Each of the three main sleeping positions – side, stomach, and back – requires a different level of support from the mattress. But what if you are a combination sleeper who cycles through more than one position during the night?
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Leesa Original Hybrid
Our testers across sleeping positions gave the Leesa Original Hybrid high marks for its versatile hybrid design that eases pressure while still providing a responsive surface for movement.
Combination sleepers need a versatile mattress that promotes spinal alignment and proper sleep posture regardless of sleeping position. We’ll share our expert-tested choices that meet these criteria, explain the unique needs of combination sleepers, and discuss what to look for to help you find the best mattress for combination sleepers.
For a wider look at mattress shopping, check out the best mattresses of 2024. We also have guides for other sleeping positions, like the best mattress for back sleepers.
The Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
Best Overall Mattress – Leesa Original Hybrid
Best Value Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Best Luxury Mattress – Saatva Classic
Best Mattress for Couples – Helix Midnight
Best Mattress for Back Pain – WinkBed
Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus Luxe
Read on to see why the following six options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Leesa Original Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Conforming memory foam and responsive polyfoam work in concert with quick-reacting pocketed coils to give the Leesa Original Hybrid an effective combination of comfort and support. This mix makes it a flexible option that can help you maintain good spinal alignment no matter how you sleep.
Buy From Leesa
Couples
Medium Firm
Good Value
Isolates Motion
Pros
- Combination of memory foam, polyfoam, and pocketed coils delivers a balance of contouring and support
- Reinforced perimeter allows use of the entire mattress
- Knit cover and high airflow foam are designed to regulate temperature
Cons
- Individuals over 230 pounds may not receive enough support for stomach sleeping
- Doesn’t fully absorb motion from sleepers’ position changes
Why We Like It
With a hybrid’s signature balance of cushioning and pushback, the Leesa Original Hybrid has a medium firm (6) feel that’s neither too soft nor too hard, giving it a broad appeal. Plus, the mattress’ high-quality materials and construction create a versatile sleep surface that works well for most side, back, and stomach sleepers.
How Does It Feel?
We found that the Leesa Original Hybrid offered significant contouring with an upper layer of memory foam that cradles the body’s curves and reduces pressure around the neck, shoulders, and hips. The mattress’ polyfoam layer added extra comfort while responding quickly to our testers’ movements. The individually pocketed coils in the support core provided additional targeted support to maintain spinal alignment.
Best Value Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid’s high-quality materials and multiple firmness options make it a good choice for a wide range of sleepers, including combination sleepers. With its mid-range price-point and multiple cooling technologies, the Signature Hybrid also provides exceptional value for the price.
Buy From Brooklyn Bedding
Budget Shoppers
Soft, Medium, Firm Options
Great Value
Isolates Motion
Pros
- Plush pillow-top and foam comfort layers help relieve pressure
- Pocketed steel coils provide responsive support
- Accessible price-point for a hybrid model
Cons
- Soft model may inhibit ease of movement
- Returns incur a fee
Why We Like It
Available in three different firmness options, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a versatile pick. Each version features proprietary foams and steel coils that work together for an effective combination of comfort and support.
Along with its reasonable price-point, the Signature Hybrid comes in a variety of firmness levels, making it a good option for many different kinds of sleepers. We found that the combination of responsive foams and a pocketed coil core create a good balance of comfort, support, and durability. Additionally, the optional GlacioTex cover is designed to enhance the mattress’ cooling capabilities, which may appeal to hot sleepers.
How Does It Feel?
Our testers found that all three firmness options offered above-average pressure relief, thanks to quality foams and targeted support from the coil core. Our side and back sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds preferred the balance of comfort and support provided by the Medium option. Our back and side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the plusher feel of the Soft, while stomach sleepers weighing over 130 pounds liked the sturdy foundation of the Firm model.
It’s worth noting that among the three firmness levels, the Medium and Firm options appealed to the widest range of sleepers, which means they’re likely to be the best fit for combination sleepers.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Classic
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Available in multiple firmness options and profiles, the Saatva Classic provides both flexibility and functionality for a wide variety of sleepers. The mattress’ dual-coil system offers ample pushback across all three firmness levels, and the plush Euro-top and zoned lumbar pad work together to provide solid pressure relief regardless of your sleep position.
Buy From Saatva
Hot Sleepers
Soft, Medium Firm, Firm Options
Fair Value
Some Motion Transfer
Pros
- Coil-on-coil design makes the mattress responsive and easy to move across
- Quilted Euro-top and lumbar pad promote spinal alignment
- Available in three firmness levels and two heights
Cons
- Coils allow some motion transfer when sleeper switches positions
- Premium price-point
Why We Like It
The Saatva Classic’s Euro-top offers generous cushioning that conforms to the body and promotes spinal alignment. An underlying layer of high-density memory foam running through the middle third of the mattress adds further pressure relief for the lower back and hips. However, the dual-coil system is where the Saatva really shines, with an upper layer of individually pocketed recycled steel coils that works in concert with a base layer of tempered steel coils for support and durability.
How Does It Feel?
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress with a dual-coil design and a plush Euro-top. It’s available in three firmnesses, and sleepers can also choose between an 11.5-inch or a 14.5-inch profile. This range of options, combined with the mattress’ high-quality design elements and premium materials, gives the Saatva Classic a high-end feel.
During testing, the Saatva’s Luxury Firm version earned high marks across sleep positions and body types, thanks to the ample contouring in the Euro-top and targeted support from both layers of coils. The Luxury Firm’s broad appeal is good news for combination sleepers, who should be able to shift positions while remaining comfortable and supported. Combination sleepers under 130 pounds or over 230 pounds may want to adjust their firmness to meet their body’s specific needs.
Best Mattress for Couples
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Helix Midnight is a great option for side sleepers, but enhanced support in the transition layer and core mean it can work well for back and side sleepers, too. It’s also quiet and easy to move on, making it a good choice for couples and active sleepers as well.
Buy From Helix
Medium Firm
Great Value
Some Motion Transfer
Pros
- Provides contouring pressure relief without overly limiting ease of movement
- Foam layers help isolate motion and prevent noise
- Coil support system and reinforced edges allow couples to use the entire surface
Cons
- Too soft for most stomach sleepers
- Extra charge for pillow-top cooling cover upgrade
Why We Like It
The Helix Midnight offers a hybrid’s classic mix of comfort and support, with coils that deliver targeted pushback and three layers of foam for pressure relief. Those foam layers also ensure the bed is quiet enough that those who share the bed with a partner won’t be disturbed by movement. Its medium firm (6) feel makes it a good choice for couples looking for an effective compromise, too.
How Does It Feel?
The three types of foam in the Helix Midnight’s comfort system make it a particularly good fit for side sleepers. The robust coil system provides plenty of support, so most stomach and back sleepers should find it comfortable as well. Additionally, couples will likely appreciate the Helix’s ability to limit significant motion transfer.
A top layer of Memory Plus foam underscored by high-grade polyfoam provided good cushioning for our side sleepers under 230 pounds. A second layer of transitional polyfoam and a core of individually wrapped coils offered enough support for our back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds to maintain alignment. Overall, we found the Midnight to be highly adaptable, making it a good option for combination sleepers.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
WinkBed
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
With high-quality materials and a construction that focuses on both comfort and support, the WinkBed is a solid choice for combination sleepers, particularly those with back pain. Its range of firmness options, additional support elements in the lumbar region, and pressure-relieving pillow-top make the WinkBed an adaptable choice for any sleep position.
Buy From WinkBeds
All Sleepers
Soft, Medium Firm, Firm, Extra Firm Options
Good Value
Isolates Motion
Pros
- Zoned coils provide targeted support to promote spinal alignment
- Strong edge support allows use of the full bed
- Four firmness levels to choose from
Cons
- Soft model limits ease of movement
- Some all-foam mattresses offer more pressure relief
Why We Like It
The WinkBed offers firmness options that cater to many different body types and sleep positions, giving it a versatility that works well for combination sleepers. Additionally, design features like the 3-Step Back Relief System and LumbarLayer are meant to relieve pressure and offer extra support through the lower back, which can be particularly helpful for those with back pain.
The classic innerspring mattress gets an upgrade in the WinkBed, which uses a combination of polyfoam and zoned, pocketed coils to provide a balance of support and pressure relief. Sleepers can choose from four firmness levels, all of which incorporate a pillow-top with gel-infused foam designed to sleep cool.
How Does It Feel?
Each WinkBed firmness option has its own feel. Our testers put the Soft at a 4 on our 10-point firmness scale, with our side sleepers noting that the extra cushioning in its pillow-top provided a deeper hug around their shoulders and hips. Most of our testers reported that the Luxury Firm’s medium firm (6) feel had a good mix of cushioning and pushback.
The Firm (7) and Plus (8) models were top performers among our back and stomach sleepers. For those weighing over 230 pounds, the high-density foam and an added layer of buoyant latex in the Plus provides enhanced comfort without sacrificing support.
Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Titan Plus Luxe
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Titan Plus Luxe takes Titan’s hybrid design and adds a layer to the comfort system, as well as two additional inches of coils. The extra cushioning and bouncier profile give the Luxe a medium firm (6) feel that works for a wider range of sleepers while still offering superior support for heavier people.
Buy From Titan
Sleepers Over 230 Pounds
Medium Firm
Great Value
Some Motion Transfer
Pros
- Designed to provide a plusher option for individuals weighing up to 500 pounds
- Quilted gel-foam top and adaptive foam comfort layer deliver subtle contouring
- Responsive surface designed for easy position changes
Cons
- Coil system produces some motion transfer when changing positions
- May emit a temporary off-gassing smell after unpacking
Why We Like It
The Titan Plus line of mattresses is designed specifically for heavier people, offering enhanced support and durable components for a solid sleep surface. The Titan Plus Luxe uses the same materials but adds more foam and uses taller coils in the support core. This gives the mattress a mid-level firmness that’s compatible with more sleep positions and body types.
With gel memory foam quilted into the cover, plus 2 inches of TitanFlex polyfoam and 1 inch of Energex polyfoam in the transition layer, the Titan Plus Luxe prioritizes contouring comfort without diminishing its overall sturdiness. High-quality coils in the core respond to pressure with targeted support, letting sleepers shift and move without compromising spinal alignment.
How Does It Feel?
Our side sleepers over 230 pounds gave the Titan Plus Luxe excellent scores. The layers of foam provided good pressure relief, while the pocketed coils delivered plenty of support and bounce. Our back sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds were also impressed with the mattress’ mix of comfort and support.
While our stomach sleepers gave the Titan Plus Luxe slightly lower scores overall, they still felt that the comfort system offered sufficient pressure relief and support.
Combination sleepers have a balancing act to do when it comes to their mattress. You’ll need to look for a bed with an in-between feel that works for all your sleeping positions. You’ll also need to find the right balance between motion isolation and ease of movement so you can change positions in the night.
What Is the Best Firmness for Combination Sleepers?
The best firmness level for combination sleepers is the one which provides ample support for all your sleep positions. Each sleeper experiences firmness differently, so whether you choose a firm or soft mattress depends on your body type, personal preference, and typical sleeping positions.
Since combination sleepers need a mattress that supports more than one position, they often opt for the balanced feel of a medium firm mattress. Alternatively, some mattresses offer dual firmness levels – one on each side – or adjustable firmness levels that adapt while you sleep.
Keep in mind that your body type also determines how you experience firmness. Generally, sleepers under 130 pounds need a softer mattress than those who weigh over 130 pounds.
- Less than 130 lbs.: Medium Soft (4) to Medium Firm (6)
- Between 130 and 230 lbs.: Medium (5) to Medium firm (6)
- More than 230 lbs.: Medium Firm (6) to Firm (8)
How to Choose a Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers need to consider many of the same factors as other sleepers when choosing a mattress. However, they should evaluate many of these aspects from a different perspective which takes into account their unique needs.
Mattress Type
Mattresses are classified according to the materials used in their construction. Each mattress type has different advantages and disadvantages.
Foam mattresses are constructed from memory foam or polyfoam and usually offer a surface that conforms to the body. Hybrid mattresses combine a coil support system with comfort layers to create a balance between cushion and responsive pushback. Latex mattresses provide a bouncy, moderately contouring surface.
A few less common types of mattresses directly address the needs of combination sleepers. Air beds consist of comfort layers placed over a large air chamber. The sleeper can adjust the firmness of the mattress by adding or subtracting air using a remote control or smartphone app. Alternatively, split mattresses are like two smaller mattresses pushed together, often with a different or adjustable firmness level on each side.
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Ease of Movement
Since combination sleepers move, toss, and turn in order to change positions, it’s important that the mattress doesn’t inhibit movement. Generally a responsive surface with some pushback and bounce is most conducive to movement. Coils and latex promote easier movement, while softer foam mattresses may conform closely and cause you to sink or feel stuck.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to how much the perimeter of a bed sinks under pressure or weight. Mattresses with strong edge support allow you to use the entire surface. Combination sleepers may need this extra space to comfortably switch positions, especially if they share a bed with someone else. Many mattresses have reinforced perimeters to combat sagging at the edges.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how much of a sleeper’s movement travels across a bed. Beds that absorb motion well prevent your tossing and turning from disturbing your partner. Combination sleepers tend to move often throughout the night, so those who share the bed with a light sleeper should prioritize mattresses with strong motion isolation.
Foam isolates motion better than other materials. However, because of its conforming properties, there’s often a trade off between motion isolation and ease of movement. Keep your personal preferences and priorities in mind when deciding what balance is right for you.
Body Pain
Mattresses can help alleviate body pain by providing pressure relief and promoting healthy spine alignment. Likewise, a mattress which offers insufficient support or cushion can worsen aches and pains.
Combination sleepers with body pain should consider a mattress that offers moderate conforming or cushioning to relieve tension, but also targeted support to reinforce proper sleep posture. To select a firmness level that offers ample support, take into account your body type as well as all of your sleep positions.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Sleep trials offer a chance to try out the mattress for a specified amount of time and return it for a full refund if it doesn’t meet your needs. Offers like these are especially useful for combination sleepers, who may need to try more than one firmness level or mattress type before finding one that accommodates them.
Warranties protect against manufacturing defects for a certain amount of time, with an agreement to replace or repair your mattress should any arise.
Each company has different terms for sleep trials and warranties, and it’s important to read the policy carefully before making a purchase.
Video: How to Shop for a Mattress
Watch our video to learn more about what to look for in a mattress, including the different types as well as important features like firmness and support.
Comfortable Sleeping Tips for Combination Sleepers
Beyond choosing the right mattress, there are several simple ways you can level up your sleeping experience if you’re a combination sleeper.
- Buy the right pillow: As a combination sleeper, you need a pillow that supports your head and neck and promotes healthy posture for multiple sleeping positions. The best pillow for you depends on a combination of the pillow’s firmness and height, or loft. Medium firm pillows with a mid-level loft usually perform best for combination sleepers. Adjustable pillows that allow you to subtract or add fill can also be a good option.
- Use pillows for extra support: A well-placed extra pillow can help pick up the slack in any area that’s lacking support. For example, a pillow under your midsection or hips can help with spinal alignment while stomach or back sleeping. Placing a pillow between your knees can help keep the pelvis and spine neutral when lying on your side. Body pillows can also help align your head, neck and spine.
- Try a mattress topper: Mattress toppers are placed on top of the mattress and can help adjust the firmness level. Combination sleepers may want to consider a split firmness mattress pad, which offers a different firmness level on each side to accommodate different positions. Practice healthy sleep posture: For healthy sleep posture, keep your ears, shoulders and hips aligned throughout sleeping positions. Keeping proper posture helps prevent aches and pains and promotes spinal alignment.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
No matter what your sleep position, preference or body type, our expert testing team can help you find the perfect mattress. Check out our different mattress guides below.
How We Test
To find the best mattresses for combination sleepers, we subjected dozens of mattresses to our rigorous testing methodology. We gathered data using in-person testing as well as modern technology and analyzed it according to the latest research about combination sleeping and sleep posture.
Our diverse testing team spans every sleeping position and body type to ensure that we account for the unique needs of all types of combination sleepers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Combination sleeping is not inherently unhealthy or healthy. Its effect on your body and your rest depend on finding a mattress that offers adequate support for the different positions you adopt during the night.
While choosing a proper mattress is slightly more complicated since you have to account for more than one sleeping position, there are many quality beds available for combination sleepers.
Memory foam can be good for combination sleepers because it helps relieve pressure and isolates motion. However, it’s important to choose the correct firmness level for your body type, as a soft memory foam mattress may conform too closely or sink, making it harder to switch positions. If the mattress is too soft, it may also lead to poor spinal alignment.
The best mattress firmness for a combination sleeper depends on their body type, and which positions they shift to during the night. Often, a medium firm mattress that balances cushion and support works well. However, each sleeper experiences mattress firmness subjectively. For example, while heavier people generally prefer a firm mattress, a sleeper who weighs over 230 pounds may find a medium firm mattress still too soft.
Split mattresses and flippable mattresses often offer two different firmness levels, which sleepers must choose between. There are also adjustable air beds available that allow sleepers to control the firmness to a precise degree using a remote or an app. Some models automatically adjust throughout the night based on the sleeper’s position.
The best pillow loft, or height, depends partly on which positions the combination sleeper shifts to. Side sleepers require a thicker pillow to support the neck, while stomach sleepers need a thin pillow or no pillow at all in order to minimize curvature of the upper back. In general, a mid-level loft works best to accommodate the different positions of a combination sleeper.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
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