Our Top Pick

Saatva Rx: Best Overall

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• Promotes spinal alignment
• Zoned support for lower back

• May help relieve pain

Helix Midnight Luxe: Best for Lower Back Pain

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• Excellent back support in every position
• Extra support for the lower back

• Great pressure relief

WinkBed Plus

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• Helps ease pressure on back
• Supports and cradles body to help ease pain

• Strong edges and stable surface

If you find yourself waking up with stiffness or pain and suspect a better mattress might help, you could be right. But not just any mattress. “An orthopedic mattress is specifically designed to support proper spinal alignment and distribute weight evenly,” said Jeremy Smith, MD, chief of spine surgery at Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Irvine, California. He often recommends them as some of the best mattresses for back pain. But how can you find the best orthopedic mattress?

“While no mattress is universally ideal, orthopedic designs generally offer the structured support necessary for both pain relief and long-term spinal health, especially in those with poor sleep posture or existing biomechanical issues,” said Dr. Smith. The six mattresses in this review were all designed to maximize spinal alignment and ease joint pain. We prioritized mattresses with high pressure and pain relief scores, as well as those that may be easier to get in and out of or move around on. Read on to see why we named these the best orthopedic mattresses for older adults.

Best orthopedic mattresses in 2025

• Saatva Rx: Best Overall
• Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Orthopedic Mattress for Lower Back Pain
• The WinkBed Plus: Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Nectar Premier Memory Foam: Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Bear Original: Best Cooling Orthopedic Mattress
• Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm: Best Orthopedic Mattress for Couples

Comparing the best orthopedic mattresses

Top features of the best orthopedic mattresses

We looked for the following features when choosing the best orthopedic mattresses for older adults:

Spinal support

Mattresses that help keep your spine in a neutral position while sleeping can help reduce the risk of straining the lower back. Zoned support can help reduce lower back strain. It provides targeted reinforcement—firmer under the lower spine and softer under the shoulders and hips—to maintain alignment.

High pain relief score

Unique to NCOA, a high pain relief score refers to whether a mattress is more likely to relieve pain. We look for a balance of key features like bounce, support, and pressure relief. Orthopedic mattresses help distribute weight evenly and keep your spine straight. This can help prevent and ease pain symptoms.

Good pressure relief

We looked for mattresses with good pressure relief for the spine and joints, no matter what sleeping position. Consistent support from high-density foams, latex, or zoned coil systems can help keep the spine aligned and joints cushioned.  

Firmness

Research shows a medium-firm mattress is the best firmness for promoting spinal alignment.¹ That level of firmness supports the natural curvature of the spine without letting it sink into the mattress. Every mattress on this list except one is at least 5/10 firmness.

Saatva Rx: Best Overall Orthopedic Mattress

We chose the Saatva Rx as the Best Orthopedic Mattress Overall because it is specifically designed for spinal support. It also earned an incredibly high pain relief score (4.32/5) in our tests. Testers said the Saatva Rx kept their spine neutral no matter what position they slept in. The Rx also features Saatva’s Therapeutic Support Core and Lumbar Zone Quilting. These features provide extra support to your back and adjust to relieve pressure on your joints.

Saatva Rx

Best Overall Orthopedic Mattress

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• Specifically made for spinal alignment
• Therapeutic Support Core and Lumbar Zone Quilting provide extra back support 

• High pain relief score

Saatva Rx features

• Our pain relief score: 4.32/5
• Accessibility score: 4.04/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 3.5/10

Why we chose the Saatva Rx as the Best Overall Orthopedic Mattress

We chose the Saatva Rx as the Best Overall Orthopedic Mattress because it earned high scores in our pain relief testing (4.32/5). It’s designed to provide therapeutic support for the spine, back, and joints. Our older adult testers said the Saatva Rx offered great support in all positions. They were especially impressed with it while lying on their back and sides. Its ability to relieve pressure on the lower back and hips led us to name the Saatva Rx Best Overall in several of our roundups. 

• Best mattress for hip pain
• Best mattress for shoulder pain
• Best mattress for neck pain
• Best mattress for fibromyalgia
• Best mattress for sciatica
• Best mattress for scoliosis
• Best mattress for arthritis

Few other mattresses we tested had scores as high as the Saatva Rx for pressure relief, accessibility, and bounce. A mattress with some spring to it can feel easier to move on and get in and out of, an important feature for people with orthopedic issues. This mattress comes with a high price tag. But it also includes Saatva’s free white-glove delivery and a 365-night trial period, along with a lifetime warranty.

Saatva Rx pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Saatva Rx\

The Saatva Rx performed exceptionally well in our pressure and pain relief testing. Our older adult testers said it kept their spines aligned in every sleeping position. The core of this hybrid mattress is a layer of contouring foam above a block of eight-inch individually wrapped coils. It has a second layer of microcoils as well. The result is a mattress that moves with you to support your body in any position, and is easier to move on. 

“It feels good switching positions and the pressure is even throughout my body,” said Sheila, a 70-year-old average-weight combination sleeper who changes positions throughout the night. When she lay on her back, she said, “My butt is sinking in a little bit more but I feel like it's pretty even because the mattress is hugging my legs and shoulders. I don't feel any pressure. My spine feels neutral and I would enjoy sleeping on my back on this mattress.” She had a similar experience lying on her side. “It feels really good on my side. I love this mattress! I feel supported down my side, my legs, and my shoulder doesn’t have any pressure at all. The mattress is hugging my body gently and feels really good.”

When we had testers lie on a pressure mat with digital sensors to measure the mattress's support, the Saatva Rx earned the highest possible score for back support (5/5). The image on the screen shows the outline of our tester, Sheila, as she lies on the mattress. The blue areas indicate pressure relief. 

The Saatva Rx also earned high scores in pain relief (4.32/5) and accessibility (4.04/5). This is due to its combination of uniform pressure relief and bounce. A mattress that’s fairly springy may help if someone has mobility issues by making it easier to change positions. This may benefit people who have orthopedic issues or chronic pain.

While the Saatva Rx was great for spinal alignment and orthopedic comfort, our testers were concerned about the seated edge support. “Sitting on the edge of this bed, I feel like I might fall forward,” Sheila said. “My bottom sinks extensively and I am at least halfway down the edge of the mattress. If I was older and needed assistance to get out of bed, I would definitely need a walker or a cane.” 

The Saatva Rx also scored only slightly above average (3.5 out of five) in motion isolation. That means you’re more likely to feel a partner moving compared to other mattresses. “I definitely can feel someone getting into bed, but I could probably sleep through it if I was all the way asleep,” Sheila said. If you are a light sleeper or have a restless partner, you may want to consider a different model.

For more information, see our Saatva mattress review.

Who is the Saatva Rx right for?

The Saatva Rx is our pick for people with orthopedic issues who want a mattress that will support their spine and ease back and joint pain. It is a good choice for back, side, and stomach sleepers, and people who prefer a cool mattress. If you want a bed that is easier to get in and out of, the Saatva Classic has similar scores but better edge support.

The Saatva Rx customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: Free white-glove delivery
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by:

• Phone: Call 860-362-2641, available 24/7
• Email: info@saatvamattress.com
• Live chat: Available 24/7
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options

Ways to pay

• Visa
• MasterCard
• Discover
• American Express
• Google Pay
• PayPal

Financing: Saatva offers financing options through Affirm.

Discounts: 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. This cannot be combined with other offers. 

Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Orthopedic Mattress for Lower Back Pain

We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as our Best Orthopedic Mattress for Lower Back Pain. It earned top testing scores for back support in any sleeping position. The optional ErgoAlign layer ($249) adds zoned support beneath the lower back to help keep the spine aligned. Our testers loved how well-supported they felt while lying on this mattress.

Helix Midnight Luxe

Best for Lower Back Pain

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• Excellent back support in any position
• Easier to move on than other mattresses we tested 

• Extra support for the lower back to keep spine straight

Helix Midnight Luxe features

• Our pain relief score: 4.21/5
• Accessibility score: 4.06/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10

Why we chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the Best Orthopedic Mattress for Lower Back Pain

The Helix Midnight Luxe with ErgoAlign performed better in our tests for lower back support than almost every other mattress. It eased back strain and kept testers’ spines aligned in every position, but scored highest for back support. ErgoAlign is an optional upgrade, but we recommend it. This ultra-dense foam layer in the middle third of the mattress provides extra support underneath the hips and lower back. It contours to provide pressure relief where you need it. That zoned support can also help promote spinal alignment.

The Helix Midnight Luxe is the medium-firm option of this hybrid mattress. Its mix of coils and memory foam ​​balance support with responsiveness, keeping you on top of the mattress, not sunk into it, and making it easier to move on. This can be helpful for people who have mobility issues due to back pain. The hybrid construction also helps with spinal alignment by distributing weight evenly.

Helix Midnight Luxe pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Helix Midnight Luxe

The Helix Midnight Luxe with ErgoAlign was excellent at easing tension in our testers’ lower backs. It is the medium-firm option from the brand, and made with foam and springs. This hybrid construction gives the mattress responsive support. The springs relieve pressure and distribute weight evenly, and the contouring foam cradles joints. Testers appreciated how the Helix Midnight Luxe kept their spines aligned while easing pressure on their lower backs in every sleeping position. 

One of our testers, Chris, a 66-year-old back sleeper with back pain and spinal stenosis, felt a lot of relief lying on the Helix Midnight Luxe. “My body feels pretty well supported all over,” he said. When he was on his back, the position he typically sleeps in, he said, “I don't feel any extra pressure on my lower back or hips.” He also felt supported on his side and stomach, and noted that “I don't feel much pressure on my side, or like I'm lacking support in any area.”

Testers also felt the support was uniform across the mattress while lying on their backs—not any less supportive near the edges. “I don't feel at all like I'm going to slip off. Going closer to the edge I still feel supported. Feels even throughout—not like I have more support on the edge versus the center of the bed,” said one tester. This kind of stability can help keep the spine properly positioned. 

Our pressure mat (a mat with sensors that detects pressure buildup) results matched our testers’ experience. The Helix Midnight Luxe had the most pressure relief for the low back (the blue areas in the image). 

While the Midnight Luxe performed well in easing back pain and relieving pressure, it scored just average in motion isolation. Some testers felt that it could have stronger seated edge support. Stable mattress edges can steady us when sitting on the edge of our beds, helping to ensure we don’t fall when getting in and out of bed. “I do feel a little bit like I'm going to slide off a bit,” Chris said when sitting on the edge to assess edge support. “I don't need to use my hands for balance or support, but it doesn't have much of a bounce to it when I sit back up so I have to exert more energy.”

For older adults looking for a mattress that can help ease lower back pain, we think you can’t do better than the Helix Midnight Luxe with ErgoAlign. If you need to ease back pain but want stronger, more stable edges, we recommend the Birch Natural.   

For more information, see our Helix mattress review.

Who is the Helix Midnight Luxe right for?

This mattress is well-suited to people whose orthopedic issues, especially when paired with the ErgoAlign upgrade. You may also like this mattress if you sleep hot, or have any issues with mobility. If you are easily disturbed by a partner moving at night, you may want to look at other options. 

The Helix Midnight Luxe customer experience

• Trial period: 100 nights
• Shipping: Free shipping
• In-home setup and mattress removal: $159
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can reach Helix customer service by:

• Phone: Call 831-777-5976, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Text: Texting HELIX to 67069, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• 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

Ways to pay:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• American Express
• Discover
• Shop Pay
• Amazon Pay
• PayPal
• Google Pay

Financing: Helix offers financing through Affirm and Katapult.

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

The WinkBed Plus: Best for Back Sleepers

We chose the WinkBed Plus as our Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Sleepers. It earned high scores for back sleeping pressure relief. Its durable construction and firm support distribute weight evenly. So it helps ease lower back strain and keep the spine in a neutral position. Because it’s made for higher-weight sleepers, its surface and edges are extra stable.

The WinkBed Plus

Best for Back Sleepers

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• Helps ease pressure on your back
• Supports and cradles body to help ease pain

• Strong, stable edges

The Winkbed Plus features

• Our pain relief score: 4.8/5
• Accessibility score: 4.44/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 8.5/10

Why we chose The Winkbed Plus as the Best Orthopedic Mattress for Back Sleepers

We named the WinkBed Plus one of the best mattresses for back sleepers because of its high scores for pressure relief when lying on the back. Testers found that the durable construction of this hybrid mattress kept their spines aligned. They said the combination of firm support and contouring pressure relief was extra comfortable, helping to ease back pain. 

The WinkBed Plus also scored highly for accessibility. Since it's made for higher-weight sleepers, it has strong edge support (4/5). We also appreciated its perfect 5/5 score for bounce. People with orthopedic issues may benefit from a mattress that is responsive and easier to move on or get in and out of. 

The Winkbed Plus pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Winkbed Plus

The WinkBed Plus is designed for higher-weight people, who often prefer a firmer mattress. The WinkBed Plus has the highest weight limit on this list (900 pounds total, or 450 pounds on each side). That extra firmness provides the necessary support for sleepers of a wide range of body weights. Our testers noted that its firmness still didn't sacrifice comfort.

“My legs and my upper back feel on the mattress, and my lower back feels like it is sinking in. I feel like the bed is soft and cradling my body nicely,” said Sheila, a 70-year-old average-weight combination sleeper who tested this mattress. “Even the gap from my legs and lower back is filled in with the plushness of the mattress. This bed is very supportive.” 

The WinkBed Plus was among the top scorers for back pressure relief in our tests, ranking behind only the Helix Midnight Luxe and Saatva Rx. The blue parts of the pressure map show where the WinkBed Plus relieves pressure. Our tests found only slight pressure buildup at the hips and upper back, which is not unusual for back sleepers.

Our older adult testers agreed that they felt the difference. “My body feels really evenly supported in this position,” said Sheila, while lying on her back. “Even the curve of my spine feels good, and my lower back feels supported. My body feels very nice and even.” 

Our average-weight tester was okay with the firmness level of this mattress. Yet it’s worth noting that the WinkBed Plus may feel too firm for some people, especially those with a lower weight (less than 130 pounds). That’s because the extra firmness of the WinkBed Plus may make it harder for lower-weight or average-weight people to sink into the mattress. If you prefer a softer mattress, we recommend the Saatva Rx (the softest mattress on this page).

It’s also worth noting that the WinkBed Plus scored below average in motion isolation. That means your partner’s movements are more likely to wake you up.

For more information, see our WinkBed mattress review.

Who is the Winkbed Plus right for?

The WinkBed Plus is designed for higher-weight sleepers (more than 250 pounds). Yet it could be a good choice for anyone who prefers a firm, durable mattress with great back support. It is also a top pick for someone who may require extra assistance to get in and out of bed. Someone who prefers a cool mattress might enjoy the WinkBed Plus.

The Winkbed customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: No
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can reach WinkBeds customer service by:

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

Payment options

• Visa
• MasterCard
• American Express
• Discover
• Shop Pay
• Google Pay

Financing: WinkBeds offers financing through Bread and Katapult. 

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

Nectar Premier Memory Foam: Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers

We chose the Nectar Premier Memory Foam as the Best Orthopedic Mattress for Side Sleepers because of its great pressure relief scores in that position. Testers gave it a near perfect rating and said it kept their spines aligned when lying on their sides. Three layers of pressure-relieving memory foam provide cushioned support. While it's one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, it’s also comfortable for different positions.

Nectar Premier Memory Foam

Best for Side Sleepers

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• Takes stress off shoulders and hips when side sleeping
• Memory foam contours and supports spine and joints

• Good response helps make movement easier

Nectar Premier Memory Foam features

• Our pain relief score: 4.07/5
• Accessibility score: 4.36/5
• Mattress type: Memory foam
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10

Why we chose the Nectar Premier Memory Foam as Best for Side Sleepers

The Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress offers exceptional pressure relief while side sleeping. It provided the best pressure relief for side sleepers of any mattress we tested, earning a perfect 5/5 score. Our testers also commented that it felt supportive in all sleeping positions.

Memory foam mattresses contour to support the spine in any position, and work with adjustable beds. These features give people with orthopedic issues more options to find a position that takes pressure off their spine and joints and feels comfortable, said Dr. Smith, the spine surgeon in California.

The Nectar Premier also stood out in its ability to respond to movement as well as spring or hybrid mattresses. Some people may not like the way they sink into memory foam and find it more difficult to switch positions. Our testers rated this mattress as a 4/5 for bounce. Good bounce may help with movement, which is important for people with chronic pain or mobility issues.

Nectar Premier Memory Foam pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Nectar Premier Memory Foam

Memory foam contours to support the body. We found that the Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress was extra supportive in the side sleeping position.  

Side sleepers often feel pressure buildup in their shoulders and hips on a memory foam mattress. But the Nectar has two layers of pressure-relieving foam and a dense foam foundation. This combination takes stress off the spine and joints, keeping the spine neutral—even when lying on your side.

Our testers found the Nectar felt softer than its rating. Our testers scored its firmness as 4/10, compared to the 6.5/10 brand rating. But despite rating it softer, testers said it gave them all the support they needed. They rated this mattress as supportive in all positions but gave the highest score (4.5/5) to the side sleeping position. 

“If you like a soft mattress, this might work for you,” said Sheila, 70, an average-weight combination sleeper who tested this mattress. If you prefer one that feels firmer, Nectar makes a Premier Hybrid mattress that our testers also rated highly. 

Testers were also impressed with how responsive this mattress was, a rare feature in a memory foam mattress. They rated the bounce as a 4/5, as high as many mattresses with springs. “Pushing down on this mattress, it bounces back quickly,” said Sheila. “The mattress doesn't feel too firm or soft when pushing down on it.” That quality can help people with orthopedic issues, or those who have had back surgery, move more easily on a mattress. It was also a factor in the Nectar earning high pain relief scores.

But there are a few areas where the Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress could have performed better. Its edge support was only slightly above average (3/5). Our testers reported feeling secure but would have liked more stability. 

And like many memory foam mattresses, this one tended to trap heat because it is so dense. Our heat gun tests showed a 10-degree increase in temperature (we consider temperature increases below 10 degrees to be good). If you prefer a mattress with better airflow, the Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress may be a better fit. It scored a 4/5 and was described by our testers as "one of the best mattresses I’ve tested for cooling.” 

For more information, see our Nectar mattress review.

Who is the Nectar Premier Memory Foam right for?

The Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress is a good choice for people who sleep on their sides. But it can also work for those who prefer a balance of body-hugging contouring and firm support. It minimizes motion transfer from a partner, so it could work well for couples, too.

Nectar Premier Memory Foam customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: $199
• Warranty: Lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Nectar Premier Memory Foam customer service by:

Customer service

You can reach Nectar customer service by:

• Phone: Call 888-863-2827, available seven days a week, 24/7
• Email: support@nectarsleep.com
• Chat: Live chat available seven days a week, 24/7

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • Visa
  • American Express
  • MasterCard
  • Discover
  • Google Play
    PayPal
  • Amazon Pay
• Financing: Nectar offers financing through Affirm and Splitit and offers a lease-to-own option through Acima.
• Discounts? Military members, first responders, and health care professionals take note: you can get an extra 5% discount.

The Bear Original: Best Cooling Orthopedic Mattress

The Bear Original is our top pick for the Best Cooling Orthopedic Mattress, as it has less heat buildup than any other mattress we tested. It showed the smallest recorded temperature increase (just over 3 degrees). For that reason, we gave the Bear Original the only 5/5 perfect cooling score. For those who need an orthopedic mattress and prefer memory foam, this model also has good spinal support and pain relief in our tests.

Bear Original

Best Cooling

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• Exceptional at limiting heat buildup
• Suitable for all sleeping positions

• Great motion isolation and strong edges

Bear Original features

• Our pain relief score: 3.37/5
• Accessibility score: 3.51/5
• Mattress type: Memory foam
• Brand’s firmness rating: 7.1/10

Why we chose the Bear Original as the Best Cooling Orthopedic Mattress

We chose the Bear Original as the Best Cooling Orthopedic Mattress because it stayed cooler than any mattress we tested. Many memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat. Yet the Bear Original uses several layers of cooling foam to help regulate temperature and improve sleep quality. Our heat gun tests showed a temperature increase of just over 3 degrees, the least of any mattress we tested. That’s why we gave the Bear Original an impressive 5/5 score for cooling. 

If you’re looking for an orthopedic mattress and prefer the feel of memory foam, the Bear Original has a lot of desirable qualities. Our testers found it to be supportive, with decent bounce that memory foam usually doesn’t have. The way foam contours to the body can help keep the spine aligned. It also supports areas where pressure tends to build, such as under the shoulders, neck, and hips. Memory foam mattresses, like the Bear Original, are also among the best mattresses for adjustable beds. Those with orthopedic issues may find added relief by using an adjustable bed. 

Bear Original pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Bear Original

Memory foam is known for trapping heat. But the Bear Original was the top performer in our heat gun tests, earning the only perfect score of any mattress we tested. It uses a special kind of open-cell foam, which provides similar contouring as denser foams, but is more breathable. The top of its three layers is cooling gel foam, and the quilted cover is breathable. One of our older adult testers described it as “cool and light.”

We used a heat gun to measure the surface temperature of the mattress before and after a tester used it. The Bear Original was only 3 degrees  warmer after use. The average mattress we tested heated up by 8.5 degrees. Research shows feeling hot at night can disrupt sleep and may even aggravate orthopedic symptoms.²

The Bear Original is at the upper end of the best firmness range for people with orthopedic issues. But our testers said it felt supportive for their lower back and spine. Surprisingly, they rated this memory foam mattress as firmer (9/10) than the brand’s claim (7/10). “I feel more ‘on’ than ‘in’ the mattress,” said Chris, 66, a higher-weight back sleeper with back pain and spinal stenosis. “It feels forgiving while being firm.” 

When lying on his back, Chris said, “I don't feel any extra pressure on my lower back or hips. It's firm, but I'm not feeling any pressure buildup in any specific area.” When lying on his side, he said, “My hips and spine feel pretty much aligned. And my body feels equally supported—no body part feels more elevated than the other. There is no pressure in my shoulder or my neck. It's definitely holding me up, and it has the support.”

Chris found this mattress easy enough to move around on, another important feature for people with orthopedic issues. Because of its contouring properties, memory foam can often make people feel “trapped.” But Chris said, “Going to the side is fine, it’s not hard to move into that position at all.”

Our testers had no concerns about the mattress’s stability. But the Bear Original had only average scores for both seated and lying edge support. “I don't feel like I'm going to roll off,” Chris said when testing the edges’ stability. “I feel really stable. It's comfortable and firm. The top layer feels like it's giving me some comfort, and then the bottom layer is firmer. It's a nice combination. I feel equally supported throughout my whole body.” But he added that someone with balance issues might have some difficulty sitting on the edge of this mattress.

Who is the Bear Original right for?

The Bear Original is best suited for those with chronic back pain or similar concerns. We also feel it’s a good fit for those who frequently change positions during the night, and people who appreciate a mattress that stays cool. For people who may have trouble getting into bed, we recommend a mattress with more stable edges. Our testers found Birch Natural to be the most accessible (easiest to get in and out of).

Bear Mattress customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: $100–$200
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

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 

• Ways to pay
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Google Pay
• Financing: Financing is available through Affirm and ShopPay.
• Discounts? 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.

Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm: Best Orthopedic Mattress for Couples

We chose the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm as our Best Orthopedic Mattress for Couples. Its hybrid construction is supportive and responsive. The bed also performed as well as top memory foam models in our motion transfer tests. Older adult testers said they felt very little movement from a partner and also stayed cool.

Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm

Best for Couples

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• Among the best at minimizing a partner’s motion
• Great pressure relief in every position

• High pain relief scores

Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm features

• Our pain relief score: 4.31/5
• Accessibility score: 3.96/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating 6.5/10

Why we chose the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm as the Best Orthopedic Mattress for Couples

When you have orthopedic issues, you may be more sensitive to things that disrupt your sleep, including the motion of a partner next to you. We loved that the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm had the responsiveness and support of springs. Yet it was still able to isolate motion in a way we usually only find in memory foam. 

The Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm demonstrated superior low back support in all sleeping positions. Our testers rated it a 4.5/5 for back and side sleeping. This is likely because this mattress has extra zoned support for the lower back, a great feature for helping keep the spine straight. In an orthopedic mattress, zoned support can help relieve pressure on the spine and low back. 

Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm

The Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm uses individually wrapped 8-inch steel springs topped by layers of pressure-relieving foam. The Luxury Firm is the middle of three firmness options, a 6.5/10, which is in the recommended range for an orthopedic mattress. This durable construction can fit most couples (the Nolah is rated for more than 1,000 pounds). The bed distributes the weight of two people evenly, avoiding pressure buildup under the back and joints. 

Zoned support under the shoulders, knees, and hips helps keep the spine in alignment. “The mattress is conforming to my body,” said Sheila, a 70-year-old average-weight combination sleeper. “My spine feels aligned nicely, and I feel really great.” Testers gave this mattress high marks (4.5/5 and above) for support in every position. 

Testers commented on how well this mattress responded to movement, describing it as “soft and springy, but not unstable.” “When I place my hand on the mattress, it bounces back instantly,” said Sheila. The bounce of a mattress can affect how easily you move on it, which may be important if you have back pain or spinal issues. Bounce was also part of our pain relief and accessibility calculations. We tested the bounce by dropping a weight from a standard height and measuring how far it bounced back. The Nolah’s bounce was 4 inches, which was on the higher end of our tests, earning a 4/5.

Even with a high degree of bounce, the wrapped springs and memory foam layers helped reduce the motion testers felt from another person in bed. In our tests, Sheila said she barely felt anything when another person got in and out of bed. “I felt the mattress bounce a tiny bit in my lower half, but my upper half was less affected and more isolated,” she said. “I didn't really feel the movement in my upper half at all. It bounced my body a little bit, but only my legs and butt. I don't think this would wake me.” When using a seismograph (a tool that measures movement), it earned one of the best motion isolation scores of any mattress we tested. 

Our tester Sheila did note that the edge support of this mattress could be better. When sitting on the edge, she found that the mattress “sinks in but it is not unstable. Those initial layers don't have that support.” And when she stood up, she found that “It takes a minute to inflate back to its normal shape.” Similarly, when she tried lying near the edge, she felt her body tilting slightly.”I don't feel like I would roll off, but I don't feel fully supported either,” she said. 

Who is the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm right for?

For couples where one or both partners have back pain or spinal issues, the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm was great at minimizing motion. But the bed still helped with mobility issues. Testers found great pressure relief in most positions, with extra lower back support relieving stress on the spine. But it was only average for cooling and could have better edge support.

Nolah Evolution customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free shipping, and in-home delivery is available starting at $150
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Nolah customer service by:

• Phone: 866-403-6615, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
• Email: support@nolahmattress.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Shop Pay
  • PayPal
• Discounts? Yes, find more information here. Military members, first responders, teachers, and health care workers can get an additional 5% off.
• Financing: Yes, Affirm

Our process testing the best orthopedic mattresses

Our team has spent thousands of hours researching and testing mattresses so you can feel confident in our reviews. We work with experts in sleep, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. We now know which features are most important when searching for the best orthopedic mattresses.

For this review, we personally tested 30 mattresses. Our research identified these beds as offering orthopedic pain relief and helping maintain spinal alignment. Each mattress was put through rigorous testing by older adults with pain to ensure we have real-world data about how they perform.

We considered these important factors when testing the best orthopedic mattresses:

Spinal support

The best orthopedic mattresses keep your spine in a neutral position to reduce the risk of back strain. We looked for mattresses that have even support and don’t sink in too much, which can stress the lower back. We prioritized mattresses with zoned support that is firmer under the lower spine and softer under the shoulders and hips, as this promotes spinal alignment.

High pain relief score

NCOA’s pain relief score refers to a mattress’s ability to ease pain based on the right combination of pressure relief, edge support, bounce, and firmness. This usually means a mattress is both firm and comfortable to move on. This is a great combination for people who may find changing positions or getting in and out of bed difficult due to orthopedic issues or other forms of chronic back pain.

Good pressure relief

Even support, especially for the spine and joints, is key for an orthopedic mattress. We tested this using a digital pressure map with sensors that showed how much support each area of the mattress has. We also asked testers to rate how supported they felt in different sleeping positions. We looked for mattresses with strong pressure relief for the spine and joints regardless of sleeping position. 

Firmness

A medium-firm mattress (between a 5–7/10) has been shown to be best for promoting spinal alignment.¹ Softer mattresses may lead to uneven support, poor posture, and pressure points over time. We asked testers to evaluate how firm a mattress felt, but that can vary depending on body weight and personal preference.

Orthopedic vs. traditional mattress: What’s the difference?

While there is no official certification for an orthopedic mattress, they do tend to differ from traditional mattresses in several ways. “These mattresses are specifically engineered with zoned support and advanced materials to meet medical or anatomical needs,” said Dr. Smith, the spine surgeon in California. 

Here are a few key differences:

• Firmness. “Traditional mattresses often prioritize comfort over structure, using softer materials that can lead to uneven support, poor posture, and pressure points over time,” said Dr. Smith. Most orthopedic mattresses will be medium-firm, or between 5–7/10. 
• Zoned support. Orthopedic mattresses are designed to be firmer under the lower back and spine, with more give beneath the shoulders and hips. This keeps the spine in correct alignment. The reinforced areas are known as zoned support.
• Pressure relief. An orthopedic mattress should evenly distribute weight and have good support for the spine and joints. Not every mattress has the kind of support needed to keep the spine in its natural position.
• Responsiveness. Orthopedic mattresses should be responsive because people with chronic pain or joint issues often have reduced mobility. A responsive mattress with good bounce can help lift you up as you change positions. Traditional mattresses without this quality may feel restricting and harder to get out of. 
• Stability. Edge support can also be a useful quality for an orthopedic mattress, because it makes the mattress easier to get in and out of, and helps prevent falls. People with chronic pain or mobility issues, or those who have had back surgery, may prefer a more stable edge.

Who should consider an orthopedic mattress?

An orthopedic mattress is often recommended for people experiencing chronic back or neck pain, especially due to conditions like disc degeneration, nerve compression or sciatica, spondylosis, and spinal stenosis. 

“Determining whether you need an orthopedic mattress or simply a firmer bed depends on the nature of your spinal condition, sleep posture, and overall comfort needs,” said Dr. Smith. “Ultimately, the best approach is to assess your sleep quality, try out different firmness levels in person when possible, and consult with a spine specialist if pain persists despite switching mattresses.” 

Here are some things to consider:

• Do you wake in pain or with stiff joints? An orthopedic mattress is often recommended for chronic conditions that lead to these symptoms. It can provide targeted support for the back, take pressure off the spine, and help maintain good spinal alignment.
• Do you have chronic back pain, or have you had back surgery? “As a spine surgeon, I often recommend orthopedic mattresses for patients,” said Dr. Smith. “By promoting proper alignment and reducing stress on the spine, these mattresses can play a key role in managing symptoms and preventing progression of degenerative conditions.”
• What position do you sleep in most often? Orthopedic mattresses tend to be best for back sleepers because they offer lots of support. They can sometimes feel too firm for side sleepers, said Dr. Smith.
• Do you have a higher, lower, or average body weight? Orthopedic mattresses tend to be medium-firm to firm. People with a lower body weight may find that puts too much pressure on their shoulders and hips. “Firmness may also take time to adjust to, particularly for those used to softer surfaces,” said Dr. Smith.
• Do you have fibromyalgia or another condition that causes joint pain? “Some models of orthopedic mattresses lack contouring comfort, which can be a drawback for patients with fibromyalgia or joint pain who need both support and pressure relief,” said Dr. Smith. 

How much do the best orthopedic mattresses cost?

The mattresses in this review of the best orthopedic mattresses range from $1,799–$3,399 for a queen-sized mattress. 

Factors that can affect the price of a mattress include the materials used, certifications, and features such as pillow tops or cooling covers. The mattresses we tested all offered free shipping. Yet many brands charge an extra fee for white-glove delivery (when the company delivers and sets up your new mattress and removes your old one). Saatva includes this service for free. 

Comparing costs of the best orthopedic mattresses

Frequently asked questions

What is the best orthopedic mattress for older adults? 

The Saatva Rx was the best orthopedic mattress for older adults based on our testing. It offers excellent spinal support, high-grade materials, and customer service that includes free mattress removal and setup.

What are the disadvantages of an orthopedic mattress?

The disadvantages of an orthopedic mattress include expense and feeling too firm for some sleepers. True orthopedic mattresses tend to cost more than traditional mattresses. They may not feel as comfortable for side sleepers, those with a lower body weight, or people with a condition like fibromyalgia. 

Are orthopedic mattresses always firm?

Most orthopedic mattresses are medium-firm (between 5–7 out of 10), but that can vary depending on the specific model. Research shows a medium-firm mattress is best for spinal alignment. 

What sleep position is best for back pain?

For people with back pain, the most supportive and comfortable position tends to be lying on their back or side. An adjustable bed has also been known to help.

How do I know if I need an orthopedic mattress or a firmer bed?

If you have a diagnosed spine or chronic pain condition or regularly wake with pain or stiffness, consult with a health care provider about whether an orthopedic mattress might help.

Which mattress is best for back pain?

The Saatva Rx, which we named the best orthopedic mattress, was also our pick for the best mattress for back pain.

Will Medicare pay for an orthopedic mattress for older adults?

Medicare does cover pressure-reducing support surfaces, including mattresses, if prescribed by a health care provider and you get prior approval.³ 

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.