If you struggle with aches and pains, an orthopedic mattress might help you get a night of restful sleep. The best orthopedic mattresses are great at keeping your spine aligned and can also relieve pressure and pain. So, which of these beds is right for you? Well, we’ve got our eight top picks right here. Read on to find the best orthopedic mattress!
The Best Orthopedic Mattresses
- Helix Midnight – Best Overall
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite – Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nectar – Best Cooling Mattress
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress
- Bear Original – Best Memory Foam Orthopedic Mattress
- Puffy Lux Hybrid – Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain
How We Chose Our Products
Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 140 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
We’ll get into this toward the end of the article, but when it comes to choosing the best orthopedic mattress, comfort is paramount. But it’s also important that a mattress balances it out with support so it can help keep your spine in a neutral alignment. That’s why all beds in this roundup scored an above-average 3 out of 5 or higher on support. Five of these beds scored above a 4 out of 5 in support.
The Best Orthopedic Mattress 2022: Our 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
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you have no idea what kind of mattress you want, Helix could be a good option. Their mattress line boasts some of the best hybrid beds on the market, with a variety of firmnesses and feels. You can take a sleep quiz or select one of their individual models. If you want the best overall orthopedic mattress, they might recommend the Helix Midnight. It has a memory foam layer right on top that will help to relieve pressure on trouble areas. At the same time, the coils hold up your body, keeping you well-aligned.
What Makes the Helix Midnight a Great Orthopedic Mattress?
- The top layer has a memory foam feel that’s extremely comfortable.
- The Helix Midnight also comes in a Luxe model, offering more comfort and cooling.
- If you’re not set on the Midnight, Helix’s mattress quiz asks questions about your individual sleeping position and preferences so you can find the right bed.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Helix Midnight mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses of 2022 for more great options!
WinkBed Mattress
Winkbeds has a mattress that is an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
Winkbeds has a mattress that is an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
Winkbeds has a mattress that is an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The WinkBed is another innerspring mattress with a high-end design. Like the Saatva, it features two sets of coils, memory foam, and a pillow-top. With this mattress, you have four firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus, which is designed for heavy people. If you want an orthopedic mattress that’s also one of the best mattresses for back sleepers, consider the Luxury Firm model. It offers that balance of comfort and support that they really require.
What Makes the WinkBed a Great Orthopedic Mattress?
- The Luxury Firm model should also work for many side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combo sleepers.
- The bed features advanced zoning that makes the mattress firmer toward the center. This provides lumbar support to keep your spine aligned.
- The mattress features a luxury design similar to what you would find in a nice hotel.
Read our full WinkBed mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the WinkBed mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers for more great options!
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for hot sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for hot sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for hot sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
In order to be the best mattress for side sleepers, a mattress needs to relieve pressure on their hips and shoulders. With that in mind, the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite has everything a side sleeper should need. In addition, if you’re struggling with shoulder pain, the combination of memory foam and coils should provide excellent relief. There are four memory foam comfort layers that add up to 5”, giving you great pressure relief on those pressure points.
What Makes the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite a Great Orthopedic Mattress?
- The 8” of coils help prevent that quicksand feeling of all-foam mattresses.
- Comfort and support find balance in the Sedona Elite.
- There are plenty of luxurious touches, but the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is still one of the most affordable luxury mattresses out there.
Read our Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Sedona mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers for more great options!
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
For hot sleepers, the original Nectar foam mattress contains a Quilted Cool Cover. Made with heat-wicking technology, this outer layer will help you stay cool all night long. To further assist with temperature regulation, the comfort layer contains Nectar’s ActiveCool HD foam — a material infused with gel to help dissipate heat.
What Makes the Nectar a Great Orthopedic Mattress?
- It contains gel memory foam and phase change material in its comfort layer to help sleepers stay cool.
- It helps sleepers maintain a neutral spine alignment all night long.
- The mattress should work well for most back and side sleepers.
Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nectar mattress, check out our list of the best cooling mattresses for more great options!
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Saatva is one of the best innerspring mattresses, with two sets of coils (micro coils and support coils) to help keep your spine neutrally aligned. Above that, the mattress boasts pressure-relieving memory foam, as well as a plush pillow-top. You also have a choice of how plush you want your pillow-top to be. You can choose from their Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm models. If you’re looking for an orthopedic mattress with a good balance of comfort and support, we recommend the Luxury Firm model.
What Makes the Saatva a Great Orthopedic Mattress?
- The Luxury Firm model’s pillow-top provides some nice relief on your pressure points, while the two sets of coils help keep the spinal properly supported.
- The mattress is zoned, providing extra support for the lower back.
- The two sets of coils allow for a good deal of airflow so that the mattress won’t trap too much heat.
Read our full Saatva mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva mattress, check out our list of the best innerspring mattresses for more great options!
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you suffer from chronic pain, then you should look at the Bear Mattress. It has been designed specifically for athletes to aid in muscle recovery. But it should help just about anyone reduce pain.
The Bear Mattress is an all-foam mattress that provides a perfect balance of comfort and support for back-sleeping. The top comfort layers will contour to your body and let you sink in, but the dense layers beneath it keep you from feeling trapped.
On the outside it has a Celliant cover. This is what Bear designed specifically for blood circulation and muscle recovery, which should help you feel relatively pain free throughout the night.
What Makes the Bear Mattress Stand out?
- It has a cover designed specifically for muscle recovery and blood circulation.
- It’s a fairly affordable mattress — Queens are just under $1,000.
- For an all-foam bed, you won’t sleep too hot, thanks to its breathable cover and graphite-infused memory foam.
Read our full Bear Mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Bear mattress, check out our list of the best memory foam mattresses for more great options!
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back 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.
Orthopedic mattresses are a great fit for people with back pain. If you struggle with back and in particular, the Puffy Lux Hybrid could be just the mattress for you. The Puffy Lux Hybrid is just a bit softer than medium-firm, but it still offers a great balance of comfort and support. This will help keep your spine in neutral alignment, which can prevent and alleviate back pain. The top layers are also extremely plush, so they will relieve pressure on trouble areas like the neck and shoulders.
What Makes the Puffy Lux Hybrid a Great Orthopedic Mattress?
- Queen-sized beds can be an investment, but this one is worth it because it offers such nice pressure and pain relief.
- We found the Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress to be a 6/10, which is just marginally softer than the industry standard for medium firmness.
- It has several comfort layers designed to dissipate heat: a layer of Puffy’s Cooling Cloud foam, a layer of Dual Cloud foam, and a layer of Climate Comfort foam.
Read our full Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for back pain for more great options!
What Is an Orthopedic Mattress?
An orthopedic mattress is a type of mattress that’s meant to offer extra spinal support and a touch of pressure relief for the back and joints, thereby reducing aches and pains. The term “orthopedic mattress” was coined in the 1950s after studies examining joint and bone function suggested that specially designed mattresses might help prevent morning back pain. The earliest orthopedic mattresses were indeed designed to adhere to orthopedic principles that could be therapeutic for achy backs.
But then the mattresses started selling well, and the term “orthopedic” was co-opted by mattress manufacturers and marketers looking to cash in on the popularity of orthopedic mattresses — regardless of whether their beds were expressly designed to soothe back pain. Because there are no government regulations regarding the language that mattress manufacturers use to describe their products, the term “orthopedic mattress” has been diluted over the years.
None of this is to say that the concept of orthopedic mattresses is worthless. It just means that you need to do your research carefully. While some mattresses wrongly claim to be orthopedic in nature, there are others that will live up to the “orthopedic” claim. In fact, you’ve just read about nine of them in this roundup!
Why Use an Orthopedic Mattress?
Now that you know how orthopedic mattresses originated, you can probably guess why someone might use one of these beds.
Orthopedic mattresses are most commonly used by people who suffer from back and/or joint pain and are looking for a bed that will ease those aches to help them obtain better-quality sleep. This includes sleepers who suffer from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, as well as people recovering from injuries or accidents, seniors, folks who have undergone surgery, and active people who need extra support for recovering properly post-exertion.
Make sure to also check out our best mattresses for fibromyalgia, best mattresses for arthritis, and best mattresses for hip pain.
What Are the Benefits of an Orthopedic Mattress?
As noted above, not all so-called “orthopedic mattresses” are created equal. But when you find a mattress that’s truly designed with orthopedic principles in mind that suits your personal sleep position(s) and needs, then you’re likely to enjoy several benefits. For instance, an orthopedic mattress can:
- Provide great support
- Promote proper spinal alignment
- Help you feel more comfortable in bed, which can facilitate quality sleep
- Relieve pressure around joints, thereby minimizing pain
- Facilitate recovery from injuries, surgery, and physical exertion
- Provide lasting support (for approximately 7 to 10 years), thanks to the use of durable and high-quality materials
What Are the Cons of an Orthopedic Mattress?
Even though there are several benefits to using an orthopedic mattress, these beds aren’t without their downsides. For example:
- Because of lax regulations, it can be difficult to determine whether a mattress that claims to be orthopedic will actually live up to its claims.
- Orthopedic mattresses are sometimes more expensive than mattresses that don’t claim to have an orthopedic design.
- Because orthopedic mattresses are often on the firmer side, they might not always feel comfortable to side sleepers, who need extra pressure relief around the shoulder and hip.
How to Choose the Best Orthopedic Mattress
When it comes to the best orthopedic mattress, there’s no such thing as one size fits all. Instead, the best mattress for you will come down to a number of personalized factors. Above all? Comfort reigns supreme. If you’re not comfortable on a bed, then it’s highly unlikely it will help you sleep well.
While we can’t tell you which mattress to buy, we can equip you with some guidelines that will significantly up your chances of landing on a mattress that helps relieve pain and promote restful sleep:
- Spinal support and firmness: A bed that promotes proper spinal alignment will go a long way in relieving back pain, because it will support the natural curve of the spine and reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and bones. As a general rule, most people find the proper balance of support and comfort on a medium-firm mattress (though again, there’s some variation here; for instance, heavier-weight folks might prefer the added support of a firmer mattress). A bed that’s too soft can allow the spine to sag, while a bed that’s too firm might not provide enough pressure relief alongside spinal support.
- Pressure relief: While spinal support is a crucial component of any orthopedic mattress worth its salt, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. That support needs to be balanced with pressure relief so pressure doesn’t build up around the joints during the night. The bed should have some give so as to minimize the risk of provoking joint pain. This is especially true for side sleepers.
- Edge support: If your pain issues make it challenging to climb in and out of bed, then it’s a good idea to look for a mattress with strong edge support. This will ensure the edge of the mattress doesn’t collapse underneath you when you’re using it for support while sitting, standing, or lying down.
- Certifications: Since the mattress industry is rather unregulated, you might want to look for certifications or other marks of approval from medical experts or organizations, such as the American Chiropractic Association.
- Medical input: It can be helpful to consult a doctor, physical therapist, or other medical expert about the best sleeping position(s) and mattress for your condition. They might be able to advise an ideal mattress firmness or the use of props that could further minimize pain (such as placing a pillow between your legs while side sleeping).
- Company policies: Finding a comfortable mattress is important for everyone, but it’s especially necessary for anyone who suffers from back or joint pain. For this reason, it can be helpful to look for mattresses with generous sleep trials and return policies, so you can test the mattress out in the comfort of your home and easily return it if it’s not a good fit.
- Budget: No matter what kind of mattress you’re looking for, it’s always important to keep your budget in mind. Determining a comfortable budget at the start of your mattress search will allow you to eliminate some options right off the bat.
The Best Mattress Type for Orthopedic Mattresses
Orthopedic mattresses can take many forms, and no mattress type is inherently better than another. As always, the best orthopedic mattress type varies by person and comes down to your body, sleep position(s), and preferences. That said, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Memory foam tends to offer exceptional pressure relief, but it doesn’t always support spinal alignment. If you’re interested in a memory foam bed, look for options that balance pressure relief with spinal support, perhaps with the use of firmer foams underneath the comfort layer.
- Innerspring mattresses are generally quite supportive, but they don’t always offer a ton of pressure relief. If you like the feel of innerspring beds, consider looking for an option with a plush pillow-top or other pressure-relieving comfort layer.
- Hybrid mattresses often offer the best of both spinal support and pressure relief, thanks to the use of supportive coils in the support layer and pressure-relieving foams in the top layers. Note that each hybrid mattress is different, so review materials and design features closely.
- Latex mattresses are very durable and generally offer a supportive and responsive sleeping surface, along with a touch (though not a ton) of pressure relief.
How Does Back and/or Joint Pain Affect Sleep?
Why is an orthopedic mattress useful for people who are dealing with pain? Because there’s a strong link between pain and sleep deprivation.
One study of 1,941 patients found that people suffering from lower back pain commonly report sleep disturbances, and folks with more intense pain reported greater sleep disruption. More generally, chronic pain is known to prevent sound sleep. For instance, chronic pain might shorten the amount of time spent asleep, disrupt crucial REM sleep cycles, or provoke stress or anxiety that makes it harder to drift off.
The relationship between pain and sleep quality is a two-way street. In a nasty cycle, poor sleep can exacerbate pain during the day. This could be because low sleep quality is linked to higher levels of inflammation, which can cause pain flare-ups. This intensified pain can then make it harder to fall and stay asleep at night.
How to Sleep Better With Back or Joint Pain
Once you’ve secured a comfortable and supportive mattress, there are several other steps you can take to increase your chances of sleeping better in spite of back or joint pain.
- Pick your pillow carefully: While the mattress you sleep on will have the biggest impact on your comfort, don’t overlook the importance of pillows. The best pillow for you will ensure that your head and neck stay aligned with your spine in your chosen sleep position. Consider a feather or memory foam pillow to enjoy some contouring and pressure relief around your head and neck.
- Manage pain outside of the bedroom: Taking steps to manage pain during the day will decrease the chances of pain keeping you up at night. Effective pain management strategies include regular exercise, stretching, physical therapy, and over-the-counter or prescription medications. Work with a medical professional to determine the best pain management plan for your condition.
- Get a move on: Per WebMD, regular exercise has been shown to ease pain and stiffness, relieve the stress and anxiety that can accompany chronic pain conditions, and make it easier to fall asleep at night. Consider gentle, low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, swimming, aqua aerobics, and so on. Pay special attention to developing core strength, as this can help relieve back pain.
- Practice relaxation techniques: As noted above, painful conditions often provoke anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. It’s just as important to treat these conditions as it is to address physical pain. To that end, consider incorporating soothing activities into your daily routines, such as journaling, breath work, listening to music, meditating, and talking with a therapist.
- Adopt sound sleep hygiene habits: This is important for everyone — not just folks who are managing pain. Sound sleep hygiene includes a variety of behaviors such as falling asleep and waking up at the same time every day, keeping electronics out of the bedroom, avoiding electronics for the hour before bed, restricting bedroom activities to sleep and sex, avoiding caffeine in the evening, and making your bedroom environment cool, dark, and quiet.
What’s the Best Sleeping Position for Back or Joint Pain?
Although there’s no one-size-fits-all sleeping position to prevent back and joint pain, many people derive pain relief from back-sleeping. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this position is actually optimal for most sleepers. That’s because back-sleeping evenly distributes your weight across the entire body, which helps support proper alignment and minimizes pressure that can lead to pain. If you’re not already a back sleeper, consider giving this position a try.
If back-sleeping isn’t an option for you, there are steps you can take to optimize side or stomach sleeping. For instance, per the Cleveland Clinic, side sleepers can make this position easier on the spine by switching from side to side (either during each night or from night to night). This way, they don’t create uneven pressure and strain on their body. If you’re a side sleeper, you can also try placing a pillow between your knees to help promote straight alignment between the hips, pelvis, and spine.
Meanwhile, stomach sleepers will benefit from paying careful attention to their pillow. Look for a thinner option that allows your head to remain aligned with your spine in this position. If your hips tend to sag, it might also be helpful to tuck a small pillow under them so they stay elevated and aligned with the spine.
Summary
Here’s a summary of the best orthopedic mattresses on the market:
| Mattress | Best For |
| Helix Midnight | Best Overall |
| WinkBed | Best Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite | Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Nectar | Best Cooling Mattress |
| Saatva | Best Innerspring Mattress |
| Bear Original | Best Memory Foam Orthopedic Mattress |
| Puffy Lux Hybrid | Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain |
FAQs
What is the best orthopedic mattress?
We have listed out the best orthopedic mattresses on the market. There really is no one best mattress orthopedic mattress but, if we had to choose, we would choose the Saatva mattress. The Luxury Firm model offers the balance of comfort and support you should find in an orthopedic mattress. It offers the pressure relief of a plush pillow top and the support of two sets of coils.
Why should I choose an orthopedic mattress?
You should choose an orthopedic mattress if you deal with joint pain or back pain. Also, if you are recovering from an injury, an orthopedic mattress can be a great choice.
How do I choose the right orthopedic mattress for me?
If you are looking for the best orthopedic mattress, there are a few things you should consider. First off, you want to find a mattress that is right for your sleeping position. Second, you want to consider your weight and feel preferences.
What is an orthopedic mattress made of?
Orthopedic mattresses promote the proper spine alignment, create excellent pressure relief, and feel quite supportive. They’re made from many different materials, including coils, memory foam, and latex foam.
