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Written by Kenny Timper, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good nightโs rest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, his recommendations and insights on healthy sleep have appeared in various publications, including Livingetc, U.S. News & World Report, and the magazine for mattress brand Avocado. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleepopolis and a certified sleep science coach. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing. Lewis also has had articles featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer, and her sleep recommendations have been featured in Livingetc. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and lovable trash-panda of a dog, Olive.
Riley is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach at Sleepopolis. Sheโs a firm believer that thereโs nothing better than a good nightโs sleep. You can find her insights and recommendations on sleep health in publications such as Womanโs World, Yahoo News, Livingetc, and Real Simple. Riley graduated from Elon University with a degree in journalism and creative writing. In her free time, she loves to paint, cook, and spend time with family (especially her pets).
Livvi DiCicco is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach. She has been writing, editing, and researching sleep-based content for over a year, and her sleep recommendations and insights have appeared in Bustle, Livingetc, and Authority Magazine. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in English & Creative Writing, she decided to work in the digital marketing field, continuing her creative works on the side. Her other interests (besides napping and writing) include digital art, history, and boba tea.
If you are one of the 53 million adults in the United States who experience arthritis, a disease characterized by swelling and tenderness of your joints, you can help manage your chronic pain and symptoms by sleeping on the right mattress (1) (2). The best mattresses for arthritis are typically pressure-relieving and are firm enough to support your preferred sleeping position and body type.
To help you find the right fit and get a good nightโs sleep, my fellow mattress experts and I personally tested more than 100 mattresses using our hands-on review methodology, evaluating each bed for pressure relief, responsiveness, support, and overall comfort.
After extensive testing and input from our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, we narrowed down the best mattresses for sleepers with arthritis. Read on to see which beds made the list.
Sleepopolisโ Best In Rest โ Mattresses for Arthritis
The Helix Midnight Luxe earns the title of best mattress for arthritis because it strikes an excellent balance between pressure relief, support, and ease of movement. Its medium-firm feel helped testers, including licensed physical therapist Dr. Joe Tedesco, feel supported around pain-prone areas like the hips and knees. Its strong edge support and responsive coils also made it easy to change positions and get in and out of bed comfortably.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional or healthcare provider regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
Sleepers with arthritis need a mattress that prevents pressure from building up while they rest. We use a two-tier approach to test pressure relief. First, we spend time on the mattress to see how it feels in different sleeping positions, and then we take thermal images called pressure maps to evaluate any areas where pressure may be present. The majority of the mattresses on this list earned a 4 out of 5 or higher in this category.
Mattress firmness plays a significant role in how well a bed balances pressure relief and support for sleepers with arthritis. Most of the mattresses on this list fall around a medium-firm 6.5 out of 10, which tends to provide a balanced mix of cushioning and spinal support. That said, we also included a few slightly softer and slightly firmer options to accommodate different sleep positions and comfort preferences.
A bedโs responsiveness measures how quickly a mattress returns to its original shape after applying weight. Those that perform well in this category allow sleepers with arthritis to reposition easily, which can provide quick pain relief by reducing pressure buildup on sore joints and sensitive areas during the night. Generally speaking, hybrid and latex mattresses are typically more responsive. Every mattress earned a 4 out of 5 or higher in this category.
Weโve developed a rigorous 13-point testing methodology that tells us how each mattress performs and who it might be a good fit for. All of the beds on this list have been evaluated for pressure relief, cooling abilities, responsiveness, edge support, and much more.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has tested more than 500 mattresses over the last decade, allowing us to guide more than 145,000 people to the best mattress for them. Not only do we use and evaluate these products ourselves, but we also consult with Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, whoโs quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine, to ensure we keep up to date with the latest in sleep science and medicine.
Additionally, Dr. Joe Tedesco, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, comes into our studio to personally test mattresses and give a medical perspective on each product, and sleep and nutrition experts such as Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD, regularly verify our articles.
Need help finding the right mattress?
Based on your answers, weโve carefully selected the best mattresses tailored to your needs.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Helix
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Medium-Soft Comfort
Cooling Pillow Top
Zoned Support
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
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Hybrid, combining foam and zoned support coils for a supportive feel.
Firmness
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a medium-soft to medium-firm bed in the brandโs luxury line of hybrids, coming in at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale (1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest).
Price
$1,373โ$2,873 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full. queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
The springs in the Helix Midnight Luxe should help back sleepers maintain a neutral posture.
Side Sleepers
The pillow top and layer of memory foam should give these folks plenty of softness and contouring.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Luxe
The luxury version of the standard Helix Midnight comes with a pillow top and Tencel cover.
The Midnight Luxe should sleep fairly cool, thanks to its airflow-promoting coils and breathable Tencel cover.
The springs give the Helix Midnight Luxe a good deal of bounce and responsiveness that should make it easy for combination sleepers to change. positions
Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe
The softness of this mattress isnโt going to be an ideal fit for stomach sleepers. Theyโll need something more supportive to keep their hips elevated and in line with their shoulders. See our best mattresses for stomach sleepers for more options.
Likewise, heavy sleepers over 250 pounds will likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress. They should look at our best mattresses for heavy people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free refunds after 30 days, as long as itโs still within the 100-night trial period.
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness. The Midnight is one of their medium models. It has enough contouring for side sleepers, but should still be supportive enough for back sleepers, as long as they donโt mind a softer bed. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
โI like the Helix Midnight Luxe for back sleepers and side sleepers. The medium-soft to medium-firm feel should give these folks the right balance of comfort and support.โ โ Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
The Helix Midnight Luxe has become a favorite among our team of mattress testers, and for good reason. The Midnight Luxe is a well-rounded, medium-firm mattress that performed well across all testing categories, including those most important to sleepers with arthritis. Sleepers with arthritis should appreciate that the Midnight Luxe earned a 4 out of 5 or higher in pressure relief, edge support, and responsiveness.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Our partner test showed that the Helix Midnight Luxe has solid motion isolation.
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Cooling: 4/5
A 7-degree temperature increase after 5 minutes spent on the bed marks a good cooling mattress.
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Response: 4/5
It was pretty easy to move around on this bed, despite some pushback from the softer top.
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Edge Support: 4.8/5
The edges were exceptionally strong, earning a near-perfect score from our tester.
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Pressure Relief: 4.2/5
Our pressure map test showed negligible pressure buildup in all sleeping positions.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
This bedโs hybrid construction yields a true medium-firm feel.
Why We Chose the Helix Midnight Luxe
To determine whether the Midnight Luxe would be a good candidate for sleepers with arthritis, we invited our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Joe Tedesco, to test the Midnight in multiple sleeping positions and share his opinion. His feedback, along with notes from our panel of mattress testers, helped the Helix earn an impressive pressure relief score of 4.2 out of 5.
โI would recommend this mattress to people with knee and hip pain,โ said Dr. Tedesco. โWhen Iโm on my back, I feel some contouring in the back of my knees. If youโre someone with hyperextended knees or post-knee surgery, youโll find some good support and relief here.โ
Edge support and responsiveness were two other areas that impressed our team of experts. We gave it a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5 in the edge support category because of its consistent corner-to-corner support. If you share your bed with a partner or prefer to sleep near the edge, you will still get the same balanced support that you do in the center of the mattress.
โI could sit on the edge without feeling any slipping and sliding, and I didnโt have to use my hands for balance,โ one tester said.
Our testers also found it exceptionally easy to move around and switch sleeping positions on the Midnight Luxe, which is especially important for sleepers with arthritis who may need to adjust frequently to relieve discomfort. During testing, we gave it a strong 4 out of 5 for responsiveness.
Where the Helix Midnight Luxe Fell Short
The only thing holding the Helix Midnight Luxe back from perfection is that it might be too soft for sleepers over 230 pounds. These sleepers might sink too deeply into its comfort layers, and will likely not get the support they need to keep their spines in a neutral, healthy position.
For more details on this model, check out our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review. If youโd like the same type of mattress but need one better suited to larger bodies, consider the Helix Dawn Luxe instead.
Nectar Luxe โ Best Luxury Mattress for Arthritis
Best Luxury
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Nectar
Nectar Luxe Mattress
Ultra-Soft Comfort
Thick Memory Foam
Cooling Cover
Memory Foam
365 nights
Free shipping
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We rated this mattress a 6 out of 10, meaning itโs a fairly soft mattress.
Price
$1,696โ$4,148 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
This bed offers a soft feel for the lumbar region while still providing enough support for a neutral spinal alignment
Hot Sleepers
The cooling cover helps make this bed one of the best cooling mattresses on the market, especially for an all-foam bed.
Side Sleepers
They should get all the contouring they need at the shoulders and hips from the mattressโs soft foams.
Pros of the Nectar Luxe
Back sleepers and side sleepers alike should get plenty of contouring while also receiving spinal support.
While memory foam mattresses tend to sleep hot, the cooling cover helps the Nectar Luxe keep a low temperature.
The foams should provide deep pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
Cons of the Nectar Luxe
Itโs probably not going to be supportive enough for heavy sleepers over 230 pounds. Instead, check out some of our best mattresses for heavy people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Free returns within 365-night trial period
The Nectar Luxe is an ultra-plush yet supportive bed with a soft feel. It also provides a cool sleep experience, thanks to its cooling cover. We think itโs an especially good fit for back sleepers and side sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
โThe Nectar Luxe is an impressive 14-inch-tall mattress with layers of pressure-relieving memory foam and a cool-to-the-touch cover designed to prevent overheating. I think side sleepers will enjoy the slow-moving, body-contouring feel, and back sleepers who prefer a softer mattress might like this bedโs plushness.โ โ Kenny Timper, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
If you are looking for a mattress that will not only ease arthritic pain but also elevate your overall sleeping experience, the Nectar Luxe Memory Foam mattress is a great bedroom addition to consider. The Nectar Luxeโs contouring foams earned praise from our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Joe Tedesco, and high scores (4 out of 5) in the cooling and responsiveness categories.
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Motion Isolation: 3.7/5
During the partner test, our testers noticed some motion rippling across the surface of the bed, though the movements werenโt distinct enough to be overly disruptive.
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Cooling: 4/5
The cooling fibers in the Nectar Luxeโs cover layer should help keep most hot sleepers comfortable through the night.
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Response: 4/5
Despite being an all-foam model, the Nectar Luxe is surprisingly easy to move around on.
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Edge Support: 3.4/5
The Nectar Luxe is generally supportive, but its memory foam might be too soft for people needing a sturdy surface to bear down on.
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Pressure Relief: 3.33/5
The Nectar Luxeโs soft top layer provides plenty of cushioning for sleepers with sensitive joints, though others may find the extra sinkage reduces lower lumbar support, which could cause tension in the lower back.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Nectar Luxe falls in the medium-firm range on our firmness scale, which is aligned with the industry-standard.
Why We Chose the Nectar Luxe
Before looking for luxurious extras, a mattress for arthritic pain must be soft around sensitive joints and keep your spine in a neutral position. The good news is that the Nectar Luxe does both. During testing, Dr. Tedesco praised it for being soft enough for side sleepers to avoid pressure buildup and supportive enough to help relieve back pain.
โThis is one of the top mattresses Iโve tested here,โ said Dr. Tedesco. โOn my back, I feel very supported and neutral. It has a good cradling feel and solid contouring. I feel super supported in every positionโeven without a pillow!โ
The Nectar Luxe also earned a 4 out of 5 in the cooling and responsiveness categories. Both of these are important to examine in luxury mattresses, as they can present roadblocks to falling asleep if they underperform in these categories. If a mattress is too hot, you will overheat and wind up with more sweat than sleep. If it is unresponsive, you will likely have to exert more effort to switch between sleeping positions, which can be tedious.
Fortunately, our testers found that it excelled in both. Our in-house team was particularly fond of the Nectarโs cooling cover on the Luxe model.
โThe first thing I noticed was the cooling sensation,โ one tester remarked.
Where the Nectar Luxe Fell Short
The Nectar Luxe isnโt perfect, though. Our mattress testers found that its performance in the edge support and motion isolation categories was about average. Since both of these categories are more important if you share a bed with a partner, we might steer these sleepers toward one of our best mattresses for couples instead.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Leesa
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Soft Comfort
Gel-Infused Foam
Zoned Support
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
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Leesa doesnโt have the lengthiest trial period or warranty.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free returns within 100-night trial period
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress, available in three firmness levels. We tested the Medium-Firm model and felt it was just softer than average. It should be especially comfortable for back sleepers and side sleepers. The bed also has some effective cooling technology built into it, which helps to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
โSleepers with joint pain can appreciate the soft, plush feel, which can reduce tension and stiffness at their pressure points. I also think back sleepers and side sleepers will be comfortable on this mattress.โ โ Riley Otis, staff writer
For side sleepers with arthritic pain, it can be challenging to find a mattress that provides sufficient support for spinal alignment while also relieving pressure on the hips and shoulders. The Leesa Sapira Chill is our pick for side sleepers with arthritis because of its excellent performance on our pressure relief tests, where it earned a 4.7 specifically for side-sleeping relief. Many sleepers will also appreciate its above-average cooling and responsiveness (4.5 out of 5 in both categories).
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Motion Isolation: 3.7/5
The water sloshed around quite a bit during our ripple test, indicating just-average motion isolation.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
This bed lived up to its name with its exceptional cooling abilities.
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Response: 4.5/5
Moving around was largely seamless, save for rolling over on the doughier pillow top.
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Edge Support: 3.9/5
While our tester found the edge support acceptable, there was more sagging in our weighted tests.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Our pressure map results showed almost no pressure buildup on the Leesa Sapira Chill.
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Firmness: 6/10
We found the Leesa Sapira Chillโs construction to have a softer feel.
Why We Chose the Leesa Sapira Chill
While testing pressure relief, we invited our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Joe Tedesco, to weigh in on the Sapira Chillโs performance. He found that, with the right pillow, this model offers optimal support and contouring for side sleepers. His feedback helped us land on our side-sleeping pressure-relief score of 4.7 (and our overall pressure-relief score of 4.5).
โI am very comfortable with a pillow on my side,โ said Dr. Tedesco. โMy hips arenโt falling too far into the mattress in this position, and my ankles and hips donโt have any extra pressure. โ
Hybrid mattresses are also often preferred for their superior temperature regulation and responsiveness, and the Leesa Sapira Chill is no exception in either category, earning 4-star scores in both. Our mattress experts found that it lived up to the โchillโ in its name and found that its innerspring coils also made it quite easy for them to move around and change sleeping positions.
โI was very impressed by the Leesaโs cooling,โ said mattress tester Riley Otis. โThe cover has a cool-to-the-touch feel that stayed the whole time I was lying on it. I didnโt notice the bed heating up.โ
Where the Leesa Sapira Chill Fell Short
The two areas in which Leesa did not perform as well were motion isolation and adjustable-base compatibility. If you share a bed with another person or your pet, you are likely to feel them toss and turn at night because of the springy coils inside the bed.
We also found that the Leesa Sapira Chill didnโt conform well to our adjustable base, regardless of the setting. Our mattress experts noticed a persistent gap between the mattress and the base in every position, even when a tester was lying on the mattress.
WinkBed Plus โ Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Arthritis
Best for Heavy Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed Plus is a medium-firm, hybrid mattress designed specifically to accommodate sleepers with larger body types. Through our testing, we found it works best for back sleepers, particularly those over 230 pounds. It also does a good job of isolating motion, which will likely appeal to you if you sleep with a partner. If you want to learn more about the WinkBed Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
โThis mattress was designed with plus-size sleepers. However, I think the Plus in its name could also be a nod to all that this mattress has going for it. By using testers with different weights and body types, we learned that this mattress can also be a solid choice for many lightweight and average-weight sleepers.โ โ Sosha Lewis, senior staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Sleepers with larger bodies who have arthritis typically benefit from a taller mattress with durable, supportive layers and extra cushioning up top for pressure relief. At 13.5 inches tall, the WinkBed Plus is a hybrid mattress that checks all of these boxes. It is also a fan favorite among our team, earning a 4 out of 5 or higher across all of our testing categories, including pressure relief, cooling, and motion isolation.
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
The WinkBedโs pillow top layer effectively isolates motion to one side of the bed.
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Cooling: 5/5
After lying on the WinkBed Plus for 5 minutes, its temperature increased by 3.4 degreesโsome of our best results yet.
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Response: 5/5
The super bouncy surface of the WinkBed Plus makes it a home run for combo sleepers.
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Edge Support: 4.2/5
The reinforced perimeter of the WinkBed Plus felt stable while sitting and lying on it.
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Pressure Relief: 4.7/5
All sleepers should find relief on the WinkBed Plus, thanks to its robust support and gentle contouring.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
While it is designed for bigger bodies, the pillow top gives the WinkBed Plus a true medium-firm feel.
Why We Chose the WinkBed Plus
When I invited Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, to try the WinkBed Plus for himself, he gave it a glowing review. Based on his feedback, we gave the WinkBed Plus a near-perfect 4.7 out of 5 in the pressure relief category, which is particularly important for sleepers with arthritic pain.
โOrthopedically, I feel really good on my back and side on this mattress,โ he said. โMy spine is very straight, and my hips and torso feel good. Itโs a good mattress for back sleepers with disc pain because my spine is very straight. There is no sinking in my spine.โ
And if you share your mattress with a partner, you will be pleased to learn that the WinkBed Plus showed impressive cooling (5 stars) and low motion transfer (4.3 stars). You and your partner shouldnโt have to worry about overheating or disturbing the other person by moving around and changing sleeping positions at night on this bed.
To test the motion isolation, I lay blindfolded while another tester got in and out of bed and moved around on the opposite side. During this test, I could feel my fellow mattress testerโs movements here and there, but I couldnโt really make out what they were doing. I didnโt even notice them getting out of bed once the test was over.
Where the WinkBed Plus Fell Short
The WinkBed Plus is as close to perfect as a mattress can get for sleepers in this weight category. My only complaint was that it wasnโt a great fit for our adjustable base in the studio. My fellow testers and I found that its high-density construction made it impossible to comfortably use it in many positions on the base.
Saatva Classic โ Best Innerspring Mattress for Arthritis
Best Innerspring Mattress
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress thatโs easy to move around.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 7.5 out of 10, meaning itโs definitely on the firmer side.
Price
$935โ$2,450 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Stomach Sleeping
Itโs also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them.
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time.
Its bouncy and responsive feel means itโs great for combination sleepers.
The Saatvaโs reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support weโve ever seen.
Cons of the Saatva
If youโre looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, youโre better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
The Saatvaโs coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. Itโs a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling โstuckโ in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
โThe Saatva Classicโs springy surface is perfect for combination sleepers looking for ease of movement as they toss and turn throughout the night. Also, back sleepers are perhaps best suited to the bedโs lifted support and balanced cushioning from the pillow top.โ โ Livvi DiCicco, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
With the right amount of cushioning, a mattress with a classic innerspring feel can help sleepers with arthritis, especially those who rest on their backs. The Saatva Classic wins the title of best innerspring mattress for arthritis thanks to its two layers of innerspring coils and plush mattress topper. Back sleepers and those who prefer a firmer, more supportive surface should find comfort and relief on this model. My fellow mattress testers and I gave the Saatva a 4 out of 5 or higher in pressure relief and edge support.
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Motion Isolation: 2.7/5
Our tester could feel a lot of his partnerโs movement on the Saatva.
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Cooling: 4/5
This bed has a temperature-neutral feel.
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Response: 5/5
The Saatvaโs innerspring feel makes it super bouncy and easy to move around on.
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Edge Support: 4.8/5
The perimeter of the Saatva Classic is rock-solid.
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Pressure Relief: 4/5
Pressure relief is better for back sleepers than side sleepers on this bed.
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Firmness: 7.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic has a firmer feel.
Why We Chose the Saatva Classic
When I lay on the Saatva Classic, I felt the tension actively leaving my lower lumbar spine. I found that the coils in the Saatva offered a ton of support that helped me feel elevated and kept my spine in a neutral position, while the plush top cushioned my lower back enough to ease pressure.
Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, agreed that this mattress was a superb fit for sleepers grappling with pain and pressure buildup.
โI feel really comfortable and almost weightless on this mattress, especially on my back,โ said Dr. Tedesco. โMy spine is in a neutral position, and Iโm not getting a posterior tilt. Generally, if youโre a back sleeper, this could be great for many conditions.โ
We also found that the Saatva Classic is a fantastic option for those with mobility concerns, thanks to its consistent corner-to-corner support. I gave this mattress a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5 in the edge support category, because I could sit and lie on the perimeter without feeling uncomfortable or unsupported. If you rely on the side of the bed to stand up in the morning, you should have no trouble doing so here.
Where the Saatva Classic Fell Short
The Saatva Classic may be one of the best mattresses of its kind, but it is not without its weaknesses. We found that it performed well across the board; however, motion isolation proved to be its Achilles heel.
While its two layers of innerspring coils make it feel supportive and responsive, they also make it feel super bouncy. If you share your bed with a partner, youโre sure to feel any little movements they make.
For more details on the Saatva, including notes from a tester who has slept on it for over a year, check out our full Saatva Classic mattress review. If you want a similar Saatva mattress with excellent motion isolation, the Saatva Rx might be worth the upgrade.
Nolah Evolution โ Best Mattress for Couples with Arthritis
Best for Couples
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.7
Nolah
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Multiple Firmnesses
ArcticTex Cover
HDMax Support Coils
Hybrid Mattress
120-night Trial and Lifetime Warranty
Free shipping
Memorial Day Sale
35% Off Sitewide, Additional $50 Off with Code SLEEPOPOLIS50 See Details
Hybrid, meaning this bed combines foam and coils in its construction.
Firmness
Multiple Firmness Options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm and rated it as 7 out of 10, meaning itโs a slightly firmer mattress.
Price
$1,499โ$3,198 (before any discounts)
Sizes
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Hot Sleepers
If you overheat while you sleep, this mattress may help you stay cool.
Side Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
Great for couples due to its good edge support and low motion transfer.
Works for back sleepers who need good lumbar support.
Side sleepers should appreciate the pressure relief.
Full refund after 30 days and within the 120-night trial period
The Nolah Evolutionโs hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you wonโt be disturbed by a partnerโs movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
โThereโs enough cushioning for side sleepers to prevent pressure from building at the hips and shoulders. The mattress also scored highly in motion isolation, edge support, cooling, and responsiveness, all of which are important to couples.โ โ Riley Otis, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Couples in which one or both partners have arthritis need a mattress that effectively relieves pressure in multiple sleeping positions while still delivering other qualities couples need, such as motion isolation and cooling. Based on those criteria, the Nolah Evolution was an easy choice for couples, as our testers awarded it a 4 out of 5 or higher in all three categories.
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Motion Isolation: 5/5
Our tester noticed no movement during our ripple test, resulting in a perfect score for motion isolation.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
The Nolah Evolution showed above-average cooling capabilities.
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Response: 4/5
Our tester found it fairly easy to roll around on the Nolah Evolution.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
The Nolah Evolution had a strong perimeter, earning a high edge support test.
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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
The bed was good at relieving pressure, though some of our testers wanted more sinkage.
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Firmness: 7/10
The springs in the construction made for a slightly firmer feel.
Why We Chose the Nolah Evolution
While performing our pressure relief tests on the Nolah Evolution, Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester, found that this model was an ideal fit for sleepers with numerous conditions. He and the rest of the team gave the Nolah a 4.3 out of 5 for overall pressure relief.
โI think this mattress would be great for sleepers with any kind of back pain or any conditions affecting the spine,โ Dr. Tedesco said. โI also think that anyone with knee pain who canโt straighten their leg all the way out would really enjoy this mattress.โ
Couples will also appreciate the Nolah Evolutionโs stellar cooling (4.5 out of 5) and 5-star motion isolation performance. Overheating shouldnโt be a concern on this mattress thanks to its breathable materials and the natural ventilation and airflow provided by the pocketed coils in its construction.
And if you or your partner frequently changes positions to relieve pressure and get comfortable, you wonโt have to worry about that movement waking up the other person.
โI donโt think youโll notice any disturbances on this mattress, even if your partner is restless,โ said mattress tester Sosha Lewis. โI could barely notice my fellow tester switching positions on the opposite side of the mattress.โ
Where the Nolah Evolution Fell Short
The Nolahโs most significant flaw is one related to company policy. We gave this bed a 3.8 customer experience score because of its limited 120-night sleep trial. While this isnโt the worst trial we have seen, many other mattresses of this caliber offer a 365-night trial.
We also found that this mattress wasnโt the most cooperative with our in-studio adjustable base.
โThis mattress is pretty thick, so I think thatโs why itโs not so amazing at adjusting with the base,โ said mattress tester Livvi DiCicco. โThereโs a bit of a gap between the mattress and the base, even with someone on it.โ
Head over to our full Nolah Evolution mattress review to learn more about this model. For a similar mattress with a more generous sleep trial, consider the Bear Elite Hybrid instead.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Medium mattress may be too firm for some side sleepers, especially if they have joint pain at the shoulders and hips.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick up fee
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. Itโs a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
โBack sleepers who like an โon topโ feel to their bed should also be able to sleep comfortably on the Signature Hybrid. And thanks to its robust edge support, I recommend it to folks with mobility concerns. These individuals should get enough support from the innerspring coils to bear down on the perimeter of the mattress and get up in the morning.โ โ Kenny Timper, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
If the only thing coming between you and sleeping more comfortably with arthritic pain is price, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a cost-effective solution to your problem. A queen-size Signature Hybrid often goes on sale for right at $1,000, making it a more affordable option than others in its class. During testing, we gave this mattress a 4 out of 5 or higher in pressure relief and responsiveness, two important categories for sleepers seeking pain relief.
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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
This hybrid offers some excellent motion absorption despite the springs in its construction.
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Cooling: 3.5/5
The Signature Hybrid felt just okay during our temperature regulation test, but some hot sleepers may prefer a more actively cooling bed.
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Response: 4/5
The Signature Hybridโs soft cover layer might make it challenging for some combination sleepers to move around, but you should still get some bounce from the coils.
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Edge Support: 3.4/5
We noticed quite a bit of sinkage during our weighted edge support test, but the perimeter does help you โbounceโ to your feet.
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Pressure Relief: 4.8/5
The soft cushioning of the Signature Hybrid makes it a good option for back and side sleepers.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid falls right at the industry standard of medium-firm.
Why We Chose the Signature Hybrid
Our in-house testers gave it a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5 in the pressure relief category, thanks to its medium-firm feel that offered equal parts support and cushioning. This balance is especially important for people with arthritis, since a too-firm surface can create painful pressure points while excessive sinkage can throw the spine out of alignment. They found it was just soft enough to cradle the hips, shoulders, and other pain-prone areas.
โIt has a nice balance of comfort and support, with a slightly plush surface and a firmer feel underneath that keeps everything in check,โ said mattress tester Riley Otis. โThe pillow top helps ease pressure at the joints, but I never felt like I was sinking too deeply. The individually wrapped coils underneath do a great job of lifting the body, and my hips and shoulders stayed nicely aligned.โ
Responsiveness is also important to many sleepers with arthritis, particularly combination sleepers who frequently toss and turn to get comfortable and relieve pain. Fortunately for these sleepers, the Signature Hybrid is highly responsive and easy to maneuver on, earning a strong 4 out of 5 in this category.
โThis bed has a lively, springy feel, even with the plush pillow top and foam layers on top,โ Riley said. โThe bounce actually helped me switch positions, giving a bit of lift as I moved around.โ
Where the Signature Hybrid Fell Short
Two areas where the Signature Hybrid suffers a bit are cooling and edge support, earning scores of 3.5 and 3.4, respectively. Riley and her fellow mattress testers found its performance to be lackluster in both categories, but still said it shouldnโt be a dealbreaker for most sleepers.
That said, she would not recommend the Signature Hybrid to hot sleepers who get extra toasty at night or to those who gravitate toward the very edge of the bed.
Titan Plus Core โ Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Arthritis
Best for Back Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid, meaning it uses both foams and coils in its construction.
Firmness
We rated this bed as 7.5 out of 10, meaning it is significantly firmer than average.
Price
$699โ$1,699 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
Back Pain
This bed should be a great option for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Titan Plus Core
Heavy sleepers should find this mattress comfortable and supportive.
Itโs responsive, so combination sleepers should move around easily on it.
Itโs durable and has great edge support โ it should last for many years.
Cons of the Titan Plus Core
Lightweight sleepers probably wonโt get any pressure relief or contouring, so they might be better off with one of the best mattresses for lightweight sleepers
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Brooklyn Bedding offers returns and exchanges with a $99 return fee
The Titan Plus Core mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. Itโs firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review. Note that the video is for an older model with a slightly different construction.
What our tester says:
โI think the Titan Plus Core lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the support and durability they need.โ โ Sosha Lewis, senior staff writer and certified sleep science coach.
Back sleepers, particularly those with arthritis, typically benefit most from a mattress that aligns the spine while providing cushioning for pressure-prone areas, such as the lower back and hips. During testing, our experts found that few mattresses fit the bill better than the Titan Plus Core. This ultra-supportive model from Brooklyn Bedding earned high scores (4 stars or higher) across crucial areas for patients with arthritis, including pressure relief and responsiveness.
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Our testers were impressed by how the Core dampened motion and prevented it from rippling across the bedโs surface.
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Cooling: 4/5
The innerspring coils and GlacioTex cooling cover give this mattress a temperature-regulating edge.
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Response: 5/5
The sturdy innerspring coils make the surface of this mattress highly responsive and easy to move around on.
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Edge Support: 4/5
We found minimal sinkage near the perimeter of the Titan, meaning it is a good pick for sleepers who rest on the edge.
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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
While most sleepers should experience solid pressure relief, those with sensitive joints may experience some buildup.
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Firmness: 7.5/10
The Titan Plus Coreโs heavy-duty construction is quite firm compared to most mattresses.
Why We Chose the Titan Plus Core
Whenever we test a mattress to see how it would benefit sleepers with orthopedic conditions, we invite our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Joe Tedesco, to weigh in and offer his clinical opinion. In his opinion, the Titan Plus Core should get the job done for most back sleepers with arthritis.
โThis mattress is doing what it is supposed to do orthopedically,โ said Dr. Tedesco. โIโm not uncomfortable on my back, and thereโs no pressure buildup anywhere. This mattress is firm, bouncy, and responsive.โ
Our panel of in-house mattress experts also rated it highly for overall pressure relief (4.2 out of 5), with one tester adding, โI feel a lot more supported and in a neutral position. Thereโs no excessive pressure, and cushioning feels nice; everything feels aligned. I really enjoy this mattress on my back.โ
Our testers were also big fans of the Titanโs responsiveness, awarding it a perfect 5-star score in this category. Despite its softer upper layer, they had no trouble moving around, changing sleeping positions, and getting comfortable on this bed.
โRolling from one position to the next was a breeze,โ said mattress tester Riley Otis. โI didnโt need to push into the mattress to move myself from one position to the next. I think combination sleepers and people with mobility issues would appreciate the ease of movement on this bed.โ
Where the Titan Plus Core Fell Short
The only area some of our testers were lukewarm about was side-sleeping pressure relief. While the Titan earned an impressive score in the pressure relief category, some testers noticed buildup in their shoulders and hips while lying on their sides.
Based on their testing notes, we would likely reserve this mattress for sleepers with arthritis who primarily sleep on their backs.
Latest Updates: In May 2026, we updated our top picks to reflect our latest testing data. We removed the original Helix Midnight, WinkBed, Bear Original, and Titan Plus Luxe and added the Helix Midnight Luxe, WinkBed Plus, Titan Plus Core, and Leesa Sapira Chill. Additionally, we added quotes from our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, on the models he personally tested in our studio.
Other Mattresses for Arthritis I Considered
While testing numerous models to find the mattresses for arthritis, there were a handful of runners-up that I had a hard time leaving off the list. Of those mattresses, I think the Saatva Rx and Helix Plus could be a great fit for certain sleepers with arthritis. Learn more about both models below.
The Saatva Rx is one of the brandโs higher-end models. It is tailor-made to help sleepers with chronic joint pain sleep better at night. During testing, we found that it offered exceptional pressure relief for side and back sleepers alike. It also effectively isolates motion, making it a great pick for couples. We left it off the main list because it isnโt exactly budget-friendly at over $3,000 for a queen-size bed.
The Helix Plus is a durable mattress made with bigger bodies in mind. Our testers praised its back-sleeping pressure relief and overall support. However, we left it off the main list in favor of the Titan Plus Core, because the Titan earned a better responsiveness score and is cheaper than the Helix Plus before discounts.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Mattresses for Arthritis
We approach every mattress model with the same rigorous review methodology, evaluating key performance categories like pressure relief, responsiveness, firmness level, and more. We also work with medical experts and a diverse panel of testers to better understand how each mattress performs for different body shapes, sleeping positions, and arthritis pain concerns. Learn more about how we tested each key category for arthritic sleepers below.
Firmness
Mattress firmness affects how your mattress feels, but it can also indicate the level of support and pressure relief it offers you. We recommend that side sleepers with arthritis opt for a softer mattress that can contour to their sensitive joints. Firmer mattresses generally offer more support and may be suitable for sleepers with back pain or those needing better spinal alignment.
When testing mattress firmness, we use a firmness scale that ranks mattresses from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. A 6.5 out of 10 is our standard for a medium-firm mattress. We invite a panel of testers of different shapes and sizes to lie on the mattress in every sleeping position and rate it out of 10. Next, we average those scores to determine its place on the firmness scale.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to how much tension a mattress can relieve on a specific part of the body when lying on it. Sleepers with arthritis often experience pain and discomfort at night, and pressure alleviation around aching joints can help lessen pain, allowing for restful sleep. If you have arthritis, we recommend looking for a mattress that offers excellent pressure relief around the joints where you experience pain, including your hips, shoulders, and back.
Our pressure map test at Sleepopolis helps us determine whether the mattresses featured in this roundup offer enough cushioning for those with arthritis. We roll a specialized mat across the mattress surface and lie on it in different sleeping positions. The mat then translates the results into a graphic using thermal imaging. The pressure map shows blue for low pressure, green for moderate pressure, and yellow, orange, and red for higher pressure.
Generating pressure maps
We repeat this test with sleepers of different weights and preferred sleeping positions to get a well-rounded view of a bedโs pressure-relieving abilities. Their verbal feedback is also taken into consideration, as what they feel can sometimes differ from what shows on the heatmap.
Responsiveness
How responsive a bed is is just a fancy way of describing how much bounce you feel on a bed. Testing this feature may be the most fun because we actually jump and roll around on the bed to see how easy it is to move and reposition. We also use a medicine ball to see how springy the top part of the bed is.
A responsive bed can benefit combination sleepers and sexually active couples with arthritis because they wonโt have to exert as much effort when repositioning. However, these mattresses typically donโt offer as much pressure relief as less bouncy materials.
Responsiveness testing
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress for Arthritis
Beyond factors like firmness, pressure relief, and responsiveness, there are a couple of things to consider when buying a new mattress for arthritis. When researching mattresses for arthritis, be sure to consider your body type and sleep preferences, and read the fine print regarding sleep trials, returns, and warranties to make your experience as seamless as possible.
Body Weight and Sleep Position
How firm a bed feels or how much pressure relief you get is subjective, as it largely depends on how much you weigh. For lightweight sleepers โ those who weigh under 130 pounds โ a firm mattress may feel even firmer; for larger-bodied sleepers โ those weighing over 230 pounds โ a firm mattress may not feel as firm.
Sleepopolis team testing mattresses in every sleeping position
We recommend considering your body shape and body weight when looking into the right mattress for arthritis. For a quick reference, here is how we categorize sleepers by weight:
Lightweight Sleepers: < 130 pounds
Average-weight Sleepers: 130โ230 pounds
Larger Sleepers: > 230 pounds
Sleeping on your back, side, or stomach can also affect the type of mattress that works best for you. Reference this chart to see what firmness level you should seek for your weight and preferred sleep position.
Weight
Side Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Back Sleepers
< 130 pounds
Soft to Medium: 3 to 5
Medium soft to Medium firm: 4 to 6
Soft to Medium: 3 to 5
130 โ 230 pounds
Medium soft: 4 to 5
Medium firm: 5 to 7
Medium to Firm: 5 to 8
> 230 pounds
Medium to Firm: 6 to 8
Firm to Extra Firm: 7 to 9
Firm to Extra Firm: 7 to 9
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Arthritis symptoms and pain levels can vary from person to person, meaning it may take time to determine whether a mattress truly feels comfortable for your body. Thatโs why itโs important to look for a mattress with a generous sleep trial and an easy return policy.
Many online mattress brands offer trial periods ranging from 90 nights to a full year, giving you enough time to adjust to the bed and see how it impacts your sleep.
A strong warranty is equally important, especially if you are investing in a higher-end mattress. Most high-quality mattresses come with warranties that protect against manufacturing defects and premature sagging. That said, you should always read the fine print, as placing your mattress on an improper foundation can void the warranty in some cases.
Best Mattresses for Arthritis FAQs
What is the best mattress for arthritis?
The best mattress varies from person to person since everyone has different body types and preferred sleeping positions. However, the Helix Midnight Luxe sits atop our list because of its balance of comfort and support that can cushion the joints, provide spinal alignment, and help you sleep comfortably.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for arthritis?
Generally, softer mattresses are gentler on the joints, cushioning them to prevent pressure buildup. However, depending on your body type and sleeping position, you might need a medium-firm mattress to provide more support.
Are memory foam mattresses good for joint pain?
Yes, memory foam mattresses can be great for joint pain. The slow-moving, sinking feel is gentle on sensitive areas and can help alleviate pain. However, we recommend selecting a memory foam mattress with a sturdy, high-density foam base to ensure you get extra support and are not sinking into the layers too far.
Can a new mattress help arthritis and improve sleep quality?
A new mattress cannot cure arthritis, but a bed that helps with contouring and offers deep pressure relief can help sleepers with arthritis get more comfortable and alleviate some of the pain they may have when sleeping.
Sources
CDC. (2024, June 7). Arthritis. Chronic Disease Indicators. https://www.cdc.gov/cdi/indicator-definitions/arthritis.html
NIAMS. (2019, April 11). NIAMS Health Information on Arthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis