Dr. Barry Jarvis
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, getting consistently restorative sleep can be a challenge. Widespread pain and tender pressure points can make it difficult to get comfortable in bed. However, research shows the right mattress can provide significant pain relief and improved sleep quality.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best mattress to manage fibromyalgia. We’ll explain how your mattress impacts symptoms, compare top-rated mattress types and features for pain relief, and provide tips for customizing your mattress to your body. With the ideal mattress, you can wake up feeling recharged and energized.
How Does Your Mattress Affect Fibromyalgia?
Studies show your mattress can play a substantial role in minimizing fibromyalgia pain and discomfort in these key ways:
Pressure Point Cushioning – Properly contouring to the shoulders, hips, and back alleviates pain at tender pressure points.
Spine Support – Keeping the spine aligned overnight prevents you from waking with stiffness and soreness.
Motion Isolation – Absorbing movements so you stay asleep when your partner changes position, critical for uninterrupted sleep.
Durability – Preventing sagging ensures support and cushioning last. Sagging exacerbates pressure points.
Breathability – Removal of heat and moisture prevents overheating that worsens symptoms.
The right balance of contouring and support allows deeper, undisturbed sleep to manage fibromyalgia.
5 Best Mattresses for Fibromyalgia Relief
Through extensive analysis of pain-relieving designs and features, here are the top 5 mattress recommendations for improving fibromyalgia:
1. Amerisleep AS2
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Medium, 5 out of 10
- Height: 12”
The Amerisleep AS2’s medium feel and pressure-relieving memory foam design make it our top overall pick for fibromyalgia. Its Bio-Pur® memory foam comfort layer cushions tender pressure points across the shoulders, back, and hips. The mattress’s responsiveness prevents you from feeling “trapped.”
Underneath, Affinity foam with HIVE® technology provides zoned ergonomic support for proper spinal alignment. This prevents you from waking with stiffness and pain. The open cell foam design allows enhanced breathability and airflow to regulate temperature all night.
With almost 5,000 reviews and a 4.7/5 star rating, the Amerisleep AS2 is highly recommended by fibromyalgia patients for its balanced comfort and support. And it comes backed by a 100-night trial and 20-year warranty.
- Pros:
- Pressure relieving memory foam
- Zoned back support
- Responsive memory foam
- Good breathability & cooling
- 100 night trial & 20 year warranty
- Cons:
- Some heat retention
- High price point
2. Helix Twilight
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium, 5 out of 10
- Height: 12″
The Helix Twilight mattress makes our list for its highly tailored construction to support fibromyalgia sufferers. Custom designed for aches and pains, this medium feel mattress combines the pressure relief of foam with the breathability and responsiveness of coils.
A top memory foam comfort layer cradles painful pressure points and is specially perforated to allow airflow and cooling. Underneath, hundreds of pocketed coils offer enhanced support while isolating motion so you stay asleep if your partner moves.
Reinforced edges provide strong support if you sit on the side of the bed. And the breathable Tencel cover wicks away sweat to keep you comfortably sleeping at an ideal temperature all night. Great for combination sleepers.
- Pros:
- Hybrid design ideal for fibromyalgia
- Zoned pressure point relief
- Individually wrapped coils
- Strong edge support
- Cooling Tencel cover
- Cons:
- Only available in one firmness
- Some initial offgassing odor
3. Nolah Original
- Type: Foam
- Firmness: Medium soft, 4 out of 10
- Height: 10”
The Nolah Original all-foam mattress excels at providing close conforming to relieve fibromyalgia’s tender pressure points. With a medium-soft feel, it cushions areas like the shoulders, hips, and back without allowing excessive sinkage that strains joints.
Its proprietary AirFoamTM gently hugs curves while preventing you from feeling “stuck.” A cooling mesh cover allows air circulation to wick away heat. Durable high-density base foam prevents sagging over 7-10+ years even with daily use.
Ideal for side sleeping, 96% of owners say this foam mattress improved their sleep quality. With lifetime warranty protection, you can try this mattress risk-free for 120 nights.
- Pros:
- Conforming AirFoamTM layer
- Cooling mesh cover
- Medium-soft great for side sleepers
- Low motion transfer
- Durable base layer
- Cons:
- Lacks bounce
- Some offgassing initially
4. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Available soft, medium or firm
- Height: 11.5”
Tempur-Pedic’s innovative NASA-engineered TEMPUR material makes their mattresses ideal for reducing fibromyalgia pain. The TEMPUR-Adapt comes in soft, medium and firm feels so you can choose your ideal firmness based on sleep position.
The TEMPUR foam softens in reaction to body heat while retaining its shape. This cradles painful pressure points, offering close contouring and support. The foam also absorbs movement so you stay undisturbed if your partner changes position.
Owners suffering from fibromyalgia love this mattress for its superior pressure relief. With over 5000 4 star reviews, the TEMPUR-Adapt helps improves sleep and daily energy.
- Pros:
- Innovative pressure-relieving TEMPUR foam
- Choice of firmness levels
- Adapts to body shape
- Great motion isolation
- Long-term durability
- Cons:
- Heat retention
- High price point
- Some initial offgassing odor
5. Ghostbed Luxe
- Type: Foam
- Firmness: Medium, 5 out of 10
- Height: 13”
The Ghostbed Luxe foam mattress makes our list for its advanced cooling capabilities and balanced support. 7 layers of premium foams provide exceptional pressure point relief and spinal support exactly where sleepers with fibromyalgia need it most.
The aerated cool-to-the-touch quilted cover helps regulate temperature and wick away heat. Underneath, a gel memory foam layer cushions joints while keeping you cool. The support layer offers great responsiveness for repositioning easily.
Owners love how the Ghostbed Luxe alleviates aches while sleeping cool. With 101 night trial and 25 year warranty, and medium feel suitable for most body types, you can test it out risk-free.
- Pros:
- Advanced cooling cover
- Gel memory foam regulates temperature
- Blended foams relieve pressure
- 101 night sleep trial
- 25 year warranty
- Cons:
- Lacks springiness of hybrids
- Only available in one firmness
Any of these top-rated mattresses will provide the right balance of cushioned relief while supporting healthy spinal alignment to manage fibromyalgia symptoms.
How to Choose the Best Mattress Type for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia patients tend to experience the greatest pain relief and comfort from these types of mattresses:
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam conforms closely to the body’s natural curves to alleviate pressure on tender spots. Finding the right density prevents “feeling stuck.” Open cell or gel-infusions keep the surface breathable if you sleep hot. Great motion isolation.
Latex Mattresses
Natural or synthetic latex gently cradles pressure points while offering more buoyancy. Breathable and durable. Responsive for changing positions but expensive. Solid latex can feel overly firm.
Hybrid Mattresses
Combining conforming foam layers over pocketed support coils optimizes pressure relief and airflow. Provides close contouring with easier repositioning. More expensive but very durable. Models like the Helix Twilight specifically target aches.
Adjustable Air Beds
Allow customization of each side’s firmness and height which is great for couples with different needs. Superior pressure relief but very expensive. Consider as fibromyalgia worsens.
If choosing an all-foam mattress, ensure it has minimal offgassing smells to avoid irritating sensitivities.
What Mattress Firmness is Best for Fibromyalgia?
The right mattress firmness for you depends on your:
Sleep Position
Side sleepers need a softer surface for pressure point cushioning. Back sleepers need a firmer, supportive surface to keep the spine aligned.
Weight
Heavier figures need a firmer mattress to support additional weight. Lighter people need thick comfort layers to prevent excessive contouring.
Pain Location
Those with lower back, shoulder or hip pain need thicker cushioning comfort layers. Those with upper back or neck pain require firmer support layers.
Combination sleepers tend to prefer a medium feel around 5 on the 10 point scale. This balances comfort for side sleeping with support for back sleeping.
Adjustable air beds allow customizing each side’s firmness which helps couples with fibromyalgia.
Design Factors for the Best Fibro Mattresses
Along with choosing the right firmness and mattress type, optimize these design factors:
Responsiveness
Beds that quickly respond to movements make it easier to change positions, critical for combination sleepers. Latex, hybrids, and adjustable air beds have the most responsiveness.
Cooling Features
Advanced cooling gels, phase change materials and breathable covers wick away heat and moisture to prevent night sweats that worsen symptoms.
Motion Isolation
Minimal motion transfer ensures you stay asleep if your partner moves during the night. Memory foam, polyfoam and pocketed coil mattresses isolate motion best.
Strong Edge Support
Reinforced perimeters allow you to sit comfortably on the edge of the bed without collapsing. Important for getting in and out of bed less painfully.
Adjustable Base
Customizing your sleeping position with an adjustable base can take pressure off tender spots. Elevating the head slightly also improves breathing.
Finding options designed for aches and pains takes the guesswork out of choosing the best mattress for your fibromyalgia.
How Mattress Materials Affect Fibromyalgia
Memory Foam
Conforms closely to alleviate pressure points but can restrict movement. Gel foams sleep cooler. Needs open-cell structure for breathability.
Latex Foam
Naturally contouring. Responsive support. Solid or Dunlop latex runs firmer. Talalay process has a less dense, resilient feel. Expensive.
Polyfoam
Affordable foam comfort layers cushion joints. Low-density soft polyfoam compresses easily. High-density foams are more durable and supportive.
Pocketed Coils
Hundreds of fabric-encased coils adapt to the body’s shape while reinforcing the mattress structure. More responsive than foam.
Innersprings
Affordable traditional style still found in many mattresses. Look for added foam comfort layers for pressure relief. Bonnell coils transfer more motion.
Balancing close contouring for pressure relief with adequate structure and breathability provides the most effective mattress for fibromyalgia.
Why Personalized Comfort is Key for Fibromyalgia
Since fibromyalgia causes unique pain patterns and sleep position needs, finding ways to customize mattress comfort is crucial for each individual. Consider these personalized options:
Adjustable Firmness – Dual-sided firmness mattresses or adjustable air beds allow customizing each side’s feel. Great for couples.
Targeted Pressure Relief – Zoned structures with different firmness zones reinforce areas like the lumbar for greater point pressure relief at shoulders and hips.
Specialized Designs – Models like the Helix Twilight specifically engineer materials targeting fibromyalgia pressure points.
Mattress Toppers – Add a plush topper to soften a too firm mattress surface. Use a latex topper to add responsiveness and cooling.
Pillow Pairings – Matching pillow loft and firmness to your sleep position properly supports the head, neck and shoulders.
What works best is truly personalized for your body. Finding customization is the key to truly minimizing widespread fibromyalgia pain.
Signs It’s Time for a New Fibro Mattress
Some signs it may be time to look for a replacement mattress specialized for fibromyalgia:
- Increased morning pain and stiffness that lingers
- New pressure points and “tender spots” developing
- More tossing and turning attempting to get comfortable
- Discomfort from mattress sagging, impressions or unevenness
- Feeling mattress doesn’t alleviate pain pressure points
- Partner movement is disturbing your sleep
- Over 5-7 years old, the typical lifespan of a quality mattress
Investing in a new tailored mattress can provide significant relief when these symptoms start interfering with your sleep and daily comfort.
Mattress Buying FAQs
Which mattress type best helps fibromyalgia?
Memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses tend to excel at contouring pressure points while supporting the spine for fibromyalgia relief. Adjustable air beds also offer customization.
What mattress firmness is best for fibromyalgia?
Medium soft to medium firm or around 4-7 out of 10 on the firmness scale typically accommodates the wide range of pressure points. Firmness preferences depend on your sleep position, weight and pain location.
Should you sleep on your back or side with fibromyalgia?
Side sleeping generally allows better spine alignment and cushioning at the shoulders, hips and knees. Place a firm pillow between your knees. Back sleeping works well if you can maintain good lumbar support.
Does mattress firmness or softness help fibromyalgia?
A balance is best. Overly soft mattresses can allow too much sinkage and pushback on joints. Too firm can create new pressure points and pain at protruding areas. The right material blend tailored to you provides “just right” comfort.
When is it time to replace a fibromyalgia mattress?
When you experience poor sleep quality, more pain upon waking, new aches in areas like the lower back and hips, tossing and turning or sagging and unevenness, it’s time to replace your mattress for one catering to sensitive pressure points. Most quality mattresses last 6-8 years before a replacement.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, finding a mattress individually calibrated to provide relief at your fibromyalgia pressure points is life-changing. Specialized materials, firmness, and designs alleviate aches so you can finally sleep deeply and wake ready to take on the day. With the recommendations above for choosing an ideal mattress, you can rest assured you’ll invest in restful comfort. Say goodbye to tossing and turning and hello to a mattress tailored for your needs.
Originally posted on September 19, 2023 @ 8:06 pm
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
