Best Mattress For Older Adults In 2022
Best Mattress For Older Adults In 2022
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Key Takeaways
- When purchasing a mattress, consider size, material, and firmness to best serve your health and physical needs.
- A good mattress distributes body weight evenly, keeps your spine aligned, offers isolated movement, and provides extra edge support to make getting in and out of bed easier.
- Older adults looking for a new mattress may also want to consider an adjustable bed for added health and mobility benefits.
Older adults face many obstacles to getting a good night’s rest. The National Library of Medicine estimates that 40% to 70% of older adults have a chronic sleep issue, and roughly 50% of cases may be undiagnosed. Sore joints, hormonal changes, and chronic health conditions all contribute to less nightly rest. Buying the best mattress for older adults can offset some of these challenges and ensure you get the shut-eye you need.
Purchasing a new mattress can feel overwhelming. In years past, it was possible to walk into a store, test out a few options, and leave with a scheduled delivery date. While mattress retailers still exist, some of the best options available today are exclusively online. How can you choose the best mattress without touching a bed in person?
In this article, we’ll help answer what the best mattress is for older adults and guide you through the process of selecting the best sleeping space for your current health situation.
Best Mattress for Older Adults:
- Most Eco-Friendly: Saatva Latex Hybrid
- Best Value: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Most Versatile: Amerisleep AS3
- Best for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best for Hot Sleepers: GhostBed Classic
- Best for Back Pain: Nolah Evolution 15
- Best for Allergies: Leesa Legend Mattress
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| Saatva Latex Hybrid | COST (QUEEN) | $2,045 | MATERIALS | Organic, hand-tufted natural latex hybrid innerspring | WARRANTY | BENEFIT | FEATURES |
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| Nectar Memory Foam | COST (QUEEN) | $899 | MATERIALS | Five-layer foam construction | WARRANTY | BENEFIT | FEATURES |
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| Amerisleep AS3 | COST (QUEEN) | $949 | MATERIALS | Plant-based Bio-Pur® memory foam | WARRANTY | BENEFIT | FEATURES |
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| Helix Midnight Luxe | COST (QUEEN) | $1,849 | MATERIALS | Five-layer construction of gel and memory foam, rated for medium firmness foam, rated for medium firmness | WARRANTY | BENEFIT | FEATURES |
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| GhostBed Classic | COST (QUEEN) | $1,274 for the frame, $977 for Ghostbed Classic | MATERIALS | High-density foam core keeps you cool and alleviates hip and back pain | WARRANTY | BENEFIT | FEATURES |
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| Nolah Evolution 15” | COST (QUEEN) | $1,599 | MATERIALS | Seven-layer construction includes support coils and three types of foam | WARRANTY | BENEFIT | FEATURES |
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| Leesa Legend Mattress” | COST (QUEEN) | $2,049 | MATERIALS | WARRANTY | BENEFIT | FEATURES |
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Made from natural, eco-friendly materials, the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress contains Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified latex, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified New Zealand wool, and organic cotton in the cover.
You’ll sleep on a hand-tufted Euro-top design treated with Saatva’s exclusive GuardinTM botanical antimicrobial treatment to inhibit mold, mildew, and bacterial growth. It’s a naturally hypoallergenic design that repels mites, mold, and other indoor allergens for those with sensitive respiratory systems.
As with most memory foam mattresses, this bed minimizes motion transfer and maintains a comfortable level of airflow throughout it. It’s ideal for anyone concerned about the chemicals their mattress off-gases that they breathe in overnight.
Trustpilot mattress reviews award Saatva 4.5 out of five stars. Users raved that the bed provided comfortable sleep and helped ease back pain, and the company’s customer service impressed shoppers.
One selling point for older adults is that Saatva offers free white-glove delivery. This means the delivery crew will bring the bed directly into your home and place it where necessary—no heavy lifting is required.
See our full review of the Saatva Adjustable Bed.
Pros
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Made in the USA
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Certified organic materials
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Free white-glove delivery
Cons
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More expensive
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Firmer design could be too much for side sleepers
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Latex design means less movement absorption
What Customers Are Saying
“We love our Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress, so we decided to get the Saatva pillows as well. My wife and I were waking up with neck pain after two weeks. I called at 7 a.m. on a Sunday and their customer service was awesome. Samantha was wonderful and sent us a firm latex core to try to fix our problem. She even extended our trial period, so if the problem persists we can return the pillows. I love companies that have a great product, but I am loyal to companies who have a great product and customer service!” —Ryan, Trustpilot
“Saatva has been the best company to work with. Due to shoulder and knee surgery I have had issues finding a comfortable mattress. I have been through a couple of Stearns & Foster, a couple of Sleep Number beds, and a couple of Sealy Posturepedic mattresses. I ordered the hybrid from you all and I loved it, but I thought it might be a little too soft for longevity. I decided to go with your standard mattress, which turned out to be a little too firm for me. I then opted to get the hybrid back, and I am so very glad that I did. I have slept on a lot of mattresses and I can say with certainty that the Saatva Hybrid mattress is the most comfortable mattress I’ve ever laid on. Thank you ever so much. I love my Saatva Hybrid. I haven’t slept this good, ever!!!!” —Cindy Peterson, Trustpilot
Nectar’s best-selling memory foam mattress provides a medium-firm surface that’s well suited to various sleeping styles. The foam core hugs your body without causing overheating, so you sleep cool all night.
It’s an ideal bed for couples, as the memory foam helps prevent motion transfer. This means one partner can sleep soundly even as the other tosses and turns, making it one of the best mattresses for older people. Despite the low price, Nectar still offers a generous 365-day home trial and free shipping and returns.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the Nectar mattress at 3.8 out of five stars. The bed earns praise for its stellar motion isolation and pressure relief, but the soft memory foam sleeping surface might have too much give for stomach sleepers. Even so, the bed provides stronger edge support than other competitors at this price point, making it a safer choice for older adults with limited mobility.
Nectar is a bed-in-a-box company, meaning that this mattress will arrive compressed in a box and may take up to 72 hours to reinflate. Unboxing can be an unwieldy job and may require two people.
Pros
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365-night home trial
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Less than $1,000 for a queen
Cons
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Memory foam may not offer enough support for all sleepers
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Not as responsive as innerspring beds
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Bed-in-a-box shipping style may be challenging to unpack
What Customers Are Saying
“I’ve had a wonderful experience with my Nectar Mattress purchase so far. I’ve had the bed for a few weeks now, and my wife and I love it. … The mattress: It feels like you are laying on a cloud! The mattress caresses your body just enough to where it’s comfortable. It provides firmness and support in all the right places. It feels like your whole body can finally relax when you lay down on this bed. I haven’t had any back pain since we’ve gotten this mattress, which is amazing because I often wake up with back pain on other beds.” —Najee E, Google Review
“After the first night, I told my husband to send it back. I always loved soft beds and this is real firm. The first few days it actually hurt my ribs (I am a side sleeper)—but low and behold, day 3 … best night’s sleep I’ve had in years, and it only got better. Sixteen months later and I still love it. I have back issues, and most of my issues are non-existent since. I never throw my back out anymore, I no longer toss and turn every 15 minutes, and the knots in my back have almost disappeared. The pillow seems like a rock at first, but your head forms it and it puts your head in the best position for side sleeping. I also love the low profile of the frame and the fact that it is completely quiet. I don’t even feel my husband get in and out of bed.” —Erin Matheson, Google Review
As Amerisleep’s best-selling mattress, the AS3 is a goldilocks of beds. It comes with comfort features that work for almost all body shapes and sleeping styles. The high-density foam provides the right balance of support and comfort for your body, meaning that you get a lot of value for under $1,000 in some versions.
The AS3 contains Bio-Pur ® foam, an eco-friendly material with a large, open-cell structure. This allows for better airflow while reducing heat build-up, keeping you cool hours after going to bed. Likewise, the mattress comes with the brand’s Refresh Cover, which serves to draw heat away from the body to regulate or balance the temperature of your skin, no matter how hot you sleep. In fact, Amerisleep claims this cover lets you sleep up to 7 degrees Fahrenheit colder than when using a traditional polyester cover. The company specifies that the AS3 also accommodates back and side sleepers with minimal motion transfer edge support, which makes it easier to get your balance when at the edge of the bed. Stomach sleepers may want more support.
For anyone who prefers a firmer bed, you can opt for the AS3h ($1,249) for a hybrid design of foam and coils for a more supportive sleeping surface.
See our full review of the Amerisleep Adjustable Bed.
Pros
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Made in the USA
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20-year warranty
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Keeps you cool all night
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Less than $1,000 for a queen
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CertiPUR-US® certified and low in volatile organic compounds
Cons
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Memory foam may not offer enough support for all sleepers
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Not as responsive as innerspring beds
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Hybrid design costs extra
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Mattress-in-a-box delivery might be hard to manage for older adults
What Customers Are Saying
“We have the AS3 mattress and it’s the best mattress we’ve ever had. My husband and I both have bad backs and have tried many mattresses. I think I will only buy this brand for the rest of my life. It’s firm but has good bounce back, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking. You can still move in the middle of the night without that heavy feeling you can get with foam mattresses. Your body will feel amazing!” —Rochelle A, influenster.com
“I am disabled after five spine surgeries including three fusions, and have severe nerve pain in my legs and lower back. I have arthritis in both shoulders and am a side sleeper, and this bed definitely has taken pressure off of my shoulders and supports my hips better than the previous three mattresses I have bought. … The bed is getting firmer over the three weeks or so I have slept on it, and I am sleeping better and longer—it is helping my spine, without a doubt. So far I am very happy with my new mattress. My only concern is wearing a cavity in it, so I try to sleep all over it to avoid that. My deep sheets from my previous mattress fit perfectly and don’t pull out at the bottom.” —JW, Amerisleep.com
In most cases, side sleepers prefer a softer mattress structure to cushion their joints without added pressure. However, aging side sleepers need more support than most, especially along the edge of the bed. That’s where the pillow-topped Helix Midnight Luxe comes in handy.
Designed to deliver a premium night’s sleep, the Midnight Luxe features zoned lumbar support with a quilted pillow top cover with your choice of fabrics: TENCEL or a GlacioTex Cooling Cover. As an upgrade over Helix’s standard mattresses, the Midnight Luxe is CertiPUR-US®-certified, guaranteeing it won’t off-gas toxic chemicals.
This Helix mattress makes sense for anyone with arthritis or who suffers from hip or shoulder pain. The medium firmness is best suited for side sleepers and those who toss and turn repeatedly. With moderate sinkage, you’ll benefit from more support to cradle your joints, plus you’ll feel cozy—not inconvenienced—when sleeping next to your partner. Likewise, it offers supportive coils and sturdy edge construction to ensure you feel safe when sitting up and starting your morning.
One word of caution: A few Trustpilot mattress reviews indicate that users had issues with the company’s warranty policy.
Pros
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Great for side sleepers
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Two covers to choose from
Cons
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Warranty claims could be a challenge
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Mattress-in-a-box delivery might be hard to manage
What Customers Are Saying
“The Helix mattress is a very well-built mattress that offers, in my opinion, the best customization you can find in any mattress on or offline, especially at this price. I’ve been recommending the Helix mattress to all my friends.” —David Daniels, Trustpilot
“I purchased a Helix Plus. I also purchased the 10-year warranty afterwards, after their representative said I was covered for any issues. The bed broke down within a year. I tried to move it to another room and the foam slumped down to the bottom of the mattress cover, requiring I unzip the cover to realign the foam on the springs. I then noticed the outer rolls of springs had separated from the inner rolls. I contacted the company and was told my warranty was voided because I unzipped the cover. They said their website stated and labels on the bed warned that warranties would be voided. Using the Wayback Machine, I confirmed when I bought the mattress there was no warning. Also, my mattress has no such labels. Customer service was snotty and disrespectful.” —Dennis Bushnell, Trustpilot
Most Ghostbed mattresses (available in some models for under $1,000) are compatible with the brand’s adjustable frame, which offers independent head and foot adjustability to get you in the proper position for comfortable sleep. The brand’s Luxe mattress models come equipped with a cooling pillow top that covers the latex-gel memory foam mattress. Even so, the firmer-than-average design promotes optimal spinal alignment as you sleep and relieves hip and back pain.
Mattress reviews on Consumer Affairs show the mattress works well for hot sleepers and those who deal with back pain. However, the lack of inner springs means it’s better for lightweight users, as those over 250 pounds might sink in too deeply. Some users also found the adjustable frame to be glitchy.
Pros
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Many compatible options for the adjustable bed frames
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Classic model priced under $1,000
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Made in USA
Cons
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Too firm for some
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Positioning can be challenging with two people
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Mechanical portions of the frame could break over time
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Numerous complaints about customer service on third-party sites
See our full review of the Ghostbed Adjustable Bed.
What Customers Are Saying
“Ghostbed was on sale at a very good price, and I’ve heard good reviews on this mattress. I love my new mattress. I enjoy sleeping on it each and every night. I mainly love the gel memory foam that is in the mattress that has more of a cooling effect. I’m so happy that I’ve made this choice, and I told many people that I know about the comfort I get. I would highly recommend it to everyone I know and to anyone that has an affected night’s rest, because there’s nothing worse than waking up every couple hours. If I had to choose another mattress, I would definitely choose another one of these.” —Amy of Roseville, Consumer Affairs
“I purchased the most basic GhostBed mattress in July 2020. So this isn’t their Flex, Luxe, or 3D Matrix. Just the basic. I’m giving it five stars because I found it to be supportive, on the more firm side (which is my preference), and—as primarily a back and stomach sleeper—pretty comfortable. Plus, it has a 20-year limited warranty, which is 5-10 years longer than most of their competitors.” —Michael of Acworth, Consumer Affairs
This high-tech hybrid mattress makes a statement as soon as you see it. It’s an exceptionally thick hybrid mattress that features the brand’s patented HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ coils, designed to provide targeted back support.
The bed comes with many cooling features, including an ArcticTex™ cover and breathable Euro topper that dissipates body heat, so you stay at a consistent temperature throughout the night. Choose your preferred firmness level before ordering from three options: plush, luxury firm, or firm.
What sets the mattress apart is the brand’s graphite-infused AirFoamICE™. By entrapping “billions of microscopic air bubbles,” the foam layer will form directly to your body for pressure relief in painful areas. Even so, customer reviews show this bed doesn’t isolate motion as well as others, so you might notice your partner shifting around.
Nolah covers the mattress with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Just note, it arrives compressed in a box, so placing it on a bedspring is your responsibility.
Pros
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Naturally cooling
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Pressure relief
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Firmness options
Cons
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Less motion isolation than other models
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Mattress-in-a-box delivery might be hard to manage for aging adults
What Customers Are Saying
“I was very skeptical when I watched the reviews of this mattress on YouTube; I must have watched 10 different reviews on the Nolah Evolution. I finally decided to give it a try, I am so happy I did. After a week of sleeping on this mattress, my shoulder pain is virtually gone. It is definitely worth the money!” —Charlie M., Nolahmattress.com
“This mattress changed my life. Prior to the purchase, I was waking up with hip and back pain, at times two hours into my sleep, daily. Life was hell. I went with the plush full-size option. Normally I like firm, but obviously I have no idea what I should be using because I was sleeping in pain. I also got the adjustable base. I was able to move both upstairs and put together easily and quickly; I just followed the instructions. In all reality, the moving of the base and/or mattress is a twoperson operation; these aren’t light boxes. I sleep like I’m on a cloud—plush is not too plush. I have zero pain. I sleep like a normal person should sleep, where I am able to feel rested and ready to go. My only regret is not buying this sooner.” —Christopher W., Nolahmattress.co
For those who prefer to sleep on springs, the Leesa Legend provides the best of all worlds. It’s a hybrid bed built with two layers of springs: pocket springs for edge stability and motion control and micro-coils for hip and shoulder support. The soft, zoned structure is well suited for side sleepers and light back sleepers, but might not offer enough support for someone who is heavyset.
This mattress’s top layer is a thick, breathable foam that provides medium-firm comfort while wicking away moisture. The included mattress cover is made with 100% organic cotton, Merino wool, and fiber from recycled water bottles to prevent your skin from feeling clammy after night sweats. Even better, the wool is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and bacterial growth, so your bed stays fresher longer.
Pros
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Made in the USA
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Naturally hypoallergenic
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Helps you sleep cool
Cons
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Might not offer enough support for heavyset adults
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Mattress-in-a-box delivery might be hard to manage for older adults (though you can also schedule in-home delivery)
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Higher price point
What Customers Are Saying
“Most comfortable mattress I’ve ever slept on. Soft yet supportive, and perfect for anyone who shares the bed with a restless sleeper.” —Lelina D, Leesa
“We purchased our first Leesa four years ago and still love it! So much so that when we needed a new mattress for our lake house two months ago, we bought another Leesa. We like that you can’t feel the other person move, and we wake up without aches and pains. We highly recommend the Original Leesa!” —Lori and Tim, Leesa
How Does Aging Affect Sleep?
As we age, it becomes harder to fall asleep and stay that way. You can blame your body’s internal clock for the problem. Circadian rhythms start to shift, as does your system’s production of sleep-inducing hormones like melatonin.
You may also find yourself getting up for the bathroom more due to health conditions like diabetes and prostate issues. Joint problems like arthritis can also make it harder to settle into one position in the bed. Likewise, breathing conditions such as sleep apnea become more common, making it harder to get refreshed even while you sleep.
As your sleep style changes, so should your priorities when buying a mattress. The best mattresses for older adults will help you get comfortable easily without agitating sore joints each time you go to sleep. Likewise, the comfort preferences between two people will become more extreme, meaning that a mattress needs to suit the tastes of each person in a couple.
Different Types of Mattresses for Aging Adults
The days of steel coil beds as the only sleeping option are long gone. Today, there’s no shortage of mattress styles available. Here’s what you’re most likely to come across on the market today.
- Latex Mattress: Made from the sap of rubber trees, latex provides an all-natural, eco-friendly mattress material that’s durable and retains its shape.
- Foam Mattress: The primary material in most mattress-in-a-box options, foam mattresses consist of multiple layers, ranging from gel memory foam to polyfoam, for a sleep surface that molds to your form while still offering support.
- Innerspring Mattress: The traditional mattress option, innerspring beds contain a metal wire spring system covered in cushioning fabric. They offer support across the entire bed and tend to be the firmest option.
- Hybrid Mattress: These multilayered beds combine an innerspring system with memory foam, gel, or latex. They offer the pressure relief of foam with the support of springs.
- Airbed: Like an upgraded camping mattress, airbeds must be inflated before use. Due to the lack of structure and built-in support, they tend to be best for short-term use.
Pros/Cons of Purchasing a Mattress for Older Adult
Buying a new mattress is not a quick decision. The best beds should last 15 years or longer, meaning that you’ll be committed to what you choose for quite some time. The decision becomes more complicated as you age. Here are the pros and cons of choosing one.
Pros
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Quality sleep becomes more critical with age.
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New mattresses may provide better spinal alignment and pressure relief.
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New mattresses tend to have supportive edges to make getting up safer and easier.
Cons
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Most affordable mattresses tend to arrive compressed in boxes and can be unwieldy to set up.
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Partners may have different sleeping preferences.
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Online-only mattress companies can make in-home setup and returns challenging.
See our full review on the best Deep Pocket Sheets for your mattress.
How to Choose a Mattress for Aging Adults
When purchasing the best mattress for older adults, there may be some extra considerations.
To start, edge support is more important. Many memory foam mattresses tend to sink in at the edges, leading to feelings of instability for those who struggle to get in and out of bed. Buying mattresses with reinforced edges counteracts this problem.
Pressure relief is another key consideration. Aging bodies are more likely to experience joint pain and problems from staying in one position too long. Sleeping on a standard innerspring mattress can exacerbate the problem, as the springs can dig into your back. Choosing foam or latex beds with a smoother sleeping surface can prevent pressure points for better sleep.
Likewise, it’s common to sleep sweatier as you age, especially if you deal with hot flashes or night sweats. Choosing mattresses known for breathability, with moisture-wicking covers, can keep you at a comfortable temperature.
Finally, consider investing in a mattress with a bed frame that easily changes positions. Adjustable bed frames can keep you upright, reducing the effects of sleep apnea by opening up your breathing passages. They can also make it easier to get out of bed by putting you in an upright position.
See our full review on Best Adjustable Beds for Older Adults.
How Much Do the Best Mattresses for Older Adults Cost?
Expect to pay between $900–$2,225 when purchasing a quality, queen-sized mattress. Prices increase based on the mattress materials, with hybrid beds and those made with natural, eco-friendly materials tending to be the most expensive.
It’s possible to use financing to pay for new mattresses. Many companies, including those on our shortlist, offer payment plans for qualifying buyers through Affirm, often starting at 0% APR.
Some health insurers will help cover a new mattress, especially if you can verify it is a medical requirement through a doctor’s prescription and other relevant paperwork. Just note that you will likely be limited on options and will need to purchase the mattress through a supplier approved by your insurance plan.
How We Wrote the Best Mattresses for Older Adults Article
We reviewed mattresses for older adults based on the following criteria:
- Cost
- Warranties
- Features included
- Comfort
- Materials
- Expert sources
- Customer service accessibility and performance
- Customer satisfaction reviews
- Company reputation
Why Trust Us
The bed reviews that we list follow an extensive examination of manufacturers, stated specifications, and reviews. Our experts are people who like comfortable beds and who want to be sure that claims made by bed-makers are ones that are backed up by performance and results.
Our ratings consider factors we list in the review: comfort, manufacturer guarantee, return policy, cost.
During our research process, we:
- Consulted with medical and sleep sources
- Surveyed different models of beds
- Spent hours researching mattresses
- Read hundreds of verified customer reviews
Many products and services featured on AgingInPlace.org will play a crucial role in your daily life. As these products should help enhance aging at home, we work to uncover as much as possible about the products and services we review. We also consult audiologists, geriatricians, professional adult caregivers, and other experts in the field to ensure we’re providing the most accurate, helpful information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Medium-firm mattresses tend to be best, because they offer support without creating pressure points. They also provide extra edge support to make getting in and out of bed easier.
Pricing is accurate as of May 11, 2022.
WRITTEN BY
Lydia Noyes is a health and wellness writer who specializes in lifestyle content for all ages.
View AuthorMEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Brittany is a registered and licensed occupational therapist who has worked with geriatrics in assisted living and hospital settings. She holds a PhD in Integrative Mental Health, has published four books, and has written over 300 articles on a range of health topics. Brittany is the owner of Simplicity of Health, where she offers health writing and program development for health and wellness-related businesses.
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