What’s the Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers? Key Features To Consider

What is the best mattress for combination sleepers? 

The Purple Rejuvenate Luxe collection is the best option for combination sleepers thanks to these mattresses’ ability to isolate motion and adapt to and support the body's natural alignment in multiple positions.

Say you don’t fit cleanly into one of the three sleeper categories: stomach, back, or side sleeper. Maybe you toss and turn, or maybe you frequently fall asleep in one position only to wake up in another. You’re what’s called a combination sleeper, and you’re in the right place. 

We’ve rounded up some of the best mattresses for combination sleepers out there. We’ll walk you through the differences between Purple mattresses and how to identify the right one for you. 

Read along to learn ways to support your active sleep style, how to reduce disturbances for sleeping partners, and which mattresses support which sleep position combinations. Before long, you’ll be able to fall asleep faster and get some much-deserved shut-eye. 

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What Is a Combination Sleeper?

A combination sleeper doesn’t stick to one sleeping position during the night. They might fall asleep on their back and wake up on their side or stomach, for example. If you switch between positions, or prefer two out of the three main positions (stomach, back, and side), you’re a combination sleeper. 

It’s important to pick a mattress that supports you throughout the night, no matter what position you find yourself in. Rest assured that there are great mattresses out there made specifically to support combination sleepers. 

Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers

Ultimately, personal preference matters most when it comes to the best mattress for combination sleepers. In general, though, people who change sleep positions overnight benefit most from responsive, adaptive mattresses. You’ll want to find a bed that reduces motion transfer, especially if you sleep with a partner, and one that provides you with plenty of support and pressure relief. 

Best Mattress for Tossing and Turning: Purple Plus® Mattress

Alternative for: Amerisleep AS3 and Saatva Classic

Do you toss and turn to get comfortable? Or do you tend to move around while dreaming? Look no further than the Purple Plus® Mattress. Its thick, breathable Ultra Comfort Foam effectively isolates movement so you won’t bother your partner when you switch sleep positions. 

While memory foam isn’t always bad for your back, it may not provide the support and stability you need to maintain alignment. Comparatively, the instantly adaptive GelFlex Grid® layer provides plenty of base support and ample pressure relief for a superior sleep experience.

• Key Features: 2” GelFlex Grid® instantly adapts to any sleep position and cradles your pressure points, significant airflow, 2 layers of durable support base for added stability and motion isolation, ultra comfort layer for cushioning and better breathability
• Materials: Non-toxic materials, Certified Clean Air GOLD, hypoallergenic, designed and manufactured in the USA
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $1,499-$3,198

With over 22K 5-star reviews, this medium-feel mattress perfectly supports any position throughout the night. 

“I'm definitely sleeping better and longer. I'm not making as many rotations and flip flops throughout the night.” — Eran K, Purple Plus® Mattress review

If you just can’t lie still in bed, don’t worry — this mattress will have your back (and side, and stomach).

Best Mattress for Back and Side Sleepers: The Purple Mattress®

Alternative for: Nolah Evolution

We suggest the original Purple Mattress® as the best bed for side and back sleepers. Fall asleep on your side but end up rolling over onto your back during the night? The Purple Mattress® will support you by adapting to your position and isolating motion. 

• Key Features: 2” GelFlex Grid® instantly adapts to any sleep position and cradles your pressure points, significant airflow, comfort layer for added cushioning, foam base for stability and motion isolation
• Materials: Non-toxic materials, hypoallergenic, designed and manufactured in the USA, Certified Clean Air GOLD
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $999-$2,198

This mattress has a medium-firm feel, ideal for combination sleepers. 

“As a nurse I need comfort and this mattress delivers!” — Olivia L., Purple Mattress® review

And while it’s one of the more cost-effective options on our list, this bed doesn’t sacrifice quality. 

Best Hybrid Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress

Alternative for: Helix Midnight Luxe and Bear Elite Hybrid

If you’re interested in the combination of benefits a hybrid mattress can provide, look into the Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress. This luxury, industry-leading hybrid focuses on conforming around your body for excellent pressure relief while keeping your spine aligned all night. Its soft, soothing feel is why we also rank it the best mattress for combination sleepers with back pain. 

• Key Features: 3” GelFlex Grid® instantly adapts to any sleep position, boosts comfort and cradles your pressure points, individually responsive Coolflex™ coils for dynamic full body support, maximum airflow, advanced edge support system, ultra comfort layer, antimicrobial finish, moisture-wicking cover
• Materials: Non-toxic materials, hypoallergenic, designed and manufactured in the USA, Certified Clean Air GOLD
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $3,249-$6,498

We also love the RestorePremier® for its best-in-class cooling, letting you sleep up to four times cooler than leading competitors. 

“I have always been a very hot sleeper, but haven't woken up sweaty even once since switching to this mattress. More restful sleep, less tossing and turning, and no sweating. I'd say that's a win!” — S.O., RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress review

So for those combination sleepers who sleep hot and may wake up with back aches, this one might be your perfect match. 

Best Mattress for Side and Stomach Sleepers: Rejuvenate™ Mattress

Alternative for: Stearns & Foster Lux Estate

Let’s say you hardly sleep on your back, and instead switch between your stomach and side. We’d be remiss not to mention the Purple Rejuvenate™ Mattress as one of the best mattresses for side and stomach sleepers.

Because stomach sleepers can experience neck and back pain with the wrong sleep setup, it’s crucial to have the right balance of decadent comfort and spine-aligning support. And, for side sleepers who need their hip and shoulder pressure points cradled, its DreamLayer technology provides instantly soothing comfort. 

• Key Features: Luxury cover that features a sophisticated, waterfall edge, DreamLayer technology for comfort and temperature balance, 2” GelFlex Grid®, active response foam, dynamic grid support
• Materials: Non-toxic materials, hypoallergenic, designed and manufactured in the USA, Certified Clean Air GOLD
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $4,999-$8,998

This luxurious mattress also makes a great Sleep Number alternative that offers the sweet spot between comfort and support.

Combination side and stomach sleepers, this one’s for you.

Best Luxury Mattress for Combination Sleepers: RejuvenatePremier® Mattress

Alternative for: Helix Midnight Luxe

If you’re in the market for a luxury option, we suggest taking a peek at the RejuvenatePremier® Mattress. With advanced, full-body pressure relief, you’ll get rejuvenating sleep on this mattress no matter which sleep position combinations you prefer. The Layered Grid with Active Response+ Foam provides the ultimate relief by lessening the pressure on your hips and shoulders. 

• Key Features: Luxury cover, DreamLayer technology, Layered Grid technology, Active Response+ Foam, Dynamic Grid Support
• Materials: Non-toxic materials, designed + manufactured in the USA
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $6,499-$12,998

You’ll find its expertly crafted design and DreamLayer top will want to keep you in bed all day. 

But don’t take our word for it. Experience the indulgent feel for yourself. 

Best Mattress for All Sleep Positions: Purple RejuvenateUltimate™ Mattress

Alternative for: Stearns and Foster Reserve Duet

We’ll end our list with the most luxurious option — and therefore the best mattress for all sleeping positions. The RejuvenateUltimate™ Mattress truly has it all. It’s the pinnacle of decadent sleep and luxury engineering. With double layers of the GelFlex Grid® (also known as the Gel Matrix™), equalling 5 inches total, it unlocks the full potential of the GelFlex Grid’s® comfort. 

• Key Features: Luxury cover, DreamLayer Technology, layered Grid technology,  deeper double layers of GelFlex Grid®, active Response+ Foam, responsive coils
• Materials: Non-toxic materials, designed + manufactured in the USA
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $7,499-$14,998

With incredible support and pressure relief, the RejuvenateUltimate™ is comparable to Stearns and Foster, though we think you’ll find its added cooling and breathability benefits put it at the top. 

How To Choose a Mattress for Combination Sleepers

Now that you know the top options for combination sleepers and the best mattress for all positions, let’s help you find that perfect fit. As a combination sleeper, you’ll need to choose a mattress by considering mattress type, looking for responsive materials, keeping motion isolation and edge support in mind, and prioritizing pressure relief and full-body support. 

1. Choose a Suitable Mattress Type and Firmness

First, consider the mattress type. Here are the different types of mattresses and their benefits for combination sleepers:

• Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are made of viscoelastic materials, contouring to your body and distributing weight equally. For combination sleepers, memory foam provides great pressure relief and motion isolation.
• Latex: Latex mattresses are durable and springy. Combination sleepers may find them responsive, but not as motion isolating. That makes them better options for single sleepers.
• Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses are designed with a combination of springs, foam, or latex, making them equal parts responsive and supportive for combination sleepers. Participants in tests performed on Purple Hybrids™ experienced a 40% reduction in pain.*
• GelFlex Grid®: With hundreds of columns that support your back and cradle your hips and shoulders, the Purple GelFlex Grid® offers all of the above benefits and more. Combination sleepers may especially fall in love with the Grid’s ability to instantly adapt to movement.

*Disclaimer: Based on an independent study performed on Purple Hybrid Mattresses compared to previous mattress models.

In addition to mattress type, you also need to consider firmness. “A medium to medium-firm mattress typically offers the right balance of support and pressure relief to accommodate various sleeping positions,” says Tyler Wright, Senior Product Manager of Mattresses at Purple. “For instance, if you alternate between side and back sleeping, you'll want a mattress that cushions your shoulders and hips while also maintaining proper spinal alignment when you're on your back.”

2. Opt for Responsive Materials

Mattress material is the next consideration. “Since combination sleepers shift positions throughout the night, look for a mattress with good responsiveness — one that quickly adjusts as you move to better support different positions and allows for easy movement,” says Tyler. “A mattress that is slow to adapt can make repositioning disruptive.”

3. Consider Motion Isolation

Especially for couples with one or more combination sleepers, choose a mattress with top-notch motion isolation. Good motion isolation can help minimize disturbances caused by your movements, allowing both you and your partner to sleep more soundly.

Even better, choose a queen mattress or larger — a queen is considered the best bed size for couples. A queen with solid motion isolation will ensure you both wake up refreshed and undisturbed.

4. Look for Edge Support

Combination sleepers tend to shift a lot. Edge support keeps the edges of a mattress feeling sturdy and won’t let you feel like you’re going to fall off the side. Look for a mattress with great edge support to feel stable during the night and reduce the risk of waking up when you shift close to the edge of the bed. 

5. Prioritize Pressure Relief

No matter what sleep position you snooze in, you must support your pressure points. Choose a mattress that provides adequate pressure relief to different regions of the body to enhance comfort.

6. Get Full-Body Support

Make sure your mattress provides full-body support so your spine is aligned and neutral whether you shift to your back, side, or stomach. Full-body support encourages spinal alignment, preventing you from sleeping in awkward positions and waking up sore in the morning.

7. Research Sleep Trials and Warranties

“To find a mattress that is best suited to your specific needs, try several mattresses in person,” says Tyler. “If you share your bed with a partner, bring them along to ensure the mattress meets both of your comfort and support needs.”

Make sure the mattress also comes with a solid sleep trial (at least 90-120 nights) so you have a chance to test it out at home.

What Are the Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers?

To all the tossers and turners out there, you deserve the best sleep possible. The best mattress for combination sleepers will be responsive, supportive, and adaptive, and keep motion to a minimum. 

That’s why Purple mattresses make the difference. The innovative GelFlex Grid® instantly adapts to support all sleep positions throughout the night. 

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Only the GelFlex Grid® instantly adapts to your body as you move, providing soothing comfort and essential support in every position.

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