Best Mattress for Seniors

Updated: May 9, 2024

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We thoroughly tested 30 popular mattress brands with older adults in mind. After careful consideration, we’ve selected the 10 best mattress brands for seniors in 2024.

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  • Eco-Friendly
  • Full-service delivery and set up
  • Spine and lumbar support

Saatva mattresses are manufactured in the USA using natural, organic materials. Saatva offers three firmness levels, and the company’s flagship east coast factory runs on solar power.

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  • Great for Larger Humans
  • Helpful mattress matching tool
  • Customized firmness for couples

Helix offers an adjustable base that is compatible with all Helix mattresses. The online Matching Tool quiz collects information about you (and your partner, if applicable) to recommend a mattress within three minutes. Options for plus size and tall sleepers.

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  • Great Warranty
  • Long trial period
  • Ample presets, including TV, reading, anti-snore

Nectar offers an affordable adjustable bed bundle (frame and mattress). Plus, Nectar customers get a 365-day trial period to get a full refund if they return it. These mattresses also have a lifetime guarantee.

Tuft & Needle

  • Great Stabilization
  • Budget pricing
  • Soft memory foam mattress

The Tuft & Needle Mint mattress is likely one of the best for preventing motion transfer for a better sleep experience. If you or your partner toss and turn throughout the night, the other person’s sleep will be undisturbed.

Birch by Helix

  • Great Organic
  • Completely free from harmful chemicals
  • Pressure-relieving latex and wool

Birch mattresses from Helix Sleep are created with latex that’s certified free of harmful substances. These mattresses are safe for children and elderly adults through GREENGUARD Gold and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification. The Birch mattress comes with a 25-year warranty.

Leesa

  • Leesa Mattress Logo
  • $400 off Mattresses, Plus 2 Free Down Pillows
  • Donates returned mattresses

Leesa works with organizations to donate mattresses to homeless children. The company uses recycled packaging and steels, organic materials in mattress manufacturing and Leesa headquarters runs on renewable energy.

Purple

Purple

  • Great Technology
  • Over 30 technology patents
  • Excellent support

Purple’s trademarked Hyper-Elastic Polymer molds to your body to relieve pressure points, making for a more comfortable rest. This polymer provides excellent back support for most people.

Casper

Casper

  • Great for Joint Pain
  • Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association
  • Foam or hybrid

The Casper Wave mattress uses proprietary technology to maintain a cooler temperature while relieving hip and shoulder pain. Twenty-seven gel pods at the center of the mattress provide more support where it’s needed.

Cocoon by Sealy

Cocoon by Sealy

  • Great for Hot Sleepers
  • Cooling mattress cover
  • Medium-soft or extra firm

Sealy’s Cocoon mattress is a top choice for people who get too hot while sleeping. The stretch-knit cover on the Cocoon is infused with Sealy’s “Phase Change Material” to absorb heat.

Sleep Number

Sleep Number

  • Great for Couples
  • Dual adjustability
  • Automatic comfort level adjustments

All four mattress lines offered by Sleep Number come with dual adjustability, so couples can set different firmness levels independently. Sleep Number mattresses use responsive air technology, which automatically adjusts comfort on each side as you sleep.

Compare Top Mattress Companies 

You have more mattress choices than ever before, and you no longer have to leave the house to shop. We evaluated 35 mattress companies to help you find the best options for a restful night’s sleep. We researched comfort technologies, firmness options, the types of mattresses offered, warranties and money-back guarantees.

You will learn about the different types of mattresses and which one is a good choice for you. We will also discuss the technology and materials that go into our top mattress picks, costs, warranties and guarantees. We discuss buying a mattress online, and you will find helpful frequently asked questions later in this guide.

Top Tips:

  • Mattresses online are less expensive, especially with promotional discounts
  • Buy in stores if you prefer to negotiate the mattress price down
  • If you buy online, know if there are return shipping costs

Tips for a Wise Buyer

Buying the right mattress is a very individual decision because of varying comfort and support needs. The mattress your friend recommends may not be a good fit for you. You may have a different preferred sleep position and body weight.

Our bodies change over time, and so does the mattress you sleep on. The last mattress you bought may not fit your needs today, robbing you of getting enough rest. Buying a mattress these days involves more choices than you had in the past. Our tips and information explain how to sort through your mattress shopping options.

Body Weight and Buying a Mattress

Body weight is probably the most important consideration for choosing the right mattress. If you weigh over 200 pounds, you’re likely to sink into softer mattresses and become overheated. A mattress that’s too firm is likely to cause pain over pressure points, like hips and knees. A hybrid mattress with supportive coils combined with strategically layered foam is your first choice.

Lesson:
Body type matters when choosing a mattress.

If you are more of a lightweight, soft foam mattresses are a great place to start with mattress shopping. Hybrid mattresses should have at least 3 inches of foam. Those who prefer a traditional coil mattress should look for a soft to medium firmness level. If a mattress is too firm, you won’t get the support needed for your hips and lumbar area.

Your Sleeping Position and Temperature

How you sleep most of the time and feeling hot or cool as you sleep determine the best mattress choice. Some mattress materials are cooler than others, and you may require more or less support depending on your primary sleep position.

  • Side sleepers need a softer mattress that lets the hips sink in while supporting the spine.
  • If you sleep on your back, a moderately-firm mattress may work best for spinal support.
  • It’s best not to sleep on your stomach, but a firmer mattress is best if you do. A soft mattress can impede airflow around your face.
  • Combination sleepers need a mattress that contours to the body while offering a good deal of spinal support. Mattresses with foam over individually wrapped coils usually work well.

If you tend to get hot while you sleep, look for a mattress with good airflow. While this rules out some foam mattresses, some brands incorporate cooling features.

Lesson:
There’s a comfortable mattress available for every type of sleeper.

However, pay attention to firmness since sinking into a soft foam mattress will make you warm up. Hybrid or inner coil mattresses are probably your best bet, though.

Types of Mattresses

Gone are the days of choosing a soft, medium or firm spring mattress. New mattress materials offer greater comfort for most people, often at a lower cost.

Foam mattresses are often called a bed in a box because that is how they arrive at your home. These mattresses come in various densities, most with fused comfort layers used to customize the firmness. Some of these mattresses are made of memory foam, but most use polyfoam layers covered with memory foam. Memory foam conforms to the contours of your body. This feature distributes weight to prevent transfer of movement from one side of the bed to the other.

Latex can be manufactured or organically sourced from rubber trees. Tapping the trees for latex does not harm the tree. You can buy mattresses made entirely of latex or with latex layered over high-density foam. Natural latex is hypo-allergenic and mold-resistant.

Innerspring coil mattresses are familiar to just about everyone. These mattresses have improved over the years with memory foam top layers for comfort. Innerspring coil mattresses are durable, but the interconnected coils tend to cause achy pressure points. Look for a memory foam cover over other materials to separate your body from the coils.

Pocketed coil mattresses have individually wrapped coils. Each pocket spring reacts to pressure independently. This results in relief along pressure points and enhances contouring to the body. These mattresses typically have higher density coils in the center for support with a memory foam cover.

Hybrid mattresses combine a pocketed coil sleep system with a minimum of 2 inches of memory foam. A hybrid mattress offers a thicker layer of memory foam under the cover for a more luxurious experience.

Adjustable mattresses use an air bladder controlled by the individual using the bed. The cover is composed of memory foam and soft material for comfort. While these beds are among the most expensive, they offer the ultimate firmness control for both sides of a mattress.

FoamPolyfoam or memory foam. Offers “sleeping on a cloud” feeling for those who like a soft to medium firmness level.
LatexHypo-allergenic and can be organically and sustainably sourced.
Innerspring CoilCoils are interconnected. Needs a memory foam topper or pillow top to avoid pressure points.
Pocket CoilIndependently wrapped coils respond well to heavier parts of the body while providing adequate support.
HybridPocketed coil mattress covered by at least 2 inches of memory foam for support and comfort.
AdjustableAn air bladder in the mattress controls firmness from a remote control. Each side of the bed has a remote.
Types of Mattresses

Why Should Seniors Invest in a Good Mattress?

Healthy sleep habits are important for people of all ages, but especially seniors, who are more likely to experience sleeping issues. Prolonged insomnia can lead to long-term physical and mental health consequences, but good sleep hygiene can help eliminate this threat. 

The alternative, not finding a comfortable mattress to aid in sleep health, can be detrimental. Dr. Carleara Weiss, clinician scientist of  behavioral sleep medicine and circadian rhythms and sleep science advisor at Aeroflow Sleep elaborates:

“The long-term effects of long-term sleep deprivation include cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and stroke, kidney disease, higher chance of diabetes, and obesity. Chronic sleep deprivation is also a threat to mental health, increasing the risk and worsening the impacts of depression.” 

MattressPrice RangeWarranty (Years)Trial Period (Nights)FirmnessDelivery & Setup
Saatva Classic Mattress$1,395 – $2,595Lifetime365 nights ($99 processing fee)3/10, 5/10, or 8/10White glove delivery and setup
Nectar Premier Mattress$1,049 – $2,998Forever Warranty365 nights6.5/10Free shipping and returns
Helix Midnight Mattress$936.30 – $1,74810 years100 nightsMediumFree shipping
Solaire by Saatva$3,295 – $6,090Lifetime365 nights ($99 processing fee)50 firmness settings per sideWhite glove delivery and setup
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress $995 – $1,99510 years (limited)100 nightsMediumFree shipping and returns
Leesa Original$879 – $1,63910 years (limited)100 nights5-7/10Free shipping and returns
Cocoon by Sealy$619 – $169910 years100 nights6/10Free shipping 
Casper Snow Hybrid$1,875 – $3,75010 years (limited)100 nightsMediumFree shipping and returns
Sleep Number$3,999 – $5,79915 years (limited)100 nightsMultiple settings per side of the bedFree delivery with a mattress and base
Comparing Mattresses for Seniors

Our Research and Testing Methodology

Retirement Living selected our top choices for mattresses for seniors based on:

  • 80+ hours of testing and research
  • 3 sleep experts and physical therapists consulted
  • 1,000+ third-party reviews referenced 
  • 9 brands selected out of 14 brands evaluated

Best Beds and Mattresses for Seniors

Our research and guidance from sleep experts identified specific mattress features that best serve seniors, including pressure relief, lumbar and edge support, temperature regulation, firmness level and height. The mattress models listed below are from trusted brands, and all have positive reviews from buyers age 55 and over.

Saatva Classic Mattress Review

Great Eco Friendly

Saatva offers mattresses manufactured in the USA using the highest quality, globally sourced materials. The mattresses are ecologically friendly, featuring organic cotton covers treated with botanical antimicrobial protection. The foam meets higher CertiPUR-US standards and uses a natural thistle flame retardant, while the coils are recycled steel.

As a senior, the Saatva Classic mattress has many features you will love. There are three firmness levels, and the dual-coil design offers increased airflow to keep you cool and comfortable while remaining sturdy and preventing sagging. A patented Lumbar Zone® Technology offers superior spinal alignment no matter your sleep position. This is approved by the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations and endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.  

Saatva mattresses carry a 365-night warranty—less a $99 processing fee for pickup. All mattresses get white glove delivery and setup with the removal of the old mattress and foundation. The mattresses also carry a Friends for Life warranty: in the first two years, Saatva will replace your mattress free of charge. Starting in year three, Saatva will repair or re-cover the mattress, but the consumer must cover $149 in processing fees.

Saatva Classic Mattress
  • Price range: $1,395 to $2,595 
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Height: 11.5 to 14.5 inches
  • Firmness: Three firmness levels
  • Trial: 365-nights, less $99 if you return it
  • Warranty: Lifetime 
  • Sizes available: Twin to Cal King; total of 8 sizes

Senior comfort features

  • Cushioned comfort and pressure relief
  • Study edge support
  • Lumbar technology for spinal alignment
  • Dual coil design for better support and airflow
  • Three firmness options

Nectar Premier Mattress Review

Great trial period 

Nectar Premier mattresses originally were just memory foam mattresses. Now, you have two options: memory foam or hybrid. The difference is that the memory foam option offers more plush comfort and stability, while the hybrid option offers more structured support and relief on pressure points. Both offer breathability and cooling to regulate your body temperature while sleeping. They also both prevent motion transfer to keep you sound asleep even when your partner is not.

Nectar mattresses come with a 365-day trial. If you determine the mattress doesn’t work for you over the one-year period, you will get your money back. Nectar also offers a Forever warranty – a lifetime guarantee as long as you are the original owner, plus free shipping and free returns.

Nectar Premier Mattress
  • Price range: $1,049-$2,998
  • Material: memory foam
  • Height: 13 inches
  • Firmness: 6.5/10
  • Trial: 365-night trial
  • Warranty: Forever warranty
  • Sizes available: Twin to Cal King; total of 7 sizes

Senior comfort features

  • Gel memory foam for pressure relief
  • Transition layer to minimize motion transfer
  • ActiveLift HD for added support (Hybrid model)
  • Dual-action cooling technology
  • Extra edge support (Hybrid model)

Helix Midnight Mattress Review

Great for Side Sleepers

The Helix Midnight mattress is designed specifically for side sleepers. It features foam layers that cushion and relieve pressure points in the shoulders and hips of side sleepers. It has a medium firmness and a supportive, hybrid design. It comes with a cooling cover, but you can upgrade to a premium cooling pillow top.

The Midnight mattress comes in traditional twin through Cal king sizes, but you can also get it in a short queen or an RV king to be more accommodating to your needs.

You can upgrade the Midnight line to the Luxe or Elite models. These come at higher price points but feature support and cooling technology upgrades. Helix Mattresses come with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

Helix Midnight Mattress
  • Price range: $936.30-$1,748.80
  • Material: memory foam
  • Height: 11.5 inches
  • Firmness: medium
  • Trial: 100-night
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes available: Twin to Cal King; total of 8 sizes

Senior comfort features

  • Pressure point relief
  • Two cooling covers to choose from
  • Support for side sleepers
  • Medium firmness
  • Upgrades available for added support

Solaire by Saatva Review

Great for Couples

Solaire by Saatva offers many features that appeal to senior couples. There are 50 firmness settings on both sides of the bed – so you don’t even have to agree with your partner on a firmness level. Furthermore, dual air chambers eliminate virtually all motion transfers.

Solaire by Saatva is a luxury mattress with memory foam layers, cooling technology, edge-to-edge support and a 5-zone lumbar support system.

Like all Saatva mattresses, Solaire carries a 365-night trial period (less a $99 processing fee if you return it) and a Friends for Life warranty that includes a two-year full warranty. Your Solaire mattress will have white glove delivery and set up, including the removal of your old mattress and foundation.

Saatva Solaire Mattress
  • Price range: $3,295-$6,090
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Height: 13 inches
  • Firmness: 50 firmness settings per side of the bed
  • Trial: 365-night, less $99 if you return it
  • Warranty: Lifetime 
  • Sizes available: Twin XL to Cal King; total of 9 sizes

Senior comfort features

  • 50 firmness settings for pressure relief
  • Edge support
  • 5-zone lumbar support
  • Heat-dispersing, gel-infused memory foam for cooling
  • Dual air chambers that eliminate motion transfer

Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress Review

Great for Pressure Point Relief

Tuft & Needle’s Mint mattress is designed with adaptive foam, which is different from other memory foam mattresses because it has an open-cell structure for greater flexibility. This keeps you cooler at night and relieves pressure points. It also aids in stabilization—reducing motion transfer for those seniors who share a bed.

The Mint also has a 6.5-inch foundational layer for support that goes edge to edge and comes with a removable and washable cover. The medium feel firmness is ideal for back and side sleepers. It is compatible with adjustable bed frames.

Tuft & Needle mattresses such as the Mint mattress carry a 100-night sleep trial period and a 10-year warranty.

Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
  • Price range: $995-$1,995
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Height: 11.5 inches
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial: 100 nights
  • Warranty: 10 years (limited)
  • Sizes available: Twin to Cal King; total of 6 sizes

Senior comfort features

  • Foundational support foam
  • Extra edge support
  • Lumbar support
  • Cooling capacity
  • Adaptive foam for pressure relief

Leesa Original Mattress Review

Great for the Socially Conscious

Want to sleep in the perfect hug? The Leesa Original mattress is it. Known to cradle and support without sinking or overheating, the Leesa Original mattress is the ideal balance of soft and breathable at a medium firmness. Using exclusive foam, it’s breathable and provides a cool night of sleep with minimal motion transfer.

Leesa is known for its socially conscious programs. The company has donated over 40,000 mattresses to children in poverty and others in need. Leesa mattresses come with a 100-night trial and a 10-year limited warranty.

Leesa Original Mattress
  • Price range: $879-$1,639
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial: 100 nights
  • Warranty: 10 years (limited)
  • Sizes available: Twin to Cal King; total of 6 sizes

Senior comfort features

  • Relieves back, hip and shoulder pressure points
  • Base layer for support
  • Minimal motion transfer
  • Exclusive foam for cool sleeping

Cocoon by Sealy Review

Great for Hot Sleepers

The Cocoon by Sealy is known as the Chill Mattress. It’s manufactured with a premium stretch-knit cover infused with Phase Change Material to absorb heat. The Cocoon mattress has a surface that’s cool to the touch, which promises to keep even the hottest of sleepers cool at night.

The Cocoon mattress comes in memory foam or hybrid (memory foam and spring blend) and is medium in firmness. Perfect Fit memory foam reduces motion transfer and conforms to your body to relieve pressure points.

Sealy offers a 100-night risk-free trial, hassle-free returns, and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Coccon by Sealy Mattress
  • Price range: $619-$1,699
  • Material: Memory foam or hybrid
  • Height: 10-12 inches
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial: 100 nights
  • Warranty: 10 years (manufacturers)
  • Sizes available: Twin to Cal King; total of 6 sizes

Senior comfort features

  • Motion transfer reduction
  • Foam designed to relieve pressure points
  • Increased edge support
  • Advanced cooling cover

Casper Snow Hybrid Review

Great for Relieving Tossing and Turning

Casper’s Snow Hybrid mattresses are made with proprietary hybrid technology that blends memory foam and flex coils that will appeal to seniors who sleep hot and toss and turn. 

Casper manufactures this mattress with a combination of seven layers that include three zones of memory foam support for better alignment while providing relief from pressure points. The Snow technology pulls heat away from you while you sleep, keeping you cool for over 12 hours and the flex coils step up to boost support, add edge-to-edge support, and isolate motion transfer when you sleep. 

Casper gives customers a 100-night risk-free sleep trial and warrants mattresses for 10 years. Free shipping and returns are included, while white glove delivery is an add-on option if you need help getting your bed set up.

Casper Snow Mattress
  • Price range: $1,875-$3,750
  • Material: Memory foam and coils
  • Height: 12 inches
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial: 100 nights
  • Warranty: 10 years limited
  • Sizes available: Twin XL to Cal King; total of 6 sizes

Senior comfort features

  • Zoned foam for better alignment
  • Cooling technology for all-night cooling
  • Motion isolation
  • Balanced pressure that reduces tossing and turning
  • Edge-to-edge support

Sleep Number Memory Foam Review

Great for Automatic Comfort

The Memory Foam mattress by Sleep Number uses memory foam support and dual adjustable firmness for different firmness levels on each side of the bed. Older adults will find comfort in the memory foam technology that contours and slowly adjusts to your body to relieve pressure and soothe painful points. In addition to relieving pressure points, the memory foam uses a ceramic-infused design to release extra heat and move it away from you while you sleep.

Along with your mattress, you can use SleepIQ, a proprietary technology that allows you to track and view your sleep patterns night by night and adjust your side of the bed to your comfort levels.

Sleep Number beds are expensive mattresses but come with a 15-year limited warranty and are among the most comfortable beds available. All mattress lines feature the DualAir adjustment with remote control. Sleep Number offers a 100-night trial and free delivery if you order a base and mattress together.

Sleep Number Memory Foam Mattress
  • Price range: $3,999-$5,799
  • Material: Memory foam
  • Height: 11 inches
  • Firmness: Adjustable
  • Trial: 100 nights
  • Warranty: 15 years limited  
  • Sizes available: Queen to FlexTop Cal King; total of 7 sizes

Senior comfort features

  • Superior cooling
  • Dynamic support
  • Contouring pressure relief
  • SleepIQ for tracking sleep stats
  • Multiple firmness levels on each side of the bed

Key Features to Look for in the Best Mattress for Seniors

While looking at mattresses, most key features will appeal to all demographics. However, some features might be more beneficial to seniors. The following are particularly important to look for in a mattress for an older adult:

Edge-to-edge support: edge support in a mattress for older adults is necessary because it means the mattress won’t sink or sag when you sit on the edge. This superior support provides more stability for those struggling to get in and out of bed independently.

Cooling capacity: sleeping at the right temperature is important to a good night’s sleep, and as we age, that becomes more difficult. Mattresses with coils offer breathability, while memory foam technology has come a long way, and some can whisk heat away from you as you sleep.

Pressure point relief: for those with achy joints and pressure points, mattresses that contour to your body and adjust to your sleep preference will go a long way in relieving pressure point pain on your joints and spine.

Firmness level: while medium firmness appeals to most people, those with joint pain might benefit from a soft to medium mattress, while those with back pain will do better with increased support from a medium to firm mattress. The best mattresses for seniors, especially those sleeping with a partner with different firmness needs, are mattresses with dual firmness settings – one for each side of the bed.

Delivery and setup: free shipping and returns are a great option; however, if you’re older and don’t have help getting a bed set up, purchasing a mattress with setup included is much more convenient for your needs. Many also include hauling away your old mattress and base.

Adjustable bed compatibility: for many older adults, having a bed that is adjustable to their needs helps reduce pain, snoring and acid reflux while increasing comfort and mobility when getting in and out of bed. Finding a mattress that is compatible with an adjustable bed or even bundles with an adjustable bed is a great perk to look for in mattresses for seniors.

Mattress Costs and Warranties

The best mattresses for seniors run a big price range from as little as $600 up to $6,000 depending on the brand, features and its offered bells and whistles. The price range accommodates most people’s budgets and needs while offering solid choices that will aid in a better night’s sleep and increased comfort for everyone, especially those in the older demographic.

While we did not find specific deals, mattresses are historically discounted during holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, President’s Day and the like. Several mattresses on our list also have discounts if you purchase a bundle with a base or pillows and bedding. For example, Sleep Number offers free shipping if you bundle a mattress with a base purchase.

Mattress warranties are typically 10-limited warranties. However, some, like Saatva and Nectar, offer lifetime warranties. Sleep Number provides a longer 15-year limited warranty.

Consult the following chart to compare prices and warranties on our mattress picks.

MattressPriceWarrantyCompatible with Adjustable Base 
Saatva Classic Mattress$2,0952 years full, Lifetime (less a $149 processing fee)Yes
Nectar Premier Mattress$1,499Forever Warranty – as long as the original owner has the mattressYes
Helix Midnight Mattress$133210 yearsYes
Solaire by Saatva$4,495Forever Warranty – as long as the original owner has the mattressYes
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress $1,49510 years limitedYes
Leesa$1,33210 years limitedYes
Cocoon by Sealy$69910 yearsYes
Casper Snow Hybrid$2,49510 yearsYes
Sleep Number$3,99915 years limitedYes
Mattress Costs (Queen) 

What Customers Say About Their Experience Using Adjustable Beds

Retirement Living analyzed thousands of online reviews for the top adjustable mattresses and bed frames. The most common reasons customers purchased an adjustable bed or frame were to combat back pain and recover from knee or hip surgeries. Other customers said that sleeping in an elevated position helped alleviate acid reflux symptoms.

In some cases, customers reported that the thickness of their mattress affected how much the frame could adjust to various positions. For the best results, we recommend purchasing the brand’s compatible mattress for the adjustable bed frame.

Customers who bought adjustable beds are most satisfied with the following:

  • The features customers appreciate most are the lighted remote controls, the zero gravity settings, and the cooling features available on some hybrid models.
  • People are most pleased with Saatva’s customer service, frequently referencing its white glove service and their speed in handling customer return or exchange requests.

The most common complaints about adjustable beds were:

  • Occasionally, the mattress moves off the frame unexpectedly during adjustments and ends up unsupported. So far, mattress brands have yet to find a way to combat the movement, and customers are responsible for readjusting the bed. 
  • Seniors are more hesitant to buy a bed online than younger shoppers, citing concerns about comfort and cost. Brands offering longer trial periods help ensure older adults have enough time to sample the bed. Adjustable mattress brands recommend allotting 30 to 90 days for the mattress to break in.
  • While many customers say the bed is quiet during position adjustments, some warn that the frame itself is squeaky when they move at night. 

About Mattress Off-gassing

Any new mattress gives off an odor, called off-gassing, at first. The smell is tolerable to most people and fades over time.

  • Memory foam and hybrid mattresses tend to have the highest level of off-gassing.
  • Coil mattresses have an odor which may or may not be classified as off-gassing.
  • Latex produces minimal smells.
  • Mattresses with a higher organic material content let off fewer fumes.

The estimated doses of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that create off-gassing have no health effects on the majority of adults. However, an American Chemical Society study showed that young children and older people could be affected.

Off-gassing can increase with body heat while you sleep, but dissipates over several days. The more ventilation in the room, the sooner the smell subsides. Set up thicker foam mattresses in a well-ventilated room to let odors disperse before sleeping on the mattress.

Should You Buy a Mattress Online?

Given the cost of mattresses, buying one online may not seem wise. However, online mattress sale numbers are soaring. Shop online for convenience, lengthy sleep trials with money-back guarantees and free shipping.

The best online mattress companies provide many sources of information to help you choose a mattress on their website. Many include a quiz or checklist to help you find just the right model. At a minimum, you should be able to do a side-by-side comparison of mattresses that interest you.

Costs across online mattress sellers vary, mostly depending on the materials used. You can buy excellent quality, comfortable mattresses online at budget prices. Even if you buy a luxury model, you’ll probably save money compared to what you would pay in stores. Online sales cut out the commissioned salesperson to offer savings. If you find the perfect mattress online, don’t hesitate to try it.

Read Review

Saatva logo
4.6 Stars

Eco-Friendly

Full-service delivery and set up

Spine and lumbar support

Read Review

Helix logo
4.7 Stars

Great for Larger Humans

Helpful mattress matching tool

Customized firmness for couples

Read Review

Nectar logo
4.8 Stars

Great Warranty

Long trial period

Ample presets, including TV, reading, anti-snore


Our Search for the Best Mattress Companies

  1. We have reviewed all of the top mattress companies available.
  2. We evaluated these companies based on our expert-guided buying criteria: comfort technologies, firmness options, mattress types, warranties and money-back guarantees.
  3. We provide you with the best mattress companies for consideration.

Manta’s business database lists 397 mattress companies in the United States, and that is not every company. We narrowed your search down to 12 of the best mattress companies to help you choose.

Our search began with 35 popular mattress companies and concluded with 12 recommendations. Our assessment included the following steps:

  1. We evaluated the retail marketplace for mattresses. We narrowed our search starting with customer and expert reviews. We removed companies rating three or fewer stars from consideration.
  2. We considered customer service. We ruled out mattress companies that rated low for providing less-than-responsive customer service. Mattresses are expensive, and you need your rest. We chose companies with attentive service representatives, lengthy sleep trials and liberal money-back guarantees.
  3. We shopped for mattresses following our own advice, using our wise buyer standards. We evaluated the variety of mattresses offered by each company, the cost and other criteria. Companies that did not use quality materials in manufacturing were removed from consideration. We also excluded companies that didn’t offer online tools or research to make choosing a mattress easier.

Best Mattress Company Reviews

After our evaluation, we chose the 12 best mattress companies: Saatva, Nectar, Helix, Birch from Helix, Purple, Casper, Leesa, Tuft & Needle, Zinus, Sealy, Sleep Number and Serta. Each of these companies stood out above and beyond the competition.


Saatva Review

Eco-Friendly

|

4.6 Stars

Saatva’s mattresses are ecologically friendly. Organic cotton covers get treated with botanical antimicrobial protection. Saatva uses a flame retardant made with natural thistle and mattress coils made of recycled steel.

Saatva Mattress

All Saatva mattresses feature individually-wrapped coils, three firmness levels, spinal zone support and lumbar support memory foam. The foams used in Saatva products meet high CertiPUR-US standards. Saatva HD mattresses support individuals weighing 300 pounds and up.

The Saatva Classic Warranty is excellent. If your mattress is defective Saatva will replace your mattress with a brand new mattress at no charge to the consumer. For years 3-15 Saatva will repair or re-cover the mattress, but the consumer will need to cover transportation costs of $99 each way.

To learn more about Saatva, read our comprehensive Saatva Mattress Review.

Visit the Saatva website to view current offers.

Nectar Review

Great Warranty

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4.8 Stars

Nectar memory foam mattresses come with a 365-day trial. If you determine the mattress doesn’t work for you over the one year period, you get your money back. Nectar also offers a lifetime guarantee, free shipping and free returns.

Nectar Mattress

Nectar manufactures mattresses with five layers of memory foam and a contouring gel layer, topped off with a Tencel cooling cover. Because these mattresses have no coils, there’s little bounce and the foam provides a firmer sleep surface. Nectar mattresses have good edge support for a foam mattress.

Nectar offers customers a 365-night trial period and a Forever Warranty.

To learn more about Nectar Mattress, read our comprehensive Nectar Mattress Review.

Visit the Nectar website to view current offers.

Helix Review

Great for Larger Humans

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4.7 Stars

Helix’s three-minute online sleep quiz matches you to the right mattress. Your sleep quiz answers tell Helix what your needs are for support and pressure relief. Leading sleep experts helped with designing the algorithm for the tool to let customers effectively choose a mattress online.

Helix Mattress

Helix sells soft, medium and firm mattresses. Helix PLUS provides extra support for big and tall and plus-sized individuals. Helix also offers six luxury mattress selections and an organic mattress line.

Helix Mattresses come with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

Visit the Helix website to view current offers.

Purple Review

Great Technology

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4.4 Stars

Purple mattresses are made from a soft yet sturdy material that eases pressure points. The trademarked Hyper-Elastic Polymer redistributes pressure while you sleep to other parts of the mattress to provide exceptional support. Purple has over 30 cushioning technology patents and made significant investments in manufacturing technology to keep costs down.

Purple Mattress

A 2-inch layer of Hyper-Elastic Polymer tops the Original Purple mattress. This unique polymer is not a foam and feels more like a gel. Various densities of foam are in the middle and bottom layers. Purple mattresses sleep cool because of the Hyper-Elastic Polymer.

Purple Mattresses come with a 100-night sleep test and a 10-year warranty.

Casper Review

Great for Joint Pain

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4.4 Stars

Casper’s Wave mattresses are built on a proprietary Hyper-Targeted Support System to relieve pain from pressure on joints. The Wave provides excellent support and spinal alignment while remaining comfortable. Casper manufactures this mattress with a combination of five layers of poly foam, memory foam and latex. The Wave has a wool cover and also comes in a hybrid model.

Casper Mattress

The American Chiropractic Association endorses Casper mattresses. The Wave comes with a high price tag. The cost is likely worth it if you suffer from hip, knee or back pain, or sciatica.

Casper gives customers a 100-night risk-free sleep trial and warrants mattresses for 10 years.

Leesa Review

Leesa Mattress Logo

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4.4 Stars

Leesa mattresses are known for feeling neither too hot nor too cold while you sleep. Leesa is also known for its socially conscious programs. The company has donated over 32,000 mattresses to children in poverty and others in need. Leesa planted 255,000 trees and donated over 2,100 volunteer hours through 2018.

Leesa Mattress

Leesa sells three mattresses: the Original, Hybrid and Legend. The Original Leesa mattress is made entirely of foam. The Hybrid has firmer support with foam over pocket springs. The Leesa Legend is also a hybrid mattress made with organic and recycled materials.

Leesa mattresses come with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

Visit the Leesa website to view current offers.

Tuft & Needle Review

Great Stabilization

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4.5 Stars

Consumer Reports and multiple online Tuft and Needle reviews rave about the Mint mattress’s stabilization, also known as motion isolation. Tuft & Needle’s Mint mattress uses a quick-responding foam. You will feel little motion when your partner rolls over in bed thanks to this foam. Heat-wicking graphite and ceramic gel beads make the Mint mattress comfortable, too.

Tuft & Needle Mattress

Tuft & Needle also sells The Original mattress at a lower price with a bit less foam, graphite and beads. The Hybrid mattress is a high-priced model that meets the definition of luxury. Tuft & Needle merged with Serta Simmons Bedding in 2018.

Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Visit the Tuft & Needle website to view current offers.

Zinus Review

Great Option Under $300

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4.4 Stars

Zinus sells 14 mattress lines, and many are under $300 for a king size. The majority of Zinus mattresses are hybrids. The company also sells four different foam mattresses and uses green tea to neutralize odors. These mattresses are made of CertiPUR-US Certified foam, which meets strict standards for emissions, and durability.

Zinus Mattress

Zinus provides a Find Your Perfect Mattress tool to recommend a product after you answer a few quick questions.

Zinus sells some of the most popular mattresses on Amazon and has a 10-year warranty. You have 100 nights to decide whether or not to keep the mattress if you buy direct. Purchase a Zinus product from Amazon, and you get a 30-day trial.

View page on Amazon to view current offers.

Cocoon by Sealy Review

Great for Hot Sleepers

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4.3 Stars

With 140 years in the mattress business, Sealy is one of the most recognized names in our top mattress picks. The company sells mattresses across six comfort levels, from ultra-firm to ultra-plush. Sealy sells queen mattresses from $399 to $2,499 due to the range of products. You can buy a traditional innerspring, memory foam, hybrid or the new Cocoon by Sealy Chill.

Cocoon by Sealy Mattress

Cocoon mattresses are available in med-soft or extra firm. Sealy manufactures this mattress with a premium stretch-knit cover infused with Phase Change Material to absorb heat. The Cocoon mattress has a surface that’s cool to the touch.

Sealy offers a 100-night risk-free trial and hassle-free returns. The company also sells memory foam, innerspring and hybrid mattresses.

Sleep Number Review

Great for Couples

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4.3 Stars

With 140 years in the mattress business, Sealy is one of the most recognized names in our top mattress picks. The company sells mattresses across six comfort levels, from ultra-firm to ultra-plush. Sealy sells queen mattresses from $399 to $2,499 due to the range of products. You can buy a traditional innerspring, memory foam, hybrid or the new Cocoon by Sealy Chill.

Cocoon mattresses are available in med-soft or extra firm. Sealy manufactures this mattress with a premium stretch-knit cover infused with Phase Change Material to absorb heat. The Cocoon mattress has a surface that’s cool to the touch.

Sealy offers a 100-night risk-free trial and hassle-free returns. The company also sells memory foam, innerspring and hybrid mattresses.

Serta Review

Great Flame Retardant

Serta is a leading manufacturer of open-flame resistant mattresses. The company has been producing mattresses that meet or exceed the federal flammability standard since 2005. Serta’s FireBlocker system is a blend of natural and synthetic fibers that helps limit fire from spreading. All Serta products fully comply with US Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.

Serta Mattress

Serta has been in business since 1931 and created the first pillow top mattress in the 1970s. The company offers four mattress lines with innerspring, memory foam and hybrid models. Sleep True is Serta’s budget line with prices starting at $229 for a queen size mattress.

Serta offers a 120-day trial and a 10-year warranty.


Local Mattress Stores Near Me


Saatva logo
4.6 Stars

Saatva

  • Full-service delivery and set up
  • Spine and lumbar support

Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses


What is the mattress firmness scale?

The mattress firmness scale is a scale between one and 10—one being the softest and ten being the firmest. Mattresses are also often referred to as soft, medium or firm. On the scale, that translates to:

• Soft: 1-2
• Medium: 3-7
• Firm: 6-10
 
Soft mattresses give the feeling of sinking into the bed. Usually ideal for side sleepers, soft mattresses take the pressure off hips and shoulders for better spinal alignment. Larger bodies should beware of soft mattresses, though, as they can cause back pain in heavier people and stomach sleepers.
 
Medium mattresses are the most universal mattresses and offer plush support to all types of sleepers. Couples often opt for medium mattresses as they appeal to most people and, due to their moderate firmness, have less motion transfer.
 
Firm mattresses are best for stomach sleepers and those with larger bodies, as they prevent you from sinking into the bed. Instead, you sleep on top of the mattress.
 
For seniors, choosing a mattress with the right firmness can make a difference in joint pain, pressure points and back pain. In most cases, a medium mattress is ideal as it balances comfort and support and eases joint issues, inflammation and arthritis.

How can seniors improve their sleep habits?

Seniors can establish healthy sleep routines by practicing what Dr. Carleara Weiss calls good sleep hygiene. 

“For example, keep the sleep environment dark, quiet, and at a temperature of 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining a daily routine is pivotal to maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm (biological clock). This would include keeping regular wake ups and bedtimes, eating meals at the same time, and exercising at least 150 minutes per week, preferably at the same time of day.” 

How often should I buy a new mattress?

Sleep experts recommend you buy a new mattress every 10 years. You can probably extend that time a bit with an adjustable air mattress. But, even these mattresses don’t last much longer because the top foam layer compresses after a decade, lessening comfort.


Concluding Thoughts about Mattresses

There’s a mattress designed for every sleep position. Choosing between all the mattresses options available can be confusing. Memory foam, latex, coil or hybrid mattresses provide options to ensure you find the best mattress for your sleep needs. Simplify your search by following our guidelines, and shop online and in-store to compare prices to features.

  • Eco-Friendly – Saatva
  • Great for Larger Humans – Helix
  • Great Warranty – Nectar
  • Great Stabilization – Tuft & Needle
  • Great Organic – Birch by Helix
  • Leesa Mattress Logo – Leesa
  • Great Technology – Purple
  • Great for Joint Pain – Casper
  • Great for Hot Sleepers – Cocoon by Sealy
  • Great for Couples – Sleep Number

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Retirement Living independently researches companies, and we use editorial discretion to award companies with special recognition (i.e. Great Value) based on our staff’s judgment. We do this to help you identify companies that will meet your specific buying needs, and we do not receive compensation for these designations.

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