Best Mattress for Arthritis in 2024: A Complete Guide

Apr 09, 2024
Fact Checked
Our Reviews Team selected the best mattresses for people with arthritis based on many factors, including support and pressure relief for the joints. Read on to find out which mattresses for arthritis made our top nine.
Written by: Brooke Helton
Medically Reviewed by: Suzanne Gorovoy, PhD

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, which could worsen joint pain. [2] Arthritis Foundation. Sleep and pain. March 15, 2022.

For some people, the right mattress may make it easier to get much-needed rest. We rounded up nine of our favorite mattress models for different arthritis and pain locations. Discover if any of these supportive models may be right for you. 

Best Mattress for Arthritis Overall

Our top mattress pick for arthritis is the Saatva Classic. It offers a good combination of firmness and pressure control at a mid-range price point, and our Reviews Team liked that you can choose between three firmness levels.

Best Overall
9.7
Exceptional
Saatva Classic
365-night trial period
Choice of three firmness levels
Free white-glove delivery
Price: $1,395–$2,990

Best mattresses for arthritis in 2024

Compare the best mattresses for arthritis as of March 2024

Provider Cost of queen* Mattress type Firmness Trial period White glove delivery** Visit Site
$2,095 Hybrid Plush soft, luxury firm, firm 365 nights Yes Check price
$2,373.80 Hybrid Medium-firm 100 nights No Check price
$2,499 Hybrid Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus 120 nights Yes, through a third party Check price
$2,499 Hybrid Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus 120 nights Yes, through a third party Check price
$1,319 Hybrid Medium-firm 365 nights Yes Check price
$1,799 Hybrid Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus 120 nights No Check price
$2,305 Hybrid Soft, medium, firm 120 nights Yes Check price
$1,599 Hybrid Firm 120 nights No Check price
$1,332 Memory foam Medium-firm, firm 120 nights No Check price

*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.

Best mattresses for arthritis of 2024, reviewed by experts

Best Mattress for Arthritis Overall: Saatva Classic 

Saatva Classic

Best Overall
Earns top marks in pressure relief and “functional support”
Offers a $500 discount for new customers
Key features
  • Price: $1,395–$2,990
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm, firm
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: Free white glove delivery
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, California split king
  • Mattress height: 11.5 or 14.5 inches
Pros and cons of the Saatva Classic mattress
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 expert take

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 Nicole Hernandez, DPT, a physical therapist and health writer, 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.

Additional information

The Saatva Classic is a hybrid mattress with good pressure relief to support achy joints. It works well for all sleeping positions.

Our recommendation

Who may love it 

  • Couples with different sleeping positions
  • People who have trouble getting in or out of bed

Who may want to avoid it 

  • Those who prefer more plush mattresses

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

Best for Older Adults with Arthritis: Helix Midnight Luxe

Helix Midnight Luxe

Best for Older Adults with Arthritis
Cushioned pillow top and lumbar support zones
Offers 20% off with discount code
Key features
  • Price: $1,373.80–$2,873.80
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Medium-firm
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: 15 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
  • Mattress height: 13.5 inches
Pros and cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress
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 expert take

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.

Additional information

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.

Our recommendation

Who may love it 

  • People who enjoy feeling “hugged” by their mattress
  • Side sleepers, or people who need extra back or lumbar support

Who may want to avoid it 

  • Combination sleepers who often change positions
  • Hot sleepers, since the mattress felt somewhat warm during testing

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.

Best for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia: Nectar

Nectar

Best for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
Provides cushioned support for restless sleepers
Nectar is the most affordable mattress on our list
Key features
  • Price: $699–$1,798
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Firmness: Medium-firm
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: Free
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
  • Mattress height: 12 inches
Pros and cons of the Nectar mattress
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 expert take

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.

Additional information

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.

Our recommendation

Who may love it 

  • Back or side sleepers
  • People sticking to a budget

Who may want to avoid it 

  • People who prefer a bouncier mattress
  • Stomach sleepers

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.

Best Mattress for Hip Arthritis: Nolah Evolution

Nolah Evolution

Best for Hip Arthritis
Provides targeted support for side sleepers
Currently offers a $750 discount for queen size
Key features
  • Price: $1,499–$3,198
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
  • Mattress height: 15 inches
Pros and cons of the Nolah Evolution mattress
Pros Lifetime warranty Free shipping Zoned support Cons In-home setup costs extra Priciest on our list
Our expert take

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

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. It’s also a good option for back and side sleepers.

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

Additional information

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.

Our recommendation

Who may love it 

  • Back and side sleepers who need extra support
  • People who appreciate a springy “bounce”

Who may want to avoid it 

  • People who want a more traditional memory foam feel
  • Those who want a more affordable option

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.

Best Mattress for Spine Arthritis: Emma Comfort Hybrid

Emma Hybrid Comfort

Best for Arthritis of the Spine
Provides seven layers designed to support and align the spine
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress has a medium-high firmness, which tends to offer the best balance between fitness and cushioning for spine arthritis
Key features
  • Price: $812–$1,649
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Medium-firm
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: Free
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Mattress height: 13 inches
Pros and cons of the Emma Comfort Hybrid mattress
Pros Supports the back and spine 365-night trial Free shipping and returns Cons Poor edge support Some durability concerns
Our expert take

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.

Additional information

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.

Our recommendation

Who may love it

  • People who want a firmer mattress
  • Stomach sleepers

Who may want to avoid it 

  • People who need strong edge support
  • People who want a more durable mattress

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.

Best Mattress for Back Pain: WinkBeds

The Winkbed Original

Best for Back Pain
Medium-firmness level can support people with back pain
We tested the Luxury Firm WinkBeds, but it also comes in three other firmness options, including one designed for people above 250 pounds.
Key features
  • Price: $1,149–$2,049
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Mattress height: 13.5 inches
Pros and cons of the WinkBed mattress
Pros Four different firmness levels Motion isolation tech $300 off with code Free shipping and returns Cons Doesn’t “hug” the body
Our expert take

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.

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.

Additional information

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.

Our recommendation

Who may love it

  • People who want a firm, supportive mattress for back pain
  • Couples who want a mattress that isolates motion
  • Hot sleepers who need cooling materials

Who may want to avoid it 

  • Anyone who needs white glove delivery to haul the mattress into the bedroom

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.

Best Mattress for Osteoporosis: Bear Elite Hybrid

Bear Elite Hybrid

Best for Arthritis and Osteoporosis
Different zones support the spine, helpful for people with osteoporosis
Offers an initial 35% off and free accessories
Key features
  • Price: $1,893–$3,920
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Soft, medium, firm
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free box shipping or $199 white-glove delivery
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California k
Pros and cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress
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 expert take

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.

Additional information

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.

Our recommendation

Who may love it

  • Back, side, or combination sleepers
  • People who want a good balance between firm and plush mattresses

Who may want to avoid it

  • People who want a more affordable mattress
  • People who like more “bounce”

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.

Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Shoulders: Titan Plus Luxe

Titan Plus Luxe

Best for Arthritis in Shoulders
Sag-resistant support ideal for people with shoulder pain
Offers an initial 35% off and free accessories
Key features
  • Price: $899–$1,948
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping, except for Hawaii and Alaska
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
  • Mattress height: 13 inches
Pros and cons of the Titan Plus Luxe mattress
Pros Free shipping Firm support for tall and higher-weight sleepers Cons May be too responsive for shorter or light-weight sleepers
Our expert take

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. 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.

Additional information

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

Our recommendation

Who may love it

  • People who like a bouncy mattress
  • Higher-weight individuals who need a firmer and more supportive mattress for comfort
  • People who want to pair a mattress with an adjustable base

Who may want to avoid it

  • Sleepers looking for a softer mattress
  • Light sleepers who are easily disturbed by their partner’s movements

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.

Best Mattress for Arthritis and Joint Pain: Plank Firm

Plank Firm

Best for Arthritis and Joint Pain
Ideal for those who want two firmness levels
Offers discounts for military, first responders, and teachers
Key features
  • Price: $749–$1,532
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Firmness: Medium-firm, firm (flippable)
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, Olympic queen, king, short king, California king, split California king, three RV king options
  • Mattress height: 10.25 inches
Pros and cons of the Plank Firm
Pros Offers two firmness levels in one mattress Free shipping Cons Short mattress height $99 return fee
Our expert take

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.

Additional information

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

Our recommendation

Who may love it

  • Those who want a super firm mattress
  • People who want a flippable mattress

Who may want to avoid it

  • Sleepers looking for a softer, plusher mattress
  • Those who need a taller mattress to comfortably get in and out of bed

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.

Bottom line

When choosing a 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. 

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

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 
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
Dr. 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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