How to choose the right bed for an elderly person?

Written by Evelyn Mercer

Reviewed by Dr. Kisore Ganatera

Last updated // November 3, 2025

Choosing the right bed for an elderly person can be hard. The National Council on Aging tested over 30 mattress brands to find the best ones. This guide will help you pick a mattress that gives good support and comfort, easing back pain and improving sleep.

Find the perfect mattress for your loved one today.

📋✅

Choose Medium-Firm Mattresses
Medium-firm foam mattresses reduce back and hip pain. The National Council on Aging tested over 130 foam models for 1,000 hours. Experts found medium-firm best for pain relief.
Select the Right Material
Options include innerspring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. Memory foam and latex offer excellent pressure relief. Brands like Saatva and DreamCloud are top choices.
Consider Adjustable Beds
93% of older adults sleep better with adjustable beds. Prices range from $300 to $7,000. Features include remote controls and customizable positions for comfort.
Ensure Proper Mattress Height
A mattress height of 20-25 inches helps seniors get in and out easily. Adjustable bases like Saatva Adjustable Base Plus offer heights from 13 to 18 inches.
Check Warranties and Trials
Look for mattresses with 120 to 365-night trials and lifetime warranties. This ensures the bed meets seniors’ needs and provides long-term support.

Understanding the Unique Sleep Needs of Seniors

As seniors age, their sleep needs shift—strong mattress support keeps their backs properly aligned. A comfortable mattress also helps lessen pain, ensuring a better night’s rest.

Importance of mattress support for seniors

A good mattress supports the body evenly. Medium-firm foam mattresses can reduce back and hip pain. Proper support helps seniors sleep better and wake up without aches. Research shows that testing 130 foam mattress models over 1,000 hours with 21 experts found medium-firm mattresses best for pain relief.

Quality mattress support also prevents pressure sores and improves sleep quality for older adults. Bed For Seniors.com offers mattresses with excellent edge support and orthopedic features to meet these needs.

The role of mattress comfort in preventing pain

Mattress comfort plays a key role in preventing pain for seniors. A medium-firm mattress can reduce musculoskeletal pain, according to a 2015 study. Memory foam and latex mattresses provide excellent pressure relief, easing lower back pain and joint discomfort.

Innerspring and hybrid mattresses offer strong support and motion isolation, which helps seniors stay comfortable throughout the night. Bed For Seniors.com highlights that 93% of older adults experience better sleep quality with adjustable beds.

Choosing the right mattress ensures seniors remain pain-free and enjoy restful sleep.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mattress for Seniors

Choosing the right mattress means looking at how firm it is, what it’s made of, and its height for easy getting in and out. These aspects ensure seniors get the support and comfort they need for a restful night’s sleep.

Firmness level

Choose the right firmness level for the mattress. Plank Firm is the best firm mattress, priced between $749 and $1,698. Firm mattresses support the spine and reduce pressure points.

Medium-firm mattresses may reduce musculoskeletal pain and ease low-back pain. Select firmness options based on the senior’s sleep needs. Proper firmness improves sleep quality and comfort.

Explore material types next to find the best mattress for seniors.

Material type

Innerspring mattresses use coils to provide strong support and good airflow. They are ideal for back sleepers and offer zoned support to relieve pressure on hips and shoulders. Memory foam mattresses mold to the body, offering excellent pressure relief and reducing motion transfer.

Gel-infused foam helps regulate temperature, keeping the bed cool for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Latex mattresses are durable and provide firm, orthopedic support, perfect for seniors with back pain. Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils and memory foam layers, delivering both support and comfort.

Adjustable mattresses allow customization of bed height and angle, making it easier for seniors to get in and out of bed. Choose the right material to match the senior’s specific sleep needs and health conditions.

Mattress height and ease of access

Choose a mattress height that helps seniors get in and out of bed easily. A height between 20 and 25 inches works well. Adjustable beds like the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus offer heights from 13 to 18 inches.

This range supports seniors with mobility issues. Bed For Seniors.com has options priced from $899 to $3,596. Matching the mattress height ensures safe and simple access every day.

Best Mattress Types for Seniors

Selecting the right mattress type helps seniors enjoy restful sleep and stay comfortable. Various options offer unique support and comfort to meet their specific needs.

Innerspring mattresses

Innerspring mattresses offer strong support with their coil systems. They help maintain proper sleep patterns and provide excellent lumbar support. The Saatva Classic is a top choice, priced between $1,395 and $2,990.

These mattresses are durable and allow air circulation, which aids in temperature regulation. Caregivers appreciate their reliability and ease of access for seniors.

Next, explore memory foam mattresses and their benefits.

Memory foam mattresses

Memory foam mattresses support seniors by hugging their bodies and easing pressure points. This helps reduce pain from arthritis and chronic pain. DreamCloud Memory Foam is a top choice.

It costs between $839 and $2,578 and offers a 365-day trial. Memory foam improves sleep quality by supporting different sleep stages. It also helps with sleep apnea and insomnia. BedForSeniors.com features memory foam options that meet various needs.

These mattresses ensure a comfortable and restful night for your loved one.

Hybrid mattresses

They combine innerspring coils with foam layers, providing both support and comfort. Hybrid mattresses help reduce pressure points, which can prevent pain for seniors. Models like the Nolah Evolution 15” offer exceptional pressure relief.

Priced between $1,499 and $3,198, they include a 120-night trial. These mattresses also feature cooling technologies, benefiting hot sleepers. Bed For Seniors.com recommends hybrids for their balance of support and softness, making them ideal for elderly care.

Latex mattresses

Latex mattresses provide strong support and comfort for seniors. They are made from natural materials, which help keep the bed cool and reduce allergies. Birch Natural is a great option, priced between $1,373.80 and $2,248.80.

It offers excellent edge support and a 100-night trial. These mattresses are durable and help prevent bedsores, making them ideal for elderly individuals. Bed For Seniors.com delivers with white glove service, ensuring easy setup and care.

Adjustable mattresses

Adjustable mattresses range from $300 to $7,000, fitting different budgets. They let seniors lift or lower the head and feet. Over 90% of older adults slept better with adjustable beds.

These beds help with acid reflux, obstructive sleep apnea, and low back pain. Adjustable beds improve sleep quality and comfort.

Features include remote controls and white glove delivery. Bed For Seniors.com offers top adjustable bed models. Look for easy-to-use controls and strong support. Choose adjustable mattresses to enhance seniors’ sleep and well-being.

Special Considerations for Seniors with Health Conditions

Seniors with back or hip pain need a mattress that offers strong support. For those with arthritis, a comfortable bed can help reduce discomfort and improve sleep.

Choosing a mattress for seniors with back and hip pain

Choose a mattress that supports the spine and cushions the hips. Saatva RX is a top choice for back pain. It costs between $1,995 and $4,390. You get a one-year trial to test it at home.

The mattress includes a limited lifetime warranty. Memory foam helps reduce hip pain and provides comfort. A firm mattress keeps the spine aligned. BedForSeniors.com offers options customized to these needs.

Mattresses for seniors with arthritis

Choosing the right mattress can ease arthritis pain for seniors. The WinkBed is ideal for arthritis sufferers. It costs between $1,149 and $2,199. This mattress offers excellent support and pressure relief, reducing joint discomfort.

Caregivers can take advantage of the 120-night trial to ensure it meets the senior’s needs. Bed For Seniors.com features the WinkBed, providing a reliable option for comfortable sleep.

Best beds for seniors needing frequent care

Adjustable mattresses support seniors needing frequent care. Hospital beds help caregivers manage mobility. Features like raising the head or foot make caregiving easier. Bed For Seniors.com offers models with easy access and special controls.

Adjustable beds improve comfort and reduce strain for both seniors and caregivers. A survey shows 55% feel better mentally with adjustable beds.

Bed For Seniors.com provides durable hospital beds for bedridden seniors. These beds support proper posture and ease of care. Choosing the right bed can prevent pressure sores and enhance well-being.

Adjustable beds also assist in managing sleep cycles and promoting better sleep.

Top Recommended Mattresses for Seniors

Explore Bed For Seniors.com’s top mattress recommendations to help your loved one sleep comfortably.

Saatva Classic: Best overall

The Saatva Classic mattress costs between $1,395 and $2,990. It has a dual-coil innerspring system that offers strong support. Memory foam layers help prevent pain and reduce pressure points.

The mattress is tall, making it easier for seniors to get in and out. Cooling features keep the bed comfortable through the night. Caregivers benefit from the 365-night trial and limited lifetime warranty.

Bed For Seniors.com trusts this mattress for its quality and comfort.

DreamCloud Memory Foam: Best value

DreamCloud Memory Foam costs between $839 and $2,578. It features memory foam layers that support sleep hygiene and reduce pain. This mattress helps ease arthritis and back discomfort, enhancing mental well-being.

Caregivers appreciate the 365-day trial, allowing ample time to ensure it meets the senior’s needs. Bed For Seniors.com recommends DreamCloud for its excellent comfort and value.

The WinkBed: Ideal for arthritis sufferers

The WinkBed provides firm support perfect for seniors with arthritis. It costs between $1,149 and $2,199 and includes a 120-night trial. The mattress uses pressure-relieving materials to ease joint pain and enhance sleep quality.

Its design helps reduce sleeplessness and supports better rest. Caregivers find the WinkBed reliable for improving the comfort and health of elderly loved ones.

Nolah Evolution 15”: Exceptional pressure relief

Nolah Evolution 15” delivers outstanding pressure relief, making it ideal for seniors with arthritis or back issues. Priced between $1,499 and $3,198, it fits various budgets. The mattress features advanced memory foam that contours to the body, easing pressure on joints and enhancing sleep quality.

Caregivers appreciate its durability and comfort, ensuring elders wake up refreshed.

Bed For Seniors.com highlights the Evolution 15” for its 120-night trial, allowing families to test its benefits risk-free. This trial period ensures the mattress meets specific health needs, such as reducing sleep difficulties and preventing pain.

With its excellent support and pressure relief, the Nolah Evolution 15” stands out as a top choice for enhancing seniors’ sleep and overall well-being.

Titan Plus: Designed for heavier-weight seniors

Titan Plus mattress is built for heavier-weight seniors. It offers strong support and durability for a comfortable night’s sleep. Priced between $699 and $1,598, it fits various budgets.

The mattress includes a 120-night trial from Bed For Seniors.com. Titan Plus provides excellent pressure relief, reducing pain and enhancing sleep quality. Explore Birch Natural for excellent edge support.

Birch Natural: Excellent edge support

Birch Natural provides excellent edge support. Seniors can sit or lie near the edge without feeling unstable. The mattress is priced between $1,373.80 and $2,248.80. It offers a 100-night trial, letting caregivers ensure it meets their needs.

Strong edge support helps prevent falls and makes getting in and out easier. Birch Natural is a reliable choice for enhancing sleep quality.

Next, explore adjustable beds for seniors.

Plank Firm: Best firm mattress

Plank Firm provides excellent support ideal for seniors. Its firm surface helps maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing back and hip pain. Priced between $749 and $1,698, it offers great value for quality sleep.

With a 120-night trial, caregivers can ensure it meets their loved one’s needs without commitment.

This mattress is perfect for side sleepers and those dealing with sleep disorders. The sturdy construction supports healthy sleep-wake cycles and minimizes discomfort. Choose Plank Firm for a reliable, comfortable sleep solution specifically for elderly care.

Adjustable Beds for Seniors

Adjustable beds let seniors customize their sleeping position for better comfort and support. These beds make it easier to rise and lie down, helping reduce pain and improve overall sleep quality.

Benefits of adjustable beds for seniors

Adjustable beds help seniors sleep better. Ninety-three percent of users report improved sleep quality. These beds allow seniors to raise their heads or legs, reducing snoring and aiding those who use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.

Better sleep lowers depression and anxiety, benefiting fifty-five percent of users. Seniors with dementia or trouble sleeping find adjustable beds especially useful.

Comfort increases with adjustable beds. Raising the bed makes it easier for seniors to get in and out, lowering the risk of falls. Custom positions relieve back and hip pain, providing better mattress support.

Improved sleep fights sleep deprivation and fragmented sleep. Caregivers find nighttime care simpler with these beds. BedForSeniors.com offers top adjustable bed models to meet these needs.

Top adjustable bed models

Choosing the right adjustable bed can make a big difference for seniors. Here are the top models to consider:

Saatva Adjustable Base Plus
- Leg heights adjust from 13 to 18 inches.
- Price ranges from $899 to $3,596.
- Smooth motor operation for easy adjustments.
- Compatible with mattresses like Saatva Classic.
DreamCloud Original Adjustable Bed
- Combines memory foam with adjustable features.
- Offers multiple positions for comfort.
- Priced around $1,200.
- Great for seniors with difficulty sleeping.
WinkBed Adjustable Mattress
- Ideal for arthritis sufferers.
- Provides excellent pressure relief.
- Costs approximately $1,500.
- Supports rapid eye movement sleep.
Nolah Evolution Adjustable Bed
- Exceptional pressure relief for better sleep.
- Adjustable settings for personalized comfort.
- Priced about $2,000.
- Helps improve circadian rhythm.
Titan Plus Adjustable Bed
- Designed for heavier-weight seniors.
- Strong frame supports up to 1,000 pounds.
- Costs around $2,500.
- Easy access with high mattress height.
Birch Natural Adjustable Bed
- Excellent edge support for safety.
- Made with natural materials for better air quality.
- Priced approximately $2,800.
- Reduces emissions for a healthier sleep environment.
Plank Firm Adjustable Bed
- Best firm mattress for strong support.
- Simple controls for easy use.
- Costs about $900.
- Ideal for seniors needing frequent care.

These models offer various features to meet the unique needs of elderly individuals. Choose the one that best fits your budget and their health requirements.

Features to look for in adjustable beds

After reviewing the top adjustable bed models, consider these key features when choosing one for an elderly person:

Adjustable Positions: Select beds with multiple positions, including anti-snore and leg height adjustments. These help improve breathing and reduce discomfort during sleep.
Custom Presets: Look for beds that offer custom presets for relief. About 59% of users frequently use these presets to ease pain and enhance sleep quality.
Simple Controls: Ensure the bed has easy-to-use controls, such as large buttons or a user-friendly remote. This makes it easier for seniors to adjust settings without assistance.
Mattress Compatibility: Choose beds compatible with various mattress types, including memory foam and air mattresses. This supports different healthcare needs and preferences.
Sturdy Construction: A durable frame provides reliable support and longevity. This is essential for seniors who require consistent bed performance.
Edge Support: Good edge support helps seniors safely get in and out of bed. It also offers a stable area to sit or rest without sinking.
Wireless Features: Some adjustable beds include wireless connectivity, allowing easy adjustments without needing to move much. This is beneficial for those with limited mobility.
Memory Settings: The ability to save favorite settings ensures quick and convenient adjustments. Caregivers find this feature especially helpful for maintaining comfort.
Warranty and Trial Periods: Check for comprehensive warranties and generous trial periods. This provides peace of mind and ensures the bed meets the senior’s needs.
Budget Considerations: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the bed. Consider medical insurance options like Medicare Part B that may help cover expenses related to specialized beds.

Choosing the right adjustable bed with these features can significantly improve the quality of sleep and overall well-being for elderly individuals.

Tips for Seniors to Ensure a Good Night’s Sleep

Create a quiet and cozy bedroom and establish a regular bedtime to help seniors sleep better—visit BedForSeniors.com for more tips.

Optimal bedroom environment for seniors

Ensure the bedroom has a comfortable temperature. Keep it cool to help seniors sleep better. Use blackout curtains to make the room dark. Reduce noise with rugs or sound machines. Place the bed in an easy-to-reach spot.

Use nightlights to prevent trips. Choose furniture with sturdy rails for safety. Keep essential items within reach. Maintain good air quality with ventilation or air purifiers. Adjust the mattress to support musculoskeletal health.

Over 90% of seniors sleep better with adjustable beds. Bed For Seniors.com offers options to enhance the bedroom setup.

Sleep routines and habits

Set a regular bedtime. Help seniors go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. A consistent schedule improves sleep quality. Create a calming pre-sleep routine. Activities like reading or gentle stretching help seniors relax.

Avoid heavy meals and caffeine before bedtime. Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Use blackout curtains or white noise machines if needed. Choose a comfortable mattress, such as a luxury mattress or airbed, to support restful sleep.

Encourage daytime activity. Exercise boosts nighttime sleep. Limit long naps during the day. Ensure the bedroom is free from distractions. Address any sleep issues, like pain from fibromyalgia or neurologic conditions.

Visit Bed For Seniors.com for mattresses that relieve pressure and enhance sleep. Good sleep habits support mental health and well-being for the elderly.

Additional Considerations

Consider the warranty, trial periods, and your budget to choose a mattress that offers both quality and value—visit Bed For Seniors.com to learn more.

Warranty and trial periods

Saatva Classic includes a 365-night trial and a limited lifetime warranty. This allows caregivers and seniors to test the mattress for comfort and support. Saatva RX offers a one-year trial and a similar lifetime warranty.

These trials ensure the bed meets the elderly person’s needs and provides peace of mind.

Limited lifetime warranties cover most defects, ensuring the mattress remains durable and reliable. Bed For Seniors.com features mattresses with strong warranty and trial periods. This support is essential when caring for the elderly, ensuring they have a comfortable and secure place to sleep.

Budget and cost-effectiveness

Mattresses for seniors vary in price. DreamCloud Memory Foam costs between $839 and $2,578. Adjustable beds range from $300 to $7,000. BedForSeniors.com offers options for different budgets.

Choose airbeds or water beds based on needs and funds. Balance cost with support to prevent trauma. Ensure the mattress suits geriatrics’ unique requirements without overspending.

Choosing the right bed for an elderly person ensures comfort and support through the night. Prioritize firmness, support, and ease of access when selecting a mattress. Consider special needs like back pain or arthritis to find the best fit.

Explore top options at BedForSeniors.com to meet specific requirements. Start your search today to improve your loved one’s sleep quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about choosing the right bed for a senior? Check out our Related Questions at Bed For Seniors.com for helpful answers.

How often should a senior replace their mattress?

Seniors should replace their mattress every 7 to 10 years. Over time, mattresses lose support and comfort. An old mattress can make it hard to stay asleep and may cause chest or back pain.

A new mattress provides better support for the body. It helps keep the chest aligned and reduces discomfort. Choose a mattress that offers the right firmness and materials. BedForSeniors.com has great options to help find the perfect mattress.

Will Medicare cover the cost of a specialized bed for a senior?

Medicare may cover specialized beds if a doctor says they are needed for health reasons. Adjustable beds are most often covered. To get coverage, a healthcare provider must provide a prescription.

BedForSeniors.com offers options that might qualify for Medicare.

Not all specialized beds are covered by Medicare. It is essential to check with your Medicare plan and healthcare provider. Ensure you meet the requirements to receive coverage for the bed you choose.