When we reach retirement age, many of us will struggle with sleep issues such as insomnia, not to mention the physical health conditions that come with getting older. Luckily, finding the best mattress for seniors can make it easier for them to get healthy sleep. And while comfort is subjective and there’s never going to be a single best option for all elderly sleepers, we’ve highlighted the seven best mattresses for seniors that might be an excellent match.
7 Best Mattresses for Seniors
- Helix Midnight – Best Overall
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Heavier Seniors
- Loom & Leaf – Best Mattress for Pain Relief for Seniors
- Nectar – Best Adjustable Bed
- Leesa – Best Medium-Firm Mattress
- Saatva – Best Mattress for Back Pain
- DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Seniors Who Sleep Hot
Best Mattress for Seniors 2022: Video Roundup
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix has become renowned for its customization. When selecting a bed, seniors can choose from one of the brand’s many mattress models or they can take Helix’s sleep quiz. Based on their answers, Helix will recommend the most suitable mattress. Of all of the different models, we’ve chosen the Helix Midnight as our best overall pick for the best mattress for the elderly. It’s cooling, durable, and extremely comfortable.
What Makes the Helix Midnight Stand Out
- It has a responsive feel and great edge support, so seniors should have an easier time moving around or getting off the mattress.
- Helix will also make a split mattress for senior couples who have different sleep preferences. Each partner can take their own quiz, and each side will be made to fit their specific needs for comfort, support, and feel.
- Seniors who want a more luxury, high-end look and feel can opt for one of Helix’s Luxe upgrades. Add-ons include a pillow-top and additional cooling components. Read more about the Helix Midnight Luxe here.
Keep In Mind
- The Helix Midnight may not be supportive enough for heavy sleepers, or stomach sleepers who require more support.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses 2022 for more great options.
WinkBed Mattress
Winkbeds has a mattress that is an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
Winkbeds has a mattress that is an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
Winkbeds has a mattress that is an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
An innerspring mattress that features two sets of steel coils and a plush pillow-top, the WinkBed has an exceptional amount of support, which makes it a sound choice for heavier seniors over 230 lb. Of the four firmness options available, we’d recommend the WinkBed Plus, an extra-firm mattress made specifically for larger sleepers.
What Makes the WinkBed Stand Out
- All of the WinkBed mattresses have a luxury look and feel, similar to what one would find at a nice hotel.
- We’ve ranked the WinkBed as one of the best innerspring mattresses.
- The mattress is extremely breathable, so it should keep elderly sleepers from overheating during the night.
Keep In Mind
- Elderly partners worried about disturbing each other in their sleep might want to check out our article for the best mattresses for couples. The WinkBed did not score too well on our motion transfer test.
Read our full WinkBed mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Heavy People for more great options.
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Loom & Leaf is a perfect choice for those looking for a luxury memory foam feel that relieves pain.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Loom & Leaf is a perfect choice for those looking for a luxury memory foam feel that relieves pain.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Loom & Leaf is a perfect choice for those looking for a luxury memory foam feel that relieves pain.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Many elderly shoppers looking to relieve pain in their joints should consider a memory foam mattress. These beds can really cushion the shoulders and hips and prevent a build-up of pressure. For seniors, we recommend the Loom & Leaf, which comes in two firmnesses: Relaxed Firm and Firm. Both models combine gel memory foam with a high-density memory foam that should make it easy to move around and prevent sleepers from getting stuck.
What Makes the Loom & Leaf Stand Out
- While the Loom & Leaf isn’t the most affordable option, elderly sleepers can rest assured that, thanks to the high-density foam, the bed will last for a good amount of time without sagging prematurely.
- The center of the comfort layer contains a gel laminate panel filled with proprietary Spinal Zone Gel. This helps assist with spinal support.
- For a memory foam mattress, the Loom & Leaf’s various gel foams help the bed sleep cool.
Keep In Mind
- If you’re not looking for a memory foam feel that lets you sink into the mattress, then you might want to consider a firmer option.
Read our full Loom & Leaf mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Arthritis and Joint Pain for more great options.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
An adjustable bed creates a truly customizable experience. This is ideal for seniors because of the numerous health benefits associated with adjustable frames. Our personal favorite mattress and adjustable base bundle is the Nectar mattress and the Nectar adjustable frame. Together, this pair provides versatility, comfort, support, and convenience at a great value.
What Makes the Nectar Stand Out
- The Nectar’s adjustable frame is easy to set up and comes with a massage feature.
- Pairing the frame with the Nectar mattress should offer excellent pressure relief and contouring for aches and pains.
- We recommend the Nectar mattress for back sleepers and side sleepers.
Keep In Mind
- If you’re looking for your adjustable bed to hug your wall, then the Nectar adjustable frame may not be for you. Its structure keeps it from being completely flush.
- Those looking for a responsive, bouncy mattress may not appreciate the slow-moving memory foam feel of the Nectar.
Read our full Nectar mattress review for more information.Â
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
When searching for the right bed, it’s important to think about a mattress’ firmness level. For seniors, we highly recommend a medium-firm mattress (about a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale) because it provides a balanced feel. Mattresses that are medium firm provide the contouring and pressure relief for joint pain, as well as the support needed for proper spinal alignment. We think that the Leesa is a fantastic choice for this!
What Makes the Leesa Stand Out
- The high-density foams in the Leesa give it such great durability that it should last you 7–10 years.
- The bottom base foam layer of this mattress is good for support and spinal alignment, making the Leesa one of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
- The Leesa offers excellent pressure relief, but isn’t so cushy that you get stuck in the mattress. That’s why it’s one of the best soft mattresses out there.
Keep In Mind
- Those looking for a strictly innerspring feel or a slow-moving memory foam feel may not appreciate the balanced medium-firm nature of this bed.
- Stomach sleepers or those looking for extra support might require a firmer mattress.
Read our full Leesa mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Medium-Firm Mattresses for more great options.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Saatva is one of the best orthopedic mattresses we’ve reviewed. Its balance of comfort and support allows the hips to sink in for pressure relief, but not so far that the spine slips out of alignment. With the plush pillow-top and the innerspring coils working together, there’s excellent lumbar support for those experiencing lower back pain or sciatica.
What Makes the Saatva Stand Out
- It comes in three firmnesses (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm) so it works for most sleepers.
- The mattress should be a particularly good fit for elderly back sleepers who require good support and contouring.
- Like most hybrid mattresses, the Saatva has impressive edge support.
Keep In Mind
- Lightweight sleepers or those who prefer a softer mattress likely won’t feel the contouring they need on the Saatva.
- Memory foam lovers probably won’t be a good match for a firmer innerspring mattress like the Saatva.
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Pain for more great options.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Hybrid mattresses tend to be a wonderful match for hot sleepers because the coils promote airflow through the bed and keep it from trapping too much heat. The DreamCloud — one of our favorite hybrid mattresses — has individually wrapped coils, gel-infused cooling foam, and a breathable cashmere-blend cover.
What Makes the DreamCloud Stand Out
- Since it’s so responsive easy to move around on, it could be an excellent fit for elderly combination sleepers, including those with mobility issues.
- The DreamCloud has solid edge support, so seniors should be able to sleep near the end of the mattress without falling off.
- It’s an affordable mattress, priced under $1,200 before sales and discounts.
Keep In Mind
- If you’re a heavy sleeper or a stomach sleeper wanting additional support, then the DreamCloud may not be the mattress for you, since its comfort layer likely won’t be of ideal thickness.
- Memory foam lovers may be disappointed that the DreamCloud mattress doesn’t provide that slow-moving memory foam feel.
Read our full DreamCloud mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Cooling Mattresses for more great options.
Jump To
How to Find the Best Mattress for the Elderly | Choosing an Accessible Mattress | How to Make a Bedroom More Accessible | What Type of Mattress Is Best for Seniors? | Why Seniors Need a Great Mattress | Sleep Tips for Seniors | Overall | FAQ
How to Find the Best Mattress for the Elderly
Whether seniors go with one of our recommended mattresses or decide to keep looking, here are some factors they should consider.
- Make sure the mattress is responsive: When people reach an older age, they may struggle with serious mobility issues, and this makes it more difficult to get in and out of bed and change positions. They want to ensure that their mattress doesn’t make things worse and cause them to feel trapped, so it’s a good idea to find a mattress that is more responsive and contains coils, bouncier foams, or even latex.
- Find a mattress that relieves pressure: Many elderly sleepers might have a condition such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, or they could just be dealing with joint pain. A softer mattress that contains pressure-relieving memory foam could be an excellent idea because it should cushion those trouble areas and relieve built-up pressure. Make sure to take a look at our list of the best mattresses for hip pain.
- Look for a medium-firm mattress:Â Although comfort is going to be subjective from person to person, medium firmness typically lends a balance of comfort and support, which is important for cushioning joints and maintaining spinal alignment. Additionally, medium-firm mattresses are often ideal for elderly folks who might suffer from back pain. Is your current mattress too soft? Here’s our latest resource on how to make a mattress firmer!
- Choose a mattress that doesn’t sleep too hot: As our bodies age, they’re not as effective at regulating our temperature. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose a mattress that will stay cool. Try to find a bed with coils that allow for good airflow, or foam that has additional cooling features.
- Decide whether the mattress will need to work with an adjustable base: Many elderly sleepers employ an adjustable base to keep them propped up and to reduce pain and discomfort. If that applies to you, make sure your new bed is compatible with such an accessory.
RELATED: How Sleep Changes When You Age
Choosing an Accessible Mattress for Seniors
As we age, it’s common for mobility and flexibility to decline. That means it’s important to think about accessibility while shopping for a mattress for elderly folks.
- Look for a shorter mattress:Â Tall mattresses can look elegant, but they may not be the most practical choice for seniors. As a general rule, many elderly folks will prefer a shorter mattress that makes it easier to climb in and out of bed.
- Prioritize edge support: Edge support refers to how comfortable a sleeper feels while sitting or lying down near the edge of a mattress. The edge support is strong when a person feels secure in these positions; it’s poor if the person feels like they’re going to tip off or out of the bed. Seniors will want to prioritize edge support, because they may be more likely to use the edge of the bed to support themselves while climbing in and out.
How to Make a Bedroom More Accessible for the Elderly
While choosing an accessible mattress is crucial if you have mobility issues, it’s just as important to consider your entire sleeping environment.
- Purchase an adjustable bed.
- Utilize bed rails and/or grab bars.
- Rid the bedroom of unnecessary clutter.
- Visualize the pathway to your bed and come up with a plan of how to best clear it. Keep in mind furniture placement, space on each side of the bed, doorway width, and loose rugs.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Seniors?
| Construction | What is it made out of? | Pros | Cons |
| Innerspring |
Uses coils with a thinner comfort layer |
Durable, cooling, firm, supportive |
Poor motion isolation, not as pressure-relieving, some may not like its bouncy feel |
| Memory Foam |
Uses viscoelastic polyurethane foam |
Contouring, pressure-relieving, helps with joint pain, |
May not support heavy sleepers or stomach sleepers, some may not like its slow-moving feel |
| Latex |
Uses Dunlop or Talalay latex derived from a rubber tree |
Eco-friendly, durable, provides ease of movement |
Poor motion isolation, more expensive, some may not like its responsive feel |
| Hybrid |
Uses a combination of pressure-relieving foam and sturdy coils |
Cooling, good for back pain, good for a wide range of sleepers |
Can be pricey, heavy in weight |
| Airbed |
Uses adjustable air chambers |
Ideal for couples, good for pain relief, adjustable |
Unique feel, can be expensive, a little noisy |
There are more types of mattresses on the market than ever before, from classic innerspring models to beds made from memory foam and latex. Here’s an overview of some of the mattress types that might appeal to senior sleepers.
Innerspring
As the name suggests, innerspring mattresses include springs (otherwise known as coils) in their construction. There’s a lot of variety under the innerspring umbrella; some innerspring beds are made with pocketed or individually wrapped coils while others stack multiple layers of coils on top of each other, and so on.
Pros of innerspring mattresses for seniors:
- They tend to be supportive, which can help maintain spinal alignment and reduce back pain.
- They often have strong edge support, which can make it easier to climb in and out of bed.
- They usually work well for hot sleepers since the spaces between the coils allow for plenty of airflow.
- They often suit back and stomach sleepers, who need plenty of support in order to keep their hips aligned with the spine.
Cons to innerspring mattresses for seniors:
- Some innerspring beds might feel too firm and won’t offer enough cushioning for achy joints.
- They might not be well-suited to side sleepers, who need plenty of pressure relief around the shoulder and hips.
- A coil construction can sometimes add height to a bed, which might make it harder to climb in and out.
- Some innerspring mattresses don’t do a great job of minimizing motion transfer, which might wake up elderly couples if they shift around during the night.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are made from (that’s right!) memory foam, a material that’s known for being soft and pressure-relieving. Memory foam also tends to contour the body and have a slow response to pressure.
Pros of memory foam mattresses for seniors:
- Memory foam tends to be pressure-relieving, so it can help cushion achy joints.
- Because it contours the body, foam can be a great choice for side sleepers looking to find comfort around the shoulder and hips.
- It’s pretty easy to find thinner memory foam mattresses, which can be useful for folks who have a hard time climbing in and out of a tall bed.
- Memory foam tends to be silent and does a great job of absorbing motion. This is crucial for senior couples who don’t want to disturb each other during the night.
Cons to memory foam mattresses for seniors:
- Memory foam mattresses on the softer side might not provide enough spinal support.
- Some memory foam mattresses have poor edge support, which can make it harder to climb in and out of bed.
- Because of their slow response to pressure, it can sometimes be hard to move around on top of memory foam beds.
- As a general rule, memory foam mattresses are known to trap heat and might not be a great choice for hot sleepers.
Latex
Latex mattresses can be made from natural latex (which is derived from rubber trees), synthetic latex (which is made through chemical processes), or a blend of the two. It can also be processed in one of two ways: Dunlop latex has a firmer feel, while Talalay latex has a softer feel. Both natural and synthetic latex mattresses are known for their durability and bounce, and they tend to sleep cool.
Pros of latex mattresses for seniors:
- Latex tends to be very responsive, which makes it easier to move around on top of the bed and to climb in and out.
- Latex generally sleeps cool, so it’s a good choice for hot sleepers.
- Because latex is known for its durability, a latex mattress is less likely to sag than a foam mattress. This means the mattress is more likely to promote spinal alignment over the long term, which can help combat back pain.
RELATED: Best Mattresses for Back Pain
Cons to latex mattresses for seniors:
- Latex is a heavy material, so it can be challenging to move these mattresses around (especially for folks who might deal with reduced muscle mass or mobility and coordination issues).
- Latex mattresses tend to be expensive, so they won’t suit every senior’s budget.
- Because latex is fairly bouncy, it doesn’t do a great job of minimizing motion transfer. This can be an issue for elderly folks who share a bed with a partner (especially if one or both partners are prone to getting in and out of bed during the night).
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses feature a combination of coils and foam, thereby offering the best of both worlds (or, er, both mattresses). Typically, hybrid mattresses are built with a foam comfort layer laid out over coils. The foam layer could be made from memory foam or another type of foam, and the coils may or may not be individually wrapped.
Pros of hybrid mattresses for seniors:
- They generally offer a nice combination of comfort and support, which can help combat back pain while cushioning joints.
- The innerspring coils enable air to flow through the mattress, helping people sleep cooler than they might on an all-foam bed.
- The foam layer usually offers more pressure relief than might exist on a standard innerspring mattress, which can be helpful for anyone with joint pain.
- They tend to suit multiple sleep positions, so senior couples with different preferred sleep styles might be able to compromise with a hybrid.
Cons to hybrid mattresses for seniors:
- Because they feature multiple layers and coils, hybrid mattresses sometimes weigh a lot. This could make it challenging to move the mattress.
- Hybrid mattresses are sometimes on the pricier side, and they might not suit all budgets.
Airbeds
Not to be confused with air mattresses, airbeds are luxurious mattresses made from adjustable air chambers. Sleepers can customize the firmness of the mattress to their preferences on a nightly basis, and some airbeds allow couples to separately customize their respective sides of the bed.
Pros of airbed mattresses for seniors:
- Seniors who deal with fluctuating levels of aches, back pain, or mobility can customize the mattress to their needs on a nightly basis.
- Senior couples who have different sleep preferences might be able to customize each side of the mattress to their respective taste.
- Airbeds are pretty much immune to sagging, which means they should support healthy spinal alignment for the full life of the mattress.
Cons to airbed mattresses for seniors:
- Airbeds tend to be quite pricey, and they won’t be a match for every senior’s budget.
- Adjusting the airbed might involve some noise from the pump, which could disturb a partner.
- Airbeds might not offer enough cushioning for folks who enjoy the feeling of sinking into their bed.
Why Seniors Need a Great Mattress
Sleep is important for everyone at every stage of their life, and that very much includes seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults between the ages of 61 and 64 should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, while adults over the age of 65 should slumber for approximately 7 to 8 hours every night.
Even though sleep remains critical as we age, many seniors struggle to obtain quality sleep on a regular basis. Some of them deal with pain-related issues such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and/or back pain, which can make it harder to fall and stay asleep. Additionally, certain pain medications can act as stimulants and make it even more difficult to get enough shut-eye.
Even seniors who don’t deal with pain might struggle to obtain quality sleep, because sleep itself changes as we age. A long-term study of 9,000 people over the age of 65 found that, compared to younger adults, elderly adults have more fragmented sleep and spend significantly less time in deeper sleep stages. There’s also some evidence that circadian rhythms might shift as we age, prompting our bodies to wake up earlier and shortchanging sleep.
So how does all of this relate to a mattress? Well, mattresses play a huge role in determining whether we feel comfortable (or not) when we lie down to sleep. An uncomfortable or unsupportive mattress can exacerbate pain and make it harder to fall asleep and sleep soundly through the night, while a high-quality mattress that feels good and helps mitigate pain can facilitate restful sleep.
Sleep Tips for Seniors
As we’ve noted, quality sleep is essential for seniors, but it’s sometimes hard to come by. Here are some tips (some of which we’ve already gone over in higher detail) that will increase the odds of seniors enjoying sound sleep.
- Create a bedroom environment that’s conducive to sleep: Good sleep hygiene involves keeping the bedroom cool, quiet, and dark, and eliminating electronic devices from the bedroom. Also, make sure to limit the activities on that mattress to sleep and sex so the brain doesn’t associate the bed with more stimulating activities.
- Stay active:Â Engaging in physical exercise during the day makes it more likely that someone will feel sleepy at night.
- Practice soothing bedtime rituals: Make a habit of winding down before bed with a comforting ritual such as taking a bath, reading a good book, or listening to calming music. Or maybe consider a combination of several of these activities. Avoid screens in the hour or two before bed, because the blue light they emit can interfere with the body’s circadian rhythms.
- Sustain a consistent sleep schedule:Â Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps train the body to start winding down at a consistent time each night.
Does Medicare Cover Mattresses for Seniors?
As durable medical equipment (DME), some mattresses may be covered by Medicare under Medicare Part B. Whether or not Medicare will cover a mattress for seniors depends on what that person is using it for. Medicare may cover a mattress, but you must have a sickness or injury requiring the usage of a mattress for medical reasons. We recommend purchasing a mattress from Medicare-approved retailers, so that you get the best deal possible.
Overall
Here’s an overview of the best mattresses for seniors:
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Helix | Best Overall |
| WinkBeds | Best Mattress for Heavier Seniors |
| Loom & Leaf | Best Mattress for Pain Relief for Seniors |
| Nectar | Best Adjustable Bed |
| Leesa | Best Medium-Firm Mattress |
| Saatva Classic | Best Mattress for Back Pain |
| DreamCloud | Best Mattress for Seniors Who Sleep Hot |
FAQ
Do you need a softer mattress as you get older?
This does depend on a person's specific situation, but a soft mattress can work for elderly sleepers who are dealing with issues such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or joint pain. However, a firmer mattress might work better for elderly sleepers in need of more support.
What's the best mattress for seniors with arthritis?
Seniors who deal with arthritis should choose a mattress that's on the softer side, as it will relieve pressure in any trouble areas.
What type of mattress is best for the elderly?
This depends on many factors, including pain issues and sleeping position. A person who has arthritis or fibromyalgia might want to choose a softer mattress with something like memory foam in the construction, but those who need more support might want to seek out a firmer mattress that contains coils or some other more supportive material.
Is memory foam good for the elderly?
Memory foam can relieve pressure for those with joint pain issues and provide some excellent overall comfort. However, it can make it more difficult to move around on a mattress, which isn't ideal for those with mobility issues. Also, memory foam is known to sleep hot and could cause some seniors to overheat at night.
