The Best Mattresses For Arthritis Pain, According To Medical Experts
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The Best Mattresses For Arthritis Pain, According To Medical Experts

Arthritis is a common medical condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Inflammation worsens at night for most people with arthritis, making getting to sleep a challenge. Finding a supportive, contouring mattress can make bedtime restful again. Our sleep experts rate the Saatva Classic as the best mattress for arthritis overall, thanks to its variable firmness and height, specialized lumbar support and plush Euro pillow top to cushion the joints.

However, everyone has different preferences and budgets, so our list includes nine other options highly rated by our mattress testers and reviewers. Still, make sure you do your research. “Buying a mattress can be difficult when considering all the options out there,” says occupational therapist Shauna Buchmoyer. “Consider creating a ‘needs list’ prior to purchasing so that all of the qualities you need to sleep better are in the new mattress.”

Type: Innerspring | Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm or firm | Delivery: Free white glove delivery (arrives flat) | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime

Pros:

  • Customizable firmness and height
  • Pressure-relieving Euro pillow top
  • Targeted lumbar support

Cons:

  • Not for those who like to sink into their bed
  • Expect some motion transfer due to a lack of foam

The Saatva Classic is our pick for the best mattress for arthritis overall. This innerspring mattress has a dual layer of coils to cradle and support your body. A strip of high-density memory foam runs across the middle to alleviate pressure from your hips and lumbar, along with an “active spinal wire” and a concentration of reinforced pocket coils to align your spine. On top is a 3-inch Euro pillow top to cushion your joints, wrapped in an organic cotton cover with specialty lumbar quilting for additional relief in that area. A high-density foam rail along the perimeter creates sturdy edges to comfortably sit on or push off from when getting up in the morning. With three comfort levels and two height options, you can tailor the Saatva Classic to suit your needs. No need to fuss over setup, either—free in-home delivery is included, as is removal of your existing mattress and foundation.

What our writers say: In her Saatva Classic mattress review, Forbes Vetted contributor Lindsey Vickers calls it “a great pick for pressure relief,” although it doesn’t have the profound sink-in sensation of a mattress with multiple foam comfort layers. That doesn’t seem to be a problem for this Saatva shopper, who’s owned their luxury firm Saatva Classic for four years: “I used to go to bed almost every night with my back killing me due to severe arthritis. Now, not only do I sleep like a rock, I wake up in the morning like a new person. Zero back pain.”


Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime

Pros:

  • Generous extras
  • Keen balance of support and pressure relief
  • Isolates movements well—good for cosleeping

Cons:

  • Some side sleepers may want something softer
  • Edge support could be better

The DreamCloud Hybrid is a fantastic value for shoppers seeking a luxury mattress without breaking the bank. It features a core of individually wrapped steel coils plus multiple foam layers that adapt to your shape and provide cushioned support. These components also do a great job of limiting motion transfer which makes it a suitable choice for bed-sharing. The mattress is capped by a slight pillow top and wrapped in a soft cashmere-blend cover. The included extras are among the best in the industry, too. You get a full year to try it out at home, with free returns if you’re not satisfied. Keep it and your purchase is backed by a lifetime warranty.

What our writers say: As Forbes Vetted contributor Bre Richey notes in her DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress review, “I wouldn’t think a medium-firm bed would contour my pressure points enough when sleeping on my side, since I have a small frame, but I’ve noticed fewer aches and pains in my shoulders than with any mattress before.” And this DreamCloud customer is a fan: “My arthritis is not so painful now; I wake up ready to go. I am 77 years old, with aches and pains galore, but the DreamCloud makes sleep so much better.”


Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Plush, luxury firm, firm or Comfort+ | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime

Pros:

  • Four comfort levels, including one for plus-size sleepers
  • Targeted lumbar/hip support
  • Breathable for cooler sleep

Cons:

  • Lacks the deep sink of a typical foam mattress
  • Rather tall at 15 inches high

The Nolah Evolution hybrid boasts an ergonomic design and comes in four firmness levels, including an option made for plus-size sleepers. It has a layer of Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam, which is firmer in the middle to add support beneath the hips. The support layer consists of individually wrapped coils that are stronger in the middle to promote good spinal alignment. For all-over pressure relief, there’s a 2-inch quilted Euro topper and two inches of CoreComfort support foam. We also recommend it for sleepers who are prone to sleeping warm, thanks to a breathable border gusset and a cover made with organic cotton and cooling fibers. Shipping is free, but if you need help setting it up, Nolah offers in-room delivery from $125.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman slept on a plush Nolah Evolution mattress and says, “It provides a nice hugging feel that doesn’t suck you in. The foams cushion my pressure points while on my side and fill in my lumbar region as needed while on my back. There’s a little bit of sinkage, but not too much. It feels more like cushioning and pressure relief than anything.” A Nolah shopper adds, “This mattress changed my life. Prior to the purchase I was waking up with hip and back pain… 1718394831 I sleep like a normal person should sleep, where I am able to feel rested and ready to go.”


Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime

Pros:

  • Three firmness levels and five-zoned support
  • Approved by the American Chiropractic Association
  • Designed for optimal temperature regulation

Cons:

  • At 14 inches, it could be too tall for some
  • May feel softer than advertised

Bear creates mattresses with athletic recovery in mind, which of course can benefit any sleeper. Available in three comfort levels (soft, medium or firm), the Bear Elite Hybrid has a five-zoned support system that features higher gauged coils in the middle for lumbar support plus softer points beneath the shoulders and hips for pressure relief. This chiropractor-approved design helps maintain the natural curvature of the spine. There are also firmer coils around the edges so you can sit comfortably on the side or at the foot of your bed. The hand-quilted cover is made with phase-change materials with a cool-to-the-touch sensation; upgrade to a Celliant-infused cover for improved temperature regulation.

What our editors say: Chapman tested the medium version of the Bear Elite Hybrid and says it has “a cushiony, supportive feel.” Lots of sleepers with lower back pain sing its praises, including this Bear customer: “I had been shopping for the perfect mattress to help with my severe chronic low back pain. My health was riding on this purchase, as I was not getting even four hours of continuous sleep and would end up on the sofa most nights. I finally decided to give the Bear Mattress a try… I have not been disappointed and now sleep through the night. I feel comfortable and have not slept on the sofa since purchasing my Bear Mattress.”


Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft or firm (flippable) | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Pros:

  • Essentially two mattresses in one
  • Side handles make it easy to turn over
  • Cover is removable and washable

Cons:

The Layla Hybrid is two mattresses in one, with a cushiony soft side and a more supportive firm side. Sleepers who deal with arthritic shoulders may appreciate the deep contouring of the softer side, but some sleepers may crave subtler pressure relief. If you need to change up the feel, grab the side handles and flip the mattress over to whatever’s most comfortable to you. Both sides of this hybrid feature Layla’s supportive copper-infused foam, which the brand says adds support to deep compression areas (like the shoulders). The core is made up of pocketed coils, with a double row of higher-gauge coils along the perimeter for a firm edge. Everything is wrapped in a removable cover that you can pop in the washing machine for easy cleaning.

What our writers say: “Both sides of the mattress did a good job of adapting to my body, but the soft side was more conforming, something side sleepers may favor,” says Forbes Vetted contributor Richard Baguley in his Layla Hybrid Mattress review. This Layla shopper with rheumatoid arthritis adds, “[With] our old mattress, I would wake up in shoulder pain, hip pain—pretty much in pain. Layla has totally changed how we feel when we wake up. My RA pain has decreased in my shoulders and hips. This is a lifelong condition. Looking for relief is important.”


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Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Pros:

  • A broad range of sizes
  • Comes in three firmness levels
  • Comfy and responsive

Cons:

  • For better cooling, choose the Aurora Luxe
  • Heavier sleepers may need more support

For seniors who want a bed they can tailor to their specifications, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three comfort levels and an impressive array of sizes—including split California king, short queen and RV bunk sizes if you go on road trips. There’s a 1.5-inch quilted top for gentle pressure relief, but you can upgrade to a GlacioTex pillow top for a plusher, cooler sensation. A core of over 700 pocketed coils works in tandem with a 1.5-inch layer of Supreme Response Foam to cushion your joints and offer contouring and motion isolation. Regularly on sale for under $1,000 for a queen, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is among the most affordable choices on our list.

What our editors say: Sleep editor McKenzie Dillon says in her Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress review, “I can feel it cradle my joints with pressure relief. I compare it to the feeling of cracking your back or of finally sitting down after a long day on your feet.” Hundreds of sleepers who identified as being 65+ have left 5-star reviews such as this one: “This is the second Signature Hybrid we have purchased. The first one is going on three years and is holding up well. I can go to sleep with a sore back and wake up pain free. I have zero pressure points with the medium firmness.”


Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 15 years

Pros:

  • Dedicated lumbar support
  • May suit some back sleepers
  • Dampens movement well (good for couples)

Cons:

  • Avoid if you spend much of the night on your front
  • Upgrades can be useful but costly

The Helix Midnight Luxe is our favorite mattress for side sleepers overall—and its design is accommodating for side sleepers with arthritis, too. It hits that sweet spot of medium to medium-firm, with specialized lumbar support to alleviate pressure from the lower back. However, if you have a lot of pain in that area, there’s an option to add a dense layer of zoned foam that’s firmer in the middle for an additional fee. Two layers of comfort foam plus a support core of up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils give it a lifted, supportive feel that keeps you aligned while gently easing your shoulders, hips and knees. A breathable Tencel cover comes standard, but you if need a cooling boost, upgrade to a GlacioTex cover for an extra cost.

What our editors say: In her Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress review, Chapman calls it “a solid choice for a lot of different people. Side sleepers, back sleepers and back-pain sufferers should appreciate this bed’s excellent pressure relief and support.” A Helix customer adds, “I suffer with arthritis in all of my joints and have degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. The mattress gives me more comfort, and I’m less stiff in the mornings.”


Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Pros:

  • Comes in three firmness levels
  • Effective at regulating temperature
  • Good ease of movement for combination sleepers

Cons:

  • GlacioTex material can be slippery
  • Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has more sizes

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe hybrid cooling mattress is designed to squash that double-whammy of pain and overheating. A heat-conducting GlacioTex cover, layers of gel and copper-infused foams and over 1,000 individually wrapped coils keep the air flowing and the night sweats at bay. For additional pressure relief and a more luxe appearance, upgrade to a pillow top that adds two inches of plush foam. Like its sibling the Signature Hybrid (above), the Aurora Luxe comes in three firmness levels and several nontraditional sizes.

What our editors say: ”The Aurora Luxe is a really nice luxury cooling mattress. It’s a major benefit that it comes in three different firmness levels, so different sleepers can pick the right one for them,” says Chapman, who tested the medium version for her Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress review. As for pain relief, a Brooklyn Bedding customer says, “This is our second Aurora mattress, and we love it. I have psoriatic arthritis, and this bed cradles my joints yet supports my back. Plus, it keeps me at the right temperature.”


Type: Innerspring | Firmness: Supportive plush | Delivery: Free white glove delivery (arrives flat) | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime

Pros:

  • Specially made to target chronic pain
  • Excellent edge support
  • Free white glove delivery

Cons:

  • Only comes in one firmness
  • At 15 inches, it may be too high for some

The Saatva Rx is designed for sleepers with arthritis and other types of chronic pain. This “supportive plush” innerspring hybrid offers a balanced, responsive bed feel that suits most side, back and combination sleepers. It delivers contoured support through its 1-inch microcoils, dual layers of high-density foam and a core of 8-inch pocket coils topped by 2-inch open-cell foam modules. Like the Saatva Classic, the Saatva Rx features a gel-infused memory foam lumbar crown and an organic cotton cover with specialized quilting in the middle. However, instead of a dense foam rails, it has firmer caliper spring coils along the perimeter for strong edges to assist in getting in and out of bed. Free white glove delivery is included, as is optional removal of your existing mattress and foundation.

I personally tested a Saatva Rx after sleeping on an unyielding hybrid mattress that left me with a stiff lower back every morning. It was like night and day—the pressure relief that was sorely lacking from my previous mattress was abundant with the Saatva Rx. My back pain improved after sleeping on it for a few weeks.

What the reviews say: One Saatva customer with osteoarthritis claims the Saatva Rx has been “comfortable from day one and in the months that I’ve had it… I don’t wake up with aches and pains, and it cradles and supports the right areas to relieve pressure on my joints.”


Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime

Pros:

  • A contouring yet supportive all-foam mattress
  • Comes in multiple firmness levels
  • Isolates movement very well; good for couples

Cons:

  • Most hybrids sleep cooler
  • Not supportive enough for heavier bodies

The WinkBeds GravityLux is the lone memory foam mattress on our list. While it offers ample cushioning for your joints, you shouldn’t feel stuck in it. Choose from three firmness levels; for most people with arthritis, medium provides the best balance of contouring and support. It features a top layer of WinkBeds’ patented AirCell foam, which the brand claims sleeps cooler and does a better job of distributing body weight than standard memory foam. Beneath that are more proprietary foams that deliver targeted pushback and pressure relief. The mattress is topped with a Tencel cover tufted with two inches of cooling gel foam to wick away heat and moisture.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon slept on the medium GravityLux and says, “It’s the best of both worlds: pressure relieving like memory foam but without the sinkage. I found it offered a comfortable, balanced feel that didn’t make me feel like I was stuck in the mattress.” A happy WinkBed customer reviewed the GravityLux, saying, “I have arthritis, so sleeping through the night is a challenge. It took about 30 nights for my body to adjust, but I finally sleep all night and feel better during the day.”


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted team has produced an extensive and always growing library of sleep and mattress articles to help you achieve your best rest.

  • Alison Barretta is the author of this story and a Forbes Vetted contributor who’s tested mattresses, pillows and even a $10,000 sound pod that purports to help people sleep better. She has bouts of lower back pain, so she’s sympathetic to sleepers seeking relief from their arthritic joints.
  • This article is overseen by Forbes Vetted sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon. Both are certified sleep science coaches who have collectively tested hundreds of mattresses, so they have a rich understanding of what all types of sleepers need to feel comfortable.
  • Every mattress on this list was personally tested by a member of the Forbes Vetted team or a contributor, so we personally vouch for their performance.
  • To supplement our expertise we consulted with three experts: Klee Bethel, MD, who practices at the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine and is the chief of staff at the Arizona Spine and Joint Hospital; Raj Dasgupta, MD, Mattress Clarity’s chief medical advisor and an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine; and Shauna Buchmoyer, MSOTR/L, CFPS, an occupational therapist and certified fall prevention specialist with United Disabilities Service.
  • We thoroughly investigated online reviews for each mattress on our list, only including models that received high marks from sleepers with arthritis and other types of chronic pain.
  • We regularly revisit our articles to make sure they are still relevant and to check for accuracy. This piece was last reviewed in June 2024.

How We Chose The Best Mattresses For Arthritis

We relied on the recommendations of Forbes Vetted team members, since every mattress on this list has been personally tried and tested. We made sure to check out best-selling mattresses from reputable sleep brands, and narrowed our choices based on key features, advice from medical experts and customer reviews.

  • Every mattress on this list has been tested by a Forbes Vetted staff member or contributor. We included their notes plus links to their reviews (where applicable) throughout the piece.
  • We consulted with medical experts Bethel, Dasgupta and Buchmoyer and incorporated their insights and advice.
  • We prioritized mattresses with targeted lumbar support and ergonomic support layers as these components promote spinal alignment so sufferers don’t wake up sore.
  • We also researched customer reviews for each mattress for verified accounts from sleepers who experienced an improvement in their arthritis pain.

How To Shop For The Best Mattresses For Arthritis

Mattress Type And Materials

Sleepers with arthritis need a mattress that adequately balances pressure relief and support. In most cases, that’s a hybrid of individually wrapped coils and either latex or poly foam. A mattress with memory foam offers deep contouring for your joints, but that profound sink-in sensation may not be comfortable for everyone.

A pillow top can deliver extra softness around your hips and shoulders, but it’s also prone to sagging prematurely. A Euro top that’s flush to the mattress and made with denser foam is more durable—and more expensive. Either way, pillow tops and Euro tops add inches to a mattress, and adding height could make it more difficult for you to get in and out of bed. (Occupational therapist Shauna Buchmoyer of United Disabilities Services says your mattress should hit at the top half of your thigh.)

Support And Pressure Relief

“Look for a mattress that provides good support, especially for your back and neck. This helps keep your spine properly aligned and reduce pressure points,” says Dr. Klee Bethel, director of Interventional Pain Management and Regenerative Medicine at Sonoran University. Pressure relief is also key since it “helps distribute your weight evenly, reducing pain and discomfort in your joints,” he adds.

Firmness

Generally speaking, sleepers with arthritis should find medium to medium-firm mattress the most comfortable, but based on where you feel pain, you may benefit from something softer or firmer.

“If your pain is mainly in your hips or shoulders, a softer mattress might be more comfortable as it cradles your body and reduce pressure points,” says Bethel. On the other hand, a firmer mattress may provide better support and alignment for some people with arthritis in their back or neck.

The key here is determining just how soft or firm you should go, as extremes in either direction can lead to further problems. “A mattress that’s too firm might not provide enough pressure relief, which can exacerbate arthritis pain. A mattress that’s too soft might not provide enough support, leading to poor spinal alignment,” says Bethel.

Trial Period

Your body needs at least 30 days to adjust to a new sleep surface, especially if your previous mattress was old and broken in. Every mattress on our list comes with a trial period between 100 nights and a full year. In many cases, returns and exchanges are free, but some sleep companies charge a nominal fee. Read the fine print carefully.


Is A Soft Or Hard Mattress Better For Arthritis?

A medium to medium-firm mattress is best for most people with arthritis, but where your pain is localized dictates whether you should go for something softer or harder.

“If you have hip or shoulder pain, a softer mattress might be better. For back pain, you might need a firmer one. The key is finding a mattress that keeps your spine aligned and eases pressure where you need it,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician.

Just make sure your bed isn’t too soft or too firm. Buchmoyer warns that a mattress that’s too plush could make getting in and out of bed more of a challenge, while a mattress that’s too unyielding can trigger pressure points and exacerbate pain.

What Kind Of Mattress Is Good For Arthritis?

Most of the mattresses on our list are hybrids of individually wrapped springs and foam, which yields a keen balance of support and pressure relief. If you’re older or have mobility issues, prioritize sturdy edges you can comfortably sit on when getting in and out of bed. Pillow tops and Euro tops look and feel luxurious, but they can add several inches to the overall bed height. A tall mattress can hinder you if you have arthritis in your back, hips or knees.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable—and with mattresses, that’s purely subjective. “If you don’t feel comfortable, you won’t sleep well, no matter how supportive or pressure-relieving the mattress is,” says Bethel. Take advantage of at-home mattress trials so you can take your time breaking in your new bed at little to no risk to you.

Are Purple Mattresses Good For Arthritis?

If you suffer from arthritis, a Purple mattress could be a good option. Purple uses a proprietary GelFlex Grid made of hyper-elastic polymer that gradually softens under pressure. It doesn’t have the deep sink of memory foam, nor does it trap heat thanks to hundreds of open channels that allow air to pass through.

Purple’s GelFlex Grid gives its mattresses a responsive, cushiony surface, almost as if you’re floating. However, opinions are split on whether that unique bed feel is a good thing. Read our Purple Mattress Review to learn more about how its GelFlex Grid works for pressure relief.

How Else Can You Sleep Better With Arthritis?

All of the experts we talked to emphasized the importance of having a supportive pillow for your arthritis pain. “Memory-foam pillows can provide great neck support, while body pillows can provide comfort and support for side sleepers,” says Bethel. If you have arthritis in your hips or knees, try resting on your side with a pillow between your legs to alleviate pain.

Following a relaxing bedtime routine helps, too. “A warm bath before bed can ease stiff joints, and taking pain-relief medication as needed can help reduce discomfort,” says Dasgupta. If possible, keep your electronic devices out of the bedroom so they don’t interfere with your wind-down routine.

Preparing for a good night’s rest shouldn’t start right before bedtime. “When you’re not sleeping, make sure you are active,” says Buchmoyer. “The more you move, the better. Gentle exercises (under direction of your doctor) can help relieve joint pain and stiffness.”