Written by Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
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 caused by a mattress. 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.
Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
- Nectar – Editor’s Pick
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress for Pressure Relief
- DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Mattress for Pressure Relief
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Couples Needing Pressure Relief
- Nolah Original – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Needing Pressure Relief
- Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Pressure Relief and Back Pain
- Bear Original – Best Mattress for Athletes Needing Pressure Relief
Compare The Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
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| Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Original 10″ Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 |
| 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, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Dr. Raj on the Importance of Pressure Relief
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our diverse cast of testers evaluate mattresses based on how they look, feel, and perform. Our team features a variety of personal preferences, body types, and sleeping positions, so you can be sure that our reviews produce an accurate, full-picture assessment of a bed.
We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, and edge support. Our reviews cut out all the drivel and jargon, so you can find the best bed for your needs with ease.
To find out more, check out our full testing process.
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.
What We Want to See in a Mattress for Pressure Relief
A Comfortable Firmness
It’s important to choose the right firmness for your sleeping position and body type, but if you’re after pressure relief, we’re going to look at the lower end of the scale. Depending on your preferences, anywhere from a soft to a medium-firm mattress can work. So, we focused on beds within that range (and assigned superlatives based on which bed would be best for which sleeper).
Contouring Materials
Latex or memory foam can provide the best chance of relieving pressure. These materials will mold to your body and provide a comfortable cradle, allowing sensitive joints to sink into the mattress without causing pain. We picked a mix of latex, foam, and hybrid beds to address this.
Good Backing Support
Support is often overlooked when it comes to pressure relief. After all, you might think to go as soft as possible to ensure the least chance of pain. However, it’s important that this softness is backed up by a strong support core, so you don’t sink too far that it’s uncomfortable. A lack of support can exacerbate joint pain, so these beds should all provide a happy medium of pressure relief and support.
The Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
Nectar– Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: We believe that Nectar offers a quality bed backed up by generous policies, and for under $1,000 for a queen (after discounts). If you’re looking for a firmer foam mattress on a budget, the Nectar Classic has you covered.
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 while the denser support foams below it help you remain lifted.
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.
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress for Pressure Relief
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.
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.
DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Mattress for Pressure Relief
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.
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 tester, 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.
Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief
The Advisor Says: The Emma Hybrid Comfort is Emma’s answer to the affordable hybrid. With well-balanced performance scores, this bed should please a wide variety of budget shoppers, but especially those looking for a lifted, bouncy mattress.
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.
WinkBed – Best Mattress for Couples Needing Pressure Relief
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.
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.
Nolah Original – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Needing Pressure Relief
The Advisor Says: For an all-foam bed with a relatively low profile (10 inches tall), the Nolah Original is surprisingly supportive and bouncy. Its pressure-relieving AirFoam™ ICE makes it a good choice for lightweight side and back sleepers in particular—just don’t expect any cooling miracles.
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.
Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Pressure Relief and Back Pain
The Advisor Says: The Saatva Classic is the gold standard for lower-back support, strong edges, and customizable luxury. It’s not the softest or most motion-isolating bed out there, but it’s a dependable, bouncy hybrid that consistently impresses our testers with its two coil units.
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 tester, 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.
Bear Original – Best Mattress for Athletes Needing Pressure Relief
The Advisor Says: With a name that inspires hibernation, it’s no surprise we found the Bear Original to be an attractive all-foam mattress at its fair price. It’s got a firmer feel that’s sure to please folks looking for support—and a surprising amount of bounce.
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.
Compare Pressure Relief Scores
| Mattress | Pressure Relief Score (out of 5) |
| Nectar | 4.5 |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | 4 |
| DreamCloud Original Hybrid | 4 |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | 4 |
| WinkBed | 4 |
| Nolah Original | 5 |
| Saatva Classic | 4 |
| Bear Original | 4.5 |
What Is a Pressure-Relieving Mattress?
A pressure-relieving mattress 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 are 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 and the shoulders and hips don’t fall too far down into the 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.
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.”
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 innerspring 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.
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 researchers found that latex, more than other mattress materials, reduces pressure throughout the body.1 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
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.
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.
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 mattress, 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 tends to trap heat. 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.
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.
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.
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
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Nectar | Editor’s Pick | $999 | Nectar Mattress Review |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Luxury | $2,049 | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Review |
| DreamCloud | Hybrid | $1,332 | DreamCloud Mattress Review |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Firm | $1,319 | Emma Hybrid Comfort Review |
| WinkBed | Couples | $1,799 | Winkbed Mattress Review |
| Nolah Original | Side Sleepers | $1,149 | Nolah Original Mattress Review |
| Saatva Classic | Back Pain | $1,995 | Saatva Classic Mattress Review |
| Bear Original | Athletes | $999 | Bear Mattress Review |
Sosha Lewis
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a senior 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:
- Low, Fan-Zhe., et. al. “Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures”. National Library of Medicine. 2017.