Quick answer: There is no good evidence for a single best mattress for arthritis. Studies in low back pain found medium-firm mattresses did better than firm ones, but comfort matters most. Choose a mattress that supports your spine, relieves pressure on painful joints, is easy to turn over on and get up from, and test it for at least 10 to 15 minutes before buying.
Checked on 11 October 2026 against NHS advice on insomnia and sleep, GOV.UK guidance on VAT relief for disabled people, and published research on mattresses and back pain. This is a criteria-based guide. We have not tested mattresses, do not rank brands, and use no affiliate links.
Pain at night and stiffness in the morning are common with arthritis, and many people wonder whether a new mattress would help. It might make you more comfortable, but it is important to be honest about the evidence: there is very little research on mattresses for arthritis specifically. Most studies are about low back pain, and even those are limited. No mattress treats arthritis, whatever the advertising says.
This guide explains what the evidence does and does not show, what to look for, how to test a mattress, when an adjustable bed or other equipment may help, and how to avoid expensive mistakes.
What the evidence says
For arthritis
We could not find good-quality trials comparing mattresses for people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other types of arthritis. That means any claim that a particular mattress is "best for arthritis" is not based on solid evidence.
For low back pain
- A randomised trial published in The Lancet in 2003 compared firm and medium-firm mattresses in 313 adults with chronic non-specific low back pain. After 90 days, those with medium-firm mattresses had better outcomes for pain in bed, pain on rising and disability.
- A 2021 review of 39 studies in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology concluded that a medium-firm mattress promotes comfort, sleep quality and spinal alignment.
These studies were in people with back pain, not arthritis in other joints, so the results may not apply to you. Still, they suggest that the traditional advice to choose a very hard mattress for pain is not well supported.
For sleep in general
The NHS lists uncomfortable beds as one possible cause of insomnia and advises making sure your mattress, pillows and covers are comfortable. That is a sensible, low-key goal: comfort and support, not a cure.
Before you buy: is the mattress the problem?
Night pain has many causes, so a new mattress may not fix it. Ask yourself:
- Is the mattress old, sagging, lumpy or dipping where you lie?
- Do you sleep better in other beds, such as a hotel or relative's bed?
- Do you wake stiff and sore, then ease up within a short time of getting up?
- Is pain worse at night because of inflammation, a flare, or pain that is not well controlled?
Pain that wakes you at night, especially with swelling or long morning stiffness, may be a sign that your arthritis needs reviewing. Talk to your GP or rheumatology team. Our guides to arthritis and sleep problems and sleep positions for joint pain cover other things that can help.
What to look for: practical criteria
Support and firmness
Look for a mattress that keeps your spine in a natural line and supports heavier parts of your body, such as hips and shoulders, without making them press hard into it. Medium-firm is a reasonable starting point for many people, based on the back pain studies, but personal comfort matters most. Firmness labels are not standardised between manufacturers, so one company's "medium" may feel different from another's.
Pressure relief
If you sleep on your side and have painful hips or shoulders, a mattress or topper with some give at the surface may reduce pressure on those joints.
Ease of movement
Very soft mattresses and some foam types can make it harder to turn over or get out of bed, which matters if you have stiff hips, knees or back. Check you can roll and sit up easily.
Edge support
A firm edge makes it easier and safer to sit on the side of the bed to get up or dress.
Height
The height of the bed affects how easy it is to get in and out. When you sit on the edge, your feet should be flat on the floor with your knees at or slightly below hip level. Bed raisers can help. An occupational therapist can advise.
Temperature
Some people find certain foam mattresses warm. If you get hot at night, check how breathable the mattress is.
Weight and handling
If you need to turn or rotate the mattress, check whether you can do it or have someone to help. Some mattresses do not need turning.
Size and sharing
If you share a bed, consider a larger bed so you are not disturbed, or a mattress with separate sides of different firmness. Mattresses that reduce movement between partners may help light sleepers.
Types of mattress
There is no good evidence that one type is better for arthritis. Each has trade-offs.
- Pocket sprung: individual springs that respond separately. Often breathable, with good edge support.
- Open coil: usually cheaper, can be less supportive and more prone to sagging.
- Memory foam: moulds to your shape and can relieve pressure, but some people find it hot and harder to move on.
- Latex: springy and supportive, often heavy.
- Hybrid: combines springs with foam or latex layers.
Toppers: a cheaper option
If your mattress is in good condition but feels too firm, a mattress topper may add comfort and pressure relief for less money. A topper will not fix a mattress that is sagging or worn out.
How to test a mattress
- Lie on it for at least 10 to 15 minutes in the shop, in your usual sleeping position. Take your pillow if you can.
- Roll over and sit up to check how easy it is to move.
- Sit on the edge to check edge support and height.
- Test with your partner if you share a bed.
- Check any home trial carefully: how long it is, whether you must keep it for a minimum time before returning, who pays for collection, and whether there is a fee.
- Check returns rules. GOV.UK says that when you buy online or by phone you usually have 14 days to cancel after receiving the item, but sealed items that cannot be returned for health or hygiene reasons once opened are an exception. Ask the retailer how this applies before you open a mattress.
Thinking about your painful joints
There is no research to guide mattress choice by joint, but these practical points may help you decide what to test for.
- Hips and shoulders: if you sleep on your side, check whether the mattress lets your hip and shoulder sink slightly so your spine stays level. If you wake with a sore hip or shoulder, a softer surface layer or topper may help.
- Back and spine: look for even support so you do not sag in the middle. If you have axial spondyloarthritis, ask your physiotherapist about sleeping positions and pillows, as these can affect posture.
- Knees: a pillow between or under the knees often matters more than the mattress.
- Neck: pillow height and firmness are usually the main factors.
- Hands and wrists: if your hands are painful, check you can push yourself up from the mattress easily. A bed lever may help.
Budget and second-hand
Price is not a reliable guide to comfort. A mid-range mattress that suits you is better than an expensive one that does not. Be cautious about second-hand mattresses, as you cannot easily check their condition or hygiene. If money is tight and you have a disability, ask your council or a local charity whether help with essential items is available.
Red flags
- Claims to treat, cure or reduce inflammation in arthritis. There is no good evidence for this.
- "Orthopaedic" labels. This is a marketing term with no agreed standard. It usually just means firm.
- Magnetic, copper or "ionic" mattresses with health claims.
- Endorsements from unnamed doctors or chiropractors.
- Pressure selling, especially at home, or "today only" prices.
- Very expensive adjustable beds sold without an assessment.
Adjustable beds and other equipment
An adjustable bed lets you raise your head or legs. Some people with arthritis find this helps them get comfortable, sit up and get out of bed. They are expensive, so get advice first.
- Get an assessment. An occupational therapist can advise on whether an adjustable bed would help and what features you need. Your council's needs assessment is free.
- Consider simpler options: a bed lever or rail, a leg lifter, bed raisers, or a wedge pillow. Our guide to bed levers explains more.
- VAT relief: GOV.UK lists certain adjustable beds among products that can be VAT-free if you are disabled or have a long-term illness and the product is for your own personal or domestic use. You must confirm this in writing. An ordinary mattress does not usually qualify.
Pillows and positioning
Pillows can matter as much as the mattress. A pillow that keeps your neck in line with your spine can help neck pain. A pillow between the knees may help if you sleep on your side with hip or knee pain, and a pillow under the knees may help if you sleep on your back. Small cushions can support painful wrists or shoulders.
Other ways to sleep better
The NHS suggests:
- going to bed when you are sleepy and getting up at the same time every day
- relaxing for at least an hour before bed, for example with a bath or a book
- keeping your bedroom dark and quiet
- avoiding alcohol, tea and coffee for at least 6 hours before bed
- not exercising within 4 hours of bed
- avoiding screens right before bed
With arthritis, a warm bath, gentle stretches and timing pain relief as advised by your doctor or pharmacist may also help. Our bedtime routine guide has ideas.
When to replace a mattress
There is no fixed lifespan. Consider replacing your mattress if it sags, has lumps or springs you can feel, you wake with more aches than when you went to bed, or you sleep better elsewhere.
A mattress-buying checklist you can copy
- Have I checked whether my arthritis needs reviewing first? ☐
- Is my current mattress sagging or worn? ☐
- Would a topper or new pillow be enough? ☐
- Lain on it for 10 to 15 minutes in my usual position? ☐
- Easy to roll over and get up from? ☐
- Good edge support and the right height? ☐
- Home trial and returns terms checked? ☐
- For an adjustable bed: OT advice and VAT relief checked? ☐
When to get medical help
See your GP or specialist team if joint pain regularly wakes you at night, morning stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes, you have new swelling, or poor sleep is affecting your mood or daily life. The NHS suggests seeing a GP if changing your sleeping habits has not worked, or you have had trouble sleeping for months. Get urgent help from your GP or NHS 111 if you have back pain with a fever or feeling unwell, or pain that is severe and getting worse quickly. Call 999 for back pain with numbness in both legs or bladder or bowel changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best mattress for arthritis?
There is no evidence for a single best mattress for arthritis. Choose one that is comfortable, supports your spine, relieves pressure on painful joints and is easy to move on.
Is a firm mattress better for joint pain?
Not necessarily. In studies of low back pain, medium-firm mattresses did better than firm ones. Comfort matters most.
Is memory foam good for arthritis?
It can relieve pressure, but some people find it hot and harder to turn over on. Try before you buy.
Can I get VAT relief on a mattress?
Usually not on an ordinary mattress. Certain adjustable beds designed for disabled people can qualify if you are disabled or have a long-term illness.
Are "orthopaedic" mattresses better?
"Orthopaedic" is a marketing term without an agreed standard. Judge a mattress on comfort and support instead.
Would a topper help?
A topper can add comfort to a mattress that is in good condition but too firm. It will not fix a sagging mattress.
Who can advise me on beds and equipment?
An occupational therapist can advise on beds, bed height and equipment. Ask your council for a needs assessment or your GP for a referral.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Insomnia
- GOV.UK: VAT relief for disabled people
- GOV.UK: Accepting returns and giving refunds
- Kovacs FM et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain. Lancet 2003
- Caggiari G et al. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? J Orthop Traumatol 2021
- NHS: Back pain
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom, not personal medical, legal or financial advice. NHS processes, rules and prices change, so check the linked official sources and speak to your GP, specialist team or pharmacist about your own situation. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical review. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Sleep quality and arthritis pain — why sleep matters
- Getting in and out of bed — with hip arthritis
- Choosing arthritis-friendly products — criteria and VAT relief
- Daily arthritis planner — pace your day