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Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief and more
We’ll discuss our top picks for the best mattresses for sleep apnea, with specific considerations for those that allow you to sleep comfortably in a position that allows for better breathing.
If you struggle with sleep apnea, I’ve been there. I have had sleep apnea for years, and I know just how exhausting it can be. There are treatment options such as a CPAP machine and surgery, but did you know that the right mattress can help with your sleep apnea?
In my best mattresses for sleep apnea roundup, I’ll discuss what you should look for in a mattress and help you find the right model for your specific situation. Let’s get to it!
Editor’s Note: This article has been created for informational purposes, and should not be taken as medical advice. If you think you may have sleep apnea, consult a physician.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea?
Our expert reviewers chose the Nectar as the best mattress for sleep apnea due to its effectiveness for side sleepers, conforming nature for better breathing, and affordability.
Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 150 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.
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab
How We Chose Our Top Picks
For this roundup, we considered about 20 mattresses, and came up with a list of 10 beds. These are the factors that mattered most in narrowing down that list:
Pressure Relief
Side sleeping can ease sleep apnea, and side sleepers tend to prefer mattresses with superior pressure relief for their shoulders and hips. Accordingly, although these mattresses encompass a wide range of mattress types and prices, each performed well with pressure relief among testers.
Compatability with Adjustable Base
Compatibility with an adjustable base was another consideration when curating this list — many folks with sleep apnea find relief by elevating their upper body, which can help open the airways and reduce symptoms. These beds, which are memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses, are flexible enough to maintain comfort and support while being inclined.
Cooling
Finally, cooling features are clutch for many types of sleepers, and especially those with sleep apnea who experience temperature sensitivity or night sweats. We picked mattress with cooling properties, such as gel-infused foam, aerated latex, airflow-promoting coil support layers, and breathable covers.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Sleep Apnea- Nectar Classic
Best Memory Foam Mattress
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Nectar
Nectar Classic
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, there’s a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldn’t feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because it’s an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. You’ll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Memory foam mattresses are usually a good match for those with sleep apnea, and the Nectar Classic is no exception. This mattress boasts some of the softest, comfiest memory foam layers around and offers exceptional pressure relief for side sleeping. When you lie down on the Nectar, you’ll sink in and feel the mattress conform to the shape of your body. Because of this, the Nectar Classic will also help with any other hip or back pain issues you may be experiencing.
What the testers say: “When I lay on my side on the Nectar, I could feel the foam contouring around my shoulder and hip. It was also easy to switch positions when I wanted to move onto my back, and that ease of movement can be hard to find in some memory foam mattresses.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
Average and lightweight back sleepers will feel comfortable and supported on the pressure-relieving memory foam.
This is a great mattress for couples who need top-tier motion isolation. When your partner moves in their sleep, you won’t feel disturbed by the movement.
It’s generally a great option for side sleepers, especially those with hip pain. Its medium-firmness allows for average and lightweight sleepers’s hips to sink in enough to experience pain relief.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
The Nectar is truly a slow-moving all-foam mattress. If you prefer a bouncy or traditional innerspring feel, this might not be the best match for you.
Memory foam mattresses tend to absorb heat while you sleep. The Nectar’s cooling cover and gel-infused memory foam may not be enough for extra hot sleepers to sleep cool.
Stomach sleepers won’t find enough support from this bed and should opt for something firmer.
Other User Reviews
On the Nectar website, the Nectar Classic boasts an impressive 4.7/5 rating from over 55,000 reviews. Many reviewers experienced back, hip and joint pain relief and said that it was very soft and comfortable to sleep on. Other reviewers mentioned that it did not sleep as cool as they had hoped. Not all users were a fan of the slow-moving feel, but for soft mattress fans, this was a great purchase.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Helix
Helix Midnight Luxe
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Breathability
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Mattress Clarity Exclusive Deal!
Use code CLARITY27 and save 27% off sitewide See Details
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,373-$2,073 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
This bed has a hotel-like feel. The pillow top provides a plush comfort layer to sink into.
The Helix Midnight Luxe sleeps cool. Thanks to its cooling cover and copper-infused memory foam, even hot sleepers shouldn’t worry about overheating on this bed.
Even though it’s a hybrid mattress, this bed has great motion isolation. That means if you co-sleep, you’re less likely to feel your partner’s movements.
Cons
Stomach sleepers probably won’t find this bed supportive enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
This is a luxury mattress model, so it wouldn’t be considered a budget-buy.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. It likely isn’t firm enough for most stomach sleepers, though. If you’re looking for a more supportive bed, check out the Titan Plus. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
When you have sleep apnea, you don’t want to skimp on comfort, and the Helix Midnight Luxe has that in spades. The Helix Midnight Luxe is a high-quality hybrid mattress that features supportive coils, pressure-relieving foam and a plush pillow top comfort layer. This Helix Midnight Luxe offers nice comfort for side sleeping, the best position for dealing with sleep apnea. At the same time, the mattress is zoned, which will keep your spine in neutral alignment while you sleep on your side.
What the testers say: “I have sleep apnea, and one thing I know I need in a mattress is a mattress that offers me pressure relief for side sleeping. I got just that on the Helix Midnight Luxe, which helped me sleep soundly.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight Luxe
Its medium-firmness makes this bed a great fit for average and lightweight side sleepers. We ranked this bed a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale, which is the industry standard for medium firmness.
The zoned support layer delivers extra firmness around the lumbar area. This extra support will help prevent lower back pain and promote neutral spinal alignment.
The Helix Midnight Luxe features some high-density foam and other high-quality materials such as individually-wrapped coils. Based on its construction, this mattress should last for at least 10 years.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight Luxe
Sleepers over 275 lb should consider mattresses designed for heavy people. This bed is too soft for heavier back and stomach sleepers and too firm for heavier side sleepers.
This mattress is delivered in a box, and we noticed a slight chemical smell after opening it. The smell dissipated completely after 48 hours.
Other User Reviews
The Helix Midnight Luxe has received 5,306 reviews on the Helix website with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Top-rated reviews praised how effective this bed was at eliminating lower back pain. Reviews across the board mentioned how the Midnight Luxe was softer than some sleepers expected.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Premier
Medium-Firm Feel
Cooling
Plush Pillow Top
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Spring Flash Sale
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The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,169-$2,998 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the DreamCloud Premier
The DreamCloud Premier is an excellent cooling mattress. Its hybrid design and breathable materials ensure you won’t be overheating during the night.
Back sleepers will feel very comfortable on the DreamCloud Premier. It boasts a perfect balance of comfort and support, which is exactly what back sleepers need.
While it is closer to medium-firm, it is a good fit for side sleepers. Its plush top will help relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips.
It features a plush pillow top design. Those who like the feeling of a luxurious pillow top will love the DreamCloud Premier.
Cons of the DreamCloud Premier
Stomach sleepers won’t get enough support on this mattress.
If you prefer the feeling of a memory foam mattress, the DreamCloud will be too bouncy for you.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious hybrid that gives you the feeling of sleeping in a nice hotel. Its combination of foam, coils, and cooling materials make it an ideal pick for both back sleepers and hot sleepers as well. At the same time, it is plush enough for the majority of side sleepers. However, if you sleep on your stomach, take a look at the firmer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Hybrid mattresses are a great choice if you deal with sleep apnea. The DreamCloud Premier mattress is one of our favorite hybrid mattresses, as its thick memory foam relieves pressure on the shoulders and hips while the durable layer of steel coils keeps your spine properly supported. What’s more, the DreamCloud Premier mattress has a Euro pillowtop that adds a luxury hotel feel to the bed.
What the testers say: “The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid bed with a luxury pillow top, so you get ample support with a luxe feels on top. I was impressed with how well it contoured around my curves and relieved pressure along my hips and lower back.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud Premier
The DreamCloud Premier is a pillow-top mattress. The soft, cashmere blend cover oozes luxury, and although you get some of that slow-moving memory foam feel, you also get lots of give-and-take from the coil layer.
The hybrid DreamCloud Premier will hardly trap heat. The quilted cashmere cover is very breathable, and the coils promote circulation of air, pulling body heat away.
The mattress is ideal for side and back sleepers. It offers good body contouring and provides ample pressure relief.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Premier
As a solidly medium-firm mattress, this won’t suit a sleeper who favors either a softer or firmer mattress. Instead those sleepers may want to look at a hybrid bed that furnishes multiple firmness options, like the Saatva Classic or WinkBed — read on to learn more about those hybrids in this roundup.
Stomach sleepers — especially those on the heavier side — may not get enough support on the DreamCloud Premier. We’d suggest a firmer bed, like the DreamCloud Original if you’re a light- or medium-weight sleeper, or the Emma Hybrid Comfort for heavier stomach sleepers.
Other User Reviews
With more than 5,000 reviews on DreamCloud’s website, the Premier mattress has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Many customers mentioned that they love the hybrid design, and many are happy with the firmness of the mattress. Verified buyer Jon O. wrote that the bed offered complete sleep apnea relief: “After initial couple weeks of adjustment, we are having the best, most restful sleep we’ve ever had. Bonus? My sleep apnea events have gone to zero. The Mrs. is echoing my sentiments. Get one – fast!” Most customers who had complaints mentioned the bed’s firmness not being to their preference.
Best Mattress for Back Pain and Sleep Apnea- WinkBed
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,149-$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It has a bouncy, responsive feel. This is great for combination sleepers who benefit from a bed that makes it easy to change positions at night.
The WinkBed features zoned support. With firmer foam at the top and bottom and more cushioning foam in the middle, this bed has excellent lumbar support.
This bed sleeps cool. Thanks to the breathable coils and gel-infused memory foam, hot sleepers can expect a cool night’s rest.
Cons
This isn’t the best option for motion isolation.
The WinkBed doesn’t have a traditional “sink-in” memory foam feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
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
Sleep apnea does not occur in a vacuum, and you may be struggling with other issues like back pain. The WinkBed is just the mattress to soothe your back pain while easing your sleep apnea. This luxury hybrid mattress features zoned coils, high-density foams and a plush pillow top. You’ll get the pressure relief you need, and the zoned coils will provide extra lumbar support. This can ease and prevent back pain because it keeps your spine in good neutral alignment. Say goodbye to back pain and reduce your sleep apnea symptoms at the same time.
What the testers say: “I tested the Luxury Firm version of the WinkBed, and I really enjoyed how well it supported me, particularly while back sleeping. The zoned support kept my spine in a nice, neutral alignment.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
This mattress comes in four firmness options, so it offers something for all sleepers. The Luxury Firm model works best for best sleepers who weigh less than 300 lb.
There are several design features that make this mattress great for hot sleepers. Its breathable Tencel cover, gel-infused memory foam and innerspring coils all promote airflow.
Its bouncy, innerspring feel makes this bed easy to change positions on. It’s a great fit for average and lightweight combination sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
The WinkBed did not perform well during our motion transfer test. This could be an issue for couples looking for a new mattress.
The Luxury Firm model is not the best fit for heavyweight sleepers. We recommend looking into the WinkBed Plus model designed for sleepers over 300 lb.
Other User Reviews
Overall, the WinkBed Luxury Hybrid has earned a nearly perfect 4.8 star average out of about 8,400 reviews online. Plenty of positive reviews mention how this bed eliminated any back or joint pain they had. With four firmness options, some shoppers found that their bed’s firmness level was either too soft or too firm for their comfort.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.8
Bear
Bear Original
Medium-Firm Feel
Affordable
Lifetime Warranty
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Spring Savings
Use code SPRING and save 30% off sitewide + 2 free pillows See Details
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and firmer ones for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$786-$1,690 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
The Bear’s gel-infused memory foam can help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
It’s an affordable option. A queen-size Bear mattress is less than $1,000, even before discounts.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress. That means if you find any covered defects or indentations during the life of your mattress, they will replace it free of charge.
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
This bed probably isn’t a good fit for side sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Stomach sleepers likely won’t find this bed firm enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you deal with sleep apnea and sleep hot as well, you want a mattress that will relieve pressure while keeping you cool. That’s why we are such big fans of the Bear Original mattress–it is a soft memory foam mattress that contains some nice cooling features. Its comfortable design offers great pressure point relief for side sleepers, and its Celliant cover and gel-infused memory foam both dissipate heat. Overheating is an issue with many memory foam mattresses, but it shouldn’t be with the Bear!
What the testers say: “On top of having sleep apnea, I also tend to sleep a bit hot. The Bear mattress’s breathable cover and cooling foam kept me from overheating, which told me I wouldn’t me waking up sweaty on this bed.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear
This bed is great for back sleepers of all body types. Even heavyweight sleepers will feel pleasant spinal support and comfort. Average and lightweight sleepers will benefit most from its pressure-relieving comfort layer.
The Bear Original is sold at an affordable price and is a great value for the high quality materials used.
Its high-density foam support layer helps with spinal alignment throughout the night. The foam will help contour at the lower back, while still being firm enough to keep the spine straight.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
This mattress is likely too soft for most stomach sleepers. If you sleep on your stomach, consider a firmer mattress that will better support your hips.
Heavier side sleepers will require a firmer, more supportive mattress. From our testing, these sleepers might sink too far into the mattress or feel pain on pressure points.
Other User Reviews
On the Bear website, the Bear Original mattress received over 10,000 reviews with a rating of 4.4 out of 5. Many people bought the Bear Original to relieve their back pain and were satisfied with their purchase. Some mid-range reviews mentioned how the mattress was slightly firmer than their expectations, but most still found it comfortable to sleep on.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Saatva
Saatva Classic
Multiplem Firmnesses
Durable
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free white glove delivery
Limited Time Offer
Take $300 off your order of $1,000 or more See Details
The Saatva is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is a bit firmer than average.
Price
$1,295-$2,790 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive enough for stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 300 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
The Saatva mattress is a great option for combination sleepers. It is available in multiple firmness options, but the Luxury Firm model works well for multiple sleeping positions.
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva will work well for most back sleepers. Its balance of comfort and support and zoned construction ensure you’ll sleep in good neutral alignment.
Shoppers looking for a long-lasting mattress will love the Saatva. It feature high-density foam and durable coils that should ensure it lasts for over 10 years.
Cons
If you like the feel of a memory foam mattress, you’re not going to love the feel of the Saatva.
Lightweight side sleepers might not get the best pressure relief, even on the softest Saatva model.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
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
Looking for something more luxurious? The Saatva Classic could do just the trick if you have sleep apnea. The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that boasts two sets of coils, high-density foam and a pillow top. It has the look and feel of a mattress you might find in a luxury hotel. You can select from three firmnesses, but we recommend the Plush Soft model. Its plush pillow top will provide much-needed pressure relief,while its zoned construction keeps you in good alignment.
What the testers say: “The Saatva has a traditional feel that reminded me of beds I slept on when I was growing up. The bounce makes it easy to move around on, and the combination of springs and organic cotton makes it super breathable.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva
Combination sleepers will feel comfortable in multiple sleeping positions because of its firm support layers and plush pillow-top cover. Its bouncy feel also makes it easy to move around on.
Its innerspring coils and breathable organic cotton cover make this bed a great option for hot sleepers. There’s a lot of room for airflow here.
It is constructed with high-quality materials, like organic cotton, CertiPUR-US® certified foam and steel coils. These materials will help it last at least 10 years.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva
The Saatva Classic has a vastly different feel than a slow-moving memory foam mattress. It’ll be bouncy and responsive and won’t have that sinking feeling.
Side sleepers, especially lightweight side sleepers, might find the Luxury Firm model to be too firm to feel pressure relief.
Other User Reviews
On Saatva’s website, the Saatva Classic has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars after just under 3,000 reviews. Positive reviews rave about Saatva’s customer service that was an added bonus on top of the high-quality mattress. Because the bed comes in multiple firmness options, some users were not initially satisfied with the first mattress they purchased and ended up choosing a different firmness option. Regardless, some users thought that all of the Classic models were too firm.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Sleep Apnea- Nolah Natural
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Nolah
Nolah Natural
Soft Feel
Eco-Friendly
Pressure Relief
Latex Mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Sale
Use code CLARITY50 and save an additional $50 off mattress purchases See Details
The Nolah Natural is a latex hybrid mattress. This means it has coils at the bottom and latex foam on top.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress a 6/10. For reference, 6.5/10 is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,499-$3,398 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
This comfort layer is naturally breathable, and the coils help promote airflow.
Side Sleepers
The Talalay Latex comfort layer offers nice pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs.
Pros
This mattress contains organic cotton and wool. Plus, the Talalay Latex is eco-friendly.
Because it’s softer than average, it cushions joints and offers nice pressure relief for many side sleepers.
This mattress doesn’t trap body heat, so it works well for people who tend to feel hot at night.
Cons
It doesn’t isolate motion well, which could be a deterrent for couples.
It lacks a slow-moving feel.
This mattress may not be supportive enough for many stomach sleepers.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nolah Natural is an eco-friendly mattress that contains organic cotton, organic wool, and eco-friendly latex foam. It feels softer than average, which makes it a nice choice for many side sleepers. It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers, though. It also doesn’t isolate motion well, so it may not be a good option for couples. Watch our Nolah Natural mattress review video to learn more.
Our Expert’s Take
Side sleeping is the best position for those with sleep apnea, and one of our favorite mattresses for this position is the Nolah Natural. As the name suggests, this is an organic, sustainably sourced mattress that features supportive coils and comfortable foams. The mattress boasts an organic cotton cover that testers said lent a luxurious feel and excellent breathability. Comfort layers also include organic wool, which is another temperature-regulating material that also acts as a natural fire barrier — that also means this is one of our favorite mattresses without fiberglass. A 2” Talalay latex foam layer adds more durability and bounce than traditional memory foam, and testers said that the zoned support coils helped keep their spines aligned.
What the testers say: “I’m a combination sleeper, and I tend to sleep on my side for a good portion of the night. I think the Nolah Natural is great for this position, because it has the bouncy latex to help you seamlessly move around and lots of pressure relief. I’ll also mention that side sleeping is ideal for those with sleep apnea, so I’d encourage you to try it out if it’s not already your go-to position.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Natural
Though the Nolah Natural features coils in its support layer, the comfort layer at the top of the mattress is quite thick. This will provide a good amount of pressure relief for side sleepers.
It’s built with many cooling components. The bouncy latex is also breathable and designed for temperature regulation. The coils offer a lot of airflow as well.
Latex and coils are two of the most durable materials in a mattress, so you can expect a long life from your mattress — at least 10 years, we estimate.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Natural
While this isn’t Nolah’s most luxurious model (that goes to the Nolah Evolution), the use of organic materials makes the bed slightly pricier than the typical comparable model, so even with a discount, a queen is about $1,500.
The build of bouncy latex and coils means that Nolah Natural does not isolate motion very well, so the bed could be a difficult fit for couples who tend to be awoken by their partner’s motion transfer through the bed.
Other User Reviews
Looking through reviews on Nolah’s website, many customers are very happy with their purchase, averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars. A common sentiment was praise for Nolah’s customer service and general remarks about how comfortable the mattress is. We’ll note, however, that Nolah is less transparent with its customer feedback than other brands since you can’t sort for negative reviews.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Multiple Firmnesses
Affordable
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
120-night trial period
Free shipping
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The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$665-$1,599 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, king, short king, Olympic queen, California king, split California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a budget-friendly mattress. It’s a good fit for shoppers looking for an affordable, versatile bed.
Combination sleepers will find it easy to change positions on this bed. Thanks to its bouncy coil construction, the Signature offers a very responsive surface.
Back and side sleepers under 230 lbs can expect great pressure relief and support on this bed.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
This bed doesn’t provide much motion isolation.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature isn’t a luxury mattress.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
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
Sleep apnea can be expensive with all the treatment and CPAP costs, so you don’t want to spend too much on your mattress. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable bed-in-a-box mattress that will still be a good fit for those with sleep apnea. It comes in three firmnesses, and the Soft model boasts some excellent pressure relief for side sleeping. A plush pillow top and soft foam will relieve any pressure around the shoulders and hips while the coils provide solid support. You’ll be able to sleep in the best position for sleep apnea, and you won’t break the bank to do so.
What the testers say: “The Brooklyn Signature has a fairly simple construction, but that doesn’t mean its not a quality mattress. I tested the medium firmness model of this bed, and really enjoyed how well it supported me, particularly while back sleeping.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
The medium-firm model is a great option for average and lightweight combination sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers in these categories should feel a good balance of comfort and support.
The mattress does a good job of regulating body temperature and dissipating heat. Its main comfort layer is made with proprietary TitanFlex foam to promote cooling.
It’s a responsive mattress and is very easy to move around on. Individually-wrapped coils and layers of high-density foam offers a bouncy and pillow-top feel.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
This is not a bed designed for heavy sleepers. For heavier back and stomach sleepers, a firmer mattress would be a better fit to ensure they receive proper support or a mattress for heavy people.
As an innerspring mattress, it doesn’t absorb motion well. For couples who share a bed together, this may be an issue.
Other User Reviews
On the Brooklyn Bedding website, over 10,000 reviews rate the Signature Hybrid mattress 4.7 out of 5 stars. Several positive reviews mention that the mattress is comfortable and helps with aches and pains. Many users purchased the Signature Hybrid for their RVs and could enjoy sleeping easily while on the road. One specific remark made by users with negative reviews was that the medium-firm model was too firm for side sleepers.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Birch
Birch Natural
Firm Feel
Sustainably Made
Responsive
Latex mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The Birch Natural is a latex hybrid mattress. It has both cushioning latex and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7/10. This is just slightly firmer than average.
Price
$1,498-$2,498 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive enough for stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Birch Natural
The Birch Natural is made with sustainable materials that have earned certifications from multiple third-party organizations, including GOTS and GREENGUARD.
Thanks to the latex layer, this bed is a bouncy, responsive mattress. Combination sleepers will appreciate how easy it is to change positions on it.
Ventilated latex and individually wrapped coils make for a breathable, cool night’s rest on this bed. Hot sleepers shouldn’t have to worry about this mattress trapping heat.
Cons of the Birch Natural
This bed is likely too firm to provide the cushioning most side sleepers need.
With such a responsive surface, this mattress won’t offer much motion isolation.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Birch Natural is a great option if you’re looking for a sustainable, responsive bed. It features natural latex and individually wrapped coils for comfort and support. Its firmness is best suited to back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs, though, so side sleeepers should opt for a softer bed, like the Helix Midnight. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Latex mattresses are often a good fit for sleep apnea, because of their hypoallergenic materials. Allergies can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms, but a mattress like the Birch can help prevent allergen buildup in your mattress. Also, similar to the other mattresses on this list, the Birch is ideal for side sleeping. The mattress comes with or without a pillow top, and we do recommend splurging for the pillow top. This adds more comfort to the top of the mattress, making it even more comfortable for side sleeping.
What the testers say: “The Birch has a bouyant and bouncy feel that makes it really easy to move around on. Since I’m a combination sleeper, I need to be able to switch positions, and I was able to do so with ease on this bed.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Birch
It’s made with 100% certified organic materials that are also hypoallergenic. This is great for those who have sensitive allergies in addition to sleep apnea, as these materials won’t trap anything that could make allergies worse.
It’s a very bouncy and responsive mattress. This means that the Birch mattress is great for combination sleepers who tend to move around frequently during the night.
All of the materials that go into the Birch mattress are designed for longevity. This mattress should last you at least a decade.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch
While we do love the organic materials that go into this mattress, their inclusion does drive up the price. Shoppers who are on a strict budget should stick to a mattress with a lower price tag.
If you’re looking for something that provides a lot of body contouring, and has more of a slow-moving memory foam feel, the Birch is not the mattress for you.
Other User Reviews
Birch customers gave the Birch mattress4.6 out of 5 stars on the brand’s website. Many praised the fact that it is made with organic materials. Some stomach sleepers found that it was the perfect match for them. However, some reviews that were less than satisfactory mentioned the fact that the bed was too firm for them.
Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing during the night and wake up. You may not realize you are waking up at first, which is why sleep apnea is so difficult to diagnose. However, you are waking up, and this prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep.
For a more technical definition, we turned to Dr. Harris: “Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when airflow becomes blocked or significantly reduced during sleep due to the collapse of the soft tissues in the throat.”
The most common type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat muscles relax, narrowing or collapsing your airway. When this happens, you wake up in order to start breathing again.
According to Dr. Dasgupta, men are thought to be more at risk for this condition, “but OSA is frequently misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed in women.” If you think you may be experiencing OSA symptoms, definitely schedule an appointment with your doctor.
You might also suffer from Central Sleep Apnea, which occurs when your brain does not send the correct signals to maintain proper breathing while you sleep. If you have Complex Sleep Apnea, this means you have developed Central Sleep Apnea after previously having Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
At first, many sleep apnea sufferers might not realize that they are experiencing sleep apnea. This is because the symptoms of sleep apnea occur while they are sleeping. If you sleep alone, you may have no idea that you are exhibiting signs of sleep apnea.
However, if you sleep with a partner, they will have plenty to tell you. First off, you will probably be snoring loudly during the night. Also, you may seem to choke in your sleep and may even stop breathing. “OSA can make you snore, choke, or wake up gasping for air,” said Dr. Harris. “Even if you sleep for hours, you might feel exhausted because your body isn’t getting the quality sleep it needs.”
However, it’s more than just lost sleep. Sleep apnea can also increase your chances of heart disease, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s.
Testing an elevated sleep position in our sleep lab
If you don’t sleep with a partner, you’ll notice some symptoms during the day. You will feel daytime fatigue and will probably have a headache. You may also have a sore, dry throat as well.
How To Choose A Mattress For Sleep Apnea
When you’re choosing a new mattress for sleep apnea, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, you want to think about your sleeping position. Side sleeping is the best sleeping position for sleep apnea as it helps open your airways, preventing apnea incidents. Dr. Dasgupta confirmed this fact: “Side sleeping can also reduce the frequency of OSA episodes, so using devices or pillows to stay on your side while sleeping can be helpful for some people.”
You’re going to want to sleep on your side, so you will want a mattress with good pressure relief. Side sleeping, your weight is concentrated on your shoulders and hips, and you need a mattress that will relieve buildup around those pressure points. Consider a softer mattress that will let you sink in a fair bit.
Marten side sleep testing a mattress in our sleep lab
At the same time, don’t choose a mattress that is too soft. If you sink in too far, it could throw your spine out of alignment. This can lead to back pain and other joint pain issues. Choose a soft mattress, but make sure the mattress offers some good support as well.
Hybrid mattresses are often a great match for sleep apnea because they provide the comfort of foam and the support of coils. A memory foam mattress can offer great pressure relief but, again, make sure it isn’t too soft.
Finally, you want to pay attention to the materials used in the mattress. Specifically, are they hypoallergenic or not? A mattress with hypoallergenic materials can prevent dust mites and allergen buildup in the mattress and this can, in turn, make you feel less congested. Congestion from allergies can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms, so this is something to keep in mind.
Firm vs Soft Mattress For Sleep Apnea
If you’re looking for the best mattress for sleep apnea, you do want to think about firmness levels. Generally speaking, a soft mattress is going to be better for sleep apnea. Soft mattresses offer better pressure relief than firm mattresses, making them a better fit for side sleeping.
However, stomach sleeping can also work if you struggle with sleep apnea. While it can lead to back pain issues, stomach sleeping can still ease sleep apnea symptoms. If you do decide to sleep on your stomach, a firm mattress will be the better choice. This will help keep your hips elevated and your entire body supported.
Summary
Again, here is our list of the best mattresses for sleep apnea.
A bad mattress cannot actually cause sleep apnea, but it can exacerbate an existing condition. If the mattress does not let you sleep on your side, it could cause you to wake up more often during the night. We recommend getting a soft mattress that makes side sleeping more comfortable.
What type of mattress is best for sleep apnea?
A soft mattress that provides good pressure relief is the best. This will keep you comfortable when side sleeping, the best position for those with sleep apnea. Look for mattresses that have a firmness rating of 6.5 or lower, and use soft foams for added contouring.
Is a firm mattress better for sleep apnea?
In general, firm mattresses are not the best for sleep apnea. Side sleeping is ideal for sleep apnea, and a soft mattress is better for this position. However, stomach sleeping can also help ease sleep apnea and, in this case, a firmer mattress is better.
Are TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses good for sleep apnea?
Yes, the majority of TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses are good for sleep apnea. This is because most TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses have a softer feel, thanks to the brand’s proprietary TEMPUR foam. This special memory foam offers lots of soft cushioning and contouring.
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Marten Carlson
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.
