Written by Rachael Gilpin, Content Writer
Editor’s note: While there are several types of sleep apnea, we will focus on mattresses to help with obstructive sleep apnea specifically.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that can cause your breathing to start and stop uncontrollably as you sleep. Of course, that sounds quite scary, but many people find obstructive sleep apnea manageable once they've settled on a treatment plan to address the stoppage of airflow that occurs due to the repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction.
The best beds for obstructive sleep apnea are supportive and foster easy breathing. They should work in tandem with OSA treatments such as CPAP machines, similar non-invasive positive pressure airway devices, and alternative FDA approved treatments for OSA. The treatment you and your healthcare provider decide on should leave you feeling well-rested rather than foggy. Here, we've chosen our top 8 mattresses for obstructive sleep apnea and sorted them based on preferred sleeping position and other needs.
8 Best Mattresses for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Saatva Solaire – Best Adjustable Base Bed for Sleep Apnea
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
- Bear Star Hybrid– Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
- Nolah Original – Best Mattress for Light Sleepers with Sleep Apnea
- WinkBeds Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy People with Sleep Apnea
- Layla Memory Foam – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Sleep Apnea
- DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Couples with Sleep Apnea
Compare the Best Beds for Sleep Apnea
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| Saatva Solaire Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Original 10″ Mattress | WinkBed Plus Mattress | Layla Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Other | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling |
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| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights |
| Best For | Couples, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Couples | Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Top 8 Beds for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Reviewed
Saatva Solaire Mattress
Zoned latex foam in the Saatva Solaire allows sleepers up to 50 customizations, making it easy to adjust the firmness so that it fits most sleeping positions.
Save up to $600
Material
Other
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Solaire Mattress
Zoned latex foam in the Saatva Solaire allows sleepers up to 50 customizations, making it easy to adjust the firmness so that it fits most sleeping positions.
Material
Other
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Solaire Mattress
Zoned latex foam in the Saatva Solaire allows sleepers up to 50 customizations, making it easy to adjust the firmness so that it fits most sleeping positions.
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
An adjustable base is a helpful way to alleviate OSA symptoms because it can elevate the head to keep the airways open for easier breathing. If you plan to use an adjustable base, you’ll need the right mattress to go with it. Saatva’s Solaire model features a unique design, most notably its 6-inch thick air chamber made from vulcanized latex.
The air chamber allows the sleeper to adjust the bed’s firmness through air pressure. Users can alter the pressure in this layer between 1 and 50 to reach their preferred firmness. This customized design means the Solaire is a viable mattress for all kinds of sleepers.
What makes it unique?
- The Solaire has two layers with 5-zone support. The first is the Talalay latex that sits below the cover, and the second is the polyfoam under the air chamber.
- The mattress has a moisture barrier to help curb bacteria growth and extend the bed’s lifespan.
Interested in more details? Read our full Saatva Solaire mattress review or explore our top picks for the best mattresses for adjustable beds.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you have OSA, resting your side is considered one of the best positions because it can help with symptoms like snoring. However, lying on your side means you’re more susceptible to pressure buildup. The Midnight Luxe, a luxurious upgrade to Helix’s Midnight model, features plush comfort layers that should ease pressure points so you can rest comfortably in this position.
The Midnight Luxe features a cozy pillow top made with Tencel so that you not only get an initial cushion as you lie down, but you’ll also feel the cooling effects of the Tencel material. Below the pillow top is a layer of Memory Plush Foam. Memory foam is one of the best materials because it cradles the sleeper’s body so well, melting away pressure in the process.
Why should you consider it?
- The HelixMidnight Luxe comes with a 15-year warranty, which is five years more coverage than the standard Midnight model.
Want to read more? See our complete Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review or discover the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Combination sleepers who struggle with OSA may find it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. OSA can cause you to toss and turn, so it’s important to have a comfortable mattress. The Bear Star Hybrid is rated 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which should be a middle ground suitable for combination sleepers.
The Bear Star Hybrid’s construction starts with a Celliant® cover, followed by a cooling layer of copper-infused memory foam. Next is a comfort foam, followed by the coil unit that supports the foam layers and gives the bed some bounce. The final layer is the base and it features a high-density foam.
Why did we pick it?
- Combination sleepers should appreciate how the Bear Star Hybrid adapts regardless of the sleeping position. The mid-range firmness should fit combo sleepers as it supports the body and provides proper spine alignment.
Want more details? Read our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review or browse our picks for the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Lightweight sleepers typically enjoy the feel of more plush beds so that they don’t feel as though they’re sleeping on a rock. For someone with OSA, finding a mattress that delivers optimal comfort for their body frame should help them get better rest.
The Nolah Original has a medium comfort feel, which should be a good match for light sleepers. This all-foam mattress features proprietary Nolah AirFoam™, an exclusive material made to sleep cooler than regular memory foam while still delivering plush comfort.
The bed’s second layer is a latex-like foam that helps ease the sleeper into the dense foam base below. Nolah's bottom layer is a 7-inch thick high-density polyfoam designed to support the individual’s weight and provide the mattress with structure.
What stands out?
- Nolah’s proprietary cooling foam is ideal if you tend to overheat at night. The cooling capabilities can further provide a comfortable environment for less interrupted rest.
Want to read more? See our complete Nolah Original mattress review.
WinkBed Plus Mattress
WinkBed’s quality design and support make the Plus an exceptional option for heavier folks.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Plus Mattress
WinkBed’s quality design and support make the Plus an exceptional option for heavier folks.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Plus Mattress
WinkBed’s quality design and support make the Plus an exceptional option for heavier folks.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
OSA is a common condition among heavier individuals, and mattresses that aren’t built to accommodate and support additional weight may develop sags and dips that can exacerbate your condition. WinkBeds Plus, a reimagining of their flagship WinkBed mattress, was designed with the specific needs of heavier individuals that weigh over 300 pounds.
Why is it special?
- This mattress was designed to deliver a versatile Medium-Firm feel for heavier sleepers. This versatility allows the bed to feel comfortable on your side, back, or stomach, depending on your personal preference. The top layers of gel foam and latex over a zoned support system should help your spine remain well aligned.
- The WinkBeds company prides itself on its handcrafted design and tested durability. In the company’s research, their beds only lost around 1% of loft during a simulation of 1 year of consistent use.
Interested in learning more? Head over to our WinkBed Plus mattress review or discover our top picks for the best mattresses for heavy people.
Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you have OSA and like the idea of memory foam, but aren’t sure how deep you’d like your body to be cradled, you might want a dual-sided mattress like the Layla. You can try both sides of the bed to compare how soundly you sleep and determine which firmness level best accommodates your obstructive sleep apnea.
The softer side will offer a deeper hug with excellent pressure relief, while the firmer side provides more buoyant support. Both sides are designed to keep you cool and well-supported.
What makes it unique?
- The Layla mattress helps with temperature control by incorporating an infusion of copper, which has excellent heat conduction capabilities and antimicrobial properties that may help you breathe and sleep easier.
- The Layla’s two firmness options in one make this mattress a highly convenient product for customization and should accommodate all sleep styles.
- With the purchase of a Layla bed, you get 120 nights to try out the mattress in the comfort of your home before making a final decision on it.
Looking for more info? See our in-depth Layla mattress review.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Stomach and side sleeping are often recommended for those with OSA to help open up their airways. Whether you already lie on your stomach or are transitioning to this sleep style, a firmer mattress will be your best bet since most stomach sleepers enjoy harder beds that keep their hips and midsection level.
The Plank Firm is a flippable design that has two different firmness levels on each side, with one being Firm and the other Extra-Firm. This gives you the convenience of seeing which side you like best. Plank Firm is also an all-foam model, so you can expect good motion isolation from this mattress.
Why we love it
- The Plank Firm is one of the hardest mattresses available. Plus, you get two different feels to pick from to find your perfect side.
- Hot sleepers can elect to have the manufacturer put in an optional cooling panel when they order their bed.
Curious about this bed? See our Plank Firm mattress review or browse our picks for the best firm mattresses.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you’re trying to sleep on your side to reduce your OSA symptoms, pressure build-up can easily become an issue. However, DreamCloud seeks to solve this dilemma with their signature model. The DreamCloud has a true medium firmness combined with memory foam in its construction that should complement anyone seeking pressure relief.
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that is built with gel memory foam, polyfoams, and individually wrapped coils to help with motion isolation. Good motion isolation is helpful for couples because it reduces the chances of one partner disturbing the other with movements.
Why should you buy it?
- This DreamCloud mattress comes with a forever warranty and a 365-night trial, allowing you enough time to test how you like the bed before committing to the purchase.
- The medium firmness is versatile enough to work for most couples.
Want to read more? See our complete DreamCloud mattress review or check out our best mattresses for couples.
What to Look for In A Mattress for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you’re experiencing OSA on a nightly basis, you’re probably wondering if there’s a perfect mattress to ease your symptoms. The good news is that there are many mattress options out there to choose from, each with their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Type of Mattress
Innerspring Mattresses
You can think of innerspring mattresses as the classic mattress. The bulk of this mattress consists of steel innerspring coils, with a softer comfort layer on top. These mattresses provide a lot of bounce and support and can be a great option for those who weigh more, which is common among people living with OSA.
The downside to innerspring mattresses is that they don’t provide as much pressure relief or motion isolation, which could be drawbacks for those also dealing with achy joints, side sleepers, and couples.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine an innerspring base or core with multiple foam layers, including a memory foam or latex surface. Hybrids are useful because they give you the extra pressure relief and motion isolation that many traditional innerspring mattresses lack. However, they are typically more expensive and keep in mind that not all hybrids can be used on an adjustable base.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattress is popular because of its superior pressure point relief. When you lie down, especially on your side, the weight of your shoulders and hips sink more deeply into the bed than your other body parts. As such, you need a bed that absorbs the weight and provides comfort.
A word of caution about memory foam, though. It should be high-quality to prevent you from sagging into the surface of the bed. If you get a bargain bed at a rock-bottom price, it’ll likely start sagging within a year or two, throwing off your body’s alignment and exacerbating your condition. We also recommend memory foam beds with cooling properties added in since this foam can otherwise overheat.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position can have a big impact on OSA. The three primary sleeping positions are side, back, and stomach sleeping. According to experts, sleeping on your back is the worst posture1 for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring because it can allow your upper airways to collapse more easily during sleep. Conversely, side or stomach sleeping is better for those with OSA because it helps the upper airways remain more open.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
Weight and body type can play a major role in obstructive sleep apnea. The prevalence of OSA is increasing globally due to the growing occurrence of obesity in society. In overweight and obese people, the fat deposits in the upper respiratory tract making breathing difficult during sleep thus causing OSA. It is important to remember that being overweight or obese is not a necessary feature for OSA, anything that could narrow your upper airway such as obesity, large tonsils, or changes in your hormone levels can increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
However, because of the strong association between body mass index (BMI) and OSA, weight loss is often recommended as part of the initial management.
Firmness
As mentioned, side sleeping is a good option for those with OSA1. However, this position requires a mattress that offers ample support as well as enough contouring to relieve pressure points at the hips and shoulders.
We typically recommend something softer to right in the middle for firmness. The bed should be firm enough to cushion you and prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress but soft enough to keep you comfortable.
For those who’d prefer to try out stomach sleeping to help with their OSA, firmer beds are the way to go to prevent the hips from dipping too much as this can create lower back issues.
Need help? Check out our complete mattress firmness scale.
Cooling
If you tend to get hot during the night or have night sweats, you’ll want a bed that is cooling. This is also important for those with OSA since research points to an association2 between night sweats and hot flashes and obstructive sleep apnea, specifically in middle-aged women.
Some beds come with advanced cooling technology, including cooling gel or perforated memory foam. Other beds are naturally cool, like innerspring beds, which allow for more airflow, or latex beds, which are naturally cooling. If you get a memory foam bed, do know that they tend to run hotter, and you may want one with added cooling features.
Read more about cooling mattresses here.
Motion Isolation
If you sleep next to somebody, you’ll want to keep motion isolation in mind. Motion isolation is how well the bed can isolate motion from one side of the bed to the other. In a bed with good motion isolation, you shouldn’t be too disturbed by your partner’s movements at night.
Some beds with the best motion isolation are memory foam or all-foam mattresses. Innerspring beds tend to be bouncier and have worse motion isolation.
Sex
Some couples prefer beds with more bounce for sex. This would include innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and perhaps some latex beds. Memory foam mattresses tend to have less bounce, which makes them better for sleeping next to somebody but perhaps not as good for sex.
Pressure Relief
If you live with aching joints or lower back pain, you need a mattress with a good amount of pressure relief. A pressure-relieving mattress will contour your body, gently cradling your joints or the parts of your body that need more support. Memory foam beds tend to have excellent pressure relief but may not be the most supportive mattresses for heavier-weight sleepers unless they include durable coils such as hybrid options.
Edge Support
When we talk about edge support, we’re talking about how well the edges of the mattress can support your weight, either when you sit on the edge of the bed or stretch out and use the mattress’s full surface.
Many beds these days come with increased edge support – extra coils or foam around the perimeter of the bed, to make sure the edges won’t sink in. If you are a heavier sleeper or you share a bed, edge support should be on your list of qualities in your next mattress.
Budget
We try to recommend mattresses of all price ranges for a variety of budgets, but we will say generally, it’s best not to buy the very cheapest mattress. These tend to be less durable and less supportive. If you live with OSA, you’ll want a quality mattress to get the best possible sleep you can get.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a quality mattress (on average): For foam, 1,000 dollars; for an innerspring, 900 dollars; Hybrid, 1,000 dollars; and for a latex bed, 1,500 dollars.
Read more about budget mattresses here.
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
According to Cleveland Clinic, sleep apnea3 is caused by either an obstruction of breathing (obstructive sleep apnea) or a failure of the brain to send signals to your breathing muscles (central sleep apnea.) Most people have obstructive sleep apnea, and a small minority of people have central sleep apnea.
With any form of sleep apnea, the inability to breathe while you sleep causes your body’s blood oxygen levels to drop. This then alerts your body to wake up suddenly, often multiple times throughout the night, in order to breathe normally and replenish your body’s oxygen levels4. This inability to sleep well can lead to complications4 such as daytime fatigue, high blood pressure or heart problems, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, liver problems, and more.
How Can A Mattress Help with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Research5 has shown that lying at an incline can be helpful for those with OSA. It’s also clear that OSA is worse for those who sleep on their backs than on their sides, so side or stomach sleeping is advised instead. This means that choosing a mattress that facilitates these sleeping positions could improve your obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
- Adjustable bed – Choosing a mattress that’s compatible with adjustable bases in which you can elevate your head and torso could improve obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
- The right firmness – Choosing a mattress that is soft to medium in firmness will help make side sleeping more comfortable by allowing the shoulder and hip to be comfortably cradled. cradles the shoulder and hip. For stomach sleeping, a firmer mattress will make this position more comfortable by keeping the pelvis lifted for good spine alignment.
- Good support – You’ll want to make sure your mattress is supporting you well. Support refers to how well your mattress keeps your spine aligned. Abnormal spinal curvature6 can be associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
- Find hypoallergenic products – Sometimes allergies7 can worsen snoring and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. You can get a hypoallergenic mattress that is resistant to things like molds and dust mites to help nasal breathing, which could also improve your snoring and mouth breathing.
What is the Best Sleeping Position for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Back Sleeping
While back sleeping has some health benefits, even people without OSA can wake up from breathing problems or their own snoring when they lie in that position.
Read More: Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Side Sleeping
Sleeping on your side is beneficial even if you don’t have a sleep disorder. However, it’s especially helpful for decreasing your chances of snoring or OSA, as well as acid reflux.
Read More: How to Properly Sleep On Your Side and Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Combination Sleeping
Combination sleeping means that you’re changing between two or more positions throughout the night. This could be side and back sleeping, side and stomach sleeping, or any other combination of side, stomach, and back sleeping.
For obstructive sleep apnea, some combination of side and stomach sleeping is okay, though stomach sleeping is usually uncomfortable for most individuals, but be sure to avoid sleeping on your back as much as possible during the night.
Stomach Sleeping
In general, stomach sleeping is not the best posture for your neck or spine. That said, experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine note that stomach sleeping is also an option for obstructive sleep apnea in order to keep the airways more open1.
Read more about mattresses for stomach sleepers here.
Tips for Better Sleeping with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Use CPAP Therapy – CPAP stands for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.” Basically, that means that the patient wears a mask that delivers the ideal amount of air pressure that splints open the collapsed upper airway in OSA patients. To determine this setting, the patient has to have a CPAP titration study that is done during and over night sleep study in a lab, or more commonly, the healthcare provider orders an APAP (auto-titrating positive airway pressure) machine that will find the optimal airway pressure that is delivered in a breath to breath basis based upon the APAP machine’s algorithm.
In summary, non-invasive positive airway pressure machines such as CPAP works by helping to keep your airway open, since the most common type of apnea is OSA, which is the relaxing of the throat muscles, causing a collapse of the airway. By delivering a stream of air at an ideal pressure for the patient, the force of the air keeps the pathway open.
Learn More: 9 Tips for Sleeping Better With CPAP Mask
Use an adjustable base – While it's generally recommended to sleep on your side or stomach if you have any breathing difficulties, some people strongly prefer to lie on their backs. As you can imagine, this position can be problematic. However, an adjustable bed frame helps make this position doable.
By elevating your head and upper body, you allow for your air pathways to remain open throughout the night. If you don’t have an adjustable bed frame, and you’re resistant to investing in one, a wedge pillow propped underneath your shoulders can also help.
Make some lifestyle changes – Mayo Clinic8 recommends making some lifestyle changes to improve obstructive sleep apnea, including: exercising regularly, drinking less (if you drink), losing weight if you’re overweight, quitting smoking, and adjusting your sleep position if you’re a back sleeper.
Use nasal decongestants or allergy medications – Since allergies can make obstructive sleep apnea worse, it might be helpful to use decongestants or allergy medications to help reduce OSA symptoms. Only do this if you have allergies and they’re contributing to your snoring and OSA symptoms.
Avoid taking sedatives at night – Sedatives like sleeping pills, opioid-based pain meds, and certain anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines can increase the likelihood9 of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.
Best Mattress for Obstructive Sleep Apnea FAQs
Will an adjustable bed help with obstructive sleep apnea?
Yes, an adjustable bed can help because it keeps your upper body elevated. Having your upper body raised reduces the chances of your throat muscles relaxing and obstructing airflow.
If you decide to get an adjustable bed, make sure that the mattress collapsing and frame are compatible.
Follow Our Guide: Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds
Is sleeping upright good for obstructive sleep apnea?
Yes, sleeping upright is good for OSA. A study looked at the effect of mattress elevation at the head of the bed on obstructive sleep apnea. They found that there was a significant improvement in the amount of oxygen saturation in the patients studied along with increased sleeping efficiency and a decrease in the number of apneas (pauses in breathing) in a given night5.
Find Out More: Benefits of Sleeping Elevated
Is a firm mattress better for obstructive sleep apnea?
This will depend on whether you choose to sleep on your side or stomach to help with your sleep apnea symptoms. If the mattress is too firm, it’ll cause discomfort, especially when you lie on your side, and if the surface is too soft, this creates poor posture for stomach sleeping.
View Our Comparison: Firm vs. Soft Mattress
Are there different types of sleep apnea?
Yes, there are two different types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive (OSA): OSA is more common and is characterized by the muscles in the throat relaxing to a point where it physically obstructs breathing.
Central (CSA): Instead of a physical or mechanical issue going on with the body, central has to do with your nervous system and it’s the effect of the brain not signaling the body’s muscles that control breathing.
Is insomnia connected to obstructive sleep apnea?
Roughly 30 million Americans10 have obstructive sleep apnea, but just 6 million people are formally diagnosed with this sleep disorder. Though many of the symptoms of this condition occur while you’re sleeping, one possible indicator is chronic insomnia, or consistent difficulty falling asleep at night.
Making small corrections to your sleeping space to best suit your body and condition can definitely go a long way toward alleviating the symptoms. Adjustable mattresses can hold your head up and make it less likely that a pause in your breathing wakes you up at night. Beds better able to accommodate side or stomach sleeping may also be a direction you might consider to help improve your rest as back sleeping is worse for OSA.
For More Info: Best Mattresses for Insomnia
Can a herniated disc cause sleep apnea?
While excess soft tissue in the mouth and throat often is the culprit behind obstructive sleep apnea, the less common central sleep apnea11(CSA) may originate in spinal trauma or injury, which can include herniated discs, though this is very rare. When a spinal disc shifts out of place because of stress or acute injury, it can impinge nearby spinal nerves resulting in a disconnect between the muscles you use to breathe and the brain, which is one mechanism of developing central sleep apnea.
Find Out More: Top Rated Beds for Herniated Disc
Is snoring a potential symptom?
Do all snorers have obstructive sleep apnea? In short, no. Not all people who snore have this condition, but those that do almost always snore.
Research indicates that roughly half of snorers have a more serious condition that may require medical intervention. If your snoring is loud enough to disturb your partner’s sleep, it may be indicative of a much larger problem, and you might want to speak with your healthcare provider to receive a more thorough evaluation to exclude OSA .
Need more details? Check out the most common signs of sleep apnea here.
Is obstructive sleep apnea connected to allergies?
When your nasal passages are inflamed due to allergies, you may experience difficulty breathing naturally, which is through your nose. However, if your nasal breathing is consistently and repeatedly obstructed while you sleep, you may be forced to breathe through your mouth, which can worsen snoring and the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
Research shows a link between the two conditions and that allergy treatments and addressing nasal obstruction could decrease your risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
Rachael Gilpin
Resources:
- “Choosing the Best Sleep Position”. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Webpage accessed May 9, 2023. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/choosing-the-best-sleep-position.
- Reller, Kelly. “Research finds hot flashes, night sweats connected to obstructive sleep apnea risk in middle-aged women”. Mayo Clinic. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/research-finds-hot-flashes-night-sweats-connected-to-obstructive-sleep-apnea-risk-in-middle-aged-women/. 2017.
- “Sleep Apnea”. Cleveland Clinic. Last modified November 15, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8718-sleep-apnea.
- “Sleep Apnea”. Mayo Clinic. Last modified April 6, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631.
- Fabrício de Barros Souza, Fábio José., Rodrigues Genta, Pedro., et. al. “The influence of head-of-bed elevation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea” National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5700252/. 2017.
- Clavel, Louis., Rémy-Neris, Ségolène., et. al. “Cervical Spine Hyperextension and Altered Posturo-Respiratory Coupling in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome”. Frontiers in Medicine. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2020.00030/full. 2020.
- Chirakalwasan, Naricha., Ruxrungtham, Kiat. “The linkage of allergic rhinitis and obstructive sleep apnea”. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25543037/. 2014.
- “Obstructive sleep apnea”. Mayo Clinic. Last modified July 27, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352095.
- Zagaria, Mary Ann E. “Central Sleep Apnea: Potential Impact of Benzodiazepines, Opioids, and CYP3A4 Inhibitors”. U.S. Pharmacist. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/central-sleep-apnea-potential-impact-of-benzodiazepines-opioids-and-cyp3a4-inhibitors. 2015.
- Berg, Sara. “What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea”. American Medical Association. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea. 2022.
- Alexander, Tyler D., Stefanelli, Anthony., et. al. “Sleep apnea and unilateral upper and lower extremity allodynia as a result of a large thoracic disc herniation: a case report”. Sleep Science and Practice. https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-021-00067-1. 2021.
