Dr. Barry Jarvis
As we age, the right mattress becomes essential for providing restorative sleep and managing health conditions. This guide reviews the top mattress recommendations for seniors and tips for choosing a model that caters to age-related needs.
Why Mattress Comfort is So Important As We Age
Quality sleep is crucial as we get older for many reasons:
- Body aches and pains increase with age
- Joints become more sensitive and prone to arthritis
- Risk increases for medical issues like reflux, breathing problems and diabetes
- Lack of restorative sleep contributes to memory problems and confusion
- Cushioning and support help minimize painful pressure points
The right mattress aids sleep, health and daily function by providing comfortable, tailored support for seniors’ needs.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Seniors
Key features to keep in mind when mattress shopping for seniors and the elderly:
1. Easy Movement
Responsive, springy surfaces make getting in and out of bed easier for seniors.
2. Edge Support
Quality edge support allows sitting on the side of the bed and getting up safely.
3. Pressure Relief
Targeted cushioning of shoulders, hips and other common pressure points.
4. Adjustable Base Compatible
Many seniors benefit from elevating the upper body and legs with an adjustable base.
5. Minimal Motion Transfer
Light sleepers need options that prevent feeling their partner’s movements overnight.
Using this criteria, below are the top mattresses recommended for older adults.
The Top 10 Mattresses for Seniors
1. Helix Midnight LUXE
Highlights:
- Hybrid design with premium materials
- Zoned lumbar support and high density foam rails
- Cushioning pillow top for pressure relief
- Strong edge support for getting in and out
- Minimal motion transfer
- 100 night sleep trial
The tailored support zones of the Helix Midnight LUXE cradle seniors’ bodies while reinforcing the spine and easing pressure points.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Helix Midnight LUXE Mattress on HelixSleep.com
2. Saatva Classic
Highlights:
- Premium innerspring mattress with coil-on-coil design
- Lumbar zone provides extra back support
- Responsive surface for changing positions
- Dual perimeter edge support
- Cooling foam and breathable organic cotton cover
- 180 night home trial
The innerspring Saatva Classic excels at keeping seniors lifted up and properly supported with its responsive luxury feel.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Saatva Classic Mattress on Saatva.com
3. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-breeze°
Highlights:
- Proprietary TEMPUR foam adapts uniquely to each body
- Advanced cooling and moisture-wicking technologies
- Medium feel balances cushioning and support
- Minimizes motion transfer between sleep partners
- Easy-refresh washable, removable cover
- 90 night sleep trial
The TEMPUR-breeze° excels at conforming support and cooling comfort ideal for seniors needing pressure relief and heat regulation.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-breeze° Mattress on TempurPedic.com
4. DreamCloud Premier Rest
Highlights:
- Foam mattress with supportive inner coils
- Zoned back support matches body contours
- High density memory foams provide pressure relief
- Luxurious cashmere blend cover
- Low motion transfer
- 365 night sleep trial
This DreamCloud mattress combines the close conforming benefits of foam with the reinforcement of an innerspring system tailored for seniors.
Price Range: $$
Buy the DreamCloud Premier Rest Mattress on DreamCloud’s Website
5. Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Highlights:
- Flippable firm and medium soft feels
- Copper gel-infused memory foam plus support foams
- Zoned support with reinforced edge
- Antimicrobial copper prevents odors
- Minimal motion transfer
- Lifetime warranty
With dual firmness levels to choose from, seniors can customize their support and softness with the Layla mattress.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Layla Memory Foam Mattress on LaylaSleep.com
6. Brooklyn Signature Hybrid
Highlights:
- Combines responsiveness of coils with conforming foam
- Firmness options include plush, medium and firm
- High density foams around perimeter
- Cooling panel woven into the top layer
- Great motion isolation for couples
- 10 year warranty
Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid pairs durable individually wrapped coils with foams for cushioned support ideal for seniors.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid on BrooklynBedding.com
7. Casper Nova Hybrid
Highlights:
- Zoned support foam provides contouring
- Resilient springs add bounce
- Cushions shoulders, hips and back
- AirScapeTM perforations boost breathability
- Low motion transfer between sides
- 100 night trial with free returns
Casper’s zoned foam and hybrid design pairs close contouring with breathability and support.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the Casper Nova Hybrid on Casper.com
8. Nolah Evolution
Highlights:
- Proprietary AirFoamTM material
- Zoned back support layer
- Graphite-infused foam and cooling fibers
- 120 night home trial
- Flippable firm and plush sides
- Lifetime warranty
With a reinforced lumbar transition area and advanced cooling technologies, the Nolah Evolution excels at keeping seniors lifted up and sleeping comfortably all night.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Nolah Evolution 15” Mattress on NolahMattress.com
9. Brentwood Home Oceano
Highlights:
- Made in California with quality materials
- Wrapped innerspring coils and gel memory foam
- Zoned design for lumbar, shoulder and leg support
- Unique cooling channels for airflow
- Medium feel ideal for side sleepers
- 25 year warranty
American-made with eco-friendly materials, the Oceano mattress delivers tailored comfort, pressure relief and cooling for seniors.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Brentwood Home Oceano Mattress on BrentwoodHome.com
10. Avocado Green Mattress
Highlights:
- Made with organic and eco-friendly materials
- Innerspring base with latex foam comfort layers
- Zoned firmness provides specialized support
- GOTS organic wool, cotton, latex
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- 1 year sleep trial
The eco-conscious Avocado Green Mattress offers organic comfort and supportive contouring ideal for seniors seeking an ethical, non-toxic choice.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the Avocado Green Mattress on AvocadoMattress.com
Choosing the Best Mattress Firmness for Seniors
Here are some guidelines for selecting the ideal mattress firmness for older adults:
- Softer mattress models work well for seniors under 130 lbs who sleep primarily on their side. This provides pressure relief at shoulders, hips and other joints.
- Medium feel mattress rated around 5 on the firmness scale offers a balance of cushioning and support for average sized seniors in most sleep positions.
- Medium-firm to firm mattress in the 6-7 firmness range prevents excessive sinking for back sleepers over 130 pounds. This lift keeps the spine aligned.
- Extra-firm options around an 8-10 firmness provide maximum reinforcement for heavy seniors over 230 lbs.
Testing out mattresses firsthand helps determine what firmness works for your body type, sensitivities and preferred sleeping positions.
Design Factors for Senior Mattresses
Adjustable Power Bases
Allow elevating the head to improve breathing and circulation. Help conditions like acid reflux.
Minimal Motion Transfer
Prevents sleep disruption when your partner moves. Improves rest quality for light sleepers.
Reinforced Perimeter Support
Makes getting in and out of bed easier and safer by preventing roll-off when sitting near the edge.
Targeted Pressure Relief
Cushioning of the shoulders, hips, and back alleviates painful pressure points.
Responsive Support
Makes moving around easier with some buoyancy versus deep contouring that resists movement.
Best Mattresses for Seniors by Health Condition
Arthritis Pain Relief
Contouring memory foam or latex options with zoned pressure relief and minimal motion transfer.
Improving Circulation
Mattresses allowing elevation of the head and legs with an adjustable base.
Managing Diabetes
Breathable designs like latex or hybrids that sleep cool and dry to prevent skin issues.
Reducing Back Pain
Medium firm mattress that reinforces the lumbar area but cushions pressure points.
Alleviating Acid Reflux
Adjustable base combined with mattress allowing elevation of the upper body.
Mattress Shopping Considerations for Seniors
- Take advantage of risk-free sleep trials to ensure it suits your needs before fully committing
- Ask about delivery options and white glove installation help if needed
- Inquire about comfort exchanges to optimize firmness selection
- Look for quality materials and construction that promote durability
- Consider coordinated adjustable base pairs that work seamlessly together
Taking these precautions helps ensure many comfortable, restful years with your new mattress.
When to Replace a Senior’s Mattress
Consider replacing an aging mattress when:
- Significant loss of support leads to discomfort and pain
- Indentations and impressions no longer recover
- Sagging edges make getting in and out more difficult
- You experience increased back, hip or shoulder pain
- Mattress is over 7-10 years old; lifespan averages 8 years
- Repairs and deep cleaning cannot restore comfort
Investing in a new quality mattress helps seniors continue sleeping comfortably and waking up each morning refreshed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Mattresses
What firmness level is best for seniors?
Medium feels around 5 on the 1-10 scale are preferable for most seniors. This provides a balance of conforming and support. Softer or firmer options may be needed based on sleeping position and body type.
What mattress types are best for seniors?
Innerspring, hybrid and latex mattresses provide the best combination of responsiveness, cooling, and support. Memory foam excels at pressure relief but can sleep hot.
Do seniors need a firm mattress?
Firm options around 7-8 out of 10 help reinforce the spine for back support. But seniors need cushioning too. Ultra-firm mattresses can aggravate painful joints without any conforming.
What mattress sizes work for seniors?
Larger sizes like queen, king or split-king provide the most space to spread out and move on the bed. But compact options like twin work well for tight spaces like senior living.
How high should a senior’s mattress be?
Medium-profile mattresses 10 to 14 inches high with hybrid or innerspring designs are preferred for easier on and off. Avoid ultra low-profile and extra tall options.
Closing Summary
Choosing the ideal mattress provides the restorative sleep seniors need to maintain comfort, mobility and independence as they age. Paying attention to specialized support features and your health needs guides you to the right mattress for many restful golden years ahead.
Originally posted on September 18, 2023 @ 8:56 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.
