Written by Sosha Lewis, Author
If you are one of the 53 million adults in the United States who experience arthritis1, a disease characterized by swelling and tenderness of your joints2, you can help manage your chronic pain and symptoms by sleeping on the right mattress. The best mattresses for arthritis typically have exceptional pressure-relieving capabilities and a firmness that supports your preferred sleeping position and body type.
When selecting the best mattress for arthritis, we pulled from our sleep science coaches and mattress experts’ wealth of experience and expertise, and the results of their hands-on testing of more than 300 mattresses. My fellow testers and I also consulted Sleepopolis’ chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, and quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine, to guide us on the health-based aspects of the best mattresses for arthritis.
We rank firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being as soft as a cotton ball and 10 akin to sleeping on the sidewalk. The best beds for arthritis typically fall between 5-8 on the firmness scale. To make our comprehensive testing methodology more digestible, we rate the mattresses we test on a scale of 1 to 5 in several performance categories, and for the best mattresses for arthritis, we pay special attention to the following:
- Pressure Relief: Mattresses that offer deep contouring and a gentle sink can relieve pressure and help alleviate arthritis pain.
- Support: I pay special attention to a bed’s support system as this part of a mattress helps keep spines in a neutral position, an essential part of easing aches and pains from arthritis.
- Responsiveness: A responsive mattress allows sleepers to reposition easily. If you have arthritis, this will help you move around without pain.
Best Mattress for Arthritis
- Best Overall – Saatva Classic
- Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Hips – Helix Midnight
- Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Shoulders – Nectar Luxe
- Best Mattress for Seniors With Arthritis – WinkBed
- Best Hybrid Mattress for Arthritis – Nolah Evolution
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Arthritis – Bear Original
- Best Mattress for Heavy People With Arthritis – Titan Plus Luxe
- Best Value Mattress for Arthritis – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
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 Arthritis
As a certified sleep science coach who spends a lot of time with mattresses, I’ve learned that mattresses and the individual needs they serve are unique. For a mattress to be selected as one of the best for arthritis from the hundreds we tested, Sleepopolis’ team of sleep experts and certified sleep coaches examined how well a bed relieved pressure. Beds that are too firm or overly soft may cause pressure to build up, increasing arthritis pain. Once it was established that a bed had superior pressure relief, we also paid special attention to its performance in the following categories:
- Support: For a mattress to receive a 4 or higher in support, it must keep hips elevated and spines in a neutral position. Supportive beds prevent us from sinking too far into the layers, which can cause awkward spinal angles or pressure.
- Pressure Relief: Those with arthritis need a mattress that prevents pressure from building up while sleeping. We use a two-tier approach to test pressure relief. First, we spend time on the mattress to see how it feels in different sleeping positions, and then we take thermal images called pressure maps to evaluate any areas where pressure may be present.
- Responsiveness: A bed’s responsiveness measures how quickly a mattress returns to its original shape after applying weight. Those that perform well in this category allow sleepers with arthritis to reposition easily.
- Motion Isolation: If a partner’s tossing and turning keeps you up at night, your bed is likely lacking sound motion isolation. We test how well the materials and construction isolate movement, which may help those with arthritis experience less pain from being jostled about.
- Edge Support: Beds with good edge support keep you secure along their perimeter and help you get in and out of bed more efficiently, which could benefit those experiencing the aches and pains of arthritis.
- Price: A new bed can be a convenient way to treat arthritis symptoms, and I wanted to include mattresses that would fit nearly every budget. With a competitive mattress market, price shouldn’t be a deterrent in getting a bed to ease arthritis pain.
Compare the Best Mattresses for Arthritis
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| Saatva Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Nectar Premier Copper Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Best Mattresses for Arthritis Video Review
Saatva Classic – Best Overall
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
To be the best choice for those with arthritis, a mattress must be at the top of its class in most performance categories while hitting the bullseye in the ones that directly affect those with the condition. After reviewing and testing hundreds of beds, the Saatva Classic became the clear choice for the best at relieving the aches and pains of arthritis. This innerspring mattress’s coil-on-coil construction and zoned support system earn the Saatva a perfect 5 out 5 for support, while the soft, cradling Euro top propelled it to a 4.5 in pressure relief. When all the scores were tallied, the Saatva received an eye-popping 4.8 out of 5 overall.
Since arthritis affects different joints, Sleepopolis’ chief medical advisor Dr. Raj indicated that my recommendations should include versatile mattresses. The Saatva has multiple firmness options — Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm — and is available at two different heights, allowing consumers to configure a bed that best matches their arthritis needs, preferred sleep position, and body type. This bed became my clear front-runner for the best of the best because the different firmness options made it an excellent fit for back, side, and stomach sleepers — a feat that isn’t easily accomplished.
Nichole Mondshein, mattress tester, said, “I love how the Saatva Classic offered firmness in the right spots, which for me is in the lower back and spine region. I also like how it contours around my body.” This winning combination was highlighted in Nichole’s pressure relief tests. These tests are conducted by spreading out a specialized mat called a pressure map that captures thermal images when lying on it in different sleep positions; blue and green images indicate low pressure, while orange and red ones mean a lot of pressure was felt. Nichole’s tests showed little pressure when she was on her side and virtually no pressure when she flipped to her back.
Although the Saatva received at least a 4.5 in nine of the 10 categories I tested, it fell short in motion isolation, earning a 3 out of 5. If you’re a solo sleeper, this won’t be an issue, but if you sleep with a partner, you may feel their movements. Not only could this disturb your sleep, but it may exacerbate your arthritis symptoms, too. Check out Brooklyn Beddings Sedona Elite for a bed with better motion isolation. For more information about this mattress, read our in-depth Saatva Classic mattress review.
Helix Midnight – Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Hips
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
If you have arthritis in the hips, the Helix Midnight, a mattress with premier pressure relief, can soothe your pain and prevent it from worsening. When looking for the best mattress for arthritis in the hips, Dr. Raj Dasgupta told our team, “Pressure relief through contouring materials like memory foam, along with proper spinal alignment, is crucial. A supportive core prevents excessive sinking and enhances comfort.” The Helix Midnight accomplishes this by scoring a 4.5 in pressure relief and a 4 in support, helping it to earn a 4.2 overall.
RELATED: Best Mattresses for Hip Pain
During testing, we found that this mattress should offer fantastic relief for back and side sleepers with hip pain. We conducted a pressure map test with a specialized mat placed on top of a mattress that sends color-coded thermal images to a laptop (blue and green for low pressure, yellow, orange, and red for high pressure). These images showcase the pressure relief of the mattress. When I tested this mattress, I experienced solid pressure relief on my back and side, with both photos showing only blues and greens.
Although the quantitative data collected using pressure maps is invaluable, since a mattress’s feel is subjective, we use a cross-section of testers to provide their hands-on observations. My testing notes for the Helix Midnight state that I love how this mattress feels when I am on my side because the soft foams offer gentle contouring while the supportive coils keep my hips elevated and my spine aligned.
On the other hand, mattress tester Bridget Chapman most enjoyed this bed on her back, saying “Back sleepers with hip pain should feel really comfortable on the Midnight, as my results showed barely any pressure in the area.”
However, given that this bed has a firmness ranking of 6.5 out of 10, which makes it a medium-firm bed, Loren, a lightweight tester, felt more pressure when she was on her side than I did as an average-weight sleeper. Although this is not surprising, it is something to be mindful of if you weigh less than 130 pounds. Those on the petite side should check out our best mattresses for lightweight sleepers.
If you think the Helix Midnight mattress could be the right one for you, check out our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more information.
Nectar Luxe – Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Shoulders
The Nectar Luxe is an ultra-plush yet supportive bed with a soft feel. It also provides a cool sleep experience, thanks to its cooling cover. We think it’s an especially good fit for back sleepers and side sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think side sleepers could really like the slow-moving, body-contouring feel of the Nectar Luxe. It should offer them plenty of pressure relief around the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers who prefer a softer mattress might also like this bed’s plush feel. It should offer these sleepers a nice balance of pressure relief and support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Arthritis in the shoulders can make everyday tasks painful, and without one of the best mattresses for shoulder pain, those aches and pains may also hinder your nighttime routine. If you experience arthritic pain in your shoulders, the all-foam Nectar Luxe’s superior contouring foams can help ease it. The materials, which earned a 4.5, along with similarly high scores in pressure relief, motion isolation, support, and cooling, helped this mattress land a 4.5-out-of-5 overall rating.
“If you’re looking to ease shoulder pain with your mattress, look for one that’s softer yet supportive, offers pressure relief, and keeps your hips and spine aligned,” Dr. Raj Dasgupta, our chief medical advisor, said. The Nectar Luxe received a 5.5 out of 10 for firmness, making it softer than an industry-standard medium-firm bed, which is a 6.5.
I will admit that even after testing as many mattresses as I have, now and then, one will surprise me. I didn’t expect the Nectar Luxe to be as supportive as it was, considering it is a softer all-foam bed. However, I was happy to be proven wrong. This mattress supported my hips and aligned my spine, even as it allowed me to sink into it. It embraced me in a just-right hug.
However, Nichole Mondshein, mattress tester, said that she wouldn’t recommend this bed to combination sleepers as she feels those who reposition during the night need a more responsive surface than the slow-sinking foams of the Nectar Luxe provides. If you want to move around easily, try one of our best mattresses for combination sleepers. For more information on the Nectar Luxe, read our full review.
WinkBed – Best Mattress for Seniors With Arthritis
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
Although age may simply be a number, the higher it is, the greater our chances of developing osteoarthritis, where one of the biggest risks is cartilage wear and tear between joints3. Fortunately, sleeping on the WinkBed is an excellent way for seniors to combat arthritic aches and pains. The WinkBed earned an impressive 4.7 overall score by tallying a 4 or higher in all 10 performance categories, making it one of the best mattresses for seniors.
This mattress is the top choice for seniors because, according to Dr. Raj, “Older shoppers should look for a mattress that’s comfortable, supportive, durable, and makes it easy to move around, while also minimizing disturbances from movement and offering good edge support.”
I was a big fan of the WinkBed’s pressure relief capabilities on my back and side. When I settled into the mattress, I was taken by how it filled my lower lumbar and was equally impressed with how it felt on my side. I compared my evaluations with the pressure map’s thermal images and was pleased that they matched up. My back images were almost entirely blue, which indicates little to no pressure, and the pictures captured when I was side sleeping showed only a smattering of green, which is a good indication of lower pressure.
Nichole Mondshein, mattress tester, also thought this mattress would be an excellent fit for seniors, especially those who sleep on their backs. She said, “It’s actually one of the best mattresses for seniors because it has a traditional, supportive feel. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.”
Although many people appreciate the responsive nature of the WinkBed’s innerspring construction, you’ll want to check out one of our best memory foam mattresses if you prefer a bed with a slow-sinking hug feel. Also, I think that WinkBed’s materials and company policies make it a solid investment, but it may not be the best for those on fixed incomes. Fortunately, there are several quality affordable mattresses available. If you think the WinkBed is the best choice, check out the full WinkBed mattress review.
Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress for Arthritis
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
I have arthritis in one of my hips, and before I tested and then purchased the Nolah Evolution, the arthritic pain I experienced when I went to bed often kept me up at night. Although I am a fan of the Nolah Evolution, it didn’t earn the best hybrid mattress for arthritis title just because it works for me. With a 4 or higher in all 10 performance categories and a 4.4 overall score, this bed was also an MVP with our team of experts and certified sleep science coaches for many reasons.
Dr. Raj says that the best bed for arthritis works for an individual’s specific needs. With three firmness options — Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm — the Nolah Evolution flexes its versatility muscles, making it easier for shoppers to pick a mattress that works for their preferred sleep position and body type. Plus, the three firmness options come with a luxuriously soft pillow top that eases shoulder and hip pain.
Another reason that this bed is a top pick is because of its superior motion isolation. If you’re already dealing with pain from arthritis, you don’t want to be jostled awake by a restless partner. Considering sleeping with my husband is like sharing a bed with a Tasmanian devil with an espresso habit, I can attest that the Nolah Evolution earns its 4.5 motion isolation score.
It also performed well on the temperature regulation test thanks to multiple cooling features, such as the coils that provide plenty of room for air to flow, the ArcticTex fibers, and the Nolah AirFoam that is made from AirFoamICE, which infuses cooling graphite into the foam. Although cooling may not directly affect arthritis pain, it does help keep sleepers comfortable.
Although you can take advantage of Nolah’s frequent sales, which take place around New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday, I’ll admit that this mattress is a bit of a splurge. I recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid for a more budget-conscious hybrid mattress.
Bear Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Arthritis
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
With their gentle cradling, it is easy to see why memory foam beds are a popular choice for sleepers with arthritis. All-foam mattresses contour to the body, wrapping sleepers in a hug that cushions the shoulders, hips, and lower back. However, the Bear Original, my pick for the best memory foam mattress for arthritis, stands out because it was designed for pain recovery. It also got an overall 4.0 score by collecting between 4 and 5 in categories like materials, motion isolation, value, cooling, pressure relief, responsiveness, and warranty.
The Bear Original is rated at 7.5 for firmness, higher than the medium-firm industry standard that hits at 6.5. However, I liked that it made a stellar match for stomach sleepers who may struggle to find a memory foam bed that is supportive enough to keep their hips from sinking too far down in the bed.
Another unique feature of this mattress is the option to add a Celliant-infused cover. Bear states that Celliant is a material that promotes cooling and enhances recovery. Although we have not independently verified these claims, I certainly think that those with arthritis may want to give it a try.
However, I recommend that side sleepers seek another option. When Nichole tested this bed, she said that the longer she was on her side, the more uncomfortable she felt and her shoulder felt “jammed up.” After performing the pressure map test on the Bear Original, I felt that Nichole’s assessment was spot on. The pressure map is a device that uses a specially designed mat that takes thermal images that indicate pressure build-up, and when I was on my side, there were red areas indicating high pressure.
If you like to sleep on your side, check out our best mattresses for side sleepers and if you want to add the Bear Original to your cart, read our full Bear Mattress review here.
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy People With Arthritis
The Titan Plus Luxe provides a sturdy and supportive, but still comfortable and luxurious sleep experience for heavy sleepers. The medium-firm feel can work for heavy back and side sleepers, but can also work for some light and average weight folks too. This means mixed-weight couples particularly might enjoy this mattress, especially since it has excellent motion isolation and strong edge support. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you’re a heavy sleeper looking for a bed made of high-quality materials, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great option for you. It’s built to last and should do a great job supporting heavier sleepers, especially back, side, and combination sleepers.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
Many people with arthritis will benefit from a soft to medium firm bed that contours around them and relieves pressure in areas affected by arthritic pain. However, those with arthritis and a larger body type, specifically folks weighing more than 250 pounds, typically need a firmer mattress that supports their body weight and keeps their spine in a neutral position. If you fall into this group, I recommend the Titan Plus Luxe, which received a 4.4 overall score, as the best mattress for heavy people with arthritis. This bed is a heavyweight champion, scoring knockouts in pressure relief, motion isolation, and cooling.
Our tester for this bed — a professional powerlifter named Paulie — came through for us, as well as one of our mattress experts, Madison Schaper. From Madison’s testing, she expected this mattress to be great for heavyweight side, back, and stomach sleepers. While she nailed her side and back predictions, Paulie experienced some unwanted sinkage around his hips that caused a U shape in his back. We recommend that heavyweight stomach sleepers try Titan’s flagship model, the Titan Plus, as we found it ideal for these folks.
Dr. Raj spoke to us about the importance of heavyweight people finding the right mattress saying, “The right mattress will support your body, help you sleep more comfortably, may prevent frequent awakenings throughout the night, and avoid problems like back pain.” By buying the Titan Plus Luxe, I think that most heavyweight people with arthritis will ease their pain by sleeping on a mattress that combines comforting pressure relief and stellar support.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Value Mattress for Arthritis
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
One of the best aspects of a crowded mattress landscape is that you can buy a quality mattress without busting your budget. If you are worried about the Signature Hybrid’s price being too good to be true, don’t worry. Brooklyn Bedding saves money on manufacturing costs by owning its factory, and they then pass these savings on to you. I was thoroughly impressed when I compared this value bed’s overall score and performance scores to its more expensive competitors. The Signature Hybrid earned a 4.5 overall by garnering a 4 or higher in value, materials, edge support, cooling, responsiveness, and pressure relief, showcasing that you don’t have to be in the top one percent to sleep like you are.
RELATED: Best Mattresses for the Money
This bed, which you can often score for under $1,000 in a queen size, also meets Dr. Raj’s criteria for a budget mattress. He said, “When shopping for a budget-friendly mattress, prioritize material durability, a strong support core, comfortable foam layers, suitable firmness, motion isolation, edge support, warranties, and trial periods.”
Not only does the universally appealing medium-firm Signature Hybrid see Dr. Raj’s budget-friendly recommendations, but it also raises him a luxurious, breathable, quilted cover, premium foam layers, and individually encased coils. This construction not only makes it ideal for those with arthritis pain, but it is also a top choice for sexually active couples and combination sleepers who will like how easy it is to reposition.
One of our mattress testers Nichole Mondshein was a fan of this mattress’s temperature test, which showed that the coils and proprietary Hyper-Elastic Supreme Response Comfort Foam will dissipate body heat and help sleepers stay cool throughout the night. After she used a thermal temperature gun to take the initial surface temperature and then another after she laid on the bed for a few minutes, she noted how the less than 9-degree temperature increase indicates great cooling ability, making this affordable mattress a natural fit for hot sleepers.
However, if you’re looking for even more cooling, firmness options, and additional luxuries, you can check out our review on the brand’s pricier Aurora Luxe offering or click here to read our full Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress review.
Other Mattresses for Arthritis I Considered
After much deliberation, consideration, and consultation, I decided on the best eight mattresses for arthritis. Given the number of quality beds available, this was no easy task. Check out three other superior mattresses that just missed the cut.
Nolah Signature
This all-foam bed is less expensive than the Nolah Evolution that made our list. Although this bed offers excellent pressure relief, a feature that those with arthritis often need, I left it off because it is too soft for stomach sleepers and those who weigh over 250 pounds. It also doesn’t provide the traditional memory foam “sink” that fans of these beds typically enjoy.
DreamCloud
With a 4.4 overall score and high scores in support, durability, and pressure relief, the DreamCloud was a top contender for a slot on the best mattress for arthritis. However, there were already a few higher-end mattresses on the list, and I like to provide a range of pricing options.
Birch Natural
Eco-conscious folks with arthritis will want to look at the Birch Natural mattress from Helix Sleep. While I am a big fan of organic materials, especially the cooling latex, the firmness, short sleep trial, and price caused me to cross this one off.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Mattresses for Arthritis
Every mattress, over 300 to date, that comes through our sleep lap undergoes a thorough hands-on testing process conducted by our team of certified sleep coaches and product experts. In addition to the in-person testing, we researched the types of beds that would benefit those with arthritis and consulted extensively with healthcare professionals such as Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician in sleep medicine.
In his video “What Mattress Firmness is Best for People with Arthritis,” Dr. Raj says “When we talk about what is going to be the best mattress, the best position for arthritis, I always think about, it’s individualized because it’s what joint: Is it the lower back? Is it going to be the hip? Whatever is going to be soft to that joint is what we want.”
In the sleep lab, conducting tests can be like having a slumber party at work. We lie around and even jump on beds and then discuss our findings with each other so that we can finalize scores and evaluations in categories such as pressure relief, firmness, support, cooling, motion transfer, and more on a testing sheet that we rely on to write articles at a later date.
Although our evaluations are based on our experience and expertise, we understand that they are still somewhat subjective. We use equipment such as pressure maps and thermal temperature guns to bring more quantitative data. Pressure maps are color-coded thermal images to see how much pressure is building up around our body and temperature guns allow us to know the surface temperature of a mattress before and after someone has been on it.
We also use a seismograph app to record how much motion is felt from one side of the bed to the other. To conduct this test, we set our phones with the app running on one side of the bed and then mimic the movements a partner would make getting in and out of bed and repositioning through the night. For responsiveness, we drop a 10-pound ball from different heights to see if it bounces quickly or sinks into the mattress layers. We then repeat this process with a lacrosse ball to see if there is a difference because of the weight.
After consulting with medical professionals, running the testing, and writing down our evaluations, we assign individual scores for each category and then tally an overall score. Mattresses with a high overall score and a 4 or above in pressure relief, support, and edge support are nominated for best mattresses for arthritis.
What to Look for When Buying a Mattress for Arthritis
If you experience arthritis, the right mattress can help ease your pain and increase your sleep quality. To accomplish this, Dr. Raj Gasgupta, our chief medical advisor, says “Choose a medium soft to medium firm mattress made of high-quality materials like memory foam or latex to give you the best pressure point relief. Features like zoned support, motion isolation, and temperature regulation are all also great things to look for.”
If these terms sound like a foreign language, don’t worry; we will break them down so you can find the best choice that fits your personal preferences and needs. By the end of this buyer’s guide, you’ll be talking like a mattress guru.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to the amount of pressure alleviated on a specific part of the body when lying on a mattress. Good pressure relief can be significant for sleepers with arthritis because they may experience pain and discomfort at night, and pressure alleviation around aching joints can help lessen pain, allowing for better sleep. If you have arthritis, we recommend looking for a mattress that offers deep pressure relief around the joints where you experience pain, including your hips, shoulders, and back.
Our pressure map test at Sleepopolis helps us determine whether or not the mattresses featured in this roundup offer enough cushioning for those with arthritis. We roll a specialized mat across the mattress surface and lay on it in different sleeping positions. The mat then translates the results into a graphic using thermal imaging. The pressure map shows blue for low pressure, green for moderate pressure, and yellow, orange, and red for higher pressure. You can see an example of the pressure map to the right.
If you experience pain in a specific area or are looking for a particularly pressure-relieving mattress, we recommend checking out some of our other mattress reviews that are aimed at addressing those issues, including:
Materials
The materials of your mattress can affect how comfortable it is and how it feels when you sleep on it. If you opt for a firm mattress, you may not experience as much deep contouring or pressure relief. If you want a soft mattress, you’ll want to ensure it’s still supportive. Whatever your preference, considering what your mattress is made out of is vital to helping you get the best sleep. You can read more about each material below and see how it will work out for sleepers with arthritis.
| Mattress Material | Description | Good for Arthritis? |
| Memory foam | An all-foam mattress with a slow-moving, hug-like feel | Yes (especially those with a high-density foundation) |
| Hybrid | A combination of coils and foam that provides a balance of comfort and support | Yes (especially those with a comfort layer) |
| Latex | A natural mattress option that’s responsive and cooling | Yes (especially those using cushioning Dunlop latex) |
| Innerspring | A mattress with a thin comfort layer and thick coil foundation | No (usually too firm) |
There are different mattress types, and some of them may be better at arthritis pain relief than others. It is important that you pay attention to the materials that make up your mattress before you make a purchase. you’ll also want to pay close attention to the mattress materials you choose. Softer to medium-firm beds that provide contouring can be a top-notch choice for many with arthritis. However, these beds can sometimes fall short when it comes to responsiveness and cooling.
- Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses can be great for those with arthritis because they provide contouring and pressure relief.
- Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses are popular because they combine gentle foam top layers with sturdy steel coils. If you struggle with arthritis, I recommend a hybrid with soft, thick upper layers and a base with zoned support coils.
- Latex: Latex mattresses are typically responsive, provide excellent natural cooling, and are eco-friendly. Although they are technically a foam, they don’t offer as much contouring as memory or poly foam, which may not be ideal for those with hip or shoulder arthritis. If latex has piqued your interest, take a look at our best latex mattress article.
- Innerspring: For an innerspring mattress to work for someone with arthritis, it will need a thick, plush pillow top. Without this soft entry to the bed, it likely won’t offer enough pressure relief. However, if you like the traditionality of these beds, you can read our picks for the best innerspring mattress.
Support
Though definitions of support vary from expert to expert, we typically like to think of it as a measure of how well (or not well) a mattress can set the spine in a nice, even line from the neck to the lower back. If a bed is genuinely supportive, you should experience this neutral alignment regardless of your sleeping position.
To determine the support level of your mattress, pay extra close attention to the foundational core of the bed. In our experience, pocketed coils or steel springs will be the most supportive materials. They lend their structures a ton of bounce, firmness, and support, working to position the sleeper squarely on top of the bed. In all-foam models, keep an eye out for high-density poly foam, which gives those structures some nice stability and shape.
Additionally, when it comes to mattresses for arthritis, we’re big fans of mattresses that employ zoned support in their constructions. As we explored earlier, zoned support refers to any layer of foam subdivided into different firmnesses. Typically, these zoned sections feature firmer foam at the hips, preventing them from sinking out of alignment with the shoulders. These mattresses can benefit sleepers with arthritis who want support in some areas and contouring in others.
Firmness
Mattress firmness affects how your mattress feels but can indicate the level of support and pressure relief a mattress will offer you. While firm mattresses can have excellent pressure relief, softer mattresses are generally more contouring and can provide better pressure relief for sleepers with arthritis than firmer mattresses. We recommend that sleepers with arthritis opt for a softer mattress that can contour to their sensitive joints. Firmer mattresses generally offer more support and may be suitable for sleepers with back pain or those needing more spinal alignment help.
Firmness also matters for your unique sleeping position. We generally recommend stomach sleepers opt for a firmer mattress, back sleepers for a medium-firm mattress, and side sleepers looking for something softer.
To test the firmness levels of our mattress, we use a firmness scale, which ranks mattresses from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. A 6.5 out of 10 is our standard for a medium-firm mattress. For sleepers with arthritis, we typically recommend a softer bed that can offer pressure relief and contouring to sensitive joints. Something below a 6.5 on our mattress firmness scale should offer a hugging and contouring feeling that sleepers with arthritis should enjoy. This firmness level can offer enough support while still being comfortable and hugging.
Body Type and Sleep Position
How firm a bed feels or how much pressure relief you get is subjective, as it largely depends on how much you weigh. For lightweight sleepers — those who weigh under 130 pounds — a firm mattress may feel even firmer; for heavier sleepers — those weighing over 250 pounds — a firm mattress may not feel as firm.
We recommend considering your body shape and body weight when looking into the right mattress for arthritis. For a quick reference, here is how we categorize sleepers by weight:
- Lightweight Sleepers: < 130 pounds
- Average-weight Sleepers: 160–250 pounds
- Heavyweight Sleepers: > 250 pounds
Sleeping on your back, side, or stomach can also affect the type of mattress that works best for you. Reference this chart to see what firmness level you should seek for your weight and preferred sleep position.
| Weight | Side Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
| < 130 pounds | Soft to Medium: 3 to 5 | Medium soft to Medium firm: 4 to 6 | Soft to Medium: 3 to 5 |
| 130 – 250 pounds | Medium soft: 4 to 5 | Medium firm: 5 to 7 | Medium to Firm: 5 to 8 |
| > 250 pounds | Medium to Firm: 6 to 8 | Firm to Extra Firm: 7 to 9 | Firm to Extra Firm: 7 to 9 |
Cooling
If you have trouble falling asleep due to arthritic pain, you will want to be sure nothing else stands in your way of a good night’s sleep. One thing that can disrupt your sleep is a warm mattress, so you may want to look out for something cooling.
If you are a hot sleeper, I recommend looking for a mattress with cooling materials like breathable coils, gel-infused foams, cooling covers, or breathable materials like cotton.
We tested the mattresses in this list for their cooling properties using a temperature gun, the results of which you can see above. We measured the temperature of the mattresses before and after our tester laid on them for 10 to 15 minutes. A temperature difference below 10 degrees is considered good cooling, and anything below 6 degrees is excellent cooling. If you are a hot sleeper and want to be sure your bed is cooling, we recommend looking at our picks for the best cooling mattresses.
Motion Isolation
If you typically sleep alone, you won’t be concerned with how well a bed isolates motion. However, if you sleep with a restless partner or even pet, this can be an important feature. If you are already dealing with arthritis pain, it may be hard to obtain quality sleep, and you certainly don’t want a mattress where you can feel your bedmate’s movement. You will want the motion they create to remain isolated to their side of the bed. I used a seismograph app to measure how much movement rippled from one side of the bed, and I conducted a water glass test to evaluate how much movement caused a glass of water to spill.
Responsiveness
How responsive a bed is is just a fancy way of describing how much bounce you feel on a given bed. Testing this feature may be the most fun because we actually jump and roll around on the bed to see how easy it is to move and reposition. We also use a medicine ball and lacrosse ball to see how springy the top part of the bed is. A responsive bed can benefit combination sleepers and sexually active people with arthritis because they won’t have to put as much effort into repositioning. However, these mattresses typically don’t offer as much pressure relief as less bouncy materials.
Edge Support
Beds with good edge support bolster sleepers across the entire surface of the bed. A strong perimeter can also make it easier for those with arthritis to get in and out of bed while lowering the risk of falling out of the bed if you’re sleeping on your side along the edge, likely exacerbating your arthritic pain.
Tips for Sleeping with Arthritis
While a good mattress is not a cure to arthritic pain or discomfort, it can help you sleep better and more comfortably, so we recommend starting there. However, you can take some steps to sleep better with arthritis. We suggest consulting a doctor before you try any of these treatments or take any medication.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Anti-inflammatory medications can help to reduce pain and soften the pain felt around the joints, which helps you get more comfortable while sleeping and falling asleep.
- Sleeping on your back or side: Sleeping on your back or side can help reduce pain and pressure and help keep the body aligned healthily. These sleeping positions are also better for softer mattresses, which we recommend for sleepers with arthritis.
- Use the right pillow: Using a contouring pillow under your head or a body pillow may provide better pressure relief when sleeping. It can also help you get more comfortable and fall asleep easier.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with sleep as it is, so it may make it harder to fall asleep when drinking. Also, if you have the form of arthritis known as gout 3, alcohol can be particularly problematic as attacks can be brought on by purine-rich foods such as beer.
- Exercise: Consistent exercise can help maintain balance and comfort across the body and may improve motion in sensitive joints.
- Mattress topper: Adding a contouring and pressure-relieving foam mattress topper to your sleep surface can help you sleep more comfortably with arthritis. You can check out some of our top picks for the best mattress toppers to learn more.
FAQs
What is the best mattress for arthritis?
The best mattress varies from person to person since everyone has different body types and preferred sleeping positions. However, the Saatva Classic sits atop our list because of its balance of comfort and support that can cushion the joints and provide spinal alignment.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for arthritis?
Generally, softer mattresses are gentler on the joints, cushioning them to prevent pressure buildup. However, depending on your body type and sleeping position, you might need a medium-firm mattress to provide more support.
Are memory foam mattresses good for joint pain?
Yes, memory foam mattresses can be great for joint pain. The slow-moving, sinking feel is gentle on sensitive areas and can help alleviate pain. However, we recommend selecting a memory foam mattress with a sturdy, high-density foam base to ensure you’re not sinking into the layers too far.
Can a mattress help arthritis?
A new mattress cannot cure arthritis, but a bed that helps with contouring and offers deep pressure relief can help sleepers with arthritis get more comfortable and alleviate some of the pain they may have when sleeping.
Sosha Lewis
Senior Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleepopolis and a certified sleep science coach. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing. Lewis also has had articles featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
Combination Sleeper