Best Mattress for Osteoporosis (2023)

How to Find the Best Mattress for Osteoporosis

Spine Alignment

The structure, construction, and firmness of a mattress all help keep the spine aligned. Keeping the spine in the right position is crucial for everyone, but it is especially important for those who have osteoporosis.
When you lie in bed, your spinal column should retain the same shape it has when you’re standing up. It should be relatively straight, while still maintaining its natural curvature. A bed that is too firm or soft can throw your body out of alignment, and considering that many of those with osteoporosis^[1] may be suffering from bone pain, discomfort, and loss of mobility, it is imperative that these consumers find a mattress that can accommodate and help them manage symptoms.

Many people can find relief in a “zoned” mattress, or something with uniform sinkage, to ensure that the surface of the bed absorbs your weight evenly. The way a zoned mattress works is that it’s softer in areas for body parts that put more pressure on the surface (like your hips and shoulders) and firmer in parts where less of your weight pushes into the bed.

Firmness

A common misconception is that people with osteoporosis need a firm mattress to support their bones. However, a bed that is too hard won’t necessarily allow for proper spinal alignment, and may be felt as uncomfortable for those with brittle bones.
Although beds on the plusher or softer side may be appealing for those experiencing aches and pains from low bone density, these may not be ideal for providing the type of spinal alignment and balanced support that those with osteoporosis need. If this is an issue that you’re dealing with, you may want to check out a medium-firm mattress. The level of firmness should be soft enough to absorb the weight of your body’s heavier parts, especially when you lie on your side, but firm enough to prevent you from sinking too deeply into the surface of the bed and out of alignment.
Get More Info: Mattress Firmness Guide

Pressure Relief

Osteoporosis can be painful. Therefore, those who have it are likely to want to find a bed that can provide them with the most relief^[2] possible. Memory foam and latex mattresses often provide gentle contouring and an even distribution of weight. This type of construction can help with spinal alignment and provide overall comfort and stability.

Support

Those with osteoporosis benefit from a bed that offers ample support. With too little support, your bed may allow you to sink too far into the bed. Where with too much support, you may feel that your bed is too rigid or firm. This can cause pain and potentially interrupt sleep patterns. Considering that these are common concerns that those with osteoporosis may already be experiencing, the goal is to avoid exacerbating symptoms with the wrong kind of support.

Find the Right Pillow

Even the most perfect mattress in the world won’t do you much good if you’re sleeping on the wrong pillow. When it comes to choosing somewhere to rest your head, the same rules apply. You need a pillow that keeps your head, neck, and spine in the right alignment.
If you’re a stomach sleeper, we recommend flat pillows, whereas back sleepers should go for medium-high pillows, and side sleepers should look for higher pillow.

For side sleepers, placing a pillow between your knees keeps your lower back and hips in a more natural position, which can help alleviate pressure in those with low back pain. The pillow stops your top leg from twisting to the side, so it can be a lifesaver for those with low back pain.
Want to see more? Take a look at our list of the best pillows for more inspiration.