Everyone needs a good night’s rest, but for individuals with sleep apnea, getting quality, restorative sleep is often that much harder. A mattress can’t treat sleep apnea, though, so it’s important to consult with your doctor if you have (or think you may have) sleep apnea.
However, the right mattress may make it easier to sleep comfortably and maintain good posture, which can have far-reaching implications. Below, we’ll break down our top picks for the best mattress for sleep apnea and who might benefit from each option. Then, we’ll detail other mattress considerations for individuals with sleep apnea.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Saatva Solaire
Ideal For
- Sleepers with changing firmness needs
- Individuals who have a partner with different firmness preferences
- Those who are unsure of their optimal mattress feel
Who Should Keep Looking
- Shoppers on a tight budget
- Anyone who wants the same firmness every night
- Those intimidated by the technology
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Price
$3,910
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Firmness
Adjustable Soft to Firm
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Type
Airbed
With 50 personalizable firmness options ranging from soft to firm, the Saatva Solaire can help individuals with sleep apnea find a more precise feel, even if their ideal setting changes over time. (Say, for those who are pregnant or people who lose or gain weight.) For queen size and larger, this airbed also allows separate adjustments on each side of the bed to let sleep partners select different firmness levels.
The mattress starts with a 3-inch Euro pillow-top for cushioning and breathability. Quilting toward the center third is built for enhanced lumbar support, and an antimicrobial treatment is engineered to limit mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Next, a zoned latex layer adds targeted pressure relief, which may make it easier for those with sleep apnea to lie comfortably on their sides. A gel-infused memory foam layer underneath is designed to reduce heat buildup while deepening the contouring. At the bottom of the mattress, vulcanized rubber air chambers give the bed its adjustable support.
An optional adjustable base lets sleepers raise the head end of the bed, which can be beneficial for those with sleep apnea.
This model comes with free White Glove delivery in the contiguous U.S., a limited lifetime warranty, and a 365-night trial.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on Saatva products
Shop NowBest Adjustable Bed
Nectar Adjustable Bundle
Ideal For
- Back sleepers who benefit from upper-body elevation
- Shoppers who love a good deal
- Sleepers with sharp pressure points
Who Should Keep Looking
- Hot sleepers
- Individuals who tend to change sleep positions frequently
- Those who already own an adjustable base
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Price
$1,398
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Firmness
Medium Firm
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Type
Foam
The Nectar Adjustable Bundle combines the popular flagship Nectar Classic Mattress with the brand’s adjustable base, sheets, mattress protector, and pillows for a budget-friendly way to transform your sleep surface.
The mattress itself is a medium-firm, all-foam model that consists of a layer of memory foam followed by two layers of polyfoam for notable pressure relief and motion isolation. A fabric cover is engineered with cooling and antimicrobial properties.
Buyers also receive the Adjustable Comfort Premier base. The base allows for the head elevation that many sleepers find helpful for easier breathing, and there’s an anti-snore setting for a quick, easy adjustment. In addition to head and foot elevation, the base offers a vibrating massage feature, USB ports, and optional under-bed lighting. While the bundle automatically comes with the Adjustable Comfort Premier base, you can select the Adjustable Comfort Classic to save money.
The bundle ships free in the contiguous U.S., and the mattress comes with a limited lifetime warranty and 365-night trial.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on Nectar products
Shop NowBest Firm Mattress
Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
Ideal For
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Individuals who weigh over 230 pounds
- Those looking for even support with minimal contouring
Who Should Keep Looking
- Side sleepers who need notable pressure relief
- Those who favor plushness and conforming
- Individuals who prioritize motion isolation
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Price
$799
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Firmness
Firm (Side 1) and Extra Firm (Side 2)
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Type
Hybrid
The flippable, hybrid Plank Firm Luxe Mattress has two firmness options built in: a firm side and an extra-firm side. Back and stomach sleepers, including those who want a stable surface for easier breathing, may appreciate this even, sturdy support.
Each side of the mattress starts with a quilted cover, though the firm side’s quilted layer is thicker for subtle cushioning. Next, the firm side includes two layers of polyfoam, while the extra-firm side uses one. The center of the mattress consists of 6 inches of pocketed coils for responsive support.
The Plank Firm Luxe Mattress’ foam layers are designed to be dense yet breathable for stable support with minimal heat retention. You can also add a cover engineered for cooling for an additional charge.
This model is designed primarily for flat foundations and may not be compatible with all adjustable bases. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty, 120-night trial, and free shipping in the contiguous U.S.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on Plank products
Shop NowBest for Back Pain
Luxury Firm WinkBed
Ideal For
- Side sleepers who need balanced pressure relief and support
- Those who use the edge of the bed extensively
- Individuals prone to overheating
Who Should Keep Looking
- Anyone who favors a deep hugging sensation
- Sleepers who frequently change positions
- Individuals under 130 pounds who favor a plush feel
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Price
$1,799
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Firmness
Medium Firm
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Type
Hybrid
Both sleepers with back pain and those who experience discomfort when side sleeping frequently find relief from a supportive yet contouring mattress with targeted firmness zones. The Luxury Firm WinkBed, a medium-firm innerspring model, may fit the bill.
This mattress starts with a moisture-wicking, breathable Tencel cover with two layers of polyfoam quilted in, creating a Euro pillow-top for cushioning and pressure relief. Another 2 inches of polyfoam enhance contouring around the hips and shoulders, promoting comfortable side sleeping. A transitional layer of foam helps with weight distribution and motion isolation.
The mattress core uses pocketed coils arranged in firmness zones for more targeted support and softness. While the added lumbar support can help promote good sleep posture to relieve back pain, the extra give around the shoulders can also reduce pressure buildup when side sleeping. Finally, reinforced perimeter coils make it easier to sit or sleep along the edge.
The Luxury Firm WinkBed comes with a 120-night trial period, a limited lifetime warranty, and free shipping in the contiguous U.S.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on WinkBed products
Shop NowBest Organic Mattress
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
Ideal For
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Individuals over 130 pounds
- Those sensitive to heat buildup or off-gassing odors
Who Should Keep Looking
- Sleepers seeking close-conforming pressure relief
- Budget-focused shoppers
- Anyone quite sensitive to motion transfer
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Price
$1,968
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Firmness
Medium Firm
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Type
Latex Hybrid
Individuals with sleep apnea who prefer eco-conscious materials or are sensitive to off-gassing odors may enjoy the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress. This medium-firm latex hybrid model contains natural materials that combine buoyancy, breathability, and support.
On top rests an organic cotton Euro-pillow top. Next, several layers of organic wool cushion the surface while wicking away heat and moisture for natural temperature control. Two layers of GOLS-certified organic latex add a buoyant yet gently cushioning feel, easing pressure at the hips and shoulders while limiting sinkage to help maintain even alignment.
The core uses individually pocketed coils zoned for extra lumbar support to promote good posture. Reinforced perimeter coils also expand the usable mattress surface.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress comes with free shipping in the contiguous U.S., a 100-night sleep trial, and a limited lifetime warranty.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on Birch products
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The Best Type of Mattress for Sleep Apnea
For people with sleep apnea, mattress type can affect both comfort and support. Here are some mattress types that are often a good fit for people with sleep apnea.
Hybrid
By combining a coil core with a foam or latex comfort system, hybrid models offer a mix of support and softness. This balance helps relieve pressure points without restricting movement, making it easier for people with sleep apnea to adjust their sleeping position. Airflow through the core also limits heat buildup, which can help improve overall sleep quality.
Foam
All-foam mattresses traditionally contain a memory foam or polyfoam comfort system over a supportive polyfoam core. They usually excel in pressure relief, which may help individuals with sleep apnea transition to side sleeping with less discomfort around their hips and shoulders. Foam models also typically isolate motion well to reduce disturbances when a partner moves.
Latex
Latex models may contain natural latex, synthetic latex, or a blend of the two. This material lends to a buoyant feel with subtle conforming. The combination of consistent support and responsiveness may make it easier for individuals with sleep apnea to find and maintain a suitable sleep position. Thanks to their natural breathability, latex models also often sleep cool.
Airbed
Airbeds typically use foam comfort systems over inflatable air chambers. Filling or emptying the air chambers adjusts the firmness. Queen and king size models frequently have separate chambers on each side of the bed so that partners can have different support levels.
This customizability makes airbeds popular for individuals with sleep apnea with needs that vary over time or differ from their partner’s preferences.
The Best Mattress Firmness for Sleep Apnea
Mattress firmness can significantly influence sleep quality, and medium-firm models typically offer the best results for sleepers with a moderate BMI. That said, the best mattress for sleep apnea ultimately depends on your sleep position and body type.
Side sleepers and individuals under 130 pounds usually need a slightly softer mattress than their counterparts so that they can sink in deeply enough to maintain good posture and limit pressure points. Meanwhile, stomach sleepers and individuals over 230 pounds more often benefit from firmer options to prevent excessive sinkage that could jeopardize spinal alignment.
| Weight | Recommended Mattress Firmness |
|---|---|
| Under 130 pounds | Soft to medium mattress |
| 130 to 230 pounds | Medium to medium-firm mattress |
| Over 230 pounds | Firm mattress |
What to Consider When Shopping for a Mattress for Sleep Apnea
When shopping for a mattress for sleep apnea, the usual factors still matter. However, the condition adds some unique considerations.
Sleep Position
Your mattress selection should generally be influenced by your primary sleep position. But for individuals with sleep apnea, there’s an important caveat: Side sleeping may lead to fewer apnea incidents than back sleeping. Therefore, some back sleepers with sleep apnea may still prefer a softer, pressure-relieving mattress to help them transition to side sleeping.
Firmness
The right firmness for those with sleep apnea depends on their body type and sleep position. A medium-firm feel is the basic midpoint that offers the best outcomes for many individuals with a moderate BMI. However, a slightly softer surface may offer better conforming for some under 130 pounds, whereas some over 230 pounds may benefit from a slightly firmer surface.
Budget
Mattress prices typically range from under $500 to more than $3,000, depending on the materials and construction. If you have sleep apnea and are currently undergoing CPAP therapy or expect to be in the near future, you may also want to include supply costs in your budget.
Pressure Relief
Individuals with sleep apnea often benefit from a mattress that provides enough pressure relief to make side sleeping comfortable. Side sleeping is commonly recommended for sleep apnea, but it can place added pressure on the shoulders and hips. At the same time, a mattress that allows excessive sinkage may compromise spinal alignment and lead to discomfort.
Temperature Control
Individuals with sleep apnea frequently experience sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality, and overheating during the night can further interrupt their slumber. A mattress with strong temperature control can help maintain a neutral sleep temperature, potentially reducing additional awakenings.
Responsiveness
Responsive mattresses tend to have a bouncy or buoyant feel, facilitating movement. For individuals with sleep apnea, a responsive surface can make it easier to adjust positions during the night, which may help reduce discomfort.
Compatibility With an Adjustable Base
Elevating the head end of the bed can make a back sleeper’s airway less likely to collapse, so many individuals with sleep apnea use adjustable bases. When purchasing a new mattress, check for compatibility to keep your options open for using an adjustable base in the future.
Trial Policies
Even with thorough research and consideration, it can be hard to anticipate how a mattress will perform for you. Trial policies give you recourse if you realize the mattress isn’t the right fit for your sleep needs or preferences.
When to See a Doctor
If you think you may have sleep apnea or notice worsening symptoms after a diagnosis, consult your doctor. Watch for the following sleep apnea symptoms:
- Breathing pauses or interruptions during sleep
- Episodes of gasping or choking at night
- Frequent loud snoring
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Persistent daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
Frequently Asked Questions
A mattress cannot cause sleep apnea, but it can influence comfort, support, and how easily you move during the night. Improving sleep quality and minimizing nighttime disruptions may make sleep feel more restorative.
Additionally, a mattress that encourages side sleeping instead of back sleeping may reduce symptoms by extension. This is because back sleeping often increases respiratory events and sleep fragmentation, reducing sleep quality.
Mattress firmness alone does not treat sleep apnea. However, the right firmness for your body type and sleep position can make it easier to maintain a suitable sleep position, like side sleeping, and reduce discomfort that could otherwise cause additional sleep disruptions. For many sleepers, a medium-firm mattress improves sleep quality.
The best sleep position for sleep apnea is traditionally side sleeping. It’s estimated that more than 50% of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have positional OSA, meaning they experience significantly more breathing disturbances on their backs. Because of this, sleeping on the side is often considered therapeutic for positional OSA.
Still have questions?
Sleep apnea products can be confusing. If you need individualized assistance, post your question to the Sleep Doctor forum.
Written by
Meredith Kreisa, Contributing WriterMeredith is a freelance writer with extensive experience in developing comprehensive but easily digestible content. She loves connecting sleepers with products that enhance their experience and help them get the quality rest they need.
