Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
A combination sleeper is someone who doesn’t maintain the same sleeping position throughout the night. For example, you might lie on your back when you go to bed, but wake up in the morning to find you’ve shifted onto your side.
Cycling through different sleeping postures is perfectly normal. But when it’s time to buy a new mattress, you’ll notice that different models suit some sleeping positions better than others. What should you do if you don’t favor any one pose?
Whether you’re a back-and-side sleeper, a stomach-and-back sleeper, or an unpredictable combination sleeper, versatility will be a key factor to look for in a bed. In this article, we’ll share the best mattresses for combination sleepers, as well as tips for finding the right feel and firmness for your bed.
Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
- Saatva Classic – Editor’s Pick
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Couples Who Change Sleeping Positions
- WinkBed – Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Luxury Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy Combination Sleepers
- Birch Natural – Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Video Review of The Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
Compare Beds for Combination Sleepers
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| Saatva Classic | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Nolah Natural Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Firm: 6/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Firm: 6/10 | Medium-Firm: 6/10 | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-Firm: 6/10 |
| Material | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Latex | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Back Pain | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples | Back Sleepers, Couples | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Back Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
How We Chose the Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that give us a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We rate all mattress performance categories out of five. In order to get the overall rating (also out of five) for the mattress, we take the weighted average (based on what we think is most important, e.g., support) of all of these scores.
We’ve tested over 150 beds and helped more than 2,500 people find their mattress matches. Rest assured that all the mattresses we recommend are comfortable, quality, well-made beds.
For this roundup, we focused on the best-recommended mattresses for combination sleepers, based on those we deemed to have the most bounce and support. More on that below!
Advice from a Medical Expert
We reached out to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, who has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, to see his thoughts on what key qualities combination sleepers need in a mattress.
“Combination sleepers need a mattress that’s got their back, no matter how they toss and turn. Look for something that relieves pressure, stays cool, and lasts long. Good motion isolation and edge support are bonuses too.”
-Dr Raj Dasgupta
What We Want to See in a Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Firmness
Because combination sleepers switch between multiple positions, we look for beds with a firmness that’s versatile enough to accommodate different postures.
With this in mind, we look for beds with a medium/medium-firm feel because these are generally best at balancing pressure relief and support for most sleepers. These beds should have a firmness rating between 5 and 7.
Responsiveness
As a combination sleeper, you’re moving around a lot in your sleep. You’ll want something responsive enough that changing positions is more seamless — otherwise you might feel stuck. Responsive materials we like to see are innerspring coils and latex.
For this roundup, you’ll see that every mattress we chose earned at least a 3.5 out of 5 in this category. This ensures that combination sleepers can move around with ease on the bed’s surface.
Motion Isolation
Moving a lot during the night can cause quite some disturbance to those sleeping on the other side of the bed. A good mattress for combination-sleeping couples will isolate some of that motion so the other side doesn’t shake as much when you switch positions.
Motion-isolating materials we like to see are memory foam and pocketed coils. Some of the beds on this list are better at isolating motion than others, but we aimed to choose beds that should work well for co-sleepers who toss and turn together.
Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
Saatva Classic – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: The Saatva Classic is the gold standard for lower-back support, strong edges, and customizable luxury. It’s not the softest or most motion-isolating bed out there, but it’s a dependable, bouncy hybrid that consistently impresses our testers with its two coil units.
Why It’s Great for Combination Sleepers
With two-coil systems for extra bounce, the Saatva Classic is a no-brainer choice for combination sleepers. While the bottom coil layer focuses more on durable support, the coils on top reduce motion transfer and conform to the sleeper’s body.
What’s more, the Saatva Classic comes in three firmness levels and two heights, so you can tailor the bed to your wants and needs. It also offers a range of features designed to promote alignment and keep your back supported, regardless of the position you take.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“This is a bed that’s super approachable for all sleep types, whether you’re a side sleeper, back, or combination of these.”
Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Two Innerspring Layers
The Saatva earned a perfect score for bounce thanks to its two-coil units. The first is a more modern layer made of individually wrapped coils, and the second is a traditional innerspring type with interconnected coils. This gives the Saatva extra bounce, extra support, and extra-strong edges, all of which should benefit combination sleepers.
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Classic
With thousands of customer reviews, the Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. One downside is that some customers found the Saatva Classic too firm, while a notable advantage is its high-quality materials, which provide durability and support.
Need more details? Read our in-depth Saatva Classic mattress review.
For other top-rated beds: Browse our list of the best mattresses.
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Combination-Sleeping Couples
The Advisor Says: An upgraded version of the Helix Midnight, this bed added zoned support for more lift beneath the lower back as well as a plush pillow top. It should appeal to people (and back sleepers in particular) who want just a bit of comfy sink from the top layer of their hybrid mattress.
Why It’s Great for Couples Who Are Combination Sleepers
If you and your partner are combination sleepers, you’ll benefit from a responsive mattress that can also somewhat reduce the ripples of your movements. The Helix Midnight Luxe should get the job done well. The bed’s coils deliver adequate bounce to make turning and shifting easier, while the softer foam layers on top help absorb motion, ensuring you and your partner sleep soundly.
The Luxe is the upgraded version of the Helix Midnight, and it comes with bonus features like a 2-inch taller profile, an extra layer of gel Visco foam, and zoned support in the coils. We also rated the Midnight Luxe at a medium-firm feel, which means this mattress should accommodate most people and their different sleep positions.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“This bed is also really responsive, so if you toss and you turn or you and your partner prioritize sex, this is a good option for that.”
Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Thick Pillow Top
As a hybrid, the Helix Midnight Luxe features both foam layers and coils. While the coil layers give it the ease of movement combination sleepers need, the pillow top is what makes it a better bed for couples. The softer, dense surface absorbs any motion before it can travel to the other side and disturb your partner.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight Luxe
On Helix’s website, the mattress scores 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress for its customized support but have reported that it may not be the best option for those who prefer an exceptionally soft sleep surface.
Want to know more? Read our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review.
See more beds like this one: Browse our list of the best mattresses for couples.
WinkBed – Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattress for Combination Sleepers
The Advisor Says: Our testers often compare the WinkBed to a luxury hotel mattress, which is no surprise given its handcrafted touches and elegant hybrid design. It’s also one of the most customizable beds out there, with a firmness level for every body type.
Why It’s Great Bed-in-a-Box Mattress for Combination Sleepers
The bed-in-a-box model is great for those looking to take the hassle out of mattress shopping. Rather than trying to get a new mattress to your home, the bed is delivered to your doorstep. Plus, most brands ship for free within the continental United States.
The WinkBed is an excellent online mattress and offers appealing benefits to people who change sleep positions throughout the night. It’s a hybrid model made with foam and coils and should provide enough bounce for easier repositioning.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“No matter which firmness you choose, the feel is pretty similar. The mattress is very bouncy and buoyant, and the pillow top layer adds a sumptuous level of comfort while the coils keep your body mostly elevated on the mattress.”
Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Sturdy Coil Unit
The WinkBed’s coil unit has undergone specific tests to ensure durability and robust support. Because of this, we found it has excellent responsiveness and edge support, both of which should benefit combination sleepers who like to spread out on top of their mattress.
Customer Reviews of the WinkBed
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed has over 8,500 reviews and a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. One drawback of the WinkBed mattress is that it might be too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers, but overall it offers excellent durability and customizable firmness options.
For more details: Read our complete WinkBed mattress review.
Consult more options: Browse our list of the best mattresses in a box.
Nectar – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain
The Advisor Says: We believe that Nectar offers a quality bed backed up by generous policies, and for under $1,000 for a queen (after discounts). If you’re looking for a firmer foam mattress on a budget, the Nectar Classic has you covered.
Why It’s Great for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain
If you’re looking for a high-quality memory foam mattress that won’t break the bank, Nectar is a tempting option. Their flagship queen mattress is often available for well under $ 1,000. Its industry-leading year-long sleep trial and lifetime warranty only sweeten the deal. But above all, it brings the firmer support that sleepers with back pain should need.
Although it has that signature foam feel, combination sleepers should also appreciate that for a bed that provides a deep hug sensation, it is also pretty responsive. Sleepers should be able to move to different positions fairly easily.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“There’s not much bounce because of firm memory foam, but it’s pretty responsive. I do not feel stuck in this bed.”
Sosha Lewis,, Senior Staff Writer
Our Favorite Feature
Firm Base Foam
The Nectar is unlike many other foam beds because of its firmer feel, which it gets from its high-density base foam. This gives the bed a more responsive feel, rather than the slow-moving nature of plusher memory foam—perfect for folks who change up their sleeping positions. The added support also ensures the spine remains aligned.
Customer Reviews of the Nectar
With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. One common customer complaint about the Nectar mattress is its longer-than-average break-in period, while many customers praise its excellent value and comfort once fully settled.
For more details: Read our Nectar mattress review.
Find similar beds: See our list of the best mattresses for back pain.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Combination Sleepers
The Advisor Says: For shoppers on a budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is one of the top hybrids we recommend. It’s simultaneously soft and bouncy, with three firmness options and decent cooling power.
Why It’s A Great Hybrid for Combination Sleepers
Hybrid mattresses are always a great pick for combination sleepers because of the bounce that coils provide. Combination sleepers seeking this type of bed should find plenty of value in the Signature Hybrid, one of Brooklyn Bedding’s top mattresses.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is made with a blend of proprietary foam and pocketed coils. The bed’s foam layers are not only designed for pressure relief but also for responsiveness, making it an asset for any combination sleeper.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“The bounce from the coils is insane, and the spring back is instantaneous. Really good news for combo sleepers and couples that prioritize sex.”
Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Ascension X Coils
The Signature Hybrid features about 1,000 pocketed coils in its innerspring unit, all of which deliver pinpoint support and mega responsiveness. Even with its thick pillow top, sleepers shouldn’t have trouble moving around or switching between their preferred positions.
Customer Reviews of the Signature Hybrid
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has 4.7 out of 5 stars. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress receives praise from customers for its versatility with different firmness options, but some have mentioned that it may produce slight noise when bearing weight.
Want to know more? Read our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review.
Want a similar option? See our list of the best hybrid mattresses.
Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Combination Sleepers
The Advisor Says: If you’re looking for a luxurious latex bed, you’ve found it in the Nolah Natural. This mattress features quality organic materials and has a well-rounded feel, earning high marks in support, pressure relief, and cooling.
Why It’s Great for Combination Sleepers with Allergies
Combination sleepers need a versatile mattress that fits different sleeping positions. This Nolah bed is rated 6/10 on the firmness scale, a ranking that signals a nice balance of softness and support—it should work well for people who change positions often.
The Nolah Natural is also a hypoallergenic mattress with Talalay latex, organic cotton, recycled steel coils, and GOTS-certified organic wool. Talalay latex is a durable material that’s ideal for hot sleepers and those who struggle with allergies. The material is resistant to bacteria, mold, and dust. In addition, Talalay latex is slightly bouncy, complementing the coil system to allow for easy repositioning.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“The combination of coils and foam also offers breathability, great for those who easily overheat at night. Plus, the bounce makes the mattress ideal for those who switch between side sleeping and another position.”
Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Two Latex Comfort Layers
The Nolah Natural features two distinct latex layers in its hybrid construction. The first is softer for pressure relief and cushioning, and the second is firmer and more responsive. Combine this naturally buoyant material with the coils below, and combination sleepers will enjoy seamless transitioning from their back, side, or stomach.
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Natural
On Nolah’s website, the Nolah Natural gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Nolah Natural mattress for its eco-friendly materials and pressure relief, but some have reported a minimal initial off-gassing odor upon setup.
Find out more: Read our in-depth Nolah Natural mattress review.
Find more beds: Check out our picks for the best mattresses for allergies.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Luxury Mattress for Combination Sleepers
The Advisor Says: This is a memorably bouncy and supportive hybrid with state-of-the-art cooling elements. It had a delightful balance of cushion and lift for back and stomach sleeping in particular.
Why It’s A Great Luxury Bed for Combination Sleepers
Looking to add some luxury to your bedroom? The Bear Elite Hybrid is an upgraded hybrid model from Bear, combining foam and coil construction.
While testing out this bed first-hand, our reviewer, Stuart, noted that he felt comfortable in all sleeping positions on the Bear Elite Hybrid, making it a great find for combination sleepers. It also offers plenty of bounce from its coil unit, so you don’t feel “stuck” in the mattress as you move around.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“First up, there are multiple firmness options, which means it can work for just about every sleep position and just about every body type. Next up, this bed is really responsive, so if you prioritize sex with your partner or you’re a combo sleeper, this is a good option.”
Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Celliant Cover
What sets Bear mattresses apart from others on this list is its Celliant-infused cooling cover. This material converts excess body heat into infrared energy, which some report can promote healing and muscle recovery. It’s an added touch that makes the bed’s already-luxurious pillow top feel cooler and more comfortable.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Elite Hybrid
According to Bear’s website, the Bear Elite scores about 4.6 out of 5 stars. Some customers find the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress too firm, but it receives praise in reviews for its advanced cooling technology and pressure relief.
Still interested? Read our Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review.
Find more mattresses: Browse our list of the best luxury mattresses.
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy Combination Sleepers
The Advisor Says: This is a softer, taller bed than its predecessor, the Titan Plus. It’s designed for plus-size sleepers, but its versatile feel makes it approachable for average-weight sleepers, too. It’s a great choice for couples, even ones with different comfort preferences.
Why It’s Great for Heavy Combination Sleepers
If you’re a plus-size combination sleeper on the hunt for a mattress, we think you should consider the Titan Plus Luxe. Titan is a mattress line from Brooklyn Bedding that’s uniquely focused on the needs of plus-size sleepers, creating beds that provide ample support without compromising comfort.
The Titan Plus Luxe should also work for plus-size sleepers who rotate between positions. Our tester, Sean, noted that he never felt “stuck” in this bed; the coils beneath the plusher surface made repositioning a piece of cake.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“This bed has more cushion than its Titan Plus Core counterpart, thanks to a quilted gel foam pillow top and two layers of pressure relief foam beneath it. Specialty steel coils in the center are pocketed for targeted support, too. All to say it’s a recipe for softer pressure relief at the surface level and plenty of firm support for your spine.”
Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Our Favorite Feature
TitanCore innerspring unit
The Titan Plus Luxe’s coil unit features stronger coils, allowing it to support heavier sleepers. We found that they also lent the mattress a good bit of bounce, so combination sleepers over 230 pounds won’t have to contend with excess sinkage or feeling stuck in the mattress.
Customer Reviews of the Titan Plus Luxe
Users on Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus Luxe a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers left thousands of reviews, explaining it offers exceptional durability and support, but some mention that it might be too firm for those who prefer a softer feel.
Read more: See our in-depth Titan Plus Luxe mattress review.
Find more options: Browse our list of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Birch Natural – Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Combination Sleepers
The Advisor Says: Dare we say the Birch Natural is the bed that comes to mind when we think latex? As the name implies, this bed combines natural components with quality construction, yielding a supportive, luxurious, and eco-friendly mattress.
Why It’s A Great Eco-Friendly Bed for Combination Sleepers
Do you sleep in multiple positions but take a firm stance on caring for the environment? The Birch Natural may be a good match. It’s layered with natural, organic, and eco-friendly materials, including responsive Talalay latex and New Zealand wool.
As a hybrid mattress, it combines the supportive power of springs with the compressive comfort of wool and latex. This lends the bed enough versatility to accommodate most people—especially combination sleepers, who should enjoy the extra bounce from the latex.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“Latex and coils aren’t stopping you from moving around and are moving with you really easily. This is exactly what combination sleepers need—AKA if you like to switch up your sleep positions.”
Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Our Favorite Feature
GOLS-certified organic latex
Latex is springy on its own, which makes it a great pick for combination sleepers, especially in conjunction with coils, as it is in the Birch Natural. But even better, this bed’s latex is certified to the Global Organic Latex Standard, which ensures its natural, sustainable, and organic qualities for those concerned about allergies and synthetics.
Customer Reviews of the Birch Natural
According to Birch’s website, Birch Natural has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. While some users consider the Birch Natural mattress to be on the pricier side, it gains customer appreciation for its organic materials and sustainable, eco-friendly construction.
See more details: Read our full Birch mattress review.
Find other natural beds: See our list of the best organic mattresses.
Other Mattresses for Combination Sleepers We Tested
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each is a great fit for combination sleepers. Check out our featured recommendations below.
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What to Look for in a Mattress for Combination Sleepers
For combination sleepers, buying a bed is slightly more complicated than for those with a preferred way of sleeping each night. For instance, people who sleep exclusively on their side typically need a softer mattress that offers pressure relief. However, if you’re a combination sleeper, keep in mind that this type of mattress might be too soft when you roll onto your back or stomach.
As such, you need to look for something versatile with a good balance of both cushioning and support to accommodate different positions.
Firmness
Mattresses are usually given a firmness rating of 1-10, which reflects how soft or hard it feels, 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Although firmness is subjective among sleepers, there are some general recommendations you can follow when it comes to picking a bed that has an ideal firmness for you. Keep in mind the categories we’ve highlighted above, as these will influence the answer.
When in doubt, the best choice that has universal appeal is a mattress is medium-firm. That’s between a 5 and 7 on our firmness rating scale. You might skew toward 5 if you need a softer bed or toward seven if you need a firmer bed.
Your Sleeping Positions
The first thing to consider when you look for the best mattress for combination sleepers is which position you spend the most time in. The reason this is important is that each sleeping position has an ideal mattress type. However, you can only sleep on one bed at a time, so it’s best to buy a mattress that’s adequate for how your body is positioned most of the time.
- Side sleepers may prefer a soft mattress geared toward pressure relief.
- Back sleepers need a mix of pressure relief and support, closer to the middle of the firmness scale.
- Finally, stomach sleepers need a firm, supportive mattress to prevent them from sinking too far into it.
Generally, combination sleepers are best suited for a medium or medium-firm. Do you often rotate between your side and back? In this case, something on the softer side would be better so it’s not so firm while on your side but still supportive for back sleeping. For those who sleep on their stomach or back, something slightly firmer might be better, since you’ll want extra support on your stomach to keep your hips from dipping.
Responsiveness
Unlike dedicated back, stomach, and side sleepers, combination sleepers change positions throughout the night. A responsive mattress will help them change positions without feeling stuck. Responsive mattresses have a springiness to them in which they compress, and gently contour sleepers but then quickly regain their original shape when the sleeper switches positions.
Latex, innerspring, and hybrid beds are excellent choices for combination sleepers because these mattress types respond more quickly to movement.
As an added bonus, if you’re sexually active, a more responsive bed can help make moving around during that easier, too. A lot of the best mattresses for combination sleepers are also great beds for sex.
Motion Isolation
Combination sleepers are known for tossing and turning, so having a bed with superior motion isolation is key for those sleeping beside someone else. Motion isolation simply means that when one partner moves or gets up, the person on the other side of the bed won’t feel it because all of the motion is concentrated in the area where the person is moving.
Memory foam performs best here, though many hybrid beds can still curb motion transfer well while allowing the sleeper to change positions more easily.
Body Type of Sleepers
Average-weight sleepers may have an easier time finding a bed just based on their sleeping position. However, plus-size sleepers may find they need a firmer mattress for support. Otherwise, they might sink too deeply and be more likely to feel uncomfortable.
Along this line of reasoning, if you’re a lightweight person, you will probably need a softer mattress. Here’s why: if you don’t weigh much, you’re not going to sink into the bed as much as someone who weighs more. When you lie down, a firm bed could feel like concrete because you don’t have enough weight to sink into the surface.
What Else to Consider in a Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Type of Mattress
The type of mattress you buy, as you may have noticed, influences the categories above, which we think are especially important to consider for combination sleepers. Here, we’ve outlined each mattress type and a quick overview of their pros and cons:
Innerspring Mattresses
A traditional innerspring mattress is made up of springs that support your weight. There are now beds with individual pocket coils that can adapt to your body’s different weight zones, and many people have had success with those.
If you’re a combination stomach and back sleeper, a coil mattress could serve you well, but if you tend to sleep on your side during the night, some of these mattresses might be less comfortable for you.
Hybrid Mattresses
By definition, hybrid mattresses are ideal for multiple-position sleepers. Just as you like to mix up how you sleep, hybrid beds mix up their materials. For example, a hybrid mattress combines multiple layers made up of different materials. Most have a coil core combined with foam or latex comfort layers.
Some brands let you build a “custom” bed, allowing you to modify the layers to suit your specific needs, whereas others let you customize both sides of the bed.
Memory Foam Mattresses
If you’ve seen commercials for a memory foam mattress, you may recall that the spokesperson often presses their hand onto the surface of the bed and when they lift their hand off, you’ll still see the imprint that it made. The effect is a soft and cuddly feeling bed that hugs all of your curves.
While this sounds like a dream come true for side sleepers, it’s sometimes problematic for those who toss and turn. The reason is that the nature of the memory foam means that it has a slow response time.
If you move around a lot, you’ll find that you won’t roll as easily as you would on other types of beds, depending on the brand. This increases your chances of waking up as you try to shift your body weight.
Latex Mattresses
Latex beds are often a wonderful choice for combination sleepers because they have a springy bounce combined with the ability to compress when weight is applied, allowing the mattress to support your curves without making you feel stuck.
Many eco-friendly brands also use all-natural latex, which is sourced from the sap of a rubber tree. While eco-friendly latex beds are more costly, they offer substantial durability and, for many people, peace of mind that the materials are more sustainable.
Cooling
Many people believe that a cooling mattress can help them sleep more soundly. When you’re moving around trying to get comfortable, too, you might be generating more heat. The great news here is that many beds with inherent qualities for combination sleepers also offer better temperature regulation.
For example, hybrid, latex, and innerspring beds are more quick-responding, which means they can help you change positions more easily. However, another important quality they share is that they tend to sleep cooler since latex is temperature-neutral and coil units foster more airflow.
Pressure Relief
If your mattress doesn’t provide you with pressure relief, you are likely to wake up sore, especially around areas that make contact with the mattress, such as your shoulders and hips.
Given that combination sleepers sleep in various positions, it can be a little trickier to find a mattress that meets their multi-faceted needs. These sleepers will want to make sure that they are supported and contoured enough.
Generally, medium-firm beds are a great starting point for combination sleepers since these are known for providing pressure relief without sacrificing support.
Edge Support
Combination sleepers have a tendency to twist and turn throughout the night. This increased movement may cause them to find themselves along the bed’s perimeter, even if they started out in the middle.
If your mattress lacks proper support around the edges, you may be startled awake because you feel as though you’re going to roll off the mattress. Plus, sturdy edge support can make getting into and out of bed easier. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses typically have good edge support, and many memory foam and latex mattresses reinforce their edges with sturdier foam.
Budget
The amount of money that you can afford on a mattress should always be a consideration, and that is why it is advisable to find out what mattresses work best for you and then see if these fit within your budget. Latex and hybrid mattresses, which are often a good fit for combination sleepers, tend to be some of the most expensive beds on the market. Conversely, innerspring mattresses may work well for certain combination sleepers, and they are some of the most affordable ones that you can find.
Another tip is to buy online. Shopping directly from the manufacturer helps eliminate overhead costs that you might otherwise get in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Plus, many brands offer major discounts throughout the year, even more so during major holidays. We’ve even made a list of the best cheap mattresses based on quality.
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers FAQs
What type of mattress is best for combination sleepers and couples?
Combination sleepers need a mattress that is responsive and bouncy. These characteristics allow sleepers to move from one position to the next without feeling stuck.
For couples in which one or both partners are combination sleepers, though, you want to find a bed that’s able to foster easier repositioning without eliminating motion isolation. Often, hybrids with memory foam comfort layers can provide this; while the memory foam helps isolate movement to one side of the bed, the coils deliver that bounce to help you adjust.
What does it mean to be a combination sleeper?
Combination sleepers are people who sleep in two or more positions during the night. There are three main sleep positions: side, back, and stomach. Combination sleepers may rotate between just two or among all three of these positions, though they likely find themselves in one position more often.
What mattress firmness is best for combination sleepers?
A medium-firm mattress is the safest bet for combination sleepers because it accommodates multiple sleeping positions. However, if you have a dominant sleeping position you lie in for most of the night, then you should choose a firmness that best corresponds to that position: softer for side sleepers, a bit firmer for stomach and back sleepers.
Your body weight will also affect your experience of mattress firmness. Heavier people do well on firmer mattresses, whereas lighter people tend to prefer softer mattresses.
What kind of pillow is best for a combination sleeper?
Combination sleepers need something that performs well in a variety of positions. For example, some pillows have raised edges. This supports the neck in both side and back sleeping positions. We also suggest considering something that’s slightly thinner than average if you ever lie on your stomach. Cervical or pillows designed for neck pain are usually an excellent choice for all types of sleepers.
Are hybrid mattresses good for combination sleepers?
Yes, hybrid mattresses can be good for combination sleepers. These beds are often great for providing both pressure relief and support, making them versatile enough for a range of sleeping positions. Plus, they often do a good job of isolating motion while still having some buoyancy from the coils. This means the coils can make it easier for the combination sleeper to adjust, while the motion isolation from the foams will help keep a co-sleeper from noticing any tossing and turning. As far as firmness, a medium or medium-firm feel is best.
Compare the Best Beds for Combination Sleepers
| Mattress | Price (Queen Size) | Pressure Relief | Support | Motion Isolation | Cooling | Bounce | Edge Support | Couples |
| Saatva Classic | $2,229 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | $2,499 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| WinkBed | $1,799 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Nectar | $699 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 | 5 | 4 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | $1,465 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Nolah Natural | $2,099 | 5 | 4.5 | 2 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | $2,284 | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Titan Plus Luxe | $1,665 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Birch Natural | $1,874 | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
References:
- “The Best — and Worst — Sleep Positions for Back Pain”. Keck Medicine of USC. Last modified August 12, 2022.
- “Choosing the Best Sleep Position”. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Webpage accessed September 5, 2024.
- “Why Do I Have Numbness While Sleeping On My Side?”. Logan Chiropractic. Webpage accessed September 5, 2024.