We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.
We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.
As we all have different bodies, lifestyles, sleeping habits, and health needs, mattresses are not one size fits all. In fact, while one mattress may help a certain individual get a quality night’s rest, the same option might cause another to toss and turn, waking up sore and exhausted.
Seniors, in particular, need the proper mattress to fit their needs, whether they require more support for the joints and muscles or a bed that’s easier to get in and out of. Other factors may include durability, value, airflow, and any other personal health issues that need to be addressed.
Fortunately, mattresses are evolving rapidly, with a variety of characteristics and features tailored to the most specific of sleeping requirements. Our buying guide will help seniors find the right mattress in order to sleep comfortably and soundly through the night. When you’re ready to shop, take a look at our top picks for the best mattresses for seniors on the market.
There are three main types of mattresses to choose from: innerspring, foam, or hybrid mattresses.
The way in which you sleep throughout the night has an influence on which mattress is best for you. If you’ve been sleeping in the same position your entire life, it may be hard to change, though it’s likely worth trying if you’re experiencing any pain, particularly for seniors.
Firmness is measured on a scale of one to 10. One is the softest, five to six is medium-firm, and ten is the firmest option for mattresses. Most seniors will want a firmness level somewhere in the middle. A softer mattress may be hard to get into and out of, while a firmer option may not cradle the body as needed. However, more active seniors without any chronic pain may do well with firm mattresses.
Mattress thickness varies from as little as six inches to as much as 14. Slender, smaller individuals will find their mattress needs met by a thinner option, while heavier and taller people will want a thicker-than-average mattress. It may be worth considering the height of the mattress when paired with your bed frame as some seniors may have trouble getting into taller beds.
Seniors can find mattresses fitting their needs in a variety of sizes, although queen options are the most popular. If two people will use the bed, a queen or king offers enough room, although a king may be too large, particularly for slighter individuals and those who may need extra time getting into and out of bed. If the mattress is being used by just one person, a full mattress may be ideal in some situations. Keep in mind how much space is available in the room where the bed is located as well as the size of the individual who will be using the mattress.
Some mattresses are designed with a little more support and firmness around the edges than the rest of the mattress. This is particularly helpful for seniors who may want a softer mattress but struggle getting into and out of the bed. The firm edge offers a stronger, sturdier foundation from which to gain leverage to get up and get going. It also firmly supports you when putting on or taking off shoes and socks.
For those who sleep warm, regularly throwing off blankets or waking up feeling sweaty, you’ll want a mattress that promotes airflow and avoids trapping in heat. Gel-foam mattresses are useful at keeping sleepers cool, while a variety of hybrid options will do the trick as well depending on the materials used.
Seniors who are more sensitive to stimuli when sleeping will want a mattress that reduces motion and noise, particularly if the bed is being shared. Most foam and hybrid options possess these features, eliminating the rustling that comes with a person moving around or getting in and out of bed. Specific innerspring beds, like those featuring individual pocketed coils, will also reduce motion transfer.
Most companies offer a sleep trial to allow customers to test out a mattress for an extended period of time to see if it’s the right fit. The sleep trial may last only a few weeks or as long as a year in some cases.
Your mattress may arrive with an odor from manufacturing, which is completely normal. Let a breeze in the room and the smell should be gone within a few days.
Mattress protectors: SureGuard Mattress Protector
Extend the life of your mattress with a quality mattress protector. This option from SureGuard resists water and dust, enhances durability, and minimizes noise.
Duvets: Linenspa All-Season Alternative Quilted Comforter
A quality duvet provides all-encompassing warmth and coziness. We recommend this option from Linenspa, offering a hypoallergenic alternative to down feathers.
Adjustable beds: LUCID L300 Adjustable Bed Base
Some seniors may be best served by an adjustable bed that can elevate the head and feet as needed. We recommended this option from LUCID for its smooth adjustability.
You’ll find innerspring mattresses and some decent foam options for under $500, though they likely won’t be larger than queen size.
Most quality mattresses for seniors cost between $500 and $1,000. These mattresses come in all three types in a variety of firmness levels and offer some special features.
High-end mattresses, particularly hybrid options, cost $1,000 and up. They balance comfort and support, promote airflow, and reduce noise.
A. On average, a mattress will last between seven and 10 years, with innerspring options having a shorter lifespan than foam and hybrid mattresses. However, a mattress can have a longer or shorter life depending on how it’s treated. Keep your mattress clean, rotate it frequently, and don’t let any kids or pets jump on it to prolong its livelihood. For those seniors who spend more time in bed, a mattress may have a shorter lifespan.
A. The right mattress can help alleviate chronic pain, particularly in the back. If you’re regularly waking up feeling sore or achy, then it’s time to switch mattresses. In most cases, that means finding a hybrid mattress that matches your sleep position and balances support and comfort. Those with back pain need a mattress with enough resistance for the hips and shoulders so that pressure isn’t placed on the spine. Additionally, you may want to look for cooler mattresses with better airflow. Excess warmth can cause individuals to move around more frequently, which could mean ending up in a sleeping position where you aren’t supported.
A. While it’s not the easiest of tasks, changing your sleep position can help alleviate pain if your mattress doesn’t fully support you. The best way to adapt to a new sleeping position is to use pillows to guard the sides of your body against moving. It’s recommended that sleepers, particularly seniors, try to adjust to sleeping on their backs to better support the spine and allow for easier breathing.
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