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Pregnant people deal with many sleep changes and issues, as well as general aches and pains. The right mattress can really help you reduce pain and get high-quality sleep during pregnancy, so it’s important to choose the right replacement for your old mattress.
Below, we’ve detailed my top pregnancy mattress picks. We considered things like spinal alignment, cooling technology, durability, and more when choosing these beds. Read on below to learn more about the best mattresses for pregnancy.
One note: We often recommend mattresses based on sleeper position. However, according to Dr. Peace Nwegbo-Banks, a Texas-based M.D., back sleeping is typically discouraged during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimester. If you must sleep on your back, she suggests placing a pillow beneath your lower back to prevent the compression of important blood vessels. And if you have any questions about whether back sleeping while pregnant is safe for you, speak with your doctor.
Our Top Mattress Pick for Pregnancy
We highly recommend the Saatva — specifically the Soft model — because of its innerspring support and additional pressure relief. It also sleeps extremely cool, which can help with hot flashes.
Best Mattresses for Pregnancy – Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Mattress for Pregnancy– Saatva
- Best for Pressure Relief – Nectar
- Best Hybrid – Helix Midnight
- Best for Heavy People – DreamCloud Premier
- Best for Combination Sleepers – WinkBed
- Best Value – Bear
- Best Luxury – Nolah Signature
- Best for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
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| Saatva Classic | Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | DreamCloud Premier Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Soft: 5.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples
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Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Couples |
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Side Sleepers,
Back Pain |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Couples,
|
Best Overall Mattress for Pregnancy– 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
The Saatva classic is a luxury innerspring mattress that won’t break the bank. Softer top foams and two layers of coils make for a supportive, springy feel that could be especially nice for anyone who needs some extra back support while pregnant. And if you’re in need of some additional pressure relief, we’d recommend the Soft model.
Best for Pressure Relief – Nectar
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. 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 back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re for body contouring and pressure relief to ease pregnancy-related aches and pains, the original Nectar mattress might be a natural fit. When we laid down on this memory foam mattress, we could feel it conforming to our body to relieve tension and pain at the hips, shoulders, and lower back — all spots that can become sore during pregnancy.
Best Hybrid – Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Helix Midnight is a memory foam hybrid mattress that’s a great pick for anyone struggling with pregnancy-related aches and pains. When we tested out this bed, we thought it did an excellent job combining strong support with cushioning pressure relief, which makes it a natural fit for soothing back and joint pain.
Best for Heavy People – DreamCloud Premier
The DreamCloud Premier’s construction is a thoughtful, luxurious take on the company’s flagship mattress. It uses a hybrid of foam and coils to achieve a firmer feel that’s still pressure-relieving. We think many back sleepers and stomach sleepers should appreciate this mattress. With such versatility and many special features, the Premier is well-equipped to cater to couples. Learn more in our DreamCloud Premier video review.
What our tester says:
“From the cashmere cover to the Euro top, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with this bed. I really like how this mattress combines sturdy support with cozy pressure relief — making it a great choice for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Expert Opinion
If you weigh more than 230 pounds and are looking for a mattress that can support your weight during pregnancy, the DreamCloud Premier could be a great option. This sturdy mattress offers plenty of support for heavy people and couples, and should effectively promote a healthy sleep posture.
Best 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
Pregnant combination sleepers (who like to sleep in more than one position throughout the night) might really like the original WinkBed. This hybrid mattress offers bouncy support and comes in three different firmness options. All three WinkBeds are really easy to move around and change positions on, which is a nice bonus for pregnant combo sleepers who might find it harder to move around in bed over time. We’d recommend the Luxury Firm model to these sleepers.
Best Value – Bear
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
To put it bluntly, the original Bear mattress is an awesome budget buy for pregnant shoppers. A queen size can often be found for under $1,000, and that’s before discounts. That’s a steal for such a high-quality, all-foam bed. In terms of feel, the Bear is on the firmer side, and should offer an optimal balance of pressure relief and support for pregnant sleepers.
Best Luxury – Nolah Signature
If you’re looking for a soft yet supportive foam option, the Nolah Signature should be a good fit. It’s supportive enough for back sleepers, while also providing enough contouring for side sleepers, especially at the shoulders and hips where the put the most pressure while sleeping. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Nolah Signature is a great choice for a lot of back and side sleepers. The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for these sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
The Nolah Signature mattress is an excellent luxury pick for anyone, but it is especially good for pregnant sleepers. The mattress uses AirFoam, a luxurious, more breathable alternative to memory foam that is soft and hugging, and should help anyone who’s pregnant regulate their temperature throughout the night. The Nolah Signature is also very supportive, helping with spine alignment, contouring, and pressure relief, which is good for pregnant sleepers who sleep on their back and sides. The support from the mattress should help keep them comfortable during the night, and aid in eliminating further pain during the day.
Best 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 is a hybrid bed that has strong edge support, sleeps cool, and excels at motion isolation, which means you won’t be disturbed by movement from the other side of your bed. All these features are essential for couples, and they’re especially good for pregnant people, too. Firm edge support can help a bed feel larger, and make it feel more supportive under your changing body weight. And if you’re struggling with insomnia during pregnancy, you might be waking up your partner with your tossing and turning (and vice versa). The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid could help out with these issues.
How Can a Mattress Affect a Pregnant Person’s Sleep Quality and/or Overall Health?“A good mattress has the potential to significantly improve the sleep experience of someone who’s pregnant. The right mattress should be supportive, durable, have motion isolation, and effectively regulate temperature to keep them cool and comfortable at night, considering their changing body and need for different sleep positions to get comfortable”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Pregnancy and Sleep
Pregnancy can have a huge impact on your sleep, and many experience a few common sleep changes during each trimester. Take a look at our pregnancy and sleep Guide for more in-depth info, or read on below for a brief overview of how pregnancy might affect your sleep.
In the first trimester, those pregnant may experience exhaustion, frequent urination, nausea, and vomiting. All of these changes might impact your sleep, and a better mattress might help you deal with some of them (especially if you’re struggling with waking up frequently).
During the second trimester, many will experience back pain and other musculoskeletal aches and pains, especially around the pelvis. A mattress that helps soothe some muscle aches might be helpful for maintaining your sleep quality, especially if you’re dealing with backaches.
Finally, many in the third trimester experience anxiety and insomnia, both of which can make it quite hard to sleep. Often, insomnia is a result of frequent trips to the bathroom, general cramping and discomfort. Issues like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), heartburn, and hot flashes may also come up throughout your pregnancy. Once again, a bed that makes it easy to find a more comfortable position to fall asleep in could make it a little easier to get a good night’s sleep despite these issues.
Why is a Mattress Helpful During Pregnancy?
We should start by saying that there is no need to buy a new mattress if you are pregnant. However, pregnancy can be an uncomfortable time for some people, and sleep can be a challenging time. Whether you are experiencing hormone-related sleep changes or discomfort during the evening, the right mattress can help improve sleep during and after your pregnancy. A pressure-relieving and supportive mattress can aid in back pain, and cooling properties can help keep you comfortable throughout the night.
How to Choose A Mattress for Pregnancy
When choosing a mattress that can reduce pain and improve sleep during pregnancy, you’ll want to consider a few different things. We’ve broken down some important buying considerations below to help you choose the best new mattress for your needs.
Mattress Type
Certain mattress types might work better for you than others, depending on your individual needs. Take a look at a few common mattress types below.
- Hybrid Mattresses – Hybrid mattresses combine steel coils and foam layers to provide a mix of pressure relief and support. Their feel can vary widely depending on the top layers used, and they can be nice options for pregnant sleepers because they’ll be able to accommodate weight gain while still providing pressure relief.
- Latex Mattresses – Latex mattresses are buoyant, durable, and cooling. If you don’t like much body contouring and are sleeping hot during your pregnancy, they could be great options for you. However, many pregnant people do prefer a mattress that offers some body contouring.
- Innerspring Mattresses – Innerspring mattresses offer firm, bouncy support. If you’re struggling with lower back pain these beds could be good options. However, if you sleep on your side you might not find them pressure-relieving enough for your needs, especially as your body changes later in your pregnancy.
- Memory Foam Mattresses – Memory foam mattresses offer deep sinkage, body contouring, and cushioning. A high-quality memory foam mattress that offers deep compression support is often a great pick for folks who are pregnant.
- Adjustable Mattresses – Adjustable air mattresses (like the Sleep Number beds) are often great picks for pregnant sleepers. These beds can accommodate your changing body type and sleep preferences, which can often make it easier to feel comfortable throughout your entire pregnancy. You can also pair them with adjustable bases, which may help with pain or discomfort.
Are Adjustable Mattresses Good for Pregnancy?
Adjustable mattresses can be an excellent option for sleepers during pregnancy. As the name implies, adjustable mattresses can be adjusted depending on your specific needs. If you are experiencing back pain or discomfort during your term, adjustable beds can be moved to better support your back. Sleeping with your shoulders more elevated can also help you sleep more comfortably with pregnancy symptoms like acid reflux. These beds are an investment, but if you are considering an adjustable bed, they can be very helpful during pregnancy.
Pressure Relief / Body Contouring
One of the key things to consider when choosing a mattress for pregnancy is pressure relief and body contouring. You’ll want a bed that’s durable enough to support more weight, but conforming enough to really relieve tension around your hips, shoulders, and lower back (especially if you’re a side sleeper, or are planning to side sleep later in your pregnancy).
In general, mattresses that are made entirely of memory foam or that include one or two memory foam layers in their top foams are the most pressure-relieving options. If you don’t typically like the feel of memory foam but think you may like it during pregnancy, we’d suggest adding a memory foam mattress topper to a mattress you already like. This can be a good way to get some additional pressure relief during pregnancy without sacrificing your preferred feel after pregnancy.
Since pressure relief is so crucial for your pregnancy, we use a pressure map to determine what pressure points each mattress might have. We roll out this piece of tech across each mattress and lay on it in all sleeping positions.
This map shows us each sleep position, highlighting in yellow and red where the pressure relief isn’t supportive. The blue and green areas of the map show that the mattress will comfortably support you through the night.
Cooling
Many struggle with overheating at some point during their pregnancy. Finding a mattress that helps with temperature regulation can be helpful for a lot of people. In general, latex, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses are the most breathable options available.
We use a thermal gun test to test the cooling capabilities in each mattress. We lay on the mattress in several positions and then see how long it take the mattress to disperse the heat once our testers are off of it.
We generally consider anything below an 8-degree difference to be good cooling, and below a six-degree difference to be great cooling.
If you’re interested in a memory foam mattress because of its other benefits, but are worried it will trap body heat, we’d recommend opting for a cooling gel, graphite, or copper-infused memory foam mattress. You can also try an open-cell memory foam mattress, which allows more airflow. But if you sleep particularly hot, a hybrid mattress that includes memory foam comfort layers might be your best option. Check out our best cooling mattresses to see a few cooling options.
Firmness
Firmness is also an important consideration when choosing a bed for pregnancy. Many pregnant people report that their mattress firmness preferences change as their body weight changes. As your body weight increases, you’ll want a bed that’s able to conform to new pressure points to prevent any joint pain. But, you’ll also want a mattress that doesn’t sag under your increased body weight.
In general, we’d recommend pregnant people opt for a medium-firm memory foam mattress that offers deep compression support, or hybrid mattresses with a medium-firm feel. An adjustable or flippable mattress that can offer multiple firmness options is also a great option during pregnancy. Of course, you should defer to your own firmness preferences when choosing a mattress. Take a look at my Mattress Firmness Guide to learn a little more about which firmness level might work best for your sleeping position and body type.
When we test for firmness, we use a firmness scale from 1–10, 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest mattress we’ve tested. A true medium-firm mattress being a 6.5. We recommend side sleepers go for a soft-medium mattress (3–6) and stomach sleepers go for a firmer mattress (5–7) as they need more support in their stomach and hip area.
What is the Best Mattress Firmness for Pregnancy?
The best mattress firmness depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you prefer a firmer mattress, then that is the best option for you, pregnant or otherwise. However, if you are not sure where to start, we generally recommend a medium-firm mattress. This level of firmness, somewhere around 6 to 7.5 on our firmness scale, can provide appropriate support through the spine and hips, while still offering enough contouring and pressure relief to keep you comfortable and alleviate pain.
Edge Support
Edge support is another key consideration for anyone who’s pregnant. A mattress with strong edges can feel larger, which might be nice later in pregnancy (especially if you share your bed). Strong edges can also make it easier to get in and out of bed, which is another nice perk later in pregnancy. Many of our best mattresses for couples feature strong edges.
Edge support can also be important for durability, as stronger edges help to prevent premature sagging, which may be an important consideration for people who are about to become parents, and do not want to replace their new mattress before they need to. To test for edge support, we apply pressure to the edges of the mattresses and see how much pressure is required to make the edges sag. The more pressure required to push down the edges, the stronger the edge support of the mattress.
Motion Isolation
Motion transfer is a measure of how much movement travels from one side of your mattress to the other. If you’re struggling with insomnia or sleep-related issues during your pregnancy and share a bed, a bed that features low motion transfer, or good motion isolation, could be important. It will help prevent your partner from disturbing you when they toss and turn (and help prevent you from disturbing them when you get up to use the restroom). Take a look at some of our best memory foam mattresses to find a bed that features good motion isolation.
We test for motion isolation by dropping a steel ball from various heights to mimic different movements in a bed. We then measure the amount of motion that ripples across the bed using a seismograph machine. Smaller waves on the machine reading indicate better motion isolation. We also use a red wine test, where we place a glass of red wine on the mattress and see how much movement it requires to tip the glass. The more movement needed, the better the motion isolation.
Mattress Warranty / Sleep Trial Period
Be sure to consider your mattress’s warranty and sleep trial period before purchasing it. If you end up finding your new mattress uncomfortable, a lengthy sleep trial period can make it much easier to return. This is especially important for pregnant people, who might be trying out a new sleep position or experiencing rapid changes in their body type. Your preferences may be changing quickly, so it’s important to have enough time to really decide if a bed will work for you.
A lengthy warranty is a great sign that you’re getting a high-quality mattress. We’d recommend opting for a mattress that offers at least a 10-year warranty. This is a good sign you’re buying from a reputable company that stands behind the quality of its product.
What is the Best Sleeping Position for Pregnancy?“For anyone who’s pregnant, I recommend sleeping on your left side, as it improves blood flow and helps relieve pressure on the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs. I recommend staying away from stomach sleeping and sleeping on your back in the later stages of pregnancy as it could lead to decreased blood flow to your baby. Of course, consult your doctor for what sleeping position might work for you specifically. “
Off-gassing and Pregnancy
Off-gassing occurs when you unbox a bed-in-a-box mattress. The mattress will release gasses that were trapped during packaging, which can release a slight odor. Off-gassing is typically not harmful to pregnant people, but if you’re concerned (or sensitive to odors), you might want to opt for a non-box mattress. You may also want to consider an organic or eco-friendly mattress, which typically won’t release as many trapped gases. Take a look at our best natural organic mattresses to see some options.
If you are buying a bed-in-a-box mattress, be sure to have someone available to help you unbox and set it up. You might also want to consider purchasing white glove delivery, which many box mattress companies offer for an additional fee. Many luxury mattress companies will also offer free white glove delivery.
Sleep Accessories for Pregnancy
In addition to mattresses, there are a few different sleep accessories that you might find useful during pregnancy. Take a look at the links below to learn more about them.
- Best Pregnancy Pillows
- Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
- Best Cooling Sheets
- Best Body Pillows
- Best Pillows for Back Pain
- Best Long Pillows
- Adjustable Beds Reviews
- Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds
Other Tips for Sleeping While Pregnant
We’re focusing on mattresses for pregnancy in this article (since that’s what you’re here for) but there are a few other things you can try to improve your sleep during pregnancy. Take a look below to find a few tips for sleeping during pregnancy.
- Use extra pillows for support at night. One of our best pregnancy pillows could be a helpful sleep aid.
- If you struggle to sleep through the night, try to limit daytime naps when possible. This could make it easier to stay asleep longer at night, which will make you feel more well rested throughout the day.
- Try yoga to improve sleep quality. Exercising three times a week for 12 weeks in the latter half of pregnancy can help with pain management, and yoga can often reduce anxiety.
- Stop drinking water 2 hours before bedtime. This can reduce the number of times you need to wake up to use the restroom at night.
- Stick to a sleep schedule if you can. Waking up and going to bed at the same time each day can help you sleep more soundly throughout the night.
- If you struggle with nausea, opt for bland, high-carb, low-fat foods. They can help reduce nausea and vomiting issues. Consuming salty foods earlier in the day can also make it easier to digest them.
- Sleep on your left side. Some doctors recommend sleeping on your left side (especially during later trimesters) to improvise circulation and keep the fetus from compressing your large blood vessels that supply blood to the uterus (which is on the right side). Side sleeping during pregnancy is generally better for blood flow and circulation because it keeps the fetus from obstructing blood flow to your feet and legs.
How We Chose These Matresses
Here at Sleepopolis, we’ve reviewed more than 330 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every mattress an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
Because no two pregnancies are the same, we wanted to include a wide variety of beds, from hybrids that offer plenty of support to a couple of memory foam options with more pressure relief and contouring. Most importantly, we only included mattresses that have an overall score of 4 out of 5 or higher. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
FAQs
Can a bad mattress affect pregnancy?
While a weak, unsupportive mattress isn’t going to affect the pregnancy itself, it can lead to lower back pain, which, at the very least, makes for a more unpleasant nine months.
What’s the best type of mattress for pregnancy?
As you’ll see from our list, the best mattresses for pregnancy tend to be memory foam (an excellent choice for pressure relief) or hybrid (an excellent choice for support).
What’s the best sleeping position for sleeping while pregnant?
Sleeping on your back or side is preferred and recommended by physicians while pregnant. Sleeping on your side can help alleviate discomfort from your back when pregnant, and keeping a pillow between your knees may help keep your spine and hips aligned neutrally. If you sleep on your back, putting a pillow under your back may help with pressure relief in the lumbar region.
What’s the best mattress topper for pregnancy?
A mattress topper can be an affordable way to improve sleep during pregnancy. They may help you stay cool, improve the contouring of your mattress, and generally make you more comfortable while you are sleeping. You can check out our top picks for mattress toppers to learn more.