- We spent more than 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated more than 100 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
- We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our two surveys of 1,200 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the setup process.
- We looked at features like support, pressure relief, and how easy the mattress is to move around on, which are important for people with arthritis.
- Learn more about how we test the best mattresses for arthritis.
Key takeaways
- The Saatva Rx is our pick for the best mattress for arthritis overall because it offers a great balance of pressure relief and support and is suitable for most sleepers. Plus, it’s designed specifically for sleepers with chronic pain and was a favorite during testing.
- Based on more than 1,000 hours of testing and our surveys of 1,200 mattress owners, we find that sleepers with arthritis need a mattress that offers pressure relief, support, and responsiveness to help them move around easily in bed.
- Mattresses for arthritis can cost around $1,000–$4,000 or more, depending on size, construction, and materials.
A good night’s sleep can help boost your mood, help you think more clearly, and lower stress. But if you have arthritis—characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling—you probably know that getting comfortable enough to sleep well can be tough. According to the Arthritis Foundation, around 80 percent of people with arthritis have trouble sleeping, and a lack of sleep can make joint pain worse and increase the risk of depression.
If you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night or waking up with sore joints, it may be time to take a closer look at your sleep surface. The best mattress for arthritis can vary from person to person depending on sleep style and body type, but it should cushion your joints while providing enough support to keep your spine neutral.
“When dealing with arthritis, it can feel like everything is painful, so finding ways to maximize comfort and breathability while also keeping things soft on the skin is imperative for a great night’s sleep,” says Thompson Maesaka, a doctor of chiropractic medicine and neurology specialist at The Neural Connection in Edina, Minnesota.
To bring you the best mattresses for arthritis, our Handbook Team researched and tested more than 100 mattresses, prioritizing those that offer great pressure relief, responsiveness Good responsiveness means the mattress has a bouncier surface that responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and switch positions. , and support. Read on to see our top picks.
5 best mattresses for arthritis in 2024
- Saatva Rx: Best overall
- Nectar Premier Memory Foam: Best for arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best for seniors
- Nolah Evolution: Best for arthritis in the hip
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best for arthritis in the shoulders
Saatva Rx: Best mattress for arthritis overall
Why Saatva Rx is our pick for best overall
The Saatva Rx is our pick for the best overall mattress for arthritis because its extra layers of foam and coils are designed to alleviate pressure points The parts of a sleeper’s body that have the hardest contact with the bed surface, such as the shoulder, hips, ribcage, and tailbone. and reduce joint pain. Unique to the Saatva Rx is its Therapeutic Support Core, which adds two-inch foam modules on top of its individually pocketed coils.
Who may want to use Saatva Rx: Sleepers of all body types and sleep positions experiencing chronic joint pain.
Who may want to avoid Saatva Rx: People who experience everyday aches and pains looking for a budget-friendly mattress.
If you are experiencing everyday aches and pains
While the Saatva Rx is our pick for best overall mattress for arthritis, if you are experiencing everyday aches and pains and want a more affordable mattress, you may want to consider the Saatva Classic.
Saatva Rx tester insights
Our testers find the Saatva Rx a bit firmer than advertised, scoring it 6.5 out of 10 for firmness Brands rate mattress firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. —a true medium-firm by industry standards. However, this difference isn’t necessarily a drawback, as research suggests that a medium-firm mattress may be one of the best mattresses for lower back pain.
Our testers gave this mattress a 5 out of 5 for overall support, saying their weight feels evenly distributed and spine neutral in all sleeping positions. When lying on their backs, they feel more “on” than “in” the mattress. Our testers say the foam comfort layers contour their lower back and relieve pressure buildup, awarding it a perfect 5 out of 5 for pressure relief while back sleeping.
Side sleepers should also feel pressure relief with the Saatva Rx. Our testers say they sink slightly into the mattress’s quilted top while the supportive coils keep their hips and shoulders aligned. They scored it 4.5 out of 5 for pressure relief for side sleeping.
Our testers say the mattress is firm enough to keep their hips from dipping lower than the rest of their body and their spine aligned when lying on their stomach.
Choosing a mattress that supports good posture while you sleep is important, as a misaligned spine can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain and may even worsen joint pain for those with arthritis.
The Saatva Rx also stands out with great motion isolation The containment of movement on one area of a mattress so it doesn’t impact other areas. capabilities (4.5 out of 5) and bounce (4 out of 5). This combination is rare since mattresses with good motion isolation aren’t usually bouncy.
The coils in the mattress are reinforced around the edges, giving it excellent edge support Edge support is the bed’s strength and stability around the perimeter. (5 out of 5), according to our testers. They note minimal sagging and find it easy to get in and out of bed—a plus for anyone with joint pain.
If you’re a hot sleeper, we think you’ll appreciate that the mattress’s cover feels cool to the touch, and the gel memory foam Memory foam that contains small gel pods designed to draw heat away from the body. just below the cover draws heat away from the mattress surface. The mattress’s foam modules above the coils are infused with cooling graphite and phase change material A substance that changes its phase (or matter state) depending on its temperature. It will store or release heat to keep a constant temperature. to sleep cooler than traditional memory foam.
From one of our Saatva Rx testers:
“The top layers are plush enough to relieve pressure, but the mattress still has a bouncy feel that makes it easy to move around.”
Read our in-depth Saatva mattress review for more information.
Nectar Premier Memory Foam: Best mattress for arthritis and fibromyalgia
Why Nectar Premier Memory Foam is our pick for best mattress for arthritis and fibromyalgia
The Nectar Premier Memory Foam has an all-foam design that offers a good balance of pressure relief and gentle support, making it a good option for people with chronic pain (like those living with fibromyalgia) that may be easily exacerbated.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes stiffness and pain throughout the body. Similar to the best mattresses for arthritis, the best mattresses for fibromyalgia should offer a mix of pressure relief, support, and responsiveness. That’s because people with fibromyalgia tend to wake up throughout the night needing to change positions to alleviate pain. The thick yet soft memory foam of the Nectar Premier can help cradle arthritic joints and fibromyalgia hot spots (like the neck, shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows), while not being too thick that sleepers can’t change positions easily.
Plus, as a memory foam mattress, the Nectar Premier absorbs movement to minimize disturbances, making it a good option for people who wake up frequently due to fibromyalgia pain and who sleep with a partner or pet.
Who may want to use Nectar Premier Memory Foam: Lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) sleepers who sleep in any position and higher-weight side (over 250 pounds) sleepers.
Who may want to avoid Nectar Premier Memory Foam: Higher-weight back and stomach sleepers.
Nectar Premier Memory Foam tester insights
Our testers say the Nectar Premier Memory Foam is slightly softer than the brand claims, scoring it 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Although the mattress cover isn’t cool to the touch, they say it sleeps surprisingly cool (4.5 out of 5). This is likely due to the mattress’s polyethylene cooling fibers, which wick away moisture.
Underneath the cover are two inches of pressure-relieving foam, followed by three inches of responsive support foam. Nectar explains that the responsive foam layer is designed to keep sleepers on top of the mattress rather than sinking into it.
Our testers note some sinkage, saying they feel more cradled “in” the mattress than “on” it, especially when lying on their back. They say the sinkage offers gentle support (3 out of 5) and great pressure relief (4.5 out of 5) for lighter-weight and average-weight back and side sleepers. However, they say the mattress’s upper foam layers may not offer enough support for higher-weight back and stomach sleepers.
We love that the Nectar Premier Memory Foam is reasonably priced. Frequent promotions bring a queen-size to less than $1,000, making it the most affordable mattress in our review.
From one of our Nectar Premier Memory Foam testers:
“As an average-weight side sleeper, I find the Nectar Premier extremely comfortable for side sleeping. My spine feels neutral, and there is minimal to no pressure on my hips and shoulders.”
Read our in-depth Nectar mattress review for more information.
Helix Midnight Luxe: Best mattress for seniors with arthritis
Why Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for best for seniors with arthritis
We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best mattress for seniors with arthritis because of its combination of pressure relief and support. The mattress’s plush pillow top provides cushioning and comfort, while the zoned support Support zones mean different sections of the mattress provide different levels of firmness and support core helps relieve pressure buildup in the joints and offers extra lower back support. Plus, the mattress has full perimeter edge support, which makes getting in and out of bed easier.
Who may want to use Helix Midnight Luxe: Lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) sleepers of all positions and higher-weight (over 250 pounds) stomach sleepers.
Who may want to avoid Helix Midnight Luxe: Higher-weight back and side sleepers and people who prefer a firmer mattress.
Helix Midnight Luxe tester insights
Our testers rated the Helix Midnight Luxe 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, which aligns with the brand’s rating. They say the top feels more pillowy than dense, which makes it more breathable.
The Helix Midnight Luxe’s three foam layers do an excellent job of relieving pressure, while the zoned layer of individually wrapped coils offers enough support to keep our testers’ spines neutral. They scored it 4.75 out of 5 for overall pressure relief and 4 out of 5 for support.
For back sleepers who need extra support and pressure relief in the lower back, Helix offers an optional ErgoAlign layer. This layer costs an additional $249 and upgrades the mattress’s top layer to a dense, zoned foam that contours to the body.
The mattress’s coils are fully reinforced around the perimeter, which may help older adults safely sit on the edge of the bed. Our testers score the mattress 4.5 out of 5 for edge support.
The Helix Midnight Luxe falls short in motion isolation during testing, scoring 2 out of 5. Movement from the other side of the bed is easily felt, leading to interrupted sleep, especially if you awaken easily from movement.
From one of our Helix Midnight Luxe testers:
“I am impressed by the edge support offered by such a plushy mattress.”
Read our in-depth Helix mattress review for more information.
Nolah Evolution: Best mattress for arthritis in the hip
Why Nolah Evolution is our pick for best for arthritis in the hip
The Nolah Evolution’s luxury firm model earns our pick for best for hip arthritis because its multiple foam layers cradle the hips while the support coils keep the spine properly aligned. The mattress strikes a good balance of bounce and motion isolation, which is rare for hybrid mattresses.
Who may want to use Nolah Evolution: All sleeper types who want a firmer, supportive sleep surface with good pressure relief.
Who may want to avoid Nolah Evolution: Sleepers who prefer a softer sleeping surface and those looking for a low-profile mattress.
Nolah Evolution tester insights
Our testers agree with the brand’s firmness rating, scoring Nolah Evolution’s luxury firm model 7 out of 10. The mattress stands out for its unique zoned AirFoam Air foam contains little air pockets, making it more breathable and responsive. , which offers targeted pressure relief in high-pressure areas like the hips and shoulders and more support in the lower back for more support.
Our testers say the zoned support in the coil and foam layers contribute to good overall support (4 out of 5), edge support (4.5 out of 5), and pressure relief (4.75 out of 5), making it suitable for most sleeping positions.
When our testers lie on their side, the plush top layer contours to their curves, while the individually wrapped coils offer enough support to keep the spine aligned. One tester says they gently sink into the plush top layer without feeling pressure buildup in the hip and shoulder. For this reason, we feel it is also one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
However, testers note that the mattress may be a bit too firm for lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) side sleepers and slightly too soft for higher-weight (250 pounds or more) stomach sleepers.
The Nolah Evolution also delivers decent motion isolation (3.5 out of 5) and bounce (3.5 out of 5), which is ideal for people who still enjoy some bounce but want to reduce motion transfer.
The mattress comes with a 120-night trial, but if you’re sure about your purchase, you can waive the trial to save $100. Also, at 15 inches high, this mattress is bulky for a bed in a box. We recommend paying a little extra for the white glove delivery service if you don’t have anyone to help with setup.
From one of our Nolah Evolution testers:
“When lying on my side, my spine feels neutral. I don’t feel pressure on my hips and shoulders.”
Read our in-depth Nolah mattress review for more information.
Bear Elite Hybrid: Best mattress for arthritis in the shoulders
Why Bear Elite Hybrid is our pick for best for arthritis in the shoulders
We chose the Bear Elite Hybrid as best for arthritis in the shoulders because it shows no pressure buildup under the shoulders during testing. The mattress offers gentle zoned support that’s firmer in the lower back and softer at the shoulders for pressure relief.
Who may want to use Bear Elite Hybrid: All lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) sleepers and higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) side sleepers.
Who may want to avoid Bear Elite Hybrid: Higher weight stomach sleepers and people who prefer a bouncy mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid tester insights
Our testers rated the Bear Elite Hybrid 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, a true medium firm. They say the mattress’s plush pillow top—made of phase-change material A substance that changes its phase (or matter state) depending on its temperature. It will store or release heat to keep a constant temperature. —molds to their body and is cool to the touch. Below the pillow top is a copper-infused Copper is known for its thermal conductivity and is often added to mattresses to help regulate temperature. memory foam layer designed to dissipate body heat.
When lying on their back, the mattress’s memory foam gently cradles our testers’ hips and shoulders while the zoned coils offer lower back support.
The Bear Elite Hybrid receives a 5 out of 5 for pressure relief, showing no pressure buildup on our pressure map.
Despite receiving a below-average bounce score (2.5 out of 5), our testers say the mattress is highly responsive, allowing them to move around and easily change positions throughout the night.
This might not be the best mattress for heavy people neutral spine alignment A position that allows for the spine to maintain its natural curves at the neck (cervical), middle (thoracic), and lower (lumbar) regions. .
From one of our Bear Elite Hybrid testers:
“I appreciate how the inside of the Bear Elite Hybrid is firm, but the top plush layer adds cushion and comfort.”
Read our in-depth Bear mattress review for more information.
How we test and choose the best mattresses for arthritis
The Handbook Team has researched many mattresses online and in person and hand-selected about 130 (and counting) of the best models to test. We’ve also surveyed 1,200 total shoppers (in two 600-people surveys) and interviewed recent mattress customers to understand the buying process and how their new bed has impacted their sleep quality, physical health, and mental wellness.
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite scores.
First-hand testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
When choosing the best mattresses for arthritis, we focused on tests and scores related to firmness, pressure relief, and support. We ensured each mattress in this review had excellent pressure relief while offering support to keep the spine in a neutral position.
Mattress surveys and interviews
We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our surveys of 1,200 total people. These include price, features, and the setup process. We also interview real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress and the benefits of purchasing one.
According to one 600-person survey of mattress owners, people with pain prioritize white glove delivery because it makes setup easy and avoids heavy lifting. This is why all mattresses in our review are eligible for white glove delivery.
Objective and honest ratings
We use information from our surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to determine the most important features in our brand and mattress testing scorecards.
To make our list, every model in this review needs to score at least 4.75 out of 5 in pressure relief and 3.5 out of 5 for support. Our roundups cater to different needs, so we filter the best mattresses uniquely to fit each review.
We also weigh the following factors to determine an overall rating for each brand we recommend.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15 percent | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10 percent | Years in business, lawsuits, class actions against this company |
| Features | 20 percent | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, included add-ons (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35 percent | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20 percent | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattresses for arthritis testing and review methodology.
How to choose a mattress for arthritis
If you have arthritis, choosing the best mattress for your unique sleep needs can alleviate joint pain and help you wake up feeling more refreshed. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best mattress for arthritis.
Mattress type
Hybrid mattresses tend to offer a good mix of pressure relief and support, which is ideal for people with arthritis. They combine comfort layers made of foam with a supportive coil base. Many hybrid mattresses come with zoned support that offers pressure relief under areas like the hips and shoulders while offering firmer support around the lower back to keep the spine neutral.
One small study suggests that a mattress with zoned support may help encourage better sleep and potentially reduce discomfort.
Memory foam mattresses contour the joints, but some models may be too soft, causing sleepers to sink too deeply into the mattress. This can make it difficult to move around on the bed and increase strain on the joints and back, potentially leading to increased discomfort and pain.
Latex mattresses, made from foam from rubber tree sap, contour to the body to relieve joint pressure while also being strong and supportive. Unlike memory foam, latex is bouncy, making it easier to move around and preventing the “stuck” feeling. Latex also tends to be cooler because it is breathable and hypoallergenic.
Support and pressure relief
When choosing a mattress for arthritis, look for one that offers good support, especially for your back and neck. This helps keep your spine aligned and reduces pressure points. Pressure relief is also important because it helps spread your weight evenly across the mattress, which can reduce pain and discomfort in your joints.
Firmness
Firmness is subjective and depends on your sleep style and body type. Higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) sleepers often perceive mattresses as softer than average-weight (130–250 pounds) sleepers because they sink in more. Mattresses that are too soft for your body type can cause the hips and shoulders to sink too far, leading to spinal misalignment and discomfort. For this reason, a firmer mattress can give these areas better support.
On the other hand, lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) sleepers may not sink in enough on a firmer mattress, which can cause pressure to build up.
Side sleepers tend to benefit from a softer mattress that contours and cushions their hip and shoulder, while back sleepers typically need a medium-firm mattress that keeps their spine aligned. Stomach sleepers often require a firmer mattress that supports their midsection and prevents their hips from sinking too deeply into the bed.
Sleepers who change positions at night are often best supported on a medium-firm mattress with enough bounce to make changing positions easier.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best mattress for arthritis is the Saatva Rx because it’s designed specifically for people with chronic pain. The mattress scores high in support, edge support, and pressure relief—all important for reducing joint pain and improving comfort while you sleep.
While the Saatva Rx is priced higher than some competing brands, it includes free white glove delivery, which can cost more than $300 with other brands. If you’re looking for a more affordable mattress, we recommend considering the Nectar Premier (which can cost less than $1,000 for a queen-size after discounts) and the Bear Elite Hybrid (which can cost less than $1,500 for a queen-size after discounts).
The Helix Midnight Luxe is another great high-end choice, offering a plush pillow top and strong edge support, which can be helpful for older adults with arthritis. And, if you like a firmer, high-profile mattress, the Nolah Evolution is worth a look.
Compare the best mattresses for arthritis, as of 2024
| Price | $1,995–$4,390 | $1,480–$2,861 | $1,374–$2,874 | $1,499–$3,198 | $1,893–$3,920 |
| Our firmness rating* | 6.5/10 | 5.5/10 | 5.5/10 | 7/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | 15 years | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best for | All sleepers | Lighter-weight and average-weight sleepers who sleep in any position and higher-weight side sleepers | Lighter-weight and average-weight sleepers of all positions and higher-weight stomach sleepers | All sleepers | All lighter-weight and average-weight sleepers and higher-weight side sleepers |
*Our firmness rating is based on hands-on testing
Frequently asked questions
The best sleep position for joint pain is one that takes pressure off your joints and supports your spine. Side sleepers with hip or knee pain should lie on the unaffected side and may find additional relief by placing a pillow between their knees. Back sleepers with shoulder pain can try using a wedge pillow to raise their upper body, which can help relieve pressure. You might need to experiment with different pillows to find what feels best for your sleeping position.
Generally, a medium-firm mattress will provide a good balance of support and pressure relief for people with arthritis. However, the best mattress firmness for arthritis ultimately depends on your sleep style and body type.
For this review, we chose the Saatva Rx as the best mattress for arthritis because it’s designed specifically for people with chronic pain. It stood out during testing for its excellent pressure relief and support.
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