Best Mattress for Arthritis
By Andrew Russell, Wellness Writer 
Dr. Nayantara Santhi
Dr. Nayantara Santhi holds an academic position at Northumbria University. After completing her Ph.D. at Northeastern University ...Read more
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Studies indicate that as many as 80 percent of people with arthritis have difficulty sleeping. And because not getting enough sleep can aggravate existing pain, arthritis sufferers may find themselves stuck in a vicious cycle of losing sleep to pain and waking up with even more pain. A mattress can’t cure arthritis, but it can soothe the symptoms. The best mattress for someone with arthritis can leave them better rested and waking up with less pain. After extensive testing and research, our team found that the Zoma Boost excels in providing a balanced blend of support and comfort, making it a top contender for those seeking relief. Its high-density foam layers, combined with an innovative design, work to cushion pressure points while ensuring proper spinal alignment. The mattress also features advanced cooling technology, ensuring a cool and comfortable night’s sleep. We were particularly impressed with its ability to adapt to different sleeping positions, offering consistent support whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach. Our testers noted that the Zoma Boost promotes a restful sleep experience by alleviating pressure in key areas, such as the shoulders, hips, and lower back, which are often aggravated by arthritis pain. Pressure Relief & Adaptive Support: Cooling Technology: The Zoma Boost is made up of several thoughtfully designed layers. The top layer is infused with cooling gel to help regulate temperature, followed by a responsive memory foam layer that contours to the body. Underneath that is a high-density foam base, which provides excellent support and durability. Together, these layers ensure a balance of comfort and firmness, suitable for a wide range of sleepers. Our testers noted that the Zoma Boost offers a medium-firm feel that strikes a balance between softness and support. It cradles the body, reducing pressure on joints while keeping the spine aligned. For people with arthritis, this is especially important, as it helps reduce pain in pressure-sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders. After carefully testing and analyzing the Amerisleep AS3, our team concluded that this mattress is an exceptional choice for those seeking comfort, support, and durability in one package. The standout feature is its use of Bio-Pur® memory foam, which is more breathable and responsive than traditional memory foam. This helps regulate temperature and prevents the “stuck” feeling many memory foam users experience. Our testers found the AS3 to have a perfect balance of medium firmness, making it suitable for a variety of sleeping positions. What impressed us most was its ability to provide targeted pressure relief, especially around the hips and shoulders, without compromising spinal alignment. The mattress also has great motion isolation, making it a solid option for couples. Our testers found that the AS3 offers a unique blend of softness and support. Its medium firmness caters to side, back, and combination sleepers, allowing for versatile use. The AS3 uses plant-based Bio-Pur® foam, which not only reduces its environmental footprint but also improves breathability. Our team was impressed by the mattress’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing performance. The Amerisleep AS3 consists of three layers, starting with the top layer of plant-based Bio-Pur® memory foam that is breathable and responsive. Beneath this is a layer of Affinity with HIVE® technology, which offers zoned support, targeting key pressure points. The final layer is a high-density Bio-Core® base foam, providing long-term durability and stability. These layers work together to deliver a supportive, cool, and adaptive sleeping surface. Our testers described the Amerisleep AS3 as offering a “just right” level of firmness. It’s soft enough to cradle the body, but firm enough to maintain proper spinal alignment. This balanced feel makes it ideal for combination sleepers. The Bio-Pur® foam provides a gentle hug without causing that typical memory foam “sinking” sensation. One of our testers, Michael, shared, “The AS3 gave me great support without feeling too stiff. It felt cool throughout the night, and I woke up feeling refreshed.” We extensively tested the Vaya Hybrid and found it to be an outstanding option for those seeking a mattress that combines the best of both foam and coil technologies. The Vaya Hybrid offers the contouring comfort of foam with the added support and responsiveness of pocketed coils. This balance ensures the mattress adapts to different sleep positions while keeping the spine aligned. What stood out to our testers was the excellent motion isolation provided by the coil system, making it a great choice for couples. The breathable foam top also promotes airflow, keeping the mattress cool throughout the night. After comparing it with other hybrid models, we believe the Vaya Hybrid delivers consistent support and pressure relief, without compromising on durability. Exceptional Support with Coil and Foam Balance: The Vaya Hybrid stood out to our team for its combination of responsive coils and contouring foam. This hybrid design provides both pressure relief and strong support, accommodating a wide range of sleeping styles. Breathability and Cooling: The mattress’s open-cell foam and individually wrapped coils improve airflow, which our testers found essential for maintaining a cool sleep environment. This cooling feature was a key factor in our decision to choose it. The Vaya Hybrid is composed of a breathable, open-cell foam layer on top, designed to cradle the body and relieve pressure points. Below this, a system of individually wrapped coils offers support and reduces motion transfer. These coils sit on a durable base layer of foam for added stability. Together, the layers create a balanced feel that supports the body while keeping you cool throughout the night. Our testers described the Vaya Hybrid as having a medium-firm feel, which provides enough softness to cushion pressure points while delivering the firm support needed for spinal alignment. The foam conforms gently to the body, while the coils ensure a responsive feel that makes it easy to shift positions. Designed with organic latex, the mattress offers a buoyant and responsive feel, which our testers found particularly effective in providing targeted support and pressure relief. The latex construction also enhances breathability, keeping sleepers cool throughout the night. The Amerisleep Organica also features a wool and cotton cover, contributing to its overall comfort and natural moisture-wicking properties. What impressed our team the most was its durable design that provides long-lasting support, making it a top choice for those who want a sustainable, high-quality sleeping experience. The combination of firm support and gentle cushioning makes it suitable for various sleep styles, and we believe it offers an excellent balance of natural materials and performance. Natural and Eco-Friendly Design: The Amerisleep Organica uses organic materials like latex, wool, and cotton, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious sleepers. Our team appreciated the combination of sustainability and high performance in one mattress. Superior Durability and Support: Latex is known for its longevity, and the Organica doesn’t disappoint. The mattress provides firm, responsive support that maintains its shape and performance over time, which is why it stood out in our testing. The Amerisleep Organica is built with layers of organic latex, which offer a responsive and supportive sleep surface. The top layer is a breathable cotton and wool cover, naturally resistant to dust mites and allergens. Beneath that is a layer of organic Dunlop latex, which provides support and pressure relief. The base layer consists of individually wrapped coils that enhance durability and offer targeted support while minimizing motion transfer. Our testers found the Amerisleep Organica to offer a firm but comfortable feel. The natural latex provides a slight bounce, making it easy to change positions while still offering ample support. The mattress contours to the body without the “sinking” feeling typical of foam, keeping the spine in alignment. One tester, James, shared, “I appreciated how supportive yet breathable the Organica felt. It kept me cool all night, and I woke up feeling refreshed without any stiffness.” The Saatva Classic combines durable steel coils with a plush pillow top, offering a balance of comfort and support. Our testers noted how well the mattress maintained spinal alignment, thanks to its zoned support system, which targets different areas of the body. It also features a breathable organic cotton cover, which helps regulate temperature throughout the night. We were impressed with how the Saatva Classic provides luxurious comfort while maintaining the responsive bounce typical of an innerspring mattress. With customizable firmness levels, this mattress caters to a variety of sleep preferences, making it a versatile and reliable option for a wide range of sleepers. Zoned Support for Proper Spinal Alignment: Customizable Firmness Options: The Saatva Classic is made with a combination of eco-friendly materials and durable components. It features a breathable organic cotton cover with an antimicrobial treatment. The plush Euro pillow top adds a layer of cushioning, followed by a layer of individually wrapped coils that reduce motion transfer. Beneath that is a base of tempered steel support coils for added durability and support. The zoned support system provides firmer support in the middle of the mattress, helping to align the spine. Our testers found the Saatva Classic to offer a luxurious yet supportive feel. The plush Euro pillow top provides a soft surface, while the dual-coil system gives the mattress a responsive, slightly bouncy feel. The zoned support system enhances the overall experience by targeting pressure points and maintaining spinal alignment. One tester, Amanda, said, “I love how the Saatva Classic combines comfort and support. The pillow top feels soft, but the mattress itself is sturdy and keeps my spine aligned all night.” The Zoma Hybrid blends soft foam layers with a sturdy pocketed coil system, offering a good mix of pressure relief and bounce. Our team found that the mattress does a great job of isolating motion, which makes it perfect for couples. Its cooling features, like the breathable top layer, help keep you cool and comfortable all night. We also liked that the Zoma Hybrid suits a variety of sleepers, providing both softness and support where it’s needed most. Our team selected the Zoma Hybrid for its ability to offer a perfect mix of soft foam comfort and firm coil support. It performs well across different sleep positions, making it versatile and user-friendly. The Zoma Hybrid’s ability to be compressed and delivered in a box adds to its appeal. Our testers found that the mattress expanded quickly and retained its shape, providing immediate comfort right out of the box. The Zoma Hybrid features a combination of foam and pocketed coils. The top layer is made of a breathable, gel-infused memory foam that helps keep you cool during the night. Below that is a responsive transition layer for added support, followed by a pocketed coil system that minimizes motion transfer while providing deep support. The base is made of durable foam, ensuring longevity and stability. Our testers described the Zoma Hybrid as having a medium-firm feel, which makes it a great option for combination sleepers. The foam layers contour to the body, offering pressure relief, while the coils provide a responsive bounce. After rigorous testing, our team determined that the Bear Elite Hybrid stands out for its combination of luxury and high-performance design. This mattress offers advanced features, such as cooling Celliant® fabric, responsive foam layers, and individually wrapped coils, ensuring comfort and support for all types of sleepers. Our testers were impressed by its ability to provide targeted pressure relief, particularly for the shoulders and hips, while maintaining excellent spinal alignment. The Bear Elite Hybrid also excels in temperature regulation, thanks to its cooling cover and airflow-promoting coil system. Advanced Cooling Technology: The Bear Elite Hybrid uses Celliant® fabric in its cover, which our team found to effectively regulate temperature throughout the night. This cooling feature was a standout in our testing. Targeted Support and Pressure Relief: Our testers noted how well the mattress adapts to pressure points, offering customized support while maintaining proper alignment. This balance of comfort and support makes it ideal for a variety of sleep positions. The Bear Elite Hybrid is built with multiple layers, starting with a cooling Celliant® cover designed to wick away moisture. Beneath that is a layer of copper-infused memory foam, which provides cooling and pressure relief. This is followed by a responsive transition layer and a system of individually wrapped coils that offer support and reduce motion transfer. The base layer of high-density foam adds durability and stability, ensuring long-lasting performance. Our testers described the Bear Elite Hybrid as having a medium-firm feel with excellent responsiveness. The memory foam layers contour to the body, while the coils provide a slight bounce, making it easy to shift positions. The combination of softness from the foam and firmness from the coils provides a luxurious, balanced feel. As a budget-friendly mattress, it’s designed with high-performance features typically found in more expensive options. Our testers were particularly impressed by the mattress’s Triangulex™ zoned support system, which adapts to different parts of the body to provide tailored comfort and pressure relief. Despite its lower price point, the Zoma Start uses breathable, gel-infused memory foam that keeps the surface cool throughout the night. Additionally, the responsive design makes it easy to shift positions, which is a plus for combination sleepers. We believe the Zoma Start is an excellent option for those who want an affordable yet high-quality sleep solution. Affordable without Compromising Quality: Zoned Support for Targeted Comfort: The Zoma Start is constructed with a top layer of gel-infused memory foam, which provides both cooling and pressure relief. Beneath this, the Triangulex™ zoned support layer offers targeted support to different areas of the body, making sure your spine stays aligned. The base layer is made of durable, high-density foam to ensure long-lasting support and stability. Our testers described the Zoma Start as having a medium-firm feel, which caters well to most sleep positions. The memory foam layer offers a good amount of contouring, while the zoned support system gives added firmness in key areas, particularly around the hips and lower back. One tester, Brian, noted, “I was pleasantly surprised by how supportive the Zoma Start felt for a budget mattress. It kept me comfortable without feeling too soft, and I didn’t wake up overheated.” Overall, the mattress delivers a comfortable, balanced sleep experience. Our team put the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid through extensive testing, and we found that it excels in cooling performance and plush comfort. The mattress combines a breathable cover with cooling foam layers that dissipate heat, keeping sleepers cool throughout the night. What stood out to our testers was the balance of soft cushioning and strong support. The Active Flex layer provides an extra plush feel, while the pocketed coils offer stability and bounce. The AS5 Hybrid also adapts well to different sleep positions, making it a versatile option for various sleepers. We were particularly impressed with how well it regulates temperature while offering a luxurious, cloud-like feel. The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid is constructed with several layers for optimal comfort and cooling. It features a soft, breathable cover, followed by a layer of Bio-Pur® foam designed to dissipate heat. The next layer, Active Flex, offers a plush and responsive feel, while the pocketed coil system beneath provides support and helps reduce motion transfer. The base layer is made of high-density foam for long-lasting durability. Our testers described the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid as incredibly soft yet supportive. The top foam layers offer deep cushioning, which cradles the body and relieves pressure points. At the same time, the coil system ensures stability and keeps the spine aligned. One tester, Emily, commented, “The AS5 Hybrid felt like sleeping on a cloud. It was cool and comfortable, yet still gave me the support I needed.” The overall feel is plush, with a slight bounce from the coils, making it suitable for sleepers who prefer a softer mattress without sacrificing support. Arthritis means “joint inflammation” and is typically an umbrella term used to describe more than 100 different joint disorders. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis among older adults and is one of the most common causes of disability. The condition develops as the cartilage-cushioning in bone joints wears away, and it often worsens over time. More than 30 million adults in the U.S. have osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue because of faulty T cells. This tissue damage can create chronic pain issues, make it difficult to walk, and cause deformities. Fibromyalgia causes pain and tenderness all over the body. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain. Gout is a common and painful type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes attacks of pain and swelling in the joints and typically starts in the big toe. The condition can flare up or worsen into gouty arthritis. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes and make it difficult or even impossible for a person to do their day-to-day activities. Certain kinds of arthritis can also affect the eyes, lungs, heart, kidney, and skin. There are many factors that increase your chances of developing arthritis. Some are controllable, but a few are not. Risk factors for arthritis include: Many people with arthritis can find it difficult to fall asleep. Aside from any chronic pain symptoms, they may have another condition such as insomnia. “What is the relationship between pain and sleep?” says Dr. Nayantara Santhi. “Sleep and pain have a two-way relationship. Poor sleep can intensify the pain and conversely, pain can worsen sleep. A good sleeping position can help relieve pain, and a good mattress or pillow can go a long way in facilitating this.” “The ambient temperature plays an important role in sleep. Generally, a cooler temperature facilitates sleep. Not surprisingly, it is not just the room temperature but also the temperature regulation of our mattress that is important. A breathable cool mattress like the Zoma memory foam mattress may be helpful for sleep.” “Poor sleep posture is one of the underlying causes for sleep disturbances at night. A bad mattress such as a sagging one can result in a different loading of the human spine and thus lead to bad sleeping posture. A supportive mattress such as the Zoma hybrid can help with this problem.” The right mattress can help make it easier to fall asleep, but there are certain features it should have. Pressure relief may be the most crucial feature in a mattress for a sleeper with arthritis. Many arthritis sufferers have inflammations that can cause pressure build-up or sensitivity. The right mattress will contour to the body for full pressure relief. Our recommendation for a pressure-relieving bed is a memory foam mattress, as no other type of mattress can match its ability to meet every curve of a sleeper’s body. A supportive mattress keeps the spine in a neutral position. If a bed is too soft or too firm, the spine is likely to become misaligned, causing pain. Support doesn’t just come from a mattress. The right foundation can add to your bed’s support and feel, and help keep your mattress in shape for many years to come. One of the best foundations for a sleeper with arthritis is an adjustable base. An adjustable bed frame lets you choose a position for better circulation and pressure relief. It can also be easier to sit up and get out of bed with an adjustable base, perfect for sleepers who find it difficult to move from pain or joints swelling. A good foundation should also make it easier to get in and out of bed by keeping your mattress at the right height. To determine if your bed is at the right height, sit on the edge. Your feet should rest flat on the floor and your knees should be aligned with your hip. Responsiveness refers to the ease with which a bed adapts to your movements. A bed that’s slow to respond can impair movement and leave a sleeper feeling trapped. An unresponsive bed can leave you tossing and turning, searching for more comfort. Softer mattresses tend to be less responsive, as are beds made with low-quality foams. A medium feel mattress often strikes the right balance between responsiveness and comfort. Many people with arthritis are more sensitive to temperature. Some mattresses contain dense foams that trap body heat, which can lead to discomfort. A mattress with cooling features can better absorb and dissipate body heat for a better night of sleep. A pressure-relieving bed is essential for someone with arthritis, to prevent additional pain and stiffness. Up to 88 percent of those with chronic disorders complain about their sleep, with insomnia as a particularly common complaint. Reducing pain can help an arthritis sufferer get a good night’s sleep. Some mattress types can ease pain, while others may worsen it. The bed in a box mattress trend advanced memory foam mattresses’ popularity, but they remain popular because of their many special features. Memory foam is one of the best materials for pressure relief, as the material can fit itself to the body like a second skin. Memory foam also prevents motion transfer and makes no sound as a person moves, which can keep a restless sleeper from disturbing others. Memory foam beds can be the right mattress for an arthritis sufferer. The material can trap heat, so we recommend looking for added cooling agents such as graphite, gel, copper, charcoal, or even plant-based foams. Latex is a contouring material like memory foam, but it can be more durable and breathable. It’s also an eco-friendly material, as the rubber sap used in natural latex mattresses is harvested without cutting down or damaging the tree. As a latex mattress has many similarities to a memory foam mattress, it can provide the same relief for an arthritis sufferer. However, the material is not without its drawbacks. Latex mattresses can be some of the more expensive and heavy mattresses on the market. It also can be firmer than shoppers expect, and a too firm mattress may aggravate chronic pain. An innerspring mattress is made with a coil support base and a pillow top or Euro top (a pillow top is sewn on top of the mattress, while a Euro top is under the top cover and looks more uniform). The coils of an innerspring let air flow through, but can be rough on the joints of an arthritis sufferer. An innerspring’s coils may also start sagging within a few years, causing more pain as the mattress’s support is lost. We do not recommend an innerspring mattress for a sleeper with arthritis, as they typically cannot provide the pressure relief and motion isolation needed to sleep well. If you enjoy the feel of an innerspring mattress, consider a hybrid or find an innerspring mattress with a thick quilted pillow top and wrapped coils to reduce motion transfer. A hybrid mattress merges the traits of innerspring and foam mattresses. There are at least 2 to 3 inches of foam (typically memory foam) and a coil support layer underneath. Most hybrids use coils wrapped in foam or fabric for better pressure relief and motion isolation. A hybrid can provide good pressure relief, but it will not match the pressure relief of a good memory foam or latex bed. Like innerspring mattresses, hybrids face the problem of sagging coils after five or so years. Your sleeping position not only affects the type of mattress and firmness option best for you, but it can also determine how much pain you wake up with each morning. No matter the position, your spine needs to remain neutral. A side sleeper’s mattress needs enough plush cushioning for their shoulders and hips to sink into it. A mattress that keeps the shoulders and hips on top can cause the spine to shift out of alignment. However, a too soft mattress can cause more pressure to build up, so a mattress for a side sleeper needs to feel just right. A soft to medium mattress suits most side sleepers, as firmer mattresses typically fail to provide needed pressure relief. If you’re a side sleeper who is uncertain what to do with their arms, try hugging a body pillow or bolster pillow as you drift off to sleep. Back sleeping is one of the best positions to minimize pressure on the spine. If one of your arthritis symptoms is frequent back pain, you may want to give back sleeping a try. Keeping a wedge pillow under your knees will help prevent lower back pain. A mattress for back sleepers should be medium-firm to firm. If you want a softer bed, a medium bed with zoned support may suffice. Avoid too soft a bed, as it may misalign your spine or cause pressure to build up in your back, hips, and knees. We do not recommend stomach sleeping, particularly with a chronic pain issue such as arthritis. Gravity often pushes a stomach sleeper’s lower torso into the mattress, stretching the spine out of its natural curvature. This can cause or aggravate chronic back pain. For those who love the position, a firm mattress and a second pillow under the abdomen can help keep the spine in its neutral alignment. A stomach sleeper should also sleep with a thin pillow under their head, or even skip the head pillow. Firmness describes how the mattress feels— how soft or firm is it? There are many different firmness levels, to better suit the wide variety of sleepers. Many mattress brands use a firmness scale to decide how firm a mattress is. The firmness scale runs from 1 to 10, with 1 as the softest and 10 as the firmest. The scale can be subjective because of different materials and brands, so before you buy a mattress it’s a smart idea to scan customer feedback and mattress reviews to see if anyone received a firmer or softer bed than they expected. Sleeping position isn’t all that determines your right firmness. Your body type also affects how your mattress feels. A sleeper who weighs less than 130 pounds may prefer a soft mattress, while a sleeper weighing more than 230 pounds may do better on a firmer mattress. Some mattresses come with firmed-up edges, known as edge support. Edge support can make getting in and out of bed easier if you live with chronic pain. However, edge support reduces your available sleeping surface. Edge support can also raise a mattress’s price and wear out before the rest of the mattress does. Buying a mattress means more than just purchasing a bed to sleep upon. When you buy a good mattress, you’re also buying the sleep trial, warranty, and return policy tied to it. We highly recommend buying a mattress with all three attached, as their presence can indicate if a mattress is a high-quality product or not. Many mattresses, particularly online mattresses, come with a sleep trial period. A sleep trial lets you try out a mattress at home, and if you don’t like it, you can return it for a full refund. Many sleep trials last between 90 to 120 days, though you’ll find a few that last a year. A warranty is the company’s guarantee that a customer won’t have to buy a new mattress if it has a defect. How long a warranty lasts can be a sign of the mattress’s craftsmanship and likely durability. A good mattress warranty covers repair and replacement costs entirely during the first 10 years, with no hidden fees such as transportation fees. However, it’s not uncommon for a warranty extending past 10 years to be prorated, meaning you will pay part of the costs to repair or replace your mattress based upon its original price. Reading the return policy before you buy lets you know how to initiate a return and the condition your mattress must be kept in to be eligible for a return. Many mattress companies won’t take back a dirty, stained, or otherwise unfit mattress. Some companies won’t take back the mattress if it’s been opened or will only take the mattress back if it’s been damaged on delivery. A return policy can also substitute for a sleep trial. We recommend looking for a mattress that lets you make a return within the first 30 days, as this is the time most need to adjust to a new mattress. Living with arthritis can be difficult. Many people with arthritis also have a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or restless legs syndrome. Even the best mattress can only do so much in helping you get a better night of sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, following our tips can improve your sleep hygiene. One big tip is to do all that you can to avoid going to bed with pain. Take a warm bath or shower before bed to ease any aches or stiffness. Avoid activities in the evening that cause or aggravate pain. Establishing a bedtime routine can help you get in the habit of falling asleep at the same time every night. It’s crucial to stick with your standard bedtime and wake time even on weekends and vacations, as abandoning your routine can cause your sleep quality to suffer when you resume it. Relying on time management tips can help you make the most of your day and feel less stressed at night. Your bedroom’s setup can also help you sleep better. Keeping your bedroom temperature in the 60-degree range can make it easier to fall asleep. The right temperature is different for everyone, so don’t be afraid to adjust the thermostat if you’re too hot or too cold. Make sure your bedroom is kept tidy as well, as clutter can distract you from falling asleep. Additionally, avoid caffeine and electronics before bed. Caffeine keeps you awake and so does the bright light of an electronic screen. We advise staying away from caffeine up to 6 hours before bed, and your electronics should be turned off at least an hour before bedtime. Yes, a memory foam mattress can be good for arthritis. It’s one of the best mattress types for pain relief, as the material contours to sensitive areas of the body for pressure relief. Look for a memory foam mattress with cooling features, to keep you from waking up sweaty. Yes, a bad mattress can cause you to wake up with all sorts of pain. Beds offer less support over time as their materials wear down. If you’re waking up with more soreness and pain than you fell asleep with, it’s probably time to replace your mattress. A good bed for someone with arthritis will be soft enough to mold to sensitive joints for pressure relief but supportive enough to keep the hips and spine aligned. A bed that’s too soft may hamper movement. The exact firmness that’s right for you will depend on your sleeping position, bodyweight, and personal preferences. Side sleepers with arthritis should look for a bed with pressure-relieving materials. Beds with memory foam or latex foam tops are a good choice because both foams contour to the body. A side sleeper's mattress should have a soft to medium feel. Arthritis will change your life, but with the right treatment plan you can manage your symptoms. A bedtime routine and a good mattress will help keep the pain down in the morning, so you can better go about your day. Talk to your doctor for more options, such as exercises you can do and what foods might be best for you. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional. Andrew Russell is a part-time writer and full-time sleep enthusiast. At Zoma, Andrew lends his sleep expertise and writes many of our “better sleep” guides. Outside of Zoma, Andrew puts his advice to the test, always trying new ways to get deeper, more restorative sleep. We appreciate Andrew because he doesn’t give advice that he doesn’t follow himself, so you can feel confident his solutions for better sleep really do the trick. Andrew's work has been featured on Ladders, Bright Side, and several other publications.Buying Guide for Best Mattress for Arthritis
Best Mattress Overall
1. Zoma Boost
Our team prioritized mattresses that could relieve pressure without sacrificing support, and Zoma Boost hit the mark perfectly. The memory foam construction adapts to the sleeper’s body, cradling sensitive areas like joints while maintaining spinal alignment.
Many memory foam mattresses trap heat, but Zoma Boost is equipped with cooling gel-infused foams. Our testers were pleasantly surprised by how well the mattress stayed cool, especially during warmer nights, enhancing sleep quality.Best Memory Foam Mattress
2. Amerisleep AS3
Best Hybrid Mattress
3. Vaya Hybrid
Best Latex Mattress
4. Amerisleep Organica
Best Innerspring Mattress
5. Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic’s dual-coil system and zoned support are designed to offer targeted relief in areas like the lumbar region. Our testers were impressed by the consistent spinal alignment it provided.
Saatva offers the Classic in three firmness levels—plush soft, luxury firm, and firm. Our team appreciated this customization, as it allows sleepers to choose the best firmness to suit their comfort and support needs.Best Mattress in A Box
6. Zoma Hybrid
Best Luxury Mattress
7. Bear Elite Hybrid
Best Budget Mattress
8. Zoma Start
The Zoma Start delivers the essential features of a high-performance mattress—support, pressure relief, and cooling—at a budget-friendly price, which was a key reason for our selection.
Our testers loved the Triangulex™ support system, which provides firmer support where needed while cushioning pressure points, offering a balance that suits a range of sleepers.Best Cooling Mattress
9. Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid features advanced cooling materials, including breathable foam and a cooling cover. Our team found it highly effective at maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the night, which was a standout feature.
Our testers appreciated the balance of the plush foam layers with the supportive coil system, which provides a cradling feel without sacrificing durability or support.What is Arthritis?
What Arthritis Sufferers Need from a Mattress
Pressure Relief
Support
Responsiveness
Temperature Control
Mattress Types
Memory Foam
Latex
Innerspring
Hybrid
Sleeping Position
Side Sleeping
Back Sleeping
Stomach Sleeping
Mattress Firmness
Sleep Trial, Warranty, and Return Policy
Sleep Trial
Warranty
Return Policy
Tips For Better Sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a memory foam mattress good for arthritis?
Can a bad mattress cause joint pain?
Is a firm or soft mattress better for arthritis?
What kind of mattress is best for side sleepers?
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Andrew Russell, Wellness Writer
