What should an arthritis mattress do?
For most people with arthritis, the main goals are pressure relief at the joints (typically the hips, shoulders and knees) and consistent support across the spine. A mattress that's too firm pushes against sore joints; one that's too soft lets the body sag, which puts the spine into a position that aggravates joint pain in the lumbar region and neck. The middle ground, usually medium or medium firm, suits most arthritis sufferers.
Pressure relief is the priority
The single most useful feature of an arthritis mattress is pressure relief. Pressure relief mattresses cushion the parts of your body that press hardest into the sleep surface, which for an arthritis sufferer means easing the load on inflamed joints. Memory foam is the material most associated with pressure relief; latex and gel-infused foam work on similar principles with a slightly different feel.
What about an orthopaedic mattress?
An orthopaedic mattress is firmer than most by design, and is usually recommended for back pain rather than arthritis specifically. Some arthritis sufferers find a firmer bed helps with morning stiffness; others find it makes joint pain worse. If you're unsure, a medium firm pocket sprung mattress with a thicker comfort layer often works as a compromise.
Heat and breathability
Heat can flare some types of arthritis, particularly inflammatory forms. If that affects you, look for a mattress with a breathable structure: pocket springs rather than all-foam, gel-infused foam rather than traditional memory foam, and a knitted cover rather than a tightly woven one. Cold can also worsen joint pain for some sufferers, in which case a mattress with wool fillings may help with natural temperature regulation.
Try before you settle
Joint pain isn't always predictable, and what feels right in the showroom for ten minutes may not feel right after a few nights at home. Every mattress on our site is eligible for our 60-night sleep trial when purchased alongside a mattress protector, so you can sleep on the mattress for a full sleep cycle before deciding.
Delivery and recycling
Most of our arthritis-suitable mattresses are in stock for free next-working-day delivery on orders before 4pm. Add our recycling service at checkout and we'll dispose of your old mattress when we deliver. If you'd like to talk through options, our team is on 0333 577 5773.
