What Is Pressure Relief in a Mattress? + Best Mattress for Pressure Relief

What type of mattress is best for pressure relief?

• The best mattresses for pressure relief are made with materials like memory foam, latex, and the GelFlex Grid®.
• A great pressure-relieving mattress can contour to and cushion pressure points, such as your hips and shoulders, while supporting your back and promoting spinal alignment.
• The best pressure relief mattress for you will depend on your sleep position, body type, comfort preferences, and mobility.

Painful or uncomfortable pressure can impact sleep quality and, therefore, how rested you feel the next morning. The best pressure relief mattress cradles and cushions contact points like the hips and shoulders while providing enough support for your spine so you don’t wake up with soreness or have trouble sleeping.

Different mattresses may work better for specific sleep styles or body types. Ultimately, the best mattresses for pressure point relief are engineered to reduce or alleviate the buildup of pressure on specific, common points on the body.

Read along as we dive deeper into what “pressure relief” actually means, why pressure point relief matters for preventing and reducing aches, and which mattresses do the best job of relieving pressure on your body. 

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What Is Pressure Relief in a Mattress?

If a mattress offers “pressure relief,” this means it cradles and cushions the common points of pressure buildup (such as your hips and shoulders), while maintaining integrity and support everywhere else. Cradling pressure points helps prevent an uncomfortable buildup of tension in those key areas.

Other parts of the body also need support at the same time as your pressure points. The best mattress for pressure points may also offer “zoning,” which means that some areas provide more sinkage than others. This helps keep your spine aligned during the night to prevent back pain. 

Not every Purple mattress features zoning, but the GelFlex Grid® in every Purple mattress adapts to your body, providing targeting support and pressure relief where you need it most.

With this in mind, here’s a closer look at the best pressure relief mattress options:

Best Mattress for Pressure Relief Overall: RestorePremier®

Alternative for: Helix Midnight Luxe

The Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress is our top pick for pressure relief mattresses, with 4x improvement in pressure relief.* By combining a 3” GelFlex Grid®, Ultra Comfort Foam, and CoolFlex™ Coils, this mattress provides dynamic pinpoint support while cradling your body’s pressure points. Side sleepers who need extra relief for their shoulders and hips may prefer its softer feel.

*Disclaimer: Survey results from a SleepScore Labs study with subjects sleeping on a Purple Restore Collection mattress for 4 weeks compared to their original mattress.

Named the Best Luxury Hybrid Mattress by Forbes, the RestorePremier® is consistently praised for the weightless feel it offers sleepers, while still providing essential support for the entire body.¹

• 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

Thanks to Purple’s patented cooling technology and one-of-a-kind pressure relief, the RestorePremier® Hybrid is sure to help you enjoy more comfortable sleep.

“My wife and I are truly impressed with this mattress. It truly has a cooling feeling, but it is, more importantly, supportive where necessary, and soft elsewhere.” — Kevin H, RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress review

Experience targeted pressure relief for better sleep with this supportive Purple mattress.

Best Pressure Relief Mattress for Side Sleepers: RejuvenatePremier®

Alternative for: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid

Side sleepers are more likely to experience pressure in the first place because their sleep position naturally puts more pressure on the shoulders and hips at night. Fortunately, the RejuvenatePremier® Mattress offers luxurious, full-body pressure relief that especially caters to the needs of side sleepers.

As one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, the RejuvenatePremier® helps address common problems like hip pain and shoulder pain. 

Its Layered Grid with Active Response+ Foam, Dynamic Grid Support, and DreamLayer® tech provide advanced relief for the hips and shoulders, evenly distributing support and promoting proper alignment while deeply cradling your joints.

Named the Best Premium Mattress by Men’s Health, this mattress offers an unparalleled comfort experience for side sleepers.²

• Key Features: Adaptive GelFlex Grid®, maximum airflow, hybrid design, Dynamic Grid Support
• Materials: GelFlex Grid® + Active Response Foam, DreamLayer tech
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $6,499-$12,998

Targeted pressure relief from the RejuvenatePremier® is sure to help you enjoy more comfortable sleep.

“I really like this mattress because it manages to be both soft and firm at the same time. It provides solid support while also relieving pressure points, which has made a huge difference in my sleep.

One of the biggest standouts for me is the cooling. The Purple Mattress® actually stays cool throughout the night, thanks to its airflow and conductive materials.

Since getting it, I've slept better than ever. I can stay in the same position for hours without discomfort — something I could never do with other mattresses.” — Troy B, RejuvenatePremier® Hybrid Mattress review

For side sleepers in need of pressure relief, this luxurious mattress is an excellent option.

Best Pressure Relief Mattress for Back Sleepers: RejuvenatePlus®

Alternative for: Beautyrest PressureSmart Hybrid

Pain and discomfort can disrupt your sleep regardless of your position. This is especially true of those with conditions like sciatica, which can cause nerve-related pain in the lower back and hips. 

Fortunately, the RejuvenatePlus® Mattress is uniquely suited for back sleepers who need pressure relief in these areas.

This mattress’s medium feel is a great choice for a range of sleepers. Its Dynamic Grid Support ensures spinal alignment, while a 3” GelFlex Grid® (also known as a Gel Matrix™) instantly adapts to your movements during sleep. Targeted pressure relief for the hips and shoulders prevents aches and soreness in the morning.

• Key Features: Adaptive GelFlex Grid®, maximum airflow, hybrid design, Dynamic Grid Support
• Materials: GelFlex Grid® + Active Response Foam, DreamLayer tech
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $5,499-$10,998

Back sleepers who need pressure relief find the RejuvenatePlus® to offer the right level of cushioning and comfort.

“I've been sleeping on the Purple RejuvenatePlus mattress for two months now, and it's been a game-changer. I struggle with hip pain and back pain, and this mattress offers the perfect balance of support and softness — it gently cushions pressure points without feeling too firm or too plush.” — Jen, RejuvenatePlus® Mattress review

For “just-right” firmness that also provides much-needed pressure relief, check out this Purple mattress.

Best Cooling Mattress for Pressure Relief: RestorePlus®

Alternative for: Helix Midnight Luxe

Pressure point pain isn’t the only thing that can keep you tossing and turning. For sleepers who also need extra cooling support, the RestorePlus® Hybrid Mattress helps maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the night. 

The RestorePlus® Hybrid achieves this thanks to its 3 Zone responsive edge-to-edge coils, which offer targeted core body support while also promoting better airflow. This works together with the GelFlex Grid® to dissipate heat and cradle your pressure points so you can sleep more deeply. 

With a softer, more supportive feel than competitors like the Helix Midnight Luxe, you can’t beat this combination of comfort and cooling.

• 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 cooling elements of this mattress can be a powerful difference-maker for sleep quality, especially when combined with zoned, full-body support and pressure relief.

“The best feature of this mattress is its ability to provide substantial pressure relief. I suffer from shoulder pain and lower back pain. This has been the best solution!” — Carmen J, RestorePlus® Hybrid Mattress review

With its combination of helpful pressure relief and powerful cooling, the RestorePlus® provides advanced comfort for back, side, and combination sleepers.

Best Pressure-Relieving Mattress for Couples: The Purple Mattress®

Alternative for: Nectar Gel Memory Foam

For couples, pressure relief is just one part of getting a good night’s sleep. Motion isolation, so you don’t wake up when your partner moves, can also make a big difference for your sleep quality. 

The Purple Mattress®’s balanced support, medium-firm feel, and stabilizing base support foam achieve this by providing pressure relief with less bounce. According to one study, sleepers reported over 2x improvement in pressure relief, allowing them to sleep more comfortably.*

*Disclaimer: Survey results from a SleepScore Labs study with subjects sleeping on a Purple Essential Collection mattress for 4 weeks compared to their original mattress.

Our original mattress in a box still stands out as a great option for shoulder and hip relief thanks to its 2” GelFlex Grid® and Comfort Foam layers, which adapt to your movements for lasting pressure relief. Adaptive and stabilizing layers ensure you and your partner will enjoy comfortable, uninterrupted sleep.

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

With multiple layers designed to provide both comfort and support, The Purple Mattress® is a great pressure relief solution.

“My 1st Purple was 6 years ago in an effort to solve my hip issues/pain. It made sleeping so much better and comfortable. There are no pressure points with the Purple Mattress® so you get up feeling rested, not sore and stiff. ” — Lynn G, The Purple Mattress® review

Wake up feeling well-rested and comfortable with the original Purple Mattress®.

Why Does Pressure Relief Matter?

Without sufficient pressure relief from your mattress, you may be more likely to wake up with sore spots. You also may find it harder to fall asleep at all, which can negatively impact your mental and physical health.

A bad mattress can cause hip pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and general discomfort. It can aggravate chronic pain and cause discomfort for elderly people with joint pain, arthritis, and other conditions. In any sleep position, a supportive mattress that cushions your pressure points is essential for even pressure distribution and better sleep quality.

Purple’s Restore Collection excels this, with 95% of sleepers reporting pressure relief and 63% experiencing less pain at night.

*Disclaimer: Average reduction reported in the impact of pain on sleep, as measured by the Chronic Pain Sleep Inventory (CPSI), while sleeping on a Purple Restore Collection mattress, SleepScore Labs, 2025.

If you wake up with shoulder pain, back pain, or hip pain, experience chronic pain, or have an old and sagging mattress, you should consider upgrading to a mattress with sufficient pressure relief.

Types of Pressure-Relieving Mattresses

With so many types of mattresses on the market, it can be difficult to tell which ones are best for pressure relief. Pressure relief depends on the mattress’s design and materials.

For example, memory foam and hybrid mattresses both offer medium to high pressure relief, but memory foam tends to sink more than hybrid materials. This can result in insufficient support for back sleepers, even when the same mattress would work well for side sleepers.

Here’s a closer look at the amount of pressure relief you can expect from different types of mattresses:

The best option for pressure relief from Purple is a hybrid with the GelFlex Grid®, offering the stability and support of a hybrid with the innovative comfort of Purple’s sleep technology.

The RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress is an industry-leading choice for pressure relief. Responsive CoolFlex™ Coils conform precisely to your body shape while letting excess body heat escape for maximum cooling.

How To Choose the Best Mattress for Pressure Points

Finding the best mattress for pressure point relief depends on more than the materials that make up the mattress. You also need to consider your sleep position, body type, and mobility to find a mattress that fits your specific needs.

By Sleep Position

Your sleep position often influences what mattress firmness is right for you. Side sleepers usually prefer soft to medium-firm mattresses for their hips and shoulders. Mattresses with extra cushioning layers can better support these body parts, which tend to sink into the mattress when sleeping on your side. 

Back sleepers have the least weight on their pressure points, but most find a medium-firm mattress best for spinal alignment and lumbar support. Stomach sleepers often find that firm mattresses support their pressure points best without letting their midsection sink too far into the mattress.

By Body Type

Sleepers with lighter body types may benefit from a soft mattress, which will contour more closely to their pressure points. On the other hand, sleepers with heavier body types may find that a firm mattress is better at keeping them from sinking into the mattress while still reducing tension on the hips and shoulders.

Any mattress in Purple’s Restore or Rejuvenate collections can support heavier individuals without compromising comfort or support. With a hybrid construction featuring interior coils, these mattresses provide a supportive sleep surface with comfort features like the GelFlex Grid® to provide pressure relief.

By Mobility

Sleepers with limited mobility may benefit from mattresses with a high level of pressure relief to help improve circulation during the night. 

Pairing a pressure relief mattress with an adjustable base can also help. An adjustable base allows you to raise or lower your head and feet to spread your weight more evenly. This can also make it easier to get in and out of bed. If you have limited mobility, consult a medical professional to determine what sleep setup best suits you. 

Mattress comfort can be extremely subjective. If you strongly prefer the feel of a soft or firm mattress, go for it — just make sure the mattress offers some degree of pressure relief and spinal support.

Use HSA/FSA Funds on a Pressure Relief Mattress

If you’re shopping for a mattress to help ease pressure points or chronic pain, you might be able to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help cover the cost. 

Purple has partnered with TrueMed so you can use HSA/FSA funds on eligible products like pressure-relieving mattresses that improve sleep quality and reduce discomfort. With instant eligibility verification and no surprise paperwork, the process is quick and simple.

See if you qualify to use your HSA or FSA for your mattress purchase.

Do Pressure-Relieving Mattresses Work?

High-quality pressure-relieving mattresses are designed to reduce pressure buildup on key areas of your body that may otherwise experience uncomfortable tension during the night. 

The best pressure relief mattress offers much-needed comfort and support, including for those with chronic conditions like arthritis.

Purple offers several great mattresses for pressure relief, making it easy to find a match that fits your personal preferences and individual needs. Consider your sleep position, body type, mobility, and comfort preferences to choose a mattress that provides the right balance of support and pressure relief.

Advanced Comfort and Support

Purple Restore® Hybrid mattresses combine the soothing pressure relief of the GelFlex® Grid with pocketed coils for adaptive support.

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