10 Best Orthopedic Mattresses of 2023

Orthopedic mattresses are designed to provide optimized support and comfort to your body’s spine and joints. These mattresses typically feature a more supportive structure, crafted from high-density foam, firmer latex, or innerspring coils.

This sturdy construction helps promote better spinal alignment by keeping the sleeper’s body lifted while top comfort layers help reduce pressure points for a more comfortable night's sleep. By providing a surface that encourages a more natural curvature of the spine during the night, orthopedic mattresses could help you wake up feeling refreshed.

• Enhanced support: Orthopedic mattresses can provide enhanced support to the body's natural curves, reducing the risk of back pain.
• Alleviate pressure points: These mattresses help to alleviate pressure points, reducing the likelihood of developing painful conditions such as joint pain or arthritis.
• Better sleep quality: Orthopedic mattresses may improve sleep quality by minimizing pain and discomfort, making it easier to sleep soundly.
• Long-term use: Orthopedic mattresses are typically made from high-quality materials for better durability and longevity.

• Price: Orthopedic mattresses may be more expensive due to the specialized materials and construction required.
• Break-in period: These mattresses may take some time to break in and become comfortable, especially if they are made from materials such as memory foam.
• Can be harder to differentiate: Not all mattresses advertised as orthopedic beds are truly orthopedic. Plus, each individual’s orthopedic needs can greatly vary, so it’s important to do your research and consult your doctor to help you choose the right bed for your needs.

As you look for an orthopedic mattress, there are specific details you’ll want to consider to help you find the real deal and a genuinely great product for you and your needs.

Support refers to how well your bodyis supported, whereas firmness reflects how soft or hard the bed feels. For great support, you want to check that the bed has a strong support system of either high-density foams or innerspring coils.

Side sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses that provide more gentle support to the shoulder and hip areas. A firmer mattress can put uncomfortable pressure on these regions for side sleepers, especially if you’re lighter in weight.

Stomach and back sleepers often appreciate a more firm and supportive mattress due to how this helps support spinal alignment in these positions. Additionally, heavier people typically like firmer models since they often have more robust support.

Another key component when shopping for an orthopedic bed is pressure relief. Orthopedic beds typically provide pressure relief through top comfort layers maybe from materials like memory foam or latex, which can contour the sleeper’s shape to cradle the joints and mitigate pressure buildup.

Orthopedic mattresses often provide good edge support when they're designed with a strong perimeter, which helps prevent sagging when you sit or sleep near the edge of the bed. Edge support is typically provided by either high-density foams along the perimeter or reinforced coils.

Some orthopedic mattresses may include certifications from organizations such as CertiPUR-US® or OEKO-TEX®, which indicate that the materials used in the mattress meet strict standards for safety and environmental responsibility. Additionally, endorsements from medical organizations or groups like the American Chiropractic Association may provide additional reassurance for consumers.

Before buying an orthopedic mattress, we suggest discussing your options with your doctor. Everyone’s needs are unique, and they can address any specific medical conditions and talk to you about what might work for your individual needs. Ultimately, you want to ensure that you make an informed decision and invest in a mattress that will promote better sleep and overall health.

The types of warranties that are normally included with an orthopedic mattress vary depending on the manufacturer but typically include a limited warranty ranging from 10-25 years, though some brands offer lifetime deals as well.

Warranties usually cover defects in materials and workmanship. They may also have a prorated period during which the manufacturer will repair or replace the mattress at a reduced cost to the customer. Some warranties may also include specific guarantees related to certain features, such as pressure relief or motion isolation.

Remember that price does not always reflect the quality of the materials and vice versa. A more expensive bed may indicate a higher-quality mattress, but it’s paramount to research the bed and read reviews regardless. One person’s comfort may be another person’s discomfort, depending on each person’s support needs and preferences.

• Memory Foam – Memory foam is a type of specialized foam that contours the body's shape for top-tier pressure relief.
  Learn More: What is Memory Foam?

• Hybrid – A hybrid mattress combines two or more support systems, typically memory foam or latex with innerspring coils, to provide a balance of comfort and support.
• Innerspring – An innerspring mattress uses a support system of steel coils to provide a foundation for the padding on top, offering a bouncy and supportive sleep surface.
• Latex – Latex beds use a support system of latex foam, known for its natural responsiveness, cooler feel, and pressure-relieving capabilities.
  Learn More: Dunlop vs. Talalay Latex

Back and joint pain can significantly impact the quality of one's sleep. When individuals experience pain in their back or joints, like with arthritis¹, it can be difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, leading to tossing and turning throughout the night. This can cause disruptions to the normal sleep cycle, resulting in poor sleep quality, heightened stress, and even depression.

Stress from chronic pain can further exacerbate sleep problems because it also makes it harder to fall asleep². Additionally, pain can cause individuals to wake up frequently throughout the night, disrupting the restorative process of deep sleep and leaving them feeling unrefreshed in the morning. Furthermore, experts say that not sleeping well could wind up making pain worse the next day, creating a cyclical problem¹.

Learn More: The Relationship Between Sleep and Pain

• Experiment with different sleep positions: Try different sleep positions such as lying on your back with a pillow under your knees or lying on your side with a pillow between your legs. Find a position that is comfortable and reduces pressure on the affected area.
• Invest in a supportive mattress and pillow: An orthopedic mattress and pillow can provide the necessary support to keep your spine aligned and reduce pressure on your joints.
• Incorporate relaxation techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation could help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Practice good sleep hygiene: Many people can get better sleep by incorporating good sleep hygiene into their daily routine. Good sleep hygiene refers to habits aimed at facilitating better sleep. These can include a regular bedtime and wake-up time, sleeping in a cool, dark, and quiet room, and having a relaxing nightly routine before bed.

There is no one “best” orthopedic mattress that will work for everyone, as individual preferences and needs can vary greatly. However, some common features to look for in a high-quality orthopedic mattress include specialized materials such as memory foam or latex, zoned support systems, and multi-layer construction. It's also important to choose a mattress that offers proper spinal alignment, reduces pressure points, and promotes even weight distribution for maximum support and comfort.

The ideal firmness level of an orthopedic mattress will depend on individual preferences and needs, but generally speaking, many orthopedic mattresses have a medium or medium-firm feel that provides a balance of support and pressure relief. However, it’s important to note that firmness is also subjective. For example, one bed may feel firmer to a lightweight person than it would to a heavyweight person.

Doctors may recommend different types of orthopedic mattresses depending on an individual's specific needs. As such, we advise talking with your primary care doctor, who will have a more thorough understanding of your orthopedic issues, which can help you determine the orthopedic mattress that would be best for you.

Orthopedic mattresses can be made from a variety of materials, but commonly used materials include memory foam, latex, high-density poly foam, and innerspring coils. Many orthopedic beds use a combination of these materials in order to provide better support and overall comfort.

The cost of an orthopedic mattress can vary depending on factors such as the size of the mattress, the materials used, and the brand. On average, a high-quality orthopedic mattress may be around at least 1,000 dollars for a Queen size. While very low-budget beds might seem appealing at first glance, it’s also important to consider the long-term benefits of investing in a high-quality orthopedic mattress, as improved sleep comfort and reduced orthopedic issues can lead to better overall health and well-being.

Orthopedic mattresses can be purchased from a variety of retailers, including mattress stores, department stores, and online retailers. It's important to do your research and read reviews before purchasing an orthopedic mattress, as the quality and effectiveness can vary depending on the brand and materials used. Additionally, be sure to check the retailer's return and warranty policies before making a purchase.