Best Mattress for Seniors
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- Helps alleviate sleep apnea symptoms
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- Fewer pressure points to impede circulation
- Fully adjustable
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- Edge to Edge support
- Firm support of spine
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Regardless of age, everyone needs a comfortable mattress. From newborns to the elderly, we all need a good night's sleep. However, as we age, our bodies change and so do our sleep needs. That's why it's important to find a mattress that caters to the specific needs of seniors.
What Is the Best Mattress for Seniors?
No matter how fit we may be, our bodies change as we age. In fact, some of the most athletic people may experience the most dramatic changes. This is because as we use different parts of our bodies year after year, joints wear down, muscles shrink, bone density decreases, we become more sensitive to allergens, and our balance can shift in ways that make it easier to sustain injuries.
Even our sleep patterns change. As we age, many people find they need less sleep each night. As we age, we also have a harder time falling asleep. Seniors awake more often during the night and need less sleep. People who needed nine hours of sleep in their youth may now find that six or seven hours is enough.
To make senior sleep even more complicated, insomnia becomes more common. Seniors are more likely to have sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea and hypersomnia.
An Overview of How Age Impacts Your Sleep
There's no doubt about it, falling asleep and staying asleep gets harder as you grow older. Age impacts sleep in several ways:
Less Sleep Overall
There's no doubt about it, falling asleep and staying asleep gets harder as you grow older. Age impacts sleep in several ways:
Less Sleep Overall
Seniors tend to sleep less overall than younger adults. They may find it harder to fall asleep and may wake up more during the night.
Poor Sleep Quality
Sleep quality tends to decline with age. Older adults may have more trouble staying asleep for a full night.
Health Issues
Sleep quality tends to decline with age. Older adults may have more trouble staying asleep for a full night.
Our Favorite Mattresses for Seniors
Seniors can improve the odds of a good night of sleep by choosing a mattress that suits their sleeping styles and accommodates their sleep disorders or conditions.
We’ve created a list of mattresses that may help seniors sleep deeper, longer. But remember that it’s always a good idea to discuss any new treatment plans, including mattresses, with your doctor or chiropractor.
As we age, circulation gets weaker, meaning that you may find you experience pins and needles in your arms, hands, legs or feet during the night. But with the alignment and support of the PlushBeds PosturePlus Memory Foam Mattress, you may find your circulation is improved, since pressure points are reduced.
The Reverie 9T premium adjustable foundation also allows you to raise or lower the foot and bed to increase circulation or reduce pressure. If your muscles need a little help relaxing, this foundation also includes massage.
Split king models are available if you need a bed that accommodates the needs of two people.
Mattress Pros
- Fewer pressure points to impede circulation.
- Adjustable bed helps you change your position and increase circulation throughout the night.
- The king premium adjustable base is great for people who share a bed.
Mattress Cons
- May be priced outside the budget of some shoppers.
The Leesa Legend Mattress can help relieve back pain so you wake up more refreshed. By combining an innerspring mattress with the customized contouring of memory foam, the Leesa Legend mattress is able to offer advanced pressure relief.
Because the Leesa Legend also provides targeted, edge-to-edge support, you’ll experience firm support no matter if you’re in the middle or on the edge of the mattress. And edge-to-edge support also makes it easier to get out of bed in the morning.
Seniors with back pain need more support and flexibility to sleep comfortably. By pairing the Leesa Legend with Leesa’s adjustable, reversible hybrid pillows, senior sleepers will be able to create a customized experience that keeps their neck and spine aligned. These pillows have removable inserts and two-sided comfort that allows you to choose whether you want to sleep on a firm, cool-to-the-touch gel layer or a down-like, quilted feel (with no fluffing required.)
Mattress Pros
- Edge-to-edge support makes it easy to get out of bed.
- Firm support for the spine, even for heavyweight sleepers.
- A flexible pillow provides comfort and neck support.
Mattress Cons
- This mattress can weigh up to 142 pounds, so you may need help with unpacking and setup.
Sleep apnea is more common in seniors, and it can progress into a dangerous condition. When people with sleep apnea rest flat, the condition often worsens. Elevating the head and shoulder, or even sleeping in a semi-upright condition, is often recommended.
That’s why the Nolah 10 Original 10 Airform Mattress with an Adjustable Base with Massage is a good choice for people who suffer from sleep apnea. This mattress has all the support and comfortable contouring you expect from a high-quality memory foam mattress, but at just 10 inches tall, it’s a little more flexible than thicker mattresses, making it ideal for use on an adjustable base.
The Nolah Adjustable Base helps elevate your head and shoulders to alleviate or even eliminate the symptoms of sleep apnea. This base also includes a head and foot massage feature and the ability to achieve a weightless Zero-G position, which may help you sleep better, longer.
Mattress Pros
- Alleviates sleep apnea symptoms.
- Excellent pressure point relief.
- An adjustable platform with massage features.
Mattress Cons
- The 10-inch-tall mattress might not be the best choice for heavyweight sleepers.
As people age, they develop allergies or sensitivities that didn’t exist in their youth. Even mild scents or fumes can set off serious allergic reactions, which can include sneezing, congestion, eye irritation and even problems breathing.
That’s why seniors with allergies should be careful to choose an all-natural mattress that doesn’t use chemicals or emit fumes.
The Eco Terra Latex Mattress is made with a natural latex top layer for comfort, while the advanced, pressure-relieving coils in the second layer offer flexible support. This mattress will keep your back aligned while offering contoured relief at pressure points.
Topped with naturally cooling wool, this eco-friendly option is good for people with allergies. Eco Terra uses only certified organic wools and cottons. It alsopromises no toxins, chemicals and polyurethane.
Mattress Pros
- The all-natural composition may be helpful for people with allergies to petrochemicals.
- The hybrid latex-coil construction provides support and contouring comfort to facilitate better sleep.
- This is an affordable mattress.
Mattress Cons
- May be too firm for especially sensitive joints.
Best Mattress for Senior By Sleep Position
Did you know that your sleep position plays a role in what mattress you should use?
Senior Side Sleepers
Side sleepers who are advanced in age have a few extra considerations when it comes to finding the best mattress.
First and foremost, side sleepers need a mattress that is soft enough to contour to their body and keep their spine aligned but not so soft they sink too far into it. Additionally, they should look for a mattress with good edge support.
Senior Back Sleepers
A medium firm mattress is the best option for senior back sleepers because it provides the perfect balance of comfort and support. A mattress that is too soft will not provide enough support for the lower back and a mattress that is too firm can cause pain in the hips and shoulders.
Senior Stomach Sleepers
Senior stomach sleepers need a mattress that is on the firmer side to prevent them from sinking too far down and putting strain on their spine. A mattress that is too soft will not provide enough support and can cause pain in the lower back.
Senior Combination Sleepers
What about elderly combination sleepers? Those who tend to sleep in multiple positions throughout the night may find a medium firm mattress to be the best option. This type of mattress provides the perfect balance of comfort and support for all sleeping positions.
Best Mattress for Seniors By Material
Many factors play a role in the best mattress for you, including the material that they're made of. Here are a few common types of mattresses:
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are a popular option for seniors because they offer support and comfort. The memory foam contours to the body's shape, which can help alleviate pressure points and improve circulation. Additionally, the material is quiet and breathable, making it a good choice for those who tend to get hot during sleep.
Hybrid Mattresses
There is no definitive answer as to what mattress is best for seniors, as each senior's needs vary. However, hybrid mattresses can be a good option for seniors because they offer both firmness and comfort. Additionally, they are usually made of durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
Innerspring (Coil) Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses have been around for decades and are a popular choice for seniors. They offer very good support. However, innerspring mattresses can be quite noisy and some people find them to be too firm.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are a good option for those who want a mattress with a natural feel. The material is breathable and contours to the body's shape. Additionally, latex mattresses are very durable and should last for many years.
Gel Memory Foam Mattresses
Gel memory foam mattresses are cool to sleep on and provide a soft yet supportive sleeping surface. They contour to the body's shape and can help reduce pressure points but offer a nice, cooling layer. If you're a senior who sleeps hot, this can be an excellent mattress.
Best Mattress for Senior by Medical Condition
Many seniors also have medical conditions or sleep disorders that they should consider when selecting a mattress.
Best Mattress for Seniors with Back Pain
Many seniors struggle with back pain. If this is a concern for you, look for a mattress that offers good support and relieves pressure points. A memory foam or latex mattress can be a good option as they contour to the body and provide support where it's needed most.
Best Mattress for Seniors with Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition among seniors. If you suffer from arthritis, look for a mattress that is on the softer side to prevent pain in the joints. A memory foam mattress can be a good option as it contours to the body and doesn't put pressure on the joints.
Best Mattress for Seniors with Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects many seniors. If you suffer from sleep apnea, it's important to find a mattress that is comfortable and won't aggravate your condition.
Best Mattress for Seniors with Hip Pain
If you're a senior with hip pain, finding the right mattress can be crucial for getting a good night's sleep. Your mattress should be firm enough to keep your spine aligned but soft enough for you to be comfortable.
Best Mattress for Seniors with Chronic Pain
If you are a senior with chronic pain, it can be difficult to find the right mattress. You'll need one that will keep your spine aligned and alleviate pressure points while being comfortable at the same time.
Best Mattress for Heavy Seniors
If you're overweight and a senior, finding a comfortable mattress can be difficult. Look for a mattress that is supportive, like a traditional innerspring of a hybrid mattress.
Factors to Look for in a Senior Mattress
Finding the perfect mattress can be a pretty daunting task, especially if you're a senior. However, there are a few key factors that you should look for when choosing a mattress.
Firmness
The most important factor to look for in a mattress is support. Your mattress should be firm enough to keep your spine aligned but soft enough to be comfortable. A memory foam or latex mattress can
Edge Support
A good mattress should offer strong edge support, which is especially important if you're a senior who has trouble climbing in and out of bed.
Pressure Relief
If you suffer from back pain, arthritis, or hip pain, finding a mattress with pressure relief can be crucial. Memory foam and latex mattresses are good options as they contour to the body and reduce pressure points.
Mattress Height
A very tall mattress can make it really tough to climb into bed, especially if you're weak or have joint problems. A shorter mattress height is usually best for seniors.
Cooling and Breathability
If you tend to sleep hot, look for a mattress that is cooling and breathable. Otherwise you'll wake up throughout the night feeling hot and sweaty.
Adjustability
An adjustable bed is one that can be raised or lowered as needed. This allows you to get the right level of support when sleeping, which is especially important if you have back problems.
Sleep Partner
If you have someone sharing your bed, you'll want a mattress with limited motion transfer. Instead, you want strong motion isolation so you won't feel the other person move on their part of the mattress.
White Glove Delivery
Another thing seniors should consider? White glove delivery! Some brands offer this service, which includes mattress set up so you don't need to worry about getting up stairs or through any doors.
Sleep Trials
Many mattress companies offer trials. 120-night sleep trials and 365-night sleep trials are some of the most common.
Mattress Removal
Some mattress brands offer a delivery service that includes the disposal of your old mattress. This is great, especially for seniors who may have trouble transporting a heavy mattress by themselves.
Sleep Tips for Those Advanced in Age
As you get older, sleep becomes more important, yet more difficult. The following are a few good ways you can improve your sleep.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine Before Bed
Skipping alcohol and caffeine can help improve your sleep. Drinking less liquids before bed will also make sleeping through the night easier since you won't have to get up to use the bathroom.
Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule
Pick a bedtime and stick to it. Staying consistent will help your body adjust to a schedule so you'll be more likely to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Develop a Nighttime Routine
Getting ready for bed is an important factor in determining your sleep quality. Do some gentle stretches or have a warm caffeine-beverage like tea. Don't use any electronics in the hour before bed since the blue light can trick your brain into staying awake. Try reading instead.
Skip Afternoon Naps
The more you sleep during the day, the harder it will be to fall asleep at night. Try to avoid taking naps, especially in the afternoon.
Get Up and Move Around
Exercise is very important for seniors. It helps improve sleep quality by reducing pain and improving overall health. Try to get at least 30 minutes of gentle to moderate exercise every day. Avoid doing so three hours before bed, though.
Going for a walk outside is a great option. Getting some sunlight will also help your body's sleep schedule since it helps regulate the production of melatonin.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Your sleeping environment plays a big role in how well you sleep. Make sure your room is dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using an eye mask or ear plugs if outside noise or light is an issue.
Adjust the Temperature
Studies show that the ideal room temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses for Elderly
Who Else Can Benefit From a Bed for Seniors?
Plenty of people can benefit from buying a mattress similar to what a senior might buy. These mattresses are especially good for those with similar medical conditions like hip pain or arthritis.
Are Mattress Toppers Good for Seniors?
Mattress toppers have the potential to improve the comfort of your mattress without spending a lot of money. They add an extra layer of padding, which can be helpful for those with joint pain. Just make sure you get a topper that is specifically designed for the type of mattress you have.
Keep in mind that if you have a poor quality mattress, a mattress topper will just act as a band-aid fix. If your mattress is old and worn, you should consider a new one.
