Dr. Barry Jarvis
If you suffer from sleep apnea, your mattress can play a crucial role in getting a good night’s sleep. The right mattress provides relief and alignment for your body while the wrong mattress can exacerbate breathing issues and discomfort. With new mattress technology and options available, choosing the best mattress for sleep apnea is key.
This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the ideal mattress for managing your sleep apnea in 2023. We’ll compare the top-rated mattresses for sleep apnea relief and provide tips for selecting the right comfort, support, and features to improve your sleep.
What is Sleep Apnea and How Does Your Mattress Impact It?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts as you sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which occurs when the muscles in your throat relax blocking your airway. This causes oxygen drops that awaken you from deep sleep leading to daytime fatigue.
Your mattress can significantly affect sleep apnea in these key ways:
- Spine alignment – Proper alignment keeps airways open. Poor alignment can increase airway collapse.
- Pressure relief – Reducing pressure points decreases pain that can raise awakenings.
- Comfort – Comfortable mattresses improve sleep efficiency and duration leading to more deep sleep.
- Motion isolation – Beds that absorb movement let partners sleep undisturbed.
The best mattress for you provides proper spinal support through cushioning pressure points. This keeps your airway open for smooth breathing and uninterrupted sleep.
Top 5 Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea in 2023
With many mattress brands claiming to be the best for sleep apnea, we’ve done the research to provide mattress recommendations based on proven benefits for improved breathing, alignment, and comfort. Here are the top 5 mattresses for effectively managing sleep apnea in 2023:
1. Amerisleep AS2
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Height: 12 inches
- Key features: Bio-Pur® foam, Affinity layer with HIVE® technology
Our top pick for sleep apnea is the Amerisleep AS2 memory foam mattress. It provides an ideal balance of cushioning comfort and support for side, back and combo sleepers. We recommend it for sleep apnea sufferers for these key reasons:
Spinal Alignment – The AS2’s medium feel prevents your midsection from sinking in too deeply which can restrict breathing. Its Affinity transition layer uses HIVE® technology for zoned ergonomic support keeping your spine on track.
Pressure Relief – The top layer features Amerisleep’s Bio-Pur® foam – an advanced open cell memory foam that cradles pressure points without sleep-disturbing sinkage. Targeted pressure relief means fewer nighttime awakenings.
Breathability – Air flows freely through the open cell structure so you don’t overheat. The Bio-Pur® foam is also treated with plant oils for additional cooling. Staying cool enhances sleep quality.
Motion Isolation – Its memory foam structure absorbs movements when your partner changes positions so you remain undisturbed.
With nearly 5,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, the Amerisleep AS2 is top-rated for comfort, support and lasting quality making it our #1 recommendation for sleep apnea relief.
- Pros: Medium firmness for spinal alignment, pressure relieving memory foam, breathable Bio-Pur® layer, great motion isolation, 5-year warranty
- Cons: Some heat retention like other memory foams, takes time to break-in
2. Helix Midnight Luxe
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
- Height: 14 inches
- Key features: Gel visco top layer, pocketed coil support core, pillow top
For sleepers wanting both the contouring of foam and the responsiveness of coils, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid mattress. This high-end hybrid provides exceptional pressure relief and breathability making it an excellent choice for managing sleep apnea:
Spinal Support – Hundreds of individually wrapped coils offer reinforced support with targeted pressure relief. An added reinforcement layer provides extra midsection support to keep your spine aligned and airway open.
Cushioning Comfort – The pillow top provides plush pressure relief, while the gel visco layer cradles your body helping relieve tension so you sleep deeper.
Cooling – The gel-infused top foam and breathable cover pull heat away from your body to keep you comfy and sleeping soundly through the night. The coils also let more airflow.
With a 4.5 star average rating out of over 3,800 reviews, this luxury hybrid mattress provides exceptional comfort with spine-aligning support. Outstanding motion isolation from its foam layers also allows uninterrupted sleep for couples.
- Pros: Hybrid design combines contouring and support, pressure relieving pillow top, reinforced midsection support, advanced cooling
- Cons: Expensive, some sinkage around shoulders
3. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Height: 11 inches
- Key Features: TEMPUR material, pressure-relieving
Tempur-Pedic pioneered memory foam mattresses, and the TEMPUR-Adapt is an excellent pressure-relieving option for sleep apnea sufferers. Here’s why it made our list:
Reduced Motion Transfer – Its dense memory foam absorbs movement extremely well, so you won’t be disturbed when your partner moves. This prevents disruptions in sleep.
Pressure Relief – The TEMPUR material was originally designed by NASA to relieve pressure G-force on astronauts during takeoff. That same pressure relief works wonders at cradling your body without discomfort.
Spinal Support – The TEMPUR-Adapt comes in both medium and medium hybrid which offer the right balance of contouring and support to keep your spine aligned.
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by over 4,700 reviewers, customers find this mattress reduces pain and tension for sleep apnea. It also isolates motion extremely well. With multiple firmness options, you can find your perfect fit.
- Pros: Innovative NASA-designed TEMPUR material, choice of firmness, great for motion isolation
- Cons: Expensive, heat retention, lacks bounce
4. Nectar Premier Copper
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Height: 13 inches
- Key Features: Copper-infused foam, cooling cover
The Nectar Premier Copper mattress makes our list for its advanced cooling properties to keep hot sleepers with sleep apnea comfy. Let’s look at its benefits:
4” Cooling Comfort Layer – This top layer of copper-infused memory foam pulls heat away from your body better than standard foam. Copper aids breathability.
Gel Memory Foam – Underneath is gel memory foam with phase changing material to dissipate heat. Together the layers regulate temperature extremely well.
Spinal Support – Its medium feel combined with dual action foam gives excellent pressure relief along with support for proper spinal alignment.
Reduced Motion Transfer – Its multiple memory foam layers absorb movement between sleep partners.
With a 4.8 star average rating out of over 5,000 reviews, hot sleepers with sleep apnea report sleeping cooler and more comfortable all night on the Premier Copper. Coolness, comfort and reduced motion transfer mean uninterrupted sleep.
- Pros: Copper-infused foam sleeps very cool, comfortable medium support, great for motion isolation
- Cons: Heavy, takes time to break in
5. Layla Memory Foam Mattress
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Dual-firmness flippable
- Height: 10 inches
- Key Features: Copper-infused foam, flippable firmness
With the unique benefit of dual-firmness in one mattress, the Layla Memory Foam Mattress rounds out our top 5. Here’s what makes it great for sleep apnea:
Flippable Firmness – One side is soft, the other firmer. Flipping lets you find what provides the best spinal support and airway alignment.
Copper-Infused Foam – Just like our #4 pick, the copper infusion pulls heat away from your body for a cooler sleep.
Pressure relief – Its memory foam contours closely to cushion pressure points. Less tossing and turning means more deep sleep.
Motion Isolation – The foam absorbs movements so you stay asleep when your partner stirs.
With two firmness levels in one and advanced cooling, the Layla allows you to customize your support and comfort. Its 4.5 star average rating shows sleep apnea patients get significant relief.
- Pros: Flippable firmness provides customization for your needs, copper infused foam sleeps cool, great motion isolation
- Cons: Dense foam lacks bounce, some complain of odor
What to Look for in the Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea
Along with the top mattress recommendations above, here are the key features and buying considerations for finding the best mattress for YOUR sleep apnea:
Mattress Type
The main mattress types to consider are:
Memory foam – Contours closely to provide superior pressure point relief. Cradles joints and keeps the spine aligned. Reduces motion transfer. Drawback is heat retention.
Latex – Provides cushioning yet responsive support. Naturally breathable. Good for spine alignment but expensive. Increased motion transfer.
Innerspring – Traditional spring support core offers bounce and airflow. Can lack pressure relief but reinforced options available. More motion transfer.
Hybrid – Combines foam comfort layer(s) with a coil support core for the best of both worlds. Provides contouring pressure relief and bounce.
Any of these types can work well for sleep apnea with memory foam, latex and hybrid being optimal choices. Evaluate your sleep position, weight, and cooling needs to select what will provide the most comfortable, supportive alignment for you.
Firmness Level
Medium firmness tends to provide the best spinal support while still cradling pressure points. Soft causes midsections to sink in too much collapsing airways. Too firm puts extra pressure on shoulders and hips leading to pain. Look for medium to medium-firm options around 6/10 on the firmness scale.
Cooling Features
Since overheating worsens sleep apnea, prioritize mattresses with advanced cooling abilities like:
- Gel or copper-infused foam
- Breathable latex or coils
- Phase change or graphite materials
- Cooling gels, titanium, ceramic
Avoid mattresses that sleep very hot like solid memory foam if you tend to overheat at night.
Pressure Relief
Contouring materials that cushion and cradle your body prevent pressure build up that disrupts sleep. Memory foam, latex, and poly foams provide the best pressure relief.
Edge Support
Reinforced edges prevent you from rolling off if you move near the edge due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Resilient edges also allow using the full mattress surface.
Ease of Movement
Responsive, springier surfaces make it easier to reposition throughout the night to find comfortable sleep positions.
Noise
Look for mattresses with no or minimal noise so sounds don’t disturb your or your partner’s sleep when moving. Foam and pocketed coil options are quietest.
Pricing
Higher quality materials come with a cost. However, many foam and hybrid mattresses today provide excellent sleep apnea benefits under $1,500 for a Queen.
Sleep Position and Body Type Considerations
Your sleep position and body type impact which mattress attributes provide the most relief and alignment.
Side Sleepers
Softer surfaces with more cradling alleviate pressure on the shoulders and hips. Medium soft to medium options around 4-6/10 firmness work best. Opt for memory foam, latex, or soft hybrid.
Back Sleepers
Firmer, supportive surfaces keep the spine aligned and midsection from sinking. Look for medium firm to firm around 6-7/10 firmness. Latex or firmer hybrids with foam work well.
Stomach Sleepers
Firm support keeps bellies and chest lifted. Look for firmer mattresses around 7-9/10 to prevent excessive sinking from obstructing breathing. Latex and coil hybrids are good options.
Heavyweight (230+ lbs)
Reinforced support prevents excessive sinking and keeps the spine aligned. Hybrids and firmer latex or memory foam provide the best support.
Lightweight (130 lbs or less)
Light sleepers need thick comfort layers for pressure relief without being engulfed. Softer memory foams and plush latex work well.
No matter your sleep position or weight, balancing comfort and support is key to managing sleep apnea. Adjustability like customizable firmness allows tweaking the mattress to your needs.
Signs You Need a New Mattress for Sleep Apnea
If you experience these symptoms, it’s time to consider a replacement mattress:
- Waking up frequently at night, having trouble falling back asleep
- Tossing and turning looking for a comfortable position
- Increased snoring or apnea episodes noticed by you or your partner
- Neck, shoulder or back pain that lingers during the day
- Feeling hot and sweaty during sleep
- Significant drooping, sagging or deterioration of an old mattress
- Partner movement strongly disturbs your sleep
A new mattress can resolve these issues that prevent quality, restorative sleep by providing better support and comfort.
FAQs About Mattresses and Sleep Apnea
What type of mattress is best for sleep apnea?
Memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses tend to be most effective for sleep apnea since they contour to the body while preventing sinking that obstructs breathing. Options with cooling features also regulate temperature for better sleep.
What mattress firmness is best for sleep apnea?
Medium to medium firm mattresses around 5-7 on the 10 point firmness scale are usually recommended. This balances close contouring for pressure relief with adequate support to keep airways open.
Should you sleep on back or side with sleep apnea?
Most doctors recommend side sleeping as it helps keep airways open. Placing a pillow between your knees and tilting your head helps maintain alignment on your side. Avoid sleeping on your back which allows your tongue to fall back into your airway.
Is a mattress wedge helpful for sleep apnea?
A mattress wedge can benefit sleep apnea by elevating your head to improve airway airflow and prevent the tongue from obstructing breathing passages. Wedges are particularly helpful for back sleepers.
Do adjustable beds help with sleep apnea?
Adjustable beds allow you to raise the head slightly to open up breathing passages. They also allow changing positions and a massage feature that can help you fully relax to breathe deeply.
Conclusion
As you can see, your mattress choice plays a crucial role in managing sleep apnea for comfort and restful sleep. The right mattress keeps your spine aligned while cushioning pressure points so you sleep soundly through the night. Cooling features also allow deeper sleep. With the top picks and buying considerations above, you can confidently choose the perfect mattress to reduce your sleep apnea symptoms and wake up refreshed. Sweet dreams!
Originally posted on September 19, 2023 @ 4:49 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.
