The older we get, the more likely it is that we see a change in our sleep needs. The best mattresses for seniors address these changing needs to deliver features like extra edge support, pressure relief, temperature regulation or a more appropriate mattress height, without overlooking their most important function—promoting restorative sleep. Our top pick for the best mattress for seniors, the Saatva Classic, is a luxury hybrid innerspring with enhanced lumbar and edge support, as well as choice of three firmnesses and two heights to suit different sleep styles and body types.
The Saatva Classic Mattress is the best mattress for seniors overall, but our roundup includes other ... [+] top-rated picks.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER
“Poor sleep quality exacerbates many issues that adults face as they age,” says Robert Daniel Lowry, vice president and administrator at Sunny Hills Assisted Living Facility. “The ideal mattress eases pain and reduces pressure, leading to a restful sleep.” For seniors in search of a mattress to meet a specific need, like temperature regulation, motion isolation or pain relief, we’ve rounded up nine other options. Ahead, find our recommendations of the very best mattresses for seniors, because there really is no substitute for a good night’s sleep.
The luxury innerspring mattress has a dual-coil construction that promotes airflow and cradles the body from head to toe. It’s topped with a 3-inch Euro pillow top that gently contours your curves, and it delivers extra support in the center third of the mattress to help ensure spinal alignment and minimize aches and pains. High-density foam rails around the perimeter give the Classic excellent edge support, too.
Saatva offers its Classic Mattress in three firmness options (plush soft, luxury firm and firm) and two heights (11.5 and 14.5 inches), so it’s easy to personalize the mattress to you or your loved one’s preferences. It also comes with a generous year-long home trial, a lifetime warranty and free in-room delivery and set-up.
What the reviews say: The Saatva Classic is highly rated, with over 3,000 reviews and an average 4.8-star rating. “The mattress sleeps cool and it has the perfect amount of cushion,” writes one customer. “My husband and I both sleep on the side and back and it is perfect for that. We have zero back, hip or shoulder pain.”
Best Mattress For Seniors With Hip Pain
A Cooling Hybrid That Delivers On Cushioning Support
Tall at 14 inches (you might need deep pocket sheets)
Too firm for strict side sleepers
The Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid mattress combines layers of spine-supporting, pressure-relieving memory foam with a durable coil layer and superior edge support, so it delivers on the features that seniors need—especially those with hip pain. Thicker coils around the perimeter of the mattress mean reinforced support all the way to the edge, so it’s easy to get in and out of bed. Additionally, the bed helps isolate motion for fewer nighttime disruptions. Another perk: The breathable cover is woven with copper and polyethylene fibers to help wick away excess body heat, while the hybrid construction of the mattress helps promote airflow.
One potential drawback is height. At 14 inches, the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid is quite tall and requires deep pocket sheets.
What the reviews say: Customers over the age of 65 are big Nectar fans. “I seem to fall asleep on it easier and stay asleep through most of the night,” says one customer. “I find myself sometimes in the same position as I laid down to start with. As I get older and older, I find more aches and pains in my shoulders and hips than just five to 10 years ago. This mattress has really helped out with that.”
The DreamCloud has all the features of a luxury hybrid for a fraction of the price. On top, a breathable cashmere cover is quilted into certified foams for cushioning support. Layers of gel-infused memory foam and airflow-promoting coils give the DreamCloud adaptive support and responsive contouring for excellent pressure relief. The medium-firm mattress also isolates motion well, making it great for seniors who share the bed with a partner.
The DreamCloud Hybrid isn’t overly tall at 12 inches, and it isn’t as heavy as some of our other picks. But the best part might be the price tag. After promotions, a queen DreamCloud Hybrid is under $700. It also comes with a generous 365-night home trial and a lifetime warranty.
What the reviews say: One verified buyer, who titled her review “outstanding,” says the mattress is “better than I expected. [It’s] comfortable and exactly as promised. You really can’t get a better mattress for this price.” Another writes, “After 27 years of marriage, we finally found the right mattress. [It’s] comfortable and sleeps cool.”
Choice of firmness, including option for plus-sized seniors
Stable edge support system
Cons:
Tall at 13.5 inches
Heavy
The WinkBed is a popular hybrid mattress with a Euro pillow top that’s quilted with gel-infused foam for soft cushioning and pressure point relief. In the innerspring layer below, individually-wrapped pocketed coils are strategically zoned for more support in the hips and pelvic region, which should help ease back pain. An edge support system makes the perimeter stable and sturdy, and the cover is derived with Tencel, a eucalyptus-based performance fabric that stays cool and dry.
The WinkBed comes in four firmness options to suit different sleep styles and needs. Luxury firm, the most popular model, strikes a great balance of comfort and support. The WinkBed is on the taller side at 13.5 inches, and it’s another heavy mattress. It comes with a 120-night home trial and a lifetime warranty, along with free shipping and returns.
What the reviews and our editors say: The WinkBed is highly rated with thousands of 5-star reviews. One senior with arthritis says, “I haven’t slept so well or woke up in so little pain in years.” Forbes Vetted senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman adds that “it’s a very supportive mattress with sturdy edges and good ease of movement—which can be helpful for seniors with mobility issues.”
Best Mattress For Senior Side Sleepers
A Deluxe Foam Mattress With Targeted Side Sleeper Support
Side sleepers need a little more cushioning around the hips and shoulder to avoid pressure point pain, and that need only increases with age. The Nolah Signature Mattress is made with zoned and perforated AirFoam, the brand’s proprietary foam, which makes it softer and more flexible around the shoulders but firmer in the lumbar region. That helps ensure ample spinal support without aches and pains. In fact, Nolah says its trademarked foam offers superior pressure relief.
The Signature is an all-foam mattress (with an option to upgrade to a hybrid), but according to Nolah, its breathable AirFoam dissipates heat 20% faster than premium memory foam, so heat retention shouldn’t be an issue. The mattress also has an organic cotton cover to boost breathability. And at 12 inches, it’s a reasonable height, which can make it easier for seniors to get in and out of bed. It’s also lighter than some of the other mattresses on this list.
What the reviews say: Senior customers have high praise for the Nolah Signature. One 50-year-old customer writes, “I love my Nolah. I’ve tried several different mattresses to reduce pressure point pain for side sleepers and the Nolah was the only one to achieve this.”
Comfort layers deliver pressure relief and gentle contouring
Free white glove delivery
Cons:
Expensive
Some sizes pair exclusively with Saatva adjustable bases
Adjustable beds can work particularly well for seniors looking to customize their sleep experience. The Solaire is made with layers of latex and memory foam for gentle contouring situated atop vulcanized air chambers. These chambers can be inflated or deflated with the attached remote to precisely adjust the mattress firmness. They also isolate motion exceptionally well, making this a great option for couples. In queen mattresses and larger, both sides of the bed can be personalized to any of the 50 different firmness settings.
The Solaire is compatible with a variety of bases, including adjustable frames for those who want even more personalization in their bed. Three models (the Solaire upper-flex, split king and split Cal king) pair exclusively with specific Saatva bases, which is worth keeping in mind. It’s also a little tall at 13 inches. On the plus side, it comes with a 365-night trial window and includes in-room delivery and setup, including removal of your old mattress.
What the reviews say: “This is luxury comfort that doesn’t feel like an airbed, except we can independently adjust the firmness,” says one verified reviewer. Another writes, “I imagine this is what it feels like to sleep on a cloud.”
Best Cooling Mattress For Seniors
A Breathable Hybrid With Cooling Upgrades Throughout
If overheating while you sleep is an issue, the Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress may be the key to cooler rest. It has fibers woven into the cover that cool on contact, gel-infused foam that draws excess heat away from the body and a hybrid construction that promotes airflow to minimize heat retention. There’s also the option to upgrade to the Cloud Pillow Top, which adds additional height, contouring and pressure relief. The mattress comes in three firmness options, so it can accommodate different sleep styles and body types.
What the reviews say: One senior reviewer writes, “[I] love the mattress, like the cooling surface, [it] feels great.” Another says, “The cooling hype is true. My husband and I have been sweating it out on a foam topper on our mattress. We no longer sweat.”
When you co-sleep with a partner, motion isolation can be key to a good night’s sleep. That’s one primary feature of this deluxe hybrid mattress. Pressure-relieving AirFoam evenly distributes body weight and dampens motion transfer, while individually-wrapped coils boost responsiveness so it’s easy to change position. The coils are zoned for more support in areas of deeper compression, while the hybrid construction and the breathable gusset in the quilted Euro topper promote airflow. All of these details make for a mattress that ticks all the boxes for support and comfort. Plus, it comes in a choice of three firmness levels to suit different body types and sleep styles.
One potential drawback to all of the layers in the Nolah Evolution is the mattress height. At 15 inches, it’s quite tall, which requires deep-pocket sheets.
What the reviews say: One 5-star review reads, “From the first night the Nolah arrived my wife and I both noticed a huge increase in our quality of sleep. It's more comfortable and inhibits motion transfer really well. It's hard to get up every morning.”
The Lux Estate mattress from Stearns & Foster is designed for enhanced pressure relief and cooling comfort. Tempur-Indulge memory foam, which combines pressure relief and a deeply supportive feel, is layered over a coil system that includes external vents to prevent heat buildup. Around the perimeter of the mattress, high-density innersprings ensure firm edge support and help minimize the potential for sagging over time. The mattress is finished with a stretchy knit Tencel cover woven with cooling fibers.
The Lux Estate comes standard with a medium firmness, but there are three pillow-top upgrades in soft, medium and firm as well.
What the reviews say: “This is my third Stearns & Foster mattress,” writes one reviewer. “It is the same excellent quality I expect from Stearns & Foster. I am a believer in the old adage, ‘You get what you pay for.’ This purchase was well worth the money spent.” Another says, “Two and a half years in and simply the best. I can’t imagine owning another matress. Great buy.”
Customizable comfort from top to bottom and on either side
Certified organic
Reasonable height at 12 inches
Cons:
Assembly required
Comfort and support needs can shift as we age, and the Naturepedic EOS Classic Organic Mattress stands out for its ability to accommodate changing needs. This certified organic latex mattress is entirely customizable, both at time of purchase and in the future, thanks to changeable interior components and a zippered construction. All the components of the EOS mattress, including comfort and support layers and the cover, ship in three to four boxes depending on size. According to the brand, assembly takes 10 to 15 minutes. Comfort and support layer replacements are available at no charge during the 100-day trial window and can be purchased afterward, helping extend the lifespan of your mattress.
The combination of latex and coils in this 12-inch hybrid ensures breathability, pressure relief, motion isolation and support, with a feel and firmness that you choose personally. All of the mattress materials are certified organic and non-toxic. However, this is another heavy mattress and reviewers say it’s difficult to move once it’s been assembled.
What the reviews say: “These mattresses are worth every penny,” writes one customer. “When I move, my husband doesn't feel it—and we don't have the heat of a memory foam mattress. We were nervous about assembling it, but it's not very complicated and the instructions are simple.” Another says, “This is our second EOS purchase and for our second bedroom. This design is perfect. We both have bad backs and this has prevented more injury and straightened us out. I can't express enough how much the bed has made a difference in not only comfort but support.”
The editors, writers and contributors at Forbes Vetted have decades of combined experience in researching and testing mattresses, and we used that expertise to inform this article.
Forbes Vetted contributor and author of this piece, Jessica Timmons, has covered sleep content for close to a decade.
Sleep and mattress editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, who oversaw this article, are both certified sleep coaches with personal mattress testing experience.
In addition to Lowry, we consulted with Dr. Ben Carvossa, principle chiropractor at Mornington Peninsula Chiropractic, for insight on what aging bodies need in a mattress. Bob Naboicheck, CEO of Gold Bond Mattress, also shared recommendations.
We started our search based on guidance from our experts. After identifying specific mattress features that best serve seniors, including pressure relief, edge support, temperature regulation and height, we researched models from trusted brands and scoured reviews to find feedback from verified buyers age 50 and up.
All of the recommendations on our list have an overall rating of at least 4.4 stars, and we also pulled relevant customer testimonials to better help you make informed buying decisions. Finally, we made a point of including mattresses with varying price points, materials, heights and options to meet the needs of a wide range of senior shoppers.
What To Look For In The Best Mattress For Seniors
Beyond comfort and support, there are specific criteria to consider in the best mattress for seniors. Here’s what our experts recommend.
Pressure Relief
Aches and pains are more common as we age, which makes pressure relief especially important for pain-free mornings. Materials like memory foam and latex are a good start, especially when they’re paired with ample push-back support and a feel that doesn’t veer too firm or too soft. “Hybrid mattresses tick all the boxes with excellent support, pressure relief and contouring,” says Carvosso.
Edge Support
Poor edge support can give you the sensation of rolling out of bed if you’re too close to the edge or slide off the side if you’re seated on the edge. Either scenario can be dangerous for seniors, who are more prone to strains, says Carvosso. He adds that poor edge support should be a deal breaker. “Having even support, including the edges of the mattress, acts to reduce joint and muscle pressure when standing up. This support eases pain and reduces the risk of slipping.”
Mattress Height
Modern mattresses can be surprisingly tall—sometimes 16 inches or more—and that’s before you consider the foundation and the frame. “For some older adults, that is climbing Kilimanjaro to get into bed every night,” says Naboicheck. An overall height of between 20 and 23 inches makes it easy for seniors to get in and out of bed, which may mean shopping for a low-profile mattress.
Ease Of Movement
Responsiveness is another feature worth considering, particularly for older adults. The ability to change positions easily, without feeling stuck in a slow-moving mattress, can decrease sleep interruptions. Plus, for seniors who may need middle-of-the-night bathroom visits, a responsive mattress makes it easier to get in and out of bed comfortably.
What Type Of Mattress Is Best For An Older Person?
While there’s no single best mattress for all older people, hybrid mattresses work well for a variety of body types. They usually offer superior edge support and breathability than all-foam mattresses, and the comfort layers deliver sufficient pressure relief and motion isolation.
What Is The Best Mattress For People Over 60?
There is no single best mattress for people over 60, since individual body types and sleeping styles play a role in what feels the most comfortable. But a mattress that relieves pressure, offers stable edge support and regulates temperature without excessive height is generally a great option. Our pick for the best mattress for seniors is the Saatva Classic, thanks to its options for height and firmness, enhanced lumbar support and breathable hybrid construction.
Should Elderly Sleep On Firm Or Soft Mattresses?
Individual characteristics, including body weight and sleeping position, dictate how firm a mattress feels. “But seniors should avoid a firm mattress, opting instead for medium-soft to medium-firm,” says Carvosso. “A firm mattress simply doesn’t relieve the pressure points and can lead to increased joint and back pain. Mattresses featuring lower on the firmness scale provide more cushioning.” For seniors with less mobility, he adds that soft mattresses can create the sensation of being stuck.
Meet The Experts
Robert Daniel Lowry is the vice president and administrator at Sunny Hills Assisted Living Facility in Florida.
Dr. Ben Carvosso is a principle chiropractor at Mornington Peninsula Chiropractic and the host of RPP FMs Health Matters.
Bob Naboicheck, the CEO of Gold Bond Mattress, is a third-generation mattress maker with more than 30 years of industry experience.
