Do you find yourself flipping between your side, back and/or stomach at night? Congratulations—you’re a part of the combination sleepers club. Members of this not-so-exclusive organization need a mattress that supports multiple positions and is easy to move around on. The luxurious Bear Star Hybrid strikes that balance better than any other bed we’ve tried, and we’ve deemed it the best mattress for combination sleepers overall.
Prone to tossing and turning? The Bear Star Hybrid is our top pick as the best mattress for ... [+]
Alternatively, if you prefer something cooler, firmer or cheaper, we’ve included nine other options for you to explore. Every bed here has been tested by a Forbes Vetted staff member or contributor—and since most of us are combo sleepers ourselves, we understand the struggle of finding a versatile mattress that feels just right all night. Scroll on to find the ideal match among our Forbes Vetted–approved mattresses for combination sleepers.
Type: Hybrid | Brand’s firmness rating: Medium-firm | Shipping: Free shipping and returns | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Buy if: You’re after the luxurious, springy feel of a hotel mattress that succeeds at isolating motion.
Skip if: You want something decidedly soft or firm.
Our overall favorite mattress for combination sleepers is the Bear Star Hybrid. It has a cozy pillow top akin to what you’d find on a luxury hotel mattress, with what I think is a medium to medium-firm feel that should appeal to a broad range of body types and sleep styles. A layer of responsive comfort foam and a core of thick, pocketed coils give this mattress a neutral, bouncy surface so you can move around with ease. It’s wrapped in a Celliant-infused cover designed to draw heat away from your body and transmit it back as infrared energy. This is meant to boost sleep quality and help you wake up feeling refreshed. By the way: If you share a bed, the Bear Star Hybrid does an outstanding job of limiting motion, so the risk of jolting your partner awake (or vice versa) is minimal.
What our testers say: “The Bear Star Hybrid, underneath its fluffy pillow top, is more nuanced and responsive so you don’t get that ‘sink in’ feel memory foam is known for,” says Forbes Vetted sleep editor McKenzie Dillon in her Bear Star Hybrid mattress review. “I switch between my stomach and side during sleep, and I feel it properly supports my back when I’m on my stomach and cradles my joints while on my side.”
Expert tip: If you’re primarily a side sleeper, the Bear Star Hybrid may not be soft enough to relieve pressure around your hips and shoulders for prolonged periods.
Pros:
- A balanced hybrid that suits most sleepers
- Dampens movement exceptionally well
- Sleeps temperature-neutral
Cons:
- Not plush enough for strict side sleeping
Type: Hybrid | Brand’s firmness rating: Medium | Shipping: Free shipping and returns | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 15 years
Buy if: You’re a side/back sleeper looking for targeted relief and support.
Skip if: You spend most of your night sleeping on your stomach.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is marketed as a side sleeper mattress, but in our experience, this medium-level hybrid is also comfortable for back sleeping. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, may prefer a firmer touch. Support comes in the form of up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils, reinforced in the center for alignment and back pain relief, and along the perimeter for sturdy edges. A plush pillow top paired with pressure-relieving comfort foam layers offer loads of cushioning for your joints. Together, these components yield a buoyant surface suited for combo sleeping—and provided you or your sleeping partner don’t violently thrash at night, you should remain unbothered by each other’s movements.
What our testers say: Forbes Vetted updates writer Alexandra Garrett calls the Helix Midnight Luxe “a solid choice for a lot of different people. Side sleepers, back sleepers and back-pain sufferers should appreciate the bed’s excellent pressure relief and support.” In her Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review, she notes that switching sleep positions was “pretty easy” and she “never felt ‘stuck’ in one position.”
Expert tip: A moisture-wicking Tencel cover comes standard, but for excessive night sweats, consider an upgrade to a GlacioTex Cooling Cover for an extra fee.
Pros:
- Targeted lumbar support
- Strong edges all around
- Cooling upgrade available
Cons:
- Meager trial period for the cost
- Doesn’t isolate big movements as well
Type: Innerspring hybrid | Brand’s firmness rating: Supportive plush | Shipping: Free white-glove delivery (arrives flat); $99 returns | Trial period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Buy if: You live with regular back or joint pain and are willing to invest in a premium mattress.
Skip if: You don’t have serious back or joint problems.
The Saatva Rx Mattress is more than just its good looks. Beneath its organic cotton cover is a unique construction of foam and springs designed to comfort sleepers with chronic or serious back pain. It has two beds of coils—including a 1-inch system of microcoils sandwiched between high-density foam layers—and open-cell foam nodules that feel similar to latex. Together, these give the Saatva Rx a comfy, springy surface you can move freely on. Special attention is given to the lumbar region, with a strip of gel memory foam and specialty quilting across the middle. To save your back from further strain, free white-glove delivery is included, as is the removal of your existing mattress and foundation.
What our testers say: “It feels like the Saatva Rx was made for me,” says Forbes Vetted contributor and author of this story Alison Barretta, who has mild scoliosis and occasional lower back pain. “Before trying it, I had been sleeping on a very firm mattress and was waking up with a stiff, sore back every morning. After a month of sleeping on the Rx, those troubles went away.” She adds that the “supportive plush” rating translates to a medium-firm feel, and she was comfortable sleeping on her side and her stomach.
Expert tip: The Saatva Rx comes in only one comfort level and height. If you want more control over the look and feel of your mattress, the Saatva Classic comes in three firmness levels and two depth options.
Pros:
- Specially made for serious back and joint pain
- Balanced support for most types of sleepers
- Free in-room delivery and mattress removal
Cons:
- Motion isolation could be better
- Comes in only one firmness level that may be too firm if you favor your side
Type: Smart hybrid | Brand’s firmness rating: Adjustable | Shipping: White-glove delivery (arrives flat) for $249; return fee applies | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 15 years
Buy if: You and your partner are ready to sleep in separate bedrooms due to different sleeping habits.
Skip if: You and your partner are sleep soulmates.
The Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed is geared toward co-sleepers with wildly different preferences. Each person can tailor their side of the bed to their desired firmness, and as you switch positions, the mattress automatically adjusts to the level of comfort and support you need. Motion isolation is excellent—doubly so if you get a split king. Dual temperature controls ensure you and your partner won’t fight over the covers. You can ditch the wearables, too—discreet microsensors track your heart rate, movements and sleep cycles, and you can view those stats (included in your daily SleepIQ score) in the SleepIQ app.
What our testers say: In her Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed review, Dillon says, “Partners with different sleeping positions benefit from [the] adjustable firmness. The left and right side of the bed function independently of one another, giving you and your partner the ability to customize each side with the firmness levels you prefer.” She also likes the “soft, cushy” foam, noting that it should be “easy for combination sleepers and tossy-turners to move around.”
Expert tip: You must have a smartphone in order to adjust the firmness or the bed frame via the app. You should also have a stable Wi-Fi connection for a smooth experience.
Pros:
- Adjustable firmness and bed base
- Dual temperature controls
- Built-in sleep tracking
Cons:
- Not really for solo sleepers
- Relatively short trial period
Type: All-foam (flippable) | Brand’s firmness rating: Soft and firm | Shipping: Free shipping and returns | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Buy if: Your sleep preferences are fluid.
Skip if: You know exactly how you want your bed to feel.
Memory foam mattresses tend to be known for their deep sink, which is great for pressure relief but not so much for moving around. The flippable Layla Memory Foam Mattress has both soft and firm sides to accommodate any sleep position—however, we recommend the firm side for combination sleepers who want better mobility. If you share a bed with a partner, your pets and/or your kids, you’ll barely feel their presence. (Memory foam generally excels at isolating motion.) The copper gel–infused foams help the Layla sleep cooler than most all-foam beds, but it may not be enough to temper severe night sweats.
What our testers say: Dillon says, “This is my favorite memory foam mattress. It’s more light and airy than popular memory foam beds like the Nectar and Tempur-Pedic that boast a denser feel, making it easy for combination sleepers to move as they please without resistance. But you still get that pressure-relieving, marshmallowy feel people have come to love about memory foam. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Expert tip: The firm side of the Layla feels more like a medium-firm to us. However, the soft side is exactly as described and would be great for dedicated side sleepers.
Pros:
- Essentially two beds in one with a dual firmness
- Responsive, particularly on the firm side
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Not supportive enough for heavier sleepers
- Hot sleepers may need a cooler hybrid
Type: Foam (also available as a hybrid) | Brand’s firmness rating: Medium | Shipping: Free shipping and returns | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You’re on a budget and tend to feel hot while you sleep.
Skip if: You’re a combination sleeper who predominantly favors your side. (This one may be too firm.)
As sleep tech continues to evolve, many cheaper mattresses are reaping the benefits. The Cocoon Chill Mattress is a midrange model that’s always on sale thanks to a perpetual 35% discount—and it comes with free bedding (worth up to $199). Its cooling prowess lies in a specialty cover designed to draw away heat and sweat—a feature that’s more common among its pricier rivals. Meanwhile, a trio of foam layers gently hug your body while providing all-over support, so you can change positions comfortably. For an even more responsive surface, opt for the pricier (but still affordable) hybrid version, which adds around 900 encased coils. (On the other hand, the all-foam Cocoon Chill may be better at limiting motion transfer.)
What our testers say: Barretta was impressed by the temperature-regulating abilities of the budget-friendly Cocoon Chill, saying, “The cover didn’t feel cool to the touch to me, but it otherwise accomplished what it set out to do. I didn’t wake up sweaty when sleeping on this mattress.” Although it’s advertised as a medium mattress, Barretta found it skewed firmer. “I’d recommend it for stomach and back sleepers. Strict side sleepers might want something softer.”
Expert tip: Sleepers over 200 pounds should consider an upgrade to the hybrid version of the Cocoon Chill for additional support.
Pros:
- Includes free bedding and pillows
- Supportive for stomach and back sleeping
- Effective cooling tech helps relieve hot sleepers
Cons:
- Short, at 10 inches (hybrid is 12 inches)
- Might be too firm for some side sleepers
Type: Hybrid | Brand’s firmness rating: Medium | Shipping: Free shipping; $99 returns | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Buy if: You want a heavy-duty mattress that’s not supremely firm.
Skip if: You’re primarily a stomach sleeper who weighs over 200 pounds.
Mattresses for heavy people usually skew firm, but the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ has a medium feel that’s suitable for all sleep positions—especially side sleeping. This 14-inch hybrid accommodates up to 1,000 pounds (500 pounds per side) and has 13.5-gauge coils that are reinforced in the center for lumbar support. Counterbalancing the firmness of the coils are a quilted Euro top and dual layers of comfort foam that deliver just enough pressure relief. This robust hybrid is also built to keep sleepers cool, thanks to a 4-inch border gusset and a specialty cover woven with cotton and heat-conducting fibers.
What our testers say: Dillon says, “The Evolution Comfort+ Mattress is hard to dislike, even if you aren’t into firm mattresses. Its soft and plush pillow top adds a layer of luxurious comfort that’s comparable to high-end hotel mattresses, but heavy sleepers should still feel properly supported.”
Expert tip: Nolah says this mattress best suits side sleepers weighing over 250 pounds, back sleepers weighing between 170 and 400 pounds and stomach sleepers weighing up to 200 pounds.
Pros:
- Supports up to 1,000 pounds in total
- Softer feel than most mattresses for heavier sleepers
- Look and feel of a luxury hotel bed
Cons:
- Larger stomach sleepers might require more support
- It’s very heavy, so ask for help with setup
Type: Hybrid | Brand’s firmness rating: Soft, medium or firm | Shipping: Free shipping; $99 returns | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You’re a hot sleeper seeking a plush, premium mattress.
Skip if: You like feeling warm and toasty at night.
Overheating may be a reason why you toss and turn at night. If that sounds like you, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe can help soothe you to sleep. It has a cool-to-the-touch GlacioTex cover to pull away body heat, as well as copper-infused memory foam with phase-change material to help regulate your sleeping temperature. A core of more than 1,000 wrapped coils gives it a lifted, bouncy feel—and with its minimal motion transfer, you hardly feel your sleeping partner or pets moving about. The Aurora Luxe comes in soft, medium or firm comfort levels. For combination sleepers, medium should offer the best balance of contouring and support for most sleep styles.
What our testers say: Forbes Vetted senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman slept on a medium Aurora Luxe mattress with the optional pillow top. “I mainly sleep on my side but also switch to my back sometimes. I felt comfortable in both positions on the medium mattress (especially back sleeping),” she says. The sensation of the cooling cover may be jarring at first, but as Chapman tells sleepers in her Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review, “Don’t expect to wake up shivering on this bed—it kept me at a good temperature rather than a cold temperature.”
Expert tip: The optional pillow top not only bumps up the price of this bed but also its height, from 13.25 to 15.25 inches. In that case, you may want deep pocket sheets.
Pros:
- Three firmness options
- Effective cooling capabilities
- Excellent motion isolation
Cons:
- You’ll need deep pocket sheets if you opt for the pillow top
Type: Hybrid | Brand’s firmness rating: Soft, luxury firm, firm or plus | Shipping: Free shipping and returns | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Buy if: You and your partner want a quality hybrid bed that accommodates most sleeping positions.
Skip if: You move or rearrange furniture often—the WinkBed is very heavy and has no handles.
For a couple of combination sleepers, the hybrid WinkBed allows you both to keep the peace at night. It comes in four firmness levels, but we think combination sleepers should opt for the moderate bounce back and contouring support of the luxury firm. No matter how much you both wriggle around, the WinkBed’s stabilizing gel foam layer and steel pocket springs stifle your motions. Reinforced coils along the edges allow you to sleep comfortably on every inch of the sleep surface, while the stronger coils across the center of the bed keep your lumbar in check—making the WinkBed a great mattress for back pain, too. It’s capped by a Euro pillow top of gel-infused foam and wrapped in a breathable Tencel cover.
What our testers say: Dillon says, “The WinkBed reminds me of a luxury hotel mattress. It has a supportive, responsive feel that combination sleepers appreciate and a plush Euro pillow top that helps cushion your joints. The luxury firm model walks the line between soft and supportive, and it accommodates almost any sleeping position.”
Expert tip: If you or your partner weigh over 250 pounds, the WinkBed Plus was designed for you. It has a slightly different construction compared to the original WinkBed—including a zoned latex support layer and stronger coils. Thus, it costs more.
Pros:
- Four levels of firmness available
- Targeted lumbar support
- Strong edges all around
Cons:
- It’s heavy, and in-room delivery isn’t available
- You pay extra for the WinkBed Plus
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted editorial staff has senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon on board—both of whom are certified sleep science coaches and have collectively reviewed more than 100 beds (and counting). Other Forbes Vetted writers, editors and contributors have experience testing mattresses, and you can find their insights throughout this article, too.
Our vast library of sleep and mattress stories includes hands-on product reviews, expert advice from respected medical professionals and feature stories about emerging trends in the industry. Our staff and contributors work tirelessly to update existing stories and produce new articles to sufficiently answer your most pressing questions about getting a good night’s rest.
My Expertise
For over 15 years, I’ve been helping consumers save money and shop wisely through in-depth product reviews, meticulously researched buying guides and deal spotlights. In my ongoing journey to find the world’s best mattresses, I’ve tested beds from Saatva, Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, Nectar, Casper and other top brands. Plus, as a combination side/stomach sleeper with occasional lower back problems, I’m always paying close attention to how well a mattress can support my oft-changing positions.
How We Chose The Best Mattresses For Combination Sleepers
Every mattress on this list has been tested by a Forbes Vetted staff member or contributor—and most of us are staunch combination sleepers. (Personally, I start the night on my side and wake up on my stomach.) Thus, we’re able to offer first hand feedback on how well these mattresses suit multiple sleep styles. We also took customer reviews into account; every mattress on here has received at least a four-star rating (out of five) and garnered praise from all types of sleepers.
We looked for mattresses with a medium to medium-firm feel that are easy to move around on, which is why a majority of them are hybrids with springs. This allows combination sleepers to comfortably switch positions and feel at ease no matter how they lie. Special features were taken into consideration to help sleepers who toss and turn due to overheating (cooling materials) or aches and pains (lumbar support and pressure relief).
Most of the mattresses on our list excel at dampening movement. This is an essential quality for anyone who combo-sleeps or shares a bed with a combination sleeper.
What To Look For In The Best Mattresses For Combination Sleepers
Firmness
Switch-sleepers typically benefit from a medium mattress, as it’s soft enough for side sleepers seeking pressure relief for their hips and shoulders, yet firm enough to keep back and stomach sleepers in proper alignment. However, for sleepers with back pain and heavier individuals who need more support, a medium-firm mattress would be a better choice.
Remember that comfort is subjective. Your sleep style, body weight and preferences influence whether or not a bed feels right to you. (Also, there’s no standard of firmness among sleep brands. You won’t really know how firm or soft a bed is until you try it.)
Ease Of Movement
Combination sleepers should be able to move freely on their mattresses. As you might have noticed, most of the beds on our list are hybrids of foam and springs—after all, coils make for a responsive surface. Latex foam is a buoyant material that subtly contours your body; it’s mainly found in organic mattresses.
If you insist on a memory foam mattress, look for one with highly adaptive foams that are quick to snap back into place. This ensures you don’t feel “stuck” when you try to move.
Motion Isolation
Whether you share a bed with a combination sleeper or you’re both prone to rotating like rotisserie chickens, it’s important to find a mattress that remains stable as you both toss and turn to avoid any rude awakenings. All-foam mattresses are superior at deadening movement, but many modern hybrid mattresses have design features that enhance motion isolation. Alternatively, you can purchase a split size that allows you to share a bed but sleep on separate surfaces, although this is usually reserved for king-size mattresses.
Temperature Regulation
If your sleeplessness is due to overheating, consider a mattress made with temperature-regulating materials. Hybrid, latex and innerspring mattresses generally sleep cooler than all-foam beds—coils allow for greater airflow, and latex is naturally breathable. For severe night sweats, look into specialty cooling beds with materials like cooling covers and gel-infused foams that actively draw heat and moisture away from your body.
Price And Extras
Decide on a budget and stick to it. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always necessary to break the bank for a mattress—but if this is a bed you intend to sleep on for many years, you’ll want to consider spending more than the bare minimum, if possible. In any case, don’t let cost trump overall comfort; even an expensive mattress can feel terrible to you if it clashes with your comfort preferences.
Factor in the extras, as well. Every mattress on our list comes with at least 100 nights to test it out, and some sleep brands extend their trial to a full year. Other amenities to look out for include lifetime warranties (10 years is standard), complimentary white-glove delivery and free bedding bundles.
What Mattress Firmness Is Best For Combination Sleepers?
This ultimately comes down to your preferences, but generally speaking, a medium bed should hit the sweet spot for small to average-sized side, back and stomach sleepers. Larger sleepers will appreciate the added support of a medium-firm mattress. If you regularly deal with lower back pain, studies show that a medium-firm mattress is the best at alleviating discomfort in that area.
Is Memory Foam Good For Combination Sleepers?
Memory foam can be comfortable for combination sleepers, provided it’s responsive and able to snap back into place quickly. It’s also helpful for couples since foam dampens movement well. That said, a hybrid of foam and springs gives you the best of both worlds: the springiness of coils to aid in movement plus memory foam’s pressure relief and motion isolation.
What Is A Combination Sleeper?
A combination sleeper cycles through various sleep positions throughout the night: side, back and/or stomach. For instance, you may be like me and drop onto your side when you fall asleep but wake up on your stomach.
Moving around in bed at night is perfectly normal—we all do it to some degree. However, things like pain, overheating and even sleeping on the wrong pillow can be the impetus behind your ever-changing sleep positions. If you believe your restlessness results from a health issue, see your doctor.
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