Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
Combination sleeping can be tricky, as it requires a mattress that supports multiple positions — back, side, or stomach — each of which often needs different levels of firmness. In other words, combination sleepers need a “Goldilocks” mattress that strikes the right balance across all positions. As Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor at Sleepopolis, explains:
“Back sleepers should use a medium-firm mattress and a pillow under the knees. Side sleepers benefit from a supportive pillow between the knees and a mattress with some softness. Stomach sleepers should opt for a firm mattress and a thin pillow or none for the head. Combination sleepers need a mattress that’s comfortable for all positions. Maintaining the spine’s natural curve is crucial.”
Thankfully, I’m here to help you find a mattress that’s just right. In 2024, Sleepopolis has already helped 12,544 people choose a new bed, and now I’m ready to help you find the best model for your sleeping style. Though these mattresses differ in style, construction, and price, they’re all designed to sleep comfortably across multiple positions. They might have an added pillow top or memory foam, zoned support in the construction, or even a flippable mattress that gives you two different options to choose from.
That said, you still have to think about your weight, cooling preferences, and whether or not you sleep with a partner or a pet. I also put these mattresses through several tests to see if they really are the best fit for you. This includes a rest test (determining the firmness of the mattress), a pressure map test (seeing how well this mattress works to combat joint pain in the hips, shoulders, and lower back), and a motion transfer test (to find out if this mattress isolates movement from one side of the bed to the other). I’ll also go into specifics on the materials used in these mattresses to see if they are especially cooling, eco-friendly, or pressure relieving.
So, if you’re a combination sleeper that wants to find a bed that fits all three positions, but also matches your other preferences and needs, keep on reading to see our roundup of the ten best mattresses on the market today.
Our Top Pick For Combination Sleepers
The Nectar mattress landed this accolade thanks to its ability To keep combination sleepers feeling hugged and cool throughout the night. CertiPUR-US-certified foams make the mattress a healthy, cool, and comfortable option for all kinds of combination sleepers.
Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
- Best Overall Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Nectar
- Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain – Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best Luxury Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Saatva
- Best Innerspring Mattress for Combination Sleepers – WinkBed
- Best Latex Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Nolah Natural
- Best Hybrid Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Heavy Combination Sleepers – Titan Plus Luxe
- Best Cooling Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Silk & Snow Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Back and Stomach Combination Sleepers – Birch Natural
The Best Mattresses for Combo Sleepers – Our Video Review
What I Look for in The Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how much movement you can feel when laying on the mattress, and it is important because if a mattress has poor motion isolation you may find yourself feeling restless. Because of this, I made sure to test the motion isolation in the best mattresses for combination sleepers so you can be sure your movements aren’t waking your partners or pets up, or that theirs aren’t disturbing you. To do this I dropped a ball onto the mattress and measured its impact using a seismograph.
Durability
When you move around in your sleep, your mattress may start to sag or lose its comfort earlier than those who don’t move much. Because of this, I made sure to look for mattresses with strong and durable construction and materials so that you can be sure your mattress will endure your movements every night for a long time.
Firmness
How firm you like your mattress is a personal preference, so I made sure to test every mattress in this list for how firm it is so you can find the best one for you. To do this I used our firmness scale, which ranks mattresses on a scale from 1-10, which 10 being the most firm. While firmness is up to you, I generally recommend a mattress around a 6 to 7.5 for combination sleepers.
Pain Relief
Combination sleepers have the challenge of finding a mattress that offers targeted support for different sleeping positions. The right mattress can help alleviate common pain points, such as lower back discomfort for folks who switch between their backs and stomachs or pressure on the hips and shoulders for people who shift onto their sides frequently. I prioritized mattresses that balance firmness and softness to provide the cushioning and support needed to reduce pain and promote healthy spinal alignment as you shift positions during the night.
Compare the Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
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| Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Saatva Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Latex | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers |
Hot Sleepers,
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
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Best Overall Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Nectar
The Nectar Classic is a memory foam mattress that provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pain relief around the lower lumbar spine. Most back sleepers and side sleepers should enjoy the pressure relief. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think the Nectar Classic does a great job of relieving back pain. The pressure map test results show a lot of blue and green on our backs, meaning back sleepers should experience good pressure relief from the Nectar.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Nectar receives the best overall superlative because, while it can be difficult to find a mattress made of memory foam that’s also good for combination sleeping, the Nectar Classic does an excellent job. This all-foam bed scored exceptionally well in my responsiveness test. So, folks who switch between back and side sleeping should find that they don’t have to sacrifice ease of movement for cushioning, or vice versa.
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain – Helix Midnight Luxe
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
Expert Opinion
The luxury upgrade of the standard Helix Midnight, the Helix Midnight Luxe is made from a blend of foam layers and pocketed coils that add luxurious support and comfort. When I lie down on this mattress, its springs offer enough support and responsiveness to prevent us from feeling stuck in the bed — perfect for combination sleepers with back pain. These sleepers should be able to switch positions and move around on top of the mattress with ease during the night while still feeling that their spine is kept aligned and supported.
Best Luxury Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Saatva
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
Expert Opinion
Featuring a coil-on-coil construction, the Saatva is a luxurious innerspring bed that’s supportive, bouncy, firm, and comfortable. When testing the Saatva Classic for myself, the responsiveness of the coils allowed me to move around the bed easily — a crucial trait for combination sleepers. That same support from the coils also kept my spine neutrally aligned, helping to prevent back pain.
Best Innerspring Mattress for Combination Sleepers – WinkBed
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
Expert Opinion
The WinkBed comes in four firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus (for heavier sleepers over 250 pounds). I tested out the Luxury Firm and found that it had a responsive and supportive feel, which is typical for a traditional innerspring mattress. After letting some of my colleagues try out the WinkBed for themselves, I gave it a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, meaning it’s firmer than the industry standard.
Best Latex Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Nolah Natural
The Nolah Natural is made with eco-friendly Talalay latex and supportive coils. This mattress has GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic wool, cotton, natural latex, and recycled steel. The latex makes this mattress responsive, which is great for couples and combination sleepers. This material is also naturally hypoallergenic and cooling, which can help hot sleepers prevent overheating. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“It has a very soft, plush feel that provides you some cushioning as well. I’d say you’re going to feel more “on top” of this bed than “in it” — thanks to its bouncy latex.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor.
Expert Opinion
Latex beds are great for combination sleepers because they have a buoyant, “on top” of the bed feel that makes switching positions easy. I think that the hybrid Nolah Natural perfectly embodies these traits. When I tried it out, I got a lot of bounce and responsiveness from its two layers of Talalay Latex, with support coming from below from a layer of targeted support coils. I were able to move around without feeling like I was stuck in the bed.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Bear Elite Hybrid
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
Expert Opinion
A hybrid mattress is a fantastic option for combination sleepers because it has coils, which add a responsive and bouncy feel. I found that, in the case of the Bear Elite Hybrid, the coils prevents combination sleepers from sinking into the material, making it easy to move around and switch positions throughout the night. The Bear Elite Hybrid also stands out for its optional cover that’s quilted with Celliant, a breathable material that may assist with muscle recovery and blood flow by increasing oxygenation of your body tissues, according to recent research. However, the cover must be purchased for an additional cost, around $130. This notable feature makes Bear mattresses popular among athletes and those who lead an active lifestyle.
Best Mattress for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
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
Expert Opinion
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid regularly makes our best mattress for couples roundup because it has strong edge support, which means couples can spread out and take advantage of the full surface area of their mattress without fear of sinkage or sagging around the edges. When testing it out, I was easily able to sleep along the edge of this mattress without feeling like I was going to fall off. I also found it to be an effectively cooling mattresses, with the spaces between the coils making plenty of room for you and your partner.
Best Mattress for Heavy Combination Sleepers – Titan Plus Luxe
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
Expert Opinion
Heavy sleepers over 250 pounds benefit from a more supportive mattress. Fortunately for these folks, Brooklyn Bedding created the Titan Plus — a mattress built with extra-durable materials — just for them. The Titan Plus Luxe is an upgrade of this bed, with an additional two inches in height and an extra layer of contour foam. I asked my colleague, Paulie — who has a larger body type — to help test out this mattress. He felt that the bed’s high-density foam and sturdy coils kept him elevated and comfortable on top of the Titan Plus Luxe.
Best Cooling Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress
As an affordable option with a medium-firm feel, we think that the Silk & Snow Hybrid should appeal to a wide variety of sleepers, including back sleepers, side sleepers, hot sleepers, and budget shoppers. Learn more in our full video review, where we compare the Silk & Snow Hybrid to the original Silk & Snow, which doesn’t have coils.
What our tester says:
“The Silk & Snow Hybrid is a great middle ground firmness for those who don’t want an ultra-firm bed, but also want to feel well-supported.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you tend to get hot when you sleep, you’ll want a breathable mattress with additional cooling features. Thankfully, the Silk & Snow Hybrid mattress delivers on both fronts. This hybrid bed features cooling gel infusions and coils to combat the heat-trapping nature of memory foam and allow for more airflow within the bed than an all-foam model.
Best Mattress for Back and Stomach Combination Sleepers – Birch Natural
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
Expert Opinion
The Birch Natural mattress from Helix Sleep is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton, wool fibers, and natural Talalay latex to create a structure that’s as eco-friendly as it is comfortable. The top layers of latex foam give the mattress a little bit of contouring and pressure relief, while the coils allow the bed to stay responsive, which is an important for combination sleepers who need to move around easily.
What is a Combination Sleeper?
A combination sleeper is a someone who rotates between the three primary sleeping positions: back sleeping, side sleeping, and stomach sleeping. Because combination sleepers use all three or a combination of a couple sleeping positions, I suggest making sure you prioritize a mattress and pillow with the right firmness, pain relief, and support needed for each of them.
Hear from the Experts:
What Should You Prioritize as a Combination Sleepers?
“As a combination sleeper, it’s crucial for you to prioritize a mattress that offers both support and pressure relief for you to feel comfortable in several sleeping positions. First look at medium to medium-firm mattresses that help contour your body while giving you enough support to rotate between your back, side and stomach. Lastly, I recommend a mattress with great motion isolation and edge support to get a restful night and avoid feeling stuck in any one position.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
How I Chose the Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Mobility
First and foremost, you’ll want to consider a bed’s mobility. When I refer to mobility, I’m really just talking about how easy (or not easy) it is to move around and change positions in the night. A highly mobile mattress is one on which sleepers can toss and turn without feeling too “stuck” in the structure. Since combo sleepers snooze in many different positions, good mobility is key.
So, how do you figure out whether or not a bed has sound mobility? By focusing on the materials. In an all-foam mattress, you might want to opt for something with at least a little bit of latex foam incorporated into the top layers. This all-natural material has a quick response to pressure that should help lift the sleeper up and out of the structure. Memory foam, on the other hand, is known for its contouring effect, which can reduce the overall mobility of a bed.
The presence of pocketed coils and springs can also increase the mobility of a mattress, especially when paired with buoyant latex foam. If bounce and lift are especially important to you as a combo sleeper, I’d recommend sticking with a hybrid mattress that combines gentle foams with coils.
Combination Sleepers = Movers
The mobility of a mattress is an ultra-important factor to consider if you’re a combination sleeper. If you consistently switch what position you’re sleeping in, then it’s important that your mattress doesn’t hinder your ability to do this. You should be able to toss and turn all night without getting stuck in the mattress or accidentally waking up from the effort it takes to move around.
Pressure Relief
Excellent mobility aside, combo sleepers also need to find a mattress that provides uniform pressure relief across multiple positions. While strict-position sleepers can get away with a bed that only really feels great in one position, combo sleepers need to feel just as cozy on their backs as they do on their sides and stomachs. This can be a tricky proposition, but one that a fantastic mattress will be able to pull off with ease.
The secret here is honing in on a bed with a balanced design. When I use the term “balanced,” I’m talking about a mattress that combines a lot of different materials together to strike a pleasant chord between firm support and gentle pressure relief. Beds that have a one-note design (say, all memory foam or all latex foam) can provide plenty of comfort, but not usually across multiple positions.
This balance between lift and give will ensure that your spine stays aligned, in addition to helping alleviate tension at pressure points like the shoulders, hips, and back. Ideally, whatever mattress you choose would actively work to set your spine into this neutral alignment. Otherwise, you could end up with aches, pains, and limited mobility. Plus, studies show healthy alignment could mitigate common nighttime issues like snoring or insomnia.
I test for pressure relief by using a specialized mat to understand where the pressure points of each mattress are. I roll the mat on the mattress and have our testers roll through all sleeping positions. The mat then uses color-coded imaging to show any pressure buildup. When reading the map, blue and green mean that the mattress is relieving pressure and yellow and red areas are where the mattress might create tension or discomfort.
Why Combination Sleepers Need “Balance”
Combination sleepers may sometimes find it difficult to find a bed that feels comfortable no matter what sleeping position they’re in. Because they’re such versatile sleepers, they need a bed that’s the perfect combination of supportive and pressure-relieving. In a way, a combo sleeper needs a combo bed.
A bed that is “balanced” will use a combination of features to ensure that the sleeper is comfortable no matter how they sleep.
Firmness
Tied into this conversation about support, pressure relief, and neutral spine alignment is firmness — a measure that refers to how “soft” or “hard” a bed is. A soft mattress can be just as supportive as a firm one, so it’s important to acknowledge that the terms “firmness” and “support” aren’t necessarily synonymous with one another. Read more about firmness in our mattress firmness guide.
All that said, most combo sleepers will prefer a mattress that’s on the medium to slightly firm range. This usually means a bed that scores a 5 to 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale (where 1 is super-soft and 10 is the most firm). For reference, the industry standard for medium firmness is 6.5 out of 10.
Why is medium firmness the ideal? Well, it implies that the mattress strikes an ideal balance between supportive lift and pressure-relieving give. This will help achieve neutral spine alignment, set you up for some solid sleep hygiene, and bring optimized comfort to the hips, shoulders, and back.
How I Test a Mattress’s Firmness
As you’ve seen throughout the mini reviews in this roundup, I test each of our mattresses individually to see exactly how firm they’ll feel to the sleeper. I also get the input of my colleagues, who all submit their own individual firmness scores. And for some reviews, I bring in Paulie — my colleague with a larger body type — to see how these mattresses would feel to a heavier sleeper (those over 250 pounds). This helps me see exactly how firm or soft a certain mattress is, which is a big consideration, especially for combination sleepers.
I then compile all of the scores together to get an average firmness score for the mattress. The industry average for a medium-firm mattress is a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. Looking at the example above, you can see that the Saatva HD mattress is slightly firmer than the industry average, with a score of 7 on our firmness scale. Other mattresses could be much firmer or much softer than this, but the 6.5 number gives us a good place to start when thinking about whether I like the feel of a firm or soft mattress better.
Pain Relief
Combination sleepers need a mattress that offers targeted support for each position to help alleviate aches and prevent discomfort.
For combination sleepers primarily on their backs at night, providing ample support to the lower lumbar spine is essential, especially for folks with back pain. A mattress with the right level of firmness will help keep your spine aligned and relieve pressure from your back so you wake up without pain.
Similarly, sleepers who tend to move onto their stomachs require a mattress that offers enough support to lift their spine and prevent them from sinking into the bed, which could lead to lower back pain. These individuals often prefer a firmer mattress to help them maintain a healthy spinal alignment.
For those who shift to their side more frequently, cushioning is key. Side sleepers often experience pain in the hips and shoulders, so a softer mattress can provide the necessary relief to prevent discomfort. If you have sensitive joints or frequently switch to your side, a mattress with more softness will ensure proper cushioning without sacrificing support for your spine.
Mattress Types
Memory Foam
Memory foam is known to conform to the shape of your neck and shoulder in response to heat and pressure, providing great support and reducing pressure points. A plus of the material is that it conforms to your body in different positions. A drawback is that memory foam can have a lot of sinkage, which might make you feel “stuck” in the bed, which could make it harder to move around. An all-foam mattress also tends to sleep hotter than a bed with coils in the construction.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses use coils to provide amazing support and durability, giving the mattress a responsive and bouncy feel. They can be good for combination sleepers because the responsive nature of the coils allows for swift movement and adjustment between positions. However, they might not offer as much contouring or pressure relief as other materials, so additional cushioning might be needed from a mattress topper for optimal comfort.
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress combines the coils from an innerspring with the construction of foam, offering a balance of support and pressure relief. This type of mattress is my top recommendation for combination sleepers because it provides both responsiveness for easy movement through sleeping positions and cushioning in those natural pressure points. The blend of materials ensures good spinal alignment and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently switch positions during the night.
Latex
Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic latex so a great organic materials if that’s a priority for you. Latex provides a responsive and supportive surface with a bouncy feel. These beds are well-suited for combination sleepers because their durability and elasticity offer consistent support and ease of movement across all sleeping positions. Additionally, latex mattresses generally have good breathability, which helps keep you cool while you sleep if you often sleep warm.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the strength of the perimeter of your mattress and the strength of the edges of the bed. Edge support is important for combination sleepers because it allows them to rotate through all sleeping positions and use the entire mattress without worrying about rolling off. I test for edge support by using a yard stick or tape measure to see how much sinkage is experienced when sitting or lying on the edge of the bed. A huge amount of sinkage will prevent someone from having support when standing up and will also prevent couples from using the entire surface of the mattress.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to the amount of movement that’s felt across the mattress when you, your partner, kids, or pets are moving around you. It’s an especially important factor for couples and combination sleepers. Foam tends to perform best for motion isolation.
I test for motion isolation using a wine test and a seismometer test. The wine test involves placing a full glass of wine on one side of the mattress and having our combination sleeper tester rotate through all the sleeping positions, then seeing if the glass gets knocked over or if the bed absorbs the motion. For the seismometer test, I drop steel balls from various heights, then use a seismograph to measure the amount of movement rippling across the mattress’s surface. The bigger the waves on the seismograph, the worse the mattress has performed for motion isolation.
Company Policies
Sleep Trials
Sleep trials allow you to try the mattress in your own home for a long duration of time and find out if it suits your sleep preferences. Each company offers a different type of sleep trial, but most vary from 60–90 days, and I recommend sticking to this time frame, as it allows you to break in the mattress and see if it fits each of your preferred sleeping positions.
Warranties
A warranty is the time frame in which a mattress is guaranteed to last with no defects, sagging, or other problems. Essentially, a warranty signals how durable the mattress is and if it’s worth the purchase. Mattress warranties vary from company to company, so be sure to read the fine print.
Shipping
Shipping can often be an extra cost added to the end of your shopping experience and can affect what kind of mattress budget you stick to. That’s why all of the mattresses I’ve selected on this list offer free shipping with a mattress purchase. You can also keep an eye out for our extra coupons or sales that can save you additional costs.
If you suffer from any chronic pain, or might be short a couple hands when it comes to setting up your new mattress, many mattress companies offer a service called white glove delivery. This service involves the company sending someone to deliver the mattress, set it up, and in some cases, remove your old bed.
Benefits of Combination Sleepers
- Reduced Pressure Points: By changing positions so frequently, combination sleepers alleviate pressure points on the heavier body parts, potentially reducing the risk of developing pressure sores or discomfort.
- Improved Sleep Quality: The ability to switch positions often can lead to a deeper and more recovering sleep, as sleepers can adjust to find the most comfortable alignment throughout the night.
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Pain: Frequent position changes can help prevent stiffness, pressure points, and pain that might come from remaining in a single position for too long through the night. This can lead to better spinal alignment and joint health.
Best Pillows Type for Combination Sleepers
For combination sleepers, the best pillow types offer versatility to shift positions and support across your neck and spine. Here are three options:
- Adjustable Pillows: These pillows allow you to add or remove pillow filling to achieve the desired height and firmness that might work best for you, depending if you lean more as a back, side, or stomach sleeper.
- Memory Foam Pillows: Foam is know to be the best pressure reliever. It naturally contours your head and neck while providing enough firm support to create too much sink. This will help you mould to various sleeping positions and keep proper spinal alignment.
- Latex Pillows: Latex is known for its durability and responsiveness. Latex pillows offer a balance of support and comfort, retaining their shape and providing a sturdy foundation whether you’re on your back, side, or stomach.
FAQs
What is a combination sleeper?
A combination sleeper is a person who doesn’t primarily sleep in just one position — on their back, side, or stomach — but rather changes between positions throughout the night. Combo sleepers may rotate through all three positions, or might generally switch between two, such as a back/side combination sleeper.
What type of mattress is best for combination sleepers?
The best mattress for combination sleepers will likely have a medium firmness and balanced feel, and be responsive enough for easily changing between sleeping positions.
What firmness is best for combination sleepers?
I generally recommend a medium firmness for combination sleepers, as they’re trying to accommodate the needs of multiple sleeping positions. However, depending on which positions you primarily sleep in, you could go softer or firmer. As a back/side combo sleeper, you could likely sleep on a medium-soft mattress to achieve pressure relief on the shoulder and hip while side sleeping, without losing support for back sleeping. As a back/stomach combo sleeper, you could opt for a firmer bed to keep your hips lifted up on your stomach and maintain a neutral alignment on your back.
What is the best pillow for combination sleepers?
The best pillow for combination sleepers will also need to strike a balance that works for multiple sleeping positions. We’d recommend a pillow with a medium loft and medium firmness to work well in multiple positions.
A Look Into the Sleepopolis Testing Lab
In order to ensure that we’re recommending the best mattresses to sleepers everywhere, we test each one individually in our mattress lab in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 beds, putting each one through a rigorous testing process that includes measuring a mattress’s motion transfer with a seismometer, tracking its cooling capabilities with a thermal gun, and visualizing its ability to relieve pain with a pressure map.
From there, we give every bed an overall score based on its materials, comfort, support, cooling, edge support, and more. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
We know that sleep is an integral part of your health, which is why we’ve developed such a detailed methodology when testing mattresses and writing our reviews. We also know that every sleeper is different when it comes to body type, sleeping position, and mattress preference. With so many factors at play, we want to give you an informed opinion so you can make an informed purchase.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has 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 bed 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.
Because combination sleepers are so versatile, we’ve given special consideration to both comfort and support. All of the products scored at least a 4 out of 5 in each of these categories. Click here to learn more about our methodology. And if you’re still not sure of the right mattress at the end of this article, you can take our mattress quiz to be shown a selection of mattresses curated to your sleep preferences.
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar | Overall | $1,099 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Back Pain | $2,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Luxury | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Innerspring | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Natural | Latex | $2,099 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Hybrid | $2,111 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Couples | $1,732 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding | Heavy People | $1,599 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Silk & Snow Hybrid | Cooling | $850 | Check Out Our Coupons | Read Our Review |
| Birch Natural | Back and Stomach | $1,873 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
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