A great bed is important for just about anybody – but for those suffering from chronic illnesses like arthritis, it’s essential. People with arthritis need to treat their bodies with extra care to reduce pain and inflammation. A mattress that meets their needs and offers a blissful, undisturbed night’s sleep is a critical part of that.
Choosing the top mattress for arthritis, however, may not be straightforward. It’s essential to have a good grasp on core elements of the disease and to hear what other sufferers are saying before making a final decision.
We’ve rounded up some of the best bed options on the market for sleeping well with the disease. As well as that, we’ve provided an overview of why an excellent bed is crucial to an arthritis sufferer’s health. Hopefully, with this information on board, you’ll be able to beat that morning stiffness and wake up feeling refreshed.
Top Beds for Arthritis Sufferers
Tuft & Needle - Best Cooling
The Tuft & Needle model is made from cooling foam to ensure you don’t overheat at night. This may be precisely what you need to get you through the long summer nights.
As those with arthritis know, the heat can be both a blessing and a curse. While a warm night can lead to less pain overall, inflamed joints can make your body feel like it’s on fire. For this reason, sleeping on materials that adequately regulates temperature is a priority.
The Tuft & Needle bed is made from adaptive foam that molds to your body’s shape, which should help to ease pressure on sensitive, sore joints. Even better, this high-grade foam reduces motion transfer, meaning you won’t disturb your sleeping partner when moving about.
Many consumers were delighted at just how comfortable this option was, and praised the unique foam support.
Nectar - Best Bed-in-a-Box
The Nectar model truly is a premium bed. Despite its deluxe character, however, it comes neatly wrapped up and compressed, making it easy to transport and unpack. People praised just how convenient it was to set up after delivery, noting that it plumped up luxuriously within hours.
Consumers have described this high-end product as heavenly. This high level of comfort may be able to provide a deep night’s sleep even to those with stiffness and pain.
The Nectar mattress works on a multi-layer system that covers all the bases.
Its memory foam is adaptive, contouring, and relieves pressure. Its foundation layer not only provides support but promotes breathability. As well as that, the product’s cooling cover enables proper air circulation, thereby reducing the effects of overheating.
It’s not the cheapest product on the market, but if you’re looking for undisturbed sleep and don’t want to cut corners, it may be the one for you.
Dreamfoam Bedding - Best Comfort
Dreamfoam Bedding offers a thick, luxurious model you can sink into. Where comfort is concerned, this option is hard to beat: it’s finished with a layer of supersoft quilting and a whopping 7.5 inches of polyfoam. You may drift off just thinking about it.
As well as delicious comfort, this mattress molds to your body to relieve pressure. This can be soothing for your whole body, stiff joints included.
This product is built with temperature regulation and airflow in mind, so it should be able to keep its cool, too.
While it arrives in a reasonably bulky box, it is rolled and compressed, so it should be convenient enough transport.
Consumers were quite amazed at not just how comfy it was, but how durable it was – especially for such an affordable price.
Layla Sleep - Best 2 Firmness Options
It can be tough deciding what firmness level is best for you. You might even like a softer touch one night and a firmer cushion the next. Unfortunately, with most mattresses, that’s not possible.
That’s why the Layla Sleep option is quite the revelation. This flippable model is medium-soft on one side, and firm on the other. This means you can toss it over at will depending on what suits your needs.
For those with arthritis, this may prove particularly handy. If you’re having a bad day in terms of pain management, you might want to give yourself a break from firm support and opt for the soft side. Should you feel in need of something sturdier, though, you can quickly turn it back around any time you like.
The memory foam and thermogel-infused cover also promote excellent heat dispersion, meaning you’ll get a cooling sleep as well as all the other benefits.
Many consumers praised the deep pressure relief offered by the soft side of this mattress. For this reason, it may be a good choice for those with aching shoulders or hips.
Eco Terra - Best in Support
This luxurious, all-natural option combines latex foam and coils in one to offer an exceptional standard of support. Consumers loved how this bed was able to cradle them softly – like sleeping on quicksand, according to some – while also providing substantial support.
This is a medium-firm option with above average thickness. It also comes in a variety of sizes, from Twin to California King.
The coil system adds to this bed’s durability. Because the coils are individually wrapped, motion transfer is reduced – ideal for when you’re sharing the bed.
For those with arthritis, it seems to offer a balance of soft comfort, pressure relief, and firm support.
Made from natural latex, this is also an excellent product for eco-friendly shoppers.
Zinus - Best Odor Control
Sick of stuffy bedroom smells? Well, the Zinus memory foam mattress may be just the ticket for you. This bed is infused with a gentle green tea scent, which will scare off bad odors and leave your room smelling fresh all day and night.
The green tea extract and natural castor seed oil also serve to ward off bacteria. This means this bed is ideal for hygienic maintenance.
This product comes in a variety of thickness, making it easy to customize your choice for your firmness and support preferences. As a memory foam option, this product is highly conforming. This relieves pressure on sensitive, stiff joints.
It is also cooling and hypoallergenic, which promises a breathable sleep. This may be perfect for people who want to counter inflamed joints with a cooling mattress.
Buying Guide: Mattress for Arthritis
Firmness Level
No one firmness level suits all people with joint pain. It depends on several factors, such as personal preference, what joints are most affected, and your height and weight.
Of course, before settling on a bed, it’s wise to take into account the pros and cons of different firmnesses. This includes considering which might suit you best based on your particular situation.
Firm
Some people with arthritis really enjoy a firm mattress. Firmness is generally associated with proper spinal alignment, which may be necessary for you if your back tends to get achy.
While firmness and support aren’t always the same thing, firmer options can offer excellent, durable support. They also reduce excess sink, which is essential for people who need to move around during their sleep.
Medium
A medium-firm product can sometimes be the best of both worlds. For many sleepers, it’s the optimum choice. Medium-firm models prevent deep sinking without being uncomfortably hard. While people living with arthritis naturally require proper support, some degree of softness is often needed to reduce pressure on sensitive joints.
Soft
Some prefer the gentle cushioning of a soft mattress. A soft product can provide valuable pressure relief on stiff, inflamed joints. The main downside with something too soft is that it can hinder movement – and, as those living with the disease well know, lack of mobility leads to painful morning stiffness.
Noise
The last thing you need when you’re just about to fall asleep is to be disturbed by a squeaky or rattly mattress. If your body strives to avoid stiff joints by tossing and turning every so often, you’ll need a quiet bed. Make sure to look for a product that minimizes noise when bearing weight.
Support
Support refers to how well a mattress maintains its flat surface when bearing weight. If a product is too flimsy, it won’t feel as supportive. Despite this, a firm mattress isn’t necessarily the most supportive – it depends on the type and quality of materials used, as well as how the model is layered.
Arthritis sufferers should opt for a bed that offers orthopedic support. This promotes deep sleep, proper spinal alignment, and increased pressure relief.
Sleep Trial
Research when finding the right bed is crucial, but a lot of the time it’s trial and error. You might have to test out a product to truly determine if it’s right for you.
That’s why a lot of manufacturers offer sleep trials. These are trial periods that you can use to gauge whether or not you like a product. You’ll be able to take the mattress home and sleep on it for a given amount of days – and if you’re not happy, you can take it back.
Different manufacturers have different trial period lengths. Some sleep trials can be up to a year.
Sometimes, your first impression of a mattress is excellent. But within weeks, it may start to sag or deteriorate, indicating poor durability. The wonderful thing about sleep trials is that you’ll be able to check if this is the case before committing.
Warranty and Return Policy
In addition to sleep trials, many manufacturers offer varying warranty and return policies. This is a pivotal thing to check before you buy, as some provide better deals than others.
With a product as pricey and as crucial to healthy living as a mattress, you should expect a fair warranty and a secure return policy.
Every manufacturer has different stipulations, so don’t overlook this aspect when researching.
Consider Temperature
Temperature regulation is an oft-forgotten, but highly important aspect of a good bed. Many materials tend to trap in heat. This can lead to uncomfortable, sweaty nights – and tired mornings.
For arthritis sufferers, this can be particularly important. As those with the disease are well aware, the cold breeds stiffness. At the same time, inflamed joints can feel like they’re burning.
For these reasons, it is a priority to find a bed that regulates temperature through proper ventilation and airflow promotion. Some materials naturally adjust well to different temperatures, while others have cooling qualities.
Durability
Many beds are comfortable. When you first get them, it can feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud.
Unfortunately, not all mattresses are built to last. This is a problem that many people have, but it’s bound to hit people with sensitive joints particularly hard. The last thing you want is to wake up with an aching back or sore shoulders a year after you’ve taken your new bed home.
To avoid this problem, make sure to read around. See what reviewers are saying, and check if the brand is reputable. As well as this, see if the manufacturer offers a fair warranty or sleep trial, both of which can provide you a great fallback if you notice the product is deteriorating quickly.
Conforming Capability and Pressure Relief
For optimal comfort, a bed should conform to your unique shape. By doing so, it will relieve pressure on sensitive areas, such as your shoulders and hips. This is all the more important if you have arthritis, as inflamed joints will be extra delicate and need more cushioning.
Different materials have varying potential for conforming capability. Memory foam, for example, is famous for its ability to adapt to your unique shape. As the name suggests, it remembers your indentation and molds itself according to your body.
Several other materials also offer this function. Make sure to factor this into your shopping, as it can help you to avoid morning aches and pains.
Motion Isolation Including Shifting
For people with arthritis, a bit of movement throughout the night can be necessary. Otherwise, you may wake up feeling stiff as a board.
This can be tricky for both you and the person you’re sharing the bed with – especially if our mattress doesn’t take well to motion. If your bed wobbles and shakes as soon as you twitch your toe, you or your partner will likely be disturbed.
For this reason, it’s essential to look out for a bed built with materials that reduce motion isolation. This way, the tremors from your movement won’t travel. The foundation will remain firm, and both you and your bed partner can snooze deeply.
Understanding Arthritis and its Correlation with Sleep
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for many diseases that affect your joints. While there are many kinds, the conditions tend to have some things in common, such as joint inflammation.
While the disease is commonly associated with older people, it can affect people of all ages. It can also affect both genders, though it is most common in women.
A lot of people with the disease suffer from low energy and fatigue. For this reason, a proper night’s sleep is of paramount importance.
As well as this, many sufferers wake up with stiff, aching joints. A crucial way to mitigate this is to sleep on a mattress that’s right for them.
Different Types of Arthritis
| Type of Arthritis | Rheumatoid Arthritis | Osteoarthritis | Infectious Arthritis | Infectious Arthritis Psoriatic Arthritis | Gout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily causes inflamed joints | The most common form of the disease, which occurs when bone cartilage wears down | An infection in the joint that arises from a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection | A condition that affects some people who have psoriasis, a disease that causes scaly, red skin patches | A form of inflammatory arthritis arising in some people with high levels of uric acid in their blood |
Risk factors | Women who have been pregnant Older people | Older people Obesity Injury Joint abnormalities | Open wounds History of intravenous drug use | Psoriasis diagnosis Age (30-50) Smoking and alcohol Injury | Obesity Diabetes High blood pressure |
| Causes | Unknown | Ageing Secondary effect of other diseases | Bacterial infections Conditions such as Staphylococcus Streptococcus Hepatitis, HIV, herpes, and mumps | Psoriasis | Uric acid in bloodstream |
| Symptoms | Joint pain and swelling Fatigue Stiffness after sleep | Chronic pain Swollen, warm joints Stiffness after sleep | Fever Chills Fatigue Joint stiffness Swollen or warm joints | Joint pain Stiffness Swelling | Severe joint pain Redness and swelling |
| Commonly affects | Hands, wrists, knees, feet | Hands, wrists, knees, feet | Weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips | Hands, wrists, knees, feet, back | Knees, feet, elbows, hands |
| Frequency (US) | 3 million | 27 million | 16,000 | 4 million | 8 million |
| Treatments | Over the Counter and Prescription Medication Exercise Weight loss Surgery | Over the Counter and Prescription Medication Exercise Diet management Weight loss | Antibiotics Fluid drainage | Over the Counter and Prescription Medication Diet management Surgery | Over the Counter and Prescription Medication Diet management |
What are the Risk Factors?
Gender
Arthritis can affect people of all genders. However it is more common in women. This is often due to factors such as hormones and childbirth. While men are more likely to suffer in their hip joints, women are more likely to be affected in their hands and knees.
Joint Injury
If you have experienced a joint injury or joint damage due to overuse, you may be more prone to arthritis. The condition you are at most risk of is osteoarthritis, which arises from the cartilage between joints being worn down over time.
Weight
Extra weight can put pressure on certain joints. This excess stress can be a risk factor for developing certain kinds of arthritis. Being overweight or obese can particularly affect your knees or hips.
It's in the Genes
Unfortunately, some people are just more prone to developing certain forms of the disease because of their genes. Often, diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus run in families.
In these cases, there often isn’t a whole lot that an individual can do in terms of prevention. However, it is possible to make lifestyle choices to manage the symptoms.
Age
The risk for most kinds of arthritis increases with age. It most often develops when people are over the age of 40. However, contrary to popular belief, it is possible for the condition to affect people of all ages – including children.
See more great mattresses for seniors.
How Arthritis Affects Your Sleep
If you’re suffering from arthritic pain, this can affect your sleep. It may make it more difficult to nod off if you feel uncomfortable lying in certain positions. Inflamed joints may also cause you pain that wakes you up in the middle of the night.
If you’re sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t suit your needs, this can exacerbate these problems. It can also worsen morning stiffness and pain – already a serious problem for those living with the disease.
In addition to pain, the condition can lead to excessive fatigue. For this reason, it is crucial for those with the disease to work on improving the quality of their sleep.
Do You Need to Buy a Mattress for Arthritis?
You might be wondering if it’s necessary to buy a special bed to best manage your illness.
There are options out there that specifically target the symptoms of arthritis, including orthopaedic mattresses. What officially constitutes an orthopaedic mattress, however, is ambiguous. Many manufacturers use the term loosely, meaning it has largely become a marketing term.
As such, finding a good bed with adequate support – orthopaedic or not – is the real key.
Mattresses can both exacerbate and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. For this reason, it is crucial that you buy with your condition in mind.
Mattress Types that Can be Beneficial and Detrimental to People with Arthritis
As we’ve outlined above, different materials and mattress features can be either beneficial or detrimental to people with arthritis. Below we’ve summarised some of the key things to look out for, as well as rated them according to bed type.
| Type | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Airbed | Latex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Memory foam or latex in the comfort layer and other components, including coils or polyfoam. Coils in support layer. | Foam comfort layers, including memory and polyfoam. High-density foam in support layer. | Foam comfort layers. Coils and high-density foam in support layer. | Foam comfort layers (or none). Air chambers, which can be adjusted, in support layer. | Latex in comfort layer. Latex or high-density polyfoam in support layer. |
| Support | Good/Very Good | Fair/Good | Fair/Good | Good/Very Good | Good/Very Good |
| Firmness | Good/Very Good | Good/Very Good | Fair/Good | Good/Very Good | Good/Very Good |
| Durability | Fair/Good | Fair/Good | Poor/Fair | Good/Very Good | Good/Very Good |
| Conformity | Fair/Good | Good/Very Good | Poor/Fair | Fair/Good | Fair/Good |
| Motion Transfer | Fair/Good | Good/Very Good | Poor/Fair | Fair/Good | Good/Very Good |
| Noise | Fair/Good | Good/Very Good | Poor/Fair | Poor/Fair | Good/Very Good |
| Temperature Regulation | Good/Very Good | Poor/Fair | Good/Very Good | Fair/Good | Fair/Good |
| Ease of Movement | Fair/Good | Poor/Fair | Good/Very Good | Good/Very Good | Fair/Good |
Sleep Accessories to Promote Better Sleep
Topper
A mattress topper provides an extra layer of soft cushioning. This can help to offset the firmness of an uncomfortable bed or provide increased pressure relief.
A well-made topper can be an excellent complement to a supportive product.
In some cases, a topper can increase, rather than reduce, firmness. For this reason, this accessory is highly versatile. You can mix and match to meet the specific needs of both you and your bed.
For those with arthritis, a thick topper is recommended for proper support. Thicker options are usually 3 inches or more.
Pillows
As well as a mattress, the right pillow is naturally key to undisturbed sleep. It cushions your head and neck and provides rudimentary comfort.
Pillows come in all shapes and sizes, which is why finding the right for you can take some time.
The thickness of a pillow is known as its loft. The loft of a pillow can differ dramatically. Certain lofts can help to reduce aches and pains, while others can contribute to discomfort.
Those with arthritis often opt for latex or memory foam, as these provide above-average support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Best Brand For Arthritic Side Sleepers?
Most people prefer to sleep on their side. For this popular sleep position, it’s crucial to consider the contouring capacity of a bed. If a mattress lacks adequate pressure relief, side sleepers can wake up with pains or aches in sensitive spots such as their shoulders or hips.
This happens because heavier body parts tend to sink, throwing your body alignment out of whack. A bed with proper support will have the effect of mitigating this. Many products offer firm support that keeps the spine aligned all through the night.
These factors must also be considered by those suffering from arthritis. Arthritis sufferers tend to have more sensitive pressure points than most. Those sleeping on their side, then, must be conscious of alleviating this pressure when choosing a mattress.
Are These Brands Also Recommended for Fibromyalgia Sufferers?
Fibromyalgia can be extremely painful, not to mention tiring. Some of the primary symptoms include fatigue and sleep issues. For this reason, it is a priority for people with fibromyalgia to maximize the amount and quality of sleep they get.
Fibromyalgia is a type of arthritis that shares much in common with the other varieties of the disease. However, it presents particular challenges, which may prompt sufferers to seek out specific mattress features to meet their needs.
Some features that those with fibromyalgia should consider are pressure relief, firmness, and support.
How Can you Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lower Back Pain?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a difficult disease to manage. It can cause pain and stiffness all over the body, and make simple, everyday tasks a challenge.
A combination of medication and lifestyle changes are usually used to treat RA. However, getting adequate rest and waking up feeling refreshed is a cornerstone of any RA treatment plan.
RA often causes inflammation in joints, which often leads to back pain. For this reason, durable cushioning in a mattress is vital for reducing backaches and promoting spinal alignment.
Conclusion
Living with arthritis can be a challenge. However, with advancements in research of the disease, it’s possible to make simple lifestyle changes that can contribute significantly to improved wellbeing.
Critical to this is sleeping well. If you want to maximize your energy and avoid fatigue, you should think hard about the kind of bed you buy. This way, you’ll sleep peacefully and wake up feeling refreshed – and, with any luck, pain-free.