Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea (2025); Doctor and Sleep Science Coach Tested

If you’re looking for a new mattress that won’t exacerbate your sleep apnea, it doesn’t get much better than the Helix Midnight. The Midnight is my top pick for folks with sleep apnea because it’s supportive, comfortable, and great for side sleepers (side sleeping is an effective sleeping position for sleep apnea, as it helps open your airway). Our mattress testers gave the Midnight a 4 out of 5 or higher in pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support.

According to the Johns Hopkins Hospital, positioning yourself on your side can help keep your airways open and alleviate mild apnea. For this reason, we wanted to find mattresses that offered ample pressure relief and comfort to side sleepers. The Helix Midnight is one such mattress, earning a 4.3 out of 5 for side-sleeping pressure relief.

“This mattress feels very comfortable on my side,” said mattress tester Riley Otis. “The top layer is plush and cozy, yet the supportive coils underneath prevent me from sinking in. My hips and shoulders are getting some nice cushioning that’s relieving pressure. I could sleep on this bed long-term in the side-sleeping position with no issues.”

If you’re already dealing with sleep apnea, you don’t want a mattress that causes additional sleep disruptions. Sharing a bed with a restless partner or pet can leave you at your wits’ end, even without throwing OSA in the mix. Fortunately, the Helix Midnight has excellent motion-dampening qualities that help isolate motion to one side of the mattress. During testing, our team gave the Midnight a 4 out of 5 in the motion isolation category.

We test motion isolation by placing a clear tub of water on one side of the mattress while one of our testers gets in and out of bed on the opposite side. Our tester will also roll around and change between sleeping positions to see if the water ripples or remains still. Less movement means better motion isolation.

“When I got into bed, the water gently rippled in the tub, but overall it remained mostly undisturbed,” Riley said. “The water didn’t spill or even look like it would. I was pretty impressed by how much motion it absorbed compared to other hybrid beds.”

Folks with sleep apnea also need a mattress that offers consistent support across the surface. No matter where they are on the mattress, they shouldn’t worry about awkward dips that could cause additional issues. The Helix Midnight is a high-quality hybrid mattress with sturdy innerspring coils that support sleepers even when they gravitate toward the far reaches of the bed. For that reason, our mattress testers awarded it a 4.4 out of 5 for edge support.

Despite being our top pick for people with sleep apnea, the Helix Midnight isn’t perfect for everyone. It only scored a 3 out of 5 for cooling, which is just average. We don’t think this will present an issue for most sleepers, but if you sleep hot, we would recommend one of our best cooling mattress picks instead.

Similarly, Helix’s sleep trial also hits in the middle of the pack. At 100 nights, most folks should have ample time to determine if it is the right choice for them. Still, other comparable mattress brands offer customers up to 365 nights to decide whether the mattress is a good fit.

Want to read more about the Midnight before making your decision? Check out our full Helix Midnight mattress review to see how it performed on all our tests. If the only thing holding you back from buying the Helix Midnight is its cooling performance, we recommend looking at the Helix Midnight Luxe instead.

Sharing an all-foam bed with a partner who has sleep apnea can be challenging, especially if you tend to sleep hot or feel like you sink too deeply into the mattress and have trouble moving around. Thankfully, the Nectar Premier is an excellent mattress for couples who enjoy the cushioning feel of memory foam, but don’t want to deal with these common drawbacks.

The Nectar mattress is supportive enough to help keep obstructed airways open while being responsive and cool enough to eliminate some of the most common complaints we hear from couples. Our mattress testers gave the Nectar Premier a 4 out of 5 in edge support, cooling, and responsiveness.

I typically wouldn’t recommend a memory foam mattress to those with sleep apnea because these folks usually need a bed with extra support, as being elevated and properly aligned can cut down on some of the side effects of sleep apnea. However, I’m making an exception for the Nectar Premier. Our mattress testers were surprised at how supportive and balanced the bed’s surface felt. The mattress earned a 4 out of 5 in the edge support category for its consistent stability across the entire surface, meaning that couples can spread out and use the whole surface of the bed without fear of the perimeter collapsing around them.

“Despite feeling some sinkage, I felt supported while lying near the edge of the mattress,” said mattress tester and certified sleep science coach Dan Caffrey. “I could lie near the edge and switch positions without feeling like rolling off.”

The Nectar Premier is also one of the rare all-foam models that I would recommend for sleepers who heat up easily. Our mattress testers loved its cool-to-the-touch cover layer and awarded it another 4 out of 5 in the cooling category.

After a day of testing the cooling capabilities of a plethora of mattresses in our Charlotte, NC, sleep studio, Dan found that the Nectar heated up the least. He took an initial temperature with a thermal gun before resting on the bed for 5 minutes and getting another reading. “After getting up and feeling the surface, I noticed it didn’t take long to revert to its original temperature,” Dan said. 

Aside from heat and lack of support, we hear another complaint from couples about memory foam mattresses: they’re easy to get stuck in because these types of beds don’t typically respond quickly when weight is applied. When you have two people in bed, this can be particularly noticeable. Again, the Nectar Premier deviated from memory foam norms and earned another 4 out of 5 in the responsiveness category. Our mattress testers loved how easy it was to maneuver and switch between different sleeping positions on this bed.

While the Nectar Premier should be a hit for most couples, it still has some areas it can work on. First, it’s not the best choice for folks with mobility concerns. The Nectar Premier has impressive edge support for a memory foam mattress, but the slippery cover layer might make it difficult to push yourself out of bed in the morning.

We also found that its motion isolation was just average, which was shocking (in a bad way) considering its memory foam construction. Most sleepers shouldn’t be disturbed by their partner or pet on this mattress, but if you’re particularly sensitive to movement, I would recommend something with better motion-dampening abilities.
Ready to fall in love with the Nectar? Check out our full Nectar Premier mattress review to get to know it a little better. If you need something with better motion isolation, check out the Saatva Contour5 instead.

If you manage OSA and lower back pain, a mattress with robust support can help you maintain an open airway by promoting healthy sleep posture. It can also reduce pressure on sensitive areas to ease tension and discomfort. Fortunately, the DreamCloud mattress could be a solution for both issues. Our testers rated it 4 out of 5 or higher for pressure relief while back sleeping, edge support, and cooling.

During their trial run with the DreamCloud mattress, our testers found that it felt the most comfortable on their backs thanks to its supportive innerspring coil system and plush top layer. They gave it an impressive 4 out of 5 and an even more impressive 4.8 out of 5 for back-sleeping pressure relief.

“I feel very comfortable on my back,” said mattress tester Riley Otis. “I’m getting a lot of pressure relief on my upper back and shoulders. My hips are also finding a bit of sinkage that feels quite soothing. Most importantly, though, my lumbar region still feels supported.”

If you’re a hot sleeper with sleep apnea, cooling becomes even more important because you’re likely already experiencing disrupted sleep, and overheating can further complicate catching those precious Zs. Thankfully, the DreamCloud has exceptional cooling abilities. Our mattress testers gave it a 4.5-star cooling score because of its impressive results on our thermal gun test. During this test, we measure the surface temperature of the mattress using a thermal gun before and after lying on it for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes of uninterrupted rest, Riley found that the DreamCloud only increased by 4.3 degrees — some of the best results we’ve ever seen on this test.

“The cover initially felt cool to the touch, and as I lay down, I couldn’t feel it heating up too much,” Riley said. “I believe it’s gel-infused memory foam helped keep the overall temperature neutral.”

However, the DreamCloud may not be right for everyone. With a side-sleeping pressure relief score of 3.3 out of 5, it’s not ideal for strict side sleepers or side sleepers with sensitive joints. These sleepers will likely need a mattress that’s a touch softer to get the cushioning and contouring they need around those high-pressure areas. While it offers stellar back-sleeping pressure relief, some back sleepers under 130 pounds may also find the surface too firm to relieve pressure around their lower lumbar spine.

Dreaming of a good night’s sleep on the DreamCloud? Read our full DreamCloud mattress review to make sure it’s right for you before buying it. If you’re interested in the DreamCloud’s luxurious features, but would prefer something a bit softer, check out the DreamCloud Memory Foam instead.

Balancing support and pressure relief is especially important for side sleepers, who need contouring around the shoulders and hips to avoid pressure buildup. This balance becomes even more crucial for people with sleep apnea, as proper spinal alignment and comfortable side positioning can help reduce airway obstruction during the night. The WinkBed Plus, a specialized version of WinkBeds’ flagship hybrid mattress, provides enhanced support while cushioning key pressure points. My fellow mattress testers and I gave it a 4 out of 5 or higher in the pressure relief, motion isolation, and cooling categories.

My colleague, Livvi DiCicco, and I agreed that this mattress was super comfortable in the side-sleeping position and gave it a 4.7 for pressure relief. “I felt lifted and supported, even as the pillow top conformed to my joints and relieved pressure,” she said. “Side sleepers looking for a more supportive mattress should love this bed.”

The WinkBed Plus also does a great job of eliminating other areas of discomfort for folks with sleep apnea, namely overheating and disturbances caused by a restless partner. The WinkBed impressed us across the board and earned a perfect 5 out of 5 for cooling and a 4.3 for motion isolation. In other words, you won’t have to worry about waking up covered in sweat or feeling disturbed by your partner’s or pet’s movements on this mattress.

“I was concerned that the cozy pillow top would retain heat,” Livvi said. “However, it seems that its coils are pulling their weight here, keeping air flowing. Hot sleepers should be very satisfied with this bed.”

The WinkBed Plus is one of my favorite mattresses. However, I’d still like to see some improvements in some areas. This mattress is built with heavier sleepers in mind, giving it a firmer feel. Some lightweight sleepers may prefer a softer mattress to contour high-pressure areas like their hips and shoulders.

I also wouldn’t recommend this bed to folks with mobility concerns. At 13 and a half inches tall, this bed might be challenging to get in and out of, depending on the height of your bed frame.

Want to learn more about the WinkBed before adding it to your cart? Check out our full WinkBed Plus mattress review to see how it performed on our tests. If you need a mattress that’s a bit shorter, I would recommend the original WinkBed instead.

If you struggle with sleep apnea and want a memory foam mattress, you should pay close attention to firmness. Memory foam tends to be plush, providing sleepers with a contouring, hug-like feel. However, if it’s too soft and you sink too far into the material, it can exacerbate your sleep apnea. Instead, you’ll want a firmer memory foam mattress to elevate your body, which can help keep your airways open. For this, we recommend the Bear Original. Our testers gave it a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, placing the Bear slightly above the industry average of medium-firm. We also awarded it a 4 out of 5 or higher in edge support and cooling, meaning it should be a comfortable pick for folks who prefer an all-foam model.

The Bear Original is not only firmer than most memory foam mattresses — it’s also more supportive. During testing, our team gave this mattress a 4 out of 5 for its edge support because it provided consistent stability across the entire surface of the mattress. They could lie on the far reaches of the mattress without feeling like they were losing support or as though they were falling off the bed.

“No matter where I was on the mattress, I felt comfortable lying on my back,” said mattress tester Riley Otis. “I could feel the firm support lifting my hips in line with my shoulders, even on the edge of the bed.”

Our colleague, Kate Meier, who has owned the Bear Original for three years, can also vouch for its consistent and firm support.

“I enjoy sitting in my bed and working,” Kate said. “And the firmness and support I get from the Bear make it possible. I also love that it’s helped with my back pain considerably!”

If you already have trouble breathing as you sleep, the last thing you need is a mattress that makes you feel stuffier. Another perk folks with sleep apnea should appreciate about the Bear is its stellar cooling abilities. Our mattress testers were impressed with its breathable top layer and awarded it a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 for cooling.

“I thought this mattress had a nice cool-to-the-touch feel when I first lay down on it,” Riley said. “As I lay there, I felt the bed adjusting to my body heat. The Bear Original felt cool the entire time I was on it, which is impressive for an all-foam bed.”

However, you should consider a few things before buying the Bear Original. Since this mattress is firmer, we don’t recommend it to side sleepers with sensitive hips and shoulders. These sleepers likely won’t sink enough into the mattress layers to get the cushioning and contouring they need to alleviate tension in these high-pressure areas.

Similarly, this mattress will likely feel too firm for sleepers under 130 pounds. We typically recommend a softer mattress that falls under 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale for these sleepers.

Ready to experience the Bear for yourself? Head over to our full Bear Original mattress review to learn more about it. If you need something that offers a little more cushioning than the Bear Original, I recommend checking out the Bear Elite Hybrid instead.

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a prime example of why people love hybrid mattresses. During testing, my fellow mattress testers and I gave it a 4 out of 5 or higher in cooling and edge support, both areas in which hybrid beds are known to excel. If you have sleep apnea and are looking for a supportive sleep surface that will prevent you from feeling stuffy and constricted, the Signature Hybrid might be what you need.

While testing this mattress, I was immediately impressed by how supported I felt by its encased coil system. My spine felt aligned, and my hips were elevated, regardless of where I lay on the Signature Hybrid. I also couldn’t feel any pressure buildup and found it did a good job of conforming to my hips and shoulders. After lying near the perimeter of the mattress for a while, I awarded it a 4.3 out of 5 for edge support. The only negative was that the soft top layer made it slightly challenging to change sleeping positions on the sides of the bed because I sank in a little bit.

Additionally, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid’s superior support system makes it a solid choice for folks with sleep apnea, regardless of sleeping position. Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, found the Signature Hybrid offered consistent support across every position.

“I feel great across the board on this bed,” said Dr. Tedesco. “This mattress provides a very supportive feeling, and I don’t feel any significant pressure anywhere.”

My testing partner, Livvi DiCicco, and I were also impressed with its ability to regulate temperature and gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for cooling. After lying on the Signature Hybrid for 5 minutes, I felt the part of the mattress where I had lain. While it was evident that someone was just there, I couldn’t detect a noticeable increase in temperature while I was lying on the bed. I measured the surface temperature of the mattress with a thermal gun and found that the bed heated up by 7.4 degrees after lying on it, which indicates good cooling.

As much as the other testers and I loved the Signature Hybrid, it has a couple of downsides. This mattress may not be ideal for sleepers who wake easily, as we gave its motion isolation an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars. While it should work well for most people, those sensitive to movement might notice their wiggly partner or pet moving during the night. It also lacks premium features like a Euro top or phase change material. So if you’re seeking the best sleep setup money can buy, you might want to consider the brand’s high-end models instead.

Are you set on the Signature Hybrid? Read my full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review to see how it performed on all our tests before you buy. Looking for something a bit more luxurious? Take a peek at the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe instead.

The Saatva has two layers of innerspring coils to support spinal alignment and help open up the airway, which may decrease the risk of exacerbating breathing-related issues associated with OSA. Double the layers means double the benefits. The coils enhance airflow for better cooling — a welcome relief for hot sleepers with sleep apnea, as a regulated body temperature eliminates the uncomfortable sleep issue of overheating. Another bonus is Saatva’s generous 365-night sleep trial, meaning you get ample time to determine if this mattress helps your OSA. Overall, my fellow mattress tester, Livvi DiCicco, and I were impressed with its performance and gave it a 4 out of 5 or higher in edge support and cooling.

Although the Saatva Classic has many exemplary attributes, I want to give a special shout-out to its stellar support. Livvi and I gave it a 4.8 out of 5 for edge support because it offers near-perfect stability across its entire surface. If you want an innerspring mattress with responsive support to prevent you from sinking too far into its layers, then the Saatva is one of the best options out there.

I felt great lying on my back and stomach on this bed; it offered solid support, and my spine stayed aligned. Although there wasn’t any noticeable sinkage around my body, the surface still felt very comfortable. Having the right amount of sinkage helps keep your body elevated and evenly supported, which helps prevent pressure buildup and maintain healthy posture throughout the night.

Livvi, who also happens to have the Saatva Classic at home, agreed with me. “After owning the Saatva for six months, I feel qualified enough to say the edge support is top-notch,” she said. “I sleep with one leg off the bed sometimes and wake up without falling off.”

If two certified sleep science coaches’ opinions weren’t enough, we also invited Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, to take the Saatva Classic for a spin in our studio. He was also quite impressed with its support.

“I feel weightless and comfortable on this mattress,” Dr. Tedesco said. “My spine is in a neutral position, and I’m not getting a posterior tilt. If you sleep on your back, this could help with various issues.”

The Saatva Classic is also a good choice if you are a hot sleeper. Unlike its memory foam counterparts, the Saatva contains two layers of innerspring coils that help promote airflow for a restful sleep. We gave the Saatva a 4 out of 5 in cooling. “I didn’t feel any noticeable heating as I lay down, even as the pillow top slowly contoured to my body,” Livvi said. “I think this bed would be great for hot sleepers.”

Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this mattress to sleepers under 130 pounds or folks sensitive to motion. The Saatva Classic is on the firmer side at 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, meaning it will probably feel uncomfortably stiff for lightweight sleepers.

The Saatva is also incredibly bouncy because of its dual layers of innerspring coils. While this is advantageous for combination sleepers needing a springy surface to easily change sleeping positions, people sensitive to motion will likely feel everything their bedmate does at night.

Want to see if the Saatva is the right mattress for you? Check out our full Saatva Classic mattress review to see how it performed across all our testing categories. For something that offers better motion isolation, I would recommend the Saatva Rx instead.

Are your breathing difficulties caused by sleep apnea and worsened by allergies? A hypoallergenic mattress may provide some much-needed relief. As its name suggests, the Nolah Natural is an all-natural, hypoallergenic mattress with eco-friendly components and tons of certifications. The Nolah features organic latex, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic wool, GOTS-certified cotton, and recycled steel coils. The Natural model is also a great choice for folks with sleep apnea because of its excellent performance in the side-sleeping pressure relief and edge support categories, earning a 4 out of 5 or higher in both of these categories.

Many side sleepers with sleep apnea struggle to find a mattress that offers enough support to keep their spines in healthy alignment, yet enough cushioning to relieve pressure around sensitive areas like their hips and shoulders. Fortunately, this mattress provides both. Our mattress testers gave its pressure relief in the side-sleeping position a 4 out of 5 because it struck an even balance of contouring and support.

“I like that this latex mattress is a little firmer,” said tester Erin Chiles. “I’m not sinking in too much and feel comfortable and supported on my side.”

Edge support was another area where the Nolah Natural mattress excelled, earning a near-perfect score of 4.8 out of 5. Side sleepers can rest comfortably anywhere on the bed, confident they will receive the same sturdy support, even at the outermost corners.

“The Nolah Natural has some pretty impressive support all around,” said mattress tester Riley Otis. “I didn’t feel any significant sinkage or sagging anywhere on the mattress surface.”

However, as great as the Nolah Natural is for folks with allergies and side sleepers with sleep apnea, it’s not perfect. Its cooling was only average, meaning it’s not the best choice for hot sleepers. We also found that it had weaker motion isolation than most mattresses. In other words, if you are easily disturbed by movement, you could go insane if your partner is a combo sleeper.

Are you naturally drawn to the eco-friendly materials in the Nolah? Check out our full Nolah Natural mattress review to see how it performed on all our tests. If you need a mattress with solid motion isolation, I recommend checking out the Nolah Evolution instead.

A firm mattress is often recommended for folks with sleep apnea because it helps maintain spinal alignment and airway openness throughout the night. If you are in the market for an ultra-firm and supportive mattress, the Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding is hard to beat. This flippable hybrid mattress offers two firmness levels: Firm and Extra-Firm. The Extra-Firm side stood out in key performance areas, such as cooling, edge support, and motion isolation, scoring 4.3 or higher in each category.

Surprisingly, our testers found the Firm side felt stiffer than the Extra-Firm side, rating it a 9 out of 10, while the Extra-Firm came in at 7.5. Regardless of side, both received a perfect 5 out of 5 for responsiveness, meaning it’s easy to shift positions — ideal for restless sleepers with apnea who may toss and turn to maintain airflow.

Poor posture or spinal misalignment can exacerbate both back pain and OSA. The good news is that Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, thinks the Firm side of the Plank can help with that.

“My pelvis, hips, and spine are in a neutral position,” Dr. Tedesco said while testing the Plank Firm. “People with back pain who are back sleepers will feel supported and neutral.”

The Plank’s 5-star responsiveness also makes it easy to switch positions, which is crucial for those with sleep apnea who frequently need to adjust themselves to breathe better.

“It’s like rolling on a flat surface,” said tester Riley Otis. “There is no deep sinkage to prevent mobility, but there’s also no bounce to help switch positions. However, it’s not needed since the firm foams don’t trap the body.”

That said, this mattress isn’t for everyone. Side sleepers will likely find both sides too rigid, leading to pressure buildup around the shoulders and hips. Similarly, couples sensitive to movement may notice some motion transfer because of how responsive it is.

Interested in the Plank? Head over to our full Plank Firm mattress review to see how it performed on both sides. If you’re interested in a firm mattress with a few more bells and whistles, check out the Plank Firm Luxe instead.

People with bigger bodies who struggle with OSA need a mattress that can support them while reducing pressure points and minimizing movement that could further disrupt sleep. Specifically engineered for individuals over 230 pounds, the Titan delivers on all fronts with a robust combination of edge support, responsiveness, and motion isolation, earning 4.5 out of 5 or higher in each category during our testing. Its high-density memory foam and strong coil system create a stable, supportive surface that resists sagging, helping to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned. Proper alignment helps keep airways open by preventing throat collapse during sleep.

One standout feature is its excellent edge support, a key quality for those who tend to sink too far into the mattress as they move away from the center. Our testers gave it a 4.6 out of 5 in this category because they could rest along the mattress perimeter without worrying about slipping or feeling unsupported.

“I felt very secure on my back, side, and stomach when lying close to the edge of the Titan,” said mattress tester Sosha Lewis. “It was easy to switch positions, and I wasn’t afraid of toppling out of bed when I was on my side.”

This level of support is essential for people with sleep apnea who move between positions to find better airflow during sleep.

Our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, praised the Titan Plus for its side-sleeper comfort and support.

“I was more comfortable on my side on the Titan Plus than on my back,” Dr. Tedesco noted. “I didn’t feel any significant pressure buildup. I was looking for pressure buildup in my shoulder, but didn’t feel much.”

The Titan Plus also shines in motion isolation and responsiveness — a rare combination in firm, supportive beds. Whether you’re repositioning to breathe easier or sleeping beside a restless partner, you’ll benefit from the stability and ease of movement. Our testers awarded it a perfect 5 out of 5 in both categories.

“I sleep with a very restless partner, and the motion isolation on this bed makes me wish I owned it,” said Sosha. “If I wouldn’t do grave bodily harm, I could easily do a flip onto this mattress without worrying about the motion carrying over to the other side.”

Keep in mind: the Titan Plus is on the firmer side. Side sleepers with sensitive joints may occasionally notice pressure buildup around their shoulders or hips. Those under 130 pounds may find the mattress too firm for comfort, especially when it comes to contouring and lumbar support.

Do you think the Titan Plus could be a good fit for you? Check out our full Titan Plus mattress review to learn more about its features and construction. For a slightly softer feel with similar support, you might also consider the Titan Plus Elite.