Best Orthopedic Mattress

Written by Logan Block, Former Mattress Reviewer

Our Methodology

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

Just Updated

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

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Healthy sleep is an important aspect of well-being and quality of life. But a good night of slumber can be difficult if you suffer from back, hip, or other types of orthopedic pain. So, how do you choose the best orthopedic mattress, especially when there are so many options out there? Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches is here to help. Despite the abundance of choices, the process doesn’t have to be confusing. We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best orthopedic mattresses to help you select a bed that mitigates discomfort and promotes better slumber.

Our Top Pick for Orthopedic Mattresses

Nectar ranks first on this list since it offers a balanced mix of pressure relief and support to help you maintain a healthy spinal alignment while sleeping. This is crucial when it comes to alleviating pain.

Best Orthopedic Mattress 2024

• Best Overall – Nectar
• Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain – Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
• Best Orthopedic Mattress for Kids – DreamCloud Premier
• Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight
• Best Orthopedic Innerspring Mattress – WinkBed
• Best Orthopedic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers – Saatva
• Best Orthopedic Mattress for the Money – Nolah Signature
• Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Sleepers – Bear Elite Hybrid
• Best Orthopedic Hybrid Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

What We Look For In The Best Orthopedic Mattresses

Support and Thickness

We know that one of your top priorities when looking for an orthopedic mattress is how supportive it is. Because of this, we made sure to pay special attention to how supportive and thick each of the mattresses on this list are. We did this by looking inside each mattress to examine the layers of foam or springs in each mattress, and find out more about the construction so you can be sure you are getting the most supportive and thick orthopedic mattress.

Motion Isolation

In addition to being sure the mattresses on this list are supportive and thick enough, we also tested for motion isolation to make sure you are getting a restful night’s sleep without being disturbed by movement in the bed. We performed tests for motion-isolating properties, which are our ball drop test where we measure the movement felt with a seismograph and our red wine test where we see if a glass of red wine tips when we move on the mattress.

Durability

When you are looking for a good orthopedic mattress, one thing you might be thinking about is how durable the mattress is. Because of this, we made sure to test for durable and quality materials in all of the mattresses on this list.

Best Overall – Nectar

Expert Opinion

If you struggle with orthopedic pain, you’re going to want a mattress that cushions the joints, but also has enough support to keep your spine in proper alignment. We think the all-foam Nectar should be a good fit for this, thanks to its thick layer of memory foam at the top (which provides plenty of contouring) and its layer of high-density support foam at the bottom (which provides a sturdy foundation). Overall, we rated it a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale — soft, but not too soft.

We run all of our mattresses through a test called the pressure map, where we spread a specialized mat across the bed. We then lie down on it, and the mat uses thermal imaging to create a “map” of our bodies that shows how much pressure is being exerted while we rest. On the Nectar, the map showed primarily blue and green for both back and side sleeping. So we think this should be a fantastic mattress for these sleeping positions (more on that in the Pros section below).

What our tester says: “Memory foam lovers should be happy on the Nectar. This bed has a classic memory foam feel, so there’s lots of sinkage, contouring, and pressure relief. This can be great for anyone with shoulder pain or hip pain since it gives them cushioning at sensitive pressure points.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

At the time of this writing, there are nearly 53,000 reviews for the Nectar on the brand’s website, and it has an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Pros of the Nectar

• Side sleepers need pressure relief at the shoulders and hips — the parts of the body where they put the most pressure. A pressure-relieving mattress like the Nectar should give them all the contouring they need.
• The Nectar’s bottom layer of high-density support foam should help back sleepers maintain a neutral spinal alignment.
• For a high-quality memory foam mattress, the Nectar is very affordable, with a queen size often available for under $1,000 after discounts.

Cons of the Nectar

• Larger sleepers over 250 pounds will most likely want a firmer and more supportive mattress.

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

Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain – Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

Expert Opinion

With their Memory Foam Hybrid mattress, Saatva created a bed that has a little bit of everything. Up top, two layers of memory foam provide some plushness while keeping cool with infusions of gel. When we lie down on our back, we sink in just enough to get some pressure relief at the lumbar region. At same time, an extra-tall layer of coils at the bottom of the mattress keeps us lifted and supported. Sleepers with back pain should get the support they need to keep a healthy spinal alignment.

To show in real time how this mattress works with our bodies, our team at Sleepopolis put the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid through our pressure map test. This involves spreading a mat across the mattress surface. This mat tracks areas of high and low pressure using our body temperature. On our map, it reflects heavier pressure buildup with red or orange, moderate pressure buildup with yellow, and little to no pressure with green and blue. In the case of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid, we found overall low pressure (mostly blue and some green) in the back- and side-sleeping positions. While side sleeping, there was a touch of yellow at the shoulder and hip, but we feel that those with joint pain should still be comfortable on this mattress.

What our tester says: “I really enjoyed how this mattress felt laying on my back and side. I was so comfortable and loved the medium-firm feel that had a touch of softness. I think the foam layers offered a contouring feeling while also making me feel supported.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Folks with back pain and joint pain report that the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid either helped alleviate or completely do away with their discomfort.

Pros of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

• Combination sleepers should love this bed since the responsiveness makes it easy to change positions.
• The mattress has a hypoallergenic cover that’s unlikely to activate anyone’s allergies.
• The bed’s responsiveness makes the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid a good mattress for sex. And for a hybrid, it’s good at isolating motion. You and your partner are unlikely to be woken up by each other’s movements.

Cons of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

• This mattress is probably too soft for strict stomach sleepers. These folks tend to need more support to keep their hips from sinking too far into the bed, which can throw the spine out of alignment.

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

Best Orthopedic Mattress for Kids – DreamCloud Premier

Expert Opinion

As kids get older, their bodies constantly change, often resulting in growing pains. The hybrid DreamCloud Premier could be a good sleep remedy to this, as it combines several layers of foam (each with a different density and firmness) with a sturdy layer of individually wrapped coils. Children should get contouring from the top of the mattress, while also getting the stronger support they need from the springs as they grow. Each coil is individually wrapped, allowing them all to move independently and conform to your body. When we laid down on the bed’s surface, we could feel the coils adapting to the curve of our back.

Looking at our pressure map, we saw almost no pressure buildup in the back-sleeping position. This tells us that the DreamCloud Premier should be soft and pressure relieving enough to fill in the lumbar region and consequently ease back pain for many back sleepers. Stomach-sleeping kids should also be comfortable. However, we do think that young side sleepers with back pain will do better on a softer mattress, as they need additional pressure relief to ease the joints, specifically the shoulder and hip.

What our tester says: “I really appreciate that the DreamCloud isolates motion well despite its bounce. That, plus its firm edge support, makes me think most couples will also be fans of this DreamCloud.” – Zoe Ettinger, former Sleepopolis editor and mattress tester

What Customers Say

Shoppers report that the shipping time was fast, and any returns came through quickly as well. This is great for those wanting some great customer service, or for those needing a mattress as soon as possible.

Pros of the DreamCloud Premier

• The coils leave plenty of space for airflow, and there’s also a soft cashmere-blend cover to help young sleepers stay cool at night.
• The DreamCloud Premier has exceptional edge support, allowing you to comfortably spread out and sleep near the end of the bed. When paired with the bed’s responsiveness (a key factor for certain sexual activities), this makes the DreamCloud Premier one of the best mattresses for couples.
• Combination sleepers should have no problem changing their sleeping position on the DreamCloud Premier, mostly due to the responsiveness of the coils.

Cons of the DreamCloud Premier

• Because of all of the layers, DreamCloud mattresses may often feel heavier to move than other beds.

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

Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight

Expert Opinion

Side sleepers who struggle with orthopedic pain should seek out a mattress that’s soft enough to relieve tension at their shoulders and hips, but supportive enough to keep their spine neutrally aligned. They should find this delicate balance in the Helix Midnight, a hybrid bed with a slightly softer feel. When we laid down on our side, we got a decent amount of contouring without ever feeling like we were going to sink too far into the mattress’ layers.

While resting on our side on top of the pressure map, we saw mostly blue and green appear on the device, with a bit of yellow at the hip and shoulder. This isn’t exactly surprising, as the hip and shoulder are the most common areas for pressure buildup while side sleeping. From these results, we think that most side sleepers should be comfortable, even folks with hip and shoulder pain. If you have super severe pain issues, it might be worth investing in a mattress topper or selecting a softer mattress.

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

What Customers Say

Lots of folks mention that the Helix Midnight is a great mattress for their back pain. Other customers speak highly of the Helix Midnight’s Luxe version, which includes a pillow top and additional cooling features for a higher price.

Pros of the Helix Midnight

• All of Helix’s hybrid mattresses have a lot of airflow due to the layer of coils. If you sleep especially hot, you may want to pay extra for the Helix Midnight Luxe, the bed’s luxury upgrade that includes a soft and breathable Tencel cover.
• Couples should appreciate the Helix Midnight’s cooling capabilities. The mattress is also good at isolating motion, so partners shouldn’t be woken up by each other’s movements.
• Like side sleepers, back sleepers should love the Helix Midnight’s blend of comfort and support.

Cons of the Helix Midnight

• Stomach sleepers usually need a firmer and more supportive mattress to keep their hips from bowing and throwing their spine out of alignment.

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

Best Orthopedic Innerspring Mattress – WinkBed

Expert Opinion

Innerspring mattresses tend to offer more support than other beds because they have so many coils. When we lie down on the WinkBed, for instance, we get a very “on-top-of-the-bed” feel from its springs. This is key to helping sleepers maintain a neutral spinal alignment, which can help address orthopedic pain throughout the body. The mattress is available in three different firmness levels: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. There’s also the WinkBed Plus, which is designed for sleepers over 250 pounds, although it is a bit more expensive.

To take our testing to the next level, we tried out the WinkBed’s edge support. By edge support, we mean the strength of a mattress’s perimeter. A bed with good edge support doesn’t cave in too much while sitting or lying down on the edges. This allows sleepers to maximize the mattress surface area, which is useful for keeping folks supported while sleeping toward the edge of the mattress. We found that the WinkBed has great edge support, as the perimeter of the mattress doesn’t collapse when sit on the end of the bed.

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

What Customers Say

A number of shoppers comment how the process of ordering and receiving this mattress was smooth and efficient. There are several positive notes customers make about WinkBed’s customer service. Representatives seem happy to provide mattress knowledge and seem to be quick to issue refunds.

Pros of the WinkBed

• Because there are several different models, there’s a WinkBed for everyone. We recommend the Softer model for side sleepers, Luxury Firm for back sleepers, and Firmer for stomach sleepers.
• The coils in the WinkBed are extra-tall and leave a lot of room for air to flow through the mattress’s construction.
• Even the Softer model of the WinkBed has a bouncy and responsive feel, which makes it easy for combo sleepers to change their sleeping position.

Cons of the WinkBed

• There isn’t a lot of contouring and sinkage on the WinkBed, so if you love that classic feeling of memory foam, you’ll probably want another mattress.

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

Best Orthopedic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers – Saatva

Expert Opinion

Of all the sleeping positions, stomach sleepers often have the hardest time finding a comfortable mattress, as they put more pressure on a bed’s layers than side sleepers and back sleepers, and thus require more support. However, they should get what they need on the Saatva, which has two layers of coil for a traditional innerspring feel. When we tested out the bed in the stomach-sleeping position, we felt our hips lifted and aligned with our shoulders — the key for these folks to prevent orthopedic pain.

We should note that the Saatva comes in three different firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested out the Luxury Firm and found it to be a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which is the industry standard for medium firm. Stomach sleepers with orthopedic pain might be better off on the Firm model, although they might not get quite as much pressure relief.

What our tester says: “I think a lot of stomach sleepers should be happy on the Luxury Firm model, but I’d recommend trying the Firm model if you’re a strict stomach sleeper. A firm mattress helps keep the hips and shoulders aligned, which is important for avoiding back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

What Customers Say

On the Saatva website, there are nearly 3,500 reviews for the brand’s flagship mattress, and it has an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. 63 of these reviews specifically talk about stomach sleeping, with 57 being perfect five-star ratings.

Pros of the Saatva

• Because of the different firmness levels, there’s a Saatva for everyone: side sleepers should opt for the Plush Soft and back sleepers should go for the Luxury Firm.
• All of the springs in the Saatva give it a bouncy, responsive construction that makes it easy for combination sleepers to switch sleeping positions.
• The coils also leave plenty of room for airflow in the Saatva, allowing it to sleep cool. This is a plus for hot sleepers.

Cons of the Saatva

• Although it’s fairly affordable for a luxury mattress, the Saatva is still going to be more expensive than several of the other beds on this list.

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

Best Orthopedic Mattress for the Money – Nolah Signature

Expert Opinion

Even though the Nolah Signature is made entirely of foam, it has four separate layers, all with different functions. For instance, the top layer of foam is designed for cooling and comfort, with each progressive layer getting firmer and firmer. The result is a soft mattress that still has enough support to keep your orthopedic pain from worsening. And despite the dynamic construction — which contains several proprietary materials — a queen size can often be found for under $1,200 after discounts.

When we tested out the Nolah Signature, we scored it a 5.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, and experienced plenty of contouring, as well as deep pressure relief. This is a plus for anyone who struggles with orthopedic pain, as they’ll want a bed that can adequately cushion their joints.

What our tester says: “I think the Nolah Signature is a great choice for a lot of back and side sleepers. The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for these sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Although Nolah doesn’t say exactly how many customer reviews they have on their website, the Signature has an overall average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Many testimonials praise how comfortable the bed is for side sleepers.

Pros of the Nolah Signature

• Side sleepers should be very comfortable on the Nolah Signature, as the soft foams should give them the contouring they need at the shoulders and hips, where they put the most pressure.
• It’s also a good fit for back sleepers, as long as they prefer a soft mattress. The firmer foams should help keep their spine sufficiently supported.
• The top comfort layer of the Nolah Signature is made of AirFoam — Nolah’s more breathable alternative to memory foam. We found that it helped the Signature sleep fairly cool for an all-foam bed.

Cons of the Nolah Signature

• Stomach sleepers will probably need a mattress that’s firmer and more supportive than the Nolah Signature since they put more pressure on a bed than back sleepers or side sleepers.

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

Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Sleepers – Bear Elite Hybrid

Expert Opinion

Bear designs their mattresses with athletes in mind, so the brand has a lot of experience with addressing orthopedic pain. We think the Bear Elite Hybrid could be a good match for any back sleepers who struggle with joint and back pain, as the bed has a layer of individually wrapped coils for spinal support and two layers of foam (one of which is zoned) for relief in the lumbar region.

When we tested out the mattress, we got some contouring, along with a slight lift. Also, our pressure map showed all blue, meaning it put almost no pressure on our back whatsoever. We should also note that the bed is available in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm. We recommend Medium for back sleepers, but heavier sleepers might want to test out the firmest version for additional support.

What our tester says: “I honestly like a lot about the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress — starting with how you can choose your firmness level. I tested out the middle level (Medium) and I think it’s great that each sleeper can pick what option works best for them.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Many combination sleepers found the Bear Elite Hybrid’s feel and firmness to be effective when it comes to changing sleeping positions at night.

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid

• The Soft model could be comfortable for side sleepers and the Firm model could be comfortable for stomach sleepers.
• The Bear Elite Hybrid has several advanced cooling features, including phase change material in the cover and an infusion of copper in the foam. The springs also leave plenty of room for airflow.
• Overall, the Bear Elite Hybrid has a slightly softer feel, but it’s still responsive enough for combination sleepers to be able to switch positions.

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid

• Compared to Bear’s other models, the Elite Hybrid is significantly more expensive. So, it’s not the best option for those wanting a budget mattress.

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

Best Orthopedic Hybrid Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines cushioning foams with a support layer of pocketed coils. Overall, we found that the bed had a soft feel. When we tested it out, we felt ourselves sinking into the layers, getting a cuddly hug. We think this contouring could be especially helpful to sleepers who suffer from orthopedic hip and shoulder pain, as they tend to need a lot of pressure relief.

In our mattress lab, we tested the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe’s Medium version. Our pressure map test showed almost entirely blue while we laid on our backs. So, back sleepers with back pain or joint pain should receive plenty of pressure relief. While lying on our side, however, we did notice a bit more pressure buildup. The map showed a tinge of orange at the shoulder, and lots of yellow at the hip. So, while side sleepers who like a firmer feel should be alright, those who have joint pain or want more cushioning should opt for the Soft model.

What our tester says: “My favorite thing about this bed is how cooling it is. Even some of the best soft mattressestend to sleep a little hot because of the snuggly foams they use. The Aurora Luxe really solves this problem with Phase Change Material and breathable pocketed coils.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Customers are impressed with the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe’s overall value, saying that it’s a supportive, cooling, and high-quality mattress for a reasonable price.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

• The Aurora Luxe is offered in three different firmness levels and with an optional pillow top. So, sleepers of most body types and preferences can pick the best one for their personal sleep needs.
• Both the cover and the comfort layer are made with phase change material, which is cool to the touch and helps dissipate body heat. The coils also have plenty of room for airflow, further helping make the Aurora a cool-sleeping mattress.
• Even though this is a soft bed, it should be responsive enough for combination sleepers to change positions.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

• Heavy stomach sleepers over 250 pounds will probably need a firmer bed with more support.

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

What’s an Orthopedic Mattress?

Defined by Merriam-Webster, orthopedics is “a branch of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures (such as tendons and ligaments)” (1).

So, an orthopedic mattress is simply one designed to alleviate symptoms of those musculoskeletal injuries. The trouble lies in the question: is there a true orthopedic mattress? And while we can’t confirm whether or not there are any reliably certified “official orthopedic mattresses,” there are mattresses we’ve tested that follow guidelines and suggestions approved by our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta.

Orthopedic Mattress vs Normal Mattress

While we can’t endorse any of these beds as official orthopedic mattresses, there are some factors that separate what we consider to be a better mattress for orthopedic issues from a regular mattress. We believe the best orthopedic mattresses, including ones in this roundup, provide additional support for spinal alignment. They also offer sufficient pressure relief for any injuries or sensitive areas. But most importantly, we’ve hand-tested each of these factors in each of the mattresses featured in this roundup at our Sleepopolis mattress lab.

Should You Buy an Orthopedic Mattress?

This may seem like a fairly simple question with an obvious answer: get an orthopedic mattress if you’re having orthopedic issues, right? We’d like to argue that to some extent, everyone should have an orthopedic mattress, or at least one that represents the qualities we like to see in an orthopedic mattress.

Spinal alignment and musculoskeletal health are important for everyone, regardless of age and condition. However, a person with pre-existing issues might want to invest a little more in a mattress to really ensure they’re getting the most durable, best-quality materials. They should also consult with a doctor for guidance on best ways to manage their specific injuries, including recommendations for sleeping positions and additional strategies that may help, such as pillows or braces during sleep.

How We Test for the Best Orthopedic Mattress

When shopping for a mattress that can help maximize comfort, keep the following terms and information in mind:

Firmness

How We Rate Firmness

Mattress firmness is rated on a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The mattress industry standard for medium firm is 6.5.

Support & Edge Support

Firmness and support refer to different mattress characteristics. Firmness describes the degree of pushback and rigidity of the mattress surface, while support refers to structural features that help keep the spine aligned and the neck in a neutral position. These features typically include steel coils and/or foam layers.

Pressure Relief

We test for pressure relief by using a pressure map. We lay the mat onto the mattress and lay in it in all sleep positions. As you can see in the picture, it gives us a good read of where each mattress will or won’t relieve the pressure you need it to. Blue and green means that the mattress has great pressure relief, and yellow and red spots are where you might feel like you sink too much with no support. 

Cooling

When suffering with orthopedic pain, it is crucial you find a mattress that will not only support you through the night but will also keep you comfortable, and that includes keeping your temperature regulated. Many customers have found that when they are too hot during the night, they don’t sleep well as they are tossing and turning. We test for cooling using a thermal temperature gun on each mattress. Our testers lay on the mattress for a few minutes, and determine how fast the heat spreads through the bed before returning to its original temperature. As well as using our thermal gun results in each review, we recommend taking a close look at the mattress construction. Look out for gels, coils and breathable materials to guarantee you stay cool throughout the night. 

Orthopedic Pain and Sleep Positions

Now let’s look at another important part of choosing the right mattress: sleep position. Each sleep position has pros and cons that can impact spinal alignment and affect the health of the joints and spine. Let’s start with the most common of all the sleep positions.

Side Sleepers

Side sleeping is the most popular sleep position and may occur on either side. Some folks who sleep on their sides lie in a fetal-type position or with one or both legs down.

Pros:

• Sleeping on your side can prevent the tongue from falling into the throat, reducing the risk of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Left side sleeping can also reduce acid reflux by preventing acid from flowing into the esophagus.

Cons:

• Side sleeping can cause shoulder, arm, and/or hip pain due to pressure from the mattress and poor spinal alignment. Pressure on the jaw from sleeping on your side may result in jaw pain.

Mattress firmness is an important factor for side sleepers with orthopedic pain. A medium-soft mattress can provide pressure relief and prevent too much sinking. Larger-bodied folks who sleep on their sides may do best with a medium-firm mattress that prevents excessive sinkage and curvature of the spine.

Back Sleepers

Depending on certain circumstances, sleeping on the back is considered one of the healthiest sleeping positions. Back sleeping may be recommended for people with orthopedic conditions or after certain types of joint surgery.

Pros:

• Sleeping on the back keeps the neck and head in a neutral position and aligns the spine. Back sleeping also distributes body weight and minimizes tension on pressure points. Sleeping on the back can reduce pressure on the side and front of the hips, shoulders, and knees.

Cons:

• Back sleeping can cause the tongue to fall into the throat and increase the risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Also, some people find back sleeping uncomfortable, especially over long periods of time.

The right mattress for back sleepers with orthopedic pain is typically a medium-firm model that cushions the shoulders and hips and prevents gapping between the mattress and lower back. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, you may prefer a firmer mattress that prevents too much sinkage into the comfort layers.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping can put stress on the neck and spine, and is generally considered the least-healthy of the sleep positions.

Pros:

• Sleeping on the stomach can keep the tongue from blocking the airway and lower the risk of snoring and sleep apnea. It may also help clear the lungs during respiratory infections.

Cons:

• Stomach sleeping can cause poor back alignment and lead to muscle and joint pain.

Stomach sleepers who experience orthopedic pain should consider a firmer mattress to support the spine and reduce sinking of the torso. Heavier stomach sleepers typically feel more comfortable on a very firm mattress that helps to maintain spinal alignment and decrease neck strain.

Mattress Types For Orthopedic Mattresses

Let’s look at the pros and cons of the most common types of mattresses. Most of them can easily be found in stores, online, and as bed-in-a-box models.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a polyurethane foam that feels plush and conforms to the body. It’s available in a range of firmness options, from soft to extra firm.

Pros:

• Memory foam absorbs motion and decreases the transfer of motion between partners who share a bed.
• It’s responsive to body heat and is known for its ability to relieve pressure on the joints. This can be helpful for folks who suffer from orthopedic pain, particularly side sleepers.
• Memory foam mattresses are one of the most popular mattress materials and are now one of the most affordable.

Cons:

• Memory foam mattresses that don’t include innerspring or pocketed coils may not provide adequate support for folks who weigh more than 250 pounds.
• Some forms of memory foam retain body heat and make sleeping uncomfortable. This is less likely with newer forms such as those infused with gel and copper.
• Less edge support can cause sloping or poor spinal alignment for folks who sleep close to the edge of the mattress.

Latex

Latex foam is made from the sap of the rubber tree. Latex is a natural product with a quick response to pressure and a bouncier feel than memory foam.

Pros:

• Latex’s open-celled structure makes for natural ventilation and cooler sleeping.
• The material can be a good choice for people who suffer from orthopedic pain and prefer natural materials
• The natural buoyancy of latex can be helpful for stomach sleepers, who may sink too deeply into a memory or poly foam mattress.
• Latex comfort layers may be more supportive than memory or poly foam, and are a great option for heavier sleepers.

Cons:

• Latex is a natural material that requires harvesting. As a result, mattresses made from latex may be more expensive than memory or poly foam.
• Foam made from latex tends to transfer more motion between bed partners than memory foam.
• Latex doesn’t hug the body like memory foam, and may feel less comfortable to some sufferers of orthopedic pain.

Poly Foam

oly foam is made from polyurethane and has a quick response to pressure. The material is often used to support or complement memory foam or latex.

Pros:

• When used in a comfort layer, poly foam can offer pressure relief and cushioning for aching joints and muscles.
• The material can feel light and breathable, which may be a benefit for hot sleepers.
• Poly foam is often more affordable than other more durable mattress materials.

Cons:

• Less expensive poly foam can degrade quickly.
• Poly foam may have less of a responsive feel than memory foam, which conforms to the body and cradles joints.

Hybrid

Like an innerspring mattress, a hybrid utilizes a steel coil core for durability and structure, but adds memory foam, poly foam, and/or latex comfort layers for pressure relief and support. Innerspring mattresses are not typically recommended for folks who suffer from orthopedic pain, as they often sleep best on comfort layers that cushion the joints and muscles.

Pros:

• Hybrid mattresses contain pocketed coils, which are quieter and transfer less motion than traditional innersprings.
• The foam comfort layers of a hybrid can offer plush pressure relief for pain sufferers.
• Hybrid mattresses may be cooler than all-foam models and can be a good choice for folks who sleep warm.

Cons:

• The coil structure of a hybrid mattress may transfer motion, making it feel bouncier and disturbing to a bed partner.
• Hybrid mattresses may be heavier and more difficult to move.
• Less expensive hybrids may not be as durable as those made from pricier materials such as low-gauge steel coils and cooler memory foams.

Company Policies

Sleep Trials

A sleep trial refers to the amount of time a brand will allow for you to test the mattress and allows to return it at no extra cost. Each brand varies however the most common we see are 30,60 or 90 day sleep trials. This is especially important for sleepers experiencing orthopedic pain as you want to have the flexibility to test the mattress in your own home to make sure it relieves the pain you experience. 

Warranty

A mattress warranty refers to the amount of time a company is willing to replace your mattress if it “malfunctions” or doesn’t perform how its supposed to. This is extremely beneficial because it gives shoppers a general idea of how long the brand thinks the mattress will stay durable for. Each brand offers different warranties however we recommend looking at companies that offer a 10 year to lifetime warranty to get the most out of your mattress. 

Shipping & Handling

A common drawback we hear from shoppers if the extra shipping fee you have to pay when buying a mattress online. We have made sure that each mattress we recommend here offers free shipping so you don’t have to work that into your budget. Some companies do offer white glove delivery at an extra cost which includes delivering your mattress, setting it up for you in your room and even removing your old mattress. This service can be especially helpful for shoppers who don’t feel like they can carry the box upstairs or remove their old mattress. 

Pain and Sleep

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares specific guidelines for sleep requirements by age. Adults, or people over 18 years old, should be shooting for a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night (2).

If you’re suffering from pain problems, it makes it all the more difficult to reach these seven hours of restful sleep. And consequently, this lack of sleep can worsen pain. That makes it all the more important to find the right mattress for your sleeping position, body weight, personal preferences, and health needs.

The relationship between pain and sleep is commonly referred to as bi-directional, or even cyclical. As a Neuropsychopharmacology journal in the National Library of Medicine suggests, “Pain can be both a cause and a consequence of sleep deficiency” (3).

For Specific Orthopedic Conditions

Here’s a quick list of some of our favorite roundups and guides pertaining to specific areas of bone and joint pain.

• Best Mattress for Back Pain
• Guide to a Better Sleep With Low Back Pain
• Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
• Guide to a Better Sleep With Shoulder Pain
• Best Mattress for Hip Pain
• Guide to a Better Sleep With Hip Pain
• Best Mattress for Arthritis 
• Guide to a Better Sleep With Arthritis
• Best Mattress for Seniors

Finding the Best Value Orthopedic Mattress

Average Orthopedic Mattress Price

Most mattresses are around $1,500 for a queen. However, mattress prices vary widely, as they come in a variety of constructions and with different materials. For a good orthopedic mattress, we recommend ensuring that you purchase a durable mattress that provides the right balance of comfort and support. More sensitive conditions might require a pricier mattress with better materials. So, we’d estimate that an outstanding mattress for orthopedic issues will probably sit around $1,500–$2,000. 

For more information, check out our guide to find out how much you should spend on a mattress.

When to Buy a Mattress

There are typically sales going on for brands throughout most of the year. However, it’s around these holidays where the best price slashes take place:

• Presidents’ Day (February)
• Memorial Day (May)
• Labor Day (September)
• Cyber 5 (November)
• Christmas (December)

Coupons and Deals

If you’re ever wondering where you can find additional deals in the months between holiday sales, head on over to our Sleepopolis coupons page.

Last Word From Sleepopolis

Orthopedic pain doesn’t have to keep you awake. Pressure relief and support are key factors to remember when shopping for a mattress, along with primary sleep position. No matter what your budget or preference of mattress material, you can find a durable mattress that helps to mitigate pain and provide a great night’s sleep.

How We Chose These Mattresses

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

For the mattresses featured on this list, we’ve given special consideration to pressure relief, support, and overall comfort. All of the products scored at least a 4 out of 5 in each of these categories. Click here to learn more about our methodology. And if you’re still not sure of the right mattress at the end of this article, you can take our mattress quiz to be shown a selection of mattresses curated to your sleep preferences.

Best Orthopedic Mattresses of 2024

Sources

• Orthopedics. Merriam-Webster. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthopedics.
• How Much Sleep Do I Need. Harvard Health. September 14, 2022. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html.
• Haack, M., Simpson, N., Sethna, N., Kaur, S., & Mullington, J. Sleep deficiency and chronic pain: potential underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. Harvard Health. June 17, 2019. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6879497/.

Logan Block

Former Content Director

About Author

Logan is the former content director of Sleepopolis. As content director, he reviewed new mattresses every week and curated the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. Logan perfected his method by personally testing over 200 different mattresses, so he’s not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole.

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