Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
We all become a bit more fragile as we get older, whether or not we’re contending with a specific health condition. For many seniors, aches, pains, and stiffness can be daily facts of life. But these discomforts should never be exacerbated by your bed—instead, you’ll want to find a mattress that you’re grateful to lie down on each night.
The best mattresses for seniors take the needs of this age group into account. They’ll be excellent at pressure relief, cooling, and the kind of support that targets sensitive areas of the body, including the spine and joints. They should also be easy to use for sleepers with limited mobility.
With these criteria in mind, we’ve collected our top mattresses for elderly folks into the list below.
Best Mattresses for Seniors
- DreamCloud – Editor’s Pick
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors
- Nectar Luxe Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Seniors
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Seniors with Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Senior Side Sleepers
- Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Seniors with Hip Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress for Seniors
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress for Seniors
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Seniors
Our Video Review of the Best Mattresses for Seniors
Compare Mattresses for Seniors
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| DreamCloud Original Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Nectar Luxe Hybrid Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium: 5.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 8/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Pain, Hip Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors |
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’ve tested over 150 mattresses and developed a surefire way to determine who they’ll be good for.
We look at valuable features to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation. Each of these performance factors earn a score out of five, and we tally up all these scores (weighting those we consider most important) to get our final overall mattress score, also out of five.
When it comes to beds for seniors, we’ll focus on a few key factors: firmness, mattress height, and delivery options.
What Features Should You Look For in a Senior Mattress?
Firmness
Elderly sleepers will want a bed that provides pressure relief and spinal alignment to help ease the aches and pains of aging. Often, beds with a medium or medium-firm feel are best at this.
Delivery & Setup
Mattresses are heavy and can be difficult to move. Therefore, elderly customers, especially those who live independently, should opt for a mattress with white glove delivery available so that they can have their bed set up by professionals.
Mattress Height
Personal preference and specific factors such as mobility will weigh into an older person’s optimal bed height, but if you are unsure of what height to use, you can follow the Americans with Disability Act’s guidance for accessible lodging1, which states that a bed with a total height of 20-23 inches is an accessible height for the majority of adults.
Best Beds for Seniors
DreamCloud – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: The DreamCloud is a pleasantly supportive hybrid that really appealed to the stomach sleepers on our testing team (though it proved itself capable of aligning spines in every position). Its affordable price and couple-friendly features have made it a mainstay of the bed-in-a-box scene.
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress for Seniors
The Advisor Says: An upgraded version of the Helix Midnight, this bed added zoned support for more lift beneath the lower back as well as a plush pillow top. It should appeal to people (and back sleepers in particular) who want just a bit of comfy sink from the top layer of their hybrid mattress.
Nectar Luxe Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Seniors
The Advisor Says: The Nectar Luxe Hybrid is one of the brand’s most high-end models, providing a sumptuously luxurious sleep experience with its pillowy-soft surface and supportive coils. We think side sleepers and those with pain concerns should enjoy this bed the most, while stomach sleepers and heavier folks should steer clear.
WinkBed – Best Mattress for Seniors with Back Pain
The Advisor Says: Our testers often compare the WinkBed to a luxury hotel mattress, which is no surprise given its handcrafted touches and elegant hybrid design. It’s also one of the most customizable beds out there, with a firmness level for every body type.
Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Senior Side Sleepers
The Advisor Says: The Nolah Evolution is a team favorite with a highly competitive score spread—our testers gave it at least a 4 out of 5 in every single performance category. It’s definitely a luxury mattress, with the height (and price) to match.
Why the Nolah Evolution Earned Best Mattress for Senior Side Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution is a luxury mattress that delivers cushioning and pressure relief, yielding the perfect sleeping environment for seniors who sleep on their sides. The combination of the bed’s plush Eurotop and proprietary AirFoamICE™ should cradle sensitive joints while keeping cool.
The coil unit underneath only bolsters the bed’s support, ensuring there’s no uncomfortable sinkage. Your spine should remain straight and steady on this hotel-bed-like surface.
What’s the Nolah Evolution Made Of?
At 15 inches tall, the Nolah Evolution mattress has a grand total of eight layers. It comes in Firm, Luxury Firm, or Plush firmnesses.
Look at the Mattress Construction
- Layer 1 – Top Cover. A soft and cooling cover made of organic cotton and ArcticTex™ fibers.
- Layer 2 – Euro Topper (2 inches). The Euro topper is also cooling with quilted, breathable foams that cushion your body. Also around the top of the mattress is a gusset that allows excess heat to escape.
- Layer 3 – AirFoamICE™ (2 inches). This layer of graphite-infused foam remains temperature neutral as it relieves pressure.
- Layer 4 – High-Resilience Foam (2 inches). A denser foam for support.
- Layer 5 – High-Density Transition Foam (1 inch). This durable foam bounces back when bearing weight as it eases the comfort layers into the coil unit below.
- Layer 6 – Coils (8 inches). Three zones of individually wrapped coils bring lift and responsiveness. They’re also enforced along the edges.
- Layer 7 – Recycled Plant Fiber Foundation. A base layer that keeps everything stable.
- Layer 8 – Lower Cover. This cover has handles for ease of transport, as well as an anti-slip bottom.
Our Take: “The Evolution is packed with soft layers for plush relief.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
How does the Nolah Evolution Ship?
Nolah mattresses come compressed and shipped in a box. Twin, Twin XL, and Queen mattresses ship in a box that measures 15”x15”x41” and King and Cal King mattresses ship in a box that measures 19”x19”x44”.
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Evolution
Earning 4.9 out of 5 stars from roughly 900 reviews on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution seems to be a hit. In a review of the bed on the r/Mattress subreddit, u/cyriouslyslick said, “At my size [350 lbs, 6’ tall] I find it very plush, but still supportive.” Other users, however, have reported sagging along the edges and center of the bed after long term use.
Still curious? Read our full Nolah Evolution review or check out our other best mattresses for side sleepers.
Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Seniors with Hip Pain
The Advisor Says: The Saatva Rx was built for folks with chronic pain concerns. We think its support and pressure relief should provide soothing comfort. It should work for just about anyone who’s been let down by their mattress and wants to upgrade to a luxurious, sturdy bed with a well-balanced feel.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress for Seniors
The Advisor Says: This is a memorably bouncy and supportive hybrid with state-of-the-art cooling elements. It had a delightful balance of cushion and lift for back and stomach sleeping in particular.
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Earned Best Cooling Mattress for Seniors
As you age, your body may become more sensitive to temperature. If you find yourself overheating every night, your bed could be the problem. Luckily, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress comes with plenty of cooling features.
It starts out at the cover: a mix of phase change material and performance-enhancing Celliant® fibers regulate temperature with a unique edge, the latter (purportedly) transforming excess body heat into rejuvenating infrared energy. There’s also copper-infused memory foam and individually wrapped coils to keep air flowing through the mattress. Overall, it should be a pretty cool bed—in more ways than one.
What’s the Bear Elite Hybrid Made Of?
The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14 inches high with five layers. It’s available in Firm, Medium, and Soft models.
Curious What The Layers Look Like?
- Layer 1 – Cover. Phase change material regulates temperature while Celliant® (for an upgraded fee) promotes tissue oxygenation.
- Layer 2 – Copper-Infused Memory Foam. Copper is naturally cooling and antibacterial, and it’s added to this foam’s already pressure-relieving properties.
- Layer 3 – Dynamic Transition Foam. This contouring foam ensures you don’t sink too far into the coil unit below.
- Layer 4 – Coils. Individually wrapped coils are arranged in zones to balance support, pressure relief, motion isolation, and allow air to flow through the bed.
- Layer 5 – High-Density Support Foam. A stable, durable base layer.
Our Take: “Another great thing about this mattress was the cooling top. The cooling was immediately noticeable as I laid down on the bed, and I’m pretty sure that it would do a good job of keeping anyone cool throughout the night.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
How Does the Bear Mattress Ship?
The Bear Mattress is compressed and fit into a box for easy set-up straight in your room. Signature is required for mattress delivery using Fed-Ex Ground.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Elite Hybrid
According to Bear’s website, where the Bear Elite has over 3,700 reviews, the mattress scores 4.6 out of 5 stars. On r/Mattress, users praise the bed’s ability to support, as even a user who decided to return the bed (u/Fun-Map-9705) stated “I felt proper spinal alignment in all sleeping positions. No pain or achiness upon waking.” But another user (u/mexidorian) warned, “This mattress softens up significantly just past the trial where they allow a refund.”
Need to know more? Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid review or check out the best cooling mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress for Seniors
The Advisor Says: For shoppers on a budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is one of the top hybrids we recommend. It’s simultaneously soft and bouncy, with three firmness options and decent cooling power.
Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Seniors
The Advisor Says: Brooklyn Bedding created the Titan Plus to cater to heavier shoppers looking for a bed that truly met their needs, and we believe they’ve delivered. Consider buying the Titan Plus if you’re looking for a comfortably supportive mattress with added benefits like cooling and bounce.
Other Mattresses We Tested For Seniors
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each of these beds are great fits for elderly people. Check out our bonus featured recommendations below.
Product
Type
Score
Why a Good Mattress is Important for Seniors
Considering that preferred sleep positions, body weight, and other personal preferences are unique to each sleeper, you won’t find a one-bed-fits-all option for seniors. Instead, you will want to look for a bed that addresses many of the issues, such as arthritis and mobility, that we face as we grow older. There are many types of mattresses that can be suitable for seniors, but it will depend on their specific needs in addition to the more generalized ones.
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 older adults should look for in a mattress.
“Older shoppers should look for a mattress that’s comfortable, supportive, durable, and makes it easy to move around, while also minimizing disturbances from movement and offering good edge support.”
Dr. Raj Discusses the Best Mattress Qualities for Seniors
How We Pick the Best Mattress for the Elderly
There are several specific factors to look for when purchasing a mattress for a senior person. As mentioned above, you’ll need to consider the specific needs and preferences of the individual, along with other valuable features that can help make a bed more comfortable for older adults.
“The right mattress can make a big difference in older people’s sleep and health. A comfortable, supportive mattress can ease joint pain, keep the spine aligned, and lead to better sleep and overall well-being. But if the mattress isn’t up to par, it can contribute to unfortunately restless nights and possibly more aches and pains.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta
Best Type of Mattress for Seniors
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring beds are made with a layer of coils and a thin comfort layer. They typically provide a lot of bounce and minimal sinkage, but they don’t give you much pressure relief.
An innerspring bed’s buoyancy can help seniors reposition throughout the night. Also, these mattresses typically have superior edge support, which could help seniors get in and out of bed more easily.
One setback is that these aren’t particularly durable and tend to sag after several years. They also don’t have as much pressure relief as other mattress types, which could be a drawback for those with arthritis.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine coils and foam layers The difference between a hybrid and an innerspring bed is that a hybrid mattress usually has multiple comfort layers for better pressure relief on the hips, knees, and shoulders.
These beds can be a good option for seniors because there are many different designs available. For example, some hybrids contain memory foam on top, while others use latex.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are highly popular for their pressure relief and motion isolation. Depending on the density of the foam, they can be both soft and firm.
One of the best aspects of memory foam mattresses, especially for older adults, is their ability to provide pressure relief. This is great news for those with arthritis or other chronic pain conditions. On the flip side, they’re not as quick to respond to movement, so repositioning might be more of a challenge on certain models.
Latex Mattresses
Latex beds are excellent for seniors because they combine bounce, pressure relief, and breathability.
Latex is a great alternative for seniors who want pressure relief but are concerned they might have trouble repositioning on a slow-moving memory foam bed. Latex mattresses are also usually hypoallergenic, which can be excellent news for seniors who struggle with allergies.
Although they can be more expensive, their durability makes them one of the longest-lasting mattress types available.
How We Test for the Best Senior Mattress
Firmness
We use a firmness scale of 1-10, with a 1 being as soft as a cotton ball and a 10 being akin to sleeping on the sidewalk, to give you a better understanding of how a mattress feels. Considering that senior sleepers may have additional aches and pains and medical conditions, having a bed with the correct firmness level for their body type and sleep position could help them get comfortable, quality sleep.
We test for firmness by lying on the mattress in different sleeping positions to asses its overall feel. Anything we rate below a 5 is considered soft. Beds with a medium firmness are those rated between a 5 and 6.5. Anything a 7 or higher we consider a firmer feel.
For More Info: Mattress Firmness Guide
Accessibility
Many things go into making a mattress accessible, but when it comes to seniors, we look specifically at setup, delivery, and the overall mattress height.
The first two categories are especially important if you’re a senior looking to buy and “install” a mattress yourself. Most online-order mattresses come compressed in a box for easy shipping and transportation. But for seniors, it may be difficult to move a heavy box around and then position your mattress as it begins to expand. (And, you’ll usually have to wait at least 24 hours for it to be fully functional.) Some brands on this list offer white glove delivery, which means a team of experts will take care of setting up your mattress, and at times, taking care of your old one.
Mattress height is important when it comes to fitting into your space and comfortability, but also for getting in and out of bed. A loftier mattress may feel more luxurious, but it can cause a bed to rise too far off the ground for older folks to get in and out of comfortably. The tallest beds on this list have a height of 15″. This may be doable for some, but consider what kind of base you’ll be using, as a platform base may bring this bed even further off the ground. (It’s also important to consider how sturdy the edges of your mattress are—more on that below.)
Edge Support
How well you are held up when sitting or lying on the perimeter of your bed indicates how much edge support it has. Mattresses that maintain support at the perimeter can help elderly sleepers get in and out of bed more efficiently and provide a sense of security when sleeping at the edge.
We test this feature by sitting along the perimeter of the bed and tying our shoes for a minute to see how easy it is to do. After this, we each lie along the perimeter for a minute to gauge how much we slip and sink.
Pressure Relief
A mattress’s ability to relieve pressure can be vital to senior citizens, who may already be dealing with increased aches and pains. Beds with memory foam and latex can be great for pressure relief, but we recommend steering clear of traditional innerspring beds, which don’t typically offer much due to their thin comfort layer.
We test pressure relief by asking our three mattress testers to switch between side and back sleeping while lying on a pressure map. The pressure map uses a color-coded system to show pressure buildup. If the reading comes back with blue and green colors, the bed has good pressure relief. However, if there is more yellow and red on the pressure map, there’s more pressure buildup.
Support
Elderly sleepers need beds that support their spines and prevent their heavier areas, like the stomach and hips, from sinking too far down in the mattress. Without proper support, your mattress may sag under your weight, which can lead to awkward spinal alignment that may cause stiffness or worsen existing pain.
We test for support by seeing how much sagging we notice while lying on the mattress. If there’s little to no sagging, we consider it very supportive.
What Is Spinal Alignment?
Spinal alignment is how well the back, head, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles stay in line with each other during your daily activities and when you sleep. Spinal misalignment can occur from conditions such as scoliosis, but degeneration is the most common cause2 of this condition in adults. It is important that senior sleepers use a mattress that will promote neutral alignment and keep their body weight evenly distributed because this will decrease the strain on joints and reduce the risk for back, neck, and shoulder pain3.
Sleeping Position
Preferred sleeping positions vary from person to person, but they play a major part in deciding what bed works best for you. Certain positions may also work better for seniors.
Back sleepers – Seniors who sleep on their backs should look for a medium-firm mattress that provides ample support for healthy spinal alignment but is soft enough to prevent pressure buildup.
“Back sleeping helps to distribute body weight evenly across the mattress and minimize stress on the shoulders, which can be beneficial for seniors with back or neck pain. However, if you snore or have obstructive sleep apnea, try to avoid sleeping on your back.”
– Dr. Raj Dasgupta
Side sleepers – Seniors who enjoy sleeping on their side will probably want a softer mattress that gently cradles their shoulders and hips to prevent pressure from building up around these joints.
“Sleeping on your side can help reduce snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and help with heartburn, but it can also lead to shoulder or neck pain. Try to occasionally rotate your sleep position to alleviate pressure on your shoulders and hips.”
– Dr. Raj Dasgupta
Stomach sleepers – According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, “Stomach sleeping can increase strain on the back and may worsen or cause back pain for seniors.” If you must sleep on your stomach, ensure your mattress is firm and supportive enough to prevent excessive sinking in the midsection.
“Overall, the best sleeping position for seniors is the one that they find the most comfortable.”
– Dr. Raj Dasgupta
Combination sleepers – If you sleep in two or more positions throughout the night, you will likely be most comfortable on a mattress with a versatile, mid-range firmness and plenty of bounce to facilitate easier repositioning.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
Your body weight also plays an important part in finding a good mattress, especially in conjunction with your age.
Lightweight Sleepers (130 pounds or less)
Loren Bullock, another reviewer, represents lightweight sleepers during testing. Like most people on the lower end of the scale, she often prefers and benefits from a softer mattress with contouring comforting layers.
Average-weight Sleepers (130 – 230 pounds)
I am an average-weight tester, and I tend to like a medium-firm bed. A bed that is neither too hard nor too soft should give most average-weight seniors enough support for proper spinal alignment but enough cushioning to relieve pressure.
Heavyweight Sleepers (230 pounds or more)
Heavier people, like our plus-size tester Spencer Bland, typically need a firmer, more supportive mattress that keeps them from bottoming out. Additionally, if you carry the majority of your weight in your stomach and hips, consider a bed with built-in support zones that provide extra support around the midsection.
Cooling
As we grow older, we may notice that we get cold more easily.4 This is because, over time, our blood vessels lose some of their elasticity, which decreases circulation, and fat layers under the skin that help conserve body heat can thin. Additionally, metabolic responses to the cold may be slower as we age.4 Therefore, a cooling mattress may need to be factored into a senior citizen’s decision differently than younger people’s.
We test a mattress’s cooling capabilities by taking an initial surface temperature, and then we lie on the bed for five minutes. At the end of that time period, we take the surface temperature again. This is repeated for another five-minute span before we gauge a final surface temperature and check the difference between the three readings.
We consider a mattress that stays within 5 degrees Fahrenheit of its first recorded temperature to be exceptionally cooling.
Other Ways To Cool a Mattress
If an older sleeper prefers more cooling from their bed (maybe they retired somewhere warm), there are other ways they can cool down their sleep space. Cooling sheets and cooling mattress toppers can further promote temperature regulation during warm nights.
Adjustable Beds and Bases
Many mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases, and these beds can be very helpful for senior adults who may need different settings and adjustments to sleep comfortably. For example, some adjustable beds allow you to achieve the zero-gravity position, which is when both your torso and legs are slightly raised. The zero-gravity position is especially great for alleviating pressure on the body.
Helpful finds: Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds
Budget
It goes without saying that the price can determine the type of bed you purchase, but we’d strongly recommend against compromising in this case. Spending less on low-quality mattresses for seniors could aggravate certain conditions.
There are a lot of premium-quality beds available at very affordable prices thanks to the direct-to-consumer sales policy most companies are implementing. You can get your bed online without paying commissions and middlemen fees.
Durability
Finding a durable mattress is a key feature for sleepers. However, elderly shoppers should pay keen attention to this, as they will want a bed that won’t break down easily. This can not only help prevent health issues, but it also means they won’t have to repeat the mattress shopping and delivery process again so soon. Many seniors are retired, which means they may have a fixed income and will want to know that whatever mattress they buy will last them a long time.
Learn More: Best Mattresses That Don’t Sag
Trial and Warranty
Quality mattresses purchased online typically come with a sleep trial period that lasts from 90 days to a year so that consumers can try them out and make sure that they are the best bed for them. Warranties help protect consumers from defects, and they generally last from 10 years to a lifetime. If you buy online, make sure the mattress comes with a decent trial period, so you have the option to return it if it’s not a good fit.
Pain Relief in Beds for Seniors
A great mattress for seniors attempts to address certain issues that result in chronic pain, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, chronic hip and back pain, and others of the kind.
Arthritis or Joint Pain
People with joint pain or arthritis experience joint inflammation5, which can be significantly worsened by improper sleeping, sleep deprivation6, and the tension and pressure associated with sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t fit you.
Generally, those living with these conditions may prefer something medium-firm to firm, as it tends to alleviate substantial pressure and may help with proper spine alignment. Sleeping on your back7 can also be helpful if you’re experiencing pain.
Fibromyalgia
People with fibromyalgia usually feel widespread pain associated with the musculoskeletal system8. It’s a condition that can also lead to excessive fatigue, trouble concentrating, digestive issues, and more.
A good mattress for seniors may help ease the pain and ensure you receive the necessary relief and support for a better night’s sleep.
Chronic Back and Hip Pain
If you are living with chronic hip or back pain, you may be a textbook case of a bad-bed victim. While a bad mattress isn’t the only cause of back pain, an improper choice of mattress9 could be a factor, which can be even more detrimental for seniors.
According to experts, medium-firm mattresses are ideal for better comfort, sleep quality, and alignment.
We recommended the Saatva Rx and WinkBed mattresses for seniors with pain concern.
Dr. Raj Talks What to Look for in a Mattress If You Have Arthritis
Helpful Related Content: Best Mattress For Arthritis, How to Sleep with Arthritis, Best Mattresses for Fibromyalgia, Best Mattress for Hip Pain.
How Sleep Changes As You Age
As we age, our sleep patterns change, which is why most people will tell you they find it more difficult to fall asleep as years go by. Seniors can be particularly prone to this and may wake up multiple times during the night. Many seniors wake up early and take more daytime naps.
Less Time in Deep Sleep
Seniors typically wake up10 more than younger adults during the night because they spend less time in deep sleep.
Some people will get the same amount of sleep, or they may experience a slight decrease in the hours of sleep per night. Some may find it more difficult to fall and stay asleep, while others report they’re now easily awakened and disrupted than they were a few years ago. This results from changes in our circadian rhythms as we age.
Pain and Discomfort May Keep You Awake
Some may also wake up due to the need to urinate or some kind of discomfort due to a chronic illness. People with hip and shoulder pain often struggle to find a comfortable position, especially if they sleep on a mattress that doesn’t suit their needs.
With age, you’re likely to need higher pressure relief, especially if you’re living with hip and shoulder pain and like sleeping on your side. Anxiety, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea can also keep seniors awake, preventing them from getting a good night’s sleep.
Alzheimer’s
According to the Mayo Clinic11, up to 25 percent of people with mild to moderate dementia and 50 percent with severe dementia experience sleep-related issues. These disturbances can range from excessive daytime sleepiness to insomnia to difficulty staying asleep. Additionally, obstructive sleep apnea is more common in Alzheimer’s patients.
Those with Alzheimer’s may want a bed that provides them with the utmost comfort to help them fall and stay asleep more easily.
Arthritis
According to a 2022 health survey12, 53.9 percent of people age 75 and older have arthritis. The pain that comes with arthritis could certainly lead to trouble sleeping.
If you experience arthritis, you will want a bed that allows you to rest comfortably to increase your chances of quality sleep. This can be accomplished by choosing a mattress that supports your body weight and relieves sensitive joints.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea13 (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder, and the chances of developing it increase with age14.
OSA can make it increasingly difficult to sleep because it can cause people to wake up multiple times throughout the night. The reason for this is that when someone has OSA, the muscles in the back of their throat relax so much so that it creates a blockage in the airway, causing periodic gaps in breathing. When you don’t get enough oxygen after a while, your body will jolt you awake, and if this happens throughout the night, it can lead to less restorative sleep.
Untreated OSA can also lead to serious health consequences such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Sleep Tips for Seniors
Getting a good night’s sleep shouldn’t be such a struggle, even with age. Alcohol and medication may make you feel sleepy, but the sleep you get is far from a good quality sleep, so it’s best to avoid these things. According to MedLinePlus15 here are some tips to help you fall asleep:
- Avoid caffeine, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate for up to four hours before bed.
- Avoid violent TV shows and games before bed.
- Don’t use your phone, tablet, or computer in the bedroom.
- Try to have a regular bedtime routine, i.e., going to sleep at the same time each night.
- Avoid smoking before bed.
- Exercise regularly but at least three hours before bed.
Best Mattresses for Seniors FAQs
What is the best mattress firmness for seniors?
Seniors, much like any age group, need a mattress firmness that matches their preferred sleeping position and weight. If you’re a heavier side sleeper, you’re likely to do well with medium firmness, but if you’re a lightweight side sleeper, you might need something softer.
Seniors should also consider chronic conditions and pains when choosing firmness. Those with hip pain may need a softer bed that allows better pressure relief than those who don’t struggle with this issue.
Do seniors need less sleep?
According to the National Institute on Aging16, seniors need the same amount of sleep as other adults, which is seven to nine hours each night. Although older people typically go to bed earlier and wake up earlier, they should still get the above-mentioned hours of sleep.
What is the best mattress type for seniors?
Seniors can choose based on their needs and preferences, focusing specifically on their mobility and chronic illness. In other words, if a senior person has mobility issues, they may prefer a hybrid or innerspring with enough bounce to help with getting in and out of bed. If they face hip or shoulder pain and pressure buildup, it may be better to focus on a latex or memory foam bed that contours the pressure points and helps relieve pain.
Check out our Best Mattress list.
What is the best bed height for seniors?
Although the optimal bed height for seniors should be determined by several factors, including their height and overall mobility, a report from the Americans with Disabilities Act states that a bed (base and mattress) with a total height of 20-23 inches is accessible for most people.1 If you struggle with mobility, an adjustable base can make it easier to rise from your bed.
Will a mattress help with mobility?
Mattresses with good edge support could help sleepers with mobility issues get in and out of bed more easily by providing them with a solid base to sit and lie on. Additionally, bouncier beds that respond quickly to movement can help those with limited mobility reposition more easily.
Is it easy to get in-home delivery and setup?
Mattresses purchased online or in a retail store typically include a delivery option. However, not as many provide in-home delivery and setup. If this is important to you, look for beds that offer white glove delivery. Some will also haul your old bed off.
Compare Prices of the Best Beds for Seniors
| Mattress | Price (Queen Size) | Pressure Relief | Support | Motion Isolation | Cooling | Bounce | Edge Support | Couples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DreamCloud | $1,332 | 4 | 5 | 4.25 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | $2,049 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Nectar Luxe Hybrid | $2,231 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 |
| WinkBed | $1,799 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Nolah Evolution | $2,499 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Saatva Rx | $3,295 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | $2,305 | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | $1,249 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Titan Plus | $1,249 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
References:
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