Best Mattress for Arthritis in 2024: A Complete Guide

Aug 20, 2024
Fact Checked
Our Reviews Team selected the best mattresses for arthritis based on many factors, including support and pressure relief for those with joint pain. Read on to find out which mattresses for arthritis made our top nine.
Written by: Brooke Helton
Medically Reviewed by: Suzanne Gorovoy, PhD

Key Takeaways

A good night’s sleep can help slow down inflammation in people with certain types of arthritis. [1] Irwin M, et al. Heat of the Night: Sleep Disturbance Activates Inflammatory Mechanisms and Induces Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology. July 24, 2023.

Yet according to the Arthritis Foundation, up to 80% of people with arthritis experience sleep disturbances. If your joints ache, you may have trouble drifting off, but losing sleep can also worsen joint pain. [2] Arthritis Foundation. Sleep and pain. March 15, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/fatigue-sleep/sleep-and-pain So, if you need help breaking the cycle, it may be worth taking a look at your mattress. 

“If someone does have pain or weakness due to arthritic changes in the hip, knee, or back, they could benefit more from certain mattresses than others,” said Nicole Hernandez, DPT, a physical therapist and health writer.“ Usually, a mattress with a balance between support and pressure relief is best.” 

We rounded up nine of the best mattresses we’ve tested for different types of arthritis and pain locations, prioritizing comfort, ease of movement, and pressure relief. Below, discover if any of these supportive models may be right for you.

Best mattresses for arthritis in 2024

Video: The best stretches to do before bed

In this video, Vicki Tilley, a physical therapist and certified geriatric clinical specialist, demonstrates the best stretches to do before bed. These stretches can help improve flexibility and release stress and stiffness from the day. During her demonstration, she focuses on safe stretching practices by slowly walking through each activity step-by-step. Learn more about stretching before bed in the video below.

Saatva Classic: Best mattress for arthritis overall

Saatva Classic

Best Overall
9.7 Exceptional
We chose the Saatva Classic as the best mattress for arthritis overall because it earned top marks in pressure relief during testing, preventing pain and pressure build up at the joints. This mattress also scored high in the category of functional support, a rating category we created to evaluate just how well each mattress promotes easy movement and supports healthy spine alignment.
9.7 Exceptional

Features

  • Price: $2,095 queen before discounts
  • Material: Hybrid innerspring
  • Brand’s firmness rating: Plush soft, luxury firm, firm
  • Mattress height: 11.5″ or 14.5″
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: Free white glove delivery
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Offers financing: Yes, using Affirm

Pros and cons

Pros Choice of three firmness levels and two mattress heights Offers free in-room delivery and setup 365-night trial period Cons $99 replacement fee if you decide to return

Our testing scores

These are our scores for the Saatva Classic compiled during our extensive testing process.

  • 7/10 Firmness (luxury firm)
  • 4/5 Pressure relief
  • 5/5 Edge support
  • 4/5 Bounce
  • 4.45/5 Functional support

Learn more about our testing and scoring methods.

Additional information

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 877-672-2882, available 24/7
  • Email: info@saatva.com
  • Live chat: Available 24/7
  • Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options

Payment options include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Google Pay, and PayPal. Saatva offers financing options through Affirm.

Note that Saatva offers $225 off a purchase of $1,000 or more to adults 65 and older, military members and their families, health care professionals, government employees, and more.

Our top pick

Our expert take on the Saatva Classic mattress

Our top mattress pick for people with arthritis is the Saatva Classic, a hybrid innerspring mattress available in different sizes, firmness levels, and mattress heights.

Our testers gave the Saatva Classic mattress a seven out of 10 on our firmness scale, with 10 being the most firm. It features a base made from steel coils, a lumbar support layer made from memory foam, and a pillow top to provide gentle comfort. This combination of firmness and cushioning helped it score high in joint pressure relief and functional support during our testing.

According to Hernandez, a good functional support score makes it easier to maneuver on the bed. So you don’t need to worry about feeling “stuck” inside the mattress if your joints are achy. What’s more, the mattress also has foam rails around the edges. Our testers found that this helped provide a “seat” that made it easier to get in and out of bed.

The Saatva Classic is a hybrid mattress with good pressure relief to support achy joints. It works well for all sleeping positions. For more information, check out our full Saatva mattress review.

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Our tester on the Saatva Classic mattress:

“When I lay on the Saatva Classic, my spine feels neutral – just so long as I scoot down to align with the zoned lumbar support!”

Our mattress expert’s take

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Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Mattress for Older Adults with Arthritis

Helix Midnight Luxe

Best for Older Adults with Arthritis
9.4 Excellent
We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best mattress for older adults because this hybrid mattress offers excellent zoned lumbar support that is paired with a plush pillow top that cushions the body without sinkage.
9.4 Excellent

Features

  • Price: $2,373 for a queen before discounts
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Brand’s firmness rating: Medium-firm
  • Mattress height: 13.5″
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping, in-home delivery and old mattress removal offered for an extra fee
  • Warranty: 15 years
  • Offers financing: Yes, using Affirm

Pros and cons

Pros Two pillow-top options Free shipping in the United States 100-night trial period Cons May require more effort to change positions No in-home delivery or setup

Our testing scores

These are our scores for the Helix Midnight Luxe compiled during our extensive testing process.

  • 5.5 /10 Firmness
  • 4.75/5 Pressure relief
  • 4.5/5 Edge support
  • 4/5 Bounce
  • 3.78/5 Functional support

Learn more about our testing and scoring methods.

Additional information

Customer service

You can reach Helix customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 831-777-5976, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
  • Text: Text HELIX to 67069
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
  • Email: help@helixsleep.com
  • Website: Submit a contact form

Payment options

Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Other options include Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay. Helix offers financing through Affirm.

The company currently offers 25% off for military members, first responders, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Our expert take on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress

For older adults who enjoy a plush sleeping experience, the Helix Midnight Luxe combines a cushion top and memory foam layer with a supporting coiled base.

The mattress features four layers of memory foam, hundreds of steel coils, and a breathable, plush pillow top. Our Reviews Team found the mattress slightly firmer than advertised, giving it a seven out of 10. The mattress features different firmness zones, providing support for the lumbar region while giving the shoulder and hip regions more cushioning, which can be helpful for people with joint pain.

The memory foam and cushion top cradle your body while you sleep, while the springs help you avoid the “sinking” feeling. Our testers found that it took a bit of effort to shift around on the mattress, likely due to the memory foam. But we also found that it was easy to get in and out of bed, since the mattress has good edge support.

The company doesn’t offer in-home delivery or setup; the mattress arrives compressed in a box and expands in under an hour.

For older adults who need lumbar support and pressure relief, the Helix Midnight Luxe provides a plush top layer with a firm base for joint support. We found that it worked best for stomach and combination sleepers.

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Our tester on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress:

“I feel like the material of the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is conforming to my body, but it doesn’t feel like it’s pushing against my lower back. I think it’s because the top layer is really plush, and the support comes from the layer underneath.”

Our mattress expert’s take

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Nectar: Best for arthritis and fibromyalgia

Nectar

Best for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
9.1 Excellent
We chose the Nectar as the best mattress for arthritis and fibromyalgia because it provides cushioned support for restless sleepers, while preventing motion transfer and keeping sleepers cool. We also liked that the Nectar is budget-friendly. In fact, it is the most affordable option on our list.
9.1 Excellent

Features

  • Price: $1,099 for a queen before discounts
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Brand’s firmness rating: Medium-firm
  • Mattress height: 12″
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping, in-home delivery is available for $199
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Offers financing: Yes, using Affirm

Pros and cons

Pros Minimizes motion transfer Cooling gel top layer wicks away moisture Most affordable on our list Cons Not enough support for stomach sleepers Not ideal for people weighing 230 pounds or more

Our testing scores

These are our scores for the Nectar compiled during our extensive testing process.

  • 6.5/10 Firmness
  • 4.25/5 Pressure relief
  • 2/5 Edge support
  • 1.5/5 Bounce
  • 2.25/5 Functional support

Learn more about our testing and scoring methods.

Additional information

Customer service

You can reach Nectar customer service by:

  • Phone: Call (888-863-2827), available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
  • Email: support@nectarsleep.com
  • Chat: Live chat available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

Payment options

Payment options for Nectar include American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. Nectar offers financing through Affirm and Splitit and offers a lease-to-own option through Acima.

Military members, first responders, and health care professionals can get an extra 5% discount.

Our expert take on the Nectar mattress

People with Fibromyalgia can experience pain and tenderness all over the body. So Hernandez suggests choosing a mattress with medium firmness for pressure relief and a softer surface level for maximum comfort. [3] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Fibromyalgia.

The Nectar mattress fits the bill; it offers three layers of memory foam, which our Reviews Team found fairly firm, ranking it 6.5 out of 10. It also scored high in functional support, which should help with joint pain relief. Since the mattress lacks springs or coils, it doesn’t provide a lot of bounciness. But the foam also minimizes motion transfer, meaning tossing and turning shouldn’t disturb a sleeping partner.

We found that this mattress worked best for side and back sleepers because stomach sleepers might need more spine support than a pure memory foam mattress can provide.

The Nectar is the most affordable mattress on our list. Its memory foam could provide a comforting cushion for people struggling with fibromyalgia pain. The foam also has low motion transfer, making it ideal for anyone sharing the bed with a restless partner.

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Our tester on the Nectar mattress:

“When I am on the Nectar mattress, my hips and shoulders sink into the mattress in a good way. It’s a good side sleeping mattress.”

Our mattress expert’s take

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Nolah Evolution: Best Mattress for Hip Arthritis

Nolah Evolution

Best for Hip Arthritis
9.6 Excellent
We chose the Nolah Evolution as the best mattress for hip arthritis because it provides targeted support for side sleepers, while preventing pressure build up at pain points for comfortable sleep.
9.6 Excellent

Features

  • Price: $2,499 for a queen before discounts
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Brand’s firmness rating: Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus
  • Mattress height: 15″
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping, in-home delivery and old mattress removal offered for an extra fee.
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Offers financing: Yes, using Affirm

Pros and cons

Pros Lifetime warranty Free shipping Zoned support Cons In-home setup costs extra Priciest on our list

Our testing scores

These are our scores for the Nolah Evolution compiled during our extensive testing process.

  • 7/10 Firmness
  • 4.75/5 Pressure relief
  • 4.5/5 Edge support
  • 3.5/5 Bounce
  • 3.95/5 Functional support

Learn more about our testing and scoring methods.

Additional information

Customer service

You can reach Nolah customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 866-403-6615, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT
  • Email: support@nolahmattress.com
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Payment options

Nolah accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, and PayPal. Financing is available through Affirm.

The brand currently offers $50 off for military members and their families, as well as health care workers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Our expert take on the Nolah Evolution mattress

People who have arthritis-related hip pain might prefer a mattress designed to support the lumbar regions. So the Nolah Evolution earns our pick for the best mattress for hip pain.

The Nolah Evolution has a medium-high firmness level with “tri-zone” coils that offer lumbar support. Instead of memory foam, Nolah uses a unique “air foam” layer, which they claim offers pressure relief and greater responsiveness. Our Reviews Team verified that it was easy to roll around and move positions on this mattress. We also liked that it had a good bounce and provided pressure relief. For that reason, we consider it one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Nolah also offers free shipping and in-home setup via a third-party logistics provider for an additional fee.

The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress with a combination of reinforced coils, air foam, and a quilted top. The layers provide a firm, supportive sleeping experience ideal for those who prefer to sleep on their sides or back.

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Our tester on the Nolah mattress:

“On the Nolah Evolution, my spine feels neutral. A lightweight sleeper might want more contour around the lower back area, but an average to heavier sleeper would experience more contour and support.”

Our mattress expert’s take

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Emma Hybrid Comfort: Best Mattress for Arthritis of the Spine

Emma Hybrid Comfort

Best for Arthritis of the Spine
8.5 Very Good
We chose the Emma Hybrid Comfort as the best mattress for arthritis of the spine because it provides seven layers designed to support and align the spine. This mattress has a medium-high firmness, which tends to offer the best balance between support and cushioning for spine arthritis.
8.5 Very Good

Features

  • Price: $1,319 for a queen before discounts
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Brand’s firmness rating: Medium-firm
  • Mattress height: 13″
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping, no in-home delivery offered
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Offers financing: Yes, using Klarna

Pros and cons

Pros Supports the back and spine 365-night trial Free shipping and returns Cons Poor edge support Some durability concerns

Our testing scores

These are our scores for the Emma Hybrid Comfort compiled during our extensive testing process.

  • 7.5/10 Firmness
  • 4/5 Pressure relief
  • 3/5 Edge support
  • 4/5 Bounce
  • 3.03/5 Functional support

Learn more about our testing and scoring methods.

Additional information

Customer service

You can reach Emma customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 855-580-3662, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST
  • Email: support@emma-sleep.com

Payment options

Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Other options include Shop Pay, Diners Club, Apple Pay, Meta Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay. Emma offers financing through Klarna.

Our expert take on the Emma Comfort Hybrid mattress

Medium-firm mattresses tend to offer the best balance between firmness and cushioning for people with spine arthritis. [4] Wells B. Spondyloarthritis Association of America. Tips for sleeping better with spondyloarthritis We found that the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress had a medium-high firmness and ranked 7.5 out of 10.

The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress also contains seven different “support zones” designed to distribute pressure evenly and support the spine. Our Reviews Team noted that laying flat on the mattress slightly elevates your tailbone and found it most comfortable while stomach sleeping.

Thanks to the inner coils, we found it easy to shift positions on the mattress. While we didn’t think the Emma Hybrid Comfort’s edge support was particularly strong, the bounciness made it easy to get out of bed. However, our Reviews Team found some quality issues, like sloppy stitching. So we aren’t sure that it will remain durable long-term. But Emma backs the mattress up with a 10-year warranty.

The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress’s medium-firm feel may support the spine. The company provides free shipping, a 10-year warranty, and a lengthy free trial period.

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Our tester on the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress:

“On the Emma Hybrid Comfort, I am closer to the surface instead of feeling like my body is sinking into the mattress. I feel like I’m top, and only sinking about half an inch. It is comfortable laying on my back.”

Our mattress expert’s take

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WinkBed Original: Best Mattress for Back Pain

The Winkbed Original

Best for Back Pain
9.4 Excellent
We chose the WinkBed Original as the best mattress for back pain because it is a medium-firm mattress that can support people with back pain. While we tested the Luxury Firm WinkBed, we love that it comes in three other firmness options, including one designed for people above 250 pounds.
9.4 Excellent

Features

  • Price: $1,799 for a queen before discounts
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Brand’s firmness rating: Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus
  • Mattress height: 13.5″
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping, no in-home delivery offered
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Offers financing: Yes, using Bread Pay

Pros and cons

Pros Four different firmness levels Motion isolation tech $300 off with code Free shipping and returns Cons Doesn’t “hug” the body

Our testing scores

These are our scores for the WinkBed Original compiled during our extensive testing process.

  • 6.5/10 Firmness
  • 4.5/5 Pressure relief
  • 4/5 Edge support
  • 3.5/5 Bounce
  • 3.73/5 Functional support

Learn more about our testing and scoring methods.

Additional information

Customer service

You can reach WinkBeds customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 855-946-5233, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
  • Email: info@winkbeds.com
  • Chat: Live chat in lower right corner of website, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

Payment options

Credit card payment options include MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. WinkBeds offers financing through Bread Pay and Katapult.

The company currently offers an additional $50 off for military members and their families, first responders, law enforcement, and health care workers.

Our expert take on the WinkBed mattress

Research has found that sleeping on a medium-firm mattress may help lower back pain. [5] Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Coming in at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the WinkBeds mattress provides that medium-firm sleep experience. It combines innerspring, foam, and pillow layers, offering a good combination of support and plush comfort. That’s why it earned our pick for the best mattress for back pain.

Our Reviews Team found the WinkBed mattress highly supportive and comfortable for back and side sleeping. The mattress provides good motion isolation, making it ideal for couples or restless sleepers. We also found that it stayed cool during testing—even when multiple people lay down.

The WinkBed mattress provides a medium-firm feel and good support that people with back arthritis may find comfortable. It also features a cooling gel layer, ideal for hot sleepers. Get more details in our full WinkBeds mattress review. 

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Our tester on the WinkBed Original mattress:

“My weight feels evenly distributed on The WinkBeds, with a little more pressure on the trunk of my body. Overall, my spine feels neutral.”

Our mattress expert’s take

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Bear Elite Hybrid: Best Mattress for Osteoporosis

Bear Elite Hybrid

Best for Arthritis and Osteoporosis
9.4 Excellent
We chose the Bear Elite Hybrid as the best mattress for osteoporosis because it provides zoned support for different parts of the spine, a feature that could be helpful for people with osteoporosis.
9.4 Excellent

Features

  • Price: $2,305 for a queen before discounts
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Brand’s firmness rating: Soft, medium, firm
  • Mattress height: 14″
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping, in-home delivery is available for $199
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Offers financing: Yes, using Affirm

Pros and cons

Pros Supports multiple sleeping positions Free shipping and returns Lifetime warranty Cons One of the pricier options on our list White glove delivery for a fee

Our testing scores

These are our scores for the Bear Elite Hybrid compiled during our extensive testing process.

  • 6.5/10 Firmness
  • 5/5 Pressure relief
  • 3/5 Edge support
  • 3/5 Bounce
  • 3.23/5 Functional support

Learn more about our testing and scoring methods.

Additional information

Customer service

You can reach Bear customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
  • Email: support@bearmattress.com
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

Payment options

Bear accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Google Pay, Meta Pay, and Apple Pay. Financing is available through Affirm and ShopPay.

The brand currently offers a 40% discount for military members, first responders, law enforcement, health care workers, and teachers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Our expert take on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress

Research has found that a lack of sleep is associated with lower bone mineral density. [6] Ochs-Balcom HM, et al. Short Sleep Is Associated With Low Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis in the Women’s Health Initiative. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Nov. 6, 2019 So people with osteoporosis should choose a comfortable mattress that can support them throughout the night.

The Bear Elite Hybrid’s medium version ranks 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. It features a combination of springs, memory foam, and a pillow top for a classic hybrid experience.

For people with osteoporosis, it’s also a good idea to choose a mattress that supports the spine for proper alignment. [7] Osteoporosis Canada. Buying a mattress when you have osteoporosis. [PDF]. Sept. 9, 2015 The Bear Elite Hybrid’s zoned coils provide lumbar support. Our Reviews Team gives it top marks for pressure relief. We also found it easy to move on the mattress and ideal for different sleeping positions, though we especially liked it for back and side sleeping.

The mattress also features a cool-to-the-touch cover for hot sleepers. We found that it stayed cool even with multiple people in bed.

The Bear Elite Hybrid can support multiple sleeping positions and has minimal motion transfer. It’s also cool to the touch, a potentially helpful mattress feature for hot sleepers.

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Our tester on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress:

“I like the combination of a firm, supportive core, but the cushy top layer provides some added comfort. I’m not fighting the material to move. Because of how responsive it is, it’s helping to provide movement that helps me change positions.

Our mattress expert’s take

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Titan Plus Luxe: Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Shoulders

Titan Plus Luxe

Best for Arthritis in Shoulders
9.3 Excellent
We chose the Titan Plus Luxe as the best mattress for shoulder arthritis because it provides sag-resistant support and exceptional pressure relief that is ideal for people with shoulder pain.
9.3 Excellent

Features

  • Price: $1,599 for a queen before discounts
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Brand’s firmness rating: Firm
  • Mattress height: 13″
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping except for Hawaii and Alaska, no in-home delivery offered
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Offers financing: Yes, using Affirm

Pros and cons

Pros Free shipping Firm support for tall and higher-weight sleepers Cons May be too responsive for shorter or light-weight sleepers

Our testing scores

These are our scores for the Titan Plus Luxe compiled during our extensive testing process.

  • 8/10 Firmness
  • 4.5/5 Pressure relief
  • 3.25/5 Edge support
  • 4/5 Bounce
  • 3.85/5 Functional support

Learn more about our testing and scoring methods.

Additional information

Customer service

Titan is a Brooklyn Bedding brand. You can reach Brooklyn Bedding customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 623-624-1222, available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the Titan website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. ET
  • Email: support@brooklynbedding.com
  • Website: Submit a contact form

Payment options

Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Other options include Shop Pay, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and Google Pay. Titan offers financing through Affirm.

The company currently offers 30% off for military members, first responders, medical providers, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Our expert take on the Titan Plus Luxe mattress

If you have arthritis in your shoulder, it’s best to keep the shoulder elevated when lying on your back or side. [8] Dunkin MA. Arthritis Foundation. Position yourself for a good night’s sleep. May 7, 2021

With a high firmness level and good pressure relief, we found the Titan Plus Luxe mattress nice for multiple sleeping positions, which helped it earn its ranking as the best mattress for shoulder pain. 

The mattress features over 900 coils that help contour the shoulders and resist sagging. We gave it a 5 out of 5 rank for back sleeping and a 4 out of 5 for side sleeping. The brand also sells an adjustable base, helpful for anyone who would like extra shoulder elevation while sleeping.

The Titan Plus Luxe is bouncy and highly responsive, a good feature for anyone who dislikes “sinking in” to a mattress. However, couples may prefer an option with more motion isolation.

The Titan Plus luxe features good support for back sleepers and is ideal for those who enjoy a bouncy mattress.

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Our tester on the Titan Plus Luxe mattress:

“On the Titan Plus Lux, my body sinks in a comfortable amount, but I think light, average weight, and heavier sleepers would all feel a lot of support.”

Our mattress expert’s take

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Plank Firm: Best Mattress for Arthritis and Joint Pain

Plank Firm

Best for Arthritis and Joint Pain
9.3 Excellent
We chose the Plank Firm as the best mattress for joint pain because it provides two firmness levels, allowing users to flip the mattress so that it is best suited for their current comfort needs. The Plank Firm is a great choice for sleepers who prefer a very firm mattress.
9.3 Excellent

Features

  • Price: $1,332 for a queen before discounts
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Brand’s firmness rating: Medium-firm, firm
  • Mattress height: 10.25″
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping, no in-home delivery offered
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Offers financing: Yes, using Affirm

Pros and cons

Pros Offers two firmness levels in one mattress Free shipping Cons Short mattress height $99 return fee

Our testing scores

These are our scores for the Plank Firm compiled during our extensive testing process.

  • 9/10 Firmness (firm side)
  • 3.75/5 Pressure relief
  • 5/5 Edge support
  • 3/5 Bounce
  • 4.05/5 Functional support

Learn more about our testing and scoring methods.

Additional information

Customer service

Plank is a Brooklyn Bedding company, so you can reach customer service by:

  • Phone: Call 623-624-1222, available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the Plank website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. ET
  • Email: support@brooklynbedding.com
  • Website: Submit a contact form

Payment options

Accepted credit card payments include MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Financing through Brooklyn Bedding is available through Affirm.

The company currently offers 30% off for military members, first responders, medical providers, students, and educators. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Our expert take on the Plank Firm mattress

If you have tried sleeping on the floor to find relief from arthritis or joint pain, you might enjoy the Plank’s high firmness level.

The mattress is flippable and has two firmness layers: medium-firm and extra firm. It features box springs, a pillow top, and multiple layers of foam to support the hips and shoulders. The American Chiropractic Association gives the Plank its stamp of approval.

The Plank also features an optional cooling top cover for hot sleepers and is free from heavy metals or other potentially harmful materials, like mercury. At only 10.5 inches tall, the mattress is on the shorter side, which may not be ideal for anyone who has a hard time squatting or bending.

The Plank Firm is an extra firm mattress experience with a durable, flippable design that supports the hips and shoulders.

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Our tester on the Plank Firm mattress:

“Sleeping on the Plank Firm mattress, I feel like the mattress is keeping up with my position changes. The quilted top is responding, but not the memory foam. I’m not sinking into the foam in a way that makes it hard to move around.”

Our mattress expert’s take

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Who may want to avoid it

How we test mattresses for arthritis

Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 1,000 hours researching over 40 mattress brands, which amounts to 130 different models with their own, unique set of features and materials used. We also surveyed more than 3,200 mattress owners about what they are looking for in a mattress while consulting with 10 healthcare professionals about what is most important to look for in a mattress for arthritis pain. Narrowing down our choices, our team tests every model we review using a 32-page, standardized testing form. Our testers rate each mattress across a number of categories, including pressure relief, support, and bounce. Based on those scores, we rate the mattresses in our scorecard and what makes for a good mattress for arthritis. 

Pressure Relief

Knowing that sleepers with arthritis often deal with pain and stiffness that could disrupt their sleep, we paid attention to how effectively each model evenly distributed weight to provide pressure relief. We use a pressure mat to measure the build-up of pressure, rating the mattresses on a 1 to 5 scale, with a 5 indicating that the mattress effectively distributed weight to prevent pain and discomfort at pressure points like the hips, shoulders, and neck.

Edge Support

Strong edge support allows a sleeper to sit on the edge of the bed without the perimeter collapsing under their weight. This can be important for someone with arthritis since sinking into the bed will make it hard to stand up out of bed. In the edge support category, we rate each mattress on a 1 to 5 scale after sitting on the edge of the bed and measuring how far it sinks.

Functional support

The Reviews Team at NCOA has developed a unique score that considers how well each mattress supports sleepers as they reposition or move to get out of bed. This score is given on a one-to-five scale that we calculate from the individual scores each mattress received in firmness (30%), support (30%), bounce (10%), and edge support (30%).

Functional support can be incredibly important for individuals with arthritis, and these mattresses are responsive and supportive enough to allow easier movement in bed.

To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.  

We continuously test new mattresses each month and make sure we give you the most up-to-date information possible. We use the information we collect to provide our readers with the information they need to find the best mattress for their lifestyle and comfort needs.

How to choose the best mattress for arthritis and joint pain

“When it comes to comfort, you want to find a mattress with good pressure relief without being too saggy,” said Hernandez. 

For example, she states that certain soft foams may be too hard to move around in. Instead, look for mattress models that offer good functional support, perhaps through innerspring or firm foam, so you can get in and out of bed more easily. “Most hybrids do this well,” Hernandez added. 

Sleeping positions and joint pain 

Your sleeping position can also impact your joint pain levels. The American Arthritis Foundation recommends the following positions for pain in the back, shoulders, and hips. 

Back pain

Stomach sleeping isn’t recommended for people with back pain. Instead, try to sleep on your back or side and keep your spine in a neutral position. You can support a better back contour by placing pillows under your lower back or hips, or looking for a mattress with built in support zones. 

“Some people with arthritis in their back may prefer a more forward spine position for relief,” Hernandez said. “Those people are good candidates for an adjustable bed.”

Shoulder pain

If you’re a side sleeper with shoulder pain, try to sleep on the side that isn’t affected and keep your stiff shoulder angled back. 

For back sleeping, try to keep your body supported at a 45-degree angle or place pillows under your shoulders. For more thorough support, check out the best mattresses for side sleepers. 

Hip pain

When back sleeping with hip pain, support the small of your back with a pillow or a zoned support mattress. You can also try adding a pillow under your knees. For added support, have a look at the best mattresses for back sleepers

For side sleeping, lie on the unaffected hip and sleep with a pillow between your legs.

Infographic showing areas where pressure is most likely to accumulate around the body during sleep.

How to save money on the best mattresses for arthritis and joint pain

When you have arthritis, a good mattress can be an investment in your overall well-being. But if you don’t have the budget to invest in a luxury option at full price, there are other ways to save money on your purchase. 

For example, many brands on our list, such as Saatva, offer additional discounts for military personnel, health care professionals, government employees, teachers, and people 65 years old and over. 

You can also time your purchase during a sale. Brands like Emma often run 50% discounts, bringing the price of a queen mattress down from $1,319 to $659. Most mattresses are discounted during holiday sales, including Labor Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, and President’s Day.

For more ways to save, check out our picks for the best affordable mattresses. 

Compare the best mattresses for arthritis as of 2024

Saatva Classic Check price
Helix Midnight Luxe Check price
Nectar Check price
Nolah Evolution Check price
Emma Hybrid Comfort Check price
Winkbed Check price
Bear Elite Hybrid Check price
Titan Plus Luxe Check price
Plank Firm Check price
Cost of queen* $2,095 $2,373.80 $1,099 $2,499 $1,319 $1,799 $2,305 $1,599 $1,332
Mattress type Hybrid Hybrid Memory foam Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Memory foam
Firmness Plush soft, luxury firm, firm Medium-firm Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus Medium-firm Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus Soft, medium, firm Firm Medium-firm, firm
Trial period 365 nights 100 nights 120 nights 120 nights 365 nights 120 nights 120 nights 120 nights 120 nights
White glove delivery** Yes No Yes, through a third party Yes, through a third party Yes No Yes No No

*Excluding sales and promotions

**White glove delivery includes the delivery, unpacking, assembly, and placement of your new mattress or bed inside your home and the removal of your old mattress.

Bottom line

When choosing the best mattress for arthritis, it’s important to consider your particular type of pain and its location. For instance, people with back arthritis may appreciate a medium-firm mattress like the WinkBeds mattress, while others may prefer a plusher mattress to cushion their joints like the Nectar. 

Beyond getting a good night’s sleep, you can also manage arthritis symptoms through other lifestyle changes, such as gentle exercise and weight management. Talk to your health care provider about your symptoms to come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you. 

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Frequently asked questions

Not much research currently investigates specific mattresses for arthritis relief. However, one study found that medium-firm mattresses may promote relief from back pain and improve sleep quality. [5] Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021.

Yes and no. A softer mattress can help your joints align during sleep. However, a mattress with a “sinking” quality may also cause the joints to twist. So, a good combination of cushion and support may provide a better option. [9] Harvard Health. What type of mattress is best for people with low back pain? Feb. 12, 2021

People who sleep less may face a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis. At the same time, arthritis pain may also make it difficult to fall and stay asleep, creating a cyclical effect. [10] Gao RC, et al. Association Between Sleep Traits and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Frontiers in Public Health. June 29, 2022

The best mattress for arthritis of the spine is one that is supportive enough to maintain spine alignment in your preferred sleep position. Individuals with arthritis often appreciate mattresses with high pressure relief scores and bounce that responds quickly to movement by meeting them in a new sleep position if they need to move around in bed.

If you experience pain in your hips because of arthritis, a supportive mattress that prevents your hips from sinking into the bed may be most comfortable for you. We have also found that a mattress that evenly distributes weight can help prevent build up and pain at pressure points, like the hips.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. Irwin M, et al. Heat of the Night: Sleep Disturbance Activates Inflammatory Mechanisms and Induces Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology. July 24, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-023-00997-3 
  2. Arthritis Foundation. Sleep and pain. March 15, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/fatigue-sleep/sleep-and-pain 
  3. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Fibromyalgia. Found on the internet at https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia 
  4. Wells B. Spondyloarthritis Association of America. Tips for sleeping better with spondyloarthritis. Found on the internet at https://spondylitis.org/lifecafe/tips-for-sleeping-better-with-spondyloarthritis/
  5. Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5 
  6. Ochs-Balcom HM, et al. Short Sleep Is Associated With Low Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis in the Women’s Health Initiative. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Nov. 6, 2019. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31692127/ 
  7. Osteoporosis Canada. Buying a mattress when you have osteoporosis. Sept. 9, 2015. Found on the internet at https://osteoporosis.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015-09-09-COPING-FINAL.pdf 
  8. Dunkin MA. Arthritis Foundation. Position yourself for a good night’s sleep. May 7, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/fatigue-sleep/arthritis-pain-at-night-tips-to-position-yourself
  9. Harvard Health. What type of mattress is best for people with low back pain? Feb. 12, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/what-type-of-mattress-is-best-for-people-with-low-back-pain 
  10. Gao RC, et al. Association Between Sleep Traits and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Frontiers in Public Health. June 29, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.940161/full 
  11. Dunkin MA. Arthritis Foundation. Position Yourself for a Good Night’s Sleep. March 3, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/fatigue-sleep/arthritis-pain-at-night-tips-to-position-yourself
Brooke Helton Author
Brooke Helton is a freelance writer passionate about holistic living. She loves creating content that empowers others to take charge of their health.
Suzanne Gorovoy Medical Reviewer
Suzanne Gorovoy is a clinical psychologist, behavioral sleep medicine specialist, and member of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. She received her graduate degree in School Psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University, her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Behavioral Sleep Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
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