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Amerisleep

A timely guide to staying ahead of the pack in productivity, sustainability and
rest.

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Blog » Mattress Guides » Best Mattress for Seniors

Fact Checked


BEST MATTRESS FOR SENIORS

Medically reviewed by
 Dr. Nayantara Santhi

DR. NAYANTARA SANTHI

Dr. Nayantara Santhi holds an academic position at Northumbria University. After
completing her Ph.D. at Northeastern University (Boston, MA), she joined the
Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School as a post-doctoral fellow
to research how sleep and circadian rhythmicity influence our cognitive
functioning.

Medical Reviewer Page Link Read more
Linkedin Link

By McKenzie Hyde Certified Sleep Coach


When it’s time for a new mattress, we usually consider our weight, sleeping
position, budget, and desired firmness and comfort level. However, one thing we
may not consider upfront is…

Last Updated On January 21st, 2023
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest

In this article

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 * Introduction
 * Best Mattresses from Amerisleep for Seniors
 * How Does Age Affect Sleep?
 * Mattress Considerations for Seniors
 * Mattress Type
 * Firmness
 * FAQs
 * What Is the Best Mattress for Seniors?



When it’s time for a new mattress, we usually consider our weight, sleeping
position, budget, and desired firmness and comfort level. However, one thing we
may not consider upfront is our age. People aged 65 and older are more likely to
have chronic pain conditions, poor circulation, and specific sleep position
needs— all of which can be impacted by mattress choice. To get a better night’s
sleep, seniors should choose a mattress with excellent pressure relief, even
back support, and long-lasting materials.

According to the CDC, Verified Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) The United States’ health protection agency that defends against dangers
to health and safety. View source the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and
“related dementias” will double by the year 2060. In the year 2014, 5 million
people, or 1.6 percent of the US population, were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It
is well established that sleep plays a critical functional role in cognition. It
is a matter of intense investigation in the context of dementia.



What’s more, seniors are also more likely to be affected by chronic
diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes, which are linked
to poor sleep. Beyond choosing a good mattress, seniors can use other sleep
accessories such as adjustable beds to ensure they get a good night’s sleep and
improve their long-term health.


BEST MATTRESSES FROM AMERISLEEP FOR SENIORS


QUICK GUIDE: A 30-SECOND SUMMARY

Best Mattress Overall for Seniors Amerisleep AS3 Best Mattress for Seniors with
Back Pain Amerisleep AS2 Best Mattress for Seniors with Arthritis Amerisleep AS4

Best Mattress for Seniors with Back Pain Amerisleep AS2
 * Price Range
   
   $949 to $1998

 * Mattress Type
   
   Memory Foam

 * Firmness
   
   7 out of 10 (Medium-Firm)

 * Availability
   
   All sizes

 * Warranty
   
   20 Years

 * Thickness
   
   12 Inches

Back pain and similar ailments are common as we grow older, so the right
mattress should relieve pain for improved sleep. The medium-firm surface of the
AS2 mattress

Mattress Highlights
 * Medium-firm eases and prevents back pain
 * Five zones of targeted support, including the back
 * Bio-Core® foam promotes ideal spine alignment

Recommended For
 * Back and select combination sleepers
 * Back pain sufferers
 * Hot sleepers

For seniors who like a firm mattress, we recommend the Amerisleep AS2. It’s our
medium-firm bed and all 3 of its layers work together to offer targeted support
and balanced cushioning.

The two inches of plant-based Bio-Pur® on top bounce back in seconds, keeping
you from feeling stuck or trapped in bed. In contrast, traditional memory
foam takes up to a minute to regain its original shape. Bio-Pur® is manufactured
using castor oil, which reduces the off-gassing smell associated with memory
foam.

Beneath the Bio-Pur® layer sit 3 inches of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology.
This layer is what keeps sleepers feeling supported and secure while preventing
pressure build-up in the back, hips, and shoulders.

Finally, 7 inches of Bio-Core® act as the sturdy base— this layer allows
Amerisleep to offer a 20-year warranty, which is 10 years longer than the
industry standard. The Bio-Core® layer prevents sagging and indentations.
Business Insider called the AS2 the “Best Mattress for Back Pain” — for seniors
affected by back or other chronic pain, the AS2 is the best choice.

Every Amerisleep mattress is encased with a breathable cover to prevent heat
retention and night sweats. Plus, our cover is soft-to-the-touch to deliver
immediate comfort.

Save $300 on the Amerisleep AS2 with our discount code
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Seniors Overall Amerisleep AS3
 * Price Range
   
   $1149-$2398

 * Mattress Type
   
   Memory Foam

 * Firmness
   
   5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)

 * Availability
   
   All sizes

 * Warranty
   
   20 Years

 * Thickness
   
   12 Inches

The medium feel AS3 mattress can cradle a senior’s body in most sleep positions
and ease any aches and pains. That is why it’s our top recommendation for a
mattress for seniors.

Mattress Highlights
 * Plant-based memory foam eases pressure and pain
 * Transition foam features five targeted support zones
 * Sturdy base foam for greater structural integrity

Recommended For
 * Side, back, and combination sleepers
 * Senior couples
 * Hot sleepers

For seniors who like a medium feel, we recommend our medium AS3. This is our
best-selling mattress thanks to its versatility. Side and combo sleepers, as
well as couples, seem to enjoy this bed the most. It has all the foams found in
the AS2— the only difference is the thickness of each layer.

The AS3’s top layer is three inches of Bio-Pur®. The extra inch of cushioning
allows for slightly more sink and contouring without sacrificing support.

The 2-inch Affinity layer with HIVE® technology supports the softer Bio-Pur®
layer above it and draws heat and moisture away from the sleeper. 7 inches of
Bio-Core® in the base support the sleeper and the other layers, preventing sags
or indentations.

Seniors who prefer a responsive medium surface may want to try the AS3 Hybrid
instead.

Save $300 on the Amerisleep AS3 with our discount code
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Seniors with Arthritis Amerisleep AS4
 * Price Range
   
   $1349 to $2798

 * Mattress Type
   
   Memory Foam

 * Firmness
   
   4 out of 10 (Medium-Soft)

 * Availability
   
   All sizes

 * Warranty
   
   20 Years

 * Thickness
   
   12 Inches

Seniors with arthritis often enjoy a softer surface to relieve aches and pains.
Our AS4 model possesses a thick comfort layer that feels soft but not overly
plush, ready to hug the body and ease pressure build-up.

Mattress Highlights
 * Memory foam is 4 inches thick for maximum relief
 * Medium-soft feel established by HIVE and Bio-Core
 * Responsive surface enables easier movements

Recommended For
 * Side sleepers
 * Seniors with smaller body frames
 * Arthritis sufferers

The Amerisleep AS4 is popular for side and combination sleepers who like a
softer bed than the AS3, but not so soft that they might feel unsupported or
“stuck.”

The AS4 has 4 inches of Bio-Pur®, a 1-inch thick Affinity layer, and 7 inches of
Bio-Core®. Of the three mattresses listed here, this one has the thickest
comfort layer, making it ideal for the side sleeper who wants to feel cradled in
their mattress. And even though this comfort layer is thick, it won’t overheat
thanks to the breathable construction of the Bio-Pur®.

All Amerisleep mattresses come with free shipping and free returns to the
contiguous United States, a 20-year warranty, and a 100-night risk-free sleep
trial.

Save $300 on the Amerisleep AS4 with our discount code
Shop Now


HOW DOES AGE AFFECT SLEEP?

As we age, our bodies are more susceptible to joint pain, arthritis, and other
musculoskeletal diseases that inhibit movement. Additionally, many elderly
patients are diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, Verified
Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library,
making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source and other
chronic illnesses.

“As we age, our sleep patterns and sleep quality changes in health and in
disease,” Dr. Nayantara Santhi noted. “Because sleep plays such a vital role in
our physical and mental health and well-being, it is important to adopt sleep
hygiene practices that will facilitate good sleep as we age.”

According to The National Council on Aging, 80% of older adults have at least
one chronic disease and 77% have two. Not only do these diseases impact sleep,
Verified Source Harvard Health Blog run by Harvard Medical School offering
in-depth guides to better health and articles on medical breakthroughs. View
source but some of them are even a precursor to bad sleep. No matter which comes
first (the disease or the bad sleep), the key is educating yourself about ways
you can sleep better starting as soon as tonight!


ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a degenerative disease affecting more than 50 million adults and
even 300,000 children. More women than men have arthritis and the symptoms tend
to worsen with age. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which occurs when
bone cartilage begins to wear down, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.

70% of osteoarthritis sufferers say it affects their sleep. It’s not so much
that the pain keeps you awake, but rather that poor sleep makes the perception
of pain worse— perpetuating an awful cycle of exhaustion and discomfort. Poor
sleep can lead to more serious issues as well, such as increased depression, a
higher likelihood of heart disease, and poor cognitive function during waking
hours.

To get better sleep, arthritis sufferers should look into a medium or
medium-firm mattress that relieves pressure points (rather than causing them to
build up). Memory foam or latex are both excellent materials that sink down just
enough to relieve pain, and a medium or medium-firm mattress has enough support
to prevent any spinal misalignment or a “stuck” feeling.


FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a little more nuanced than arthritis as it does not usually stem
from an isolated area on the body, but instead can be caused by physical injury,
surgery, infection, or a physically traumatic event. Additionally, the symptoms
of fibromyalgia Verified Source Mayo Clinic Ranked #1 hospital by U.S. News &
World Report and one of the most trusted medical institutions in the world. The
staff is committed to integrated patient care, education, and research. View
source can lead to misdiagnosis since they are associated with other diseases—
symptoms like tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain or a dull ache all over, and those who
have it usually deal with some form of sleep deprivation. Doctors aren’t sure
what causes fibromyalgia, but researchers believe it has something to do with
the neurotransmitters in the brain becoming more sensitive to pain. Age is a
precursor to fibromyalgia since it often accompanies other age-specific diseases
such as osteoarthritis.

Similar to osteoarthritis patients, those with fibromyalgia will need a bed with
plenty of pressure-relieving qualities as well as one with soft cushioning, such
as a memory foam mattress.


DIABETES

Over the decades, Americans’ sleep quality and duration have decreased. Even
though the recommended time for sleep hasn’t changed (it’s still 7-9 hours a
night for adults), the amount we actually get keeps dropping— in fact, most
adults, Verified Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The
United States’ health protection agency that defends against dangers to health
and safety. View source only get 6 hours a night on average.

Studies Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest
medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View
source have shown a clear link between poor sleep and poor diet choices, as well
as reduced physical activity— all of which are precursors to Type 2 diabetes.
Our bodies perform critical functions during REM and non-REM sleep, including
regulating our glucose levels.

Another NIH study Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s
largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.
View source measuring the effects of sleep deprivation on glucose levels found
that glucose regulation was impaired during the day for those who got fewer
hours of sleep than the recommended 7-9. The glucose levels in the
sleep-deprived participants also exhibited physical symptoms consistent in
pre-diabetic individuals.

Why are the elderly more affected by diabetes? Well, as we age, our glucose
regulation function begins to decrease. While most diabetes diagnoses occur due
to obesity, 22-33 percent of U.S. adults aged 65 years and older are diagnosed
with diabetes due simply to age. Fortunately, Type 2 diabetes is preventable
with proper nutrition, exercise, and healthy sleep habits.

If you suffer from diabetes, your sleep patterns are likely irregular because of
numbness in the limbs (also known as “paresthesia” or neuropathy), dizziness,
overheating or night sweats, and poor circulation.

Diabetes sufferers are more likely to be comfortable on a medium or medium-soft
mattress that allows for pressure relief without overheating. Memory foam is
known for trapping heat unless it’s infused with gel, copper, or graphite. Gel
memory foam is the most popular type— made especially for those who need a
breathable sleeping surface.


KIDNEY DISEASE

80 percent Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest
medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View
source of those with End-Stage Renal Disease (stage four of kidney disease)
report dealing with at least one sleep disorder (most commonly daytime
sleepiness or insomnia). Old age is considered a factor for kidney disease,
since our kidneys, just like our other organs, age right along with us! More
than 50 percent of seniors aged 75 and older have kidney disease (although many
who have it don’t know it).

The risk factors for kidney disease often appear in older adults, such as
diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension). Sleep disorders linked to
kidney disease include Restless Leg Syndrome, sleep apnea, and insomnia.

If you deal with kidney disease and poor sleep issues, you will probably benefit
from a medium or medium-soft mattress with plenty of pressure relief and
support. You might also consider an adjustable bed, since these allow for better
circulation, breathing, and lower back support.


HEART DISEASE

Elderly people are more likely to experience heart problems such as heart
disease, stroke, heart attack, or even heart failure. The arteries harden and
narrow over time and fat deposits build up, forcing your heart to work harder.
Since the heart is usually weakened with age, this creates the perfect storm for
heart disease.

One ScienceDirect study Verified Source ScienceDirect One of the largest hubs
for research studies and has published over 12 million different trusted
resources. View source learned that sleeping on the right side was best for
heart health; essentially, the heart didn’t have to work as hard when
participants slept on their right sides.

Another study examined the sleep positions and habits of right and left-side
sleepers and found that those who slept on the right side experienced fewer OSA
(obstructive sleep apnea) symptoms. Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the more
common sleep disorders, and, left untreated, it can lead to heart disease.


MATTRESS CONSIDERATIONS FOR SENIORS

We all think about personal circumstances and preferences before we buy a new
mattress— after all, so much of our health depends on it, so it only makes sense
that we take our time choosing the right one. For seniors, the best
mattress should have at least some of the following qualities:

 * Pressure relief, especially if you need a mattress for bed sores and
   long-term rest
 * Good back support, especially for back pain sufferers
 * Durability (should last 7-10 years)
 * Cooling and/or temperature regulation of some kind
 * Minimal motion transfer and bounciness

Whether or not you find a mattress with these characteristics depends on the
mattress type you choose.


MATTRESS TYPE

Innerspring and foam mattresses dominate the mattress marketplace these days,
but there are a few other mattress options in a wide variety of firmnesses to
suit different needs and circumstances. Older couples or even singles can easily
find a comfortable bed for improved sleep.

MEMORY FOAM

Memory foam mattresses are one of the most popular beds because they conform
closely to the body and relieve pressure points in the lower back, shoulders,
and other sensitive joints. Seniors with arthritis, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, or
other musculoskeletal diseases will probably be comfortable on memory foam
mattresses.

Note that there are two different types of foam used to make mattresses— memory
foam, or viscoelastic foam, and polyurethane foam, or poly-foam. Viscoelastic
foam starts as polyurethane foam, but then other chemicals are added to give it
its soft, plush feel.

Poly-foam is made using petrochemicals such as petroleum— it feels similar to
memory foam, but it’s cheaper to make and it doesn’t last as long.

Memory foam exists in more eco-friendly variations. Amerisleep’s Bio-Pur® foam
is partially plant-based. During manufacturing, we replace some of the petroleum
with castor oil, which reduces the off-gassing odor so common to memory foam.

INNERSPRING MATTRESSES

Innerspring mattresses are made with steel coils in the base and a pillow or
Euro top layer sewn on top. The coils are usually one of a few different types:
Bonnell (hourglass-shaped and the cheapest to make), continuous (held together
with one long wire; more sturdy than Bonnell coils), and offset coils (more
durable than Bonnell or continuous coils).

Higher-end innerspring beds are made with individually-wrapped coils, which
isolate motion much better than the typical coil mattress.

Even the highest quality innerspring mattress can begin sagging after just a few
years. That’s why we caution against older people using them, as they can feel
“stuck” in the middle of the mattress or experience increased lower back pain
after sleeping on one.

HYBRID MATTRESSES

Hybrid beds, despite their name, have little to do with the eco-friendly
movement that’s taken hold of the consumer industry in recent years. Instead,
hybrids combine two different features of the most popular mattress types—
innersprings and memory foam— into one mattress.

A true hybrid is not a mixture of two different types of foam (although some
brands market such mattresses as “hybrids”)— it must have at least 2-3 inches of
foam in the top layers and then a coil base. Hybrids often contain wrapped
coils, and with the addition of memory or latex foam in the top layers, they
isolate motion much better than their innerspring counterparts.

Because they contain coils, hybrids are still much bouncier than a basic memory
foam mattress, but they also have added pressure relief thanks to their layers
of foam. Hybrids do have some contouring ability, but nowhere near as much as
memory foam mattresses. Keep that in mind as you shop— pressure and pain relief
is key for seniors.

LATEX MATTRESSES

Because latex feels similar to memory foam, you might have slept on it before
without realizing it! The way it’s made is slightly different from memory foam,
however, and the process is much more eco-friendly.

Latex is harvested from the sap of rubber trees and then processed one of a few
different ways. The most popular types of latex are Talalay and Dunlop. Talalay
is softer because of added synthetic materials— because of these additions,
Talalay is not 100% natural. Dunlop latex is slightly firmer and bouncier than
Talalay; it’s also completely natural, so eco-conscious customers may gravitate
toward Dunlop latex mattresses.

Natural latex is quite durable— high-quality latex beds can last up to 8-10
years with proper maintenance and care. However, keep in mind that synthetic or
blended latex beds have a slightly shorter lifespan and are more prone to
sagging.

Seniors will find plenty of pressure relief, cushioning, and conformability in
latex mattresses, but they do not have as much “sink” as memory foam. This can
be a pro or a con depending on your preferences.


FIRMNESS

There are a few different ways you can determine how firm a mattress is. The
most obvious way is to try one out— laying flat on a bed in a mattress store for
a few minutes used to be the one and only way customers could try out a bed
before buying it. Now, thanks to bed in a box online brands, customers can
actually sleep on a potential choice for a few nights (up to three months)
before they decide to keep the bed.

Of course, it’s a little more convenient when you already know which firmness is
best before you get the bed delivered— after all, what if you sleep on it for a
couple of months only to find out it’s too soft or too firm? Even if the sleep
trial is risk-free and the company offers a full refund, you still have to
arrange for a pick-up. Seniors, in particular, should avoid heavy lifting and
moving, so the less they have to do, the better.

To help customers understand mattress firmness, most companies have a firmness
scale on their website. This scale runs from 1-10, with 1 being extremely soft
and 10 being extremely firm. Most mattresses fall between 3-8 on this scale with
little variance— a mattress rated 1 or 10 would be uncomfortable or unsupportive
for most.

In general, you can assume that a mattress marketed as “medium” will lie between
5-6.5 on the firmness scale. Medium is the most popular firmness choice because
it appeals to couples, those with different sleep preferences, and side and
combo-sleepers (the two most popular sleeping positions).

FirmnessFirmness Scale Rating Soft2 to 3 Medium-Soft4 Medium5 to 6.5
Medium-Firm7 Firm8 to 9

Remember that there is some variance in the application of this scale— one brand
may call a mattress “medium” when it actually rates closer to a 7, or
medium-firm. If you’re unsure, contact the customer service reps for more
specific information about the feel. Some bed-in-a-box brands, including
Amerisleep, have physical store locations where you can try out the mattresses
in person before buying.

There is one other way to determine firmness, although it’s a bit more technical
and not often advertised on mattress websites. However, you might come across
the term in your search, so it helps to know exactly what it means.

The ILD, or Indentation Load Deflection rating, measures the firmness of the top
comfort layers of a mattress. This is done by placing a small weight (usually
shaped like a sphere) on top of the mattress and then measuring the depth of the
indentation.

However much weight is needed to compress the mattress up to 25% of its
thickness, or one inch, becomes the ILD rating. Therefore, the higher the
weight, the firmer the mattress. Note that the ILD only measures the firmness of
the top layers since that is what the sleeper will feel, so if you would like a
better “overall” firmness rating, refer to the firmness scale.

Seniors often suffer from back pain or other degenerative issues, which will
affect their choice of firmness. It used to be that most assumed a soft bed was
the best mattress for back pain; however, recent data suggests a medium-firm
mattress is best.


SLEEPING POSITION

Next to firmness and mattress type, sleeping position is the key to how your
mattress feels. What feels soft to a back-sleeper may feel much too firm or
uncomfortable for a side-sleeper.

BACK SLEEPERS

Back sleepers typically feel most comfortable and supported on medium-firm,
firm, and sometimes medium mattresses. Keep in mind that mattress firmness is a
little subjective depending on the brand— this is why knowing the firmness scale
rating is helpful.

Sleeping on your back puts you in the best position for spinal alignment as long
as your mattress doesn’t sink down too far or cause the hips to bow upward.
ScienceDirect studies Verified Source ScienceDirect One of the largest hubs for
research studies and has published over 12 million different trusted resources.
View source have shown the best firmness for back pain sufferers is medium-firm.

One drawback of sleeping in the supine position is that it can close off the
airways— gravity presses down on the soft tissues of the throat, leading to or
exacerbating snoring or sleep apnea. Sleep apnea Verified Source American
Academy of Sleep Medicine Society focused on sleep medicine and disorders, and
the AASM is who authorizes U.S. sleep medicine facilities. View source affects
up to 20% of adults ages 55-78, and one study found that the presence of sleep
apnea in seniors can even increase their mortality risk.

As such, seniors should avoid back sleeping unless they use a mid to high-loft
pillow that keeps their airways open. Additionally, seniors can invest in an
adjustable base which allows you to keep your head elevated all night without
any pillow adjustments.

SIDE SLEEPERS

Side sleeping is one of the healthiest positions overall— it keeps the spine in
a neutral position, leaves the airways open, and even promotes better heart
health (as long as you sleep on your right side).

There are a few drawbacks to sleeping on your side, especially if your mattress
is too firm. Side-sleepers most often choose a medium or medium-soft mattress
that prevents paresthesia— that “pins and needles” feeling that occurs when you
sleep with your arms under your head (like most side-sleepers do). If your
mattress is too firm, it will press against your limbs and inflame pressure
points.

To prevent this, side sleepers ought to choose a softer bed. We recommend The
AS3 or AS4 for side-sleepers because both relieve pressure points and offer
support without sinking down too far.

STOMACH SLEEPERS

Stomach sleeping is not recommended for anyone— no matter your age— because it
comes with the most risk for back, neck, and shoulder pain as well as serious
injury or misalignment. In fact, the only potential benefit of sleeping on the
stomach is that it may not cause snoring (however, some stomach sleepers sleep
with their faces in their pillows, which doesn’t keep the airways open).

Seniors who sleep this way should try and train themselves to sleep another way
by using a body pillow or even an adjustable base. If you’re having a hard time
switching from stomach sleeping to another position, at least choose a mattress
that is firm enough to keep the spine neutral— for stomach sleepers, this
translates to a firm or medium-firm bed.


TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Certain medical conditions like those commonly afflicting elderly folks are
exacerbated by overheating. Memory foam mattresses, especially those with a
thick memory foam layer on top, are especially prone to trapping heat. For this
reason, older people who suffer from diabetes (and subsequent night sweats),
poor circulation, or chronic pain further irritated by heat should choose a
mattress with cooling technologies.

Naturally cooling mattresses like innersprings and hybrids dissipate body heat
through their open coil structures, but they also have less motion isolation and
pressure relief than memory foam mattresses.

To enjoy the benefits of both pressure relief and cooling, we recommend seniors
choose a memory foam mattress infused with gel or one with advanced open-cell
technology. Look for foams that are CertiPUR-US® certified— this means they are
tested for formaldehyde, phthalates, and other potential allergens and chemicals
that can disrupt sleep.


NOISE AND MOTION ISOLATION

A noisy mattress doesn’t appeal to anyone, but it can be especially bothersome
to seniors whose sleep cycles are more fragile and prone to interruptions.
Innerspring mattresses are the noisiest type because of their bouncy coils. Some
hybrids can be noisy as well, although the foam layers on top may muffle some of
the noise. The quietest mattress types are memory foam and latex.

If your mattress is noisy, chances are good that it also transfers motion fairly
well— meaning if you share your bed, you will probably feel every movement your
partner makes in the night. Again, opting for memory foam or latex beds will
mitigate this issue since both mattress types absorb motion while conforming
nicely to each individual in the bed.


WARRANTIES, RETURN POLICIES, AND SLEEP TRIALS

Warranties protect against any damages or manufacturing defects your new
mattress may have. Most mattresses come with a 10-year warranty, but some brands
offer even longer warranty periods because they have that much more confidence
in their product. However, beware of overlong warranties, like lifetime
warranties— they seem like a great guarantee, but they’re more of a marketing
tactic. Even the highest quality mattress doesn’t last that long.

If there is no sleep trial offered with your new mattress, look for a return
policy or customer guarantee that allows you to return the bed for a refund
within a certain trial period. We always recommend mattresses with sleep trials
over customer guarantees— they have less risk and allow you to try out the bed
for much longer than most return policies (up to 100 nights).




FAQS


DO SENIORS NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT EDGE SUPPORT?

Edge support is more commonly found in innerspring mattresses with pillow or
Euro tops, but some memory foam beds may offer some form of it as well. Edge
support keeps the sleeper from feeling like they will roll off the bed or makes
it easier to sit on the bed’s edge.

Edge support isn’t an absolute necessity for seniors, but it can be nice if you
move around a lot at night and want to avoid falling off the bed. Keep in mind
that a bed with built-in edge support also has less surface area.


WHAT MATTRESS SHOULD I CHOOSE IF I AM OVERWEIGHT OR PETITE?

Seniors who don’t fit the average “body type” may need to do some extra research
before buying a new bed. In general, petite sleepers (weighing less than 130
pounds) should opt for a medium-soft or soft mattress. Heavier sleepers need a
medium-firm or firm bed that supports their weight and does not sag even after
years of use.


DO ALL BED IN A BOX MATTRESSES COME WITH WHITE GLOVE DELIVERY?

Seniors may pay closer attention to white glove delivery than the average
mattress customer because they’ll want to avoid too much lifting or moving. Some
companies offer white glove delivery as part of the mattress purchase, while
others charge an extra fee. White glove delivery ensures someone will set up
your new mattress and remove your old one— you don’t have to lift a finger!

Not all brands offer this service, so if it’s worth it to you, look for those
that do.


WHAT IS THE BEST MATTRESS FOR SENIORS?

The right mattress for seniors should be supportive, isolate motion well,
relieve pressure points, and deter sagging. To elevate their sleep experience
even more, seniors should consider using their mattress with an adjustable bed
base, which allows them to customize their posture while in bed. Adjustable beds
work with most foam mattresses, but they are not always compatible with
innersprings or hybrids— always check the company’s website for more info about
compatibility.



This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from
your doctor or other medical professional.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

McKenzie Hyde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer focused
on sleep health and the mattress industry. She currently writes articles on a
variety of topics, ranging from sleep hygiene to the newest trends in the
mattress and bedding industry. Just some of the topics she has covered include
best sleep practices for students, the consequences of going without sleep, and
choosing the right bed if you suffer from back pain. McKenzie Hyde holds a
Master of Arts degree from Utah State University where she studied literature
and writing. While there, she taught argumentative writing and wrote a variety
of articles and analyses for literary and academic journals.

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Follow McKenzie Hyde: Author Linkedin



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