Best Orthopedic Mattress of 2024: Enhanced Cushioning and Support

The Saatva Classic uses a multi-layered comfort system and pocketed coils to maximize pressure relief. The innerspring model caters to diverse sleepers, as it’s available in three firmness levels: Plush Soft (3), Luxury Firm (6), and Firm (8). Shoppers can also choose between an 11.5- or 14.5-inch profile.

Why We Like It

A 3-inch quilted Euro-top with zoned polyfoam contours to the body, providing good pressure relief. The foam is firmer in the middle of the mattress to promote spinal alignment, and the memory foam lumbar pad is intended to alleviate tension in the lower back. Our testers found that the layer of pocketed microcoils contoured to the body, which increased pressure relief and support.

How Does It Feel?

The zoned support core uses recycled steel coils, giving the mattress bounce and stability. The pocketed springs prevent excessive motion from transferring across the bed. We also noticed that the high-density polyfoam rails minimized sagging at the edges. Our testers found that the mattress regulated temperature well, thanks to continuous airflow in the coiled core. Additionally, off-gassing smells were minimal and dissipated quickly.

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable model with two supportive surfaces: firm (7) and extra firm (9). Both sides feature a quilted cotton-microfiber blend cover and a layer of polyfoam. We found that the upper comfort layer cradled pressure points and prevented the firm surfaces from feeling too rigid.

Why We Like It

Each side uses the same layout to help align the spine and keep sleepers on top of the mattress. A 2-inch layer of high-density polyfoam contours the body and prevents the midsection from sinking too deeply into the mattress. Denser foam on the extra firm side doesn’t conform much, which appealed to our testers who enjoy sleeping on rather than in a mattress. The firm side uses 1 inch of TitanFlex comfort foam, providing slightly more contouring.

How Does It Feel?

The core features 6 inches of pocketed coils that increase responsiveness and allow for easier movement. Each coil is individually wrapped to promote airflow and reduce motion transfer. The mattress has a 13.25-inch profile, which is considered high-profile. Our tests showed that the mattress did a good job of regulating temperature. However, if you’re prone to overheating, you can opt for a cooling cover made from phase change material. The add-on layer is engineered to absorb and release heat from the body.

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

The Helix Midnight pairs foam layers with a supportive coil system to provide a just-right mix of plushness and support — especially for people who sleep on their side and experience uncomfortable pressure buildup at night.

Why We Like It

The foam layers on top excel at cradling your shoulders and hips without sacrificing too much support, which benefited many of the side sleepers on our team — especially those between 130 and 230 pounds. The thick coil core didn’t skimp on support for the lower back, which helped keep the spine nicely aligned.

How Does It Feel?

The Helix Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel with a plush surface that conforms closely to your body. Most side sleepers on our team never felt excessively “hugged” by the mattress, although those over 230 pounds will sink deeper and likely won’t receive enough support to stay comfortable. The bed stayed fairly temperature-neutral thanks to airflow through the coils. However, if overheating is a concern, you can pay a little extra for a cover infused with phase change material meant to keep the surface cool.

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

The WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress uses seven foam layers to strike a balance between cushioning and support that works particularly well for side sleepers. Dynamic memory foam cradles the body to alleviate tension, while zoned polyfoam helps promote good spine alignment.

Why We Like It

The heat-wicking Tencel cover is tufted with 2 inches of gel-infused polyfoam for extra padding. The AirCell memory foam below is designed to closely contour the body without trapping too much heat. We found that the close hug was especially beneficial to our side-sleeping testers who needed extra cushioning around the hips and shoulders. The support core uses zoned polyfoam to deliver variable support. The back and hips receive greater push-back, while the shoulders and legs receive more cushioning. A layer of high-density polyfoam prevents sagging by reinforcing the upper layers.

How Does It Feel?

Our testing showed that the GravityLux is more durable than the typical foam model, making premature impressions less likely to form. The GravityLux has very good motion isolation, which results in fewer nighttime disturbances for anyone who shares a bed. The mattress also regulates temperature well, thanks to its use of gel infusions and open-cell memory foam.

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Sleepers who experience sharp pain in their upper or lower back benefit from a mattress that balances cushioning for the spine with a robust support system. The Bear Elite Hybrid achieves that balance with an adaptive foam comfort system, while a coil system and zoned transitional layer keep your body on an even plane.

Why We Like It

The Elite Hybrid’s comfort system begins with a layer of adaptive memory foam that contours to your body to relieve pressure. Underneath is a polyfoam transitional layer that acts as a buffer between your body and the coil system. This layer is strategically zoned to provide targeted support to heavier areas of your body, like your hips and shoulders, and cradle lighter areas. Pocketed coils in the support core reinforce the sleep surface to keep your body on an even plane. A breathable cover made from a Celliant and polyester blend fabric encases the mattress. Celliant is engineered to react to your body heat and confer it back to you in the form of infrared energy, which is thought to promote muscle recovery.

How Does It Feel?

The Elite Hybrid comes in three firmness levels: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7). Every model earned high marks from our side- and back-sleeping testers. Temperature regulation was one of the Elite Hybrid’s clear strengths during testing. Our heat guns detected minimal heat buildup on the surface thanks to the breathable cover and steady airflow through the coils. The foam comfort system also absorbed most movement transfer and noise during our tests, making it a great option if you share the bed with a restless sleep partner.

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into factors such as support and pressure relief.

Sleepers with sharp pressure points often need a mattress that delivers strong contouring. Puffy’s Lux Hybrid uses plush foam layers adapt to the body to alleviate pressure buildup. The mattress’ 12-inch profile and medium (5) feel accommodate a range of sleep styles and body types.

Why We Like It

The Lux Hybrid has a GOTS-certified organic fabric cover that resists stains and common allergens. The comfort system uses two types of memory foam to help ease pressure points. A 1.5-inch layer of proprietary Cooling Cloud memory foam is designed to cradle sleepers without generating too much heat. A layer of polyfoam increases compression support, so the mattress doesn’t contour too closely to the sleeper’s body. Additionally, the proprietary memory foam layer is intended to draw out heat and moisture.

How Does It Feel?

Six inches of hefty steel coils stabilize the mattress. The core is designed to adapt to your body for better weight distribution, while individually wrapped coils reduce motion transfer and improve air circulation. High-density polyfoam reinforces the perimeter to help you feel supported throughout the mattress. Our tests showed that the hybrid performed particularly well for people under 130 pounds, regardless of sleep position. The combination of solid edge support, motion isolation, and temperature control should also benefit couples. However, the mattress’ contouring might be excessive for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds, who usually need a firmer surface to align the spine.

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.