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In the United States, around one-third of adults usually get less than the recommended amount of sleep. Sleep apnea, which disrupts a person’s breathing at night, is a potential cause of lower quality sleep. A supportive mattress may help people adopt a different sleeping position to ease the condition.
- Best for keeping away allergens: TEMPUR-Adapt Memory Foam | Skip to review
- Best for contouring to the body: Nectar Memory Foam | Skip to review
- Best for keeping the body cool: WinkBeds GravityLux | Skip to review
- Best for back or stomach sleepers: Saatva Classic | Skip to review
- Best dual-sided: Layla Hybrid | Skip to review
- Best to pair with an adjustable base: DreamCloud | Skip to review
- Best organic: Birch Natural Mattress | Skip to review
- Best responsive: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Skip to review
Mattresses cannot cure sleep apnea, but having proper support for the body while sleeping may help open a person’s airways and ease symptoms.
There is no definitive best mattress for people with sleep apnea. However, mattresses may aid individuals with this condition by helping them adjust their sleeping position.
According to a 2015 study,
In the study, the researchers found that 10 people with OSA experienced a 50% reduction in symptoms after sleeping on their stomachs with their heads facing down. The participants used special memory foam mattresses that support stomach and side sleeping positions.
It is important for people to note that stomach sleeping has potential drawbacks. While there are some benefits, such as reduced snoring and less obstructive apneas, stomach sleeping can strain a person’s back and neck. This can lead to poor quality sleep and aches and pains in the morning. Therefore, health experts rarely encourage stomach sleeping.
As mentioned, side sleeping is the best sleeping position for people with sleep apnea. Our list features mattresses that are reportedly comfortable for side sleepers.
Each mattress consists entirely of memory foam or a hybrid of memory foam and coils to contour to the body and support side sleeping positions.
Several other factors we consider when choosing products are:
- company policies
- customer reviews
- safety
- company reputation
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Most memory foam mattresses are not specifically for sleep apnea relief. However, their ability to support the spine to make side sleeping more comfortable may help people with the condition.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. All prices are for a queen-size mattress.
Best for keeping away allergens: TEMPUR-Adapt Memory Foam
- Price: $2,199
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Sizes: twin–split CA king
- Height: 11 inches (in)
- Sleep trial: 90 days
- Warranty: 10 years
- Shipping: white glove delivery
This medium-firm memory foam mattress has a soft layer that reportedly cushions and supports the body, alongside a support layer that provides stability and pressure relief for the joints.
The company says the mattress comes wrapped in a cool touch, antimicrobial knit cover protecting against allergens, such as dust mites, animal dander, and mold.
The mattress has motion cancellation characteristics, so partners minimize disturbing each other while moving during sleep.
Its cooling technology also provides breathability and helps individuals fall asleep.
Read our review of TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses here.
Pros
- comes with an antimicrobial knit cover that offers allergen protection
- breathable design to keep the body cool during sleep
- compatible with adjustable bases
Cons
- according to some reviews, the mattress is too soft and makes it difficult for people to change positions
- some customers state the off-gassing smell may take more than two months to disappear
Best for contouring to the body: Nectar Memory Foam
- Price: $1,049
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Sizes: twin–split king
- Height: 12 in
- Sleep trial: 365 nights
- Warranty: lifetime
- Shipping: free shipping and returns
Nectar offers a five-layer memory foam mattress that claims to contour to the body while supporting the shoulders, hips, and knees.
Read our review of Nectar here.
The company says this medium-firm mattress contains medical-grade viscoelastic foam that meets CertiPUR-US standards. This means it does not contain harmful chemicals, such as flame retardants.
It comes with a soft, breathable, quilted memory foam mattress cover that reportedly helps dissipate body heat.
Every mattress includes two pillows, a mattress protector, and bed linen.
Pros
- reportedly breathable
- offers motion isolation that may reduce sleep disturbances
Cons
- according to some customers, the off-gassing takes time to disappear
- some reviewers say it does not reduce snoring
Best for keeping the body cool: WinkBeds GravityLux
- Price: $1,799
- Firmness: soft, medium, or firm
- Sizes: twin–CA king
- Height: 11 in
- Sleep trial: 120 nights
- Warranty: lifetime
- Shipping: free shipping and returns
The GravityLux mattress features four distinct layers. The company describes the top layer as containing 2 in of gel-infused foam that disperses body heat and wicks away sweat. The AirCell memory foam layer reportedly contains shock-absorbing air capsules that prevent motion transfer.
Read our review of WinkBeds here.
The company states the middle foam layer provides targeted support with softer foam under the shoulders and legs and firmer support under the hips and lower back. The bottom layer claims to provide lifetime durability.
Pros
- gel-infused foam draws heat away from the body
- offers motion isolation, reducing sleep disturbances when sharing a bed
- offers several firmness options that suit most sleeping styles
Cons
- according to some customers, they could still feel when their partner got up or turned around in bed
- some reviews say the medium option is too soft and is unsupportive for most sleeping positions
Hybrid mattresses combine memory foam and spring coils. The memory foam cushions the body, while the coils determine the firmness.
These mattresses do not treat sleep apnea, but by keeping the body aligned, they may make it possible for a person to breathe more easily at night.
Best for back or stomach sleepers: Saatva Classic
- Price: $1,995
- Firmness: plush soft, luxury firm, or firm
- Sizes: twin–split CA king
- Height: 11.5 and 14.5 in
- Sleep trial: 365 nights
- Warranty: lifetime
- Shipping: free in-room delivery and setup
This mattress combines the comfort of a plush foam topper with the durable support of individually wrapped coils.
Read our review of Saatva here.
The company says the mattress also has a firm memory foam layer that provides extra support for the lumbar region. The mattress sits on top of 416 tempered steel support coils, which reportedly offer additional airflow, support, and long lasting durability.
Saatva offers three firmness options: soft, luxury firm, and firm. The luxury firm model claims to suit most sleep styles. The firm mattress is suitable for back or stomach sleepers.
Pros
- offers different firmness options that will suit most sleeping positions
- has Lumbar Zone technology that supports the back in any sleeping position.
- compatible with adjustable bases
Cons
- according to some reviewers, the mattress led to back pain
- the mattress is heavy, which can make it difficult to rotate and move
Best dual-sided: Layla Hybrid
- Price: $1,699
- Firmness: soft and firm
- Sizes: twin–CA king
- Height: 10.5 in
- Sleep trial: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
- Shipping: free shipping
This hybrid mattress combines layers of copper-infused gel memory foam, 6-in pocketed coils, and breathable foam that the company says provides zoned support.
Read our review of Layla here.
It is dual-sided, so people can have plush or firm support by simply flipping the mattress. According to the company, this makes the Layla Hybrid mattress suitable for all sleep positions.
Pros
- suits most sleep positions as a person can flip it to choose their preferred side
- the cooling cover may help reduce overheating
Cons
- several customers experienced shipping delays
- some reviewers say that the mattress arrived with unnecessary packaging, making this company a potentially less eco-friendly option
Best to pair with an adjustable base: DreamCloud
- Price: $1,332
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Sizes: twin–split king
- Height: 14 in
- Sleep trial: 365 nights
- Warranty: lifetime
- Shipping: free shipping and returns
This mattress comes with a cooling cashmere and foam top and a gel memory foam layer that follows the body’s contours. The denser foam layer underneath prevents people from sinking into the mattress.
Read our review of DreamCloud here.
According to the company, a layer of individually wrapped innerspring coils provides targeted support that adapts to the body. The base layer adds stability and durability.
This mattress is compatible with most adjustable bases. People can also purchase an adjustable base directly from the DreamCloud website.
Pros
- compatible with most adjustable bases
- edge support increases mattress durability and prevents people from feeling as though they will roll off the bed
Cons
- several customers say the off-gassing lasted several days
- some reviewers say it is too soft and led to back pain
Best organic: Birch Natural Mattress
- List price: $2,123.80
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Sizes: twin–CA king
- Height: 11 in
- Sleep trial: 100 nights
- Warranty: 25 years
- Shipping: free shipping
This mattress has an organic cotton cover with a stretchable and breathable design. It also contains fire-retardant wool, natural latex, and individually wrapped coils. The coils offer motion isolation features as they limit movement, which can be beneficial for couples who sleep together.
The mattress has GOTS and Greenguard Gold certifications, meaning it is free of formaldehyde, pesticides, and polyurethane foams. Its materials are also certified organic.
It may suit hot sleepers as the cotton strands draw moisture away from the body.
Pros
- free of harmful chemicals
- compatible with adjustable bases
Cons
- contains latex, so it is not suitable for people with a latex allergy
- some reviewers state it is too soft and is more comfortable with a mattress topper
Best responsive: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- List price: $1,332
- Firmness: soft, medium, and firm
- Sizes: twin–CA king
- Height: 11 in
- Sleep trial: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
- Shipping: free shipping
Brooklyn Bedding’s mattress contains individually wrapped coils that offer motion isolation and targeted support. It also comes in three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm.
It has a quilted top featuring a breathable design and a responsive foam layer that contours to the body.
The mattress comes with a high-density flex base to provide more durability.
Pros
- offers three firmness options
- some reviewers recommend purchasing a medium or firm option to reduce snoring if a person sleeps with a partner
Cons
- according to some reviewers, the customer service team is not very helpful
- some people say the mattresses vary in firmness
Here is a table that provides a comparison between the six mattresses to consider for helping with sleep apnea:
| Material | Firmness | Height | Sleep trial | Warranty | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEMPUR-Adapt | memory foam | medium-firm | 11 in | 90 days | 10 years | $2,199 |
| Nectar | memory foam | medium-firm | 12 in | 365 nights | lifetime | $1,049 |
| WinkBeds | memory foam | • soft • medium • firm | 11 in | 120 nights | lifetime | $1,799 |
| Saatva | hybrid | • plush soft • luxury firm • firm | • 11.5 in • 14.5 in | 365 nights | lifetime | $1,995 |
| Layla | hybrid | plush and firm | 10.5 in | 120 nights | 10 years | $1,699 |
| DreamCloud | hybrid | luxury firm | 14 in | 365 nights | lifetime | $1,332 |
| Birch | wool, cotton, and latex | medium-firm | 11 in | 100 nights | 25 years | $2,123.80 |
| Brooklyn Bedding | hybrid | soft, medium, and firm | 11 in | 120 nights | 10 years | $1,332 |
When shopping for a mattress for sleep apnea, there are several factors to consider:
Materials
As this
Adjustability
An adjustable bed may also relieve symptoms by allowing a person to sleep with their head slightly elevated. This can reduce symptoms such as snoring.
For people sharing a bed with a partner, it may be beneficial to consider mattresses that split or feature dual chambers for each individual to adjust their side to suit.
Firmness
Mattresses have several different firmness levels, varying from soft to very firm. A person’s sleeping position can help determine what mattress firmness may work best for them.
People with sleep apnea may experience
- loud snoring
- waking up more frequently
- gasping
- stopping and starting breathing
Individuals may also experience headaches, mood swings, and feeling more tired and less able to concentrate when they are awake.
It is important to contact a doctor if a person experiences symptoms of sleep apnea. The
Here we answer some common questions about this condition.
Are there other sleeping materials that can help with sleep apnea?
Alongside a supportive mattress, people with sleep apnea may also benefit from an adjustable bed base. Adjustable bases allow a person to change the angle of their bed, such as by elevating the head.
For some people, elevating the head can improve breathing and alleviate snoring.
What treatments are available for sleep apnea?
Depending on the severity of a person’s sleep apnea symptoms, a doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- a continuous positive airway pressure device
- oral appliance therapy, or a mandibular advancement device
- positional therapy, or wearing a waist device that assists side sleeping
- evaluation by an otolaryngologist
Can lifestyle changes help sleep apnea?
The following lifestyle changes may also improve a person’s general sleep quality:
- avoiding processed or fast foods
- drinking fewer sugary beverages
- refraining from smoking, if applicable
- avoiding alcohol
- maintaining a moderate body weight
- changing sleeping position
- exercising regularly
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can lower sleep quality and make a person excessively tired during the day.
A mattress cannot specifically treat sleep apnea. However, a mattress that supports a person’s head, neck, and body for side sleeping may help someone breathe more easily.
Additionally, adjustable bed bases can elevate the head during sleep, which some people find reduces snoring and airway blockage.