2022 Top Mattress Picks: The 9 Best Beds to Ease Arthritis

Best Beds to Ease Arthritis
If you’ve been living with arthritis, then you know the familiar aches and pains associated with it. And sleeping with these pains at night and waking up with it in the morning is certainly no walk in the park. Many health experts recommend getting relief from arthritic pain by investing in the right kind of mattress. That’s why if you’re longing for deep, restful, pain-free sleep, our curated round-up of today’s excellent mattresses will surely help you decide which is the best one for you. Each mattress we’ve featured here is selected specifically for its healing features. So, read on and you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect mattress.
The best type of mattress for arthritis should provide the right amount of comfort and support for your body. As a result, it will feel like you are being cradled while relieving some of the pain you experience. By selecting the right mattress, you can rest peacefully, alleviating some of the pain in your lower back or other parts of your body.
We know that picking a mattress is understandably a tricky process. There are many brands and beds on the market, with each model offering its own set of features and benefits. With so many options, you can quickly become overwhelmed and pick the wrong type for your needs. By choosing the wrong bed, not only will you lose sleep, but the mattress surface can aggravate your pain further.
Let us help you get a good night’s sleep, alleviate arthritis and find your perfect match. Read on to know the best options and what makes them stand out from the rest of the competition.
Best Overall Pick – The Puffy Original Mattress

Best For Active Lifestyles - Bear
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Best Overall Pick – The Puffy Original Mattress
When it comes to a mattress for joint pain, it is critical to find one that offers both support and stability. The bed must be firm enough to give your shoulders, neck, and spine the right amount of support while allowing you to move around freely when needed. Support is vital as it keeps your body aligned properly, regardless of your chosen sleeping position.
However, it must not be too firm to avoid placing too much pressure on your joints. A bed should be soft enough to keep you cushioned but not too soft that you sink. If you sink into your mattress, you will have more difficulty moving around.
Puffy’s Original Mattress satisfies both these conditions and more. The mattress utilizes a Firm Core Support Foam, which provides adequate support for your joints without placing pressure on your joints. At the same time, it keeps your spine properly aligned to prevent any aches or pains.
Plus, the mattress also utilizes Cooling Cloud™ technology with a layer of cooling gel. With this layer, your mattress stays cool throughout the night. A Twin may set you back around $500 while the California King is a little more than twice that price.
Firmness Level: Medium
Sizes:
39″ x 75″ x 10″ (Twin)
39″ x 80″ x 10″ (Twin XL)
54″ x 75″ x 10″ (Full)
60″ x 80″ x 10″ (Queen)
76″ x 80″ x 10″ (King)
72″ x 84″ x 10″ (California King)
Pros
- Designed for any type of sleeper
- The hypoallergenic cover keeps the dust and other allergens from settling in
- Affordably priced compared with other similar models
- 101-night sleep trial
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not recommended for people looking for better support
- Memory foam can get warm
Best Hybrid Mattress - Saatva Classic
With three firmness options, the Saatva Classic mattress is a great bed to have, regardless of your weight. There is also the option to choose between two different heights, 11.5” and 14.5”.
All three models feature the same dual-layer coils and pillow-top material. What varies is the thickness of the polyfoam. In both the Plush Soft and Luxury Firm, the pillow-top measures 1.25” while Firm features a thicker 1.5” foam. The company’s patented memory foam provides plenty of support around the center of the mattress, keeping your spine aligned while alleviating pressure on your joints.
A Queen-size bed with a thickness of 11.5” may cost approximately $1200. Add about $400 more to upgrade to a California King.
Firmness Level: Soft, Medium-Firm, Firm
Sizes:
38″ x 75″ x 11.5″ (Twin)
38″ x 75″ x 14.5″ (Twin)
38″ x 80″ x 11.5″ (Twin XL)
38″ x 80″ x 14.5″ (Twin XL)
54″ x 75″ x 11.5″ (Full)
54″ x 75″ x 14.5″ (Full)
60″ x 80″ x 11.5″ (Queen)
60″ x 80″ x 14.5″ (Queen)
76″ x 80″ x 11.5″ (King)
76″ x 80″ x 14.5″ (King)
72″ x 84″ x 11.5″ (California King)
72″ x 84″ x 14.5″ (California King)
Pros
- Ample options for size, firmness, and height
- Great for any type of sleeper or sleeping position
- Generous 180-night trial
- 15-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Not recommended for people who love the feel of memory foam
- Motion transfer is not as excellent as in other models
Most Recommended By Chiropractors – Level Sleep Mattress
Renowned for its patented TriSupport™ technology, the adaptive foam features three unique support zones. The foam stays soft at the top to absorb pressure around the shoulder area. It feels most firm around the back provides plenty of support around the abdominal area and lower back. Around the hips, the mattress offers medium support to keep your spine correctly aligned.
It’s a plush all-foam mattress approved by chiropractors, making it an excellent choice for people who have arthritis or chronic pain. Starting prices for the Twin are around $600 and go all the way to $1200 for a California King.
Firmness Level: Medium – Firm
Sizes:
39″ x 75″ x 11″ (Twin)
39″ x 80″ x 11″ (Twin XL)
54″ x 75″ x 11″ (Full)
60″ x 80″ x 11″ (Queen)
76″ x 80″ x 11″ (King)
72″ x 84″ x 11″ (California King)
Pros
- Best for light sleepers
- Ideal for individuals who are looking for targeted support
Cons
- Not enough support provided when sleeping on your back or stomach
- It is not recommended for people weighing over 130 lbs.
Best Budget Mattress – Nectar Memory Foam
Sleeping well doesn’t have to break the bank, as the Nectar Memory Foam shows. The mattress features a quilted cover over several layers of high-density memory foam. With added edge support, its surface responsiveness prevents you from sinking into the mattress, making it easier to get out of the bed.
Another impressive facet is its ability to isolate motion. This makes it an excellent choice for people sharing the bed.
As our recommended budget option, you can expect to spend half a thousand for a Twin, while a California King can cost around $1000.
Firmness Level: Medium
Sizes:
38″ x 75″ x 11″ (Twin)
38″ x 80″ x 11″ (Twin XL)
54″ x 75″ x 11″ (Full)
60″ x 80″ x 11″ (Queen)
76″ x 80″ x 11″ (King)
72″ x 84″ x 11″ (California King)
Pros
- Ideal for sleepers with a limited budget
- Recommended for couples
- 365-night trial
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Memory foam can get warm
- Mattress may be too firm for light sleepers weighing under 130 lbs.
Best For Active Lifestyles - Bear
Chronic pain shouldn’t keep you from living your best life. Whether you are an athlete or have a job that requires you to put a lot of strain on your muscles throughout the day, you need a bed that speeds up the healing and recovery process. This is what Bear excels at.
Woven in each Bear Mattress is the company’s patented Celliant® Infrared Yarn. The yarn is designed to increase the oxygen flow in your body and hasten your muscles’ healing process.
Original Bear Mattresses have a thickness of 10”, which is similar to the other budget options on this list. With a Queen size mattress costing around $800, it is one of the more affordable beds for people with chronic pain.
Firmness Level: Medium-Soft
Sizes:
39″ x 75″ x 10″ (Twin)
39″ x 80″ x 10″ (Twin XL)
54″ x 75″ x 10″ (Full)
60″ x 80″ x 10″ (Queen)
76″ x 80″ x 10″ (King)
72″ x 84″ x 10″ (California King)
Pros
- Stays cool with its graphite-gel layer
- Made from eco-friendly materials
- An affordable option for people with chronic pain
- 100-night trial
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- All-foam construction may be too soft for sleepers who need more support
Best Luxury Latex - Saatva Zenhaven
Why worry about finding a mattress with the perfect firmness level when you can have one with two firmness options? With the Zenhaven Latex, you can have the best of two worlds: a surface with medium-soft firmness and a firmer one on the other side.
Saatva’s Zenhaven is unique in that it is a flippable mattress with two different firmness levels. Made from eco-friendly materials, the mattress is encased in organic cotton. Each side includes a layer of Talalay latex that provides targeted support for different areas of the body.
As one of the most luxurious options on this list, expect to invest around $1200 for a Twin and about $3000 for a Split King.
Firmness Level: Medium Soft and Firm
Sizes:
38″ x 75″ x 10″ (Twin)
38″ x 80″ x 10″ (Twin XL)
54″ x 75″ x 10″ (Full)
60″ x 80″ x 10″ (Queen)
76″ x 80″ x 10″ (King)
76″ x 80″ x 10″ (Split King)
72″ x 84″ x 10″ (California King)
Pros
- Made from eco-friendly materials
- Very responsive mattress
- Latex is a durable material that can last for decades
- 180-night trial
- 20-year warranty
Cons
- Latex has a different feel from memory foam
- Not recommended if you’re looking for a mattress that hugs the body
- Expensive
Best For Sleepers With Back Pain – The WinkBed
Chronic pain is not limited to arthritis or joint pain. Some also experience aches around their hips and lower back. Keeping the spine aligned is essential to prevent waking up feeling sore.
This is The WinkBed’s strong point. As a luxury mattress brand, its original hybrid model offers four firmness levels. Regardless of your weight, preferred sleeping position, or other sleeping needs, you can find a mattress that suits you.
Mattress thickness is measured at 13.5”, making it one of the thicker beds on the list. Combined with a Tencel cover, gel-infused foam, pillow top, and extra edge support, sleeping on the WinkBed is like laying on the cloud.
As a luxury brand, expect to invest a bit more in the WinkBed. Ballpark prices for a mattress are around $1000 for a Twin and over $1800 for a California King.
Firmness Level: Medium-Soft, Medium-Firm, Firm, Plus (for heavier individuals)
Sizes:
38″ x 75″ x 13.5″ (Twin)
38″ x 80″ x 13.5″ (Twin XL)
54″ x 75″ x 13.5″ (Full)
60″ x 80″ x 13.5″ (Queen)
76″ x 80″ x 13.5″ (King)
72″ x 84″ x 13.5″ (California King)
Pros
- Incredible motion isolation, making it ideal for couples
- Best for back or stomach sleepers
- 120-night trial
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Best for Light Sleepers – Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
The design of the Casper Wave mattress has changed significantly over the years. Initially known for its all-foam construction, the new hybrid model features a combination of foam and coils.
Within the foam are 86 gel pods. Strategically placed around the areas where your lower back and waist would touch the bed, the design provides added support to areas that need it the most.
The foam is designed to conform to the contours of the body. However, some people may find the mattress a little too soft for their tastes. As such, it may be better suited for light sleepers weighing no more than 130 lbs.
Starting prices are around $1500 for a Twin and twice that amount for a California King.
Firmness Level: Medium-Soft
Sizes:
38″ x 75″ x 13″ (Twin)
38″ x 80″ x 13″ (Twin XL)
53″ x 75″ x 13″ (Full)
60″ x 80″ x 13″ (Queen)
76″ x 80″ x 13″ (King)
72″ x 84″ x 13″ (California King)
Pros
- Gel pods offer plenty of support for the waist and lower back
- The breathable foam keeps the bed cool
- 100-night trial
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Not recommended for heavy sleepers
- Expensive
Best For Side Sleepers – Layla Memory Foam Mattress
If your preferred position is sleeping on your side, you’ll need a mattress that provides support without placing too much pressure around your hips and shoulder area. This is where Layla shines best.
Similar to Saatva’s Zenhaven, the Layla mattress includes two different firmness levels: one labeled Soft and a Firm side. The softer side is better if you have arthritis or need pressure relief around your shoulders and hips. When sleeping on your stomach, choose the firmer side.
The Layla all-foam mattress is also the first and only one on the market that infuses copper inside its foam. When pressure is added, the copper provides ample support while keeping the mattress soft and plush.
Prices for a Twin start at around $500 while a King costs around $1000.
Firmness Level: Soft on one side, Firm on the other
Sizes:
38″ x 75″ x 10″ (Twin)
38″ x 80″ x 10″ (Twin XL)
54″ x 75″ x 10″ (Full)
60″ x 80″ x 10″ (Queen)
76″ x 80″ x 10″ (King)
72″ x 84″ x 10″ (California King)
Pros
- Soft and hugging, best for side sleepers
- Two firmness levels in one mattress
- 120-night trial
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not recommended for individuals who need a firm mattress
- Memory foam gives a sinking or trapped feeling
How Can Sleeping On The Right Mattress Help Ease Arthritis?
Chronic pain, such as arthritis, changes your quality of life. It can make otherwise mundane tasks more challenging to accomplish, drain the joy out of your hobbies, and make relaxation a troublesome affair.
At night, the pain that arthritis causes makes it more difficult to get a good night’s rest. Arthritis comes in many types, but this can manifest similar symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling. Needless to say, sleeping at night with arthritis or waking up in the morning with its aches and pains is not pleasant for anyone.
But, along with proper diet, exercise, and following your doctor’s orders, finding the right mattress makes it possible to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with arthritis and chronic pain. How does it do that?
By sleeping on a mattress that helps you with rest and recovery, you’re able to get the following benefits:
- Provide zoned support where your body needs it the most
- Offers substantial pressure relief, especially around the joints
- Keeps the spine aligned
And while your height, weight, and sleeping position preference are also factors when it comes to picking the right mattress, most mattress brands offer features that best relieve arthritic sleepers from chronic pain.
Here’s a quick guide:
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are constructed using common materials used to make mattress layers: polyfoam, memory foam, latex, or innersprings.
Many hybrid mattress brands offer balanced support and contouring while you sleep. This makes it ideal for anyone looking for relief from arthritic pain. For example, a hybrid mattress made with combined layers of memory foam, latex, and innersprings will provide both cushioning comfort and pressure relief. Innersprings will offer more support which helps with spinal alignment.
Foam Mattress
Foam mattresses are typically constructed with multiple layers of foam, or in some cases, they can be made entirely out of one type of foam, such as all-polyfoam mattresses. You can find models that combine memory foam and polyfoam where memory foam is used as a top layer, and firmer polyfoam is used as either a support core or base.
For you to get some pain relief from arthritis, choose a high-quality memory foam mattress with close-conforming features. This allows you to feel a pressure-relieving “hug” that conforms closely to the body.
Latex Mattress
Latex is a natural material that comes from the sap of a rubber tree. This is why latex mattresses are usually priced higher compared with other mattresses. Its benefits are numerous: latex mattresses are known to be sturdy. They may last 15+ years, and since it’s made from natural materials, very little to no chemicals are used in its production, so it’s non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
More importantly, latex mattresses offer buoyant support that may benefit people living with arthritis who weigh over 250 lbs. Also, joint pain sufferers with mobility issues will be pleased to find that it’s effortless to move on a latex mattress as it usually does not have the “sinking,” close-conforming feel of a memory foam mattress.
Innerspring Mattress
A traditional mattress type that’s been around for decades, innerspring mattresses have a coil or spring system as their support core. Innerspring mattresses have a comfort layer on top, but unlike hybrids and foam mattresses, these comfort layers are usually thinner. However, the best innerspring mattresses are known to be very sturdy. In fact, many people may still have the spring mattress they slept on when they were kids.
However, if you purchase an innerspring mattress, you can enjoy its even, stable support. Arthritic pain sufferers who like to sleep on a supportive mattress minus the contouring/conforming feel will find sleeping on an innerspring mattress great for relieving chronic bodily pains.
To keep your mattress at peak performance, we also recommend investing in mattress accessories that also aid in relieving arthritis pain:
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Adjustable mattress base
Using an adjustable mattress base allows you to customize your comfort needs. When experiencing pain in your legs, for example, you can elevate the mattress’s leg area to get better blood flow and circulation.
We recommend the Puffy Adjustable Base. Aside from adjustability features, it also features soft, indirect LED lighting, USB charging ports, and, best of all, it comes with a built-in 3-speed, dual independent massage motors.
You can also relieve pressure with one single press - the adjustable base automatically changes to a Zero-G position, a concept introduced by NASA as they used “zero gravity” to help astronauts destress. It’s the closest thing to feeling relaxed and “weightless” while sleeping. -
Mattress pad
Many mattress experts agree that mattress pads offer numerous health benefits to the sleeper. It can also provide more comfort to individuals who suffer from joint pain.
What’s our recommendation? We're a big fan of Puffy. And getting a Puffy Mattress Pad not only helps you feel cooler and more comfortable as you settle in for bed but also prolongs the life of your mattress as disposing of a mattress could be a hassle. For arthritic sleepers who sleep hot, this can be a game-changer. Puffy’s mattress pad offers excellent cushioning comfort while keeping you cool all night long.
Conclusion
Purchasing a mattress is an important decision as it often requires a significant investment. This is especially true if you’re looking for a mattress to help you achieve pain-free sleep. We’ve eliminated some of the guesswork by providing this list of best mattresses and their corresponding categories. By checking out the beds on our list, you have a better idea of what mattresses suit your specific needs.
Disclaimer
If you are experiencing back, neck, hand, or arm aches and pains, please consult a medical professional as soon as possible. This article will only provide general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.