Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dealing with the chronic pain of arthritis makes getting a good night’s rest difficult. The right mattress can help by gently cradling sensitive joints. This detailed guide reviews the top 10 mattress recommendations tailored for arthritis along with tips for choosing the ideal model.
How Does Your Mattress Affect Arthritis?
Mattresses can worsen or alleviate common arthritis joint pain in these key ways:
- Uneven support leads to pressure points that aggravate inflammation
- Inadequate cushioning of shoulders, hips, back, and knees strains aching joints
- A sagging or unsupportive surface disrupts spinal alignment
- Excess heat caused by trapping body heat near painful areas
- Unnecessary pressure on tender areas from a too firm or too soft surface
The proper mattress helps minimize the factors that worsen joint discomfort and offers arthritis-friendly features.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Arthritis
Those with arthritis should seek out mattresses with these characteristics:
1. Pressure Relief
Targeted cushioning of the hips, shoulders, knees, and other common arthritis hotspots.
2. Adaptive Support
Conforming ability to gently cushion joints rather than putting unwanted pressure on them.
3. Minimal Motion Transfer
Sleep undisturbed even if your partner moves during the night.
4. Strong Edge Support
Reinforced perimeters make getting in and out of bed easier and safer.
5. Cooling Properties
Advanced technologies and breathable materials prevent overheating.
Using this criteria, below are the top mattress recommendations for arthritis relief.
The Top 10 Mattresses for Arthritis Relief
1. Helix Twilight Luxe
Highlights:
- Hybrid design with foam and pocketed coils
- Zoned lumbar support transitions
- Cushioning pillow top for pressure relief
- Reinforced perimeter prevents roll-off
- Minimal motion transfer
- 100 night sleep trial
With zoned transitions and a plush pillow top, the Helix Twilight Luxe cradles sensitive joints while supporting the spine.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Helix Twilight Luxe Mattress on HelixSleep.com
2. Nectar Premier Memory Foam
Highlights:
- Proprietary memory foam with phase change cover
- Gel-infused foam and ventilated design prevents overheating
- Cradling feel relieves pressure points
- Reinforced edges for support
- Works well for side and back sleeping positions
- 365 night home trial
With conforming memory foam cushioning and superior cooling, the Nectar Premier caters to those with arthritis seeking pressure relief without heat retention.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress on NectarSleep.com
3. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt
Highlights:
- Tempur’s proprietary memory foam layer adapts to your body
- Zoned lumbar support minimizes pressure
- Advanced pressure relief for hips and shoulders
- Minimal motion transfer
- Easy-refresh, washable cover
- 90 night sleep trial
The Tempur-Adapt’s close contouring and targeted cushioning gently support tender joints all night long.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt on TempurPedic.com
4. DreamCloud Premier Rest
Highlights:
- Foam mattress with supportive inner coils
- Medium feel balances contouring and support
- High density memory foams cushion joints
- Zoned back support matches body shape
- Low motion transfer
- 365 night sleep trial
This hybrid DreamCloud mattress pairs the joint-cushioning benefits of memory foam with reinforced support systems.
Price Range: $$
Buy the DreamCloud Premier Rest on DreamCloud’s Website
5. Casper Nova Hybrid
Highlights:
- Zoned support foam cradles areas prone to pain
- Added support from responsive springs
- Contours shoulders, hips and back
- Perforations promote breathability
- Isolates motion between sleep partners
- 100 night trial with free returns
This Casper hybrid combines the close contouring of foam with the breathability of springs to target pressure points.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the Casper Nova Hybrid on Casper.com
6. PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Latex
Highlights:
- Natural latex comfort layers
- Highly responsive with targeted pressure relief
- Zoned support reinforces lumbar area
- GOLS certified organic latex
- Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking
- 25 year warranty
PlushBed’s botanical latex layers provide cushioning and healthy alignment of sensitive joints.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress on PlushBeds.com
7. Bear Hybrid
Key Highlights:
- Responsive coil system paired with foam
- Graphite and gel-infused foam regulates temperature
- Zoned pressure relief targets shoulders and hips
- Firmer supportive feel
- Great motion isolation
- 100 night sleep trial
The Bear Hybrid allows you to sleep cool while providing zoned pressure relief and support.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Bear Hybrid Mattress on BearMattress.com
8. Nolah Evolution
Highlights:
- Proprietary AirFoamTM material
- Zoned foam layers provide reinforced back support
- Flippable firm and plush feel options
- Cooling cover and heat-wicking fibers
- Minimal motion transfer
- Lifetime warranty
With options to choose your comfort and targeted back support, the Nolah Evolution accommodates all sleep positions.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Nolah Evolution 15” Mattress on NolahMattress.com
9. Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Highlights:
- Flippable firm and medium soft feels
- Copper gel-infused memory foam plus support foams
- Zoned support with reinforced edge
- Minimal motion transfer
- Antimicrobial copper prevents odors
- Lifetime warranty
The Layla mattress’s dual firmness sides help those with arthritis find their ideal balance of contouring softness and support.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Layla Memory Foam Mattress on LaylaSleep.com
10. Leesa Hybrid Mattress
Highlights:
- Combines foam layers with over 1,000 pocket springs
- Zoned pressure relief
- Medium-firm, accommodates most sleep positions
- Cooling Avena and memory foam comfort layers
- Excellent motion isolation
- 100 night risk-free trial
Leesa’s Hybrid mattress provides conforming and pressure relief precisely where sleepers need it most.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Leesa Hybrid Mattress on Leesa.com
Choosing the Best Mattress Type for Arthritis
Memory Foam Mattresses
Conforming memory foam cushions the shoulders, hips and back to minimize pressure points. Look for quick response foam and cooling gels.
Latex Mattresses
Natural latex evenly distributes body weight to relieve pressure without sagging. Maintains spinal alignment. Sleeps cool.
Hybrid Mattresses
Coils paired with foam provide an ideal balance of support, bounce, and contouring to cushion joints.
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional spring mattresses are naturally firmer and responsive. Look for pillow tops for added plushness.
Best Mattresses for Common Arthritis Pain Points
Shoulder Arthritis
Softer mattresses that contour shoulders and allow side sleeping. Zoned pressure relief in the upper body.
Lower Back Arthritis
Medium firm mattresses that provide lumbar support. Targeted transition zones that reinforce the lower back.
Hip Arthritis
Close contouring memory foam mattresses that cushion hips and promote spinal alignment.
Knee Arthritis
Medium firmness levels that balance conforming and support. Avoid excessively plush beds.
Mattress Shopping Guide for Arthritis
- Take advantage of risk-free sleep trials to ensure the ideal fit
- Ask about comfort exchanges to finetune your firmness selection
- Evaluate edge support quality for stability getting in and out
- For couples, isolate motion by testing movement on one side
- Understand mattress policies around re-packing and returns
- Add a mattress protector to safeguard your investment
Carefully evaluating mattresses allows finding your perfect match for many pain-free years ahead.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Arthritis Pain
- Maintain a healthy body weight to put less pressure on joints
- Exercise regularly to build up strength and flexibility in affected areas
- Use proper posture and body mechanics to avoid straining joints
- Apply hot or cold therapy to problem areas for natural relief
- Take anti-inflammatory medications as directed by your doctor
- Learn stress management and relaxation techniques to ease pain
- Use splints, braces or taping to support aggravated joints
Along with quality sleep, making arthritis-friendly daily lifestyle adjustments helps minimize flare-ups.
When Is It Time to Replace an Arthritic’s Mattress?
Consider replacing an aging mattress when:
- You experience an increase in morning joint stiffness and ache
- The mattress no longer relieves pressure on painful spots
- There is visible sagging or impressions deeper than 1 inch
- You find yourself frequently shifting positions due to discomfort
- The mattress is over 7 years old, the average lifespan
Investing in a new supportive mattress tailored to arthritis helps get quality sleep critical to pain management and daily function.
Best Arthritis-Friendly Sleeping Positions
Back Sleeping
Keeps spine neutral and relieves pressure on hips and shoulders. Place pillows under knees to cushion.
Side Sleeping
Reduces pressure on the lower back. Place a pillow between knees. Use a body pillow for support.
Stomach Sleeping
Faces less pressure on spine and can relieve back pain for some. Use a slim pillow under hips.
Use supportive pillow positioning tailored to your preferred sleep positions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses and Arthritis
What mattress firmness is best for arthritis?
Medium to medium-firm options around 5 to 7 on the 10 point scale usually offer the best balance of contouring and support for arthritic joints. But personal preference plays a role.
Which mattress type helps arthritis pain most?
Memory foam and latex mattresses tend to provide the most pressure relief. Innersprings can be too firm. Hybrids offer a nice balance with the addition of conforming foam layers.
Should you get a hard or soft mattress with arthritis?
Very firm mattresses put more pressure on joints. But ultra-soft beds allow sinking which also strains joints. Look for zoned comfort that cushions yet provides reinforced support.
What helps mattress pain from arthritis?
A mattress topper adds extra cushioning for pressure relief. Use pillows for joint support and alignment. Medications, cold/heat therapy and massage also help.
How often should you change a mattress with arthritis?
Plan on replacing your mattress at least every 7-10 years when arthritis is present. Signs it’s time are increased morning stiffness and pain after getting out of bed.
Closing Summary
Dealing with ongoing arthritis pain makes getting restorative sleep a challenge. But the right mattress makes all the difference in minimizing nighttime discomfort. Prioritize pressure relief, spinal alignment and cooling when making your selection. Investing in quality sleep is essential for health and wellbeing.
Originally posted on September 18, 2023 @ 9:01 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.
