Pressure points are areas on your body that can become sore and uncomfortable due to pressure buildup while you sleep. A mattress with great pressure relief helps evenly distribute your body weight to reduce the stress on these spots. Our top pick for the best mattress for pressure points is the Layla Hybrid Mattress, thanks to its versatile, flippable design and breathable, comfortable construction.
The best mattress for pressure points should offer enough support to help you sleep without pain.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
Our team of experts has personally tested scores of mattresses so we can pass on our insights to you. Buying a mattress is so personal, though, so we’ve included options for all sorts of preferences and needs. Your age, weight, temperature preference and sleeping position are only a few factors among all of your considerations when mattress shopping. All of these dictate which mattress delivers the perfect balance you need for the most painless night of sleep possible. Ahead, we’ve rounded up eight of the best mattresses for pressure points.
A Versatile, Flippable Mattress For All Sleeping Positions
Amazon
Layla 13-Inch Hybrid Mattress (Queen)
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft and firm | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
What you’ll love:
Flippable design with a soft and firm side
Great motion isolation
Keep in mind:
Relatively thick and heavy; may be hard to flip
Copper infusion is just OK; not super cooling
At 13 inches thick, the Layla Hybrid mattress offers support, comfort and customization. What makes it particularly noteworthy is its flippable design, featuring a soft side (4 out of 10 on our firmness scale) and a firm side (7 out of 10). This lets you choose the firmness level (and, by extension, pressure relief) that best suits your sleeping position. Each side of the Layla Hybrid has its own comfort layer made of copper-infused memory foam, which helps minimize pressure buildup and prevent sinkage by providing a balance of support and comfort.
According to Layla, the copper gel infusion helps keep the mattress cool. We didn’t find it super cooling, but we do have to give it credit since we didn’t feel warm or sweaty while lying on it either. Based on our tests, we felt little to no motion transfer from one end to the other, so you can sleep through your partner’s movements during the night. It’s also easy to get in and out of, making it a great option for seniors or those with mobility issues.
What the editors say: Forbes Vetted contributor RichardBaguley says, “There is a lot to like about the Layla Hybrid. With its choice of firmness, it really is like two mattresses in one, which makes it appealing to a wider range of sleepers.” He also adds, “... I found that the combination of slightly yielding memory foam and a firmer spring core was a good combination.”
The medium-firm profile provides spinal support and pressure relief for most sleepers
Great motion isolation; good for couples or cosleepers
Keep in mind:
Too firm for side sleepers
May not be suitable for heavier body types
The Cocoon Chill is a 12-inch hybrid model featuring a plush top layer supported by individually pocketed coils. This combination does a great job of isolating motion, making it an ideal choice for couples or cosleepers. In terms of pressure relief, the medium-firm profile suits most sleeping positions, especially for back, stomach, and combination sleepers. Based on its construction, it should provide adequate spinal support and enough firmness to prevent the body from sinking too deeply into the mattress, which can lead to pressure buildup and discomfort. However, side sleepers might find it too firm for their liking. One standout feature of the Cocoon Chill is its pocketed coil system, which facilitates better airflow within the mattress. The coils are also responsive, making it easy to move around on the mattress, and the reinforced edge support ensures you don’t roll off during the night.
What the reviews say: One customer shares, “I have had several mattresses in my life, and I must admit, I was most certainly not expecting to like—really like—this mattress. It may just be the best sleep I have ever had.” According to one 5-star review, “It strikes a good balance of firmness and softness, and I personally haven’t had any issues with back pain or stiffness.” Another 5-star review said, “I have back problems. I tried this mattress in a king size at home, and I no longer wake up with a backache.”
Best Memory Foam Mattress For Pressure Points
Cooling Foam Mattress With Adaptive Pressure Relief
Amazon
Nectar Premier 13-Inch Memory Foam Mattress (Queen)
Adaptive memory foam conforms to body curves for pressure relief
Multiple cooling features
Keep in mind:
Feels a bit softer than advertised
May not be suitable for heavier back and stomach sleepers
The Nectar Premier mattress is a 13-inch memory foam mattress with a five-layer design. At the mattress’s core is a 3-inch layer of adaptive memory foam, which contours to the body’s shape to help alleviate pressure points. Being a memory foam mattress, the Nectar Premier also isolates motion and minimizes the impact of movement across the mattress surface. Most memory foam mattresses usually get warm quickly, but this one is designed with a focus on cooling, with the gel-infused foam layers working in tandem with its quilted, heat-absorbent cover. With all these features, you’d think it’d be expensive, but we were surprised to find out that it costs less than $1000 (for queen models and smaller). Nectar offers one of the most generous policies on the market—a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty.
What the reviews say: According to one review, “We have been sleeping on this mattress for two months now and do not have any complaints. It’s extremely comfortable and honestly has really been helping with sleep. I am a hot sleeper, and coming into the warmer months, I can definitely tell this is much better than a spring mattress.” Another reviewer said, “I’m so glad that we purchased this mattress. This mattress is (so far) the best mattress we’ve had. It’s only been a month and a half since we got it, but we have the best night’s sleep that we’ve had in 15 years.”
Best Mattress For Pressure Points For Side Sleepers
Tailored Lumbar Support For Side Sleepers
MOST POPULAR
Helix
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress (Queen)
Type: Hybrid | Brand firmness rating: Medium | Shipping: Free (in a box) | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 15 years
What you’ll love:
Has zoned lumbar support system for targeted pressure relief for side sleepers
Cooling top cover that keeps you cool all night
Keep in mind:
On the pricier side of hybrid mattresses
May not be a good fit for stomach sleepers
The Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress stands out for its exceptional construction and targeted support for side sleepers. It has six comfort layers, all supported by a strong foundation of a robust steel coil layer and foam. Its cover is made from Tencel fabric, which is known for its silky smooth feel and cooling properties. As an add-on, you can opt for the GlacioTex Cooling Cover for extra cooling features—something worth considering for hot sleepers. What we appreciate most about this mattress is its medium to medium-firm feel that delivers adequate zoned lumbar support. This design specifically aims to alleviate pressure from the lower back, making it ideal for side sleepers and even some back sleepers. Additionally, it has really good motion isolation and edge support.
What the reviews say: One reviewer says, “I never believed that changing your mattress would affect the way your body feels. After just one month of sleeping on my Helix mattress, the proof isn’t in the pudding; it’s in the body. I haven’t slept this great in years, and my body has never felt better at 42 years old.” Another customer noted, “This is by far the best mattress I’ve ever purchased. I did extensive research prior to buying, down to the materials making up the mattress; it checks every box. It’s worth it. Also, buy the mattress cover.”
Best Mattress For Pressure Points For Couples
Budget-Friendly Pressure Relief For Two
Amazon
Leesa Original Foam 10" Mattress (Queen)
Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Medium | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
What you’ll love:
Supportive and adaptive foam layers contour to the body for pressure relief
Breathable knit cover that wicks away moisture
Keep in mind:
Its 10-inch profile may not be suitable for heavier sleepers
It doesn’t have the best edge support
If you and your partner are looking for a budget-friendly mattress that can help with achy mornings, the Leesa Original is a great choice. This 10-inch all-foam mattress arrives in a box and boasts a four-layer construction designed to keep you supported and comfortable throughout the night. At the base is a high-density foam layer that prevents any uncomfortable sinkage that might lead to body pain. The middle layers of supportive and adaptive foam contour around the body to provide pressure relief and make moving around easy, which is a huge plus for couples. The breathable knit cover helps keep you cool by wicking away moisture. Light-sleeping couples will appreciate the minimal motion transfer. On the other hand, we think that the edge support could be better. Sitting on the side may cause more dip than you’d like, but it’s a small trade-off for the overall comfort and price.
What the reviews say: According to one reviewer, “My husband and I have been sleeping on this bed for the past few months, and it has been a godsend. It provides so much support without being too stiff. It has relieved my back pain. I would recommend a Leesa mattress to everyone.” One 5-star review said, “The mattress exceeded my expectations—it’s sublime. Just a perfect cloud with the right balance of firm support and plush softness.” Another review said, “I was a bit hesitant to order this mattress. After sleeping on my daughter’s Leesa mattress in her home, I was sold. To wake up after one night with no back pain? Bought it immediately. I have never been sold on memory foam, but I gave this a shot. I’m happy we did.”
Strong edge support; good for seniors to get in and out of bed easily without feeling unstable
Conforming gel memory foam layer relieves pressure on shoulders and hips
Keep in mind:
May be too firm for some side sleepers
May feel too soft for heavier sleepers or strict stomach sleepers
The DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress caught our attention for how well it caters to seniors looking for both comfort and support. With a combination of gentle foam layers and robust pocketed coils, it provides a great blend of deep pressure relief without compromising on support. Underneath its cover is the gel-infused memory foam layer that contours and cradles key pressure points in your shoulders and hips, making it a good match for back and (some) side sleepers. The gel infusion also helps dissipate heat to keep the bed from getting too warm at night. Despite its plush top layers, the DreamCloud maintains a bouncy and responsive feel, which is crucial for seniors who may struggle with mobility. Another plus is the strong edge support, which offers seniors an easier time moving in and out of bed, possibly reducing the risk of falls and providing a stable base for sitting. Overall, the DreamCloud offers a luxurious sleeping experience that doesn’t skimp on practical needs, especially those of seniors.
What the reviews say: One reviewer raved, “I love my new DreamCloud mattress. Since I’ve had it, I wake up with no stiffness, aches or pains. I wake up in the morning refreshed because I’m not tossing and turning all night. This is the best mattress I have ever purchased.” A different review says, “This mattress has made my anxiety about back and neck pain at bedtime go away. Since getting this mattress, I have had the best sleep without tossing and turning, and I’ve had no back pain. It’s supportive and comfortable.”
Type: Hybrid | Firmness level: Soft, medium or firm | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
What you’ll love:
Comes in three firmness options
Has a lot of cooling features
Keep in mind:
Hefty return fee ($99)
More expensive than other hybrid mattresses
This mattress was designed for cooling, featuring layers of gel and copper-infused foam that regulate temperature to keep you cool and sweat-free. Underneath is a robust coil layer made up of over 1,000 individually wrapped coils that not only support the mattress but also ensure efficient airflow within the mattress. Cooling aside, the Aurora Luxe also excels in providing targeted pressure relief for the back, hips and shoulders. It also does an impressive job of absorbing motion, so you’re less likely to be disturbed by a partner’s movements. Regarding edge support, we felt completely stable, even when sitting on the edge of the bed. The Aurora Luxe is available in three firmness options: soft, medium and firm so you can choose a feel that’s suited to your body type and sleeping preferences. The Aurora Luxe comes with a 120-night trial and 10-year warranty. But be warned: There is a $99 return fee.
What the editors say: Our senior sleep editor, Bridget Chapman, says, “The Aurora Luxe is a really nice luxury cooling mattress. It’s a major benefit that it comes in three different firmness levels, so different sleepers can pick the right one for them. But I also think the medium model is a great candidate for combination sleepers, couples with different sleeping positions and anyone who loves a medium feel. Its plush, lifted feel reminds me of a high-end hotel mattress, and I was really impressed by its ability to isolate motion, keep me and my partner well supported and prevent me from overheating.”
Best Hybrid Mattress For Pressure Points
Hybrid Five-Zone Comfort And Support
Bear Mattress
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress (Queen)
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
What you’ll love:
Five-zone coil system offers targeted relief for pressure points
Available in three firmness options
Keep in mind:
14-inch profile may be too thick and hard to set up
Not suited for those who dislike the memory foam feel
A hybrid mattress can provide the perfect mix of support from coils and comfort from foam. It’s available in three firmness options: soft, medium and firm. At 14 inches thick, this mattress features a five-zone coil system that provides comfort and targeted pressure relief to key pressure points. Cooling is another major strength of this mattress. It uses phase-change material and Celliant fibers, both known for their heat-absorbing properties, to keep you cool at night. The added airflow from the coils also helps maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature. This mattress should feel supportive but not overly bouncy. Plus, edge-to-edge coils should provide stability even while sitting or sleeping near the mattress edge.
What the reviews say: “This is the best mattress I have ever used. I was having back and shoulder pain sleeping on my previous foam mattress. After changing to this mattress, I no longer have pain. I simply feel the best when I wake up now. It was totally worth the investment,” says one reviewer. Another review says, “It has only been a bit over a month, but I am currently loving the Elite Hybrid. I get a great night’s sleep, and the back pain I was dealing with from my last mattress is gone. We will see how it holds up, but I have nothing but positive things to say for now.”
The Forbes Vetted team has written hundreds of guides on bedroom essentials and sleep, and has tons of recommendations to help you sleep easy, from the best bed frames to the best sheets and more.
Mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, who oversee this article, are professional mattress testers and certified sleep science coaches.
We consulted with Sulagna Misra M.D., a doctor of integrative and internal medicine in Los Angeles.
Dr. Rahul V. Shah shared his insights and opinions on the best mattresses for pressure points. He is a board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon in New Jersey whose practice focuses on spinal disorders, chronic neck pain and chronic back pain.
To ensure this story and our recommendations stay fresh and accurate, it’s regularly updated. It was last reviewed for accuracy and updated in June 2024.
How We Chose The Best Mattresses For Pressure Points
Finding the best mattresses for pressure point relief was a combination of expert testing, extensive research, consultation with medical professionals and poring over reviews.
Since our Forbes Vetted editors have tested so many mattresses firsthand, we relied heavily on their insights.
We conducted extensive research through the catalogs of top furniture brands and boutique sellers.
To make sure we selected options for a wide range of consumers, we considered factors such as firmness, material, support, durability and customizability.
We kept our focus on verified reviews and looked for consistencies around peoples’ experiences and complaints to make sure each choice had something to offer.
Finally, we kept price in mind and made sure to choose mattresses for every budget.
What To Look For In The Best Mattresses For Pressure Points
According to Misra, a good mattress distributes weight to ease the pressure on areas like the shoulders, back, sacrum and hips. To prevent any recurring body pain, you need to consider the following factors when looking for a pressure-relieving mattress:
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position has a big effect on which parts of your body experience the most pressure during sleep. For instance, side sleepers often experience pressure points at the shoulders and hips, while back sleepers might feel it more in the lower back. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, need a firmer surface that’s supportive enough to prevent the abdomen from sinking too deeply, which could lead to spinal misalignment. Shah adds that the right type of pillow, in combination with the right mattress, is important for relieving pressure points while sleeping.
Body Weight
Body weight also plays an important role in how a mattress feels. Heavier sleepers need a firmer mattress to prevent excess sinkage, which means extra pressure on the body. This could lead to joint stress and misalignment over time. On the other hand, lighter sleepers may be more comfortable with a softer mattress that can conform and contour to their body without feeling too firm, thus providing better pressure relief.
According to Misra, some believe that sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds might benefit from a softer mattress, while people who weigh 230 pounds or more may benefit from a firmer mattress. She notes that this is somewhat subjective, because regardless of body weight, a person distributes their body weight differently when lying on a mattress.
Materials
Memory Foam. Memory foam closely contours to the body with a “hugging” feel, providing excellent pressure relief to side sleepers. However, memory foam tends to run a bit warm for some sleepers.
Latex Foam. If you want something like memory foam but with a bit more bounce and responsiveness, latex foam is what you’re looking for. It’s great for pressure relief and can be a good choice for heavier sleepers and stomach sleepers who need more support. Latex foam beds tend to be on the pricier side, but Misra notes that latex may be better for people who sleep hot.
Poly Foam. Compared to memory foam, poly foam contours more gently to the body’s natural curves, which means less of a “hugging” feel. It also dissipates heat quicker than memory foam, making it a better choice for hot sleepers.
Proprietary Foam. For example, Purple’s Hyper-Elastic Polymer is designed to flex under pressure points while maintaining ample support for the rest of the body. This makes it suitable for all types of sleepers, regardless of weight or preferred sleeping position.
Trial
The best way to see if a mattress fits your needs is to sleep on it. However, it’s not something you can determine with just one night of sleep—you need to give your body and the mattress time to adjust to each other. That’s why many mattress brands offer extended trial periods to let you test the mattress in your own home. When shopping, we recommend you look for mattresses with lengthy trials and check their return policies (and fees, if applicable). Shah notes that all mattress types can be variable, so it’s important to test out a mattress for at least 15 minutes to see how it affects pressure points.
Is Memory Foam Good For Pressure Points?
Yes, memory foam is known to provide great pressure relief by closely contouring the body’s natural curves. This evenly distributes weight and reduces stress on the most sensitive areas like hips, shoulders and lower back.
Does A Mattress Topper Help With Pressure Points?
Yes, a mattress topper can help with pressure relief, but it depends on the material. Toppers can add extra comfort and cushioning, which helps distribute body weight more evenly and relieve stress on pressure points. We recommend looking for mattress toppers made of memory foam or latex foam. According to Misra, a mattress topper is the cheapest and quickest way to bolster support of your pressure points with your current mattress.
How Do You Relieve Pressure Points While Sleeping?
You can relieve pressure points while sleeping by choosing a mattress that properly supports and conforms to your body. Take into account your body type and preferred sleeping position when choosing a mattress. You can also use pillows to provide extra support for areas like under your knees or between your legs, depending on your sleeping position.
What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Pressure Sores?
To prevent your pressure sores from worsening, we recommend you look for memory foam, latex foam and hybrid mattresses, as these materials are excellent at relieving pressure. You also have to consider that the firmness level is a huge factor since a mattress that’s too soft can lead to excess sinkage, while a mattress that’s too firm may exacerbate your sores by applying more pressure.
