During your search for the perfect mattress, you may have stumbled upon the phrase “zoned support.” We all know a mattress should be supportive, but what does it mean for it to be zoned? Just like people, no two mattresses are the same, and not all mattresses come with zoned support, or a zoned support system. Today, I’ll explain exactly what zoned support means, how it works, and if it could be right for you.
What is Zoned Support?
Zoned support is when a mattress has multiple firmness levels built into it, so it can support different areas of your body in different ways. The goal for every sleeping position is to keep the spine aligned to ensure good sleep posture. But in order to make that happen, different weight-bearing sections of your body, such as your hips, shoulder, and lumbar region, may require different levels of firmness to cater to their individual needs. To help with this, some mattresses are made up of different “zones,” with each zone having a different firmness level.
What Materials are Zoned Mattresses Made of?
Foam
Zoned mattresses are commonly made of foam (and there are several types of foam that can be used)! Even if it’s a hybrid mattress with different layers of various materials and coils, the layer designed for zoned support can be made of foam. The foam will have varying levels of firmness throughout different regions of the mattress. The all-foam Casper mattress is one of our favorites to recommend with this support.
Coils
Another material used for zoned support is coils. Similar to foam, the coils will vary in firmness throughout the mattress to help give your body perfect alignment. The Helix Luxe mattresses all have coiled zoned support and could be a good option for fans of this material. All Helix mattresses come in the standard model and luxe model.
Who Would Benefit From a Zoned Mattress?
This type of mattress could benefit anyone who tends to wake up with uncomfortable aches and pains, as it aims to help relieve muscle tension and pressure being placed on the joints. Below, I’ll go over how it could work with different sleeping positions.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers benefit from soft mattresses that cushion the shoulder and hip, and alleviate pressure in those areas. Zoned mattresses have zones specifically designed to target your shoulders and hips. The region where your shoulders make contact with the mattress will typically be made of a softer foam that is less firm than the rest of the mattress. If the foam surrounding this area is too firm, your joints will feel like they’re jamming into the mattress. A zoned mattress can cradle your shoulders while still providing enough sinkage at the hips to promote spinal alignment.
Stomach Sleepers
Just as the zones can benefit side sleepers, zoned mattresses can have zones that cater to your hip needs if they are firm enough. Unlike the shoulders, your hips tend to benefit more from a firmer mattress, especially when stomach sleeping. A firm zone can provide this area with the lift needed to achieve proper alignment all the way from your shoulders to your pelvis. The firmness in the hip region can prevent the hips from sinking in too much when you’re sleeping on your stomach and keep them aligned with the rest of your body. This will ultimately help prevent back pain.
Back Sleepers
Similar to stomach sleepers, back sleepers can benefit from zoned mattresses due to the firmness in the lumbar region. It’s imperative for back sleepers to maintain good spinal alignment and be supported throughout the night. This can help prevent lower back pain in the morning. Zoned mattresses will typically have a firmer material where your lower back lies to aid in this.
Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers are people who switch between multiple sleeping positions throughout the night. A zoned mattress can be a great option for combination sleepers. With a zoned mattress, combo sleepers can get the best of both worlds and be comfortable and supported no matter what position they find themselves in. At the end of the day, zoned mattresses work to align the spine and relieve pressure off the joints, so many sleepers do well on this type of mattress.
Body Weights And Heights
It’s important to note that depending on factors like your weight and height, a mattress can work differently for you than someone with a different body type. A mattress will typically feel firmer to people lighter in weight than it does to heavier people. Contrarily, a mattress will tend to feel softer to heavier people than it does to those who weigh less.
Not all zoned mattresses have the same firmness level, so it’s important to know what firmness option works best for you. I recommend checking out our mattress buying guide for a complete breakdown of everything to consider before buying a mattress.
Zoned Mattress Recommendations
There are many mattresses that utilize a zoned support system on the market, but here are some of our favorites we’ve tested.
Leesa Legend
I love the soft zoned support the Leesa Legend offers. It should provide side sleepers just the right amount of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. I think this soft feel might also work well for lighter back sleepers.
I love the soft zoned support the Leesa Legend offers. It should provide side sleepers just the right amount of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. I think this soft feel might also work well for lighter back sleepers.
I love the soft zoned support the Leesa Legend offers. It should provide side sleepers just the right amount of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. I think this soft feel might also work well for lighter back sleepers.
Leesa Legend Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Leesa Legend Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Leesa Legend Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Leesa Legend mattress is a great example of a zoned mattress that provides specialized support for all pressure points on the body. The zoned support layer on this mattress has three zones! The zones at the head and foot of the mattress contain more than 756 micro-pocket springs, providing mobility to the mattress and a bit of bounce. The middle zone is a firmer polyfoam that is great for keeping the spine aligned all night. The zoned layer on this mattress provides great pressure relief and stability for the sleeper. The zoned layer also provides some motion isolation, which would be great for anyone who shares their bed with a partner or pet.
Check out our full Leesa Legend review and see our guide on the best mattresses for couples for more mattresses with strong motion isolation.
Bear Elite
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is another example of a zoned mattress that’s perfect for different types of sleepers. Their zoned support system targets anyone with back, hip, or shoulder pain. Their “Zoned & Cut Comfort Foam” layer has five zones, which aim to alleviate pressure and pain on any area of the body. This layer also has cuts throughout it, which provides a good level of airflow. This could be a good option for hot sleepers looking for zoned support.
Take a look at our full Bear Elite review. For more cooling options, check out our top picks for the best cooling mattresses.
Casper Nova Hybrid
I think this mattress could be a great fit for side sleepers. It’s super soft, so it provides plenty of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. I also think combo sleepers could find a lot to love in this bouncy, hybrid bed!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I think this mattress could be a great fit for side sleepers. It’s super soft, so it provides plenty of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. I also think combo sleepers could find a lot to love in this bouncy, hybrid bed!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I think this mattress could be a great fit for side sleepers. It’s super soft, so it provides plenty of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. I also think combo sleepers could find a lot to love in this bouncy, hybrid bed!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
My final zoned mattress recommendation is the Casper Nova Hybrid Snow mattress. This mattress has not one, but two layers containing zoned support! The first zoned layer is made of Casper’s AirScape™ foam with three ergonomic zones designed to relieve pressure while cooling you during the night. This layer is soft around the shoulders and firm around the lumbar area. The second zoned layer is made of Caper’s Zoned Support™ Pro foam. This layer has seven zones and is cut specifically to work with the zoned layer above it. It also targets your spine to make sure it’s properly aligned.
For more information, read our full Casper Nova Hybrid review.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of sleeper you are, proper spine alignment is a must. Zoned mattresses can be a great pick since they’re specifically designed to support every part of you while keeping that spine in perfect alignment.
Remember not all mattresses have a layer specifically designed for zoned support, so it’s a good idea to check for it before purchasing a mattress if you’re interested. Most mattress websites will include a breakdown of the materials within each mattress, so that’s a good place to start. Some companies, like Casper, also have zoned support in all their available mattresses.
However, it’s important to keep in mind zoned mattresses can still vary with their firmness level and how they feel, so not every zoned mattress will work for every person. Luckily, there are a ton of beds out there. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite mattresses (with and without zoned support) to provide more options.
