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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that causes repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. For many folks with sleep apnea, a high-quality mattress can help minimize these disruptions by promoting better sleep posture, reducing pressure points, and supporting easier breathing.
Finding the right mattress is essential if you live with this disorder. The wrong bed can make it harder to maintain a healthy sleep posture, stay cool, and rest undisturbed โ all of which can worsen symptoms of sleep apnea. But with so many options available, knowing which mattress truly supports better sleep with OSA can feel overwhelming.
To make your search easier, my fellow mattress testers and I have rounded up the best mattresses for sleep apnea that offer the support, pressure relief, and cooling features sleepers need. Our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, also joined us while testing these mattresses to offer trusted clinical insights. These beds come in various styles and firmness levels, so no matter how you sleep, thereโs something here for you.
Sleepopolisโs team of expert reviewers and certified sleep science coaches have helped over 60,000 people find the right bed for their needs. Ready to join the ranks of satisfied customers? Each of these mattresses is designed to support healthier sleep and minimize the issues that can worsen obstructive sleep apnea. Read on to see which ones are right for you.
Sleepopolisโ Best In Rest โ Sleep Apnea
The Helix Midnight is the best mattress for sleep apnea because of its approachable yet supportive medium-firm feel that should accommodate multiple body types and sleeping positions, helping folks with sleep apnea fall asleep more easily. This hybrid earned several above-average ratings, including high marks for edge support and pressure relief, both of which should benefit sleepers with sleep apnea.
The Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea
- Helix Midnight Mattress โ Best Overall Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- Nectar Premier Mattress โ Best Mattress for Couples with Sleep Apnea
- DreamCloud Original Mattress โ Best Mattress for Back Pain and Sleep Apnea
- WinkBed Plus Mattress โ Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
- Bear Original Mattress โ Best Memory Foam Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid โ Best Hybrid Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- Saatva Classic โ Best Innerspring Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- Nolah Natural Mattress โ Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress โ Best Firm Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- Titan Plus Core โ Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
Top Deals
- Helix Midnight Mattress โ 20% Off Sitewide with Code LDW20; 25% Off Luxe Mattresses with Code LUXE25; 30% Off Elite Mattresses with Code ELITE30
- Nectar Premier Mattress โ Save Up to 50% on Mattresses + 66% on Bundles
- DreamCloud Original Mattress โ Save Up to 60% Off Mattresses + 66% on Bundles
- WinkBed Plus Mattress โ 30% Off All Mattresses
- Bear Original Mattress โ 40% Off Sitewide with Code SLEEPOPOLIS40
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
How We Picked the Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea
Consistent support is essential for keeping the body in healthy alignment and reducing the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep. A mattress that maintains spinal alignment can prevent the throat from collapsing inward โ a common trigger for apnea events.
Typically, a strong perimeter tells us that the mattress provides consistent and comfortable support across its entire surface. As sleep expert Dr. Raj Dasgupta explains, โA supportive mattress will distribute your body weight evenly. Uneven weight distribution can lead to pressure buildup and additional discomfort.โ This is why we also consider edge support in the equation.
People with sleep apnea often benefit from side sleeping, which helps keep airways more open. However, this position can increase pressure on the shoulders and hips. A pressure-relieving mattress cushions these areas, reducing pain and discomfort that could otherwise cause frequent repositioning or waking at night.
During testing, we use a pressure map to identify where pressure builds up while lying on each mattress in the back- and side-sleeping positions. Mattresses that score below these averages typically offer better pressure relief and are less likely to cause discomfort in those positions.
Since OSA already hinders sleep, minimizing movement from a restless partner becomes essential. A mattress with effective motion isolation absorbs movement rather than transferring it across the surface. Effective motion dampening allows someone with sleep apnea to rest more undisturbed, even if their partner frequently changes positions or gets in and out of bed.
We test motion isolation by having two people get on the mattress and mimic how it feels to sleep beside a restless partner. How much movement we can feel traveling across the surface helps us determine our final motion isolation rating. Ideally, we want to see scores of 4 or higher. Especially light sleepers will want a mattress that earns at least 4.5 out of 5.
Weโve developed a rigorous testing methodology that tells us how each mattress performs and who it might be a good fit for. All of the beds on this list have been evaluated for pressure relief, cooling abilities, responsiveness, edge support, and much more..
Our team of certified sleep science coaches has tested more than 500 mattresses over the last decade, allowing us to guide more than 145,000 people to the best mattress for them. Not only do we use and evaluate these products ourselves, but we also consult with doctors and other professionals to ensure we keep up to date with the latest in sleep science and medicine. For example, Dr. Joe Tedesco (DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS) comes into our studio to personally test mattresses and give a medical perspective on each product.
Need help finding the right mattress?
Compare the Best Sleep Apnea Mattresses
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Helix Midnight Mattress | Nectar Premier Mattress | DreamCloud Classic Hybrid | WinkBed Plus Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Saatva Classic | Nolah Natural Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Titan Plus Core | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-Soft: 6/10 | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Soft: 6/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Latex | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Couples | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea Video Review
Helix Midnight โ Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea Overall
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helixโs line of six standard mattresses. Itโs 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:
โI would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because itโs supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.โ โ Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why Itโs the Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea Overall
- The Helix Midnight is my top pick for folks with sleep apnea because itโs supportive, comfortable, and great for side sleepers โ an effective sleeping position for sleep apnea, as it helps open your airway.
- This mattress earned a 4.3 out of 5 for overall pressure relief, with multiple 4- and 5-star ratings from our pressure relief testers.
- We also awarded the Midnight high marks for edge support, responsiveness, and motion isolation.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4/5
Aside from gentle movements, our testers could not detect much motion transfer.
Cooling: 3/5
During testing, we found that the Midnight feels neutral rather than cool to the touch.
Response: 4/5
While the Helix has layers of soft foam, its bouncy innerspring coils make it easy to maneuver.
Edge Support: 4.4/5
Our testers felt super secure when lying near the edge of the Midnight in every sleeping position.
Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
The Helix Midnight effectively relieves pressure overall, despite our average-weight tester detecting slight back tension.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The plush foam layers and reinforced innerspring coils give the Helix Midnight a true medium-firm feel.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
After assessing the mattress himself, Dr. Joe Tedesco thought the Helix Midnight was โlike the goldilocks of bedsโ for back pain. โItโs right without doing too much,โ he said. โItโs a true medium-firm mattress.โ He added, โIโd say the same for scoliosis, neck pain, and sciatica. It serves a lot of the population.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | excellent | excellent | unpleasant |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | excellent | excellent | unpleasant |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
The Helix Midnight is a great place to start if youโre looking for a mattress for sleep apnea. Itโs a hybrid with a balanced, medium-firm feel that our testers loved for both back and side sleepers, the latter being the most preferred position to mitigate OSA symptoms.
With multiple ratings above 4, including pressure relief and edge support, this well-rounded mattress should appeal to many differing preferences. It has a good amount of bounce and plush foams to contour and absurd motion. The one group who may feel dissatisfied, though, are stomach sleepers, as the Midnight isnโt firm enough to support their hips.
Choose the Helix Midnight if โฆ
- You like to rest along the edge of your bed. Thanks to the bedโs excellent edge support, no matter where sleepers are on the mattress, they shouldnโt worry about awkward dips.
- You share the bed. The Helix Midnight balances both responsiveness and motion isolation โ two categories often at odds โ marking it as a good choice for co-sleepers.
Keep looking if โฆ
- Youโre a stomach sleeper. The Helix Midnight isnโt firm enough to support these sleepers. Youโll likely notice too much sinkage around the hips, leading to lower back pain.
- You sleep especially hot. This bed felt closer to temperature-neutral than truly cooling, earning a 3 out of 5 for temperature regulation. 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. It has a similar feel, but features a cool-feeling pillow top.
For more information about this bed, read our full Helix Midnight mattress review.
Nectar Premier โ Best Mattress for Couples with Sleep Apnea
The Nectar Premier is a luxurious all-foam mattress equipped with quality materials. A moisture-wicking cover and gel-infused comfort layer create a cooling, thermoregulating mattress for hot sleepers. Perhaps its strongest attribute is its next-level pressure relief. Six inches of foam work to contour sensitive areas, but the high-density foam at the bottom of the bed provides plenty of support. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
โMy favorite thing about the Nectar Premier is its great pressure relief. This medium-soft mattress is a great fit for side sleepers looking for plush comfort. It might also be a nice fit for sleepers who deal with shoulder pain.โ โ Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why Itโs the Best Mattress for Couples with Sleep Apnea
- The Nectar Premier earned a 4.2 out of 5 for motion isolation and a 4.5 out of 5 in cooling, two categories that are a must-have for sleepers who share the bed.
- Our pressure relief testers were generally satisfied with the Nectar Premierโs contouring and balanced support, giving it 4.2 out of 5 in this category.
- It has a softer feel โ a 5.5 out of 10 on our scale โ which is great for sleep apnea who want to sleep on their side.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.2/5
You should likely feel when your partner gets in and out of bed, but smaller movements will be stifled.
Cooling: 4.5/5
For a foam mattress, the Nectar Premier has exceptional cooling.
Response: 4/5
It was fairly easy to switch sleeping positions on the Nectar Premier.
Edge Support: 3.6/5
There was some significant sinkage when our tester sat on the edge.
Pressure Relief: 4.2/5
This mattress had top-notch pressure relief for back sleepers in all weight categories.
Firmness: 5.5/10
The Nectar Premier is on the slightly softer side of the firmness scale.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
Dr. Joe Tedesco recommended the Nectar Premier for folks who primarily rest on their back. โItโs soft, supportive, and thereโs no pressure buildup. If anything, thereโs pressure relief on my shoulder,โ he explained. โMy knees and ankles and butt sink into the bed a little, but theyโre sinking in the same amount. Iโm getting good contouring that follows the natural spinal curve.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | excellent | excellent | good |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | excellent | excellent | unpleasant |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | excellent | excellent | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
Memory foam beds like the Nectar Premier are great for couples, thanks to their motion-absorbing layers. But the Premier beats out traditional foam beds with its cooling cover that keeps temperatures low as couples snuggle up. It also has a good amount of responsiveness, which should make repositioning during sleep or sex feel seamless.
Best of all, its super-plush feel will contour the hips and shoulders of side sleepers with sleep apnea. Of course, this may turn off folks who need or prefer a firmer mattress for their body type or sleeping position.
Choose the Nectar Premier if โฆ
- You want a good mattress for sex. For such a soft foam bed, the Nectar Premier is fairly responsive, which should make switching positions easy.
- You or your partner sleep hot. The Nectar Premier boasts a cooling cover that helps counteract the heat-trapping nature of foam.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You frequently sit on the edge of your mattress. Our testers felt secure when they lay down at the perimeter of the Nectar Premier, but they noticed a bigger dip when seated on the edge.
- You want a firm-feeling mattress. The Nectar Premier is decidedly soft, which may not suit some heavyweight folks or stomach sleepers. Extra-firm fans may like the Titan Plus Core instead.
For more information about this bed, read our full Nectar Premier mattress review.
DreamCloud โ Best Mattress for Back Pain and Sleep Apnea
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support โ a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. Itโs a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
โI really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.โ โ Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Why Itโs the Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea and Back Pain
- The DreamCloud earned a 4.4 out of 5 for overall pressure relief, with a 5-out-of-5 rating for back sleeping, specifically.
- Its medium-firm feel (6.5 out of 10) is the gold standard for maintaining spinal alignment and reducing the risk of back pain.
- This bed also scored a perfect rating for responsiveness, alongside high marks for motion isolation and cooling.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Our tester noticed little disturbance in the water during our ripple test, confirming the bedโs motion-isolating ability.
Cooling: 4.5/5
The temperature rose less than 5 degrees after 5 minutes of our tester lying on the bed.
Response: 5/5
The lack of sinkage earned the DreamCloud a perfect responsiveness score.
Edge Support: 4/5
There was some moderate sinkage โ but not much โ when our tester sat on the edge.
Pressure Relief: 4.4/5
The DreamCloud relieved more pressure while back sleeping than side sleeping.
Firmness: 6.5/10
This hybrid mattress has a balanced medium-firm feel.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
Dr. Joe Tedesco didnโt like the DreamCloud for side sleepers with back pain; he noticed more sinkage around his pelvis. However, when he rested on his stomach, he didnโt experience this effect. โMy legs sink in a bit, so it keeps my pelvis supported. The spine is in a neutral position,โ he explained. This extra sinkage should provide lift to the hips, staving off pain at the lumbar spine.
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | excellent | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | unpleasant |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | unpleasant | excellent | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
Relief from back pain and sleep apnea doesnโt have to come at a high price. The DreamCloud is an affordable hybrid that you can purchase for less than $1,000, but youโll get all the comfort and support of a higher-end bed. This is a truly jack-of-all-trades bed, scoring 4s and above across the board in our tests.
Youโll feel more lifted on the surface of this medium-firm mattress, which is great for aligning the spine and preventing pain. However, some sleepers may want something firmer or softer for their needs โ and the DreamCloud is only available in one standard firmness option.
Choose the DreamCloud if โฆ
- Youโre a light sleeper. The DreamCloud earned a 4.7 out of 5 in our motion isolation evaluation. This near-perfect rating means you shouldnโt feel much disturbance from a restless partner or pet.
- You like a bouncy mattress. Our testers hardly noticed any sinkage when moving around on the DreamCloud, which ensured they never felt โstuckโ as they switched positions.
Keep looking if โฆ
- Youโre a heavyweight stomach sleeper. The DreamCloud is going to be soft enough to properly support sleepers in this category. They may like the Plank Firm instead, which lives up to its name.
- Youโre a side sleeper with sensitive joints. With its more โon topโ feel, sleepers looking for deep contouring and sinkage around bony areas could encounter more pressure buildup than expected.
For more information about this bed, read our full DreamCloud mattress review.
WinkBed Plus โ Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
The WinkBed Plus is a medium-firm, hybrid mattress designed specifically to accommodate sleepers with larger body types. Through our testing, we found it works best for back sleepers, particularly those over 230 pounds. It also does a good job of isolating motion, which will likely appeal to you if you sleep with a partner. If you want to learn more about the WinkBed Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
โThis mattress was designed with plus-size sleepers. However, I think the Plus in its name could also be a nod to all that this mattress has going for it. By using testers with different weights and body types, we learned that this mattress can also be a solid choice for many lightweight and average-weight sleepers.โ โ Sosha Lewis, senior staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Why Itโs the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
- The WinkBed Plus boasts a medium-firm feel, and combined with its dense pillow top, it should suit most side sleepers.
- My fellow mattress testers and I gave it a 4 out of 5 or higher in the pressure relief, motion isolation, and cooling categories.
- This bed is specifically designed for sleepers over 230 pounds, but testers of multiple weight categories gave the Plus the thumbs-up for comfort.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
The WinkBedโs pillow top layer effectively isolates motion to one side of the bed.
Cooling: 5/5
After lying on the WinkBed Plus for 5 minutes, its temperature increased by 3.4 degreesโsome of our best results yet.
Response: 5/5
The super bouncy surface of the WinkBed Plus makes it a home run for combo sleepers.
Edge Support: 4.2/5
The reinforced perimeter of the WinkBed Plus felt stable while sitting and lying on it.
Pressure Relief: 4.7/5
All sleepers should find relief on the WinkBed Plus, thanks to its robust support and gentle contouring.
Firmness: 6.5/10
While it is designed for bigger bodies, the pillow top gives the WinkBed Plus a true medium-firm feel.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
โEverything is neutral on this mattress,โ said Dr. Joe Tedesco after trying out the WinkBed Plus on his side. โMy hips and torso feel good. The pillow top isnโt contouring and keeps you on top of the mattress, but thereโs enough sinkage to feel comfortable,โ he said. โOrthopedically, I feel really good. This is a firm, supportive mattress.โ He recommended it for heavyweight sleepers but also thought many lightweight sleepers would feel comfortable, so long as they like a firmer feel.
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | good |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
Our Expert Opinion
The WinkBed Plus is a variant of the brandโs flagship mattress, built to support sleepers with larger frames. However, our testers of all sizes gave the WinkBed rave reviews, ensuring the mattress earned 4s and above in each category. Sleepers with sleep apnea, whether they rest on their side or otherwise, should enjoy this bedโs mix of cushioning and lift.
While we love this bed, there are some caveats: Expect to pay a higher price for the mattress, though we certainly think itโs worth its weight in gold. Some sleepers who like a traditional foam feel may not like the WinkBedโs buoyed feel, but itโs great for maintaining alignment in each sleeping position.
Choose the WinkBed Plus if โฆ
- Youโre a combination sleeper. Despite featuring a plush pillow top, we found it extremely easy to move around on the WinkBed Plus. This will make switching positions hassle-free.
- Youโre a hot sleeper. Our thermal gun test showed excellent results: The surface temperature of the bed barely rose more than 3 degrees after laying on the bed for five minutes.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You like a traditional memory foam feel. Like a mattress with deep sinkage and that โhuggingโ feel? You wonโt get that here. I recommend the Nectar Premier instead.
- Youโre on a budget. The WinkBed already costs a pretty penny, and the Plus variant will run you a couple hundred bucks more.
For more information about this bed, read our full WinkBed Plus mattress review.
Bear Original โ Best Memory Foam Mattress for Sleep Apnea
Even though itโs 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:
โI found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though youโre 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 โon topโ of the structure than โinโ it.โ โ Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Why Itโs the Best Memory Foam Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- The Bear Original is an affordable all-foam mattress, excelling in areas that foam beds often fail: cooling and edge support.
- 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.
- This added firmness will ensure sleepers remain aligned, benefitting not just sleep apnea but back pain symptoms.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Like many other memory foam models, the Bear Original has excellent motion isolation.
Cooling: 4.5/5
Our testers found that the surface of the Bear Original stayed cool and comfortable.
Response: 4/5
The Bear Original is surprisingly easy to move around on despite not having any springs in it.
Edge Support: 4.2/5
Sleepers should be able to lie along the perimeter of the mattress without feeling unsteady or falling off.
Pressure Relief: 3.2/5
The Bear Original excels at relieving pressure for back sleepers but might be too firm for some side sleepers.
Firmness: 7/10
The Bear Original is a touch firmer than the industry standard of medium-firm (6.5 out of 10).
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
Dr. Joe Tedesco called the Bear Original โorthopedically friendly to the spine.โ He rated all sleeping positions at 4s and above, though he particularly liked the mattress for back and side sleepers. โThe heaviest parts of my body feel very supported,โ he said. โI donโt feel any pressure buildup in the hips, pelvis, lower back, shoulder, or ribs.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | unpleasant | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | unpleasant | unpleasant | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed thatโs great for sleepers with sleep apnea. Unlike many foam beds, the Bearโs supportive and lifted feel ensures these folks get the alignment they need to keep their airways clear. It also boasts a surprisingly cool feel and decently strong edge support, two areas foam beds tend to lack.
While many back and stomach sleepers will like this mattress, its firmness may not work for some lightweight side sleepers. Our heavyweight tester also said he sank right through this mattress, causing pressure buildup.
Choose the Bear Original if โฆ
- Youโre looking for an affordable bed. You can often purchase a queen-size Bear Original mattress for less than $600, thanks to frequent sales and its already reasonable price.
- You share your mattress. The Bear Original earned a 4.7 out of 5 for motion isolation, meaning couples shouldnโt feel each otherโs movements. Its cool-feeling surface should also keep temperatures low in shared space.
Keep looking if โฆ
- Youโre a lightweight or heavyweight side sleeper. Side sleepers under 130 pounds will likely struggle to sink into this mattress, while those over 230 pounds will โbottom outโ on the support layers. Either way, it wonโt feel comfortable. The WinkBed Plus might suit these sleepers better.
- You want a slow-moving feel to your foam bed. Because of its firmer feel, the Bear Original is actually rather responsive. You wonโt get that deep-contouring feel that swallows you whole when you lie on the surface.
For more information about this bed, read our full Bear Original mattress review.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid โ Best Hybrid Mattress for Sleep Apnea
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. Itโs 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:
โGiven that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, Iโd 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 shouldnโt be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.โ โ Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why Itโs the Best Hybrid Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- This hybrid mattress earned a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5 for overall pressure relief, as our testers thought it worked for both back and side sleeping.
- It also earned a 4.7 out of 5 for motion isolation and a 4 out of 5 for responsiveness, thanks to its use of foam and coils.
- We rated the Medium model at a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, but the Signature Hybrid also comes in softer and firmer models, should you need them.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
This hybrid offers some excellent motion absorption despite the springs in its construction.
Cooling: 3.5/5
The Signature Hybrid felt just okay during our temperature regulation test, but some hot sleepers may prefer a more actively cooling bed.
Response: 4/5
The Signature Hybridโs soft cover layer might make it challenging for some combination sleepers to move around, but you should still get some bounce from the coils.
Edge Support: 3.4/5
We noticed quite a bit of sinkage during our weighted edge support test, but the perimeter does help you โbounceโ to your feet.
Pressure Relief: 4.8/5
The soft cushioning of the Signature Hybrid makes it a good option for back and side sleepers.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid falls right at the industry standard of medium-firm.
Tester Notes
Expert mattress tester Riley Otis liked this mattress on her side and back, particularly the latter. โIt has that balanced feel that lands right in the medium-firm range, which I think a lot of back sleepers will appreciate,โ she said. โI also noticed some solid contouring through my lower back, which helped fill in that space and keep everything properly supported. If lumbar support is a priority, this one delivers.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | excellent | excellent | good |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has everything you could want in a hybrid mattress, with a few extra touches to make it feel super comfortable and luxurious. Its biggest draw is its thick, plush pillow top, which expertly contours and relieves pressure. This should benefit those with OSA who need to sleep on their side.
This mattress is available in multiple firmness options, though the Medium is best for sleepers who like a balanced feel. This bed also boasts excellent motion isolation and a bit of bounce. However, its cooling capability leaves something to be desired.
Choose the Signature Hybrid if โฆ
- You switch between multiple positions. The Medium Signature Hybrid has a versatile medium-firm feel and good bounce from its coils, which is good news for combination sleepers looking to compromise.
- Youโre a light sleeper that shares the bed. For a bed with coils, the Signature Hybrid expertly stifles movement. It earned an impressive 4.7 out of 5 in motion isolation.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You want a mattress that feels icy-cool. The Signature Hybrid felt temperature-neutral during our tests, so it may not cause you to overheat, but donโt expect active cooling.
- You use your mattress as a second chair. When our testers sat on the edge of the Signature Hybrid, the bed sank significantly beneath their weight. If you frequently sit on the edge of your bed and want security, the Saatva Classic has your name on it.
For more information about this bed, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review.
Saatva Classic โ Best Innerspring Mattress for Sleep Apnea
The Saatvaโs coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. Itโs a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling โstuckโ 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:
โI 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.โ โ Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why Itโs the Best Innerspring Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- The Saatva Classic features two coil layers: a traditional innerspring unit and a layer of individually wrapped coils, creating double the support for the spine.
- This mattress earned high marks for its edge support and responsiveness, also the result of its innerspring construction.
- Another bonus is Saatvaโs generous 365-night sleep trial, meaning you get ample time to determine if this mattress helps your OSA.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 2.7/5
Our tester could feel a lot of his partnerโs movement on the Saatva.
Cooling: 4/5
This bed has a temperature-neutral feel.
Response: 5/5
The Saatvaโs innerspring feel makes it super bouncy and easy to move around on.
Edge Support: 4.8/5
The perimeter of the Saatva Classic is rock-solid.
Pressure Relief: 4/5
Pressure relief is better for back sleepers than side sleepers on this bed.
Firmness: 7.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic has a firmer feel.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
โI donโt typically like innersprings, but this is great,โ noted Dr. Joe Tedesco as he rested on the Saatva Classic. โThis is a catch-all, good mattress,โ he added. โItโs very comfortable to lie on, and I feel a lot of support.โ He gave the bed high marks for all sleeping positions, though paid particular attention to stomach sleeping, saying he didnโt have the โanterior pelvic tiltโ you see in most beds โ which can lead to lower back pain.
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | unpleasant | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | good |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
Our Expert Opinion
The Saatva Classic is one of our favorites to recommend: a luxury mattress with a traditional innerspring feel. Its two coil units provide excellent support and alignment, while its plush pillow-top cushions and contours. If you like a bouncy, sturdy bed, itโs the one for you.
Regardless of which firmness you choose, youโll enjoy a slightly firmer, lifted sleep surface that should keep sleepers with OSA properly aligned. However, couples who share the bed with a particularly rowdy partner or pet will want a mattress with better motion isolation.
Choose the Saatva if โฆ
- You like to customize your mattress. The Saatva Classic is available in three firmness options and two heights, which should let you tailor the bed to your preferences and needs.
- You like a bed with plenty of bounce. The best part of the Saatva is its extra-bouncy feel. Youโll be able to launch across the surface like an astronaut on the moon.
Keep looking if โฆ
- Youโre a traditional memory foam fan. Though it has a dense pillow top, the Saatva doesnโt offer much sinkage. Youโll get plenty of cushioning, but you wonโt feel โhuggedโ by the bed.
- Youโre easily awoken by your bedmate. We could feel every little movement on the Saatva Classic. If youโre a light sleeper, Iโd recommend something with better motion isolation, like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.
For more information about this bed, read our full Saatva mattress review.
Nolah Natural โ Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Sleep Apnea
The Nolah Natural is made with eco-friendly Talalay latex and supportive coils. This mattress has GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic wool, cotton, natural latex, and recycled steel. The latex makes this mattress responsive, which is great for couples and combination sleepers. This material is also naturally hypoallergenic and cooling, which can help hot sleepers prevent overheating. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
โIt has a very soft, plush feel that provides you some cushioning as well. Iโd say youโre going to feel more โon topโ of this bed than โin itโ โ thanks to its bouncy latex.โ โ Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor.
Why Itโs the Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- The Nolah Natural features organic latex, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic wool, GOTS-certified cotton, and recycled steel coils โ all of which should keep allergies at bay.
- The Natural 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.
- At 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, the Nolah Natural has a true medium-firm feel, which can accommodate many different sleep styles.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 2/5
Youโll likely feel all of your partnerโs movements on this mattress.
Cooling: 3.5/5
Our tester could feel the mattress warming up beneath her, though it never got uncomfortable.
Response: 5/5
Latex and coils make the Nolah Natural exceptionally bouncy.
Edge Support: 4.8/5
Our tester only noticed some sinkage when sitting directly on the bedโs edge.
Pressure Relief: 4.2/5
Both back and side sleepers should feel comfortable on the Nolah Natural.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Nolah Natural has a true medium-firm feel.
Tester Notes
The Nolah Natural earned praise from all our pressure relief testers, but our heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes gave the bed a 5-out-of-5 rating for back sleeping. โEverything feels aligned, and thereโs a good amount of cushioning at the lower back,โ he said. โIt feels like my weight is being evenly distributed.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | excellent | excellent | good |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | good |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Our Expert Opinion
Latex beds like the Nolah Natural are a popular choice for sleepers with allergies. This is thanks to latexโs organic origins and antimicrobial effect. They also make for supportive yet bouncy beds, which could benefit sleepers with OSA who find themselves misaligned on their current mattress.
The Nolah Natural is a springy, medium-firm bed that should suit a variety of sleeping positions and body types. However, as is a concern with most latex beds, itโs likely too bouncy to properly absorb motion.
Choose the Nolah Natural if โฆ
- Youโre a combination sleeper. Latex has a buoyant feel that makes moving around on the surface easy and seamless. Switching positions will feel simple on the Nolah Natural.
- You like to spread out on your mattress. For a latex mattress, we were quite impressed with the Nolah Naturalโs edge support. We only noticed a bit of compression when seated on the edge โ and no wobbling, which we usually see from latex beds.
Keep looking if โฆ
- Youโre a light sleeper. Because of the Nolah Naturalโs bounce, we donโt recommend it to sleepers who share the bed. It amplifies movement more than stifling it.
- You want a bed with active cooling. Latex naturally has some breathability, but the lack of cooling features on this bed means it feels temperature-neutral at best. For a bed with better cooling, check out the Bear Original.
For more information about this bed, read our full Nolah Natural mattress review.
Plank Firm โ Best Firm Mattress for Sleep Apnea
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isnโt for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
โI think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.โ โ Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why Itโs the Best Firm Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress that offers two firmness levels: Firm (7 out of 10 on our scale) and Extra-Firm (9 out of 10).
- Heavyweight sleepers and stomach sleepers with sleep apnea will best benefit from the bedโs extra-supportive, firm feel.
- Surprisingly, the Extra-Firm side stood out in key performance areas, such as cooling, edge support, and motion isolation, scoring 4 or higher in each category.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
The extra-firm side of the mattress performed well in both our motion isolation tests.
Cooling: 4.5/5
Our testers thought the Plank Firm felt temperature-neutral overall.
Response: 5/5
Our testers found it was relatively seamless to move around on the bedโs firm, springy surface.
Edge Support: 4.4/5
The edges of the Plank only sagged when we put our full weight on the edge of the mattress in our seated test.
Pressure Relief: 3/5
The firmness of this bed doesnโt offer much in the way of pressure relief, whether you choose the firm or extra-firm side.
Firmness: 7-9/10
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress that features both a firm side and an extra-firm side.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
Poor posture or spinal misalignment can exacerbate both back pain and OSA. The good news is that Dr. Joe Tedesco thinks the Firm side of the Plank can help with that. โMy pelvis, hips, and spine are in a neutral position,โ he said while testing the Plank Firm. โPeople with back pain who are back sleepers will feel supported and neutral.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | good | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | good |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
Our Expert Opinion
If youโve been let down by so-called firm mattresses, the Plank Firm may be the answer to your prayers. This flippable foam bed offers a firm and extra-firm side to provide the extra support heavyweight and stomach sleepers with OSA need to get comfortable.
The Plank Firmโs firmness also gives it a leg up in responsiveness and edge support, giving the bed some extra bounce and a sturdy shape. Of course, super-firm beds arenโt for everyone. Some lightweight sleepers or side sleepers with sensitive joints may want something softer.
Choose the Plank Firm if โฆ
- You move around a lot in your sleep. The Plank Firmโs extra-firm feel means thereโs virtually no sinkage on this bedโs surface. That means you wonโt feel โstuckโ when you toss and turn.
- You weigh more than 230 pounds. This firmness also gives heavyweight sleepers the extra support they need. If you find yourself sinking too far into mattresses, it shouldnโt be an issue on the Plank Firm.
Keep looking if โฆ
- Youโre unsure about a firm bed. We canโt stress enough that this bed is firm. If you want something with a bit more give, opt for a medium-firm mattress, like the DreamCloud.
- Youโre a side sleeper with hip or shoulder pain. While some of our testers surprisingly found side-sleeping comfortable on this bed, we wouldnโt recommend it if you have sensitive hips or shoulders. Youโll need something with more cradling around these sensitive areas.
For more information about this bed, read our full Plank Firm mattress review.
Titan Plus Core โ Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. Itโs firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
โI think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.โ โ Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why Itโs the Best Mattress for Heavy People with Sleep Apnea
- The Titan Plus Coreโs 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 and preventing throat collapse.
- It also scored 4s and above in every testing category, including a 4.3 out of 5 for pressure relief and a 5-out-of-5 stars for responsiveness.
- Though specifically designed for sleepers with larger frames, anyone who likes a firmer feel to their bed can enjoy this mattress.
How Did It Perform During Testing?
Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Our testers were impressed by how the Core dampened motion and prevented it from rippling across the bedโs surface.
Cooling: 4/5
The innerspring coils and GlacioTex cooling cover give this mattress a temperature-regulating edge.
Response: 5/5
The sturdy innerspring coils make the surface of this mattress highly responsive and easy to move around on.
Edge Support: 4/5
We found minimal sinkage near the perimeter of the Titan, meaning it is a good pick for sleepers who rest on the edge.
Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
While most sleepers should experience solid pressure relief, those with sensitive joints may experience some buildup.
Firmness: 7.5/10
The Titan Plus Coreโs heavy-duty construction is quite firm compared to most mattresses.
Dr. Tedescoโs Notes
Dr. Joe Tedesco believed that heavyweight back sleepers would feel the most comfortable on the Titan Plus Core. โOn the side, I donโt know if they would find it soft enough on the shoulders, hips, and ankles because theyโll push harder into the layers,โ he explained. But when he rested on his back, he liked the bedโs supportive, firm feel. โOrthopedically, itโs doing what itโs supposed to do โ Iโm not uncomfortable, and thereโs no pressure buildup.โ
How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130 lbs) | good | good | excellent |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | good | excellent | excellent |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130 lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | good |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 230 lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | good |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
Our Expert Opinion
The Titan Plus line was made for sleepers with bigger bodies who found that traditional beds didnโt properly support their weight. The flagship mattress is a good place to start on the road to better alignment and better sleep. Heavyweight sleepers may have a higher risk of OSA, so a bed that suits their needs is a must.
The Titan Plus Core is a firmer, bouncy bed that still relieves pressure and isolates motion. Itโs a good match for stomach sleepers of all sizes, but shoppers who like a softer bed with a lot of give may find the Titan a bit unyielding.
Choose the Titan Plus Core if โฆ
- Youโre a stomach sleeper of any size. Our lightweight and average-weight testers found comfort in this position, as it kept their hips lifted. They noted that someone with a bigger chest may even feel a good amount of pressure relief in this position.
- You want a great mattress for sex. The Titan Plus Core is plenty bouncy, and its sturdy construction means it can handle the main event.
Keep looking if โฆ
- You like a softer mattress. While the Titan Plus Core has a pillow top, we wouldnโt call it particularly soft. Youโll get the cushion you need, but expect to feel more โon topโ of the bed.
- Youโre a lightweight sleeper with joint pain. Similarly, these sleepers will need plenty of sinkage around the bony areas of their body. They wonโt get that. Instead, I recommend the Helix Midnight for these sleepers.
For more information about this bed, read our full Titan Plus Core mattress review.
Latest Updates: In August of 2026, we gave this page some major surgery, including a formatting refresh and updates to reflect re-testing of our top picks. Our panel remains the same, though now it features our easier-to-understand mini review format, which will help you find the best mattresses for sleep apnea without the hassle.
Other Mattresses I Considered
While they didnโt make the final cut for the top spots, these two mattresses stood out in testing. They offer consistent support and helpful features that can contribute to a more restful, uninterrupted nightโs sleep.
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Elite
The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Elite is a robust 14.5-inch hybrid mattress designed for sleepers with bigger bodies. During testing, I found it excels in three key areas that are especially important for people with sleep apnea: cooling, edge support, and motion isolation. Its firm, supportive feel helps maintain spinal alignment and airway openness, particularly for back and stomach sleepers. I didnโt place it on the main list because itโs on the pricier side as the most upscale model in the Titan line.
Saatva Rx
The Saatva Rx is a high-end luxury mattress designed with sturdy, therapeutic support at the forefront. The Rx is a strong option for folks with sleep apnea, especially those who sleep on their stomachs or struggle with back pain. Its responsive, zoned construction helps maintain optimal spinal alignment and can assist in keeping the upper body elevated, which may reduce airway obstruction during sleep. That said, its steep price (over $3,000 for a queen) ultimately kept it off the main list in favor of the more affordable but still supportive Saatva Classic.
How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea
Since this condition often requires specific sleep conditions and stable body alignment, we prioritized features that promote open airways, reduce movement-related disruptions, and prevent overheating. We assessed each mattress using targeted tests to evaluate support, pressure relief, and motion isolation.
Key Testing Categories for Sleep Apnea
Support
A mattress with consistent support is crucial for people with sleep apnea, as many need something that offers enough support to keep them lifted and their airways unblocked. To gauge whether a mattress is supportive, our testers evaluate their spinal alignment when they rest on their side, back, and stomach. If their spine remains in its natural S-curve position, itโs a supportive bed.
Ideally, this level of support should extend to the edges. This isnโt just ideal for sleepers with sleep apnea who like to spread out on their mattress; we also consider it a marker that a bed wonโt sag.
To evaluate edge support, our testers sit and lie along the perimeter of each mattress, observing how well it holds up under pressure. We pay close attention to how stable and secure the edge feels when transitioning between sitting and lying down, which helps us understand how supportive it will be in everyday use. In another test to see how the support fares for different body types, we place weights on top of each other directly on the perimeter of the bed, then measure the sinkage using a tape measure.
Our average edge support rating for the hundreds of mattresses weโve tested is 4 out of 5. In the table below, you can see which mattresses scored the highest. Some softer beds and those made out of memory foam (like the Nectar Premier) will naturally have lower scores because of their squishiness.
How the Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea Scored in Edge Support
| Mattress | Edge Support Score |
| Helix Midnight | 4.4 |
| Nectar Premier | 3.6 |
| DreamCloud | 4 |
| WinkBed Plus | 4.2 |
| Bear Original | 4.2 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | 3.4 |
| Saatva | 4.8 |
| Nolah Natural | 4.8 |
| Plank Firm | 4.4 |
| Titan Plus | 4 |
Pressure Relief
We perform a pressure relief test to measure how well a mattress reduces pressure on key body parts and minimizes pain. Using a specialized pressure-mapping mat, we capture data in pounds per square inch (PSI), which we use to calculate an overall pressure relief score. Based on our long-term testing, the average PSI is 15.1 for back sleeping and 12.6 for side sleeping.
The map also records digital thermal readings that reveal where pressure builds up when someone lies on the bed. By placing this mat on the mattress and testing it in different sleeping positions, we can see how much support and relief each mattress provides.
Each of our testers represents the three weight categories (lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight) and rates how they feel when resting on their back and side. This score is then averaged into our total pressure relief rating. If a certain position or body type is better than the others, this can skew the overall rating.
Our average rating for pressure relief overall is 3.8 out of 5, from a side-sleeper rating of 3.5 and a back-sleeper rating of 4. We aim to include mattresses that score around or above this metric, but not all beds are created equal. Below, you can see how our picks compare to the competition.
How the Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea Scored in Pressure Relief
| Mattress | Pressure Relief Score |
| Helix Midnight | 4.3 |
| Nectar Premier | 4.2 |
| DreamCloud | 4.4 |
| WinkBed Plus | 4.7 |
| Bear Original | 3.2 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | 4.8 |
| Saatva | 4 |
| Nolah Natural | 4.2 |
| Plank Firm | 3.1 |
| Titan Plus | 4.3 |
Motion Isolation
For people with sleep apnea, uninterrupted rest becomes even more important. Sharing a bed with a partner who moves around at night can be especially challenging. A mattress with low motion transfer can reduce disturbances from a restless partner, helping sleep apnea sufferers stay asleep longer and avoid additional awakenings that disrupt their already fragmented rest.
To judge this category, a fellow tester and I lie on the mattress together and take turns switching sleeping positions to see how much movement we feel on the opposite side. This test helps us assess how well the mattress absorbs motion during real-life scenarios.
Next, we place a full tub of water on one side of the bed and move around near it. If the water stays still or barely ripples, itโs a strong sign that the mattress isolates motion well, ideal for light sleepers and couples alike.
These two tests factor into our overall motion isolation score. Looking at the hundreds of beds weโve tested, the average motion isolation is about 4 out of 5. The majority of the beds we recommend for sleep apnea scored at or above this number โ save for a few outliers.
How the Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea Scored in Motion Isolation
| Mattress | Motion Isolation Score |
| Helix Midnight | 4 |
| Nectar Premier | 4.2 |
| DreamCloud | 4.7 |
| WinkBed Plus | 4.3 |
| Bear Original | 4.7 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | 4.7 |
| Saatva | 2.7 |
| Nolah Natural | 2 |
| Plank Firm | 4 |
| Titan Plus | 4.3 |
Other Tests
If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your mattress can help or hurt your overall sleep quality. The right bed can support healthier sleep posture, reduce disruptions, and work with other treatment options like using a CPAP machine or elevated head positions.
The most important thing to consider is your preferred firmness. We rate firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Most mattresses on the market are medium-firm, or 6.5 out of 10. However, your sleeping position and body weight can affect this recommendation; softer beds can work better for side sleepers and those under 130 pounds, while a firmer mattress may better support those who weigh over 230 pounds or rest on their stomach.
Other performance factors could also be of interest, depending on how you sleep. Are you constantly overheating? It might be time for a cooling mattress. Fan of a bouncy bed? A high responsiveness score means itโs easier to move around on. The good news is that our tests cover just about everything you could want to know about a mattress, so you can make an informed decision about the best mattress for your needs.
What is the Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea?
The best mattress for sleep apnea will likely depend on your unique needs and preferences, as itโs rare to find a one-size-fits-all bed. But if youโre looking for somewhere to start, our favorite mattress for sleep apnea is the Helix Midnight. This is a medium-firm hybrid that balances both softness and support, and its well-rounded performance in our tests means it should satisfy many shoppersโ requirements.
What Type of Mattress is Best for Sleep Apnea?
Since sleeping on your side is the best position for sleep apnea, we recommend sleeping on a mattress with at least one layer of memory foam or latex โ ideally a hybrid with a coil unit. These materials will help keep your body in proper alignment and alleviate pressure to help you sleep comfortably.
Can the Wrong Mattress Cause Sleep Apnea?
Itโs unlikely that your mattress is the reason behind your sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by a number of factors, like your weight, age, or even the shape of your mouth. Central sleep apnea is rarer and further removed from your mattress, seen in sleepers with certain neurological disorders, physiologic conditions, or even side effects from long-term medication use. While itโs not the culprit, the wrong mattress can worsen your symptoms if itโs not properly supporting you or affecting your rest.
Can a Bad Mattress Worsen Sleep Apnea?
A mattress thatโs ill-suited to your needs could very well make sleep apnea symptoms worse. If your mattress doesnโt keep you in the proper alignment, it can compromise your airways. On top of that, an uncomfortable mattress can make it harder to fall asleep; combined with sleep apneaโs effects, this will only worsen your sleep quality.
Should I Use an Adjustable Base if I Have Sleep Apnea?
Adjustable bed frames can be especially beneficial for people with OSA. Raising the head of the bed helps prevent the airway from collapsing by positioning the upper body at an incline. This elevation can reduce the frequency and severity of apnea episodes, particularly for those who struggle with back sleeping or nasal congestion.
References
- Cartwright, R. D. (1984). Effect of Sleep Position on Sleep Apnea Severity. Sleep, 7(2), 110โ114. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/7.2.110
- Muza, R. T. (2015). Central sleep apnoeaโa clinical review. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 7(5), 930โ937. https://doi.org/10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.04.45