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 combo sleeper, versatility will be a key component to look for in a bed. In this article, we’ll share the best mattresses for combination sleepers (or the best mattresses for all sleeping positions), as well as tips on how to find the right feel and firmness for your bed.
Our Top Pick for The Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
The Saatva Classic earned our top spot due to its ability to balance comfort and support, in combination with its luxurious add-ons like white glove delivery, customizable construction, and enhanced lumbar support.
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
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain
- 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
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Birch Natural – Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Our Video Review of The Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
Compare Beds for Combination Sleepers
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| Saatva Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Nolah Natural Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 |
| Material | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | ||||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 25-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 Nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs.
For this roundup, we focused on the best-recommended mattresses for combination sleepers based on which mattresses we deemed to have the most support features. We took several factors into account when devising our list, including different sleeping positions, motion isolation, firmness, edge support, and more.
What We Look for 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.
Motion Isolation
Because combination sleepers move a lot during the night, this can cause quite some disturbance to those sleeping on the other side of the bed. A good mattress for combo sleepers 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.
Responsiveness
While you want some motion isolation, you also want something responsive enough that changing positions is more seamless — otherwise you might feel stuck. Responsive materials we like to see are coils and latex.
10 Beds 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 the Saatva Classic Earned Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers Overall
With two coil systems for extra bounce, the Saatva Classic is a no-brainer choice when it comes to 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 is the Saatva Classic comes in three firmnesses and two heights, so you can tailor the bed to your wants and needs. It also features a multitude of features designed to promote alignment and keep the back supported, regardless of what position you take.
What’s the Saatva Classic Made Of?
The Saatva Classic comes in two heights (11.5 or 14.5 inches) and three firmnesses (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm).
Inside the Saatva Classic
- Euro Pillow Top. Covered in organic cotton, this cushioning top has specialized quilting to support the lower back and is treated to resist bacteria.
- Lumbar Crown. A strip of CertiPUR-US® certified foam enhances back support while providing pressure relief.
- First Coil Layer. A mixture of pocketed comfort coils and firmer Lumbar Zone® coils balance lift and give, reacting to your body and movements.
- Spinal Wire. Found within the coil units, this wire promotes proper alignment of the spine.
- Second Coil Layer. The second innerspring unit consists of interconnected coils, and adds more support while upping the bed’s durability.
- Perimeter Foam Rails. Dense foam rails line the perimeter for solid edge support.
My Take: The Saatva Classic is different from most hybrids since it has two coil units, which means double the bounce for tossers and turners. Repositioning on this mattress should be a breeze.
What I Liked
- Free white glove delivery – Your order of a Saatva Classic comes with free white glove delivery, which means a team of professionals will install your mattress for you. They’ll even remove your old mattress.
- Extremely customizable – With two heights and three firmnesses to choose from, it’s easy to tailor the Saatva Classic to your individual needs.
Potential Drawbacks
- Returns will cost you – Despite Saatva’s free premium delivery, if you decide the bed isn’t for you, you’ll have to pay $99 to return it.
- You’ll feel big movements – The Saatva is a hybrid mattress with two innerspring units, so that means it’s super springy. The motion isolation during testing was okay, but not as great as a foam mattress’s. You may feel larger movements from the other side of the bed but remain spared from your partner’s small shifts.
Customer Reviews of The Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. One negative aspect customers found with the Saatva Classic mattress is that it may feel too firm for some users, while a notable advantage is its high-quality materials, providing durability and support.
Need more details? Learn more in our Saatva bed review or check out our best mattresses of 2024 for more options.
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Couples Who Change Sleeping Positions
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 the Helix Midnight Luxe Earned Best Mattress for Couples Who Change Sleeping Positions
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.
What’s the Helix Midnight Luxe Made Of?
The Helix Midnight Luxe is 13.5 inches tall with a total of six layers. All foams used in its construction are CertiPUR-US® certified.
Inside the Helix Midnight Luxe
- Layer 1 – Premium Pillow Top. A cover made from breathable Tencel™ and cotton with quilted foams beneath provides a cool and comfortable sleep surface. Upgrade to a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover for an added fee.
- Layer 2 – Helix Responsive Foam. This medium-feel foam bounces back for reactive cradling.
- Layer 3 – Copper Gel Memory Foam. Gel infused with cooling copper gives this pressure-relieving foam a temperature-regulating edge.
- Layer 4 – Memory Plus Foam. A dense foam layer adds medium-firm support in tandem with the coils below.
- Layer 5 – Innerspring Unit. Individually wrapped coils are zoned for enhanced lower back support in the center of the spring unit. The coils are likewise reinforced along the edges of the mattress for stronger sides.
- Layer 6 – Duradense Foam. A dense layer of foam forms the foundation for the coils and the rest of the mattress.
Our Take: “I love the cool pillow top cover. It adds quite a bit of extra cushioning that I really like… It’s conforming up top in the softer layers, and support comes from the deeper coil layer.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Generous warranty – The Midnight Luxe comes with a 15-year warranty compared to the standard Midnight, which only has a 10-year deal.
- Soft and supportive – Coils and plush foams give the Helix Midnight Luxe a unique touch: it balances cushioning and lift, so you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other to sleep comfortably.
Potential Drawbacks
- Can feel too soft – The soft pillow top of the Helix Midnight Luxe may not be a match for heavier folks or those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs. These groups will probably need more support from a firmer mattress.
- Hard to move – During testing, we noticed this bed is pretty hefty. If you want to move it around, you’re going to need an extra hand.
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? See our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review or the best mattresses for couples.
WinkBed – Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattress for Combo 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.
Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Back Pain
The Advisor Says: The Emma Hybrid Comfort is Emma’s answer to the affordable hybrid. With well-balanced performance scores, this bed should please a wide variety of budget shoppers, but especially those looking for a lifted, bouncy mattress.
Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Combo 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 the Nolah Natural Earned Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Combination Sleepers
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.
What’s the Nolah Natural Made Of?
The Nolah Natural is 11 inches thick with seven layers.
Inside the Nolah Natural
- Layer 1 – Cover. Organic cotton makes for a soft and breathable surface.
- Layer 2 – Wool. This organic wool layer acts as a natural fire retardant.
- Layer 3 – Latex Comfort Layer. The first layer of Talalay latex provides bouncy pressure relief.
- Layer 4 – Latex Transition Layer. The next layer of slightly firmer Talalay latex supports the layer above.
- Layer 5 – Coil System. Zoned into three distinct areas, these individually wrapped coils should keep you lifted and properly aligned.
- Layer 6 – Bottom Layer. A mix of organic wool and cotton make up the stable mattress base.
- Layer 7 – Bottom Cover. An organic cotton cover with handles for easy transportation.
Our Take: The Nolah Natural hybrid bed is an excellent option for allergy-prone people as it’s resistant to dust and bacteria that can cause allergic reactions. It’s also soft, supportive, and has good bounce.
What We Liked
- Back- and side-sleeper friendly – The Nolah Natural has plenty of pressure-relieving properties, so you’re unlikely to feel pressure build-up if you sleep on your side. It also has plenty of support for folks who sleep on their backs, making it a great choice for sleepers who switch between these two positions.
- Feels cool – Individually wrapped coils, perforated latex, wool, and cotton all contribute to Nolah Natural’s breathable construction. Hot sleepers should benefit from these temperature-regulating materials.
Potential Drawbacks
- So-so motion isolation – The combination of latex and springs makes the surface of this mattress fairly bouncy, which means motion will carry more easily across it. Restless sleepers with partners, beware!
- Not for stomach sleepers – The Nolah Natural, though a match for back- and side-sleepers, is unlikely to provide sufficient support for those who sleep on their stomachs. These sleepers should choose a firmer mattress.
Customer Reviews of The Nolah Natural
On Nolah’s website, the Nolah Natural gets a 4.8 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.
Need more info about this mattress brand? Check out our Nolah Natural review or check out our 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.
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Combination Mattress for Heavy 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.
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.
Birch Natural – Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Combo 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 the Birch Natural Earned Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Do you sleep in multiple positions but take a firm stance on treating the environment well? 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.
What’s the Birch Natural Made Of?
The Birch Natural is 11 inches thick and has six layers in total.
Inside the Birch Natural
- Layer 1 – Organic Cotton Cover. GOTS-certified organic cotton promotes a clean, soft, and breathable sleep experience.
- Layer 2 – Organic Wool. A fire retardant free from harmful chemicals.
- Layer 3 – Organic Wool. This second layer of wool provides cozy comfort while naturally regulating temperature.
- Layer 4 – Talalay Latex. Latex bounces back quickly when weight is removed but relieves pressure well when weight is applied; it’s also hypoallergenic and resistant to microbes.
- Layer 5 – Innerspring Unit. Individually wrapped coils respond to your body weight and reinforce the longer edges of the mattress.
- Layer 6 – Base. Another layer of organic wool further protects the mattress from fire and offers support.
Our Take: “This is a mattress that should work well for those who want a little more bounce and mobility and those who prefer a more natural product.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
- Feels pretty cool – The organic cotton cover, coil unit, and open-cell latex foam all contribute to the Birch Natural’s cooling abilities. Hot sleepers should rest easy.
- Sturdy edges – Stuart noticed that the edges of this mattress held up under his weight: “I’m also a huge fan of the reinforced edge support. It feels like I can really utilize the entire mattress.“
Potential Drawbacks
- Pricey – Organic and sustainable materials unfortunately drive up the price of the Birch Natural to around $2,000 for a queen. It’s more than worth it for what you’re getting, but not the best for a tighter budget.
- Motion carries – Latex gives the bed a uniquely bouncy kind of pressure relief but doesn’t absorb motion, as well as memory foam. If you’re a light sleeper with a restless partner, the Birch Natural might not be your best match.
Customer Reviews of The Birch Natural
According to Birch’s website, Birch Natural scores 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.
Want more details? Read our full Birch mattress review, or check out our best organic mattresses for more options.
Other Mattresses for Combination Sleepers We Tested
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each of these beds is a great fit for combination sleepers. Check out our featured recommendations below.
Product
Type
Score
What to Look for in a Mattress for Combination Sleepers
For combination sleepers, buying a bed is slightly more complicated than if you have a preferred way that you sleep each night. For instance, people who sleep exclusively on their side typically need a softer mattress that offers pressure relief. However, when you’re a combo sleeper, you need to keep in mind that this type of mattress might be too soft for those moments when you roll over to 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.
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.”
Type of Mattress
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.
Get More Info: Best Spring Mattress
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 allow you to build a “custom” bed in which you can modify the layers based on your specific needs, whereas others may allow you to customize both sides of the bed.
Want to see more? Check out our best hybrid mattresses.
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.
Need more info? Read our complete guide on the best memory foam beds.
Latex Mattresses
This type of bed is 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.
Check Out Our Guide: Best Latex Beds
Other Considerations When Shopping for a Mattress for Combination Sleepers
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 will be adequate for the way your body situates itself most of the time.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
The heavier you are, the firmer the mattress you need. 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.
Conversely, when you’re heavier, you’ll need a firmer surface to support your weight. Otherwise, you’ll sink too deeply, and you’re more likely to feel uncomfortable.
Want to know more? Check out our top-rated mattresses for heavy people here.
Firmness
Mattresses are usually given a firmness rating of 1-10, which reflects how soft or hard it feels. 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.
Generally, combination sleepers are best suited for a medium or medium-firm feel between a 5 and 7 on our firmness rating scale. That said, consider the positions you’re in most of the time. Do you often rotate between your side and back? In this case, something between 5 and 6 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 and back, something slightly firmer with a rating of 6.5 might be better since you’ll want extra support while on your stomach to keep your hips from dipping.
When in doubt, the best choice that has universal appeal is a mattress that’s medium-firm.
Cooling
Many people believe that a cooling mattress can help them sleep more soundly. The great news here is that many beds that have inherently good qualities for combination sleepers also offer more breathability.
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.
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 since these mattress types are quicker to respond to movement.
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.
Sex
Whether you are changing positions while sleeping or during sex, you likely don’t want to feel stuck. Fortunately, the type of beds that typically work best for combination sleepers — responsive, buoyant mattresses — are also the ones that are best for sex.
Latex, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses can offer excellent responsiveness and bounce. However, the slow-moving contouring of memory foam mattresses may make them a little harder to navigate when moving from one position to another.
Browse the best beds for sex.
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 since these are known for providing pressure relief without sacrificing support.
Related: Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
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.
Pros & Cons of Each Sleeping Position
Side Sleeping
Learn More: How to Properly Sleep on Your Side
Back Sleeping
Read More: How to Properly Sleep on Your Back
Stomach Sleeping
Read More: Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Bad?
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, which makes them versatile enough for more 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 combo 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.
Best Beds for Combo Sleepers
| Mattress | Price (Queen Size) | Pressure Relief | Support | Motion Isolation | Cooling | Bounce | Edge Support | Couples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | $1,995 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | $2,373 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| WinkBed | $1,799 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | $1,199 | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 |
| Nolah Natural | $1,199 | 5 | 4.5 | 2 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | $2,305 | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Titan Plus Luxe | $1,599 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | $1,249 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Birch Natural | $1,799 | 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.