Best Mattress for Arthritis

Written by Bridget Chapman, Former Senior Product Editor

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 300 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.
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Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our top mattress picks for arthritis and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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Often characterized by tenderness, pain, and swelling at the joints, arthritis can be a tricky condition with which to sleep, especially if you’re dozing on a mattress that doesn’t actively relieve pressure across the body. So, how do you find a bed that’s actually been built to alleviate this pain? Well, we’re so glad you asked!

In this guide, we’re going to introduce you to the best mattresses for arthritis. While they differ in terms of style, construction, and price, we made sure to include mattresses designed with pressure relief and support in mind. In fact, we tested pressure relief and support, along with a number of other areas, to ensure these beds are truly tailor-made for assuaging the worst effects of arthritis pain.

Our Top Pick for Arthritis

The Saatva mattress comes in three firmnesses, so you can select which model is best for your pain. We love the Plush Soft and Luxury Firm models because they focus more on comfort and pressure relief for joint pain, but they don’t sacrifice support.

Best Mattresses for Arthritis

• Best Overall – Saatva
• Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Hips – Helix Midnight
• Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Shoulders – Nectar Premier Copper
• 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

Best Mattress for Arthritis: Video Review

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 We Look For In The Best Mattress for Arthritis

Pressure Relief

If you are someone with arthritis, it is especially important that you have a mattress that helps to relieve pressure across your body to help aid in pain relief and give you the best night’s sleep possible. To test the pressure-relieving properties of these mattresses we used a pressure map to test what areas of the body got the best pressure relief on each mattress to help you find the best mattress for your arthritis.

Adjustable Firmness

Firmness is important is every mattress, which is why we tested each mattress in this list using our firmness scale, which goes from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most firm. Using this helps us tell you how firm a mattress is, or look for mattresses with adjustable levels of firmness, so you can find what is right for you and your arthritis.

Trial Period and Warranty

Trial period and warranty are important for all mattresses, but they are especially important when you want to make sure this mattress is right for you and any pain you are experiencing. Because of this, we looked into the warranty and trial period of all of these mattresses to help you make sure you have adequate time to test out the mattress and make sure it is right for you, and also ensure if anything goes wrong you can replace it.

Compare the Best Mattresses for Arthritis

Best Overall Mattress for Arthritis – Saatva

Expert Opinion

A great mattress for arthritis is versatile and allows for plenty comfort and support. We love the Saatva because it boasts a thick and plush Euro top helps ease pressure of the joints, alleviating joint pain. We also appreciate its three firmness options, so depending on your body type where your joint pain is located, you can choose a softer or firmer mattress. For example, if you find that your arthritis pain is located primarily in the lower back, we think you’ll prefer to snag a mattress that’s firm, supportive, and bouncy. Not only will the Saatva’s Luxury Firm version help to alleviate tension at the lumbar region, but it could also work to lift the spine into a healthy line all the way from the shoulders to the hips.

We put mattress’ pressure relief to the test in our lab. Our Sleepopolis team utilizes a pressure map, which uses body temperature to determine areas of low (blue), moderate (green), or high pressure (yellow, orange, and red). We spread the pressure map across the mattress surface and lie on it in different sleeping positions to determine whether or not it’s a good match for pressure relief. On the Saatva’s Luxury Firm version, we found it should be a great option for back sleepers with back pain. Those wanting more pressure relief for arthritis at the shoulder and hip should opt for the Soft version of the Saatva.

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.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

One of the most common praises amongst Saatva shoppers is the customer service, from helpful phone calls to free white glove delivery.

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

• Built with a sturdy coil-on-coil construction, this bed evokes a traditional innerspring vibe, meaning it’s bouncy and ultra-supportive.
• There’s a lot of lift to this mattress, which means most sleepers will likely feel positioned squarely on top of the structure. This is great for alleviating back pain as it ensures that the spine will be set in a neutral alignment.
• The Saatva comes in three different firmnesses, which allows folks of many sleeping positions and body types to hone in on the comfort level that’s going to be right for them. 

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

• We tested this mattress and found it has a responsive feel, so those wanting a slow-moving memory foam bed will want to look elsewhere.

Think the Saatva is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Saatva mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses. 

Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Hips – Helix Midnight

Expert Opinion

A balanced feel is especially crucial for hip pain sufferers because it ensures that the bed has enough lift to set the hips in line with the shoulders and enough give to cushion them as they press into the structure. During testing, we found the Helix Midnight achieves just this. When the coils and firmer poly foam (as well as a layer of DuraDense foam at the bottom) combine with the plush memory foam, it’s a one-stop destination for all things comfort. 

During our pressure map test, we found fantastic relief for back-sleeping (almost entirely blue on the chart). So, it should be a great option for back sleepers with hip pain, shoulder pain, and back pain. For side-sleeping, we saw a bit of green at the shoulders and a little yellow at the hips. Folks with pain in these areas should be alright for the most part, but if you’re really sensitive at the hip, we might steer you towards a softer Helix model, like the Helix Sunset.

What our tester says: “Back sleepers with hip pain should feel really comfortable on both models of the Midnight, as results showed barely any pressure in the area.” -Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

If you’re someone who values a cushioning feel, you’ll like the amazing things Helix shoppers have to say about the “cloud-like” feel of the Midnight.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• A balanced feel helps back sleepers feel both comfortable and supported, and all body types should feel fantastic on the medium-firm Helix Midnight.
• The Helix Midnight tested low for motion transfer, which is great news for couples who don’t want to feel each other tossing and turning. 
• This mattress has a more “on top of” feel, which is fantastic for combination sleepers who need the freedom to move from back sleeping to side sleeping and so on.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• Stomach sleepers require a firm construction to prevent the hips bowing into the mattress material. The Helix Midnight will likely be too soft.

Think the Helix Midnight is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Helix Midnight mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for hip pain. 

Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Shoulders – Nectar Premier Copper

Expert Opinion

Arthritis is a tricky condition for many reasons, but especially when it comes to sleep. Untreated pain can lead to poorer sleep, and poorer sleep can worsen existing pain. Breaking this cycle can be achieved with a contouring and pressure-relieving all-foam mattress like the Nectar Premier Copper, and if you have arthritis at the shoulder in particular, you’re in luck.

Our pressure map test results showed fantastic results for alleviating shoulder pain in all sleeping positions. For back sleeping, the map was primarily blue, indicating low pressure. Not surprisingly, side sleeping showed some green, as weight is less evenly distributed to the hip and shoulder in this position. However, the map still shows little pressure on these areas, so side sleepers should be comfortable with the Nectar Premier Coppers’s contouring and cooling memory foam construction.

What our tester says: “As you can see, the Premier Copper did a great job distributing my weight when I was on my back (which is the best position to sleep in if you have back pain). I felt supported and comfortable in this position, and really liked how the Nectar’s top layer of foam filled in my lumbar region. I also think it’s a good mattress for shoulder pain and hip pain, although if you’re a side sleeper with severe pain in either of these areas, you may need something just a bit plusher.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer

What Customers Say

Customers appreciate the lengthy year-long trial Nectar offers (365 nights, to be exact). This allows folks some peace of mind when determining whether or not they’d like to keep the mattress.

Pros of the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

• Couples should like this mattress, as it scored really well in motion isolation, responsiveness, cooling, and edge support.
• Memory foam lovers should really appreciate the traditional, slow-moving feel of the Nectar Premier Copper.
• This mattress is a more luxurious version of the Nectar Original. It’s designed specifically for cooling, so hot sleepers should really love to effects of the copper-infused cover and cooling gel-infused memory foam comfort layer.

Cons of the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

• The Nectar Premier Copper isn’t intended for sleepers over 250 pounds, regardless of their favored sleeping position. Instead, we recommend you check out the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid, which offers a bit more support.

Think the Nectar Premier Copper is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nectar Premier Copper mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for shoulder pain. 

Best Mattress for Seniors With Arthritis – WinkBed

Expert Opinion

Aging holds a number of benefits, but a higher risk of joint pain is not one of them. As your likelihood of having arthritis increases with age, it makes it all the more important to have a suitable mattress to combat it. Lucky for you, we have a possible solution: the WinkBed Original mattress. This bed comes in three different firmnesses (Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer), allowing for a diverse range of sleepers and providing a balance of comfort and support for all.

As for the comfort aspect, we attribute the WinkBed’s positive results to its ultra-comfy Euro pillow top, as well as its thick comfort layer of gel memory foam. While running the Luxury Firm model through our pressure map test, we saw almost no pressure buildup while back sleeping. Our testers felt that the spine was well-aligned and that body weight was evenly distributed. We found some pretty good relief in the side-sleeping position as well, but overall we’d recommend that side sleepers with arthritis opt for the WinkBed’s Softer version. And not to worry for those stomach sleepers out there; the Firm version should keep the body lifted while still remaining gentle at the hips.

What our tester says: “If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. 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.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer

What Customers Say

There are nearly 8,700 reviews on WinkBeds’s company site, and a great number of them fondly mention the WinkBed’s speedy unboxing process.

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

• With a responsive nature and a 4 out of 5 score in edge support, we believe seniors should find it easy to move around the mattress and get up and off the bed.
• We tested this mattress for cooling by examining its construction and conducting our thermal gun test, and it had some really impressive results. With a 4.5 out of 5 in cooling, the WinkBed should provide extra comfort for any seniors out there who sleep a bit hot.
• As a sturdy, high-quality mattress with individually wrapped coils in its support layer, the WinkBed proves a durable option to support sleepers’ spinal alignment for years to come.

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

• Seniors who favor a memory foam feel that’s especially slow-sinking and contouring should opt for one of the best memory foam mattresses.

Think the WinkBed is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full WinkBed mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for seniors. 

Best Hybrid Mattress for Arthritis – Nolah Evolution

Expert Opinion

Hybrid mattresses can be awesome options for those who suffer from arthritis pain. These beds combine gentle foam layers with springy coils for a vibe that’s as bouncy and supportive as it is pressure-relieving. Nowadays, there are a ton of different hybrid mattresses available online, but one of our favorites is the Nolah Evolution. It offers multiple firmness options, but we loved the Luxury Firm for the ideal balance between pressure-relieving comfort and outstanding support. This is great for arthritis because it relieves the pain off of joints yet still lifts the hips into alignment.

During our pressure map, the Nolah Evolution showed almost all blue (low pressure) for back-sleeping, and blue and green for side-sleeping. This tells us that back sleepers with back pain or joint pain should be comfortable, but if you like a firmer feel, you might want a firmer mattress. Side sleepers should feel comfortable, even if they have back pain or shoulder pain. For super-sensitive hip pain, you might need a cushioning mattress topper or just a softer mattress. We did see a bit more green at this area, indicating a bit of pressure.

What our tester says: “I love how the Nolah Evolution comes in three different firmness models, so you can choose the best fit for you. For the Luxury Firm model, I really appreciate its medium-firm feel. This mattress provides good pressure relief and body contouring.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Shoppers seem to rave about the Nolah Evolution’s pleasant balance of comfort and support, as well as its extremely luxurious feel.

Pros of the Nolah Evolution Mattress

• With great motion isolation, cooling abilities, and edge support, most couples should feel extremely comfortable on this mattress.
• Those wanting more than a simple construction should appreciate how the Nolah Evolution includes special cooling properties, reinforced edge support, zoned support, and a CertiPUR-US certification.
• This bed incorporates cooling properties in almost every layer of this mattress. There’s a cooling cover, graphite-infused foam, and breathable coils. 

Cons of the Nolah Evolution Mattress

• The Nolah Evolution is priced at $2,499, and while there are often discounts that bring this price down hundreds of dollars, it might still be a bit much for budget shoppers.

Think the Nolah Evolution is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best hybrid mattresses. 

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Arthritis – Bear Original

Expert Opinion

Memory foam can be an excellent material for joint pain because its slow response to pressure allows it to contour to the curves of the body. This means that as you sink into the material, it’s likely to cushion the shoulders, hips, and lower back against any and all tension. And because our pick is not only pressure relieving, but designed for recovery, we feel extra comfortable recommending the Bear Original.

During testing, we found that back sleepers should feel comfortable on this mattress, especially if they experience pain at the back, shoulders, or hips. We saw mostly blue and green across the body. For side sleepers, results looked good for back pain, and we found low pressure at the hips, but at the shoulders we saw a bit of yellow. This indicates that folks with shoulder pain may experience pressure buildup in this area.

What our tester says: “I personally gave the bed a 7.5 [out of 10 for firmness] as I found its 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, which could work particularly well for combination sleepers or other folks looking for a firm mattress with a fairly responsive feel.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer

What Customers Say

Customers who sleep with a partner mention the good motion isolation on this mattress. Because the Bear traps movement (we gave it a 4 out of 5 for motion isolation), couples shouldn’t feel each other moving about the mattress.

Pros of the Bear Original Mattress

• There’s an option available to add a Celliant cover to the Bear Original, which is a material that supposedly promotes blood flow and quicker muscle recovery. One thing we can attest to is that Celliant has helped us sleep cooler at night.
• The gel infusion actively works to absorb and dissipate body heat, ensuring that the memory foam layer doesn’t make you sweat in the night. This could be a great feature for folks who have previously avoided memory foam because of its reputation for retaining heat. 
• This mattress scored extremely well for value (4.5 out of 5), having a wonderful balance of quality and affordability.

Cons of the Bear Original Mattress

• Those over 250 pounds won’t find the all-foam Bear Original to be supportive enough. However, we did find plenty of support for these folks in the Bear Elite Hybrid, another popular model from the same brand.

Think the Bear Original is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Bear Original mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best memory foam mattresses. 

Best Mattress for Heavy People With Arthritis – Titan Plus Luxe

Expert Opinion

For many sleepers with arthritis, soft mattresses work well because of their contouring and pressure relief. However, folks with larger body types (specifically those over 250 pounds) tend to feel mattresses as softer than the average sleeper. And if they’re battling arthritis, they’re going to need an option that’s firmer and supportive enough for their body weight while still delivering in comfort and pain relief. We absolutely loved the Titan Plus Luxe for this purpose, as it’s built especially for heavier folks. We had our powerlifter friend, Paulie, test the mattress out, as he suits the profile meant for this mattress. He determined it was a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, or what we call medium-firm.

This blend of comfort and support that Paulie noted while testing proved true on our pressure map test. We found some fantastic results while back sleeping, as well as side sleeping. We think that those with back, shoulder, and/or hip pain should find relief here. This is thanks to the Titan Plus Luxe’s quilted foam cover and proprietary comfort foam.

What our tester says: “To me, a side sleeper who weighs around 125 pounds, the Titan Plus Luxe felt like a firm mattress. I’d give it about a 7 or 7.5 on the mattress firmness scale. For reference, the industry standard is 6.5 out of 10. To Paulie, a combination sleeper who weighs around 275 pounds,this mattress felt medium-firm.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer

What Customers Say

Lots of folks over 250 pounds note that the Titan Plus Luxe is a comfortable option for both them and their partner. Even those who didn’t love its feel still noted that it was a quality option and a nice mattress overall.

Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress

• Since this mattress tested well for lightweight and average weight back and stomach sleepers, the Titan Plus Luxe should be a nice mattress for couples of different body types.
• Because of this hybrid mattress’s responsive feel, it should widely appeal to combination sleepers searching for good mobility on their new mattress.
• We gave the Titan Plus Luxe a favorable edge support score thanks to its enhanced perimeter. This means that those who sleep close to the edge of the mattress should still feel well-supported.

Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress

• We found this mattress a bit too firm for heavier stomach sleepers, who are going to want a mattress that keeps the hips lifted. For this, we recommend the uniquely flippable Plank Firm.

Think the Titan Plus Luxe is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Titan Plus Luxe mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for heavy people. 

Best Value Mattress for Arthritis – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Expert Opinion

Between medications and appointments, treatment for arthritis can add up quickly. Purchasing a mattress for arthritis is just another added investment, but it doesn’t have to be the highest-end bed to be effective. A prime example of this is the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. It has a simple construction, but boasts three firmness options and delivers on many of the same factors as other higher-priced beds for pain relief out there. And best of all, you can get a queen size for $999 after discounts.

While testing the Medium version of this mattress, our pressure map test showed outstanding pressure relief (almost entirely blue) for the back-sleeping position. As for side sleeping, we didn’t feel the results showed the Signature Hybrid is soft enough for shoulder and hip pain, so we’d recommend opting for the Soft model instead. And for stomach sleeping, we think most folks with arthritis and over 150 pounds are going to want the Firm version of this bed.

What our tester says: “Based on the amount of blue on this pressure map, I think the Signature Hybrid could be a nice choice for back sleepers with back pain. This mattress should promote a healthy sleep posture, which is key to avoiding pain and soreness. However, I don’t think the Signature Hybrid is a good fit for side sleepers with shoulder or hip pain. Based on my experience on this bed, its medium-firm feel could cause some stiffness to build up in the shoulder and hip area for side sleepers. I’d recommend they opt for the Soft model instead, or check out our roundup of the best mattresses for hip pain instead.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer

What Customers Say

446 of the Signature Hybrid’s reviews are five-star comments that specifically relate to the mattress’s delivery process. Customers note speedy shipping, a convenient unboxing process, and next to no off-gassing.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• We tested the Signature Hybrid for cooling, and gave it a 4 out of 5 for its breathable hybrid construction, so most sleepers shouldn’t find themselves overheating at night.
• With good testing results in motion isolation, cooling, responsiveness, and edge support, we feel incredibly confident in recommending this bed for couples.
• Any combination sleepers wanting an easy transition from back sleeping to side sleeping to stomach sleeping should love the lifted feel of this hybrid bed.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• Those wanting a super-firm mattress, such as strict stomach sleepers or heavier folks, should opt for Brooklyn Bedding’s Plank Firm.

Think the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for the money. 

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis means inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. It describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness. The most common types include osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Arthritis is incredibly common. Unfortunately, it’s not curable, but there are a lot of steps you can take to improve arthritis pain.

What Are The Most Common Arthritis Symptoms?

The most common arthritis symptoms are:

• Joint pain
• Swollen joints
• Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion

These symptoms tend to worsen with age.

How Do Mattresses Affect Arthritis?

In addition to doctor prescribed medications, physical therapy, and surgery, a simple thing you can do to alleviate arthritis pain is replace your mattress. As the Arthritis Foundation points out, many of those who suffer from arthritis also suffer from poor sleep, which makes sense — if your bed is unable to actively relieve pressure at the joints, you’re not likely to get the kind of restorative slumber you need. So, you may want to explore new mattress options that are designed with deep pressure relief and support in mind.

For a little inspiration on that front, let’s dive into all the things you’ll want to think about when shopping for a mattress to help deal with your arthritis pain.

How We Chose the Best Mattresses for Arthritis

Our pressure map test at Sleepopolis helps us determine whether or not the mattresses featured in this roundup are cushioning and pressure-relieving enough for arthritis. We roll a mat across the mattress surface, and it uses our body temperature to determine areas of low, moderate, and high pressure. Our device shows blue for low pressure, green for moderate pressure, and yellow, orange, and red for high pressure.

We then rest on the mattress in different sleeping positions. From the map results, we can see whether a mattress is pressure-relieving enough for arthritis, and if so, in what areas. Below you’ll see pressure map results for the Helix Midnight.

From these results, we can determine that the Helix Midnight is going to be a good choice for back sleepers with joint pain and/or back pain, as the map shows primarily blue (or low pressure). Side-sleeping is a bit of a different story; you can see that side sleepers with back and shoulder pain shouldn’t experience excess pressure, but there is a bit of yellow at the hip. With this in mind, we’d say that side sleepers with arthritis in the hips should choose a softer mattress.

The Best Mattress Materials for 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)

How We Picked The Best Mattresses For Arthritis

Now that we’ve gone over our mattress selections, let’s take a moment to discuss the methodology we used to pick them. You can think of this section as a round-up of all the major factors to consider when shopping for a new mattress.

Pressure Relief

Perhaps the most important consideration you’ll want to make is one for pressure relief. As we’ve discussed throughout this guide, high-quality pressure relief can do a lot to alleviate tension at sensitive spots like the shoulders, hips, and lower back. It can also reduce pressure at the joints and nerves, which could be especially beneficial for those who struggle with arthritis.

So, how can you figure out whether or not a bed is going to give you the pressure relief you need? Pay attention to the materials, particularly those in the top layers. If we want to land on a bed that’s deeply pressure-relieving, we look for mattresses built with either quilted pillow tops or thick top layers of memory foam. Either one of these materials should produce a gentle sleeping experience full of cuddly pressure relief.

More Mattresses For Stress Relief

• Best Pillow Top Mattresses
• Best Soft Mattress
• Best Memory Foam Mattress
• Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
• Best Mattress for Hip Pain

We recommend trying out a new mattress for at least two weeks before committing to it. Thankfully, a lot of direct-to-consumer online brands have generous trial periods that allow folks to do just that. When testing out your new bed, pay attention to any pains that crop up in the night. If you’re experiencing the same sores night after night, your bed likely isn’t doing its job.

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 is able to set the spine in a nice even line all the way from the neck to the lower back. If a bed is truly 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 are going to be the most supportive materials you can find. 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 brings some nice stability and shape to those structures.

What’s Zoned Support?

We’re a big fan of mattresses that employ zoned support in their constructions. As we explored earlier, zoned support refers to any layer of foam that’s been subdivided into different firmnesses. Typically, these zoned sections feature firmer foam at the hips to prevent them from sinking out of alignment with the shoulders.

Firmness

Speaking of firmness, those who struggle with arthritis pain will want to be careful about how firm their mattress is. Too firm, and they may experience increased pressure and pain at the joints. Too soft, and they may not get the support they need at the hips and lower back. For that reason, we tend to recommend that arthritis pain sufferers stick to something in the soft to medium firm range.

For us, this means a bed that lands somewhere between 5-6.5/10 on the firmness scale, with 1 being super soft and 10 being ultra-firm. Medium firmness implies a balance between pressure relief and support, which should be ideal for those trying to assuage aches and pains. Most brands provide firmness information on their websites, so you should be able to discern whether or not a mattress is going to be too firm for your needs. And of course, when in doubt, test it out.

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, we had to choose, the Saatva would be at the top of our list (especially the softest model). It has a balance of comfort and support that can cushion the joints while also providing 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 (back sleepers especially).

Are memory foam mattresses good for joint pain?

Yes, memory foam mattresses can be great for joint pain. The slow-moving, sinking feel is really easy on sensitive areas and can help alleviate pain. However, we recommend selecting a memory foam mattress with a sturdy, high-density foam base. This will ensure that you’re not sinking into the layers to far.

How We Chose Our Mattresses

Here at Sleepopolis, we’ve reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every mattress an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

As we stated above, one of the best ways that a mattress can address arthritis is through pressure relief. When we test our products, pressure relief falls under comfort, so we only picked beds that scored at least a 4 out of 5 in this category.

For additional criteria, we also focused on mattresses that offer a lot of support. In fact, all of the beds scored at least a 4 out of 5 in support.

Click here to learn more about our methodology.

Summary: Best Mattress for Arthritis

Final Thoughts

Well folks, that does it for this guide to the best mattress for arthritis. When shopping for a bed of your own, remember to keep a tight focus on pressure relief, support, and firmness. That way, you’ll be able to figure out whether or not the mattress you want to buy is actually designed to help with your arthritis pain.

Bridget Chapman

Former Senior Product Editor

About Author

Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.

Combination Sleeper