Arthritis sufferers understand the importance of a good night's sleep, but finding the perfect mattress can be a daunting task. Considering the many options that are available, it's essential to choose a mattress that offers both comfort and support, tailored to your unique needs.
This year, several brands have promised relief and restful nights. In this guide, we'll take a look at 5 mattress brands that have drawn attention for their arthritis-friendly features. Although consulting with a healthcare professional is always advised, a mattress can aid in comfort and help you get a better night's sleep.
Best mattress for arthritis: a shortlist
- Leesa — best for heat dissipation and hip support
- Puffy — best for pressure point relief
- Amerisleep — best for medium-firm support
- Helix — best for zoned lumbar support
- Nectar — best for adaptive support
How to choose the best mattress for arthritis?
Selecting the best mattress for arthritis involves more than just personal preference. You need to understand the specific needs of an individual with arthritis and make sure that the mattress addresses those concerns. Here's a table to guide you through the essential criteria:
Firmness level | Balance between softness and support |
Material | Type of material used (e.g., memory foam, latex) |
Support & comfort | Ensures proper spinal alignment and pressure relief |
Sleeping position | Tailored to side, back, or stomach sleepers |
Price | Balancing budget with ensuring quality and durability |
- Firmness level. While some may ask, "Is a firm mattress better for arthritis?" the answer varies. It's essential to find a balance that offers support without being too hard.
- Material. Memory foam and latex are popular choices when looking for mattresses for arthritis, with memory foam being especially noted as the best mattress for joint pain due to its contouring properties.
- Support and comfort. A mattress for arthritis should provide adequate support to maintain spinal alignment and offer relief from pressure points.
- Sleeping position. For instance, the best mattress for arthritis in the lower back might differ from one ideal for rheumatoid arthritis.
The best mattress for arthritis: an overview
Selecting the right mattress can make a significant difference for those with arthritis, offering relief from nightly discomfort and promoting restorative sleep. Here are our top five mattress picks, each uniquely tailored to address the specific needs of arthritis sufferers.
1. Leesa — best for heat dissipation and hip support

The Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress combines foam layers with springs in its construction. It features a seven-layer design, including an ultra-cool cover infused with fibers aimed at maintaining a skin temperature of 88 degrees F.
Customers have the option to choose from three comfort levels: plush, medium-firm, and firm. An added feature is its GREENGUARD GOLD certification, which means it has undergone screening for a range of chemicals. For those interested in the queen size, it is priced at $2,159.
While it is not specifically marketed to arthritis sufferers, its firmness options and edge support make sure you can choose your own level of comfort.
2. Puffy — best for pressure point relief

The Puffy Cloud Mattress, priced at $2,399 for a queen size, is a multi-layered mattress designed with various features. Recognized by People Magazine, HGTV, and Forbes for its memory foam qualities, it has a CertiPUR-US® certified foams and is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
The mattress offers a 101-night sleep trial, heat dispersion, enhanced airflow, and minimal movement transfer, which might appeal to arthritis sufferers seeking reduced motion disturbance. It boasts five distinct layers, including a stain-resistant cloud cover, Cooling Cloud™ Foam, Climate Comfort™ Foam, Firm Core Support Foam, and a Grip Base Cover.
The mattress is designed and manufactured in the USA, and Puffy offers free shipping within 1–2 days of order placement.
3. Amerisleep — best for medium-firm support

The Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid Mattress, priced at $1,549 for a queen size, is a medium-firm mattress designed to promote healthy spinal alignment, making it a potential choice for back and stomach sleepers.
It features the plant-based Bio-Pur® memory foam, known for its cooling properties and open-cell design that promotes airflow. The mattress also boasts the patented Refresh Cover technology, made from a fiber that draws heat from the skin, potentially keeping the sleeping surface cooler.
The mattress is made in the USA and comes with a 20-year warranty.
4. Helix — best for zoned lumbar support

The Helix Midnight Luxe, priced at $2,373.80 for a queen size, is a medium-feel mattress designed specifically for side sleepers. It has an enhanced lumbar support system, which aims to provide optimal spinal alignment. The mattress is constructed with zoned lumbar support coils, offering a softer feel under the shoulders and firmer support under the hips.
The premium quilted pillow top adds an extra layer of comfort, reminiscent of luxury hotel mattresses. Customers can choose between two cooling cover options: the breathable TENCEL™ cover or the advanced GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover, designed for rapid heat dissipation.
The mattress has received endorsements from various medical professionals, including sleep medicine doctors and chiropractors. It also comes with a 100-night sleep trial, a 10–15-year warranty, and is assembled in the USA.
5. Nectar — best for adaptive support

The Nectar Premier Copper Mattress is a 14-inch mattress that offers both memory foam and hybrid versions. It features a triple-action cooling system, which includes a cover woven with copper fibers and an increased amount of ActiveCool HD phase change material. This material is designed to adjust to body temperature. The mattress is constructed with five layers of CertiPUR-US® certified foams.
The memory foam queen version is priced at $1,949, and the hybrid queen version is priced at $2249. On the other hand, the mattress layers consist of a cooling copper cover, therapeutic memory foam, an ActiveLift layer, a dynamic transition layer, infinity innerspring coils, an ActiveSupport stability base layer, and a shift-resistant lower cover. The hybrid version incorporates individually wrapped coils designed for edge support and motion isolation.
Nectar offers a 365-night trial, a Forever Warranty™, free delivery, and returns.
Comparing top mattresses for arthritis relief
Product | Price* | Firmness level | Material | Support & comfort | Sleeping position & specific needs |
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress | $2,159.00 | Plush, medium-firm, firm options | 7 levels of CertiPUR-US® certified foams | 1,032 individually wrapped coils for hip and edge support | Stomach, side, and back |
Puffy Cloud Mattress | $2,399.00 | Medium-firm | CertiPUR-US® certified foam | 6 inches of high-density foam stabilizes the mattress and isolates motion | Stomach, side, and back |
Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid Mattress | $1,549.00 | Medium-firm | Bio-Pur® memory foam | Bio-Pur® foam claims to give support surpassing memory foam | Back and stomach |
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | $2,373.80 | Medium | Multiple foam levels, including copper-gel memory foam | Zoned lumbar support coils for consistency across the mattress | Side |
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress | $1,949.00 (Memory foam); $2,249.00 (Hybrid) | Medium-firm | CertiPUR-US® certified foams | ActiveSupport stability base layer keeps the mattress firm | Stomach, side, and back |
*may vary depending on the mattress size.
What to look for in a mattress for arthritis?
Typically, those suffering from arthritis or joint pain are looking for a mattress that can adapt to the body and offer support at the same time. Your level of comfort will be specific to your needs and the location of pain, but may be influenced by the following factors in mattress design:
- Firmness. Crucial for alleviating joint pressure and supporting spinal alignment.
- Material. Memory foam and latex contour to the body, offering targeted relief.
- Size. Ensures adequate space for a comfortable sleep.
- Thickness. Influences the ease of getting in and out of bed.
Benefits of choosing the right mattress for arthritis
You need to take different things into consideration when choosing the appropriate mattress for rheumatoid arthritis. This will ensure you can get a better overall well-being. Here are some key benefits of spending time researching the best model:
- Improved sleep quality. A suitable mattress can significantly enhance sleep depth and duration, ensuring you wake up refreshed.
- Reduced pain. Targeted support can alleviate pressure on inflamed joints, which leads to decreased pain during the night and upon waking.
- Enhanced posture. Proper spinal alignment can prevent additional joint strain, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of further complications.
- Even weight distribution. This minimizes stress on any single joint. This will translate into a more comfortable rest.
Mattress materials and their impact on arthritis
Different materials will have different effects on your arthritis symptoms. For instance, the Leesa mattress, with its seven layers of CertiPUR-US® certified foam and 1,032 individually wrapped coils, offers targeted support, especially for the hips, ensuring that pressure points are adequately cushioned. The Puffy and Nectar mattresses, both made with CertiPUR-US® certified foam, mold to the body, providing relief to painful joints.
On the other hand, the Amerisleep's Bio-Pur® memory foam is known for its contouring properties, offering a balance between softness and firmness; and the Helix mattress incorporates multiple foam levels, including copper-gel memory foam, which has both cooling and therapeutic benefits. The choice of material can significantly influence comfort and pain relief for people with arthritis, making it essential to select a mattress that aligns with individual needs.
Sleep position impact for arthritis pain
Sleep position can significantly influence arthritis discomfort. For instance, side sleepers might experience pressure on their hips and shoulders, potentially exacerbating joint pain. Back sleepers, on the other hand, require support for the lumbar region to maintain spinal alignment and reduce strain.
The Arthritis Foundation advises against sleeping on the stomach as it can strain the neck and back. Stomach sleepers might face challenges with neck and back alignment, which in some cases can be aided by pillow placement. However, back and side sleepers will likely benefit from a pillow under or between the knees to align the spine.
A mattress that offers zoned support, like the Leesa with its individually wrapped coils, can cater to the unique needs of each sleep position. Similarly, the contouring properties of the Puffy and Amerisleep mattresses adapt to the body's shape, ensuring that people with arthritis receive the necessary support and relief, regardless of their preferred sleep position.
Hybrid vs. memory foam vs. latex: which is best for arthritis?
Memory foam mattresses contour to the body, offering pressure relief, especially for side sleepers. However, a study from 2017 highlighted that latex mattresses reduced peak body pressure, particularly on the torso and buttocks, and achieved a more even distribution of pressure across various sleeping postures compared to polyurethane (memory foam) mattresses. This suggests that latex could offer superior pressure point support and versatility for different sleep positions. Of course, it will always come down to personal preference.
Last but not least, hybrid mattresses, which combine innerspring coils with foam or latex, provide a balanced sleep solution. For those with arthritis, considering the findings, a latex or hybrid mattress might be a more supportive choice than memory foam alone.
Other methods for managing hip pain
Managing hip pain from arthritis requires a holistic approach, combining the right mattress with other complementary strategies. These methods not only alleviate discomfort but also improve mobility and overall well-being.
- Exercise. Regular low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can strengthen the muscles around the hip joint, providing better support and reducing pain. Talk to a healthcare provider before engaging in an exercise program.
- Stretches. Daily stretching routines, especially targeting the hip flexors, can enhance flexibility, reduce stiffness, and improve range of motion. Talk to your healthcare provider about what movements are right for you.
- Weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on hip joints, decreasing pain and preventing further joint damage.
- Heat/cold therapy. Applying heat or cold packs may alleviate hip pain. Heat may relax and soothe muscles, while cold can reduce inflammation and numb the affected area. However, reviews of scientific studies have shown inconclusive results.
- Lifestyle changes. Prioritizing good posture, using supportive footwear, and avoiding prolonged sitting may significantly reduce hip strain and pain. But it's crucial to consult a professional about your unique situation.
The best mattress for arthritis – conclusion
Choosing an appropriate mattress is a crucial step towards getting a good night sleep, something that makes us feel better overall, regardless of whether we have arthritis. The interplay between mattress materials, sleep positions, and individual needs can influence pain levels and sleep quality.
Alongside the right mattress, integrating supplementary methods like exercises and thermotherapy may offer additional relief but should always be discussed with your healthcare provider to ensure safety. Ultimately, a holistic approach to managing arthritis is often the best route to better sleep and improved daily comfort.
Discover other products to manage arthritis
If you're looking for more inspiration on getting a good night's sleep or dealing with arthritis pain, check out these products that might help manage arthritis symptoms:
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FAQ
Are firm mattresses better for arthritis?
Firm mattresses can provide better support and alignment, potentially benefiting some arthritis sufferers. However, individual comfort varies, and a too-firm mattress might exacerbate pressure points. It's best to find a balance that offers support without sacrificing your comfort.
How does mattress type affect joint pain?
Memory foam contours to the body, relieving pressure points, while innerspring can offer firmer support. Latex, on the other hand, balances support and cushioning. The right choice alleviates stress on joints, reducing pain, but individual preferences and needs play a crucial role.
Can a good mattress reduce the need for pain medications?
While a suitable mattress can alleviate joint discomfort and improve sleep quality, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional regarding pain medication needs. A mattress may complement medical treatments, but it shouldn't be viewed as a direct replacement for prescribed therapies.
- Arthritis Foundation. Position Yourself for a Good Night’s Sleep.
- Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures.
- The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Thermotherapy for Treatment of Osteoarthritis.
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