Best Mattress for Pressure Relief 2026: Tested & Reviewed
Pressure relief mattresses may help people with chronic pain get a better night’s sleep. We tested and ranked the best mattresses for pressure relief.
- The best mattress for pressure relief is the Helix Midnight Luxe due to its zoned support and high pressure relief scores in our testing.
- Our picks of the best mattresses for pressure relief cost between $649–$2,679.
- We used a pressure-sensing mat to test every mattress in this list. We looked at whether the mattress caused pressure to build up while sleeping on the stomach, back, and side.
- Motion isolation and pressure relief don’t always go hand in hand, but the Bear Original scored 5/5 for halting motion transfer between partners. This makes it a good option for couples.
- An all-foam mattress, the Nectar Classic Memory Foam, earned one of our highest pain-relief scores.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing mattresses to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best mattresses, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best mattress
- Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate mattresses and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new mattresses and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our mattress review methodology.
Pressure relief may help reduce joint discomfort, support your spine, and lead to a more restful night of sleep. For a mattress to offer great pressure relief, it needs to balance cushioning and support. Many mattress brands choose memory foam to offer body-contouring and cushioning. Beneath that, denser foam or innersprings can help lift the spine into a more neutral position for better alignment and support.
“An unsupportive mattress can worsen discomfort by placing the body in poor alignment for prolonged periods,” says Danielle Wall, MD, a board-certified physician and adviser for Sit n’ Sleep in Los Angeles. “A supportive mattress may help reduce pressure points, minimize strain on joints, and improve comfort throughout the night.” When we surveyed older adults about their mattresses and sleep quality, pressure and pain were frequent reasons for poor sleep.1
To find the best pressure relief mattresses, we had testers of all body types and sleep styles lie on our pressure-sensing mat. It identifies any areas on the body where pressure may build. We also tested these mattresses for pain relief, accessibility, cooling, and motion isolation. Below, we break down the six models that stood out as the best mattresses for pressure relief.
Helix Midnight Luxe
- Relieves pressure in every position
- Tested well for pain relief
- Keeps spine aligned
Nectar Classic Memory Foam
- Good motion isolation
- Compatible with most adjustable bases
- Great value
Dream Cloud Classic Hybrid
- Budget-friendly
- Cooling
- Good motion isolation
Best pressure relief mattress in 2026
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Pressure Relief Mattress Overall
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam: Best Pressure Relief Mattress for Side Sleepers
- DreamCloud Classic Hybrid: Best Affordable Pressure Relief Mattress
- Saatva Classic: Best Pressure Relief Mattress for Back Pain
- WinkBed Luxury Firm: Best Pressure-Relieving Mattress for Arthritis
- Bear Original: Best Pressure-Relieving Mattress for Couples
Comparing the best pressure relief mattress
| Comparison Features | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (out of 10) | 9 |
9.9 |
9 |
9.4 |
9.2 |
8.5 |
| Best for | Overall |
Side Sleepers |
Affordable |
Back Pain |
Arthritis |
Couples |
| Brand firmness rating | 6/10 |
6.5/10 |
6.5/10 |
6/10 |
6.5/10 |
6.5/10 |
| Trial period (nights) | 120 |
365 |
365 |
365 |
120 |
120 |
*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score.
Understanding accessibility and pain relief scores
Based on our testing, surveys, and focus groups with older adults, we created these two scores:
- Accessibility score: The higher the score, the easier it is to get in and out of the bed and change positions.
- Pain relief score: The higher the score, the more likely it can help relieve pain.
Top features of the best pressure-relieving mattresses
We looked for the following features when choosing the best mattresses for pressure relief:
Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Pressure Relief Mattress Overall
The Helix Midnight Luxe earned our top spot because of its ability to relieve pressure, whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach. With a pain relief score of 4.21/5, this mattress was a tester favorite. We also named the Midnight Luxe our best mattress of 2026.
- Helix mattress review
- Impressive motion isolation
- Scored well for pressure relief in all categories
- Zoned support provides more firmness where needed
- Our pain relief score: 4.21/5
- Accessibility score: 4.06/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10
Pros
- Tested well for pain relief
- Good lying-down edge support
- Zoned support keeps spine aligned
Cons
- Short trial period
- Poor seated edge support
- May be too firm for some
The Nectar Classic Memory Foam: Best Pressure Relief Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is one of only two all-foam mattresses to make our roundup of best mattresses for pressure relief. It earned one of our highest pain-relief scores (4.31/5) and tested well for pressure relief in every position. Our side-sleeping testers were the happiest with the Nectar, giving it a 4.5/5.
- Nectar review
- One of our highest scores in pain relief
- Strong seated edge support
- Limits motion transfer better than any mattress we tested
- Our pain relief score: 4.31/5
- Accessibility score: 4.3/5
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10
Pros
- Cooling cover and materials
- Long trial period
- Supports all sleep positions
- Good motion isolation for couples
Cons
- May be too firm for some
- Lying-down edge support is not as strong
- Higher-weight sleepers (250 pounds or more) experience more sinkage
30% of our survey respondents reported pain relief was the reason behind their purchase of a new mattress.1
The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid: Best Affordable Pressure Relief Mattress
Good pressure relief doesn’t have to give you sticker shock. Our best affordable pressure relief mattress costs less than $700 for a queen size. Our testers loved how the DreamCloud Classic’s CloudQuilt topper helped relieve pressure. They also appreciated how well the mattress distributed body heat.
- DreamCloud review
- Dampens motion well
- Impressive cooling
- Supportive springs help with spinal alignment
- Our pain relief score: 3.88/5
- Accessibility score: 3.89/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Responsive surface
- Easy to switch positions
Cons
- Less edge support than other DreamClouds
- Some testers felt more lift at the foot of the bed
- No handles
The Saatva Classic: Best Pressure Relief Mattress for Back Pain
The Saatva Classic stood out for its pressure relief across all positions in our testing. It even earned the title of best for pressure relief in our roundup of Best Mattresses for Back Pain. Its hybrid design includes a dual-coil layer for support and to help maintain spinal alignment, reducing stress on your back. It was no surprise that the Saatva Classic wowed our testers with its relief for back pain.
- Saatva mattress review
- High pressure relief scores across the board
- Very responsive
- Free white-glove delivery
- Our pain relief score: 4.87/5
- Accessibility score: 4.55/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10
Pros
- Scored well for accessibility
- Good for multiple sleeping positions
- Solid edge support
Cons
- $99 return fee
- Poor motion isolation
- Retains a little heat
WinkBed Luxury Firm: Best Pressure Relief Mattress for Arthritis
The WinkBed Luxury Firm offers support while still cushioning sore joints, a must for those with arthritis. Arthritis may cause stiffness, swelling, and pain that can interrupt sleep. But this mattress is built to reduce pressure while keeping the body in alignment.
- WinkBed review
- Topper is easier to move around on
- Supportive of those with mobility concerns
- Excellent at relieving pressure and providing support
- Our pain relief score: 4.2/5
- Accessibility score: 3.99/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Good bounce
- Relieves pressure points
- Cooling
Cons
- No white-glove delivery
- Pricier than some other options in this list
- $49 return fee
Bear Original: Best Pressure Relief Mattress for Couples
When you’re shopping for a mattress for two people, you need to consider pressure relief. But you should also think about how much you feel when your partner moves and how much body heat the mattress retains. The Bear Original earns high scores in all these categories. It's a pressure-relieving mattress that's effective at motion isolation and cooling.
- Bear review
- Earned highest score possible for cooling
- Good for all sleeping positions
- Great motion isolation
- Our pain relief score: 3.28/5
- Accessibility score: 3.47/5
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Strong edge support for lying down
- Easier to switch positions
- Affordable
Cons
- Shorter trial period
- Perhaps too firm for some
- Poor seated edge support
How we tested the best pressure relief mattresses
To test pressure relief, we spread out a pressure-sensing mat on every mattress we tested. Then we asked our older adult testers to lie on the mat in different sleep positions. The mat created a color-coded thermal map of where it detected pressure points. Parts of the body shown in yellow and red indicate areas of higher pressure. The best pressure relief mattresses displayed mostly blue and green around areas of the body where it made contact. This indicates little to no pressure. We also noted how our testers felt while lying in each position on the bed.
Pain relief
Our pain relief score considers pressure relief and mattress bounce. Bounce, or responsiveness, may make it easier for those with pain to move around in bed. The pain relief score also factors in how strong a mattress’s edge support is, both for sitting and lying. This can contribute to how difficult it is for those with mobility concerns to get in and out of bed.
Spinal support
Spinal support evaluates mattresses for how well they both lift and contour to our testers’ bodies. A mattress with positive lower back support helps keep our testers' spines in neutral alignment.4
Firmness
We asked our testers to rate each mattress's firmness out of 10. Then we compared these ratings to the brand's rating. These numbers can vary because a sleeper's idea of firmness depends on body size, sleep position, and personal preference. To help our testers assess firmness, we ask them to consider sinkage and support across all sleeping positions.
Studies show that medium-firm mattresses are best at promoting comfort and sleep.2 The same way you don't want a mattress that's too soft to provide good support, you also don’t want a mattress that’s too firm. Not when it comes to pressure relief. Lynn, an older adult focus group participant, tried out a few mattresses for us. Of a super-firm one, she said, “I could feel pressure even just sitting on it. I could feel the bones of my hips.”
Sleeper weight
Weight can change how your mattress feels and supports you. If you’re a higher-weight sleeper (250 pounds or more), a mattress may feel softer to you than to an average-weight sleeper (130–250 pounds). Mattresses advertised as “plush” might sink too much for good spinal alignment. The opposite is also true. Beds that provide good pressure relief for higher- or average-weight sleepers may feel too firm for a lighter-weight sleeper (130 pounds or less). We aim to understand how a mattress supports sleepers of all sizes. So we use testers across different weight categories in our pressure relief testing.
Sleeper position
We tested every mattress on this list in three positions: side, back, and stomach. Some positions create more pressure than others. For example, if you have a larger bust or carry weight in your front, stomach sleeping will put more pressure on it. And side sleeping creates more pressure points on the hips and shoulders. We tested our best mattresses for pressure relief and noted which positions they performed best in.
Who should consider a pressure relief mattress?
People with chronic pain, arthritis, and other joint pain may want to seek out a pressure-relief mattress. A plush top can cushion the joints, while the core of the mattress (often a coil layer or denser memory foam) supports alignment to relieve pressure. The cushioning and spinal support from a pressure relief mattress offer sleepers a better chance at quality sleep.
But you don’t need to be in pain to enjoy a pressure-relief mattress. Certain sleeping positions might create pressure points. For example, side sleepers put excess pressure on their hips and shoulders. And stomach sleepers put a lot of pressure on the front of their hip bones and torsos. Back sleepers put a lot of pressure on their lower back. There are benefits to having a mattress that relieves pressure without forcing you to forgo your favorite position.
What else to look for when choosing a pressure relief mattress
When you’re looking for a pressure-relief mattress, take a field trip to a showroom if you can. If that's not possible, make the most of the trial period, and don’t be afraid to send the mattress back if it’s not working for you. We tested for feel, heat retention, and motion isolation, but you know your mattress preferences better than anyone else. Some other factors to consider:
Hybrid construction
Hybrid construction helps a mattress contour to your body while also supporting you with a coil layer. In a hybrid, the memory foam topper conforms and cushions, while the coils lend support. This combination may contribute to pressure relief. But some of the best mattresses for pressure relief are entirely memory foam. Pressure relief depends on your body and what supports you the most.
Medium-firm to firm feel
A medium-firm feel is usually the best for spinal alignment, which can help relieve pressure.2 All the mattresses we chose for this roundup have a 6/10 or 6.5/10 brand firmness rating. This is considered medium-firm.
Zoned support system
Zoned support offers extra firmness where you're most likely to need it, and more give where you don’t. This usually means the mattress provides more support to the lower back, often by using a reinforced center coil. Memory foam mattresses don’t have coils, but sometimes contain a mixture of foams that change in density. This offers a more customized feel rather than consistent support throughout the mattress.
Trial periods and warranties
All of the mattresses on this list have a trial period of 120 nights or longer. Trial periods are important when purchasing a mattress because you can’t test for overnight comfort at a showroom. Warranties allow you to get a replacement mattress if the mattress breaks or is defective within the warranty period. This can come in handy if you need your mattress for pressure relief and don’t want to risk a few nights on the couch while you shop for a replacement.
How much do the best pressure relief mattresses cost?
The best pressure relief mattresses cost $649–$2,679. Our best overall, the Helix Midnight Luxe, falls just shy of that upper limit at $2,648 before discounts.
| Comparison Features | Helix Midnight Luxe |
Nectar Classic Memory Foam |
DreamCloud Classic Hybrid |
Saatva Classic |
WinkBed Luxury Firm |
Bear Original |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for a queen | $2,648 |
$649 |
$649 |
$2,679 |
$2,570 |
$998 |
| Shipping costs | Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
| White glove delivery available? | Additional cost, ZIP-code dependent |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes, for additional cost |
No |
| Warranty length | Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
| Return fees | Free |
Free |
Free |
$99 |
$49 |
Free |
*Most mattress brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a pressure mattress?
Anyone can enjoy a mattress with good spinal alignment and pressure relief. And people with arthritis or chronic pain can benefit from a pressure-relieving mattress that doesn't make pain worse. So can side sleepers who might need more contouring where their hips and shoulders make contact with the mattress.
What type of mattress is best for pressure relief?
A mattress that cushions your joints and curves while supporting spinal alignment is best for pressure relief. Many mattresses with zoned support are geared to do this. Zoned support means the level of support changes based on where your body needs more lift or cushioning.
How often should you change positions to relieve pressure while sleeping?
There’s no set guidance on how often people should change positions to relieve pressure. Combination sleepers change position throughout the night. If you're feeling pressure build up, change positions or add a pillow between your knees to help.
Do pressure relief mattresses help with arthritis-related pain?
Pressure-relieving mattresses may help reduce arthritis-related discomfort. WinkBed Luxury Firm is our pick for the best pressure relief mattress for arthritis. Our testers found it has excellent pressure relief and a topper that is easier to move around on.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
