If you are a combination sleeper, you may find it hard to choose a mattress that suits your changing sleep positions. You may need a mattress that is responsive, supportive, comfortable, and versatile enough to accommodate your different preferences and needs. In this post, we will help you find the best mattress for combination sleepers based on our research and reviews. We will also explain what factors to consider when shopping for a mattress as a combination sleeper and answer some common questions.
Introduction
What is a combination sleeper and why do they need a special mattress?
A combination sleeper is someone who changes their sleeping position multiple times during the night. For example, you may start the night on your back, switch to your side in the middle of the night, and end up on your stomach in the morning. Combination sleepers may have different reasons for changing their sleeping position, such as comfort, temperature, pain, snoring, or partner preference.
Combination sleepers need a special mattress that can adapt to their different sleeping positions and provide them with optimal comfort and support. A mattress that is too soft or too firm may not suit all sleeping positions and may cause pressure points, misalignment, or discomfort. A mattress that is too conforming or too bouncy may not allow easy movement and may cause heat retention or motion transfer. A mattress that is too thin or too thick may not provide enough support or cushioning for different body weights and heights.
What are the benefits and challenges of being a combination sleeper?
Being a combination sleeper has some benefits and challenges that affect your sleep quality and health. Some of the benefits are:
- Better blood circulation: Changing your sleeping position can help improve your blood flow and prevent numbness or tingling in your limbs.
- Reduced pain: Changing your sleeping position can help relieve pressure points and reduce pain in your joints, muscles, or spine.
- Improved breathing: Changing your sleeping position can help open up your airways and reduce snoring or sleep apnea.
Some of the challenges are:
- Difficulty finding a suitable mattress: Finding a mattress that suits all your sleeping positions can be challenging, as different positions require different levels of firmness, support, and comfort.
- Disturbed sleep: Changing your sleeping position frequently can disrupt your sleep cycle and affect your sleep quality and duration.
- Partner disturbance: Changing your sleeping position can cause motion transfer and noise that may disturb your partner’s sleep.
Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers
We have selected the best mattresses for combination sleepers based on our criteria of quality, performance, customer satisfaction, and value. Here are our top picks:
Best Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe
Why we like it: The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress that combines memory foam and pocketed coils for a medium-firm feel that is ideal for most combination sleepers. The Helix Midnight Luxe has a zoned coil system that provides targeted support and pressure relief for different parts of the body. The Helix Midnight Luxe also has a breathable Tencel cover and a gel-infused memory foam layer that provide cooling and comfort.
Who it’s best for:
- Combination sleepers who want a hybrid mattress that offers both contouring and support
- Combination sleepers who prefer a medium-firm feel that is neither too soft nor too hard
- Combination sleepers who value luxury features and materials
Details:
- Type: Hybrid (memory foam + coils)
- Firmness: Medium-Firm (6/10)
- Thickness: 14 inches
- Price: $2,199 (Queen)
- Warranty: 15 years
- Trial: 100 nights
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Best Value: Nectar
Why we like it: The Nectar is an all-foam mattress that offers a great value for money. The Nectar has three layers of memory foam that conform to the body and relieve pressure points. The Nectar also has a breathable cotton cover and a gel-infused memory foam layer that provide cooling and comfort. The Nectar has a medium-firm feel that suits most sleeping positions and body types.
Who it’s best for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want a high-quality memory foam mattress at an affordable price
- Combination sleepers who like an all-foam mattress that offers both contouring and support
- Combination sleepers who want a long warranty and trial period
Details:
- Type: All-foam (memory foam)
- Firmness: Medium-Firm (6/10)
- Thickness: 11 inches
- Price: $799 (Queen)
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Trial: 365 nights
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Best for Back Pain: DreamCloud
Why we like it: The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that combines memory foam and pocketed coils for a medium-firm feel that is ideal for back pain sufferers. The DreamCloud has a zoned coil system that provides targeted support and spinal alignment for the lower back. The DreamCloud also has a quilted cashmere cover and a gel-infused memory foam layer that provide plushness and comfort.
Who it’s best for:
- Combination sleepers who suffer from back pain and need a mattress that supports their spine
- Combination sleepers who want a hybrid mattress that offers both pressure relief and edge support
- Combination sleepers who are looking for a luxury mattress at a reasonable price
Details:
- Type: Hybrid (memory foam + coils)
- Firmness: Medium-Firm (6/10)
- Thickness: 14 inches
- Price: $1,199 (Queen)
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Trial: 365 nights
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Best for Side Sleepers: Layla
Why we like it: The Layla is an all-foam mattress that offers a unique flippable design that allows the sleeper to choose between two firmness levels: Soft or Firm. The Layla has four layers of memory foam and polyfoam that conform to the body and relieve pressure points. The Layla also has a copper-infused memory foam layer that provides cooling and antimicrobial properties.
Who it’s best for:
- Side sleepers who need a mattress that cushions their hips and shoulders and aligns their spine
- Combination sleepers who appreciate a flippable mattress that offers two firmness options in one
- Combination sleepers who are interested in the benefits of copper-infused memory foam
Details:
- Type: All-foam (memory foam + polyfoam)
- Firmness: Soft (4/10) or Firm (7/10)
- Thickness: 10 inches
- Price: $999 (Queen)
- Warranty: 10 years
- Trial: 120 nights
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Best for Stomach/Back Sleepers: WinkBed
Why we like it: The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that combines memory foam, latex, and pocketed coils for a medium-firm feel that is ideal for stomach/back sleepers. The WinkBed has a zoned coil system that provides targeted support and prevents sagging in the lumbar region. The WinkBed also has a Tencel cover and a gel-infused memory foam layer that provide breathability and comfort.
Who it’s best for:
- Stomach/back sleepers who need a mattress that prevents their hips from sinking too much and creating an arch in their spine
- Combination sleepers who want a hybrid mattress that offers both bounce and contouring
- Combination sleepers who want to choose between four firmness options: Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm, or Plus
Details:
- Type: Hybrid (memory foam + latex + coils)
- Firmness: Soft (4.5/10), Luxury Firm (6.5/10), Firm (7.5/10), or Plus (8/10)
- Thickness: 13.5 or 14.5 inches with Plus option
- Price: $1,599 (Queen, Luxury Firm)
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Trial: 120 nights
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100, CertiPUR-US
How to Choose a Mattress for Combination Sleepers
When shopping for a mattress for combination sleepers, there are several factors to consider, such as:
Mattress type: hybrid, foam, latex, or airbed
The type of mattress affects the feel, performance, and durability of the product. Different types of mattresses have different advantages and disadvantages for combination sleepers. Here are some of the pros and cons of each type:
- Hybrid: A hybrid mattress combines memory foam, latex, or other materials with pocketed coils for a balanced feel of comfort and support. A hybrid mattress can offer pressure relief, temperature regulation, bounce, edge support, and versatility for combination sleepers. However, a hybrid mattress can also be expensive, heavy, noisy, or prone to motion transfer.
- Foam: A foam mattress uses memory foam, polyfoam, or other foams for a conforming feel of comfort and support. A foam mattress can offer pressure relief, motion isolation, noise reduction, and ease of movement for combination sleepers. However, a foam mattress can also be hot, saggy, unresponsive, or off-gassing.
- Latex: A latex mattress uses natural or synthetic latex foam for a responsive feel of comfort and support. A latex mattress can offer pressure relief, temperature regulation, bounce, durability, and eco-friendliness for combination sleepers. However, a latex mattress can also be expensive, heavy, odoriferous, or allergenic.
- Airbed: An airbed uses air chambers that can be adjusted to different firmness levels by inflating or deflating them with a remote control or an app. An airbed can offer customization, comfort, support, and durability for combination sleepers. However, an airbed can also be expensive, noisy, complex, or prone to leaks or malfunctions.
Mattress firmness: soft, medium, or firm
The firmness of a mattress refers to how hard or soft it feels when you lie on it. The firmness level can range from very soft to very firm, depending on the type and density of the materials used in the mattress. The firmness level can also be adjusted by adding or removing layers or components in some mattresses.
The firmness of a mattress affects the comfort and support of the product. Different firmness levels have different advantages and disadvantages for combination sleepers. Here are some of the pros and cons of each level:
- Soft: A soft mattress has a plush feel that hugs the body and relieves pressure points. A soft mattress can offer comfort, contouring, and motion isolation for combination sleepers. However, a soft mattress can also be hot, saggy, unresponsive, or unsupportive.
- Medium: A medium mattress has a balanced feel that conforms to the body and supports the spine. A medium mattress can offer comfort, support, versatility, and ease of movement for combination sleepers. However, a medium mattress can also be inconsistent, noisy, or off-gassing.
- Firm: A firm mattress has a hard feel that supports the body and keeps it from sinking too much. A firm mattress can offer support, alignment, durability, and temperature regulation for combination sleepers. However, a firm mattress can also be uncomfortable, stiff, or pressure-inducing.
Sleeping position and body weight: back, side, stomach, or mixed; light, average, or heavy
Your sleeping position and body weight can affect how comfortable and supportive a mattress is for you. Different sleeping positions require different levels of pressure relief and spinal alignment, while different body weights require different levels of firmness and support.
- Back sleepers: Back sleepers need a mattress that supports their lower back and keeps their spine in a neutral position. A medium-firm to firm mattress can provide enough support and prevent sagging in the lumbar region. A softer mattress may cause back sleepers to sink too much and create pressure points in the hips and shoulders.
- Side sleepers: Side sleepers need a mattress that cushions their hips and shoulders and aligns their spine. A medium to medium-soft mattress can provide enough contouring and pressure relief for side sleepers. A firmer mattress may cause side sleepers to feel too much pressure in their joints and create misalignment in their spine.
- Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a mattress that prevents their hips from sinking too much and creating an arch in their spine. A firm to medium-firm mattress can provide enough support and keep their spine in a straight line. A softer mattress may cause stomach sleepers to sink too much and create strain in their neck and back.
- Mixed sleepers: Mixed sleepers need a mattress that adapts to their different sleeping positions and provides them with optimal comfort and support. A medium to medium-firm mattress can provide enough versatility and ease of movement for mixed sleepers. A softer or firmer mattress may not suit their needs as well as a medium one.
- Lightweight sleepers: Lightweight sleepers (less than 130 pounds) need a mattress that conforms to their body and relieves pressure points without making them feel stuck. A soft to medium-soft mattress can provide enough comfort and contouring for lightweight sleepers. A firmer mattress may feel too hard and uncomfortable for lightweight sleepers.
- Average-weight sleepers: Average-weight sleepers (130 to 230 pounds) need a mattress that balances comfort and support for their body type and sleeping position. A medium to medium-firm mattress can provide enough comfort and support for average-weight sleepers. A softer or firmer mattress may not suit their needs as well as a medium one.
- Heavyweight sleepers: Heavyweight sleepers (more than 230 pounds) need a mattress that supports their body weight and prevents sagging or sinking. A firm to medium-firm mattress can provide enough support and durability for heavyweight sleepers. A softer mattress may not be able to support their weight adequately and may wear out faster.
Responsiveness and ease of movement: how quickly and easily the mattress adapts to your movements
The responsiveness of a mattress refers to how quickly and easily it adapts to your movements when you change your sleeping position or get in or out of bed. The responsiveness of a mattress affects the comfort, support, temperature regulation, and motion isolation of the product.
A responsive mattress can offer:
- Comfort: A responsive mattress can conform to your body’s curves and distribute your weight evenly, reducing pressure points and improving blood circulation.
- Support: A responsive mattress can support your spine and keep it in a neutral position, preventing misalignment and pain.
- Temperature regulation: A responsive mattress can allow air to flow through it, preventing heat buildup and keeping you cool.
- Motion isolation: A responsive mattress can absorb motion and prevent it from transferring to your partner, reducing disturbance and noise.
A less responsive mattress can offer:
- Comfort: A less responsive mattress can hug your body and create a cozy feel, enhancing relaxation and sleep quality.
- Support: A less responsive mattress can cradle your body and provide a stable feel, enhancing security and stability.
- Temperature regulation: A less responsive mattress can retain heat and create a warm feel, enhancing comfort and warmth.
- Motion isolation: A less responsive mattress can isolate motion and prevent it from transferring to your partner, reducing disturbance and noise.
Pressure relief and spinal alignment: how well the mattress conforms to your body and supports your spine
The pressure relief and spinal alignment of a mattress refer to how well it conforms to your body’s curves and supports your spine in a neutral position. The pressure relief and spinal alignment of a mattress affect the comfort, support, pain relief, and posture of the product.
A mattress that offers good pressure relief and spinal alignment can provide:
- Comfort: A mattress that offers good pressure relief and spinal alignment can conform to your body’s curves and distribute your weight evenly, reducing pressure points and improving blood circulation.
- Support: A mattress that offers good pressure relief and spinal alignment can support your spine and keep it in a neutral position, preventing misalignment and pain.
- Pain relief: A mattress that offers good pressure relief and spinal alignment can relieve pain in your joints, muscles, or spine by reducing pressure points and improving blood flow.
- Posture: A mattress that offers good pressure relief and spinal alignment can improve your posture by keeping your spine in a natural position, preventing slouching or hunching.
A mattress that offers poor pressure relief and spinal alignment can cause:
- Discomfort: A mattress that offers poor pressure relief and spinal alignment can cause discomfort by creating pressure points and restricting blood flow.
- Unsupportiveness: A mattress that offers poor pressure relief and spinal alignment can cause unsupportiveness by allowing your spine to sag or bend unnaturally, creating misalignment and pain.
- Pain: A mattress that offers poor pressure relief and spinal alignment can cause pain in your joints, muscles, or spine by increasing pressure points and restricting blood flow.
- Poor posture: A mattress that offers poor pressure relief and spinal alignment can cause poor posture by forcing your spine into an unnatural position, causing slouching or hunching.
Motion isolation and edge support: how well the mattress absorbs motion and prevents sagging at the edges
The motion isolation and edge support of a mattress refer to how well it absorbs motion when you or your partner move on the bed and how well it prevents sagging or collapsing at the edges when you sit or lie on them. The motion isolation and edge support of a mattress affect the comfort, support, durability, and partner disturbance of the product.
A mattress that offers good motion isolation and edge support can provide:
- Comfort: A mattress that offers good motion isolation and edge support can provide comfort by reducing noise and vibration when you or your partner move on the bed. It can also provide comfort by allowing you to use the entire surface of the bed without feeling like you are falling off the edge.
- Support: A mattress that offers good motion isolation and edge support can provide support by maintaining its shape and firmness when you or your partner move on the bed. It can also provide support by reinforcing the edges of the bed when you sit or lie on them.
- Durability: A mattress that offers good motion isolation and edge support can enhance its durability by preventing sagging or collapsing of the mattress over time. It can also enhance its durability by protecting the edges of the mattress from wear and tear.
- Partner disturbance: A mattress that offers good motion isolation and edge support can reduce partner disturbance by isolating motion and preventing it from transferring to your partner. It can also reduce partner disturbance by allowing you and your partner to sleep comfortably on different sides of the bed without feeling crowded or unstable.
A mattress that offers poor motion isolation and edge support can cause:
- Discomfort: A mattress that offers poor motion isolation and edge support can cause discomfort by creating noise and vibration when you or your partner move on the bed. It can also cause discomfort by making you feel like you are falling off the edge of the bed when you use the entire surface of the bed.
- Unsupportiveness: A mattress that offers poor motion isolation and edge support can cause unsupportiveness by losing its shape and firmness when you or your partner move on the bed. It can also cause unsupportiveness by sagging or collapsing at the edges of the bed when you sit or lie on them.
- Wear and tear: A mattress that offers poor motion isolation and edge support can cause wear and tear by sagging or collapsing of the mattress over time. It can also cause wear and tear by damaging the edges of the mattress from frequent use or pressure.
- Partner disturbance: A mattress that offers poor motion isolation and edge support can cause partner disturbance by transferring motion and noise to your partner when you or your partner move on the bed. It can also cause partner disturbance by making you and your partner feel crowded or unstable on different sides of the bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about mattresses for combination sleepers:
How often should I change my sleeping position?
There is no definitive answer to how often you should change your sleeping position, as it depends on your personal preference, comfort, health, and lifestyle. Some people may change their sleeping position every few minutes, while others may change it every few hours or not at all. Changing your sleeping position can have some benefits, such as improving blood circulation, reducing pain, and improving breathing. However, changing your sleeping position too frequently or too abruptly can also have some drawbacks, such as disrupting your sleep cycle, affecting your sleep quality, and disturbing your partner.
The best way to determine how often you should change your sleeping position is to listen to your body and do what feels comfortable and natural for you. If you feel restless, uncomfortable, or in pain in one position, you may want to change it to another one that feels better. If you feel relaxed, comfortable, and pain-free in one position, you may want to stick to it for as long as possible. You may also want to consider factors such as temperature, humidity, light, noise, bedding, pillow, mattress, and partner preference when choosing your sleeping position.
How can I improve my sleep quality as a combination sleeper?
As a combination sleeper, you may face some challenges in improving your sleep quality, such as finding a suitable mattress, adjusting to different sleeping positions, and avoiding partner disturbance. Here are some tips that can help you improve your sleep quality as a combination sleeper:
- Choose a suitable mattress: Choosing a suitable mattress is crucial for improving your sleep quality as a combination sleeper, as it can affect your comfort, support, pressure relief, spinal alignment, temperature regulation, motion isolation, edge support, and durability. You may want to choose a mattress that is responsive, supportive, comfortable, and versatile enough to accommodate your different sleeping positions and preferences. You may also want to choose a mattress that has a medium-firm feel that suits most sleeping positions and body types. You may also want to consider factors such as mattress type, size, brand, features, and price when shopping for a mattress. You may also want to read reviews, compare options, and try out different mattresses before making a decision.
- Adjust to different sleeping positions: Adjusting to different sleeping positions can help you improve your sleep quality as a combination sleeper, as it can help you find the most comfortable and supportive position for your body and mind. You may want to experiment with different sleeping positions and see how they affect your sleep quality and health. You may also want to use pillows, cushions, or other accessories to support your head, neck, back, hips, or legs in different sleeping positions. You may also want to avoid sleeping positions that cause pain, discomfort, or breathing difficulties.
- Avoid partner disturbance: Avoiding partner disturbance can help you improve your sleep quality as a combination sleeper, as it can help you sleep peacefully and uninterrupted. You may want to choose a mattress that has good motion isolation and edge support, as it can reduce the impact of your or your partner’s movements on the bed. You may also want to use separate bedding, pillows, or blankets, as it can reduce the interference of your or your partner’s temperature, humidity, or preferences on your sleep. You may also want to communicate with your partner and respect their sleeping needs and habits.
What are some accessories that can help me as a combination sleeper?
As a combination sleeper, you may benefit from some accessories that can enhance your comfort, support, and sleep quality. Some of the accessories that can help you as a combination sleeper are:
- Pillows: Pillows can provide support and cushioning for your head, neck, shoulders, back, hips, or legs in different sleeping positions. You may want to choose a pillow that is adjustable, breathable, and hypoallergenic. You may also want to choose a pillow that has a medium loft and firmness that suits most sleeping positions and body types.
- Mattress toppers: Mattress toppers can provide an extra layer of comfort and support for your mattress. You may want to choose a mattress topper that is responsive, supportive, comfortable, and versatile enough to accommodate your different sleeping positions and preferences. You may also want to choose a mattress topper that has a medium-firm feel that suits most sleeping positions and body types.
- Mattress protectors: Mattress protectors can protect your mattress from stains, spills, dust mites, allergens, or other contaminants. You may want to choose a mattress protector that is waterproof, breathable, and hypoallergenic. You may also want to choose a mattress protector that is easy to wash and maintain.
- Sheets: Sheets can provide a soft and smooth surface for your mattress. You may want to choose sheets that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic. You may also want to choose sheets that are easy to clean and durable.
- Blankets: Blankets can provide warmth and coziness for your sleep. You may want to choose blankets that are breathable, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. You may also want to choose blankets that are easy to adjust and wash.
Conclusion
Choosing the best mattress for combination sleepers can be challenging, but not impossible. By considering factors such as mattress type, firmness, sleeping position, body weight, responsiveness, pressure relief, spinal alignment, motion isolation, and edge support, you can find a mattress that suits your changing sleep positions and provides you with optimal comfort and support. You can also use some accessories, such as pillows, mattress toppers, mattress protectors, sheets, and blankets, to enhance your sleep quality and experience.
We hope that this post has helped you find the best mattress for combination sleepers based on our research and reviews. We have selected the best mattresses for combination sleepers based on our criteria of quality, performance, customer satisfaction, and value. Here are our top picks:
- Best Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best Value: Nectar
- Best for Back Pain: DreamCloud
- Best for Side Sleepers: Layla
- Best for Stomach/Back Sleepers: WinkBed
If you have any questions or comments about this post or the products we reviewed, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and help you with your mattress shopping. Thank you for reading and happy sleeping!