Best Mattress for Pregnancy

Written by Bridget Chapman, Former Senior Product Editor

Our Methodology

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

Just Updated

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

»

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 these mattresses, or skip to the bottom to check out a handy summary chart.

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

Best Overall Mattress for Pregnancy– Saatva

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 pregnant people who need some extra back support. And if you’re in need of some additional pressure relief (like many pregnant people are) we’d recommend the Soft model. 

In our mattress lab, we tested the Saatva’s pressure relief on the Luxury Firm version. We did this using our pressure map, which is a mat that spreads across the mattress surface and measures our body temperature to show us areas of high, moderate, or low pressure buildup. Areas of higher pressure are indicated with the colors red and orange. Moderate pressure is shown with the color yellow. Lower pressure buildup is shown with the colors blue and green.

What our tester says: “The Saatva Classic is a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. I think it’s a nice option for back sleepers and combination sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Saatva is one of the few companies in the mattress industry that offers white glove delivery, and shoppers are thrilled about it. With white glove delivery, Saatva will set up your new mattress for you and dispose of your old one, if needed.

Pros of the Saatva

• Because the Saatva is available as a Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm model, there’s something here for every sleeping position.
• Another great perk of this bed is that it sleeps cool, which is good news for pregnant people dealing with hot flashes or night sweats.
• The springs in the Saatva give it a lot of bounce, making it easy for combo sleepers to roll around and switch positions.

Cons of the Saatva

• The Saatva is fairly expensive, so it may not be the best choice for sleepers looking for a cheap mattress.

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

Best for Pressure Relief – Nectar

Expert Opinion

The original Nectar mattress is a natural fit for pregnant people looking for plenty of body contouring and pressure relief. 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.  

As part of our rigorous review process, we used our pressure map to track areas of high and low pressure buildup with the Nectar. All in all, we were pleased with what we saw. Lightweight and average weight sleepers with back, shoulder, and/or hip pain should feel contoured and eased by the Nectar’s cushioning memory foam comfort layer.

What our tester says: “I especially like the Nectar’s classic memory foam feel for back and side sleepers, who should find their pressure points cushioned, and spines supported. The Nectar also has good motion isolation, so you shouldn’t feel your partner or pet moving around at night.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

If you’ve got back pain problems, you’d be happy to know that many Nectar shoppers have found relief on their original mattress. The foams fill in the lumbar region yet lift the hips for proper alignment, and great relief.

Pros of the Nectar

• Because it offers so much pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, the Nectar is extremely comfortable for side sleepers. These are the areas where they put the most pressure. 
• While back sleeping is discouraged during pregnancy, the Nectar should be comfortable and supportive enough for this position. And hey, you can always return to back sleeping after the baby has arrived.
• The Nectar successfully isolates motion, which means you’re unlikely to be disturbed by a restless partner on this bed. This is welcome news for pregnant people who share a bed and struggle to sleep through the night.

Cons of the Nectar

• Anyone who sleeps in the stomach sleeping position before or after pregnancy is better off on a more supportive mattress with springs in the construction.

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

Best Hybrid – Helix Midnight

Expert Opinion

The Helix Midnight is a memory foam hybrid mattress that’s a great pick for pregnant people struggling with 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. 

The pressure map showed primarily blue and green in both the back- and side-sleeping positions. With results that show low pressure at the back and shoulders, we think folks with back pain or shoulder pain should be comfortable. And while we were back sleeping, the hips seemed to receive plenty of pressure relief. However, side sleeping did show a bit of yellow at the hip, so there was a moderate amount of pressure for us. If you find yourself experiencing severe hip pain, we’d steer you to a softer mattress.

What our tester says: “I honestly understand why this is the brand’s most popular model. It’s really comfortable and supportive for back and side sleeping. I love that the Helix Midnight offers solid edge support — you can use the whole bed!” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The Helix Midnight has over 6,300 reviews on its company website, with an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. While scrolling through the reviews, several folks say their back pain and joint pain has improved over time.

Pros of the Helix Midnight

• The Midnight’s top layers feature body contouring memory foam that should relieve tension around the shoulders and hips, making it a great choice for side sleeping, which is a highly encouraged sleep position as the uterus grows.* 
• The Helix Midnight’s pocketed coils offer plenty of lumbar support to relieve back pain. If you’re looking for extra back support (and a pillow top layer), you can also check out the Luxe model of this mattress. 
• The foams and coils offer a blend of comfort and support that’s optimal for back sleepers.

Cons of the Helix Midnight

• At a certain point, it’s not going to be comfortable for a pregnant person to sleep on their stomach, and even if it was, they’d need a firmer and more supportive mattress than the Helix Midnight.

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

Best for Heavy People – DreamCloud Premier

Expert Opinion

If you weigh more than 250 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.

It has a slightly firmer feel and also offers strong edge support, which can make your mattress feel larger and make it easier to get out of bed in the morning while pregnant. We tested this out by sitting and lying on the perimeter of the mattress, and we can definitely say we felt supported.

What our tester says: “This feels like a true luxury mattress. 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.” – Logan Block, former content director

What Customers Say

DreamCloud has nearly 4,000 reviews on its Premier page. Many comments highly regard the DreamCloud Premier’s luxurious feel.

Pros of the DreamCloud Premier

• f you share the mattress with an average weight back sleeper (or are one yourself and want to return to this position after pregnancy), the DreamCloud offers the right blend of comfort and support.
• The same goes for average weight stomach sleepers. It’s a firm and supportive enough mattress to keep the hips elevated and in line with the shoulders, which helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
• DreamCloud is known for creating luxury hybrid mattresses reminiscent of what you’d find in a high-end hotel. The Premier’s more luxurious features include a cashmere blend cover, high-loft memory foam, and sturdy coils.

Cons of the DreamCloud Premier

• The Premier is probably going to be too firm for side sleepers — unable to provide the contouring they need at the shoulders and hips.

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

Best for Combination Sleepers – WinkBed

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.

While testing this mattress, we got the chance to roll around on the surface. We found it to be both bouncy and responsive. When we switched from back sleeping to side sleeping and vice versa, there was ease of movement.

What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the WinkBed is its durability. This is a high-quality mattress that should really stand the test of time. This is great news for any sleeper, but especially nice for heavy people and couples.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Many couples say that the WinkBed has great motion isolation, and that they don’t feel too disturbed by their partner at night.

Pros of the WinkBed

• We recommend the Softer model for side sleepers, Luxury Firm for back sleepers, and Firmer for stomach sleepers. There’s also the WinkBed Plus for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds, although it’s a bit more expensive. 
• The WinkBed sleeps nice and cool thanks to airflow-promoting coils and a special Tencel cover. Tencel is an eco-friendly material that’s known for being ultra-breathable. 
• While the presence of foam in the WinkBed technically makes it a hybrid, its tall layer of coils gives it a traditional innerspring feel.

Cons of the WinkBed

• Even the Softer model isn’t going to give you the slow sinkage of memory foam, so if you’re after a mattress with deep contouring and pressure relief, the WinkBed probably isn’t for you.

Think the WinkBed is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full WinkBed mattress review.

Best Value – Bear

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. They’ll likely get some contouring from the memory foam up top, while also experiencing a slight lift from the denser foam at the bottom of the mattress. 

What our tester says: “I really appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it a great option for back sleepers struggling with back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Bear shoppers, many of whom are combination sleepers, say the original mattress is supportive but still very comfortable.

Pros of the Bear

• We think back sleeping is the most comfortable sleeping position on the Bear, as these folks require a blend of comfort and support. 
• The Bear does a really nice job filling in the lumbar region for some tension relief at the lower back. 
• The bed comes with the option to add a cover made of Celliant — a material designed to absorb your energy, then redirect it back to you for assisted recovery and blood flow. While we haven’t formally tested these features, we can say that Celliant sleeps incredibly cool, which is another plus for athletes who have just worked out. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this cover does cost an additional $130, and it has to be added to your purchase at check out by clicking the “Add Celliant Infused Cover” tab.

Cons of the Bear

• This is another mattress that isn’t supportive enough for stomach sleepers. They’ll probably want something with a support layer of springs.

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

Best Luxury – Nolah Signature

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 pregnant people 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.

Nolah’s AirFoam also has a slow response to pressure and isn’t bouncy, making this bed ideal for people who sleep with their partners or animals in the bed and don’t want to feel them move. We put the motion isolation to the test by dropping a 10-pound steel ball from heights of 4 inches, 8 inches, and 12 inches. While performing this test, we measured the level of disturbance with a seismograph. For the Nolah Signature, we saw pretty small waves from all heights. This further supports that you shouldn’t feel much movement at night.

What our tester says: “The Nolah Signature really impressed me on both the motion transfer test and with its edge support. I think couples are unlikely to feel their partner moving at night and they can use the whole surface of the bed. Lastly, I like how the Nolah SIgnature’s materials aim to be cooler for hot sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Reviewing customers of the Nolah Signature agree that the mattress is perfect for back support and alleviating pain, and also rave about how easy it is to set up, making this a solid choice for people who are pregnant and experience back pain but don’t want excessive setup, even for a luxury mattress.

Pros of the Nolah Signature

• This mattress has a supportive yet hugging feel that might be especially nice for pregnant back sleepers. However, we should express that back sleeping may not be the healthiest position during pregnancy.
• AirFoam sleeps cooler than memory foam, which is ideal for pregnant sleepers who may experience hot flashes during the night.
• Nolah offers white glove delivery, meaning they will replace your old mattress with the new one, which is beneficial for pregnant people who would have a harder time setting up a new mattress.

Cons of the Nolah Signature

• While this is a luxury mattress, it certainly isn’t cheap, and you do have to pay extra for Nolah’s white glove delivery service, which will run you around $225.

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

Best for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

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.

We put the motion isolation to the test by dropping a 10-pound steel ball from heights of 4 inches, 8 inches, and 12 inches. While performing this test, we measured the level of disturbance with a seismograph of sorts. For the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, we saw pretty small waves from all heights. This further supports that you shouldn’t feel much movement from your partner at night.

What our tester says: “I really like how the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels. It allows for all kinds of sleepers to find the right fit for them. I appreciate that the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress isolates motion well, has strong edge support, and sleeps fairly cool.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

One comment we kept seeing in the reviews was how the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a great mattress for the price. This didn’t exactly surprise us, as we’re almost always including it on our roundup for the best mattresses for the money.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

• This mattress has a supportive, on-top-of-the-bed feel that might be especially nice for pregnant back sleepers. However, we should reiterate that back sleeping may not be the healthiest position during pregnancy.
• Many pregnant people already sleep hot, and are likely to get even hotter and wake up more often when sharing a bed, so a cooling mattress is key. 
• After discounts, you can often find the Signature Hybrid for $1,000 or less for a queen size.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

• The design of the Signature Hybrid is fairly simple, without a ton of luxury features.

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

How Can a Mattress Affect a Pregnant Person’s Sleep Quality and/or Overall Health? 

“A good mattress has the potential to significantly improve a pregnant woman’s sleep experience. 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

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 people 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 pregnant people.
• Adjustable Mattresses – Adjustable air mattresses (like the Sleep Number beds) are often great picks for pregnant people. 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 pregnant people. As the name implies, adjustable mattresses can be adjusted depending on your specific needs. If you are experiencing back pain or discomfort during your pregnancy, 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.

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.

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.

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 pregnant people. 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.

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.

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 220 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.

Recap

Bridget Chapman

Senior Product Editor

About Author

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

Combination Sleeper