Best Mattress for Pressure Points

Medically reviewed by
 Dr. Nayantara Santhi

Dr. Nayantara Santhi

Dr. Nayantara Santhi holds an academic position at Northumbria University. After completing her Ph.D. at Northeastern University (Boston, MA), she joined the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School as a post-doctoral fellow to research how sleep and circadian rhythmicity influence our cognitive functioning.

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Last Updated On October 20th, 2023
Best Mattress for Pressure Points

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Pressure points are parts of the body that feel achy and numb from poor weight distribution. The most common pressure points in the body include the shoulders, hips, and lower back.

When one part of your body is carrying all your weight it’s difficult to get comfortable and sleep. For example, if you use too firm of a mattress when side sleeping, it’s common to deal with hip and shoulder pain or numb arms.

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As Dr. Nayantara Santhi says, “Poor sleep can worsen pain perception and equally pain can worsen your sleep. One of the easiest ways to tackle this is to choose the right mattress. It is worth remembering that sleep is an important pillar of health.”

Using the right mattress can relieve your pain and improve your sleep experience. So, we’ve made a list of the best mattresses for pressure points to make shopping and sleeping easier.

Best Amerisleep Mattresses for Pressure Points

Quick Guide: A 30-Second Summary

Best Hybrid Mattress for Pressure Points Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
Best Mattress for Petite Sleepers with Pressure Points Amerisleep AS4
Best Mattress for Hip and Shoulder Pressure Points Amerisleep AS3
Best Eco-Friendly Mattress for Pressure Points Organica by Amerisleep®

The softest and most supportive mattress is the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid. This mattress’s plush feel soothes pressure points while preventing new ones.

Mattress Highlights
  • Plant-based Bio-Pur® conforms to achy pressure points
  • Active Flex maximizes pressure relief and cushioning
  • Bio-Core® aligns the spine to prevent back pain
Recommended For
  • All body types
  • Joint pain sufferers
  • Side sleepers

The softest mattress at Amerisleep is the AS5 Hybrid, a hybrid mattress with a cloud-like feel. Not only does it help with pressure build-up, but it’s a great choice for people with chronic joint pain. It does a great job of relieving pressure build-up and keeping you asleep all night long.

The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid contains 3 inches of Bio-Pur® foam, 2 inches of Active Flex, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of base foam. The mattress’s cover is a knit fabric built to draw away heat and moisture.

Bio-Pur® is plant-based memory foam made from castor oil. Compared to standard memory foam, Bio-Pur® is more durable and breathable. Also, Bio-Pur® won’t leave you feeling uncomfortable or unable to move around in bed.

Active Flex is our proprietary technology for the AS5 Hybrid. This latex-like material adds a necessary bounce to this soft mattress. The extra responsiveness prevents you from feeling unsupported in bed. Active Flex also increases the bed’s pressure-relieving capabilities.

We use pocketed steel coils in all our hybrid mattresses. Pocketed coils are durable, motion-isolating, and quiet. The coils also add to the bed’s breathability and bounciness. Beneath the coils is a thin foam built to secure the mattress layers and prevent sags.

If you prefer an all-foam mattress, we offer the AS5 Hybrid in a memory foam model as well, simply called the AS5.

The AS5 Hybrid is CertiPUR-US® certified and available in sizes twin through California king. With any Amerisleep mattress, you receive free shipping, free returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 20-year warranty.

Quick Summary

  • Available in memory foam and hybrid forms
  • Soft mattress that works for heavy people
  • Supportive without feeling overly firm
Save $450 on the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid with our discount code
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The Amerisleep AS4 is an excellent memory foam mattress for petite people struggling with pressure point pain! It’s 12 inches thick and contains three layers of memory foam.

Mattress Highlights
  • Bio-Pur® keeps you cool while soothing pain
  • HIVE® technology maximizes hip and shoulder pressure relief
  • Bio-Core® base prevents sags, indents, and wear
Recommended For
  • Petite sleepers
  • Side and combo sleepers
  • Joint pain sufferers
  • Hot sleepers

As a petite sleeper, it’s common to deal with hip, shoulder, and lower back pressure points, especially if your bed is too firm. The Amerisleep AS4 is our best mattress for petite people with pressure point pain. At 12 inches thick, it has a medium-soft feel suitable for side sleeping and combo sleeping.

The Amerisleep AS4 contains 4 inches of Bio-Pur® memory foam, 1 inch of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology, and 7 inches of Bio-Core® foam. It features the same cover as in our AS5 Hybrid model mentioned above.

Affinity foam is a transition foam we use in lots of our mattresses. The foam contains HIVE® technology, a zoned support system designed to evenly distribute your body weight and relieve pressure points. The layer provides extra support for your head, back, and legs while being extra cushiony around your shoulders and hips.

Bio-Core® support foam promotes healthy spinal alignment without making the bed feel too firm. It also plays a vital role in preventing sags, soft spots, and indentations.

Quick Summary

  • Durable without being too firm
  • Suits many types of petite sleepers
  • Eases joint pain and pressure build-up
Save $450 on the Amerisleep AS4 with our discount code
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Not only is the Amerisleep AS3 our most popular mattress, but it’s also the best for hip and shoulder pain. It’s 12 inches thick and contains a variety of breathable, plant-based foams.

Mattress Highlights
  • Contains cushiony Bio-Pu® and Affinity foam
  • HIVE® technology protects hips and shoulders
  • Bio-Core® minimizes sags and wear
Recommended For
  • Side and combo sleepers
  • Couples
  • Hot sleepers

Side sleepers typically deal with hip pain Verified Source Medline Plus Online resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health. View source and shoulder pain, Verified Source Medline Plus Online resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health. View source especially when their beds are too firm. The Amerisleep AS3 is our best mattress for side sleepers struggling with hip and shoulder pain.

The AS3 is 12 inches thick and contains 3 inches of Bio-Pur® memory foam, 2 inches of Affinity foam, and 7 inches of Bio-Core®. It features the same knit fabric cover as the AS4 and AS5 Hybrid models we mentioned prior.

The thick layer of Bio-Pur® provides ample cushioning for your hips and shoulders while keeping your spine aligned. While cushiony, the Bio-Pur® isn’t uncomfortably soft, so it works well if you switch positions throughout the night or share your bed.

The Affinity foam offers deeper cushioning for your hips and shoulders to soothe your pain and get you sleeping better. It’ll also distribute your body weight to prevent further pressure points.

We designed the AS3’s Bio-Core® base to minimize sags, lumps, and soft spots.

Quick Summary

  • Cushions achy hips and shoulders
  • Supports the spine without feeling overly firm
  • Good for couples with different firmness needs
Save $450 on the Amerisleep AS3 with our discount code
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The Organica by Amerisleep® is an eco-friendly mattress built to soothe pressure while keeping you cool. Its New Zealand Joma Wool® and Talalay latex comfort layers cushion the heaviest parts of your body to relieve aches and pains.

Mattress Highlights
  • Dunlop and Talalay latexes are durable and breathable
  • Features a natural wool flame barrier
  • Contains multiple cooling technologies
Recommended For
  • Eco-conscious shoppers
  • Back pain sufferers
  • Side, combo, and some back sleepers
  • Hot sleepers

The Organica by Amerisleep® is our most sustainable option for people in need of pressure point relief. This latex hybrid mattress is 13 inches thick and has a medium feel, which works well for side sleepers, combo sleepers, and some back sleepers.

The Organica contains 1 inch of New Zealand Joma Wool®, 3 inches of Talalay latex, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of Dunlop latex. We make the Organica’s cover from GOTS organic certified cotton, a cooling and soft material built to last.

Not only is wool a cushiony material great for pressure points, but it’s also a thermo-regulator and flame barrier. This top layer draws heat away from the body to prevent you from getting uncomfortable while sleeping.

Talalay latex is a soft, yet springy material. Its responsive feel ensures you can move easily in bed without feeling trapped or disturbing your partner if you have one. The Talalay latex will gently relieve achy pressure points without leaving you feeling stiff or uncomfortable.

The pocketed coils in the Organica align your spine, increase air circulation throughout the bed, and relieve pressure build-up. We use firmer coils on either side of the mattress to keep you supported from edge to edge.

Beneath the coils is a final layer of Dunlop latex. It’s firm, supportive, and helps your mattress last for years to come.

Quick Summary

  • Suitable for a wide range of people
  • Wool and Talalay latex provide optimal pressure relief
  • Has a variety of sustainability certifications
Save $450 on the Amerisleep Organica with our discount code
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How to Choose a Mattress Firmness for Pressure Point Relief

Your mattress firmness can make or break your pressure point relief. Mattress firmness refers to how much cushioning your bed has and is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being extra-soft and 10 being extra-firm.

Finding the right mattress firmness comes down to your sleeping position and size.

Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position impacts which of your body parts of your body need the most cushioning and support to prevent pressure points. The wrong mattress firmness can lead to achy, sore pressure points.

Based on your sleeping position, try the following mattress firmnesses:

  • Side sleepers should use soft mattresses (3) or medium mattresses (5)
  • Back sleepers should use medium mattresses (5) or medium-firm mattresses (7)
  • Stomach sleepers should use medium-firm mattresses (7) or firm mattresses (8)
  • Combo sleepers should use medium mattresses (5)

Body Weight

After your sleeping position, your body weight is another factor to be considered when choosing a mattress. Your body type impacts the amount of pressure on your bed and thus determines what firmness level you need.

Most mattress firmness recommendations are based on average-sized people. This means any person who weighs between 130 and 230 pounds. So people who weigh more or less than this should adjust their firmness choices to ensure they’re comfortable.

Mattresses for petite people who weigh under 130 pounds should typically offer a feel in the softer end of the recommended range for their sleeping position, or just a step outside of it. For instance, the ideal mattress firmness for average back sleepers is medium-firm, but if you’re petite, a medium-firm bed may cause lower back pain.

Conversely, mattresses for heavy people who weigh over 230 pounds should have a firmer feel than what’s recommended for their sleeping position. A plus-sized side sleeper may feel more comfortable on a medium-firm mattress over a medium or soft one.

Types of Mattresses for Pressure Points

The type of mattress you have plays a substantial role in your pressure point relief. The wrong type of mattress can significantly worsen your pain and thus affect your sleep, while the right one can help relieve the pain and let you sleep peacefully. Still, choosing a mattress is also a matter of personal preference.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are easily the best option for pressure point relief. They’re famous for their soft, cushiony feel great for soothing pressure and pain.

Basic memory foam beds tend to trap heat and get lumpy quickly. Instead, plant-based, copper, and gel memory foam are breathable and durable options. They’re not unreasonably priced and last roughly 8 to 10 years.

Latex

Latex mattresses are a natural foam option great for people trying to reduce their carbon footprint. They’re more durable and cooling than memory foam, which is excellent for hot sleepers. While latex doesn’t have the same “hug-like” feel as memory foam, it still contours under your body well to relieve pressure points.

While latex mattresses have lots to offer, they’re sometimes unattainable due to their high price. Most latex beds start at $1000 or more. However, they make up for the high cost with their durability. The average latex mattress lasts 12 to 15 years.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are generally the worst mattress for dealing with painful pressure build-up. While some innerspring beds are cushiony and luxurious, this isn’t the norm. The majority of innerspring beds have thin pillow tops which don’t provide much pressure relief, if at all.

Innerspring mattresses are made from continuous or open coils, which are interlocked. They’re springy and supportive, but don’t isolate motion too well. Unlike memory foam or latex mattresses, which have thick comfort layers, innerspring mattresses usually only feature a pillow or Euro top.

Pillow top or Euro top mattresses are usually made from cotton, wool, polyester, or other fibrous materials. While these materials feel fluffy and lightweight, they simply aren’t pressure-relieving.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are an upgraded version of innerspring mattresses. They feature coils—like innerspring mattresses—but instead of just including a thin pillow top, they have thick comfort layers made from foam. Some hybrid mattresses have a pillow top along with the foam comfort layer for optimal pressure relief.

Not only are hybrid mattresses excellent for pressure relief, but they tend to be more supportive than innerspring beds. The coils in hybrid beds are wrapped in fabric to prevent breakage and motion transfer while also closely supporting your spine. These are excellent features for sleepers who want a pressure-relieving mattress for bed sores and long-term bed rest.

Key Takeaways

  • Consider Your Sleeping Position: Choose a mattress firmness that aligns with your sleeping position, such as soft mattresses for side sleepers, medium mattresses for back sleepers, and medium-firm mattresses for stomach sleepers.
  • Account for Body Weight: Adjust your mattress firmness based on your body weight, with lighter individuals preferring softer mattresses and heavier individuals needing firmer mattresses for ample support and comfort.
  • Choose the Right Mattress Type: Opt for memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses to effectively relieve pressure points, as they offer superior cushioning and support compared to innerspring mattresses. Consider factors like durability, cooling, and comfort preferences when making your decision.

FAQs

What’s the best mattress for side sleepers with hip and shoulder pain?

Hip and shoulder pain when side sleeping typically means your bed is too firm, causing your hips and shoulders to be compressed. Resolve this by using a soft or medium mattress. They’ll cushion your shoulders and hips while keeping your spine aligned to prevent further pain.

The best mattresses for side sleepers with hip and shoulder pain include the Amerisleep AS5, Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid, Amerisleep AS4, and Amerisleep AS3.

What’s the best mattress for back sleepers with lower back pain?

Back sleepers who struggle with lower back pressure build-up and pain should use medium-firm mattresses. These types of beds are firm enough to align your spine but still cushion your lower back to prevent stiffness and pain.

The best mattress for back sleepers with lower back pain Verified Source Medline Plus Online resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health. View source is the Amerisleep AS2.

What type of mattress is best for relieving pressure points?

Generally, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are best for relieving pressure points. They all contain foam comfort layers, which are vital for relieving pressure build-up. Some, but not all, innerspring mattresses contain foam comfort layers, which is why we recommend hybrid, latex, and memory foam mattresses instead.

What are the main pressure points a mattress can help with?

The main areas a mattress helps with include hip, shoulder, and lower back pressure points. With this in mind, it’s crucial to get the right mattress firmness for your pain.

If you struggle with hip and shoulder pain from side sleeping, a soft or medium mattress is best. If you deal with lower back pain from back or stomach sleeping, a medium-firm mattress will likely help the most.

Is a firm or soft mattress better for hip pain?

Hip pain is often a result of sleeping on your side but is also caused by arthritis, Verified Source Medline Plus Online resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health. View source hip fractures, Verified Source Medline Plus Online resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health. View source muscle strains, Verified Source Medline Plus Online resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health. View source and osteonecrosis. Verified Source Medline Plus Online resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health. View source If you struggle with hip pain, it’s best to sleep on your back to prevent further pain. When back sleeping, a medium or medium-firm mattress is ideal. If you prefer side sleeping regardless of your pain, use a soft or medium mattress.

Conclusion

Pressure point pain can feel inevitable at nighttime, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mattress, you can relieve your pressure points and prevent any more from appearing. Consider what pressure points you face and what position you sleep in. This way, you can purchase the right new mattress and start sleeping better as soon as possible!


About the author

April Mayer is a sleep expert and writer with a degree in exercise physiology. She has dedicated her career to exploring the relationship between sleep and productivity. Her insightful articles, such as "The Surprising Way Your Mood Might Be Messing With Your Productivity" and "Wake Up to More Productive Mornings," have been featured in reputable publications like Forbes, Greatist, Real Homes, Thrillist, Tom's Guide, and Eat This, Not That. With a passion for helping others lead more productive lives through restful sleep, April offers valuable expertise on foods and vitamins for better sleep. As a trusted member of the Early Bird team since March 2020, she continues to provide informative and well-researched content.

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