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Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief (2024) – Expert Tested

Disclaimer – Nothing on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment… Read More Here.

Sleep should be a time when our body rests and heals from the activities of our day. However, when we lie down at night there are certain parts of our body where pressure is more prone to building up. If you’re sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t give you enough relief from this pressure, it can cause pain around these pressure points, which can ultimately lead to worse sleep.

It is important to have a bed that provides pressure relief so that you can get quality sleep and wake up free from aches and pains. To help you with this, we’ve rounded up the best mattresses for pressure relief. We’ll break down the details of each one so that you can make an informed buying decision.

Our Pick for the Best Mattress for Pressure Relief

The Nectarearned our top pick for pressure relief due to its contouring foam construction that helps to alleviate pain in the joints.

Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief

Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology

At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.

We then take all the information we’ve gathered to rate the bed in specific categories. These results allow us to help our readers find the right mattress for their needs.

For this roundup, we prioritized features that are especially important for pain relief. We also consulted the expertise of our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta.

Methodology Image- Sleep Advisor
Our lead product tester, Julia Forbes, hands on mattress testing.

Advice from a Medical Expert

We reached out to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, who has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, to see his thoughts on what key qualities people need in a mattress for optimal pressure relief.

Choose a medium soft to medium firm mattress made of high quality materials like memory foam or latex to give you the best pressure point relief. Features like zoned support, motion isolation and temperature regulation are all also great things to look for.”

Compare The Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief

Nectar Mattress Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress DreamCloud Original Mattress Emma Hybrid Comfort WinkBed Mattress Nolah Original 10 Saatva Mattress Bear Original Mattress
Nectar Mattress Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress DreamCloud Original Mattress Emma Hybrid Comfort WinkBed Mattress Nolah Original 10″ Mattress Saatva Mattress Bear Original Mattress
Rating
4.7/5
4.7/5
4.6/5
4.6/5
4.6/5
4.8/5
4.8/5
4.7/5
Firmness Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Medium-firm: 6/10 Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Firm: 7/10 Multiple firmness options Medium: 5/10 Multiple firmness options Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Material Foam Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Foam Innerspring Foam
Cooling
Warranty Lifetime warranty 15-year warranty Lifetime warranty 10-year warranty Lifetime warranty Lifetime warranty Lifetime warranty Lifetime warranty
Shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free white glove delivery Free shipping
Trial Period 365 nights 100 nights 365 nights 365 nights 120 nights 120 nights 365 nights 120 nights
Best For Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers

Nectar– Editor’s Pick

Editor’s Pick

Nectar Mattress

Nectar Mattress

Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.

Score 4.0/5
Read Nectar Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Foam

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Editor’s Pick

Nectar Mattress

Nectar Mattress

Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.

Score 4.0/5
Read Nectar Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Nectar Mattress
Editor’s Pick

Nectar Mattress

Nectar offers the deeper hug of a traditional memory foam bed but with updated cooling and a Forever warranty.

Score 4.0/5
Read Nectar Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review

Why the Nectar Earned Editor’s Pick

The Sleep Advisor team picked the Nectar for the top spot here because it has an excellent combination of pressure relief and support. The softer memory foam at the top of this bed does an incredible job of cradling pressure points around your shoulders, knees, and hips.

Another great thing about the Nectar is that it’s a quality bed at an affordable price. This means you can experience great pressure relief without spending a fortune.

What’s the Nectar Mattress Made Of?

Nectar’s 12-inch profile has a cover made of polyethylene and a polyester/nylon blend that incorporates heat-wicking technology. Directly below the cooling cover, you’ll find a 2-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam that is quilted to the cover.

Next, you’ll find 3 inches of soft premium foam that supports your weight while transitioning you into the supportive base layer. The base layer is made up of 7 inches of a high-density conventional foam.

testing the layers and construction of the nectar mattress
Take a closer look at the mattress construction of the Nectar mattress

Our Take: “The top is soft enough to let you sink in just a bit, especially around pressure points, but you still feel the firm support below”. Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Lead Product Reviewer

What We Liked

  • Contouring foam – The upper layers of this bed are made with memory foam. This material gently cradles your body and provides pressure relief to areas that come in contact with the mattress such as the shoulders, hips, and knees. T
  • Motion isolation – If you sleep with a restless partner, mattresses that keep motion isolated to one side of the bed are highly beneficial. The Nectar not only provides great pressure relief, but it also prevents motion from transferring across the mattress.
  • Affordability – Although you will be able to find less expensive all-foam mattresses, we think that the value and longevity that you’re likely to get from this bed make it an excellent value. Plus, the Nectar brand gives an impressive year-long sleep trial and Forever warranty with this bed.

Possible Drawbacks

  • Not great cooling – Typically, memory foam mattresses aren’t great for cooling. However, many brands find ways to incorporate cooling features in their memory foam beds. While the Nectar does infuse cooling gel into its memory foam, our lead reviewer, Julia, wasn’t very impressed with the Nectar’s ability to keep cool.
  • Too soft for most heavyweight sleepers – Those who weigh over 230 pounds may find that this bed is too soft for them, particularly if they sleep on their back or stomach. Their weight may cause them to push through the upper and transition layers and not receive a proper amount of support.

Customer Reviews of the Nectar Mattress

With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. One common customer complaint about the Nectar mattress is its longer-than-average break-in period, while many customers praise its excellent value and comfort once fully settled.

For more on the Nectar, visit our Nectar mattress review or our other picks for the best mattresses of all time.

Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress for Pressure Relief

Best Luxury Mattress for Pressure Relief

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

helix midnight luxe mattress

With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.

Score 4.0/5
Read Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Warranty

15-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Luxury Mattress for Pressure Relief

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

helix midnight luxe mattress

With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.

Score 4.0/5
Read Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

15-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

100 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
helix midnight luxe mattress
Best Luxury Mattress for Pressure Relief

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.

Score 4.0/5
Read Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty

15-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review

Why the Helix Midnight Luxe Earned Best Luxury Mattress for Pressure Relief

If you want pressure relief wrapped in luxury, we think you should consider the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress. The Midnight Luxe is a hybrid that offers both plushness and support in a universally-appealing medium firmness.

This intentional design can help relieve pressure around any area that may experience buildup.
However, our team thinks the Midnight Luxe may be particularly appealing to side sleepers who experience pressure buildup around their shoulders and hips.

What’s the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Made Of?

The first part of the Helix Midnight Luxe that you come into contact with is the luxuriously soft pillow top. The cover is made with breathable TENCEL™, and the top layer of memory foam is infused with copper gel. This should provide a cool feel as it helps regulate your temperature throughout the night. Underneath the pillow top, you’ll find a 2-inch Memory Plus Foam layer that is designed to adjust to your body weight and provide personalized pressure relief.

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Construction
The Helix Midnight uses both coils and foam in it’s mattress construction

From the support layer, you will transition into a high-grade poly foam that will help guide you from the comfort layers to the coil unit. The innerspring layer is made of over 1,000 pocketed coils that are specifically zoned to provide pressure relief and support where they are most needed. Finally, this luxury mattress has a base made from DuraDense Foam for overall stability.

Our Take: “I particularly love how this one, the Midnight, feels when I’m sleeping on my side. The pillow top adds just a bit more cushioning than the standard Midnight does, and the zoned support also seems to help with my overall alignment.”Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

  • Ability to regulate temperature – Helix uses their proprietary Premium Cooling Pillow Top to provide temperature regulation and a cool feel through breathable Tencel™. Additionally, the gel inside the comfort foam is infused with naturally cooling copper and the pocketed coils should further enhance airflow and temperature regulation.
  • Advanced pressure relief and support – The design of the Midnight Luxe features specific zones that provide firmer support around heavier areas like the midsection and a softer, contouring feel around lighter areas such as the shoulders. By using this intentional design, sleepers should experience excellent spinal alignment and top-notch pressure relief.
  • Exceptional edge support – Support around the perimeter of a bed can aid those with mobility issues and allow couples to utilize the entire surface area without the fear of falling out. Helix pays special attention to this area of design, and as such, the Midnight Luxe should keep sleepers secure even when they scoot to the far edge. As Emma noted in her testing of this bed, “Edge support really shouldn’t be a big issue.”

Possible Drawbacks

  • The higher price point – As the name implies, the Helix Midnight Luxe is a luxury mattress, offering an upgrade from the brand’s standard Helix Midnight model. While the Luxe comes with some enhancements, it makes for a more expensive mattress that some may not be able to afford.
  • No all-foam version – Pressure relief seekers who prefer an all-foam mattress may be disappointed that the Helix Midnight Luxe is only offered as a hybrid. These beds feature both poly foam and memory foam, but they also feature a coil unit. This may mean that this bed’s motion isolation may not be as good as all-foam options, which could be a drawback for couples and other co-sleepers.

Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight Luxe

The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on Helix’s website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.

For more on the Helix Midnight Luxe, visit our Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review or check out our picks for the best luxury mattress.

DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Mattress for Pressure Relief

Best Hybrid Mattress for Pressure Relief

DreamCloud Original Mattress

DreamCloud Original Mattress

Luxurious hybrid at a great price with a lifetime warranty.

Score 4.0/5
Read DreamCloud Original Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Hybrid Mattress for Pressure Relief

DreamCloud Original Mattress

DreamCloud Original Mattress

Luxurious hybrid at a great price with a lifetime warranty.

Score 4.0/5
Read DreamCloud Original Mattress Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Best Hybrid Mattress for Pressure Relief

DreamCloud Original Mattress

Luxurious hybrid at a great price with a lifetime warranty.

Score 4.0/5
Read DreamCloud Original Mattress Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

Why the Dreamcloud Earned Best Hybrid Mattress for Pressure Relief

The DreamCloud Hybrid uses layers of memory foam to provide the body contouring cradle that will provide pressure relief to various body parts, and it also utilizes individually-wrapped coils that work in tandem with the foam to bring you all-over support.

In addition to the excellent pressure relief that this hybrid mattress provides, our lead reviewer, Julia, noted that the DreamCloud was easy to move around on, making this a great choice for those who want a bed with pressure-relieving memory foam that won’t leave them feeling stuck in the mattress.

Seniors looking for a supportive mattress should check out our Best Mattresses for Seniors.

What’s the DreamCloud Mattress Made Of?

The 14-inch DreamCloud starts with a luxurious cover that promotes cooling. A 1.5-inch layer of soft memory foam is stitched into the cover. Directly under that, you will find another inch of foam that is infused with cooling gel. This layer is made to contour sensitive areas in order to alleviate pressure buildup.

Next up is a 2-inch thick standard foam that transitions you from the soft top layers to the coil support layer. Individually-wrapped 8.5-inch steel coils serve as the main support layer, which is followed by a stability layer that lends a hand to all of the layers above it. To keep the bed from sliding, DreamCloud uses a shift-resistant lower cover

Take a closer look at the mattress construction of the original DreamCloud mattress
DreamCloud mattress construction

Our Take: “One of my all-time favorites. Aside from the memory foam layers designed for supporting your back and cushioning your pressure points, wrapped coils work to give your body just the right amount of support it needs.” – Julia, Lead Product Tester

What We Liked

  • Cooling properties – This mattress should help sleepers stay cool throughout the night because of the gel-infused memory foam. Memory foam has a reputation for overheating, but by incorporating gel into it, DreamCloud helps this from happening. The coils in this mattress also promote airflow for additional cooling.
  • Responsiveness – The hybrid design of this mattress incorporates memory foam, a material that doesn’t typically provide much responsiveness or bounce. This can leave sleepers feeling stuck. However, the coils help deliver excellent bounce and sleepers shouldn’t feel stuck when repositioning on this bed.
  • Luxurious feel – The DreamCloud uses quality materials, such as high-end gel-infused memory foam and individually-wrapped steel coils. The top cover is made from cashmere that is soft and gentle to the touch. These materials combine to give this mattress an overall opulent look and feel.

Possible Drawbacks

  • Price – Given that DreamCloud uses premium materials to make a quality-constructed mattress, it is not surprising that it comes with a higher price tag. Although we think that this bed is reasonably priced for all that it can offer, the DreamCloud may not fit into some shoppers’ budgets.
  • Lack of edge support – During her testing, Julia found that the perimeter of the DreamCloud sags a little more than other hybrid beds. This lack of support could be problematic for those with mobility issues and couples who want to utilize the entire surface area of their bed.

Customer Reviews of the DreamCloud

The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. One potential downside of the DreamCloud Original mattress is its weight, making it challenging to move or rotate, but it offers excellent support and comfort for those who prefer a medium-firm feel.

For more on the DreamCloud, visit our DreamCloud mattress review or our list of the best hybrid mattresses.

Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief

Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief

Emma Hybrid Comfort

Emma Hybrid Comfort

With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.

Score 4.0/5
Read Emma Hybrid Comfort Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Firm: 7/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief

Emma Hybrid Comfort

Emma Hybrid Comfort

With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.

Score 4.0/5
Read Emma Hybrid Comfort Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Firm: 7/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief

Emma Hybrid Comfort

With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.

Score 4.0/5
Read Emma Hybrid Comfort Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Firm: 7/10

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5

Why the Emma Hybrid Comfort Earned Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief

A bed that relieves pressure doesn’t always have to be super-soft. Plenty of folks may want a firmer bed for the support, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing pressure relief. 

Enter the Emma Hybrid Comfort, a bed that feels firm thanks to its sturdy coil unit, but promotes pressure relief thanks to the softer foams on top. This bed should keep you elevated, aligning your spine while it still allows some sinkage in sensitive areas of your body.

What’s the Emma Hybrid Comfort Made Of?

The Emma Hybrid Comfort is 13 inches tall and has seven layers (if you include its upper and lower cover). This top cover is soft and breathable, made from moisture-wicking fibers.

Underneath the cover, the layer of Airgocell® foam has an open-celled construction to run cooler than typical memory foams. Another layer of memory foam contours to your body and absorbs motion. A final supportive layer of HRX (High Resiliency Extra) Foam then promotes spinal alignment.

Looking at the Emma Hybrid Construction in the lab
Our testers giving an inside look of the Emma Hybrid Comfort

The sturdy innerspring unit features individually wrapped coils in seven unique zones for a balanced lift. This all sits upon a stable foam foundation layer. A handled bottom cover keeps the mattress from sliding around.

Our Take:Pressure relief was actually decent on this mattress, but you wouldn’t assume that from the feel alone. The mattress kept pressure off my hips and shoulders, but it wasn’t exactly a cushiony experience.” — Julia, Lead Product Tester

What We Liked

  • Affordable price – This bed also comes in at a pretty affordable price for everything you’re getting. A queen size mattress can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,320, thanks to frequent sales.
  • Can accommodate plus size sleepers – The Emma Hybrid Comfort’s firmness and zoned support should work well for a variety of sleepers, but especially those over 230 pounds.

Possible Drawbacks

  • Not for lightweight sleepers – On the other hand, some lighter sleepers may find this bed too unyielding for their liking. Its firmness might not allow them to get the pressure relief they desire.
  • Makes noise – During testing, we noticed that the Emma Hybrid Comfort makes a sort of crinkling noise when you move around on its surface. The culprit may be one of the foams in its construction. It’s pretty noticeable if you’re sensitive to sound in your sleep.

Customer Reviews of the Emma Hybrid Comfort

This is a fairly new mattress, so Emma’s site doesn’t have many reviews yet, but early customers already rate it an impressive 5 out of 5 stars. So far customers appreciate the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress for its excellent motion isolation, but some have reported that it may have a slight initial off-gassing odor upon unboxing.

For more on the Emma Hybrid Comfort, visit our Emma Hybrid Comfort review, or check out the best firm mattresses.

WinkBed – Best Mattress for Couples Needing Pressure Relief

Best Mattress for Couples Needing Pressure Relief

WinkBed Mattress

WinkBeds Mattress

WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.

Score 4.4/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Mattress for Couples Needing Pressure Relief

WinkBed Mattress

WinkBeds Mattress

WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.

Score 4.4/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
WinkBeds Mattress
Best Mattress for Couples Needing Pressure Relief

WinkBed Mattress

WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.

Score 4.4/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

Why the WinkBed Earned Best Mattress for Couples Needing Pressure Relief

Sleeping with another person presents additional challenges than snoozing alone. Fortunately, when you are both seeking pressure relief and peaceful co-sleeping, the WinkBed has you covered.

By using a combination of soft gel foam and pocketed coils, we feel this hybrid mattress can provide exemplary pressure relief for both partners. Not only should your partner and you experience pressure relief, but the WinkBed also provides some bounce to make repositioning easier during sex. WinkBed also has superior edge support, which can allow couples to utilize the entire bed.

What’s the WinkBed Mattress Made Of?

WinkBed mattresses are individually handcrafted. This may make their heights slightly different, though they are usually around 13.5 inches tall.

Starting at the top of the bed, you’ll be met with a cover made from breathable and eco-friendly Tencel®. This material is made from eucalyptus trees and should wick away moisture to keep you dry and cool. This cover is quilted to 2 inches of gel-infused foam. Together, they form the Euro-style pillow top.

The innerspring unit is under the Euro top and consists of 8-inch individually-wrapped coils. This section has five targeted zones that provide extra pushback support for heavier areas.

WinkBeds Mattress Construction
Winkbed mattress construction

During his testing of the WinkBed, our reviewer, Sean, noted, “The coils are zoned so there’s plenty of pressure relief for my shoulders and hips, which I really appreciate.”

If you choose the Soft version of this mattress, you’ll have an additional 2 inches of foam for extra pressure relief.

Our Take: “WinkBed should be a good option for couples thanks to its sturdy construction and reinforced edge coils that maximize sleep space. The top layer offers pressure relief and a gentle cradle that feels great.” – Sean, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

  • Customizable options – The WinkBed can be purchased in Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm, and Plus. This versatility will give couples more options so that they can find a mattress that meets both of their needs. For lighter-weight couples who need extra pressure relief, the Soft version, which uses additional foam, could be helpful.
  • Handcrafted – The WinkBeds brand is dedicated to bringing a high-quality product to the market, and they showcase this by handcrafting every mattress that they make. This eye for detail provides a special touch that many people will appreciate, though it should be noted that this causes slight variances between the mattresses.
  • Cooling features – Between the moisture-wicking Tencel® cover, cooling gel-infused foam, and innerspring coils that promote airflow, the WinkBed presents couples with a multitude of cooling features that should help them stay comfortable throughout the night.

Possible Drawbacks

  • Lack of memory foam – Hybrid mattresses are constructed with a combination of foams and coils. Often, manufacturers use memory foam because it’s so adept at cradling the sleeper’s body to alleviate pressure. However, the WinkBed does not use any memory foam. Therefore, fans of that material may not enjoy this bed as much.
  • Affordability – With premium materials, multiple firmness options, and a handcrafted product, WinkBeds offers shoppers plenty of quality and customization with their flagship bed. However, this means the WinkBed’s price tag may be higher than some shoppers would prefer.

Customer Reviews of the Winkbed

On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. One drawback of the WinkBed mattress is that it might be too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers, but overall it offers excellent durability and customizable firmness options.

For more on the WinkBed, visit our WinkBed mattress review or check out the best beds for couples.

Nolah Original – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Needing Pressure Relief

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Needing Pressure Relief

Nolah Original 10″ Mattress

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.

Score 4.0/5
Read Nolah Original 10″ Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Foam

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium: 5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Needing Pressure Relief

Nolah Original 10″ Mattress

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.

Score 4.0/5
Read Nolah Original 10″ Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium: 5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Needing Pressure Relief

Nolah Original 10″ Mattress

Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.

Score 4.0/5
Read Nolah Original 10″ Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium: 5/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Why the Nolah Original Earned Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Needing Pressure Relief

Side sleepers are much more susceptible to pressure buildup because their preferred sleeping position means that small areas of their body bear a large portion of their body weight. When you sleep on your side, your hips and shoulders receive extra pressure, which can lead you to wake up with aches and pains.

Nolah aims to resolve this issue by manufacturing the Original with their proprietary AirFoam™. This material provides gentle cradling but sleepers aren’t as likely to sink into the mattress as they may with traditional memory foam. Our reviewers felt that this bed excelled in giving side sleepers the deep pressure that is needed for those who prefer to sleep in this position.

What’s the Nolah Original Mattress Made Of?

When you place your hand on the Nolah Original’s breathable Tencel™ cover, you’ll notice that it is soft and cool. When you settle into this cover, you should feel it wicking away moisture and regulating your body heat. Directly under the cover, you’ll find a 2-inch layer of Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam™ that was designed to be temperature neutral.

The second layer is 1 inch tall and is made from a latex-like support foam, which serves as a transition layer from the top comfort layer to the bottom support layer. The final layer is made up of 7 inches of high-density poly foam. This area gives support and structure to the rest of the mattress.

Our Take: “Nolah should excel in providing the pressure relief [side sleepers] need.” Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

  • Proprietary materials – To combat memory foam’s tendency to heat up, Nolah developed a material known as AirFoam™. This specialized foam is made to provide pressure relief as well as a cooler sleeping environment. From his experience testing the Nolah, Stuart found it to be “great for people who want cooling.”
  • Responsiveness – The High-Resilience foam in the middle of the Nolah provides more responsiveness overall than many other all-foam mattresses. This should allow sleepers to reposition more easily and keep them from feeling stuck.
  • Motion isolation – If you’ve ever been woken up by the tossing and turning of your partner or pet, you probably understand the importance of a mattress with good motion isolation. We found that the design Nolah uses does a good job of preventing motion from transferring from one side of the bed to the other.

Possible Drawbacks

  • Smaller profile – The Nolah Original checks in at just 10 inches thick, making it slightly thinner than other bed-in-a-box beds. While this thinner profile may work well for some, others may enjoy a bed with a higher profile, such as Nolah’s Evolution model.
  • Heavier sleepers may need more support – Those who weigh over 230 pounds are likely to sink too far down in this bed. By pushing through the layers too quickly, these sleepers may not get the support they need, which could lead to pressure accumulation around heavier areas of their body.

Customer Reviews of the Nolah Original

The Nolah gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website. One potential drawback of the Nolah Signature mattress is its limited firmness options, but it excels in providing exceptional pressure relief and a cooling sleep experience.

For more on the Nolah Original, visit our Nolah Original mattress review or check out the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Pressure Relief and Back Pain

Best Mattress for Pressure Relief and Back Pain

Saatva Mattress

Saatva Classic Mattress in Sleep Advisor

Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.

Score 4.2/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Innerspring

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief and Back Pain

Saatva Mattress

Saatva Classic Mattress in Sleep Advisor

Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.

Score 4.2/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review

Material

Innerspring

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Saatva Classic Mattress in Sleep Advisor
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief and Back Pain

Saatva Mattress

Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.

Score 4.2/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review

Material

Innerspring

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Why the Saatva Classic Earned Best Mattress for Pressure Relief and Back Pain

Many people navigating back pain need a mattress that will not only provide pressure relief but also adequate support to keep the spine in good alignment. The Saatva provides a balanced approach to pressure relief and spinal support that makes it a top choice. In fact, our lead reviewer, Julia, gave the Saatva high marks for both pressure relief and back pain during her testing of this bed.

Saatva also uses its patented Lumbar Zone® Technology in a unique lumbar section that can aid in back pain relief. Additionally, the Saatva Classic has many luxurious features such as a taller profile, multiple firmness options, and white-glove delivery.

What’s the Saatva Classic Mattress Made Of?

The top of the Saatva Classic has a plush Euro top for pressure relief right at the surface. Underneath this, you’ll be met with a unique memory foam lumbar support area that was designed to alleviate tension around the lower back. Julia said that this section felt noticeably different than the rest of the mattress.

After the foam transition layer, the Saatva boasts its first layer of recycled steel coils. The lumbar support panel is also boosted by coils.

The bottom innerspring layer contains 7-inch steel coils that are shaped like hourglasses. In addition to providing support, these coils keep the mattress from sagging. The coil-on-coil design promotes airflow, which helps regulate temperature.

The inside of the Saatva Classic Mattress
Our testers looking at the construction of the Saatva mattress

The Saatva also uses a sturdy, thick foam on the base and around the edges to provide extra edge support.

Our Take: “Support’s the name of the game here because under the Euro pillow top is not one, but two coil layers to keep you feeling supported. And as a bonus, this provides extra structure at the edges, so that equals long-term durability.” – Julia, Lead Product Tester

What We Liked

  • The lumbar support area – This section is a unique feature that is specifically designed to provide support and relief to your back. It is made from contouring memory foam that cradles your spine and lower back.
  • Luxurious affordability – The Saatva is an online mattress that is delivered and set up in your home via white-glove delivery. In addition to that, the bed features high-end materials that give this mattress great durability — all at an affordable price.
  • Eco-friendly materials – Saatva uses natural cotton and upcycled steel to reduce their carbon footprint. If you’re looking for something better for your back pain and the Earth, this could be a great fit.

Possible Drawbacks

  • Lack of delivery options – White-glove delivery is the only delivery option available for this bed. Although many will appreciate this service, others may prefer to have their mattress shipped to them in a box.
  • Return fee – Saatva offers a robust year-long sleep trial. You will have 365 days to decide if this is the bed for you, but if you choose to return it during this time, it will cost you 99 dollars to do so.

Customer Reviews of the Saatva Classic

The Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. One negative aspect customers found with the Saatva Classic mattress is that it may feel too firm for some users, while a notable advantage is its high-quality materials, providing durability and support.

For more on the Saatva, visit our Saatva Classic mattress review or consider checking out the best beds for back pain.

Bear Original – Best Mattress for Athletes Needing Pressure Relief

Best Mattress for Athletes Needing Pressure Relief

Bear Original Mattress

This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.

Score 4.0/5
Read Bear Original Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Foam

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Mattress for Athletes Needing Pressure Relief

Bear Original Mattress

This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.

Score 4.0/5
Read Bear Original Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Mattress for Athletes Needing Pressure Relief

Bear Original Mattress

This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.

Score 4.0/5
Read Bear Original Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review

Why the Bear Original Earned Best Mattress for Athletes Needing Pressure Relief

Athletes often put their bodies through intense workouts that leave them craving a bed that supports them and relieves the pressure that has built up around their joints and muscles. The Bear Original is a sturdy bed offering versatility, support, and pressure-relieving properties that we think make it a great fit for athletes.

The Bear Original should allow you to ease into a gentle cradle as the gel memory foam on top delivers pressure relief. Bear uses graduated firmness levels that should allow athletes to ease into the firm stability of the support layers.

What’s the Bear Original Mattress Made Of?

The 10-inch Bear Original is an all-foam bed-in-a-box with a cover made from breathable, plant-derived TENCEL™ fibers. However, for an additional fee, you can opt for a cover that uses Celliant® technology. Although research about Celliant® and its effectiveness is ongoing, it is reportedly designed to help speed up tissue recovery after a day’s activity.

Directly beneath the cover, is a 2-inch thick graphite-gel-infused memory foam for both temperature regulation and pressure relief.

From there, you will find the transition layer of 2-inch thick poly foam. This layer provides additional pressure-relieving properties while easing sleepers between the upper comfort layer to the 6-inch dense foam. The bottom layer of the Bear serves as the primary support unit.

Bear Mattress Construction
Closer look at the Bear Original mattress construction

Our Take: “It’s a little firmer than the typical all-foam mattress, which should make it a little bit more versatile for different kinds of sleepers. – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

  • Designed for athletes – Bear specifically designed this mattress for the wear and tear that athletes put their bodies through. If you decide to pay a bit extra for a Celliant® cover, this technology may help reduce inflammation and increase blood flow. However, we want to emphasize that research is ongoing—we recommend looking more into Celliant® if this material sounds interesting to you.
  • Temperature-regulating materials – Graphite gel is infused into the Bear’s memory foam layer, which should help prevent overheating. Additionally, the Bear’s cover is designed for breathability. By implementing these features, the Bear should overcome some of the heating issues that can happen with memory foam.
  • Motion isolation – The all-foam design of the Bear Original can be a good choice for couples because it does a good job of preventing motion from transferring from one side of the bed to the other. During his testing of the Bear Original, Stuart emphasized just how motion-isolating the Bear mattress is. “I’m pretty sure you could do a cannonball into this bed and your partner would be none the wiser.” Therefore, if your partner’s tossing and turning wakes you during the night, the Bear Original may be able to solve this problem.

Possible Drawbacks

  • Price tag – The Bear Original uses premium materials as well as advanced technology in the manufacturing of their mattresses. While this may provide advanced recovery for athletes, it comes at a price that may not be attainable for everyone.
  • Lack of bounce – While this bed has some bounce, it won’t have as much as an innerspring or latex model. The limited responsiveness of this mattress could make it harder for some people to reposition, such as those with mobility problems and sexually-active couples.

Customer Reviews of the Bear mattress

According to Bear’s website, the Bear Original scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Bear Original mattress for its excellent pressure relief but have reported that its edge support may be lacking, which could affect those who use the full mattress surface.

For more on the Bear Original, visit our Bear Original mattress review or consider our picks for the best beds for athletes.

What is a Pressure-Relieving Mattress?

A pressure-relieving mattress is one that provides contouring and an even distribution of your body weight so that pressure doesn’t build up around the areas of your body that come in contact with the mattress, such as the shoulders, lower back, hips, or knees.

This may lead you to think that plushness and cushioning is all that we need to achieve pressure relief. However, a bed that is too soft can actually lead to pressure buildup. Therefore, it is important to look for a mattress that cradles pressure points but also provides good back support so that the spine stays well-aligned.

Julia Forbes testing a mattress for pressure relief
Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester, making pressure map tests for each mattress

What to Look for in a Mattress for Pressure Relief

When it comes to finding a mattress for pressure relief, you will need to look for specific mattress qualities and consider other important factors since these can all impact how pressure-relieving a bed can be for you.

Type Of Mattress

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses, which use strong steel coils for supportiveness and responsiveness, have been popular for decades. They are often durable and supportive.

However, when it comes to pressure relief, innerspring beds typically aren’t your best bet. This is because traditional innerspring mattresses don’t usually have contouring comfort layers like you will find on most other models.

Additionally, most of these beds are made with interconnected coils that move as one unit. This means that these beds offer far less motion isolation, which could mean couples are more likely to disturb each other if they toss and turn. The upside to innnerspring beds, though, is they can be very supportive and offer sufficient airflow from the coils.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine two or more types of materials, such as memory foam and coils. They’re typically great for people who love the feel of a bed with coils but need more pressure relief than a traditional innerspring bed can provide.

Hybrids are often excellent pressure-relieving beds because they generally include several comfort layers made from memory foam or latex that cushion the parts of the body that come into contact with the mattress.

When it comes to the innerspring unit, many hybrid mattresses use individually-wrapped coils that allow them to respond to areas where more or less weight bears down on them. These beds are popular choices because they provide the spinal support seen in innerspring beds and the pressure relief of foam beds.

The construction of a hybrid mattress, tested by Julia Forbes
Julia Forbes inspecting the inside of a hybrid mattress.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is widely considered the type of mattress material that offers the most pressure relief. This foam can mold and contour the body while evenly distributing weight across the mattress. The slow-moving nature of memory foam allows it to gently and slowly cradle the joints that come into contact with your bed.

Additionally, these mattresses provide excellent motion isolation so couples and other co-sleepers shouldn’t be disturbed by their sleep mate’s movements. However, one of the biggest drawbacks to memory foam is that if cooling properties aren’t incorporated into the foam, it can overheat.

Latex Mattresses

Latex foam is either made from rubber trees or petrochemicals. It can be an excellent choice for pressure relief as researchers1 found that latex, more than other mattress materials, reduces pressure throughout the body. Latex is also more responsive than memory foam, which means that combination sleepers are likely to find it easier to reposition. If you’re considering purchasing a latex mattress, take a look at our list of the best latex mattresses.

Lastly, latex is a temperature-neutral material so it should help sleepers stay cool throughout the night.

Other Considerations When Shopping for a Mattress for Pressure Relief

Sleeping Position

Side sleeping is typically the sleep posture in which pressure relief is especially important. This is because the sleeper’s weight is concentrated in a much smaller area. Therefore, a good mattress for side sleepers will be able to melt away pressure in the shoulder and hip.

Back sleeping and stomach sleeping also benefit from pressure relief. However, people who sleep in these positions need to also focus on a bed with strong support to keep the lower back lifted.

Julia Forbes testing a mattress in the stomach sleeper sleeping position
Julia Forbes testing different sleeping positions on a mattress

Weight/Body Type of Sleepers

Your body weight can affect how you experience pressure relief from a mattress. Lighter-weight sleepers, for instance, often need softer beds because, otherwise, they may not activate the pressure-relieving materials at the top. Conversely, heavier sleepers can wind up sinking too far into a mattress if it’s not supportive enough, which means they are more likely to hit the firm support layers, leading to pressure buildup.

Firmness

Mattress firmness is rated on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the firmest. For most people, a bed with a medium firmness should work well because these generally provide a balance of pressure relief and body support. However, firmness is also subjective, which means one bed may feel firmer to a lightweight person than it would to a heavier person.

Therefore, the right firmness will also depend on your body weight, along with your preferred sleep position. For example, if you’re 260 pounds and a stomach sleeper, you’ll likely need a firm bed, whereas a petite side sleeper would likely find a softer bed more comfortable.

Cooling

Typically, hot sleepers will look for cooling capabilities in a mattress, though this can be useful for co sleepers as well. Despite its ability to relieve pressure well, memory foam also has a tendency to run hot. However, many brands have taken note and started implementing cooling mechanisms such as perforated foams and gels to help keep memory foam cool.

Latex beds are also great for pressure relief and what’s even better, is that they naturally sleep cool. Hybrids can also be a helpful solution since the foams manage pressure buildup, while the coils help deliver extra airflow.

Julia Forbes testing how fast a mattress cools down
Julia testing the cooling properties of each mattress using a temperature control gun

Read more about the best cooling mattresses here.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation measures how well a mattress is able to keep movement isolated to one side of the bed. It’s often a popular feature for couples or people sharing a bed with kids or pets because they’re less likely to be disturbed by someone else tossing and turning.

The great news here is that memory foam, which is exceptional at pressure relief, also excels at motion isolation. So if you value both these qualities in a bed, you should consider mattresses containing memory foam.

Testing Motion Isolation in a Mattress
Testing the motion isolation properties of a mattress

Sex

Many sexually-active couples prefer a mattress that has some bounce to it. While memory foam is beloved for pressure relief, it often lacks bounce since it has more of a slow-moving feel. Latex, on the other hand, is very buoyant, and if you get a bed with Talalay latex, specifically, you and your partner should be able to access both bounce and pressure relief.

That being said, if you have your heart set on memory foam, look for a memory foam hybrid since the coils will provide some bounce.

Edge Support

While edge support isn’t directly correlated to a bed’s ability to relieve pressure, stronger edges can make it easier to get in and out of bed if you’re dealing with pain. Look for beds that have reinforced foams or coils, along with good review ratings for this category.

Pain Relief Properties

The top layers of a mattress are usually where you’ll find softer foams aimed at relieving pressure, whereas the firmer support foams and innerspring units are further down. While some brands may create their own proprietary pressure-relieving foams, others may use more traditional memory foam or latex. Most types of mattresses will contain pressure-relieving comfort foams, however, traditional innerspring beds typically do not feature these materials.

Budget

If pressure relief is important, you won’t want to go with the cheapest bed you can find. Generally, most quality-made Queen-size beds cost around 1,000 dollars, though this number can go lower if there are special deals available.

Buying online can help save money since shopping directly from manufacturers eliminates overhead costs. Plus, shopping during holidays like Labor Day, Presidents’ Day, and Memorial Day will also significantly bring down mattress prices.

Read More: Best Budget Mattresses

Trial Period

Of course, you won’t know how well a mattress relieves pressure for you until you’re able to try it out for yourself. This is where a lengthy trial period comes in handy.

Most reputable brands offer trial periods ranging from 90 nights to a full year. We recommend that before buying, you should confirm the product you’re interested in gives you sufficient time to test out the bed at home risk-free so that if it isn’t a good fit, you can return it for a full refund.

Best Mattress for Pressure Relief FAQs

Is memory foam best for pressure relief?

Memory is considered one of the best materials for pressure relief because of its ability to mold to the sleeper’s shape. That being said, it’s not the only material that can relieve pressure. Latex is another popular material in mattresses, and softer Talalay latex, in particular, can also be great for pressure relief.

Can mattress toppers help with pressure relief?

Yes, mattress toppers can certainly help with pressure relief. If a mattress is too firm, for instance, adding a topper could provide extra cushioning to alleviate pressure on the joints.

Why do I experience pressure point pain while sleeping?

You might experience pressure point pain while sleeping because the bed you’re sleeping on is too firm for your body weight and sleep position. For instance, a side sleeper or very lightweight person is going to need something softer than a stomach sleeper or heavier individual would. In some cases, a bed that’s too soft could also create pressure. This is because if the bed isn’t supportive enough for the sleeper’s weight, the person could sink too far into the mattress, missing out on the top comfort foams.

How can I relieve pressure point pain at night?

To relieve pressure point pain at night, you need to sleep on a mattress that’s the right design and feel for your sleep style and body type. An ideal mattress should be able to keep your body lifted for healthy spine alignment while also releasing tension in your pressure points. Medium-firm beds with softer Talalay latex or memory foam are a great place to start, though you may need a softer or firmer mattress depending on your weight and sleep position.

When should I talk to my doctor about pain from pressure points?

If you’ve upgraded your bed space and painful pressure points are still impacting your ability to sleep well, then you should reach out to your doctor. While a quality mattress can help, sometimes additional treatments may be needed, which is where your physician can provide further guidance.

Compare Prices of the Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief

MattressBest ForPrice (Queen Size)Review
NectarEditor’s Pick$999Nectar Mattress Review
Helix Midnight LuxeLuxury$2,049Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Review
DreamCloud Hybrid$1,332DreamCloud Mattress Review
Emma Hybrid ComfortFirm$1,319Emma Hybrid Comfort Review
WinkBedCouples$1,799Winkbed Mattress Review
Nolah OriginalSide Sleepers$1,149Nolah Original Mattress Review
Saatva ClassicBack Pain$1,995Saatva Classic Mattress Review
Bear OriginalAthletes$999Bear Mattress Review
Sosha Lewis

Sosha Lewis

Content Writer

About Author

Sosha Lewis is a staff writer for Sleep Advisor.  Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing.

Combination Sleeper

Resources:

  1. Low, Fan-Zhe., Chua PhD, Matthew Chin-Heng., et. al. “Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures”. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310954/. 2017.