
DreamCloud Original – Best Firm Mattress For Older Sleepers
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
The DreamCloud Original is a firmer luxury hybrid mattress that’s supportive yet comfortable for older sleepers. They should feel lifted by the mattress’s layer of sturdy coils, which can assist with pain in the joints and in the lumbar region. This is because sinking too far into a bed can shift your spine out of alignment and cause any potential aches in these areas to worsen. Due to its abundance of lumbar support and spine-aligning lift, we rated this bed at a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which is firmer than the most common medium-firm mattress type.
My fellow tester Bridget Chapman likes this bed most for back sleeping. After testing it out, she said, “The DreamCloud does a stellar job relieving tension around the lower back. As I lay on this bed, I could feel its top layers of foam filling in the space at my lumbar region for some pleasant pressure relief.” Firm mattresses are great for these types of sleepers, as well as stomach sleepers, as they should enjoy the added hip support. The DreamCloud’s pressure relief (it scored 4.5 out of 5 in this category) should also be an added benefit for older adults needing some cradling. However, I wouldn’t recommend this bed to most dedicated side sleepers, as they might prefer something softer.
As a hybrid mattress, it’s no surprise that the DreamCloud has plenty of bounce to it. It earned a perfect 5-out-of-5 score for response, meaning moving around on the surface should be a breeze for combination sleepers. The coils also help to reinforce the edges (earning 4.5 out of 5 for edge support), which should help older sleepers when they get in and out of bed — or if they like to make full use of the bed’s surface area. The cooling wasn’t anything to scoff at either, thanks to the bed’s breathable construction, which gave it a score of 4 out of 5 for temperature regulation.
Unfortunately, the motion isolation on this mattress leaves something to be desired. Light sleepers with a restless partner may want to pick something with thicker comfort foams to better absorb movement.
Read more in our full DreamCloud mattress review. Looking for better motion isolation? Check out the Bear Elite Hybrid.
WinkBed – Best Pillow-Top Mattress for Older Adults
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Pillow-top mattresses can be great beds for older adults, but what sets the WinkBed apart from other pillow-top beds is its super-sturdy construction. After you sink through the top layers of foam, you’ll land on a layer of springy microcoils along with a tall system of pocketed coils, producing a ton of bouncy support, which works to lift the sleeper up. But this extra heft doesn’t cancel out the softness of the pillow-top layer; in fact, it makes it all the more enjoyable. It’s most noticeable for back sleepers, since we rated pressure relief at a 4.3 out of 5 for this position.
With three different firmness options (Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer), there’s a WinkBed for everyone. We tested out the Luxury Firm model and found it to be a comfortable medium-firm at 6.5 out of 10. This should make it versatile for a variety of sleeper types. Our lightweight tester, Riley Otis, was relatively comfortable in each position. However, she did notice some pressure buildup in her shoulders when lying on her side, and would recommend the Softer model for these sleepers. Otherwise, she said, “I really enjoyed the soft feel of the pillow top, which was balanced nicely by the firmer support system below.”
Riley especially appreciated the edge support on this mattress, giving the bed a 4.5 out of 5 score in this category. She reported, “Getting in and out of bed was pretty seamless, I didn’t feel like I needed to use my hands for support. I did notice a decent amount of sinkage under my weight, but I didn’t feel unstable or like I was about to slide off the bed.” Older folks who may have mobility concerns should be pleased to know they can rely on the WinkBed’s perimeter.
Unfortunately, this bed lagged behind in two of our tests. In our cooling test, the thermal gun recorded a high 8-degree increase after lying on the bed for a while. However, Riley added, “After 5 minutes, I didn’t notice any significant heating up, despite what the thermal gun says. With some beds, you can really feel that 8-degree increase, but I didn’t notice it on the WinkBed.” The response on this bed was also relatively average. Moving around is possible, but it’s important to note that the pillow top might make it a touch more cumbersome for folks with mobility concerns.
Read more in our WinkBed mattress review. If you’re looking for a cooler bed, check out the Helix Midnight Luxe.
Saatva Rx – Best Luxury Mattress for Older Sleepers
Designed specifically for sleepers with back pain and joint pain, the Saatva Rx features several layers that combine both foam and coils. This creates a blend of comfort and support throughout the entire mattress that’s cushioning enough for any aches and pains while still being sturdy enough for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our Saatva Rx video review.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
When thinking of the term “luxury” in the context of bedding, Saatva is one of the first names that comes to mind. The brand has a renowned line of elegant innerspring and hybrid mattresses, and offers upscale services such as free white glove delivery, where someone will come to your home and set up the mattress for you. The Saatva Rx lives up to the company’s high standards, offering a superior level of targeted pressure relief for back and joint pain — two issues that can be common among older adults. It earned a 4.5 out of 5 for pressure relief in our tests, thanks to its unique construction of multiple innerspring layers, one of which includes a foam-topped coil system for pinpoint pressure relief and support.
My fellow tester Amelia Jerden liked the Rx on her side and back. After lying on the mattress on top of our pressure mat, she noted, “There is very little pressure buildup showing on these pressure maps, indicating this bed should be effective at pressure relief for back and side sleepers.” Stomach sleepers may want to choose something firmer, unless they’re of a lighter weight. But despite the bed’s pillowy feel, the edges held up well when bearing weight, earning a solid 4 out of 5 for edge support. This means that older adults looking for stability and security at the perimeter should be satisfied.
The bed should also work great for those sharing it with a partner. The bed’s breathable construction yielded some solid cooling test results, resulting in a 4.5-out-of-5 score for temperature regulation. Motion isolation is a similar story (and similar score), with the pillow top working to absorb motion before it travels across the mattress surface. Despite this, the bed still retains some of its bounce and response, which should help older adults move around more easily on the surface.
The main drawback of the Saatva Rx is its price. A queen costs well over $3,000, which may be a no-go for budget shoppers. Based on our testing, we think the bed is worth every penny, but I’d recommend waiting for a sale.
To find out more, read our full Saatva Rx review. Looking for a more affordable hybrid? Consider the DreamCloud mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Older People
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Hybrid mattresses make great options for older adults because the foams provide the pressure relief and contouring for joint pain, while the coils provide the support for back pain. The Bear Elite Hybrid excels at both of these things, and due to this and its performance across most of our test categories, it’s our favorite hybrid bed for these folks. During testing, we found this mattress has a more “on top of” feel and great edge support (earning 4.5 out of 5 in our tests), making it easier to get up and off the bed.
My fellow tester Sosha Lewis rated this bed (the Medium model, to be exact) at a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which is a touch firmer than our standard recommendation of medium-firm. However, she noted, “Although this bed was slightly firmer than average, the pillow top contoured around my side, and I found it very comfortable.” This cradling layer should help to make the mattress more versatile for different sleeping positions and body types. Of course, you can also choose your desired firmness (Soft, Medium, or Firm) to better tailor the bed to your needs.
Sosha also praised the bed’s cooling capability after testing it with the thermal gun. “The mattress didn’t noticeably heat up while I was lying on it and went up less than 5 degrees,” she said. “It felt cool to the touch when I first started.” This earned it an impressive 4.5 out of 5 score. The same coils that keep air flowing through the mattress also give the bed its response (4 out of 5), which should make it easy for older adults to switch between positions and get comfortable on the surface. At the same time, the bed should also stifle these movements, as it earned an impressive 4.7 out of 5 in our motion isolation tests. The edges also held up under our weight when we sat and lay down at the perimeter of the mattress. All of these high scores are signs of a great mattress for older folks.
Where the Bear Elite Hybrid could use improvement is pressure relief, especially for side sleepers on the smaller side. Our color-coded pressure map results saw quite a bit of yellow for these sleepers, indicating some pressure buildup, so we wouldn’t recommend it for those dedicated to this sleep position unless they stick to the Soft model.
Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review for more. Want a bed with better cradling for side sleepers? Check out the Saatva Rx.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Older Back Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid provides significant pressure relief from its soft cotton cover and foam comfort layer — and support from its sturdy coil system and high-density base foam. Both of these are must-haves for back sleepers of any age. The Signature Hybrid is available in a Soft, Medium, or Firm model, so you can choose the firmness level that works best for you. We tested the Medium model and feel its balanced construction and medium-firm feel (6.5 out of 10) helps promote proper spinal alignment to reduce the risk of discomfort or pain.
My fellow tester Kenny Timper had this to say when he lay down on his back: “My spine felt supported and lifted, I could feel the cover layer fill out my lower lumbar area.” This bed has a lifted feel rather than a sinking-in-foam one, so there may be less pressure relief than you might expect. However, this “on-top” feel should work great for combination sleepers and older folks wanting ease of movement. We rated the bed at a 4 out of 5 for responsiveness, meaning the surface of the mattress shouldn’t be cumbersome to move around on.
Older sleepers should also appreciate the bed’s edge support, for which it earned a 4 out of 5. Kenny noticed some sinkage when he sat and lay down at the bed’s edge, but it wasn’t enough to jeopardize his stability. He also praised the bed’s overall cooling ability, saying, “I didn’t feel it heat up too much while testing it; a 6-degree increase is pretty solid.” This low increase gave the bed its impressive 4.5-out-of-5 cooling score, despite having no dedicated cooling features (like gel infusions or a cooling cover).
As is the pitfall for many hybrids, motion isolation on the Signature Hybrid came up a bit short. I helped Kenny out with the partner test, and he said he didn’t feel my small movements, but he could feel it when I got in and out of bed. We also test motion isolation using a container of water, which we position on one side of the bed and then move around on the other side to observe any ripples of movement. Contrary to Kenny’s results, this test showed quite a bit of splashing from our movement, so it’s safe to say that most light sleepers would prefer something with a higher score.
Read more in our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. If you want a bed with better motion isolation, consider the WinkBed.
Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavyweight Older Adults
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
If you’re an older sleeper who weighs more than 230 pounds, you may have been let down by so-called supportive mattresses. If this sounds like you, the Brooklyn Bedding’s Titan Plus mattress may be your perfect match. The mattress is made with plus-size sleepers in mind and offers excellent support, thanks to its robust hybrid build with industrial-strength coils. This bed’s sturdy construction also lends it solid edge support (earning 4.5 out of 5 in our tests), which is not just a sign of its durable construction, but a boon for older adults who want to easily get in and out of bed.
We rated the Titan Plus a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which should be better for heavier sleepers, as they may find the recommended medium-firm beds feel softer or less supportive. Sosha Lewis, one of our average-weight testers, said that this bed could work for other sleepers, too. “I think that average-weight back sleepers would appreciate this bed, especially those who prefer a firmer feel,” she said. “There wasn’t any contouring, but it still provided a very balanced feel that helped alleviate pressure.” She also found that, on her stomach, “[her] spine and low back were very happy.”
The Titan Plus also excelled in a swath of other performance categories, especially those most attractive to older adults. The edge support on this mattress is rock-solid, earning 4.5 out of 5 in our tests. Sosha found there was only a little bit of sinkage when she was seated at the edge, but lying down had her feeling secure. She also thought the mattress excelled in motion absorption, and crowned it with the phrase “ultimate motion isolation” and a perfect 5-out-of-5 score in this category. Cooling was also another win, as it heated up by less than 5 degrees after she took a thermal gun reading before and after lying on it for 5 minutes. Sosha noted that the mattress wasn’t quite cool-to-the-touch, but it maintained a neutral temperature successfully enough for most hot sleepers.
As to be expected of a firmer mattress, the Titan Plus wasn’t exactly conducive to side sleeping. Some heavyweight sleepers may not have trouble sinking into the mattress and experiencing good pressure relief, but it’s more likely that most sleepers will notice a buildup of pressure on their shoulders, as many of our testers did.
Check out our full Titan Plus review for more. If you’re looking for something softer with better pressure relief, consider checking out the Nolah Evolution.
Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Older People
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Older adults looking for a nontoxic, hypoallergenic, and sustainable mattress might want to consider an organic bed like the Birch Natural. This hybrid combines layers of Talalay latex, organic wool, and innerspring coils for an overall high-quality construction. It also gives the bed a buoyant feel, earning it a perfect 5 out of 5 for response, which means incredible ease of movement for older sleepers or anyone who fears feeling “stuck” in their mattress.
We rated the Birch Natural at a 7 out of 10 for firmness, which is just a bit firmer than medium-firm. Our testers most enjoyed this bed on their back, with my fellow tester Dan Caffrey saying, “I got a nice bit of contouring around my lower back, with the latex foam filling in my lumbar position. Further up on my body, I got a lift at the shoulders. Overall, I felt well-supported on my back and like my spine was neutrally aligned.” This, combined with great pressure map results, is why we gave the bed a 4.5 out 5 for pressure relief in this position.
In our cooling tests, the Birch Natural’s surface temperature increased a meager 7.6 degrees after lying on it for 5 minutes. Dan, who performed the test, said, “I could feel it heating up just a little bit but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt cozy more than anything.” The bed earned a 4 out of 5 for temperature regulation, meaning it should work well for older hot sleepers. It also scored surprisingly well in motion isolation (4 out of 5) despite its bouncy nature, so it should be a great bed for couples as well.
When it comes to who should steer clear, some lightweight sleepers, especially those who prefer lying on their side, may not be super comfortable on the Birch Natural. The pressure relief when lying in this position leaves something to be desired. It’s also worth mentioning that the Birch Natural isn’t exactly a budget option — as is the case for most all-natural mattresses. Without sales or coupons, the bed will cost you close to $2,000.
If you don’t want to break the bank, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is another responsive bed on this list. Otherwise, read more in our Birch Natural mattress review.
Other Mattresses I Considered
There are plenty of mattresses for older folks out there, and some still didn’t quite make our final list. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t possible options. If you still didn’t find what you were looking for from our suggestions above, check out these other top mattresses we’ve reviewed:
Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic is a favorite of ours at Sleepopolis. The Saatva Rx won out on this list because of its greater pressure-relieving ability, but the Saatva Classic is also supportive and comfortable. This double-innerspring luxury mattress features zoned support and a plush pillow top for a balanced, lifted feel. It also comes in multiple firmness levels, so you can tailor it to your individual needs. Read more in our Saatva Classic mattress review.
Bear Original
Bear offers an affordable all-foam mattress, the Original, for shoppers wanting a more responsive, firmer feel. This bed should work better for stomach-sleeping older folks or those on a budget. It doesn’t have the same pressure-relieving abilities as the Elite, which is featured on this list, so it may not be the best choice for pain relief. Read more in our Bear Original mattress review.
Helix Midnight
The upgraded version of this mattress is on our list, but the original Helix Midnight can also check a lot of boxes for older adults. This bed has plenty of pressure relief and a versatile medium-firm feel, as well as some bounce from the coils that should make it easy to move around on the surface. Read more in our Helix Midnight mattress review.
How We Picked and Tested These Mattresses
When we decided on the best mattresses for older folks, we took a look at edge support, temperature regulation, and overall support. Let’s dive a bit deeper into what goes into each category.
Edge Support
We put our mattresses through numerous performance tests in our lab. One factor that we paid extra close attention to was edge support. A mattress with good edge support indicates a strong mattress perimeter. So, the edges of the mattress shouldn’t compress too far when you sit or lie down on it. For older adults and those with mobility concerns, strong edge support is crucial. It’s an indicator of durability; mattresses with good edge support should be able to maintain their lifted feel and promote a neutral spinal alignment for many nights to come. Additionally, good edge support helps a sleeper make better use of the mattress surface and facilitates getting in and out of bed.
We test edge support by sitting and lying down on the perimeter of the mattress in each position. From there, we judge how secure we feel or whether we’re liable to slip off the side. Sometimes we use a tape measure to record the exact sinkage in inches.
Temperature Regulation
Another factor you’ll want to take into consideration is whether or not a mattress sleeps cool. Some older folks deal with night sweats or hot flashes, and your mattress can actually help with these conditions. Depending on your mattress’s materials and construction, it might feel nice and breathable, or it might be prone to overheating. Typically, innerspring and hybrid mattresses will sleep cooler than all-foam beds. That’s because the coils in their construction allow for added airflow, which helps regulate temperature. Some beds also have cooling features like gel in their foams or cooling covers, or even gussets that increase breathability (like in the Nolah Evolution). Temperature regulation features in mattresses help maintain a cool sleep surface, which is beneficial for temperature control.
We test for cooling by using a thermal gun to measure the rise in temperature after one of our testers has lain on the mattress for 5 minutes. If the temperature increase is more than 15 degrees Fahrenheit, we consider the bed to have poor cooling capabilities. A temperature increase of 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, and less than 5 degrees indicates excellent cooling.
Support
While this is a vital factor for all sleepers to consider, it’s particularly important as you age — it’s not uncommon to develop aches and pains along your spine as you get older. When we talk about support, we’re really talking about finding a mattress that lifts the spine into a neutral line all the way from the shoulders to the hips. No matter the position you sleep in, you’ll want to achieve this line in order to prevent any uncomfortable sagging or “dipping” in the night.
So, how do you find a supportive bed? We recommend focusing on the transition and base layers of a mattress. Older folks may want to keep an eye out for models with foundational support systems of pocketed coils, which bring a ton of support, bounce, and firmness to the structure. High-density poly foam bases can also provide some really nice support, especially to softer top foam layers.
In general, older sleepers may want to feel more “on top” of their mattress than “in” it. If this is super important to you, we’d suggest steering clear of dense memory foams that could produce a little too much sinkage.
What to Consider
Regardless of your age, a lot goes into shopping for the perfect mattress. Here are some other important factors that shoppers should think about choosing their new mattress.
Mattress Type
Though there is no single type of mattress that’s best for all older adults, it can be helpful to know the different types and their pros and cons. Take a look at the major mattress varieties and their potential benefits for older adults.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are typically made entirely of foam and have a thick top layer of memory foam. Memory foam is often popular with older adults because it offers gentle pressure relief and supportive contouring. If you suffer from hip, neck, or shoulder pain, research suggests that memory foam may be a particularly useful material, as it may help cradle sensitive joints.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional mattress type and are made from innerspring coils and a top layer of cushioning that can be made from foam, wool, or another soft material. These mattresses are typically popular with older adults, who may have grown up on these types of beds. Innerspring mattresses can be great for older adults with back pain. They usually have a firm feel, and as mentioned above, it’s possible that firmer mattresses better promote a neutral spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers compared to softer mattresses.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are made from a combination of pocketed coils and foam. They sort of have the best of both worlds: the bounce and support of an innerspring bed, and the gentle cushioning of a foam bed. We recommend them to sleepers looking for a balanced feel.
Latex
Latex mattresses are made of, you guessed it, latex. Latex is a natural material that comes from a rubber tree. It has a bouncy, buoyant feel, but still offers some nice pressure relief. Latex is known as the most eco-friendly mattress material and thus is great for green shoppers. However, latex does have a very unique feel (some people find the material to be a little lumpy), so we recommend trying a latex bed before ordering one, especially if you’re used to more traditional-feeling mattresses.
Firmness
Dr. Raj Dasupta (MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM), our chief medical advisor and a quadruple board-certified physician specializing in sleep science, recommends a medium-firm mattress as a general rule, “as it maintains proper spine curvature, distributes weight evenly, and reduces pressure points.” However, the ideal firmness for you should change depending on your needs and preferences, which can be influenced by your body weight or preferred sleeping position.
As an example, heavier sleepers may want to look for firmer mattresses to better support them, as some medium-firm mattresses could have them sinking too far into the bed to be comfortable. In a similar vein, lightweight sleepers might prefer a more plush mattress, like a medium mattress or even a soft mattress.
When it comes to your sleeping position, back sleepers should do well on the recommended medium-firm mattress. Side sleepers might want something softer for more pressure relief, whereas stomach sleepers may want something firmer to keep their hips from falling out of alignment, which can cause lower back pain. Dr. Raj Dasgupta also notes that “a too-soft or too-firm mattress risks affecting your spinal alignment, so take things like your body type, sleeping position, and unique preferences into account when choosing a mattress.”
Ease of Movement
Mobility is all about how easy it is to move around and change positions when you sleep. A highly mobile structure is one in which you can flip and flop to your heart’s content without straining your shoulders or lower back. We also refer to this as responsiveness. High response in a mattress also allows folks to get out of bed more easily in the morning, which could be a big plus for older adults.
When assessing whether or not a bed has great mobility, there are a few different materials to look out for. In a comfort layer, you’ll want to see latex or latex-like foams, which are bouncy, supportive, and firm. In base layers, you’ll likely want to stick with pocketed coils or springs. When combined, these materials produce a super-buoyant structure, which should work to lift the sleeper up and out of the structure.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to the amount of movement that is felt across the mattress as you, your partner, or your kids move around the mattress. Motion isolation is important for older folks who share a bed with their partner and don’t want to be awakened in the middle of the night, which is a particular concern for light sleepers. Dr. Dasgupta also says, “I believe that motion isolation is a great indicator of a bed’s overall quality, as it’s a sign of thick or dense comfort layers that are able to absorb movements before they travel across the bed’s surface.”
We test for motion isolation by putting a tub of water on one side of the bed and having our testers mimic moving around and getting in or out of bed. We then observe the water’s reaction from the other side of the bed. The ripples correspond to whether or not movement travels across the surface. This is similar to our seismometer test, in which we drop steel balls from various heights and use a seismograph to take an accurate reading of how much movement the mattress absorbs. The bigger the waves created by the seismograph, the worse the mattress performed for motion isolation. We also test with a partner, with one of us wearing a blindfold and lying down on one side of the bed while the other moves around on the other side. We then judge whether we can feel those movements enough to tell what our fellow tester is doing.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is crucial for older sleepers and especially important for anyone dealing with conditions like chronic joint pain or hip pain. Discomfort at pressure points can worsen as we age, so examining a mattress’s construction for signs of potential relief is a critical step in our process. Dr. Raj Dasgupta recommends looking for “high-quality contouring materials like memory foam or latex to help relieve pressure. The more pressure-relieving layers in the bed’s construction, the better.”
We also test for pressure relief with a specialized mat that uses thermal energy to read where the pressure points are on the mattress surface. Blue and green indicate that you will feel great pressure relief and yellow and red show more buildup, increasing the risk for discomfort. These areas are typically located in your shoulders, hips, and back. In order to protect these sensitive areas, look for a bed with contouring materials like memory foam or soft latex.
Durability
A mattress’s durability refers to how well it maintains its support and comfort over time. Most high-quality mattresses last between 7 and 10 years, depending on the type and quality. For older adults, a durable mattress is crucial, as it ensures consistent support and comfort, which is vital for managing health issues and preventing discomfort. An old, worn-out mattress can negatively impact sleep quality and overall wellbeing, making timely replacements important for maintaining health and safety.
Mattress Height
Mattress height refers to the thickness of the mattress, which is typically measured from the bottom to the top and can impact accessibility and comfort. For older folks and those with mobility concerns, a mattress that is too high or too low can make getting in and out of bed difficult, potentially increasing the risk of falls and heightened chronic pain. I recommend a mattress height of 10 to 14 inches for older adults, as this provides a balance between comfort and ease of access. This height allows people to sit on the edge of the bed with their feet flat on the floor, making it safer and more manageable to transition in and out of bed.
Adjustable Bases
Once you’ve found the right mattress, you may want to consider purchasing an adjustable bed, which can be hugely beneficial for older sleepers. An adjustable bed is essentially a bed frame that can be moved into different angles using a remote. This is helpful for people with mobility issues who want to change their position without moving around too much. Some of them also come with advanced features such as a massage function, which can help ease chronic pain.
Company Policies
Aside from the mattress itself, mattress manufacturers will offer things like sleep trials and warranties alongside the bed, especially when it comes to online mattress shopping. A sleep trial lets you test a new mattress in the comfort of your own home to see if it lives up to your expectations and is a good fit for your sleep preferences. Most companies offer trials anywhere between 30 and 100 days. We recommend choosing a bed that has at least a 60-day trial period. This allows you to break in the mattress and determine if it’s a natural fit.
A mattress warranty, on the other hand, refers to the window of time in which a company is willing to replace your mattress if it doesn’t live up to the standard you were promised. A mattress with a longer warranty is usually a sign of its durability and a good indicator of how long you should expect it to last. The industry-typical 10-year warranty conveniently lines up with the expected lifetime of a mattress, but some brands offer 15-year or even lifetime warranties. For older folks, it’s always smart to look at any new mattress (especially a pricier one) as a long-term investment so you won’t have to go through the trouble of purchasing a new one in the near future. Be sure to read the fine print so you can understand the warranty on your new mattress.
Shipping & Delivery
While shipping costs can add up quickly on a large item like a mattress, all the beds we chose for this list offer free shipping.
White glove delivery is a service in which the company hand delivers a mattress to your house, sets it up for you, and often even removes your old mattress. For older folks or those who otherwise can’t do heavy lifting, white glove delivery is crucial as it ensures that large items are not only delivered safely but also installed and arranged without requiring physical effort from you. This reduces the risk of injury and provides peace of mind, making your living environment more comfortable and accessible. Some brands that offer this service are Saatva, Helix, DreamCloud, and Bear. Some are free (as in the case with Saatva), while others may charge a fee.
FAQs
What is the best mattress for seniors?
Choosing the best mattress as an older person or for a senior family member can be highly dependent on that person and their specific needs and preferences. That said, we generally recommend a bed that is supportive, but also offers excellent pressure relief for seniors. Pillow-top or hybrid mattresses can be a good option.
What is the best type of mattress for seniors?
There is no single best type of mattress for seniors, but we recommend an innerspring or hybrid mattress for adequate support. Many seniors will sleep most comfortably on a medium-firm to firm mattress, though seniors with pain concerns will want to ensure they get pressure relief as well (a hybrid or pillow-top mattress can work well for this).
What type of mattress is best for seniors with arthritis?
Because sleepers with arthritis experience joint pain, it’s important they choose a bed that offers pressure relief to any of these sensitive areas.
What is the best bed height for seniors?
An ideal bed height for many seniors is 20 to 23 inches, which should provide enough room to help you easily get in and out of bed without being too tall or too short. However, this may vary depending on an individual’s needs. Learn more in our bed heights guide.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for seniors?
We generally recommend a firmer mattress for seniors over a soft one.
Do seniors need less sleep?
Contrary to popular opinion, older individuals don’t need less sleep than the average person. In fact, adults require about the same amount of sleep from their 20s into old age, though the number of hours per night varies from person to person. Unfortunately, many older adults get much less sleep than they need, for a variety of reasons.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6981530/
