Best Mattress for Seniors in 2026: Pain Relief + Comfort Considerations

Key Takeaways 

• Prioritize support, pressure relief, and ease of mobility for seniors when choosing a mattress.
• Look for key features such as good edge support, optimal firmness, and temperature regulation to get in and out of bed easier, reduce discomfort, and prevent overheating.
• Purple offers some of the best mattresses for seniors, featuring innovative GelFlex Grid® technology to enhance comfort.

As we age, sleep may become more challenging due to arthritis, back pain, hip discomfort, or difficulty getting in and out of bed. Choosing the best mattress for seniors is essential for alleviating joint pressure, promoting restful sleep, and supporting daily mobility.

We’ll cover the top Purple mattresses for seniors, featuring our GelFlex Grid®, which has been a proven support system in hospital beds for burn victims and critical patients for over 20 years. This carefully curated list is rooted in research, expert reviews, and trusted insights. 

Keep reading to discover the ideal mattress that can help older adults wake up refreshed and reduce morning aches.

Find Your Comfort Zone

Discover mattresses that provide support, cooling, and pressure relief for every sleeper.

Shop Mattresses

Overview of the Best Mattress for Seniors

Before we dive into each mattress, here’s a quick comparison chart highlighting the key features of our top picks for seniors.

Best Mattress for Seniors for Joint Support: RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress

Alternative for: Helix Midnight Elite

The RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress is an excellent choice for seniors seeking targeted joint support, thanks to its innovative GelFlex Grid® technology. This adaptable support system cradles pressure points in the hips and shoulders, making it one of the best mattresses for arthritis and joint discomfort.

This mattress has received numerous accolades, such as:

• NBC: Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain¹
• Rolling Stone: Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers²

Compared to the Helix Midnight Elite, the RestorePremier® Hybrid provides cooler, more consistent support and superior pressure relief without sacrificing ease of movement.

• Key Features: Adaptive GelFlex Grid®, maximum airflow, hybrid design, edge-to-edge coils
• Materials: GelFlex Grid®, Ultra Comfort Foam, CoolFlex™ Coils, antimicrobial cover
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $3,499-$6,998

The RestorePremier® has helped countless individuals improve their sleep quality. Here’s what one happy customer had to say:

“Both my wife and I are very happy with our Purple. We both sleep better and have no back pain. The mattress seems to hug you while still supplying the necessary support for the lower back. We are seniors and very much need the pressure relief the Purple provides, allowing for a good night’s sleep. Our son recommended [it] and he gave us wonderful advice.” — Richard & Kathleen, RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress review

Shop the RestorePremier® to enjoy luxurious comfort and joint support.

Best Mattress for Senior Side Sleepers: The Purple Mattress®

Alternative for: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex

The Purple Mattress® is an excellent choice for seniors who sleep primarily on their side. It delivers targeted pressure relief at the shoulders and hips while maintaining supportive alignment. It’s designed to contour without sacrificing breathability, making it comfortable for long nights and helping ease common side sleeper pain.

The Purple Mattress® has earned several awards for support, cooling, and pain relief, including:

• Good Housekeeping: Best Cooling Mattress for Adjustable Beds³
• CNET: Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Shoulder or Hip Pain⁴

Compared to the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex, the Purple Mattress® offers superior pressure relief and airflow with a lighter, more responsive feel at a lower price. CopperFlex relies on memory foam layering for contour, but Purple’s GelFlex Grid® delivers adaptable support with better temperature regulation and easier movement, making it one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

• Key Features: Adaptive GelFlex Grid® with cooling technology
• Materials: GelFlex Grid®, comfort foam, base support foam
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $999-$2,198

The Purple Mattress® is a favorite among side sleepers. Here’s a firsthand account from someone who found their ideal mattress:

“My husband and I are cuddlers, and comfort is very important for a great sleep! Our senior aches and pains took several weeks, but slowly they all eased to a happy place! We are both very happy that we chose Purple! Thank you for the reasonable price!” — Ann R, The Purple Mattress® review

Shop the Purple Mattress® today and enjoy the support and pressure relief designed for a more comfortable night’s rest.

Best Mattress for Seniors for Hip Support: RejuvenatePremier® Mattress

Alternative for: Amerisleep Organica Plush

A bad mattress can cause hip pain, especially for seniors. The RejuvenatePremier® Mattress can alleviate this problem by offering targeted support that alleviates pressure and promotes proper alignment in the hips, allowing older adults to shift more comfortably.

Compared to the Amerisleep Organica Plush, which offers a soft, cozy feel, the RejuvenatePremier® provides a more supportive, pressure-relieving experience. Its layered GelFlex Grid® technology maximizes hip support while maintaining a cooler sleep surface, making it a superior choice for those with hip discomfort.

• Key Features: Layered GelFlex Grid® and responsive coil system for full-body support
• Materials: 2”+ 2” of GelFlex Grid®, Active Response+ Foam, responsive coil system
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $6,499-$12,998

Many seniors have found relief with the RejuvenatePremier®. Here’s a testimonial from a satisfied customer:

“This has been great to keep me cool at night, since I am menopausal, and my husband loves it because it helps with his back and hip pain. One of our best buys!” — Walters, RejuvenatePremier® Mattress review

Experience relief like never before with a mattress that offers hip support and pressure relief.

Best Mattress for Seniors for Back Support: RestorePlus® Hybrid Mattress

Alternative for: Saatva Contour5

Designed with back sleepers in mind, the RestorePlus® Hybrid Mattress provides exceptional support and pressure relief, helping reduce morning aches. Its innovative GelFlex Grid® and zoned coil system work together to promote proper spinal alignment and comfort.

The RestorePlus® Mattress has earned several awards, including:

• Refinery29: Best Mattress for Sleeping Next to a Hot Sleeper⁵
• Forbes: Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Neck and Shoulder Pain⁶
• Good Housekeeping: Best Mattress for Heavy People With Back Pain⁷

Compared to the Saatva Contour5, which offers a traditional memory foam feel with minimal support and higher motion transfer, the RestorePlus® excels with its adaptive technology, providing superior support, cooling, and pressure relief for those with back issues.

• Key Features: Zoned support and adaptable GelFlex Grid® for comfort
• Materials: GelFlex Grid®, Ultra Comfort Foam, edge-to-edge coils, antimicrobial cover
• Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $2,799-$5,598

The RestorePlus® has resonated with many users seeking reliable relief and easier movement. Here’s what a satisfied back sleeper had to say:

“I have had this mattress for about 5 weeks now. It has helped tremendously with my lower back pain. I have a herniated disk and I [knew] it was time for a new mattress because my old one felt like it was just making things worse. This one has exceeded my expectations. When I wake up in the morning, I'm not bending over to put my hands on my knees to help me get up. Now I just have a hard time getting up because I don't want to get out [of] my bed!” — Robert, RestorePlus® Hybrid Mattress review

Ready to experience the support and comfort for yourself?

Best Mattress for Mobility Issues: Restore® Hybrid Mattress

Alternative for: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

The Restore® Hybrid Mattress is one of the best mattresses for the elderly with mobility issues, pairing well with an adjustable base to help with getting in and out of bed. It supports easy transitions while delivering targeted pressure relief and stable edge support.

Compared to the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid, the Restore® Hybrid Mattress offers more tailored support and compatibility with adjustable bases. The Sapira Chill prioritizes cooling but can trade off edge support and adjustability. In contrast, the Restore® Hybrid provides a more balanced suite of mobility-friendly features for seniors.

• Key Features: 2” GelFlex Grid®, zoned coils for support, and edge-to-edge coils for stability
• Materials: GelFlex Grid®, Ultra Comfort Foam, zoned edge-to-edge coils, antimicrobial SoftFlex cover
• Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $1,999-$3,998

Many users have experienced a significant improvement in sleep quality with the Restore® Hybrid. Here’s a firsthand account:

“Never slept on a Purple mattress until I stayed at my son's and he had one. It was literally the best night of sleep I have ever had. I woke up without any back pain. Came home and ordered my new Purple one even though my mattress was only 1 1/2 years old. I don't dread going to sleep now!!” — Marguerite, Restore® Hybrid Mattress review

Shop the Restore® Hybrid today and enjoy personalized support that adapts to your needs.

What To Look For in the Best Mattresses for Seniors 

When shopping for a mattress, seniors should prioritize features that support mobility, comfort, and overall health. Tyler Wright, Senior Product Manager of Mattresses at Purple, emphasizes that the right mattress can help alleviate pain and make it easier to get in and out of bed.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a mattress.

Firmness 

Choosing the right firmness is crucial. Tyler recommends consulting a mattress firmness guide and starting with a medium feel, as it offers a balance between support and pressure relief.

He explains, "Firmer mattresses often promote better spinal alignment, which is especially important for those with back pain or arthritis. However, a mattress that's too firm can cause pressure points. If you're trying to decide between a plush vs. firm mattress, opting for medium firmness is generally a safer starting point."⁸

Materials 

Material choice affects support, durability, and temperature regulation. Different materials offer unique benefits, for instance:

• Hybrid: Offers a combination of support and pressure relief, ideal for a variety of sleepers
• Memory foam: Provides excellent support for pressure points and motion isolation, but may run hot
• Latex: Durable, breathable, and offers a cooling sleep experience and quick responsiveness
• GelFlex Grid®: Instantly responds to movement, providing pressure relief support without trapping heat

Comparing material options like latex vs. memory foam or a memory foam vs. hybrid mattress can help you find a balance between support, temperature regulation, and pressure relief tailored to your individual needs.

Height of Mattress 

Getting in and out of bed should feel safe and effortless, especially for seniors with mobility challenges. Mattress thickness and bed height directly impact ease of movement, reducing the risk of falls or strain when transitioning in and out of bed. A mattress at the same height as the knees can make it easier for older adults and those with joint issues to get in and out of bed.

Mattresses that are too tall or too low can create difficulties, such as requiring excessive effort to sit up or stand, or increasing the likelihood of accidents. Choosing a height that aligns with your bed frame and personal comfort can make a significant difference in daily routines and overall safety.

Movement Adaptability 

Mobility can decline with age, so it's important that a mattress allows easy position changes. As Tyler points out, “Various types of materials, including memory foam, can reduce motion transfer in bed, which can also make it hard to move and reposition.”

A responsive surface that contours gently to the body yet rebounds quickly can improve sleep quality by minimizing disruptions caused by movement.

Edge Support 

Good edge support is vital for seniors, particularly for those who sit on the side of the bed or have balance concerns. Tyler notes, “A mattress with reinforced edges helps prevent falling by reducing excessive sinkage when sitting or getting in and out of bed, making the surface safer and more accessible.”

A sturdy perimeter also adds to the mattress’s durability and supports mobility, making it easier and safer to get out of bed each morning.

Temperature Regulation 

For seniors who experience hot flashes or night sweats, cooling features are essential. Tyler highlights that the best cooling mattress incorporates breathable covers, gel infusions, open-cell foams, and coil systems to promote airflow and dissipate heat.

Look for mattresses with these features to maintain a cooler sleep surface and avoid overheating during the night.

Mattress Shopping Tips for Seniors 

Here are some more practical tips to help older adults make confident choices:

• Ask for assistance: Seek help from store staff or online support for guidance on firmness, support, and features.
• Test the mattress: Spend time lying and sitting on the mattress to assess its comfort and support levels.
• Prioritize support: Choose a mattress that maintains proper spinal alignment and reduces aches.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews from other seniors and experts for durability and comfort insights.
• Opt for convenient setup: Pick mattresses that come with free professional installation, like Purple's Rejuvenate models, for a hassle-free experience.

Sleep Better With the Right Mattress for Seniors

Choosing the best mattress for seniors is about prioritizing comfort, support, and ease of movement. Purple mattresses, featuring our proprietary GelFlex Grid® technology, offer tailored pressure relief, enhanced edge support, and optimal responsiveness to meet the unique needs of older adults.

By selecting a mattress designed with these features, seniors can experience reduced pain, improved rest, and better mobility. Explore our collection of mattresses and choose a bed frame for more comfortable, restorative sleep.

Support That Fits Your Style

Explore smart bases with head and foot elevation, lumbar support, and massage features.

Shop Adjustable Bed Frames