- Seniors can choose from innerspring, foam and hybrid mattresses
- Shopping for mattresses by sleep concern can help you find the right one for your needs more easily
- Foundations, shipping fees and removal services are important considerations when buying a mattress
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends that adults aged 65 years and older strive to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. However, many seniors struggle to meet those guidelines. If you’re one of them, your mattress may be part of the problem. The Sleep Foundation2 reports that aches and pains and overheating that get in the way of rest are often caused by mattresses that are worn out or not right for your individual sleep habits. This guide explores some of the best mattresses for seniors based on their features and benefits to get you on the way to buying the best one for your needs.
Know the Basic Mattress Types
To prepare your options like a pro, you need to know about the three main types of mattresses: innerspring, foam and hybrid. An innerspring mattress is the most traditional option and features a built-in system of metal coils that give a bed a resilient bounce. Memory foam mattresses feature multiple layers of high-density foam that reduce painful pressure points. Hybrid mattresses borrow from both designs, with an innerspring unit positioned below layers of memory foam.
Daly and Newton / Getty1. WinkBed Luxury Firm for Those Who Toss and Turn
Feel like you spend more of the night tossing and turning than sleeping? The WinkBed Luxury Firm Mattress3 could be a solution for you. To reduce pressure, this hybrid mattress boasts a soft memory foam pillow top that conforms to the contours of your body. Its plush surface may help you find an ideal sleeping position more quickly and remain in it comfortably for longer. When you do shift, the vibration absorption properties of the mattress mean fewer disturbances for your partner.
2. Helix Midnight Luxe for Seniors With Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain4 experienced by seniors, and the Helix Midnight Luxe5 mattress is engineered specifically to address this discomfort. The hybrid mattress pairs an innerspring system with memory foam strategically layered to provide zonal lumbar support. This innovative design allows the Midnight Luxe mattress to deliver just the right level of support along the full length of your spine, whether you sleep on your back or side.
3. Cocoon Chill Hybrid for Beating the Heat
Seniors who have medical conditions that cause night sweats or who overheat easily should consider the Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress6 made by Sealy, one of the best-selling mattress brands in the U.S. To cut down on vibrations, this hybrid mattress features a responsive coil system encased in fabric. Its layers of foam are crafted out of exclusive Phase Change Material that captures your body heat and directs it downward to better regulate your body temperature throughout the night.
4. Saatva Classic for Safer Transferring
Mattresses that sag along the edges can make it difficult for seniors with limited mobility to get in and out of bed safely. The Saatva Classic7 hybrid mattress addresses this common problem. Its dual-coil system made of tempered recycled carbon steel resists sagging, and reinforced edges allow the mattress to better hold its shape when you sit on the edge of the bed. A 3-inch foam pillow top also raises the height of the sleep surface to further aid in transferring.
5. Zenhaven Latex for Seniors with Hip Pain
Hip pain8 is another common complaint among older adults. If you’re prone to aching and stiffness in this area, the Zenhaven Latex9 mattress from Saatva may be ideal for your needs. Made entirely from natural latex foam, this mattress offers five zones of support to dramatically reduce pressure that can contribute to hip discomfort. Layers of New Zealand wool and a quilted organic cover give the mattress moisture-wicking and cooling properties to further boost your level of comfort.
6. Nectar Premium for Cost-Conscious Seniors
The Nectar Premium mattress10 is proof that buying a high-quality mattress doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With this memory foam model, seniors looking for accessibly priced options can get a comfortable mattress that fits their budgets. The bed boasts a five-layer foam design to deliver plenty of support and added cooling benefits. Best of all, you can try the mattress in your home for a full year before committing to purchase it.
7. Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt for Seniors Who Relax in Bed
If your bed is the primary spot where you read, watch television or browse the web, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt11 mattress may allow you to perform every activity more comfortably. This supportive memory foam mattress responds to your weight, body shape and body temperature to deliver customized support and cooling. Compatible with Tempur-Pedic adjustable beds, it enables you to sit up or elevate your head, chest or legs with the push of a button on a handy remote control.
8. Bear Pro for Seniors with Respiratory Difficulties
Hypoallergenic mattresses can benefit seniors with allergies, asthma and other conditions that can be worsened by exposure to allergens, such as dust mites. The Bear Pro12 mattress takes the particulate-fighting benefits of a hypoallergenic mattress to the next level with a copper coil system that kills microbes. In addition, this hybrid mattress contains only CertiPUR-US certified foams, so you can trust that it’s free of chemicals, such as formaldehyde, that can cause hypersensitivity reactions in some older adults.
9. Brooklyn Spartan for Active Seniors
Nighttime recovery is important for all athletes and fitness enthusiasts, but it’s especially vital for older adults who may be more prone to muscle pain13 following exercise. Designed with active adults of all ages in mind, the Brooklyn Spartan14 hybrid mattress employs Far Infrared technology to harness body heat and convert it into energy that may help support the recovery process. The mattress is available in three firmness levels and is backed by a 120-night risk-free trial.
10. Casper Wave for Shoulder Pain
Waking up in the morning with achy shoulders can limit your mobility throughout the day. Fortunately, the Casper Wave15 hybrid offers a uniquely designed support system to reduce the likelihood of shoulder pain in older adults. Its three-zone spring system with gel pod inserts slightly elevates your waist and lower back to better maintain the contours of your spine and reduce stress on your shoulders. Cooling gel and a foam top provide pressure relief and temperature-regulating benefits.
What Else to Consider When Choosing a Mattress
After you’ve chosen one of the above mattresses for seniors, you need to consider some other elements of your bed setup. Most mattresses need to rest on a sturdy surface, such as a platform, a foundation or a box spring. Some companies sell mattresses with supports as a set. Others will require you to buy the foundation, platform or box spring separately. You’ll also want to weigh the cost for delivery and find out whether the retailer or manufacturer you purchase from will take away your old mattress and dispose of it for you.