If you’re one of the 4 to 10 million people in the United States with fibromyalgia—a chronic condition that causes pain and tenderness in the muscles and tissues—you know how hard it is to get a good night’s sleep—especially if you have an accompanying sleep disorder like most people with this condition do. (1, 2) Yet quality sleep is the very thing you need to help relieve symptoms of pain, fatigue, and depressed mood.
While it can, at times, feel like a vicious cycle between needing sleep and not getting it, the best place to start in addressing your lack of restorative sleep is with a quality mattress that provides both support and comfort. This is an important step in alleviating pain and discomfort while promoting quality sleep. In fact, various studies have found that medium-firm mattresses can be effective in reducing pain—particularly back pain. (3) However, not all mattresses are created equal, and not all are ideal for fibromyalgia, so finding the right one can be a challenge.
For this reason, we made it our mission to find the best mattresses for fibromyalgia, and to accomplish this task, our team spent hours evaluating over 60 mattresses. Throughout the testing process, we analyzed the pressure relief, support, construction, cooling capabilities, and responsiveness of each mattress. The end result includes eight mattresses designed to address issues of fibromyalgia and promote a restful night’s sleep.
Best mattress for fibromyalgia overall
The Saatva Rx is at the top of our list due to its exceptional pain-relieving qualities—a key concern for people with fibromyalgia. We were equally impressed with its unprecedented comfort, zoned lumbar support, and pressure-relieving design—all of which keep your spine aligned while reducing the number of pain points at night. Plus, with a free white glove delivery service, you can rest assured that once your Saavta mattress arrives, it will be ready to provide you with a good night’s rest.
Our picks for the best mattresses for fibromyalgia
- Best overall: Saatva Rx
- Best for arthritis and fibromyalgia: Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best for fibromyalgia and back pain: Nolah Evolution
- Best affordable: Brooklyn Essential
- Best memory foam: Nectar Classic Memory Foam
- Best luxury: Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best latex: Saatva Zenhaven Latex
- Best cooling: Nolah Signature
Compare mattresses for fibromyalgia
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Saatva Rx | Bear Elite Hybrid | Nolah Evolution | Brooklyn Essential | Nectar Classic Memory Foam | Helix Midnight Luxe | Saatva Zenhaven Latex | Nolah Signature | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Best for | Overall | Arthritis and fibromyalgia | Fibromyalgia and back pain | Affordable | Memory Foam | Luxury | Latex | Cooling |
| Price (queen) | $3,295 | $2,305 | $2,499 | $932 | $1,387 | $2,374 | $3,295 | $1,799 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Latex | Foam |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights |
Best overall mattress for fibromyalgia: Saatva Rx
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva Rx is a uniquely designed mattress that offers exceptional pressure relief and zoned lumbar support built with joint pain relief in mind. It even offers superior spinal support and alignment.
- This mattress has an amazing feel and is surprisingly breathable, considering the intricacies of its design.
- This mattress comes in at a higher price point and can exceed $3,000, depending on the size you purchase.
- While most sleepers with fibromyalgia will find this mattress comfortable, especially since it is engineered to end muscle and joint pain, it’s particularly suited for side sleepers and most back sleepers.
Why we like Saatva Rx as best overall
Specifically designed to alleviate pain and discomfort, the Saatva Rx is a luxury mattress that offers exceptional pressure relief and zoned lumbar support—two key characteristics anyone with fibromyalgia needs in a quality mattress. But this mattress’s amazing capabilities don’t end there. Every layer is constructed with pain relief in mind.
This mattress is engineered to end joint pain from the organic cotton cover to the cutting-edge micro-coil layer with high-density foam layered above and below. This mattress even has individual foam modules for each coil that help reduce the motion caused by a partner in the bed. We especially appreciate the pressure relief, contouring capabilities, and cooling properties incorporated throughout the mattress, which makes us confident that people dealing with chronic pain will get a better night’s rest on this mattress.
And if that’s not enough, this Saatva mattress even offers superior spinal support and alignment—a feature that earned it an endorsement by the American Chiropractic Association™. Overall, this mattress works well for side sleepers of all body sizes and most back sleepers. But if you sleep on your stomach, you may find that you sink a little too much around the hips.
We also would have liked to have seen a little more edge support during testing while sitting on the side of the bed, but it still gave us ample security when sleeping near the outermost part of the mattress. Because this mattress is priced higher, it may not be accessible for everyone’s budget, especially since some sizes exceed $3,000.
However, for those willing to make an investment, we feel this mattress is the perfect solution for those plagued with fibromyalgia pain. Not only could it reduce your pain level, but it could also help you achieve a better night’s rest and an improved quality of life. Plus, with a 365-night trial period, you’re not locked into the purchase if it doesn’t work.
To learn more about this brand, visit our complete Saatva Rx mattress review.
Specs
| Price (queen) | $3,295 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Supportive plush |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 days |
Best mattress for arthritis and fibromyalgia: Bear Elite Hybrid
Key product features
What you should know
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress blends comfort and support to meet the sleep needs of people with fibromyalgia and arthritis. This mattress offers better joint positioning regardless of the position you’re sleeping in and is built to last with durable materials and solid construction.
- The copper-infused memory foam helps decrease unwanted body heat while sleeping and creates an antibacterial environment in the mattress.
- This mattress has a higher price point and can cost as much as $3,000 or more, depending on the size, but it may be worth it for those who can afford it.
- The Bear Elite Hybrid is conducive to most sleeping styles and body types, though during our testing, it seemed to work better for side and back sleepers.
Why we like Bear Elite Hybrid as best for arthritis and fibromyalgia
Whether you have arthritis or fibromyalgia—or both—you need a mattress that successfully blends the benefits of comfort and support to meet your sleep needs—and this Bear Elite Hybrid mattress delivers on both. We found that it has the perfect balance of firm support from the innerspring and plush cushioning to the memory foam for ultimate hip and shoulder comfort—a real plus for those plagued with joint pain.
We also appreciated how these two features worked together to promote better joint positioning regardless of the position we were sleeping in, without making us feel like we couldn’t move or that we were lying on a board. The durable materials and solid construction gave us confidence in this mattress’s potential longevity. Even the handles were an unexpected touch that made moving this mattress much easier than other options.
We were equally impressed with the copper-infused memory foam that helped decrease unwanted body heat while sleeping—a plus for those with fibromyalgia who may be heat-sensitive. Plus, copper is known to naturally create an antibacterial environment, too, meaning your mattress could potentially be more hygienic than traditional mattresses. (4)
We also felt confident that most body types would feel comfortable sleeping on this mattress. During our testing, we noted that it was easy to get in and out of—a great feature if your condition creates mobility issues or stiffness in the mornings. We also found the bed easy to move around on, though it took a more concerted effort to switch positions than we would have liked. (We tested the Medium mattress, but it also has options for both softer and firmer options.)
We also wish the edge of the bed was more supportive. But we still didn’t feel like we were going to fall off. And, though this is a high-quality mattress, it is $2,305, which can be somewhat cost-prohibitive for some. We were also disappointed that the 120-night trial period is not as long as others on this list. But still, four months is an adequate amount of time to determine if this mattress will work for you—we just think a 365-night trial period would be better at this price point.
Check out our complete Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review for more insights. If this mattress isn’t the right pick for you, see the best mattresses for arthritis for more great options.
Specs
| Price (queen) | $2,305 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Three options (Soft, Medium, Firm) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best mattress for fibromyalgia and back pain: Nolah Evolution
Key product features
What you should know
Designed for side sleepers, the Nolah Evolution provides optimal pressure relief without sacrificing spinal alignment. Not only can you expect no pressure buildup on tender spots, but you also may find that hip pain is a thing of the past.
- The Nolah Evolution offers a high-end hotel bed feel with a plush top layer and full-body support.
- At $2,499 for a queen mattress, this selection is in the middle of the pack in terms of affordability, but with its cushy comfort and optimal support, you will think you’re sleeping on a more costly mattress.
- This mattress was engineered for side sleepers, but during our testing, our back and stomach sleepers raved about it as well.
Why we like Nolah Evolution as best for fibromyalgia and back pain
If you’re looking for a hotel mattress feel with a plush top layer and full-body support, the Nolah Evolution is the mattress for you. Created with the needs of side sleepers in mind, this mattress provides optimal pressure relief without compromising spinal alignment—a noteworthy achievement for those with both fibromyalgia and back pain.
In fact, sleeping on your side may not only exacerbate back pain but can also put incredible pressure on the hip area (5)—especially if you don’t have a quality mattress or sleep on one that doesn’t keep your spine aligned. But, during our testing, we didn’t experience any pressure buildup on tender spots or note any hip pain while lying on our side. The design of this mattress is conducive to proper spinal alignment and pressure relief.
We were also impressed with this mattress’s exceptional edge support. While sitting on the side, the mattress was visibly solid and didn’t show any sinkage—even when lying at the edge—which is a rare occurrence in mattresses. We also appreciated the elite cooling technology afforded by the Nolah Evolution. During our testing, the mattress took less than two minutes to cool down to its original temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plus, this mattress offers impressive ease of movement. This means that if you have back pain that makes moving around in bed a chore, you won’t have to exert a lot of effort to change positions. Instead, we found this mattress highly responsive, and we never felt stuck in the bed.
That said, we were disappointed with this mattress’s small trial window. With only 120 nights to test it out, you need to decide quickly if it’s the right one for you. This mattress is also on the heavy side, with a queen weighing 115 pounds and a king weighing 135 to 142 pounds, making it difficult to move around, especially if you have back pain. But Nolah does offer a white glove delivery option ($175), so if you opt for that, you shouldn’t have to move it too much.
Finally, this mattress was made with side sleepers in mind, so it might not be ideal for all back and stomach sleepers. However, during our testing, our back and stomach sleepers had high praise for this mattress.
Read our full Nolah Evolution review, or check out our full guide on the best mattresses for back pain to discover more options.
Specs
| Price (queen) | $2,499 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Three options (Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm) |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best affordable mattress for fibromyalgia: Brooklyn Essential
Key product features
What you should know
The Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Essential mattress is an affordable sleep solution that offers a balance of support and comfort. Made with a combination of high-density foams coupled with individually wrapped coils, it sleeps like a medium-firm mattress.
- This mattress is easy to move around on—even for those with mobility issues—and never leaves people feeling like they are stuck in bed.
- At an affordable price point of $932, this mattress fits within most budgets while delivering a high-quality sleep solution suitable for most sleepers.
- Back and stomach sleepers will especially appreciate this mattress, while some side sleepers might prefer a mattress with a little more cushion.
Why we like Brooklyn Essential as best affordable
When it comes to high-quality sleep solutions at an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with the Brooklyn Essential mattress. Not only does it offer plenty of support from the coils, but the upper layers still have the coveted plushness people with achy joints and muscles crave—all at a price ($932) that fits within most budgets.
Plus, this mattress is easy to move around on, and we never felt stuck in bed. In fact, during our testing, we discovered that this mattress has a limited amount of sinkage and little to no sagging. It also does a good job controlling the amount of motion you sense when your partner moves, which means more restful nights and fewer awakenings when you’re trying to sleep.
Overall, the combination of high-density foams coupled with individually wrapped coils creates a medium comfort feel for this mattress. In fact, we found that it accommodates most sleep positions, though it was a little less conducive to side sleeping.
Additionally, the materials used in this mattress are of good quality, but they are less durable than some of the more high-end mattresses. But for the price—and the comfort level—you really cannot beat this mattress, even if it doesn’t last as long as others on the list might.
That said, we were disappointed to learn that even though shipping is free, this mattress has no white glove delivery option. This means that if you have limited mobility or other movement issues, you may need to recruit help to set it up.
To find more options that your wallet will love, see our best affordable mattresses roundup.
Specs
| Price (queen) | $932 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best memory foam mattress for fibromyalgia: Nectar Classic Memory Foam
Key product features
What you should know
With three layers that vary in density, The Nectar Classic mattress provides optimal comfort and contouring with the first two layers without compromising the supportiveness of the third layer. The result is an exceptional balance between feeling cushioned and supported.
- This mattress is responsive, allowing you to change positions easily at night by responding fairly quickly to your movements.
- At $1,387, The Nectar Classic is on the low end of the price range for the mattresses on this list, and it comes with free shipping to sweeten the deal.
- This mattress is suitable for most sleepers and body sizes, though plus-size stomach sleepers may find their lower back sinks more than what is recommended.
Why we like The Nectar Classic Memory Foam as best memory foam
There’s nothing like collapsing onto a comfortable mattress that cradles your achy body after a long day, and The Nectar Classic mattress is up to the task. Boasting three layers that vary in density, this mattress allows you to sink into the top two layers without compromising the support offered by the base’s third firm, dense foam layer.
Yet, this transaction between your body and the multiple layers of this mattress is not noticeable. Instead, it’s a seamless process that allows you to feel both comforted and supported—something most people with fibromyalgia need to get comfortable and rest peacefully.
Plus, your spinal alignment is not compromised—unless you’re a plus-size stomach sleeper. In this case, if you notice your lower back sinks into the plush layers of this mattress, this is not the one for you, and it’s time to make use of the 365-night trial period.
We also appreciate that this mattress is responsive and allows for easy position changing throughout the night. And though the memory foam response isn’t instantaneous, it still responds fairly quickly to accommodate you. This means that readjusting throughout the night is less likely to become a chore and interrupt the flow of your sleep.
That said, Nectar indicates that it offers cooling technology, but during testing, we still found it a little warmer than we would have liked. We also wish it had a little more edge support—though some sinking when you sit on the side of the bed is expected with memory foam mattresses.
Though this company offers free shipping, there’s no option for white glove delivery, which means unpacking and setting up are left up to you. If your fibromyalgia limits your mobility or compromises your strength, make sure you have help before attempting to set up this mattress. (1)
To learn more, visit our full Nectar mattress review or our list of the best memory foam mattresses.
Specs
| Price (queen) | $1,387 |
| Material | Memory foam |
| Firmness | Medium Firm |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best luxury mattress for fibromyalgia: Helix Midnight Luxe
Key product features
What you should know
The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is a luxurious mattress that balances cushioning and comfort with support and spinal alignment. It is designed to accommodate achy joints without unnecessary pressure, allowing for a more restful night’s sleep.
- With breathable coils and cooling gel foams, this mattress’s cooling abilities are on par with what you expect from its design but can be enhanced with an optional cooling cover for an additional fee ($249).
- Despite being a customizable, luxury sleep solution, this mattress is surprisingly affordable at $2,374 when compared to other luxury mattresses.
- Because this mattress can be customized to fit your sleep needs, it’s conducive for most sleep positions and body types.
Why we like Helix Midnight Luxe as best luxury
Anyone with fibromyalgia who is yearning for less pain while sleeping and a restorative night’s sleep atop a luxurious mattress will appreciate all that the Helix Midnight Luxe has to offer. You will feel cushioned and comforted as soon as you lie down, but not at the expense of support. Instead, you can count on this mattress to cushion your achy joints while also keeping your spine in alignment.
We also appreciate that despite the indulgent and luxurious feel of the pillowtop, the edges of the mattress still maintain their integrity and are relatively supportive. While we did sink a small amount when we sat on the edge, sleeping near the edge did not feel unsafe or off balance.
Constructed with a combination of breathable coils and cooling gel foams, this mattress keeps you cool while sleeping, especially if you purchase the cooling cover for an additional fee of $249.
This mattress also has a customizable feature. You can have your mattress tailored to fit your specific sleep needs simply by taking a sleep quiz when ordering, which asks your height, weight, sleep position, and whether you sleep hot or cold. However, you only have 100 nights to ensure it meets your needs, which we felt was a little low compared to this mattress’s competitors.
We do like that this mattress offers exceptional pressure relief, though, especially for side sleepers or those who tend to toss and turn at night due to discomfort and pain. With this mattress, those common sleep disruptors will be at a minimum.
But we noticed that it’s easy to be disturbed by your partner’s movements with this mattress. And though it wasn’t like an earthquake, it was more noticeable than we would have liked. Additionally, setup and removal are only available in certain areas. But you can check to see if it’s available in your zip code before ordering.
See our complete Helix mattress review or the best luxury mattresses for more options that will give you a luxurious feel.
Specs
| Price | $2,374 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 15 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
Best latex mattress for fibromyalgia: Saatva Zenhaven Latex
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva Zenhaven Latex provides sleepers with fibromyalgia pressure-free comfort coupled with five ergonomic zones for lumbar support. This state-of-the-art spinal support earned them an endorsement from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations.
- Because latex is known to cause allergic reactions, Saatva has removed all of the allergy-causing proteins from this mattress through a special washing process.
- While this mattress tends to be higher priced than most mattresses on our list, with a price tag of over $3,000 for a queen, it also may have more longevity than others at similar price points.
- Most sleepers will appreciate this mattress regardless of their sleeping position or body type, though those who want a little more cushioning may find it a little firm.
Why we like Saatva Zenhaven Latex as best latex
When it comes to a latex mattress, you can expect it to be durable, naturally cooling, and responsive. But it also may be head and shoulders above other mattresses when it comes to pressure relief, too. In fact, research suggests that latex mattresses may exert lower pressure points on sleepers than other mattress types. Researchers say this may mean more comfortable sleep and improved sleep quality. (6)
If you’re looking for a latex mattress to address your fibromyalgia concerns—and get a better night’s rest—then the Saatva Zenhaven Latex may be just what you’re looking for. This mattress offers pressure-free comfort, and we like that it contains five ergonomic zones designed to give you the lumbar support you need. Plus, that cutting-edge support garnered the mattress an endorsement by the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations. It could be a little too firm for some people.
We appreciate this mattress’s breathability. Not only does natural latex tend to offer more breathability than foam mattresses, but Saatva takes it a step further with its vented airflow channels, which add even more breathability. This means you can rest comfortably without worrying about overheating, which can cause a restless night’s sleep.
We also love that Saatva has made an extra effort to remove all the allergens from its product. Its website indicates that its latex goes through a washing process to remove all the allergy-causing proteins. But there are no governing bodies that can guarantee that something is latex-free (or free of latex allergens), so you won’t find a latex-free label on this mattress. If you have a latex allergy, you may want to discuss the safety of this mattress with a healthcare provider before making a purchase, especially since this mattress tends to have a high price point.
This mattress also tends to be heavy, weighing 125 pounds for a queen and 165 pounds for a king. Since it is dual-sided, you may need some help moving it or flipping it over.
If this mattress isn’t quite right for you, see the best latex mattresses to discover more options. Or, check out our Saatva mattress review to learn more about this brand.
Specs
| Price (queen) | $3,295 |
| Material | Latex |
| Firmness | Two options (Luxury Plush, Gentle Firm) |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best cooling mattress for fibromyalgia: Nolah Signature
Key product features
What you should know
With exceptional pressure relief and excellent cooling capabilities, Nolah’s Signature mattress offers those with fibromyalgia the opportunity to be cradled in comfort without overheating. Plus, this mattress is responsive to your movements, allowing you to change positions with ease.
- Made with five layers of foam, some of which are proprietary, this mattress also provides zoned support and comfort, ensuring that your spine is aligned without putting undue pressure on your shoulders.
- The Nolah Signature mattress is at an expected price point for foam mattresses, with a queen mattress costing roughly $1,799 without any discounts or promotions.
- Back and side sleepers will be most comfortable on this mattress, while stomach sleepers may find that it doesn’t provide enough support for their spine.
Why we like Nolah Signature as best cooling
Foam mattresses tend to run hot, but the Nolah Signature mattress provides an exceptionally cool sleeping experience—a plus for people with fibromyalgia who tend to be heat-sensitive. Not only can you expect the heat your body generates to continually dissipate throughout the night, but you also can anticipate being cradled in luxurious softness—a welcome respite for those with a multitude of aches and pains. Plus, none of these amenities comes at the expense of support.
With five layers of foam—some of which are proprietary blends—this Nolah mattress provides zoned support that is both flexible and cushy around the shoulders while maintaining a firmer texture near the back and lumbar region.
We also appreciate this foam mattress’s responsiveness, which makes it easy to change positions throughout the night without feeling like it takes significant effort to move. And, if your partner is someone who changes positions quite a bit, you will barely notice their movements due to the Nolah Signature’s motion isolation capabilities.
This mattress does lack some edge support, especially when sitting, though this is not uncommon with foam mattresses. But we did feel relatively stable while lying near the edge. And, while we love the unique feel and texture of Nolah’s proprietary foam blends, we did notice that we tended to sink more when sleeping. Overall, this was not an issue, and we felt well supported, but we would not recommend this mattress to those who sleep on their stomachs. There’s simply not enough support for your spine in that position.
If you are a hot sleeper, find more information on our complete guide of the best cooling mattresses or read our Nolah mattress review.
Specs
| Price (queen) | $1,799 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Soft |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
How we test mattresses
We tested and evaluated 60 mattresses using a thorough evaluation process that assessed each model’s performance across numerous criteria, such as performance, comfort, support, value, and more. This curated list of mattresses includes only those that offer pressure relief, adequate support, and spinal alignment for those with fibromyalgia.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. They should also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Assessing value involves a meticulous examination of several key factors that contribute to a mattress’s worth. A mattress that is priced just within reach of its target audience yet surpasses competitors in terms of materials, performance, and support presents a compelling value proposition. However, value is not solely determined by the lowest price point. We also determine it by finding the balance between cost and the tangible benefits a mattress provides.
Customer experience—10%
Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily put a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
How to choose a mattress for fibromyalgia
When it comes to finding the right mattress when you have fibromyalgia, you want to consider your sleep position, body type, pain points, sleep issues, and personal preferences. You should also consider the support, material, and firmness of the mattress.
But because everyone is different, it will ultimately come down to which mattress you think will give you the best night’s sleep. Here are some things to consider when selecting a mattress for fibromyalgia:
Support
Think about your specific pain-relief needs, body type, and sleep position to determine what will work best for you. Ideally, you want a mattress that will relieve any potential pressure points and offer deep layers for more cushioning. In some cases, this might mean pressure-relieving memory foam or zoned lumbar support. In others, it might mean a spring tension that is specific to your body weight. The key is that the mattress supports your body, relieves pressure points, and is comfortable to sleep on.
Material
Some of the best mattress materials for fibromyalgia are memory foam and latex mattresses. Not only do they conform to your body, but they also can relieve pressure where you are most sensitive. If you are sensitive to heat or have trouble regulating your body heat as many people with fibromyalgia do, you will want to avoid mattresses that retain heat, like those with synthetic materials. (7) Instead, look for a mattress that is designed to be more cooling. And, if you have allergies, look for hypoallergenic features.
Firmness
Ultimately, the level of firmness you select will depend on your personal preference. Most people want a medium to medium-firm mattress that offers good support so that the spine stays aligned, but they also want to combine that with a softer, comfortable layer that can reduce joint pressure. Ideally, your mattress should provide a balance of comfort and support. When selecting your mattress, keep in mind that mattresses that are too soft may not support your spine, while mattresses that are too firm could cause pressure buildup.
Edge support
If the edge of your mattress is sturdy, it can make it easier to use the entire mattress. This is especially important for people who sleep with a partner and need to be able to sleep close to the edge of the bed. A strong edge also can make it easier to get in and out of bed—an important consideration if you have fibromyalgia that causes you to experience stiffness in the morning. (8) Good edge support also allows you to sit near the edge of the bed without feeling like you’re going to slide off.
Contour
When selecting a mattress for fibromyalgia, consider how the mattress adjusts to your body’s shape. Mattresses that offer more contouring often provide better pressure relief, ultimately resulting in a more pain-free sleep experience. That said, if the contouring is too significant, it can also be hard to change positions in bed. If you have mobility issues and often change positions at night, you will want a mattress with less restrictive contouring.
Movement
It’s not uncommon for people with fibromyalgia to change positions throughout the night to find the most comfortable sleep position. (9) If that sounds like you, remember that some mattresses are easier to move around than others. For instance, mattresses with latex and coils are easier to move on. Meanwhile, highly responsive memory foam mattresses can be excellent at reducing pressure, but they also can make it difficult to move—especially for those with mobility issues.
What type of mattress is best for fibromyalgia?
Because every person with fibromyalgia is different, it’s not possible to recommend a one-size-fits-all mattress type. Instead, when shopping for a mattress, it’s best to know which types are available and pick the one that fits your needs. Here are the primary types of mattresses and how they might impact fibromyalgia.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine two or more materials like innerspring and memory foam. The goal is to provide a support element through springs or coils and a comfort layer through memory foam or another material. Because these mattress types offer comfort, support, and breathability, people with fibromyalgia often gravitate toward hybrid models, especially if they tend to get hot at night and want pressure relief but still want the freedom to move around more easily.
Latex
Made from rubber trees, latex mattresses are breathable and effective at distributing the person’s weight across the mattress, reducing pressure points and allowing for a more restful sleep. People with fibromyalgia who want pressure relief without the contouring of a memory foam mattress may prefer latex mattresses. If you have a latex allergy, talk to your healthcare provider about whether or not a latex mattress is safe for you. Some people can sleep on latex mattresses without issue because the latex is encased or washed. Still, others with heightened sensitivity may need to avoid anything with latex, including mattresses. (10)
Foam and memory foam
Foam mattresses—both memory foam and other foam blends—provide comfort and contouring while supporting your body. Not only can this reduce pressure buildup around your hips and shoulders, but these mattresses are also effective at absorbing motion. If you sleep with a partner, you won’t feel their movements as intensely as you might on another mattress type.
Innerspring or coil
Mattresses with an innerspring or coil system tend to be responsive and allow easy mobility in bed—making them ideal for people with fibromyalgia who like to change positions throughout the night. They also tend to be very supportive and can be quite comfortable for people with larger bodies, especially if the mattress has a comfort layer that adds cushioning. The downside, of course, is that you may also feel the movement of others in bed with you.
Other tips for sleeping comfortably with fibromyalgia
While an appropriate treatment plan and mattress will go a long way in helping manage your fibromyalgia symptoms and promote a good night’s rest, there are other things you can do to sleep comfortably with this condition. Here are some things you can try to improve your sleep:
- Establish a sleep schedule: Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day helps promote healthy sleep.
- Practice mindfulness: Research has shown that being mindful throughout the day—or staying in the moment—may help decrease fibromyalgia-related pain and psychological symptoms. (11)
- Create a conducive environment: You will sleep more comfortably in a cool, dark room where your bed is only used for sleeping and sex and not for work, scrolling the internet, or watching television.
- Develop a bedtime routine: Sometimes it helps to have a routine before bed, like a warm bath, yoga, or even meditation—all of which signal to your body that it’s time to rest.
- Limit naps: While napping still contributes to your overall sleep bank—and can offset sleep that is missed at night—naps also can interfere with nighttime rest. (12)
- Reduce caffeine: Drinking caffeine, especially in the evenings, can make it challenging to get good rest, so try to drink your coffee in the morning and stick to water in the evenings.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise helps alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia and can promote sleep. (13) Find something you enjoy doing, like walking, resistance training, or swimming, and commit to doing it regularly.
- Consider vitamin D supplements: Research has shown a link between low vitamin D levels and sleep issues (14), and people with fibromyalgia tend to have lower, and sometimes higher, than normal vitamin D levels (15). Consider asking a healthcare provider to check your blood levels to determine if you could benefit from a vitamin D supplement.
FAQs
Is a firm or soft mattress better for fibromyalgia?
Rather than purchasing a firm mattress or a soft mattress, people with fibromyalgia should look for a medium to medium-firm mattress that gives them the best of both worlds—comfort and support. (16) This type of mattress is capable of contouring to your body’s natural curves, reducing pressure points, and, most importantly, boosting your sleep quality. Meanwhile, an overly firm mattress might cause pain and pressure in your hips, back, or shoulders, and an overly soft mattress might allow your spine to sag and not give you the support you need.
Is an adjustable bed good for fibromyalgia?
Depending on your fibromyalgia symptoms, an adjustable bed may be beneficial since it can allow you to elevate different parts of your body when you are uncomfortable. This can, in turn, help reduce pressure in key areas like your knees, hips, and back. Elevating your head can also help improve breathing and reduce snoring while adjusting your leg position could provide relief—key things to consider if you have fibromyalgia-related sleep issues like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. (17) To learn more, check out the best mattresses for sleep apnea.
Is a latex mattress good for fibromyalgia?
While choosing a mattress is often a personal decision based on your symptoms, needs, and preferences, some people with fibromyalgia enjoy latex mattresses because they tend to be both supportive and pressure-relieving. In fact, research shows they tend to provide a more even distribution of pressure than polyurethane mattresses. (6) Not only does this help with spinal alignment, but it can also be great for sensitive areas that are common to this condition. Latex mattresses are also a good option for people with fibromyalgia who have larger bodies and need both support and comfort for their hips and shoulders. That said, if you have a latex allergy, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure a latex mattress is safe for you.
Our experts
Anju Goel, M.D., MPH
Anju Goel, M.D., MPH, is a public health consultant and physician in California with a focus on communicable diseases, health policy, health promotion, and disaster preparedness. She’s also a consultant for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the COVID-19 response. Dr. Goel received her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and her master of public health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. She’s board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Sherri M. Gordon, CLC
Fortune Recommends Health Writer