Best Mattress for Pregnancy

The most popular mattress for pregnant women at Amerisleep is the AS3. During the later stages of pregnancy, it’s best for women to sleep on their sides to protect their back and belly. The AS3 is our best option for side sleepers, but it also works for combination sleepers, if you prefer to sleep in other positions towards the start of your pregnancy.

At 12 inches thick, the AS3 has a medium feel. Like other Amerisleep mattresses, the AS3 has a breathable knit cover.

The AS3 has a thick layer of Bio-Pur® foam for a softer feel and superb cushioning for achy shoulders and hips. Bio-Pur® is plant-based memory foam and doesn’t contain any potentially harmful chemicals.

Our Affinity layer with HIVE® technology distributes your body weight and provides support or cushioning where needed. The foam is softest around your shoulders and hips, then firmer around your head, back, and legs.

The AS3’s Bio-Core® foam base provides advanced lumbar support and prevents premature wear. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may consider the AS3 Hybrid. It has Bio-Pur® and Affinity foam, but contains pocketed coils in place of the Bio-Core®.

All Amerisleep mattresses are available in sizes twin to California king and come with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

Quick Summary

• Works for many sleeping positions throughout pregnancy
• Cooling Bio-Pur® foam keeps you from overheating and soothes pain
• Affinity layer distributes body weight and helps align the spine

The Amerisleep AS2 is the perfect choice for pregnant women. Its 12-inch height makes climbing in and out of bed easier, and the medium-firm feel of Bio-Pur® provides responsive pressure relief, forming to the body’s natural curves without the sleeper feeling stuck inside the mattress.

Affinity with HIVE® technology offers enhanced lumbar support to the lower back and optimal pressure point relief in the shoulder and hip areas.

Bio-Core® gives consistent support for an expectant mother’s changing body. This support layer won’t sag, and it’s built to last.

Quick Summary

• Doesn’t off-gas or contain harsh chemicals
• Medium-firm feel aligns the spine while relieving back pain
• Bio-Pur© foam cushions the lumbar spine without causing sinkage

During pregnancy, you’ll likely deal with muscle and joint pain making it hard to sleep. With the cloud-like feel of the AS5 Hybrid, you won’t have to deal with uncomfortable, pain-filled nights for much longer. The 14-inch mattress is soft, but supportive, ensuring you sleep peacefully.

The AS5 Hybrid contains Bio-Pur® comfort foam, like the AS2 and AS3 models, but instead of the Affinity layer, it contains Active Flex foam. Active Flex is a springy material that enhances the AS5 Hybrid’s soft, cushiony feel while maximizing support.

A layer of pocketed coils and a firm foam base adds a needed bounce to the bed while supporting your spine. If a springy bed is uncomfortable during pregnancy, the AS5 Hybrid comes in a foam model as well. The original AS5 features Bio-Core® in place of the pocketed coils for sturdy and even support.

Quick Summary

• Soothes muscle and joint pain while you sleep
• Ultra-plush, yet supportive mattress great for all body types
• Active Flex prevents painful sinkage and enhances spinal support

As a pregnant woman, you may want to reduce your exposure to unnatural materials, including when you sleep. While other Amerisleep mattresses are made with non-toxic, CertiPUR-US® certified materials, you may prefer our Organica mattress for all the natural materials it contains.

The Organica is 13 inches thick with a medium feel. It contains GOTS organic cotton, New Zealand Joma Wool®, two types of latex, and pocketed coils. The cotton, wool, and latex work together to cushion your body’s curves and regulate heat.

The pocketed coils in the mattress help your spine maintain healthy alignment to prevent lower back pain. They also prevent you from sinking into your bed and feeling unable to move. The Dunlop latex base secures the mattress together and prevents premature wear.

Quick Summary

• Made with natural and sustainable materials
• Contains Talalay and Dunlop latex for cushioning and increased durability
• Reinforced pocketed coils prevent you from rolling out of bed at night

Why Choose an Amerisleep Mattress?

We at Amerisleep pride ourselves in providing high-quality, eco-friendly mattresses to enable better sleep. We offer mattresses in a variety of firmness levels to better accommodate more sleepers, whether you prefer to sleep on your side or stomach, and if you’re expecting or have chronic back pain.

Bio-Pur®

Bio-Pur® is our high-density comfort layer, found in each of our mattress models. Bio-Pur® is a plant-based memory foam, more breathable and responsive than traditional memory foam. During the manufacturing process, plant oils partially replace petroleum. Bio-Pur® forms to the natural curves of the body, relieving pressure points.

Affinity with HIVE®

Affinity uses HIVE® technology—hundreds of hexagonal-shaped segments form 5 zones of support. The areas under the head, back, and legs feel firmer, while the shoulder and hip areas feel softer. HIVE® technology offers even pressure relief throughout the body.

Bio-Core®

Bio-Core® evenly distributes weight across the sleep surface, supporting the body without sagging. Bio-Core® reinforces the top layers and ensures the mattress lasts for years.

100-Night Sleep Trial

We provide a 100-night sleep trial with any mattress purchase. During the trial, customers can try out their Amerisleep mattress and decide if it’s right for them. If the customer doesn’t like the mattress after 30 nights, we will provide a full refund.

20-Year Warranty

We include a 20-year warranty, one of the best in the mattress industry, with the purchase of any mattress model. The warranty covers sagging greater than an inch and any manufacturing defects which could damage the mattress. In the first 10 years, we fully cover the mattress free of charge. During the last 10 years, we’ll repair or replace the mattress at a prorated cost.

Issues Pregnant Mothers Face

Throughout the pregnancy, expectant mothers may experience issues like morning sickness, back pain, heartburn, leg cramps, overheating, sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. A pregnancy mattress that can adjust to a changing body, evenly support the body, and reduce the following discomforts may provide a better night’s sleep.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness occurs during the first trimester, about three to four months. There is no one cause of morning sickness—it could be from increased hormone levels or reduced blood sugar. Severity varies between pregnancies.

Back Pain

As an expectant mother progresses into her pregnancy, her belly continues to grow, placing more weight in the midsection and increasing strain on the lower back. Zoned mattresses for back pain can ease discomfort by promoting healthier alignment while you rest.

Heartburn

Heartburn may occur more frequently during the third trimester. The growing uterus places more pressure on the intestines and stomach, pushing stomach contents and acid into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn and acid reflux.

Leg Cramps

Pressure on specific nerves and major blood vessels from the expanding uterus decreases circulation, leading to painful leg cramps.

Overheating

More body weight generates more heat, which could result in more sleep disturbances from heat buildup.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea may occur during pregnancy due to higher levels of estrogen, causing mucous membranes in the nose to swell, and restricting airways.

Insomnia

Pregnant women may experience insomnia, which is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Hormonal changes, physical discomfort, anxiety, and frequent trips to the bathroom can contribute to sleep disturbances during pregnancy.

Worse, they may not be able to take sleep aids that many people with insomnia rely on, such as multiple teas for sleep. Many who struggle with sleep turn to over-the-counter melatonin supplements, but the question of whether melatonin is safe during pregnancy can present potential risks.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome may occur during the third trimester—long periods of inactivity and less iron or folic acid in the blood can trigger this disorder.

Postpartum Sleep Challenges

Your new mattress for pregnancy can still be quite useful after childbirth, as the sleep troubles are unlikely to end. The postpartum period introduces a myriad of challenges for new mothers, with sleep becoming a particularly elusive commodity.

Obviously, the demands of round-the-clock caregiving, combined with the baby’s unpredictable sleep patterns, often lead to fragmented sleep and insufficient rest. The need for frequent nighttime feeds and diaper changes further disrupts any semblance of a consistent sleep routine.

But the physical toll of childbirth is especially pronounced for those who undergo a Cesarean section (C-section). Recovering from abdominal surgery can make finding a comfortable sleep position challenging, and the pain and discomfort associated with the incision site can disrupt both falling asleep and staying asleep.

Moreover, hormonal fluctuations and the demands of breastfeeding add to the sleep woes of new mothers, especially for those already trying to sleep well after a C-section. Sleep deprivation during this crucial period can contribute to feelings of exhaustion, mood swings, and overall physical strain. It becomes imperative for new mothers to explore and adopt strategies that prioritize rest.

What to Look for in the Best Mattress

To find the best mattress, consider mattress type, cooling features, firmness level, sleeping position, bedding accessories, and available sleep trials, return policies, and warranties.

Mattress Type

Memory foam, innerspring, latex, and hybrid—each mattress type offers sleepers their own unique feel. For pregnant women, a memory foam or latex mattress is the best option in keeping a changing body evenly supported and conforming for pressure relief without deep sinkage. Some models are available in different firmness options, depending on the brand.

Memory Foam

Memory foam softens under heat and pressure, molding to the body’s shape to relieve pressure points. Memory foam’s contouring properties provide sleepers with enhanced support and pain relief. It also has excellent motion isolation, so there’s little risk of sleep disruptions from movement.

A drawback to traditional memory foam mattresses is heat retention—its dense structure allows little room for air circulation, causing heat buildup. Another disadvantage is off-gassing odor potential, however, airing out the mattress for a few hours quickly remedies this issue.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are common in the home. The open structure makes them a cooler option because there’s more airflow inside the bed. Innersprings are also more responsive than other mattress types and have excellent edge support, making it easier to climb in and out of bed.

Some drawbacks to an innerspring mattress include little motion transfer, less pressure point relief, and a higher risk of sagging all due to the innerspring coils.

Latex

Latex shares similar properties with memory foam—pressure-relieving foam and excellent motion isolation. The difference is latex sleeps cooler and has a responsive bounce, so there’s less risk of overheating, and sleepers won’t feel “stuck.”

A drawback to a latex mattress is its higher price tag, depending on what type of latex the bed contains. Also, latex mattresses can be heavier than other mattress types making it difficult to move.

Hybrid

Hybrids combine memory foam and innerspring coils to form the perfect mattress. Pressure-relieving memory foam contours to the body while bouncy innerspring coils make movement easier and provide better airflow inside the bed. Only true hybrid mattresses contain a latex or memory foam layer 2 inches thick or more and a pocketed coil support layer.

A few drawbacks to a hybrid mattress is its weight and high price tag. Due to the number of materials and layers, hybrid cost more and are heavier than other mattress types.

Cooling Features

As pregnancy progresses, expectant mothers gain weight, increasing heat buildup. To keep cooler at night and avoid sleep disruptions from overheating, look for mattresses with cooling features.

Foam

Traditional memory foam runs the risk of overheating from its dense structure. To combat this, mattress manufacturers incorporate cooling technology like plant oils, gel, and copper and graphite infusions.

• Plant-Based

Plant oils partially replace petroleum during the manufacturing process, resulting in a responsive, eco-friendly foam that’s more breathable than traditional memory foam.

• Gel

Gel is mixed or swirled in, or gel beads are added during the production process. Gel memory foam absorbs and disperses body heat for even temperature regulation.

• Copper and Graphite Infusions

Copper and graphite are natural heat conductors—adding them to traditional memory foam during production makes foam cooler. Copper draws heat away and may improve local blood flow. Graphite, generally used in cooling high-powered machines, pulls heat away from the body.

Coils

The open structure of innerspring coils allows air to pass freely in and out of the mattress, bringing cooler air while pushing out warm air.

Firmness Level

A medium-firm mattress is the best option for expectant mothers. This firmness level supports the body, even when the body starts to change. The medium-firm feel provides enhanced support to the midsection, especially as the belly grows, without sagging, yet it’s soft enough to form around the body, relieving pressure points.

A firmer mattress may feel too hard and create pressure points, while a softer mattress may lack the right support.

Sleeping Position

Each sleeping position—side, back, and stomach—requires specific levels of comfort and support for spinal alignment and good sleep. As a pregnant woman, the side sleeping position is the healthiest and most comfortable.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the best sleep position for pregnant women, particularly the left side. Resting on the left side increases blood flow, providing more nutrients to the placenta and baby. Side sleepers also breathe better, reducing sleep apnea symptoms during pregnancy.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping is not recommended, because the growing abdomen rests on the intestines and major blood veins, decreasing circulation and causing back pain.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleepers can still rest on their stomachs without harm to the baby, but after 24 weeks, expectant mothers may find the stomach sleeping position uncomfortable.

Bedding Accessories

Bedding accessories like mattress toppers, adjustable bases, and memory foam pillows ensure optimal comfort and support for a good night’s sleep.

Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers are an affordable option for those unable or not wanting to purchase a new mattress. Mattress toppers alter the feel of the mattress surface, adding softness or firmness to a bed. They also provide maximum pressure point relief with their plush feel. Many mattress toppers include cooling technology like gel foam or latex.

Pillow

Pillows cradle the head and neck to maintain spinal alignment. Side sleepers need a higher loft to fill in the larger gap between the neck and surface. Some brands specialize in pregnancy pillows—full-body pillows that wrap around the body, supporting the head, neck, and belly.

Adjustable Base

An adjustable base is a more expensive route, but some customers may feel it’s worth the cost. Adjustable bases not only provide comfort to pregnant women with changing sleep preferences, but they’re also an excellent choice for alleviating sleep apnea symptoms and chronic pain.

Sleep Trials, Return Policies, and Warranties

Sleep trials, return policies, and warranties reassure customers of a sound purchase that will last for years. Some mattress brands offer white glove delivery service for an extra fee—setup of a new mattress and old mattress removal.

Sleep Trial

Sleep trials enable customers to try a new mattress at home instead of a store with hovering salesmen. Most sleep trials last between 90 to 120 nights, with some mattress companies requiring customers to keep the bed at least 30 days. If the customer doesn’t like the mattress, most companies will arrange to pick up and donate the bed before issuing a full refund.

Return Policy

If there isn’t a sleep trial, look at the return policy. Return policies last 30 days—about the same time it can take to adjust to a new bed. Should the customer not like the mattress, they can return it for a refund.

Warranty

Warranties cover manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1 inch. Most mattress brands include a 10-year warranty but only applies to the original purchaser.

FAQs

Is a memory foam mattress good during pregnancy?

A memory foam mattress is an excellent choice for expectant mothers because comfort and support remain consistent as the mother’s body changes. Memory foam conforms to the body’s natural curves, relieving pressure points, and forming to the spine.

Is a soft or firm mattress better in pregnancy?

The best firmness level is a medium-firm—not too soft and not too firm, but maintains consistent support as the midsection becomes heavier, and relieves pressure points in the shoulders, hips, and spine.

Why do you put a pillow between your legs when pregnant?

Placing a pillow between the knees in the side sleeping position prevents spinal misalignment.

The Best Mattress for Pregnancy

Instead of constantly waking up in the middle of the night, choose a mattress to soothe pregnancy discomforts and ensure better sleep. The Amerisleep AS2 is our choice—the medium-firm feel conforms to the body for pressure point relief while providing enhanced support to the midsection for optimal comfort.