People with joint pain and sore muscles commonly report not feeling refreshed upon waking. Lower back pain is linked to poor sleep, which can lead to mood and health problems. A mattress that’s incompatible with a person’s body size and sleep position may worsen pain and sleep quality.
A thoughtfully designed mattress can minimize pain by promoting spine alignment and easing pressure points. Orthopedic mattresses are designed to alleviate bone, joint, and muscle pain.
We’ll highlight the therapeutic features of an orthopedic mattress, including pressure relief, contouring, and support. We’ll also review our top picks to help you determine the best orthopedic mattress for your needs.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following six options made our top picks list of 2024’s best orthopedic mattresses.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Saatva Classic
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Classic has an innovative design that offers cushioning and support in equal measure. Our testers loved the coil-on-coil design, which provided targeted pressure relief for sore spots along the spine while reinforcing the surface. A Euro-top cover also gives the mattress an extra luxurious feel.
Buy from Saatva
Hot Sleepers
Soft, Medium Firm, Firm Options
Excellent
Good for Sleepers Under 230 Pounds
Pros
- Available in two heights
- Pocketed microcoils relieve pressure points
- Zoned Euro-top cover delivers targeted back support
Cons
- The responsive coils may transfer too much movement across the surface
- Some sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds may prefer a mattress with more cushioning
The Saatva Classic uses a multi-layered comfort system and pocketed coils to maximize pressure relief. The innerspring model caters to diverse sleepers, as it’s available in three firmness levels: Plush Soft (3), Luxury Firm (6), and Firm (8). Shoppers can also choose between an 11.5- or 14.5-inch profile.
Why We Like It
A 3-inch quilted Euro-top with zoned polyfoam contours to the body, providing good pressure relief. The foam is firmer in the middle of the mattress to promote spinal alignment, and the memory foam lumbar pad is intended to alleviate tension in the lower back. Our testers found that the layer of pocketed microcoils contoured to the body, which increased pressure relief and support.
How Does It Feel?
The zoned support core uses recycled steel coils, giving the mattress bounce and stability. The pocketed springs prevent excessive motion from transferring across the bed. We also noticed that the high-density polyfoam rails minimized sagging at the edges. Our testers found that the mattress regulated temperature well, thanks to continuous airflow in the coiled core. Additionally, off-gassing smells were minimal and dissipated quickly.
Best Value Mattress
Plank Firm Luxe
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Plank Firm Luxe has a competitive price-point and a flippable design allowing you to choose from two firmnesses in one mattress. Measuring at a firm (7) on one side and an extra firm (9) on the other, the mattress is one of the firmest in our testing lab.
Buy from Plank
Heavy Sleepers
Firm, Extra Firm Sides
Fair
Good for Sleepers Over 230 Pounds
Pros
- Flippable model with two distinct firmness levels
- Robust edges for more uniform support
- Optional add-on cooling panel
Cons
- The mattress may be too firm for most side sleepers
- People with sharp pressure points may prefer a mattress with more cushioning
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable model with two supportive surfaces: firm (7) and extra firm (9). Both sides feature a quilted cotton-microfiber blend cover and a layer of polyfoam. We found that the upper comfort layer cradled pressure points and prevented the firm surfaces from feeling too rigid.
Why We Like It
Each side uses the same layout to help align the spine and keep sleepers on top of the mattress. A 2-inch layer of high-density polyfoam contours the body and prevents the midsection from sinking too deeply into the mattress. Denser foam on the extra firm side doesn’t conform much, which appealed to our testers who enjoy sleeping on rather than in a mattress. The firm side uses 1 inch of TitanFlex comfort foam, providing slightly more contouring.
How Does It Feel?
The core features 6 inches of pocketed coils that increase responsiveness and allow for easier movement. Each coil is individually wrapped to promote airflow and reduce motion transfer. The mattress has a 13.25-inch profile, which is considered high-profile. Our tests showed that the mattress did a good job of regulating temperature. However, if you’re prone to overheating, you can opt for a cooling cover made from phase change material. The add-on layer is engineered to absorb and release heat from the body.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Helix Midnight is one of our test team’s favorite models when it comes to balancing support and cushioning. The gentle cradling and sturdy coils make it a great fit for side sleepers in particular.
Buy from Helix
Combination Sleepers
Medium Firm
Excellent
Sturdy coils offer lumbar support
Pros
- Foam layers conform to your body for excellent pressure relief
- Hot sleepers can upgrade to a specialized cooling cover
- Balanced medium firm (6) feel
Cons
- Sleepers who are sensitive to smell may notice some off-gassing odors at first
- Side sleepers over 230 pounds might prefer a firmer bed
The Helix Midnight pairs foam layers with a supportive coil system to provide a just-right mix of plushness and support — especially for people who sleep on their side and experience uncomfortable pressure buildup at night.
Why We Like It
The foam layers on top excel at cradling your shoulders and hips without sacrificing too much support, which benefited many of the side sleepers on our team — especially those between 130 and 230 pounds. The thick coil core didn’t skimp on support for the lower back, which helped keep the spine nicely aligned.
How Does It Feel?
The Helix Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel with a plush surface that conforms closely to your body. Most side sleepers on our team never felt excessively “hugged” by the mattress, although those over 230 pounds will sink deeper and likely won’t receive enough support to stay comfortable. The bed stayed fairly temperature-neutral thanks to airflow through the coils. However, if overheating is a concern, you can pay a little extra for a cover infused with phase change material meant to keep the surface cool.
Most Comfortable Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Foam mattresses often earn high ratings from our side sleepers, and the WinkBeds GravityLux is no exception. Our side-sleeping testers noted excellent cushioning for sore spots in their hips and shoulders, while the zoned high-density polyfoam prevented them from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Buy from WinkBeds
Side Sleepers
Medium Soft, Medium, Firm Options
Excellent
Good for Sleepers Under 130 Pounds
Pros
- Zoned polyfoam core provides extra lumbar region support
- AirCell memory foam engineered to dissipate heat for a cooler sleep
- Three firmness options
Cons
- Stomach sleepers may find their midsections sink too deeply into the mattress
- Couples who prefer responsiveness for sex may find the mattress’ surface too restrictive
The WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress uses seven foam layers to strike a balance between cushioning and support that works particularly well for side sleepers. Dynamic memory foam cradles the body to alleviate tension, while zoned polyfoam helps promote good spine alignment.
Why We Like It
The heat-wicking Tencel cover is tufted with 2 inches of gel-infused polyfoam for extra padding. The AirCell memory foam below is designed to closely contour the body without trapping too much heat. We found that the close hug was especially beneficial to our side-sleeping testers who needed extra cushioning around the hips and shoulders. The support core uses zoned polyfoam to deliver variable support. The back and hips receive greater push-back, while the shoulders and legs receive more cushioning. A layer of high-density polyfoam prevents sagging by reinforcing the upper layers.
How Does It Feel?
Our testing showed that the GravityLux is more durable than the typical foam model, making premature impressions less likely to form. The GravityLux has very good motion isolation, which results in fewer nighttime disturbances for anyone who shares a bed. The mattress also regulates temperature well, thanks to its use of gel infusions and open-cell memory foam.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Sleepers with persistent back pain often benefit from a mattress with a balance of cushioning for the spine and support to maintain healthy sleep posture. The Bear Elite Hybrid’s foam hybrid construction is a great example of this balance, and three firmness options ensure a comfortable model for most sleepers.
Buy from bear
Back Sleepers
Medium, Medium Firm, Firm Options
Excellent
Supportive For All Sleepers
Pros
- Breathable Celliant and polyester blend cover intended for cooling and muscle recovery
- Adaptive memory foam relieves pressure points
- Zoned polyfoam transitional layer prevents excessive sinkage
Cons
- The coils system may produce too much noise when sleepers change positions
- Some sleepers may be bothered by off-gassing odor from the foam layers in the first few nights of sleeping on the mattress
Sleepers who experience sharp pain in their upper or lower back benefit from a mattress that balances cushioning for the spine with a robust support system. The Bear Elite Hybrid achieves that balance with an adaptive foam comfort system, while a coil system and zoned transitional layer keep your body on an even plane.
Why We Like It
The Elite Hybrid’s comfort system begins with a layer of adaptive memory foam that contours to your body to relieve pressure. The foam is also infused with copper gel intended to conduct and dissipate heat away from the surface. Underneath is a polyfoam transitional layer that acts as a buffer between your body and the coil system. This layer is strategically zoned to provide targeted support to heavier areas of your body, like your hips and shoulders, and cradle lighter areas. Pocketed coils in the support core reinforce the sleep surface to keep your body on an even plane. The coils rest on a polyfoam base layer to prevent shifting. A breathable cover made from a Celliant and polyester blend fabric encases the mattress. Celliant is engineered to react to your body heat and confer it back to you in the form of infrared energy, which is thought to promote muscle recovery.
How Does It Feel?
The Elite Hybrid comes in three firmness levels: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7). Every model earned high marks from our side- and back-sleeping testers. People who use these sleep positions and weigh less than 130 pounds will likely prefer the softest model. Our testers weighing up to 230 pounds enjoyed the medium firm option, and our testers weighing more than 230 pounds enjoyed the firmest model. Temperature regulation was one of the Elite Hybrid’s clear strengths during testing. Our heat guns detected minimal heat buildup on the surface thanks to the breathable cover and steady airflow through the coils. The foam comfort system also absorbed most movement transfer and noise during our tests, making it a great option if you share the bed with a restless sleep partner.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Puffy Lux Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Puffy Lux Hybrid delivers strong contouring to alleviate pressure buildup. Meanwhile, a supportive coil system helps you maintain spinal alignment to prevent aches and pains in the morning. These features appealed to our side sleepers and testers with persistent joint or lower back pain.
Buy from Puffy
Side Sleepers
Medium
Excellent
Good for Sleepers Under 230 Pounds
Pros
- Soft, stain-resistant cover
- Climate Comfort foam engineered to dispel heat and moisture
- Sturdy 6-inch coiled core provides excellent support
Cons
- Back and stomach sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds may find the mattress too soft
- The foam layers may trap too much heat for some hot sleepers
Sleepers with sharp pressure points often need a mattress that delivers strong contouring. Puffy’s Lux Hybrid uses plush foam layers adapt to the body to alleviate pressure buildup. The mattress’ 12-inch profile and medium (5) feel accommodate a range of sleep styles and body types.
Why We Like It
The Lux Hybrid has a GOTS-certified organic fabric cover that resists stains and common allergens. The comfort system uses two types of memory foam to help ease pressure points. A 1.5-inch layer of proprietary Cooling Cloud memory foam is designed to cradle sleepers without generating too much heat. A layer of polyfoam increases compression support, so the mattress doesn’t contour too closely to the sleeper’s body. Additionally, the proprietary memory foam layer is intended to draw out heat and moisture.
How Does It Feel?
Six inches of hefty steel coils stabilize the mattress. The core is designed to adapt to your body for better weight distribution, while individually wrapped coils reduce motion transfer and improve air circulation. High-density polyfoam reinforces the perimeter to help you feel supported throughout the mattress, and an anti-slip base cover keeps the bed firmly in place. Our tests showed that the hybrid performed particularly well for people under 130 pounds, regardless of sleep position. The combination of solid edge support, motion isolation, and temperature control should also benefit couples. However, the mattress’ contouring might be excessive for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds, who usually need a firmer surface to align the spine.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team has extensive experience in the sleep industry. We personally test our top picks in our sleep lab so we can provide you accurate information about the best options available on the market today.
Our testing team reflects different weight categories and sleeper types, which means we can make suggestions for a wide range of sleepers. When testing orthopedic mattresses, we paid special attention to categories such as pressure relief, temperature neutrality, motion isolation, and firmness levels.
