Methodology
When we reach retirement age, many of us will struggle with sleep issues such as insomnia, not to mention the physical health conditions that come with getting older. Luckily, finding the best mattress for seniors can make it easier for them to get healthy sleep. Although comfort is subjective and there’s never going to be a single best option for all older adults, there are beds that will work wonderfully for many preferences and needs associated with this age bracket.
If you’re an older adult shopping for a new bed, you can rest assured that we’ve done our research. We’ve tested more than 500 mattresses over the years, and our expertise has aided more than 35,000 people in their search for a new one. For this list in particular, we considered more than 15 beds before narrowing our selection to the eight best mattresses for seniors.
Disclaimer: We know that many older adults don’t identify with terms such as “senior” and “elderly,” whereas others might. We’ve included a mixture of terms here. Additionally, our mattress selections were largely based on the needs of sleepers with mobility issues, which aren’t always correlated with age.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Seniors?
Our expert reviewers chose the Helix Midnight as the best mattress for seniors due to its exceptional edge support (for ease of getting out of bed), cooling features, durability and comfort.
Best Mattresses for Seniors in 2025
- Helix Midnight – Best Mattress for Seniors Overall
- DreamCloud – Best Cooling Mattress for Seniors
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Seniors with Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Seniors
- Saatva Classic – Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors
- Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Senior Side Sleepers
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Plus-Size Seniors
Best Mattress for Seniors 2025: Video Review
Compare the Best Mattresses for Seniors
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Saatva Classic | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 9/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Couples |
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Our Testing Process
Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 500 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period and warranty. We also rely on expert advice from medical professionals such as our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta and clinical psychologist and sleep disorder specialist Dr. Shelby Harris.
For a more in-depth guide to the people and processes behind our mattress testing, read our full testing methodology page.
How We Choose the Best Mattresses for Seniors
When compiling a list of the best mattresses for older adults, we focused specifically on factors that facilitate mobility and comfort. All of these mattresses should be accessible choices for elderly people, but they range in design to offer more options. Here’s a bit more detail about some of those factors we zeroed in on, and what you can expect from the beds in this roundup:
Edge Support
People higher up in years may be more stuck in their routines, and if that routine includes sitting on the edge of your bed to tie your shoes, you’ll want a mattress with solid edge support. But that’s a fairly trivial factor compared to the added safety of a bed with robust edge support, minimizing your chances of actually careening off the edge, and making it easier to get in and out of bed — something pregnant people will also appreciate.
Pressure Relief
If you can feel the weather coming in your joints (something that might actually be backed by science), we’re willing to bet you’d like a bed with nice pressure relief. A bed with superior pressure relief ensures that your achy, sore joints don’t get too much pushback from the bed. Instead, you should feel cradled and cushioned in these sensitive areas, further alleviating or preventing pain. All of the beds in our roundup feature memory foam comfort layers for added contouring and pressure relief. We were also sure to note if a bed’s foam layers are more bouncy and firm, and less likely to relieve pressure well.
Support
Another key quality to look for in a mattress is solid overall support. A supportive bed ensures that the spine stays aligned in its neutral S-curve. Otherwise, you might be prone to issues like back pain. Our mattress testers found all of these beds to be above average in terms of generalized support, and noted when beds may not offer enough support for certain sleepers — such as stomach sleepers and those of a heavier weight.
Best Overall – Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Our Expert’s Take
Helix is renowned for its customization, which you can explore through the brand’s sleep quiz, designed to guide you to your next favorite bed. Of all of the different models, we chose the Helix Midnight as our best overall mattress for seniors for several reasons. It was designed as a mattress for side sleepers and to have a versatile, medium feel. The result is a well-rounded hybrid, scoring high in support (4/5), pressure relief (4.5/5), and edge support (4/5) — all of which should appeal to older adults.
The Helix Midnight also shines in the cooling department (4.5/5), no thanks to its individually wrapped innerspring coils that promote airflow. When we tested the bed, we only recorded a 3.4-degree increase on the bed’s surface after five minutes of lying on it, which is a boon for seniors who sleep hot. The one group who might have some trouble with the Midnight are seniors who might better benefit from a firmer mattress, like those over 230 lbs or stomach sleepers.
What the testers say: “I’m a fan of Helix Midnight’s mix of pressure relief and response. Lying down, I felt it contouring to the shape of my body, but I never had trouble moving around or changing positions.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
- Helix’s proprietary Memory Plus foam conforms to your body. Its slow-moving feel is a great fit for seniors in need of extra pain or pressure relief.
- Its reinforced individually-wrapped coils give the mattress excellent edge support, making it easy for seniors to get in and out of bed. We measured a 2.25″ drop on the bed’s edge under the weight of our heaviest tester (250 lbs), which is a solid measurement in comparison to a typical hybrid.
- The mattress’s hybrid construction provides optimal comfort and support to back and side sleepers. You also get a nice amount of responsiveness (rated 4/5 by testers), making it easier to switch positions.
- The bed has a highly cooling build, boasting a 4.5/5 cooling score from testers in recognition. Our heat gun test recorded a not-so-sizeable 3.4 degree F rise in temperature on the bed’s sleep surface after a tester rested there.
What to Keep in Mind About of the Helix Midnight
- Its soft top comfort layer makes the Helix Midnight not the best match for stomach sleepers. We recommend opting for a slightly firmer mattress to support your hips and promote spinal alignment.
- During testing, we noticed a bit of creaking from the innerspring coils. However, it should not be loud enough to prevent seniors from sleeping through the night.
For a firmer mattress for seniors, check out the Titan Plus.
Other User Reviews
On the Helix website, the Helix Midnight mattress received over 6,300 reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5. Four and five-star customer reviews praised how the Helix Midnight was able to eliminate their back, hip and knee pain. Most users also found the bed to meet their expectations of medium firmness. A few reviews mentioned a chemical smell when first opening the box the mattress comes in, but this smell should dissipate after 48 hours.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses 2025 for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress for Seniors – DreamCloud Original
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleepers and nice cooling for hot sleepers. Its mix of foam and coils ensures you get the right amount of support, while its breathable materials ensure you don’t sleep too hot. It is a bouncier mattress, and if you prefer more of a memory foam feel, consider the Nectar mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Falling asleep feeling clammy and trapped in heat can turn a night of sweet dreams into nightmares, especially for seniors who might be concerned with conditions like hot flashes. The DreamCloud Original hybrid mattress specializes in producing a breathable and crisp sleeping surface to help keep older adults dry and cool. Overall, our testers gave it a near-perfect 4/5 for its cooling features.
The Dreamcloud’s firm feel (7.5/10) should help to promote lumbar support and restorative sleep for your spine, earning it a 4/5 support score. The bed’s upper foam components can help ease pressure buildup, though not quite to the level of cradling. This is why it earned the more modest pressure relief score (3.5/5). Still, we’d recommend this mattress to most back sleepers looking for a balanced feel, specifically those of an average or lighter weight. Heavyweight sleepers may have trouble feeling properly supported on the DreamCloud.
What the testers say: “When I slept on the DreamCloud, I felt quite cool because the mattress features a few temperature-regulating materials. Overall, the DreamCloud is a good option for hot sleepers.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud
- The luxurious cashmere-blend top is super cozy and breathable.
- DreamCloud offers a confident and generous 365-day free trial, with a full refund for unhappy customers who are not satisfied after the first year of use.
- Dreamcloud’s design offers a quality combination of support and pressure relief for average-weight (under 230 lb) back sleepers and individuals struggling with back pain.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud
- Our testers found the DreamCloud to slack a bit on edge support, which may make it a less desirable choice for people who experience difficulty getting in and out of bed.
- Testers found that the DreamCloud had mediocre motion isolation, which may become an issue for couples who move around in their sleep.
Want a mattress with a bit more pressure relief? Take a look at the Nolah Evolution.
Other User Reviews
DreamCloud has over 5000 customer reviews on its website, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5. Many reviews mentioned its superior temperature regulation, with one happy customer stating, “From the very first night, I knew I made the right mattress choice. I immediately slept hard all evening long. I wake in the morning without back aches or covered in sweat- and it’s summertime in FL, which is a different kind of heat!”.
Read our DreamCloud Original mattress review. Or for other options, check out our recommendations for the Best Cooling Mattresses.
Best Mattress for Seniors with Back Pain – WinkBed
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
An innerspring mattress that features extra-tall coils and a plush pillow-top, the WinkBed has an exceptional amount of support (5/5). This makes it a sound choice for anyone—older adults included—experiencing back pain. Of the four firmness options available, we’d recommend either the Luxury Firm or Firmer model. Both of these beds have the requisite amount of lift to keep the spine aligned, as well as the right amount of cushion and pressure relief (4.5/5) to contour to the lumbar area.
In our testing, the edges of the WinkBed also hold up well when bearing weight, earning a perfect 5/5 score, which means you should be able to use the sides of the bed for support when getting in and out of bed — or to spread out to your heart’s content. That said, the bed was a bit lackluster in the motion isolation department (3.5/5), so older adults who sleep with a restless partner might want to opt for something with better motion absorption.
What the testers say: “As a person who deals with back pain, I loved the zoned construction found in the WinkBed mattress. Lying on my back, I felt the firmer area of the mattress press up into my lumbar area. I felt all the support I needed there.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
- The WinkBed has a traditional innerspring feel. Innerspring mattresses are bouncy, responsive and easy to move around on.
- It comes with a breathable TENCEL™ cover that helps hot sleepers stay cool.
- The Luxury Firm model delivers a balance of comfort and support for back sleepers. It does this because of the thin pillow top comfort layer and the zoned coils, which offer support for the lumbar area of your back.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
- This bed is not supportive enough for older adults who weigh over 300 lbs. These folks should opt for a firmer mattress to offer adequate pressure relief, or check out the WinkBed Plus, a bed designed for heavyweight sleepers.
- The WinkBed is not the best mattress for couples because of its poor motion isolation. During our testing, we noticed some motion disturbances that traveled from one side of the bed to the other.
For a mattress with better motion isolation, check out the Helix Midnight.
Other User Reviews
The WinkBed has an impressive 4.8/5 star rating from 8,419 reviews on the WinkBed website. Positive reviews agree that the Luxury Firm model is a very comfortable mattress that relieved user’s back pain from their first night of sleep. These reviews also mentioned how easy the mattress was to set up in their homes. A common complaint about the WinkBed was that the sleeper’s selected model was either too soft or too firm for their liking. Luckily, WinkBed offers free shipping and returns to ensure sleepers are satisfied with their mattresses.
Read our full WinkBed mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Pain for more great options.
Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable, no-frills bed with a medium-firm feel that should work for a wide variety of sleepers. While it’s made with durable materials and should last up to 10 years, it isn’t the most luxurious option. If you’re looking for a premium bed, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a reliable mattress that performs well pretty much across the board. However, we think the biggest selling point for the Signature Hybrid is its price. Costing under $1,500 for a queen—and often under $1,000, after sales—this mattress provides great bang for your buck.
We awarded the Signature Hybrid a 4/5 on many of our tests, including cooling, edge support, durability, and support. Plus, the multiple firmness options allow you to pick the version of the mattress that best accommodates your preferences. It’s a simply constructed mattress that doesn’t have much in the way of trendy features, but it’s still a solid hybrid with everything a senior sleeper might need.
What the testers say: “The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress is a great budget-friendly option for many back and side sleepers. It has a responsive feel, making it easy to move around on top of the bed. It’s also available in three firmness levels, so it should work for a variety of sleepers.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Signature Hybrid
- The Signature Hybrid is one of several mattresses on this list that comes in multiple firmnesses. Our recommendation is that side sleepers choose the Soft version. The Medium version will likely work best for back sleepers, lightweight and average-weight people. For stomach sleepers and heavyweight people, we suggest the Firm version.
- For an affordable mattress, the Signature Hybrid performs quite well in many fields. Cooling is one area where we were especially impressed with the mattress. The hybrid construction makes it breathable, and the quilted top layer helps wick away moisture.
What to Keep in Mind About the Signature Hybrid
- One of the tradeoffs with purchasing an affordable mattress is that you likely won’t get the same bells and whistles that you will with a luxury mattress. By bells and whistles, we mean things like a reinforced perimeter, cooling infusions, or a pillow top.
Looking for an upgraded hybrid? You might like the Bear Elite Hybrid, which has a lot of fancy cooling features.
Other User Reviews
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 10,879 reviews on the company website. Over 8,000 customers gave the mattress a perfect 5 out of 5, and only ten customers gave it a 1 out of 5. A couple of those negative reviews claim that the mattress caused aches and pains.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Affordable Mattresses for more great options.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Seniors – Bear Elite Hybrid
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, we’d recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most luxurious model. It’s a durable, well-constructed hybrid mattress that provides good support (4.5/5) and pressure relief (4.5/5). We tested the Medium version of the mattress, which is wonderful for back sleepers. The mattress is also available in Soft and Firm versions, so seniors can choose the firmness they need.
People with mobility issues who rely on the perimeter of the mattress to support themselves, or even those who sleep toward the edge of the bed, will appreciate the edge support of the Bear Elite Hybrid. We scored it a 4.5/5, as it barely sagged under our weight when we sat and rested on the edges of the mattress. It also scored high in bounce, accounting for its less-than-stellar motion isolation, which may be a problem for some couples.
What the testers say: “The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress has a zoned support system, which means it feels firmer toward the center and softer near the head and foot. I really noticed the supportive middle section whenever I rested on my back. The mattress supported my spine, but I still felt a good amount of pressure relief along my hips.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Elite Hybrid
- The cover of the Bear Elite Hybrid is made with something called phase change material, which, put simply, draws excess heat away from your body so you can sleep more comfortably at night. It may sound like a gimmick, but when we tested this mattress it actually felt cool to the touch.
- The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in three different firmnesses: Soft, Medium, and Firm. We tested the Medium version of the Bear Elite Hybrid, which we highly recommend for back sleepers, most side sleepers, and all people under 130 lbs.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid
- One of the most important things for couples to consider when shopping for a mattress is motion isolation. If a mattress has poor motion isolation then you’ll likely feel all of your partner’s movements on your side of the bed, which can be an issue for light sleepers. Unfortunately, the Bear Elite Hybrid is one such mattress with poor motion isolation.
Want better motion isolation? Check out the Nolah Evolution.
Other User Reviews
The Bear Elite Hybrid has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on 3,734 reviews from the company website. Many happy customers praised the mattress for helping alleviate pain. Of the negative reviews, many of them revolve around the Bear Elite Hybrid sagging after some time.
Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Hybrid Mattresses for more great options.
Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors – Saatva Classic
The Saatva is a luxurious hybrid innerspring mattress that should be a great long-term investment. It is available in multiple firmness options, so it should work for the majority of sleeping positions, and its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re after a hotel-quality mattress that will provide comfort and support for years to come, we recommend the Saatva mattress. The materials used in the Saatva are impressive—organic cotton, high-density foam, and high-grade coils come together to create a product that is truly luxurious. It also provides luxurious pressure relief (4/5) and support (4.5), thanks to its plush pillow top and multiple innerspring layers.
Seniors should also appreciate the responsiveness (4.5/5) of the Saatva, as it will make it easier for them to move around on the mattress and get in and out of bed. Plus, the free white glove delivery means that a worker will not only drop off your mattress, but also set it up for you and remove your old mattress, removing a lot of the hassle and manual labor.
What the testers say: “When back sleeping on the Saatva mattress, I experienced an excellent balance of comfort and support. My hips sank into the pillow top the perfect amount, and I felt plenty of lumbar support from the coil layers. Because of this, it’s one of the best mattresses for lower back pain and sciatica.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva
- Purchase of the Saatva comes with a generous lifetime warranty.
- We gave the Saatva a 4.5 out of 5 on our cooling test. The hybrid construction helps keep warm air from becoming trapped in the foam layers.
- This mattress is very supportive. Our heavyweight tester felt great testing the Saatva, as it didn’t sag under his weight.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva
- This might not be the best option for couples. We gave it a 3 out of 5 on our motion isolation test, as when we laid on the mattress, we could very easily feel one another’s small movements.
- It’s one of the more expensive mattresses you can order online.
Looking for a bed that won’t break the bank? Check out the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.
Other User Reviews
The Saatva has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on 3,363 reviews on the company website. Over 3,000 of those reviews gave the mattress a perfect score, and customers seem happy with how the Saatva has helped alleviate pain. There are some unhappy customers, however, who were disappointed with the service that Saatva provided.
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Luxury Mattresses for more great options.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
Our Expert’s Take
Older adults may be more susceptible to aches and pains, so it’s important that their mattress’s firmness level best matches their sleeping style and body type. Thankfully, the Nolah Evolution provides seniors with options, as it comes in multiple firmnesses. All of them, however, should provide solid support (4/5) from its zoned coils, as well as cushy pressure relief (5/5) from its thick comfort foams.
We also gave the Nolah Evolution a perfect score on our durability test, which means it’s a great value purchase. If properly cared for, we estimate this mattress can last for longer than 10 years. Not only is this great for long-term investment, but it also means that you should experience less sagging on the Nolah Evolution, which can be a factor in staving off aches and pains.
What the testers say: “When combined with its bouncy eco support coils, the Nolah Evolution’s plush pillow top creates a balanced hybrid feel. It’s easy to move around on, and sleepers shouldn’t feel like they are sinking too far into the mattress. Because of these features, we named it one of the most comfortable mattresses.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Evolution
- The Nolah Evolution has a high-quality construction that ensures good longevity. Earning a perfect score on our durability test, this mattress can last upwards of ten years if it is taken care of.
- We also gave the Nolah Evolution a perfect score on our cooling test. The layer of coils towards the bottom of the mattress help promote breathability, and a gusset at the top of the mattress allows heat to escape from the dense foam layers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution
- The perimeter of the Nolah Evolution isn’t as strong as we expected it to be. The edges sagged quite a bit under our weight, prompting us to give it an edge support score of 3.5 out of 5. If you rely on sturdy mattress edges to get in and out of bed you may want to find something with a stronger perimeter.
- The Nolah Evolution is a luxury mattress with a higher price tag. The DreamCloud has luxury touches at a more affordable price.
Other User Reviews
This mattress has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5, based on 895 customer reviews on the Nolah website. The vast majority of users are overwhelmingly happy with the product, however, one reviewer said that his Nolah Evolution began to sag in the middle after only three months.
Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers for more great options.
Best Mattress for Heavier Seniors – Titan Plus
The Titan Plus mattress works well for many heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. It’s quite firm, coming in at 9/10 on our firmness scale. This means that many side sleepers won’t get the pressure relief they need along their shoulders and hips. Watch our Titan Plus mattress review video to learn more.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re a senior with a larger body type, the Titan Plus might be for you. It was actually designed specifically for heavy sleepers. The foam at the top of the mattress is more responsive than typical memory foam, giving just a little bit of cushioning while also creating enough support (4.5/5) to keep the spine neutrally aligned. Further support comes from a layer of tall coils at the bottom of the mattress.
Older adults who are 230 lbs or above are likely to feel the most pressure relief from the foams, accounting for its slightly diminished score in this category (3.5/5). Other sleepers likely will find the bed too firm to get comfortable, which is something to consider if you share the bed with a partner. That said, some average-weight stomach sleepers should also be comfortable on the Titan Plus, especially if they experience back pain.
What the testers say: “I’m a heavier guy, and the Titan Plus gave me plenty of support. I often struggle to get enough support when I’m back sleeping, but it wasn’t an issue on the Titan Plus. Heavier people of all ages should love this mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Titan Plus
- As a mattress designed for heavyweight sleepers, it is designed with heavy-duty coils and highly durable memory foam layers. This mattress can support up to 1,000 lbs.
- Heavyweight sleepers will receive support and pressure relief to promote spinal alignment.
- Its construction promotes airflow throughout the mattress to prevent hot sleeping. Brooklyn Bedding also offers an optional cooling cover to aid hot sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus
- There is not much “give” in this mattress. It does not have a bouncy feel or offer much body contouring.
- Lightweight and average weight sleepers will certainly find this bed too firm. This is one of the most firm mattresses we have ever reviewed. We found it to be a 9 out of 10 on our firmness scale.
Want a mattress that can accommodate different-sized partners? You might have luck with the Saatva Classic.
Other User Reviews
The Titan Plus mattress earned a 4.7/5 star rating from 2,473 reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website. Several positive reviews mention how durable and sturdy the Titan Plus mattress is. Reviews from heavier sleepers rave how supportive and comfortable they sleep on their new mattress. A few reviewers thought the mattress was too firm to sleep comfortably on.
Read our full Titan Plus mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Heavy People for more great options.
Why Seniors Need a Great Mattress
Sleep is important for everyone at every stage of their life, and that includes seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults between the ages of 61 and 64 should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, while adults over the age of 65 should slumber for approximately 7 to 8 hours every night.
Even though sleep remains critical as we age, many older adults struggle to obtain quality sleep on a regular basis. Some have conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and/or back pain, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Additionally, certain pain medications can act as stimulants and make it even more difficult to get enough shut-eye.
What’s in a Good Mattress for Seniors?
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, our Chief Medical Advisor, is a quadruple-board certified physician specializing in sleep science. Here’s what he would look for in a high-quality mattress for any age: “A mattress that provides optimal support and pressure relief typically possesses qualities such as medium-firmness, contouring materials like memory foam or latex, zoned support, strong edge support, and proper alignment for the spine.”
Even seniors who don’t deal with pain might struggle to obtain quality sleep, because sleep itself changes as we age. A long-term study of 9,000 people over the age of 65 found that, compared to younger adults, elderly adults have more fragmented sleep and spend less time in deeper sleep stages. There’s also evidence that circadian rhythms might shift as we age, prompting our bodies to wake up earlier and shortchanging sleep.
Dr. Harris confirmed this age-related shift: “Older adults’ sleep tends to be more broken and lighter, which leads to less sleep overall and can contribute to low energy or feelings of fatigue throughout the day.” Additionally, the prevalence of conditions such as sleep apnea and insomnia is greater in older adults.
So how does this relate to a mattress? Well, mattresses play a huge role in determining whether we feel comfortable (or not) when we lie down to sleep. An uncomfortable or unsupportive mattress can exacerbate pain and make it harder to fall asleep and sleep soundly through the night. A high-quality mattress that feels good and helps mitigate pain can facilitate restful sleep.
For more information, check out our article on Sleep Changes Seniors Should Know.
Choosing the Best Mattress for Seniors
Whether seniors go with one of our recommended mattresses or decide to keep looking, here are some factors they should consider.
Bounce
When people reach an older age, they may experience mobility issues that make it more difficult to get in and out of bed and change positions. They’ll want to ensure that their mattress doesn’t sag and make things worse, causing them to feel trapped. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to find a mattress that is more responsive and contains innerspring coils, bouncier foams, or even latex.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is necessary when parts of your body exert disproportionate weight on the mattress, which allows pressure to concentrate in one area and ultimately causes pain. This can be a concern for most who want to sleep comfortably, but especially for older adults.
Many seniors have conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, or they deal with generalized joint pain. According to Dr. Dasgupta, softer mattresses that contain contouring memory foam should cushion those trouble areas and relieve built-up pressure. Take a look at our list of the best mattresses for hip pain and best beds for fibromyalgia for examples of beds that prioritize pressure relief.
Firmness
Although comfort is subjective, the most recommended firmness is medium, as it lends a balance of comfort and support. This is important for cushioning joints and maintaining spinal alignment. We’d recommend a similar firmness level (medium) for seniors, but it’s not so simple.
You may require something a bit softer if you’re extra concerned about pressure relief — or something firmer if you need extra support. It’s about taking into account all the factors of your sleeping experience, including your body weight and preferred position, as well as any other personal conditions, such as medical concerns. A too-soft or too-firm mattress can cause problems or pain.
Cooling
As our bodies age, they’re not as effective at regulating our temperature. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose a mattress that won’t trap heat and will help you stay cool. Try to find a bed with coils that allow for good airflow, or memory foam that has additional cooling features, such as gel or copper infusions.
Edge Support
Seniors will want to ensure that their mattress has great edge support, meaning that it maintains its structure and support level all the way to the sides of the bed. This is not only just a good marker of overall durability, but it also ensures you won’t roll off and become injured from sleeping too close to the edge of their bed.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Seniors?
There are more types of mattresses on the market than ever before, from classic innerspring models to beds made from memory foam and latex. Here’s an overview of some of the mattress types that might appeal to older adults.
Innerspring Mattresses
As the name suggests, innerspring mattresses include springs (otherwise known as coils) in their construction. There’s a lot of variety under the innerspring umbrella; some innerspring beds are made with pocketed or individually wrapped coils while others stack multiple layers of coils on top of each other, and so on.
Pros of innerspring mattresses for seniors:
- They tend to be supportive, helping maintain spinal alignment and reduce back pain.
- They have strong edge support, so it’s easier to climb in and out of bed.
- They work well for hot sleepers since the spaces between the coils allow for plenty of airflow.
- They often suit back and stomach sleepers, who need plenty of support for proper spinal alignment.
Cons to innerspring mattresses for seniors:
- Some innerspring beds might feel too firm and won’t offer enough cushioning for achy joints.
- They might not be well-suited to side sleepers, who need plenty of pressure relief around the shoulder and hips.
- A coil construction can sometimes add height to a bed, making it harder to climb in and out.
- Some innerspring mattresses don’t do a great job of minimizing motion transfer, which might wake up elderly couples if they shift around during the night.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are made from (that’s right!) memory foam, a material that’s known for being soft and pressure-relieving. Memory foam also tends to contour the body and have a slow response to pressure.
Pros of memory foam mattresses for seniors:
- Memory foam tends to be pressure-relieving, so it can help cushion achy joints.
- Because it contours the body, foam can be a great choice for side sleepers looking to find comfort around the shoulder and hips.
- It’s easy to find thinner memory foam mattresses, which can be useful for folks who have a hard time climbing in and out of a tall bed.
- Memory foam tends to be silent and does a great job of absorbing motion. This is crucial for senior couples who don’t want to disturb each other during the night.
Cons to memory foam mattresses for seniors:
- Memory foam mattresses on the softer side might not provide enough spinal support.
- Some memory foam mattresses have poor edge support, making it harder to climb in and out of bed.
- Because of their slow response to pressure, it can be hard to move around on top of memory foam beds.
- As a general rule, memory foam mattresses trap heat and might not be a great choice for hot sleepers.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses can be made from natural latex (which is derived from rubber trees), synthetic latex (which is made through chemical processes), or a blend of the two. It can be processed in one of two ways: Dunlop latex has a firmer feel, while Talalay latex has a softer feel. Both natural and synthetic latex mattresses are known for their durability and bounce, and they tend to sleep cool.
Pros of latex mattresses for seniors:
- Latex tends to be responsive, making it easier to move around and get on and off the bed.
- Latex generally sleeps cool, so it’s a good choice for hot sleepers.
- Because latex is known for its durability, a latex mattress is less likely to sag than a foam mattress. This means the mattress is more likely to promote spinal alignment over the long term, which can help combat back pain.
Cons to latex mattresses for seniors:
- Latex is a heavy material, so it can be challenging to move these mattresses around (especially for folks who might deal with reduced muscle mass or mobility and coordination issues).
- Latex mattresses tend to be expensive, so they won’t suit every senior’s budget.
- Because latex is fairly bouncy, it doesn’t do a great job of minimizing motion transfer. This can be an issue for elderly folks who share a bed with a restless partner.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses feature a combination of coils and foam, thereby offering the best of both worlds (or, er, both mattresses). Typically, hybrid mattresses are built with a foam comfort layer laid out over coils. The foam layer could be made from memory foam or another type of foam, and the coils may or may not be individually wrapped.
Pros of hybrid mattresses for seniors:
- They generally offer a nice combination of comfort and support, which can help combat back pain while cushioning joints.
- The innerspring coils enable air to flow through the mattress, helping people sleep cooler than they might on an all-foam bed.
- The foam layer offers more pressure relief than might exist on a standard innerspring mattress.
- They tend to suit multiple sleep positions, so senior couples with different preferred sleep styles might be able to compromise with a hybrid.
Cons to hybrid mattresses for seniors:
- Because they feature multiple layers and coils, hybrid mattresses sometimes weigh a lot. This could make it challenging to move the mattress.
- Hybrid mattresses are on the pricier side.
Airbeds
Not to be confused with air mattresses, airbeds are luxurious mattresses made from adjustable air chambers. Sleepers can customize the firmness of the mattress to their preferences on a nightly basis, and some airbeds allow couples to customize their respective sides of the bed.
Pros of airbed mattresses for seniors:
- Older adults who deal with fluctuating levels of aches, back pain, or mobility can customize the mattress to their needs on a nightly basis.
- Senior couples who have different sleep preferences might be able to customize each side of the mattress to their respective taste.
- Airbeds are almost immune to sagging, so they should support healthy spinal alignment for the full life of the mattress.
Cons to airbed mattresses for seniors:
- Airbeds tend to be pricey.
- Adjusting the airbed might involve some noise from the pump.
- Airbeds might not offer enough cushioning for folks who really want to sink in the bed.
How to Make a Bedroom More Accessible
While choosing an accessible mattress is crucial if you have mobility issues, it’s just as important to consider your entire sleeping environment.
- Purchase an adjustable bed.
- Utilize bed rails and/or grab bars.
- Rid the bedroom of unnecessary clutter.
- Visualize the pathway to your bed and come up with a plan of how to best clear it. Keep in mind furniture placement, space on each side of the bed, doorway width, and loose rugs.
Choosing an Accessible Mattress for Seniors
As we age, it’s common for mobility and flexibility to decline. That means it’s important to think about accessibility while shopping for a mattress for elderly folks. “Ease of getting in and out of bed is important to consider for anyone with mobility issues or conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis,” said Dr. Dasgupta.
- Look for a shorter mattress: Tall mattresses can look elegant, but they aren’t practical. As a general rule, many elderly folks need a shorter mattress so it’s easier to climb in and out of bed.
- Prioritize edge support: Edge support refers to how comfortable a sleeper feels while sitting or lying down near the edge of a mattress. The edge support is strong when a person feels secure in these positions; it’s poor if the person feels like they’re going to tip off or out of the bed.
Sleep Tips for Seniors
As we’ve noted, quality sleep is essential for older adults, but it’s hard to come by. Here are some tips that increase the odds of seniors enjoying sound sleep.
- Create a bedroom environment that’s conducive to sleep: Good sleep hygiene involves keeping the bedroom cool, quiet, and dark, and eliminating electronic devices from the bedroom. Also, make sure to limit the activities on that mattress to sleep and sex so the brain doesn’t associate the bed with more stimulating activities.
- Stay active: Engaging in physical exercise during the day makes it more likely that someone will feel sleepy at night.
- Practice soothing bedtime rituals: Make a habit of winding down before bed with a comforting ritual such as taking a bath, reading a good book, or listening to calming music. Or maybe consider a combination of these activities. Avoid screens in the hour or two before bed, because the blue light they emit can interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm.
- Sustain a consistent sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps train the body to start winding down at a consistent time each night.
Summary
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Helix Midnight | Best Mattress for Seniors Overall |
| DreamCloud | Best Cooling Mattress for Seniors |
| WinkBeds | Best Mattress for Back Pain |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Best Hybrid Mattress for Seniors |
| Saatva Classic | Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Mattress for Senior Side Sleepers |
| Titan Plus | Best Mattress for Heavier Seniors |
Best Mattress for Seniors FAQs
Do you need a softer mattress as you get older?
It depends on your specific situation, but a soft mattress can work for elderly sleepers who are dealing with issues such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or joint pain. However, a firmer mattress might work better for elderly sleepers in need of more support. When buying a soft mattress, watch out that it’s not too soft. Seniors will likely want a mattress that is easy to move around on—beds with thick layers of memory foam can be hard to get in and out of.
What’s the best mattress for seniors with arthritis?
Seniors who deal with arthritis should choose a mattress that’s on the softer side, as it will relieve pressure in any trouble areas. We recommend the Nectar Luxe as our favorite mattress for arthritis. This bed has soft, cushioning foams that should help cradle and reduce pressure on sensitive joints.
What type of mattress is best for the elderly?
This depends on many factors, including pain issues and sleeping position. A person who has arthritis or fibromyalgia might want to choose a softer mattress with something like memory foam in the construction, but those who need more support might want to seek out a firmer mattress that contains coils or some other more supportive material. And mobility is also something to consider—a responsive mattress will make it easier to move around and get out of bed.
Is memory foam good for the elderly?
Memory foam can relieve pressure for those with joint pain issues and provide some excellent overall comfort. However, it can make it more difficult to move around on a mattress, which isn’t ideal for those with mobility issues. Also, memory foam is known to sleep hot and could cause some seniors to overheat at night. Overall, we recommend looking at a memory foam bed with cooling infusions or a hybrid memory foam bed; hybrids have coils which allow air to flow through the mattress.