What is the best mattress for arthritis?
The most important thing to consider when choosing the best mattress to ease your arthritis pain is where you need the most support. As arthritis can affect any joint in the body, it’s important that your mattress supports every single one. For this reason, an orthopaedic, pocket-sprung mattress is going to be best, as this allows the springs to target each of your joints and pressure points directly.
Pocket springs work by reacting to your body's needs, applying support where they feel the most pressure. A higher tension (e.g., a firm mattress) will apply more support to these areas, relieving more tension. In fact, the firmer the mattress, the more support you’ll feel at every point of contact, as you won’t ‘dip’ into the mattress’s surface.
You’ll find that even your ankles and wrists are kept neatly on the top of the mattress, preventing uncomfortable sinking that puts undue pressure on these areas.
How to choose the best mattress for arthritis
However, it’s important to listen to your body. A firm mattress isn’t always the best option if you’re used to a soft mattress, so consider where you need the most support. A good compromise would be a medium-firm mattress, which offers robust support but also gentle cushioning. Our guide to choosing the best mattress for arthritis provides more detailed information to help you make the right choice.
Essentially, the best mattress to get a better night's sleep with arthritis is one that:
- Provides support to the areas you experience the most pain, whether that's your back, hips, shoulders, legs, or ankles.
- Offers enough cushioning that you feel comfortable. Don't go for a firm mattress straight away if you're used to soft – a drastic change can cause discomfort.
- Also offers a solution to your other sleep needs, for example, if you're a hot sleeper, consider a mattress with cooling features.
You may also find an adjustable bed effective in relieving your joint pain, as it allows you to find your most comfortable sleeping position with the touch of a button. You'll also find getting in and out of bed much easier, and you'll be able to sit up without putting too much strain on your back.