What Is Mattress Edge Support, and Why Does It Matter?

Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

Our Experience

We’ve reviewed 200+ products using our product review process so we know a thing or two about how mattresses and bedding work. We also know what goes into maintaining them and what you need to know when choosing them for your bedroom.

In This Article

You’ll find out what kinds of mattresses have good edge support, and whether or not edge support should be a concern when purchasing a mattress.

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We’ve all had those dreams where you wake up feeling like you’re going to fall right out of bed. As unpleasant as those dreams may be, it’s even more upsetting to actually fall out of bed.

If you find yourself falling in the middle of the night or slipping off the mattress when you try to sit on the edge, your bed likely has poor edge support.

Being able to rest comfortably on the entire mattress is crucial to a good night’s sleep. We’ll go over what edge support is, what benefits you can gain from quality edge support, and which mattresses do it best.

What Is Mattress Edge Support? 

What Is the Best Edge Support Mattress?

The following five mattresses all received top scores for edge support when we tested them:

1. Avocado Green
2. Silk and Snow Hybrid
3. DreamCloud Memory Foam
4. Saatva Classic
5. Plank Firm

Who Should Consider Edge Support When Choosing a Mattress?

You may not notice much difference between poor and strong edge support, especially if you don’t spend a lot of time sleeping near the edge of your bed or sitting on it. Still, edge support can make a world of difference for these groups of people.

Couples 

Couples who bed-share will love a mattress with good edge support. Not only can strong edge support help you feel secure during sex (after all, no one wants to fall off the bed), but it also allows you to spread out across the mattress and be comfortable while sleeping.

Read More: Best Mattress for Different Weight Couples

Plus-Size Sleepers

Seniors 

Edge support not only keeps you from rolling off the bed, but it also offers stability when getting in and out of bed — a security feature that seniors may want to consider when choosing a new mattress.

A mattress with good edge support will allow you to sit safely on the edge of the bed and can help prevent falls. Find my picks for the best beds for seniors here.

People with Joint Pain

If you have joint pain, a mattress with strong edge support can help take pressure off of your joints. A mattress that is too soft or sags may make joint pain worse. This is because mattresses with weak edges can cause you to sleep in uncomfortable and twisted positions, possibly resulting in next-day joint pain. Find yourself waking up often with achy hips? Check your mattress’s edge support for any sagging, as it may be a culprit.

Related: Best Mattress That Won’t Sag

Mattress Materials and Edge Support 

The way manufacturers provide edge support can vary across mattress types. Let’s dive into how edge support is reinforced in the four main types of mattresses.

Hybrid  

Most hybrid mattresses will use thick coils to keep edge support strong. Some brands will prioritize edge support by actively adding stronger coils along the sides of the mattress. These beds also have the advantage of extra foam layering. Hybrids often do well at edge support. 

Innerspring 

Like hybrids, innerspring beds also have the advantage of coils, which often help keep the edges strong. Traditional innerspring beds can be good for those who need good edge support.

Latex 

Rather than coils, latex mattresses use carefully layered latex foam to beef up reinforcement around the edges. Those seeking out a latex bed with better edge support may want to consider a firm variation or a latex hybrid that comes with an innerspring unit.

Memory Foam

Similar to latex mattresses, memory foam mattresses aren’t usually as supportive around the edges as their hybrid and innerspring counterparts because they don’t have a coil system. Instead, memory foam mattress manufacturers take steps to improve edge support by using firmer foams along the sides. Likewise, you’ll want to opt for a firm memory foam mattress or a memory foam hybrid if edge support is important to you.

How Does Sleep Advisor Test Beds for Edge Support? 

Mattress Edge Support FAQs 

Is there a way to fix the edge support of a mattress?

While you can’t exactly fix the edge support of a mattress, you can add a supportive mattress topper to your mattress to help create a firmer edge and prevent you from rolling off.

If a mattress has poor edge support, will the mattress sag?

A mattress with poor edge support will likely sag, especially around the corners and perimeter when weight is put on it. If your mattress edge has started to give out, these mattresses that don’t sag offer excellent edge support and will serve as great replacements.

Can you add edge support to a mattress?

You can’t technically add edge support to a mattress, but there are items that you can invest in that can help create a firmer feeling around your mattress perimeter. Some people opt for special mattress foam that can be placed under a mattress to help lift up the edges, while others invest in a firm topper that helps create more stable and supportive mattress edges.

Final Word of Advice

If you are sharing your bed with a partner or just like getting the most out of every inch of your mattress, edge support is a feature you should look for when buying a bed. Without edge support, your hybrid or innerspring mattress is more prone to sagging, and you’re more inclined to fall out of bed without a reinforced barrier to keep you in place.