Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
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Sleep apnea, a disorder where airways are blocked during sleep, is a common problem in the United States. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 adults have it but go undiagnosed because they feel it’s only snoring and not a more serious sleep disorder. Luckily, it’s treatable and manageable with simple lifestyle changes.
In this guide, we list our favorite mattresses and offer helpful suggestions on what to look for in a mattress for sleep apnea relief. We also offer information about apnea and steps you can take to reduce its effects.
Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea Overall:
Amerisleep AS2
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Amerisleep AS2 Overview
The Amerisleep AS2 is our top pick for best mattress for apnea. Its 5-zoned layer offers much needed support with comfortable pressure relief. Plus, all the materials are hypoallergenic, which won’t aggravate allergies or sinuses, helping reduce apnea symptoms like snoring.
All Amerisleep mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Amerisleep AS2 as the best mattress for sleep apnea overall of 2023.
- Medium-Firm Feel for Back Support
Gently firm feels are usually best to prevent spine misalignment.
- Eco-Friendly Comfort Foam
While most memory foams are wholly synthetic, Amerisleep uses plant oils in theirs, along with more traditional ingredients.
- Five Zones of Targeted Support
The surface feels softer and firmer under the body as needed.
When looking to mitigate the side effects of any sleep disorder, support and comfort are key. This is what the AS2 does so well. It has a height 12” and contains the following layers: Bio-Pur® foam, proven to five times more breathable than traditional memory foam, Affinity layer with HIVE® technology – a six-sided textured foam that acts as a 5-zoned system that lends more support to the head, back, and legs and softer support to the shoulders and hips, and long-lasting Bio-Core® support foam.
- Marcos: I’ve had memory foam and standard mattresses previously, this is one of the best mattresses I’ve used. At 65, I need a firm mattress that doesn’t get out of shape
- Carolyn: We purchased our first mattress when our daughter started graduate school. We have since purchased 4 more for our home and condo. The service and sales associates were extremely attentive, profession, and willing to help in anyway to advise & help with all our purchases. When we had a problem with one of the mattresses it was replaced promptly.
- Camper1: We put this bed in out camper first. Then it became our guest bed. Always comfy to sleep on.
Comfort Layers
The AS2 starts with a comfort layer made of Bio-Pur® plant-based memory foam. This foam is what gives this mattress its cooling, breathable, and responsive feel. Instead of using all petroleum-based ingredients, Amerisleep replaces some of the petroleum oils in this foam with plant oils. This creates a huge difference in the feel of the comfort layer.
Transition Layers
Next, you’ll find the HIVE® transition layer. This layer offers targeted support to each area of your body so that you get more lift in your head, legs, and middle and more cushion underneath your shoulders and hips. This is perfect for those who need extra lumbar support and contour to ease their back pain.
Support Layers
Finally, the extremely firm and dense support foam brings up the bottom of the mattress. This Bio-Core® base foam provides maximum lift to keep your body on top of the sleep surface, and it also ensures this mattress will resist sagging and soft spot development for at least 20 years, making this one of the most durable mattresses on our list.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Sleep Apnea:
Zoma Mattress
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Zoma Mattress Overview
The Zoma Mattress is 11 inches of comfort and support. It features a 2-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam to provide the pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam mattresses without any risk of you sleeping hot.
The Zoma Mattress comes with free shipping, a risk-free, 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Zoma as the best memory foam mattress for sleep apnea of 2023.
- Instantly Icy Comfort
Sleepers will quickly relax on the mattress’s cool surface.
- Soft Surface Hugs the Body
Plush but not too plush, the Zoma Boost is quick to relieve pressure and pain.
- Pocketed Coils Buoyant for Easy Movements
It’s a snap to move across the plush surface thanks to its coil support.
Zoma refers to their mattress as a “sports mattress” and targets its product towards athletes or those who live an active lifestyle. People who are active need deeper sleep (and more of it) to help them recover.
What Zoma does for athletes, also makes it a great mattress for nearly everyone. By combining comfort and support, the Zoma Mattress works towards helping you sleep better and recover faster.
- Becky B: I’ve been using the Zoma Sports mattress for about a year now. I no longer wake up with back pain and my arms don’t fall asleep on me when I sleep on my side. It feels soft and squishy, yet gives plenty of gentle support.
- Dawn: It is 100% TRUE that this helps recovery. I woke up feeling like a million bucks. Shoulders, hips and knees all felt great.
- Dean G: I purchased the Zoma Hybrid mattress a few months ago and couldn’t be more happy with the whole process from ordering, delivery and customer support! It is the best mattress I have ever owned.
Comfort Layers
The Zoma boasts a cooling cover made of 97% polyester and 3% spandex that breathes with your body’s movements to keep the sleep surface cool.
Transition Layers
Underneath these layers sits the Reactiv™ layer. This bouncy and buoyant transition foam increases the responsiveness of this hybrid mattress.
Support Layers
The Reactiv™ layer sits directly atop a layer of pocketed coils that improve its responsiveness and provide dynamic support to the mattress.
Best Budget Mattress for Sleep Apnea:
Vaya Mattress
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Vaya Mattress Overview
The Vaya Mattress is made right here in the USA with CertiPUR-US® certified foams. The medium feel of this two-layer mattress will appeal to all kinds of sleepers, including side, combo, and some back sleepers.
The Vaya Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty, and as always, free shipping and free returns.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Vaya Mattress as the best value mattress for sleep apnes of 2023.
- Budget-Friendly, High-Quality Construction
Simple design uses exceptional materials for enduring comfort
- Cooling Comfort Materials
Cotton and airy comfort foam conform to sleepers’ bodies.
- Quality Cover
Stretchy, breathable cover keeps you cool.
The Vaya Comfort Foam offers comfort that will contours to your body. It keeps your spine aligned and bounces back. That way, you won’t feel stuck if you change sleeping positions during the night.
- Erin S: Delivered easily, set up easily, quite comfy, made in America. I don’t wake up with a stuff back, nor am I sleeping in a sunken pit. Pretty good overall.
- Natalie E: This Vaya mattress is amazing! It’s supportive and comfortable, just like a hug for your body! I’m looking forward to purchasing another soon!
- Mary B: Excellent. Soft top, firm under that. Regular foam as opposed to memory foam doesn’t let me sink all the way down to firm layer.
Comfort Layers
The top layer of the Vaya is an open-cell foam called Vaya Comfort Foam. Unlike other memory foam mattresses that trap heat, this one lets air circulate freely, preventing you from waking up if you sleep hot and sweat. The open-cell design also makes this layer super responsive, so even as you change positions in the night, this foam will bounce back, keeping you from sinking down uncomfortably.
Support Layers
The support layer of the Vaya, called Vaya Base Foam, ensures the soft layer above it doesn’t develop sags or soft spots. Instead, it keeps the surface even and supports your spine. With the Vaya Mattress, you can wake up pain-free.
Best Innerspring Mattress for Sleep Apnea:
Saatva Classic
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
365 Nights
Shipping
Free
Anyone who wants a classic pillow top mattress with all the comforts of a modern bed to help with sleep apnea should consider the Saatva Classic. This mattress takes the traditional innerspring design and upgrades it with pocketed coils, antimicrobial protection, and targeted back support.
The Saatva Classic comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Saatva not only ships their mattresses for free but will also arrange a setup appointment with you, and will even haul away your old mattress if you wish.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Saatva Classic as the best innerspring mattress for sleep apnea of 2023.
- Antimicrobial Mattress Surface
The cotton cover is treated with a botanical compound that repels microbes.
- Memory Foam Back Support
The dense memory foam works with active wire for extra lumbar support.
- Pocketed and Traditional Coils
The transition is pocketed coils, with underlying open steel coils.
The Saatva Classic comes in three different firmnesses, so how the mattress feels will depend on which you choose. No matter what feel you choose, though, you’ll have the benefit of its crisp, cool cotton-covered pillow top. This surface has added support in the torso area, ensuring the spine remains in neutral alignment as you stretch out on the pillow top.
Robert B: Best mattress & service dept i ever dealt with..HIGHLY recommend these mattress’ to anyone whose looking for a Mattress far above anything out there.
Chris: I love the feel of my bed, the mattress cover adds some comfy, the pillows are just like sleeping on a cloud,. I’m very pleased with my choice to purchase my bed from Saatva.
Anita: I was on the website a few weeks ago and had a$600 reduction in the amount of my mattress. But since then the prices changed and the discounts were smaller. But I had saved my page and found the $600 discount. It was approved and I purchased my mattress. That is amazing!
Comfort Layers
The top of the Saatva Classic is a Euro pillow top with organic cotton. Aside from its natural cool and hypoallergenic fibers, the cotton provides antimicrobial protection thanks to the botanical treatment Saatva places on it. The treatment inhibits bacteria, mold, and mildew, so the surface is more likely to stay fresh with little extra effort on the sleeper’s part.
Underneath is a dense memory foam layer that is CertiPUR-US® certified. With a Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire for enhanced back support, this memory foam boosts comfort.
Transition Layers
The transition layer of the Saatva Classic isn’t foam, but a series of miniature pocketed coils, made with recycled steel. These coils are zoned for stronger support in the middle of the mattress, underneath the torso.
Support Layers
The support core of the Saatva Classic is tempered steel coils with an open design. The coils are engineered for durability and minimal chances of sagging. Ringing the coils is a perimeter of sturdy foam, meant to further deter sagging and ensure edge support.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Sleep Apnea:
Nolah Evolution 15
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
Sleeping hot is a concern for many, particularly if they live in one of the warmer areas of the country. Pillow tops can be quite cooling if they have an airy feel, though it’s also possible for them to feel stifling if they hug too close to the body. If coolness is your top priority, we suggest the Nolah Evolution 15.
The Nolah Evolution 15 comes with free shipping, a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Shoppers who want to deepen their savings can choose to remove the sleep trial at checkout.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Nolah Evolution 15 as the best mattress for side sleepers with sleep apnea of 2023.
- Euro Topper with Border Gusset
Airy foam with quilted comfort and cooling cover fibers.
- Tri-Zoned Coil Support
The three zones of the pocketed coils ensure plenty of back support.
- Advanced Comfort and Transition Foams
With four top foam layers, this mattress offers durable, responsive cushion.
How the Nolah Evolution 15 feels underneath your body depends on your chosen firmness, allowing the pillow top to offer different levels of plushness or firmness. What remains consistent is the sense of cooling relief as you lie down on the bed, with the relaxing feel maintaining its hold as the mattress works to move away absorbed body heat.
Wanda M: I love, love, love these mattresses! Did I mention that I love them? We don’t sink in, like we did our former mattress, so it is easy to get out of it (we are Seniors) yet we are so comfortable that we don’t awaken with aching joints as we did before our Nolah.
Blake K: First mattress I’ve had in 10 years that’s comfortable. I’ve been trying memory foam mattresses that never hold up.
Linda W: The Removal and setup process worked very well.
Comfort Layers
The surface of the Nolah Evolution 15 is ArcticTex™ fibers designed for swift heat dissipation, paired with organic cotton fibers for natural cooling comfort.
Next is a layer of breathable foam with high thermal conductivity quilting, surrounded by an AirBreath™ border gusset enables heat dissipation for elevated breathability.
The main comfort foam layer is AirFoamICE™, an innovative form of the brand’s original comfort layer. This foam is infused with graphite for swifter cooling comfort.
Transition Layers
Two foam layers serve as the Nolah Evolution 15’s transition layers. The first one is a layer of resilient foam to deepen the bed’s full-body support, particularly for the back area. Then a thinner layer of high-density transition foam for extra responsiveness.
Support Layers
The core of the Nolah Evolution 15 is a series of pocketed coils, arranged to provide targeted support in the back area and overall boost the pressure relief of the comfort foam. The base of the Nolah Evolution 15 is recycled plant fibers for a stable foundation, surrounded by sturdy border fabric with carrying handles.
Best Organic Mattress for Sleep Apnea:
Spindle Hybrid
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
365 Nights
Shipping
Free
If you want the buoyancy of Dunlop latex and the bounce and breathability of coils, you might want to consider the Spindle Organic Hybrid. This Dunlop latex hybrid combines three inches of organic latex with individually encased coils for a unique hybrid feel.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Spindle Hybrid as the best organic mattress for sleep apnea of 2023.
- Organic Materials Gentle on Skin
Cotton is light and airy and smooth against delicate skin.
- Bouncy Coils and Buoyant Latex
The hybrid’s surface is quick to respond and adapt to sleepers.
- Naturally Mold Resistant Design
The latex foam naturally keeps mold spores from taking a hold of the bed.
Lying down on the Spindle, you’ll notice right away it has an extremely buoyant and supportive feel. The coils offer lift and contour, while the Dunlop latex provides the buoyancy for the mattress. This means you’ll stay on top of the sleep surface no matter what – no more sink!
Deborah T: I love this bed. I was so worried because I couldn’t test it, but was not disappointed in anything. Lots of support with a soft top layer. Awesome.
Connor O: Excellent mattresses! Bought a king and a queen size and both are very comfortable. Thank you Spindle!
Rodney G: My Organic Hybrid Mattress is very comfortable after a month of use. I am sleeping longer and better than with my old coil spring mattress with box spring.
Comfort Layers
The Spindle Organic Hybrid starts off with an organic cotton cover stuffed with organic wool batting. The wool adds pressure relief and all-natural fire protection, while the organic cotton wicks away heat and sweat and provides a hypoallergenic sleep surface.
The next layer of the Spindle is three inches of organic Dunlop latex. This latex doesn’t just offer tons of buoyancy and bounce. It’s also highly resistant to mold and mildew, making it very hypoallergenic (for those who are not allergic to latex). This latex is also recyclable and biodegradable, which means it’s better for the environment.
Support Layers
Finally, the layer of individually wrapped springs provides adaptable and contoured support to your body. Each coil can compress underneath you to follow the natural curve of your spine and keep it in optimal alignment. This offers more flexibility and contour than base foam.
Best Supportive Mattress for Sleep Apnea:
Helix Midnight Luxe
Warranty
15 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Pillow top mattresses can be a good fit for side sleepers who enjoy a bouncy bed. While a pillow top mattress isn’t necessarily synonymous with a soft mattress, its cushioning embrace can hug a side sleeper’s body to ease tension. The Helix Midnight Luxe is designed specifically for side sleepers, with targeted support for shoulders and hips.
The Helix Midnight Luxe ships free and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best supportive mattress for sleep apnea of 2023.
- TENCEL™ Cover or GlacioTex Cooling Cover
Shoppers can choose an eco-friendly cooling cover or opt for a technologically advanced one.
- Copper Gel Foam & Advanced Memory Foam
The pillowy feel comes from two comfort foams underneath a plush cooling cover fabric.
- Pocketed Coils Zoned for Support
The coils are not only wrapped but arranged to provide softer support under the shoulders and firmer support under the hips.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is designed to offer a medium feel, however, it’s a medium specifically tailored for side sleepers. The area underneath the shoulders is quick to flex under the body and ease tension, while the section under the hips is less quick to yield to buoy the body.
Marcia E: My new mattress is very comfortable with excellent side support. It was easy to unpack and install on my new foundation. I just used my metal queen bed frame for the foundation and all worked well.
Justin P: This mattress is good but not great. Delivery was slow and lost for a bit but finally arrived, which was frustrating. The mattress is comfy but if you read before you sleep beware, you sink into it.
Sidney M: I’m still trying to get comfortable with the mattress and the pillows. It’s been a tough transition. The mattress is crafted well, nice, plush and soft. It is a good product, I suffer from chronic pain, spinal issues, neck and back issues so it’s a transition for me at this point.
Comfort Layers
The surface of the Helix Midnight Luxe can be one of two cooling cover fabrics—TENCEL™ is the standard option or GlacioTex Cooling Cover for added comfort.
The comfort layers are copper gel-infused memory foam with a durable high-density, followed by Memory Plus Foam.
Transition Layers
The transition layer is high-grade polyfoam for ergonomic support and contouring, keeping the sleeper’s body weight buoyed.
Support Layers
The base of the Helix Midnight Luxe is a series of wrapped coils, with the coils carefully arranged for a softer feel under the shoulders and firmer under the hips to cradle the body and maintain spine alignment. The foundation is DuraDense foam for more durable support.
Best Memory Foam Alternative Mattress for Sleep Apnea:
Original Purple® Mattress
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Original Purple® Mattress Overview
Purple® has made a name for itself by offering a flexible material that’s completely separate from traditional memory foam. Their mattresses rely on Purple Grid™ material for adaptable cushion. As the name suggests, Purple Grid™ is made of square-shaped channels that bend with the body, relieving pressure and promoting airflow.
A Purple® Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Purple Original as the best memory foam alternative mattress for sleep apnea of 2023.
- Superior Comfort
Features a thick layer of their Smart Comfort Grid™.
- Exceptional Cushioning
Designed to provide a weightless, zero-gravity experience.
- Cooling design
Temperature regulating design.
Featured as the top layer in every Purple® mattress is their Smart Comfort Grid™. The founders of Purple® patented a whole new mattress material, hyper-elastic polymer, to create this grid. On their website, they boast the benefits of their innovative mattress technology.
- Joan B: We would just like to say that your product is truly like floating on air! My spouse & I love our new mattress and have been having incredibly restful sleeps.
- Ciara R: Got it for the guest room and EVERY person has said they’ve had the best sleep ever on this mattress! Would definitely recommend.
- Megan V: Best decision we have made in a long time! So comfortable and I feel so much better going into the day.
Comfort Layers
The Smart Comfort Grid™ is adaptable to most body types, so it’s a great fit for side, stomach, or back sleepers. Plus, its grid shape promotes airflow through the bed and prevents hot air from being trapped within. The grid limits motion transfer throughout the bed, so it’s a great mattress for couples, too. However, the most important sleep-promoting benefit this bed offers to side sleepers is its ability to relieve pressure points under your shoulders and hips while maintaining a healthy posture.
Transition Layers
Below the Purple Grid™ in this bed is a transition layer of cushioning poly-foam to act as a barrier between the comfortable grid and the core of the mattress. The last layer of the Purple® is a high-density poly-foam in place to give the bed shape and structural support.
Best Latex Mattress for Sleep Apnea:
Avocado Green
Warranty
25 Years
Sleep Trial
365 Nights
Shipping
Free
Avocado Green Overview
Shopping green is a growing concern among individuals, which is where a natural latex mattress like the Avocado Green come in. The bed is made with natural and sustainable materials, from its organic cotton and wool covering to the latex comfort layer and steel coils.
The Avocado Green Mattress is backed by a year-long trial and a 25-year warranty.
The Editors at Sleep Junkie recommend the Avocado Green as the best latex mattress for sleep apnea of 2023.
- Advanced Cooling Design
Grid-like comfort layer offers cooling, flexible comfort.
- Natural Fibers and Foundation
Cover has organic cotton fibers and the coils rest on organic wool, cotton, and latex layers.
- Incredible Warranty
Extensive 25 year warranty.
The Avocado Green stands 11 inches tall. Sleepers can add on a 2-inch pillow top to give the mattress a softer surface, excellent for people transitioning to side sleeping to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Still, other sleepers enjoy the firm feel without the pillow top, with one reviewer calling it an “indulgent firm mattress.”
- Mark F: I have had this mattress for about 5 months now. It’s a king with the built in pillow top. In short we love it.
- Talia B: I had my eye on this mattress for a few years and wanted to check it out. I loved that it was made out of natural materials, but that it wasn’t all latex or coils or wool, but was a combination, a hybrid. I also loved the 25-year warranty, which on top of the choice of safe materials used, made the mattress worth the asking price.
Comfort Layers
Cotton and wool stay cool naturally, wicking away heat and moisture for uninterrupted sleep. Plus, the wool batting works as an organic fire barrier. Certified organic latex underneath the wool provides pressure relief and compression.
Transition Layers
The mattress’s pocketed coil core is arranged to provide five zones of support, creating different levels of comfort for the back, hips, and shoulders. These coils establish a floating feel for a cloudlike sensation that side sleepers will love.
The mattress is also hand-tufted, so Avocado doesn’t have to rely on potentially harmful adhesives to hold the mattress together.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common and serious condition in the United States. An estimated 22 million Americans experience it, but roughly 80% of cases are left undiagnosed. Individuals of any age can develop apnea, including children and infants, however, the following individuals are at a higher risk:
- Men over the age of 40
- Adults who are overweight or obese
- Those with thicker necks; men – 17”, women – 15”
- Inherited narrow airways, larger tongues and tonsils
- Family history of apnea
- Frequent nasal congestion due to allergies or sinus problems
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Chronic snoring
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Moodiness
You may also experience headaches from sleep apnea. A apnea headache usually has a dull pain to it when you wake up that should last an hour or two. Normally it’s focused above your eyebrows and you should feel it on both sides of your head. When you have untreated sleep apnea, these kinds of headaches can be a daily occurrence.
During sleep apnea, breathing is paused for 10 seconds, which can occur roughly 30 times per hour during the night. When breathing stops, the brain signals the body to wake up to force airways open. These waking periods are so minor, most don’t remember doing it. However, the body does, and the results of this constant waking leave individuals suffering from daytime fatigue with lower levels of oxygen in the blood.
In severe cases of sleep apnea, you might experience more than 30 sleep disturbances in an hour. Moderate cases of apnea have 15 to 30 breathing pauses per hour, while mild cases have 5 to 15. A sleep study can determine how severe a case of sleep apnea is.
Types of Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious medical problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and stroke. There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central, and complex.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common type of sleep apnea is caused by blocked airways due to the tongue falling back and/or collapse of soft tissue at the back of the throat.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
The brain fails to send signals to the muscles that help the body breath. Breathing stops not because of the collapse of soft tissue, but because the muscles are not receiving signals from the brain to contract, allowing air to flow to the lungs.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSAS)
Combination of both Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea. Soft tissue collapses at the back of the throat, and breathing muscles don’t receive signals from the brain.
What’s the Difference Between Sleep Apnea and Snoring?
It’s important that sleep apnea and snoring are not taken as the same. While snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea; just because you snore, doesn’t mean you have apnea. Quite common, it can affect both men and women.
Typically caused by relaxed tissues in the throat, the partially blocked airways will vibrate in the pressurized and limited space, creating sound (snoring). This phenomenon can result in either soft or loud snoring. In cases of sleep apnea, breathing will actually stop for a few seconds up to three minutes. Both snoring and sleep apnea can be caused by obesity, larger tongues, aging, and neck thickness.
If you’re unsure of your condition, set aside a journal and record your sleep patterns and daily symptoms. Then bring it to your next appointment. This practice can help give your doctor more details about your sleep issues and help them determine if a sleep study is needed.
Why Material Matters for Sleep Apnea Patients
For those who suffer from sleep apnea, seeking a mattress can be a tricky business. Two features that you want to keep a lookout for are the type of material contained in a mattress and the level of firmness a mattress has to offer. These features will offer the right amount of support to those affected by apnea. It also encourages breathing by reducing the risk of other respiratory conditions.
Breathability
Materials found in a mattress need to help encourage breathing. We recommend choosing memory foam or latex – both are hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, resulting in less of a chance to develop allergies and asthma. If you do have allergies, then a hypoallergenic mattress won’t aggravate your symptoms at night.
Support
Since most sleep apnea patients sleep on their sides, largely due to CPAP machines, they need the right amount of support. They need contouring to relieve pressure points in the hips and shoulders.
We recommend medium firmness – it cushions and prevents sinkage, but also has a level of softness that offers comfort and proper spinal alignment.
Best Types of Mattresses for Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from apnea and are on the hunt for the best mattress, keep in mind the different types of mattresses before you buy. As stated above, we recommend memory foam or latex. There are also some exceptional hybrid models that would be good choices as well– Although, less effective.
Latex Mattress
Extracted from rubber trees, latex begins as natural sap whipped into a light, airy material. There are two types of latex; Dunlop and Talalay. The difference between the two, is during the Talalay process, rods are strategically placed in the latex, providing better comfort and is a more supportive mattress to the body.
It’s hypoallergenic, encouraging better breathing at night. If looking into a latex mattress, avoid synthetic latex. It has a petroleum base and produces an off-gassing odor, which could aggravate symptoms of sleep apnea.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam offers superior pressure point relief– crucial for those who sleep on their side. It supports the body by cradling the hips and lumbar area for healthy spinal alignment.
Be sure to choose high-quality memory foam and avoid “bargain” deals. Many low-priced memory foam beds may seem like a steal, but in actuality end up sagging after a year of use.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrids consist of an innerspring base with latex or memory foam comfort layers. Hybrids may not be as prone to dust mites as innerspring mattresses, but hybrids still have a higher risk than memory foam and latex mattresses. If looking for an adjustable bed, some hybrids may not be compatible with an adjustable base. Check with the mattress manufacturer before finalizing a purchase.
Sleep Apnea Sleep Tips
These helpful tips can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms and encourage better breathing. Overall, it can increase the level of oxygen intake and improve your health.
CPAP Machine
“Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.” The most common way to treat sleep apnea, it’s a special machine that provides consistent oxygen through a face mask. CPAP machines are designed to keep airways open during the night.
CPAP Pillow
A good choice for those who use a CPAP machine. A CPAP pillow allows space for face mask and hoses. It offers excellent support to the head and neck.
Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is the healthiest and most popular sleep position. It decreases snoring, acid reflux, and heartburn. Resting in this sleeping position can also help reduce the number of apnea episodes.
Wedge Pillow or Wedge Mattress Topper
If an adjustable base is not in your budget or if not interested at this time, a wedge pillow might be a good choice. Wedge pillows elevate the upper body to open airways. This is especially ideal for those who prefer to sleep on their back.
Adjustable Bed Frame
While side sleeping is encouraged, many sleep apnea sufferers prefer sleeping on their backs. This sleep position may worsen symptoms of sleep apnea. To remedy this, an adjustable bed might be a good option.
An adjustable bed frame is compatible with many different mattress types. It elevates the upper body to open airways with the click of a button. Not only is it an ideal tool to reduce sleep apnea symptoms, it can also reduce snoring and improve blood circulation. If you sleep with a partner, split king adjustable beds allows each individual to adjust the position of their bed to their own personal preference.
Sleeping Positions
It’s vital that you choose a mattress based on your sleep position. This allows for better comfort, support, and ultimately, a good night’s rest. For those who are affected by apnea, sleep position is crucial in symptom reduction and improved health.
Side Sleeping
As the healthiest sleeping position, side sleeping is highly encouraged for those who suffer from sleep apnea. This position allows better spinal alignment, improved oxygen intact, and reduces the symptoms of sleep apnea. It’s also more comfortable for those using a CPAP machine.
Back Sleeping
Those who sleep on their backs are at a higher risk to develop and worsen sleep apnea symptoms. This is largely due to the tongue falling back and the collapse of soft tissue at the back of the throat. We highly recommend switching to the side sleeping position.
If, for whatever reason, you are unable to do this, we encourage you to invest in a wedge pillow. The raised elevation to the upper body will not only open airways, but prevent airway obstruction. For greater customization at a higher price, you can also pair a mattress for back sleeping with an adjustable base.
Stomach Sleeping
While better than back sleeping, stomach sleeping is still not an ideal sleeping position. Breathing may improve with reduced snoring, but the additional pressure placed on the lower back goes against its natural curve. Back pain and an increased risk of sciatica can occur as a result of stomach sleeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?
The right firmness for you depends on your sleeping style. A softer mattress suits side sleepers and petite people. A firm mattress is better for back and stomach sleepers, along with heavier individuals.
Does an adjustable bed help sleep apnea?
Yes, an adjustable bed can make living with sleep apnea easier. Raising the upper body minimizes the collapse of soft tissues in the throat that leaves a sleeper struggling to breathe. Many adjustable beds have an anti-snore preset that elevates the body, keeping gravity’s effects from worsening apnea symptoms.
What’s the best sleep position for sleep apnea?
Side sleeping is easily the best way to ease apnea naturally. When you lie on your side, your airway remains clear and makes it easier to breathe. Lying on your back increases your chances of obstruction, thanks to gravity pushing down on the throat’s soft tissues.
What can aggravate sleep apnea?
Lying on your back can worsen sleep apnea because it makes it easier for your throat’s soft tissues to collapse and block your airway. Weight can bulk tissues around your airway, making a blockage more likely. And sometimes a simple anatomic abnormality such as a narrow airway or enlarged tonsils can increase your chances of sleep apnea.
What’s the best mattress for back sleepers with sleep apnea?
Back sleepers with sleep apnea need to be careful. Lying on your back can worsen sleep apnea by making it easier for your throat’s soft tissues to collapse and block your airway. Elevating the upper body can mitigate the worse effects of back sleeping and minimize sleep apnea symptoms. We recommend a medium to medium-firm mattress with an adjustable base or a wedge pillow for back sleepers.
What’s the best mattress for side sleepers with sleep apnea?
Side sleepers need a mattress that cushions their shoulders and hips—after all, no one wants to eliminate sleep apnea symptoms but wake up sore and stiff from pressure build-up. Soft to medium feel mattresses usually offer sufficient amounts of cushion for side sleepers. Some mattresses even include targeted pressure relief to a side sleeper’s sensitive areas.
Research and Resources
In making this article we…
- Compared 20 different mattresses looking at the healthy support they offer.
- Read dozens of customer reviews about their experiences on different mattresses.
- Spent 17 hours writing and editing this article to deliver the most value-driven content to our readers.
Did You Find Your Next Bed?
While not life-threatening, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems. Managing this condition can improve your lifestyle. It starts with the right mattress.
A quality mattress will conform to the body and be a supportive mattress to the spine to prevent back pain. Stick to hypoallergenic materials, like latex foam, to avoid aggravating sleep apnea symptoms. We hope this guide helps you achieve a good night’s sleep and made you more aware of the risks of sleep apnea.
