Everyone’s sleep is different, from side sleepers to starfish sleepers to hip and neck pain. We consulted a physical therapist to discuss the mattress types that work for different sleepers.
The “best” mattress is subjective because there are so many variables at play, and the variables are different by person. To help narrow down the options, we spoke with physical therapist Gregory Minnis, DPT, about the features that may cater to each sleeping position and pain point.
After talking with Minnis, we looked high and low at mattresses in a range of categories. These are our top suggestions for all types of sleepers.
“The best mattress is, quite simply, the one you sleep best on. Everyone has their own personal preference, and it’s important to find the mattress that allows you to sleep comfortably and not be in pain.”
— Gregory Minnis, DPT
| Price | Sleeping position | Material | Firmness | Trial period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic Mattress | $2,095 | back | hybrid | • plush soft • luxury firm • firm | 365 days |
| Plank Firm Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding | $1,532 | stomach | foam | extra firm | 120 days |
| Nectar Premier Mattress | $999 | side | foam | medium firm | 365 days |
| The DreamCloud Hybrid | $665 | combination | hybrid | medium firm | 365 days |
| Casper Dream Max Mattress | $3,125 | side & combination | hybrid | medium firm | 100 days |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | $2,373.75 | side | hybrid | medium firm | 100 days |
| PlushBeds Luxury Bliss | $3,199 | back & stomach | hybrid | • medium • medium firm | 100 days |
| Purple Mattress | $1,499 | all sleeping positions | foam | medium firm | 100 days |
We consulted Minnis, a 15-year veteran in the field of physical therapy, to help us identify some of the most important mattress considerations, such as the right firmness for each sleeping position and pain points.
Then, we looked for mattresses to meet a variety of needs in each of these categories.
All the mattresses on our list meet federal safety standards and pass our team’s vetting process. We prioritized those made with materials certified as safe and sustainable.
We considered reviews from real customers to get a better idea of how these mattresses perform night after night. We also checked for realistic trial periods and reasonable warranties.
A mattress is a big purchase, so it’s important to consider a few factors before buying.
Specifics about mattress type and features, your preferred sleeping position, and a company’s trial period and warranty can all help you narrow down your options.
Mattress type
Mattresses are generally categorized as innerspring, hybrid, or foam.
True innerspring mattresses were popular years ago. But today’s versions usually fall into the hybrid category, meaning they’re a mix of innerspring coils and top comfort layers. Foam mattresses can include both memory and latex foams for support and comfort.
Materials
The materials in a mattress are also an important consideration. For example, if you have a latex allergy, you’ll want to steer clear of any mattresses made with latex foam.
If you tend to sleep warm, materials designed to regulate your body temperature, such as cooling gel infusions and open-cell foam, are good choices.
Organic materials can be another selling point. But if organic materials are important to you, it’s always a good idea to look for mattresses that are made with certified ingredients.
Certifications like CertiPUR-US and Greenguard are signs that a mattress is made without harsh chemicals and meets strict standards for emissions.
Sleeping position
Whether you’re a back sleeper, a side sleeper, a stomach sleeper, or some combination of the three, your sleeping position plays a role in choosing the right mattress. Without the right level of support, you’re setting yourself up for poor sleep and pain.
Consider these suggestions for your sleep position preference:
- Back sleepers: Tend to need a firmer surface for proper spinal alignment.
- Side sleepers: May benefit from a pressure-point relieving mattress. Look for a cushioning surface that will cradle your body.
- Stomach sleepers: Be aware that stomach sleeping may lead to back and neck issues. Look for a mattress that offers firm support to keep you aligned.
- Combination sleepers: If you change positions often, a medium-firm mattress may offer the right amount of support and comfort. Consider a mattress that responds well to movement, like latex or a hybrid mattress.
Firmness
While comfort is subjective, most mattress offer a rating scale that can help identify the firmness (or softness) you may prefer. It references how the mattress feels when you’re lying on it.
Firmness is usually rated on a scale of 1–10. Medium-firm mattresses — rated 5–7 — are the most popular. This range offers a nice balance of support and comfort. Keep in mind, though, that there is no universal firmness scale, so there may be variation of firmness from one brand to the next.
Trial period and warranty
Shopping online for a mattress can be convenient, but a mattress is often a big investment. Especially if the firmness you thought would be perfect for you turns out to be too soft, you’ll want to make sure you have a good trial period and return policy.
Most reputable mattress companies offer trial periods ranging from a few months to well over a year so you can really test out a mattress for the long term. It can take time for your body to adjust to a new sleep surface.
Most return policies require buyers to give a new mattress at least 30 days before moving forward with a return or exchange, but be sure to double-check as return policies vary by brand. Will you be responsible for shipping or restocking fees? Do you need to make arrangements for the return yourself?
Most mattresses also come with some kind of warranty, but it may not cover everything. Check the fine print in case there’s an issue down the road.
Physical therapist Gregory Minnis recommends that people who sleep on their back or stomach opt for a spring or hybrid mattress that’s firm or extra firm.
Those who sleep on their side would most likely benefit from a foam mattress that provides more cushioning for the pressure points in the hips and shoulders.
Combination sleepers should err on the side of stability and alignment rather than cushioning, so a hybrid model is most likely best.
A mattress will usually last about 8 years. However, depending on the type, it may last for a longer or shorter amount of time. Physical therapist Gregory Minnis says spring mattresses with more complex components tend to wear out more quickly, while high density foams or latex can last longer.
You’ll know it’s time to replace your mattress when it’s showing signs of wear and tear, when it no longer feels comfortable, or when you’re regularly waking up with aches and pains.
“If you don’t notice any sagging or deformation of mattress, then you probably don’t need to replace it,” says Minnis.
Mattress prices vary based on the style, materials, and size. You should be able to find a decent queen-size mattress for $800–$1,200.
However, there are good budget picks that cost less than this, especially if you’re opting for a mattress-in-a-box. You can also find luxury mattresses with extra bells and whistles.
There’s no one best type of mattress that works for everyone. If you’re not sure what you might like best, here are a few tips:
- Choose a memory foam mattress if you like to feel like your bed is cradling you or if motion isolation is important. For side sleepers, some cushioning is ideal to relieve pressure at hips and shoulders.
- Choose a latex mattress if you like the softness of memory foam but want a little more bounce.
- Choose an innerspring or hybrid mattress if you need additional support (most important for stomach sleepers).
Shopping for the best mattress often means doing a lot of homework.
Spend some time thinking about the needs your mattress has to meet. That may mean all organic materials, a highly responsive surface, motion isolation, a certain price point, or other considerations.
Once you’re clear on your preferences and deal breakers, you can start narrowing your search to the mattresses that satisfy your needs.
Keep in mind that the best test of a mattress is sleeping on it for at least a few weeks. Look for a company that offers a generous sleep trial and reasonable return and exchange policies.
