If you struggle with aches and pains, an orthopedic mattress might help you get a night of restful sleep. The best orthopedic mattresses are great at keeping your spine aligned and can also relieve pressure and pain. So, which of these beds is right for you? Well, we’ve got our eight top picks right here. Read on to find the best orthopedic mattress for your sleep style and position.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Orthopedic Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Helix Midnight as the best orthopedic mattress for its comforting and pressure-relieving memory foam layer and supportive coils to keep your spine aligned.
The 7 Best Orthopedic Mattresses
- Helix Midnight – Best Overall
- WinkBed – Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite – Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nectar – Best Cooling Orthopedic Mattress
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Orthopedic Mattress
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Orthopedic Mattress
- Puffy Lux Hybrid – Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain
The Best Orthopedic Mattress 2024: Our Video Roundup
Compare the Best Orthopedic Mattresses of 2024
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep Position | Back & Side | Combination | Side | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Side |
How We Chose Our Top Products
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed hundreds of mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
We’ll get into this toward the end of the article, but when it comes to choosing the best orthopedic mattress, comfort is paramount. But it’s also important that a mattress balances it out with support so it can help keep your spine in a neutral alignment. That’s why all beds in this roundup scored an above-average 3 out of 5 or higher on support. Five of these beds scored above a 4 out of 5 in support.
Best Overall- Helix Midnight
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Helix Midnight
- Helps alleviate pressure on shoulders and hips
- Available in a Luxe and Elite model
- Great for most back and side sleepers
Cons of the Helix Midnight
- Not good for stomach sleepers
- Not good for heavier people
- Lacks a slow-moving memory foam feel
Our Expert’s Take
If you have no idea what kind of mattress you want, Helix could be a good option. Their mattress line boasts some of the best hybrid beds on the market, with a variety of firmnesses and feels. You can take a sleep quiz or select one of their individual models. If you want the best overall orthopedic mattress, they might recommend the Helix Midnight. It has a memory foam layer right on top that will help to relieve pressure on trouble areas. At the same time, the coils hold up your body, keeping you well-aligned.
What the testers say: “Even though Helix sells a variety of mattresses, I’m a big fan of the Midnight. Its medium-firm feel offers the comfort and support I need when I’m back and side sleeping. If you need a bit more luxury and comfort, opt for the Luxe or Elite models.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
- It has a balanced foam feel with plenty of pressure relief, so you won’t “sink inside” the layers or have difficulty moving around on top of the bed.
- Its medium-firm feel helps support good spinal alignment for back sleepers.
- The Midnight’s coil construction promotes airflow and help dissipates body heat, which makes it a great cooling mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
- Stomach sleepers should check out the Helix Dawn instead of this mattress. They likely won’t get the support they need from the Midnight.
- Fans of slow-moving memory foam mattresses won’t like the feel of this one.
- Heavier side sleepers won’t get the pressure relief they need from this mattress.
Other User Reviews
Based on 6,522 reviews on the company website, the Helix Midnight has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Many customers liked its comfort and firmness level and felt that it did a good job of lessening back pain. Some, however, felt that it was too firm.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Helix Midnight mattress, check out our list of the Best Mattresses of 2024 for more great options.
Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Sleepers- WinkBed
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the WinkBed
- The Luxury Firm model works for many combination sleepers.
- Has zoned support, which helps keep the back in the proper alignment.
- Has a luxurious pillow top
Cons of the WinkBed
- Lacks a slow-moving memory foam feel
- Doesn’t isolate motion well
- Not the cheapest mattress on the market
Our Expert’s Take
The WinkBed is another innerspring mattress with a high-end design. Like the Saatva, it features two sets of coils, memory foam, and a pillow-top. With this mattress, you have four firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus (designed for heavy people). If you want an orthopedic mattress that’s also one of the best mattresses for back sleepers, consider the Luxury Firm model. It offers that balance of comfort and support.
What the testers say: “The WinkBed mattress is great if you’re looking for a bed with a traditional innerspring feel. It also has a luxurious tufted pillow top, which makes me feel like I’m resting at a five-star hotel. I also like that the WinkBed is available in three firmness levels, so it works for a variety of people.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
- It has a traditional, bouncy feel, which makes it easy for people to switch sleeping positions.
- It has a cooling construction that works well for hot sleepers.
- The mattress has zoned support, which helps sleepers maintain solid spinal alignment throughout the night.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
- It doesn’t isolate motion as well as some other mattresses, which could be an issue for couples.
- It’s a high-quality mattress with a price tag to match, so it might not fit every budget.
Other User Reviews
Based on 8,564 reviews on the company website, the WinkBed has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Many customers liked its versatile firmness options and felt that it provided a nice blend of comfort and support. Some, however, felt that it sagged in spots.
Read our full WinkBed mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the WinkBed mattress, check out our list of the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers for more great options.
Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers- Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for hot sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for hot sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
- Has a responsive feel
- Offers both comfort and support
- An affordable luxury mattress
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
- Lacks a slow-moving feel
- Doesn’t isolate motion well
- Not great for stomach sleepers
Our Expert’s Take
In order to be the best mattress for side sleepers, a mattress needs to relieve pressure on their hips and shoulders. With that in mind, the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite has everything a side sleeper should need. In addition, if you’re struggling with shoulder pain, the combination of memory foam and coils should provide excellent relief. There are four memory foam comfort layers that add up to 5”, giving you great pressure relief on those pressure points.
What the testers say: “As a heavier side sleeper, I need a mattress that has a lot of plush cushioning — just like the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite. This mattress helps alleviate pressure along my shoulders and hips.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
- The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite has an affordable price, given its luxury construction. Brooklyn Bedding owns its own factory, which means it can cut out middleman costs and pass the savings along.
- The Sedona Elite has a cooling cover, gel-infused memory foam, and an innerspring coil system to keep hot sleepers cool.
- Side and back sleepers of all sizes will find it provides good support, pressure relief, and spinal alignment.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite
- It’s not a good match for heavier stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers should look for a firmer mattress that can keep their hips better aligned.
- The mattress doesn’t feel quite as supportive along its edges.
Other User Reviews
Based on 316 reviews on the company website, the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. Many customers liked its comfort and felt that it did a good job of supporting back, hip, and neck pain. Some, however, felt that it was too soft and lacked edge support.
Read our Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Sedona mattress, check out our list of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers for more great options.
Best Cooling Orthopedic Mattress- Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Nectar
- Has many cooling features, such as gel memory foam and phase change material
- Helps sleepers maintain a neutral spine alignment
- Work well for most back and side sleepers
Cons of the Nectar
- Not great for stomach sleepers
- Lacks a responsive feel
- Doesn’t offer enough lumbar support for heavy people
Our Expert’s Take
For hot sleepers, the original Nectar foam mattress contains a Quilted Cool Cover. Made with heat-wicking technology, this outer layer will help you stay cool all night long. To further assist with temperature regulation, the comfort layer contains Nectar’s ActiveCool HD foam — a material infused with gel to help dissipate heat.
What the testers say: “The Nectar mattress doesn’t trap body heat like many all-foam mattresses do. When I slept on this bed, I didn’t feel hot or stuffy. This slow-moving foam may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re a side sleeper, this could be a good choice.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
- It has a slow-moving feel due to its plush foam layers, which also provide lots of pressure relief.
- It’s a good mattress for the money, due to its value price.
- Excellent contouring around the hips and shoulders makes it a top mattress for side sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
- Heavier sleepers will likely find that it lacks the support they need.
- Stomach sleepers will find that it’s not firm enough for good alignment and could exacerbate their hip and back pain.
Other User Reviews
Based on 52,676 reviews on the company website, the Nectar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. Many customers liked its cradling feel and felt that it did a good job of alleviating pressure and lessening neck and back pain. Some, however, felt that they sank too far into the mattress for optimal comfort.
Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nectar mattress, check out our list of the Best Cooling Mattresses for more great options.
Best Innerspring Orthopedic Mattress- Saatva
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Saatva
- Offers both comfort and support
- Offers extra support for the lower back
- Doesn’t trap heat
Cons of the Saatva
- Lacks a slow-moving memory foam feel
- Doesn’t isolate motion well
- Costs more than other beds
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva is one of the best innerspring mattresses, with two sets of coils (micro coils and support coils) to help keep your spine neutrally aligned. Above that, the mattress boasts pressure-relieving memory foam, as well as a plush pillow-top. You also have a choice of how plush you want your pillow-top to be. You can choose from their Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm models. If you’re looking for an orthopedic mattress with a good balance of comfort and support, we recommend the Luxury Firm model.
What the testers say: “The Saatva mattress is perfect if you’re looking for an old-school innerspring bed. This high-quality mattress should last for years to come, and it has a responsive feel. I particularly like the Luxury Firm model because it cushions my joints and supports my lower back.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva
- The mattress’s zoned construction helps it feel softer or firmer depending on your sleep position, which is ideal for combination sleepers.
- Its high-quality materials are durable and long-lasting.
- Saatva is an excellent option if you want one of the best orthopedic mattresses. Its high-density foams and dual set of coils provide just the right amount of comfort and support to keep your spine in neutral alignment while also relieving pressure on your joints.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva
- Super-soft mattress fans will want to keep looking. Even the softest model of this mattress feels firmer than average.
- Those who like the feel of slow-moving memory foam will likely find the Saatva to be too bouncy.
Other User Reviews
Based on 3,253 reviews on the company website, the Saatva has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Many customers liked its firmness level and felt that it did a good job of offsetting their back and neck pain. Some, however, complained about the brand’s customer service and shipping times.
Read our full Saatva mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva mattress, check out our list of the Best Innerspring Mattresses for more great options.
Best Hybrid Orthopedic Mattress- Bear Elite Hybrid
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid
- Has a cover designed specifically for muscle recovery and blood circulation
- Has many luxurious features
- Sleeps cool at night
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid
- Doesn’t isolate motion well
- Not great for stomach sleepers
Our Expert’s Take
If you suffer from chronic pain, then you should look at the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress. It has been designed specifically to aid in muscle recovery. But it should help just about anyone reduce pain.
The Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress is a hybrid mattress that provides a perfect balance of comfort and support for back sleeping. The top comfort layers will contour to your body and let you sink in, but the pocketed coil layers beneath it keep you from feeling trapped.
On the outside, it has a Celliant cover. This is what Bear designed specifically for blood circulation and muscle recovery, which should help you feel relatively pain-free throughout the night.
What the testers say: “The Bear Elite mattress has a plush pillow top that alleviates pressure on my shoulder and hips. I love its responsive feel because it’s easy to move around on top of it. It doesn’t isolate motion too well, though, which isn’t great if you share a bed with a partner.” — Elisa, reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Elite Hybrid
- It’s a great match for most back and side sleepers due to its classic medium-firm feel.
- Thanks to its cooling cover and breathable coils, it’s a great one for hot sleepers.
- The thick comfort layers of this mattress provide excellent pressure relief.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid
- It’s a pricier mattress than most, so it might not suit every budget.
- Heavy stomach sleepers might not get the support they need from the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Other User Reviews
Based on 338 reviews on the company website, the Bear Elite Hybrid has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Many customers liked its high comfort level and felt that it did a good job of alleviating back pain. Some, however, felt that it was too soft for their backs.
Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Bear mattress, check out our list of the Best Hybrid Mattresses for more great options.
Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain- Puffy Lux Hybrid
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Pros of the Puffy Lux Hybrid
- Offers great pressure relief for side sleepers
- Has a slow-moving feel
- Doesn’t trap body heat
Cons of the Puffy Lux Hybrid
- Not great for stomach sleepers
- Not good for most heavy people
- Lacks a responsive feel
Our Expert’s Take
Orthopedic mattresses can be a great fit for people with back pain. If you live with back pain and in particular, the Puffy Lux Hybrid could be just the mattress for you. The Puffy Lux Hybrid is just a bit softer than medium-firm, but it still offers a great balance of comfort and support. This will help keep your spine in neutral alignment, which can prevent and alleviate back pain. The top layers are also extremely plush, so they will relieve pressure on trouble areas like the neck and shoulders.
What the testers say: “The Puffy Lux Hybrid is great if you’re looking for a bed with a slow-moving, plush feel. You’ll gently sink into the mattress and feel the foam envelop you. It’s not a great choice for many stomach sleepers, though, because it isn’t supportive enough to keep the hips in the proper alignment.” — Marten, reviewer
What We Love About the Puffy Lux Hybrid
- Its soft feel works well for most side and back sleepers.
- Its gel-infused foam, breathable coils, and cooling cover make it a win for hot sleepers.
- Couples will find that it has excellent motion isolation, so you won’t be awakened by a restless partner’s movements.
What to Keep in Mind About the Puffy Lux Hybrid
- It doesn’t have the best edge support, so if you like to spread out to the far reaches of your bed, you might consider a different mattress.
- People who like a firmer mattress will find this one to be too soft.
- Those who like a bouncy mattress will find this one to be too slow-moving.
Other User Reviews
Based on 12,428 reviews on the company website, the Lux Hybrid has an average rating of 5 out of 5. Many customers liked its high-quality feel and felt that it did a good job of reducing hip pain and isolating motion.
Read our full Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress, check out our list of the Best Mattresses for Back Pain for more great options.
What Is an Orthopedic Mattress?
An orthopedic mattress is a type of mattress that’s meant to offer extra spinal support and a touch of pressure relief for the back and joints, thereby reducing aches and pains. The term “orthopedic mattress” was coined in the 1950s after studies examining joint and bone function suggested that specially designed mattresses might help prevent morning back pain. The earliest orthopedic mattresses were indeed designed to adhere to orthopedic principles that could be therapeutic for achy backs.
But then the mattresses started selling well, and the term “orthopedic” was co-opted by mattress manufacturers and marketers looking to cash in on the popularity of orthopedic mattresses — regardless of whether their beds were expressly designed to soothe back pain. Because there are no government regulations regarding the language that mattress manufacturers use to describe their products, the term “orthopedic mattress” has been diluted over the years.
None of this is to say that the concept of orthopedic mattresses is worthless. It just means that you need to do your research carefully. While some mattresses wrongly claim to be orthopedic in nature, there are others that will live up to the “orthopedic” claim. In fact, you’ve just read about nine of them in this roundup.
Why Use an Orthopedic Mattress?
Now that you know how orthopedic mattresses originated, you can probably guess why someone might use one of these beds.
Orthopedic mattresses are most commonly used by people who suffer from back and/or joint pain and are looking for a bed that will ease those aches to help them obtain better-quality sleep. This includes sleepers who suffer from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, as well as people recovering from injuries or accidents, seniors, folks who have undergone surgery, and active people who need extra support for recovering properly post-exertion.
Make sure to also check out our best mattresses for fibromyalgia, best mattresses for arthritis, and best mattresses for hip pain.
What Are the Benefits of an Orthopedic Mattress?
As noted above, not all so-called “orthopedic mattresses” are created equal. But when you find a mattress that’s truly designed with orthopedic principles in mind that suits your personal sleep position(s) and needs, then you’re likely to enjoy several benefits. For instance, an orthopedic mattress can:
- Provide great support
- Promote proper spinal alignment
- Help you feel more comfortable in bed, which can facilitate quality sleep
- Relieve pressure around joints, thereby minimizing pain
- Facilitate recovery from injuries, surgery, and physical exertion
- Provide lasting support (for approximately 7 to 10 years), thanks to the use of durable and high-quality materials
What Are the Cons of an Orthopedic Mattress?
Even though there are several benefits to using an orthopedic mattress, these beds aren’t without their downsides. For example:
- Because of lax regulations, it can be difficult to determine whether a mattress that claims to be orthopedic will actually live up to its claims.
- Orthopedic mattresses are sometimes more expensive than mattresses that don’t claim to have an orthopedic design.
- Because orthopedic mattresses are often on the firmer side, they might not always feel comfortable to side sleepers, who need extra pressure relief around the shoulder and hip.
How to Choose the Best Orthopedic Mattress
When it comes to the best orthopedic mattress, there’s no such thing as one size fits all. Instead, the best mattress for you will come down to a number of personalized factors. Above all? Comfort reigns supreme. If you’re not comfortable on a bed, then it’s highly unlikely it will help you sleep well.
While we can’t tell you which mattress to buy, we can equip you with some guidelines that will significantly up your chances of landing on a mattress that helps relieve pain and promote restful sleep:
- Spinal support and firmness: A bed that promotes proper spinal alignment will go a long way in relieving back pain, because it will support the natural curve of the spine and reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and bones. As a general rule, most people find the proper balance of support and comfort on a medium-firm mattress (though again, there’s some variation here; for instance, heavier-weight folks might prefer the added support of a firmer mattress). A bed that’s too soft can allow the spine to sag, while a bed that’s too firm might not provide enough pressure relief alongside spinal support.
- Pressure relief: While spinal support is a crucial component of any orthopedic mattress worth its salt, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. That support needs to be balanced with pressure relief so pressure doesn’t build up around the joints during the night. The bed should have some give so as to minimize the risk of provoking joint pain. This is especially true for side sleepers.
- Edge support: If your pain issues make it challenging to climb in and out of bed, then it’s a good idea to look for a mattress with strong edge support. This will ensure the edge of the mattress doesn’t collapse underneath you when you’re using it for support while sitting, standing, or lying down.
- Certifications: Since the mattress industry is rather unregulated, you might want to look for certifications or other marks of approval from medical experts or organizations, such as the American Chiropractic Association.
- Medical input: It can be helpful to consult a doctor, physical therapist, or other medical expert about the best sleeping position(s) and mattress for your condition. They might be able to advise an ideal mattress firmness or the use of props that could further minimize pain (such as placing a pillow between your legs while side sleeping).
- Company policies: Finding a comfortable mattress is important for everyone, but it’s especially necessary for anyone who suffers from back or joint pain. For this reason, it can be helpful to look for mattresses with generous sleep trials and return policies, so you can test the mattress out in the comfort of your home and easily return it if it’s not a good fit.
- Budget: No matter what kind of mattress you’re looking for, it’s always important to keep your budget in mind. Determining a comfortable budget at the start of your mattress search will allow you to eliminate some options right off the bat.
The Best Mattress Type for Orthopedic Mattresses
Orthopedic mattresses can take many forms, and no mattress type is inherently better than another. As always, the best orthopedic mattress type varies by person and comes down to your body, sleep position(s), and preferences. That said, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Memory foam mattresses tends to offer exceptional pressure relief, but it doesn’t always support spinal alignment. If you’re interested in a memory foam bed, look for options that balance pressure relief with spinal support, perhaps with the use of firmer foams underneath the comfort layer.
- Innerspring mattresses are generally quite supportive, but they don’t always offer a ton of pressure relief. If you like the feel of innerspring beds, consider looking for an option with a plush pillow-top or other pressure-relieving comfort layer.
- Hybrid mattresses often offer the best of both spinal support and pressure relief, thanks to the use of supportive coils in the support layer and pressure-relieving foams in the top layers. Note that each hybrid mattress is different, so review materials and design features closely.
- Latex mattresses are very durable and generally offer a supportive and responsive sleeping surface, along with a touch (though not a ton) of pressure relief.
How Do Back and Joint Pain Affect Sleep?
Why is an orthopedic mattress useful for people who are dealing with pain? Because there’s a strong link between pain and sleep deprivation.
One study of 1,941 patients found that people suffering from lower back pain commonly reported sleep disturbances. More generally, chronic pain is known to prevent sound sleep. For instance, chronic pain might shorten the amount of time spent asleep, disrupt crucial REM sleep cycles, or provoke stress or anxiety that makes it harder to drift off.
The relationship between pain and sleep quality is a two-way street. In a nasty cycle, poor sleep can exacerbate pain during the day. This could be because low sleep quality is linked to higher levels of inflammation, which can cause pain flare-ups. This intensified pain can then make it harder to fall and stay asleep at night.
How to Sleep Better with Back or Joint Pain
Once you’ve secured a comfortable and supportive mattress, there are several other steps you can take to increase your chances of sleeping better in spite of back or joint pain.
- Pick your pillow carefully: While the mattress you sleep on will have the biggest impact on your comfort, don’t overlook the importance of pillows. The best pillow for you will ensure that your head and neck stay aligned with your spine in your chosen sleep position. Consider a feather or memory foam pillow to enjoy some contouring and pressure relief around your head and neck.
- Manage pain outside of the bedroom: Taking steps to manage pain during the day will decrease the chances of pain keeping you up at night. Effective pain management strategies include regular exercise, stretching, physical therapy, and over-the-counter or prescription medications. Work with a medical professional to determine the best pain management plan for your condition.
- Get a move on: Regular exercise has been shown to ease pain and stiffness, relieve the stress and anxiety that can accompany chronic pain conditions, and make it easier to fall asleep at night. Consider gentle, low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, swimming, aqua aerobics, and so on. Pay special attention to developing core strength, as this can help relieve back pain.
- Practice relaxation techniques: As noted above, painful conditions often provoke anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. It’s just as important to treat these conditions as it is to address physical pain. To that end, consider incorporating soothing activities into your daily routines, such as journaling, breath work, listening to music, meditating, and talking with a therapist.
- Adopt sound sleep hygiene habits: This is important for everyone — not just folks who are managing pain. Sound sleep hygiene includes a variety of behaviors such as falling asleep and waking up at the same time every day, keeping electronics out of the bedroom, avoiding electronics for the hour before bed, restricting bedroom activities to sleep and sex, avoiding caffeine in the evening, and making your bedroom environment cool, dark, and quiet.
What’s the Best Sleeping Position for Back or Joint Pain?
Although there’s no one-size-fits-all sleeping position to prevent back and joint pain, many people derive pain relief from back-sleeping. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this position is actually optimal for most sleepers. That’s because back-sleeping evenly distributes your weight across the entire body, which helps support proper alignment and minimizes pressure that can lead to pain. If you’re not already a back sleeper, consider giving this position a try.
If back-sleeping isn’t an option for you, there are steps you can take to optimize side or stomach sleeping. For instance, per the Cleveland Clinic, side sleepers can make this position easier on the spine by switching from side to side (either during each night or from night to night). This way, they don’t create uneven pressure and strain on their body. If you’re a side sleeper, you can also try placing a pillow between your knees to help promote straight alignment between the hips, pelvis, and spine.
Meanwhile, stomach sleepers will benefit from paying careful attention to their pillow. Look for a thinner option that allows your head to remain aligned with your spine in this position. If your hips tend to sag, it might also be helpful to tuck a small pillow under them so they stay elevated and aligned with the spine.
Summary
Here’s a summary of the best orthopedic mattresses on the market:
| Mattress | Best For |
| Helix Midnight | Best Overall |
| WinkBed | Best Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite | Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Nectar | Best Cooling Mattress |
| Saatva | Best Innerspring Mattress |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Best Hybrid Orthopedic Mattress |
| Puffy Lux Hybrid | Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Pain |
Best Orthopedic Mattress FAQs
What is the best orthopedic mattress?
We have listed out the best orthopedic mattresses on the market. There really is no one best mattress orthopedic mattress but, if we had to choose, we would choose the Saatva mattress. The Luxury Firm model offers the balance of comfort and support you should find in an orthopedic mattress. It offers the pressure relief of a plush pillow top and the support of two sets of coils.
Why should I choose an orthopedic mattress?
You should choose an orthopedic mattress if you deal with joint pain or back pain. Also, if you are recovering from an injury, an orthopedic mattress can be a great choice.
How do I choose the right orthopedic mattress for me?
If you are looking for the best orthopedic mattress, there are a few things you should consider. First off, you want to find a mattress that is right for your sleeping position. Second, you want to consider your weight and feel preferences.
What is an orthopedic mattress made of?
Orthopedic mattresses promote the proper spine alignment, create excellent pressure relief, and feel quite supportive. They’re made from many different materials, including coils, memory foam, and latex foam.
