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 Helix Midnight Luxe is best for:
- Side, back, and stomach sleepers
- People with joint pain
- Hot sleepers
- People who sleep on the edge of the mattress
Why our testers chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the Best Pressure Relief Mattress Overall
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress that features zoned support. So its cushioning and structure target where your body needs it most. Helix says its coils are softer under your shoulders and firmer below your hips and lower back, offering constant joint relief.
Our testers found this design to be effective. We tested for pressure using a thermal pressure mat. It creates a color-coded readout of where pressure builds when a sleeper lies on a mattress. Red and yellow show areas of higher pressure. The Midnight Luxe's mostly blue map is a sign of excellent pressure relief.
A supportive mattress may help reduce pressure points, minimize strain on joints, and improve comfort throughout the night.”
—Dr. Danielle Wall
The Midnight Luxe scored 4/5 across all our pressure relief tests, including back, stomach, and side sleeping. “My body feels pretty well supported all over,” said one tester. Even our higher-weight tester was impressed with the Midnight Luxe’s pressure relief, stating they “don’t feel like I’m lacking support in any area.”
The Helix Midnight Luxe may not be right for these sleepers:
- People who need support getting out of bed: The Helix Midnight Luxe tested poorly for seated edge support, which measures how much the mattress sags when you sit on its edge. Sleepers who need more support to get up from the edge might prefer the Nectar Classic Memory Foam, which has better seated edge support.
- Couples: If you sleep with a partner and one of you is a light sleeper, you might not enjoy how much the Midnight Luxe transfers motion. You may want to consider the Bear Original instead.
The Helix Midnight Luxe customer experience
- Trial period: 120 nights
- Shipping: Free shipping
- In-home setup and mattress removal: $219
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Customer service
You can contact Helix Sleep customer service by calling 831-777-5976, emailing help@helixsleep.com, submitting an online contact form, or through the website's live chat feature.
To learn more, check out our Helix mattress review.
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
The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is best for:
- People with chronic pain
- Those who sleep with a pet or partner
- Value shoppers
- Hot sleepers
Why our testers chose the Nectar Classic Memory Foam as the best pressure relief mattress for side-sleepers
Memory foam mattresses like the Nectar Memory Foam tend to excel at contouring to the body. And conforming to your body’s curves can help the mattress better absorb pressure. Our side-sleeping testers loved how the bed cradled their hips and shoulders. But it also provided even support. “I feel more level than on my back,” said one tester while lying on her side. “Level and comfortable.” The Nectar Memory Foam scored a 4.5/5 for pressure relief for side sleeping, and 4/5 for both stomach and back sleeping.
The Nectar Classic Memory Foam cushions but not to the point it’s hard to move around on the bed. “I’m not too sunken in to move,” said one tester. “It's pretty easy to roll over and move positions.” Couples will also appreciate how well the mattress dampens motion when one sleeper is moving around. The Nectar Classic got a 5/5 for motion isolation, the highest score on this list.
The Nectar Classic Memory Foam may not be right for these sleepers:
- Higher-weight sleepers: Our higher-weight testers noted that their hips sank a little lower than they liked in this bed. Higher-weight sleepers might like the Nectar Premier Hybrid instead.
- Folks who want free setup: Nectar doesn’t do white-glove delivery, not even through a third party. If you want that service, consider the Saatva Classic.
The Nectar customer experience
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Shipping: Free shipping
- In-home setup and mattress removal: Not available
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Customer service
You can contact Nectar customer service by calling 888-863-2827, emailing support@nectarsleep.com, or through the website's live chat feature that’s available every day until 4 p.m. Pacific time.
To learn more, check out our Nectar mattress review.
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 DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is best for:
- Sleepers who overheat easily
- Side, back, and stomach sleepers
- Partner and pet sleepers
- People who change positions while they sleep
Why our testers chose the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid as the Best Affordable Pressure Relief Mattress
Pressure relief often involves a combination of cushioning and support. So hybrid mattresses like the DreamCloud Classic are often a good option. Hybrids have a memory foam layer to cushion your joints and pressure points, and a coil layer to assist with support and spinal alignment. In the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid, you can get this relief for less than $700 for a queen, easily making it our most affordable hybrid on this list.
The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid relieved pressure for our testers across all sleeping positions. Though they found it was best for back and stomach sleepers. “The mattress is so comfortable,” said one of our stomach-sleeping testers. “I don’t have any pressure on my back. I need this mattress.”
“I feel like I’m sitting on a cloud. The name checks out,” one tester said of the DreamCloud’s pressure-relieving abilities for back sleepers. The Classic Hybrid scored a 4.5/5 for back-sleeping pressure relief.
The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid was also effective at cooling in our tests. Our testers used a thermal gun on the mattress and measured a temperature increase of only 6.3 degrees after use. Most of the mattresses we’ve tested rise by at least 8 degrees after long-term contact with body heat. “When I lay there, I couldn’t feel it heating up in a way that would cause concern,” one tester reported.
The DreamCloud may not be right for these sleepers:
- Those who like to sit on the edge of the bed. Some of our testers reported edge “collapse” and feeling as though they might slide off. The Nectar Classic Memory Foam, which scored 4/5 on seated edge support, might be a better option.
- Anyone who wants an easier time setting up their mattress. The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid does not come with handles on the sides to move it more easily. And the brand does not offer white-glove delivery. Those needing assistance with setting up their mattress may want to consider the Saatva Classic.
The DreamCloud customer experience
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Shipping: Free shipping
- In-home setup and mattress removal: Not available
- Warranty: Lifetime
Customer service
You can contact customer service by calling 833-237-3269, emailing support@dreamcloudsleep.com, submitting an online contact form, or via the website's live chat feature.
To learn more, check out our DreamCloud mattress review.
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
The Saatva Classic is best for:
- People who do not overheat easily
- Sleepers with chronic pain
- People who like a firmer mattress
- Solo sleepers
Why our testers chose the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm as the Best Pressure Relief Mattress for Back Pain
Pressure relief is a strength of the Saatva Classic. The two layers of pocketed springs create a zoned bed that cradles your joints while supporting your back. The Saatva’s lowest pressure relief score in our testing was 4.5/5. That’s better than the highest scores of many of the other mattresses we tested. “I feel the mattress really supports my middle,” said one tester. “I can feel this mattress supporting my legs and contouring to my body.” This level of contouring is also what helped the Saatva Classic clinch the top spot in our roundup of Best Mattresses for Hip Pain.
More than half of our survey respondents report having back pain.1 Being properly supported by your mattress can help relieve lower back pain. The Saatva Classic earned a 4.5/5 for back and side sleeping. “I feel great on this mattress,” reported a back-sleeping tester. “My shoulders and my arms are even with my hips. I can feel the contour of my back, and there isn’t a hollow spot.”
The Saatva Classic may not be right for these sleepers:
- Light sleepers: The Saatva Classic doesn't isolate motion well, according to our testers. So if you’re a partner sleeper and a light sleeper, the Saatva Classic might move a bit too much in the night. The Nectar Classic Memory Foam could be a better choice.
- People who sleep hot: The Saatva Classic retains some heat. Cooling sheets might help with that, but if an 11-degree increase is a bit too much for you, you might prefer the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid.
The Saatva customer experience
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Shipping: Free shipping
- In-home setup and mattress removal: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime
Customer service
You can contact Saatva customer service by calling 860-452-3977, emailing info@saatvamattress.com, or through the website's 24/7 live chat feature.
To learn more, check out our Saatva mattress review.
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
The WinkBed Luxury Firm is best for:
- Sleepers with chronic pain
- Those who struggle to get out of bed
- Back, side, and stomach sleepers
- People who sleep hot
Why our testers chose the WinkBed Luxury Firm as the best pressure relief mattress for arthritis
The WinkBed Luxury Firm excelled at pressure relief across all sleeping positions. Our testers gave it a 4/5 in pressure relief for side and back sleeping and a 4.5/5 for stomach sleeping pressure relief. “I don’t feel any pressure building at my shoulders and hips, but I still feel support,” said one of our testers, a combination sleeper.
One stomach-sleeping tester reported minimal sinkage in the hip area. But they said they still found the cushioning very soft. The plush topper built to cushion joints still offered ease when switching sleep positions or moving across the mattress. “I’m not feeling trapped in the pillow top,” the tester reported.
The WinkBed also scored well for motion isolation. It dampened the effects of one sleeper’s movement before it rippled across the bed, waking the other person. “There’s not enough bounce to disrupt me,” one tester said. Solid motion isolation makes the WinkBed Luxury Firm a good option for couples or people who sleep with pets.
The WinkBed Luxury Firm may not be right for these sleepers:
- Higher-weight sleepers: The foam topper of the WinkBed Luxury Firm might feel less cushiony if you sink further into it.
- People who need assistance getting out of bed: If you need a mattress that will help you rise to stand from its edge, this might not be the mattress for you. The seated edge support on the WinkBed Luxury Firm is a little lackluster. For an arthritis-relieving mattress with good edge support, try the WinkBed Plus.
The WinkBed customer experience
- Trial period: 120 nights
- Shipping: Free shipping
- In-home setup and mattress removal: $49 exchange fee, no in-home setup.
- Warranty: Lifetime
Customer service
You can contact WinkBed customer service by calling 855-946-5233, emailing info@winkbeds.com, using the website live chat, or scheduling time with a WinkBed service specialist via a website form.
To learn more, check out our WinkBed mattress review.
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
The Bear Original is best for:
- Sleepers on a budget
- Couples
- Anyone who sleeps hot
- Side, back, and stomach sleepers
Why our testers chose the Bear Original as the Best Pressure Relief Mattress for Couples
What sets the Bear Original apart is how well it performs for two sleepers. One of its key couple-friendly features? A gel-infused topper for temperature regulation.
“There’s not a lot of fabric,” said one tester. “I think that helps the cover stay cool.” During testing, we used a thermal gun to measure the increase in temperature on the mattress after use. The Bear Original's surface rose by a mere 3.4 degrees. Most of the mattresses we test have a temperature increase between 8–14 degrees. We awarded the Bear Original a 5/5 for cooling—the highest score on this list.
When we tested for pressure relief, the Bear Original also delivered solid results. “My hips and spine feel pretty much aligned,” one tester said. “My body feels equally supported.” The mattress's plush, contouring foams also support motion isolation. “I could feel some initial movement, but it didn’t ripple,” said one tester. “I didn’t feel like I was bounced.” For its motion-isolating abilities, the Bear Original earned 4/5.
The Bear Original may not be right for these sleepers:
- Back sleepers of a higher weight. Some of our testers didn’t feel enough pressure relief in a back-sleeping position on the Bear Original. If you’re a higher-weight person who prefers to sleep on your back, you might prefer the Helix Midnight Luxe.
- People who want a supportive edge. If you have mobility concerns and want a mattress that will help you stand more easily, this might not be the best option. The seated edge support of the Bear Original earned only a 2/5. Couples looking for a mattress with solid edge support might prefer the Nectar Memory Foam.
The Bear customer experience
- Trial period: 120 nights
- Shipping: Free shipping
- In-home setup and mattress removal: No in-home setup, but Bear can help you organize a return.
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Customer service
You can contact Bear customer service by calling 844-311-0035, emailing support@bearmattress.com, or chatting live on the website Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
To learn more, check out our Bear mattress review.
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.