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Written by Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
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, and her sleep recommendations have been featured in Livingetc. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and lovable trash-panda of a dog, Olive.
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s rest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, his recommendations and insights on healthy sleep have appeared in various publications, including Livingetc, U.S. News & World Report, and the magazine for mattress brand Avocado. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s rest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, his recommendations and insights on healthy sleep have appeared in various publications, including Livingetc, U.S. News & World Report, and the magazine for mattress brand Avocado. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
Riley is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach at Sleepopolis. She’s a firm believer that there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep. You can find her insights and recommendations on sleep health in publications such as Woman’s World, Yahoo News, Livingetc, and Real Simple. Riley graduated from Elon University with a degree in journalism and creative writing. In her free time, she loves to paint, cook, and spend time with family (especially her pets).
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s rest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, his recommendations and insights on healthy sleep have appeared in various publications, including Livingetc, U.S. News & World Report, and the magazine for mattress brand Avocado. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
Livvi DiCicco is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach. She has been writing, editing, and researching sleep-based content for over a year, and her sleep recommendations and insights have appeared in Bustle, Livingetc, and Authority Magazine. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in English & Creative Writing, she decided to work in the digital marketing field, continuing her creative works on the side. Her other interests (besides napping and writing) include digital art, history, and boba tea.
The term “combination sleeper” refers to someone who switches between different positions during the night. As you can imagine, finding the right mattress for these folks can take a bit more detective work than for those with one preferred sleep position.
After all, side sleepers need a softer mattress that contours around their joints, while their stomach-sleeping counterparts are in search of a firm bed to keep the hips elevated — and back sleepers just want a happy medium with balanced support.
Is it even possible to find one bed that can do it all?
After testing more than 375 mattresses, we believe our team of experts has cracked the case by finding the 10 best mattresses for combination sleepers. Read on to see which models made the cut for combo sleepers.
Sleepopolis’ Best In Rest – Combination Sleepers
The Nectar is our top pick for combination sleepers because the mattress makes it easy to move around, and its contouring foam wraps combination sleepers in a pressure-relieving hug. Also, we found this all-foam mattress to be an excellent value.
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.
A responsive mattress quickly springs back to its original shape after weight is applied, allowing sleepers to move with little effort. We test this key feature for combination sleepers by evaluating how easy it is to switch positions. I considered mattresses that earned a 4 or higher in this category first.
Combination sleepers rest on different parts of the body, so they need versatile mattresses that provide good pressure relief across multiple sleep positions. To test this, we ask sleepers of different body weights to lie on each mattress in multiple sleeping positions. We then use a specialized tool to produce color-coded thermal images of where pressure builds up. I prioritized mattresses that earned a 4 out of 5 or higher in at least one sleeping position (back or side).
Combination sleepers need mattresses that support different parts of the body. A mattress with strong corner-to-corner support helps their spines stay aligned in different positions and relieves the pressure that can accrue when certain areas of the body sag into the mattress. For this reason, I prioritized models that earned a 4 out of 5 or higher in this category.
We’ve developed a rigorous 13-point testing methodology that tells us how each mattress performs and who it might be a good fit for. All of the beds on this list have been evaluated for pressure relief, cooling abilities, responsiveness, edge support, and much more.
Our team of certified sleep science coaches has tested more than 500 mattresses over the last decade, allowing us to guide more than 145,000 people to the best mattress for them. Not only do we use and evaluate these products ourselves, but we also consult with Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, who’s quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine, to ensure we keep up to date with the latest in sleep science and medicine.
Additionally, Dr. Joe Tedesco, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, comes into our studio to personally test mattresses and give a medical perspective on each product that he evaluates, and sleep and nutrition experts such as Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD, regularly verify our articles.
Need help finding the right mattress?
Based on your answers, we’ve carefully selected the best mattresses tailored to your needs.
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers Video Review
Nectar – Best In Rest Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Best Overall
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Nectar
Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress
Medium-firm
Cooling
CertiPUR-US Certified
Memory Foam
365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free shipping
Memorial Day Deals
Save Up to 50% on Mattresses & 66% on Bundles See Details
We rated the Nectar as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it is right at the industry standard of medium-firm.
Price
$934–$2,121 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Nectar will provide a nice mix of cushioning and support.
Budget Shoppers
This affordable mattress is a great pick for those looking to save.
Pros of the Nectar
The Nectar offers a memory foam feel while still being responsive, making it perfect for combination sleepers.
Back sleepers should feel supported, but pleasantly cushioned on the Nectar.
This is a great memory foam bed for sex, as it is surprisingly responsive.
Cons of the Nectar
Heavier Stomach sleepers likely won’t get enough support for spinal alignment from the Nectar.
It incorporates some cooling materials but it’s not by any means the best cooling mattress.
The Nectar isn’t supportive enough to be one of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, which accommodate folks weighing 250 pounds or more.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund and free returns within the 365-night trial period
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
To win the top superlative for combination sleepers, a mattress has to have the versatility of a Swiss army knife. I selected the all-foam Nectar as the best overall mattress for combination sleepers because it uses quality materials and puts up solid scores across all of our performance categories. It earned individual scores of 4 in back pressure relief, 4.5 in cooling, and 4.7 in motion isolation.
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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
The memory foam version of the Nectar does a great job of dampening motion.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
After lying on it for 5 minutes, the temperature of the Nectar only increased by 5.4 degrees.
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Response: 4/5
Despite being an all-foam bed, the Nectar is surprisingly easy to change positions on.
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Edge Support: 4/5
There was more sinkage along the edge while sitting on it, but one could lie on it without falling off.
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Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
The Nectar Classic felt great on our testers’ backs, but they noticed some pressure buildup on their sides.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Nectar Classic is a medium-firm memory foam mattress.
Why the Nectar is Our Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Although the mattress’s responsiveness score was half a point below our typical standard of 4, I didn’t let this knock it out of contention as the best of the best for two reasons: 1) Our scoring guidelines provide fairly tight response times, and although the Nectar took about 2 seconds to return to its original shape, this is still fast for an all-foam bed; 2) My fellow mattress expert, Kenny Timper, noted how easy it was to move on this mattress.
“For an all-foam bed, it is surprisingly easy to switch between different positions,” Kenny said. “I think it’s easier to switch positions on it because it is quite firm for a 100-percent memory foam mattress, so when you use your hands to press down into the mattress, they don’t sink too far into the layers. This makes it easy to flip over from your back to your side to your stomach.”
I was also impressed with how this bed was a good fit for sleepers in all three of our weight categories, including “light” sleepers under 130 pounds, “average” sleepers between 130 to 230 pounds, and “heavy” sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. Our lightweight in-house tester said, “I feel comfortable on my back because everything feels aligned and my lower back is supported.” Our larger-bodied tester, Caine Wilkes, was also a fan. “I was a little surprised by how supportive the Nectar feels — it was more than I expected,” he said.
Where the Nectar Fell Short
However, even the best-in-class have areas for improvement, and for the Nectar, I would like to see stronger edge support along the sides of the bed. This isn’t an uncommon issue with all-foam mattresses. “I felt the most sinkage while sitting on the edge of the bed,” tester Kenny said. “I could definitely feel myself sliding off a bit. While I don’t think it’s an issue for most sleepers, I wouldn’t recommend this to people who need to bear down onto the mattress to stand up. People with mobility issues may find that they have to put in even more effort to get out of bed.”
Our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Joe Tedesco, also noted that the Nectar isn’t the best choice for stomach sleeping.
“In this position, your pelvis will not sink much, and you stay anatomically neutral, but on your stomach, you want to be slightly posteriorly tilted to keep from having back pain,” explained Dr. Tedesco.
Although the Nectar would likely be good for lightweight back and stomach sleepers, those who weigh less than 130 pounds may not get enough pressure relief. Petite people should check out the Helix Sunset, and for more options, peruse our picks for best mattresses for lightweight sleepers.
Leesa Original – Best Mattress for Back and Stomach Combination Sleepers
Best for Back and Stomach Combo Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.9
Leesa
Leesa Original Mattress
Affordable Price
Cushioning Foam
Still Responsive
Memory foam
100 nights
Free shipping
Memorial Day Sale
30% Off Mattresses; Up to 35% Off Mattress and Adjustable Base Bundle; 25% Off Bedding See Details
All-foam, constructed of responsive foam and memory foam up top and thick base foam at the bottom.
Firmness
On our mattress firmness scale — with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest — the Leesa felt like a 5 while our tester was on her side and a 7 while she was on her back and stomach.
Price
$879–$1,639 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers should get pressure relief at the lumbar region from the soft foam up top and spinal support from the firmer foam below.
Couples
The Leesa is responsive enough for sex and adept at isolating motion.
Stomach Sleepers
The foams here are supportive enough for stomach sleepers’ spines to stay neutrally aligned.
Pros of the Leesa
It’s cushioning enough for some side sleepers while still being supportive enough for back sleepers.
For a memory foam mattress, it sleeps fairly cool.
Despite their softness, the foams are responsive enough for combination sleepers to easily switch positions.
Cons of the Leesa
Most heavy sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds should seek out a more supportive mattress — ideally something firmer that has springs in the construction.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Free returns within day 31 and day 100 of the trial period.
While it’s an all-foam mattress on the softer end of the firmness scale, the Leesa should still offer enough support for a neutral spinal alignment, which is good news for back sleepers. Learn more in our Leesa video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Leesa is a great choice for back sleepers and should give them the comfort and support they desire. It could also work for combination sleepers, as it’s bouncy enough to easily move around on.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Stomach sleepers typically need a firm bed that keeps their hips elevated, while back sleepers usually prefer a medium-firm bed that provides balanced support. So, what do you do when you sleep on both your side and back? You click “add to cart” on the Leesa, our selection of the best mattresses for back and stomach sleepers. This mattress earned a 4 out of 5 or higher in categories such as pressure relief, cooling, edge support, and overall customer experience.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Thanks to its excellent motion-dampening, couples shouldn’t be able to detect each other moving on the Leesa Original.
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Cooling: 5/5
The temperature of the Leesa increased by 3.8 degrees after lying on it for 5 minutes, indicating excellent cooling.
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Response: 5/5
The Leesa provides the stability and firmness combination sleepers need to switch positions easily.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
The dense foam prevented us from falling while lying on the perimeter, but we noticed some sinkage while sitting.
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Pressure Relief: 4.4/5
The Leesa Original’s supportive yet contouring memory foam relieves pressure in all positions.
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Firmness: 7/10
The Leesa’s supportive foam construction gives it a slightly firmer-than-average feel.
Why the Leesa Original Is Good for Combination Sleepers
One of my fellow in-house mattress experts helped me test this mattress. When she evaluated how she felt on her stomach, she said, “I feel very comfortable in this position because there is hardly any sinkage. My lower back is not dipping, and it is very comfortable for a stomach sleeper. I feel like the firmness is perfect in this mattress.”
She was equally impressed when she flipped to her backside, noting how the layer of memory foam contoured around her lower back. She reported that her spine felt well-supported and neutrally aligned in this position.
Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, also found that the Leesa Original was a great fit for those who spend more time on their sides.
“I instantly relaxed when I turned to my side, and I am not a side sleeper,” he said. “My hips feel great! I feel contoured and cradled, and my weight is very evenly distributed. I think that this is a good mattress for all weight classifications.”
Where the Leesa Original Fell Short
If you are a side sleeper, you will likely want to avoid the Leesa. My colleague noted that she felt too much pressure on her shoulder when she switched over to this position.
These sleepers may prefer the DreamCloud. Also, considering that the Leesa doesn’t have the most generous trial period (100 nights, as opposed to a full year), indecisive shoppers may want to find a bed that they can test out for a bit longer, like the Nectar.
For more information on this bed, read our comprehensive breakdown of the Leesa Original.
WinkBed – Best Innerspring Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Best Innerspring
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid, combining a plush pillow top with coils and foams for a luxury feel.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm and scored it a 7 out of 10, meaning it’s on the firmer side of medium-firm.
Price
$1,149–$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the WinkBed
Back sleepers should get the support they need
It has a traditional, supportive feel
The WinkBed has cooling capabilities to help people who sleep hot
Sturdy edge support and good motion isolation make this a good choice for couples
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
If I asked you to describe a traditional bed, it would likely be one that uses innerspring coils. However, gone are the days when a layer of thin fabric was the only thing that stood between your pajamas and metal springs.
Innerspring mattresses still have sturdy coil bases, but they are now typically found underneath layers of comforting foam. This type of hybrid bed is often a good choice for combination sleepers because the coils provide bounce and responsiveness — and the WinkBed is one of our favorite hybrid mattresses. It scored a 4 or higher in motion isolation, edge support, and pressure relief for back sleepers.
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Our tester didn’t notice much movement during our ripple test.
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Cooling: 3.5/5
Our cooling test found that the WinkBed did not excel at temperature regulation.
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Response: 3/5
It was a little difficult to move around on the WinkBed, despite its hybrid construction.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
We found the WinkBed’s edges to be very strong.
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Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
While pressure mapping the WinkBed, our testers found some pressure buildup on their side.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Luxury Firm WinkBed has a medium-firm feel.
Why the WinkBed Is Good for Combination Sleepers
After performing a “ripple test” and a “partner test,” fellow mattress expert Riley Otis was impressed with the WinkBed’s motion isolation. The ripple test consists of filling a large rectangular container with water, positioning it on one side of the bed, and noting how much the water rippled and sloshed as she got in and out of bed and then repositioned as a combination sleeper might.
During the next portion of the motion isolation testing, Riley slid on a sleep mask and got on one side of the bed. I served as her partner, getting in and out of bed and cycling through sleeping positions. When we were finished, Riley said, “I was impressed by the motion isolation on the WinkBed. I could tell Sosha was in the bed, but it didn’t affect my side too much. The pillow top did a nice job absorbing motion at the source and preventing it from traveling too much. Although I could detect a bit of motion, I think light sleepers could sleep through it, as it didn’t jostle my body at all.”
A hybrid mattress offering top-tier responsiveness and motion isolation is a bit of an anomaly, but we are here for it. Couples with restless partners and those who are sexually active will both appreciate this bed.
Where the WinkBed Fell Short
Lightweight sleepers who spend part of their time on their side will likely find this bed to be too firm, especially if they have sensitive joints. These sleepers should check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe.
I would also caution hot sleepers about the WinkBed, as it heated up about 9 degrees. Although Riley said she was not noticeably warmer at the end of her 5-minute cooling test, those who get overheated at night will likely want to avoid this bed. These sleepers can check out the best cooling mattresses.
For more information about this model, including testing notes from our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Joe Tedesco, check out our full WinkBed review for more information.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Helix
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Medium-Soft Comfort
Cooling Pillow Top
Zoned Support
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
Memorial Day Sale
27% Off Sitewide with Code SLEEPOPOLIS27 See Details
Hybrid, combining foam and zoned support coils for a supportive feel.
Firmness
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a medium-soft to medium-firm bed in the brand’s luxury line of hybrids, coming in at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale (1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest).
Price
$1,373–$2,873 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full. queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
The springs in the Helix Midnight Luxe should help back sleepers maintain a neutral posture.
Side Sleepers
The pillow top and layer of memory foam should give these folks plenty of softness and contouring.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Luxe
The luxury version of the standard Helix Midnight comes with a pillow top and Tencel cover.
The Midnight Luxe should sleep fairly cool, thanks to its airflow-promoting coils and breathable Tencel cover.
The springs give the Helix Midnight Luxe a good deal of bounce and responsiveness that should make it easy for combination sleepers to change. positions
Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe
The softness of this mattress isn’t going to be an ideal fit for stomach sleepers. They’ll need something more supportive to keep their hips elevated and in line with their shoulders. See our best mattresses for stomach sleepers for more options.
Likewise, heavy sleepers over 250 pounds will likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress. They should look at our best mattresses for heavy people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free refunds after 30 days, as long as it’s still within the 100-night trial period.
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
Back pain can interrupt your sleep schedule, and switching positions on the wrong mattress can exacerbate your discomfort if you are a combination sleeper. Dr. Dasgupta advises, “It’s important for those with back pain to find the right mattress for their preferred sleeping position or positions. The wrong one can worsen it by disrupting spinal alignment and creating pressure points.”
When our team tested the Helix Midnight Luxe, we noted that it had a universally appealing medium-firm feel that works for many sleepers. Its responsiveness — a particularly important feature for combination sleepers — was also immediately evident in how easily our in-house testers could switch positions. This led us to give the Midnight Luxe a 4 out of 5 in responsiveness. It also scored a 4 or higher in motion isolation, edge support, pressure relief, and cooling.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Our partner test showed that the Helix Midnight Luxe has solid motion isolation.
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Cooling: 4/5
A 7-degree temperature increase after 5 minutes spent on the bed marks a good cooling mattress.
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Response: 4/5
It was pretty easy to move around on this bed, despite some pushback from the softer top.
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Edge Support: 4.8/5
The edges were exceptionally strong, earning a near-perfect score from our tester.
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Pressure Relief: 4.2/5
Our pressure map test showed negligible pressure buildup in all sleeping positions.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
This bed’s hybrid construction yields a true medium-firm feel.
Why the Helix Midnight Luxe Is Good for Combination Sleepers
Based on the feedback from my fellow mattress testers, I would certainly consider this mattress for my home use, as I think its contouring, support, and spinal alignment would be an excellent investment for side-sleeping pain relief.
My fellow tester Caine Wilkes, a combination back and side sleeper, sang this mattress’s praises. “I’m a side and back sleeper, and I think this one is pretty good for heavy side sleepers with back pain. The cushioning up top lets you sink in a little bit, but I still feel well supported. I don’t feel any pressure in my hips or lower back,” Caine said.
Our in-house team also praised the Helix Midnight Luxe’s edge support. They found that the Helix was just as supportive around the perimeter as it was in the center, which is a nice bonus for combination sleepers who tend to gravitate toward the edge of the bed after moving around.
“When lying on the edge of the bed, I didn’t feel at any risk of tumbling or sliding off,” said one of our in-house testers. “I think you could sleep at the far edges of this bed without worrying about the sides sagging or crumbling.”
Where the Helix Midnight Luxe Fell Short
While the Helix Midnight Luxe generally performed well across the board, our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, warned that it might not be the best fit for some back sleepers with lower back pain.
“If you have lower back pain and are primarily a back sleeper, you may feel an anterior pelvic tilt,” he explained. “In that case, it could create additional pressure.”
Saatva – Best Luxury Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Best Luxury
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress that’s easy to move around.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm.
Price
$935–$2,450 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen
Cons of the Saatva
If you’re looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, you’re better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
None of the Saatva Classic models will likely be supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers. For these folks, we recommend the Saatva HD.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
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
One of the best aspects of a crowded mattress space is that you can find quality beds to fit almost every budget, and it’s important to us to recommend beds across various price ranges. However, if you’re a combination sleeper who’s planning to treat yourself with your next mattress purchase, the luxurious Saatva Classic should help you sleep like an A-lister.
This mattress will likely remind you of a high-end hotel bed, and it helps combination sleepers switch between positions with little effort. This ease of movement is mainly because the Saatva is a highly responsive mattress, snagging a 4.5 out of 5 in this category. It also earned a pressure relief score of 4 for back sleepers and a perfect 5 in edge support.
The luxurious Classic is available in three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm) and two heights (11.5 inches and 14.5 inches), allowing shoppers to choose the exact model that works best for the positions they sleep in. For the purposes of our review, we tested the Luxury Firm model, which we rated 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
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Motion Isolation: 2.7/5
Our tester could feel a lot of his partner’s movement on the Saatva.
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Cooling: 4/5
This bed has a temperature-neutral feel.
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Response: 5/5
The Saatva’s innerspring feel makes it super bouncy and easy to move around on.
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Edge Support: 4.8/5
The perimeter of the Saatva Classic is rock-solid.
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Pressure Relief: 4/5
Pressure relief is better for back sleepers than side sleepers on this bed.
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Firmness: 7.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic has a firmer feel.
Why the Saatva Is Good for Combination Sleepers
With superior edge support and patented lumbar zone support technology, the Saatva is a support superstar, providing sleepers a balanced and secure feel. After testing for support and pressure relief, Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester, said, “My spine is in a neutral position, and I’m not getting a posterior tilt. Generally, if you are a back sleeper, this could be great for people with many issues. On my side, I also felt very even pressure distribution from my ankles up to my neck.”
My fellow mattress expert, Kenny Timper, is also a big fan of the Saatva for combination sleepers. He tested it for responsiveness by evaluating how easy it was for him to move around. “I had no trouble at all switching from back sleeping to side sleeping to stomach sleeping,” he said. “I think this mattress is pretty much the gold standard for combo sleepers.”
Where the Saatva Fell Short
As much as this bed has to offer, it falls short in one area — motion isolation. If you sleep with a partner, you’ll likely be disturbed by even slight movements. Kenny said, “I could feel every little thing my testing partner did, and I could tell exactly what she was doing despite being blindfolded.”
If you don’t want to be disturbed by your restless partner, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. If you’re thinking about making the Saatva your new mattress, get more information by reading our full review.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Designed for Athletes
Soft Feel
Luxurious Foams
Hybrid mattress
120 nights
Free shipping
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As a luxury mattress with many special features, the Bear Elite Hybrid is priced higher. Budget shoppers may want to check out the best cheap mattresses
Shipping
Free Shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
If you return within the 120-night trial period, you can get a full refund.
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Hybrid mattresses are popular because they combine elements of innerspring mattresses and all-foam mattresses, allowing sleepers to experience support and contouring in one. The upper comfort layers wrap folks in a warm embrace, while the sturdy coil base provides support and temperature regulation.
We picked the Bear Elite as our top hybrid mattress for combination sleepers because of its stellar testing performance. This top mattress choice scored a 4 or higher in pressure relief for back sleepers, cooling, edge support, and motion isolation.
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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Our tester could only vaguely feel their colleague’s movements on this bed.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
There wasn’t much of a temperature increase after we lay on the bed.
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Response: 4/5
It was fairly easy to move between sleeping positions on the Bear Elite Hybrid.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
We found that the Bear Elite Hybrid’s edges were fairly sturdy.
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Pressure Relief: 4.1/5
Back sleeping is best for pressure relief on this mattress.
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Firmness: 7/10
The materials of the Bear Elite Hybrid resulted in a somewhat firmer feel for the mid-range model.
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid Is Good for Combination Sleepers
When we asked Dr. Dasgupta why he thought so many people gravitated towards hybrids, he said, “A hybrid is like a superhero of sleep comfort, providing the best of both worlds for a better night’s rest.” When it comes to the Bear Elite Hybrid, our testers agree with the doctor’s assessment that, like Superman or Wonder Woman, this bed goes above and beyond.
Although this bed was slightly firmer than I typically prefer, I enjoyed it in all three sleeping positions. However, I was particularly fond of it when I was on my back. The plush upper foam layers contoured around my lower back, filling in the gap and zapping all the aches and pains I held in that area away.
As someone who sleeps with a partner who acts as if they have loaded up a colony of ants into their pajama pants, I’m always curious about how a bed does with isolating motion. The Bear Elite didn’t disappoint.
To test this, I filled a large, clear bin with water, positioned it on one side of the mattress, and monitored how much it rippled and splashed as I got in and out of bed and changed positions. I noted that the ripple was equivalent to a gentle breeze across a pond.
When I had my colleague further test the Bear Elite’s motion isolation by mimicking a partner getting in and out of bed, while I lay blindfolded next to her, I could sense when she sat down or changed positions. That said, I’m a light sleeper and don’t think the amount of movement I felt would wake me up.
The Bear Elite’s hybrid construction also prevents sleepers from overheating. Its top layers have cooling features such as copper-infused memory foam that helps eliminate unwanted body heat, and the open structure of the coils promotes airflow. When I used a thermal temperature gun to record its initial surface temperature and then again after I had been on the bed for 5 minutes, the temperature only rose by 5 degrees, which I consider great cooling.
Where the Bear Elite Hybrid Fell Short
This bed will likely be too firm for lightweight sleepers like our on-house tester. She felt excess pressure buildup when she was on her side and back. Check out our roundup of best soft mattresses if you want a plusher bed.
You can read our full review for more information and notes from our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, on the Bear Elite Hybrid.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Medium mattress is too firm for side sleepers and too soft for stomach sleepers (though the Soft or Firm model may work, respectively)
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick up fee
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
Special considerations are necessary if you regularly share a bed with a partner. Most couples prefer different sleeping positions, so the best mattresses are usually well-rounded and versatile. These are also characteristics I look for in the best mattresses for combination sleepers, which is why I picked the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid as the best bed for combo-sleeping couples, based on its performance in motion isolation and responsiveness. This medium-firm mattress scored a 4 or higher in those categories.
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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
This hybrid offers some excellent motion absorption despite the springs in its construction.
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Cooling: 3.5/5
The Signature Hybrid felt just okay during our temperature regulation test, but some hot sleepers may prefer a more actively cooling bed.
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Response: 4/5
The Signature Hybrid’s soft cover layer might make it challenging for some combination sleepers to move around, but you should still get some bounce from the coils.
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Edge Support: 3.4/5
We noticed quite a bit of sinkage during our weighted edge support test, but the perimeter does help you “bounce” to your feet.
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Pressure Relief: 4.8/5
The soft cushioning of the Signature Hybrid makes it a good option for back and side sleepers.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid falls right at the industry standard of medium-firm.
Why the Signature Hybrid Is Good for Combination Sleepers
When couples do a little tumbling together, they like how the Signature’s responsiveness makes it easy for them to change positions. Mattress tester Riley Otis gave the Signature Hybrid a 4 out of 5 in this category because it was easy for her to move around and get comfortable on it.
“This bed has a lively, springy feel, even with the plush pillow top and foam layers on top,” she said. “The bounce actually helped me switch positions, giving a bit of lift as I moved around. It wasn’t completely effortless since I still had to press through the pillow top slightly, but I never felt stuck or like I had to use much effort to reposition.”
She also praised its motion isolation, a key component for combo-sleeping couples, as they are more likely to wake each other up with their tossing and turning.
“I was genuinely surprised by how well it handled motion,” Riley said. “Even though the mattress has a good amount of bounce, it still did a nice job of dampening movement. I could pick up on a little bit of motion when another tester hopped in on the other side of the bed, but it was too minor to be disruptive during the night.”
Where the Signature Hybrid Fell Short
Unfortunately, the Signature Hybrid is unlikely to be “couple’s goals” if one or both partners are hot sleepers. Riley found that the cushy top layer of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid retained more body heat than the average hybrid model. After using a thermal gun to measure the temperature difference after resting on it for five minutes, she saw an 8.6-degree increase. Riley gave it a 3.5 in this category for its somewhat lackluster performance. Learn more about the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid by reading our full review. For a similar mattress with better cooling, consider upgrading to the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe model instead.
Nolah Natural – Best Latex Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Best Latex
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Nolah
Nolah Natural Mattress
Medium-Soft
Cooling Mattress
Responsive and bouncy
Latex
120-night trial and lifetime warranty
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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.
I have the organic Nolah Natural in my guest room. Although I love making eco-friendly decisions when I can and I want my guests to be comfortable, I’ll admit that my reasons for getting this mattress weren’t wholly altruistic.
I am a notoriously light sleeper, and my husband’s snoring can make me feel like I’m sleeping in a chainsaw factory. Therefore, I often trudge off to the spare room for some quiet. After testing the Nolah Natural, I picked it as our best latex bed for combination sleepers and got one for my home. The bouncy nature of latex helped the Natural land a perfect 5 out of 5 in responsiveness while also earning a 4 or higher in pressure relief and edge support.
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Motion Isolation: 2/5
You’ll likely feel all of your partner’s movements on this mattress.
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Cooling: 3.5/5
Our tester could feel the mattress warming up beneath her, though it never got uncomfortable.
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Response: 5/5
Latex and coils make the Nolah Natural exceptionally bouncy.
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Edge Support: 4.8/5
Our tester only noticed some sinkage when sitting directly on the bed’s edge.
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Pressure Relief: 4.2/5
Both back and side sleepers should feel comfortable on the Nolah Natural.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Nolah Natural has a true medium-firm feel.
Why the Nolah Natural Is Good for Combination Sleepers
My colleague, Riley Otis, helped me test this bed, and she found it super-easy to move around on it. After her hands-on testing, she said, “The Nolah Natural is exceptionally bouncy, which really aided my mobility. I felt like I could simply bounce from one position to the next.” We also conducted another responsiveness test by placing a 53-pound kettlebell on the mattress for 7 seconds. When the time ended, we pulled the kettlebell off and recorded how long it took for the mattress to return to its original shape. It only took the Natural 0.2 seconds.
With that much responsiveness, it wasn’t surprising that this mattress didn’t have excellent motion isolation, but we were still a bit disappointed here. “This bed is extremely bouncy; my colleague and I felt we were on a trampoline,” Riley said after we tested it. “I could feel every small movement she made on the other side of the bed. I felt the most disturbance when she switched sleeping positions. My body was jostled a lot, and it felt like I was on a waterbed. I wouldn’t recommend this bed to couples with restless or light sleepers.”
Where the Nolah Natural Fell Short
If you’re wondering why I didn’t choose the Natural for my bedroom, it’s because of its motion-isolation performance. I am easily awakened, and my husband flips and twirls like a preschooler in a tumbling class. If you want an organic mattress that’s better for couples seeking motion isolation, check out the Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid.
Although I think the Natural is a good match for most side and back sleepers, I don’t recommend it to those who spend part of the night on their stomachs. These sleepers will likely find their hips slipping too far into the layers, wrenching their spine out of alignment. For stomach sleepers who need a more supportive mattress, check out our best mattresses for alternatives.
For more information on the Nolah Natural, read our full review.
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy Combination Sleepers
Best for Heavy Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid, combining soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the Titan Plus Luxe as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it has a true medium-firm feel.
Price
$899–$2,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
Heavy Sleepers
If you weigh 250 pounds or more, the Titan Plus Luxe should provide adequate comfort and support.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation and its medium-firm feel means it can work for mixed-weight couples.
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Titan Plus Luxe provides sturdy support for spinal alignment.
Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe
This bed isolates motion well, meaning you shouldn’t feel movement from a partner or pet
It also has sturdy edge support, a bonus for heavier people and for couples
The Titan Plus Luxe is easy to move around on, making it a solid choice for combination sleepers
Compared to other beds for heavy sleepers, the Titan Plus Luxe is fairly affordable
Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe
Despite being overall supportive, the Titan Plus Luxe still is likely too soft for heavy stomach sleepers, check out our best mattresses for heavy people
This bed doesn’t offer deep sinkage or body contouring, which can help with pressure relief, check out our best memory foam mattresses
Full refund within the trial period. Brooklyn Bedding does charge a $99 pick-up fee for returns.
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
Combination sleepers with larger bodies need a mattress that supports them in various sleeping positions and responds quickly when they change from one to another. The Titan Plus Luxe is made for those who weigh more than 230 pounds. The materials, construction, and performance indicate that the manufacturer had its target audience’s best interests at heart when designing this bed. It provides incredible support and earned a 4 or higher in responsiveness, cooling, and pressure relief for back sleepers.
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Motion Isolation: 5/5
The motion-dampening layers of the Titan Plus Luxe make it ideal for sleepers with restless partners or pets.
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Cooling: 4/5
Most sleepers should find the Titan cool enough, thanks to its innerspring coils.
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Response: 5/5
The heavy-duty coils in the Titan make it incredibly responsive and easy to maneuver on.
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Edge Support: 3.6/5
Our testers could feel the foam sink slightly along the perimeter of the Titan Plus Luxe.
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Pressure Relief: 3.7/5
The supportive Titan Plus Luxe is great for back-sleeping pressure relief; however, side sleepers may find it too rigid for comfort.
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Firmness: 7/10
Our testers found the Titan Plus Luxe to be slightly firmer than the average mattress.
Why the Titan Plus Luxe Is Good for Combination Sleepers
Since this mattress is designed to support more weight, I paid special attention to the features that matter most to these sleepers. However, during the testing, I was also taken by how much our lightweight and average-weight testers liked this bed, given its firm feel.
Our lightweight tester was fond of it on her back, and her pressure map — thermal images of where pressure points form when lying on a mattress — showed almost all blue, indicating little to no pressure. Our average-weight tester, however, preferred the Titan Plus Luxe on her side. She said, “This bed isn’t putting any pressure on my hips or shoulders, and my spine feels aligned.”
Our heavyweight mattress tester, who stands 6’5″ and weighs 270 pounds, also thought this bed was a titan of (mattress industry. During pressure relief testing, his pressure map test showed great results on his side and even better ones on his back. “I definitely recommend this bed for heavier side and back sleepers,” he said. “I felt aligned and balanced in both positions, didn’t feel much pressure, and thought the Titan just offered a comfortable sleeping surface for a bigger guy like me.”
Where the Titan Plus Luxe Fell Short
With all that said, the Titan’s edge support gave me pause. Considering that this bed is very supportive across the center, I was surprised that the edges were slightly flimsy. I am an average-weight sleeper and didn’t feel completely secure when lying close to the edge on my side. Since sleepers who weigh more than me are more likely to compress the layers, I would not recommend this bed to them. For those wanting a supportive and secure bed, check out the Saatva Rx.
Also, although our petite tester liked this bed when she was on her back, the feeling wasn’t mutual when she switched to her side. “I don’t like this for side sleeping,” she said. “There is no contouring around my hips or shoulders, and it is straining my neck.”
Our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, also agreed that this mattress might be unpleasant for those who spend more time on their side. “I feel a slight pinch in my shoulders on this mattress,” he said. “As someone who falls into the average-weight category, this isn’t super comfortable on my spine.”
Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Best Organic
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Birch
Birch Natural Mattress
Firm Mattress
Organic
Cooling
Latex Hybrid
100-night Trial and 10-year Warranty
Free Shipping
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27% Off Sitewide with Code SLEEPOPOLIS27 See Details
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:
“Back sleepers of all weights should find lots of support that promotes proper spinal alignment. Also, the organic materials and third-party certifications should appeal to eco-friendly shoppers, who can rest easy knowing their mattress contains no harmful chemicals.” – Riley Otis, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Eco-conscious combination sleepers will love the Birch Natural mattress. This latex and wool bed features sustainable and organic materials, providing a super-bouncy profile that makes moving around on the surface and switching positions effortless. My colleague gave this bed a perfect 5-out-of-5 score for response, saying, “It’s super-easy to switch on this bed, and there’s not a ton of sinkage when I roll over, so there’s no problem going from back to side to stomach.”
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Despite its springy feel, the Birch Natural does a surprisingly good job of dampening motion.
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Cooling: 4/5
Hot sleepers shouldn’t have to worry about overheating on the Birch Natural mattress.
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Response: 5/5
The combination of bouncy latex and responsive innerspring coils make this mattress easy to move around on.
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Edge Support: 4/5
Sleepers who gravitate toward the edge of the bed should appreciate the Birch’s reinforced perimeter.
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Pressure Relief: 4/5
While the Birch provides solid pressure relief for various types of sleepers, it is ideal for back sleepers.
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Firmness: 7/10
The Birch Natural is slightly firmer than the industry standard of medium-firm (6.5 out of 10).
Why the Birch Natural Is Good for Combination Sleepers
Dan rated the Birch Natural at a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which skews slightly firmer than your average medium firm. Still, he was able to get plenty of pressure relief while resting on his side and back, especially in the latter position.
“My lower back is sinking more than my shoulders, but it’s giving me pressure relief at my lumbar region,” our in-house tester said. “My shoulders are getting a nice lift and keeping my spine neutrally aligned.” He rated pressure relief for back sleeping at 5 out of 5, a sentiment echoed by testers of other weights, which led to an overall pressure relief score of 4 out of 5.
You will feel more “on top” of this mattress rather than sink into it like you do with cushy memory foam, though. It does mean that the edges of this mattress hold up better under weight, as our tester also found.
“It was easy for me to get in and out of bed on the Birch Natural when I was sitting along the sides, thanks to the bounce from the springs and latex.” He added that he was able to lie down at the perimeter without any issue, either. He did add that the edge support wasn’t the same across all areas of the bed; the head, foot, and corner of the mattress sank quite a bit more, and likely won’t offer the same support.
Aside from its bounce, latex also provides a bit more breathability than typical memory foam, which can make it attractive for folks prone to overheating. While Dan called this mattress more “cozy,” in his cooling tests he didn’t find it slept hot or felt uncomfortable at any point. “Most sleepers should be comfortable, but if you sleep especially hot at night, you might want a different bed,” he said.
Where the Birch Natural Fell Short
The Birch Natural’s bouncy feel, while great for combination sleeping, could be an issue for some folks who share the bed. The tester could feel some of the movements of his partner while he lay on the other side of the bed. “I don’t think it would be an issue if you are a heavy sleeper, but maybe look for another bed if you’re a light sleeper,” he said.
Our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, also warned that the Birch Natural is unlikely to be a good fit for those who spend a lot of time sleeping on their stomachs. “I’m feeling some pressure on my lower back when I lie on my stomach,” he said. “It’s not overly uncomfortable, but it’s just not supportive enough. It has a waterbed feel in this position.”
For more about this bed, read our full Birch Natural mattress review. If you’re looking for something with better motion isolation, check out the Nectar.
When we rounded up our top picks for mattresses for combination sleepers, we selected the best of the best. However, that means we had to leave some worthy contenders on the cutting room floor, often for minor reasons. Check out two other top contenders that just missed our top 10.
I own the Nolah Evolution, which has improved my quality of life. It is an excellent mattress for back and side sleepers like my husband and me. However, we have the Luxury Firm option, one of three models that Nolah offers, and it’s not firm enough for most stomach sleepers. This indicates the softer option would also not be firm enough for these sleepers, and I think the firmest option would put too much pressure on side sleepers.
The Saatva Rx is my favorite Saatva mattress. I thought about selecting it as the best luxury mattress, but it’s considerably more expensive than the Saatva Classic, which I also like a lot. Therefore, I went with that model since it also has excellent scores and is a more affordable luxury bed.
How We Picked and Tested These Mattresses
My fellow certified sleep science coaches and mattress testers and I may often attempt to nap on the job, but we don’t take recommending mattresses lightly. We have tested hundreds of beds. Before a mattress can make a “best of” list, we research the brand, evaluate the materials used in its construction, and put each mattress through a series of rigorous tests that we then score according to our review methodology. We then compare these scores to the industry average.
Responsiveness
Combination sleepers are nocturnal movers and shakers, and they need a bed that allows them to move around and change positions easily at night. A responsive mattress is one on which sleepers can toss and turn without feeling like they’re fighting their way out of quicksand.
Responsiveness testing
When determining a bed’s responsiveness, we first look at the materials. If you’re a fan of all-foam mattresses, opt for a mattress incorporating latex foam. This all-natural material has a quick response to pressure that should help lift the sleeper up and out of the structure. On the other hand, memory foam is known for its contouring effect, which can reduce a bed’s overall mobility.
Pocketed coils and springs can also increase a mattress’s mobility, especially when paired with buoyant latex foam. If bounce and lift are significant to you as a combo sleeper, I’d recommend a hybrid mattress that combines gentle foams with coils.
Pressure Relief
Excellent responsiveness aside, combo sleepers must also find a mattress that provides uniform pressure relief across multiple positions. While one-position sleepers can get away with a bed that only feels great in a single 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 the right mattress can easily overcome it.
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 many different materials to strike a pleasant chord between firm support and gentle pressure relief. Beds with a one-note design (such as all memory foam or all latex foam) can provide plenty of comfort and support for sure sleepers, but not usually across multiple positions.
This balance between lift and give will ensure that your spine stays aligned and help 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.
Generating pressure maps
I test for pressure relief by using a specialized mat to understand where each mattress’s pressure points are. I roll the mat on the mattress, and my fellow testers and I cycle through all sleeping positions. The mat creates 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.
Support
Combination sleepers need a mattress that offers targeted support for each position to help alleviate aches and prevent discomfort.
Combination sleepers can have different considerations depending on their preferred sleeping position.
For combination sleepers who sleep 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.
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Aside from the factors we tested for, there are a couple of important considerations. Learn more about what else to look out for when mattress shopping below.
Type of Mattress
Different Mattress Types
Hybrid – A hybrid mattress combines the coils from an innerspring with foam construction, offering a balance of support and pressure relief. This type of mattress is my top recommendation for combination sleepers because it provides responsiveness for easy cycling through sleeping positions and cushioning for 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 at night.
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 and make it harder to move around. An all-foam mattress also tends to sleep hotter than a bed with coils in the construction.
Latex – Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic latex, so they’re excellent organic materials. 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.
Innerspring — Innerspring mattresses use coils to provide fantastic support and durability, giving the mattress a responsive and bouncy feel. They can be suitable 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.
Firmness
Although firmness is subjective and can feel different depending on your body weight and sleep position, generally speaking, it refers to how “soft” or “hard” a bed is to most people. Firmness and support share many similarities. However, it’s important to note that a soft mattress can be just as supportive as a firm one. Therefore, the terms aren’t synonyms. Read more about firmness in our mattress firmness guide.
All that said, most combo sleepers will prefer a mattress that’s in 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). The industry standard for medium-firm firmness is 6.5 out of 10.
“Some people may prefer a hard mattress that they won’t sink into, while others might be more comfortable on a soft mattress that’s more plush,” says Dr. Shelby Harris. “However, the majority of people fall into the middle.”
Why is medium-firm firmness the ideal? It implies the mattress strikes an ideal balance between supportive lift and pressure-relieving give. This will help achieve neutral spine alignment and set you up for solid sleep hygiene.
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-firm 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-firm mattress for combination sleepers, as it’s able 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 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.